Category: Uncategorized

  • Vegging with Voodoo Spirits

    Hi there! It's been a while since I put pen to paper, (or put my hands to the keyboard, as it were) so I thought I would write about something that has come up with some of our dear clients lately. Namely, what kind of offerings to give to our beloved voodoo spirits. Let me start off by saying that summer time is my absolute favorite season to make services to Les Lois. Here in rural Pennsylvania we are awash in farm fresh fruits, veggies, herbs and flowers. The bevy of delicious produce makes it that much more fun for me to make services to all of the wonderful voodoo spirits who help us in the spellmaker house. The abundance of inexpensive foods help keep my wallet and my spirit really happy 

    Since we are in the beautiful month of June and it is Papa’s month I will start with our dear Papa Alegba. Papa loves coffee, coconut anything, red beans and rice, and candy. Classic penny candies like Swedish fish and pixie sticks are a fun way to honor Papa!!

    How about making a service to our lovely pink lady- the inimitable Erzulie Freda? She loves champagne-especially pink champagne. A fruity wine cooler is a delicious warm weather alternative. Freda also loves chocolates, delicate desserts trimmed in white or pink frosting and flowers. Pink or white roses are a favorite but any blooms in a pretty vase, jar or glass are a wonderful offering for her!

    Want to experience the wise healing guidance of Damballah? Use basic kitchen staples like a whole white egg in the shell or a small mound of white flour. Catch a bit of rain water in a bowl for his wife Ayida Wedo and she will love you for it!!

    General Ogoun is a fan of dark rum, hot peppers, and mangoes. Offer him a good cigar if you’re so inclined. I always imagine that General Ogoun would love holding court in a big red leather chair in a Cigar Bar, strategizing and telling war stories!! And ladies, don’t be intimidated by all that macho man energy- Ogoun loves to help out a damsel in distress!!

    LaSirene and Capitan Agwe assist us from the depths of their ocean kingdom and love white puddings, melons-especially honeydew and sweets that resemble seafaring shades like turquoise, teal and white. Blue or green jello with whipped topping is a sweet way to ask this voodoo power couple to bless you with some financial gains. After all, La Sirene and Agwe preside over the riches of the sea!!

    And I cannot forget the mischievous, mysterious, marvelous Baron Samedi And Maman Brigitte. The First Lord and Lady of the cemetary and keepers of our ancestral spirits love coffee, rum and hot peppers. Baron and Maman hold the wisdom of the ages and love to hand out a healthy dose of sage advice while simultaneously causing a bit of a ruckus!!

    So, if you are curious about making some voodoo service this summer, I hope this helps encourage you to have lots of fun with the process!! Set up a little table for your honored guest to just come and sit for a spell. Just remember your offering of cool clean water (always a must) and some of Mother Nature’s bountiful harvest and you can make some truly magical memories this summer!!

     

     

  • Planning a Witch’s Garden: A Sanctuary of Magic and Nature!

     

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    Planning a Witch's Garden: A Sanctuary of Magic and Nature

    A witch's garden is more than just a collection of plants; it's a living, breathing sanctuary where magic, nature, and spirituality intertwine. Embarking on the journey of planning and cultivating a witch's garden invites an exploration of the mystical, offering a unique way to connect with the earth's cycles and energies. Here's how to weave magic into the very fabric of your garden:

    1. Define Your Magical Intentions: Begin by envisioning what you desire your witch's garden to represent. Is it a space for healing, a haven for meditation, or a reservoir of magical herbs for spells and rituals? Your intentions will serve as the foundation of your garden, guiding every choice from plant selection to layout, ensuring your garden is imbued with purpose and personal significance.

    2. Carefully Select Your Botanicals: The heart of a witch's garden is its plants, each chosen for both its aesthetic beauty and magical properties. Lavender for tranquility and purification, rosemary for protection, mint for healing, and thyme for courage are classic staples. Yet, the allure of a witch's garden often lies in its embrace of the mystical—moonflowers that bloom at night, whispering secrets of the moon, or the captivating belladonna, with its dangerous beauty, remind us of nature's dual capacity for healing and harm. Remember, the magic is not just in the plant's use but in its story and connection to the earth.

    3. Harmonize with the Elements: A true witch's garden reflects the balance of the natural elements. Incorporate plants and symbols that honor Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Earth can be represented by nutrient-rich herbs, Air by the fragrant breezes of lavender and jasmine, Fire by the vibrant hues and spicy aromas of chili peppers, and Water by the serene presence of water lilies, a small reflective pool or a birdbath. Stones, crystals, and wind chimes can further enhance the elemental balance, creating a garden that resonates with the energies of the natural world.

    4. Design a Sacred Space for Ritual and Reflection: Integral to the witch's garden is a sacred space—a private nook for rituals, spell casting, or simply unwinding in the embrace of nature. Whether it's a secluded bench under a flowering archway or a stone altar adorned with symbols of your craft, this space is your connection to the divine, a place where the veil between worlds thins, and the magic of your garden comes alive.

    5. Incorporate Paths of Discovery: Unlike traditional gardens, a witch's garden invites wandering and discovery. Design paths that meander, leading the visitor on a journey through textures, colors, and scents, each turn revealing a new secret or sacred space. This not only adds to the physical beauty of the garden but also to its mystical allure, making every visit a discovery of the new and the ancient.

    6. Plant by the Moon: Embrace the ancient practice of lunar gardening by aligning your planting, tending, and harvesting with the phases of the moon. The waxing moon, a time of growth and increase, is ideal for planting and transplanting, encouraging strong roots and vitality. The waning moon, conversely, supports pruning, harvesting, and reflection, a time to reap the benefits of your magical and horticultural labors. The Old Farmer's Almanac is a wonderful reference for this practice! 

    A witch's garden is a testament to the synergy between you and the earth, a magical realm where the spiritual and the tangible coexist. It is a source of power, healing, and peace, reflecting the unique spirit of you, its creator. As you plan, plant, and tend to your witch's garden, remember that its true magic lies not just in the plants and their uses but in the love, intention, and connection you weave into every leaf, stone, and pathway.

    In Service, 

    Mambo Sam

  • Imbolc – Embracing the Awakening

    Conclusion: Embracing the Awakening

    DALL·E 2024-01-18 13.16.27 - A serene image symbolizing the conclusion of the Imbolc celebration featuring a glowing candle to represent the returning light fresh snowdrops symb

    As the final candle flickers in the quiet of a completed Imbolc celebration, we reflect on the journey we've taken through this sacred time of renewal and rebirth. For the Green Witch, Imbolc is not merely a date on the calendar but a profound moment of alignment with the rhythms of nature, a time to cleanse, to set intentions, and to prepare for the abundance that the coming seasons promise.

    Through rituals that honor the returning light, we have invited the warmth and clarity of the sun back into our lives. We have woven Brigid's symbols into our practices, seeking her blessings of protection, fertility, and inspiration. We've cleansed our spaces and our spirits, making room for the new growth that the gentle stirrings of spring herald. We've engaged in spells and enjoyed treats that resonate with the nurturing energies of Imbolc, setting our intentions and aligning our energies with the transformative power of this time.

    As the Green Witch moves forward from Imbolc, the energies of renewal and rebirth are carried in the heart, infused in the daily practices, and reflected in the continuous alignment with the natural world. The light that has been welcomed back into the world is also a light within, a beacon guiding us through the cycles of the year with wisdom, insight, and an ever-deepening connection to the magic all around us.

    Let the lessons and blessings of Imbolc be seeds that you nurture in the coming months. May your path be one of growth, abundance, and harmony, guided by the wisdom of the earth and the light of your own inner fire.

    Thank you for joining in this celebration of Imbolc. May the spirit of renewal and the warmth of the community accompany you as you navigate the path ahead.

    Love, 

    Sister Bridget

  • Spells and Treats: Magickal Imbolc Celebrations

    Spells and Treats: Magickal Imbolc Celebrations

    DALL·E 2024-01-18 13.15.55 - A magical and cozy indoor setting for an Imbolc celebration featuring a steaming cup of hot chocolate a spellbook or grimoire and symbols of Imbolc

    Imbolc is a time steeped in magic and transformation, offering the Green Witch an opportunity to engage in spellwork that aligns with the themes of renewal, purification, and preparing for the abundance of spring. This section of our journey delves into the magical practices that enrich the Imbolc celebration, including spellwork and the creation of enchanting treats that honor the festival's connection to milk and nourishment.

    Imbolc Spellwork for Wishes and Blessings: Imbolc is an auspicious time for spellwork focused on setting intentions and seeking blessings for the year ahead. A traditional spell involves honoring the Triple Goddess, particularly Brigid, by placing spring flowers in your home and lighting a white candle in her honor. Dedicate the flowers and the candle to Brigid, and she will grant you three wishes—one for the good of others, one for a friend or partner, and one for yourself. As you light a candle for each wish, focus on your intention and let the candle burn down completely, releasing your wishes to the universe​​.

    Magickal Hot Chocolate: Celebrate the nurturing aspect of Imbolc with a luxurious hot chocolate, a treat that honors the festival's theme of milk and abundance. Create a rich and indulgent hot chocolate using real milk, cream, and high-quality chocolate. Enhance it with a shot of Baileys or another whiskey cream liqueur for an extra layer of warmth and celebration. As you savor this treat, reflect on the richness and fullness of life, and the abundance that the coming spring promises​​.

    Gathering Magickal Stones and Crystals: Imbolc is also a time for collecting stones and crystals that resonate with the festival's energy. Choose crystals like Amethyst for spiritual growth, or Quartz for clarity and amplification of your intentions. Place these stones on your altar, carry them with you, or incorporate them into your jewelry to harness their protective and empowering energies throughout the year​​.

    As you engage in these spells and savor the treats of Imbolc, you weave the magic of renewal and abundance into your life. These practices not only honor the traditions of Imbolc but also align your personal journey with the cycles of nature, inviting growth, transformation, and the nurturing energy of Brigid into your space.

    Nect time, we'll weave together the themes explored in this guide, offering a reflective closing that invites you to embrace the magic of Imbolc fully.

    Love, 

    Sister Bridget

     

  • Imbolc- llumination and Divination: Candles, Baths, and Beyond

    Imbolc- illumination and Divination: Candles, Baths, and Beyond

    DALL·E 2024-01-18 13.15.27 - A tranquil Green Witch's sacred space illuminated by candles during Imbolc. The scene includes a variety of candles casting a soft warm light a divi

    As Imbolc heralds the slow return of the sun and the promise of spring, the Green Witch embraces practices of illumination and divination, seeking insight and aligning her energy with the growing light. This time of year is ripe for introspection, planning, and connecting with the deeper currents of nature's wisdom.

    Consecrating Candles: Central to Imbolc is the symbolism of the returning light. Consecrating candles during this time is a powerful practice for setting intentions and inviting clarity. Choose candles that resonate with your intentions for the coming year. As you consecrate each candle, focus on your goals, dreams, and the path you wish to walk. Lighting these candles is an act of welcoming the light into your life, symbolizing the awakening of nature and your own inner awakening.

    Self-Purification Rituals: The theme of purification is strong during Imbolc. Engage in a self-purification ritual to cleanse your energy and prepare for the new beginnings of spring. A cleansing bath, enhanced with Epsom salts and herbs associated with Imbolc (such as lavender or rosemary), is a nurturing way to release the old and welcome the new. Set your intention for the bath to cleanse you of all that no longer serves you, making space for growth and renewal.

    Divination Practices: Imbolc is an opportune time for divination, offering insights into the coming months and connecting you with the subtle energies of the earth. Use Tarot cards, Oracle cards, a pendulum, or scrying tools to tap into your intuition and the wisdom of nature. Focus on questions related to growth, potential, and the unfolding of your intentions. Remember, divination at Imbolc is not just about seeking answers; it's about aligning with the energy of renewal and possibility that this time of year embodies.

    As you engage in these practices of illumination and divination, you honor the light that is slowly returning to the world and the light within yourself. You create a sacred space for introspection, insight, and connection, tapping into the rhythms of the earth and the wisdom it offers.

    Next week, we'll explore the magical aspects of Imbolc, focusing on spells, treats, and the celebration of milk as a symbol of nourishment and abundance.

  • Imbolc – Cleansing and Preparation: Embracing Spring’s Promise

    Imbolc – Cleansing and Preparation: Embracing Spring's Promise

    DALL·E 2024-01-18 13.14.57 - A cozy and peaceful indoor setting showing a Green Witch performing a cleansing ritual for Imbolc. The scene includes a clean and organized space with

    As the wheel of the year turns to Imbolc, the Green Witch embraces this time as a sacred opportunity for cleansing and preparation, setting the stage for the renewal and growth that spring promises. This period is deeply connected to the themes of purification, clarity, and the nurturing of intentions set for the coming cycle.

    Home Cleansing Ceremony: The home, as the Green Witch's sanctuary, is the focal point for a thorough energetic and physical cleansing. This ceremony goes beyond mere tidying up; it's about sweeping away the old to make way for the new. Start by decluttering your space, removing anything that no longer serves you or aligns with your intentions. Then, engage in a deep clean using natural cleansing solutions. Incorporate elements like vinegar infused with herbs like dried lemon balm, known for its cleansing and protective properties. As you clean, visualize the stagnant energy of winter being cleared away, making space for the fresh, vibrant energy of spring.

    Once the physical cleaning is complete, perform an energetic cleansing. Burn sage, palo santo, or incense, allowing the smoke to purify each corner of your home. Employ sound cleansing with bells or singing bowls to break up any lingering stagnant energy. This act is not only a cleansing ritual but also a way to infuse your home with your intentions and the rejuvenating energy of Imbolc.

    Preparing for Growth: With your space cleansed and purified, it's time to turn your attention to preparing for the growth and opportunities that the coming season brings. This preparation is both practical and symbolic. Begin to plan your garden, even if the ground outside is still cold. Plant seedlings indoors, organize your gardening tools, and plot out your garden beds. This act of preparation mirrors the internal preparation you're undertaking, nurturing the seeds of your intentions, readying them to bloom alongside the spring flowers.

    Decorating for Spring: Embrace the energy of renewal by refreshing your home decor. Add elements that reflect the burgeoning life of spring – fresh linens, vibrant colors, and symbols of growth and fertility. Rearrange your space to reflect the changes you wish to manifest in your life. Each addition or change in your decor is a physical representation of your readiness to embrace the new beginnings that Imbolc heralds.

    As you engage in these practices of cleansing and preparation, you align your personal space and energy with the cycles of nature, creating a harmonious environment that supports your spiritual journey and the manifestation of your intentions.

    Tomorrow, we'll delve into the practices of illumination and divination, exploring how the Green Witch harnesses the energy of Imbolc to welcome light, gain insight, and prepare for the awakening of spring.

    Love, 

    Sister Bridget

  • Imbolc – Honoring Brigid: Dolls, Crosses, and Altars

    Imbolc – Honoring Brigid: Dolls, Crosses, and Altars

    DALL·E 2024-01-18 13.14.33 - A beautifully crafted Brigid Doll and Brigid's Cross placed on a Green Witch's altar. The Brigid Doll is made of natural materials like corn husks ad

    In the heart of Imbolc lies the reverence for Brigid, the goddess of the hearth, inspiration, and healing. Her symbols – the Brigid Doll and Brigid's Cross – serve as focal points for rituals and crafts that not only honor the goddess but also imbue your space with her energy of renewal and protection.

    Creating a Brigid Doll is a deeply meditative and creative practice, connecting you to the aspect of Brigid as the goddess of fertility and the hearth. Traditionally made from corn husks, the Brigid Doll is a representation of the goddess herself. Crafting the doll from natural materials connects you to the earth and to the life-giving energy of Brigid. Once completed, the doll can be placed on your altar or hearth, a sacred embodiment of Brigid's presence, offering her blessings of abundance and protection in love and fertility​​.

    The Brigid's Cross is another powerful symbol associated with Imbolc. Made from straw or reeds, the cross is a protective talisman, believed to safeguard the home from harm and to invite Brigid's blessings. Placing the Brigid's Cross on your altar, over doorways, or in other parts of your home, is a way to honor the goddess and to infuse your space with her protective and nurturing energy. The act of weaving the cross is a contemplative practice, allowing you to weave your intentions and wishes into the fabric of the symbol​​.

    Together, the Brigid Doll and Brigid's Cross create a focal point on your altar, a sacred space where the energies of Imbolc, Brigid, and your own intentions converge. Surround these symbols with other elements of Imbolc – snowdrops, candles, crystals – to create a harmonious and potent altar that resonates with the themes of renewal, protection, and growth.

    As the Green Witch embraces these practices, the connection with Brigid, the earth, and the cycles of nature deepens, weaving a tapestry of magic and meaning into the fabric of everyday life.

    Tomorrow, we'll explore the practices of cleansing and preparation, essential aspects of welcoming the promise of spring and the renewal it brings.

    Love, 

    Sister Bridget

  • Imbolc- Welcoming the Light: Rituals for Renewal

    Imbolc- Welcoming the Light: Rituals for Renewal

    DALL·E 2024-01-18 13.14.04 - Artistic depiction of a Green Witch's altar for Imbolc featuring a Brigid's cross a small candle early blooming flowers like snowdrops and a repre

    At the core of Imbolc is the celebration of light, symbolizing the rebirth of the sun and the slow return of longer days. For the Green Witch, this is a time to embrace the increasing light, to acknowledge the balance between dark and light, and to prepare for the awakening life of spring.

    One of the most poignant rituals for this time is the Ritual for the Returning Light. After the long nights of winter, this ritual embraces the incremental increase of daylight, a reminder that light and warmth are slowly returning to the earth. You can perform this ritual with your family or your coven, turning it into a communal celebration of light. Begin by turning off every artificial light, then light a central candle, representing the returning sun. Each participant then lights their own smaller candle from the central flame. This act symbolically spreads the light, each flame a promise of the coming spring. As each candle is lit, reflect on the meaning of the darkness and the light, expressing gratitude for the balance and the lessons each brings. To conclude, each person makes a wish for the coming year, a personal seed of intention to nurture as the light returns​​.

    The Fire Feast is another integral part of Imbolc, honoring the goddess Brigid and the element of fire, which represents warmth, inspiration, and transformation. Gather around your hearth or a bonfire with friends, family, or your coven. As you share food and stories, light a candle for Brigid, offering her traditional gifts of oats, cakes, or milk. This ceremony strengthens the community bond and connects you to the ancestral traditions of Imbolc, inviting Brigid's blessings of fertility and prosperity into your home and life​​.

    These rituals not only honor the historical and spiritual significance of Imbolc but also align your personal practice with the rhythms of nature and the energy of renewal and rebirth that this time brings.

    Tomorow, as we continue to explore the rich traditions of Imbolc, we turn our attention to the symbols and crafts associated with Brigid and how they can enrich your practice during this sacred time.

    Love, 

    Sister Bridget

  • Are You Superstitious?
    Are You Superstitious?
    “Very superstitious,
    Writing’s on the wall,
    Very superstitious,
    Ladders bout’ to fall,
    Thirteen month old baby,
    Broke the lookin’ glass
    Seven years of bad luck,
    The good things in your past.”   
    Superstition ~Stevie Wonder
     
    Hi readers!
    In honor of Friday October the 13th I thought I’d talk a little bit about-what else-superstitions! (and if you’re not familiar with this awesome song, take a listen. Great for your Halloween playlist!)

    As many of you know, Friday the 13th has a ton of superstitions attached to it for a myriad of reasons. The arrest of the Knights Templar in 1307 on Friday the 13th or the 13 participants in the biblical Last Supper are often cited as reasons to associate the number with misfortune.

    Going back even further to Norse lore, Loki, God of mischief, was the party crashing 13th guest at a gathering of the Gods. There Loki provoked the assassination of the handsome Baldur, God of all beauty. Baldur’s death resulted in darkness falling unto Midgard, the world of mortal men.

    As a result of this “13 is bad luck” belief, lots of fear naturally surrounds the day.  Paraskevidekatriaphobia is a real thing! (yes that is the actual word for fear of Friday the 13th!) But is it really bad luck? Or do we just believe that because it has a bad reputation?

    As we are in the month of October, I feel it would be remiss not to mention black cats in the superstitious mix! The belief that black cats bring bad luck or evil is so persistent that rescues and shelters halt adoptions of these beautiful felines until after Halloween. This rule is, of course, to keep those precious teacup panthers safe from harm!

    As a lover of all cats, I have to say that I vehemently disagree with this nonsense about black cats being anything but magical and wonderful!  They have always been faithful familiars and brought messages from spirit for me. Black cats are gorgeous, loyal, and really do leave a little bit of enchantment in their path.  

    Still…I can’t deny a belief in some superstitions! I toss spilled salt over my shoulder, pick up pennies for luck (and for Papa Legba of course) and smudge my home with sage or incense on the regular! Life can get overwhelming, and I try to keep my space serene. Cleansing the energy around me is a simple thing but makes a huge difference. Chango’s Mystic Chrysalis incense is sometimes just what the doctor ordered when my house feels energetically heavy. (This tip I learned from our beautiful Sister Bridget.)

     Also-I never blow out a spell candle, lest I blow the magic away! (This I learned from our wise and wonderful Mambo.) The thing is, as someone who embraces magic as the ability to affect change, I know there are things within reach to send the negative stuff on its way. Sometimes life throws a lot at us, and the struggle is real. Magic can help!

    Lady Samantha’s Hex Removal kit is crafted to do the heavy lifting if you feel like you are under a perpetual dark cloud! If you want even more protection from our benevolent lwa, a Voodoo protection bag and a Marie Laveau Clean Sweep House Blessing Kit are also great tools to have in your magical arsenal.

    And don’t discount the help of your ancestors! Remember Mambo’s ancestral candles, crafted in house and infused just for you personally, are available on her Etsy shop. This the season to reach across the veil and get the loving guidance your ancestors can provide for you!

    No matter what magical needs you have, we are here to help! Our staff is always happy to make a recommendation for your situation.

    Thanks to all of you for reading and I sincerely hope that you all have a fabulously lucky Friday the 13th and an amazing October!

    In Service,
    Khouzhan Morgan

  • Lil Guy mug!

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    Show your support for Spellmaker with our Lil Guy mug! Add some color to your routine with this two-tone, custom accent coffee mug. This 11oz mug features an accented C-Handle that is comfortable to use, as well as an accented interior to add more contrast and character. White ceramic with colored interior and handle. Multiple color choices and less than $10.00!!! 
    Only available here!