Garlic, protection and spell symbolism

As every kitchen witch will tell you, there is so much in the every day food items around us that has power and benefit to us as natural and spiritual beings. Have you ever given much thought to garlic? Or are you not plagued by vampires round your way?

Seriously though, for something that we use so often in our cooking, I think we tend to overlook it when it comes to spell work and strengthening energies around us.

Garlic has properties of protection, purification and of warding off jealousy but there is something about the shape and structure of a head of garlic that appeals to me. It protects and grows its cloves - its goodness - individually. Each part is used and utilised when the time comes. It strikes me as another perfect example of the ingenuity and yet simple efficiency of nature.

So how can you use it? Apart from keeping it around (preferably after you have blessed it), for any of the above uses you should also consider including it as symbolic in any spell work that represents the many facets of your personality, the ways in which you have so much stored inside you that you can 'break out' and use when needed and I also think can be used for times when you need to strengthen family bonds or group ties.

Happy to hear your suggestions! BB xx

Free spell for learning

We all have times in our lives when we need to learn. This may or may not be related to college or formal education. In fact our whole lives are one big learning curve so being open to the lessons we need to learn at any point is always benefical and positive for us.

But it's not always easy. Often we are tired, often it's a subject or area we don't consider to be our strength or we may have had bad experiences in the past which makes us fear failure. So what can we do to open ourselves up to our full potential and let the wisdom in?

Well, how about a little spell ;) This is really simple and that makes it perfect to do whenever you feel it's necessary and even to do on a daily basis when you need to build up the energies for a set amount of time such as on a course.

You will need:
2 spell candles. I personally use orange for this as it's the colour for being fllexible and stimulation but I know of others who prefer blue. So the choice is yours.

A piece of string or ribbon

A piece of paper on which you write down the gift that you will give yourself when you make progress. Could just the be promise of a bar of chocolate, could be a holiday! This can be written at the closing down of the spell.

Light the candles and say:

The gift of knowledge I am ready for thee
I am able and so willing to learn
I am all avidness and positivity
And hope for wisdom in return

Tie the string or ribbon so that it makes a circle.

I will learn from others and pass it on
Knowledge and wisdom knows no bounds

Write down your "treat" and if you want, what your specific goals are. Fold the paper so that you can put it somewhere safe.

I am at one with my task and ready to strive for all I can be. I feel blessed for the opportunity.

Ostara 2011

Ok, we are nearly at Ostara and I haven't yet written up my suggestions although I do have an article that will be published any moment now that I will post up when it's ready :)

But Sunday is not too far away - so what am I planning to make Ostara 2011 a special one?!

I have been mainly focused on the fact that 2011 is the Chinese year of the Rabbit and that this links very nicely with the Pagan rabbit (or more traditionally, hare) at this time of year. Here are some of the plans I have made so far:

• The rabbit in many cultures is linked to the moon. Ostara is a lunar festival and it is tradional to plant your seeds at this time of year. The full moon is actually on Saturday rather than Ostara itself and so I am planning on planting my mint on this day instead. (The herbs for Ostara are mint and thyme).

• It is also a pretty traditional activity to take a walk and for those of us with modern lives, it's important to connect with nature whenever we can. I have been doing a Ostara walk for a few years now and did mine yesterday. It was just about the best day, weatherwise, we have had so far this year and it was glorious! I will post this up soon because we actually happened upon what was left behind from a Pagan ritual at some ancient stones!

• The Easter Bunny that we all grew up with gave gifts to all, especially children. So I am trying to think of some appropriate gifts to the children in my family (who have everything!) and also to those who may need a little pick me up or have been through a hard time.

• The rabbit is intuitive and so, as a tarot reader, I am going to be doing a quick tarot reading for myself as well as for a close friend of mine who asked me to take a look for her recently. You can also use a crystal ball if you like. This is always good at a full moon.

• The rabbit is a very lively, energetic creature and I am in need of this at the moment as I have sooooo much going on! So for my Ostara spell, I am going to try and put something together (quickly) to bring about this vibrance and enthusiasm to help me leap out of bed of a morning raring to go!

Yule Spell - Day 3 Very Delayed!!

Thanks to a combination of terrible weather, lack of internet and plunging into a very busy 2011, to my huge disappointment I didn't get to post my final installment of the yule spell! So just because I was determined to do it at some point, here it is:

God and Goddess
Perfect in balance
I bid you to bless
My life with your talents

Your wisdom and serenity
The strength in your identity
I seek to imitate
With total humility

I am content where I am
And for now I shall stay
To suspend growth for now
And to embrace today

It seems that I suspended growth for a little too long though! Hopefully will get back to more blogging now so catch you later!

Blessings to you. xx

Yule Preparations - Day 1

It's funny that at this time of year, Yule represents the earth going to sleep or dying before its rebirth. And yet we are all running around like crazy trying to get everything done!

That said, it's time to start thinking about Yule traditions and making plans for my festive celebrations. In terms of renewal, I'm actually quite happy with the way that most of the important aspects of my life are going at the moment so I'm going to aim for stability - to keep up the good work and keep everything ticking over so that I am then ready for another spurt of enthusiasm and progress come Ostara. It's been a very chaotic time and so I am happy to see some calm and balance come in, it will be grounding for me.

I'm happy to throw in a bit of giving thanks for the opportunities I've had lately though - I don't plan to make it too sensible a party!

Anyhoo, here are some of my ideas so far:

• Red and green candles, for the sake of being tradionalist. And lots of them too being a celebration of light.
  
• Plenty of holly and mistletoe, for the same traditionalist reasons as above!
• Almonds, cloves and cinnamon
• Snow quartz
• Thyme - a great herb for this time of year.
  
• Last year I went for divination with a tarot reading. Plan to fit in crystal ball work this year.
• Symbolism for the God and Goddess, for which I have some ideas already but will let you know the details a bit nearer the time.

Can't wait for the next wave of ideas!

Fran x

Free Spell: The Disappointment Spell

Unfortunately I have had a bit of a disappointment lately. I had pinned my hopes on something only to find that it wasn't quite what I imagined. It's no biggie ultimately but sometimes it's really hard to change the way you view something, to accept reality and move on. Disappointment leaves a gap in your feelings somehow, it leaves you not knowing what to aim for or cling to or even believe in. The hard part is trying to find something to fill that gap.

Needless to say, I've spent this afternoon working through a few spells to help me with this! Thought you might like a few ideas if you have been through something similar recently.

Disappointment Spell Number 1
You will need:
A candle (any colour is fine)
Incense
Water
Bread (preferably quite wholesome and fresh)

These are to represent sustenance and the feeling of being full and satisfied in your life.

I have light to help me see (light your candle)
I have air to help me breath (light the incense)
I have water to refresh and carry me (lightly touch the water or even sip it)
I have bread to nourish and fulfill (taste the bread)

The basis of life for me is observed
I'm whole and complete
Hope follows


Disappointment Spell 2
The next spell I worked on is very simple and one that I can repeat whenever that sinking feeling washes over me. Think of it as a top up!

I am using a tumblestone of clear quartz as this is such great neutraliser. It's important to realise when disappointed that very often, you haven't lost anything, you just feel like you have. Your situation is much the same as it was and this is why I like clear quartz - it resets the energies.

Just keep the gemstone of your choice with you and if you feel a bit low, hold it in your hand and try the following:

My feelings are infinite
My spirit moves on

Blessings and hugs and I hope good luck finds you! xx

Samhain/Halloween Spell - Everything but the spell

Ok, I've been working on my Samhain/Halloween spell this morning and trying to bring all of my ideas together. All that's needed is the final details on my ritual and I shall be ready for tomorrow!

I have tried to make the focus more on the smoke than the fire because of my theme of the 'ghosts' of the past and trying to move beyond them. I have selected:

Bay leaves for inspiration - this is because I feel it's important to see your way forward rather than just try to leave the past behind, leaving a complete blank where the future should be!

Boldo leaf for spiritual cleansing - an obvious one. It's about enabling yourself to let go without fears of the gaps that it leaves. It helps you to welcome the feeling of a fresh start.

Apple incense - apples have associations with Halloween obviously, but it's also about tapping into the lovely, fresh energy that apples can bring. The smell of the above herbs can be quite pungent and apple incense can cut through this nicely as it's quite sweet.

Orange and black candles - this is a traditional colour combo for candles and Samhain and I see no reason to move away from it!

Symbols - I have chosen some very personal symbols to represent the various memories and feelings that I intend to learn from, keep, or let go of. These will be placed on my altar for 5 days so that I can spend some time every day sitting on front of them and lighting candles for 5 minutes to reflect and meditate*. I will place them in the centre with my herbs and incense placed around them to both protect and fence them in. Again, it's about focus.

Of course, Samhain is very much a time of hope and strength so that we can make it through the harsh winter months. For most of us these days, this is more of an emotional matter than a physical one. But nevertheless, it's always important to take a little time at these important Sabbats to give thanks for the assistance you get in making it through and being able to enjoy the good times!

Blessings
Fran xx

*some people do not like the idea of not using spell candles in one go but I don't feel it is totally a bad thing. Just make sure that you don't blow the candle out, always use a snuffer so that you hold all of the energies that you've been working with inside.

Samhain/Halloween Spell - On second thoughts!

Ok, I have been trying to think of ways to bring all of my Samhain spell ideas together and most of this has been while driving in the car - I've done a lot of this lately! It actually seems to help me think because of the movement and change of scenery. Try it!

But I've been thinking through my plans to try to work at leaving the past behind but in a way that doesn't merely ignore the issues that I need to confront. It's all about separating out the good and the bad, sifting through the memories that I have and being totally honest with myself about what is beneficial to my life and what has turned to insecurities.

So I have been trying to think of some symbols for these areas that I want to focus on. What can represent the positives and the strengths that I want to remember and hang on to, and what can similarly be used to symbolise the areas that don't serve me well and need to go. The reason that I feel this is important is because it makes you literally sit and look at what you need to do - avoidance isn't possible.

In this sense, my altar is going to look like a mini shrine! So I will be having to work with the types of symbols that I select and then explore ways to work with the right tools and ingredients or herbs to maximise the potential.

I will be getting the bulk of my work done tomorrow morning - so next post follows quickly behind this one :)

Blessings xx

Samhain/Halloween 2010!!

Ok, I think we all know that Samhain/Halloween is a time of renewal and new beginnings. It's a wonderful time to garner these energies and make real plans for real changes in your life. But I have decided that I'm going to place a slightly different focus on my Samhain this year.

For it is also a time when the division between the two worlds of the living and the dead are weakest, when the departed are said to walk alongside us and we in turn, respect the life that they once had and their place amongst us. This is going to, in part, be the inspiration for my focus this year - the ghosts of the past and working on being able to move on wherever necessary!

Leaving the past behind is not always the sensible decision, of course. By ignoring it you often forget or fail to learn very important decisions. But repeating patterns, failing to let go of regrets and not spending enough time looking at the future though, is equally dangerous and so this is what I am going to concentrate on this year.

So, hope you join me over the next few weeks as I unfold my intentions and write my Samhain spells!

The autumnal equinox - Mabon

Firstly, to all those celebrating today - Happy Mabon! If you're celebrating over the weekend, luck you as I'll be working :(

As I mentioned yesterday, this is a really busy time for me and I've not got much time to dedicate to honouring Mabon this evening. But I have got a few plans for when I get back later and so thought I'd share them with you. I am only planning on spending 10 minutes so if you're short on time too, this should suit you.

Mabon is a sun sabbat and so I like to feature some orange and gold. If you've been following my blog for a while then you will know that I have a gold, sun mirror that I use a lot so that's coming out this evening! I also have a very sturdy, patterned orange candle that I've been saving for the occasion. It's also a time of giving thanks so usually I like to make some apple and raisin biscuits (that's cookies to those of you in the US!) to give to friends. Whether or not they consider it much of a gift considering my cooking skills is another matter! But I don't have the time today so I will fall back on my usual fail-safe of making a donation to a charity box. It's all about cultivating energies of giving.

For me, Mabon is also a time of balance. We are letting go of the summer and looking towards the onset of winter and in the meantime there's a bit of everything going on. Stood between the two, we need to be flexible and fluid in our thinking. If we get some crisp, sunny days we smile and enjoy it. When the rain and biting cold comes, we wrap up warm and look forward to snuggling up with a cup of hot chocolate later! You can feel pulled in different directions with the weather but I actually see it as being a beautiful time of year that is changeable and vibrant.

I've spent some time thinking over the last week of all the things I need to let go of, all the things that I've been putting time and energy into but aren't doing me any good. And I've got lots of ideas for new projects and things I've always wanted to try. This evening, I will light my candle (my mirror positioned so I can see the flame reflected and increase the light) and write down these ideas. When I'm finished, I will blow out the candle to represent us going into the dark months.

Have a great evening yourself! Blessings to you all and your loved ones :)

Witchcraft: Invoking the element of fire

This is a post for Chet who very kindly commented on the blog last week and said how she'd like to invoke the universal elements and, after speaking to her on Twitter, she expressed a particular interest in fire. I'm not surprised - I think it's the one we all feel drawn to!

For me, the fire element can be so many disparate things. It's comforting when it's an open fire, it's relaxing when it's a candle flame and yet it's terrifying and destructive when it's raging and out of control. It is important, I feel, to understand fire in all its complexity so that you can get to a point where you can recognise it (and are not surprised!) when invoking its energies in all its forms. The reason for this is that calling upon the fire element (or in fact any element or energy) isn't about summoning it and expecting it to work away in the background for you! It's about feeling it, merging energies and being totally aware of its presence as you would an old friend or work partner.

So the first point I would like to share with you is to try to find common ground with the fire element. Think about the characteristics of fire - the passion, the ferocity, the intense light that becomes softer towards the outside. Think of its playful side, the way flames dance and crackle. Think of its focus and determination as it burns through materials and how it can clear away and make way for the new. Spend some time thinking about your own personality as you'll be much more efficient at working with fire when you can see it as a like-minded soul.

I initially found it very helpful to put candles out for a week or so, taking the time to absorb the movements and feel of the flame and heat. It's about trying to see fire in a new light and to become totally comfortable in its presence. Pay particular attention to any feelings you get. These will likely be your psychic connection to fire starting to open up and one that you will feel again. The more familiar you become, the easier it will be to get it to work with you.

Don't try to focus merely on the power aspect of the fire element - this will be viewed as self serving, and remember how fire can burn! You should be aiming to show respect and humility and offer an invitation for fire to come assist you. Remember that you have no right to fire's assistance. This can be done by leaving a gift, either in the shape of a token of your appreciation (anything from a crystal to honey is acceptable) or in sending a promise to the universe that you will do a good deed for someone else when you can. Just make sure you do!

Another 'don't' point - but don't see fire as something that's exclusively magickal. It's real in the physical sense too and its energies are real. You may be using other senses to tune into its character and to feel its presence around you and it can distract you and make you focus on thes aspects alone. Keep taking a step back and looking at the fire element in its entirety.

Fire is also associated with pointing south. You don't necessarily have to face south when casting a fire spell but you may want to leave a small token at a south facing point to you when you are set to cast a spell. Placing a lit candle is good.

My last point for you to consider is that the creatures of fire are the legendary salamanders. These are not quite the same as the lizards but the associations are helpful. Think of the quick movements, the tremendous survival skills and the slightly fearful respect we generally treat them with! If it helps you to focus on something that feels more solid and real, then by all means do so.

Right, so what does this all mean in practise? Here's what I recommend you do:

• Spend a week lighting a candle or candles in the evening and watch them in a medititive state. Write notes of the feelings and thoughts that come to you and look for patterns.
  
• Over this time, select a simple spell. Make it something that you will be able to repeat a few times over. Something like helping you get past stress or building confidence. I pick these because they are spells that don't suffer from keeping the energies topped up! You do, in general, need to be careful of repeating spells over and over.
  
• Set up a basic altar or a space where you want to work from. Candles are of course a must but also decorate with symbols that you feel will conjure the feelings and associations you have been working on (I've got some sun representations that I'm really attached to). If you have written a statement of intent for your spell, make sure you've got a cauldron or fire-proof bowl to burn it into safely. If you are burning herbs, same applies.
• Cast your spell and pay attention to the feelings you experience. If it feels a bit flat, make a note of this and tweak your spell to include more fire qualities at the right moments. If you've experienced fire as vibrant and want this for your spell, then think of words that capture this - 'crackle'', sparkle', 'zest'. Dance and sing if you want to! Same goes for if you want it to be soothing etc. Always connect.
  
• Repeat the spell a few times to see if you experience changes in the way it feels. Also, remember that witchcraft is a craft, it takes practise.
• Don't forget to thank fire for its help. It's more likely to want to come back and help you again if you do :)
  

Hope this helps. This is by no means the exhaustive and definitive list of what it takes to invoke the fire element. It is a personal experience and journey. Therefore everyone has a different approach. So if you have any other questions or want to ask about a particular point that I've raised, please do leave me a comment!

My Beltane Rituals Article

I've written an article on some simple Beltane rituals and traditions and thought I may as well post it here too! Hope you enjoy it :)

For witches, Wiccans and Pagans alike, the important festive time of Beltane is approaching! Here are some traditional Beltane rituals you might like to try for this special day. 

• Maypole dancing - more associated with May Day for most people but a Beltane ritual all the same! The maypole is a large staff of about 20 feet placed in the ground with long ribbons attached. The merry-makers would then dance with a ribbon in their hand, men going in one direction and women in the other. As they wove in and out of one another the ribbons would cover the pole in an intricate pattern. It’s a ritual related to fertility (which originates from the Germanic tradition) and in the UK it is also associated with Morris dancers, who’s dancing is also associated with fertility rites. 
  

• You can also use your own representation of the may pole such as a branch (fallen not cut) from an Oak or Hazel tree. 
  

• Washing your face in morning dew - tradition has it that it keeps you beautiful all year. So get up early!
  

• Bonfire or fire of some kind - Beltane is to many a fire festival and one version of the origin of the name is ‘bale fires’ which is due to some of the agricultural work at that time of year. It is also connected to the Celtic God Bel, who was honoured on this day. It is part of many Wiccan practices to jump over a small bonfire or a candle flame. Don’t catch on fire though!
  

• Flowers, particularly hawthorn - baskets of flowers were made to make the most of the colourful array of nature’s gifts. So as part of your Beltane ritual, make a basket of flowers to give away as a gift. 
  

• Incense and herbs - angelica, frankincense, hawthorn, lilac and rose are associated to Beltane rituals.
  

• A chalice for fertility - this symbolises the womb. You can also include a dagger for male symbolism. Dip the dagger into the chalice as part of your Beltane ritual or altar work. 
  

• Colours  - white, dark green, red are used to symbolise both the fertility rites and also, because of the return of the sun to the earth, both spring and summer seasons are associated. 
  

• Red and white ribbons to braided around a wand to place on your altar. 
  

• Lastly, binding is also symbolically very important as this is a time for marriage. You can also use your Beltane ritual to bind your desires to you but bear in mind you will be stuck with them so choose wisely! 
  

My Top 10 Ingredients For Spells In Spring

With Beltane just around the corner and the weather seeming to take a turn for the considerably better (fingers crossed it stays that way!) I am switching over to some different ingredients and herbs for this season. Obviously I will always be led by the nature and purpose of the spell itself but thought I would share with you my top 10 spring spell ingredients and what I'm keeping to hand at the moment. 

1) Daffodils and daffodils petals

2) Hawthorn Leaves

3) Feathers (of many colours)

4) Sprinkles of grass cuttings

5) White mustard seeds

6) Rain water but if possible, I've been leaving it in the sun for half an hour!

7) Seashells

8) Sage and sweetgrass for smudging

9) Blue lace agate

10) Sea salt (lots of cleansing going at the moment)

Any suggestions? What do you feel particularly drawn to at this time of year? 

How to Cast a Circle

Casting a circle around your altar or any space you want to do your spell work is important but not strictly essential. Many witches and Wiccans swear by it and yet others, mainly solitaries, feel comfortable and safe enough in their environment to work without it. In fact I know of one witch who said that she feels fenced in when she casts a circle! However, it is for many an energy generating part of their ritual and the sense of being and belonging in their own space is one they couldn’t do without. 

For my two pennies worth, I find it an enjoyable experience in itself and this boosts my spell casting. I also enjoy the cleansed energies and equate it to the fresh feeling you get after a thunder storm. It feels like you’re working from a totally clean slate. 

Hence, I’ve decided to write a few, simple suggestions on how to cast a circle for those who wish to give it a try!

How to Cast a Circle

• Firstly, how much space do you need? Think this through first! How many people need to be in it? How much room is needed to work? Obviously the amount of space you have in the first place is going to be a factor but don’t underestimate how big a space you need and then wind up feeling cramped. 
  

• To actually cast the circle, you can visualise your space or physically draw it out if this helps you. Whatever makes you feel happiest. You can mark out your circle using your hands, an athame, salt water, a piece of cord, by walking round the edge with a candle - or choose a method that feels personal to you. 
  

• Represent the elements - the earth in the north, air in the east, fire in the south and water in the west. 
  

• To add some ceremony and state your purpose, now you need to officially invoke the powers of the divine. If you have a particular affinity to a God or Goddess then call upon them and perform a ceremony that draw their powers. Otherwise you can invite the all encompassing God and Goddess into your circle and humbly ask that they protect and bless you. 
  

• If you want to say some words to complete the process, than you should choose your own. It will help to make it feel a personal place to you. 
  

• Ensure that you do not step outside your circle until you are done. To leave, you need to cut the circle with either an athame or a cutting motion with your hand. This is showing due respect to the energies around you and acknowledging the realness of their presence. 
  

How Often Should You Cast a Circle

This is a question that gets mixed opinions so there is no right or wrong. I do not cast a circle every time I do spell work as sometimes I just don’t have the time, it’s a quick piece of magik and I don’t want to halt the momentum and sometimes I simply do not wish to feel confined. 

So this is very much down to you. If you feel you need the extra protection, it’s important. If you are performing something with a more ritual feel to it, it will help too. And if you are new to spell casting, it is useful to get you used to working with energies. 

Hope this helps and if you have any questions at all, then please ask away!

The Joys of Being a Ridiculous Witch!

Yesterday, a friend of mine dropped by and glanced over at my witchy accoutrements and the look on her face said it all. She's never judgmental or sneering but she finds a lot of what I do absolutely ridiculous. And you know what, so do I! 

The difference between us is that I find it liberating and a great contribution to my life. 

Of course this does not mean that I do not take my beliefs seriously. I do. And I take all of the work involved seriously, respect what I see to be the divine wisdom and energies around us and am humbled by any gifts and powers that are sent my way. It is all an integral part of who I am. 

However, there is another side to it that I've always enjoyed. While to many 'normal' people, what we witches do is strange, inconsequential or fey, I would argue that it is a gloriously child-like cast off of inhibitions! Who needs to worry about what others think all the time? Children are blissfully unaware of what people think of their playing. They're totally engrossed and having the time of their lives. 

Is it wasted? No! Think of the energies they build up for starters. But most importantly, they are learning so much as they play. Their imaginations are working away, their creativity shows them new meanings and helps them make sense of the world around them. 

I see witchcraft in a very similar light. I reject the opinions and criticisms of others so that I can be free to enjoy what I do and follow a higher power than their cynicism. I approach my practices with a healthy sense of humour so that I avoid arrogance and to allow pure energies to come to me. The more creative I am, the more open my mind becomes and the more I seem to understand my path as a witch. 

In short, I'd rather be ridiculous than closed minded. Does anyone feel the same???

Ostara Spell Diary 4 - The Wiccan Altar Bell

I mentioned before that I will be using an altar bell in my Ostara spells and rituals and it’s something I like to include in spells that are about new beginnings or new hope. This is because there is something so charming about the combination of sharpness and beauty in the sound and it really grabs your attention. Bells are also used to alter the vibrations around you and so this is why they are great for bringing in changes. 

You don’t need to go mad with your bell ringing though. However much you might need change in your life, you don’t want to stand there flinging it about like a woman possessed! One chime is usually good for completing a section of a spell, 3 ends it nicely. 

I’m thinking of writing a spell that not only includes a bell ring in it but also one that has it as part of the pace and the rhythm. I may come to regret this decision!

Frosty Spell - Chills and Thrills!

First we had the snow, then the rain - and now it's back to being cold, so the morning's are crisp and frosty! I adore the sparkly, sharp beauty of the frost and always take a moment to enjoy it. Here's a little incantation to do quickly as you start your walk to work or to defrost the car. It's about embracing the simple pleasures, the childlike thrill at seeing something a little out of the ordinary! Open yourself up to these feelings. The more practised you get at them, the more they enrich your life. And who doesn't need that?! But seriously, these energies are more precious than you think and you'd be surprised at how you can use them.

Behold the frost
As it grips the day
The ground is glossed
And on it I play!
Sparkles and twinkles and shimmering delights
Magic around me from the elves and the sprites!

If I'm walking I like to find a frost covered leaf to carry with me as it's nice to feel like I have a part of this mini 'event' in my hand.

Psychic Energies in Witchcraft

I wanted to touch upon a subject that I feel is possibly a little overlooked in witchcraft and spell work, or even more possibly assumed that the reader already knows about. But it was something that I didn’t really fathom until I’d been working with spells for a while. Maybe I’m just slow to catch on!

I work with tarot cards and have had psychic experiences since I was a child. But when I started to do spells, I struggled to connect with the necessary energies and everything felt a little flat. I realise now (much like when I was searching for my passport last week) that I was searching in the wrong place - that I had an in fact had already developed all I needed but wasn’t utilising it.

I believe that everyone is psychic to one degree or another and it is just a matter of tapping into how you are able to channel or express these energies. My strongest area is to go on instinct and work with emotions. I know others who are very visual and get images sent to them. The key factor is to recognise what is happening to you for what it is. You need to try and stop fears or your worries of the moment taking over as these can make you feel that your psychic senses are on alert when in fact you are just very emotional.

My psychic energies feel to me to be coming from a different place. I can almost locate the area of my brain that has leapt into action. If I then tune into this and concentrate I can feel like I am in a totally different state of being. By working with it as much as possible and testing myself I have now built up faith in my abilities.

So how can you develop this yourself and use it in your witchcraft?

Principally, practise. I use meditation to clear the mind of all distractions so that I can connect to the inner realm. It will always feel more powerful and often will come in a flash, tonnes of information coming to me at once. I often get asked by people to look at a situation or set of events and see if there could be a sign of something significant in it. In my experience, it is the strong rush of feelings and meanings that come to me first, followed by the sign. The sign is the confirmation. If you find yourself having to assign meanings to the events it is very possible it is not a sign at all! This is why meditation brings clarity - it’s just you and your abilities with nothing else to distract you.

The best advice I can give is to test yourself. Firstly, try as many different ways of connecting that you can. Work with emotions one day, and then look to verify your experiences afterwards to see how accurate you were. Next, try visual cues such as placing pictures in front of you and see what images are placed in your mind (to me this always feels as if it’s appearing about 3 or 4 inches in front of my forehead). Some people get very strong physical sensations such as warmth, cold or even a buzzing feeling around them. Test as many different methods as you can.

When you learn to locate your psychic ability you will be able to switch it on for your spell work, regardless of the type of spell you are casting. You can use it to strength the spell, to seek out weaknesses (if something just doesn’t feel right) or - if other circumstances dictate that the timing is right - bring faster results. Most importantly, it’ll be a make your spell work a much more fulfilling experience for you all round.

Blessings, hope you enjoy your pancakes!

Fran xx

2010 Pagan/Wiccan Festivals

With Imbolc just around the corner I thought I’d draw up a list of Pagan/Wiccan Festivals of 2010 - just to get us through the dull months and give us something to look forward to!

Imbolc - 2nd February

Ostara - 20th March

Beltane - 1st May

Litha (Midsummer) - 21st June

Lammas (Lughnasadh) - 1st August

Mabon - 22 September

Samhain (Halloween) - 31st October

Yule (Winter Solstice) - 21st December

Time to put your party hats on!

A Healing Love Spell

The break up of a relationship is one of the most soul destroying of experiences anyone can go through. The sudden changes in your life, the unbearable pain and heartbreak and the loss of self esteem affect you so deeply that it can take anything from months to years to become strong again. It is quite likely that you will never quite be the same again.

It is for this reason that I am wary of love spells that promise to reunite lovers. The desire to cast this kind of spell potentially comes from their (understandable) weakness and a desire to sooth the pain. BUT, it is in danger of not being in the caster’s interests in the long run. Some relationships are meant to end and the longer you hang on to them, the more pain you will endure.

That said, relationships can sometimes go through rough patches due to outside factors causing stress or because smaller issues have grown out of control. The break up can give you both the shock and the motivation needed to work on rectifying the problems and bringing you close together again. And in these situations, a spell can help you with the necessary extra energy required!

This one is for when your partner is putting up initial resistance to trying to work it out together. It is NOT about trying to bend his or her will, which if you’ve read any of my other posts you’ll know I’m vehemently against. It is about opening up the energies and trying to mend the negativity around you both. One of you has to make the first move with this, it may as well be you.

I recommend burning sandalwood whilst performing this spell as it is perfect for releasing feelings of weariness so will pep you up while you work. You will need:

Something to represent each of you such photos, personal objects
Rose quartz healing wand or amethyst healing wand

(Healing wands can be quite an expensive tool and so I’m not suggesting you get one if you are not planning to use it regularly and keep it as an item for your altar. In place of the wand in this instance, use a row of tumblestones instead.)

The Love Spell
Place the 2 personal objects on your altar (or workspace) and then connect them using the healing wand. The rounded end should be next to the item representing you. Say:

Where you are, my heart is with you
I bid you, let it stay
The strength of my love is as if anew
Do not send it away

(Place each hand on the outside of your joined photos as if cupping them together.)

Let our feelings shine
Let hurt fade away
Let love not pine
But unite one day

This spell can be repeated as often as you like in order to continue to build healing energies around your relationship. Do not try to rush getting back together however, or ignore the work that needs doing.

Blessings

Fran xx