A green witch is typically a witch who specializes and focuses on natural materials and energies. They are often skilled herbalists and probably enjoys gardening. Like a lot. You might be a baby green witch or an experienced one. Maybe even an eclectic one, no matter what, all is welcome!
I am most certainly not entitled to knowing everything about green witches but I want to help out some people when stuck on not knowing what to research.
As always, enjoy!
gif by @la-petitefille
plants!
edible plants :)
non Edible plants :(
other uses for non edible plants that’s not eating :)
history of herbal witchcraft
herbal brews
aromatherapy
drying flowers/herbs
harvesting flowers/herbs
endangered plants (so you don’t accidently pick them)
medicinal plants/herbs
teas
tinctures
meads
smoke blend recipes
different types of other natural based witches
seasonal magick
when to start sowing
when to reap
wheel of the year
types of plants
types of herbs
what types of animals/insects (bees, butterflies, etc.) do your flowers/herbs attract?
Always remember that each witch’s journey is a different one. You certainly do not have to research all of these in one go. Or all of it for that matter. Take your time and explore the possibilities of witchcraft, even if it’s one subject at a time. Witchcraft isnt strict on rules, find what suits you, there’s a place for everyone. And remember, always keep learning! :)
I tried to organize it somewhat (not really) Im going to start a series of master lists like this one for different types of witches too! So stick around for those but for now…
Enjoy!
the history of witchcraft
types of witchcraft
types of magick
types of spells
types of witches
types of divination
types of herbs
types of energy
talismans
deities
seals
alphabets
crystals
sabbats
altars
basic tools
lunar phases
candle magic
planetary correspondence
tarot cards
incense and oils
Animals and what they represent
cleansing
meditation
astral projection
celestial bodies
spirituality
familiars
edible plants
toxic plants
the tea sis
wheel of the year
Zodiac signs
moon/sun water
banishing
binding
sacred items
sigils
cleansing
grounding
witchy symbols
witches/wiccans terminology
witching on a budget
what is satanism and why do people confuse it with witchcraft?
Three weeks into December already! Where has the time gone?
This was a very low spoons week for me, which you’ll see reflected in this update. I hope everyone is taking at least a little inspiration from my Winter Witchery Challenge!
December 15th: Spirit sensing. I didn’t get much for sensing my spirits individually, but did notice their energies as a whole. I made the mistake of lying down…
Fairy festivals take place at crossover points in the seasons. Equinoxes and solstices are determined by the position of the Sun, but the other four festivals are celebrated when the time feels right, so the dates given below are approximate.
There are other festivals too,such as Christmas Eve,Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Any human festival that touches on old traditions,from Ramadan to a Japanese Flower Festival, is a fairy feast. If you celebrate these festivals and make the effort to tune into what concerns the fairies, you will draw closer to their world. If you celebrate a special meal, remember to leave a little outside afterward for the fairies
1. Imbolic -
February 2 in the Northern Hemisphere/July 31 in the Southern Hemisphere
Imbolc means “in the belly,” and this is the time when life stirs in the belly of the earth. Frost sparkles and the pale light lingers each evening,bringing the message that spring is on the horizon. Imbolc is the delicate crossover point from winter’s depths into the New Year. It is a feast of lightness and brightness,but also a time of cleansing,to make way for the new. The Hag, who is Dark Goddess or Dark Fairy, gives way now to the Maiden, who is young and radiant.
Fairies love neatness and good housekeeping,so it is a good idea to have a late-winter sort-out,in preparation for fresh activity. While the fairies are busy coaxing snowdrops and crocuses out of the winter-hard earth,do something creative of your own,such as knitting,painting,or writing poetry. Ask the fairies to lend you a little of their magic by leaving them an offering,such as a piece of wool or a verse written just for them.
This feast is also called candlemas,sacred to St.Bridget,who was the successor to the pagan goddess Bride (pronounced “Breed”). Bride was the keeper of the sacred flame,which represents eternal life. She is the patroness of poetry,smithcraft,child birth, and healing, and is a very powerful fairy indeed. Invite her into your home by lighting as many candles as you like, in your windows and around your house. Ask her to bless your projects for the coming year,and pledge a special act of caring for the natural world in return,to seal your pact as the year waxes.
2. Spring Equinox-
March 21 in the Northern Hemisphere/September 21 in the Southern Hemisphere
The fairies are very busy at the Spring Equinox,looking after all the flowers that are newly blooming.Scandinavian fairies become active now: the Russian cellar fairy,The Domoviyr,casts off its skin and grows a lighter one for summer; and the Russian Rusalki,or river fairies are glimpsed by lakes swollen with melted snow.
A tree planting project is a very fairy-friendly activity at this time. A seasonal blitz on the garden is also called for. While you are hard at work, digging and pulling away at dead winter twigs, it is easy to go into a kind of trance. This, coupled with the spell of the natural world around you,can create the perfect state of mind to catch a glimpse of fairies.You can be sure they are near you,helping you with their energies.Plant some seeds of your choice and, as you put them in the earth, close your eyes and make a special request for fairy help. Visualize the fairies tending your seeds,giving them their love and care. Ask out loud for the fairies to help you,and sing or hum and you plant. Touch the soft soil with your bare hands and make real contact with the earth.
Place water in a pottery or glass jug (plastic or metal is best avoided) and leave it out in the noon sunshine. Ask the fairies to bless it. Imagine them dancing around it and coming up to touch it with their glimmering fingers. Use the water to give your houseplants a special spring blessing.
The Green Man is a powerful nature spirit that has been sensed by many people. He is represented in numerous churches as the Foliate Mask (a face made up of leaves),and one theory about his presence is that the masons who fabricated him had hidden sympathies with the old nature- worship. He is making his appearance now on some new park benches and monuments. However, you can make contact with the real Green Man out alone walking through the woodland. Ancient and wise,he is watching you. Catch a glimpse of him behind tree trunks or in the lacework of budding branches. Hear his footfalls behind you as you walk. He is the very breath of Nature, and his strength is bursting forth in springtime.
3. Beltane -
April 30 in the Northern Hemisphere/October 31 in the Southern Hemisphere
Of all the festivals, Beltane is the most flagrantly joyful and sensuous as Nature is bursting forth with beauty and excitement. This was the Celtic beginning of summer, and also marked an important transition for the people of Fairy, for it was the time when the Milesian Celts landed on the shores of south-west Ireland. With this, the last of the magical peoples,the Tuatha de Danann, receded from the the world of humans into the Hollow Hills and became the people of the Sidhe.
However, they and the other fairy folk have not gone very far. You will find them dancing in a bluebell wood or skipping in the sunshine,sheltered by a greening hedge. Beltane is the time when good fairies reign supreme and bad fairies retreat. Fairies are very active now and may try to steal butter,or some of the ritual fire that used to be ignited on hilltops and is still lit by modern pagans.
This is the maypole season, but instead you can always dance around a friendly tree. Link hands with friends, and you may find yourselves spontaneously re-creating the kind of things people used to to do when seeing fairies was commonplace:lingering,walking,and talking, in the open air, away from television,computers,and other modern distractions.
There are many tales of beautiful fairies marrying mortals. Such tales usually end in tragedy, for fairy and human can never truly be joined. Better to borrow some of the fairy enchantment by performing a little magic of your own! Rise early on May Day and wash your face in the dew or simply walk in it. As the rhyme says: “The fairy maid who, the first of May Goes to the fields at break of day, And walk in dew from the hawthorn tree, Will ever handsome be.”
Welsh legend tells how the hero Pwll saw the Lady Rhiannon riding past him at Beltane and, after pursuing her, he eventually won her. Rhiannon is one aspect of the Fairy Queen,riding on her white horse between the worlds. As you sit quietly outside,on a bank in the late spring dusk,listen for the sounds of her horse’s hooves,and open your eyes to the shimmer of her sea-blue cloak. When Rhiannon touches your heart, she will fill it with love and inspiration.
4. Midsummer -
June 22 in the Northern Hemisphere/December 22 in the Southern Hemisphere
This is one of the most magical times of the year, when fairies are very active and visible, playing pranks and even, it is said, stealing away the young and beautiful to join them in the Hollow Hills. The sun is now at the height of its strength and this is an important crossover point,such as the fairies love. For at the Midsummer Solstice the sun stands still, before beginning to recede as we move into the waning half of the year.
Flowers are colorful and luxuriant, and one radiant day seems to merge into another, as late dusk meets early dawn. At no time is the natural world more inviting. Take part in it by going on quests -long walks to sacred spots,evening camping out with the minimum of equipment,to draw close to the mystery that is all around, and to the Fair Folk in particular.
The rose is possibly the most sensuous bloom of all, and at midsummer it is often at its most gorgeous. Roses in the garden are especially likely to attract fairies. Distil water from rose petals and add it to your bath, asking the fairies to lend you some of their enchantment and to help you attract love. Brew tea from rosebuds and drink it,to increase your psychic powers.Plant a rose bush with a friend, to affirm the loving bound between you and invite the fairies into your life.
St.John’s wort is a herb known to break any negative fairy enchantment and drive away depression. Pluck some on Midsummer’s Day and carry it, to keep cheerful.
Look out for water nymphs by streams, or for undines for water elementals on the seashore- or for even the Lady of the Lake herself,rising from the luminous depths.In olden times, these beings were said to have no souls. It is closer to the truth to say that they do not have human morals. Conventions often conceal or feelings, but the beauty of the water fairies opens us to our unconscious tides; see them and let yourself be transformed.
5.Lammas-
July 31 in the Northern Hemisphere/February 2 in the Southern Hemisphere
Lammas is “Loaf Mass,” a christian version of a much older festival known as Lughnasadh, or the “Feast of Lugh.” Lugh was a Celtic god,lord of the Tuatha de Danann, and his name means “bright one.” Lughnasadh is a major fairy festival, and many fairies become active during this period,such as the Russian Polevik, who kicks sleepy harvesters awake. It is also a time when fairies move about in preparation for winter,and processions of them may be seen as a line of twinkling lights moving between the hills in the countryside.
At Lammas, the fields are golden with corn and splashed with red poppies. It is hazy,lazy time of holidays and abundance,but there is an underlying theme of death,for the Corn Spirit must be sacrificed in order to reap the harvest. If you walk out into a field of ripe wheat, you may sense the anger of the nature spirits as what is to be taken from the earth,even thought that is a part of the natural cycle of life.Gather up some ears of wheat and tie them into a bunch with red thread,to make a charm for the coming winter to hang over your hearth. At the same time,pledge an act of caring for the earth,such as clearing a derelict site in your neighborhood or garden, or planting and tending a herb, as payment for what you-and all of us- take from it.
At home, bake your own bread, using the rising of the dough as a spell to ensure that everything prospers in your life. While you are kneading the bread dough, say to yourself “As this dough swells, so may my fortunes increase.” Ask for your own personal Brownie, or house fairy, to come and help your bread rise- and remember to leave some breadcrumbs outside afterward,for the fairies.
Some say that Lugh is lord of the waning year, and his dance- through the waving,whispering corn- is a dance of death. If so, it is a reminder that all things come in cycles,and that everything is united in love and beauty. Stand at the edge of a sun-kissed wheat field and see the shimmer and sway that betrays the presence of Lugh. Take a few moments to feel respect for the earth in your heart, and understand the meaning of the Wheel of Life.
6. Autumn Equinox (Mabon) -
September 21 in the Northern Hemisphere/March 21 in the Southern Hemisphere
At the Autumn Equinox, Nature stands poised between light and dark,but darkness is gaining. The veil between this world and the Otherworld is at its thinnest, and all manner of spirit visitations are more frequent now.
The hedgerows are beaded with berries,and mist lingers in the hollows. Sometimes the wind whistles in from nowhere and tosses baring branches. On other says, the mellow sun caresses the fields with slanting fingers. It is a time for reflection, but also for industry. In days gone by, preserves would be made for winter store and the help of the Good Folk would be sought by country people.
Absorb the atmosphere of the season by going blackberrying. In Celtic countries, there may be a taboo on eating blackberries, because these belong especially to fairies. However, as long as you gather them with respect and do not denude the bramble bushes, they will hardly object. Better still,leave out some of your homemade blackberry pie or wine for them,so that they will bless you. When this month ends, leave the blackberries alone and move on. Also look out for a bramble bush that forms an arch-so much the better if it faces east/west, for that mirrors the passage of the sun. Crawl through this three times on a sunny day to be healed of physical ills, especially rheumatism and skin troubles.
At this mysterious time, pay honor to Queen Mab. Her special gift is to bring dreams and visions to birth within us. She is really one of many manifestations of the Goddess, in her autumnal guise of wise-woman and Lady of Magic, and she is linked with ancient ideas of sovereignty- for the king drew his power from the land, and Mab presided.
Preferably at the Full Moon closest to the equinox,place good-quality wine in a stemmed glass or chalice,and take it into the garden or a secluded place.Raise the glass to the Moon,say, “Mab, I honor you”and pour some of the wine onto the earth. Drink a little and say, “Mab, I drink with you,” Then return home,light a bright-green candle beside your bed,gaze at the flame and say, “Mab,give me wisdom,” Place some jasmine or rose oil on your pillow,extinguish the candle-and drift into Fairyland. This is a little ritual that you can repeat during any Full Moon if you wish.
7. Samhain -
October 31 in the Northern Hemisphere/April 30 in the Southern Hemisphere
Samhain means “summer’s end” and is pronounced “sa-wen.” This ancient Celtic festival at the official start of the winter was later Christianized as Halloween- a time when the dead were remembered. There was always a sinister aspect to Samhain,because certain sacrifices had to be made in order to survive the coming cold weather. Animals had to be slaughtered,and some say that human sacrifice took place to propitiate the spirits. Sacrifice,however, is a corruption of nature worship,for life is hard enough as it is and all we have to do is show respect.
Barrow mounds,shrouded in mist,are particularly eerie places at Samhain. Draw close,if you dare,and sit quietly.Do you hear the strange,far-off noise of fairy music,or the sound of knocking? Maybe the mound will open for you and unearthly light will stream over the barren fields.After Samhain,the earth is given over to the powers of darkness and decay.No crops or berries may be harvested after this time,because the Phooka, a malevolent Irish Fairy,blights them. The true meaning here,of course,is that death and decay have a place in the natural order,requiring due honor and respect lest they get out of hand.
Traditionally, this is the start of the story telling season. While the wind whistles around the eaves or the mist comes down outside,gather family or friends around your hearth- preferably with a real fire burning in it. If you do not have an open hearth,substitute a collection of large,burning candles. Sit round and speak of times gone by and people who have passed over to the other side.Ask the Beloved Dead to be present, if you wish(but note that this is not a seance,and the Beloved Dead are invited,not summoned). Laugh,share funny stories,feast,and drink.
Cerridwen is the Underworld Goddess and the Fairy Hag most associated with this time. In her magic cauldron,she stirs a brew that confers inspiration and transformation. Simmer up a hearty soup of root vegetables or pumpkin, to share with friends,then light a black candle and ask Cerridwen to guide you through the darkness into the light. You will be both safe and wise.
8. ❄️ Yule - ❄️
December 22 in the Northern Hemisphere/June 22 in the Southern Hemisphere
Yule is the Midwinter Solstice, when the sun again appears to stand still,as it did at midsummer,but the season is poised for the return of light. Celebrations of Christ’s birth were moved to coincide with the much more ancient solstice.
As you deck your Christmas tree,remember that the evergreen is a powerful symbol of the enduring life in Nature. Of course,is has a fairy on top of it,confirming that it is a festival of the Fair Folk,who also rejoice in the sun’s rebirth. Decorating your tree is an important magical act,for the decorations are fairy charms. Each member of the family should hang at least one special charm of their own,to enable a wish to come true.
Jack Frost is an active fairy in the cold weather,painting windows with intricate lacework. In Russia he is called Father Frost,the soul of winter,covering the trees in ice. Do not shrink from the frost fairy-go out and wonder at his works and he will reward you with hope and joy,just as in Russia Father Frost brings presents for the children on New Year’s Day.
By far the best-known and most powerful fairy at Yule is Father Christmas himself. Today we know him by his robes of red and white, but in the past he also wore green and other colors. As we have seen,red is the color both of life and death, and many fairies wear red caps. The hearty red of Father Christmas is a sign that he is an Otherworld being-very much alive,but not of this earth. He is recognized all over the world, as Kris Kringle in Germany and Pere Noel in France. In Brazil he is Papa Noel,and in China Dun Che Loa. He is the essence of Yuletide mystery,joy and renewal,and like many traditional fairies, he comes in and out via the hearth.
When all is quiet on Christmas Eve, get ready to welcome Father Christmas- light a candle and look at the stars. Pledge a gift for a friend and one for the world, and ask for a special gift to answer your heart’s desire. Write your wish on a piece of paper and “post” it up the chimney if you have an open fire. If not, burn it in the candle flame. Can you hear those sleigh bells?
The Winter Solstice and longest night of the year. Yule is a Sabbat for celebrating the Oak King’s rebirth, transformation, reflection, and mysteries. Gift exchanges, feasting, and wreath making are common ways to celebrate. Kiss under the mistletoe for good luck.
Popular Symbols for this holiday are mistletoe, poinsettia, wreaths, bells, holly, evergreens, reindeer, and a Yule Log.
Color Associations - Red, Green, White, Blue, Yellow
Tarot Cards associated with Yule are The Sun and Judgement.
Crystals to use on your altar or for spells on this holiday could be Bloodstone, Emerald, Quartz, Garnet, Peridot, Tiger’s Eye, Ruby, Topaz, Rose Quartz, Diamond.
Animal energies to channel could include bears, reindeer,
Spells good to perform on this holiday are those for New Starts, Blessings, Peace, Harmony, Luck, Wealth, Love, Happiness
Activities to help get in the Yule spirit and celebrate are participating in a gift exchange, caroling, decorating the yule tree and burning the yule log, kissing under the mistletoe for luck. Baking, cooking, and feasting with friends and family are great activities. Hand making decorations for the tree or even a wreath. Wassailing the trees.
The last of three harvesting Sabbats; Samhain is a time when the veil is at it’s thinnest. DIvination and communication with the spirits comes more easily. Feasts are a common way to celebrate this holiday. As the Witch’s New Year it comes at the last harvest and the start of the darker time of year.
Divination, communicating with spirits, and lighting a candle for those who’ve passed on are ways to celebrate. Having a Dumb Supper is another popular practice. Leave out milk and honey for the fae and other offerings for the dead.
Popular Symbols for this holiday are Apples, Gourds, Pomegranate, Acorns, Pumpkins
Color Associations - Black, White, Orange, Purple, Gold, Silver
Tarot Cards associated with Samhain are The High Priestess, The Magician, The Hanged Man, Death
Crystals to use on your altar or for spells on this holiday could be Amber, Ametrine, Apophylite, Bloodstone, Calcite, Carnelian, Dragon’s Blood Jasper, Hag Stone, Jet, Obsidian, Smoky Quartz
Animals energies to channel could include Blackbirds, Eagles, Wild Goose, Owl, Salmon, Wolf
Herbs and Plants - Apple and Bay Leaf, Almond, Calendula, Cedar, Fern, Heather, Marigold, Mugwort, Patchouli, Sage
Spells good to perform on this holiday are those for banishings, blessings, seeking clarity, guidance or protection, releasing, and divination.
Activities to help get in the Samhain spirit and celebrate could include setting up an altar for your ancestors. Make a besom. Light a bonfire. Learn about a past life. Maybe recreate family traditions or recipes, be around your family and share stories. Cooking. Feasting. Remembering loved ones who’ve passed and reconnecting with them through stories.
The second of three harvesting Sabbats; Mabon is a time to give thanks to the Earth, and to celebrate the harvest and abundance. It’s a time when the night and day are equal, crops are harvested, and food is stored away. Days following become darker which starts a time of reflection and letting go. Making and drinking wine is common practice around this time.
Popular Symbols for this holiday are Apples, Pinecones, Gourds, Oak Leaves, Acorns, Berries, Pies, Bread, Grains, Grapes, Carrots, Onions, Potatoes, and Corn.
Color Associations - Brown, Red, Orange, Yellow, Indigo, and Gold
Tarot Cards associated with Mabon are Judgement, and The World.
Crystals to use on your altar or for spells on this holiday could be Amber, Aventurine, Cat’s Eye, Clear Quartz, Citrine, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Peridot, Sapphire, Yellow Agat
Animal energies to channel could include Blackbirds, Eagles, Wild Goose, Owl, Salmon, Wolf
Herbs and Plants - Cinnamon, Chamomile, Frankincense, Marigold, Oak Leaves, Myrrh, Pine, Rue, Rosemary, Sage, Thistle, Yarrow
Spells good to perform on this holiday are those for Balance and Harmony, Blessings, Divination, Prosperity, Protection and Security, and Self Confidence
Activities to help get in the Mabon spirit and celebrate are baking, decorating, donating to a local charity. Going for a walk,burning bad habits, lighting candles, having a bonfire, making and enjoying a stew or a soup… Meditation, harvesting from your garden or a friend’s… Starting a week or so before the Sabbat, try throwing spare change into a jar steadily. Use that on your altar to help encourage prosperity to come. Donate that money (or some food and other goods) to a charity or cause you believe in. Put good energy out, receive good energy in turn
Correspondences for the Month of Elul⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I call Elul the moon of Making Space.
Each month of the Jewish year is packed with rich correspondences for sacred arts and spiritual alignment/growth.⠀
Most of these come from one book - the Sefer Yetzirah. It is one of the most ancient mystical/magickal texts in Jewish tradition, far older the kabbalah. It is also from a different school than kabbalah, but the original kabbalists did pull aspects of their philosophy/theology from it.
The alignment of the elements with the seasons comes from Rabbi & Rav Kohenet Jill Hammer’s - The Jewish Book of Days. There she teaches that each season has an inner and outer element - the one in need and the one of abundance. Using the classical symbols for the elements, paired with this teaching, provides the opportunity for the creation of a new series of sigils. Above the woman (symbol for Betulah/Virgo) is the sigil I created for Air within Earth which are the inner and outer elements of the season.⠀⠀⠀⠀
One of the correspondences that the founders of Kohenet Kohenet: The Hebrew Priestess Institute, developed early on, is aligning the Netivot with the Months of the Year.
Our Netivah (singular) of Elul is the Tzovah or Shrinekeeper - here shown in her three suits from the Eht/Aht: a Netivot Wisdom Oracle deck: Vessel, Offering, Ally.⠀
In my #NamingtheMoons I call Elul the Moon of Making Space. That is the gift of the Tzovah! The transformation of any space into a sacred one.
The amazing YA recently posted on IG about the month of Elul saying this, “As we call to our beloved on the field, we call to the return of our beloved within ourselves. As we clear the space, and we let things be we make space to see the lovely within. And tending the shrine that we are. "⠀⠀
This is the essence of the Tzovah. Elul is also a gateway month between the year that was and the year that will be, and the Tzovah can also be understood as the guardian of the gateway.⠀⠀
As the first proper Sabbat of the Spring and the (ostensibly, depending on your system) first Cross-Quarter of the year, Imbolc represents the time of the Wheel when the seasons begin to turn from winter to spring, snow and ice beginning to mely, and the first vestiges of life start to pop up from beneath the blanket of winter. (Your results may vary - I live in New England where everything is still metaphorically dead as doorknobs on February 1st!).
Imbolc marks the time when winter begins to seep away, when greenery first begins to poke its head through the stillness of the Dark Half of the Year, and, of course, themes of light abide throughout.
Neatly tucked between Yule (the Winter Solstice) and Ostara (the Spring Equinox), Imbolc is the transitory celebratory day positioned exactly between these two climes. Though “Imbolc” and Sabbats are typically associated with Wiccan tradition, secular & non-Wiccan witches can observe and celebrate these days as mathemetical nature festivals marking the turning of the year.
Imbolc Dates, 2022: Sunset February 1st to February 2nd
Associated Colors (for altars and decorating, etc): White, Cream, Light Blue (Periwinkle), Green & White, Silver
Symbols:Melting snows, evergreens, lights and candles, melting ice, & white flowers
Scents: Vanilla, Benzoin
Herbs: Angelica, Myrrh, yellow, white or blue Flowers, snowdrop, rowan, the first flowers of the year; to burn: basil, bay, benzoin, celandine
Colors for Ritual Wear:White
Magic for Imbolc
As a time of renewal and rebirth, these themes are key to any spellwork or ritualcraft engaged in on Imbolc. Though many might advise you that Sabbats are really days for celebrating and not a lot of heavy-lifting spellcraft ought to be done, I tend to disagree - especially, at least, when it comes to Imbolc and Litha. Here, Imbolc is the perfect time to state new beginnings and begin any cycles of renewal or rebirth you have in mind! The pull of the natural passing of the seasons (again, adjust as applicable here) is a magnificent tide for ebbing or renewal magics.
Other topics or purposes suitable for Imbolc include: Health, omen observation, animal kinship, safety, improving finances, awakening, light, fertility (not just literal - gardening or creative endeavors could fall under here), initiations and self-dedications, turning focus inward, centering power, and attending to the self.
Foods of Imbolc
As a big advocate for lavish feasts on Wheel days, Imbolc is a prime time for preparing seasonally appropriate food! Dishes or courses may include:
Observing Imbolc Sabbat rituals (as appropriate to your traditions)
Wearing a crown of lights, or carrying candles/tapers, during invocations & rituals.
Renewing vows of magic, initiation, and dedication to the Craft, one’s coven, etc.
Burning of the Yule Greens (for some)
Leaving buttered bread for the Fae who travel with the Lady of the Greenwood on Imbolc Eve (I personally Do Not Eff With the Fae but - for those who do!)
Place three ears of corn over the doorway for/to represent The Triple Goddess and leave til Ostara (for the Wiccans/Those Who Eff With the Triple Goddess in the room)
Cleanse your magic working area with rosemary or vervain
Walk in the snow (as applicable)
Light a candle in every room of the house, or all the lights, even just for a few moments, after sunset on Imbolc.
Take a bath of renewal
Meditate or inquire of your deities - there is a tradition amongst those who call upon a Goddess in the Wiccan fashion to inquire of them, then recieve their answer overnight on Imbolc during which no word must be uttered, which I admit is incredibly appealing (as someone who loves, loves, loves ritual!)
Imbolc is a wonderful time for peacefully looking inward and starting anew - I hope you find what you’re looking for, and have a wonderful and lovely cross-quarter day! (Remember: If you’re in the Southern Hemisphere, flip the Wheel - February 1st/2nd would be Lammas for you!)
Sources for this post include: Ann Moura, Deborah Blake, Scott Cunningham, Patricia Telesco, Titania Hardie, Ellen Dugan
[Part of the Let’s Talk… Sabbat Series: Lammas|Litha | ]
Food: honey, banana, eggs, milk, seeds and nuts, green vegetables, quiche, lavender lemonade
The fairies are really busy at the spring equinox, looking after the flowers that are nearly blooming. Ostara is a goddess who represents dawn. Night and day are of equal length but the year is now waxing and light is about to defeat the darkness, and celebrate its own fertility.
Rituals to celebrate:
With people, gather in a circle to set intentions for togetherness, fertility and abundance.
️In the kitchen, bake honey cakes and banana bread.
Get crafty, by making a bird feeder for your garden or decorating eggs to put on your altar.
Dress up, with spring colors: whites, bright, and floral patterns.
Write in your journal, about negative thoughts that you are choosing not to bring with you in the coming spring.
Meditate, about what fertility and growth means to you.
Other ideas to celebrate:
Plant and gather flowers.
Do some research on herbs and their properties.
Start a new project (creative, personal or professional).
Spend as much time in nature as possible.
Reconnect with animals by going to a farm or an ethical zoo.
Meditate and stretch every day, when you wake up or before going to bed, to recenter yourself and look inwards.
Keep a journal, grimoire or book of shadows and write as often as possible, to remember your thoughts and log your progress.
✨Find something to be grateful for every day, whether it’s a big event or simply watching a bird landing on a tree outside of your window.
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3 Weekly Habits
Make a past/present/future Tarot spread on Sundays to reflect on the week that has passed, your current feelings and the week ahead.
Spend time around nature or observing the sky, at least once a week, to stay connected to the Earth and the Moon.
Practice Kitchen Magic by making at least one special meal per week, where you pour positive energies and magical intentions. I try to learn a completely new recipe once a week to keep it fun and interesting.
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3 Monthly Habits
Make a list of your goals on the first of each month, and keep it close to your desk to stay on track every day.
Follow the moon phases to connect to the Moon’s magic and power. Work hard, start projects and be productive when the Moon is waxing ; rest, recover and reflect when the Moon is waning.
Learn something new about witchcraft, spirituality, or a completely different topic that interests you. Staying curious, even when life gets busy and complicated, is what makes it worth living.
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3 Yearly Habits
Fully cleanse your home after each witches sabbats to get a fresh start and throw out old energies.
️Switch up and clean your altar at the end of each season, to keep it alive and filled with magical power. Decorate according to the coming season and sabbat.
Adapt your behavior to the rhythm of nature: spring and summer are high-energy, starting big projects and spending time outside, while fall and winter are about rest, reflection and spending time indoors.
I’m so happy to have so many new followers, so here’s a summary of all the posts I have written this year. Feel free to use all of theses resources for your grimoire or book of shadows
a quick guide to the holiday of the summer solstice
WHAT DAYS IS IT CELEBRATED?
Its celebrated on the longest day of the year. In the NH this is usually from 20-23rd June. Most people celebrate it on the 21st June or across the 3 days. In the SH it’s usually from 20-23rdDecember.
WHAT DOES IT CELEBRATE?
It’s a celebration of the longest day of the year with the shortest night. It also celebrates the peak of summer, the sun being in its fullest,passion,success,ferlitity of the earth and growth.
TRADITIONAL WICCA CELEBRATION?
It traditionally celebrates the pregnancy of the Goddess and the Sun God being at his most powerful and full potential.
As an agnostic modern witch, sometimes very old holiday traditions are hard to follow. I don’t have a patron deity or anything but I do still celebrate Christmas. So I put together a modern 12 day holiday guide so I can still celebrate the 12 days of Yule without having to try to cram everything in around my and my family’s work schedule. Now there are tons of ways to celebrate and tons of different traditions out there, so you can adapt this guide however you want.
Also known as Midsummer, Litha is a celebration of the Summer Solstice. The Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year, usually taking place on or around June 21st in the Northern Hemisphere (December 21st in the Southern Hemisphere). Celebrations may begin on Midsummer’s Eve, which is a great time to gather herbs and flowers. In ancient times, the Summer Solstice was a time of great importance for many cultures, often marked with the burning of bonfires. The Summer Solstice marks the sun at the peak of its power and the beginning of the waning year.
Many neo-pagans incorporate the dying vegetation god theme into their rites and celebrations. At this time, the Oak King (god of the waxing year) gives way to the Holly King (god of the waning year). In this tradition, the two sides of nature and ourselves are honored, the light and the dark shadow self. The Goddess is heavy with pregnancy at this time, and will give birth to the Horned God at the Winter Solstice.
Fire, torches, summer flowers, images of the sun, sun wheels, sun wreaths, sundials, statues/depicitions of earth and solar deities, Fae, dried herbs, dried flowers, fire deities, fertility deities, seashells, potpourri, baskets of flowers/herbs/fruit/vegetables, candles, blades, daisy chains, flower crowns, stone circles, drums, rattles, other musical instruments, Witches’ Ladders, feathers, fireworks, fir wood, oak wood
Activities for Litha
Lighting bonfires, bonfire leaping, processions, all night vigils, cooking, singing, feasting, herb/flower gathering and drying, crafting divining rods and wands, setting up altars, crafting protective amulets, handfastings and weddings, gathering of mistletoe in oak groves, picnicking, leaping between two fires, mistletoe (without berries, use as a protection amulet), enjoying the seasonal fruits and vegetables, richness and abundance, nature spirit/Fae communion, earth healing, divination, love and protection spells, re-dedication of faith, rites of inspiration, hiking and other outdoor activites
Crystals and Stones
All green stones (jade, malachite, emerald, green aventurine, etc), agate, Alexandrite, diamonds, clear quartz, Herkimer diamonds, fluorite, lapis lazuli, citrine, sunstone, carnelian, orange calcite, green calcite, fire agate, moonstone, pearls, tiger’s eye, yellow topaz, yellow tourmaline
Animals
Robins, wrens, hummingbirds, all summer birds, deer, fireflies, bees, dragonflies, horses, and cattle. Mythical creatures include satyrs, faeries, firebirds, dragons, thunderbirds, and manticores.
Spells and Rituals
The Summer Solstice is an excellent time for spells and rituals associated with prosperity, fertility, energy, love, protection, inspiration, good health, and healing. Many believe that it’s a good time to search for and honor the Fae.
Other names and celebrations that mark the Summer Solstice: Midsummer, Sun Blessing, Gathering Day, Alban Hefin, Whitsuntide, Vestalia, Feast of Epona, All-Couple’s Day, and St. John’s Day
December 20-23
October 31 - November 1
