It’s been a while since I upload a practice video. I was taking a break from sharing my private rituals, but it feels like it is a good time to post one.
I recorded this video a couple weeks ago. The spellcrafting in this video involves herbal and sigil magic.
When it comes to magical practices, the most important thing to remember is doing what you feel is correct and necessary. Power comes from within, and only you know how to unlock it. This is only an example on how I do my own practices.
1. Philosophy: A worldview with emphasis on preservation of the environment, the sacredness of all life therein and our place in that schism. Brings together and does not separate the spiritual from the physical, as one is a part of the other.
2. Connection with Nature: The practices and eight celebrations through the year help us to connect with the natural cycle of the earth. Connecting with our spiritual self and the spirits of animals, plants, stones, water, other places and people we develop a sense of community with the natural world around us, finding our place in it and it’s place in us.
3. Healing: Through ancient practices, both spiritual and physical (as well as emotional) we bring healing not only to ourselves but to the world around us and those that live in it.
4. Life as a Journey: The journey of life is marked with initiations, rites of passage into the new stages of life. Like marriage, birth, death, graduation and life achievements. We mark our personal growth, and how we measure our place in the greater community.
5. Openness to other realities: Through certain practices and altering our state of conscious awareness we are brought into contact with the Otherworld. Many shamanic practices and ritual are used to guide us to these altered states, wherein we learn about ourselves and the world around us, greater connecting to the spiritual in ourselves as well as in other things and people.
6. Developing Potential: Druidry opens us up to growth, spiritually, mentally, emotionally, as well as developing psychic and intuitive abilities. The opening of our minds, hearts, and eyes aids in us reaching our fullest potential.
7. The gift of Magic: Teaches us how to tap into the magic of life, the magic of simply being alive. Through visualization and manifestation we can find wisdom, healing and inspiration, not only for ourselves but in service of the world and others.
TheEsbats, or Wiccan lunar holy days,celebrate the moon’s passage around the Earth. The Esbats offer Wiccans a chance to regularly put aside time to step away from the ordinary world and dedicate time to spiritual reflection and/or magical work. In Wicca, each phase of the Moon is noted, because different kinds of Moon energy are used for different kinds of magick. Some groups extend these celebrations to include the dark moon/new moon, or even the first and last quarters. In many traditions, the eight festivals of the Wheel of the Year (Sabbats) are considered times of celebration, while the main “magickal work” is done on the Esbats. If you’re having a hard time figuring out what phase the moon is in, there are many phone apps and websites that track it. Here are the usual basics. (Please Note: if you do not wish to practice magick for any reason at any time on any phase, you can simply meditate on the moon phases. For example, during the dark/new moon you would meditate on banishing something severely negative in your life instead of performing an intense banishment spell. If you don’t have the time or energy to meditate or practice magick for any reason at any time on any phase, that’s okay! Take a break!)
Dark Moon/New Moon
A potent time for your most powerful destructive magick. Note, destructive does not necessarily mean ‘harmful’. You don’t have to destroy a person.
Magickal workings conducive to the dark moon include destroying or banishing very powerful things, such as unwanted entities, addictions or serious diseases. I would not use this time lightly– it’s got a little too much ‘umph’ behind it to just get rid of a whiny ex who still calls you once in a while, to break your habit of having a second cup of coffee in the morning, or if you have the sniffles. But if you were dealing with, say, a stalker, a drug addiction, cancer, etc.– something that poses a serious threat – then this is the best timing for it.
Waxing Crescent Moon
When the moon is “waxing” it appears to be growing, the period from the dark to full moon phases. It’s magnetic energy assists with bringing things to out. This entire waxing period is the best time to work with constructive magick, or magick that builds things/brings things to us.
The waxing crescent is the best time for magick on yourself (or on the subject) pertaining to new beginnings, such as starting a new project or making plans for the future. If you’re looking to conjure energies into your life such as a more positive attitude, more patience, more understanding in your relationship, this is the perfect timing for such goals. When you want to cast spells for self improvement, such as if you want to improve your psychic abilities, to absorb the information in a new class, or bring out your inner beauty, this is the time to do it. Artists or anyone artistic/creative will find this the best time to cast spells or perform meditations that will bring inspiration and passion into your work.
First Quarter Moon
The First Quarter, or Waxing Half Moon, is the time when energies are most conducive to attraction. Unlike the Waxing Crescent, which is best for going within and bringing things out, this is the best time for magick that attempts to draw things outside of yourself to you.
Use this time for spells and meditations meant to attract things you want in your life, such as money, protection or success. It’s also an ideal time for attracting people into your life, such as friends, lovers and clients. If you’re looking for an animal companion or have one that you want to bond with, this is a good time to perform the workings.
If you’re looking for a lost object, or house hunting, etc., this is a good time to perform spells for success in that area to help you bring that which you most desire into manifestation.
Waxing Gibbous Moon
The Waxing Gibbous is still a time for constructive magick, best used towards 'reeling in’ that which you’ve been working for already. If you started a project and it’s floundering, stalled, if you’re at the point when the thing you’re working for is coming into the home stretch and you need some extra energy to bring it home, the Waxing Gibbous will give it a boost.
This phase is a great energy for renewing your strength, will and determination to see your efforts through. If you are giving in to temptation on your diet, working hard toward something and feeling burnt out or are at the point where you’re getting lazy and distracted from completing your tasks, give yourself a power boost during the Waxing Gibbous.
Full Moon
When the Earth is caught between the moon and the sun, the result is the Full Moon bearing the most powerful energies of the lunar cycle. The Full Moon is often seen by people as 'all purpose’– it’s energies are prismatic in that it flows into all areas and needs, be it constructive or destructive.
Even more so than the Dark Moon, the Full Moon is a time you would utilize for extra power when you’re facing very difficult challenges. This is not just for minor mundane tasks, such as looking for the energy to reorganize your closet or trying to clear negativity out of the house after an argument; this is a time to reserve for those important things in your life that need major changes or major boosts.
While you can plan spells for anything, utilize this energy for your priorities that really matter in your life. If you need to win a court case, or find a new job with better pay to prevent you from losing your home,
Magicks and meditations revolving around spirituality, psychic development, dreams and divination are particularly well times for the Full Moon.
Waning Gibbous Moon
After the Full Moon peaks, we enter the waning half of the lunar cycle. Waning energies repel rather than attract, so it’s a good time to begin working on spells to get rid of things.
Minor banishings can begin with the Waning Gibbous. This is a good time for general cleansings to upkeep your home, office, garden or any of your personal spaces, etc., to keep things from mounting up. This is also a good time to cleanse any personal objects you may have, such as your jewelry or magickal tools. Think of this more like routine dusting– there’s no major build-up, you’re just trying to keep things clear to prevent problems.
If you have something for which you need closure, or if you’re ready to end something in your life (such as an unfulfilling relationship or unsatisfying business venture), this is a good time for spells to bring things to their fruition.
As for meditations and divination, rather than looking to the future or onto new things, it’s a good time for introspection. Where have your previous attitudes and actions brought you? What things in your life have been affecting you most? Are you happy with where you are? Do you need to make any attitude or behavior adjustments?
Third Quarter Moon
The Third Quarter, or the Waning Half-Moon, is the perfect timing for dealing with obstacles or leaping over hurdles that might cause you to stumble on your way. Whenever you’ve been working toward something, and there’s a roadblock in your path, the timing of this moon phase offers appropriate energies for helping you burst through it.
Temptations are the number one thing I like to deal with during the Third Quarter. If I’m finding that I often want to cheat on my life-diet, or lay in bed rather than get up and do my exercise, or watch TV and fool around on the internet rather than working, I banish that temptation with a spell.
Another good use of this moon phase’s energy is in aiding with transitions, whether these are transitions that you have to make or simply want to make in your life. It can help smooth out any wrinkles that might cause snags as you go on your way.
Waning Crescent Moon
If you need to clear your life and home of negativity, stress, strife, chaos, etc., now is the time to do it. The Waning Crescent, as it approaches the Dark Moon phase, it suitable for stronger banishing than at any other time of the waning moon phases. Get rid of whatever has been plaguing you– anything you find to be seriously annoying, frustrating or concerning (save things that are serious threats for that Dark Moon).
If you need things to end– not just to finish up and bring to a close, but things that no longer serve you that you need to just stop in their tracks– this moon phase is a good time to do it. Dropping a hopeless project, relationship, friendship, etc. is best done at this time. This is a good time to cast a spell for anything for which you wish to bring about a swift and benign ending.
January Full Moon
The Wolf Moon, also known as the, Cold, Snow or Winter Moon, etc., is a time of protection and strength. The Wolf Moon can be seen as a time of both beginnings and endings.
February Full Moon
The Storm Moon, also known as the Death or Quickening Moon, etc., is a time to do magick for fertility and strength. In the olden days, it was a time of true hardship.
March Full Moon
The Chaste Moon, also known as the Seed or Worm Moon, etc., the Chaste Moon is a time to plant mental seeds- thoughts of success and hope. This is also a time of purity and newness. It is a time to mentally prepare yourself for new experiences.
April Full Moon
The Seed Moon, also known as the Egg, Grass, or Wind Moon, etc., This is the time to sow the seeds of Magick. If you’re planting a magickal garden, you want to get out there and put things into the earth. This is a time to move your planning phase into action.
May Full Moon
The Hare Moon, also known as the Flower or Planting Moon, etc., is a time of health, love, romance, and wisdom. It is also a great time to rekindle the romantic spark and passion in a relationship.
June Full Moon
The Lovers Moon, also known as the Strawberry or Rose Moon, etc., the Lovers Moon brings with it energy for love, marriage, and success.
July Full Moon
The Mead Moon, also known as the Blessing, Lightning, or Thunder Moon, etc., is a time of enchantment, health, rebirth, success and strength. It is also a time of celebration and magick. Remember that mead is the nectar of the Gods. Now is a good time for prosperity magick.
August Full Moon
The Wyrt Moon, also known as the Wort, Barley, Corn, or Red Moon, etc., is a time of abundance, agriculture and marriage. At this time you might want to do magick to help someone else reap the benefits of the Earth’s abundance. (With their permission of course!)
September Full Moon
The Harvest Moon, also known as the Barley or Hunters Moon, etc., the harvest Moon is a time of protection, prosperity, and abundance. The energy of the Harvest Moon will help along any magick that is geared to bring you or someone else abundance.
October Full Moon
The Blood Moon is sometimes called the Falling Leaf or Hunters Moon, etc. It is a Moon of new goals, protection, resolution, and spirituality. The night of the Blood Moon is a great time for divination of any kind. At this time of year all of nature is making ready for winter. This is a time to reflect on what you did during the year and to evaluate your accomplishments.
November Full Moon
The Snow Moon, is also known as the Beaver, Mourning, or Tree Moon etc. This is a good time to work with abundance, prosperity, and the bonds of family and friendship. This is also an excellent time to use divination to get an idea of what’s up ahead. Remind yourself that although winter is coming, it will not last forever.
December Full Moon
The Oak Moon, also known as the Cold or Long Night Moon, etc., the oak Moon is a time for hope and healing. This time of the year the Moon has reign over the earth, because there are more hours of night than day. Our thoughts turn to rebirth of the light and the longer days that are promised after winter solstice. This is a great time to let go of old patterns or problems and start anew. If something has been eating at you for a long time, work to give it up at this time. Let go of the negative and let the light of longer days shine inside you.
My main goal when sharing the knowledge I’ve picked up over the years is to show other witches easy and simple ways to incorporate their practice into everyday life. In a world where young witches hide who they are and old witches have been caught up in the day to day struggles of a modern life, I want to inspire them to keep following the path in their hearts. So with that in mind here is my list of easy ways to celebrate the spookiest sabbat of the year!
1. Decorate your altar
remember it doesnt have to be large and extravagant. Especially if you are a witch with a low budget or a closet witch. A small shelf, a window sill, a hidden area of your bedroom closet, or the base of a tree in your yard or a local nearby park are all acceptable places to set up your altar.
you do not have to purchase decorations nor do you have to have a million candles, crystals, or decorative skulls. Witchcraft is a nature based practice, meaning you can feel free to decorate with items you find outside such as: dead leaves, acorns, corn stalks, squash, pretty rocks, ect.
all altars are beautiful, don’t get caught up scrolling through tumblr posts of “altar aesthetics” Big, elaborate, and beautiful altars are great, but that doesnt make a small and simple altar any less great.
2. Honor your loved ones who have passed on
Samhain is similar to the mexican “Day of the Dead” in the fact that we honor the spirits in the otherworld and remember our ancestry and heritage.
ways to honor your ancestors include burning a candle, taking a moment of silence, exchanging favorite stories from the deseased life with loved ones, or any other ways you personally show respect for the dead
3. Bake some Soul Cakes
these cookie/biscuit like cakes are really simple and easy to make and can be left as offerings at you altar, at the base of a tree, or at loved ones graves.
the simplest recipe I found only needs: 1 stick of butter, 1 ½ cup sugar, 1 ½ cup flour, and 1 egg. First mix the butter and sugar thoroughly and then mix in the flour and egg. Then you use the dough to make little cookies, put them on your baking pan, and cook them for 10-15 minutes at 350°
if you want to add more to your soul cakes you can also add: cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin spice, and/or malt vinegar.
4. Prepare yourself for a new year!
Along with honoring the spirits of those who have passed before us, Samhain also marks the end of the seasons filled with life and growth. It is the beginning of a season that is dark and dead, but to witches that doesn’t mean anything negative! Its is our new year, and it begins quietly, peacefully, and from a truely blank slate.
Now is a good time to cleanse yourself and your tools. So you can begin your year as unburdened and refreshed as possible.
take some time to also reflect upon yourself. Congratulate yourself on all the amazing things you have accomplished and forgive your inevitable mistakes. Make peace with your year and open your heart and soul to the future.
I hope I was able to give some other witches out there helpful ideas for this Samhain. As always feel free to add more information and ideas I may have missed. Have a blessed day!
Earthing- The act of going outdoors barefoot and absorbing the earth’s energy through the soles of your feet. Sometimes we don’t need crystals, herbs, incense, or oils to cleanse and replenish our aura. Next time you are feeling out of balance try simply taking yourself outside and wiggling your naked toes in the dirt or grass. Feel the circle of life around you, connect with mother nature and she will reward your effort with healing and peace.
With the combination of the solar eclipse (March 8th/9th 2016) and the new moon in Pisces (March 8th) now is the time to turn the page and start a new chapter. This is a time for new beginnings, the eclipse is your reset button and the new moon is your fresh canvas.
Try cleansing your aura in a bath once a week. Through out our busy lives we can’t help but pick up bits of negative energy, and unless you take the time to sever those ties you can become weighed down by it. Baths are a great way to cleanse you aura since you don’t need a lot of extra supplies, water is a natural spiritual cleanser.
Start by running your favorite relaxing bathwater. This could mean adding bubble bath, bath bombs, flowers, herbs, or essential oils, whatever makes you feel the most grounded and relaxed. Helpful Essential Oils: Lavender- promotes peace and relaxation Myrrh- protection from evil Rosemary- promotes healing Vanilla- promote happiness Cedar- protection from misery and misfortune
Next light some candles. (Not necessary, but I always find them comforting myself) Helpful Candle Colors: Black- neutralize negative energy Light Blue- promote peace and tranquility White- protection Dark Green- counteract feelings of jealousy in yourself and from others
Now this last step is really the most important. You are relaxing in your bath. Starting at your toes and working your way up muscle by muscle consciously relax each and every part of your body. Let your mind drift. Close your eyes. Let a white light fill your mind. Let the white light fill your body. Hold it there. This is your inner fire, purging any traces of negative energy that is piggy backing on your aura. Then slowly let it fade. Settle into yourself. Take a few controlled deep breathes. When you are ready sit up, and drain your water. It is very important to begin draining the water before you step out of the tub in order to release all the gunk you just washed away. Then pat yourself dry, slap on your favorite lotion and head back out into the world feeling light and refreshed.
Here is a great online tool for keeping track of your chakra alignment. My biggest piece of advice is to try and look at yourself objectively when you answer the questions and don’t overthink your answers. Listen to your inner voice.
I keep mason bees. Every day in the early spring, I go outside and watch them work. I sing to them as they store pollen from the apple trees and lay their eggs. I tell them how beautiful they are. Their children will know me next year.
