Let your practice speak for itself

One thing I have learned over the years as a healer, diviner, and Priestess is that the Goddess will bring the right people to your door step. When money is needed she brings the right client etc. When I feel like my practice or services are failing or not reaching enough people she provides opportunities for me to meet new people, and tell them who I am and what I do. Don't get me wrong I am not sitting at home just waiting for people to show up to my classes, sessions etc. I work on beautiful marketing material, networking, continuing my education and keeping my own practice strong.

Lately I have noticed a bit of a disturbing trend with other people who have similar practices as I do. The only way I can describe it is "student/client begging" Yes! you heard me right. I said begging, and by begging I really mean begging. Even if the phrases are worded friendly and inviting, it is still just begging. I am seeing people advertise in every social network, on every thread, on other peoples and other practitioners pages and groups. This is incredibly rude. In fact it is such a turn off that I loose respect for said people, and am turned off by all their posts.

So there is a fine line between a gracious host, good marketing and the dreaded beggar. Lets look at the break down. As a Priestess, healer, diviner etc. You do need to have material out there on the web, and in print. People aren't going to know where to look or how to find you if you don't have it out there. So you set up a fan page, and events, and you invite people, you post some nice marketing material on your own page, and maybe even tag some people you know that have specifically expressed interest. This is called good marketing, and is not annoying. You then work in ritual, meditation and prayer asking your Deity of choice to "Bring the right and good people to you" and "to bring prosperity to your business". I personally hate to call what I do a business, but for simplicity lets call it that. You then hold yourself out to the community as a pillar of goodness, and show those around you your good energy, success with clients, and actions of good will. Sometimes the best thing for your practice is to go and do something for free. There will come a time that you wont be able to do these things, because of the volume of clients/students you will have. So while you have down time, get out and read tarot for a fundraising event. Promote the community, and promote other practitioners. They in turn will do the same for you. A good word from a stranger is far more lucrative than a bunch of self promoting nonsense. The most successful people I have met, I discovered by accident, or through someone telling me how wonderful a class, ritual or session was. They never shoved their information in my face, but welcomed me with open arms. As I watched their interactions with others I could see what type of person they were, and how successful they were. This is what made me come back for more, authenticity!

So that is all the good and positive ways to behave, what are the negative ways? Well here is when IMO it begins to cross the line. When you start to promote on groups that you didn't create, that are not promoting anyone else material. When you being to hijack threads with advertisements of your classes, bombard conversations with your self promoting jargon. If you find yourself repeating the same or similar phrases over and over and over and over and over again. This is your sign to STOP and realize that what you are doing is 1) Not getting in to the heads of the people you are bombarding. You need to think why and 2) If you are advertising that much and those people are not showing up, maybe it is because they are so annoyed, and turned off by your pushy attitude. What does this really accomplish? Do you really think the Goddess wants you to be pushing yourself on to other people? Interrupting conversations to push your agenda? If the Universe wanted those people in your class I promise you they will be there. You are not a shark waiting for its prey, waiting, lurking ready to pounce on the first person that shows a sign of weakness. NO, NO you are NOT. Healers, priestess, facilitators of change are NOT predators. Period end of story.

So how do I get the word out about my practice or business? 1) I use social media to promote my classes, products etc. I am not worried who wont see them, I am only interested in the ones that do, because they are the seekers and it is THEM that I am here for. 2) I work on myself daily, the more I work on me, the better I can help others. 3) I trust that I will be there for the right people at the right time. This is not about me, this is about THEM. 4) I volunteer, I don't think I volunteer as much as I would like to. I write articles and submit them I never get paid. This is how, what I do reaches the masses and helps them. Remember its about THEM not you! If my words on a paper or computer screen start a positive reaction in someone, today or next year, I have done my work. I read tarot from time to time, for free, and I'll even give a healing session away for free now and then. 5) I arm myself with business cards. I place them on my table. Those that are interested in me, and what I do take them. 6) Above all, I do not spam people. If they are in need of what I do or are interested they will find me. 7) It is all about balance, so don't keep yourself a secret either. When I am new somewhere I tell everyone exactly who I am and what I do. It is short and simple. I have found that those people that are interested hear, and they come running to you. If you feel drawn to a particular person, this could be the Goddess giving you a nudge. Send them private personal message, give them your info and let them decide. Put your website up, hang a flier. Maybe ask the client you gave that free session, to hand out your cards in return for your work.

Remember success takes, time. Your success as a practitioner of any path is based on how others perceive you, from your work, your private life, online, etc. Begging for clients or students makes you seam desperate, pushy, and leaves one wondering why. Why does she have so much time to troll the nets looking for someone to push her product on? Why is she not already busy with clients and students? Lastly why does she have such a strong desire to push her practice on others?

Is it about money? As a healer, priestess, facilitator of change it better not be! YES you need to be compensated for your time, but this is a path of service. Not of "gaining money" Sorry to burst the bubble of anyone who might think that this is a romantic path filled with glory and wealth. Sorry it isn't. There is no money to be had here, but there are riches. The riches are helping the world be a better place, helping someone grow, change, heal. Helping someone go through any number of these changes is one of the most rewarding experiences ever, and NO price tag can ever be put on it.

And with that I will leave you with this quote......

Your work is not to drag the world kicking and screaming into a new awareness. Your job is to simply do your work..sacredly, secretly, and silently.. and those with eyes to see and ears to hear will respond 

~Rumi~

Aphrodite

I usually tell people that Gaia brought me to this path, and this is true she did raise my awareness, walk with me and open the doors to Magic! It wasn't until recently that I realized that I have been a Goddess worshiper my entire life, especially during high school. You see when I was in high school I was still going to the church my parents told me to. I was rebellious, but there were certain things I just couldn't get out of, church was one of them. I hated every moment of it, and I never understood why. Now 15 years later I look back on life and memories that I didn't think I had began to reveal themselves. For years (as an adult) I had been ashamed of this incredibly vain, over sexed 15 year old bombshell I used to be. "I shouldn't be so aggressive, and think that I am so beautiful" these things lead to destruction. I wanted to fit into the "church" but I never understood why I clashed so hard with the church. I understand now, that it was the presence of Aphrodite in my life. A strong, beautiful Goddess who promoted everything that went against the church. I tried to find balance between these and I eventually threw everything out the window including Aphrodite, but now 15 years later I look back and yearn for her again.

Aphrodite was the first Goddess that whispered in my ear. Well the first one I remember, at least. I was about 15, 16, and 17 and she was such a huge presence in my life. I became obsessed with her and the female form. At the time I loved men, women were beautiful as well, but MEN were the object of my wants and desires. It is true that teens have a strong sex drive, but mine was stronger and fiercer than a 16 year old boy. I thought about sex every other second. I was a burning ball of fire! For English class one year we had to do one of those reports where we dress up like the person we are writing the report about. I chose Aphrodite. I wrapped up in a large sheet, and golden wig, and armed myself with Golden apples, and headed to class to tell her story.

Knowing what I know now, this was Ritual theater! My very first ritual, in front of a classroom of people, speaking as the Goddess. (looking back its mind blowing) I had absolutely NO idea that she would be such an influence in my life. That she was most likely responsible for the increased vanity and sexual drive. I had worshiped her, and she had rewarded me with what she gives best, sex and beauty. When I arrived in college all I wanted to draw and paint was beautiful nude women. I was told not to do this, what I drew wasn't art, to draw something else etc. I didn't listen and my grades suffered. I even started to screen print the three graces in traditional witchcraft colors Red, Black and White.

Here I am now as an adult, and finding her presence in my life again. It is different this time. I understand what I am doing, and respect her as a Goddess who is alive and present in my life. There is less destruction in this line of thinking. Sex has become sacred, beauty is sacred. Aphrodite IS Sacred! I find myself building a temple for her, for her in her amazing beauty, to honor her as the Sacred feminine. I am filled with gratitude for her presence, and patience. Now with acceptance, understanding and wisdom our journey continues.....

The Ritual Art of creating an Altar

The dictionary defines an Altar as a raised place on which sacrifices and gifts are offered in some religions: a platform or table used as a center of worship. The creation of an altar is a practice that I truly enjoy. I look forward to each season change, and creating a beautiful space for offerings, prayers and magic!

Creating an altar is so much more than just setting up for ritual. Though we (our Coven) do have a specific format for our rituals, I find the most pleasure in my personal altar spaces. There is power in both the formatted altar space, and personal one.  When working in a coven or for the moons etc. We use a specific format. It is our secret! Keeping this secret and silent contains energy, it also builds power. Each time we use the same objects in the same place during ritual it creates a practice, that just like a specific prayer or movement can be very magical. Its like wearing a suit to work every day. It is prim and proper, makes you feel good and have confidence.... but this is not the only way!

The personal altar spaces I create are the most creative, and carries a life force that is unique and truly magical. These sacred spaces are organic and ever changing. Their location changes, their purpose changes, they simply just change. They are erected for a need or purpose and when the time has passed they are taken down. I keep a "purpose" altar space by my bed. This allows me to burn candles through the night (safely) and is a wonderful reminder before and after bed what my intentions are.  To the right is the bed side altar  in two different forms.






The act of creating the altar in itself is ritual. The carefully selecting the objects, the consecrating of the space, cleansing of the table or cloth, and lastly the first act done before the completed altar is always a sacred one. It could be a prayer, spell, incantation, or even just a moment of silence, or meditation.


Once the Altar space is set, it is time for the ritual or meditation to begin. There is something so magical about seeing the elements at work, thick sensuous smoke rising through a bed of fresh flowers, and stones.




The creation of sacred space, and an Altar is one of pure devotion and love. It is a beautiful act that holds the energy of the prayers, meditations, and spells that are performed on its surface. Not only that it is an act of honor, whether that  is to an element, cause of deity the act of creating it, and its lasting presence in a constant act of honor and devotion. This is not a practice to be over looked or taken lightly the creation of the space is just as important as the acts created on it.

Water Witch - Black White and Grey

Datura vs Morning Glory the confusion of Moonflowers

This is a warning to poison and flower lovers. The Morning Glory and Datura plant's flowers look very similar. Unless you know them will you will not be able to tell the difference. You may be wondering why this is a big deal. The answer is simple. The Morning Glory is considered a toxic plant. While the Datura is considered a Poison plant. The difference is that the Morning Glory simply contain some mind/body altering substances. The dosage however is very specific and difficult to create. Datura is HIGHLY toxic. Just handling it can cause a reaction to sensitive people. If you eat it you will most likely kill yourself. Experienced user do use it in ointments but they approach it with caution.

Datura

Datura as pictured here is a low growing plant, it is more bush or shrub like. With white or purple flowers. They are trumpets much like a petunia but larger and twist open and hang or point up. The leaves are soft and have arrow shaped leaves. They are part of the Solanaceae family, meaning they are cousins to Belladonna and Henbane. They have pods that grow that are ball like or sharp spikes filled with seeds like below. They are NOT part of the morning glory family. They are NOT Moonflowers though many people do call them this. They are indeed a moon plant they are not considered Moon flowers. Not in the morning glory family at least!

Moonflowers aka Morning Glory also have a history of being used to alter the mind. However it is the seed that is used and depending on the variety can be mild to deadly. However they are not the same as datura and are not considered poison. The plant itself unlike datura is relatively safe. Datura the whole plant is toxic and caution should be taken. Below is Moonflower aka Morning Glory they are part of the Ipomoea family. You can see the pink morning glory next to the big white ones. The size is much different! This is why they got the name moon flower they look like moons. They are large and flat flowers that open in the night and close in the morning. They are a vine with heart shaped leaves. Their seeds are in small pods that are kind of heart shaped. They produce 1-3 seeds the size of a pea. PLEASE use caution when working with these plants, and do NOT confuse them. This could be a deadly mistake especially if children are involved.

Moonflower

The year of the Octopus

Right before the year ended and the new one began I began to see Octopuses everywhere. I have never really been interested in, or connected to the Octopus. It started with a cup, I was give a tea cup for Christmas from my son. It had an octopus on it! I needed the plate to match and so I got that as well! It was about this time the Octopus came into my life...

I was seeing so many of them that I messaged a good friend also a Sea Witch and asked her what they meant. She also admitted she felt they were stalking her too! It is not surprising we seam to flow like this, us water/sea witches. She said that they are "able to escape terrible situations, able to blend in and adapt to surroundings and yet keep unique identity." This really resonated with me. Over the course of January my favorite artist started producing little octopus pieces out of clay. I am coveting many of them! You can find them here.  I began to feel the presence of the Octopus so much that I started working on a new painting. Today (now a few weeks ago) I finally finished it! Of course I can see all the flaws but overall it turned out great. While I was working on it, I was answering emails and needed to flip to a future date in the calendar. I try not to look ahead in my witches date book simply because it takes the fun out of the content. I like to be surprised each week with something new. However today I had flipped to May, and though I had no intent on looking right before me was an entry on the Octopus. I knew at last, just like the title of this post (which I had actually started early January) this is the year of the Octopus. The writer speaks of them as being incredibly intelligent. I feel this is appropriate to where I am as I am really flexing my brain muscles this semester at University. Almost everything I am doing lately is out of the box and requiring more than usual brain power. They are problem solvers (hmm this seams like me as well!) and are wonderful camouflagers. However this is a trait that is not desirable. I have been feeling like, I just blend in lately. Like my talents are not being noticed, specifically in academia, despite this feeling I know I have to pay my dues so to speak. I have done it before, I just don't want to do it yet again. I need to stop, starting new things. They are graceful, I am dancing again, and part of my style and love for the dance is in the graceful gliding movements. I have been feeling very strange lately, it is not a bad thing. I have been wearing my hair down due to the wonderful weather. It it like legs wrapping all over the place (most times inconveniently) According to the datebook blurb they are the only known survivors of a previously known world. It ended with curiosity, creativity and challenges. three really big C's.

I also did some of my own research to find a little more about the Octopus. It is a fantastic creature, able to escape tight spaces, ink to defend and escape, as well as camouflage. It is able to swiftly navigate the waters, they are flexible and even deadly! (The blue ring octopus)

They even have three hearts! Isn't that a pretty powerful image? Three hearts surrounded by eight arms. I am reminded of the pagan wheel of the year with the 8 arms and three hearts in the center.... This resonates so much. My heart is so big I feel I have more than one. A heart for love of people, a heart for love of self, and a heart for love of the divine. What do your inner octopus hearts represent?

They are fiercely independent learning much from their own experience and very little from their parents. There is so much about them that is so unique and wonderful. However I will end with this...

The octopus when in danger produces a black ink like substance to "shield" them from predators. When you are under attack mundanely and spiritually, or even if you are just overwhelmed with energies that you can not process. Find your inner octopus. Use your minds eye to excrete a black energetic ink to shield you so you may find peace and rest from all that is going on around you. Then use your keen flexibility to escape to a better place.

PHOTO

Avalon - Tools for the Journey

Avalon and Glastonbury have been a huge influence on my path in the past few years. With my pilgrimage to the Tor and the Chalice Well as well as my training in the Avalon Mystery School there has been much of her presence swirling in my magic and practice. It is close to the ending of the mundane year and so I am finishing up projects and getting ready to move into a new home.With this new home there is more space to work and create and more yard to grow! I am so excited!!! With the new year there is much I want to do. However I have narrowed it down to a few things. There will be a line of Water Witch Teas (of course!) The Magic Soaps will be replenished and an Aphrodite Beauty soap will be added. There will be a whole new line of Flower Power Powders. You can look for these in between Candlemass and the Spring equinox. However lets end 2013 with a trip to Avalon shall we?

Avalon is the fabled island from Aurthurian tales. Morgan La Fae, the Lady of the Lake and Author traveled there. With the popularity of the Mists of Avalon. It has earned a reputation of being a mythological island. However this is not the case. Avalon is the other world. It the summerland, it is Annwn. Avalon was first mentioned in Geoffrey of Monmouth's History of the Kings of Brittan. Avalon is where Excalibur was forged and King Author was taken after he was mortally wounded in battle. Avalon is indeed the other world, it is magic and can be accessed by crossing the hedge.

I have been working on a Tea and Incense blend to aid with the journey to Avalon. Incorporating some of the sacred plants from Glastonbury and Avalon as well as plants that aid in journey work and second sight. (Keep reading there is a poem at the end)

Parting the Mists Tea

1 Part White Rose petals (To symbolize the white well)

1 Part Red Rose petals (To symbolize the red well)

1 Part Peppermint

1/2 Part Dried Apple (The sacred fruit of Avalon)

1/8 Part Primrose (One of the first blooms in the Spring)

1/8 Part mugwort (To aid in crossing the hedge)

and a pinch of Hawthorn Flowers (To symbolize the boarder between this world and Avalon)

Parting the Mist Incense blend

1 Part White Rose petals (To symbolize the white well)

1 Part Red Rose petals (To symbolize the red well)

1/2 Part Dried Apple (The sacred fruit of Avalon)

1/2 Part mugwort (To aid in crossing the hedge)

1/4 Part Wormwood (To aid in crossing the hedge)

9 drops of Myrrh (To symbolize the 9th wave)

and a pinch of Hawthorn Flowers and berries (To symbolize the boarder between this world and Avalon)

 While you are drinking your tea and burning your incense read this poem and drift away to Avalon...

Somewhere beyond the Hawthorn tree,

I heard lady Avalon call to me.

Whispers soft as the Primrose,

It was I she chose

I closed my eyes and began to breath,

I knew this body I would soon leave.

I counted the waves 7 and 8 to 9,

The surge I felt was divine.

I lifted up

I left my body holding my cup.

I smelled the roses across the shore

I followed the lady, I wanted more.

Surrounded by the goddesses fruit

I heard the holy well sing like a distant flute.

The White Lady appeared before my eyes

Her words I carefully listened to

I held the trance

She whispered words,

Which I knew were true.

Somewhere beyond the hawthorn tree,

I heard the lady call to me.

Past the sacred grove and the Holy well,

My trance was done and I fell.

Somewhere this side of the Hawthorn tree

I stared at a cup

Red and white blooms looking back at me...

Garden Water Blessing

In the evening before the day of your garden blessing, prepare sacred water in a sacred vessel. Gather lavender, basil, rosemary, sage and white rose petals and head to your garden.

Place...

• Sage in the North
• Lavender in the East
• Basil in the South 
• Rosemary In the West (Also known as Rose of the sea)
• Rose petals in the center. 

Carry your sacred vessel containing your water to the North. Place the bowl on the ground, pick up the Sage and crush it in your hands while sprinkling it into the water. Say Sage Deva I ask that you assist in the blessing of this garden. Carry the bowl to the East and do the same for Lavender then continue for the other herbs in their directions. Come to the center and do the same with the White Rose petals. Leave the sacred vessel in the center of the garden over night. At sunrise (or when you get up) the next morning. Go back to the garden and pick up the sacred vessel containing the herbal water and head to the north of the garden. Say...

Sage in the North I ask you bless this garden with prosperity and bounty. Sprinkle some water in the North and continue sprinkling as you walk to the East and say...

Lavender in the East I ask you bless this garden with knowledge and understanding, sprinkle more water in the east and continue while walking to the south and say...

Basil in the South I ask you bless this garden with spark and passion. Sprinkle more water in the south and continue while walking to the west and say...

Rosemary in the West I ask you bless this garden with creativity and love. Sprinkle more water in the west and continue while walking to the north.

When you have done full circle go to the center and sprinkle the rest of the water in the center and say...

With the power of the White Rose 

I bless this garden with purity and love. 

With the power of the moon above

and the ground below

I plant these seeds so they may grow

With wisdom prosperity and love

For all her creatures serpent, spider, rabbit and dove...

Herbs and flowers every Witch should have in her garden

A student of mine recently asked me what herbs and plants she should plant in her garden this year. So I began to think and think. The more I thought the more wonderful plants I thought needed to go on the list, then that list split into different lists. So I decided I would create a few different lists based on what I grow in my different gardens, what they mean and why. There is no dogma to this. There is no right or wrong, but this is what will be in my garden! Always consult your doctor before starting to use herbs medicinally and NEVER ingest a baneful herb. Do your research and know what you are growing and how to properly protect yourself...

Herb and flower garden

(Great for connecting with the Fairy Folk)

• Lavender- Soothing and healing used for purification and love
• Mugwort- Good for divination and dreaming
• Wormwood-Psychic powers and spirit work
• Basil - Protection and Wealth makes a great addition to a herbal bundle for burning
• Sage- Protection, purification and wisdom
• Lemon Balm- Healing and Love
• Rose- You can use both the petals and the rose hips. Rose hips contain more vitamin C than an orange. Rose petals can be used for sacred water and in teas (to name just a few)
• Balloon flower - A perfect 5 pointed star! Keeper of secrets and connects with water
• Valerian- Aids in sleep
• Motherwort- Women's mysteries
• Primrose- Protection and to attract fairies
• Hibiscus- Love and divination
• Dandelion - Used for wishing and divination, aids in digestion.
• Cat mint - Aids in sleep and relaxation used for beauty and happiness
• Spearmint- Healing and Love
• Yarrow - Atracts fairy, healing and can help stop bleeding also used in exorcism and psychic powers

 Baneful Garden

• Belladonna- Flying and vision work
• Black hollyhocks -Fertility and money also helps with coping with shadow work
• Henbane- Necromancy and spirit work
• Monkshood- Protection, Shape shifting and Invisibility
• Foxglove- Protection and connecting with the Fairy Folk
• Black Baccara Roses- Connecting to women's mysteries and our shadow self.
• Black Calla Lilly- Resilience and grief
• Datura - Breaking hexes, journey work and flying

Indoors garden

• Orchids- Beauty
• Venus fly trap- Protection
• Money wort - attracts money (good if you have fish  but be careful some fish will eat it)
• Money tree- Attracts money
• Mandrake - Sex magic

Always keep fresh flowers when you are doing shadow work or greiveing let them die, keep them as long as you need as a way to symbolise death as well as allow you time to heal. When you are coming to a close of your trials burn them to help release the energy and start movement again. Check out this page for more info on the magic of flowers!

New Years Floor Wash

If you are planning on doing an end of the year house cleanse, don't forget to add your water element in! This year we have a unique opportunity to work with the moon and our mundane calendar. No matter how we try to flow with the old days and ways, lets face it we are all modern Witches. This New Years is pretty important to just about everyone mundane or Witch. You can begin to prepare your floor wash now. On December 17th  is the full moon, you can use the power of the full moon as a boost. You wont want to mix the ingredients together till closer to the moon, but you can get the ingredients ready. Harvest your herbs on the full moon, charge your water under the full moon light as well. Once you water and herbs are ready store them till you are ready to create your floor wash. For the next 15 days you can sweep your energy out of the house as many times as needed, get your things in order, clean out closets, return books and other borrowed items to friends and consider making a donation to a local shelter or thrift shop that benefits those in need. Once you have gotten your house cleaned out and ready you can begin! The last day of 2013, which also happens to be the dark moon is the perfect day to sweep all the rest of the negativity out of the house! Depending on your plans and your intent you can choose to do the floor wash on either the dark moon (Dec 31st) or the new moon (Jan 1) I choose to use my left over sacred waters. It is a new year after all time to get rid of the old! If you do store sacred water make sure you use all of it in your floor wash keeping the house nice and clean, sacred, free of all negativity, and ready for a fresh new start. The floor wash below is what I will be using feel free to use it or tweak it to your own needs or what you have on hand!

I will be using what is in my garden and I encourage you to as well.

• Start by soaking your herbs in either spring water or water you have collected from a sacred source. In my case we have a holy well not to far from here. I will be using the water from this well as my base. 
• Rose petals- to bring beauty and serenity, and a bit of bite from the thorns (Sure! cut some thorns off and add them too!) 
• Basil- has been traditionally used to banish an protect
• Rosemary- is also known to banish, heal, and in exorcism
• Eucalyptus- for good health, purification and protection
• Add some lemon for fragrance (and to make those floors smell good!)
• Preserve with some white vinegar. It will be great to wash your floors with as well. 

The smell of all these together is just delightful! If you dont have tile or wood floors dont worry! You can use the water in the form of a spray. Put the wash in a spray bottle and spray the house. This compliments a sweeping ritual with your broom if you have one. Make sure to leave the door open to sweep all he past out the door!

Have a Happy Holiday and New Year!!!!

Who I am

This is another post that is going to be a little different. The last year has been one of amazing change and transformation. Many things have died, resurrected, and birthed. Over this past week I have had some conversations with a good Facebook friend (meaning we have chatted for years but never actually met) and a really good old friend (meaning we have been real life friends for years) These conversations really made me stop and think. The past calendar year has been filled with loss and renewal. I feel as if I have been shook up, but when the dust settled it left me different and I like this. Recently I was reading an interview with Sarah Lawless. In the interview she said something that struck me, it is taken out of context a bit, but at the same time just a few words can shape a thought, which can evolve into much more, maybe even an inspiration. She said "but what do you actually DO?" This got me thinking, what do "I" do? That phrase coupled with my conversations really got me into a tailspin of thoughts. However at the end of that tailspin was inspiration. Finally after running into a few chat rooms this week with old worn out fights being fought yet again, the general negativity of the Pagan forums and even a Belly dance forum really made me say. Hmmmmm so here it is!..........

What I do

• I am a mother
• I am a student
• I am  a wife
• I am a friend and a trusted confidant (Because Jodi said so) 
• I am an ethnobotanist (My internship continues next semester!) 
• I am a Sea Witch
• I am a Water Witch
• I practice Folk magic
• I am a Goddess Worshiper
• I am Polytheist (Belief in many Deity)
• I am an Animist (Belief that everything has spirit)
• I practice Alchemy
• I practice Magic
• I practice nature based magic
• I am an initiated Witch
• I spend much time with one foot in this world and one in the other world
• I am a Priestess
• I am a Soul healer (I am a healer, but not physical I heal everything else which is a complicated thing called the Soul) 
• I am a Seer and Oracle -I know by feeling, I just know it in my bones, my skin, gut, head and heart. I know by dreaming, I know by working with my plants. Occasionally I am Clairaudient and Clairvoyant
• I am a Belly Dancer- Oriental style, but not any one specific sub genera
• I am an artist- Oils, Henna, Sculpture, Talisman, Ritual Tools etc
• I am a bone collector
• I am a gardener
• I am an excellent baker (but I only cook treats) 
• I am an herbalist- I focus on the spirit rather than the body, however I am receiving training on the physical systems as well
• I run a coven and school on magic
• I love to teach
• I consider myself a Traditional Witch but this particular definition "those who practice witchcraft based on the folk magic and folklore of the early modern period in Europe" (Sarah Lawless- Interview on Heathen Harvest)

What I don't do or am not

• I don't do drama, I don't like it, it is pointless and just hurts people. It doesn't belong in my world
• I don't care to be famous or a celebrity- However being known and respected is something I strive for.
• Though I can, I don't really heal physical ailments in the body when working on a client, my focus it the soul.
• I am not really an occultist (meaning those old grimores, and lengthy esoteric texts don't really interest me)
• I am not Wiccan
• I am not into competing with other people
• I don't like to argue
• I don't debate
• I am not a warrior, I am not a pacifist, but KNOW I will kick your ass if you give me no other choice.
• I am not filled with hate, anger or bane
• I am not interested in helping helpless people
• I am not interested in being around secretly mean and angry people (I can feel who you are)
• I'm not really a good cook

I love to dance I always have but a few years ago it was completely ruined for me. The politics drama and plain stupidity just sucked the joy right out of it. It took me years to finally find my dance voice again, and I am sad to say I think that I have been pulled into the rip current of the Pagan world. So this is my statement saying, This is who I am, love it or leave it. I will continue to share but not debate I will continue to love and not hate. 

I am a Water Witch, water represents more than just the liquid, solid or gas. It shape shifts, it flows, it fits just about anywhere and is everywhere. It is the source of my creativity....

Being Thankful

Today I felt like something a little different. I woke up and though I am frustrated about a few things, there is so much to be thankful for. So I decided to list them here. Hopefully it will inspire you to remember what you are thankful for as well.

I am thankful for.....

My Husband and Son who are the most amazing things in my life
My best friend because she is just super awesome
My Coven and those that study with me. They truly are my teachers, even though they think I am theirs.
For doing so well in school
For getting the most amazing internship ever
For having several of my articles published this year, and another on its way!
For being able to continue to study the craft with a wonderful teacher
For having the strength to begin to share my craft with others
For my blog which IMO keeps me honest
For the fact I do have a good house even though its not the forever house
For having the ability to buy another house in the next few months which will give me more room to work, and have a larger coven
For my cats and my bath tub
For being able to garden against all odds
For finding my dance voice once again
For being able to learn herbalism from the BEST teacher ever.

I am sure there is more, but this morning these are the things I am truly grateful for.......

Finding your way on the Poison path

10-20 years ago Marijuana had a bad wrap. Fear was drilled into us, this is a drug if you do it this will happen, that will happen. Well a little research, and time has proven that this wonderful plant is not a drug, but instead something that can help aid healing, relaxation, stress, anxiety and cancer. Well this blog post is not about that. I will wait to blog about this till a few more states have made it legal. What this post is about is the poison path. I will warn you I am a bit riled up at the moment.

With the rise of Wicca and the "harm none" it has really opened the door for Wicca, Paganism and Witchcraft to become more mainstream and accepted. Doors to the esoteric arts have been opened. This is all good! Right? Well not really. Unfortunate the door has been slammed shut on many practices. Many things are being written out of our history, and even rewritten. Flying is just meditation, you can journey with out aid etc etc. Well folks we have a bit of a darker more sinister history.

The cunning man and wise woman were once honored for their wisdom. We were all told Wicca meant wise one. Well I am finding that there is little wisdom and common sense left.  People defining their practice by bashing others, others asserting their superiority on others with fear. Wisdom not fear should be the goal of the Witch.

So this blog is about the Poison path, If you have found yourself drawn to the "witch herbs" and the poison plants, I want you to know that you are not the only one. There are many of us out there that are as well. With the technological age the wonderful Sarah Lawless has brought us into a new awareness on how to use these poison plants, their folklore and history. She is a pioneer in her field and many of us have followed suit. Anthropologists and Ethnobotanists (such as myself) have taken to the labs and books studying these plants and their interactions with humans. Richard Evans Schultes wrote many great books outlining the uses and abuses of these plants. The fact is once again we (Witches) are using these plants, honoring them and learning about them. 

So where do you go from here? Well first educate yourself. I have provided a list of books to help get you started. Second learn to grow these plants, working with them from seed to fruit will bring you a great understanding. Form a symbiotic relationship with them. Educate yourself more, and more and yes, more. If you choose to use them for ritual use start as offerings, if you want to take it even further than that, then educate yourself more. If you are not sure, you are not ready. Be sure before you do anything to your body. Even then you can hurt yourself. These are not toys, this is called poison for a reason. It took me years from the first belladonna plant I had, before I put a ointment containing it on my skin. This isn't an instant download or even in the realm of a blue candle is for healing. Not even close........ More later



Book List
Plants of the Gods- Richard Schultes
Pharmako/ Gnosis- Dale Pendell

Witchcraft Medicine- Müller-Ebeling, Claudia, Rätsch, Christian and Storl, Wolf-Dieter

The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Plants: Ethnopharmacology and Its Applications Christian Ratsch

Website List
www.sarahannelawless.com
www.alchemy-works.com
www.erowid.com
www.botanical.com

Hawthorn and the Crossroads

One of the classes I attended at the Herbal Resurgence was on Hawthorn. Which was hosted by two wonderful teachers (see last blog for more info about them) It was probably the best class I have attended in a while. Not only were medicinal uses talked about, but the magical uses, and how the Hawthorn stands at the center of the crossroads. As many of you know among the billion of things I do, I am a Herbal intern with several lovely ladies under the grand instruction of Melanie Dunlap One thing that she, and the Herbal Resurgence has taught me, is that medicinal herbalism and spirituality are connected, no they are not just connected they are part of each other, there is no separation. So be prepared for future posts to reflect this.

Hawthorn is a Deciduous tree, which boasts beautiful clusters of small white flowers that have five petals much like little pentagrams covering the tree. The berries are incredibly nutritious and when ingested can be relaxing.

Properties: Relaxing nervine, Digestant, astringent, diuretic, antioxidant, reduces inflammation protects the heart from oxidative damage, cardiac, diuretic, blood regulator, reduces anxiety and a heart restorer.

Parts of the plant used: Leaves, Flowers and Berries

Contraindications: Dont ingest if you have low blood pressure. Extended use can lower blood pressure

Spiritual and Magical Use: Shadow work, opening and repairing the "heart", healing from broken hearts. Working through past issues, decision making, balance, and can be used to prick the finger to give blood offerings.

The Hawthorn stands at the Crossroads. It marks the gateway between this world and the other side. Long known as a tree of the Other world, the Hawthorn is considered a "Fairy" tree. There has been many a song about the Faery and the Hawthorn. Some say falling asleep under the tree can induce dreams of Banshee, Faery, and the like. While others say that they are not dreams at all, the experiences are real and the Hawthorn is a portal.  One very famous tale about Thomas the Rhymer can be read here. It speaks of a tale in which Thomas meets the Faery Queen under the Hawthorn tree. He is whisked off to the other world where he receives a gift or maybe a curse! Either way he is never able to tell a lie again. So perhaps the gift is truth.

Not only does the Hawthorn stand at the crossroads and marks the road between this and the other world, but  it shows all of the little crossroads in life. If you closely examine each branch and each thorn, notice where they intersect. It shows each of the crossroads we come to in life, some ending in sharp pricks, some in beautiful blossoms, others in nurturing fruit, and still others in broad branches that reach up into the sky. It reminds us that not every decision we make will be a good one, life isn't about always choosing the right thing. It is about choosing, and moving forwards. It doesn't matter if its right or wrong. Life isn't about standing still at the crossroads. One must choose a direction.

Thorn courtesy of Kayla Wilde

Oftentimes fear is what keeps us at the crossroads. It is safe under the shade of the tree why choose a path and risk hurt. Like the hawthorn's medicinal usage for the heart, so is the hawthorn used for Magical and Spiritual uses in the heart. It speaks to and of the heart. The heart is the thing that becomes torn when we are standing at the crossroads which direction do we choose? Where do we go? Often times our shadow sneaks in and the heart is torn between what it wants, needs, and the fears of the shadow.

"Oh see ye not yon narrow road,
So thick beset wi' thorns and briers?
That is the Path of Righteousness,
Though after it but few inquires.

"And see ye not yon braid, braid road,
That lies across the lily leven?
That is the Path of Wickedness,
Though some call it the Road to Heaven.
"And see ye not yon bonny road
That winds about the fernie brae?
That is the Road to fair Elfland Where thou and I this night maun gae.

These are the words from the poem "Thomas the Rhymer and the Queen of Elfland" It speaks of three different paths. When doing your shadow work or when you find yourself at the crossroads it is helpful to split the decisions or problems into different roads. Then spend time analyzing each of the paths. Are they straight roads? Or set with Briers,  or even yet will they take you on a grand adventure? Consider each road carefully, will they end in thorns, beautiful blossoms, or grow into strong branches?

When standing at the crossroads beneath the hawthorn tree it is helpful to have magical tools to which decisions can be made. Below are a few goodies I have made, feel free to make your own, or purchase them below. Good luck in your travels

Ease Anxiety and Decision making tea

Hawthorn
Damiana
Peppermint
Catnip
Lemon balm

Divination at the Crossroads Tea

Hawthorn
Mugwort
Hibiscus

 

Crossroads Divination Incense 

Hawthorn Berry and Leaf Wormwood Mugwort Eyebright Rosemary Wild Lettuce Pine

Pleasure in the Pines

I just spent two of the busiest and most amazing weeks in the beautiful pine forest. It was not to consecutive weeks but 2 long weekends in 2 different locations. The first was Wright wood California for the Henna conference and the second was just east of Flagstaff at Mormon lake for the Herbal Resurgence. Before I get into the details of these weekends I want to give some news!

As many of you know I have started on a second bachelors degree at ASU. I am currently perusing a degree in Anthropology. A few weeks ago a list of internships came out. I applied for 2 and was sort of invited and forced into another. (Urban services- more on that later) I got the one I really wanted. It was "The use of ritual plants" Before my interview I did some research on the Professor. I found that he had written a book/manuscript on the Ritual use of Pine. (Remember this it becomes important) I have yet to read it, but I am sure that once I get going on this project I will be able to find it and read it. The internship starts tomorrow at 10:30. I am so excited! So far what I have learned is we will be cataloging, and identifying material from a cave in south America. That was known for being used in ritual. These samples are assumed to be offerings, possible ethnogens, etc. We will be looking at the chard pieces and trying to identify what they are and how they were used. All I can think about is being so close, and able to touch ancient samples from rituals that took place 100's of years ago. It makes me incredibly happy!

I left for the Henna conference on a Thursday and arrived excited to get started. I had a wonderful time creating art, challenging my brain, and creative skills. I hennaed several lovely ladies and even did a full back piece of a tree. You can see more photos here.The pines were beautiful and my soul sung with the breeze that whispered between their thin needles. I found a large piece of pine resin, but it didn't feel right to take it so I didn't. I learned later that these are like bandages to a wound and so I am glad that I didn't harvest them at this time. The henna conference was wonderful food for my creative side and I came home charged and ready to go. I hennaed on Tuesday night after the conference, worked on homework and geared up for the Herbal Resurgence.
 

The Herbal Resurgence was really great. I was a bit tired due to school and back to back conferences and the demands of school, but I was grateful for the experience. I took several classes one by Sean Donahue and Jim McDonald which focused on Hawthorn. There will be a wonderful blog soon about this, the crossroads and shadow work. More about that later. The class that was most important (at least in this blog) is the one taught by Kiva on Pine. She enchanted us with information on the pine tree, the different local pines, and several samples of amazing scents in incense, perfumes, etc. I learned that it is a wonderful base in ointment for chest colds, and how to properly harvest the resin to be used in incense, and other herbals. How to use the needles in tea, and many other delightful things that shall be reveled thorough this fall/winter seasons crafting. I then went out with a friend and we harvested the resin how we were taught, taking care not to harm the tree and keep its bandages on. It was a bit sad to see how many trees were so wounded, but they gave wonderful gifts.

When I arrived back home the weather had cooled off, hints of fall are in the air. The temperature had cooled off and it is once again bearable here. I have made it through the two hardest and fulfilling weeks. All while managing somehow to keep a A in all my classes (well except stats, but I never even expected to do well in that class) I came home to a plant and seed delivery, as well as my plants going incredibly insane again. I have, what I at first thought was squash, but have since found that it is actually luffa gourd growing, so stay tuned for some more luffa soap! Those flew off the etsy shelf almost as fast as I could make them, so there will be more as soon as these babies grow and dry! They have a mind of their own and have decided to grow up the tree that was about 20 feet away from where it is planted. Silly luffa gourd.

 
As we enter into the cooler months I find that Pine will become my ally through these coming seasons. Her majestic beauty and wisdom has touched my soul in ways that haven't begun to really unfold yet. The more I work with the fruits and gifts of the Pine the more I will understand. She has whispered words of the evergreen, how there is healing in harshness, and sweet stickiness in injuries, and even though there are seasons and we follow the wheel sometimes staying in one season, or one state all the time can be just as empowering as change. Ahhh evergreen how I await your mysteries this fall and winter.

Sea Monster

Earlier in July I took a vacation to the Chesapeake bay. We stayed along the Calvert cliffs, a place that is known for its great cliff faces. They hold treasures from the Miocene era, over 5-20 million years ago! There were wonderful creatures to be found along the beach, the blue heron, horseshoe crabs and many more. The cliffs were calm and cool and full of beauty and poison! After careful examination they were filled with poison hemlock! There was something else about the cliffs that were powerful!

A few days after being at the beach, we took a trip to the local measueume the Calvert Marine Mesueume. We got to play with local sea creatures, starfish, sting ray, turtles etc. It is the home to over 40,000 different fossil specimine that were found within just miles of Solomons Island.

On the beach hundreds of fossilized shark teeth are strewn on the beach, if you look closely enough you can find all shapes and sizes, maybe even a Megalodon tooth or 2. I was able to find one small megalodon tooth, and several other extinct sharks teeth. While sitting on the beach, I could feel the energy of the Sharks, and found out later that this area is believed to be the nursing area for the Megalodon before they became extinct. Sitting and meditation on the beach, I began to connect with the energy of the Megalodon. 

Now you may think I am crazy trying to connect with the energy of a long extinct vicious predator. Take a moment and think, we connect with the energy of the Dragon an extinct species that we have no actual proof ever existed, but is rumored to have taken the lives of human and livestock. So why not the dragon or monster of the sea? Much like the dragon the megalodon is a large other worldly creature. Though it doesnt breath fire its massive jaws, and muscular body give it immense power. There is no known exact size of this creature, but it is estimated to be anywhere from 40-120

The word megalodon means "big tooth" in Greek. The megalodon speaks of strength, increased power protection, seizing the moment, taking what is yours, adaptability and slashing down ones enemy, or should I say chomping down on ones enemy! It is a fast and larger than life creature. It is said, to wear its tooth gives one control over others within their auric sphere. Much like its smaller descendant the Great White shark it had keen natural instinct, and is very adaptable. This is, in my opinion a very powerful Ancestor amulet.

We tend to think of Ancestors only as humans of the past, but in fact animals are included as well. If you are into ancestor work, wearing a fossilized shark or megalodon tooth can connect you to the ancestor realm and especially that of the Megaladon. It can also be used in magic. Being a powerful and fierce object, it can be used for protection, success, to help you grow in strength, grow your own power, protection from the sea, masculinity, to thwart an enemy, give you the power of a predator, to uncurse, or curse among many other things.

Hedge Rider vs Hedge Witch

Most every Pagan now a days has heard the term "Hedgewitch" What many don't know or understand that this word has taken on a new meaning in the last 20 years or so. It refers to a Witch usually a woman who finds the core of her magical practice in her garden or with plants. There is an older term, one that is very close that is used to describe a very different practice, Hedge Rider. What is a Hedge Rider? Well simply put it is one who journeys to the other side, through the veil and has the gift of second sight.

Before modern times many people did not venture out of town very often, and if they did they seldom did it at night. The edge of town was often marked with a hedge signifying the end of civilization and beyond that was the wild and unknown. In  Eric de Vries book (below) he describes how the word Hedgerider has its roots in an old Norse work Hagzissa but also in Old English Haegtess. Which means Hedgerider. It is the same concept as "Parting the Mists" only the imagery of the Hedge and the edge of town is used instead of a mystical mist. One would ride the hedge by going into a trance, or what we call journey work today. This is crossing the boundary from this world into the other, which is wild and unknown!

The Hedge Rider's roots are very much in Traditional Witchcraft. They tend to work with Spirits through trance and divination. They can work either in groups or solitary. The benefit to working in a group is that there can be a ward or some one to watch over the body while the soul is flying. They use aids like flying ointments, and other ethnogens to help their spirit cross to the other world. They can shape shift, meaning their spirit can take the form of an animal. A big part of Hedge Riding is being a master Diviner, or as the Greeks would call Pythoness or Pythia (Oracle at Delphi) Hedge Riders find that much of their practices come from older lore, and that of the Cunning folk. Hedge Riders can be healers, but more of the spiritual nature, you would receive a charm over a medicinal cure.

 Hedge Witches tend to be solitary and work most of their magic on this plane with herbs, plants, and flowers. Many Witches that work in the kitchen adopt this term rather than Kitchen Witch. They find much of their practice in Folk Magic and in Nature. Their roots are in Wicca or tend to lean in that direction, working with specific colors, herbs, magic of the home. Many times this is called Green Craft or Green Witchcraft. Hedge Witches pull much of their practice from modern sources backing up their herbal knowledge with modern medicine and science, when it comes to healing. They also work charms and spells but they tend to be of a different nature, and use things like crystals, and herbs. 

Can someone be both a Hedge Rider and Hedge Witch? Yes if they are practicing crossing the veil, second sight and also find their core practice in their garden etc. If one is performing herbal magic without the Journey work, divination, and spirit work then they are practicing Hedge Witchery and not Hedge Riding. These practices very much compliment each other. Hedge Riders use poison herbs to aid in flight, while the Hedge Witch is able to connect with the spirit world through meditations.

To learn more about becoming a Hedgerider visit this link and read this book
http://witchofforestgrove.com/2009/09/13/hedge-witchery/

To learn more about becoming a Hedge Witch visit this link and read these books
http://www.raebeth.com/

 

Where the light is the brightest the Shadow runs wild

Years ago when I first became aware of the path I was on, I did what many pagans do. They find they are on this path and then begin to explore, looking to labels to define them. When one comes from the Christian church they are very hesitant on this path. They find Paganism, Wicca and OH MY! Witchcraft. Immediately years of brain washing and conditioning comes into play. I even remember once that I told a friend I was very much NOT a Witch but in fact was Wiccan. My how the years change you, and how the craft reveals itself in time.

I was solitary for a while like most, then found a circle, then was solitary, then tried to form a coven, gave up and joined one. This was the turning point. Of course at the time I didn't know. All I knew is I wanted to learn, but I was righteous and would NEVER deal in the dark. Years later, how the black and white has faded into just shades of grey. It is nievity and conditioning of the church that sets one up for this black and white thinking. If its not light, then it MUST be bad.

I tell those that want to study with me that we really embrace both sides, the yin and the yang. This is a simple way to explain that we embrace both the dark and light. In reality it is much more complicated than that. In fact true balance is not in the extreme of one or the other, or even the extremes of both together. It is a path of "grey" I call this the crooked path. It is not the right handed path (only light) or the Left (only dark) in fact it is a path that weaves back and forth assessing every situation, every need, every ritual and bringing in the aspects of what we/I need at the time.

Before I go further I want to say that I am in no way trying to tell someone how to walk their path. Only trying to give my personal opinion, and one that I share with many others on this path. I have this opinion because I have seen the destruction of pure light and pure dark. I have seen someone who wants to desperaly change cling so hard to the light, that end up miserable and unable to go to the dark places of the soul to find true healing. 

For many that start on this path, they find  Light workers and think "Light workers seam to have it right" They have found a path that doesn't embrace the dark, it rejects all things bad, dark, negative, baneful and the like. Unfortunately this is so one sided. I remember thinking this and I soon found out how wrong I was. They say that where the light is the lightest the shadow is the darkest. I think where the light is the lightest the shadow runs wild. It is darker, is it concentrated, it is so opposite. If for one moment you were to turn the light off you would be consumed with darkness. This has to be the most tiring path ever!

Then one finds Wicca and thinks "This is great! I can work in the dark and be Witchy, but not work with dark things, and I can never harm anyone! This is great, it is good, this is the right path". After a while though I began to find that Wicca (in general) was no different than the church. So many rules, of what you shouldn't do, how to do them, how to act, and how to behave. Just like the church it has produced a bunch of judgmental practitioners that have no problem throwing the Rede at you all the while "Shaming you" for eating meat, binding someone or stepping on an ant. I was once Wiccan, I find that I no longer fit the mold and now simply go by "Witch" (This is not true for every Wiccan, this is a general sweeping statement don't send me hate mail) 

Those that follow a Baneful path, follow a path that is so dark that there is absolutely NO room for light. This is where fear, anger and hate fester, feed and devour ones soul. This has got go be the most painful path. Everyone is familiar with Newtons cradle. It is the device where balls are hung and one is lifted and let go to strike movement in the others. Unfortunately when one person follows one of the above extream paths they risk the ball being raised, and let go so hard and fast that it causes an equal and opposite reaction. It is a collision course for massive disruption and possibly destruction.

This is why I follow a Crooked or grey path. Sometimes I like to work the light, I love to heal, and work with beautiful colors, energies and things of high vibrations. I also love to work in the dark. I love to necromance, and speak with the spirits. I love to hold death in my hands, and create change through deep and dark shadow work. If one is too afraid to travel through the dark depths of the soul one will never truly be able to reach and face the Shadow.

You might be wondering now, well where does cursing come in, do you curse? Well the answer is not so simple. Lets ask instead, Will I curse? The word "Do" implies that I am actively cursing someone. I am currently not actively cursing anyone. I can promise you though, if you mess with my child, family, or coven mates. You will get a nasty curse. It has to be a really good reason, and I tend to send the "Curse of the fluffy bunnies" before it has to get nasty. The dark hates nothing more than being invaded with glitter and annoying cartoon like light, and it makes me laugh. I consider this a VERY dark grey section. Sometimes it is worth the consequences to protect the ones you love, and YES I will if I have to. For the most part I like to find other ways, Binding, and confusion spells are always a great alternative. If this does occur I tend to naturally and now consciously move into a place that is lighter. I grab some crystals and perform healing rites for myself.

If you look at water in her many forms, she is the bringer and sustainer of life, but with ONE swift movement she can tear a town apart or claim a child's life. She has no mercy, but at the same time she gives so freely, and with so much, she allows us to feed from her, and bath in her, but doesn't hesitate to claim a life in an instant........ So like the water I try to find  balance, and walk in shades of grey. Sometimes I am in the dark and sometimes in in the light, I prefer to be in both at once.

 

Black Salt

Black Salt can be used for many different things. My favorite reasons are Protection, and Banishing. I am in the process of prepping for some massive spell work for a student. Astral nasties, Human nasties, etc. One essential thing that is needed when it is time to work this deep and powerful is Black Salt. Here is my recipe.

I simply mix Salt and Ash or Blackened Wood. This is simple but not very magical. In order to make it magical I add magical ingredients to my ash/blackened wood. First I take fresh, Mimosa, Basil, Mugwort, and Wormwood. I get a fire going in the fire pit and add these fresh herbs. I then take dried Belladonna, Mandrake, Balm of Gilead, Black Hollyhocks, Dragons blood and this time I threw some Digitalis I had laying around in there as well. After the fire had died down just a bit, I scooped up the ash of the herbs and added it to my cauldron. Then sorted out the charred and blackened wood and added it as well.

I took my pestle and ground the blackened wood down to a fine powder, sifted through a wire sifter and repeated this till all the wood was a fine powder. I added this to a jar with regular salt equaling 1/2 the amount of ash I already had. Shake and BAM! You have Black Salt. Very potent stuff! Of course there were whispers of incantations, on my lips as I created the blend, and some will be offered to the Ancestors to bless and then re-added to the jar later.

Dark rites on hot summer nights

It is hot, not like the cool weather of the Gathering for Life Fest I attended a few weeks ago in Canada. No there it was cool, over cast, green, and luscious. I do miss the climate already, but this blog is not about that. It is about Dark rites on hot summer nights. It's hot, so hot here I dread going outside. It's not just me, my students have mentioned how they can't stand the sun and the heat.

Though it is the light half of the year, I have found myself drawn to darker things around this time of year. Perhaps it is the blazing sun burning up everything in sight. I find myself retreating as far away from the scorched earth as possible, into the dark and dimly lit rooms of the house to counteract the power of the sun. 

 

I have recently privately blogged about a very personal experience at the Gathering for life. It won't be published, but can be requested by email. It was an amazing ritual, dedicated to Hecate, filled with blood, serpents, and flying ointments. It was so profound that I found myself wanting more. I felt that after such an experience I needed to at least do a ritual to honor her. 

Rain Walker happens to be a Hecate devote. It has been quite some time (with the exception of Gathering for life) that I have been the attendee at a ritual vs. the Priestess. I asked her to lead a ritual so that I could attend and go into trance and work with Hecate, there was also several other needs in the Coven and so we took this wonderful opportunity to work with Hecate. 

We called the quarters, chanting loudly we cast the circle. Rain walker invoked Hecate, and then tread the mill down below the ground. Swaying from left to right, widdershins we spiraled down, crossing the hedge to the other world. We were in the realm of the Dark Queen now. With the howl of a wolf, and the screaming of winds we fell into trance. We met her at the cross roads, and chose our path, her message to each of us was personal and powerful. Libations and offerings were given as her incense filled the room with sweetness and smoke. We gave our final thanks and close the portals and in my heart I whispered "I honor you until we meet in the tween places again Dark Queen"