Yule simmering bags

Simmer bags ready to go, dehydrated oranges , sundried cranberries, rosemary, bay leaf,cloves,  cloves, and cinnamon sticks. Put in a pot with 2 cups water or apple juice, bring to a boil then drop down to a simmer, add more water as needed. Smells like the Winter Solstice!

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Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius begins on November 25 and wraps up on December 15, 2024

 Like the Greek messenger god it was named for, Mercury is said to govern transportation and communication.

Those who dread Mercury’s retrograde motion say that, when the planet travels backward, its power to positively influence these domains is stifled, leading to chaos.

Believers in the malevolent power of Mercury retrograde blame the phenomenon for everything from arguments to lost mail or luggage to automobile accidents and technology issues, and warn people to hold back on conducting important business during this time.

Try and be as flexible as possible

Where you're able to, give yourself some leeway for things to not go as planned. If you're getting a train at a particular time then consider giving yourself ten extra minutes, if you're unsure of a new contract or agreement, be conscious of that and take the time to check in with yourself before making any decisions.

While you can't put your life on hold altogether, it's wise to have backup plans and make allowances for any misunderstandings.

Mercury Retrograde’s “Shadow Period”

The Mercury retrograde shadow period, occurring two weeks before and after the actual retrograde, is considered a time of energetic preparation and integration, respectively. As Mercury slows its orbit in anticipation of or recovery from its apparent backward motion, it’s believed to create an atmosphere of heightened introspection and potential challenges in communication, technology, and travel. 

This period, referred to as “Mercury retro-shade” by some people, is thought to mirror the effects of the retrograde itself—though often in a milder form. Astrologers suggest that the pre-retrograde shadow period is an opportunity for early awareness of potential issues, allowing you to be proactive, while the post-retrograde shadow offers a chance to remember lessons learned and integrate new perspectives.

What is Wicca and who are they?

Studies in 2021 show in America

Based on recent survey data (2021), approximately 800,000 Americans are Wiccans. The increasing

numbers that have been witnessed in surveys and the growth of groups, such as those on TikTok, suggest

that the religion is continuing to grow. As witchcraft becomes a multibillion-dollar business, practitioners’

connection to the natural world is changing. Paganism is an umbrella term that includes religions that view

their practices as returning to those of pre-Christian societies, in which they believe the Goddess was

worshipped along with the gods and the land was seen as sacred. Wicca focuses specifically on the

practice of the British Isles.

Witchcraft has also become a multibillion-dollar business. As someone who has been researching this

religion for more than 30 years, I have witnessed this growing commercialization: Witch kits are commonly

sold by large companies and in stores – something unheard of when I began my research in 1985.

Wicca

Wicca is a polytheistic religion that believes in a God and Goddess. They believe

in reincarnation. Working magick. A love for Nature and all her creatures. A

connection to Gaia. Witches believe in enjoying sensual and sexual pleasures

without guilt.

Depending on your tradition or beliefs, change the view of what a Wiccan looks

like. There is not just one way to practice. You will have to learn what is right for

you and what works best for you. This only comes with education and seeing what

works and doesn’t.

Belief in Magick

One of the Witches’ most important basic beliefs, obviously, is the reality and the

possibility of magick. This involves the idea that the physical world is only part of

reality, the part that we are able to comprehend with our five senses. Beyond are

vaster realms; and in these the witch seeks to venture. This, again, involves a

further belief, namely that human beings have more senses than the usual

reckoning of five. By means of these innate psychic capacities, the realms beyond

the physical are contacted. These powers, say the witch, are perfectly natural; but

latent and inactive in the majority of people. They are powers that have become

overlaid and hidden by the artificialities of civilization; but they can be reawakened.

Within traditions, covens are autonomous, some fiercely so. Each customarily has

a secret Book of Shadows, which includes the tradition’s laws, ethics, rituals,

administrative rules and other material, including personal material and material

relating just to the coven. Most traditions have formal Initiation procedures. It has

become increasingly acceptable to dedicate oneself to the Craft and to practice

alone rather than as part of a coven.

Pagan Witchcraft

Pagan Witchcraft is an autonomous religion. There is no central authority or

liturgy; various traditions have their own rituals, philosophy and beliefs. Most are

derivative of the dominant tradition, Gardnerian. Traditions have undergone

continual evolution, multiplying, changing, even dying, in accordance with

prevailing religious needs. Some have added elements from Eastern, Native

American, Aboriginal and Shamanic systems; others have injected politics into

their traditions. New rituals, songs, chants and poetry are continually created.

Critics say as a result, Witchcraft is an unstable religion. Witches view the change

and flexibility as positive, a guarantee that our religion will never grow stale with

obsolete ideas.

Neo-Pagan Witches

Neo-Pagan Witches define ourselves as healers, servants of the community and

servants of the Goddess and (usually) the Horned God, whom we worship in our

religion. We believe in respecting the sanctity of all life and being in harmony with

all living things and with the forces of the universe. Ideally, we strive to attune

ourselves to nature and the elements, forces we control in the working of magic.

We develop our psychic abilities and seek to raise our spiritual consciousness

through study, the practice of our Craft and observance of a moral and ethical

life-style, in accordance with Craft laws and tenets. “Witches, on the whole, enjoy

ritual – and they are naturally joyous people,” state English Witches Stewart and

Janet Farrar in Eight Sabbats for Witches (1981). “Like worshipers of other

religions, they find that appropriate ritual uplifts and enriches th

Wildcrafting

In addition to growing your own magical herbs in your garden, in many areas you can harvest herbs from their natural

environment -- in the wild. This is known as wildcrafting, and is becoming a popular pastime. Let's look at how to become an

ethical and responsible wildcrafter. em.

”

Magick with a ‘k’

Many Pagans practice magick (often spelled with a ‘k’ to differentiate it from stage magic and the 

fanciful magic of fantasy novels). In Paganism, magick is a spiritual practice aimed at creating 

change in the individual and in the world. Magick functions somewhat like prayer in other traditions, 

but it tends to have more of a physical component than prayer usually does in the West. When 

Pagans do magick, they begin by stating a clear intention and then raise energy to support that 

intention. This might be done, for instance, through chanting and dancing, breath exercises, or 

concentration. The energy is then released, either out into the world or sometimes into an object 

that will serve as a focus for the intention. The latter could be a candle, a piece of jewelry, or an 

altar object. Pagans often feel that magick cannot be successful without a practical component. 

Successful job magick, for instance, involves filling out job applications, not just setting intention 

and raising energy.

Pluto in Aquarius

The last Pluto transit in Aquarius coincided with the French Revolution, a time marked by dramatic shifts in power and social structures. During this upcoming period, we can expect significant changes in how power is distributed and exercised, especially within communities and through technology. The collective challenge will be to navigate and adapt to these changes, ensuring that power is used for the collective good. Themes of societal reform and questioning our relationship with technology and social media will be prominent.

The marriage of the Gods

HP and HPS stand at the altar facing each other, arms embraced.

HP: “I am the Sun, I am the Stars”

HPS: “I am the Earth, I am the Moon.”

HP: “I am the God and I love you.”

HPS: “I am the Goddess and I love you.”

HP: “I love you like a sister, I love you like a mother, I love you like a grandmother.”

HPS: “I love you like a brother, I love you like a father, I love you like a grandfather.”

HPS: “Talk to me when you are sad, or mad or scared. Think of me and thank me, when you are happy. 

HP:” Talk to me when you are sad, or mad or scared. Think of me and thank me when you are happy.”

HP: “You can find me in the forest.”

HPS: “You can find me in the sea”

HP: “You can find me in the fire.”

HPS: “You can find me in the wind.”

HP: “You can find me in your heart.”

HPS: “You can find me in your heart.”

HP/HPS in unison “And remember, whatever you look like boy, girl, man or woman, you look just like me.”

Hp/HPS Kiss

Poems for the deàd

Do not weep in my grave. 

Do not stand at my grave and weep

I am not there. I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry;

I am not there. I did not die.

Full Moon June 2024

The full moon in June 2024 will be on Friday, June 21 at 6:17 AM. It's also known as the Strawberry Moon, a name that comes from the seasonal growth of strawberries in North America around that time of year. The moon may appear slightly reddish or tinted near the horizon due to light scattering in the atmosphere, but it's not usually consistently pink or strawberry-colored.

This year's full moon will also be especially notable because it will occur on the Summer Solstice, which hasn't happened since 1985. Because the moon is always opposite the sun in its position, and the sun will be at its highest point, the moon will appear much lower in the sky than the sun normally does.

Gemini Season May 21- June 20

Gemini Season May 21- June 20

 

As the Sun moves into the vibrant and versatile sign of Gemini, we welcome a season of curiosity, communication, and intellectual exploration. 

Gemini season, from May 21 to June 20, is the perfect time to embrace your dual nature, enhance your mental agility, and open yourself to new perspectives.

To help you harness the magical energy of Gemini, we’ve put together some special ritual ideas and tips that align with the essence of this lively air sign.

Create a Crystal Grid for Mental Clarity & Communication

Using any crystals of your choice (some great options are Tigers Eye, Amazonite, Citrine and Blue Kyanite. Arrange them in a symmetrical pattern, focusing on your intentions for mental clarity, communication, and balance. Meditate near your grid daily to absorb their energies.

Candle Magick for Creativity

Choose a candle (Yellow and White support Gemini energy well). Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and take deep breaths. Visualize the flame illuminating your mind, clearing away confusion and sparking new ideas. Write down any thoughts or inspirations that come to you in a journal.

Use AIR to carry your messages up to Spirit

Utilize the Gemini Air energy with incense (any kind will work!) and speak your intentions aloud as the wind and smoke carries your words!

Scrying

Pass around the black bowls with water. Give everyone a votive candle for illumination. You should still be rather grounded after our meditation.

Take a few deep breaths with your eyes closed. Consider what you want to get out of this divination.

::Play 15 min meditation music.:: 15 Minute All Chakra - Tuning, Meditation and Balancing

Beltane 2024