Tag: candle magick

Embracing Spring – Personal Practices in Witchcraft.

Embracing Spring – Personal Practices in Witchcraft.

Welcoming the Season of Growth

As we usher in the vibrant season of spring, it's a time for personal awakening and renewal. This final part of our series focuses on how individuals can integrate the principles of witchcraft into their personal spring planning, embracing growth and transformation.

Crafting a Spring Ritual

Spring is the perfect time to create personal rituals that resonate with your spirit. This could be as simple as setting up a small altar with symbols of spring, lighting candles to welcome the light, or meditating on your intentions for the season.

The Art of Spring Cleaning

In witchcraft, spring cleaning goes beyond the physical. It's about clearing your space and your mind, making room for new growth. This might involve decluttering your home, smudging with sage, or even taking a cleansing bath infused with spring herbs.

Planting Seeds of Intent

Just as we plant seeds in the earth, spring is a time to plant seeds of intention. Writing down your goals and aspirations in a journal, creating a vision board, or simply spending time in reflection can help manifest these intentions.

Connecting with Nature's Rhythms

Spring is a celebration of nature's rebirth, and connecting with these natural rhythms can be incredibly grounding. Try taking walks in nature, observing the new growth, or even participating in gardening, aligning yourself with the cycle of growth and renewal.

Herbal Allies for the Season

Incorporating herbs into your daily routine can be a powerful way to connect with the season. Herbal teas, aromatherapy, or even cooking with fresh spring herbs can bring the magic of the season into your everyday life.

Tarot and Spring Guidance

Tarot can be a useful tool for reflection and guidance. Pulling cards to gain insight into what the spring season holds for you can offer clarity and direction as you navigate your personal growth.

Embracing Change and Transformation

Ultimately, spring is a time of change and transformation. It's a period to embrace the shifts in your life, to grow, and to blossom. Remember, each step you take is part of your unique journey, intertwining with the magic of the season.

A Season of Personal Magic

As we conclude this series, remember that the magic of spring lies not just in ancient rituals but in the personal, everyday moments of connection and growth. Embrace this season with an open heart, and let the magic of spring guide you on your path.

Love, Sister Bridget

February 8, 2024
The Interweaving of Voodoo and Mardi Gras Traditions.

The Interweaving of Voodoo and Mardi Gras Traditions.

A Cultural Convergence

In the vibrant streets of New Orleans, where the echoes of jazz blend with the mystique of Voodoo, there exists a unique fusion with the city's most famous celebration – Mardi Gras. This part of our series explores the intriguing interplay between Voodoo traditions and Mardi Gras festivities.

Voodoo: A Spiritual Tapestry

Voodoo in New Orleans is not just a set of spiritual practices; it's a rich cultural tapestry woven into the city's fabric. Rooted in African, Haitian, and Creole cultures, it has evolved into a unique religious belief system that coexists with the city's Catholic and Christian practices.

Mardi Gras: A Time of Spiritual Significance

While Mardi Gras is widely seen as a time of festivity and celebration, it also holds significant spiritual meaning in the Voodoo tradition. This period, leading up to Lent, is viewed as a time of purification, reflection, and connection with the spiritual world.

Marie Laveau: The Voodoo Queen of Mardi Gras

Marie Laveau, the legendary Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, is a central figure in linking Voodoo and Mardi Gras. She was known for her elaborate rituals and ceremonies, some of which were performed during Mardi Gras, blending the city's festive spirit with the mysticism of Voodoo.

Rituals and Symbols: A Fusion of Beliefs

During Mardi Gras, certain Voodoo rituals and symbols become more prominent. Ritual dances, offerings, and the use of Voodoo dolls and gris-gris bags (talismans) are part of the celebrations, adding a layer of spiritual depth to the revelry.

The Voodoo Parade: A Mardi Gras Staple

One of the highlights of Mardi Gras is the Voodoo Parade, where the traditions of Voodoo are showcased in a vibrant procession. Participants dressed in elaborate costumes and masks, some depicting Loas (Voodoo spirits), parade through the streets, embodying the spirit of Voodoo.

Loas and Mardi Gras: A Spiritual Celebration

The Loas, or spirits in the Voodoo belief system, are thought to be especially active during Mardi Gras. Rituals invoking these spirits are performed, seeking their blessings and protection. It's a time when the spiritual and physical worlds are believed to be closely intertwined.

A Shared Spirit of Revelry and Reverence

The convergence of Voodoo and Mardi Gras is a testament to New Orleans' unique cultural landscape. It's a blend of reverence and revelry, where spiritual traditions complement the city's festive character, creating an atmosphere that is both enchanting and exhilarating.

The Legacy Continues

Today, this fusion remains a vital part of Mardi Gras. It's not just about celebrating; it's about honoring a tradition that has shaped the city's identity. As Mardi Gras continues to evolve, so does the role of Voodoo, ensuring that this unique blend of cultures and beliefs continues to thrive.

Conclusion

In the heart of New Orleans, where spirits dance and the streets come alive with music and color, Voodoo and Mardi Gras create a celebration like no other. It's a vibrant testament to the city's history, its cultural diversity, and its enduring spirit.

February 7, 2024
Celebrating Balance – The Spring Equinox.

Celebrating Balance – The Spring Equinox.

A Time of Perfect Harmony

As the days grow longer and the world bursts into bloom, we welcome the Spring Equinox, a time of perfect balance and harmony. In the world of witchcraft, this equinox is a sacred moment, symbolizing the equilibrium between light and darkness, life and rebirth.

The Dance of Day and Night

Imagine a day where light and dark embrace each other in perfect equality. The Spring Equinox, occurring around March 20th or 21st, is such a day. It's a celestial reminder of the balance in nature and an invitation for us to find that same balance within ourselves.

Rituals of Renewal

Equinox rituals are as diverse as the practitioners themselves, yet they all share a common theme of celebrating the renewal of life. Some may light candles to represent the returning sun, while others might plant seeds, symbolizing new beginnings and the potential for growth.

The Magic of Rebirth

This is a time to honor the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. As we observe the natural world awakening around us, we too can tap into this powerful energy. It's a perfect time for setting intentions for the coming year and for letting go of the old to make space for the new.

A Celebration of Fertility

The Spring Equinox is also a festival of fertility, celebrating the Earth's abundant fertility as it awakens from winter's sleep. Rituals often include symbols of fertility, such as eggs or rabbits, and are a joyful acknowledgment of life's perpetual renewal.

An Invitation for Personal Reflection

This equinox offers a unique opportunity for personal reflection and growth. It's a time to assess our lives, to find our own inner balance, and to align ourselves with the natural rhythms of the earth.

Connecting with Nature

Nature is at its most magical during the equinox, and connecting with it can be a deeply spiritual experience. Taking walks in nature, meditating outdoors, or simply spending time in a garden can help us attune to the energy of the season.

Crafting Your Own Ritual

There's no right or wrong way to celebrate the equinox. Whether it's a solitary ritual or a gathering with friends, the key is to honor the spirit of balance and renewal. This could mean a quiet evening of meditation, a festive meal with loved ones, or a simple ritual of lighting candles and setting intentions.

Embracing the Change

As we embrace the change of seasons, the Spring Equinox reminds us of the beauty of transitions. It's a time to celebrate the constant flow of life and to remember that, just like the seasons, we too are always evolving.

Love,

Sister Bridget

February 7, 2024
Mardi Gras – A Kaleidoscope of Culture and Celebration.

Mardi Gras – A Kaleidoscope of Culture and Celebration.

The Festive Tapestry of Mardi Gras

Welcome to the heart of New Orleans' most famous celebration – Mardi Gras! This festival is a vibrant tapestry woven from the city's rich cultural and historical threads. It's more than just a party; it's a living, breathing expression of New Orleans' spirit.

A Historical Journey

Mardi Gras' roots can be traced back to medieval Europe, passing through Rome and Venice before finding its home in the French House of the Bourbons. From these aristocratic celebrations of "Boeuf Gras," or fatted calf, Mardi Gras evolved and made its way to the New World.

New Orleans – The Mardi Gras Capital

In the late 17th century, French explorers brought Mardi Gras to what is now Louisiana, with New Orleans eventually becoming the epicenter of the celebrations. It began as simple masked balls and has since transformed into a grandiose city-wide party.

The Evolution of Traditions

Through the centuries, Mardi Gras has evolved, incorporating various cultural influences. The tradition of masked balls gave way to street parades, and societies known as "krewes" were formed to organize these parades and balls.

The Heart of Mardi Gras – Parades and Krewes

Each krewe has its unique history and way of celebrating Mardi Gras. The floats and costumes are spectacles of creativity and artistry, reflecting themes ranging from mythology to social commentary. The most famous krewes, like Rex and Zulu, are known for their extravagant parades and sought-after throws.

The Colors of Mardi Gras

Purple, green, and gold are the traditional colors of Mardi Gras. Purple signifies justice, green represents faith, and gold stands for power. These colors adorn the streets, costumes, and floats, creating a vivid backdrop to the festivities.

Music and Cuisine – The Soul of the Celebration

No Mardi Gras celebration is complete without music. Jazz, blues, and zydeco bands fill the air with rhythmic beats that make it impossible not to dance. And let's not forget the food – king cakes, beignets, jambalaya, and gumbo are just a few of the culinary delights that fuel the revelers.

The Night of Mardi Gras

As the evening arrives, the celebrations reach their peak. The streets become a sea of dancing, singing, and joyous revelers, all united in the spirit of Mardi Gras. It's a night where the entire city comes alive, pulsating with energy and excitement.

Mardi Gras – A Reflection of New Orleans

Mardi Gras is a reflection of New Orleans itself – diverse, vibrant, and a little bit magical. It's a celebration that transcends age, race, and background, bringing everyone together in a shared experience of joy and festivity.

Looking Forward

As we wrap up this exploration of Mardi Gras, we look forward to the future celebrations that will continue to add to the rich tapestry of this incredible festival. Mardi Gras is not just a day on the calendar; it's a state of mind, embodying the indomitable spirit of New Orleans.

February 6, 2024
The Enchanted Garden – Herbal Magic in Spring.

The Enchanted Garden – Herbal Magic in Spring.

A Symphony of Herbs

In the heart of the enchanted spring garden, the air is rich with the scents of herbs, each carrying ancient stories and potent magic. Imagine wandering through this green haven, with lavender, sage, and rosemary whispering their secrets.

Lavender – The Soothing Mystic

Lavender, with its delicate purple blooms, is more than just a pretty face. It's a powerful ally in calming rituals, perfect for those seeking peace and serenity. Its soothing aroma is said to ease troubled minds and cleanse spaces of negative energy, making it a staple in spells for tranquility and purification.

Sage – The Sacred Purifier

Sage, the great purifier, stands tall and proud. Its earthy aroma is a familiar scent in many witchcraft practices, known for its ability to cleanse spaces, objects, and even the soul. Burning sage in a ritual is like starting with a clean slate, perfect for spring's theme of new beginnings.

Rosemary – The Guardian Herb

Rosemary, with its needle-like leaves and invigorating scent, is a symbol of remembrance and protection. It's often used in spells for mental clarity, to remember old lessons, and to protect sacred spaces from negative influences. Rosemary's presence in a ritual brings strength and clarity, guarding our paths as we embark on new journeys.

Crafting Spring Potions

In this season of rebirth, the art of potion-making comes to the forefront. Herbal teas for clarity blend the subtle powers of these plants, while tinctures for vitality capture their essence in concentrated form. Salves for healing, infused with the magic of these herbs, carry the promise of rejuvenation and wellness.

The Whisper of Plants

Each plant in this magical garden is a teacher, sharing lessons of growth, resilience, and the art of blooming. As we tend to these plants, picking them with intention and respect, we learn to listen to their whispers. They teach us the cycles of the earth, the rhythms of nature, and our place within this vast, interconnected web.

Rituals of Connection

Spring is a time for connecting with the earth and its bounty. Rituals during this season often involve planting seeds, both literal and metaphorical. These seeds represent our hopes, dreams, and intentions for the coming year. As we plant them in the earth, we set our desires into motion, trusting the magic of nature to nurture and grow them.

The Dance of the Elements

In these rituals, the elements come together in a harmonious dance. The earth cradles the seeds, the water nourishes them, the air carries their scent, and the fire of the sun encourages their growth. This elemental dance is a reminder of the balance and interconnectedness of all things.

A Time for Personal Growth

Just as the plants grow and thrive, so do we. Spring is a time for personal growth and development. Working with herbs in our rituals and daily practices allows us to tap into their wisdom and incorporate their lessons into our lives.

Green Magic Unfolds

As we continue our exploration of witchcraft in spring, the magic of herbs remains a central theme. They are our allies and teachers, guiding us through the season of renewal. Stay tuned for more enchanting tales and insights as we delve deeper into the world of witchcraft and the vibrancy of spring.

Love,

Sister Bridget

February 6, 2024
Mardi Gras and Voodoo!

The Enchanting Origins of New Orleans Voodoo.

Mardi Gras will be here before we know it! This week we will look at the connection between Mardi Gras and New Orleans Voodoo! They go together like PB and J!

The Melting Pot of Cultures and Beliefs

Welcome to a journey through time, where we explore the mystical origins of New Orleans Voodoo. A fusion of African, Haitian, and Creole influences, Voodoo in New Orleans is as rich and complex as the city's own history.

African Roots and Haitian Influence

Voodoo's journey begins with the arrival of enslaved Africans, who brought with them their spiritual beliefs and practices. These traditions merged with the local cultures and religious practices, including Catholicism, creating a unique blend that would become New Orleans Voodoo.

The Rise of Voodoo in New Orleans

In the early 19th century, Voodoo began to take root in New Orleans, nurtured by the city's diverse population. It was during this time that the legendary Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau, rose to prominence. She became an iconic figure, known for her powerful rituals and as a compassionate healer and advisor.

The Practices and Beliefs

Voodoo in New Orleans is a religion of spirits, with a strong emphasis on ancestor worship and respect for the natural world. Rituals often involve music, dancing, and the use of symbols like gris-gris bags, voodoo dolls, and altars. These practices were, and still are, a means of connecting with the spiritual world, seeking guidance, healing, and protection.

The Legacy Continues

Today, the legacy of Voodoo in New Orleans is kept alive by modern practitioners and cultural enthusiasts. It's a testament to the resilience and adaptability of a belief system that has withstood the test of time, persecution, and misunderstanding.

Conclusion

As we close this first chapter in our exploration of New Orleans Voodoo and Mardi Gras, we recognize it as a vibrant and integral part of the city's cultural tapestry. Its rich history is a story of survival, blending, and transformation – much like the city of New Orleans itself.

Love,

Mambo Sam

February 5, 2024
Spring fever and witching!

Spring Rituals – A Dance of Renewal

Spring is on the way! I don't know about you, but I can hardly wait to get my hands in the dirt, plant my herb garden and open those windows wide and start that spring cleaning! This week we will take a bit of an early look at Spring and witching!

Embracing the Spring Awakening

As the snow melts and the first green shoots emerge, we enter the enchanting world of spring rituals in witchcraft. It's a time of renewal, a period when nature awakens from its slumber, and so do we.

The Circle of Rebirth

In the heart of spring, witches around the world gather to celebrate life, fertility, and rebirth. These rituals, rich in symbolism and tradition, are as varied as the practitioners themselves. They might involve lighting candles to welcome back the light, planting seeds as symbols of new beginnings, or dancing around a Maypole to celebrate fertility and the beauty of life.

A Time for Magic

Spring rituals are not just about celebration; they're also a time for magic. It's a period for setting intentions, casting spells for prosperity and health, and clearing out the old to make way for the new. Imagine the energy of the earth itself, awakening and stirring, ready to be channeled into our lives.

The Beauty of Balance

These rituals often coincide with the Spring Equinox, a time when day and night are of equal length. It's a powerful reminder of the balance in nature and in our lives. As we participate in these rituals, we not only connect with the cycles of the earth but also find harmony within ourselves.

A Season of Transformation

As we move through this week, we'll continue to explore the deep connections between witchcraft and the natural world. Spring is just the beginning – a time of transformation, not only in nature but within our own spiritual journey.

Love,

Sister Bridget

February 5, 2024
Imbolc Candle Blessing for you!

February 1, 2024
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 Brigitte

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

February 1, 2024
Fire in the Belly – Talk of Imbolc… and thriftiness?? By: Khouzhan Morgan

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

February 1, 2024