Wishing Spell

On the night of a new moon, write your wish on a bay leaf. Simply take the bay leaf outside and look at the moon, then kiss the leaf three times and sleep with it under your pillow.

Since the bay tree is governed by the sun and ruled by Leo, this charm is particularly potent when the sun is in Leo, between July 23 and August 22.

From: The Good Spell Book

... many more spells can be found on my new website, Gypsy Magick and Lore

Acacia Incense For Psychic Power

The acacia tree has been associated with the sacred since the proverbial time immemorial, from the myth of Osiris to the Ark of the Covenant. Burn it as incense to stimulate and enhance psychic ability as well as to provide contact with the sacred....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Magickal Apothecary, and can be found in its entirety here: Acacia Incense for Psychic Power

Guardian of the Dead Spell

Osiris, Lord of the Dead, presides over the Western Lands, the ancient Egyptian after-life. He may be petitioned to guard the soul of a loved one. Burn frankincense and gum arabica in Osiris's honor; light black and green candles...

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Book of Shadows, and can be found in its entirety here: Guardian of the Dead Spell

The Magickal Properties of Water

Water magic is very versatile; it incorporates techniques that bring about changes both within and without. For water magic to occur within, one must consume the water or call upon that aspect of the self. For it to occur without, one must bathe in it, swim in it, cleanse with it, etc.

The magical properties of particular types of water can be used for the following purposes:

• Creeks and streams: Purification, harmony, cleansing
• Dew: General health, eyesight, beauty. Dew is said to be especially powerful if gathered at dawn on Beltane....

I am so sorry, but this post has been moved to my new website, Magickal Ingredients, and can be found in its entirety here: The Magick of Water

The Furrinalia

On this date (July 25) in ancient Rome, the annual Furinalia (also spelled Furrinalia) took place in honor of the Goddess of springs, Furrina. This was the time when a drought might begin to "bite," and the value of springs is appreciated....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to The Pagan Calendar, and can be found in its entirety here: The Furinalia

Sign of the Sunflower

"I will brighten your darkness."

If you were born between July 23 and August 21, you were born under the sign of the Sunflower. Sunflower signs are warm, open, and natural leaders. You rise to any occasion with confidence and assurance – you have no doubt that you are the perfect person for any challenge...

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Sigils Symbols and Signs, and can be found in its entirety here: Sign of the Sunflower

Sun In Leo

The Sun is in Leo from approximately July 21 to August 20, depending on the year.

• Ruler: The Sun
• Modality: Fixed
• Season: Summer
• Metal: Gold
• Stone: Ruby
• Color: Orange, Gold
• Flowers: Gladiolas, Orchid, Sunflower, Lavender
• Anatomy: The heart.
• Attributes: magnanimous, generous, hospitable, caring, warm, authoritative, active, open

There's an unmistakably regal air to Solar Leos. These are dignified—even noble—folk. Leos have a reputation for being conceited, but think again. Leos do feel important, but this generally takes the form of wanting to change the world in some way—to make the world a better place. They are generally motivated by affection for people, and often have big dreams and plans to make people happy....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been combined with another and moved to my new website, The Pagan Calendar, it can be found here: Leo Begins

Drawing Down the Moon

Drawing Down the Moon refers to ritually connecting with the power and wisdom of a Full Moon divinity. In some Wiccan traditions, this is done by the priest of a group calling the Moon Goddess into the priestess in order for her to become the living embodiment of the deity during the ritual. However, there also are other types of Drawing Down the Moon rituals....

... I am so sorry to do this, but this post has been moved to my new website, Book of Shadows, and can be found in its entirety here: Drawing Down The Moon

Look!

Look -

The moon thumbs through night's book.

Finds a lake where nothing is printed.

Draws a straight line...

I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Widdershins, hosted at shirleytwofeathers.com, and can be found in its entirety here: Look!

Calling Upon Kwan Yin

Kwan Yin, (also spelled Kuan Yin or Quan Yin) the Buddhist Heart of Mercy and Queen of Compassion, is no forgotten deity but among the most popular on Earth today. She is a tireless, ever-vigilant protective guardian....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been combined with another, and moved to my new website, The Pagan Calendar, it can be found here: Happy Birthday Quan Yin

Blessing Ritual of Kwan Yin

Kwan Yin (also spelled Kuan Yin or Quan Yin) is the Goddess of Mercy.
Here is a simple ritual to invoke her blessings:

• Set up your altar with a picture of Kwan Yin and either a stick or a cone of lotus incense.
• Bow 3 times to Kwan Yin
• Offer one or more glasses of water which Kwan Yin will bless....

...I am so sorry, but this post has been moved to my new website, Book of Shadows, and can be found in its entirety here: Blessing Ritual of Kwan Yin

Kuan Yin Mantra

Mantra: "Namo Kuan Shi Yin Pusa"

Translation: I hail to the Bodhisattva who listens (with mercy) the voice of the world.

Source: YouTube

The Powers of Kuan Yin

World-Honored One!

May I ask once more

The reason that this holy Bodhisat

Is named as Kuan Yin?

The World-Honored One replied

By uttering this song:

She responds well to all places in all directions!.

The echoes of her holy deeds

Resound throughout the world.

Her broad vows as deep as the ocean.

When, after countless aeons...

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Widdershins, and can be found in its entirety here: The Powers of Kuan Yin

Kwan Yin

The Goddess of Mercy

She Who Hears the Cries of the World

Also known as: Guan Yin, Kuan Shih Yin, Phat Ba Quan Am, Sung-Tzu-Niang-Niang
Alternative spellings: Quan Yin, Guan Yin, Kuan Yin,

Kwan Yin is the very essence of mercy and compassion; among the most beloved and well known of all spirits. Technically, Kwan Yin is considered a Bodhisattva, venerated as such throughout the Buddhist world but she also possesses the stature of a goddess and many consider her to be one, not just modern Western goddess devotees but also in East Asian folk religion....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, The Powers That Be, and can be found in its entirety here: Kwan Yin

Bad Luck Begone Powder

This botanical powder makes no promises about bringing good fortune but allegedly counteracts bad luck and protects from its effects. Nine, seven, and five are numbers of protection - incorporate these numbers into the quantities of botanicals used.

Blend the following ingredients, grinding them together:

• Nine dried bay leaves crumbled
• Frankincense...

I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Magickal Apothecary, hosted at shirleytwofeathers.com, and can be found in its entirety here: Bad Luck Begone Powder

Bad Omens in Nebraska

The signs, omens, and portents in the following collection have been reported by inhabitants of Nebraska and most of them are beliefs or sayings commonly known in the central western region. Although the list must be far from complete, it is probably representative of the bulk of current (1933) superstitions of Nebraskans.

1. If a dog howls at night, it is a sign of the death of a friend.
2. If a dog sits and howls at the moon, it is a sign of death.
3. One death will be followed almost immediately by two more in the family or the neighborhood....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Sigils Symbols and Signs, and can be found in its entirety here: Bad Omens in Nebraska

Day of Bad Omens

According to the old Roman calendar - today is a day of bad omens. So, I thought it would be appropriate to post this excerpt from a little book called Signs Omens and Portents in Nebraska Folklore, published in 1933:

Signs of evil portent are among the most common of surviving folk beliefs in Nebraska. In number and currency they rival the popular omens concerned with weather and marriage and they are regarded with perhaps a greater degree of seriousness than signs of the latter type....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, The Pagan Calendar, and can be found in its entirety here: Day of Bad Omens

Welcoming The Dead

According to Japanese Buddhist belief, every summer at this time spirits of the dead return to visit their families. O-Bon is a Buddhist ceremony for welcoming back and appeasing the souls of our ancestors.

During the course of this festival, the souls of the dead are guided home, feted for several days, and then sent back to the spirit world.

The formal name of this festival is Ura-Bon. Depending on the region, the Bon Festival may be held one month later, during August 13th-15th....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, The Pagan Calendar, and can be found in its entirety here: Welcoming The Dead

A Healing Bone Broth

Bone broth is the most accessible “cure-all in traditional households and the magic ingredient in classic gourmet cuisine, stock or broth made from bones of chicken, fish and beef builds strong bones, assuages sore throats, nurtures the sick, puts vigor in the step and sparkle in love life–so say grandmothers, midwives and healers. For chefs, stock is the magic elixir for making soul-warming soups and matchless sauces....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Eating To Live, and can be found in its entirety here: A Healing Bone Broth

Healing Chant

Deep in my Bone

the Goddess is alive

Deep in my cells and blood

the Life Force is strong...

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Widdershins, and can be found in its entirety here: A Healing Chant

The Zulu Bone Casting Tradition

I found the following post while browsing the Magic Cafe Forums, and decided to share it here since I've been posting about bone divination. It's informative and thought provoking. Enjoy!

I'm a Sangoma Traditional Doctor, received my initiations and completed 'thwasa' in Swaziland under Zulu Elder and Master Sangoma PH Mntshali.


Diagnosis and divination with bones isn't something you're going to find a lot of written information about because the information is passed through ancestors and an oral, shamanic tradition.


A man by the name of David Cumes is a both a wonderful traditional healer and medical doctor, a past associate of mine and one of the other three Sangoma TDR's here in the States. He wrote a wonderful book about his thwasa and initiations in the Zulu Mystery Traditions titled, Africa in my Bones that's as good a resource as you're going to find regarding the Zulu bone casting tradition and this ancient practice....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Divination, and can be found in its entirety here: The Zulu Bone Casting Tradition

How To Clean Bones

Here's a nice little tutorial on how to clean bones you may have collected to use for making runes, dice, divination tools or for other magickal purposes.

Use a very sharp boning knife to remove the bones you need from the limb. Be sure to remove any excess cartilage or shreds of flesh. Always practice basic knife and kitchen safety....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Magickal Ingredients, and can be found in its entirety here: How To Clean Bones

Reading Possum Bones

This I have never seen done, only heard it described by an African-American woman born in Tennessee whose grandfather did it, circa 1945-50, when he was very old and she was young. She told me that he would only read the bones outdoors in the yard, sitting on the dirt and throwing them into a circle drawn in the dirt....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Divination, and can be found in its entirety here: Reading Possum Bones

Bone Divinations

In bone divination, bones of various sorts are ritually tossed onto a mat, an animal hide, or into a circle drawn in the dirt, and the resulting patterns interpreted.

Throwing the bones is an ancient practice traditional to many regions of the world, including Africa, Asia, and North America. The number and type of bones employed, as well as the inclusion of other small objects, such as pebbles, shells, and hard nuts, varies quite a bit from culture to culture....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Divination, and can be found in its entirety here: Throwing The Bones

Shagai - Throwing The Bones

Shagai refers to the astragalus of the ankle of a sheep or goat. The bones are collected and used for traditional games and fortunetelling throughout Central Asia, and games involving the ankle bones may also be referred to by the name of the bones. They may be painted bright colours.

Such bones have been used throughout history, and are thought to be the first forms of dice. In English language sources, shagai may be referred to as "ankle bones", and playing with shagai is sometimes called ankle bone shooting....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Divination, and can be found in its entirety here: Shagai - Throwing The Bones

Naadam Festival

Naadam is the most widely watched festival among Mongols, and is believed to have existed for centuries in one fashion or another. Naadam has its origin in the activities, such as military parades and sporting competitions such as archery, horse riding and wrestling, that followed the celebration of various occasions. Now it formally commemorates the 1921 revolution when Mongolia declared itself a free country....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to The Pagan Calendar and can be found in its entirety here: Naadam Festival

Day of Hel

The Anglo-Saxon and Norse Goddess of the Underworld is honored annually on the Day of Hel (July 10th) with prayers, the lighting of black candles, and offerings of rose petals.

• Also known as: Hella, Hela
• Origin: Norse
• Colors: Black and white
• Rune: Hagalaz
• Mount: Hel rides a black mare

Spirit allies: Hel's staff includes servants named "Delay" (male) and "Slowness" (female)...

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been divided up and moved to The Pagan Calendar and The Powers That Be. Those posts can be found here: Day of Hel and here: Hel - Goddess of the Underworld

Hela's Day

Colors: Black and White
Elements: Earth and Air
Altar: Upon black cloth to the right place four black candles, a skull, bones, a pot of earth, a pile of withered leaves, and a gravestone. Upon white cloth to the left place four white candles, incense, an ivory chalice of mead, a crystal sphere, and a bunch of dried roses. Veil the windows.
Offerings: Blood. Pain. Difficulty. Toil. An arduous task that will take all you have to give, and will benefit the generations yet to come.
Daily Meal: Meat stew and bread.

Invocation to Hela

Hail to Hel

Queen of Helheim

Wisest of Wights...

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been combined with another, and moved to The Pagan Calendar. It can be found here: Day of Hel

Holly Tree Lore

Each month of the Celtic Lunar calendar bears the name of a tree. Holly is the 8th Moon of the Celtic Year - (July 8 - Aug 4).

• Latin name: English Holly - ilex aquilfolium; American holly - ilex opaca.
• Celtic name: Tinne (pronounced: chihn' uh)
• Known as:  Tree of Sacrifice
• Folk or Common names: Holly, Aquifolius, Bat's Wings, Christ's Thorn, Holm Chaste, Hulm, Hulver Bush, Scarlet Oak, Kerm-Oak, Holy Tree.
• Meanings: Holly actually means "holy".
• Powers: Protection, Anti-Lightning, Luck, Dream Magick
• Ruling Planet: Mars and Saturn
• Element: Fire
• Stone: Ruby, Bloodstone
• Birds: Cardinal, Starling
• Color: Red
• Deity: Lugh, Tannus, Thor, Danu 
• Parts Used: Leaf, berry, wood.
• Other: The Holly is an evergreen tree.
• NOTE: Holly berries are poisonous!

The Holly tree (of which there are well over 150 species) can grow (albeit very slowly) to be as high as fifty feet and is native to most of Central and Southern Europe. Its white, star-shaped flowers bloom in the Spring and it bears shiny red berries in Autumn which last throughout the Winter season. The leaves of the Holly are shiny, dark green in color, elliptical in shape and have spiny points. In order to produce berries, both a male and a female tree are required. Only the female tree produces berries which, although lovely to look at, are poisonous....

... I am so sorry, but this post has been combined with another and moved to my new website, Magickal Ingredients. It can be found here: Holly Magick and Lore

Folk Medicine Cures - Holly

Here we have an extensive collection of old folk remedies using holly leaves, branches, and bark - to cure everything from Brights Disease to Whooping Cough. As with all old remedies and cures, some actually work, others are ineffective and harmless, while some are downright dangerous. So, use common sense and know what you're doing before trying any of these.

In General: I did notice that there was a fair amount of thrashing with holly branches to cure chilblains, arthritis, and rheumatism. A good holly thrashing was even said to induce a long life. Teas were routinely concocted from the leaves for fevers, colds, flu, and even measles. Some of these remedies use holly berries which is not recommended - see caution below.

CAUTION: The berries of the holly tree are poisonous to children. They are purgative and often cause nausea and vomiting.

Arthritis: Beat arthritis with a holly spray.

Bright's Disease: To cure Bright's disease, put into a half-gallon of apple brandy a handful of cherry bark, persimmon bark, red holly bark, and dogwood root, and drink the solution....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Folk Medicine Remedies and Cures, and can be found in its entirety here: Holly - A Cure All Herb

Folk Medicine Cures - Figs

Here we have an impressive collection of old folk remedies using figs - the fruit, juice, milk (sap), and/or leaves - to cure everything from diseases of the breast to open wounds. As with all old remedies and cures, some actually work really well, others are ineffective and harmless, while some are downright dangerous. So, use common sense before trying any of these.

In General: Fig milk (or sap) is so commonly prescribed for ringworm, skin irritations, warts, and insect bites, that I think it must have some healing effect although wikipedia warns that the sap of the fig's green parts is an irritant to human skin. Figs (made into syrups or decoctions) are universally popular when it comes to treating coughs, colds, and and upper respiratory problems. Figs also appear to have a soothing effect on the teeth and gums. Possibly it has a drawing effect, pulling out the infection thus reducing the inflammation.

Abscess: A poultice made of barley meal or flour boiled in vinegar and honey, and a few dry figs put in them, dissolved all hard imposthumes (a collection of pus or abscess). Onion and figs beaten together help to ripen and break... sores (abcesses).

Angina: Anthimus (5th century Greek physician) employed fig emulsion in cases of angina....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Folk Medicine Remedies and Cures, and can be found in its entirety here: Figs - A Cure For What Ails You

Fig Leaf Divination

Figs were considered by many to be the tree of life. This ancient method of reading fig leaves to determine the future of your life is known as sycomancy.

Write your question, scheme or proposal on a fresh fig leaf. Retain the leaf and observe it....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Divination, and can be found in its entirety here: Fig Leaf Divination

Tanabata Love Spell

On July 7, the Japanese observe Tanabata, a popular Japanese festival based upon a Chinese myth. This a festival that celebrates the annual reunion of Shokujo, the sky princess, and Kengya, a lowly cowherd. When Shokujo’s father discovered the love affair, he separated the two on either side of the great sky river, the Milky Way.

Once a year on the seventh day of the seventh month, a flock of sympathetic magpies form a living bridge over the Milky Way so the lovers can be reunited. Skogugo, the Weaver Star (Vega), joins the Cowherd Star (Altair) in the sky...

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to The Book of Shadows, and can be found in its entirety here: Tanabata Love Spell

Basil Water For Breastfeeding

Basil is believed to stimulate milk flow and an excellent source of carotene, niacin, thiamine and iron. It calms the nerves and initiates the let-down reflex. It aids digestion, reduces flatulence and increases appetite....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Folk Medicine Remedies and Cures, and can be found in its entirety here: Basil Water for Breastfeeding

Mother’s Milk Tea

• 1/2 cup nettle leaf, dried (a vitamin factory, high in calcium, iron, potassium, etc - strengthens and tones entire system)
• 1/2 cup red raspberry leaf, dried (nourishing tonic for the reproductive system, high in calcium)
• 1/4 cup alfalfa leaf, dried (a superlative restorative tonic, rebuilding vitality and boosting milk supply)...

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Folk Medicine Remedies and Cures, and can be found in its entirety here: Mother's Milk Tea

Earth Teach Me To Remember

Earth teach me stillness

as the grasses are stilled with light.

Earth teach me suffering

as old stones suffer with memory.

Earth teach me humility...

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Widdershins, and can be found in its entirety here: Earth Teach Me To Remember

Independence Day

Independence Day (July 4th) is the "birth" of the United States is celebrated by Pagans and non-Pagans alike. Many patriotic Witches honor and give thanks to Lady Liberty, and perform magickal spells and rituals for the benefit of the country....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, The Pagan Calendar, and can be found in its entirety here: Independence Day

Festival of Cerridwin

Today, July 3rd,  is the Festival of Cerridwin.

This festival honors "... the Welsh mother goddess, Cerridwin who embodies all lunar attributes and the energy of the harvest, specifically grains. In Celtic mythology, Cerridwin owned a cauldron of inexhaustible elixir that endowed creativity and knowledge." ...

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, The Pagan Calendar, and can be found in its entirety here: Festival of Cerridwin

Prayer to Cerridwen

What follows is a prayer to Cerridwen with the ancient chant incorporated therein:

O, Source of Wisdom, hear me speak.

Cauldron of plenty give forth your power.

Let your Wisdom bring nuturance to those of us who need you.

Ancient Chant of the Goddess Cerridwen

Enter the Shrine:

Step Forward

Look back

See the psychic power in your track....

... I am so sorry, but this post has been moved to my new website, Widdershins, and can be found in its entirety here: Prayer to Cerridwen

Ancient Chant to Cerridwen

The date of the invocation/chant to Cerridwen is unknown. Its origins date back to the Celtic centuries of Scotland. Chant the following invocation as often as desired to summon the power of Cerridwen into your body, soul, and spirit. Through this invocation, may your Being become Her living Temple of Witchcraft.

... I am so sorry but this post has been moved to my new website, Book of Shadows, and can be found in its entirety here: Ancient Chant to Cerridwen

Feast of Expectant Mothers

Today, July 2nd,  is the Feast of Expectant Mothers. A festival from ancient Rome, in which pregnant women gathered at temples throughout the city to receive blessings and honor goddesses associated with birth and fertility...

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, The Pagan Calendar, and can be found in its entirety here: The Feast of Expectant Mothers

Message in the Bottle Love Spell

This spell calls out to your long-lost love to come and find you. The idea of the message in the bottle is used to call for help from afar. You are summoning your love to come help complete your heart. The Lady of the Lake will bestow this message only upon the most worthy. Arthurian legend states the Lady of the Lake bestowed Excalibur upon the worthiest of men; think of your heart as Excalibur!

Ingredients

• piece of parchment paper
• red pen
• rose petals...

... I am so sorry, but this post has been moved to my new website, Book of Shadows, and can be found in its entirety here: Message in the Bottle Love Spell

Pond Lily Popcorn

You can eat the seeds of yellow pond lily (Nuphar lutea) also called spatterdock, yellow water-lily, or cow lily. Here's a recipe from Janice Schofield, an Alaskan herbalist:    ... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Eating to Live, hosted at shirleytwofeathers.com, and can be found in its entirety here: Pond Lily Popcorn

July Magick

Lord of dark oceans, master of water,
come, we invite you, come to our altar.
Bring us the power of waves against stone.
Bring us the joy of flesh upon bone,
Mannanan Mac Lir.

July was named after the great leader Julius Caesar, who was born in this summer month. Because the warm weather continues, activity levels are high, even though the days are beginning to shorten....

.. I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been combined with another, and can be found on The Pagan Calendar, here: July Magick and Lore