Christmas Ornament Protection Spell

Take an old Christmas Tree ornament and remove the metal hanger top. Most of these ornaments are mass produced with cheap paint on the outside that soaks off in warm water, overnight( they are usually a silver color underneath) or use a silver colored ball.

Next, rinse out the ball with a salt water solution....

... 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: Christmas Ornament Protection Spell

Ma’at’s Justice Spell

In mythology, Ma’at’s feather was used to weigh against mortal hearts in the Hall of Justice to determine their fate in the afterlife. Is there an issue in your life at the moment that can benefit from the attention of Ma’at, requiring more equity? For this spell you will need a feather and a blue candle. On the candle, engrave the symbol of a feather and the name of Ma’at. If you have any items that relate to the injustice, such as a letter, place them on your altar....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to my new website The Book of Shadows, and can be found here: Ma’at’s Justice Spell

Power Tea

Over your cup of tea, move your hand in a clockwise direction three times and say:

"I am the tool you are the fire
fill this cup with all I desire."

Swirl the tea in the cup and drink it.

More Kitchen Magick and Tea Spells can be found at my new website, Book of Shadows.

Baba Yaga - The Black Goddess - An Essay

For those of you who enjoy a more scholarly approach to the goddess, here is an essay by an anonymous author about Baba Yaga, the Black Goddess, and what her mythology represents.

Baba Yaga and her Magical Colts

I have been thinking and thinking about the image and story of Baba Yaga now for months and wondering how girls and women can resolve the seemingly paradoxical story of a bony heartless witch with the image of innocence of a rejected and abandoned girl. The following essay outlines how we use myth and story to perpetuate unconscious mindsets and it also unveils the gifts that these stories unfold in our inner psyche.

The story of Baba Yaga is prime among many images of the Black Goddess. The Black Goddess is at the heart of all creative processes and cannot be so easily viewed. Men and women rarely approach her, except in fear. Women are learning of her through the strength and boldness of elder women who are not afraid to unveil her many faces....

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

Pan de Muerto

The pan de muerto (Spanish for Bread of the Dead or Day of the Dead Bread) is a type of bread from Mexico baked during the Dia de los Muertos season, around the end of October and the official holiday is celebrated on November 2. It is a soft bread shaped in round loaves with strips of dough attached on top (to resemble bones), and usually covered or sprinkled with sugar....

... 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: Pan de Muerto

The "Love Sucks, I Know Nothing About It" Spell

You will need:

• Milk
• Shot of rum
• An egg
• Teaspoon of sugar
• Spritz of Lemon Juice

This spell is for those damaged souls who have been through the mill in love. They have failed, and they have failed miserably. They are not even willing to take another chance on love because they feel crippled underneath the baggage they are already carrying. This spell combines a bit of wisdom and a bit of hope and a heap of renewal energy. This spell may be performed only on the new 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: The "Love Sucks, I Know Nothing About It" Spell

Spell to Forget an Old Flame

The old, nostalgic memories of past romances never seem to fade, though we do tend to forget the bad parts. When the influence of an old flame lingers, when the passion of a past and long-gone love refuses to die and keep interfering with the present, it is time to put it to rest. This spell will not eliminate the memories, but it will finally snuff the misplaced embers of a long-gone love.

You will need:

• Nine black beans
• A piece of black paper

At midnight, when the moon is almost black, get the paper and the beans and sit in silence, Fully remembering your old flame. Invoke your past passion, the feelings you still hold on to. Then, take ...

... 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: Spell To Forget an Old Flame

Sacred Midwife Spell

Hecate rides a chariot drawn by dragons, symbolizing her dominion over the menstrual process. Other emblems include a broomstick, a flaming torch to light the way through dark passages, and a key that unlocks all doors, gates, and roads including the birth canal.

Petition Hecate for safe, smooth delivery prior to going into labor. In addition midwives may always request Hecate's assistance, guidance, and protection. The same ritual spell serves laboring women and midwives alike....

... 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: Sacred Midwifery Spell

Hecate's Dream Pillow

The Goddess Hecate provides protection at night as well as psychic enhancement, so that you can journey safely during dreams. Appeal to Hecate to block nightmares too.

You will need:

• Dried lavendar
• Dried mullein
• Essential oil of lavender...

... 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: Hekate's Dream Pillow

New Moon Magical Days

Traditionally, the each of the first ten days after the New Moon has it's own attributes and qualities. Here's the folklore on each of those days:

First Day: A good day for new beginnings. To fall ill on this day means the illness might last a long while. A child born at this time will be happy, prosperous, and live long.

Second Day: A good day for buying and selling and for starting a sea voyage. Also a good time for hoeing and sowing.

Third Day: Crimes committed on this day are certain to be found out....

... 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: Ten Days of the New Moon

Making friends with money

On a day during the new or waxing moon, take 5 one dollar bills, arrange them in a fan shape. Each bill should be face up and they should all be facing the same direction.

Put them under the doormat at your front door. Place them, with the fanned (widest) side facing inward....

... 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: Making Friends With Money

Dark Moon

The hour of the dark moon draws near;
I hear the invoking words,
hear and appear
Chthonia, Enodia, Trioditis
I come unto the holy bliss.

~Madre van der Merwe

... more invocations, prayers, and quotes can be found at my new website, Widdershins.

Prayer To Selene For Any Operation

This hymn from the Greek Magical Papyri, is addressed to Selene even though it is clearly a hymn to Hekate. The confusion of title probably arose from the syncretisation of the goddesses in the hymn, with Selene being mentioned first.

The invocation is meant to be accompanied by an offering. In keeping with other contemporary magickal practices, fragrant resins and herbs are used for positive magick. Incenses such as storax, myrrh, sage, frankincense, and (surprisingly) a fruit pit are recommended.

When calling up such a powerful and terrible deity, it's always a good idea to bring protective charms, generous offerings, and a spirit of deep respect and reverence.



Here's the invocation:

O three-faced Selene, come to me beloved mistress
Graciously hear my sacred spells;
Image of Night, Youthful One...

... 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: Prayer To Selene For Any Operation

Crossroads and Choices

As we travel we are all faced with choices. Hecate is the goddess of the crossroads. Go to her if you need to make a decision in matters having to do with travel or life opportunities.

Take three apples and go to a three-way crossroads that is not busy with traffic, ideally at night. Cut each in half so the pentacle formed of the seeds is showing....

... 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: Crossroads and Choices

Prayer to Hecate

Sacred flame rise to power
We ask Hecate to help us empower
Hear us tonight as we request
to the needs we have to be addressed...

... 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: Prayer to Hekate

About Hekate

The goddess Hekate was one of the most significant deities of the ancient world. Her history stretches back across the millennia. We find traces of her in the recent past, through into the Renaissance - stretching back through the Byzantine and Roman Empires, Hellenistic, Classical and Archaic Greece through into the Greek Dark Ages - and beyond. Hekate has been with us for at least three thousand years....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been combined with another, moved to my new website, The Powers That Be, and can be found here: Hekate ~ Goddess of the Night

Invocation To The Dark Mother

‎"We call to thee,
Ama,
dark Mother;
thou to whom all manifested life must return,
when its time has come;
dark Mother of stillness and rest,
before whom men tremble because they understand thee not.
We call to thee...

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been moved to Widdershins, and can be found in its entirety here: Invocation to the Dark Mother

Invocation of Hekate

Queen of Ghosts,
Images of you on gate posts,
Highest priestess.
In the darkest dress....

... 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: Queen of Ghosts

The Rite of Her Sacred Fires

This is a film of Sorita d'Este performing the The Rite of Her Sacred Fires - a number of these films will be uploaded over the next few days at Her Sacred Fires channel on YouTube to show different expressions of the same ceremony by different contributors. If you are interested in participating, or want to learn more about it, visit the facebook page at HEKATE: Her Sacred Fires or read about the event here.

Note: This event is from way back in 2010. Here's the invite:

The facebook group, Hekate: Her Sacred Fires, is inviting you to join in a worldwide day of celebrating and honouring the Goddess Hekate on the Full Moon, Thursday 27th May 2010.

Petition to Hekate

A petition for her patronage is recorded in the third century by Hippolytus in Philosphumena:

Come infernal, terrestrial, and heavenly Bombo (Hecate), goddess of the broad roadways, of the crossroad, thou who goest to and fro at night, torch in hand, enemy of the day. Friend and lover of darkness, thou who doest rejoice when the bitches are howling and warm blood is spilled, thou who art walking amid the phantom and the in place of the tombs, thou whose thirst is blood, thou who doest strike chill and fear in mortal hearts, Gorgo, Mormo, Moon of a thousand forms, cast a propitious eye on our sacrifice.

... more invocations and prayers to Hekate can be found at my new website, Widdershins.

Song for Hecate

O Lady of the darkest soul of night
Mother of Midnight, Ancient Shadow Queen
Bringer of Visions, give to me the sight
To see the sacred in all living things.
And in cold death, still beauty may I see
When You take back into Yourself
the beauty that was 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: Song For Hekate

The Charge of the Dark Goddess

Wisdom and empowerment are the gifts of the Dark Goddess of Transformation. She is known as Kali, Hecate, Cerridwen, Lilith, Persephone, Fata, Morgana, Ereshleigal, Arianhrod, Durga, Inama, Tiamat, and by a million, million other names.

Hear me child, and know me for who I am. I have been with you since you were born, and I will stay with you until you return to me at the final dusk....

... 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: Charge of the Dark Goddess

Summoning Hecate

Hecate, Queen of Witches, pre-eminent deity of the ancient nation of Caria, Matron of Midwives, and psychopomp maintians office hours only at night: formal petitions and invitations must be offered after dark. A particularly ancient spirit, the only source of illumination she favors is fire....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been combined with another, and moved to my new website, The Powers That Be, it can be found here: Hekate ~ Queen of the Night

Summoning Hecate - An Enhancement

To enhance your ability to summon Hecate, Queen of the Night, try this:

Dry dandelion roots, then slice and pierce them to create beads, forming a ritual necklace to wear when calling Hecate. Call - or think - Hecate's name as you pierce, string, and knot each bead. For best results, string the necklace at night by firelight....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been combined with another, and moved to my new website, The Powers That Be, it can be found here: Hekate ~ Queen of the Night

Hecate's Living Altar Spell

Hecate is most famous today as a Dark Moon Spirit and Queen of Witches. Those are but two aspects of this multifaceted deity. Hecate was once the chief deity of the Carian nation, now in Western Turkey. She is matron of the city of Istanbul. She has dominion over life and death and who makes the journey in between, indicating her power as a healing deity. Hecate is matron of midwives and herbalists....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been combined with another, and has been moved to my new website The Powers That Be, you can find it here: Hekate ~ Queen of the Night

Night of Hekate

November 16 is the Night of Hekate which begins at sunset. This is the night of the Three-formed Goddess. Hekate (also spelled Hecate) is part of the most ancient form of the triple Moon goddess as Crone or Dark Moon. This is also one of the nights of Hekate’s supper at the Crossroads. People who worshiped Hekate honoured Her by preforming Sympathetic Magick and holding a supper at a Crossroads; in addition, in ancient times animals were sacrificed in Her honour.

If you are looking for a way to honor the Goddess, or celebrate this night, here is a listing of spells, invocations, and information that might be helpful:

About Hekate:

• Hecate Queen of the Night
• The Triple Goddess
• Goddess of the Crossways
• About Hekate

Rituals and Spells:

• Night of the Crossroads
• Hecate's Suppers
• Hecate's Living Altar Spell
• Summoning Hecate
• Summoning Hecate - an enhancement
• Crossroads and Choices
• At A Crossroads?
• Spell for Unlocking and Opening Up

Invocations:

• Charge of the Dark Goddess - 1
• Charge of the Dark Goddess - 2
• Hekate Speaks
• Song for Hecate
• Petition to Hekate
• Invocation of Hekate
• Invocation to the Dark Mother
• Prayer to Hekate

Quotes:

• Invocation to Hekate
• Ode to Hekate

Hecate's Suppers

Ritual meals were among Hecate's traditional rites. Once upon a time, these dinners were consumed outside under the dark moon, ideally at a crossroads. One plate was reserved for Hecate; after her devotees dined, just before they departed, Hecate's plate was laid down at the crossroads.

Traditionally whatever is given to Hecate cannot be reclaimed. Thus, do not break out your priceless set of china; lay the meal on the ground or use a serving dish that will be incorporated into the offering. Once the offering is laid down, depart without looking back. Hecate determines who picks up the offering....

... 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: Night of Hekate's Supper

Asking For A Blessing

The last day of each lunar month is the sacred day of the triple goddess of crossroads and the patroness of Witches, Hecate.

Hecate had many names and titles: Hecate Trevia, “of the three ways”; Hecate Phosphoros, “the light bringer”; Hecate Nykterian “of the night”; and Hecate Basileia, “Hecate Queen.” On this night of the waning Moon we have a perfect opportunity to work with this goddess and ask for her blessing to illuminate our darkest times, and grant us her protection....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been enlarged, and moved to my new website, The Pagan Calendar, it can be found in its entirety here: Night of Hekate's Supper

Hecate, Queen of the Night

Hecate (Hekate) is Queen of the Night, the Spirit World, and Witchcraft. Her epithets include "She Who Works Her Will." Although today most associated with Greek mythology, her name, meaning "influence from afar," acknowledges her foreign origins.



Generally believed to have first emerged in what is now Turkey, she was not an obscure goddess. Hecate was at one time chief deity of Caria, now western Turkey, and was eventually widely worshiped throughout Europe, Western Asia, and Egypt. Records of formal worship date from eighth century BC to the fourth century AD, although as magic fell from grace she became an increasingly disreputable spirit. All Hecate's myths clearly identify her as a witch and matron of magical arts....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been expanded, and moved to my new website, The Powers That Be. It can be found in its entirety here: Hekate - Queen of the Night

Goddess of the Crossways

Hecate is the Goddess of the dark of the moon, the black nights when the moon is hidden. She was associated with deeds of darkness, the Goddess of the Crossways, which was held to be ghostly places of evil magic, an Awful Divinity,

"Hecate of hell

Mighty to shatter every stubborn thing.

Hark! Hark! Her hounds are baying through the town.

Where three roads meet, there she is standing."

More on Hekate can be found at The Powers That Be, Widdershins, and Book of Shadows

Chant For The Gods

By the land beneath us
By the sea surrounding us
By the sky above us
We come unto the gods

~Author unknown

More cool chants can be found at my new website, Widdershins.

Full Moon Mojo's

This is the day when we go through all your little new moon "mojo's" and reset them for the full moon. Lots of little easy tasks.

If you put a dollar under your doormat, today is the day to remove it if that's what you want to do. If you do remove it, sprinkle the spot where it was with a little pinch or two of mint to freshen the energy. If you like that spell, and want to keep it going, you can leave it where it is until the new moon (about 2 weeks from now), at which point you can either refresh your dollar with cinnamon, or replace it with a larger bill.. say for example, a five dollar bill.

If you do opt to remove the dollar bill, it might be fun to put it on your spindle (or in your envelope) so it can continue to draw all that good prosperity to you.

If you put a coin in your windowsill, today is the day to flip it over so that the "tails" side is up. "Heads" up brings money in. "Tails" up deflects and sends money problems out. When you flip your coin, it might be nice to hold it in your hands for a moment and appreciate the good energy it brought to you.

If you made Madam Fortuna's prosperity oil, today is the day to fish that coin out of the oil, gently and appreciatively wash it with warm soapy water. Add a pinch of ginger to the oil after you remove the coin, this will act as a sealant for the energy accumulated as the moon became full. If you have a decorative bottle that you would like to use for your prosperity oil, now is a good time to fill it. Hand blown Egyptian glass perfume bottles are really really cool, and not very expensive.

You might also want to do a short full moon meditation. It's a nifty way to pull in the "fullness of the moon" into your prosperity.

Circle Round Abundance Meditation

On any day or evening from the new to full moon, sit quietly and close your eyes. Relax. See yourself as the energy of prosperity. Be the energy of prosperity. Chant, or repeat in your mind:

Circle, circle, round round;

round round, circle round.

... 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: Circle Round Abundance Meditation

Spell to Find a Lost Pet

For this spell to find a lost cat or other small pet, you’ll need the assistance of a tree, rock, or other outdoor entity—preferably one in your yard or very near your home. Take one of your cat’s favorite toys and some cat food to the tree. Tell the tree about your pet and that you are concerned because of how long he or she has been missing. Ask the tree...

... 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: Spell to Find A Lost Pet

Celebrating the Blood Moon

Here's a nice little ritual to do for the Blood Moon. You will need:

• A special glass or chalice - something pretty
• Rose water - or spring water
• White cotton cloth
• Red wine
• Ripe pomegranate
• Honey
• Silver spoon

For this ritual it will be nice to dress up a little....

... 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: Full Blood Moon

Four Thieves Vinegar

This liquid is used as a hexing agent. Write your problem on paper and soak the paper in the vinegar. Allow it to dry and then burn it to be rid of the problem.

To make Four Thieves Vinegar, take a bottle of apple cider vinegar and add the following herbs in handfuls....

... 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: A Four Thieves Vinegar

Old Michaelmas Day Customs

There is evidence that Michaelmas was once celebrated later in the year, on the 10th or 11th of October, this is now referred to as 'Old Michaelmas Day'. There may also have been a time when both dates for Michaelmas were acknowledged.

I like the legend of teenage girls collecting crab apples at the beginning of September, and arranging them in the initials of boys they fancied. If they could still discern the initials on Old Michaelmas Day...

... 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: Michaelmas - The Christianized Mabon

Blowing Darts

This is a spell to break and remove all the bad energy, negativity, bad luck, hexes, and etc. that others have put on you, or that you have inadvertently collected or allowed.

You will need:

• 1 white candle
• 1 smudge stick OR 1 generous handful of dried sage leaves (not the powder)
• 1 lemon (lemon essential oil - or pure lemon juice will also work)
• 1 paper plate
• black marker or pen...

... 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: Blowing Darts Banishing Spell 

The Purpose of Mabon

As a holiday, Mabon represents the time of honoring the dead, visiting burial sites, giving thankfulness for the end of the harvest season and the bounty it provides. These are the themes of closing, letting go and remembering. For the year, the harvest and for those who were lost to land of Avalon during the year.

Although many view the Harvest season as a celebration of life, it is also a celebration of death. The bounty you gather from your garden provides nourishment for you, family and friends. But it is also the death of those plants and vegetables which have been harvested from that garden. Thus Mabon is a celebration of the cycle of life....

... 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

Decorations and Activities for Mabon

Activities vary with region and tradition, as well as personal preference. Some ideas include making a Sun Wheel or wreath. Also, one could mirror the Celtic tradition of dressing a corn stalk in cloths and burning it in celebration of the harvest and upcoming rebirth.

Simple altar decorations can be obtained by taking a calm “pilgrimage” through your local woods and collecting leaves, acorns, berries, and other things symbolic of nature’s bounty...

... 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

Lucky Leaf

The oak tree is lucky for money and health. Try to catch a falling oak leaf in autumn, before it touches the ground. Keep the leaf safely in your purse or wallet to ensure it will never be empty. If an oak leaf accidentally...

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Homeric Hymn of Demeter and Persephone

I begin to sing of rich-haired Demeter Semne Thea (Reverend goddess) - of her and her trim-ankled daughter (Persephone) whom Aidoneus rapt away, given to him by all-seeing Zeus the loud-thunderer.


Apart from Demeter Khrysaoros (Lady of the golden sword) Aglaokarpos (Giver of glorious fruits), she was playing with the deep-bosomed daughters of Okeanos and gathering flowers over a soft meadow, roses and crocuses and beautiful violets, irises also and hyacinths and the narcissus, which Ge (Earth) made to grow at the will of Zeus and to please the Host of Many (Haides), to be a snare for the bloom-like girl....

... 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: Homeric Hymn of Demeter and Persephone

Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm is of so great virtue that though it be but tied to his sword that hath given the wound it staunches the blood.

~Pliny

If you are interested, an indepth post on Lemon Balm can be found at The Encyclopedia of Herbology, and the magickal properties of this lovely herb can be found at Magickal Ingredients

Different types of Witchcraft

Many just beginning their studies of Magick think that there is only one Witchcraft, that being Wicca.

Why magick and not magic? The answer is quite simple...magic is what Copperfield and other illusionists perform. Magick is true, not an illusion. I will never forget the intense surge of power I felt vibrating in my body the first time I practiced magick, and I get that same feeling every time.



I believe it is important for beginners to realize that their are many more paths one can follow. By learning about different ones, it can not only enrich your knowledge, but even guide you towards a path that's best suited for you. It is common for people use the terms Witchcraft and Wicca interchangeably. Whether they are different or just a way of describing the same thing depends on which Witch you ask. Either way you look at it, there is more than one path or tradition. The following are just a few descriptions of some of the most common....

... 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: Different Types of Witchcraft

The Full Corn Moon

In late August, we celebrate the beginning of the Corn Moon. This moon phase is also known as the Barley Moon, and carries on the associations of grain and rebirth that we saw back at Lammastide. August was originally known as Sextilis by the ancient Romans, but was later renamed for Augustus (Octavian) Caesar. Some Native American tribes knew that the sturgeon of the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain were most readily caught during this full Moon, for them it was the Full Sturgeon Moon. Others called it the Green Corn Moon or the Grain Moon....

... 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 Full Corn Moon

Whole Grain Bread for Lammas

Bread is a central feature in Lammas and Lughnasadh celebrations. Here's a great recipe for whole grain bread:

In a large mixing bowl combine:

• 2 cups milk (warm to the touch)
• 2 packages of dry baking yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup honey...

... 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: Whole Grain Bread for Lammas

Lughnasadh aka Lammas

Lughnassadh (pronounced "LOO-nahs-ah") or Lammas, is one of the Greater Wiccan Sabbats and is usually celebrated on August 1st or 2nd, although occasionally on July 31st. The Celtic festival held in honor of the Sun God Lugh (pronounced "Loo") is traditionally held on August 7th. Some Pagans celebrate this holiday on the first Full Moon in Leo.

Other names for this Sabbat include the First Harvest Festival, the Sabbat of First Fruits, August Eve, Lammastide, Harvest Home, Ceresalia (Ancient Roman in honor of the Grain Goddess Ceres), Feast of Bread, Sabbat of First Fruits, Festival of Green Corn (Native American), Feast of Cardenas, Cornucopia (Strega), Thingtide and Elembiuos. Lughnassadh is named for the Irish Sun God Lugh (pronounced Loo), and variant spellings for the holiday are Lughnasadh, Lughnasad, Lughnassad, Lughnasa or Lunasa. The most commonly used name for this Sabbat is Lammas, an Anglo-Saxon word meaning "loaf-mass"....

... 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: Lughnasadh aka Lammas

Lammas and Lughnasadh

Lammas and Lughnasadh is an ancient Pagan festival celebrated in many parts of the world. Typically falling on the first day of August, this festival celebrates the fruits of the first harvest of the year with a focus upon gratitude and blessings for abundance. The names Lammas and Lughnasadh are often used interchangeably which can create some confusion but the following will help to clear things up....

... 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: Lammas vs Lughnasadh

Lugh, Master of Skills

Lugh (pronounced LOO) was known to the Celts as a god of craftsmanship and skill -- in fact, he was known as the Many-Skilled God, because he was good at so many different things. In one legend, Lugh arrives at Tara, and is denied entrance. He enumerates all the great things he can do, and each time the guard says, "Sorry, we've already got someone here who can do that." Finally Lugh asks, "Ah, but do you have anyone here who can do them ALL?"

Take the opportunity this day to celebrate your own skills and abilities, and make an offering to Lugh to honor him, the god of craftsmanship....

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been combined with another and  moved to my new website, The Powers That Be, and can be found here: Lugh - Master of Skills

Gods of the Harvest

When Lammastide rolls around, the fields are full and fertile. Crops are abundant, and the late summer harvest is ripe for the picking. This is the time when the first grains are threshed, apples are plump in the trees, and gardens are overflowing with summer bounty. In nearly every ancient culture, this was a time of celebration of the agricultural significance of the season. Because of this, it was also a time when many gods and goddesses were honored. These are some of the many deities who are connected with this earliest harvest holiday.

Adonis (Assyrian): Adonis is a complicated god who touched many cultures....

... 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: Gods of the Harvest

A Lammas Harvest Ritual

In some Wiccan traditions, Lammas is the time of year when the Goddess takes on the aspects of the Harvest Mother. The earth is fruitful and abundant, crops are bountiful, and livestock are fattening up for winter. However, the Harvest Mother knows that the cold months are coming, and so she encourages us to begin gathering up what we can.

This is the season for harvesting corn and grain, so that we can bake bread to store and have seeds for next year's planting. If you would like to hold a Lammas harvest ritual, here's how:

What You Need:

• A candle to represent the Harvest Mother
• Stalks of wheat
• A loaf of bread...

... 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: A Lammas Harvest Ritual