Witches’ Ritual for Lammas August 1, 2012

The Wiccan Wheel of the Year Sabbat of Lammas is celebrated on August 1st.  This is the traditional time for spells that focus on riches, prosperity and appreciation for the blessings we have received so far this year.

There will be a full moon on August 2, so you may wish to cleanse and charge your witches’ tools in its waxing light.

At Imbolc, (February 1), we begin to notice the sun coming up and the start of longer days.  Here at Lammas, the opposite is true.  We are now aware of the waning sunlight. Summer is fading and we prepare to gather the first harvest.

Lammas Altar Set Up

Set your altar with gold and yellow candles and frankincense oil and incense. Suitable flowers are gladiolas, nasturtium, yarrow and sunflowers.

Menu for Lammas

After your spell, prepare a feast of ratatouille, (sautéed eggplant, tomatoes, zucchini, red peppers, onions and herbs), cornbread, a salad of mixed greens and edible nasturtium blossoms and serve with a light red wine, like Chianti. End the feast with walnut-zucchini cake.

You can find recipes and a Lammas Spell for Continued Prosperity and Appreciation in my eBook Simple Wiccan Magick Spells & Ritual Ceremony, a celebration of Wiccan Festivals on the Wheel of the Year.

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July 3, 2012 Full Moon in Capricorn Ritual

Sun in Cancer ~ Full Moon in Capricorn

The July full moon is known as Thunder Moon, Shallow Moon or Hay Moon. Flowers are honeysuckle and jasmine; stones are ruby and moonstone. As the July 3 full moon is in Sun sign Cancer, (June 22 – July 23), the full moon is in the opposite sign Capricorn.

A full moon in earth-sign Capricorn is ideal for spells related to career advancement, improving social status and planning for the future. It’s also an appropriate time to get rid of the deadwood, the old and extraneous in order to reap the positive rewards of your labours.

Set your altar as usual and use lavender oil and incense to channel the energy of this success-oriented full moon. Remember to give thanks for blessings received from your last ritual.  Gratitude and appreciation always generates more reasons for feeling thankful.

For more information about the Capricorn and other full moons, please sample my newly published ebook for Kindle Simple Wiccan Magick Full Moon Spells & Rituals, also available for Apple iPad, Kobo and Sony eReader and as a PDF download.

Blessed be!

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Summer Solstice Wiccan Altar Set Up

I hope everyone enjoyed the Wheel of the Year Summer Solstice spell for direction and resolution.  Along with creating a Midsummer philtre with mugwort, vervain and rosemary, (wrapped only in paper rather than fabric), I charged a pair of pearl earrings to act as a personal power talisman.

Pearls are one of the stones for Midsummer and charging a piece of jewellery is an easy and effective way to keep the magick of the festival at hand. Because pearls are time-honoured correspondences, they vibrate in harmony with the energy I want to create. Every time I wear them, I am reminded of my goals and dreams.

Witches’ Altar for Summer Solstice

I’ve included a picture of my altar after the Midsummer ritual.  I’ll dry the roses, lavender and honeysuckle and use them later in a philtre.  Oak is one of the Summer Solstice trees and I am lucky to have a piece from a tree that was struck by lightening.

NOTE: Some of you noticed that the chalice was missing.  Thanks for bringing this to my attention – I had already taken it to be washed as I usually fill it with mead or wine.  I will be sure to include it in my next altar photo.

Blessed be!

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Midsummer Spell for Summer Solstice June 20, 2012

In 2012 Witches will celebrate Midsummer, or the Summer Solstice on June 20.  This is also a festival date on the Wheel of the Year.  Half the year is now over and the steadily increasing hours of daylight will reach their peak before starting the slow descent towards winter.

Midsummer Rituals

Summer Solstice themes include spells celebrating and requesting strength, rewards, confidence and decision making.

Summer Solstice Correspondences

  • colours are yellow, orange, red & gold
  • flowers are honeysuckle, lavender, roses and vervain
  • stones are agate, pearl and moonstone
  • oils include lavender, vervain and cedar

Midsummer Food & Drink

An appropriate menu would include elderflower wine, tomato soup, cucumber salad, pesto pasta and lavender & herb shortbread.

Summer Solstice Spell for Direction

Set up your altar as usual and call to the Great Goddess to help you find direction and a resolution to your most pressing problems.  We need to make a decision now before the long, hot days of summer slow us down and weaken our willpower. Remember to give thanks for the blessings you have received so far this year.

If you need more detailed information, recipes and a complete ritual for a Midsummer Direction and Resolution Spell can be found in my Wheel of the Year guide Simple Wiccan Magick Spells & Ritual Ceremony.

Blessed be!

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Simple Wiccan Full Moon Spells Book

I finally published my new ebook today, just in time for the next full moon.

Simple Wiccan Magick Full Moon Spells & Rituals uses the power of the full moon to focus your intent and guide your manifestations.  Like my two other books, this one is light on lore and heavy on practical ceremony, an ideal reference guide for both novices and experienced practitioners, working alone or in a group.

Moon worship has been part of our history since the earliest days.  The constantly changing cycles of the moon enabled ancient civilizations to plan and chart time.  They also discovered that special energies correspond to the different phases of the moon. Today, these connections are being rediscovered as we seek to fulfil our dreams and align ourselves with the universe. Continue reading

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June 4 2012 Full Moon Ritual

Full Moon in Sagittarius ~ Sun in Gemini 

May 22 – June 21

PENDULUM RITUAL FOR NEW BEGINNINGS

A full moon in Sagittarius is an ideal time to do spells for successful beginnings in areas of learning and education and also for long-term travel. Outdoor activities are highlighted as are intuition, independence, healing and forgiveness. Focus on using your intuition to help create successful new beginnings.

Write out your questions ahead of time and add a purple candle and frankincense oil and incense to your usual altar set up. Use a pendulum to help you make a decision on which path you should take. Once your choice is clear, make notes and until the next full moon, take steps to move towards your goal.

Blessed be!

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Full Moon Ritual May 5, 2012

The full moon on May 5th is known as Flower Moon or Merry Moon. Corresponding flowers are lily of the valley and foxglove; stones are emerald and amber. Sun sign Taurus, (April 21 – May 21), is in force for most of the month, indicating a full water moon in Scorpio.

A Scorpio moon is an ideal time for warrior spells to win battles and increase personal power, courage and charisma.  You can create a personal power talisman or amulet to increase your chances of success in any endeavour. Magickal talismans are usually filled with herbs, but you can substitute a favourite piece of your own jewellery for this purpose.

May 5 Full Moon is a Supermoon

Saturday’s full moon will be closer to the earth than usual and will be bigger and brighter as well. It will seem largest right after sunset, as it rises above the horizon.

See my earlier post about a simple spell to create a personal power talisman using the super energy of the May 5 full supermoon.

I am currently compiling a reference guide for full moon spells,which will include 13 rituals and appropriate recipes. I hope to have it ready for you as an eBook before the next full moon.

Blessed be!

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Beltane Love Magic May 1, 2012

A Spell for New Love and Companionship

The feast of Beltane is the Witches’ traditional celebration of fertility and creative energy. The Goddess Flora and the Green Man are patrons of this day and Fairies abound in the woods.  Beltane is also an ideal time to cast spells and perform rituals to bring romance into your life, or to get married.

This love spell is an abbreviated version from my book Simple Wiccan Magick Spells for Everyday.

Wiccan Love Spell for Beltane

Before the spell, take a relaxing herbal bath in rose-scented water. When finished, set your altar with the appropriate cleansed and charged tools, including rose petals, mint and lemon peel for your talisman, paper, pen, a 9” x 9” square of red cloth, white ribbon and two red candles. Place the small red notebook on the altar as well.

Use Vervain oil to anoint your altar candles and your forehead. Place a secret – a heart charm or a shell would work well here – in the centre of your altar. Light the altar candles and a stick of Lavender incense. You will dress and light the red candles during the ritual.

Belatane Witchcraft Ritual

When you are ready, walk anticlockwise at least three times around the altar to close the circle. Focus and chant, May the power of the circle bring success to my spell work, or your own special words.

Call to Venus, Goddess of Love, saying: Continue reading

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Full Moon Ritual April 6, 2012

April’s full moon is in Libra, opposite the sun sign of Aries.  The April full moon is known as Pink Moon, Growing Moon or Hare Moon.

This is an ideal time for Witchcraft spells to promote friendship and working with others.  If there has been a rift with family or friends, the April full moon is perfect for healing spells.

Wiccan Spells for Partnership & Healing

The sun sign Libra is represented by a set of scales, so spells to increase balance in your life are also suitable.  However, if you’ve been following my Wheel of the Year book Simple Wiccan Magick Spells & Ritual Ceremony, you recently completed a meditation for balance at the Spring Equinox on March 20.

Set up your altar as usual and light a stick of Lavender incense.  During ritual, ask for new understanding and tolerance and the ability to see the other person’s point of view.  This simple act may even help you to cultivate more balance in your outlook.

Blessed be!

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New Moon in Aries Ritual March 22, 2012

The new moon, or dark moon, will be on March 22, 2012 in the sun sign of Aries. This is a good time to perform spells to banish or decrease negative energy.

The sun sign Aries is known for fiery tempers, bluntness and impulsiveness. You may wish to perform a dark moon spell to reduce any of these traits that may degenerate into harmful aspects.

Blessed be!

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Wiccan Ritual for Spring Equinox March 20, 2012

The Witches’ Sabbat of Spring Equinox will take place on March 20, 2012. Eostre or Ostara was the Goddess of Spring and in ancient times, old fires were extinguished, grates cleaned and new fires were lit.  This is the origin of our modern tradition of spring cleaning.

At the Spring or Vernal Equinox, the hours of light and darkness are of equal length.  Now is the perfect time to perform spells to find balance in your life or to cleanse your mind, body and home of old, negative influences and replace them with fresh, positive ideals.

Decorate your altar with spring flowers, like crocus, tulips and daffodils and light pastel-coloured candles, like mauve, pink and pale green. Burn lavender incense and use lily of the valley oil.

Celebrate this Wiccan festival by serving a meal with eggs, fresh greens, lamb and barley stew and hot-crossed buns.

My eBook Simple Wiccan Magick Spells & Ritual Ceremony, is an introduction to the Wheel of the Year and contains correspondences, recipes and a spell to find balance in your life.

Blessed be!

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Full Moon Ritual March 8, 2012

The full moon of March 8,  also known as Storm Moon, will be in the Earth sign of Virgo.  This is an excellent time to perform magick spells to channel stability, security and health.

Focus your ritual on purification, releasing negative energies and dispelling worry in general, especially that which is connected to your work. Remember that nature always fills a void, so after you have removed any bad vibes, ask that they be replaced by positive energy.

Blessed be!

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Dark Moon Ritual February 21, 2012

Now that the full moon has passed and its waning cycle heads towards the Dark Moon on February 21st, we can begin spellwork to remove negative energy.

Your regular calendar will show a new moon on February 21st, so you may find this terminology confusing.  In the past, a new moon was defined by when you could see its first visible crescent. Now, however, a new moon is the phase when the moon is not visible to the naked eye.  If you are planning dark moon spells, this is the time to perform them.

Banish negative energy

My first book, Simple Wiccan Magick Spells & Ritual Ceremony, has been available for almost a year and has been selling very well. A while back, someone used (stole) my copyrighted book cover for their own (horrible, IMHO) work and published it online. The situation was rectified but perhaps my reputation was damaged. My book recently received a scathing review online, which did not reflect the true intent and content of my book.

Dark Moon Spell

I spent several years writing and researching and felt insulted and violated. I now understand how cyber-bullying can harm people.  I will use the waning phase of the February moon to banish this negative energy and return balance to my spirit. Though I don’t know if the reviewer was honestly mistaken or had a hidden agenda (perhaps they want to promote their own book?) I will ask that the correct target be identified.

If you have been the victim of lies or malicious gossip online, print a copy of the offending comments.  During your dark moon ritual, use a mirror to return the negative vibes to the sender and clear your aura.  Feel peace as the bad energy is catapulted away.

Later on, seal the paper in a black envelope and burn it, destroying it forever.

Blessed be!

 

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Full Moon Ritual February 7, 2012

A full moon is the best time to cleanse and charge your Witches’ tools and to perform any spell work to increase positive energy and move forward.

Full moons are always in the astrological sign opposite to the sun. In other words, the February 7  full moon is in the sign of Leo. Fire sign moons, like Leo, are full of enthusiasm, energy and optimism.  Change and creativity are highlighted.

This full moon is the perfect opportunity  to enhance the positive energy flow initiated through our recent Imbolc celebrations and ritual. We must prepare by cleansing ourselves and our homes, even our office space and our mode of transport, like a car or bicycle, if we have/use one.

Bless the boundaries and create a talisman for creativity, using traditional Wiccan correspondences. As the days grow longer and our energy flow increases, get fired up about the possibility of creativity and ensuring your position at the centre of activity. Good luck and good fortune are part of the Leo full moon.

Blessed be!

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Wiccan Spell for Imbolc February 1, 2012

At the Wiccan Sabbat of Imbolc, we celebrate the return of longer days. Also known as Candlemas, Imbolc literally means “in milk” and corresponds to the time of year when farm animals give birth. It is traditionally a time for Wiccan initiation ceremonies.

Another theme for Imbolc is “energy flowing beneath the surface,” which can take on many symbolic meanings. This spell is designed to help identify any blocked energy – love, creativity, etc. you may be experiencing and free it for your personal use.

On the day before Imbolc, put a crystal and moonwater in a small plastic container and freeze overnight.

The next day, set up your altar as usual and light the incense.  Carve an extra white candle with the Rune symbol for Opening. Anoint it and the other cleansed candles with Imbolc oil and then light them.  Close the Circle and summon the Four Elements and the Goddess Brigit.

During ritual, gaze into the frozen water for any insight or visions and be receptive to any vibrations or feelings you may experience.  There may be more “trapped beneath the surface” than you are aware of!  When you are ready, give thanks and open the Circle.

Return the bowl to the freezer and at night, place it on your bedside table before you go to sleep.  As the ice thaws overnight, so will the energy inside you be released.  Take special note of any dreams and keep the crystal close to you all week for further insight.  You may want to repeat this spell whenever you feel your energies are trapped or blocked.

The complete spell for Imbolc, including the ritual and recipes, is available on my first eBook, Simple Wiccan Magick Spells & Ritual Ceremony – a celebration of the Sabbats on the Witches’ Wheel of the Year.

Blessed be!

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Simple Wiccan Spells for Everyday – my new eBook

I finally published my new eBook, Simple Wiccan Magick Spells for Everyday.  I had been working on these spells for a while and threw myself wholeheartedly into the project in the weeks before Yule.

Though I always research my correspondences carefully, I spent a great deal of time on my spell for Increased Wealth and Prosperity, making a new batch of Prosperity Pentacles and subconsciously  focusing my intent as I wrote the affirmation.  Not so surprisingly, the spell worked for me in several unusual ways.

First, I found money from our last garage sale ($219.00) in an old wallet,  a possibility I mentioned in the ritual; I received a large unexpected cheque from a relative’s estate, and my eBook sales have skyrocketed.

You might say these things could happen anytime, but I believe my hard work and thoughts surrounding my new book are the reason. I am so thankful for every small financial blessing, knowing it can lead the way to larger ones.

Also available at Barnes & Noble, iTunes, Kobo and Smashwords.

Blessed be!

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Ritual for Yule Sabbat December 23, 2011

Yule, also known as Midwinter or the Winter Solstice, is one of eight festivals on the Wiccan Wheel of the Year. In the northern hemisphere, the actual date can vary from December 20 to December 23 and brings the longest night of the year.  From now until the Summer Solstice (around June 21) daylight hours will increase.

During our Yule ritual, the oak king, who brings with him the return of longer days, now vanquishes the ancient holly king. We can re-enact this battle symbolically, using a black candle for the holly king and a gold candle for the oak king. Set up your altar as usual, adding red, green, gold and black candles.  Light all but the gold candle, complete your introductions, and close the circle.  Call the four elements and raise energy as usual.  When the spellwork begins, say:

The daylight hours were on the wane

But now they will increase again.

For the holly king is on the run    (extinguish black candle)

The oak king’s reign has now begun.  (light gold candle)

Neo-pagans are free to celebrate this festival close around or on the exact date.  In 2011, Yule falls on December 23 in the northern hemisphere.

Blessed be!

 

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Focus Your Intent Near and Far

I’ve been busy working on a new book of Wiccan spells, so busy that I haven’t had time to post here lately.  I apologize!  Focusing on goals is a positive thing, but sometimes we get so involved that we miss out on other aspects of our lives, including our families and friends.

The old saying about stopping to smell the roses is true, though in my case, it’s detouring to walk in the leaves.

Outside influences keep pushing us along, like we’re on a conveyor belt.  Are you happy to see Christmas decorations in the stores and hear carols on the radio?  I’m not.  It’s far too early to start thinking about our December festival, no matter how you celebrate it.

I’m getting a few things ready for Yule, like checking my supplies of candles and magickal herbes, but I want to enjoy the time right now – the melancholy of autumn, the sense of life slowing down and the inspiration and energy from my Samhain ritual last month.

Take your time!  And be aware of your focus.  You’ll achieve more when you look both near and far.

Blessed be!

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Ritual for Witches’ New Year October 31st

October 31st is the Wiccan New Year.  At Samhain, we give thanks for the past year’s blessings and celebrate new beginnings.  Samhain is also the time for remembrance and release, where we recall our past, including departed loved ones, family and friends and even animal companions. Part of creating a good future is to release the negative energies of the past.

Correspondences for Samhain

Set your altar with black and orange or copper-coloured candles. Use lavender or patchouli oil and cedar incense.  Decorate your surroundings with seasonal flowers, like mums, calendula and cosmos.  Apples, nuts and sage are also appropriate correspondences for Samhain.

After you complete your ritual, celebrate new beginnings and a prosperous future with a feast of apple cider, beef & beer stew and pumpkin spice muffins.  A complete Samhain ritual and these recipes appears in my Simple Wiccan Magick Spells & Ritual Ceremony eBook, which can be safely ordered online and read as a PDF or Word document.

Blessed be and Happy New Year!

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Wiccan Blessing Spell for a New Home

Now that you’ve found your perfect home, you should perform this cleansing and blessing ritual to remove negative energy and fill your new place with joy and positive vibrations. Remember that nature always fills a void. In other words when you remove something, like bad vibes, you should add what you desire, in this case happy and positive feelings. Otherwise, nature will do it for you.

Simple Witchcraft Home Blessing Spell

You will need a sage bundle or a few sticks or cones of sage incense.  Set up your altar as usual and close the circle. Light one of the sticks or cones. When the energy has peaked, you’re ready to ask the Goddess to cleanse and bless your home.

Say the following: Cleanse this space, remove the past. I’ve found my happy home at last. Fill this place with joy and love; send your blessings from above.

Then, cleanse and charge the sage bundle or incense during the ritual.  Open the circle and proceed as follows.

Carefully walk through your new home with the lit sage bundle or incense, chanting the above affirmation, or your own words. Visualize bad vibes evaporating as the incense smoke fills into every room, closet and hallway with positive power and goodness.  When you are finished, extinguish the sage bundle or allow the incense to burn out safely. Continue reading

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Music for Wiccan Spells & Rituals

Should you listen to music during spellwork and ritual?  Absolutely, if you feel it won’t distract you from the magick at hand.  I always listen to music while I’m preparing the altar and during the actual ritual.  Though selection is a personal choice, I find music by Enya to be perfectly suited to Wiccan ceremonies.

Her CD In Memory of Trees is my favourite and I’ll program several tracks before I close the Circle.

The music of Loreena McKennitt is also atmospheric and creates an ideal background for your spellwork.

Look through the New Age music section to find works by other talented musicians. You may find you’ll listen to them during ceremony and throughout your day.  Do you listen to music during ritual and if so, who is your favourite artist?

Blessed be!

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Autumn Equinox Sabbat Ritual 2011

On the Wiccan Wheel of the Year, the Autumn Equinox sabbat is the time for rest after labour.  The date varies annually between September 21 and 24, but according to The Witches Almanac , this year it lands on September 23.  As the year winds down, we need organisation and self-discipline to help us through the coming winter.  This ritual will help you gain insight into the future course of your life.

Light some sage incense, close the Circle and summon the four elements and the Great Goddess.

Jewelled Cob Meditation for Autumn Equinox Sabbat

Imagine that you are walking though a harvested cornfield.  Alone with your thoughts under a clear fall sky, you ponder the course of the year so far.  What have you dreamed of?  What have you accomplished?  What dreams have you neglected to fulfil? You pause for a moment, taking note of the dried corn stalks around you.

As you walk to the edge of the field, you notice one remaining green stalk, with a fresh ear of corn still attached.  You snap off the corn and peel the husk. Instead of yellow kernels, the cob is studded with jewels and precious metals. Remember what you see and Continue reading

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How to Make a Witchcraft Pendulum

Do you have difficulties making decisions? Witches sometimes use a pendulum, like a small weight on the end of a chain or string, to tease out the answers from our unconscious mind.  This method of divination has been a custom for centuries, the theory being that a conscious thought produces an unconscious muscular response.

How to use a Wiccan pendulum

  • Write out your questions, ensuring they can be answered with a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no.’
  • Position yourself comfortably, so your arm won’t get tired and the pendulum can swing freely.
  • At the beginning of each session, hold the pendulum over your open palm and ask it for a signal for ‘yes’ and another for ‘no.’
  • Proceed to ask your questions.

Sometimes your unconscious mind doesn’t really know what you want or may not want to reveal it, and so the pendulums answers may seem unclear. But after a few tries, your results will definitely improve.

Now, you might not want to base life and death decisions on the swing of a pendulum. But the notion that you’ll be more motivated and successful when following what your unconscious mind wants to do anyway is one I can agree on.

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Handfasting Flowers for Wiccan Weddings

Though there are no strict ceremonies to follow for Wiccan weddings or handfastings and your vows may be for “a year and a day,” “for all eternity” or “for as long as love shall last,” you might want to include some time-honoured elements on your special day.  The following flowers and herbs are traditionally associated with handfasting.

    • Roses – represent Aphrodite, Goddess of Love
    • Ivy – fidelity
    • Rosemary
    • Yarrow
    • Broom – tied with colourful ribbons
    • Verbena or Vervain

These other flowers can also be added to the bouquet, or used in corsages, boutonnieres and table arrangements:

  • Sunflowers – happiness and protection
  • Iris –romance and loving companionship
  • Peony – protection
  • Lily of the Vally – aphrodisiac
  • Lavender – bring stability and bless a home

Flowers gathered from your garden or bought at a market are more eco-friendly and economical. One charming way to use Wiccan traditional handfasting flowers and herbs is to decorate wedding favours, like a tiny box of candies, with a sprig of rosemary.

Even though I like to keep things simple here and in my ebook, The Master Book of Herbalism is a wonderful reference for those wishing to delve deeper into the magickal meanings and uses of many herbs and flowers. I highly recommend it.

Blessed be!

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Spell to create a personal power jewelry talisman

Would you like to create a good luck charm to enhance your personal power and charisma and increase your chances of success in any endeavour? Although Witches often design talismans filled with magickal herbs for specific reasons, you can substitute a favourite piece of your own jewellery to fill this need on a daily basis.

How to create a talisman for personal power

During your next Wheel of the Year or Full Moon ritual, cleanse a piece of jewelry that you wear regularly.

Place the jewelry on a square of gold cloth in the centre of your altar.  Carve your personal colour candle with your initials and the Rune symbol for Breakthrough.  You may also create your own symbol for transformation.

Anoint and light the candle and say the following affirmation aloud:

Fire and water, earth and air, magick favours those who dare.

All those who walk with spirits bold will taste the glory and touch the gold. Continue reading

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