Tag: luck spells

  • Embracing the Summer Solstice: A Time to Connect with the Earth

    Dreamstime_s_31878939

    Embracing the Summer Solstice: A Time to Connect with the Earth

    The Summer Solstice, marking the longest day and shortest night of the year, is a powerful time for reflection, celebration, and connection with nature. Occurring between June 20 and June 22 in the Northern Hemisphere, this astronomical event has been observed and celebrated for millennia across various cultures. The word “solstice” is derived from the Latin words “sol” (sun) and “sistere” (to stand still), signifying the moment when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky. This celestial pause offers a unique opportunity to connect deeply with the Earth and rejuvenate our spirits.

    Historical and Cultural Significance

    Historically, the Summer Solstice has held great significance for many civilizations. Ancient cultures, such as the Egyptians, Mayans, and Druids, built monuments aligned with the sun’s path, demonstrating their reverence for this day. Stonehenge in England and the Great Pyramids of Giza are prime examples of how ancient peoples honored the Solstice. These structures served not only as calendars but also as places for ritualistic celebrations, emphasizing the importance of the sun and its life-giving energy.

    In many cultures, the Solstice is associated with themes of fertility, renewal, and abundance. For instance, in Scandinavia, Midsummer festivals involve dancing around maypoles, singing traditional songs, and feasting. These activities symbolize the peak of summer’s vitality and the beginning of the harvest season. Similarly, Indigenous peoples of North America honor the Solstice with ceremonies that include dancing, drumming, and storytelling, paying homage to the Earth and the sun’s nourishing power.

    The Spiritual and Natural Connection

    The Summer Solstice is not only a physical phenomenon but also a spiritual event. It invites us to pause and reflect on our place within the natural world. This day encourages us to reconnect with the rhythms of the Earth and to appreciate the cycles of nature that sustain us. The heightened energy of the Solstice provides an ideal backdrop for spiritual practices and rituals that foster a deeper connection with the planet.

    Ways to Celebrate and Connect with the Earth

    There are numerous ways to celebrate the Summer Solstice and strengthen your bond with the Earth. Here are some ideas to inspire your own Solstice rituals and activities:

    1. Sunrise and Sunset Rituals

    Begin your day by watching the sunrise and end it by observing the sunset. These moments of transition are perfect for meditation and reflection. As the sun rises, set your intentions for the coming months. Think about what you want to cultivate in your life and visualize these goals coming to fruition. As the sun sets, take time to express gratitude for the light and energy it provides, and reflect on the growth and progress you’ve made so far.

    2. Nature Walks and Hikes

    Spending time outdoors is one of the most direct ways to connect with the Earth. Whether it’s a walk in a local park, a hike in the mountains, or a visit to the beach, immersing yourself in natural surroundings can ground your energy and bring a sense of peace. Pay attention to the sights, sounds, and smells around you, and let the beauty of the natural world fill you with wonder and appreciation.

    3. Gardening and Planting

    Engaging in gardening activities is a symbolic way to celebrate growth and renewal. Plant flowers, herbs, or vegetables in your garden, or use pots if you have limited space. Gardening not only connects you with the Earth but also provides a tangible reminder of the Solstice’s themes of fertility and abundance. As you nurture your plants, you can reflect on your own growth and the goals you wish to nurture in your life.

    4. Creating an Altar

    Set up a small altar with items that represent the Summer Solstice and the natural world. This could include flowers, crystals, candles, and any other objects that resonate with you. Use this space for meditation, prayer, or simply as a visual reminder of your connection to the Earth. An altar can serve as a focal point for your Solstice celebrations, helping you to center your thoughts and intentions.

    5. Practicing Mindfulness

    Mindfulness practices such as yoga, meditation, or tai chi are excellent ways to connect with your body and the Earth. These practices help cultivate a sense of presence and alignment with the natural rhythms of the world. By focusing on your breath and the sensations in your body, you can become more attuned to the energies of the Solstice and the Earth.

    Embracing the Energy of the Solstice

    The Summer Solstice is a time to celebrate light, warmth, and life. It’s an opportunity to honor the Earth and our place within its intricate web of life. As we bask in the sun’s peak energy, we can draw upon its strength to fuel our own growth and transformation.

    Reflecting on Personal Growth

    Use the Solstice as a time to reflect on your personal journey. Consider the goals you set at the beginning of the year and assess your progress. The Solstice’s vibrant energy can inspire you to renew your commitments and take bold steps toward your dreams. Reflect on the challenges you’ve faced and the lessons you’ve learned and use this insight to guide your path forward.

    Connecting with Community

    The Summer Solstice is also a time to connect with others. Consider organizing or participating in community events, such as Solstice festivals, bonfires, or group meditations. Sharing the experience with others can enhance your sense of connection and amplify the positive energy of the day. Whether through music, dance, or storytelling, celebrating the Solstice with your community can create lasting memories and strengthen bonds.

    Honoring the Earth through Sustainable Practices

    Another way to honor the Summer Solstice is by adopting sustainable practices that support the health of the planet. This can include reducing your use of single-use plastics, conserving water, supporting local and organic farming, and reducing your carbon footprint. By making conscious choices that benefit the Earth, you can contribute to the wellbeing of the planet and honor the interconnectedness of all life.

    Conclusion

    The Summer Solstice is more than just an astronomical event; it’s a celebration of life and an invitation to connect deeply with the Earth. By honoring this special day through rituals, nature activities, and mindfulness, we can align ourselves with the natural world and harness its energy for personal and communal growth. As we embrace the longest day of the year, let us also embrace the boundless potential within ourselves and the world around us.

    In a world that often feels disconnected from nature, the Summer Solstice serves as a reminder of our profound connection to the Earth. By taking time to celebrate and honor this day, we can rekindle our relationship with the natural world and find inspiration in its beauty and resilience. Whether through simple rituals or grand celebrations, the Solstice invites us to pause, reflect, and celebrate the gift of life.

    Light and love, 

    Sister Bridget

     

  • Are you afraid to love completely?

    Dreamstime_l_182027161
    Afraid to Love Completely?
    by Mambo Samantha Corfield

    Very often my clients tell me that they are "afraid to love" completely. Now, of course, we all fear being hurt. Many of us will hold back and not give ourselves fully into loving someone at first. We want to wait… we want to see if our feelings are returned. Putting it out there fully and completely is quite scary!

    However… and this is a BIG however, if you are doing love spell work and yet you are afraid to give your heart completely then you may be running a very real risk of sabotaging your own spell work!

    Think about this: If you are approaching the relationship you are trying to get or fix with fear, holding some of your feelings back, and being afraid that you might get hurt, then what kind of energy are you putting into your spell work? What you put into your spell work is most often what you get out of it. If you are putting fear and holding back your love because you might get hurt, then that is likely what you will get back.

    Perfect love spell work must be done in perfect love. Now, spell work doesn't have to be perfect to work for you! Hey, we all make mistakes, and there is a certain level of "accident forgiveness" built into our spell work. However, it is really important to think about how YOU are feeling towards the relationship you are trying to be in. Are you angry? Are you afraid? Are you afraid to truly love that person because you may never get them? What if I told you that you may never get the because you are afraid to truly love them???

    There are those among us who feel like it is not worth it to fully love someone. It is too risky. We might get hurt. We might get dumped. We might not get that love returned to us. However, if you are not willing to take the risk then you can never reap the wonderful, incredible, dizzying rewards of truly being in love. The old saying that, "It is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all" is just so true.

    There is no more powerful emotion than love. If you are not willing to allow yourself to experience it, even if it seems one-sided right now, then you are doing yourself (and your spell work) a terrible disservice.

    If you feel that perhaps you have been this person, I would like to suggest that you do something about it! 🙂 There is no point in getting upset if this has been you. Instead, make yourself the promise to no longer be that person! If you have been deeply afraid or angry or half-hearted in allowing yourself to love the person you want to be in a relationship with, then I am going to suggest that you do something such as Erzulie Freda's Love Bath or perhaps some pink gender candles (in the gender of each of you – you and the person you want to be with) and ask that you allow yourself to feel this love again! Petition that you will not be a blockage to your own feelings of love, that even though right now those feelings might be bittersweet, you will allow yourself to feel them, relish them, wallow in them! THEN start back on your spell work or adjunct work – whatever you are working on right now.

    Think of doing something like your love doll with the pulsing ecstasy of love that truly beats in your heart for your special person! Even if you feel like your love is one-sided right now, love is still a positive emotion! Allow yourself to feel it, really feel it, and then go do a love doll session or a candle session.

    Trust me, I know that this can be a painful journey sometimes. But don't sabotage it by not allowing yourself to fully commit to the love that you want. Your love is real, so really feel it!

    Love, light, and peace,
    Mambo Samantha Corfield

  • St. Joseph and Papa Loko!

    St. Joseph and Papa Loko

    Papaloko  Greetings, everyone!  Right on the heels of St. Patrick's Day is a day that doesn't receive quite as much recognition in most circles!  It is St. Joseph's Day and it is always celebrated on March 19. 

    In Vodou/Voodoo, St. Joseph is syncretized with the powerful and wise lwa Papa Loko.  Papa Loko is the giver of the asson (sacred rattle used by Mambos and Houngans) in the ritual of initiation.   Papa Loko is considered the father of all Vodou houses and is known to be the first Houngan.

    Papa Loko is also a healer and often gives herbal cures and medicinal root work knowledge to Houngans and Mambos.  This knowledge, especially in Haiti is used to help the Mambo or Houngan to offer medical help to members of the house.  Of course this practice isn't as widespread in the United States, but in Haiti, the head of a Vodou house often turns to Papa Loko to cure both serious and simple illnesses.

    St_joseph_alter_3Of all the Saint syncretizations, I think that the altars built to St. Joseph most closely resemble Vodou!  As you can see from this picture, the altars are extremely elaborate!  And as Vodouisants, I am sure you are going, "wow, that is some Voodoo altar!!"

    Building these altars has a rich tradition, especially in New Orleans history.  St. Joseph altars begin to be built several days ahead of time and are just beautiful.  Almost all of the food is given to the poor after the altar is torn down.

    The tradition of these altars originated in Sicily where St. Joseph was petitioned during a drought and famine.  The drought and famine broke and the people rejoiced and promised to always help feed the less fortunate.   As Vodouisants, we also take the opportunity of this day to do something for those less fortunate and dedicate it to both St. Joseph and Papa Loko!!

    Here is a link to a great article to read more about St. Joseph Day and how it is traditionally celebrated.  If you are not familiar with it, it is a fascinating read! (The author even mentions the Vodou connection!)

    Louisiana Project – St. Joseph's Day Altars

    This is a really cool link!  It is a virtual St. Joseph's Altar.  They even have a place for you to make a virtual offering to the altar!! (The altar might be closed today because the Vatican actually moved the feast day this year because of the way Holy Week fell on the Christian calendear, but normally this would be the feast day and, in my opinion, still is!)    😉

    Virtual St. Joseph Altar

    Honoring Papa Loko:  Obviously, for Vodouisants, St. Joseph Day is also an honor to Papa Loko.  Papa Loko is most often honored by Houngans and Mambos and there are even some schools of thought that if you are not a priest or priestess, you might not want to serve him as he reserves most of his guidance for them.  However, I do not feel there is any reason for non-initiates NOT to honor Papa Loko!  He may guide you towards initiation or have other important guidance for you. 

    His colors are yellow, white, and green.  You may serve him with almost any herb or leafy plant (think about serving him a green salad) and fresh water.  I have also found him to be fond of those green herbal drinks and green tea!

    It is a tradition in New Orleans Voodoo that if you want to know someone's secrets you take a small cloth bag, put some leaves in it that you are offering to Papa Loko (especially if you have built him a small altar and are doing service to him – take some of the leaves that you offered on the altar and put them in the small cloth bag).  Now write the person's name on a piece of paper nine times.  Fold it up and put it in the bag.   Take the bag and hang it in a tree where it is least likely to be disturbed for 99 days.  During those 99 days, that person's secrets are said to be all revealed to you.  The bag should continue to hang in the tree until it is destroyed by nature or disintegrates from age. 🙂

    Love, Mambo Sam

  • The Three Harvests and Witches!
    The Three Harvests and Witches!

    In the enchanting realm of folklore and mysticism, there exists a captivating link between the Three Harvests and witchcraft. As autumn's golden hues paint the landscape, the Three Harvests—Lughnasadh, Mabon, and Samhain—play a significant role in both agricultural traditions and the mystical world of witches of all kinds. This delightful connection transcends time and geography, revealing a tapestry of interconnected beliefs and practices.

    To begin our journey, let's delve into the first harvest, Lughnasadh. Celebrated in early August, this Celtic festival marks the beginning of the harvest season. It's a time when the fields are ripe with grain, and the earth offers her bounty. Witches, often seen as guardians of nature's cycles, harness the energy of Lughnasadh to honor the Earth's generosity and to manifest their intentions. It's a period when spells for abundance and prosperity are cast, and the echoes of the harvest's first fruits resonate with the rituals of the natural world.

    Moving forward to Mabon, the second harvest celebrated during the autumn equinox, we find another layer of connection between the Three Harvests and witchcraft. As day and night achieve perfect balance, witches recognize this equilibrium as an opportunity for reflection and gratitude. Mabon serves as a time to honor the autumnal harvest, with crafting elaborate altars adorned with symbols of abundance, like apples and gourds. We use this period to give thanks for the bounty of nature and to attune themselves to the changing energies of the season.

    The final harvest, Samhain, is perhaps the most famous, as it coincides with modern Halloween celebrations. For Vodouisants, it is a time for Ancestor service and more!  This sacred time, observed at the end of October, marks the end of the agricultural year and the beginning of winter's slumber. Witches and practitioners of all kinds view Samhain as a liminal space when the veil between the physical world and the spirit realm is thin. It's a time for divination, honoring ancestors, and seeking wisdom from the other side. Many may perform rituals to communicate with departed loved ones or to harness the potent energies of this time for their magical endeavors.

    As we contemplate the harmonious dance between the Three Harvests and witchcraft, we find a delightful interplay of nature, spirituality, and tradition. These celebrations, rooted in the agricultural cycles of our ancestors, have evolved into a modern enchantment that weaves its way through the tapestry of life. Whether you are a practitioner or simply a lover of folklore, the Three Harvests offer a bewitching connection to the rhythms of the natural world and the mystical realms beyond.

    In conclusion, the Three Harvests and witchcraft share a charming and symbiotic relationship, as we draw inspiration from the bounty and magic of each seasonal celebration. These ancient traditions continue to resonate with those who seek a deeper connection with nature and the mysteries of the universe. So, as we revel in the beauty of autumn's colors and the warmth of the hearth, let us also celebrate the rich tapestry of traditions that connect us to the past, the present, and the enchanting world of nature.

  • Coming Soon!
     UPDATE!
    Coming this Fall! 
    Many of you have been asking how to take classes and study with Mambo Sam. This Fall, Mambo Sam is starting her own Patreon -  The 9 Mysteries Academy of Magick!  Mambo has been hard at work over the past few months creating lessons and exercises that will be educational and entertaining! The topics will be varied, as Mambo Sam has a broad knowledge of things esoteric, not to mention her Doctorate in Theology! Planned topics at this time include Moon Magick, Strega, Egyptian Magick, Celtic Witchcraft, Animal Spirit Magick and more!  There will be lack of fun and interesting studies and experiences! If you have not written Faith at customerservice@spellmaker.com to express your interest in an early invitation, do so now! Don't miss out on this unique opportunity! 

  • Mabon Oil!

    Dcb90268-ef9d-cf4a-549b-c67025af6bd7

    From Mambo Sam's own BOS! Enjoy! 

  • Maman Brigitte’s Ancestor Memorial Candle!
    Maman Brigitte's Ancestor Memorial Candle – Handcrafted, Made to Order!

    Fet Ghede is right around the corner! This specialty candle will be hand poured for you by both Mambo Sam and Parran Matt, who will dedicate the it to you and your own personal Ancestors during the process! Available only here!  Order by October 19th to ensure delivery by 11/2/23!

  • Creating a Mabon Altar!

     

     

  • Mambo Sam’s Cranberry Apple Pie!
    Welcome back to What's Cookin' with Mambo! 
    This pie never goes out of season! 

    Mambo Sam’s Cranberry Apple Pie
    Ingredients
    Crust:  Use your favorite crust recipe OR there is no shame in your game if you use a store bought refrigerator crust.  It saves time and it’s delicious especially if you brush it with a little bit of egg and sugar before you bake the pie! Don’t sweat this and let it stop you from making a pie!  Pie is supposed to be fun, go buy that crust if you don’t know how to make one or don’t want to. You are a pie warrior!

    Filling:
    6 cups sliced apples – go crazy – use three different types of your favorites
    1 cup dried cranberries
    ¾ cup white cane sugar
    2 tablespoons brown sugar
    2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    ½  teaspoon salt
    ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
    ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
    1 tablespoon lemon juice
    1 tablespoon of water

    Steps:
    Heat oven to 425°F. Place bottom crust in ungreased 9-inch glass pie plate. Press firmly against side and bottom.  In a big bowl, mix all your filling ingredients. I like to let them set a few minutes to allow the natural juices to come together.   Carefully pour into your pie plate.  Top with your choice of second crust. Wrap excess top crust under bottom crust edge, pressing edges together to seal then press together by fluting with a fork or with your fingers.  Cut slits or shapes in several places in top crust. Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until apples are tender and crust is golden brown. Cover edge of crust with 2- to 3-inch wide strips of foil after first 15 to 20 minutes of baking to prevent excessive browning. Cool on cooling rack at least 2 hours before serving.

    Enjoy! 

  •  Scarecrows: Icons of Straw and Spellwork

    Dreamstime_m_103408140

     

     Scarecrows: Icons of Straw and Spellwork
    by: Khouzhan Morgan
    “Autumn whispered to the wind: I fall; but always rise again.” ~Angie Welland Crosby
     
    Hi there Spellmaker readers and welcome to the Harvest Moon edition of the Universal Messenger!

    Among my autumn décor I came across several scarecrows. Like pumpkins, these are quintessential symbols of fall, harvest and Halloween-in my home I keep them out until the Yuletide season begins!

    Traditionally used in farmers fields as a ploy to keep birds away from precious crops, these figures, usually comprised of discarded old clothing or feed bags and stuffed with straw, can also be found everywhere in pop culture.

    In the Wizard of Oz we met the sweet scarecrow without a brain who was a loyal best friend to Dorothy and terrified of the Wicked Witch and her fire conjuring skills.

    As a Batman villain, the Scarecrow used hallucinations brought onto the innocent citizens of Gotham in order to exploit their worse fears and terrorize the city.

    And finally, we see the horror scarecrows; eerie burlap figures come to life to hunt and scare the likes of its victims with murder and mayhem. Episodes of Dr. Who and Supernatural both feature such creatures.

    As far back as ancient Egypt researchers have found evidence of scarecrows. ( A tunic tossed over reeds by the bank of the River Nile was used to scare cranes away from food crops in that incarnation.)

    And the one thing scarecrows always have in common is fear. Scarecrows are used to frighten birds and pests, or in art and literature, sometimes human beings! But the subject matter is always, always fear.

    So my overly analytical mind made this connection with scarecrows. They emerge just as we begin the spooky season. That focus on fears begs the question-what scares you?

     As we harvest and reap and celebrate letting go of the old to make room for the new-what is it we can let go of in order to foster growth on a spiritual level?

    Maybe it manifests as cleaning or decluttering, and letting go of things we no longer use or enjoy. Holding onto items can stem from fear that we will never get more. But it is only through letting some objects go that I realized I was making room for something better-something more useful. It is the way the universe ebbs and flows. It can take some soul searching, courage, and effort-but the rewards are many!

    Fear can strike in many forms-fear of allowing love into our lives, fear of failure, fear of the unknown, even fear of success.
    I guess I’m hoping that someone out there needs to hear this message. As we embark on the season of all things scary, What fears limit you right now? It’s certainly worthwhile food for thought! One thing I know for sure, is that I’ll never look at the little harvest time scarecrows peeking out from front porches, potted mums, or cornfields, quite the same again!

    May this Harvest Moon light your way and guide you in your Autumn endeavors!

    Don’t be afraid to reach out to our supportive staff here at Spellmaker.com! We have a variety of tools to help any situation. From voodoo charms to magical baths to specialized oils and mojo bags, if you need some magical backup we’ve got you covered and our team is always glad to make personalized suggestions for your individual needs! No need to fear, our staff is here! Ya see what I did there? 😉

    In gratitude and service,
    Khouzhan Morgan