Category: Uncategorized

  • Amazing Jet Jewelry for Spooky Days

    Hello there readers! I hope everyone is having a wonderful spooky season and a fabulous fall. I wanted to talk a little bit about a favorite stone of mine, known as Jet. 

     But I’d like to preface this post about how much of a blessing it is for me to write for you all on this blog. In the consideration of writing this article, as is often the case, I found that there were some messages that I needed to hear very much. I once heard that in order to keep healing oneself that you had to give healing away and in the past several days I have again been shown by the grace of my beloved ancestors, the lwa, and the grace of God that that is indeed true! 

     So-back to what this article’s star, Jet. This shiny and silvery stone  is associated with the root chakra, or the red chakra at the base of your spine, and with Capricorn energy. Jet is extremely grounding and can also be called lignite. It is not a mineral, but it's actually made from fossilized wood. Jet historically is a very popular stone for jewelry, and archaeologist have found jet jewelry dating back to pre-christian 

    Britain. Jet jewelry also surged in popularity during the Victorian era, as it was used in mourning jewelry. Mourning culture was, of course, quite popular since Queen Victoria of England went into mourning when she lost her dear husband, Prince Albert and retained the black garb of a widow for the remainder of her life. Popular culture if the day followed suit.  

    So why am I writing about jet? Aside from the fact that I have had a burning desire to begin wearing the stone , it goes along with the theme of Halloween and Samhain, not just because of its association with mourning death, but also because it is very good for cleansing and healing grief. What's more is that jet can take feelings of depression and unproductiveness and transform them into strength to move forward and onward. It can take the very things in life that have knocked us down and empower us to utilize our strength to funnel the emotional energy into energy that will fortify us in life’s journey. 

     One thing I really love about wearing jet jewelry is that the stone itself is extremely lightweight. I think that adds to its mystique as well, since when one is grieving, you often feel so very heavy. Lignite jet will actually burn if you set a flame to it, and is quite actually a type of coal. As a lifelong lover of cauldron Magic, and a native of the hard coal region of Pennsylvania, that really is a delightful quirk for me about this amazing gemstone.  

    So, if you are looking for a new gemstone to usher in the Halloween season and work magic in the vein that fire destroys and yet also  creates, jet may be just the very gemstone that your little heart has been seeking! 

     

  • Welcome October!!

    Hello there! I hope everyone is having a wonderful October!!

    The days are getting cooler and the nights are getting longer as we approach Samhain, Halloween and Fet Ghede.

    When the dark half if the year arrives, it truly does give me an appreciation for the ancient pagan practices of honoring the forces of nature that allowed humans to survive and thrive.

    The sunshine, the rainfall, the growth of crops and the lives of livestock were important because human life literally depended upon having those things!

    In the colder months, we nurture plans for the future and hope that growth will return, all will be renewed and that endings make way for rebirths.

    In any and every pantheon, from the loa in Haiti, to the Gods and Goddesses in ancient Britain, Egypt, Rome and Scandinavia, natural forces played a huge part in daily living.

    In our first world environment we can get so removed from realizing how important the health of the planet truly is. I feel like the preservation of that earth to human connection is a part of why we “witchy” people experience the calling to pursue these old paths to spirit!

    We are, all of us, healers in some capacity, striving to do our part to keep the bonds of nature and mankind strong and beautiful.

     

  • St. Francis of Assisi October 4 ~~~ Blessing of the Animals

    Today, October 4th, is a day across the world where people take their pets to be blessed.

    For single householders, a pet can be a true companion. Many people arrive home from work to find a furry friend overjoyed at their return. Many a senior has a lap filled with a purring fellow creature.

    The bond between person and pet is like no other relationship, because the communication between fellow creatures is at its most basic. Eye-to-eye, a man and his dog, or a woman and her cat, are two creatures of love.

    October 4th is the anniverary of the death of St Francis of Assisi. And on this day, he is remembered by many members of his order by accepting animals into their church to be blessed.

    Click here to find a pet blessing happening in your area.

    If you cant find a place in your neighborhood, you can use one of these prayers below to bless your pet yourself 😉 Dont forget, Mambo Sam has blessed her own holy water that you can use with your pet blessing, or also some Samantha's Spiritual Annointing oil would be good as well.

    Also, please feel free to send in a prayer request for your pet to my personal prayer list for pets. Email your request to prayforpets@spellmaker.com

    Love,

    Sister Bridget

    Here are some prayers for all animals:

    Blessed are you, Lord God,
    maker of all living creatures.
    On the fifth and sixth days of creation,
    you called forth fish in the sea,
    birds in the air and animals on the land.
    You inspired St. Francis to call all animals
    his brothers and sisters.
    We ask you to bless this animal.
    By the power of your love,
    enable it to live according to your plan.
    May we always praise you
    for all your beauty in creation.
    Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen.

    For a sick animal:

    Heavenly Father,
    you created all things for your glory
    and made us stewards of this creature.
    If it is your will, restore it to health and strength.
    Blessed are you, Lord God,
    and holy is your name for ever and ever. Amen.

    Assisi

  • In memory of Queen Elizabeth II

    I was so saddened by the news that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II passed away today at Balmoral Castle. As she was 96 years old, she has been the Queen of England for all of my life. I can still remember waking up early on my family's summer beach vacation to watch Prince Charles marry Diana as the Queen stood by, an ever present fixture on the world stage. 

    In the mind of a little girl, these fancy people from across the pond who still lived in a palace and rode in horse drawn carriages were a larger than life tribute to a romanticized bygone Era. The United Kingdom was a faraway place from the movies where fair maidens danced in pretty gowns donning sparkling crowns and handed out floral favors to brave handsome knights.

    It's funny that as you grow older and realize that all people are fallible humans, even parents, teachers, and yes, the Queen, I came to appreciate the little quirks I saw in Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth. She loved her corgis so well, I thought, because they had no "royal" expectations of her. Her pups just wanted to love her and be loved back, as all wonderful dogs do. I loved the Queen's Greatest Generation attitude of duty and dignity, and her dry, thoroughly English sense of humor when I watched clips of her. 

    I still hope to make it to visit jolly old England one day, and I am sorry I never got the chance to catch a glimpse of England's longest ruling monarch with my own eyes. But her lifetime of service to her people will be the stuff of history now, and she will be remembered always. 

    May Queen Elizabeth's family find solace and peace during this time of profound worldwide grief and keep their memories of her as mother, grandmother and great granny forever close to their hearts.

    For my part, Queen Elizabeth II will always remain a proud and beautiful figure of 20th and 21st Century mythology, and a stalwart reminder that in life, the most sage advice is, to paraphrase Winston Churchill, keep calm and carry on.

     

  • DIY Lotions and Potions! by Mambo Sam

    LOTIONS AND POTIONS by Mambo Sam

    Below are the recipes for wearable potions. I will be adding more in the future, so check back.  Scented oils can now be purchased many places; the combinations below are to be used in  equal parts, except where indicated. Usually 1/8 to 1/4 ounce of each is used–according to  how much oil you want to make.   Store the oils in a cool, dark place. (Do not refrigerate  after it is mixed.) Sunlight weakens the strength of the oils.

    Oil is often consecrated with a prayer that is appropriate to the individual's faith.

    A good way to consecrate the oil for all beliefs is to cup the bottled mixture in both hands,  raise it towards the sky and repeat, "With respect to the powers of nature and the elements,  I consecrate this oil with the power of goodness."

    Simple, but effective.

    *Attraction Oil: Equal parts of Rose oil, Lavender oil, Vanilla oil, and Sandalwood oil.  Touch to pulse points when in the presence of the one you want to attract.

    *Lucky Oil: 1/2 of the oil should be pure Olive oil, 1/4 part Myrrh oil, 1/4 part Jasmine oil. Anoint feet before putting on shoes you will wear in a situation where you want to feel lucky.

    *Power Oil: Equal parts of Patchouli oil, Cinnamon oil, and Vanilla oil.

    Touch to pulse points (especially at wrists and temples) prior to going into a situation you  need to have power over.

    *Protection Oil: Equal parts of Hyacinth oil, Jasmine oil, Orange oil, Musk oil, and Anise oil.  Touch the oil around the area that needs protection (such as your home) or on yourself.  (It is said that touching this oil to the bottom of your feet allows you to run away from evil.)

    In Service,

    Mambo Samantha Corfield

    http://www.spellmaker.com/potions.htm

    Lovepotion997

  • Lammas

    Hello there 🙂 Oh Lammas, the first harvest, how I love this time of year. When humid August clings to the air and clutches the earth in its heady embrace as if to envelop the world before letting go.

     

    Cicadas sing through the heavy stillness that is late summertime and the night sky always takes on a desaturated shade of the darkest blue. 

    Lammas is on many Pagan calenders for August 1 or 2, but it is really more of a two week process culminating in when the sun actually reaches 15 degrees Leo. (which happens to be today)

    This, of course, comes just before our next full moon which will occur on 8/11. That is alot of energy, and astrologically this is the point in the year where we can really boost our manifestation energy!

    I wish you all a very happy and health lammas and a wonderful start to the fall season. Ayibobo!

     

     

  • Magic

     

    I've just received word that Olivia Newton-John has passed away! For a girl who grew up watching Grease over and over, can sing every song from the movie by heart, and aspired ( like we all did) to be Sandy ( although in truth I'm more like Rizzo) I am just heartbroken! Olivia will always be a part of my childhood, a singer who was sweet enough for little girl to emulate, but still beautiful and talented enough to be a genuine inspiration.

     

     

    I was feeling so nostalgic, and I dove into some of Newton-John's non Grease songs that I have always loved.

     

     

    I have been struggling lately with many things. Most of all I feel like I just had another birthday and I have SO many goals I want to reach. But after some serious  relationships stuff and health issues that have prohibited me from working for awhile, I was feeling a little despondent as of late. Like HOW will I ever do the things I want to do in my life. Some days it just seems impossible that I will ever feel productive again. 

     

     

    I have written many times about signs the lwa show us, and of course about what a huge impact they have had on every area of my life. But this was a big one. And I suppose I have Olivia Newton-John (and Erzulie Freda, whom I serve) to thank for this epiphany.

     

     

    All in PINK were the lyrics to the Olivia Newton-John song "Magic", which I'll be honest, I never knew. Until today. And I knew.

    I know I'm not alone in mourning Olivia Newton-John. A generation of girls turned women were so impacted by her iconic role in Grease. My heart goes out to her loved ones, who I hope know that Olivia and her beautiful voice will never be forgotten.

     

    And for any one of you who have some spellwork out there,or any of us who consistently do services and magical work who might be feeling a little bit meh, a little bit confused, aimless-or even like giving up…these lyrics are for you:

     

    Come take my hand

    You should know me

    I've always been in your mind

    You know I will be kind

    I'll be guiding you

     

    Building your dream has to start now

    There's no other road to take

    You won't make a mistake

    I'll be guiding you

    You have to believe we are magic

     

    Nothin' can stand in our way

    You have to believe we are magic

    Don't let your aim ever stray

    And if all your hopes survive

    Destiny will arrive

    I'll bring all your dreams alive

    For you

    I'll bring all your dreams alive

     

    For you

    From where I stand, you are home free

    The planets align so rare

    There's promise in the air

    And I'm guiding you

     

    Through every turn I'll be near you

    I'll come anytime you call

    I'll catch you when you fall

    I'll be guiding you

     

    You have to believe we are magic

    Nothin' can stand in our way

    You have to believe we are magic

    Don't let your aim ever stray

    And if all your hopes survive

    Destiny will arrive

    I'll bring all your dreams alive

    For you

    I'll bring all your dreams alive

    For you

    You have to believe we are magic

    Nothin' can stand in our way

    You have to believe we are magic

    Don't let your aim ever stray

    And if all your hopes survive

    Destiny will arrive

    I'll bring all your dreams alive

    For you

    I'll bring all your dreams alive

    For you

     

    Source: Musixmatch

     

    Songwriters: Farrar John / Farrar John Clifford

     

    Magic lyrics © John Farrar Music

     

    https://www.azlyrics.com › lyrics

     

     

     

     

     

  • Jupiter retrograde: What does it mean?

    Hello there,

    I just want to touch on some astrology for any of you who are interested. In the past few years, I have noticed a huge increase in astrology by the public at large, and especially for anyone interested in magical matters.

    One thing that I have really noticed is the discussion of retrograde planets. The problematic thing about planetary retrogrades is that there can be alot of fear mongering involved, which can send people into a panic. So I am here today to tell you: STOP THE INSANITY!!! 

    Planetary retrogrades have been going on as long as the planets have been in the heavens, and awareness of  retrograde planets has always been there for students of astrology. 

    Many of us (myself included) have planets retrograde in a natal, or birth chart. Retrogrades are an  inevitable, like the sun setting, the seasons changing, and natural part of the cosmic consciousness.

    The KEY to navigating planetary retrogrades is to know what to try to avoid and what to focus more upon during the retrograde period. The same way you know that you need to wear a winter coat in cold months, or know that you need to turn your headlights on to drive your car in the dark, is the way to approach a planetary retrogrades. 

    So what do we focus on during Jupiter retrograde? Well, Jupiter is the planet of expansion, and in retrograde it can constrict areas concerned with the 9th house, such as travel, moving abroad, higher education, such as enrolling in college or seeking funds for education. And just as the heirophant in tarot can signify a teacher in the literal sense, he can also rule teachings of an esoteric nature. So subjects of religion and spirituality can be affected by a Jupiter retrograde. 

    Does this mean NOT to follow a spiritual path during the retrograde? Absolutely not. But taking time to really do some soul searching about your beliefs or practices, or actually doing a deep dive into spiritual subjects you want to learn about so you can expand on it eventually, that is right up Jupiter retrograde's cosmic alley!

    As with any retrograde, going inward is always a good idea. But does this mean you should just NOT enroll in that college course you have had your eye on? Of course not- it is just that during retrogrades allowing extra time and understanding margins for error or delay is always the wisest course of action. 

    You can always look into your personal natal chart also to investigate if a planet's retrograde is making aspects to any of your personal planets. (Your sun or moon sign, or your Mercury Mars or Venus placements, respectively.)

    So, that is just my 2 cents on the upcoming Jupiter retrograde, which will occur July 28th in ♈  Aries during the Leo new moon,, and move into Pisces in late October until stationing direct on November 24th.

    This retrograde advises us to be wise and listen to our inner teacher as we progress through it.

  • Happy Moon Day 2022

    Happy Moon Day to one and all 🙂

    Today is the anniversary of mankind's first moon landing. In 1969, millions watched Neil Armstrong take those first steps and a new era was born. 

    I love that there is a day to celebrate the moon because honestly, nothing (except maybe HALLOWEEN) makes me feel more magical than that mystical luminary in the night!

    I have always been fascinated with the moon's pull over the tides and over the human psyche. I love her in all of her phases, and I love observing what occursas she travels the heavens through the astrological signs.

    The moon has been my constant companion in life. There is a comforting familiarity about the moon as she changes every night, and with every season of the year.

    No matter where I have been in the world, the moon was always there,  pulling the tides and lighting up the sky.

    And I wish all of you a beautiful relationship with the moon, just as I have been lucky enough to have. 

    "The moon, like a flower in heaven’s high bower, With silent delight sits and smiles on the night." – William Blake