#witchbr

Artist: Jacquelin de Leon

New Moon in Virgo

September 17, 2020 || 7:00am EST

[credit: @butterfly.medicine on Instagram]

I have noticed a lot of people getting sick in my area, so here is some tea!

-Alex

Ingredients

• Ginger
• Green Tea
• Honey
• Lemon

How to

1. Boil the green tea and ginger (or fix it however you normally fix coffee or tea)
   
2. Add in lemon and ginger to taste stirring clockwise
3. While stirring, repeat (or think if your throat hurts): “May these elements of the earth heal my/their body”
4. Drink away!

The Empress

The Mother Card. The Nurture card. The card that reminds you to take care of yourself. She gently reminds you to create. Create a home environment that meets your needs as a person. Be comfortable, be inspired, and be nurtured. Take pride in the beauty around you!

Take some time out of your day to indulge in some of your favorite tasks. Maybe have that piece of cake! Who cares?! You are comforting yourself! A little indulgence never hurt anyone, just don’t over do it!

Celebrate your life, love, and home!

Blessed be! )O(

**message me for an in depth, personal reading!**

~Rayne

• ☾•

Just your friendly neighbourhood Satanic Feminist

Today’s Entertainment Prompt

If you were a magic-user in a piece of media, what kind of magic would your character use?

- Submitted by @mythical-manda

Today’s Spirit Work Prompt

What brought you and the first spirit you worked with together?

- Submitted by @mythical-manda

Today’s Entertainment Prompt

What movie have you re-watched the most times? What do you think kept drawing you back to it?

- Submitted by @mythical-manda

Today’s Hellenic Polytheism Prompt

Do you celebrate Noumenia each month? If so, what do you do for it?

- Submitted by @mythical-manda

Today’s Shadow Work Prompt

What do you feel is the most important piece of advice you could give to beginners in shadow work?

- Submitted by @mythical-manda

Today’s Entertainment Prompt

Have you ever re-read a book you loved? What do you think drew you back to it?

- Submitted by @mythical-manda

a spell to place on something you wear on your person to help grant you an extra boost of luck

gather: an item you can wear on your person, ingredients that represent the sort of prosperity you wish to attract, a sachet
moon phase required: waxing gibbous

place your your wearable item into your sachet

one by one, place ingredients that represent things you would like to attract in your life while wearing the item (ex: rose petals for love, coins for finances). affirm the item you are enchanting will attract the correspondences of the ingredients 

place sachet somewhere it charge all night or for a few items. proceed to wear your charmed items as desired

kitchenwitchbree:

Fellow witches,

I’m looking to follow more witches for inspiration with spells, recipes, aesthetics, etc…

If you are a:

-green witch

-kitchen witch

-earth witch

-tea witch

-vegan witch

- or any other witch looking for more followers

Like or reblog this post and I’ll give you a follow.

DIVINATION FOR BEGINNERS ~ THE BASIC 3 PILLARS

By definition, divination is the practice of seeing the future and answering questions by supernatural means. This definition is correct, but it leaves out the fact the word divination has the word divine as its main syllable. Divination also means to receive messages or to communicate with the divine (God, the Universe, Source). Divination is practice at receiving the Divine’s messages and learning lessons along the way. Divine messages are answers to questions about life, love, the past, the future, and more. Because really the Divine knows all, there is no limit to the questions that can be asked through DIVINation. Learn the basics of divination for beginners here.

Divination for Beginners: The Three Pillars

Because of the lack of simple instructions for divination for beginners, I came up with the concept of Three Pillars of Divination. This is a concept that will help the beginner learn how to divine, step by step. Focus on one pillar at a time and take your time learning each. This is an ongoing process. The more you learn about divination, the more you will apply these learned concepts to your practice. And if things get confusing, you can always return to the basics. The Three Pillars of Divination are: Observation, Symbolism, and Intuition. If you are studying divination for beginners seriously, I suggest writing these down in a journal or notebook.

1st Pillar: Observation

The first pillar, and probably the most important, is Observation. You can’t receive a message if you’re not listening, right? You can’t interpret a sign if you’re not paying attention. Observation is about being open-minded and mindful at the same time. You are open-minded to any and all messages or images you receive from the Divine through divination, which means you are willing to receive messages in whatever form they come to you. This also means you don’t allow the “logical” side of your brain to completely block out the intuitive (we will get more into this later). It is my belief and experience the majority of people walk around on a daily basis, totally oblivious to their surroundings, totally oblivious to the fact that God is trying to speak to them in different ways. By being mindful of your surroundings and by being in the present moment, you are allowing God to speak to you in whatever form that might be (through nature, symbolism on TV, random conversations, etc). People wonder why they can’t hear God or speak to God, and yet they truly aren’t listening. Observation, mindful observation, is key to hearing the Divine speak to you.

How to be Observant

When learning divination for beginners, be observant. If outside and awaiting a sign from the Divine through nature, be open to whatever appears. Take in the world around you—the environment, the sounds, sights, smells, and sensations. Be observant of yourself—your emotions, your physical sensations, etc. By being present in the moment, you are being mindful of what messages the Divine sends you. This is the same if you are using tarot cards, crystal balls, runes, scrying mirrors, etc. First observe before moving on to symbolism and interpretation.

2nd Pillar: Symbolism

The 2nd Pillar of Divination is Symbolism. Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent concepts or ideas. Symbolism is used in many ways: in mainstream media, literature, religion, politics, etc. The human brain uses symbolism without even realizing. Symbolism is so ingrained in our way of thinking and living. For this reason, symbolism is a big part of divination. The Divine uses symbolism to speak to us. It is an inherent part of divination and should be in the forefront of your mind when you are Divining.

Symbolism in Divination

Symbolism is seen in all forms of divination: tarot, oracle, the Elder runes, the Ogham, numerology, astrology, and more. For example, if we take a look at the runes, the rune Algiz is a symbol (or letter) that represents the concept of protection. This is symbolism in its simplest terms. In oracle, we are presented with various images that each represent a moral or concept of some kind. For example, in the Goddess oracle, the card with the goddess Baba Yaga represents wild freedom. And on and on these symbols go. The point is, whatever form of divination you choose, dedicate time to studying and learning the symbolism therein. As you become more experienced in divination, you will realize many of these symbols carry over to other forms of divination. At this point, divination will become easier for you to perform.

3rd Pillar: Intuition

The Third Pillar of Divination is Intuition. Often when we are beginning to learn divination we’re told to use our intuition. But what does this mean, exactly? Intuition is defined as something one knows immediately without conscious reasoning. You know that feeling you get before walking into a place that tells you not to go in? Or that feeling when you meet someone and your gut tells you not to trust them? Your logical mind will say this is illogical. But this initial feeling is your intuition, your god-given instinct, that will keep you safe in many situations.

How to Use Your Intuition in Divination

Use this instinct, your intuition, when practicing divination. It’s as easy as drawing an oracle card, and letting your first initial thought or feeling serve as the divine message. Practice this so that it becomes natural, as your conscious brain will try to shrug off your intuition at first. Be aware intuition comes to us in different ways. For example, when I divine and use my oracle cards, I will draw a card and look at the image. Typically I get a “flash” of an image or scenery in my mind, this is how I use my intuition. But you might draw an oracle card and hear a word in your mind. Or you might get a particular emotion. These are all forms of intuition, and depending on the person will be different. With practice, you’ll learn how your intuition speaks to you. Each time you practice using your intuition, write down your experience. Did you let your intuition speak to you and show you the answer? Did your conscious mind try to block? Were there symbols or images in your mind? What words did you hear? Did you feel any emotions?

Putting it All Together

Applying intuition to the other Two Pillars of Divination: you will observe, apply the learned symbolism, and use your intuition. Intuition and symbolism will eventually mix together cohesively, and sometimes you might not know where your intuition and symbolism separate. That is the beauty of divination and receiving messages from the Divine. Keep in mind it will take time to get in tune with your intuition…sometimes it can take years to fully connect. Be patient and keep practicing.

Choosing a Form of Divination for Beginners

With the Three Pillars of Divination in mind, choose a form of divination to study. By focusing on one form, you can apply the three pillars and hone in on your divination skills before moving on to another form of divination. For beginners, I recommend using nature to learn divination. This could mean interpreting the cloud patterns in the sky, going for a walk and allowing certain birds or insects to come to you then interpreting those signs, or scrying with fire or water. These may seem very basic, but you will find it isn’t always easy. However, learning how to read patterns and symbols in nature will teach you mindfulness (observation), as well as symbolism and how to use your intuition flawlessly. Then you can move on to other forms of divination that take even more study and time such as tarot or the runes.

Study One Form for One Year

I recommend studying one form of divination for at least a year. You can’t fully connect with that form of divination unless you’ve given it considerable time and study. Spending a month on the runes or tarot will not do. The same goes for other all divination. These forms of divination have been used by our ancestors for hundreds (sometimes thousands) of years and thus have developed their own personalities. You will give honor to your ancestors and to those forms of divination by putting in the time and effort to really connect. Divination for beginners isn’t as difficult as it may seem – it just takes time and practice.

Thoughts by ~ Otherworldly Oracle

Psalms 119: 30~38 THE Remedy Bible

I have chosen the way of truth;

I am committed to your design for life.

I hold fast to your methods, O Lord,

and I am not ashamed.

I eagerly live in harmony with your design,

for you have healed my heart, enabling me to do so.

Teach me, O Lord, the way you have designed life to operate,

so that I might conform and be transformed.

Enable me to understand, and I will practice your principles

and live out your methods with all my heart.

Lead me to live according to your ways,

because it brings me health and happiness.

Transform my heart to desire your methods of love

and hate selfish gain.

Turn my interest away from all worthless things;

recreate me to live according to your way.

Establish your promise within your servant,

so that you may be worshipped and admired.

I’ve said this quite sometime! If you are pagan or wiccan, take what resonates with this teaching! I post as a Christian Witch, but feel free to take this lesson! Learning is for everyone, and knowledge is power!

A HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY IN WITCHCRAFT

How many of you have heard someone say “there is no such thing as a Christian witch?” Maybe I should say, how many times each week do you hear this phrase?

Many pagans just cannot understand people self-identifying as Christian Witches. But they don’t have to understand something to be accepting of it. There are an amazing number of Witchcraft traditions that have Christianity quietly tucked into their DNA somewhere. Nothing emerges in a vacuum and for the last 1700 years Christianity has been the elephant in the room, and Christianity stemmed from Judaism, whose texts originate back well before a lot of paganism’s.

Christianity has influenced Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam over the last 1500 years, and ancient paganism was influenced by the believers in the God of Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob/Israel. This is how religions and belief systems work, and to think that modern paganism or “the witch community somehow stands outside of that paradigm is sheer hubris” (a quote from the pagan whose article influenced this lesson).

“One document consisted of notes originally taken by a man who was initiated into a group of four elderly women in the Oxfordshire village in which he lived in the years around 1940. They were a part of the teachings of this group, and consisted of the various magical uses to which twenty-six of the Biblical Psalms could be put sometimes consisting of the whole psalm and sometimes of a single verse. They are obviously classic Christian folk magic, of a sort recorded copiously from the early Middle Ages to the twentieth century, although the special importance of the psalms to Protestants would suggest that this use of them post-dates the Reformation” (Ronald Hutton writing on a witch book owned by Andrew Chumbley in “Triumph of the Moon,” in 1999 (p. 306-307).

You may not have heard of Andrew Chumbley, but his impact on Modern Witchcraft over the last 20 years has been extraordinary. Much of the current rise in “Traditional Witchcraft” can be traced in no small part to the work of Chumbley, who spent years documenting magical techniques and practices, most notably his own Sabbatic Tradition. Chumbley wasn’t a Christian, but if he used the text written about above in his magical work, he was most certainly influenced by Christianity. And in the world of Traditional Witchcraft, such influences are common, not rare. Chumbley is also majorly responsible for the boom in high quality Witchcraft books from specialty publishers.

The first person most of us think of when it comes to Traditional Witchcraft is Robert Cochrane, whose witch group is still called The Clan of Tubal-Cain. Tubal-Cain was a descendant of Adam and Eve, and was a famous blacksmith that is mentioned in the Bible. He was not a figure from Greek mythology, as some believe. He was also not an Incan or a Mayan, as others believe. Traditional witchcraft also often references figures such as Lucifer or Satan or the Devil, and we all know where he came from.

If you have seen the book “The Red Goddess,” you will immediately notice the quotation from the Song of Solomon (that’s a book in the Bible) on the back, not to mention all of the quotes from the book of Revelation which feature prominently in its text. And if you read a lot of Traditional Witchcraft books, you’ve no doubt run into figures such as the Nephalim, Watchers, and Enoch. Where do people think this stuff comes from?

In addition, there is a long history of Christians using magic. Many practices are influenced by charmers or cunning-folk. These are techniques practiced overwhelmingly by self-identifying Christians. Are you into Pennsylvania Dutch Pow-Wow? That’s another thing developed by Christians.

Guess how many of the witches who were killed during the infamous witch hunts were pagans? None. None of them were pagan. They all identified as Christians.

Wiccan-witchcraft has also been heavily impacted by Christianity. The early modern grimoires which helped to shape a lot of Wiccan ritual practices were mostly written by Christians, and those that weren’t were written by Muslims and Jews. All three of these religions worship the God of Abraham and their beliefs systems all stem from one religion. Abraham and his God are documented in ancient texts found in archaeological excavations. The names of many of those grimoires give away their Biblical roots: “The Key of Solomon,” “The Sixth and Seventh Books of Moses,” and “The Grimoire of Pope Honorius” are just three examples of grimoires that were written by Biblical or Christian figures. And don’t overlook just how impactful some of these books have been on Wicca especially. There are a lot of Wiccan teachings that read like they came straight from “The Key of Solomon.”

Wiccans have borrowed a whole lot of stuff from Freemasonry over the years, from vocabulary to ritual techniques, and the Masons were overwhelmingly Christian. Many of Masonry’s most esoteric architects were Christian too, and many Wiccans have taken a little from them over the years too. Groups such as the Theosophical Society honored Jesus, and one of the world’s all time favorite occultists, Dion Fortune, always found time for her Master Jesus.

So, yes, modern witchcraft owes Christians no small debt of gratitude for many of their practices. Today the world calls many of these things “witchcraft” so it makes sense that Christians looking to engage in these practices would call themselves Christian Witches.

Many witches who seem aghast at the idea of Christian Witches in their midst often quote the Bible to back up their outrage. And they have no idea what the verses they are quoting actually mean even! The word “witchcraft” can have a whole host of different meanings, and its use usually comes down to who is doing the translating.

The Bible condemns a lot of different things – such as lying and gossip and sexual immorality and fits of anger and arguments and envy and dishonoring your parents and drunkenness and breaking the Sabbath, among many others (for an example see Galatians 5:19-21) - and it says that those who do these things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But Christians seem to ignore most of these and focus on two communities – the LGBTQ community and the witchcraft communities – both of whose translations were mauled by the early Bible translators who were ALL under the influence of the man made doctrines of the churches of the Dark Ages.

If witchcraft is simply a magical practice, void of religion or spirituality, how can there not be Christian Witches? That is like saying that there can’t be Jewish herbalists. Certainly the idea of witchcraft is not compatible with an overwhelming majority of Christians, because they believe the lies, but why should anyone else care if some of us DO believe in the power of magic that we KNOW we have been gifted with, while finding spiritual fulfillment in the God of Adam, Noah, Abraham, the disciples, Paul, and a multitude of others throughout history? It doesn’t hurt them unless we try to start speaking for all of them. But all we can do is present the truth in love, and then back off to let the seed of truth grow in their hearts, watered by the Holy Spirit.

Witchcraft is empowering. Shouldn’t Christians and pagans alike be all in for anyone with an open mind using it to take charge of their life? Shouldn’t they be all for more witches in the world, not less?

This was based on an article by a well published pagan, Jason Mankey, who also agrees that Christians should be able to identify as witches if they feel drawn to do so, and that the witchcraft community should support this. Thank you, Jason.

5 things you SHOULD do on Friday 13th

We’ve taken a look at the history and it’s actually the perfect day for a few behaviours

Whether or not you believe in the superstition of Friday 13th, it’s still a date that can send a shiver through your plans thanks to the attention and hype the ancient ‘unlucky’ date has built-up over the years.

But should we approach it with fear, or should we use it to our advantage and make a few different decisions? Country Living took a look at the history and have come up with five detoxing and rather enjoyable things which are best done on Friday 13th.

WHY IS FRIDAY 13TH CONSIDERED UNLUCKY?

The superstition dates back to the urban legends of the 1600s and, to understand it properly, we need to look at the day Friday and the number 13 separately.

So, why Friday? Steve Roud, author of The Penguin Guide to the Superstitions of Britain and Ireland (£2.96, Amazon), explained to the BBC:

“Because Friday was the day of the crucifixion, Fridays were always regarded as a day of penance and abstinence,” he says.

“This religious belief spilled over into a general dislike of starting anything - or doing anything important - on a Friday.”

AND WHAT ABOUT THE NUMBER 13?

Well, back in the 1690s, an urban legend began to bubble that it was unlucky to have 13 people sat around a dinner table as this was the amount of people present at the Last Supper. It was also believed to be the number of witches needed to officially make a coven.

How did the two come together? “The Victorians who were intrigued by folklore put Friday and 13 together and created a doubly unlucky day,” by the author of the Country Wisdom and Folklore Diary.

5 things we should do on Friday 13th

1. Disregard the 'unlucky’ part

When legends like this circulate, it’s easy to blame anything negative that happens on that day on the ideas. If your car won’t start today or you put salt instead of sugar in your tea, blame coincidence.

2. Have an alcohol-free day

In the spirit of abstinence, and the fact that Christmas is soon approaching and will bring with it platefuls of indulgence, why not have a day without your favourite tipple. Instead, enjoy a soft alternative or hygge-inspired hot chocolate.

3. Write a list

We love a list - normally of the shopping to to-do variety – but, on a day when people were originally not meant to start something new, let’s use this time to sit back, relax, and think about things we would like to start in the future.

Is there a hobby you’ve always wanted to try? A place you’ve always wanted to travel to? Or simply a walk you haven’t trodden yet? Make a bucket list, stick it on the fridge and commit to ticking them off when you can. Just because we shouldn’t do, doesn’t mean we can’t plan.

4. Take a moment to feel grateful

While you relax, soft drink in hand, thinking about the exciting activities you plan to do, also take a moment to appreciate what you have already done and the smile-inducing things in your life. Not having to worry about witches and penance should probably be top of the list…

5. Procrastinate

It’s probably not a behaviour we are used to but, on a day when urban legend tells us not to do anything important, let’s give it a go. Clean the oven tomorrow, sort out the post on Sunday and save the hoovering for the morning. Just sit, relax and be mindful.

So don’t take that date to seriously…

Have a Happy Friday the 13th

By Country Living Magazine

Alchemical Sulfur, Mercury and Salt in Western Occultism

Western occultism (and, indeed, pre-modern Western science) is strongly focused on a system of four of five elements: fire, air, water, and earth, plus spirit or ether. However, alchemists often spoke of three more elements: mercury, sulfur, and salt, with some focusing on mercury and sulfur.

Origins

The first mention of mercury and sulfur as base alchemical elements come from an Arab writer named Jabir, often Westernized to Geber, who wrote in the late 8th century. The idea was then transmitted to European alchemist scholars. Arabs already used the system of four elements, about which Jabir also writes.

Sulfur

The pairing of sulfur and mercury strongly corresponds to the male-female dichotomy already present in Western thought. Sulfur is the active male principle, possessing the ability to create change. It bears the qualities of hot and dry, the same as the element of fire; it’s associated with the sun, as the male principle always is in traditional Western thought.

Mercury

Mercury is the passive female principle. While sulfur causes change, it needs something to actually shape and change in order to accomplish anything. The relationship is also commonly compared to the planting of a seed: the plant springs from the seed, but only if there is earth to nourish it. The earth equates to the passive female principle.

Mercury is also known as quicksilver because it is one of the very few metals to be liquid at room temperature. Thus, it can easily be shaped by outside forces. It is silver in color, and silver is associated with womanhood and the moon, while gold is associated with the sun and man. It possesses the qualities of cold and moist, the same qualities ascribed to the element of water. These traits are opposite those of sulfur.

Sulfur and Mercury Together

In alchemical illustrations, the red king and the white queen also sometimes represent sulfur and mercury.

Sulfur and mercury are described as originating from the same original substance; one might even be described as the opposite gender of the other–for example, sulfur is the male aspect of mercury. Since Christian alchemy is based on the concept that the human soul was split during the fall season, it makes sense that these two forces are seen as initially united and in need of unity again.

Salt

Salt is an element of substance and physicality. It starts out as coarse and impure. Through alchemical processes, salt is broken down by dissolving; it’s purified and eventually reformed into pure salt, the result of the interactions between mercury and sulfur.

Thus, the purpose of alchemy is to strip down the self to nothingness, leaving everything bare to be scrutinized. By gaining self-knowledge about one’s nature and one’s relation to God, the soul is reformed, the impurities expunged, and it is united into a  pure and undivided thing. That is the purpose of alchemy.

Body, Spirit, and Soul

Salt, mercury, and sulfur equate to the concepts of body, spirit, and soul. Body is the physical self. The soul is the immortal, spiritual part of the person that defines an individual and makes him unique among other people. In Christianity, the soul is the part that is judged after death and lives on in either heaven or hell, long after the body has perished.

The concept of spirit is far less familiar to most. Many people use the words soul and spirit interchangeably. Some use the word spirit as a synonym for ghost. Neither is applicable in this context. The soul is personal essence. The spirit is a sort of medium of transference and connection, whether that connection exists between body and soul, between soul and God, or between soul and the world.

SAMHAIN

FAMILY FRIENDLY RITUAL

If you’ve got kids at home, try celebrating Samhain with some of these family-friendly and kid-appropriate ideas.

1- Honor your ancestors

In many cultures, ancestor veneration is an important part of the season. Depending on how old your children are, you may want to use this time of year as an opportunity to introduce your kids to the people whose blood runs through their veins.

Study Genealogy: All of us came from somewhere, so why not figure out what that place might have been? Get your kids involved in learning about their forbears, even if it’s just something as simple as asking Grandma what it was like to live when she was a child. Take the information you learn, and fill out a family tree chart — if you’re feeling really crafty, use that info to make an ancestor altar cloth!

Got photos and family heirlooms? Set up an ancestor altar in a place of honor in your home. Is your child — or are you — adopted? That’s okay, you can still honor your kinfolk, you just have to go about it a slightly different way. Consider celebrating archetypes that represent your ethnic or cultural background.

2- Family Friendly Ritual

Let’s face it, sometimes ritual is hard to get through when you’re little. The trick to keeping young children involved is to keep them occupied – that means rethinking ritual ideas so that it can fun as well as spiritual. This ritual is designed to celebrate Samhain with younger kids.

Obviously, if your children are older, or you have younger kids who are very focused and mature, you may not need a “kids ritual.” However, for those of you that do, this is a rite you can complete, from start to finish, in about twenty minutes. Also, keep in mind that you are the best judge of what your child is ready for. If he wants to paint his face, bang a drum and chant, let him do so — but if he’d rather participate silently, that’s okay too!

Use a basic altar setup for this ritual. If your kids are old enough to not burn the house (or themselves) down when near an open flame, you can use candles, but they’re not required for this ritual. A nice alternative is the small LED tealights, which can go on your altar safely.

In addition to your Samhain decorations, place photos of deceased family members on the altar. If you have other mementos, such as jewelry or small heirlooms, feel free to add those.

Finally, have a cup with a drink in it that the family can share — milk, cider (always a great option in the fall), or whatever you may prefer. Obviously, if someone is sporting a cold or runny nose, you might wish to use individual cups.

Gather your family around the altar, and ask each child to stand quietly for a moment to take a few minutes to think about the different family members that have passed away.. If your child is too young to know anyone who has passed away they can simply think about the family they have now, and all the living people who are important to them.

After everyone has taken a moment to think about their ancestors, and before anyone starts to fidget, begin the ritual.

Parent: Tonight we are celebrating Samhain, which is a time when we celebrate the lives of the people we have loved and lost. We are going to honor our ancestors so that they will live on in our hearts and memories.

Tonight, we honor [name], and [name].

Go through the list of specific people you wish to honor. If someone has died recently, start with them and work your way back. You don’t have to unleash the names of every single person in your family tree (because it could be Yule before you finish), but it’s important to mention the people who have had the most impact on your life. If you want, to help the kids understand who everyone was, you can go into more detail as you name the ancestors off:

“Tonight we honor Uncle Bob, who used to tell me funny stories when I was a kid. We honor Grandma, who lived in a cabin in Kentucky where she learned to make the best biscuits I’ve ever had. We honor cousin Adam, who served in the Army and then bravely fought cancer before he crossed over…”

Once you’ve named off all of the ancestors, pass the cup around the circle. As you pass it, you can say, “I drink in honor of my family, of the Holy Trinity, and of the bonds of kinship.” Take a sip, and pass it to the next person, saying, “I share this with you in the name of our ancestors.”

Once everyone has had their turn, replace the cup on the altar. Ask everyone to join hands and close their eyes for a moment.

Take a moment for quiet reflection, and then end the rite in whatever way works best for your family.

Adapted from

Wigington, Patti. “Celebrating Samhain With Kids.” Learn Religions

THE BALANCING OF LIGHT & DARKNESS

Astrological Date: Sun at 0º Libra

During the Fall Equinox, we enter a true time of balance as the sun moves into the sign of Libra (approximately September 21st). An intellectual Air element, Libra is refined with the grace of the balance between head and heart. Now we transition into the shorter days and longer nights of the fall season, where we are called to bring our light indoors and tend to hearth and home.

Balancing of Light and Darkness

The Autumnal Equinox begins when the Sun enters the Sign of Libra, the scales. Libra represents balance and temperance, and the reconciling of opposing forces. The integration of life and death, fire and water, solar and lunar energies. It is a social Sign, ruling partnerships of all kinds and the individual contributions one makes to a group. This Air Sign is a Sign of communication and intellect-of justice and discernment. Its position on the zodiac is the halfway point between the completion of the Sun’s transit through the zodiac. The astrological year is initiated by the fires of Aries the Ram, the Vernal Equinox. This places Libra at the horizon of the descendant, marking the movement of the Sun through the outer realm of the ego and its material environment into the realms of the unconscious and the emotions. Libra is the fulcrum point marking the division between the light and dark halves of the year.

Just as the festival dates we celebrate can be slightly different depending on your interpretation (astronomical or secular), there is also conflicting information about when the exact start of the seasons is. Unlike modern calendars that define the start of a season on a Solstice or Equinox, the Celts perceived Solstices and Equinoxes as events occurring mid-season, with the seasons actually beginning and ending on the Cross Quarters.

For a modern interpretation, I bet on the definition provided by the Old Farmers Almanac. Briefly, they explain each season has both an astronomical start and a meteorological start. The astronomical start date is based on the position of the Sun in relation to the Earth, while the meteorological start date is based on the 12-month calendar and the annual temperature cycle.

The Wheel of the Year

The modern system of solar festivals, known as Sabbats, developed slowly since the 1950’s, and since then has been adapted and adopted by many traditions of The “Wheel of the Year” cycle is a MODERN construct. We can just stop debating whether or not any one ancient civilization celebrated all eight equidistant solar holidays, because we know for a fact that wasn’t true.

Fall and Autumn are both used for this wonderful season, with “Fall” being more common in America. It’s marked by the Sun going into the astrological sign Libra, to be followed by Scorpio and Sagittarius. So it’s the start of this trio of relational signs—we grow in understanding through our social and intimate connections. The Sun is waning (in the Northern Hemisphere), but this begins the season of reaching out. The Sun into Libra motivates us to build bridges, create a balance of give and take. It’s ideal for sharing your bounty with a neighbor, to make that connection, or attend community festivities.

If we see Fall Equinox as a time of refining the creative intentions of Spring Equinox, we take into account “the Other.” It’s adapting your goals, as they meet the contributions or demands of your extended social circle. Sometimes Fall brings up melancholy moods. Is it the reminder that all things diminish (die).

Libra is a time for harmonizing with the significant people in our lives—from business partners to friends we’ve lost touch with over the crazy-busy summer! It’s time for slow food dinner parties with kindred spirits, and new friends.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

3 For everything there is a season, and a time for every [a]purpose under heaven: 2 a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 3 a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6 a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7 a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8 a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

10 WAYS TO CELEBRATE THE AUTUMN EQUINOX

The Autumnal Equinox is the time of year when daylight and nighttime are equal. After the Autumnal Equinox, the darkness will begin to win the battle, gaining an extra minute or so every day as we progress towards winter. Now is the time when nature begins to slow and the harvests become less plentiful. Though the autumn equinox can arrive as early as September 20th or 21st depending on solar patterns, this year it falls on September 22nd. So get ready to celebrate!

Like most Sabbats that are celebrated later in the year, the autumn equinox is about reflection and letting go of that which does not serve us any longer. It’s a chance to slough off the old and prepare for rest. We clean out that which piled up during the business of summer and store up that which we will need for our winter rest. The colors of the Autumn Equinox are just as rich and warming as the colors of autumn—deep crimson, vibrant orange, lustrous gold, and earthy brown. If you’re planning a feast, make sure to include all the fall bounties as well as late summer fruits and vegetables. Pumpkin, squash, berries, nuts, and corn are all fantastic inclusions. Looking for specific ideas on how to celebrate the Autumn Equinox without costing a mint? You’ve come to the right place! Here are 10 wonderful ways to celebrate for free or for little cost!

MAKE POPCORN

What’s more cozy than snuggling under a blanket with a big bowl of buttered popcorn? Of course, you could always watch a movie, but why not take your treat outside to watch nature instead? Inhale that fragrant autumn air. Really take a few moments to appreciate the breathtaking hues of the trees. Watch the birds and squirrels as they prepare for winter. Simply take in the magnificence of the season. And if you’re in a generous mood, leave a few un-buttered pieces of popcorn for the critters.

BALANCE YOUR CHAKRAS 

The Autumn Equinox is a time to find balance in your life. But while we tend to immediately think of time constraints as a place to find balance (work versus family time, family time versus self-care), when was the last time you balanced your spiritual centers?If you’re not familiar, chakras are points of energy on the body that have spiritual as well as physical impact. When they are balanced, life is good. When they are imbalanced, we have unwanted manifestations, such as illness and financial troubles. The good news is balancing them is as simple as taking a few minutes for visualization! Like any visualization, chakra balancing gets easier with practice, so don’t feel discouraged if you have trouble focusing during your first go around or two. A nice, simple chakra meditation can be found on YouTube. Get a blanket, find a quiet spot under a tree, and take some time to balance your chakras this Mabon! You’ll be glad you did. Bonus points if you plant your feet in the soil and get your earthing on!

HAVE A PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE

Admittedly, this suggestion is a little self-benefiting. But what’s autumn without a warm drink laced with cinnamon and nutmeg? You can certainly buy one at your favorite coffee shop, but why not make one? I’m betting you already have the ingredients on hand. Take the time to really savor the process. Inhale the nutty aroma of the coffee before you brew it. Watch as the creamer turns your drink into a rich caramel color. Savor the first sip without scarfing down the entire drink. Life is a lot more pleasurable when we take time to relish the things we enjoy. Sit outside with your homemade brew, breathe deep inhalations of that luscious autumn air, and simply BE.

FOCUS ON GRATITUDE AND THANKSGIVING

With Autumn Equinox being a time of reflection and balance, what better way to celebrate than to make a list for all that you are thankful for? Take a notebook to the park and make a list of everything you appreciate—from big things, like your family or health, to small things, like hot cocoa and fuzzy slipper socks. Feeling crafty? Make a gratitude tree! Simply find a funky fallen twig that has lots of little branchy offshoots to hold your leaves. Place the twig (or twigs) in a pot of stones so it’s standing upright, like a miniature dead tree. Collect fallen leaves or cut your own from construction paper. Write something you’re grateful for on each leaf. Tape on a loop of string or thread, and hang the leaves from your twig! Beauty and function— my favorite!And remember, crafts don’t need to be limited to children. Our children are grown and gone, yet we make a gratitude tree every year for Thanksgiving by adding one leaf a day for each day in November leading up to the big feast! Festiveness isn’t just reserved for those too young to drive. Embrace life! Live it with all you’ve got! And don’t forget to be grateful!

BRING IN SOME NATURE 

If you’re anything like me, you’re just itching to get something decorative in your home this fall. We don’t really get in to decorating for Halloween with ghosts and goblins because we don’t celebrate the way that most people in America do. We celebrate it the Christian way, not the pagan way. Why not take a nature walk and collect whatever beautiful, natural treasures you stumble upon? Colored leaves. Acorns. Gnarled twigs. Pine cones. Cool rocks. Bring a bag and collect whatever catches your eye. Arrange it on a table or counter top when you get home, throw in a candle or two (maybe gold and red) and you’ve got yourself an instant natural Mabon altar! You can even leave your natural masterpiece up for a few weeks as a spectacular (and FREE!) fall decoration!

WELCOME IN THE DARKNESS 

As the sun sets on the Autumn Equinox, we welcome in the darkness of the coming season. Grab a blanket, some lawn chairs, and allow yourself to be fully in the moment as the sun sets this equinox. Once the orange globe has dipped below the horizon, breathe in the darkness of fall and honor the tranquil introspection this season inspires. With tea, of course!

BRING ON THE COZY 

Having spent most of my life in Texas, what I miss most about autumn is the coziness. Soft sweaters. Knitted throws. Hot drinks. Crisp morning air. Chilly noses on rainy days. Envelop yourself in the coziness of autumn, even if, like here in Texas, you are still running the air conditioner and suffering in 90 degree weather. Whether that means decorating your home in autumnal flare, lighting a pumpkin-spice candle, or baking a cinnamon-scented apple pie, do something special that puts you in that autumn state of mind.

TAKE IT IN

The best part of autumn is undoubtedly the simplicity. Life seems to slow down just a little, following the graceful dance of nature herself. Take the time to slowdown alongside her. Treat yourself to a pumpkin latte, head over to your favorite park or even your own backyard, and just exist. Watch the passersby as you sip your drink. Observe the colors of autumn, the slight crisp that’s beginning to blossom in the air, the chatter of birds as they prepare for winter. Breathe deep. Slow your mind. Just exist. It’s something we don’t do often enough, but fall is most definitely the time for it!

FIND BALANCE

 Whether autumnal or vernal, equinoxes are the perfect opportunity to find balance, just like nature! If you’ve been doing a little too much of anything—eating, working, worrying, whatever!—now is the time to take a step back and evaluate how to change your behavior in favor of a more healthy approach. Remember, anything in excess is damaging. Even drinking too much water will kill you.I know! Crazy, right?!If you find it difficult to disconnect from work. If your vice is copious amounts of sugar. If exercise has become obsessive. If spending has exceeded income, take the time to make positive changes. NOT to belittle and berate yourself. NOT to feel guilty and swim among the self-loathing waters. Objectively look at the situation, find a reasonable solution, and make changes. Shame doesn’t fix the problem. It’s a warning bell that alerts us to the need for change. Nothing more. Take a deep breath of that fresh autumn air and start again. You’ve got this!

CINNAMON FLAMES

Autumn seems to bring out the craving for bonfires and campfires. If you’re lighting one up this Autumn Equinox, toss in a couple of cinnamon sticks for good luck in the coming season. Plus your backyard will smell heavenly!

Whether you use this time to reflect or to indulge, I hope you have a spectacular Autumn Equinox celebration filled with love, coziness, and an extra dash of magic! BLESSED BE!

STONE DIVINATIONS

Divination is a magical process which utilizes various tools to provide glimpses of the future. The use of tarot cards is a form of divination, as is watching clouds pass overhead or gazing at the patterns caused by tea leaves in a cup.

For those who are unable to be consciously psychic when the need arises, divination is the next best thing, although the ability to intuitively divine is also a gift that is not given to everyone, despite what modern paganism would have you believe, it is something that anyone can do in prayer while trying to discern God’s will in their own lives.

While performing this magic, we focus our conscious mind on the symbols presented to us and allow them to contact our psychic mind. The symbols – coins, rune stones, raindrops on a window – are simple keys which enable us to unlock our psychic awareness or messages from our higher selves or more importantly from God.

There are thousands of forms of divination. It has been practiced in all cultures throughout history. Sometimes these rites were performed by the individual, sometimes by priestesses, priests or shamans. It was practiced by God’s people in the Bible, including by Jesus’ own disciples. The quest for knowledge of possible future events is still alive today. What was banned in the Bible was practicing divination for selfish reasons, for reasons that might cause harm to other people, or gaining information by using demonic spirits.

I said, “possible future events” above because nothing is carved in stone. The future isn’t mapped out in advance. Our choices change our futures. The story of Jonah was one of those examples. We are creating our futures every second of every day. Our lives are the results of our decisions. Divination can help us make those choices.

Just as we determine our futures, other persons can influence our lives as well if we allow them to. Universal forces ebb and flow, adding their energy to the shape of tomorrow. The factors that are at work here are incomprehensible.

Fortunately, we needn’t understand these processes to gain a glimpse of the future. All we need do is choose our tools and use them ritually to contact the spiritual guidance that is available to us all.

Stone divination is an excellent form of this ancient art. When you need guidance regarding an important decision, look to God and use the stones for help. If fear grips you when you think about an upcoming event, look to God and use the stones. If you;re unsure whether or magical rite you’re about to perform is designed for your goal, use a stone divination to bring all sharply into focus.

This can easily become a crutch. The man or woman who won’t leave the house without consulting a psychic is a cliche, but it is too often true. Divination isn’t a necessity for daily living; it is a tool which we pick up and use when needed, then set down. Divination can help us make decisions, warn us of possible dangers or ill-health, and provide another perspective on a problem.

It may be exciting to perform a divination, but it should never be done “just for fun” or out of boredom. Like magic, divination is used when it is necessary.

Most divinatory systems contain some sort of element of ‘chance.’ This determines which tools – in this case, stones – will be available to help us unlock the secrets of tomorrow. Pulling a stone at random from a bag, opening our Bibles randomly for a verse, shuffling tarot cards, or tossing I Ching stalks or coins brings chance into the divination.

Always pray before doing any form of divination. Ask for God to show you what They need for you to know for your quest.

Other forms of divination rely on more direct communication with the subconscious mind. The pendulum, for example, is a tool which is set in motion by minuscule movements of the arm and hand that hold it. These movements are caused by the conscious or sub-conscious mind, and are interpreted to gain an answer. These are less likely to be supernaturally influenced and there is a larger margin for error because our minds may know what we WANT to hear and will influence our movements to provide that answer, even if that is not the answer that we NEED to hear. I, personally, can make a pendulum give whatever answer I want it to give without anyone else seeing any movement at all. This is nothing more than slight of hand and can be dangerous when asking for God’s will.

If you’re consciously psychic at will, you won’t need divination. If not, you may want to begin working with one of the systems outlined in this chapter. In doing so, remember these things:

It may take a few sessions for you to properly work the divination, to approach it with the correct frame of mind, and to use the symbols presented to you to unfold your psychic awareness.

The future isn’t predetermined. If you see something that bothers you, you can change it through your choices and through prayer, intention, and magic! If an unreasonably rosy picture is presented to you, you might question yourself: Am I reading my desires into this? Am I properly utilizing the system? Is this system appropriate for me? (In other words, does it speak to my psychic mind?). I have found that it is rare for one person to be “gifted” in more than one or two forms of divination. Like I am very gifted in Tarot and do well with Runes but not really with any other form of divination. In fact, I am honestly afraid to use my pendulum because I CONSISTENTLY get the answers I want to receive so that I do not feel safe in basing choices and life decisions on it unless it is something that needs an answer from my own subconscious mind and not from a higher source. It is wise to acknowledge this and take steps to develop my true gifts instead of trying to force a divination form that does not work well for me. Everyone has gifts and one gift is not better or worse than any other gift.

That is my advice to you. Everyone has different God-given gifts. Not everyone has “witchy” gifts but their gifts are no less important. And those who DO have “witchy” gifts do not all have the same ones. Just because you think Trelawny is amazing and you want to be like her does not mean that you will ever have the gift of reading tea leaves or crystal balls. Be sure to pray to God and ask Them to show you what your God-given gifts are, and then be honest with yourself when you see that one gift, even if you wanted that gift, is not for you. And be sure to use your intuition always!

If you DO find that you have a gift for divination, remember this: Divination is performed out of necessity. If an honest conversation, a few phone calls or letters, or a few moments of concentration will successfully clear up your questions, try these things first. If not, work with your divinatory gift.

STONE SCRYING

Scrying is gazing into or contemplating a shining, luminous or reflective surface.

Stone scrying is probably the best known form of divination. Highly polished, reflective stones have been used for thousands of years in developing psychic awareness.

Most people have heard of the ubiquitous 'crystal ball.’ This magical tool is simply a sphere of quartz crystal. Large, clear quartz spheres can cost $1,000 to $10,000; but smaller ones an inch or less in size are available for about $20. The six-inch variety seen in cheap movies are made of glass or plastic. The six-inch quartz spheres are more rare and more costly but, fortunately, aren’t necessary.

Quartz isn’t the only stone chosen for scrying. A multitude of other stones are also used for forms of scrying. Flat, square pieces of obsidian were favored in ancient Mexico and beryl spheres or eggs were the stones of choice during the Renaissance, but the crystal sphere captured the popular imagination long ago.

This is a guide for those interested in scrying with quartz crystal spheres. Remember, this is a GUIDE only! As with everything in magic, listen to your intuition!

After obtaining your scrying stone, wash it in water. Dry and wrap it in a soft, dark cloth.

Traditionally, stones used for scrying are never exposed to sunlight, as this is thought to hinder its ability to contact the psychic mind. Perhaps it would if you believed it would.

However, moonlight is used to purify crystal or gemstone spheres. The Full Moon is an ideal time to cleanse and 'charge’ a crystal or gemstone with your magical intent – in this case, successful scrying. Take the wrapped stone out into the moonlight. Unwrap it, and, with both hands, hold it up to the moon. Feel its cool light raining down on you. See it (through visualization) flooding the stone, attuning it with your energy. Then visualize yourself successfully scrying with the stone. Don’t forget to pray to God, consecrating the stone to God’s service. After a few moments, wrap it up again. It is done.

As for the scrying itself, here are a few pointers:

Scrying is best done at night. Symbolism is certainly at work here: night rules the psychic mind. Also, there is probably less chance of interruption.

Find a quiet spot. Sit comfortably. Place the crystal on a stand on a table or hold it in your hands.

Candlelight can be conducive to scrying. Through some say that reflections of the flames in the crystal are disturbing, for others this is exactly what helps them achieve the proper state.

Experiment to see what works best for you. You might place white or yellow candles behind your back at first, then move them to either side of you, and finally ring the crystal itself itself with the candles.

Once you, the crystal and the candles are all situated, relax. Breathe deeply for a few moments with your eyes closed. Forget the worries of the day, the stresses, the problems. Relax your body. Relax your mind.

Then open your eyes and hold the crystal in your hands until it is warm. Some magicians say that stones won’t work in magic unless this is done. As your hands warm the stone, your body is releasing personal power into the stone. Visualize your area of inquiry during this process.

Now replace the stone on the stand or continue holding it, whichever you feel comfortable with.

Continue to relax; gaze into the crystal. Don’t stare unblinkingly into its depths, simply gaze. Blink your eyes if you wish. You must be calm and relaxed during scrying.

The crystal is a symbol of psychism, of water (the psychic element), of your need to divine the future. Hold these things in mind as you gaze into the sphere.

Now take time to pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide and direct your efforts and to communicate the Divine will to you regarding your query. Then open your eyes and begin to gaze into the crystal.

If the operation is successful, you will contact your psychic mind and communication will take place.

Will you see pictures? Probably not – the crystal isn’t a movie screen. You may see wisps of smoke swirling within the sphere – this is common. But few see images within it.

If anywhere, you’ll see them in your mind. Images seen during scrying are often symbolic; they aren’t psychic news footage of future events. Interpret the symbolism as best you can.

If you see no pictures, unbidden thoughts may come into your mind instead. Words, phrases or complete sentences may 'pop up’ out of your psychic mind.

Whatever you see or think – either images within the sphere or in your mind, or words or phrases – try to relate them to your question or your area of inquiry.

Words are simple enough. Think about them. Do they mean anything to you? Are they ambiguous or direct?

Symbols are more difficult. For example, if you were asking if it would be a positive action to move into a new home, and you saw images of bats flying above slithering snakes, then interpret these symbols.

To some, snakes are related to wisdom and bats to luck. For such a person, the move would seem to be favorable. However, if you fear snakes and find bats disgusting, your symbols are suggesting the opposite.

See how it works? Symbols are the language of the subconscious mind, and, while we may all speak the same language, we use different dialects. Thus, the psychic mind uses a personal language which may mean nothing to others.

If you can’t find or afford a crystal or gemstone sphere, or don’t wish to use one, there are several other methods of stone scrying. Any naturally reflective stone, most crystals, and those which see to possess inner movement can be used as 'mirrors of the psychic mind.’ These last stones include cat’s-eye, moonstone, sunstone, tiger’s-eye, star ruby, opal and many others.

Take the stone out into sunlight or moonlight, or hold it near a candle. Still your conscious mind. Move the stone slowly in your hands while visualizing your area of inquiry.

Do this for several minutes. Don’t WILL anything to happen; simply wait until the strange movements in the stone and the hypnotic movements of your hands break your conscious mind’s hold on psychic input.

Again, interpret any symbols or words that come to you.

FIFTY-STONE DIVINATION

This is an entirely different form of stone divination. Though I’d love to have fifty emeralds to use for this ritual, the type of stone used isn’t important. If financially practical, select psychism-inducing stones such as amethyst, aquamarine, citrine, quartz crystal, moonstone, in any combination. Or use whatever you have. Since God provides the answers to your inquiry, there are no symbols to interpret. Yes, this divination is limited but it just may provide the answers you need.

Fill a bag or a box with 50 stones of approximately the same size. Think of your question and reach into the bag and grab a handful of stones. Place these on a flat surface before you and count the number of stones you have randomly chosen. Odd numbers indicate favorable conditions, a positive answer, success. Even numbers presage the reverse.

BLACK AND WHITE STONE DIVINATION

This is the most simple form of divination. According to the Bible, the Urim and Thummim were two large stones of great brilliancy that were worn by the High Priest of ancient Israel in the Old Testament on the Ephod, one to the left and one to the right of the breastplate. According to extra-Biblical and inspired sources, when questions were brought for decision before the Lord in prayer, a halo of light encircling the precious stone at the right was a token of Divine consent or approval, while a cloud shadowing the stone at the left was an evidence of denial or disapprobation. They are most often pictured as black and white but no reliably known source actually tells us the color. The stones were lost in the Babylonian invasion during the time of Daniel. It would be wonderful if we could still, today, ask God a question and have a sign light up that said yes or no. But we don’t. The closer we get to God during study, prayer and meditation, the more clear Their answers will become to us, by whatever form of communication God chooses to use. But we can do what is essentially “drawing lots” when asking God for a special yes or no question. It is chancy, and therefore in my mind risky, but many people do this.

Take a black stone and a white stone of the same size and shape, such as a marble, and put it in a black bag. Prayerfully ask your question and then pull one stone from the bag. Make sure that you have decided which stone means yes and which stone means no before doing this. Most people use white as a positive answer and black as a negative answer. The stone you pull will serve as an answer to your question.

RAINBOW STONE DIVINATION

This divination uses the colors of stones to provide clues regarding the future. You’ll need seven stones, one of each color, all approximately the same size and shape. Place these in a soft cloth bag, and, when you need guidance, select a stone at random from the bag. It may answer your questions. If not, take another stone and 'read’ or interpret them together.

Here is a list of suggested divinatory meanings by color. If this doesn’t speak to you, make your own list.

• RED: Symbolizes anger or other destructive or negative emotions, birth, change, sex, passion, endings, energy, and confrontations.

• PINK: Symbolizes love, friendship, relationships, family, interchange, the heart.

• ORANGE: Symbolizes illumination, personal power, energy, movement, travel, exchange.

• YELLOW: Symbolizes communication, happiness, joy and other positive emotions, light work, protection.

• GREEN: Symbolizes growth, money, grounding, health and healing, fertility, business, transactions.

• BLUE: Symbolizes peace, sleep, purification, emotions, subconscious, psychic mind.

• PURPLE: Symbolizes spirituality, mysticism, expansion or growth in the previous, royalty.

How do you interpret these stones? I’ll give an example:

Say I’m wondering what’s causing me to be so depressed lately. I’ve been down for weeks and can’t figure out why. So I still my mind, and then get my bag of stones and reach inside. I pull out a green stone. The first thing that flashes into my mind is money. Wanting more input, I pull out a red stone. 'Energy’ is my next thought. Money and energy. But I asked about depression.

Could I have been depressed all this time because I wasn’t making enough money? No, not that. Could it be that I haven’t been putting enough energy (work) into making the money I earn? That could be it. I analyze it, and it seems right.

I’ve found a possible reason for my depression. Now what do I do?

Use choice, prayer, intention and magic to change my condition. Transform a negative into a positive. Working more will help, but using magic will help even more. I might wish to carry or wear green and red stones to push me further toward what I should be doing.

See?

It isn’t always this simple, but try it out. Work with this or any system to receive its greatest gifts!

This lesson was adapted from Scott Cunningham’s book Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic.