Samhain Ritual

Today I figured I would leave you with a ritual for Samhain. I got this ritual from https://wicca.com/celtic/akasha/samhainrit.htm and anything in orange is additional things that I have added.

In addition to your magical tools, you will need:

• An Orange Alter Cloth (optional)
  
• Cauldron (or any other fire proof container)
  
• 1 Black Taper Goddess Candle (or whatever candle you would like to represent the goddess. I use white)
  
• 1 Black Taper God Candle (or whatever candle you would like to represent the god. I use red)
  
• 2 Carved Turnip Candle Holders (Any candle holders are fine)
  
• 1 Black Votive Candle (Any black candle is fine)
  
• 1 White Pillar Candle (Any white candle is fine)
  
• 1 Apple
  
• A Bolline (or any knife from your kitchen, just sage it before using)
  
• A Plate of Fruit
  
• Vegetables and Breads
  
• Pictures or Mementos of Departed Loved Ones
  
• Samhain Incense (Mint, Nutmeg, Apple)

Preparation:
Sweep area, moving in a deosil manner. Outline your circle with a black cord, fresh turned earth, or salt. (or do whatever it is you like to do to create a sacred circle) Place the black taper Goddess Candle (or whatever you are using to represent the goddess) to the top left on altar. Place the black taper God candle (or whatever you are using to represent the god) to the top right on altar. Place the black votive candle in the cauldron, positioned on floor in front of the altar. Plate of Fruit, Vegetables, and Breads should be put in-between Goddess and God candles at top center of altar. Apple and Bolline (or kitchen knife) should be placed in center of altar, on a Pentacle if possible. Arrange the rest of your tools and props according to personal preference. Bathe or shower for purification. If you have magickal jewelry or jewelry passed on to you by departed loved ones, this is the ritual to wear it all. Sit and meditate to ground and center. When ready to begin, play some appropriate soothing music for ambiance.

Cast the circle and call Quarters…… invoke the Crone aspect of the Goddess by lighting the black taper Goddess candle and saying:

“Dark Mother (or whatever goddess you want to honour during this time, just altar the words here to fit who you are speaking to), ruler of the night, Goddess of death and rebirth, Hear and behold Your child this night as I honor Thee and Thy realm. I stand humbly before Thee, asking for Thy blessing and favor. Lift, now, the Veil between the worlds, as this time-out-of-time begins, That I may commune with my ancestors as they journey to the Summerlands.”

Step back from the altar and concentrate on the Goddess candle’s flame. Should it rise and flicker, proceed. If not, silently project your wish to commune with your loved ones that have passed on. When you feel that your wish has been acknowledged, invoke the God by lighting the black taper God candle and saying:

“Dark Father (or whatever god you want to address just adjust the rest of the words here to fit who you are speaking to), aged Consort of the Crone, Lord of the Underworld, Hear and behold Your child this night as I honor Thee and Thy realm. I stand between Thee and Thy Lady, asking for blessing and favor. As this time-out-of-time approaches, stand ever guard as the Veil lifts, Keep safe my ancestors, and all of my loved ones As they journey to the Summerlands”

Step back from the altar and concentrate on the God candle’s flame. If it rises and flickers, proceed. If not, silently project your wishes that your loved ones be kept safe on their journey. When you feel that your request has been acknowledged, step back up to the alter and pick up the apple, saying:

“Tonight as the barrier between the two realms grows thin,
Spirits walk amongst us, once again.
They be family, friends and foes,
Pets and wildlife, fishes and crows.
But be we still mindful of the Wee Folke at play,
Elves, fey, brownies, and sidhe.”

Cut the apple crosswise with the Bolline (or kitchen knife) to reveal the symbolic pentagram at the core. Take a bite of one half of the apple and set it back on the Pentacle. (This apple and others will be buried outside later, after the ritual is done) Continue:

“Some to trick, some to treat,
Some to purposely misguide our feet.
Stay we on the paths we know
As planting sacred apples we go.”

Now take your wand (You can also just use your index finger) in your projective hand to bless the “Feast of the Dead”. Wave it over the plate of fruits, vegetables, and breads, saying:

“This Feast I shall leave on my doorstep all night.
In my window one candle shall burn bright,
To help my loved ones find their way
As they travel this eve, and this night, until day.
Bless my offering, both Lady and Lord
Of breads and fruits, greens and gourd.”

Replace the wand on the altar, step back and bow your head. Stay silent for a minute or two as the blessing is given. Proceed by lighting the black votive candle in the cauldron and saying:

“Dark Mother (or your choice of goddess) Your cauldron is a well of death and rebirth,
Dark Father (or your choice of god) Your sword both protects and annihilates.
Hear me now as the past year slowly dies, only to be reborn again.
Today, the last of the Harvests is complete.
This symbolic harvest is of my thought-seeds,
Planted and nurtured throughout this past year.
May the good come to pass and the bad be cast aside.
With Your divine guidance and protection,
I step into the New Year,
May I have good health, prosperity, and happiness.”

With the flame of the black votive candle light the white pillar candle, saying:

“As the New Year is born, we are all reborn
With new hopes and dreams.
Guide me in the future as in the past.
Give me strength and courage,
Knowledge and fulfillment,
Assist me as I attempt to achieve my goals.”

Snuff the black votive candle and replace it. Remove the white pillar candle from the cauldron and place it in the center of your altar. Stare in to the flame and think about the goals that you are setting for the upcoming year. When done, say:

“Every beginning has an ending,
And every ending is a new beginning.
In Life is Death, and in Death is Life.
Watch over me, my loved ones, and all of my
Brothers and Sisters, here and departed,
Who, tonight are joined together again for
Fellowship and celebration.
Bless us all as we light our bonfires, our hearth fires,
And the eternal fires in our hearts.
Guide us and protect us,
Tonight and throughout the coming year.
Blessed Be! Blessed Be!”

As you say “Blessed Be!” stretch out your arms over your alter as if to embrace all of your ancestors, your departed loved ones, and everyone on Earth. As you say “Blessed Be” again, embrace yourself with a reborn love and pride.

It is now time for meditation and spellworking. Associated spellworkings would include those for protection, self-confidence, and dissuading harm. If there is no spellworking, celebrate with Cakes and Ale, then release the Circle. Clean up. You are done. Leave the white pillar candle burning somewhere it won’t be disturbed. Some use it as the single candle in their window, but I leave it on my altar and use an electric candle in the window to dissuade a fire

I want to thank all of you so much for following me and supporting my blog these last 2ish years. It has been great. This however is going to be my last post. If you’d like to continue keeping up-to-date with me and seeing other content of mine I would highly suggest you check out my youtube channel (which is about Wicca), my instagram, and/or my twitter. Thanks for everything! Blessed Be!

Why People think Black Cats are Bad Luck

So I think it is common knowledge that superstitious people believe that black cats are bad luck. Obviously that is 100% wrong but have you ever wondered why someone might think that? Well today we are going to look at the history of black cats in respect to their reputation.

So black cats have been thought to have some sort of supernatural ability for a long long time. We can track it back all the way to ancient Egypt at least. However they were thought to be a good omen then, not bad. Black cats were deeply respected and it was an honour to be in their presence. In Egypt it was a capital crime to kill or even injure a cat. During the middle ages in Europe is when the black cat started to have a negative connotation.

So picture it, Sicily middle ages… just kidding (golden girls reference fyi). In Europe at this time, especially in the Spanish communities black cats started to become associated with witches and witchcraft. It was commonly believed back then that witches could shapeshift and their creature of choice was the black cat. In the 1560s the superstition that a black cat crossing your path was bad luck started. There is a story that I will summarize that really started the black cat superstition. It is said that a father and son were out walking when a black cat crossed their path. In an attempt to get it to run away the duo threw stones of it. They were successful and it was seen to run into the home of a woman who was thought to be witch in the community. The following day they saw the woman who owned the house that the cat ran into limping due to a hurt leg. Obviously that must of meant she was a shapeshifting witch that got hurt the day prior due to having stones thrown at her while in the form of a black cat… right? Well that was their logic.

Soon after this happened the story spread like wildfire all over Europe and parts of Asia too. There are other possible origins too as we can truly only give educated guesses about superstition origins. Another popular idea was that they weren’t necessarily shapeshifting witches but rather the familiar of witches. Regardless they seem to be deeply associated with witches and witchcraft.

Something to remember is that even though many people have realized that this superstition simply isn’t true some still firmly believe it. Black cats are the least adopted cats even in this day and age. So I truly encourage anyone looking for a new little friend to check out your communities shelter and bring home a black cat. In saying that though you need to make sure you are taking the right precautions with your new black feline friend. It might be best to make them an indoor cat (or at the very least keep them in more around October) because there are terrible people out there who just might hurt your baby, all because of a silly rumour.

My handsome prince Tarot. He’s a rescue who is was found in a cemetery ditch with his family. He is thought to be born around October 31st.

That’s all for today! I hope you enjoyed. Do you have a black furbaby at home? Tell me all about them down below in the comments along with any other thoughts or questions you may have. Make sure you follow me here and on instagram so you get notifications when I post here and when I upload videos to youtube. Until next time, Blessed Be!

All About Necromancy

Hi everyone, today I want to talk to you about necromancy as there are many ways to do it and it’s that spooky time of year. I won’t be talking about the ouija board though as I made a whole post about it last week, so if you want to know about that I suggest you check out that post here.

What is necromancy? The dictionary defines it as “the supposed practice of communicating with the dead, especially in order to predict the future.” It also refers to necromancy as black magic. As a Wiccan I think this can be a little alarming to hear as we are told we are not to partake in any kind of dark magic. However I think the darkness of necromancy is circumstantial. There will definitely be some Wiccans that believe no type of necromancy should be practiced due to it’s black magic ties however I think intention, like with most things in Wicca, is what is most important. So if you’re using necromancy to summon demons or to help give energy to other dark workings (I’m not very knowledgeable on dark magic so I can’t think of many examples, sorry) then yes that is wrong and shouldn’t be done. However if you are looking to communicate with your ancestors, or to learn about an energy that may be living in your home, or maybe you’re just experimenting with a new type of magic, I don’t see anything dark in that.

There are lots of ways one can perform necromancy. It is a very diverse form of magic. Below are some methods (definitely not all) you can use to communicate with the dead.

Tarot Cards

Tarot cards are something a lot of pagans/wiccans/witches have so this can be a really good tool for necromancy. There are many spreads online for communicating with the dead. Here is one such spread down below. Pinterest is a great resource if this one doesn’t meet your necromancy needs.

Pendulum

Pendulums are my favourite way to communicate with the dead… well with anyone really. They’re great for talking to the divine, the deceased, your spirit guides, your ancestors, and anything else you can think of. When it comes to using my pendulum I start off with my usual method of asking it basic yes or no questions that I already know the answers to to make sure it’s calibrated, if you will. Then I will call upon whoever it is I am looking to speak to. I usually start off asking the divine if there are any entities in my home and if I get a yes I will clarify with the divine if they are safe to speak with. If they are I usually try and speak with them to see why they are here. If they’re not negative beings I usually let them hang around. Below are some questions you may want to ask.

To the divine:

1. Are there any entities/spirits in my home
2. Are they of negative energy?

Assuming the questions with the divine went well here are questions for the entity:

1. Do you stay here often?
2. Is there a certain room you typically reside in
3. Is that room the _____ (fill in the blank until you find that room)
4. Are you the one responsible for _____ (fill in the blank with whatever you’ve been experiencing)
5. Are there others that come here?
6. Is there anything you need help with?
7. Are you a child? a teenager? a young adult? Middle aged? Elderly?
8. Are you tied to this place?

If you are interested in finding their name I like to write the letters of the alphabet on a piece of paper and put the pendulum over the letters until I get a yes and I continue to do that until I get a full name.

Dowsing Rods

This is a method I have not done personally but I have heard about and have seen it used on tv. They are similar to pendulums in the sense that they give you yes or no answers. They are also thought to be able to show you where the spirit may be in the physical world. Essentially you have to L shaped rods that you hold on to; one in each hand. You establish what a yes or no will look like. So maybe a yes means the left rod crossed the right rod and a no is the right rod crossed the left rod. Or maybe a yes means both rods point to the right and a no means both rods point to the left. It could be anything really you just need to determine what it is for you and your rods. It is said that if you’re walking around and the rods cross into an X formation then there is a spirit there. You can ask pretty much the same questions as you do with the pendulum so refer to those questions in the section up above.

Thanks for checking out today’s post! I hope this helps you with your necromancy endeavors. How do you do necromancy? Let me know down below in the comments along with any other thoughts or questions you may have. Make sure you follow me here on and on twitter so you get notifications when I post and when I upload videos to youtube. If you aren’t following me on twitter, instagram, or youtube you likely don’t know this but as of November 1st I will no longer be writing this blog. I have decided to dedicate my time and energy to my youtube. So if you want to still see my content make sure you following me on one of my other platforms. And in saying that I am only going to be posting my Wednesday posts (so no posts on Fridays) these next few weeks to give you some spooky content before Samhain. Until next time, Blessed Be!

All About Ouija Boards

Hi everyone! Since it is October I thought it would be fun if our Wednesday posts for the duration of the month were spoopily themed. So today I’m going to talk to you about Ouija boards; what I think of them and how to stay safe if you’re going to use them. This post will not have any history about Ouija boards in it though so if that’s something you want to see make sure you let me know down below. Also, keep in mind that I have never used a Ouija board as I do my necromancy using other tools (I will make a separate post about methods other than Ouija board next week).

So to start off I am going to tell you my humble opinion about Ouija boards. I think Ouija boards are very dangerous. Necromancy in and of itself can be dangerous but I think Ouija boards specifically take the cake in this department. I definitely think there are safe ways to use them however I think even people that are educated on it take detrimental shortcuts. I am very interested in trying out a Ouija board but I have not been given circumstances that I deem safe to try it out.

Ouija Board “Rules”

1. Never invite a spirit to manipulate objects around you (to make flames flicker, to touch you, or to move something). This invites the spirit into your space and causes a higher risk of them sticking around after the session is over.
2. Never take the planchette off the board or take all fingers off it without saying goodbye. This can also increase the likelihood of something staying after the session
3. Always say goodbye when you end a session. If you do not say goodbye this is a literal invitation to whoever/whatever it is you were speaking to, to stay.
4. Never be rude to the spirit you are talking to as this can cause a very scary session that won’t end well

How to Spot a Negative (or worse) entity

1. If the spirit starts counting down the numbers or going through the alphabet
2. If the planchette starts making figure 8’s
3. If the spirit goes by the name ZoZo
4. If the entity claims to be 0 years old or never born

If any of these things happen while you’re doing a session say goodbye immediately and sage your space.

Things to think about

1. Spirits can lie. Just because someone says they’re your deceased grandmother doesn’t mean they actually are. Negative entities lie a lot to gain your trust in hopes you’ll invite them to stay
2. You shouldn’t use a Ouija board in your home because if you do accidentally invite an entity to stay they are now in your home and could make your life a living hell.
3. Consider having just one person to ask the questions. It will keep everything more orderly and less confusing
4. Have someone who keeps their hands off the planchette and is actually taking notes. It will make it easier to understand the messages coming through if someone is writing while it is happening
5. Consider having a sacred circle around you or a ring of salt.
6. Also consider saging the area before and after the session along with the rest of the building you’re in (if you’re in one)

What not to ask an entity

1. Don’t ask when you are going to die. This is just asking for you to be manipulated by an entity and will do you no good in the long run
2. Don’t ask an entity how they have died. They may not be comfortable talking about that and you could ruin the rest of your session.
3. Don’t ask to talk to a demon…. I don’t think I have to explain this one… it’s just not smart
4. Don’t ask to be possessed… also pretty straight forward
5. And in general don’t ask any questions that you don’t truly want to know the answer to

However that is all I have for today. Let me know your Ouija board experience/tips and tricks down below along with any other thoughts or questions you have. Make sure you check out my instagram to stay up to date on me and my everyday life. Also, make sure you follow me here and on twitter so you get notifications when I post and when I upload videos to youtube. Until next time, Blessed Be!

Little Things you can do Everyday to Keep In-touch with Your Faith

Hi everyone! Today I thought we would talk about little things you can do throughout the day to keep you connected with Wicca. I know that when we’re busy it can feel like we neglect our faith which can leave us feeling ungrounded. It’s something I struggle with at the very least. So here’s a list of things you can do to get in touch with your spirituality again.

1. Do a one card tarot/oracle reading
2. Do a 5-10 minutes meditation
3. Read a chapter of a Wiccan themed book
4. Keep a Wicca related journal
5. Go for a walk
6. Listen to a Wicca podcast
7. Watch a video about Wicca
8. Take a ritual bath
9. Pray
10. Decorate your altar
11. Give an offering
12. Go out and admire the stars and the moon
13. Bask in the warmth of the sun
14. Spend some time tending to your garden/plants
15. Do some yoga/stretch
16. Contribute on a Wicca forum (reddit, amino groups, etc)
17. Press leaves
18. Go out and hug a tree
19. Do a little research about a certain topic in Wicca
20. Do a simple spell
21. Sage yourself/your home
22. Keep a dream journal
23. Listen to wiccan music
24. Wear a colour that corresponds with the day of the week
25. Give yourself a positive affirmation for the day
26. Write a list of things you’re grateful for
27. Take a picture of something beautiful in nature
28. Bird/squirrel watch
29. Go for a swim
30. Enjoy a bonfire
31. Scavenge for altar supplies/decor
32. Decorate your home for the season
33. Collect rocks and shells at the ocean
34. Wear something that makes you feel witchy
35. Add a little kitchen magick to your supper
36. Drink some herbal tea
37. Charge your crystals
38. Light an incense/use your essential oil diffuser/light some candles
39. Conserve energy and go a day without turning the lights on
40. Lay in the grass

That’s all I have for today. I hope this gave you some ideas! If there is something you like to do to stay connected with Wicca let me know down below (along with any other thoughts or questions) and I may just add it to this list. Make sure you check out my instagram so you can stay up to date with me and get insight into my everyday life. Also make sure you follow me here and on twitter so you get notifications when I post and upload videos to youtube. Until next time, Blessed Be!

 

Tarot Series~Minor Arcana: Two of Pentacles

When pulled upright this card is about balance. It seems like right now money may be a bit tight but you’ve found a way to balance it out. However you are teetering the edge and one wrong financial decision could ruin that balance. This balance could also be about trying to keep two aspects of your life in balance. It could be anything, your job, school, money, health, love, etc. Regardless this card is saying there are two aspects that you are extremely concerned about. You need to step back from the situation and gain a better perspective. Multitasking seems likes the most efficient course of action but in reality it will just make the situation worse. Take the time to really focus on what it is you’re concerned about. When it comes to the subject of love this card is suggesting that you don’t have the time or energy needed to invest in your partner to make them happy. Your relationship with your partner should be at the top of your priority list but given the stress you’ve been in by keeping everything in balance they have been put to the side a bit. When it comes to your finances this card is saying you need to make sure you are completely aware of the state it is in. Take this time to really watch what you’re spending and secure a steady stream of income so you can make a good foundation for your future. And when it comes to your health this card is reminding you to do some self care. When you have a lot of responsibilities it is easy to stop considering your own needs and wants  but you need to try and find a balance.

When pulled in reverse this card is saying you have too many things you’re trying to do in your life right now. Give yourself a little responsibility free break to de-stress. When it comes to work getting this card in reverse can be a good sign. Try not to commit yourself to a lot of things as it will likely overwhelm you. When it comes to finances this card can suggest that you might be overspending. You really need to think about your income and where it is all being spent as overspending can cause issues in the future.

Here is a tarot spread to help you achieve balance in your life. First I would take the card out and meditate on it thinking about what aspect(s) of your life could use some more balance. Then shuffle and pull the cards using your preferred method.

Thanks for reading! What has the two of pentacles been telling you lately? Let me know in the comments along with any other thoughts or questions you have. Make sure you check out my instagram to stay up to date with me, and don’t forget to follow me here and on twitter so you get notifications when I post and upload videos to youtube. Until next time, Blessed Be!

Aquamarine

Aquamarine is associated with the moon, the colour turquoise, and the element water. It is associated with the god Poseidon/Neptune. It helps with psychic ability, courage, peace, and purification.

Aquamarine is known for enlightenment, spiritual awareness, and making you more in tune with your own emotions. It is great for helping sooth your mind from any worries or stress, it is great for heartache, as well as helping to ease physical pain and discomfort.  It is said to help you with your relationships, be it romantic or platonic. If you are experiencing self doubt or any sort of turmoil aquamarine can counteract it making you feel at peace. This stone is said to increase your intelligence which will help you come up with quick solutions which should help you in your work/school/life in general. This crystal is thought to have such high positive vibrations that it can overpower evil making it a very good protective stone as well.

When it comes to helping your physical body it is thought that it is an all purpose healing stone. It is said that aquamarine is good to have around if you are pregnant as it helps protect the mother and baby from harm. It is also said to help protect the fetus and prevent miscarriages. Aquamarine is also great for a sore throat or you can use to to complement any treatments for thyroid problems and swollen glands. If you are experiencing aching muscles or tired bones you can try sleeping with aquamarine in the same room as you or under your pillow, or you could hold it over/on the source of the pain for a duration of time.

When it comes to the chakras you can use aquamarine to help heal the throat and the heart chakra. Which chakra your personal aquamarine crystal will be best for healing is dependent on the hues of colour it has. If your aquamarine has more blue tones then it may be better fit for the throat chakra, if it is more green then it may be better suited for the heart chakra.

That’s all for today, I hope you enjoyed! What do you use aquamarine for? Let me know in the comments along with any other thoughts or questions you have. Make sure you follow me here and on twitter so you get notifications when I post and upload videos to youtube. Also, don’t forget to check out my instagram to stay up to date with me and get a glimpse into my personal life. Until next time, Blessed Be!

 

 

Tarot Series~Minor Acrana: Ace of Pentacles

When pulled upright this card is about new beginnings, just like all ace cards. Due to this card being a pentacles card it could be a new career, a new venture, a start to a health journey. Regardless of the new beginning, pulling this card upright means the outcome of it will bring your abundance and opportunity. This card also represents that a “seed” (an idea, a goal, a thought, etc) has been planted when it comes to the material world. It likely has to do with your feeling of security and stability. You need to nurture it and help it grow. You need to give it your time, your energy, sometimes you need to invest in it financially. Helping this seed manifest will bring you prosperity. Along with all this you need to make sure you are prepared psychologically for the opportunities coming your way. To ensure that you can reap all the benefits from this card you need to have calmness in your life, you need stability. 

When pulled in reverse this card says the possible opportunity that is being presented to you can be a bad investment, it could take up more resources than you currently think it will, or it could be saying you are missing your chance for this opportunity. This card can also be a sign that you are going to be going through some hard financial times. Having said that this card is suggesting not to make an big financial decisions and to carefully think about all your options before deciding upon any sort of deal. Now could also be a good time to get advice from others as to avoid making rushed decisions. Now isn’t a good time to start a new job or business especially if you’re considering it for financial gain. It might be an illusion that could hurt you in the end.

Here is a tarot spread to help you start your new beginning in your career. First I would take the ace of pentacles out of the deck and meditate on it thinking about the opportunity you have, or the goal you want to reach. Then shuffle and pull the cards using your preferred method.

Thanks for checking out today’s post! What has the ace of pentacles been telling you? Let me know in the comments along with any other thoughts or questions you have. Make sure you check out my instagram for lots of great content and an insight into my personal life. Also, don’t forget to follow me here and on twitter so you get notifications when I make posts and upload videos to youtube. Until next time, Blessed Be!

No Tools Needed Mabon Ritual

Hi everyone! This weekend is Mabon so I thought I would leave you all with a ritual that you could do to celebrate the holiday. I got this ritual from https://exemplore.com. I hope you find it useful for your celebrations. It was created for someone who has no Wiccan tools so you can add your own little flare to it if you’d like to add your tools to the workings of the ritual.

Things you need

• 1 item to represent Water (a seashell, a picture of the sea, a river rock, etc.)
• 1 item to represent Air (a feather, a fan, a reed, etc.)
• 1 item to represent Earth (a rock, a flower, etc.)
• 1 item to represent Fire (a candle, a lava rock, a picture of a campfire, etc.)
• 1 bowl or basket full of offerings (this can be fruit, bread, pretty leaves, flowers, dried herbs, pine cones, acorns, twigs, and other things you pick up on nature walks)
• 1 black stone (painted if need be) Could also use a black candle 
• 1 white stone (painted if need be) Could also use a white candle
• 1 cup of juice or wine (or water if nothing else)
• 1 plate with a muffin (corn, apple, or if need be just a slice of bread or a few crackers)
• 4 small bowls or cups (if holding the rite indoors)
• Incense in a holder (completely optional—stick or cone is fine)
• Music (completely optional)

Starting the ritual

Cast your circle using your preferred methods. When you’ve done that you need to summon the elements. You can turn to each directions, starting in the west and say:

I call to the Powers of the West and the Element of Water; let your intuition flow as I celebrate the rites of the Second Harvest.

I call to the Powers of the North and the Element of Air; let me breathe in your wisdom as I celebrate the rites of the Second Harvest.

I call to the Powers of the East and the Element of Earth; let me be grounded in your strength as I celebrate the rites of the Second Harvest.

I call to the Powers of the South and the Element of Fire; let your spark energize me as I celebrate the rites of the Second Harvest.

Go back to the center of the circle and call your deities in any way you like.

The actual ritual

Take a moment to feel the presence of your deities. When you’re ready, pick up the black and white stones (or candles if you choose to use those instead), with one in each hand. Say:

Day and night hang in the balance; Today, in equal measure, they meet.

Tomorrow, the dark takes over the year, and the hours of light retreat.

The darkness ushers in the chill, with leaves that whirl and winds that howl,

The snows may fall, the rains may cease, with empty fields and barren bough.

Dearest God, in Your waning strength, You move towards Your deathly sleep,

Yet memories of Summer shall warm my soul, and the promise of Spring I keep.

Lovely Goddess, in Your womb is the secret of what lies in store;

Rebirth of our God, rebirth of our Light, and rebirth of our land evermore.

For the mystery that you’ve taught me of the cycles of season are not in vain:

The darkness does pass, the light does return, and that which falls rises again.

Place the stones (or candles) in the offering basket. Sit and meditate for a while, if you like.

Offering

When you’re ready, pick up the juice, hold it up and say:

Bless this juice, infused with your love that is poured on the Earth;

As you’ve freely given, I freely give in return;

Accept my thanks and love at this Harvest season for Your bounty.

Pour a libation (a small amount) into the basket of offerings.

Stand up and go to the Western quarter. Pour out a small splash of drink on the ground (or into the bowl if you’re doing this indoors), then move to the North, East, and South, in turn, saying:

May the delicate balance of nature’s energies every flow in harmony,

With the Goddess and God, with each other, and within me.

Take a sip of the drink and place the cup down back on your altar. Next, pick up the muffin or bread. Hold it up and say:

Bless this grain, infused with your love that springs forth from the Earth.

As you’ve freely given, I freely give in return;

Accept my thanks and love at this Harvest season for Your bounty.

Break off a piece and put it into the offering basket. Then walk around the circle, sprinkling some crumbs at each of the four quarters, starting in the West, as you say:

May the cycles of the seasons keep turning,

May the Power of the Wheel keeps burning,

So mote it be!

Take a bite of the remaining bread. Sit and enjoy your simple feast.

Ending the ritual

Now is a good time in your ritual to do any divination or magickal workings that pertain to the holiday. When you’ve done all it is that you want to do you can close the ritual. Simply turn to each quarter in turn (starting in the West again), thanking each Elemental energy and bidding it go in peace. Bid farewell to your gods as well, with these or similar words:

In life there is death; in death there is life. And the circle ever goes on.

My thanks and praise go with you this season, in celebration of this Mabon.

For the season does turn you toward slumber as we move toward the icy realm of the North;

But Your presence remains in my mind and my heart, and I carry you with me henceforth.

All that’s left to do is clean up and head home for a quiet, peaceful evening.

I hope you all enjoy and that you have a very blessed Mabon. Let me know what you’re going to do for the sabbat down below along with any other thoughts or questions you have. Make sure you check out my instagram to get updates and see into my everyday life. Also make sure you follow me here and on twitter so you get notifications when I post and upload videos to youtube. Until next time, Blessed Be!

 

Tarot Series~Minor Arcana: King of Swords

When pulled upright this card is saying that you should stay objective with whatever you are dealing with right now. You really need to lean on your intelligence to make your point and achieve your goals. Make sure your mind stays sharp and you stay vigilant so you can notice any problems coming your way. It is important to stay stern and to have clarity at all times right now. Before making any decisions you need to think, about all the possible consequences with any choice you could make, to make the best choice. It is key that you get rid of any emotional biases to make the most informed decision. Now is a time to reason with other people and be honest with them on what you’ve observed. This card is saying that you should be able to go into any situation and stay objective while making a decision. This card can also be about high ethical standards.

When pulled in reverse this card is about someone who is abusive and manipulative. This person is likely misusing their authoritative power, or their drive. They are being persuasive through manipulation to get the things they so selfishly want. This card could also be saying that you are showing off how smart you are by using big words that aren’t necessary. And lastly, this card could be saying you have some anger issues which cause you to be explosive. 

Here is a tarot spread if you deal with the last issue; explosive anger. This should help you identify underlying issues and how to go about dealing with it. First I would take the king of swords out of the deck and meditate on it while focusing in on this anger. Then shuffle and pull the cards using your preferred method.

Thanks for checking out today’s post! What has the king of swords been telling you lately? Let me know in the comments along with any other thoughts or questions you have. Make sure you check out my new instagram. You can find me @willowrosemoondancer. Also make sure you follow me here and on my twitter so you get notifications when I post here and when I upload videos to youtube. Until next time, Blessed Be!