Chasing Trolls

Yule is also a good time to chase out ill-meaning wights like mischievous elves, dwarves, and trolls. Though it’s said that wights are who they are, and some serve a purpose, some are just trolls – ugly dwarves or fiends – and unpredictable… and sending them back to where they came from is good for both them and us....

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Boughs of Holly

Oak and holly play an important role in many of our holiday celebrations surrounding the winter solstice. In ancient cultures the holly tree symbolized the waning sun commencing with the summer solstice and the oak tree symbolized the waxing sun commencing with the winter solstice.

The Druids believed holly’s evergreen nature made it sacred and that it remained green throughout winter to keep the earth beautiful at a time when deciduous trees shed their leaves....

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

Holly Tree Lore

It is during June that the light of the sun reaches its culmination, and then begins its descent into earth. The Holly speaks to the fierce capacity of the human soul to take the descent into the underworld, bringing inner light into darkness. Thus we can understand the signature of the tree, with its ability to germinate without sunlight, favoring dark, moist conditions that are more strongly related to the downward earth pole. Its stiff, pointed leaves are not unlike thorns or "spears." The Holly yields a hard, white close-grained wood that imparts a quality of solidity and impermeability, as it stands in the depths of winter, impervious to cold and darkness with its somber evergreen color.

The Druid initiates developed a sacred alphabet, called the Ogham, based upon the archetypal qualities of trees. The Holly, known in Gaelic as Tinne ruled the eighth moon of the year, or the month of June. The glyph for Holly is that of a spear, meaning literally, "I am a battle-waging spear."

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Ritual for Yule

Take a warm bath with cinnamon, mint and rose petals to improve psychic awareness. Relax... let the warm sooth you, and consume you.

Decorate the sacred space with gold and silver spheres to represent the returning sun, and wreaths to symbolize the turning Wheel.

Have oak shavings ready as a base for your incense. Add any other personally meaningful herbs to this mixture and start burning it before the invocation to help prepare the sacred space....

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A Honey Elixir

When the day approaches noon,
Hold up honey to the sun,
That their double gold may run...

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Protective Blessing for Birds

Kuan Yin of beauty and of grace,
Protectress of the avian race,
Shield (name of pet) from all hurt and harm
And keep him/her always safe and warm...

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Protective Blessing for Dogs

Diana, Goddess of the Wild,
Keeper of dogs both fierce and mild,
Hold (name of pet) safely in Your arms
And protect this creature from all harm.
And should the day come that he/she roams...

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Seeing Bats

Bats are misunderstood because of the folklore dealing with vampires. However, bats are highly social creatures; they love to congregate with their family in huge numbers inside caves. They often hang upside down inside their cave (also called a roost), and only emerge at dusk to feed on insects (a common time for insects to stir). For this reason, the bat has come to symbolize rebirth because they go “inside” their cave which represents going within, and then they emerge at dusk, and this is seen as being reborn from the womb of mother Earth.

If this animal totem has appeared to you in your dreams or in waking life perhaps it is a sign that it is time for you to go within. It might be time to take some time off and go on a vacation and bring a journal with you, or even just try meditation as a way of becoming quiet and allowing your true self to speak....

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Bat Superstitions and Lore

• In a church during a wedding ceremony - bad omen
• In the house - either a death or a sign that the humans will soon be leaving
• Flying close to a person - that person will be betrayed
• Flying vertically upwards then dropping back to earth - 'The Witches Hour Has Come'
• Flying early in the evening - good weather

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Abracadabra

In ancient Hebrew the word abracadabra means "hurl your thunderbolt even unto death" and is associated with a thunderbolt deity who perished by throwing himself on the planet so that the creatures of earth could live...

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Peaceful Home Candle Spell

The use of coins in Peaceful Home spell-work has a long basis in history, as a matter of fact. One old spell for promoting peace in the home consists of dressing a blue candle with pennyroyal oil and setting it on a paper on which has been written the name of everyone in the household, crossed by the entire text of the 23rd Psalm of the Bible....

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Nether Garment Spell for Fidelity

Although in Romany culture divorce is taboo, their marriages are not necessarily happier than most, and sometimes partners do go astray. But there is a spell that draws a partner home to his or her original ties. This spell is very basic, as down-to-earth as the Romanies themselves. It gets to the point and apparently works....

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Unwanted Divorce

When an unwanted divorce appears likely, the Romanies advise the one who wants their partner to return to light a purple candle.

Pierce it with a pin from right to left, so that the pin tip emerges on the left side of the candle. Then take a pin with a blue head and pierce the candle from left to right....

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To Avoid Divorce

Divorce is taboo among the Romanies, so this spell is used to heal a broken marriage. It requires little more than an apple, true love, and the sheer determination to keep the marriage intact.

The advantage of this spell is that a link is already been established. The marriage simply needs reinforcement or bridging.

Buy a perfect-looking apple. If it is summer or autumn, pluck an apple yourself; an apple right off the tree has more life force in it....

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Reconciliation Spell

For friends who have had a misunderstanding, this will clear negativity.

You will need:

• Blue candle (for peace and healing)
• Lavender (for peace and purification)
• Sugar...

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All You Need Is Love

Love magick is the most popular and sought after magick in the world. A smooth functioning of the world needs love to grow among people. Love magick is known to build bridges of peace between people at war, the magick could be used to arouse peace and harmony in the world by acting on the conflicting nations of the world. This is how love magick could be of immense use. Magick can be used in this case to arouse the feelings of love and harmony among people replacing feelings of jealousy, enmity, and hatred....

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On The Subject Of Magic

This is an intriguing explanation of magic. I found it in an Anne Rice book, Servant of the Bones, and I think there might be some truth to it, some insight and understanding, a fresh viewpoint, a different way of defining what magic is and how it works. The book itself is a work of fiction, and yet, when I think of magic in this way, and act as if it is indeed true, my own magic has more power. I get faster and better results. So, here it is:



"All magic of all lands and of all schools is the same. Magic is an attempt to control the unseen spirits, and the spirit within the living, or to bring back the spirits of the dead which still surround the earth. That is all that magic is. Making illusions, doing tricks, bringing wealth, it's all done through spirits, that is, beings without bodies who can move swiftly, unseen, steal, spy, transport, etc. That's all magic. The words differ from country to country, from Ephesus to Delphi, to the northern steppes. But it's all the same....

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Magical Times

The powerful effects of the seasons, the weather, and even the time of day, can subtly affect your magic. Traditionally, these types of magic are performed during these times:

SPRING: A time for healing; purification, (spring cleaning), psychic awareness; paying bills; fertility; planting magical gardens; and ecological rituals. Air magic.

SUMMER: A time for love, marriage, friendship, beauty, protection, courage, magical energy, physical energy, and strength. Fire magic....

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Things to Keep in Mind

Ask for what you need
If you don't need it, don't ask for it. The magical power of a spell is driven by a true need; if you're asking for a second yacht, you probably won't get any results that you would like.

Don't fence yourself in
The most likely reason for a spell to fail is if you're asking for something too specific - you want to give yourself and the universe as much room to maneuver as you can...

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Making Your Own Magic

Life isn't always easy... and most of the people feeling the "pain" are desperate for anyone to help. This usually means they want someone to "fix it" for them by casting a spell for them. They don't BELIEVE that Magick inside them exists... and/or they don't BELIEVE they can use it to change their lives.

It sounds corny, but it's true. You've got to BELIEVE in yourself and the Magick energy you were born with in order to bring miracles into your life...

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On Sacred Objects

Of all the objects you have, the most sacred is yourself. Every other object is a reflection of yourself. Every sacred object reflects your strengths, your vulnerabilities, your joys, and your needs. Each object is sacred only in that it provides a symbolic link between your highest Self and the source of all life and wisdom, in Nature and in Spirit....

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About Good Luck Charms

There is no use buying or finding a good luck charm only to put it away and forget it. It should be kept close, in a purse or pocket, or worn around the neck, and it should be handled often, always with a feeling of happiness and hope.

The greater the certainty that the charm will bring good luck, the more effective it will be...

... I am so sorry to do this to you, but this post has been combined with another and moved to my new website, Gypsy Magick and Lore, it can be found here: About Amulets and Talismans

Learning Magic

Here's a great quote from a book, "The Magicians" by Lev Grossman.

"You cannot study magic. You can not learn it. You must ingest it. Digest it. You must merge with it. And it with you.

When a Magician casts a spell, he does not first mentally review the Major, Minor Tertiary, and Quaternary Circumstances. He does not search his soul to determine the phase of the moon and the nearest body of water, and the last time he wiped his ass. When he wishes to cast a spell he simply ...

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There Is Magick

“There is magic in this world if you want the world to be magical. If you want life to be special, it will be. No one wants to be bored or consumed by ordinary drudgery. But what happens, all too often, is that when magic is presented to us, we don’t believe it because we don’t trust ourselves. We don’t realize what can really be accomplished....

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Successful Spell Casting

Here we have a list of thirteen steps for successful spell casting:

One: Think clearly about what you need.

If you need a car, perhaps it would be best to do a spell that will help you to bring a car into your life, rather than asking for a few thousand dollars to come your way so that you can buy a car. Magic can work in many ways and you might be limiting yourself if you don't stay open to all possibilities! But remember, magic works best if you really need something, rather than just desiring it....

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True Magic

When people think of the word magic, the average person probably thinks of Samantha in "Bewitched" twitching her nose to turn a cat into a horse, or of Macbeth's three witches standing around the cauldron while chanting, "Eye of newt and toe of frog, wool of bat and tongue of dog..." But magic has nothing to do with the supernatural. True magic comes from within ourselves....

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Staying Grounded

Here is an exercise in being grounded and fully present in the body. This is important before and after any spellwork or magick.

Wherever you are in this moment, as you continue to read and pay attention to the words on the screen, become aware of your feet. If they aren't on the ground, put them there and feel the earth beneath you....

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Circle Casting Made Simple

Circle casting is an important, and at times, difficult activity. It involves the use of many skills, and for the beginner it can seem like a pointless, if not impossible, routine. How do you do it properly? When should it be done? And perhaps most importantly: how do you know if you've done it?



What is a Circle?
A circle is a boundary of energy extending halfway above the ground and halfway below. It marks the boundary between the worlds: inside the circle is a cleansed space where the two worlds can interact. Outside is the mundane, 'regular' world. That's the basics; more on this later....

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Magick Circles, Why Use Them?

They say that the longest journey begins with a single step. So, too, the exploration of Magickal studies begins with a single step. Though the first step in a physical journey is often self-evident, the First Step on a Magickal journey is often not quite so clear. While formally organized groups often have a path of lessons to instruct newcomers, the solitary or isolated student is often left standing in perplexity on this broad plain of knowledge, wondering just where in the heck to begin. And wondering, too, if it's "okay" to start just anywhere....

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Dream Oracle Doll

This method, which resembles something from a fairy tale, traditionally uses a mandrake root, though ginseng, or any root that suggests a human form may be substituted.

1. Embellish and dress the root so it looks like a person. (German folk tradition suggests using millet for eyes.)
2. Wrap the root doll in silk when not in use and keep in a safe place....

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The Stone Oracle

Divination with Metals and Stones

This system is based on the concept that your connection with a particular stone or metal at times during your life reflects your need for its specific energy on the direction of your path.

Ancient diviners had splendid collections of stones and metals that they had the querist (the person questing for information) choose from. Today we may make our own collections, using samples found on our journey. It is not necessary to have fabulous, expensive stones and metal samples - rough uncut forms work quite effectively...

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The Morrigan

The Morrigan is a Celtic goddess of battle, strife, and fertility. Her name translates as either “Great Queen” or “Phantom Queen,” and both epithets are entirely appropriate for her. The Morrigan appears as both a single goddess and a trio of goddesses...

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The Banishing Ritual

One of the most basic and useful ceremonial rituals of magick is called the *banishing ritual*, or "lesser ritual of the pentagram."

A pentagram (or pentacle) is a five-pointed star with the point up. The banishing ritual is helpful in psychic protection and healing since it forms a protective barrier against malevolent forces.

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Gingerbread Spell for Overeating

For this spell you will need to bake gingerbread cookies. The cookies are made the usual way, with the exception of one large cookie with a hole cut out of the middle (before baking). While rolling out and cutting the cookie shapes, spend time thinking about what it is that you are trying so hard to fill up with food. Is there an empty place inside you, a place of lack and hunger?

While the cookies are baking, find a red or gold ribbon long enough to tie around your wrist....

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Candle Spell for Weight Loss

Best performed during the waning moon. Light a pink candle for self-love; anoint it with the oil of your choice. Next light a brown candle.

Engrave the number of pounds you want to lose on it, then visualize banishing the excess weight. Runes can be carved on it if you wish... 

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Surprising Weight Loss Spell

1. Jasmine essence, essential oil, or flowers
2. A quartz crystal.
3. Symbols of each of the four elements - earth, fire, air, and water

You need three things:
Jasmine is the flower of femininity. (I am supposing this magic to be directed to a woman -- of course men do want to lose weight too. If this is the case, choose an essence such as Patchouli or Vanilla). It is the flower of senses, of pleasure, of physical attraction. The best suited therefore to bring you back in touch with the pleasure of being in your skin, of looking and feeling attractive, the feeling that exudes naturally from a healthy and balanced body. In fact all the responsibility for weight problems resides somewhere in the body's loss of its ability to stay balanced...

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Spell to Eat Less and Become Healthy

Time: Sunset on a Waning Moon
Tools: yellow candle with holder, rose petals, lavender oil, small garnets, carnelian or turquoise stone, small jar with lid or plastic bag that seals, and a picture of yourself healthy.


Charge yellow candle with desired goal and place in holder . As you light the candle, visualize yourself passing on second helpings of food, putting only...

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Symbolism of the Full Wolf Moon

Native American wisdom marries every full moon in a month with a specific feature in Nature. These moon associations will vary depending upon the tribe we are honoring. This month, January is deemed the Wolf Moon or Cold Moon by various tribes indigenous to the Great Lakes region of North America.

It’s been a tough month for some of us. I thought it fitting to toss out some symbolic observations about the January Wolf Moon with a goal to offer inspiration to folks facing some challenges right now....

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Invocation for the Full Wolf Moon

Here is a great invocation for the Full Wolf Moon. It can be used anytime wild magick and/or freedom is requested, preferably on a full moon night.

Hecate,
Woman of the moon mist,
Immortal hunteress
Hear me cry...

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Full Moon Release Ritual

Items you'll need:

• Floating candles,
• a large bowl,
• water,
• matches,
• a pen.

Create sacred space with candles, sage smudging, and setting up altars with powerful totems, or items of special significance....

... 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: Full Moon Release Ritual