Just to let you know...

...it's the last day of the Destiny Charms sale for Celtic sorcery pendants today! Tomorrow, they are starting on the Litha sale :)

Sending thoughts to someone who needs them

Sometimes spells don't need to be about big changes or even about yourself. This is a little spell I've just done to send some healing thoughts of love to someone special who's going through a hard time. I like to have a few simple words to say but it's more to do with the sentiments and the thoughts that you project. Take something - such as a crystal, a flower or even a photo of the person who needs your assistance and blessings - and when you send your thoughts to your friend, direct them at the object you've chose to represent them. Them place the object to one side but in a room where you will be spending a lot of time. Your caring energies will be constantly 'topping up' every time you see their representation and will be sent their way. Here are the words I used, feel free to choose your own:

I'm not there in person

But my heart's by your side

I pray things won't worsen

And you'll be back in your stride

If you have a moment, please spare a little thought to a very sweet person who needs a bit of a boost from the kind souls of this world. Thank you. xx

Another poll

You may have noticed that I've added another poll to see what readers would prefer I concentrate on next. So I wondered if there was anyone that wanted a beginners guide to spells at all? Or whether it would be better to concentrate on a wider variety of spells and witchcraft? 

So, if you've got a moment, please tick a box and let me have your thoughts :)

Thank you

Fran xx

Full Moon effects - ideas for your full moon spell

More full moon spell ideas for if my post yesterday didn't cover what you were looking for. There are a number of ways in which you can harness the power of the moon and here is a list of suggestions for you to choose from:

• Being more sensitive to your emotions as well as the feelings of others
• Heightened awareness, clarity in your senses. 
• Feeling more relaxed with change
• Greater ability to go with the flow
• Greater understanding in your soul searching and reflection
• Planning journeys - physical or emotional
• Visualising yourself as all you can be
• Purging toxic thoughts, feelings or habits
• Bringing the chance of a fresh start to relationships
• This being the Hare Moon (May), planning goals and ambitions

Hope this helps you with a little inspiration!

Fran xx

Free Full Moon Spell (Esbat)

It's that time again a - full moon is nearly upon us! I didn't think I was going to have to the time to do anything proper but turns out I will so needless to say, I'm going to share it with you :)

Firstly, I would just like to say that Esbat does not specifically mean a spell or ritual at the full moon as many people believe. It can coincide with the full moon by choice, but are not one and the same thing. For those in a coven, monthly meetings (outside of Sabbatts) are routinely held so it is convenient to hold them at the full moon to make use of the powerful energies at this time. Mostly, it's for light-hearted rituals and fun as the meaning of Esbat is actually 'frolicking'. 

So with that cleared up, what can you do? There are a few ways to make use of the full moon for a spell. One way is to use it for a timeframe -if there is something you'd like to see happen for you over the next month, use the moon's energies (just make it realistic). It can be a great time to cast spells for change and transformation. Altered mind-states work well at this time as do spells centred around femininity. 

Personally, I'm using it as a timeframe. I have a very important day coming up two days after the next full moon in June and have a lot to do to prepare myself in the meantime! There is a big element of chance to what I want to happen and so I need to really work on growing stronger, ascertaining what specifically needs to be done and - as ever with me - being organised enough to actually get it done. 

I am decorating the altar purely in silver and white. So white candles, white ribbon, my ever present favourite Triple Moon chalice (to be filled with water), snow quartz crystals and dark musk incense. I will have a silk pouch too (pretty similar to this moon and stars one but my aunty made mine!) - and I have a special plan for this. I will be writing what I already know I need to do down on a bit of paper (separate piece for each task), placing them in a bowl and focusing the energies on them. As I accomplish each one throughout the month, I'm going to place the piece of paper in the pouch to signify its completion. 

Full Moon Spell

To start with, connect with the full moon's energies. Say:

The rhythm of the earth

Is the rhythm of the moon

And is the rhythm of my life

Together, we are one

Using the incense, draw a widdershins (anti-clockwise) circle over the bowl of tasks 3 times. 

Unfailing and timely

Is the moon on her journey

Her cycle replete

By example she guides me

In the brilliance of her light

Her gentleness and might

I am inspired by intention

And seek her attention

Place the chalice of water in front of you:

The element of water, your natural companion

My dreams and my life combine as one too

Hope you find this useful!

Don't forget, the Celtic sorcery pendants 20% off SALE is still on over at Destiny Charms. A few more days left only as then it's all about Litha! 

Destiny Charms Sale - 20% off Celtic Sorcery Pendants!

But it's not going to last long as Litha is on the way! So come and see the Celtic sorcery pendants and see which one you like best. For the record, my favourite is Boudica's Charm - don't know why, I'm just drawn to it :)

Free Spells - General Life-Changing Spells part 5 (Meditation)

Last part of my free spells in the area of general life changes. Today I will leave you with a way of opening up the flow of energies around you, to help you drift along in the direction you are meant to be heading in. If we’re stressed, we can get in the habit of fighting against the tide - we keep on doing it even when the current is taking us to safety. It’s fear that makes us keep thrashing away - and consequently it’s a very brave decision to let go. 

Here is a free spell to help you lessen your grip and start coasting! 

You’ll need a bowl full of water and something that will effortlessly float in it such as floating candles, flower petals etc. This will be placed just above your head as you lie on the floor (which incidentally is your crown chakra which opens up intuition and your connection to your body and soul as a whole). At your hands and feet, place an incense stick. Something like lavender or lotus is perfect but it’s more about  allowing the smoke to pass over and around you and represent the ebb and flow of life. Some relaxing music can also help you to shut out the outside world, particularly if you have a lot of noise to contend with. 

Lie down and repeat the following two lines for as long as you feel you need to in order to let thoughts and expectations leave your mind. 

I release my grip

And drift towards life

When you are feeling in a changed state of mind and are feeling more positive, then close with:

With divine spirits by my side

My doubts and fears, I cast aside

The flow and current will be my guide

And in its direction, I will abide

In particular, the next 2 to 3 weeks will be the time to go with intuition, listen to your inner voice and NEVER ignore it when it’s telling you something is the wrong choice for you. 

Have courage. 

Fran xx

Free Spells - General Life-Changing Spells part 4 (Bells)

Years ago, I shared a house with a Buddhist and was awoken every morning by the sound of her chanting and with either the chime of her bell or gong. It was a lovely way to start the day! Ever since then I've been very fond of the sound of bells ringing and use them quite a lot in spells in order to bring about change and/or a sense of calm. The very sound seems to change the atmosphere and my mood along with it so I find them fantastic for stoking up energies. 

I have a range of them but one of my favourites is a tiny bell that I got off a Lindt bunny! (Although I had to change the clapper inside to something that made a better noise.) It is such a lovely 'ting, ting' sound that I use it when I want a more fun sound or something light. 

And that's what's needed today. You don't need to find a tiny bell necessarily, any one that you've got will do. Even a triangle or something you can hit gently would suffice - as long as the noise it makes is light and pleasing. But I wouldn't be without mine personally! 

Seeing as we are with general life-changing spells at the moment, I wanted to focus on your first steps towards change. If you are really lost and daren't make any drastic changes or haven't the courage to do so as yet, this is perfect for you. It will bring about small changes that can turn into larger opportunities if you grab them. 

It's a very simple spell also - all you need to do is 'jangle' the bell after each line. Here goes:

Slowly and gently I start to awaken

I close the door on the past

I'm ruffled, uncertain, but my core is not shaken

And change will embrace me at last

I know I am moving

But I know not to where

But I WILL be improving

And my heart will repair

Try this over 3 days if you can as this will help you to build confidence in the words, bring familiarity and help you relax enough to get those small - but oh so significant - changes going. 

Move over London Elephants...we've got Cambridge Cows!

London thinks itself pretty cool at the moment because it's got Elephants. Well I  say pah!! Who needs elephants when you've got COWS (below, obviously)! In the meadow! Well, Midsummer Common to be exact. But it is slap bang in the middle of town so it counts as the swinging heart of the city, definitely. 

Infinitely more cool I think you'll agree. That said, I'm sure the London elephants don't make a trip to get some milk from the shops a trial of perception skills as you try to avoid the *ahem* bovine ablutions. 

Witchcraft should be immune from consumerism

It's not that often that I have a moan (honest). But something has been getting to me more and more recently and I'm worried that it's only going to continue to grow as a problem. I am increasingly unhappy about what I see as the impact of consumerism on our spiritual beliefs and interests. Not necessarily because of what is sold to us as spirituality, but more in the way that the quick fix and the demanding nature of consumerism is twisting the nature of our expectations of others and replacing manners and kindness. 

This has affected me in two areas of my life - firstly because people around me know of my beliefs in witchcraft, and secondly because I also do tarot readings. Over the last 7 or 8 years I have watched the way that people talk to me change and go from curiosity and (for the most part) respect to something altogether more demanding and impatient. I am being treated as if I work in the service industry. 

This has meant that people feel they can dictate what is 'on offer' and, particularly with my tarot readings, pretty rude when I am unable deliver. Answers are far too often expected immediately without allowing for any energies to build, personal facts about other people expected without a care for their privacy and guarantees of the long term future are demanded of me. With the best will in the world, I cannot change the nature of fate, as most of us have understood it for hundreds of years, and I cannot change the fact they they are responsible for taking control of their own lives!

With witchcraft, I find I am under the same pressure and scrutiny. If I can't turn someone into a frog them I'm not a real witch. No amount of trying to calmly tell them what the true nature of witchcraft is - it's the affect of the 'customer is always right' mentality and people expect to be humoured. To add insult to injury, I don't even charge :) 

I would like to say at this point that I take pride in my work and in what I have achieved in my spiritual development. I strive to do my best, to always act honestly and to help whenever I am able. I give 100%. So it is disheartening and upsetting to have people treat you in such a casually derogatory manner. 

All the friends that I have with the same or similar beliefs have never failed to impress me with their kindness and lack of judgment of others. I also meet lovely, polite and genuinely interested people who are not spiritual in any way but still value the dignity of others regardless. In reality, I know that I'm moaning about a minority. But I really feel this attitude is on the increase and it is threatening to suppress one of the most beautiful things we all possess - our faiths. Proof, if ever it was needed, that there are some things money can't buy. 

If anyone else has encountered something similar, I'd really like to hear from you. 

Love, light and blessings to you! 

Fran xx

Free Spells - General Life-Changing Spells part 3 (Universal Powers!)

The Power of all the Universal Elements

Seeing as we are looking at general life-changing spells at the moment, and this can be all encompassing in terms of what you want changed, I have written a spell that draws on the energies of all of the divine spirits, or universal elements (depending on what you want to call them). 

The purpose of doing so is to garner the energies from all sources and of all characteristics. It will then be more likely that they will bring you a variety of changes of different shades and flavours, leaving you with many paths to choose from. 

You need to represent the 5 elements, so will need:

Fire - a candle

Air - incense or a feather

Water - a chalice or bowl containing water

Earth - sea salt

Spirit - something personal to you, such as a piece of jewellery or a photo

Place these items in a circle on the floor so that you are able to sit in the middle of them. You need to spend some time meditating so that you are in tune with these different and unique energies - you should try to pick up on how they all feel to you. This will be important in recognising what energies come through to you as you work. 

Say the following 3 times: 

Spirits of the Divine

Virtues combine

Your perfect design

Will teach me

Now spend at least 20 minutes meditating and paying particular attention to any one type of thought, energy or emotion that comes to you. If you feel there is one, very strong sense, jot it down in your book of shadows. You will now have some ideas on what areas you need to focus on. 

Free Spells - General Life-Changing Spells part 2

If you read yesterday's blog, you'll be aware that I recommended opening yourself up to your inner voice first to show you the direction that your life should be heading in. If you know anyway, or have already done the preparation, here's a simple life-changing spell to get the process started! 

This is about building up the energies to unleash the real/true you and to get you moving forwards if you are feeling stuck. 

All you need is a mirror and something to mark a representation of a path for the reflection - so candles or a selection of crystals. Arrange them in a V shaped so that when reflected, it looks like the path is heading away from you. So basically, the tip of the V should be closest to you. At this point, place something that represents the area of change you feel you want to encourage. It could be a coin for money or a heart for love. If you don't have only the one thing you you want to change, or you are still not sure what you want to happen, that's fine, just work with the path shape you have created. 

Stand or sit in front of your display and look into the mirror. Say:

At this time I am standing

In my current place

But my path of understanding

Means change I embrace

Lightness and dark

The joy and the pain

Without fear, I embark

On a new life of gain

To start my transition

I eliminate blocks

By my own volition

My secret unlocks

More tomorrow! 

Fran xx

Free spells - General Life-Changing Spells part 1

Often when we want general changes in our lives, it’s because something is blocking us from moving forwards. It feels like whatever we do, we can’t seem to make a difference. This may genuinely be because you’ve had nothing but bad luck - it can happen! But more often, there are changes you need to make in your thinking and outlook. It’s all too easy to fall into patterns of behaviour that do you no good at all. Being able to spot when you are doing this though, is incredibly difficult. So my first general life change spell isn’t actually a spell. It’s about opening up the mind in preparation so that you can see where you might be locking your life and feelings in place and controlling yourself in a destructive way. Here are some of the things I like to do:

• Do something differently just before you start your thinking. It doesn’t have to be anything major - a cup of tea when you normally have coffee or drive or walk home from work a different way. This will subtly change energies around you just enough for you to utilise them. 
• I use some incense from my website to burn - Uranus Incense. I like it because of the astrological properties of Uranus: strength, independence and innovation. This encourages you to find all you need to start thinking differently and ‘out of the box’. 
• Meditate. This enables your to find your own answers by way of an inner chat which is so much more powerful than getting them from books or well meaning friends and family! Only you know what you truly want and it will be lurking in your subconscious somewhere. 
• As an addition to meditation, I use either a crystal ball or a scrying bowl but you can also use a large mirror placed down on a table or anything that is reflective. Look for any images, words or concepts that come to you as they will be pointing you in the direction of where you need to focus on first. 
• Pull 3 tarot cards. This is an extremely simple way of isolating the key points. And the simplest answers are often the truest.

More coming tomorrow on what to do to open up energies for change once you know what you want to rectify. 

Fran xx

Ostara Plant Pot - The Herbs are Superb!

At Ostara I planted some herbs which are now proving to be very tasty and useful. Must be all that wholesome, full-moon goodness! Just in case you haven't been able to sleep with the excitement of how they've turned out, here they are!

Life Changing Spells - New Series!!

Hello and hope you had a wonderful Beltane!! I very much did and my Beltane ritual went well :) I'm feeling more grounded and balanced already.

Before Beltane though, I put a poll on the blog and asked for preferences in what types of spell you wanted to see and general life changes came out tops. This is totally understandable to me. There are many times in life when you know things aren't right but you're not sure what is actually up. Or everything seems to be going wrong and you're so overwhelmed that you're not sure what on earth your next step should be. Sometimes you just want change but are too tired to work out where you should start. Like I say - I understand! 

While spells, witchcraft or magick cannot solve all your problems, the energies and wisdom can certainly be used to bring clarity, strength and get your creative juices flowing so that you can bring about the changes you need. It can act like a good friend and steer you in the right direction while making you feel good about yourself. 

So, over the next few days I shall be putting together a series of spells to help you work with these energies and to get you back on track - right where you should be! 

Blessings

Fran xx