Tag: voodoo

  • Maman Brigitte and St. Brigid!

    Greetings one and all!

    As many of you may already know -  February 1, is St. Brigid's day, Imbolc, Candlemas,
    and the Feast of St. Brigid.  To Vodouisants, Catholics, Pagans, and more, this is a wonderful day anticipating spring, looking for new love, and being ready to shed off the cold of winter.

    A popular prayer for this day is:

    "Blessed be the earth, and all who dwell upon it.

    We give thanks for the season now departing from us,
    For the blessings it has bestowed upon us,
    And upon those with whom we share this world.

    Blessed be the new season.
    We pray that it will be a time filled with peace,
    With abundance, with prosperity,
    With wisdom,
    With love."

    For Vodouisants, tonight, the eve of  St. Brigid's Day, is when we put a piece of clothing outside for Maman Brigitte to bless with her healing powers.  Take any piece of clothing, or even a scarf to tie your head with, and put it outside tonight.  Ask Maman Brigitte to walk your way tonight and bless that piece of clothing.  Light a small fire outside for a little while, even if you just burn a candle. Before you go to bed, burn the veve of Maman Brigitte in the fire. Then put that fire or candle out.  Make sure the wax is smoothed down  or that the ashes are smoothed down if you lit a small fire.  Any kind of mark or disturbance of the wax or ashes the next day is considered a sign that Maman was there and blessed your piece of clothing!

    Now you can wear that piece of clothing any time you aren't feeling well or you doing healing work or healing prayers for someone else.

    Veve for Maman BrigitteVevemamanbrigitte

    Brigitimbolc

    There is a LOT more to this holiday/feast day!  It is well worth looking up more information.

    Love, light, and peace,

    Mambo Samantha Corfield

    www.spellmaker.com

  • Fire in the Belly – Talk of Imbolc… and thriftiness?? By: Khouzhan Morgan

    Imbolc

    Fire in the Belly

    Talk of Imbolc… and thriftiness??

    By: Khouzhan Morgan

    Hello readers and welcome! One of the 8 traditional Pagan sabbats of the year is almost upon us and during my reading in preparation to write for you fine folks I stumbled upon the most intriguing concept for Imbolc, which will be upon us on February 2nd-the concept of thriftiness!

    Now stay with me…as we are just coming off of our latest fireside chat with our beloved Mambo Sam where the focus was letting go of a whole lot of icky stuff like resentments, insecurities and old ideas that no longer serve us, I thought the topic of household thriftiness felt like a great closer-after all, rearranging some furniture or organizing the closets helps clear our minds and can help give us a happier healthier environment to partner with our new freedom from the shackles of negativity!

    Minimalism is all the rage these days, but the concept is really not new. Any of us with depression era grandparents can attest that there was a time when people used simply whatever they had on hand for whatever they needed. Coffee cans were used to hold old screws and buttons “just in case” we needed them, old blankets were cut into quilting squares, clothing patches or cleaning rags, and any jar, carton or container might be used to hold leftovers in the refrigerator.

    After you do some housecleaning on your mind, body and spirit, it is a great idea to use this time indoors to inventory your immediate environment.

    Sure, it’s great to purge and give some unused clothes, household items, etc. to charity so they can be a blessing for someone else but how can we make the most of what we keep?

    Imbolc loosely translates as “fire in the belly” or the place on your body where the most creative chakra  resides-the sacral or orange hued chakra. This chakra is strengthened by allowing our self expression to run free and by doing things that give us pleasure.  And what is more fun than to channel your inner domestic Goddess (or God, respectively) than to create something fun and beautiful?

    Maybe it is using old teacups and bowls to start seedlings to plant later in the spring, or to feed your cat, Whiskers.  Maybe it involves cleaning and rearranging a shelf to be a little altar space to a lwa you feel connected to, a cherished ancestor, or for a meditation place. Old mirrors, picture frames or small tables are great projects to repaint or bedazzle. And speaking of bedazzling-why not use some old costume jewelry to make some new and interesting creations?

    Do you have a really cool candle you’ve been saving to burn? Build a little sacred space around the theme of that candle and spark it up! I know-some will say you are waiting for a special occasion. But if the past 2 years have taught us anything, perhaps the takeaway can be that the here and now is a special occasion!

    Maybe you have some old oils or incense that have been tossed in a drawer or closet? Bust them out and use them now! Oils can be worn as a perfume (with a bonus of course) , used in your bath or shower or to dress candles or even used in a simmer pot to fill your home with a magical scent that is sure to bless your abode with good mojo! Incense can be burned to help foster a calm environment or help you keep a goal in mind to make change as we enter this first sabbat of the awakening springtime. Chango’s Mystic Chrysalis incense is a great choice to use the creative force of fire to transform your wintertime plans into burgeoning reality!

    Each January, a friend of mine takes the decorations off of her tabletop Christmas tree, keeping the lights intact, and fills that tree with little pink and red  hearts and upcycled valentines cards – essentially rebranding it a St. Valentine’s tree! Our inimitable spirit of love, Erzulie Freda would surely approve! 😉

     If you have bought products in the past and not used them, use them now! Mambo Sam has a wonderful and easy  reconsecration ritual for spell kits and products that have been unused for more than a year. Reconsecration is not mandatory but it can really punch up the potency of your items.

    Of course it is always a great time to go with the Imbolc theme of emerging new born from the blanket of cold and snow with some  figure candles or 7 knob wishing candles. After all- the full name of the day is Imbolc Brigantia and honors St. Brigid’s sacred flame.

    Just as the phoenix rises from the ashes of the old to burn as bright as the sun, now is the time to utilize what you have and make it into a space, an experience or a thing of beauty that stokes your inner fire so you can let your little light shine!

    We love to see your awesome ideas and creativity at work and you can send pictures to customerservice@spellmaker.com.

    “From ashes a fire shall be woken, a light from the shadow shall spring. “-JRR Tolkien; The Lord of the Rings

    Love, 

    Khouzhan Morgan

  • The Witch’s Besom!

    Besom

    The Witch's Besom!

    Sit back and enjoy a brief ride through the history and uses of a witch's broom! 

    History of the Witch's Besom

    The association of besoms with witchcraft can be traced back to the early modern period. This time was marked by the peak of witch persecution, where besoms were often depicted as tools used by witches to fly through the air to sabbats (gatherings of witches). Despite these dramatic depictions, besoms were commonly used for everyday cleaning in many cultures. This dual use in both mundane and magical contexts has led to the enduring association of besoms with witches and magic​​​​.

    Traditional and Modern Ritual Uses

    • Cleansing and Purification: Besoms have traditionally been used to sweep away negative energy and protect homes from evil spirits. They are used in rituals to purify and consecrate sacred spaces, symbolically sweeping away psychic dirt and stagnant vibes​​​​.

    • Creating Sacred Space: They are often employed to mark the boundaries of a sacred or ritual space. This use symbolizes the clearing and consecration of the area for spiritual or magical activities​​.

    • Protection: Besoms are placed over doorways or thresholds as a protective measure against negative energies or unwanted influences​​.

    • Astral Travel and Meditation: In some magical traditions, besoms serve as tools for astral travel or meditation, symbolizing the broomstick used for flying​​.

    • Sabbat Celebrations: In Wiccan and Pagan traditions, besoms are used during sabbat celebrations, such as jumping over a besom during Beltane as a symbol of fertility and union​​.

    • Decoration and Craft: Besoms are also popular as decorative items in magical or witchy spaces, often adorned with symbolic elements like ribbons or charms​​.

    How to Make a Besom

    Creating your own besom is a rewarding process that allows for personalization and connection with the tool. Traditional materials include birch twigs for the bristles and willow or hazel branches for the handle. These materials are chosen for their durability and symbolic meanings. Making a besom involves gathering these materials, binding the twigs together, attaching them to the handle, and adding personal touches like decorations or blessings​​​​.

    Symbolism and Beliefs

    Besoms are deeply symbolic, carrying various meanings across different cultures. For instance, jumping over a broom is a tradition in some cultures to signify marital union or to welcome prosperity. Besoms are also linked to folklore, such as the belief that if a broomstick falls, company is coming, or hiding brooms on certain nights to prevent them from being stolen by other witches​​.

    The witch's besom is a fascinating subject, combining practical uses, deep symbolism, and a rich history that spans centuries and various cultures. Its enduring presence in modern witchcraft and pagan practices speaks to its powerful symbolism and versatility as a magical tool.

     
     
     

  • Lodestones!

    Lodestone

    Lodestones!

    In Hoodoo and Voodoo practices, the lodestone is celebrated for its natural magnetism and is deeply embedded in the rituals and spells of these spiritual traditions. Revered for their ability to attract and draw in desired energies, lodestones are used to manifest intentions ranging from love and prosperity to protection and healing.

    Mystical Properties and Uses

    Lodestones, being naturally magnetized pieces of magnetite, are believed to work harmoniously with the practitioner's intent, magnetically drawing people, opportunities, wealth, or situations towards them. This magnetic quality forms the basis of their mystical significance and is seen as instrumental in various forms of folk magic, especially in Hoodoo.

    In Hoodoo, which is deeply rooted in African American folk magic, lodestones are considered vital in spells and rituals. They are used to attract things like money, love, health, or good luck. The lodestone's magnetic property makes it a natural choice for spells and practices focused on attraction or magnetization of desires.

    Ritual Practices with Lodestones

    Traditionally, a lodestone must be charged or baptized before use and may even be named, aligning its purpose with the practitioner's intent. In love rituals, lodestones are often used in pairs to represent attraction and to reinforce fidelity in relationships. They are "fed" with magnetic sand or anointed with specific oils to enhance their potency and maintain their magical efficacy.

    Feeding and Maintenance of Lodestones

    Feeding a lodestone involves offering it magnetic sand and anointing oils, such as Hoyt's Cologne or Lodestone Oil. This practice keeps the lodestone vibrant and attuned to the practitioner's intentions, ensuring a steady flow of positive energies like good luck, prosperity, or healing. Cleansing is also crucial to maintaining a lodestone's effectiveness. Practitioners commonly cleanse lodestones with alcohol-based liquids like whiskey or cologne to refresh the stone's energy. It's important to avoid water or acidic substances, as they can cause rust or corrosion.

    Conclusion

    Lodestones, with their inherent magnetic properties, hold a significant place in Hoodoo and other folk magic practices. They are seen as powerful allies in attracting desired outcomes and are used with care and respect, ensuring their magical properties are nurtured and maintained. Whether used for attracting love, money, or protection, lodestones are an embodiment of the practitioner's intent, serving as a bridge between the spiritual and the material realms.

    In Service, 

    Mambo Sam

  • 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

  • Embracing the Awakening: Imbolc and the Stirrings of Nature!

    DALL·E 2024-01-18 12.33.59 - A serene landscape depicting the early signs of spring with snow melting the first green shoots emerging from the earth and a gentle sunrise in the

    Embracing the Awakening: Imbolc and the Stirrings of Nature

    As the wheel of the year slowly turns, there comes a time when the harshness of winter begins to yield to the subtle promises of spring. This period, known in the Celtic tradition as Imbolc, is more than just a marker of seasonal change. It's a celebration of rebirth, a festival of light, and a testament to the enduring hope that life, no matter how dormant it appears, will always find a way to renew itself. Imbolc, traditionally observed on February 1st, is deeply intertwined with the legend of Brigid – a figure who straddles the line between pagan mythology and Christian sainthood, embodying the spirit of healing, poetry, and the forge.

    Let's embark on a journey through time and tradition, exploring the essence of Imbolc, its rituals, and the myriad ways it allows us to reconnect with the rhythms of nature. As the snow melts and the first green shoots dare to emerge, we are reminded of the resilience inherent in the earth and within ourselves. Imbolc is not just a reminder of the world's awakening but an invitation to awaken our inner landscapes, to kindle the flames of inspiration, and to prepare the soil of our souls for new seeds of possibilities.

    The Essence of Imbolc: A Portal to Renewal

    Imbolc, etched in the tapestry of time as a celebration of purification and light, offers a profound connection to the rhythms of the earth and the cycles of life. The festival, originating from the old Irish word 'i mbolc' meaning 'in the belly,' is traditionally observed during the lambing season. It's a period when the earth, seemingly still in the clutch of winter, begins to stir with the promise of spring.

    Central to the celebration of Imbolc is the veneration of Brigid – a figure of immense importance in Celtic mythology. Brigid, or Saint Brigid in the Christian tradition, bridges the ancient and the sacred, the pagan and the divine. She is celebrated as the goddess of healing, poetry, smithcraft, and the hearth. Her association with fire and fertility weaves a rich tapestry that symbolizes the awakening of the land and the soul.

    As the goddess of the forge, Brigid's flame represents not just the physical warmth that thaws the frozen ground, but also the spark of creativity, the fire of inspiration, and the warmth of hope that burns in the heart of humankind. She invites us to embrace the coming change, to prepare for growth, and to kindle our own inner fires as we step into the burgeoning light.

    The celebration of Imbolc is deeply symbolic, marked by the crafting of Brigid's crosses from reeds, the creation of Brigid corn dolls, and the lighting of candles and bonfires. These rituals are not mere observances of tradition; they are acts of reconnection with the natural world, acknowledgments of the cycles that govern life, and affirmations of our place within this sacred rhythm.

    As we reflect on the essence of Imbolc, we are reminded that renewal is a constant process, that life is a series of cycles, and that each ending paves the way for a new beginning. In honoring Brigid and the traditions of Imbolc, we open our hearts to the lessons of resilience, renewal, and rebirth that nature so eloquently teaches us.

    Please visit tomorrow as we discuss welcoming back the light! 

    Love, 

    Mambo Sam

  • Embracing Imbolc: The Green Witch’s Guide to Renewal and Rebirth

    Embracing Imbolc: The Green Witch's Guide to Renewal and Rebirth

    DALL·E 2024-01-18 13.13.26 - A serene landscape depicting the early signs of spring with snow melting the first green shoots emerging from the earth and a gentle sunrise in the

    In the heart of winter, when the cold clings to the earth and the nights seem unending, there comes a festival that whispers of warmth and light soon to return. Imbolc, celebrated in early February, marks the midway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It is a time of hope, of purification, and of preparing for new beginnings. For the Green Witch, it is a sacred time to harmonize with the awakening earth, to cleanse the old, and to make room for new growth and possibilities.

    Imbolc is deeply intertwined with the Celtic goddess Brigid, the goddess of fire, healing, poetry, and smithcraft. Her energy permeates this festival, igniting the flames of creativity, healing, and transformation. As Green Witches, aligning with the energy of Brigid and the natural world during Imbolc allows for a profound reconnection with the cycles of nature and the magic inherent in the early stirrings of spring.

    In this guide, we delve into the heart of Imbolc, exploring rituals, practices, and the quiet magic that this time of year holds for the Green Witch. From lighting candles to honor the returning light to preparing the soil for the seeds of intentions, each tradition and ritual is an opportunity to deepen our connection with the earth, the divine, and our inner selves.

    Ready to explore the rituals for renewal that Imbolc offers? Tomorrow, let's begin with the warmth and light that are central to this time of year.

    Love, 

    Sister Bridget

  • Tarot 101 = The Hierophant!

     

     

  • Tarot 101 – The Emperor!