CELEBRATING THE WINTER SOLSTICE

The December solstice will occur at 05:30 (or 5:30am) UTC on December 22, 2011. It is also known as the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere and the summer solstice in the southern hemisphere due to the seasonal differences.

“Winter Solstice has been celebrated in cultures the world over for thousands of years. This start of the solar year is a celebration of Light and the rebirth of the Sun. In old Europe, it was known as Yule, from the Norse, Jul, meaning wheel. Today, many people in Western-based cultures refer to this holiday as “Christmas.” Yet a look into its origins of Christmas reveals its Pagan roots. Emperor Aurelian established December 25 as the birthday of the “Invincible Sun” in the third century as part of the Roman Winter Solstice celebrations. Shortly thereafter, in 273, the Christian church selected this day to represent the birthday of Jesus, and by 336, this Roman solar feast day was Christianized. January 6, celebrated as Epiphany in Christendom and linked with the visit of the Magi, was originally an Egyptian date for the Winter Solstice.

Events and Holidays of the Wiccan Year

The Wiccan Wheel of the Year

Simple Solitary Sabbats by Asiya

Suggestions on how to celebrate the Wiccan Sabbats simply as a solitary. Especially useful for teenagers and people with roommates.

Lunar Phases

The lunar phase is important in determining the best time for magick. There are basically two lunar phases: waxing moon (ideal time for positive magick) and waning moon (ideal time for banishing/negative magick, study, and meditation).

In between you'll have the dark moon (the time of greatest power for banishing and negative magick) and the full moon (the time of greatest power for positive magick).

Each month of the year has special energies, associations and correspondences that can support and further enhance your magick.

Even astrological zodiac signs have specific energies that can help with your magick work.

And let's not forget the fae - they have favorite moons too !

Imbolc by Asiya

Imbolc Ritual Celebrated February 2.

Imbolc is also known as Candlemas, Imbolg, Brigit's Day, Feast of Brighid, Lupercus, The Festival of Lights, and the Feast of the Virgin.

Imbolc is the festival of the lactating sheep. It is derived from the Gaelic word "oimelc" which means "ewes milk". Herd animals have either given birth to the first offspring of the year or their wombs are swollen and the milk of life is flowing into their teats and udders. It is the time of Blessing of the seeds and consecration of agricultural tools. It marks the center point of the dark half of the year. It is the festival of the Maiden, for from this day to March 21, it is her season to prepare for growth and renewal. Brighid's snake emerges from the womb of the Earth Mother to test the weather, (the origin of Groundhog Day), and in many places the first Crocus flowers began to spring forth from the frozen earth.

Imbolc Lore

by StormWing

Imbolc (pronounced "IM-bulk", "IM mol'g" or "EM-bowl/k") is one of the Greater Wiccan Sabbats and is usually celebrated on February 2nd. In the Celtic tradition it is celebrated on February 1st or the first Full Moon in Aquarius. Other names Imbolc are known by include Imbolg, Imbolic (Celtic), Imbolgc Brigantia (Caledonii Tradition, or the Druids), Candlelaria (Mexican Craft), Disting (Teutonic Tradition - celebrated on February 14th) Candlemas (some Pagan Traditions and/or individuals prefer this name), the Feast of Candlemas and St. Bridget's Day (Christian), Oimelc, Brigid's Day, Lupercus (Strega), the Feast of Lights, the Feast of the Virgin, the Snowdrop Festival, or the Festival of Lights. The name "Imbolc" or "Oimelc", which is derived from Gaelic, means "ewe's milk" after the lactating sheep that are feeding their first born lambs of the new season at this time of year.

Ostara by Asiya

Celebrated on the Spring Equinox, around March 21 each year.

Ostara is also known as the Spring Equinox, the Vernal Equinox, Lady Day, Eostara, Easter, Alban Eiber, and Bacchanalia.

Ostara is a festival of fertility and growth. Ostara occurs on the Spring Equinox, the first day of Spring. On this day, darkness and light are in balance. From this day onward, day will dominate the night and the Earth will explode with life. Ostara is a celebration of this renewal and rebirth of nature and warming of the Earth. As mirrors of the world around us, this is an ideal time to put plans into action for growth in our own lives, to actively encourage change.

The name for this Sabbat is derived from the Teutonic lunar Goddess Eostre. Her chief symbols were the rabbit (for fertility, and her worshippers often saw the image of a rabbit in the full moon), and the egg (representing the cosmic egg of creation). This is where the customs of "Easter Eggs" and the "Easter Bunny" originated.

And the Spring arose on the garden fair,
Like the spirit of Love felt everywhere
And each wild flower and herb on Earth’s dark breast
Rose from the dreams of its wintry rest.
The snowdrop and then the violet
Arose from the ground with the warm rain wet
And their breath was mixed with sweet odour sent
From the turf, like the voice and the instrument.
Percy Bysshe Shelley

We are the Weavers,

We are the woven ones;

We are the dreamers,

We are the dream;

We are spiraling into the center,

The center of the wheel...

Beltane by Asiya

Beltane Ritual Celebrated May 1st.

Beltane is also known as May Day, Walpurgisnacht, and Roodmas.

Beltane was a time of fertility and unbridled merrymaking, when young and old would spend the night making love in the Greenwood. Older married couples were allowed to remove their wedding rings (and the restrictions they imply) for this one night. Women traditionally would braid flowers into their hair. Men and women alike would decorate their bodies. They would process back home, stopping at each house to leave flowers, and enjoy the best of food and drink that the home had to offer. In every village, the maypole, usually a birch or ash pole, was raised, and dancing and feasting began. Many communities elected a virgin as their "May Queen" to lead marches or songs.

Beltane Modern Style

The season of Beltane begins on the first day of May and continues through the middle of June in the Northern Hemisphere (October through December in the Southern Hemisphere) marking the cross-quarter or midpoint in the Sun's progress between Ostara (Spring Equinox) and Midsummer (Summer Solstice).

Joining and Growth

The beginning of May signals the start of warmer weather and the greening of the planet. Much of the focus of Beltane has to do with planting, growing and the fertility of the soil, animals and people. The traditional "May Pole" has its origins in these ancient customs. The pole itself is a fertility phallus while its ribbons of two or more colors symbolize the joining of two disparate elements to become a third.

A Time of No Time - Beltane!

Around the medicine wheel of life we go, from season to season (solstice to equinox), the cardinal points and their mid-points speak the ancient cycles of time. It is so important to acknowledge, honour and celebrate nature’s auspicious times. If we are to restore spiritual order and harmony to our Earth, if we are to return to a balanced ecosystem, then we must keep the ancient earth holidays in some way. Why do you think the indigenous cultures of our world place so much emphasis on their sacred holidays and celebrations? These are the times of heartfelt reverence and traditional worship!

Remember Samhain? October 31st, when the veils are very thin and one can easily reach into the spiritual world of the ancestors through remembrance, offerings and ritual.

Samhain is about honoring Death, mentally and spiritually preparing oneself for the oncoming harsh Winter months when the Earth is under her death spell. Beltane, May 1st, on the other hand, is when the veils are extremely thin again and we are honouring Life.

Litha - The Midsummer Solstice

The Litha festival is one of the lesser Sabbats of the Witches annual calendar and the day (in the northern hemisphere) is normally celebrated on the 21st of June, this however can vary from the 20th to the 23rd of June depending upon the Earth’s rotation around the Sun. The festival of Litha celebrates the arrival of summer when the hours of daylight are their longest and nights at their shortest. Litha is also known as: Alban Hefin, Alben Heruin, All-couples day, Feill- Sheathain, Feast of Epona, Gathering Day, Johannistag, St. John’s Day, Sonnwend, Thing-Tide, Vestalia, Whitsuntide or Whit Sunday.

Litha by Asiya

Litha Ritual Celebrated on the Summer Solstice, around June 21st each year.

Litha is also known as Midsummer, Midsummer's Eve, St. John's Eve, and Alban Hefin.

Correspondences

Symbolism: Honoring the God at His peak, honoring the pregnant Goddess

Symbols: Spear, cauldron, St. John's Wort, Sun images, faerie images, fire

Foods: Fresh fruits and vegetables, pumpernickel bread, ale, mead

Plants & herbs: Mugwort, chamomile, rose, ivy, wild thyme, lavender, orchid, yarrow, oak, vervain, St. John's Wort

Litha (Midsummer) Modern Style

The season of Midsummer (also called "Litha") begins on or about June 21st in the Northern Hemisphere (around December 21st in the Southern Hemisphere) marking the longest day of the year, or Summer Solstice.

From this point forward, the amount of daylight will continue to lessen as the Earth begins it journey into the Autumn and Winter seasons.

The evening prior to the summer solstice, or Midsummer's Eve, some plants were believed to acquire special healing powers. In any case, it is true that most of the Earth's flora and fauna are in their prime at this time of the year, and the air is filled with energy, excitement and the sounds of the wild.

Lammas by Asiya

Lammas Ritual Celebrated August 1st.

Lammas is also known as Lughnasadh, Lammastide, and First Harvest Festival.

Lammas marks the middle of summer and beginning of the harvest season. Lammas is considered a time of thanksgiving and is the first of the three Pagan harvest festivals. The Sun's strength begins to wane and the plants of spring begin to wither and drop their fruits or seeds for our use as well as to ensure future crops. At this time, we become conscious of the sacrifice the Sun God is preparing to make. We experience a sense of abundance at the same time we begin to feel an urgency to prepare for the death of winter. First grains and fruits of the Earth are cut and stored for the dark winter months.

Lammas Modern Style

The season of Lammas (also called Lughnasadh) begins on August 1st and continues until the end of September in the Northern Hemisphere (Feb 1st until the end of March in the Southern Hemisphere) marking the cross-quarter or midpoint in the Sun's progress between Midsummer (Summer Solstice) and Mabon (Autumnal Equinox).

A Time of Thanksgiving

Lammas marks the point in the growing season of many crops (particularly grains such as wheat, barley and corn) when the first harvest may take place. As a sign of gratitude for these first fruits and hope for a bounty in the remaining season, the very best of this first harvest are set aside as a sacrifice.

Lammas by The Hedgewitch

Although in the heat of a Mid-western summer it might be difficult to discern, the festival of Lammas (August 1st) marks the end of summer and the beginning of fall. The days now grow visibly shorter and by the time we've reached autumns end (October 31st), we will have run the gamut of temperature from the heat of August to the cold of October.

"Lammas" was the medieval Christian name for the holiday and it means "loaf-mass", for this was the day on which the loaves of bread were baked from the first grain harvest and laid on the church altars as offerings. It was a day representative of 'first fruits' and early harvest.

Mabon by Asiya

Mabon Ritual Celebrated on the Autumn Equinox, around September 21 each year.

Mabon is also known as Second Harvest Festival, Festival of Dionysus, Wine Harvest, Alban Elfed, Cornucopia, Mea'n Fo'mhair, and Feast of Avalon.

Correspondences

Symbolism: second harvest, balance, giving thanks to the Gods, the aging of the deities

Mabon Modern Style

The Mabon season begins somewhere around the 22nd of September and continues until the end of October in the Northern Hemisphere (March 18-22 until the beginning of May in the Southern Hemisphere) marking the Autumnal Equinox.

Season of Preparation and Gratitude

Mabon marks the decline of the growing season and the gathering of the final crops of the year. It is a time of deep reflection and thankfulness for the bounty of the past season. It is also a time to recognize the need to share the bounty with everyone in preparation for the cold, dark winter season that lies ahead.

The fall or autumnal equinox marks equal hours of light and darkness, but particularly it is a time for appreciating and giving thanks for the fruits of our gardens and labors in life - at home, school or work.

Here is a plan for an equinox celebration for a group of people to hold outdoors - at the beach, park, in the mountains, or another space big enough wherever you live.

Samhain - Halloween

Samhain is one of the greater Sabbats of the Witches’ calendar and in the Northern Hemisphere is celebrated on the night of 31st October (in the Southern Hemisphere the equivalent Sabbat is Beltane 30th April). Samhain is the third and last of three autumnal harvests, the first was at Lammas (1st August), when in tribute to the waning Sun, the “Corn King” was sacrificed and his spirit returned to the ground for its period of rest. The second harvest was at Mabon (22nd September), when as the Sun grew weaker; the “Lord of the Harvest” was sacrificed and waits to be reborn in the New Year of the Goddess.

Samhain by Asiya

Samhain Ritual Celebrated October 31st.

Samhain is also known as Halloween, All Hallow's Eve, Hallowmas, Day of the Dead, Third Harvest, Hallowstide, and Celtic New Year.

Samhain is the best-loved Sabbat of many Pagans. The dark half of the year commences on this night. It is the Witches' New Year's Eve, as well as the third and final harvest festival in the Wheel of the Year.

Traditionally, Samhain is the meat harvest. This was the time when cattle and other livestock were slaughtered for eating in the ensuing winter months.

Samhain was the last hurrah before winter's arrival. An unusually bitter winter or late-arriving spring would endanger our ancestors' survival, and they had no way to predict the temperament of the season. They had to rely on the rebirth of nature, and their myths and stories reflect this period of insecurity and worry. The hope and promise of reincarnation (of themselves as well as nature) was a salve in this time of physical uncertainty.

Samhain Lore

by StormWing

The symbolism of this Sabbat is that of The Third (and final) Harvest, it marks the end of Summer, the beginning of Winter. It is a time marked by death when the Dead are honored - a time to celebrate and "study" the Dark Mysteries. "Samhain" means "End of Summer". Its historical origin is The Feast of the Dead in Celtic lands. It is believed that on this night, the veil Between the Worlds is at its thinnest point, making this an excellent time to communicate with the Other Side.

Samhain Modern Style

The Samhain is a high holiday generally celebrated on the last weekend of October in the Northern Hemisphere (May 1st in the Southern Hemisphere). The word "Samhain" (pronounced "SOW-inn" by most) is derived from old an Gaelic term that means the end of summer.

Return to the Earth

Samhain is opposite Beltane on the Wheel of the Year, and predictably celebrates an inverse set of attributes. Where Beltane focuses on new bright sun, warmth, new life and growth, Samhain is a time for reflection on darker, colder days ahead, harvest and the end of life. This is not, however a time of sadness. Instead, it is more of an appreciation for those who have already passed on from this earthly plane and into the other world of the unknown. In the bright light of our world, the other world is heavily shielded from our perception. On Samhain, the veil between our two worlds is very thin, so some things may pass from one side to the other.

Blessed Samhain

Samhain marks one of the two great doorways of the year, for the year is divided into two seasons: the light and the dark, at Beltane on May 1st and Samhain on November 1st. Some believe that Samhain was the more important festival, marking the beginning of a whole new cycle. The most magically potent time of this festival is November Eve, the night of October 31st, known today of course, as Halloween.

Samhain literally means “summer's end. Throughout the centuries, pagan and Christian beliefs intertwine in a gallimaufry of celebrations from Oct. 31st through November 5th, all of which appear both to challenge the ascendancy of the dark and to revel in its mystery.

November 16 - The Night of Hecate

November 16 is the Night of Hecate which begins at sunset. This is the night of the Three-formed Goddess. Hecate is part of the most ancient form of the triple Moon goddess as Crone or Dark Moon. This is also the night of Hecate’s supper at the Crossroads. People who worshiped Hecate honoured Her by performing Sympathetic Magick and holding a supper at what they believed to be the Crossroads.

Yule The Winter Solstice

• Yule, or the Winter Solstice is one of the lesser Sabbats of the Witches calendar, and this year in the northern hemisphere is celebrated on the 21st of December.  Yule is a celebration marking the death and rebirth of the Sun in Midwinter, and is the second of two annual solstices dividing the year (the first being Litha, which celebrates the Sun at its peak in Midsummer).

Yule by Asiya

Yule Ritual Celebrated on the Winter Solstice, around December 21 each year.

One of the four minor Sabbats, Yule celebrates the rebirth of the Sun, the Sun God, and honors the Horned God. Yule is the longest night of the year, when balance is suspended and then gives way to the coming light. It is a time to look on the past year's achievements and to celebrate with family and friends. In ancient times, the Winter Solstice corresponded with the Roman Saturnalia (Dec. 17-24), pagan fertility rites, and various rites of Sun worship. This day is the official first day of winter. The Goddess gives birth to the Sun Child and hope for new light is born. The origins of most of the Christian Christmas traditions come from the Pagan Yule celebration, such as the Christmas tree, the colors red and green and gift giving. Yule is also known as the Winter Solstice, Midwinter, Alban Arthan, Finn's Day, Festival of Sol, Yuletide, Great Day of the Cauldron, and Festival of Growth.

Yule

by StormWing

The Winter Solstice or Yule is one of the Lesser Wiccan Sabbats, and it is also the shortest day of the year, and hence - the longest night. This usually takes place on December 20th or 21st, although it does sometimes occur on the 22nd or 23rd (check your calendar as it changes from year to year). Other than the most common name of Yule, various other names for the Winter Solstice include Midwinter, Yuletide (the Teutonic version), Alban Arthan (Caledonii Tradition, or the Druids), Feill Fionnain (Pecti-Wita Tradition, which falls on December 22nd). Yuletide lasts from December 20th through December 31st. It begins on "Mother Night" and ends twelve days later, on "Yule Night", hence the "Twelve Days of Christmas" tradition. Alban Arthan, unlike all the others, is not considered a fire festival.

Yule

Yule is a solar festival and one of the Minor Sabbats. This is when the Goddess gives birth to the God. The Sun represents the God reborn. The ancient Pagans had rituals to hasten the end of winter and bring in the spring when nature’s bounty would, again, prevail. The day is a reminder that death isn’t final; there will be rebirth.

Yule, (pronounced EWE-elle) is when the dark half of the year relinquishes to the light half. Starting the next morning at sunrise, the sun climbs just a little higher and stays a little longer in the sky each day. Known as Solstice Night, or the longest night of the year, much celebration was to be had as the ancestors awaited the rebirth of the Oak King, the Sun King, and the Giver of Life that warmed the frozen Earth and made her to bear forth from seeds protected through the fall and winter in her womb. Bonfires were lit in the fields, and crops and trees were "wassailed" with toasts of spiced cider.

Gizmos and Gear for the Modern Witch

Setting up an altar, replete with special tools and meaningful items can set the stage for the practice of many rituals, spells and magick. There are so many accessories available to the Modern Witch today, creating sacred space can be an enjoyable and uniquely personal process.

Basic Tools of the Craft

As with most other religions, tools are used in witchcraft to aid and enhance ritual worship. Tools have no power in themselves, though they do have powerful symbolic significances. Some like the Wand and Athame (pronounced ath-ay-me) are used to invoke and direct whatever power we generate or pass through them.

While tools are not absolutely necessary to the practice of the craft, some tools are nice to have if only to focus our will and concentration. The basic tools to start with are the elemental tools or those tools which represent the four elements of life: The Pentacle for Earth, The Wand for Air, The Athame for Fire and The Chalice for Water.

The Pentagram/Pentacle

The Pentagram and Pentacle are commonly the most famous symbols of Witchcraft, and are symbolic of the power of Spirit as the overriding power controlling elements.  As the cross is to Christianity and the six-pointed star to Judaism, so the pentagram is a symbol of the magickal craft of Witchcraft.

The Pentagram is an image of an up-right five-pointed star (single point on top) drawn inside a circle with a single continuous line making the five points equally spaced.  To a witch or magician the pentagram image is symbolic of the mysteries of creation.  As such for use in rites and rituals,  the image is commonly drawn, etched, carved or inscribed onto a round disc called a Pentacle.  A pentacle can be made from a variety of materials such as:  wood, clay, copper, brass, silver or gold, and is placed centrally on the altar as a focus of attention.  Magically they are used in rites and rituals for consecration, evocation, transformation and banishment.

(Originally Published at Imbolc 1997)

The Willow is the tree most associated with the moon, water, the Goddess and all that is feminine. It is the tree of dreaming, intuition and deep emotions. Symbolically it belongs to the beginning of spring, when all of life is stirring in the depths and begins to shoot outwards once again. In the ogham alphabet, the willow is Saille which became anglicised to "sally" which means a sudden outburst of emotions, action or expression (to "sally forth"). The Old French "saille" also means to rush out suddenly and the Latin "salire" means to leap. This is the underlying energy of the willow, and the key to understanding the powerful spirit of this beautiful tree.

Pendulum Magick

Using a pendulum is a form of dousing and has been used as a divination tool for millennia. The ancient Romans used pendulum divination as described by the Roman historian Ammianus Marcellinus. Nostradamus is said to have used the following Roman method: A bowl was used made of a composite of many metals, or electrum, an alloy of gold and silver. A ring was attached by thread to a wand. The ring was probably a band of electrum with occult characters engraved upon it. The twenty-four letters of the Greek alphabet was engraved into the flange of the basin. A laurel branch tripod probably supported the bowl. (Laurel was the substance specified by the Enochian angels for the scrying table of John Dee.)

Elemental Cauldrons

Ways to use a cauldron for Wiccan magick, Sabbat celebrations, and to attune to the energies of the four magical elements, Fire, Water, Air, and Earth.

The cauldron represents, among other things, the "fifth" element Spirit, and symbolizes inspiration, rebirth, illumination, and rejuvenation.

Elemental cauldrons can be used many ways. Use a Fire cauldron with salt petter to cast a circle. Use the mists of an Air cauldron for an initiation. Burn away hate, prejudice, and negative self-images, with a Water cauldron. The Earth cauldron is ideal for indoor Beltane rites.

You can use elemental cauldrons to decorate the center of the circle during Lesser Sabbats. An air cauldron at a Spring rite creates a misty, magical quality for the ceremony. In Summer, the cauldron will flash and spark. A blue flame burns mysteriously within the Water cauldron during the Autumn festival. Throughout Yule, the Earth cauldron burns steadfast and constant. During Moon rites, when magick is done, write down the purpose of the working on paper and toss it into the burning cauldron while chanting.

Stone and Gem Magick

Since the first time man struck two stones together causing sparks to create fire (a magickal act to primitive man), stones have been viewed as possessing magickal powers and influences. In times of old stones were carried as talismans when traveling or going on journeys; they were believed to hold a connective source of power back to the homeland. This tradition eventually evolved into the wearing of amulets and rings decorated with stones and gems.

Stones have a long association with witchcraft being used by witches for many magickal purposes. Stones, gems and crystals contain their own unique powers and energies that can be used to influence differing occult functions. Many contain healing properties; some are used for protection and to ward off evil, while others are used for divination and spiritual communication.

Benefits of Gemstone Spheres in Your Wiccan Supplies

Using gemstone spheres and adding them to your wiccan supplies can be incredibly beneficial for many reasons.

Gemstones in general have many different healing, protection, attraction, and purification based properties that by themselves can be quite potent. When added to your rituals and spells these effects can be two fold.

The benefit of gemstone spheres however are that they are good sized orbs and the energy concentrated within them is amplified. Being circular, gemstone spheres also make excellent tools for diving and divination purposes which will be discussed below.

Creating Your Own Book of Shadows

History

As with all spiritual texts, there is large debate about where and how a book of shadows came into use. Some say they were prevalent during the Middle Ages, written only in Runic alphabets to hide their magickal meanings. Some say the witches during the Middle Ages were illiterate and the books of shadow did not come into practice until the 14th or 15th centuries. Even then, Runic alphabets were used to protect the owner from persecution and death if it were found by a witch hunter.

How to Use a Crystal Ball

Step 1. Preparation

Most people find crystal ball gazing is easiest in a quiet, dimly lit room. Many people like to have candles burning. For some the reflections of the flames help to summon images - others find them a distraction. Burning incense is common and some people like to have soothing music playing gently in the background. The important thing to remember is that you are creating an atmosphere.

How to Use a Scrying Mirror

The scrying mirror, or magick mirror, is a powerful psychic tool. It can bring the user hidden knowledge and clairvoyant ability and can act as a portal to other planes of existence. History shows its use in many of the traditional mystery schools and oracular temples. Today the serious student of magickal arts can rediscover the ancient rites of the magick mirror, for these techniques are again coming to light.

How to Use a Pendulum

Pendulums are one of the easiest and quickest ways to perform divination. Pendulums have been used for centuries as means to divine the future and to find out answers to pressing questions that people would like to have answers for.

Even though pendulums are easy to use in a sense, there is much more to diving through pendulums then meets the eye. In order to perform a pendulum reading properly, steps should be taken and considered before you begin to ask your questions to the pendulum.

This article will explain all the necessary steps, measures, and routines that should be used before you begin to divine with your pendulum.

How to Inscribe & Anoint Your Ritual Candles

This will explain how to charge and anoint plain candles that are not already anointed or charged. The importance of charging and anointing your candles before you use them for spells and rituals cannot be overlooked.

If you wish for your rituals and spells to work to full effect, charging and anointing a candle with a particular oil, or inscribing symbols and words on them, will make the candle and its purpose all that more potent.

For example, if you are performing a love spell or attraction spell to try and find love or to strengthen love you already have, you would use a pink colored candle (pink represents love) and then inscribed love based symbols. After inscribing, you would then anoint that candle with a love based or attraction based oil.

How to Make a Brigid's Cross

The Brigid's cross is a traditional craft made at Imbolc and Candlemas by Pagans and Christians alike. Named for the Celtic goddess and the Catholic saint, it is hung in the home for protection or given as an offering to the goddess. Others keep the cross hung up all year round for protection and as part of their devotion to Brigid.

Making a Besom

Many Witches use their own personal Besom, or Magickal Broom as a part of their rituals. Some Besoms are structurally different in shape from the flat ones sold today, being round on the end and having a smaller sweeping surface. They can, however, be fashioned flat or however you personally desire. These Magickal Brooms are commonly used for cleansing and purifying Sacred Space, but can be used for many other things... such as using one in place of a Wand, Athame, or finger to project your personal energy when casting your Circle.

Here is a simple way to create your own, quoted from one of Edain McCoy's wonderful books:

How To Make Incense

Incense in wicca, paganism, witchcraft, and the occult is extremely popular for good reason. The smoke from incense can infuse with your own energies while you are working rituals and spells enhancing the effects and potency. The scent from incense also can lure one into a deeper meditative state because depending on the ingredients used to make incense, they have the ability to deeply relax the mind and body allowing for a more pleasurable and intense meditative state.

Creativity Witches' Bottle

Make a Witches' Bottle to aid in creativeness and inspiration.

Spring Prosperity Spell for the Month of March

Because it is the waxing part of the year, at a time when fertile energies abound, the Spring Equinox is a prime time to cast prosperity spells. There's no coincidence that prosperity is related to the fertility of the earth, considering how dependent upon the land our ancestors were for their very survival. Just as they were dependent on a bounteous harvest or thriving herd for their livelihood, so are we dependent on the growth of our businesses, salary and investments.

“Tis the witching hour of night, Orbed is the moon and bright, And the stars they glisten, glisten, Seeming with bright eyes to listen For what listen they?” John Keats

The singular popularity of the Harry Potter books and movies has magically transformed the occult into an international obsession. Don’t you think there is a little of the witch or wizard in all of us? It would be helpful to have the option to throw a love spell on that great looking hunk or babe you covet. Would you like to recapture “the one” who got away? I can certainly identify with that goal. I am researching my own little “come back to me hunk” spell as we speak. Perhaps, he won’t object to being turned into a slimy snail. He will be my hunk or someone’s snail, it is his choice to make. However, as a psychotherapist, I support freedom of choice and will fight for it with the very last ounce of strength in my body. However, there are limits.

Ostara, otherwise known as the Vernal Equinox, marks the date when day overcomes night. Plants re-emerge from the earth, the air is filled with birdsong, and animals mate and bear young. Humans feel an overpowering urge to build now, to plant and to fall in love. This powerful time is when winter dreams need to be acted upon. The most potent talisman we have this time of the year is the egg, symbol of rebirth, new beginnings, and growth.

Garlic: The Kitchen Witches Best Friend

One of the most versatile tools of any magical person is garlic. Often called the “wonder drug” by herbalists, it serves a variety of medicinal as well as magical functions.

Lammas is time to harvest and preserve the herbs I’ve been growing since early spring. Keep in mind that Lammas is the first of three harvests and many if not all your herbs still have a way to go, be they annuals or perennials. So here are some tips and suggestions to help you with the process.

Many of us think of using evergreens only as part of Yule and Christmas celebrations, but their magical uses extend well beyond the Yule season. Here are some ways to use pine to enhance your magic year-round:

Annual Blessing Of the Sacred Hearth at Imbolc

Blessed Brigid

The Twin Kings

The Oak and the Holly

’Twas the Evening of Samhain

by Cather Steincamp

	’Twas the evening of Samhain, and all through the place Were Pagans preparing the ritual space. The candles were set in the corners with care, In hopes that the Watchtowers soon would be there. We all had our robes on, as is habitual And had just settled down and were starting our ritual When out on the porch there arose such a chorus That we went to the door, and waiting there for us Were children in costumes of various kinds With visions of chocolate bright in their minds.
	~ In all of our workings, we’d almost forgot, But we had purchased candy, we’d purchased a LOT And so, as they flocked from all over the street, They all got some chocolate or something else sweet. We didn’t think twice of delaying our rite, Kids just don’t have this much fun every night. For hours they came, with the time-honored schtick, Of giving a choice: a treat or a trick. As is proper, the parents were there for the games, Watching the children and calling their names. "On Vader, On Leia, On Dexter and DeeDee, On Xena, on Buffy, On Casper and Tweety! To the block of apartments on the neighboring road You’ll get so much candy, you’ll have to be towed!"
	~ The volume of children eventually dropped, And as it grew darker, it finally stopped. But as we prepared to return to our rite, One child more stepped out of the night. She couldn’t have been more than twelve or thirteen. Her hair was deep red, and her robe, forest green With a simple gold cord tying off at the waist. She’d a staff in her hand and a smile on her face. No make-up, nor mask, or accompanying kitsch, So we asked who she was; she replied, "A Witch! And no, I don’t fly through the sky on my broom, I only use that thing for cleaning my room. My magical powers aren’t really that neat, And I won’t threaten tricks; I’ll just ask for a treat."
	~ We found it refreshing, so we gave incense cones, A candle, a crystal, a few other stones, And the rest of the candy which might fill a van She turned to her father, a man dressed as Pan And laughed, "Yes, I know, Dad, it’s past time for bed," And started to leave, but she first turned and said, "I’m sorry for further delaying your rite. Blessed Samhain to all, and a magical night."

Sabbat Rituals by Crone

Handfasting Ritual by Crone

Set-up is more complex than for a solitary ritual with a small alter at each direction, one in the center, and a larger alter between any two of the directions.

The main altar should be covered in a white altar cloth and have flowers, goddess and god statues, wand, athame, chalice of water or wine (depending on couple’s preference), plate with a bit of bread, a basket of flower petals or small flowers, and a bowl. Lighted candles are optional.