Tag: magick

  • Simple Beltane Rituals You Can Actually Do! (No Stress, No Fuss)

    Simple Beltane Rituals You Can Actually Do! (No Stress, No Fuss)

    Beltane has a reputation for being elaborate. When people think of it, they picture big rituals, flower crowns, candles everywhere, and a whole atmosphere that looks beautiful but can feel like a lot to pull off, especially if you’re just trying to get through a normal week. The truth is, Beltane doesn’t need any of that to be meaningful. At its core, it’s about life waking back up again. It’s about energy starting to move, things beginning to grow, and you reconnecting with that in whatever way you can manage.

    Instead of turning it into a production, it helps to bring it down to something real and doable. Beltane works just as well in small, quiet moments as it does in larger rituals. In fact, for most people, those smaller moments are where the shift actually happens. You don’t need a perfect setup or a long list of tools. You just need a willingness to participate, even in a simple way.

    One of the easiest ways to connect with this energy is to step outside for a few minutes and let yourself be present there. No phone, no distractions, just a moment to notice the air, the temperature, and what’s changing around you. It doesn’t have to be a long experience, and it doesn’t have to feel profound. Simply being outside and paying attention is enough to start that reconnection. If you want to add a quiet intention, something as simple as “I’m ready to wake up with the season” is more than enough.

    Another practical approach is working with a candle, but keeping it straightforward. You don’t need a specific color or a complicated ritual. Light what you have, and take a moment to focus on one thing you want to grow in your life right now. Keeping it to a single, clear idea makes it more grounded and easier to hold onto. You can sit with that thought for a minute or two, then move on with your day. The act itself is what matters, not how long or elaborate it is.

    Food is another way to connect with Beltane that people often overlook. This is a very physical time of year, tied closely to nourishment and the body. Taking a few minutes to eat something without rushing or multitasking can be a quiet but powerful way to bring yourself back into the moment. It doesn’t need to be anything special. What matters is that you’re present with it, reminding yourself that you’re here and able to experience something simple and good.

    If you have the ability, planting something can be a meaningful addition, but it doesn’t need to be a full garden or even a permanent setup. A small pot, a handful of soil, or even a single seed in a cup is enough. As you plant it, you can think about what you’d like to grow alongside it in your own life, keeping that thought simple and natural. After that, you let it be. There’s no need to overthink it or turn it into an ongoing ritual. Just care for it as you normally would and let it develop in its own time.

    At the same time, Beltane isn’t only about adding things. It’s also about making space. Letting go of something small but real can be just as important as planting something new. This doesn’t have to be dramatic or ceremonial. It can be as simple as deciding you’re not going to carry a certain thought or frustration in the same way anymore. You can write it down and throw it away, or just acknowledge it quietly and move on. The shift comes from the decision itself.

    The reality is that Beltane doesn’t require you to feel a certain way or to do everything perfectly. You don’t have to be full of energy or inspiration for it to matter. It meets you exactly where you are. If all you do is step outside and take a breath, that counts. If you light a candle and take a quiet moment, that counts. If you sit down and eat something with a little more awareness, that counts too.

    It isn’t about creating a perfect ritual. It’s about showing up, even in small ways, and allowing things to start moving again.

    In Service,

    Sister Bridget

  • Venus and the Sun

    So I wanted to talk a bit about a Venus and Sun conjunction we have recently experienced in the sign of Libra.

    First, what does all that astro mumbo jumbo mean? Well…the sun is the sign of the self, your identity. When someone asks you what your "sign" is the answer most people give is the sign that the Sun was astrologically transiting in the heavens on the day they were born. For example, if your birthday is today, October 27, you were born when the sun was in the sign of Scorpio. But the sun, as a rule astrological, translates to the self.

    Venus is the planet that rules love and romantic love especially. Also anything that gives us pleasure-lovely art, delicious food, music, beautiful poetry, falls under the gaze of Venus. And Libra, in the 12 houses of the zodiac, rules the 7th house, or the house of partnerships.

    So this sun and Venus conjunction in Libra on a very universal level, is giving humankind an opportunity to take stock of our personal relationships. What relationships nourish or deplete you? If you are single, what traits do you want to attract ( or avoid) in a potential partner? How do you approach relationships? Is there room for improvement in your own behavior? Do you and your current partner need to make some changes to improve your relationship? 

    These are all things that have been coming to and will continue to be, in the forefront as this conjunction finishes out in the heavens. And don't be afraid to put your intentions out there for the things you want in relationships right now! 

  • Happy National Black Cat Day!

    As a lifelong Halloween lover and cat lover, I am delighted to wish everyone a Happy Black Cat Day 🙂

    I have always, until recently, had a black cat in my brood. Black cats also show up in my life to bring me messages from my ancestors. I don't take this as anything sinister. As a matter if fact, I feel like it is a message for me expressed in a way that I will pay attention, which is pretty darned clever, in my humble opinion!

    Of course, all that black cat nonsense about their being signs of bad luck, etc…well that is just a bunch of nonsense! But legitimately, Black cats tend to be euthanized in animal shelters at a higher rate than felines of other colors. This fact has always been so heartbreaking ro me! 

    I have always found little black cats to be the most magically inclined and loyal! ( Though let's face it…kitties all seem to be rather otherworldly, don't they?)

    Many shelters in the U.S. hold adoptions on black cats during the month of October as an effort to keep them from being harmed. I have noticed recently that most of my friends that have gotten cats or kittens in the past few years have adopted a black cat. Salem from Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Thackery Binx from Hocus Pocus were, I think, good P.R. for black cats everywhere  🙂 And though I have never had one who speaks "human"- I have noticed they tend to be the chatty sort, as far as cats are concerned 😉

    So, in honor of this spooky season, I bid you all Happy Haunting, and may you all be lucky enough to be loved by a little black cat…or many!

     

  • Harvesting your Magickal Herbs!

    Harvesting and storing your magickal herbs! 

    Whether you’re an apartment dweller with a few small containers on the patio, or a rural gardener with an entire patch of magical goodies to choose from, harvesting homegrown herbs is a gratifying experience. You can either harvest a few bits at a time, as you need them, and use them fresh, or you can gather entire bunches at once to dry and preserve.

     

    Harvesting Your Magical Herbs

    Herb Gardening
    Gather fresh herbs from your garden for magical uses. Helen King / Fuse / Getty Images

    Although there’s no hard and fast rule about what to use when cutting herbs, some magical traditions recommend the use of a boline, or ritual cutting tool, for herb harvesting. If your tradition doesn’t require this, you can use any pair of garden snippers.

    Keep in mind that the best time to harvest your herbs is early in the day, after the morning dew has dried away. Harvesting them early, before the sun has had time to dry them out, allows the plants to maintain their essential oils, which is an important part of herb use. The oils are what  .

    Basic cutting: if you’re only going to collect what you need for a ritual or working, simply snip off the leaves or stems that you’re going to use that day. Some herbs, like basil, are easily stripped of leaves just by sliding your fingers along the branch. Others, like rosemary, have a woody stem that is easier to snip off in its entirety. During the summer months, snipping off leaves and stems will encourage new growth in your plants.

    If it’s the flowers you’re after, such as chamomile or lilacs, collect blooms after they’ve developed fully and opened up. If you’ve got a plant whose seeds are the main focus, be sure to wait until the seeds have fully developed and begun to dry and turn brown on their own. An easy way to gather seeds, such as on the dill plant, is to place a paper bag over the head of the plant, and shake it into the bag. Any dry seeds should fall easily into your paper sack.

    Bunch cutting: If you’d like to gather entire bundles of herbs to hang up and dry, snip off the stems where they branch off from the main plant. This not only encourages new growth later in the season, it also makes it easier to hang them up in a bunch.

     
     

    How to Dry Your Magical Herbs

    Herb Garden in Pots
    Maximilian Stock Ltd. /Taxi / Getty Images

    When you dry herbs, you have a couple of options as to method. A bundle or bunch of herbs can be tied together with string–use about a dozen stems tied together to make a nice fat bundle–and hung in a dry, airy place. It’s generally not a good idea to hang them in direct sunlight, because they can burn and become over-dry. You can hang them from a drying rack in a warm spot in your house, and let them sit for about three weeks. This is usually enough time to dry most herbs – you’ll know they’re done drying because the leaves will crack when you pinch them.

    Again, if you’re harvesting the seeds or blossoms, use the paper bag method. Secure the bag over the head of your drying bundle, and as the plant dries, the seeds and flowers will fall off into the bag.

    Another method that some people like to use–and it works well if you’re in a hurry–is to lay the gathered herbs flat on a cookie sheet and place it in the oven at a low temperature. This will take a few hours, and it makes your house smell amazing. Be cautious, though; you don’t want to overbake your herbs, because they’ll be useless if they burn.

    If you have a dehydrator, you can use that in a similar manner as the oven method. Fortunately, a dehydrator works at a lower temperature than your oven, so the risk of burning your leaves is lower. Be sure to check them periodically to see if they’re done drying. Again, when the leaves crumble to the touch, they’re ready to go.

     
     

    Storing Your Magical Herbs

    Herb Jars
    Store your herbs in glass jars for long-term use. Cavan Images / PhotoLibrary / Getty Images

    To store your herbs, there are a variety of methods you can use. While a plastic Zip-loc bag works well to keep air out, it doesn’t keep out the light, and that’s something you want to be sure to do. Use colored glass jars, or ceramic containers with an airtight lid to store your herbs. Be sure to label each jar with the herb’s name on it–and if it’s something that might be toxic, make sure you indicate this on the label, particularly if you have children in your home. Keep your herb jars in a cool, dark area; don’t store them over the stove or in an area that is known for high heat.

    Source: learnreligions.com

    learnreligions.com/harvesting-drying-and-storing-magical-herbs-2562025

     

  • Yarrow in Magick!

    Another popular herb during fall and Mabon is Yarrow! It's autumnal colors and readiness for harvest make it a natural addition to Mabon altars and spells! 

    Yarrow

    Achillea filipendulina var. gold plate (Yarrow)
    Chris Burrows / Getty Images

    Yarrow was often called Woundwort or Knight's Milfoil, thanks to its use in treatment of battle injuries. Scotland's Highlanders use it to make a healing ointment, and in the Orkney Islands, yarrow is used to make a tea that "dispels melancholia." Maud Grieve tells us in A Modern Herbal that the Romans referred to it as herba militaris, the soldier's herb. French workmen in the Middle Ages knew that yarrow worked well on injuries to fingers and hands – in fact, in some areas it was known as "the herb of carpenters."

    In addition to its uses in soft-tissue injuries, yarrow is well known as a combatant against fever. A number of Native American tribes used it in teas that were given to the sick, to bring body temperatures down. In India, a tea called gandana is given to the ill to induce sweating, thus lowering the fever.

    Yarrow can be used in magical workings related to healing, love, and courage. Wear it on your person to boost your self-esteem and courage, or carry a bunch of dried yarrow in your hand to stop fear. A sprig hanging over the marriage bed guarantees at least seven years of passion and love. Taking a ritual bath with yarrow can help increase your psychic abilities. It can also be used to exorcise negative energies from a place or person.

    If you're working on a healing ritual for someone who is ill, consider burning dried yarrow as incense, or place a sachet of yarrow under the person's pillow to bring about restful sleep.

    Other Names: Achillea, Lady's Mantle, Woundwort
    Gender: Feminine
    Element: Water
    Planetary Connection: Venus

    Yarrow has a fairly bitter taste, but you can use both the leaves and flowers in cooking. The leaves themselves, which are flat and paddle-shaped, can be chopped up, seasoned with some lemon juice and salt and pepper, and served either in a salad or with a light summer seafood dish. If you'd rather not eat it, try putting some yarrow flowers in a bowl and adding boiling water to it — then put your face over it and let the yarrow steam open your pores.

    Note: pregnant women should not take yarrow internally, and it should not be used for undiagnosed bleeding.

    Source: Learnreligions.com

    learnreligions.com/magical-herb-correspondences-4064512

     

  • Apple Magick!

    With Mabon just around the corner, now is a perfect time for apple picking and to incorporate this wonderful bounty into your magick! 

    Apple Magic

    Apple tree orchard during the harvest.
    Photography René Bosch / Getty Images

    Because of its associations with the harvest, the apple is perfect for Mabon magic. 

    To include apples in your magical spells and rituals, consider adding them to your fall altars, placing them around your home in bowls and baskets, or cooking some of your favorite apple dishes to serve at mealtimes. Use the wood from an apple tree to craft runes, Ogham staves, or a wand or staff. If you're lucky enough to have a bit of land for planting, consider adding a few apple trees to your property; they'll start producing fruit when they're a few years old, and you can take advantage of their magic all year long!

    Apples have always been popular tools for foretelling the future. There are a number of traditional methods in folklore for seeing who one's lover might be.

    • Peel the apple, keeping the peel in one long piece. When the peel comes off, drop it on the floor. The letter it forms is the first initial of your true love's name.
    • Wait until midnight and cut an apple into nine pieces. Take the pieces into a dark room with a mirror (either hanging on the wall or a hand-held one will do). At midnight, begin eating the pieces of apple while looking into the mirror. When you get to the ninth piece, throw it over your shoulder. The face of your lover should appear in the mirror.
    • If a girl has more than one potential lover, peel an apple and pull out the seeds. Place a wet seed on your cheek for each boyfriend. The last one left stuck to the skin represents the suitor who is the true love.

    Source: learnreligions.com

    learnreligions.com/the-magical-energy-of-apples-2562299

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  • Happy House Omelette! – Enjoy this recipe from Mambo Sam’s cookbook !

    RITUALISTIC COOKING 

    Omlette

    Ritualistic cooking is an extremely ancient form of spell casting.  Food has been linked with love, nurturing, and caring for centuries.   Many people cook to show how much they care for their partners, families, friends, etc.   Cooking takes on a ritualistic twist when any kind of magick ritual is added to boost the spiritual energy that cooking already has!   In Reverend Samantha Corfield's cook book  Cajun Voodoo Love Cookin', her Cajun family recipes for food and  magick are shared with you.  Detailed explanations of the rituals and the recipes are outlined for you.  Here is a sample recipe from the book!

    HAPPY HOUSE OMELETTE
    by Mambo Sam

    Usage:  To smooth out problems after a fight

    Ingredients:

    1 dozen eggs

    1 dozen raw, fresh oysters, drained

    1 cup cooked crabmeat

    1/8 pound unencased hot sausage, fried and drained (reserve drippings)

    6 tablespoons cream

    1 very finely chopped onion

    1/4 cup minced fresh parsley

    1/4 cup minced celery

    Tabasco® sauce

    Salt and pepper

    Butter

    Rum for flaming (optional)

    Spiritual Gifts:

    2 white tapers (candle)

    1 glass (8 oz.) of water

    1 serving of grits (or oatmeal, etc.)

    1 paper bowl

    2 small paper plates

    1 pair women’s inexpensive sunglasses

    1/2 cup of regular (plain) water

     

    Before beginning your cooking:

    1. Line up your candles one before the other (in a vertical line) anywhere in the kitchen.

    Put one candle in the rear, and the other in front of it, about 6 inches apart.

    Put the grits in the paper bowl.

    Put the grits and glass of water between the candles.

    Set the sunglasses up around the grits and water

    (The candles, sunglasses, grits and water are to remain in place overnight.)

    1. Go to any corner of the kitchen with the 1/2-cup of water.

    Sprinkle some water from your fingertips in the corner three times.

    1. Go to the candles. Stamp the floor three times. Light the rear candle and say:

    “Hey, Legba. Open the gate and let my words carry to the other side.”

    Pause a moment, then light the front candle, clap your hands three times and say:

    “Mademoiselle Florida. Florida. Florida, I am upset. You, my dear, truly the queen of luxury, may be of service to me. Listen to this. My man and I have had a fight. I want to smooth out the problems, Florida. And I want all women to have a soft life with their men. Mademoiselle, I ask this of you: Give me some of that luxury. Make my man and I relate to each other in a fashion smooth as silk, soft as satin, sweet as sugar. Do this for me, Florida, do it now.”

    1. Begin to make your omelet with your desire in mind.

    Keep that desire in mind and honor Mademoiselle Florida during the preparation.

     

    Start cooking:

    In a large, nonstick frying pan melt 3 tablespoons of butter; add in sausage drippings, onion, parsley and celery. Cook about ten minutes or until tender. In a large bowl, lightly beat the eggs adding in the cream, a couple of dashes of Tabasco®, salt and pepper. Beat until frothy. Fold in the crabmeat, sausage and oysters. Pour into pan with the onion mixture. Fold from one side to the other, letting uncooked egg fall to the sides, then folding in. Do not overcook.

    Slide out of pan onto warmed platter. If desired, pour a small amount of rum over the omelet and flame briefly. 

    Serves 10-12.

    Serve for Sunday or holiday brunch with hash browns, buttered grits, and hot biscuits.

    After cooking:

    1. Put out the front candle and say:

    “Thank you, Florida, for hearing my cry and making my desire come true. If it pleases you, you may now depart.”

    Pause a moment. Put the rear candle out and say:

    “Thank you, Papa Alegba. If it pleases you, you may close the gate.”

    1. Cut out 2 small pieces of omelet and put each one onto a paper plate.

    Before you eat (if not possible, then afterwards):

    1. Take the 2 paper plates with the omelet pieces outside and go to the base of a tree, telephone pole, lamppost or fence post.
    2. Stamp the ground three times with your foot. Put one plate down and say:

    “Papa Alegba, this is for you.”

    Put down the other plate and say:

    “Blessings and thanks to you, Mademoiselle Florida.”

    1. Turn your back and walk away, leaving the omelet servings there overnight.

    The next day:

    1. If the omelet is still by the tree or pole, place it on the ground and trash the plates.
    2. Take the candles, sunglasses, grits and glass of water and set them out on a street corner.

    Do not be noticed doing so. Leave quickly.

  • Happy Birthday, Marie Laveau!!!

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    Happy Birthday, Marie Laveau! 
    by Sister Bridget
    Marie Laveau was born 9/10/1801 – which would make today her ……well, it's not polite to state a lady's age!  Marie Laveau is the most well known American voodoo priestess to have lived to date. She is buried at St. Louis Cemetery #1 in New Orleans and is credited with almost single-handedly being responsible for the flourish of Voodoo in America today. Her unique powers caused her to be sought out by women and men of wealth and power in New Orleans, seeking her special brand of Voodoo magick. Today, her tomb is a focal point of special wishes and offerings by New Orleanians swearing that she still grants her favors even today. She is most famous for granting love wishes.So much has been written about Mistress Marie, there is little we can say here that will do her contribution to New Orleans Voodoo justice. We do wish her a Happy Birthday and much gratitude from the bottom of our hearts. Another way we honor Mistress Marie is to produce several products and articles in her honor! 

    Marie Laveau Clean Sweep House Blessing Kit! 

    Mistress Marie Love Magnet Oil

    Marie Laveau Hoodoo Love Incense

    Marie Laveau Hoodoo Love Herb Pack

    Make a Love Wish on Marie Laveau's Tomb

    Presentation from Online Voodoo Convention