I find it so important to love your home and care for it the way it ought to be. Almost as much as you love yourself, really. It’s your home, after all. A lot of the time, we get so caught up with fast paced living that we forget to maintain our environment, and often times, we end up feeling the negative energies that stick to the walls of our home. One could honestly compare that to when we don’t do self-care.
Who would want to live in that environment? Or visit it?
So one may ask themselves, what sort of magick should you be conjuring in your home during the waning moon (last quarter)?
We focus on banishing, cleansing, and protection.
We burn incense, we dust, we vacuum. This is a time to focus on spells especially for breaking bad habits.
Below are a few and simple ways to conjure this sort of magick into the home.
P.S.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Combine equal parts in a mortar and pestle. Grind to a fine powder. Burn over charcoal and use a cleansing tool to smudge across the halls and rooms of your home.
OR
You can place the powder in a black drawstring bag, and either place or pour across front/back doors, windows, bedrooms, or at the center of your home.
*Note* – If you cannot find Sulfur, you may substitute with Tobacco.
This Hot House Powder is perfect for cleansing and protecting your home. This is especially good if your home has recently been visited by unwanted guests. That goes for evil spirits as well. Or, your home is being swept by a sickness. Any kind of negativity. As well as, if you feel like black magick is being casted your way.
This spell will give you a good reason to dust around the home, especially when your bad habits are often done at home. Collect the dust you swept and save in a bowl. Combine an equal amount and/or grind the needed herbs together. Mix this powder with the collected dust.
You will need to get the amount of candles to the same amount of bad habits you want to break. Ex: you have 3 bad habits, so you will need 3 candles.
Carve into each candle ONE word that represents the bad habit. Ex: DRUGS. GAMBLING. PROCRASTINATION.
Now, you will need a flat surface. With the powder, you will use it to draw out this symbol below:
Now place the candles along the corners of the sigil. If you are only using one candle, place in the center.
Focus your intentions on each candle when you light it. Allow the candles to burn down, along with your bad habits. See them burn away.
Once the candles are burned down, you may collect the powder and bury it outside from your home.
You will need a 1/2 cup of both the Baking Soda and Borax. Mix together. Then you will add 20-25 drops of Sandalwood Essential Oil. Mix thoroughly. Pour this mixture into the glass container. Then, sprinkle this powder over your carpets. Leave for 15-20 minutes, then vacuum.
I LOVE this Red House Carpet Powder. I use it EVERY time I vacuum. It leaves my carpets smelling so good, and the vibrations practically glow. It cleanses the area, and leaves it with a barrier of protection.
Well, I hope these spells are welcomed and bring forth good blessings.
All items that I share are items that I have personally bought for my craft. I guarantee positive sources and experiences with these Amazon stores.
If you found this article helpful, please like, share, and/or follow.
So, a new series came to mind while I started my Spring Cleaning. Every proper Witch always uses their magick while tending to their home. If you aren’t, then I highly recommend doing so. It is the perfect way of incorporating and practicing your craft every day. And who wouldn’t want their home sparkling with good vibes and surrounded in protection?
Therefore, I decided to list my own methods. Now, keep in mind, that every Witch has their own practices. This list is merely my own, and what has worked for my house. Either gather some ideas, or blend these practices with your own.
Now, the list is pretty explanatory. But I’ll go over them in detail if one wishes to understand how I came up with these.
New Moons are a time for starting a new cycle again. A complete cleanse from the previous energy, and to create a different sort of goals to take shape. A witch could see this as an opportune time to purify themselves, their ritual tools, altar, and homes. Hence, a good reason why I like to sweep and mop during this week of the New Moon. I love brewing together my own floorwashes and powders to use for this time. More on those recipes later.
Once the Moon begins to wax, energies are growing. Like a seed, goals begin as such. And by the time the Moon is within its first quarter, the energies are sparking. Therefore, this is a great time to burn any kind of drawing incense or simmering pots. In this case, drawing mixes that attracts fortune, luck, health, love, blessings, etc. Normally, I do these sort of drawing magicks for maintaining the positive flow in my home. To keep everyone healthy. Positive luck. Peace and creativity. Etc.
Now, it is no surprise when I write how any hearth/home magick can be done during the Full Moon. Because that is just so. The week leading up to the Full Moon is enhanced with energy. Any magick, whether it is fertility, protection, wealth, banishing, anything, is perfect for this time. So have at it!
Much like the New Moon, energies during the Last Quarter are low, but they are still humming. This is the time to put that power to rest and banish any unwanted energies that may have accumulated during the month. I like to vacuum and dust during this time. Dust bunnies and other nasty dirty particles are what is left of the old negative energies. They harbor and hold onto these remnants, so it’s important to be rid of these to prepare for the New Moon. Breaking Bad Habit spells are perfect during this chore.
I hope you enjoy the list. And keep on the look out, there will be more to the series on the way.
If you found this article helpful, please like, share, and/or follow!
We all celebrate the coming of the winter season in one form or another. Through different cultures, in many religions, traditions are upheld to bring cheer and joy into our hearts and homes. I find this definitely true in my household. We celebrate the season through natural traditions. I consider it as mixing both magick and paganism, as well as a sprinkle of my own way of honoring the coming winter.
Below, I will share a detailed list of the 12 activities that I do in my home. Hopefully this will help inspire anyone to create their own traditions, the way their hearts see fit.
P.S.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Thank you for the love and support!
Day One
«First Day Towards the Winter Solstice»
Candle Light Ritual
Begins with turning off all lights in the home. Lighting one candle, walk through the house, beginning at the front door. Chant:
Within the dark, the candle shall light the way. For though winter is cold, it shall not reign. Within the dark, our hope shall not die. For soon the Sun will rise in the sky. Within the dark, there is no despair. For our shining souls will renew and repair. So sing songs into the Winter night, For soon the winds shall bring Spring light.
This is a beautiful ceremony, that blesses the long cold dark nights to come. You will notice a significant difference within the home once it’s been cast. Filled with warmth and hope. Either do this alone or with the family. It’s a nice way to do something together, and you can let the little ones hum lovely harmonies in the background. Or carry their own candles. Have fun with this!
Day Two
Holiday Decorations
As in all traditions, especially in America, neighborhoods everywhere are decorating their homes with merry lights and jingling wreaths. Solstice trees are being put up, covered in bright and glittering ornaments. Burning logs and long boughs of pine or holly are being placed over hearths. And for this household, that is exactly what is occurring as well.
Not only is it a tradition for most families, the glowing lights of winter symbolize hope that lives on in the darkest of nights. It is a manifestation of miracles, of positive magick, and of strength that lives within us even when the cold spirit of winter tries to steep into our bones.
So take the time, and decorate your home with holiday lights and decor. It’s fun to do alone, with holiday music blaring, and a glass of wine. Or get the friends or family together to make memorable moments, with hot chocolate and sugar cookies!
Day Three
Make A Wish Ornament
Exactly how it sounds, this is a powerful time to work wishing spells. How so? As the holidays are getting closer, people everywhere are growing excited to reunite with family, to give and receive gifts, or to begin a new year. Energy is rising, and the air is being charged for magick. That is why this is a perfect time to create wishing ornaments.
This enjoyable DIY craft is easy to do, and about anyone can do this. You can find any of the supplies at a Hobby Lobby, Walmart, Target, even the 99 store. You’ll need:
Choose your wish carefully, and write it down on the strip of paper. Decide on the proper glitter color that coordinates with your wish. Green for luck/money. Red for love/passion. Blue for health/peace. Yellow for creativity/success. Purple for power/spiritual assistance. Silver for earthly affairs. Gold for new beginnings. White for personal affairs. Mix of colors for a miracle.
Match your string color with your glitter color or mix match, depending on the wish. Roll up the strip of paper with your wish on it, tie it with string, then slide it into the ornament. Sprinkle however much of glitter over it, then place the top back on.
Hang this on your tree, or wherever you’ll like. There are some that hang it outdoors, over their hearth, or in nature. I like to keep mine. Every year, when I redecorate, I like to look upon my old wishes and see how they had came to be. It’s a great memento, and leaves me feeling thankful.
So wish wisely, and may your dreams come to be.
Day Four
Make a 12 Herb Sachet
This is a brilliant gift to give to friends or family. Having one for yourself is especially potent as well. Consider this recipe a magickal potpourri. A gift that promotes health, love, and protection. You’ll need:
Tie in a green or red cloth. Decorate it with symbols or jewels. Have fun with it. And give it to friends or family. You can substitute any of the ingredients with oils as well.
Day Five
Make a Yule Log
A popular pagan tradition is the Yule log. In essence, it is bringing in the spirit of nature, honoring them into your home to protect and nurture your own. I’ve seen many beautifully decorated Yule logs. They have been painted, glittered, wood carved, wood burned, wreathed, placed candles upon. There are so many different ways. Get creative in your own way of honoring the spirit of nature.
By the time of Yule, you either have the option to burn the whole log in ritual, or to light the candles.
Day Six
Create a Winter Spiral
This may be a different sort of tradition for most, but I found in the past few years, that this has become an enlightening experience at every new season for me. Otherwise known as a meditation labyrinth, these are walked upon to center one’s spirit and used to meditate on our paths of self realization.
There are some new age centers, universal spiritual churches that do have these meditation labyrinths, but if you don’t have any near by then I highly recommend building one yourself. Doesn’t have to be permanent, but it is a great path to have when you are in need for some deep meditation.
The path is simple. The rest of the journey is up to you. At the entrance, take a pause to breathe deeply for a few moments to clear your mind. Begin the first step, with not a question on where your going, but with whom you will find at the end? Then simply walk the spiral with a clear mind, and see what comes. If a thought or emotion emerges, mull over that and find its center meaning as you reach the center yourself. Take your time, nothing may come right away, and that is alright. The spiral is a place of peace and balance.
Walk back from the center in tranquility, all the while breathing deeply. When you are done, go in peace.
Day Seven
Honor The Spirits
Everyone deserves a good merry cheer for the holidays, and that includes the spirits of the dear departed as well. The cold dark nights often leave us feeling nostalgic and alone. Remembering those that have left us. This is why I decided to dedicate a special day just for our loved ones. I begin by setting up a special altar for them. Pictures, personal items, winter flowers, candles, incense, letters written for them, can all be placed on this altar.
The rest is up to you. Either a special ritual, or prayer is how you feel is right, then by all means. No matter what, they will hear you.
Day Eight
Warm Tea and Tarot
Every new season I like to do a fresh tarot reading to prepare and grow ever wiser of what is to come for the new season. What better way than to pair this together with a delicious warm cup of tea. Inspired by the winter season, I blended together a tea recipe that helps balance and induce mental and psychic powers. Grants wisdom and courage to face the unknown.
Together, with a deck of tarot cards makes for the best pairing. Be brave and lay out your tarot spread. And see what the future, or the present, may reveal.
Day Nine
Random Acts of Kindness
The title for this day alone explains it all. Though the winter season shouldn’t be the only excuse to be kind to strangers, it is a season for giving and to spread cheer. Whether to do acts of kindness in secret, or known, the moment we should all be looking for is the smile that brightens the day for a stranger. The fun part is thinking of way to surprise someone, because that’s really what it’s all about.
Help the need. Donate. Volunteer for charity. Pay for someone’s tab. Be kind is the saying. Speak it. Mean it. Do it. Be the example.
Day Ten
Bake Magickal Recipes
The days are ticking down, and now is the time to start prepping for the festivities. Everyone will be expecting those sweet delectable desserts. The sort that fills the belly with warmth and happiness. In every soft pastry there is a magick from people all over the world. As most have heard the saying, we put love in the foods we cook. The same goes for baking during the holidays. Although for some, they know all about the magickal meaning in the ingredients they mix together.
Whether it be cookies, pies, breads, or puddings, look up the magickal properties that each ingredient holds. You never know that you may be baking a pie for love. Or cookies for luck. Or a fruit salad for health. Know what you baking, so you can spread the magick into the lives you love.
Day Eleven
Give Gifts and Feast
Now is the eve of the Winter Solstice, and often times friends and family gather to enjoy a meal and give gifts! Then again, its up to everyone to decide when they would like to do this. Some choose to do this on Solstice day. So all could enjoy the symbolic fires of the yule log at sunset, and the rebirth of the Sun. So whichever you choose, this is still a wonderful time to gather together and be merry with one another.
Just as you would for Christmas, Hanukkah, etc, a beautiful feast is made for all to eat. Games are played. Carols are sung. New hope is wished upon. And gifts are exchanged. The thought alone brings me joy, and I look forward to this day with friends and family.
In fact, I would love to share a new type of carol song that has been modified for pagans. Growing up, I always enjoyed the tune for Silent Night. But when this new song A Pagan Silent Night was created, my heart fell in love. Now I always sing this song for the Solstice. May you and your family enjoy it as well.
Day Twelve
Burn The Yule Log and Celebrate
The day has come! All must celebrate. The new season is awakened, and the Sun shall be reborn when the new sunrise touches the sky! On this day, my husband and I like to begin with a beautiful breakfast, where then I can dedicate it to the sleeping Goddess, and to the new birth of the Sun. I gather together incense and candles. The blend I use is:
Grind together and burn over charcoal, light the candles and say together.
“We give honor and thanks to the sun for it’s sustenance, warmth, and light”
*Novae diluculo saluto* (say together)
And as our blessed mother earth is rebirth in the spring
So time is rebirth in the morning.
*Novae diluculo saluto*
*Blessed be the Goddess*
Enjoy the blessed morning meal.
Now once the day passes, and we are met with the longest night of the year, it is time to burn the yule log. Some simply light candles on the log, which is convenient for those that cannot enjoy a bonfire. But for those that can burn outdoors, it is quite an event. Tradition calls for waiting just before the sun rises. But often that isn’t the case for some that cannot stay up that long. So burn at your own time.
It is tradition in my home to usher in the new winter season. Therefore, I will share my personal ritual right below.
Ushering in the Winter
To prepare the Yule Log in the pit, set it up like you would for ritual. Stones, jewels, foods, offerings. Then chant:
The Goddess sleeps and is tucked away in the warmth of Earth.
She dreams and smiles of hope for the living.
Her heart is comforted by the rebirth of the Sun. Her spirit lives within the dormant seeds.
Today, She slumbers for Winter. Warmed by the fires of Yule.
Igniting the Flame
Flames of Winter warm Her bed. Snowfall be Her tears of joy. Mother Goddess, rest and claim the season! Let us be as one and embrace the spirit of peace.
Our mother is the Winter.
*We live because She lives*
Our mother is the Goddess.
*She lives freely within us*
Diana, Brigid, Hecate
*We celebrate Her*
We celebrate the tranquility of Mother Earth. She nourishes us with her bountiful love.
*Blessed be the Goddess*
Ashes of Log
We are now at the center of darkness. May the flame of the Sun illuminate from our hearts.
Collect the ashes and keep near, or use for power spells. Or save the ashes for the Summer Solstice.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this full detailed account of the traditions of my home. Are they similar to your own? Feel free to comment and share your story! Would love to hear it.
Sweet Winter Blessings!
Have a happy and festive Solstice!
Blessed Be
*Pictures sourced from Pinterest*
If you found this article to be helpful, please like, share, and/or follow!
Samhain is here again! A new year taking us forward. What does that mean for us witches? Time to pull out the spells and offerings!Getting the home ready with protection charms and decorations! Purifying our lives with cleansing vibrations! Creating glamour spells to spook the trick or treaters. And brewing delicious magickal concoctions of food and drinks! (That last part being my favorite) Speaking of which, let me share this year’s Samhain tea recipe that I’ve blended.
P.S.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Brew this in a pot of tea for several minutes. After steeping, stir the cinnamon stick several times, and add some delicious maple infused milk to the drink, till it’s good and creamy. Enjoy tonight as the trick or treaters come by! And believe in life and its fruitfulness.
Gently warm the cup of milk in a small saucepan. Once it begins to steam, add the tablespoons of Maple syrup. Be sure not to boil it! Simmer it momentarily, as you stir in the syrup till it blends. Take it off the heat and pour it into a small creamer container. Enjoy with your tea!Oh, how I look forward to this magickal blend later tonight. This tea is meant to engulf us with its courageous influence, as it brings love and joy to our hearts. Life and all its luxuriance. Its meant to sooth us, mend us, and open new paths.
SPELLS!
Now, let’s talk spells! Tonight the Moon is in its last quarter. That means it’s the perfect time to ward off negative energies. Protect the home. Release the past. And divination time!Let’s see, we shall begin with tradition. Samhain is thinning the veil; the worlds between the living and the dead are face to face. They come to us with prayers, messages, or curses. And it is for this reason that we either welcome them, or ward them.Here is a simple ghost blessing spell.
Ghost Blessing
Place offerings of milk and barley outside under the stars to ease the ghosts hunger and to prevent their mischief. The maple infused milk is perfect for honoring the ancestors. Apples can also be buried at crossroads as offerings for the Goddess, or spirits.
Ghost Home Barrier
Place three peeled cloves of garlic in a bowl, together with one handful of pure sea salt, and one handful of fresh rosemary leaves. Grind and mesh ingredients together. Sprinkle them to create a boundary line over which ghosts will not cross. If you so happen to wish to choose this night of all nights to reveal to a ghost its current state of death, well, here is a spell for that.
Grouchy Ghost Spell
Burn three parts wormwood to one part vervain when summoning the ghost who is suffering from a state of depression when they died. Or when they haven’t realized they are dead. Speak softly and gentle. Offer honey to sweeten the news, or offer a plate of food for comfort. Speak as you understand, and try to offer advice and help them see the promise of the other side. It won’t be easy, but you would have to be open with them in order for them to believe you. Trust, it is rewarding when they do.
LAST THOUGHTS
Well may your Samhain be blessed, and the spirits at rest. May the trick or treaters be kind. And the food as good as wine. Have fun! Be merry!
If you found this article helpful, please like, share, or follow!
Marks the Festival of Hecate. Day and Night of the Dark Mother. Of Earth and Sky. Keeper of the crossroads. Seer of the unknown. Queen of the witches. She speaks, and all remains silent for Her. For those that are guided by Her wisdom, honor Her on this day, her ascension from the underworld, with offerings of Earth, Heart, and Soul.
Interestingly enough, the days for this festival can be concluded by who traditionally worships Hecate. Most who honor Hecate, begin to honor her on August 13th. Which aligns with the dark moon, and the perseids meteor shower. This time symbolizes her descent into the underworld and the harvests of the earth.
Fun fact, August 13th was also worshipped for the festival of Diana. Where her followers celebrated her in the groves at Nemi. This festival lasted for up to a week of festivities, food, and dance.
Now, back to Hecate.
Both of these festivals were and are very similar. Especially considering that both Diana and Hecate are triple goddesses, some associate them as one deity. Like I do. Diana to me, is the maiden form, and Hecate is the crone form. Now, on this day, Hecate has had already descended into the underworld, and now begins to rise again to the heavens from her wise journey. And as the Full moon grows full, so will she claim herself as Queen again. With new knowledge and mysteries from the underworld. So, we invoke her and honor her, in hopes for her protection for the coming season, and for her new found wisdom.
How do we honor this Great and Ancient Goddess?
Personally, I honor each of her crossroads. I leave offerings of earth, sky, flame, and sea at each pathway, to open the doors for Her guidance. Her offerings include:
Eggs, Lavender, Honey, Garlic, Baked Goods
Incense, Candles, Daggers, Keys
Having your dog familiar by your side
These are just to name a few. But follow your heart of which offerings would be best for you to give.
I love to leave her lavender honey tea, and burn my special blend of incense for her.
P.S.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This is the blend I burn while invoking the Goddess Hecate. Add even portions of the ingredients shown, and/or add odd drops of the essential oils to the blend. Smells divine when burned, and uplifts the soul. While the smoke fills the air, call out to Hecate with your own heartfelt chant and await her guidance. If you decide to have your familiar close by, pay special attention to their reaction. Hecate always greets dogs, and reveals herself to them. Keep an eye out for signs, or listen soundly. Often, she comes in dreams in the dead of the night, and reveals her messages then.
I remember a time, when I was younger. Filled with wonder and adventure. With revived power and the desire to use it. I was constantly in motion. From the moment I could drive, I was on the road. Seeking wisdom and thrills, bundled together in youthful innocence. In that time, I honestly felt I had no home, and I was perfectly content to be one with the Air, in a whirlwind towards the unknowing.
It wasn’t until my twenty second year that I felt a stifling in my soul. To which I couldn’t understand why. Why was I feeling imprisoned, when I was free and roaming the land? Why did I feel lost, despite knowing where I was going? My power was waning, and I couldn’t fathom it. It wasn’t until mistakes were made, because of lack of sight, and no where to go to seek comfort, was when a vision came to me. It was nearing a Full Moon night. The pain in my heart ached, and in a pleading attempt, I called for the Moon’s aid. I asked Her to show me what was missing?
The answer was simple. I wasn’t wandering around aimlessly, or expressing my own freedom. The Great Moon had shown me that what I was really doing, was searching for my new home. It startled me at first. How could I be searching for a home, while I was living freely? While being my own person. The Moon answered.
Without purpose, there is no home to find. Without giving, there is no taking. And without balance, there is no power. Find where you belong, find where you are needed. That is your duty.
It was then, that it became clear to me. As witches, we live with the elements. Live by their example. We are born, with the flames of life in our souls. We flow through life, as water does. Travel like the wind, through land and fog. And then eventually, we sink our roots deep, to bloom and thrive. Just as the Earth shifted in place in time and in space, we too must shift to find our rightful home.
We must grow, travel, and seek the home that needs us, and that we deserve too. We must give our magick to help the land, and/or community. By giving, we will be gifted with magickal wonders. A witch’s purpose. A balance unlike anything else.
In the old days, villages had few and far in between, their own local “witch”. Who had set roots, and became the known healer, midwife, or adviser. Some had lived in these villages for generations, but most often the case was, that the witches moved in. Either through marriage, or travels. It was, I believe, a natural instinct within them, to move and travel to places where their power could thrive.
Just as our ancestors had done, we too must follow our instincts. It is our right and duty to search for fresh soil. To nurture our natural born power, at a home that calls to us. Even if that home eventually moves to another state, or country, if the call is heard, we must follow. Until our seeds are planted. Until our power feeds the land.
Honestly, the best song that comes to mind, is Simon and Garfunkel’s, America. Listen to it, and meditate. It’s inspiring.
The Tea Witch Blog 