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I am currently in the process of migrating the content shared here to a series of new websites hosted at shirleytwofeathers.com.

As you explore this site, you may find links to a "page not found" instead of something cool and magickal. For this I apologize. I am very working hard behind the scenes to restore those pages along with a link to their homes on my new website where they can be viewed in full.

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Friday, September 23, 2011

Sign of the Rose

"I will balance you in my beauty."


If you were born between September 23 and October 22, you were born under the sign of the rose. The rose zodiac flower sign exposes the truth in all things. If you have this flower sign you have a unique ability to see the hidden meanings in things and expose the underlying evidence for what it is. You have an eye for classic beauty...

... 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 Rose

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Poplar and Aspen Tree Lore

The Poplar or Aspen is the sacred Tree of the Fall Equinox - (Aprox. September 22)



Magical History and Associations:

In Gaelic tongue the tree was called Peble and Pophuil in the celtic way. Poplar is generally a plant of Jupiter, Saturn and the Sun and is associated with the element of water. Its color is rufous (red) and the bird associated with Poplar is the Whistling Swan. The stones associated with Poplar are Amber, Citrine Quartz, Sapphire and Swan Fluorite. The Anglo-Saxon rune poem seems to refer to the Poplar as being associated with the rune "berkano"...

... 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: Poplar Tree Magick and Lore

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Autumn Equinox in Celtic Mythology

In this variation of the legend of the Autumn Equinox, this is the day of the year when the god of light, Lugh, is defeated by the god of darkness, Lugh’s twin and alter-ego, Tanist. The night conquers day. The tales state that the Equinox is the only day which Lugh is vulnerable and the possibility of his defeat exists. Lugh stands on the balance...

... 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, and can be found here: The Autumn Equinox

Sun in Libra



The Sun is in Libra from approximately September 21 to October 20, depending on the year.
  • Ruler: Venus
  • Season: Fall
  • Modality: Cardinal
  • Metal: Copper
  • Stone: Diamond, Quartz, Marble
  • Color: Pastel Green
  • Flowers: Marigold; Acanthus
  • Anatomy: Kidneys
  • Attributes: just, sociable, refined, accommodating, kind, fair, diplomatic, likable, indecisive, respectful, artistic
Libra natives are generally thought to be sociable, somewhat intellectual souls. They have an almost innocent way about them that makes them very approachable. Generally quite eager to cooperate, Librans spend a lot of their time trying not to rock the boat...
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... 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: Libra Begins

Fall Sabbat Incense

  • 3 parts Frankincense
  • 2 parts Myrrh
  • 1 part Rosemary
  • 1 part Cedar...
... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, The Magickal Apothecary, and can be found in its entirety here: Fall Sabbat Incense

Ritual For Mabon

This Ritual is best performed during the early evening hours, just after Sunset, as this is the time of day which corresponds to the time of year. Sweep area, starting in the North and moving deosil (clockwise or sunwise direction), with your magickal broom to cleanse the Circle area and "sweep away" any lingering negative energies. Lay out the circumference of your Circle with cord, stones, etc., as necessary....

... 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: Mabon - The Second Harvest

Autumn Equinox - the Welsh Mythology

  • Color of the day: Yellow
  • Incense of the day: Coriander
Once again the Sun’s path crosses the celestial equator, and the day and the night are now again of equal length. On the Gregorian calendar this is the first day of autumn, but on the modern Celtic calendar it is midautumn.

This holiday is more commonly known by its Welsh name Mabon. Mabon means “divine youth.” It is the name of a mythic hunter hero whose story is told at this time of year....

... 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: The Autumn Equinox

Autumn Equinox in Greek Mythology

In Greek mythology, Autumn begins as Persephone returns to the Underworld to live with Hades, her husband.

We have posted a number of posts about Persephone, to see all of them, here's the link: Persephone.

In short, the myth says that Demeter’s daughter, Kore, had taken a day to pick flowers in a meadow when the Earth opened up, and Hades pulled the girl into the Underworld to become his bride. Kore’s name became Persephone when she married Hades....

... 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: The Autumn Equinox

Blessings of the Season


Blessings of my first frost on you
Blessings of the goose-stitched sky
Blessings of the trees in sunset glory
And warm hearths at the end of the day.
Blessings of the harvest set before you...

... 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: Blessings of the Season

To Autumn


O Autumn. Laden with fruit, and stained
With the blood of the grape, pass not, but sit
Beneath my shady roof, there thou may’st rest,
And tune thy jolly voice to my fresh pipe...

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

Monday, September 19, 2011

Pacify Dogs Pow-Wow Spell

Pow-Wow strongly incorporates the use of spoken charms. This one is used to soothe a threatening dog and provide protection - excellent for those forced to walk past a snarling, snapping canine.

The charm must be repeated three times before you reach the dog (or the dog reaches you! ...

I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Book of Shadows, hosted at shirleytwofeathers.com, and can be found in its entirety here: Pacify Dogs Pow-Wow Spell

Friday, September 16, 2011

Gypsy Spell For Love

Perhaps there is someone in whom you are very much interested. He or she seems to notice you but makes no move to develop a relationship. This is not a spell to draw that loved one to you, but more to "open the way," so that if there is interest there, he or she will feel free to make advances.

The Seeker should set a wineglass on the table. Then suspend a ring (traditionally the mother's wedding band) from a length of red silk ribbon....

I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Gypsy Magick and Lore, hosted at shirleytwofeathers.com, and can be found in its entirety here: Gypsy Spell for Love

To Enchant an Apple


Pick your apple
When the Moon
Has waned three days;
Breathe upon
Its green cheek,
Rub it with
A scarlet cloth,
Saying...

... 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: To Enchant An Apple

To Draw Love Into Your Life

It is never a good idea to work magic to make a particular person love you. First because it interferes with that person's free will, and is thus against the Wiccan Rede. Secondly, because you will never know if they love you for yourself or because of your magic, which, in the long term, will be self-destructive. It is however, perfectly alright to work to bring love into your life.

This spell is most effective when worked on a Friday when the energies of Venus are strongest. Take a pink candle and carefully inscribe your initials into it about half way down....

... 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: To Draw Love Into Your Life

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Healing Mantras Romany Style


Here are five simple mantra style Romany chants for vitality and good health. These are enhanced when done on a Sunday. Light a candle and some incense, (pine is a good choice) and then spend 10 minutes chanting one of the following mantras...

I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Gypsy Magick and Lore, hosted at shirleytwofeathers.com, and can be found in its entirety here: Healing Mantras Romany Style

Mantra - Sound carrying Thought

The term mantra should be familiar to most readers. It is usually associated with sounds or words that when spoken or sung, evoke a particular magical power or energy. Two of the best-known mantras are AUM or Om, The term mantra is derived from the sanskrit root "man", which means, 'to think'. Thus the uttered sound is merely an aid to the focusing and direction of thought, and initiates of Tantrika regard the different types of mantra as vehicles for articulating spiritual energy as sound....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Meditation, (hosted at shirleytwofeathers.com), and can be found in its entirety here: Mantra- Sound Carrying Thought

Primal Poetry - Sacred Speech


Just for the purposes of discussion, I want to distinguish between 'ordinary' speaking and 'sacred' speech. Sacred speech, in this context, refers to those occasions when we are using speech (probably combined with other modes of display) to bring about a magical change - such as in inducing group trance, communing with spirits, being a horse, raising energy, and so on....

... 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: Primal Poetry - Sacred Speech

Why Chanting Works

Why does singing and chanting have such a powerful effect on us? Repetitive or boring tasks are easier to perform if there is a tune in the background, or if someone starts to sing.

I remember with particular fondness the "work songs" which were evolved when I spent a few months picking oranges and grapefruit in Israel, and they certainly livened up what was a boring and strenuous task. Songs and chants establish rhythms, which not only distract from the boredom of a task, but also seem to add energy and help "carry" each person along....

... 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: Why Chanting Works

Soundscapes

You can use soundscapes to evoke and exaggerate moods, and develop group-grown chants for rituals and spell-casting.

The idea of Soundscapes is for the group to explore how to use words, tones and sound patterns to build up a "picture" - creating the atmosphere appropriate to the chosen theme.

My favourite example of a vocal Soundscape is one produced by an experimental drama group, when asked to express the theme of "Sweets"....

... I am so sorry, but this post has been moved to my new website, Magickal Ingredients, and can be found in its entirety here: Soundscapes For Ritual Magick

Shouting Out To The God

Here, one member of the group makes up a sound, call or statement and shouts it out, and the rest of the group shout it back at them. This can be especially effective as a kind of freeform invocation, for example, if everyone is familiar with the qualities, attributes and features of a particular God or Goddess. It can also be used as light-hearted introduction to designing invocations.

This form of repetition is commonly used in tantrik ritual, as salutations given to the god who is the object of the ritual. The example below is just a few of the 108 ritual salutations to the god Ganesha:



... 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: Shouting Out To The God

Group Aum for Peace and Centering


This is a simple group exercise. All sit in a circle, with eyes closed. After taking a few deep breaths, begin a long drawn out A-U-M (OM) chant. It need not be synchronized, and is very effective in relaxing people....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Meditation, and can be found in its entirety here: Group Om for Peace and Centering

Spinning Mantra Chant for Power

In the most commonly used form of chants, each member of the group repeats the entire verse. However, the "Spinning Mantra" differs in that one member intones the first line of the chant, the next person, the second line, and so on. One note can be used throughout, with the same syllables stressed in each line.

... 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: Spinning Mantra Chant for Power

The Witch's Tune

This is another version of the Witch's Rune, called the witch's tune. The words were adapted by Aldan.

Dark of night and rising moon,
East, then south, then west, then north
To each we sing a witches' tune
That calls the ancient powers forth....

... 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 Witch's Tune

Witch's Rune Traditional


Darksome night and silvery moon
East then south then west then north
To thee we sing a witch's tune
To call the ancient powers forth...

... 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: Witch's Rune Traditional

Group Chants


Group Chants are one of the most effective (and fun!) ways of raising energy, especially when combined with dancing, stylized movement, gestures, and swaying. Some of the most popular chants are those taken from Amerindian sources, such as:

I am the Circle,
I am Healing you,
You are the Circle
You are healing me...


... 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: Raise Energy With A Group Chant

Monday, September 12, 2011

Harvest Meditation For the Harvest Moon


Please take a seat and clear your mind of what fills it now and hear my words:

As you are sitting, close your eyes and feel the yellow of the sun..Reach up with your arms and let your fingertips touch that yellow..Now, lay back, with your arms extended and become a ray of the sun..As we all lay in a circle, we form the sun – we are all rays of this vivid starburst....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Meditation, and can be found in its entirety here: Harvest Meditation for the Harvest Moon

Sunday, September 11, 2011

For Breaking a Curse

Gather certain fallen twigs;
One of hazel, one of oak,
One of elm, and one of willow;
Hold them to the fire's smoke,...

... 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: For Breaking a Curse

Thursday, September 08, 2011

Autumnal Grounding and Centering

Shea requires body heat (or some other form of heat) to be used. You may find that taking a little time out to reflect, meditate, or pray while melting your shea is a way to combine plants and spirituality daily. This meditation is also an excellent way to ground and center during autumn.

Sit down in a comfortable position. As someone who enjoys yoga, I do the padma asana; those of you who practice yoga might find it natural to sit this way as well (legs folded and flat to the floor). For those of you who are not so limber, simply sit in a comfortable position....

... I am so sorry, but this post has been moved to my new website, Meditation, and can be found in its entirety here: Autumnal Grounding and Centering

Wednesday, September 07, 2011

Consulting The Library Angel

I've consulted the "library angel" at home, in libraries all over the world, in bookstores, and with friends' books for many years. I suggest you begin at home next to your own bookshelf, where you'll have the most privacy.

Begin by relaxing and then quieting your mind. Focus on your intent and address the magical portals into divine wisdom that are before you by acknowledging their power and their role, for example:

"I invite the numinous spirit that resides within these volumes to guide my hand, and my inquiry. Please help me find wisdom."

Close your eyes...

... 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: Consulting The Library Angel

Tuesday, September 06, 2011

Ingredients for Magick

The Gypsies say that the power of magick lies in four simple ingredients. The first of these is the desire/need of the practitioner. The stronger your desire for something to happen and the stronger your need for a thing, then the stronger is the power that you generate towards that goal. We can say, then, that the first ingredient (indeed, the first necessity) for successful magick is will.

Along with the will for something to happen must go a certain amount of concentration, the second ingredient....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Gypsy Magick and Lore, hosted at shirleytwofeathers.com, and can be found in its entirety here: For Successful Magick

Monday, September 05, 2011

For a Magickal Labor Day

  • Themes: Work; Rest; Recreation; Prosperity
  • Symbols: All the Tools of Your Trade
  • Presiding Deity: Ka-blet-jew-lei-hat
About Ka-blet-jew-lei-ha: The Assam goddess of the marketplace and merchants takes a much deserved rest from her labors today and focuses on rewarding tasks that have been well done throughout the last eight months.

To do today:

For most folks in the United States, Labor Day represents a long weekend without normal workaday activities....

... 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: For A Magickal Labor Day

Saturday, September 03, 2011

Emeralds in Magick

Ruler: Venus
Type: Mineral
Magickal form: Raw, polished
Color: Green
Number: 4
Birth stone of: May, Taurus, and the Vine Moon

This precious gemstone draws love and admiration....

I'm sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my brand new website, Magickal Ingredients, hosted at shirleytwofeathers.com - you can find it in it's entirety here: Emerald

Friday, September 02, 2011

Sign of The Vine

If you were born during the Vine Moon in Celtic astrology, (September 02 - September 29), you were born within the autumnal equinox, which makes your personality changeable and unpredictable. You can be full of contradictions, and are often indecisive. But this is because you can see both sides of the story, and empathize with each equally. It is hard for you to pick sides because you can see the good points on each end.

There are, however, areas in your life that you are quite sure about. These include the finer things of life like food, wine, music, and art. You have very distinctive taste, and are a connoisseur of refinement....

... 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 Vine

Thursday, September 01, 2011

Aster Lore and Magicks


Also known as starworts, Michaelmas daisies or Frost flowers, the name aster is derived from the Greek word for “star,” This is largely due to the shape of the flower’s head; however, it is also because they grow in a spotted abundance and have an appearance similar to that of the stars in the sky....

I'm sorry to do this to you but this post has been moved to my brand new website, Magickal Ingredients, hosted at shirleytwofeathers.com - it can be found in it's entirety here: Aster
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