For Peace At Someone's Death

For Gypsies there is far more concern for the living than for the dead. Yet the Rom believe there must always be a family vigil prior to the death of a family member. After the death there will be the funeral, which must be followed by a proper period of mourning.

English Gypsies believe that the owl is a harbinger of death. If they hear an owl hooting away in the distance, then it means someone close to them will die. If the owl is close by, with its cries loud and clear, then the person who will die is distant....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Gypsy Magick and Lore, and can be found in its entirety here: For Peace at Someone's Death

Honoring the Einherjar

Memorial Day is the day meant to be set aside to specifically honor the war dead. As such, it is an appropriate day to observe rituals to honor the Einherjar: the battle-slain warriors who are taken to Valhalla. Of course, not all of the battle-slain go to Valhalla some also go to Freya’s Hall, but many modern pagans will honor the war-dead, especially their ancestors who served at this time. Others will honor the Einherjar on Veteran's Day instead, even though, technically Veteran’s Day is intended to first and foremost honor those living Veterans from past military service, it is also used to honor those currently serving, and to a lesser degree those soldiers now dead....

... 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: Honoring the Einherjar

Feast of the Fallen Warriors

Color: Red

Element: Fire

Altar: On a red cloth place a helmet over a skull. Set out four red candles and two crossed swords.

Offerings: Candles. Written names of fallen warriors of the past, especially in one's family.

Daily Meal: Simple, plain food.

Invocation to the Fallen Warriors

Your blood lies spilled
Across all the lands of the world.
You stood and faced the enemy...

... 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: Memorial Day

Aroma Magick

Aromas can make us hungry or feel comfort and warmth, or inspire the opposite reactions. The power of scent works with the memory and the magical properties of the material. Incense, oils, herbs - all of these can be gently heated, burned, or used as is to inspire a bit of the sacred each time we breathe in. Aroma is a person's earliest sense. As babies, long before our eyes focus, we know our world from the scents that surround us....

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Gypsy Prayer To The Virgin

The following short prayer to the Virgin, which I have frequently heard amongst the Gypsies of Hungary and Transylvania, will serve as a specimen of their language.

Gula Devla, da me saschipo. Swuntuna Devla, da me bacht t'aldaschis cari me jav; te ferin man, Devla, sila ta niapaschiata, chungale manuschendar, ke me jav ande drom ca hin man traba...


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 Prayer To The Virgin

Thargalia - A Modern Approach

Themes: Cleansing; Offering; Forgiveness; Magic
Symbols: Ritual Tools
Presiding Goddess: As the Greek goddess who created all sacred rituals and ceremonies, Hosia oversees this rite and directs your magical energy toward successful manifestation.


... 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 Thargelia

The Thargelia

,

Thargelia (Greek Θαργήλια) was one of the chief Athenian festivals in honour of the Delian Apollo and Artemis, held on their birthdays, the 6th and 7th of the month Thargelion (about May 24 and May 25).

Essentially an agricultural festival, the Thargelia included a purifying and expiatory ceremony. While the people offered the first-fruits of the earth to the god in token of thankfulness, it was at the same time necessary to propitiate him, lest he might ruin the harvest by excessive heat, possibly accompanied by pestilence. The purificatory preceded the thanksgiving service....

... ... 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 Thargelia

Sign of the Lavender Flower

"My beautiful expanse will inspire you."

If you were born between May 20 and June 20, you are a lavender flower sign. You freckle your landscape with beautiful ideas. You love to share these ideas with other people and get more new insights as you do so. You are expansive in your expressions, and you always seem to be able to find your muse....

... 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 Lavender Flower

Sun in Gemini

The Sun is in Gemini from approximately May 21 to June 20, depending on the year.

• Ruler: Mercury
• Modality: Mutable
• Season: Spring
• Metal: Mercury
• Stone: Agate
• Color: Yellow
• Anatomy: Hands and arms; lungs.
• Flowers: Lily of the Valley, Rose, Lilac, Violet
• Attributes: talkative, mental, adaptable, flexible, changeable, responsive, sociable, superficial

With the Sun in Gemini, the urge for self-expression is strong. These natives are often just as interested in collecting information as they are in sharing it. Curious to a fault, Geminis have a finger in every pie. Solar Geminis are flexible and changeable people. Their ability to adapt quickly to new situations generally gains them plenty of friends and social contacts. Usually quite clever and witty, Geminis enjoy intellectual conversations and they are easily bored if they are not getting enough mental stimulation....

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Friday Magick

Ruler: Freya, Venus
Colors: Emerald green or pink
Power Hours: Sunrise and the 8th, 16th, and 24th hours following.
Key Words: Love, money, health

It is easy to spot the ruler of this day by its name. In the word Friday, we see the roots of the name of the Norse goddess Freya, a goddess of love and fertility, and the most beautiful and propitious of the goddesses thus the verse "Friday's child is loving and giving." ...

I'm 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: Friday Magick

Bagging Stress Spell

We all suffer from stress at one time or another, and in a workplace it is often difficult to reverse the situation. This spell can be taken to your workplace or used in other stressful situations, with minimum disturbance. For healing and magic, the earth, or Mother Earth, from whence all things spring, is unsurpassed. Add a little Borage, the flower of courage, and some of your own essence, and even the most difficult of predicaments can be overcome.

Here is a Mediterranean spell to charge you with the strength to overcome a stressful situation. The items you will need are as follows...

... 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: Bagging Stress Spell

Why Crossroads Were So Important

In ancient times the crossroads were places where very important information was exchanged, information that might never reach a town or village. To facilitate this, a common language developed. Called a lingua franca, such a language permitted people from different countries to understand each other well enough to do business....

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

Gypsy Justice Spell

If the law has treated you unfairly, invoke this spell and justice will be done.

Take the Justice card from a Tarot deck. Now light a blue candle and place the Justice card on the right-hand side. Write your name and address on an unused piece of white or green paper and place it to the left of the candle. Romanies sometimes use their thumb-print instead of their name and address...

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

Lucky Friday the 13th

Friday the 13th occurs when the thirteenth day of a month falls on a Friday, which superstition holds to be a day of bad luck. In the Gregorian calendar, this day occurs at least once, but at most three times a year. Any month's 13th day will fall on a Friday if the month starts on a Sunday.

There are a lot of people that are superstitious about Friday the 13th. However not many have a full understanding of the significance of this day. It has been suggested that Friday has been considered an unlucky day because, according to Christian scripture and tradition, Jesus was crucified on a Friday.

In fact Friday the 13th can be a very lucky day. Friday is also associated with Venus, the Roman Goddess of love, beauty and fertility and Friday is viewed by many pagans as the best day to perform any magick relating to Venus' areas of expertise: love, fertility and beauty....

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, (along with information about the unlucky aspects of Friday the 13th) here: Friday the 13th

Sign of the Hawthorn

If you were born during the Hawthorn Moon in Celtic astrology, (May 13 thru June 9), there is a good possibility that you are naturally curious, and have an interest in a broad range of topics. You are an excellent listener, and people seek you out as an outlet to release their burdens. You have a healthy sense of humor, and have a clear understanding of irony. You tend to see the big picture, and have amazing insight – although you typically won’t give yourself enough credit for your observations.

Here's the rest of the story:

Tree: Hawthorn
Birthday: Between May 13 and June 09
Gemstone: Topaz...

... 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 Hawthorn

Zinc Magick

Planet: Uranus
Sign: Aquarius

Zinc is the metal of magical revelation. It appears innocent and ordinary in its physical state, but on the other levels zinc is an extraordinary event with powerful transformational properties.

I'm so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my brand new mini-site, Magickal Ingredients, hosted at shirleytwofeathers.com and can be viewed in it's entirety here: Zinc

Gypsy Iron Protection Spell

This spell can be used to improve the health of an elderly person as well as to keep harm away from someone who is housebound.

Take a horseshoe or an iron nail and bless it by immersing it in salty water. Bury it in the garden of the sick person or in a potted plant....

 ... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Gypsy Magick and Lore and can be found in its entirety here: Gypsy Iron Protection Spell

Druid Animal Lore

Below are listed some of the animals denoted by Celtic Shamanism and Druidism along with their spiritual denotation:

Adder, Snake (Nadredd):
The snake has long been associated with wisdom, reincarnation, and cunning. The Poisonous adder of the British Isles has the same reputation. Although there were no snakes in Ireland, the Irish Celts knew about them. The Druids were known in Wales as Nadredd. The Druids also carried an amulet called gloine nathair (Serpent Glass); which was supposed to be formed from the eggs of an adder.

Badger (Breach):
This animal is unyielding in the face of danger and is noted for its tenacity and courage. In the Welsh tale of Pwyll's courting of Rhiannon, a badger is mentioned as a guide during dreaming. The badger will teach you to fight for your rites and defend your spiritual ideas...

... I am so sorry, but this post has been moved to my new website, The Powers That Be, and can be found in its entirety here: Celtic and Druid Spirit Animals

The Lemuria

The Lemuria, the festival in honor of the Lemures, the spirits of dead family members who wander the earth on these three spring nights (May 9, 11, and 13).

The Lemuria is held on odd-numbered days because even-numbered days are considered unlucky. It is a festival designed to honor the Lemures, they are regarded as baleful spirits of the dead who died violent or otherwise untimely deaths....

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Ritual For Lemuria

Colors: Black and grey
Element: Air
Altar: Upon cloth of black and grey set a bowl of beans, nine black candles, a brazier with incense of agrimony and rue, a bottle of good wine, a bowl of clean spring water, a knotted rope, a bowl of asafoetida, and a skull.
Offerings: None. This is a banishing. All carry cymbals, drums, or noisemakers.
Daily Meal: Goat meat. Beans.

Lemuria Invocation

(First the one who has been chosen to do the work of the ritual stands forth, takes the knotted rope from the altar, and unknots it, and throws it into the brazier.)...

... 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: The Lemuria Banishing Ritual

Have Your Own Furry Dance

Themes: Unity; Joy; Luck
Symbols: Flowers; Triangle
Presiding Goddess: Tanat

About Tanat:

In Cornwall, Tanat is the mother goddess of fertility who has given all her attention to nursing spring into its fullness. She also staunchly protects her children (nature and people) so that our spirits can come to know similar fulfillment....

... 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 Furry Dance

The Furry Dance

The Furry Dance, also known as The Flora (or incorrectly as the Floral Dance), takes place in Helston, Cornwall, and is one of the oldest British customs still practiced today. The Dance takes place every year on May 8 (or the Saturday before if May 8 falls on a Sunday or Monday), and is a celebration of the passing of Winter and the arrival of Spring.

The dance is very well attended every year. Winter's gone, so everybody's out in the streets to celebrate the new life springing up all around. It seems like the whole of Cornwall is lining the streets, all freshly decorated with colorful 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: The Furry Dance

Đurđevdan - St. George's Day

Đurđevdan (Romany: Ederlezi) is a major holiday for Roma from former Yugoslavia, whether Orthodox or Muslim. The various Balkan spellings (Herdeljez, Erdelezi) are variants of the Turkish Hıdırellez.

This holiday celebrates the return of springtime and is considered most important. The traditions of the Roma Durđevdan are based on decorating the home with flowers and blooming twigs as a welcoming to spring. It also includes taking baths added with flowers and washing hands with water from church wells....

... 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: Đurđevdan 

Gypsy Spell To Make A Wish Come True

On the day of the new moon, write your wish on a sheet of clean paper, then light a new, white votive candle. At this point turn off any artificial lighting that may be on.

For ten minutes, enjoy the flame's glow and think about the fulfillment of your wish. Then say:

As I sleep tonight,
may the divine power of spiritual love and light grant my wish....

...I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Gypsy Magick and Lore, and can be found in its entirety here: Gypsy Spell To Make A Wish Come True

Romany Spell To Avoid Bad Luck

Bad luck at home can be avoided by never washing blankets during the waxing May moon. According to the saying:

If you wash blankets in May,

You will wash a loved one away....

... so sorry but this post has been moved to my new website, Gypsy Magick and Lore, and can be found in its entirety here: Romany Spell To Avoid Bad Luck

From: The Good Spell Book

Planting By The Moon

People have been planting by the moon's phases for centuries, in the belief that something in the lunar light or gravity affects the way plants grow.

The Simplest Rule For Moon Planting is as follows:

The moon planting rule says to plant crops that produce above the ground during the increasing light of the moon (from new moon to full moon) and to plant crops that produce below the ground during the decreasing light of the moon (from full moon to new moon)....

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

Lily Of The Valley Magick

Lily of the valley is a fragrant flowering plant used in religious ceremonies, world celebrations, perfumes and in gardens. Also known as the May lily, the name means "return to happiness" and most often symbolizes chastity, purity, happiness, luck and humility. Its meaning and symbolism are represented in Christian lore and folklore, on May Day, weddings and birthdays, and in various celebrations throughout the world.

Convallaria magalis, the botanical name for Lily of the Valley means "that which belongs to May," making lily of the valley the recognized flower of the month of May, and thus, May birthdays. It is also the official flower of the zodiac sign Gemini....

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

Beneath the Eildon Tree

Thomas the Rhymer and Queen of Elfland beneath the Eildon Tree
- sacred hawthorne for the fairies.

A hundred years I slept beneath a thorn,
Until the tree was root and branches of my thought...

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Widdershins, and can be found here: Beneath the Eildon Tree

Gypsy Good Luck Invocation

The first day of any month offers fresh hopes and new beginnings. One good-luck invocation is to say "Rabbits" before any other word on the first of the month.

Some say "White rabbits" three times as the last spoken words on the eve of the new month...

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website, Gypsy Magick and Lore, and can be found in its entirety here: Gypsy Good Luck Invocation

Day of Bona Dea

Color: Green
Element: Earth
Offerings: Leave a pig-shaped cookie out for the wild things.
Daily Meal: Soups or stews, preferably with herbs. Herbal tea.

Altar: Upon a green cloth set five candles in different colors, a chalice of milk mixed with honey, incense of sandalwood and myrrh, the figure of a snake, a plate of cookies shaped like pigs, a pot of medicinal herbal tea, cups, and pots of dried herbs gathered throughout the 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: Festival of Bona Dea

The Good Goddess

Bona Dea ("The Good Goddess") was a divinity in ancient Roman religion. She was associated with chastity and fertility in women, healing, and the protection of the Roman state and people. According to Roman literary sources, she was brought from Magna Graecia at some time during the early or middle Republic, and was given her own state cult on the Aventine Hill.

Bona Dea was worshipped only by women. In fact, the presence of a man at rites in her honor were a sacrilige. May 1 was the annual, state-sponsored festival to Bona Dea at her temple. In early December, there was another private festival as well...

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May Magick

Bring me my drum and bring me my cymbal,
Bring forth the sustrum, bring forth the timbal.
Dance now for Hathor, celebrate beauty,
dance in Her honor, sing for our lady.

May gets its name from the Roman goddess Maia, who embodies the earth's renewal during spring. Next to New Year's Eve, May Day was among the most popular holidays in the old world, marking the time when the sun's warmth and nature's fertility began appearing in the land. Later, well over one hundred nations chose to celebrate Labor Day on May 1, giving everyone a much-needed rest from winter's tasks....

... 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, you will find it here: May Magick and Lore