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

Whispercrystal's Magic Fairground

Have you come across whisperers before? If you haven't, you may well be a little bit awkward and giggly to start with - I was. There is something unusual and out of the ordinary about someone whispering everything they say and it's bound to seem a bit comical to start with. (Maybe I'm just childish and making excuses for myself!)

But the point of them is for the purpose of relaxation and you will be surprised at how it really works. Just listen on, empty your mind and you will get so much out of it. Particularly good if you are stressed or an insomniac. I personally use them for when I have worked very late and am finding it difficult to switch off.

One of my favourites is Whispercrystal as she is known on her youtube account. She has a lovely quality in her voice, it's so very sweet. Couldn't resist sharing this one with you seeing as there are magical connections.




I almost always prepare for spell casting by meditation to clear my mind. Really considering some whisper videos to help me. What do you think?

Pagan Festivals for 2012

God, I have been SO busy lately that I started this post of Pagan Festivals for this year and then completely forgot it!! Anyways, it's never too late I guess haha!

Feb 1st - Imbolc

March 20th - Ostara

Beltane - May 1st

June 21st - Litha

1st August - Lughnasadh or Lammas

Samhain - 31st Oct

Yule - 21st Dec

Do you have a favourite? For me it would have to be Beltane as someone very special came into the world on that day. And something about Samhain just fills me with joy!

Beltane in Edinburgh

I haven't had a lot of time to focus on the blog lately :( Still telling myself that I will get a blog post out for Beltane in the next few days though! As ever, I am sorry that I have not been able to get to Edinburgh for the festival though. If you are able to make it, details are here. Sounds like a riot!

Rynnoflight's Druid Path

Thought you might like this youtube video that was uploaded yesterday. I find her warm, sweet and engaging :)

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.

Happening upon a Pagan ceremony at the Rollright Stones

As I mentioned the other day, I did my traditional Ostara walk last week, and as usual went a-strolling around the Cotswolds. On the way my friend directed me to the intriguing Rollright stones as she knew I'd be interested in these ancient, possibly Druid, relics.

The Rollright Stones

For some info on what they are all about, take a look at their website here, but basically think Stonehenge but smaller and more accessible! The local folklore apparently says that they are the petrified remains of a brave king and his knights and there are 3 separate sites to visit - the King's Knights, the King Stone and the Whispering Knights. My favourite tale of a travelling king and his men who encounter the reknowned witch, Mother Shipton who cast a spell on them and turned them to stone!

The King Stone

I am aware that the Cotswold Order of the Druids often organise events at Rollrights and that it is not uncommon for local groups to arrange ceremonies there too. So I was delighted to come across what had obviously been a very recent function and thought I'd share the pictures with you.

Gifts

Ribbons

If anyone happens to know of the specifics of who the group were or anything to do with the event I'd be so interested to find out! The site had a lovely, clean and peaceful energy around it - absolutely gorgeous :)