Christmas Moon Lore

In certain areas of England there was an expression that if a dark moon came on Christmas, a fine harvest year would follow. Other areas declared that a waxing or new moon on Christmas portended a good year, but a waning moon a hard year.

 From: Moon Magick

... for more Moon lore and Christmas fun, visit my new website, The Pagan Calendar.

The Dōngzhì Festival

The Dōngzhì Festival or Winter Solstice Festival is one of the most important festivals celebrated by the Chinese and other East Asians during the Dongzhi solar term (winter solstice) on or around December 22 when sunshine is weakest and daylight shortest...

... 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 Dongzhi Festival

Capricorn Begins

Themes: Success; Humor; Reason; Devotion; Providence
Symbols: Goat; Cornucopia; Stars
Presiding Goddess: Amaltheia

To Do Today:

This astrological sign begins on the first day of winter with the power of logic and reason to guide action, balanced by a keen sense of humor when the going gets tough....

... 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 Sun Enters Capricorn

The Death of Tammuz

The Death of Tammuz also known as Noosardel (sprinkling water on the path of God) was another Yultide holiday celebrated with an early morning worship service, a tree, and a burning log.

 “Then he brought me to the door of the gate of the Lord's house 

which was toward the north; and, behold, 

there sat women weeping for Tammuz.” 

~Ezekial 8:14

In the legend, Tammuz dies young and his birth is honored on his birthday which coincided with the Winter Solstice. ...

I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, The Pagan Calendar (hosted at shirleytwofeathers.com) and can be found in its entirety here: The Death of Tammuz

Capricorn Oil

Add the following essential oils to 1/8 cup of a base oil. Visualize as you mix and smell.  For best results, don't use synthetics.

• 3 drops Vetivert ...

I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, The Magickal Apothecary (hosted at shirleytwofeathers.com) and can be found in it's entirety here: Capricorn Oil

Why Stroking Crocodiles Is Ok

I found this really fun article about witches, crocodiles, and fertility rituals on a travel site, and had to share it here. Billed as the world's most dangerous tourist attraction, the concept is that stroking a crocodile makes a person extremely fertile. Here's the article:

According to one version of the local legend, the story of the Kachikally Sacred Crocodile Pool involves a cunning — but good natured — witch.

One day the witch was apparently crying by a well when a stranger came along. Claiming that her children had fallen down, she asked the man to help. The man climbed down to find them, searched hard but saw no trace. ..

... I am so sorry, but this post has been combined with another, and moved to my new website, The Powers That Be, it can be found here: Crocodile Magick and Meaning

Crocodile Superstitions and Lore

It was once thought that crocodiles could be created by new combinations of matter, instead of by natural birth. The ancient roman historian, Pliny said that the crocodile was the only land animal which lacked the use of its tongue. It was believed to conceive by the ear and bring forth by the mouth.

An old story from Madagascar is that crocodiles and lizards come from the same nest or den by the side of a river. When the eggs are laid and numerous little ones are crawling about, the crocodile comes out of the water and beats the ground with its tail so as to frighten the young ones. Some take to water, and others to land. The ones that go to land never grow any bigger and remain as lizards, but those in the water grow to be crocodiles....

... I am so sorry, but this post has been combined with another and moved to my new website, The Powers That Be, it can be found here: Crocodile Magick and Meaning

Protection From Crocodiles

The Egyptian Book of the Dead suggests carrying the plant sweet inula to ward off crocodiles both living ones and those that haunt the spirit realm.

• Wear it in a charm bag to protect against actual visitations.
• Sleep with the herb in a dream pillow or beneath your pillow if unfriendly crocodiles are infesting your dreams.

From Burma we have this...

... 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: For Protection From Crocodiles

Papyrus Hieroglyph Protection

Crocodiles, like snakes, are simultaneously fearsome, dangerous creatures and potent symbols of spiritual and psychic protection. Pregnant Isis, after all, hid in the crocodile infested swamps of the Nile Delta. It was the safest spot she knew.

In ancient days, the papyrus plant, which once lined the Nile, was a hieroglyphic emblem for Lower Egypt, especially that Nile Delta swampland. It also served as a protective emblem from crocodiles, lending new meaning to Moses' cradle on the Nile, formed from papyrus.  This symbol (shown here) can be used in a variety of ways to create a protective talisman....

... I'm so sorry but this post has been moved to my new website, Book of Shadows, and can be found in its entirety here: For Protection from Crocodiles

Nurse of the Crocodiles

Names: The Oldest One, Nurse of Crocodiles, Nit
Attributes: Two arrows and a shield, shuttle
Creatures: Crocodile, snake, bee
Color: Green
Plants: Flax, papyrus
Favored people: Soldiers, hunters, weavers, artisans

The inscription on Neith's temple in Sais in the Nile Delta (now modern Sa el-Hagar) read....

... 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 it's entirety here: Neith - The First One

Narcissus Magicks

Ruler: Dionysus
Type: Plant
Magickal Form: Flower, Essential Oil

The Narcissus is often  assigned to the month of December, and is also associated with the Chinese New Year which occurs in February.

Wear this scent to entice others and promote self-love and self-confidence. Overuse can attract stalkers and create egomaniacs - so don't over do it. Rub on pink candles to meet new people....

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

Sagittarius Begins

To Do Today: In astrology, Sagittarius is the centurion archer who represents a harmonious mingling of  physical and spiritual living. Those born under this sign tend toward idealism...

I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website The Pagan Calendar (hosted at shirleytwofeathers.com) and can be found in its entirety here: Sagittarius Begins

Sagittarius Oil

Add the following essential oils to 1/8 cup of a base oil. Visualize as you mix and smell.  For best results, don't use synthetics.

• 4 drops Rosemary ...

I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, The Magickal Apothecary (hosted at shirleytwofeathers.com) and can be found in its entirety here: Sagittarius Oil

Banishing unpaid bills, worry, bad vibes

This is a very powerful banishing spell to pull worry, fear, bad vibes, unpaid bills, (and just about anything that contributes to negativity) out of your home and out of your life. It can be done anytime during the full or waning moon.

Supplies needed:

• A cheap plastic planter (or container) about the size of a tub of Margarine
• Potting soil
• A brown egg
• A brown marker or crayon
• Candle (brown, red, or white)...

... 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: Banishing Unpaid Bills, Worry, Bad Vibes

Banishing Blocks with Water Undines

Undines are female derivatives of water spirits. Like the other elements, the undines contribute to the universal life force through purification, movement and sound.

This spell uses the properties of water turned to ice. Pour spring water into a small, new paper or plastic cup. Freeze. When you are ready to perform the spell, take the cup out of the freezer. Place upside-down in a bowl....

... 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: Banishing Blocks with Water Undines

The Chakras

Chakras are concentrated points of energy. There are many chakras all over the body, but most healing systems focus on the seven major chakras that are placed at intervals in a line roughly corresponding to the spinal column.

I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Chakra Central (hosted at shirleytwofeathers.com). It can be found in its entirety here: Diagram of the Main Chakras

Festival of Odin

This ritual is held on or about the day of St. Martin, a Catholic saint who was given many of Odin's original attributes. There is strong evidence that this day (Nov 12) was originally a festival time devoted to Odin and to Cernunnos, who has many similarities to the Wanderer.

This is a time of festival for several families gathered together, each bringing food and drink for the potluck feast. Prior to the time of the rites, have a day of games and feasting. The ritual should be held out of doors if possible, with the area appropriately decorated for the season with grain, fruits, maize, vegetables, nuts, leaves and flowers...

... 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 Odin

Nutty Love Divination Spell

Irish women and girls check the loyalty and faithfulness of their lover by placing two nuts (one named after the lover and one with  the girl's name) on the bars of a fireplace grate. If a lover’s nut cracks or jumps..

... 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: Nutty Love Divination Spell

We Remember Them

At the rising of the sun 

and at its going down,

We remember them.

At the blowing of the wind 

and in the chill of Winter, 

We remember them....

... 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: We Remember Them

Spell to Speak With Spirits of the Dead

To speak to spirits that have passed on, gather together the following:

• Dried amaranth flowers
• Dittany of Crete
• Wormwood. 

I'm 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 it's entirety here: Spell to Speak With Spirits of the Dead

Reign Of The Old Woman Cailleach

On November 1, a festival known as 'Reign of the Old Woman Cailleach' is celebrated annually in the Celtic countries (in Ireland it is known as 'Day of the Banshees'). On the eve of Imbolc (Jan. 31 or Feb. 1), also celebrated is the fest called 'End of Cailleach'. This fest signals the start of Imbolc and the end of winter....

... so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website The Powers That Be, hosted at shirleytwofeathers.com and can be found in it's entirety here: The Old Woman Cailleach

A Song of Cailleach

"Bha da shleagha chaola chatha

air an taobh eile dh'an chaillich

Bha 'h-aodann dubh-ghorm air dreach a 'ghuail

'S a deud cnabadach cnamh-ruadh...

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 it's entirety here: A Song of Cailleach

Simple Samhain Love Spell

This simple spell has been moved to my new site, Book of Shadows, hosted at shirleytwofeathers.com, and can be found in it's entirety here: Simple Samhain Love Spell

Samhain Protection Spell

During the period of Samhain, the time when the world of the living is closest to the world of the dead, it is often a good idea to make offerings to the spirits to keep them from doing harm. ...

...so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new site Book of Shadows hosted at shirleytwofathers.com and can be found in it's entirety here: Samhain Protection Spell

Caring for the Souls of the Dead

It is traditional on Samhain night to leave a plate of food outside the home of the souls of the dead. A candle placed in the window guides them to the lands of eternal summer...

...so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new site Book of Shadows, hosted at shirleytwofeathers.com and can be found in it's entirety here: Caring for the Souls of the Dead

Hemp Seed Love Divination

At midnight, on Halloween, slip alone outside,
and sow a handful of hemp seed saying: 

"Hemp seed...

So sorry to do this to you but this post has been moved to my new website Divination hosted at shirleytwofeathers.com and can be found in it's entirety here: Hemp Seed Love Divination

Shirt Sleeve Spell

To see the face of your true lover, wet a shirt-sleeve on Halloween night ...

... so sorry to do this to you but this post has been moved to my new site Divination hosted at shirleytwofeathers.com and can be found in it's entirety here: Shirt Sleeve Spell

Halloween Herring Spell

It is said that if you eat a salted herring on Halloween night  ...

Sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website Divination, hosted at shirleytwofeathers.com You can view it in it's entirety here: Halloween Herring Spell

Halloween Herring Spell

It is said that if you eat a salted herring on Halloween night  ...

Sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website Divination, which is hosted at shirleytwofeathers.com You can view it in it's entirety here: Halloween Herring Spell

Halloween Luggie Spell

In this popular Halloween divination spell, three dishes are taken. One is empty; one contains dirty water and the last one has clean water. These dishes are arranged on the hearth.

...so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website Divination, hosted at shirleytwofeathers.com, and can be found in it's entirety here: Halloween Luggie Spell

Samhain Incense Powder

To create an incense to be used in Samhain (Halloween) rituals and spells, combine the following finely crushed dried herbs:

• 2 tsp Nettles
• 2 tsp Bayleaf

... I'm so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, The Magickal Apothecary, hosted at shirleytwofeathers.com, and can be found in it's entirety here: Samhain Incense Powder

Words of Power For The Dead

In the Theban Recension of the Book of the Dead is found a Chapter (No. clvi.) which was composed for the purpose of bestowing upon the deceased some of the magical power of the goddess Isis. The Chapter was intended to be recited over an amulet called thet, made of carnelian, which had to be steeped in water of ankhami flowers, and set in a sycamore plinth, and if this were laid on the neck of a dead person it would place him under the protection of the words of power of Isis, and he would be able to go wheresoever he pleased in the Underworld....

... 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: Words of Power for the Dead

It's Mice Wedding Day

This ritual is linked to chasing away mice from the house and village and is observed on different days in different areas. In many places, this coincides with the Day of Martyr Nestor of Thessalonica, (October 27), or the day after the Day of the Archangel Michael (November 8th)....

... 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: Mice Wedding Day

Scorpio Begins

Themes: Creativity; Sexuality; Passion; Instinct; Fire; Energy
Symbols: Scorpion (or any stinging, hot items)
Presiding Goddess: Isara

To Do Today:

In astrology, people born under the sign of Scorpio are said to be creative, tenacious, sturdy, and sensuous, often internalizing Isara's fire in their sign for personal energy....

... 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: Scorpio Begins

Scorpio Oil

Add the following essential oils to 1/8 cup of a base oil. Visualize as you mix and smell.  For best results, don't use synthetics.

• 3 drops Pine ...

I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, The Magickal Apothecary (hosted at shirleytwofeathers.com) and can be found in its entirety here: Scorpio Oil

Vampire Pumpkins

Eat pumpkins quickly, lest they turn into vampires. People aren't the only beings who can become vampiric. According to Balkan Romani folk traditions, hard-shelled, seedy fruits and vegetables can become vampires too. Althogh melons and squashes can also be vampiric, pumpkins - maybe because of halloween associations - have garnered the most attention.....

....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 it's entirety here: Vampire Pumpkins

Isis Heed My Call

O Isis, heed my call this night,

If it is time for my spirit to flee this shell,

then send those who will

guide me to your light!

Grant me rest O Beloved Mother, ...

... 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: Isis Heed My Call

To Gain Control Over A Situation

Items Needed:

• Purple (votive) candle
• Pen and paper
• Vegetable oil
• Fireproof dish
• Cayenne pepper

Inscribe the candle with your name, then draw the infinity symbol (a horizontal figure 8), both above and below your name....

... 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 Gain Control Over A Situation

Getting Started

Here are some words of advice for novice spell casters:

By aligning your energies with the lunar cycle, and tapping into the natural tides and currents of life, you will increase the effectiveness and power of your spells.

Because the moon turns the tide and our bodies are mainly composed of water, we wax and wane with the moon....

... 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: Words of Advice

Sekhmet - Lady of Mysteries

I am the Dark Lady of the Egyptian Night, the goddess of Mystery
My signs are the lion, who walks proud and free, without fear
and the viper, who poisons those who displease it
I am offered meat and milk, for these two forms
And also blue lilies, for the dark skies of magic

I walk in the desert at night, and none know me
I stay in caves, and groups of rocks, and old trees...

... 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: Sekhment - Lady of Mysteries

Planning an Angel Day

One of my favorite things to do is to plan an "angel day." It doesn't cost any money, and I'm never  disappointed in what I find or the experiences I have. You can choose to spend a day with nature (pack a picnic lunch), visit friends, or go to a busy shopping mall. It doesn't matter. There is only one requirement: before you start out, say to yourself, "I'm going to have an angel day today. That means I'm open to whatever the universe has to show me about angels, and how I can help others." then off you go....

... 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: Planning An Angel Day

Welcome My Angel Friend

Finding an angel is not too hard. There is only one requirement - you can't be kidding around when you call an angel. First, I'd like you to sit back and think seriously about why you want to contact the angelic realms. Be honest with yourself. Is there something you want to improve within yourself or your lifestyle, or is there a rough spot in your life that you would like to smooth out? Are you merely curious...

...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: Welcome My Angel Friend

Simple Guardian Angel Invocation

Be thou a bright flame before me,

Be thou a guiding star above me,

Be thou a smooth path below me...

... 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: Guardian Angel Invocation

About Angels

A great many cultures around the world have believed in beings that we call angels. These great helpers of humankind are described in nearly all the sacred books of the world religions. Among the ancient religions and races that believed in angels were the Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, Persians, Muslims, Japanese Shintoists, Jewish Qabalists, Hindus, and the Maoris.

The deep teachings of the Jewish Qabala called the the "shining ones." The Old and New Testaments and the aprocyphal books of the Hebrews and Christians are full of references to these beings. Even the Arabic Koran tells of angels...

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

Calendula Fairy Vision Spell

Make a mild infusion of calendula flowers. Soak cotton pads in this infusion. Place one over each eye to be granted a vision of the fairies...

... This post has been moved to my new website, Magickal Apothecary, and can be found in its entirety here: To See Fairies

Calendula Biscuits

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoons salt
• ¼ cup butter
• 2 tablespoons calendula petals, finely chopped
• ... 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: Calendula Biscuits

Calendula Magick

Latin Name: Calendula officinalis
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Part Used: Fresh flowers
Magickal Influences: Health, Psychic dreams, Comfort

The calendula flower is often associated with the month of October. This flower's name stems from the Latin calends, the word denoting the first day of each month (and the origin of the English "calendar"). It was so called because the yellow and orange flowers were said to be in bloom on every calends throughout the year in ancient Rome...

... 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: Calendula Magick.

October Moons and Rituals

Octem was the eighth month in the oldest roman calendar. The full moon for this month is called the Blood Moon. This moon-month takes its name not from blood sacrifices, but from the old custom of killing and salting down livestock before the Winter months made it impossible to feed them. Only the choicest stock was kept through the cold season....

... 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: October Magick and Lore

Correspondences for October

• Animals: stag, jackal, elephant, ram, scorpion 
• Birds: heron, crow, robin 
• Colors: dark blue-green 
• Deities: Ishtar, Astarte, Demeter, Kore, Lakshmi, Horned God, Belili, Hathor, Hephaestus
• Flowers: calendula, marigold, cosmos
• Herbs: pennyroyal, thyme, catnip, uva ursi, angelica, burdock...

... 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: Correspondences for October