My Imbolc Altar

This is my Family Altar. I thought this time round I would keep it nice and simple. In the background is the Kitchen Witch's Creed I printed out for my Mum. We haven't hung it up yet but given that Imbolc is for the Goddess Brighid and she is a Hearth Goddess, it seemed appropriate to place this with the altar. The altar itself is sitting right next to the stove top, another ode to the hearth aspect.

It has 2 white church pillar candles, a purple scented taper and a rose scented square pillar. I love the little rose one, I got it from Cheap As Chips (with two other scents) they often have a great range of candles there. I also decorated it with my little cauldron, a besom, a little dragon and 2 white roses from the Garden.

It's a very simple altar, but I think it captures the mood of the Sabbat. I like my decorations to be simple and easy, I'm not one for flashy or overdone.

I'm still piecing together my personal altar but hopefully it will be completed in time.

Imbolc Correspondences

(Candlemas * Brighid's Day * Festival of Light * Brigantia)

The time of celebrating the virgin & Maiden Goddess as she prepares for her union with the Sun God and to pay homage to the Mother Goddess for nurturing the young God as he continues to gain his strength
A time for purification & cleansing as we bid farewell to the Winter and welcome the coming warmth. We sweep away the dead season and light bonfires and candles to banish the darkness and welcome the light
This day marks the onset of Spring, the beginning of new life in the belly of the Earth
On this day we celebrate Brighid, Triple Goddess, Goddess of healing, poetry and The forge. Patron of smiths, healers and artisans
And so the Wheel turns

Gods Cernunnos, Eros, Herne, Osiris, Pan
Goddesses Aradia, Athena, Bast, Blaize, Brigid/Brighid, Ceres, Cerridwen, Demeter, Gaia, Hestia, Venus, Vesta
Colours Lavender, Light Green, Orange, Pink, Red, White, Yellow
Tools Besom, Bonfire, Brighid's Bed, Candles, Cauldron, Garden Tools, Priapic Wand Symbols Besom, Brighid's Cross, Candle, Corn Doll, Garden Tools, Lantern, Plough, Priapic Wand, White flowers Animals Burrowing animals, Ewes, Deer, Goats, Lambs
Herbs Angelica, Basil, Bay, Blackberry, Celandine, Chamomile, Coltsfoot, Rosemary
Feast Food Bread, Cakes, Dairy products, Seeds Feast Drink Blackberry tea, Chamomile tea, Milk, Spiced wine
Metals Brass, Gold, Iron
Incense & Oils Jasmine, Myrrh, Neroli Flowers Broom, Daffodils, Heather, Iris, Primrose, Snowdrop, Tansy Trees Evergreens, Willow
Gemstones Amethyst, Bloodstone, Garnet Onyx, Ruby, Turquoise
Altar Decorations Acorns, Brigid's Cross, Corn Doll, Daffodils, Lanterns, Sun symbols, White flowers
Rituals & Spells Awakening Rituals ~ Bride's Bed ~ Bonfires ~ Candle Magic ~ Cleansing Rituals (especially sweeping with the besom) ~ Fertility Magic ~ Consecration of agricultural tools ~ Healing Magic & preparation of remedies ~ Hearth & Home blessings ~ Home Fire (extinguish & relight) ~ Initiation Rituals ~ Place a besom at the front door to symbolise purification & cleansing ~ Plough Decorating

For Small Pagans & Wiccans
All activities obviously require adult supervision

Decorate a Candle with Spring leaves & flowers * Make a Priapic (acorn-tipped) wand * Prepare Bride's Bed * Use your Priapic Wand in the garden to awaken trees and plants from their Winter slumber * Weave a Cross of Brigid * Collect acorns, pinecones & one of the first Spring flower you see for your Altar * Write a poem about Spring, Brighid is Goddess of Poetry (& healing & the forge) * Pour some milk onto the earth as an offering to the earth Goddess and ask that the coming year brings you 'enough' * Make some paper snowflake garlands to decorate the home

Thanks to: http://www.crone-crafts.co.uk/imbolc.htm

Imbolc Ritual

A symbol of the season, such as a representation of a snow flake, a white flower, or perhaps some snow in a crystal container can be placed on the altar. An orange candle anointed with musk, cinnamon, frankincense or rosemary oil, unlit, should also be there. Snow can be melted and used for the water during the circle casting.

Arrange the altar, light the candles and censer, and cast the Circle of Stones.
Recite the Blessing Chant.
Invoke the Goddess and God.
Say such words as the following:

This is the time of the feast of torches,
when every lamp blazes and shines
to welcome the rebirth of the God.
I celebrate the Goddess,
I celebrate the God;
all Earth celebrates
Beneath its mantle of sleep.

Light the orange taper from the red candle on the altar (or at the Southern point of the circle). Slowly walk the circle clockwise, bearing the candle before you. Say these or similar words:
All the land is wrapped in winter.
The air is chilled and frost envelops the Earth.
But Lord of the Sun,
Horned One of animals and wild places,
unseen you have been reborn of the gracious Mother Goddess,
Lady of all fertility.
Hail Great God!
Hail and welcome!

Stop before the altar, holding aloft the candle. Gaze at its flame. Visualize your life blossoming with creativity, with renewed energy and strength.

If you need to look into the future or past, now is an ideal time. Works of magic, if necessary, may follow. Celebrate the Simple Feast. The circle is released.

http://www.ladyoftheearth.com/sabbats/sabbats.html

Imbolc Lore

It is traditional upon Imbolc, at sunset or just after ritual, to light every lamp in the house - if only for a few moments. Or, light candles in each room in honor of the Sun's rebirth. Alternately, light a kerosene lamp with a red chimney and place this in a prominent part of the home or in a window.
If snow lies on the ground outside, walk in it for a moment, recalling the warmth of summer. With your projective hand, trace an image of the Sun on the snow.
Foods appropriate to eat on this day include those from the dairy, since Imbolc marks the festival of calving. Sour cream dishes are fine. Spicy and full-bodied foods in honor of the Sun are equally attuned. Curries and all dishes made with peppers, onions, leeks, shallots, garlic or chives are appropriate. Spiced wines and dishes containing raisins - all foods symbolic of the Sun - are also traditional.

Beautiful Sunset

I have to say there is nothing more lovely than a good sunset and you can see why. I took this picture about 5:30pm as the sun was slowly disappearing over the horizon. It had this magical pink tinge to it that looked so wonderful and I just had to take a picture. This was taken to the south west, and the colours are just phenomenal. I love dusk, it's the best time of day!



Here are some gathering storm clouds in the east, they were coming in about the same time I was taking the picture of the sunset. As you can see, over the top of our shed, it was just beginning to darken. We've been have some wild rainy weather lately, it's fab, my foxgloves are starting to grow really well. The rain is the gardener's best friend!

My Yule Altar

I'm of the firm belief that Sabbat Altars don't need to be so serious and absolutely decorated to represent every little detail of a holiday. I take the more fun approach I have to admit. This year I chose to have a little fun and so as you can see above, I have one of those little troll toys to represent the magical creature aspect of Yule. I also added:

Pinecone
Chunk of Frankincense Resin
Chunk of Myrrh Resin
My Bast Statue
Yule Fairy Ring
My Bell
Myrrh incense stick
Bloodstone
Carnelian
Emerald
Shiny Gold Xmas ornament
A fun plastic holly/ivy pot I bought last year at Xmas
Metallic Silver, Red and Green Candle

I have to say I think it looks great, it represents what Yule means to me, wintery fun and excitement. I haven't done the family altar yet, I usually do that closer to the holiday. We live in a small country cottage so space is limited.

If you haven't created your Yule or Litha Altar (for our northern hemisphere counterparts), I would advise to have a little fun, after all, your altar should represent how you celebrate the holiday.

Here is my family Yule altar, in respect for tradition, I thought why not give it a Xmasy feel. I think it looks fun and fab and captures the mood of Yule!

Soft Mead

1 quart water, preferably spring water
1 cup honey
1 sliced lemon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg

Boil together all ingredients in a non-metallic pot. While boiling, scrape off the rising "scum" with a wooden spoon. When no more rises add the following:

pinch salt
juice of 1/2 lemon

Strain and cool. Drink in place of alcoholic mead or wine during the Simple Feast.

Eggnog

12 eggs - separated
1 cup sugar
2 cups bourbon
1 cup brandy
1/2 tsp salt
1 qt milk
1 pt heavy cream
(nutmeg)

Beat the yolks with the sugar. Add bourbon and brandy and chill. Beat the salt and egg whites until stiff. Stir the milk into the yolk/liquor mixture, fold in the egg whites and cream. Chill. Serve cold, optionally top with nutmeg.

Wassail

6 bottles ale
12 small apples
3 whole cloves
3 whole allspice
3 broken cardamom seeds
1 broken 3" cinnamon stick
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground nutmeg
2 cups sugar
1 fifth dry sherry (1 750 ml bottle)

Bake the apples at 350 for 20 minutes, or until tender. Tie the cloves, allspice, cinnamon, and cardamom into a cheesecloth bag, place it with 1 bottle of ale, the ginger and nutmeg, into a kettle and heat gently for 10 minutes. Remove the bag, pour in the rest of the ale, the sugar, and the sherry. Heat for 20 minutes. Pour into a large bowl and float the apples on top. Serve hot.

http://www.ladyoftheearth.com/recipes

Crescent Cakes

1 cup firmly ground almonds
1 1/4 cups flour
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
2 drops almond extract
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 egg yolk

Combine almonds, flour, sugar and extract until thoroughly mixed. With the hands, work in butter and egg yolk until well-blended. Chill dough. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Pinch off pieces of dough about the size of walnuts and shape into crescents. Place on greased sheets and bake for about 20 minutes. Serve during Simple Feast, especially at Esbats

http://www.ladyoftheearth.com/recipes

Yule Ritual

The altar is adorned with evergreens such as pine, rosemary, bay, juniper and cedar, and the same can be laid to mark the Circle of Stones. Dried leaves can also be placed on the altar.

The cauldron, resting on the altar on a heat-proof surface (or placed before it if too large), should be filled with ignitable spirit (alcohol), or a red candle can be placed within it. At outdoor rites, lay a fire within the cauldron to be lit during ritual.

Arrange the altar, light the candles and incense, and cast the Circle of Stones.
Recite the Blessing Chant.
Invoke the Goddess and God.
Stand before the cauldron and gaze within it. Say these or similar words:

I sorrow not,
though the world is wrapped in sleep.
I sorrow not,
though the icy winds blast.
I sorrow not,
though the snow falls hard and deep.
I sorrow not,
this too shall soon be past.

Ignite the cauldron (or candle),using long matches or a taper. As the flame(s)
leap up say:

I light this fire in Your honor,
Mother Goddess
You have created life from death;
warmth from cold;
The Sun lives once again;
the time of light is waxing.
Welcome,
ever-returning God of the Sun!
Hail Mother of All!

Circle the altar and cauldron slowly, clockwise, watching the flames. Say the
following chant for some time:

The wheel turns; the power burns.

Meditate upon the Sun, on the hidden energies lying dormant in winter, not only
in the Earth but within ourselves. Think of birth not as the start of life but
as its continuance. Welcome the return of the God. After a time cease and
stand once again before the altar and flaming caldron. Say:

Great God of the Sun,
I welcome Your return.
May You shine brightly upon the Goddess;
may You shine brightly upon the Earth,
scattering seeds and fertilizing the land.
All blessings upon You,
reborn One of the Sun!

Works of magick, if necessary, may follow. Celebrate the Simple Feast. The circle is released.

Yule Lore

One traditional Yuletide practice is the creation of a Yule tree. This can be a living, potted tree which can later be planter in the ground, or a cut one. The choice is yours.

Appropriate Pagan decorations are fun to make, from strings of dried rosebuds and cinnamon sticks (or popcorn and cranberries) for garlands, to bags of fragrant spices which are hung from boughs. Quartz crystals can be wrapped with shiny wire and suspended from sturdy branches to resemble icicles. Apples, oranges and lemons hanging from boughs are strikingly beautiful, natural decorations, and were customary in ancient times.

Many enjoy the custom of lighting the Yule log. This is a graphic representation of the rebirth of the God within the sacred fire of the Mother Goddess. If you choose to burn one, select a proper log (traditionally of oak or pine). Carve or chalk a figure of the Sun (such as a rayed disc) or the God (a horned circle or a figure of a man) upon it, with the Boline, and set it alight in the fireplace at dusk on Yule. As the log burns, visualize the Sun shining within it and think of the coming warmer days.

As to food, nuts, fruits such as apples and pears, cakes of caraways soaked in cider, and (for non-vegetarians) pork are traditional fare. Wassail, lambswool, hibiscus or ginger tea and fine drinks for the Simple Feast or Yule Meals.

From: http://www.ladyoftheearth.com/sabbats

Pagan symbols for Yule Tree

Holly berries and leaves, apples, winter birds, fairies, lights, snowflakes, candles, stags, suns, moons, gingerbreadmen, mistletoe, acorns, bayberry and cranberry garlands, wreaths, Winters, Santas, Mirrored Glass Globes to Amaterasu, Balls etched with Holly leaves,candles, wreaths and birds abound in the stores.

From: http://www.ladyoftheearth.com/sabbats

Yuletide

Yule is nearly upon us, I'm very excited about the Winter Soltice, or that may be I'm just plain excited it's winter (I may be a fire sign but summer is not my season), June brings to us the Sabbat of Yule, in the top end, this is Christmas, here down south it is the 21st June. I can't wait, I'm already picturing the pork roast I am going to cook and it's making me salivate. There will be potatoes and soup, golden rolls and pumpkin, egg nog (never had it before - should be interesting) and all manner of other wonderful wintery treats!

Garden Witch’s Herbal by Ellen Dugan

“Enrich your Craft—and your spirit—by working with the awesome energies of nature. In this follow-up to Garden Witchery, Ellen Dugan takes us further down the path of green magick, revealing the secret splendors of the plant kingdom.

From common herbs and flowers to enchanted shrubs and trees, Dugan digs up the magickal dirt on a wide variety of plant life. Encouraging Witches to think outside the window box, she shares ideas for incorporating your garden's bounty into spellwork, sabbat celebrations, and more. Tips for container gardening ensure that city Witches can get in on the green action, too.

This stimulating guide to green Witchery—featuring botanical illustrations of nearly fifty fascinating specimens—will inspire you to personalize your Craft and fortify your connection to the earth.”

I have just finished reading this fantastic book. I am a fan of Ellen Dugan; I find her writing interesting, fun and conversational. This book is quite possibly one of the best I have read on Garden Witchery, how to create a garden for magick and enjoyment. It is divided into sections called: Conjuring a Garden with Heart, Green Witchery in the City, Wildflowers and Witchery, Magick of the Hedgerows, The Magick and Folklore of Trees, Gothic Herbs and Forbidden Plants, Herbs and Plants of the Sabbats, Herbs of the Stars and Magicakl Herbalism.

Each chapter delves into the different areas of creating, maintaining and using a magickal garden, my favourite chapter was on the Magick and Folklore of Trees, it inspires a sense of wanting to create that perfect little outdoor sanctuary with the Oak, Ash and Thorn, a sacred circle to invite in the Fae folk. The section on forbidden plants was a fun and interesting read, it takes a look at the historical “Witch’s Plants” such as Hellebore, Black Nightshade, Belladonna and Yew, she doesn’t advocate using these plants by any stretch but it is an insight into the days of old when Witches were thought to use these herbs for baneful magicks. Perhaps the most helpful part was how to create a container garden and what plants are best used for this. Now I have to admit I have the luxury of living in the country so I have the space but it has inspired me to create some larger pot gardens to place around my yard.

I’m an avid Witchy Gardener, I like to grow things and it seems that quite often I have great success growing things – except for Basil, they keep dying on me. I think they are very fussy herbs, they either like it where you put them or don’t, but I have found that putting them in pots has a greater success. Oh well, maybe one day I will get lucky with Basil.

The Full Moon

The Full Moon is a powerful time, perhaps more so than any other time each month. It is a great time to perform rituals and spells and if you have been thinking about performing some magick, pull out those supplies and have at this full moon.

FULL MOON:

The full moon is the most powerful time to perform a spell or ritual. Your psychic powers are at their peak and you are at your most energetic time.

Magick to perform:
Invoking, Cleansing, consecrating, and charging, Blessings and protection, Healing, Gardening, Marriage, Fertility, pregnancy, and childbirth, Family matters, Developing intuition, awareness, and mental power, Divination and guidance in life decisions, Spiritual direction, Strength and safety, Manifestation, Psychic Power

Moon rises at sunset, sets at dawn; best effects between these times
Moon is 14-17 1/2 days after the new moon
Purpose: completion of a project
Pagan Holiday: Summer Solstice
Goddess Name: Sekhmet's Moon
Goddess Energy: fire goddesses
Offering: flowers
Theme: Power
Rune: Sowilo
Tarot Card: the Sun

Cute Little Witches

Last year at a town fair I bought the two cutest little Witch salt and pepper shakers. I can't bring myself to use them though, I sit them on top of my stereo where they bring cheer into my day. I have called them Ismelda and Griselda!

My Samhain Altar

It is nearly April 30th, time to celebrate Samhain. When putting together my altar, I realized this is my first time celebrating this Sabbat so I tried to keep things simple. To start with I added a pumpkin candle – I got them last year at Halloween because I thought they were really neat. I added a red, black and orange candle to the arrangement, as well as dried oak leaves, an owl and bat – 2 totem animals of Samhain, tarot cards and a pendulum to represent the veil between worlds, honouring divination as an aspect of this holiday.

I also added Obsidian, Onyx and Carnelian, gemstones for protection, clearing negativity and strength. Lastly I added a figurine of Bast, cats are another totem animal of Samhain, mostly because of the imagery given of a Witch and her cat, I think it is nice to honour that and celebrate the stereotype in a positive and personal way.

Below is the Family Altar. Even though my parents are not Pagan, they appreciate and respect my beliefs. Each Sabbat I cook a three course meal for my entire family, and this year my Stepfather read the Samhain invocation before we ate, it was really nice and meant a lot.

I decorated it with a white pillar candle, smaller red and black candles, a pumpkin candle (I love the symbolism of it), there was also my besom, a cat in a Witches Hat (again, another ode to the history of this holiday), there were Oak leaves, Myrrh incense, my Cauldron and a Crystal Ball. All in all I think it looks great and has a really natural symbolic feel to it.

Samhain Ritual

Samhain Ritual

This is designed for solitaries, but could be adapted for a group

Tools:
cauldron (if inside, make sure it's on a heat-proof surface)
paper/pen
black and orange candles
incense and charcoal in censer
veil
rune stones or Tarot
apples or pumpkin bread, wine

Cast the circle

Invocation to the God and Goddess

Great Goddess
Dark Mother
I invite you to my circle
to assist and protect me in my Samhain rite
Great God
God of the universal cycle of birth, death and rebirth
I invite you to my circle
to assist and protect me in my Samhain rite

Statement of intent:

On this night of Samhain
I mark your passing O Sun King
into the Land of the Young
I mark the passing of all who have gone before
and all who will go after
Gracious Goddess, Mother of us all
Teach me to know that in the time of the greatest darkness
there is greatest light

Scatter incense on the burning charcoal

Facing West, say:
Lord of Shadow
God of Life, and the Giver of Life
Open wide, I pray thee, the Gates
through which all must pass.
Let our dear ones who have gone before
Return this night to make merry with us.
And when our time comes, as it must,
O thou the Comforter, the Consoler, the Giver of Peace and Rest
We will enter thy realms gladly and unafraid;
For we know that when rested and refreshed among our dear ones
We will be reborn again by thy grace,
and the grace of the Great Mother.
Let it be in the same place and the same time as our beloved ones
And may we meet, and know, and remember and love them again.

Pull the veil over your face
Still facing west, say

Behold, the West is the Land of the Dead, to which many of my loved ones have
gone for rest and renewal.
On this night, I hold communion with them.
Spirits of the dead, you are welcome here tonight.

Begin spiraling widdershins to the center, taking three or four circuits to do
so. Those who come are truly welcome to my Festival. May they remain with me in
peace.

Time of communion with the dead
(set the veil aside when done)

On a small piece of paper, write some of the things you did since last Samhain
that you regret. Fold the paper, light it and set it to burning in the cauldron.

Say:
Wise Ones
Great Goddess, Powerful God
I create this fire to let go of the past
As the smoke rises, thus do my misfortunes and regrets of the past rise from
this place and disappear as the smoke disappears.
May the energies be reversed
From darkness, light!
From bane, good!
From death, birth!
So mote it be!

Meditate on the smoke until the paper is completely burned away.

Then light the black or orange candles, while thinking of those things you've
done in the past year that have brought you happiness.

Say:
These are the lights of my successes and happiness
May they shine on
and bring joy and hope to all my loved ones
May these lights guide spirits to the Summerlands
Where they will rest before being reborn.

Rune casting or tarot to scry into the coming year.

Wine and cakes

Close the circle

When finished, leave the candles in the windows and set any remaining food
outside for the spirits.

With thanks to http://www.ladyoftheearth.com/sabbats/sabbats.html

All Hallow's Eve Blessing

To those whose feet are stilled
And those who laugh with us no more
To you we say, our love was with you here
And goes with you hence
To that place where you rest and revel.

May the dark Lord and sweet Lady
Guide your feet along the rocky paths
To the place where all is fresh and green
And lover, friends and ancestors wait
With open arms to greet you.
Go in peace, and with our blessing
Be rested and return when the Lady deems it fit
With the countless turns of the Great Wheel
We shall miss you
We shall meet you again in the green places of Her domain.

With thanks to http://www.ladyoftheearth.com/sabbats/sabbats.html

Samhain Lore

It is traditional on Samhain night to leave a plate of food outside the home for the souls of the dead. A candle placed in the window guides them to the Lands of Eternal Summer, and burying apples in the hard-packed earth "feeds" the passed ones on their journey.

For food, beets, turnips, apples, corn, nuts, gingerbread, cider, mulled wines and pumpkin dishes are appropriate, as are meat dishes.

With thanks to: http://www.ladyoftheearth.com/sabbats/sabbats.html

My Altar

Above is a picture of my altar, as you can see I haven’t really paid any mind to the rules of setting up an altar. I do have the candles representing feminine and masculine in the right spot but otherwise I placed things where they suited me. Like my athame being in the south, I like it there, as well as my cauldron being in the North and my crystal ball right beside it. My little Dragon also sits to the North which I guess is proper, but my censer is in the centre, my bell is south west, I don’t have my chalice on there, nor my BOS, but I pretty much placed all the other stuff there. My besom lies beside my altar but as yet I haven’t decided where to put it. I don’t have an altar cloth, the Celtic Pentagram tile that everything is sitting on was a gift from my parents, handcrafted by my stepdad, so this makes it extra special.

My altar isn’t book perfect but I have to say it is a representation of me and my practices.

Creating An Altar

Creating An Altar

One of the most important tools you will have as a practicing Witch will be your altar. Setting one up can be confusing, especially if you don’t know what to put on one. The problem is, you could research until the cows come home and every site/book/person will have a different way of doing things. So let’ start with the basics.

An Altar Cloth – this is the base of your altar so to speak, the foundation on which everything else will sit. However it is not mandatory to have an altar cloth, it could be a lovely piece of wood, a flat surface that suits you – my altar has a handcrafted Celtic tile, this was made by my parents as a gift so it is very special to me. I do however have a black altar cloth on the wall above my altar, it has the cardinal points and glows in the dark.

Left Side for the Goddess:

White or Silver candle to represent the Goddess
A Statue of a Goddess if you intend to represent her that way
Your Chalice
Bowl of Water
Cauldron
Pentacle
Bell

Now I don’t think a person needs all of this on their left side. I am a Witch not Wiccan so I don’t represent the Goddess with a statue, but I do have a silver candle, this is to simply represent the feminine energy, likewise I have a gold candle to represent masculine energy.

Right Side for the God

Candle either Gold or Yellow
God Statue if you wish to represent him that way
Wand
Censor
Bowl of Salt
Athame
Boline

To represent the elements you could have:
Earth: Pentacle, Bowl of Salt, Stones, Plants, Flowers, Green Candle
Water: Bowl of Water, Seashell, Chalice with Wine, Blue Candle, Cauldron
Fire: Red Candle, Athame, Boline, Candle Snuffer
Air: Incense, Feather, Bell, Wand, Yellow Candle

Again, I don’t think you need every single thing to represent the Elements, I would suggest picking one item that suits you. Also make sure you have them in the right spot. North and South Hemisphere are opposite so Fire in NH is South but in the SH it is North.

In the centre you could also have your statues or Book of Shadows. My BOS lies underneath my altar on a shelf, there just isn’t that much room to put it since it is a three ring binder.

The best advice I can give for building an altar is have the basics to represent elements and so forth, but always personalize it. After all it will be a reflection of you and your own spiritual practices, you will be working with it and that is the most important thing – it has to be right for you.

Elemental Altars

An altar is a great way to pay tribute to the elements. You could have a single altar with items only devoted to the Elements, or if you have the space, you could have altars devoted to each of the elements in your home. I put together some Elemental Altars to give you an idea of what could be achieved, I didn’t buy anything new or special, I worked with what I had within my own ritual supplies. Once you know what to look for, it becomes surprisingly easy to put together.

AIR ALTAR

To represent Air I have chosen Incense, Crystal Ball and Tarot cards for the intuitive/divination aspect of Air, Lavender, an Air Herb, Feathers and candles in yellow, white and purple, colours associated with the element of Air and the gemstones Amethyst, Sodalite and Aventurine.

EARTH ALTAR

To represent Earth I have chosen a green candle, a cow figurine, oak and pine cones from the Earth, Salt, a Pentagram a symbol of earth, quartz crystal and a Venus of Willendorf statue to represent fertility.

FIRE ALTAR

For Fire I chose a lantern, Horus – the Egyptian God associated with Fire, Cacti – a fire plant, A Dragon, gemstones of Carnelian, Tiger’s Eye and Bloodstone, my wand and candles in the colours of red, yellow and gold. Also my claddagh ring which is made of gold – a metal associated with Fire.

WATER ALTAR

For Water I chose a bowl of water – the element in its purest form, a chalice, a Dolphin plaque – the majestic creatures of the deep, 2 oyster shells – these could also be used as offering bowls if one chose to, silver, blue and white candles, colours associated with Water and gemstones of amethyst, sodalite and aquamarine.

It is really quite easy to find small things to help represent the elements either on your personal altar, their own special altar or just around the home. For more info read the section on the Elements, it will help give you a basic understanding of the elements and provide a starting point to begin building your own elemental altars.

Water

The element of water is associated with the subconscious mind, intuition, and emotions. As the primal substance of life, it is symbolized by the womb and is related to fertility.

Direction - West
Astrological Signs - Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Rules - Emotions, feelings, love, courage, the unconscious mind, intuition, the womb, marriage, friendship,happiness, dreams, sleep, healing, menstruation, fertility, cleansing, purification, vision quests, self-healing, sorrow, reflection, psychic ability, oceans, rivers, lakes, rain, springs and wells
Types of Magick - Magick involving the sea, snow or ice, mirror, magnet, rain, cleansing and purification
Colors - Blue, blue-green, green, gray, indigo, aquamarine, white
Season - Autumn
Magickal Tools - Chalice, cauldron, mirrors
Time - Twilight, dusk
Energy - Receptive, feminine
Gemstones - Aquamarine, amethyst, blue tourmaline, pearl, coral, blue topaz, blue flourite, lapis lazuli, sodalite
Metals - Mercury, silver, copper
Plants - Aloe, apple, catnip, chamomile, ferns, gardneia, lemon, lettuce, lilac, lily of the valley, lotus, mosses, orris, passion flower, rose, seaweeds, thyme, valerian, water lillies, all water plants, willow tree
Animals - All fish, shellfish and sea mammals, serpents, sea birds, cat, frog, turtle, swan, bear
Goddesses - Aphrodite, Isis, Mariamne, Mari, Tiamat, Yemaya, Ran, Kupala
Gods - Dylan, Ea, Manannan, Osiris, Neptune, Poseidon, Varuna
Goddess Aspect - Mother
Elemental - undine

This information was taken many years ago from Branwen's cauldron I believe. I think the site is still going in the form of a forum: http://www.branwenscauldron.org/

Fire

The element of fire is associated with change and passion. It is both physical and spiritual, being related to sexuality and to divinity. Fire magick is quickly manifested and filled with primal energy.

Direction - South
Astrological Signs - Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Rules - Energy, sexuality, passions, love, authority, transformation, purification, candle flames, sun, blood, healing, destruction, will, creativity, flame, heat, bonfires, hearth fires, protection, courage, strength, phsyical exercise, self-knowledge, loyalty, vision, illumination, power
Types of Magick - Candle, storm, time
Colors - Red, gold, crimson, orange, white
Season - Summer
Magickal Tools - Wand, candles, dagger, burned herbs or requests on paper
Time - Noon
Energy - Projective, masculine
Gemstones - Red jasper, bloodstone, garnet, lava, quartz crystals, ruby, carnelian, tigers eye, rhodochrosite, agates
Metals - Gold, brass
Plants - Allspice, basil, cacti, chile peppers, cinnamon, garlic, heliotrope, hibiscus, juniper, lime, mustard, nettle, onion, orange, red peppers, red poppies, thistle, almond tree
Animals - Lions, lizards, salamander, snakes, praying mantis, ladybug, bee, scorpion, shark, phoenix, coyote, fox
Goddesses - Brigit, Freya, Hestia, Pele, Vesta
Gods - Vulcan, Ra, Agni, Hepaetstus, Horus
Goddess Aspect: Temptress
Elemental: Salamanders

This information was taken many years ago from Branwen's cauldron I believe. I think the site is still going in the form of a forum: http://www.branwenscauldron.org/

Earth

Earth is the element that is most stable and dependable. It represents abundance, prosperity, and wealth, and is creative but in a practical, physical manner.
Earth is that which sustains all life and on which the other elements rest.

Direction - North
Astrological Signs - Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
Rules - The body, growth, money, creativity, birth, death, material gain, fertility, birth, healing, rocks, trees, animals, manifestation, materialization, crystals, silence, metal, empathy, grounding, employment, stability, success, runes, strength, practical wisdom, mystery
Types of Magick - Gardening, grounding, magnet, image, stone, tree, knot, binding
Colors - Black, brown, green, gold, white
Season - Winter
Magickal Tools - Pentacle, salt, images, stones, cord magick
Time - Midnight, night
Energy - Receptive, feminine
Gemstones - Rock crystal, emeralds, peridot, onyx, jasper, azurite, amethyst, royal azute, tourmaline,tourmalanted quartz, rutilated quartz
Metals - Iron, lead
Plants - Cedar, cypress, comfrey, honeysuckle, ivy, grains, magnolia, patchouli, primrose, sage, vetivert, nuts, oak
Animals - Cow or bull, bison, stag, dog, horse, gopher, ant, bears, wolf
Goddesses - Ceres, Cerridwyn, Demeter, Gaia, Persephone, Epona, Kore, Mah, Prithivi, Rhea, Rhiannon
Gods - Adonis, Athos, Arawn, Cernunnos, Dionysus, Herne, Marduk, Pan, Tammuz, Thor
Goddess Aspect: Crone
Elemental: Gnomes

This information was taken many years ago from Branwen's cauldron I believe. I think the site is still going in the form of a forum: http://www.branwenscauldron.org/

Air

The element of air is associated with mental processes and the mind. It is creative and is that which causes magickal intentions to become manifest. It is also associated with higher consciousness and wisdom, divination, and purification.

Direction - East
Astrological Signs - Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
Rules - Mind, mental and psychic work, intuition, knowledge, abstrat thought, wind, breath, clouds, inspiration, hearing, herbal knowledge, plant growth, purification, freedom, revealing truth, finding lost things, instruction, telepathy, memory, learning the secrets of the dead, zen meditation, new beginnings, illuminations
Types of Magick - Divination, concentration, prophecy, visualization, wind magick, karma
Colors - White, yellow, light blue, lavender, gray
Season - Spring
Magickal Tools - Athame, sword, censer, incense
Time - Dawn
Energy - Projective
Gemstones - Aventurine, topaz, mica, flourite, crystals, amethyst, yellow or blue stones
Metals - Tin, copper
Plants - Acacia, anise, aspen, benzoin, clover, dill, frankincense, lavender, lemongrass, myrrh, pine, primrose, vervain, violet, yarrow
Animals - Birds, insects, spiders
Goddesses - Aradia, Arianrhod, Athena, Nuit, Urania
Gods -Mercury, Hermes, Shu, Thoth
Goddess Aspect : Maiden
Elemental: Sylphs

This information was taken many years ago from Branwen's cauldron I believe. I think the site is still going in the form of a forum: www.branwenscauldron.org

Initiation Altar

Recently I completed my initiation into the Firefly Outer Circle of the Council of Elders. It was a wonderful and deeply personal experience and I don’t think I can really put in to words how it felt and what it meant to do this. I felt such a sense of accomplishment that all of my hard work had paid off, and I was truly committed to walking this path, alone and with Firefly, to learn and grow and become.

I thought I would post a picture of my altar, how it was set up for my half of the initiation.

There is a candle for each cardinal point or element, and at the centre is a purple candle for spirit. As you can see there is a pentagram on the tile, this is the top of my altar, I took everything else off to perform this ritual. There was a candle for the Goddess (silver) and God (gold) also but since I am not a Witch who worships Deity, they were there more for the symbolism and the representation of balance.

The Blue Moon

What is a Blue Moon? It is the second Full Moon in one month; a rare occurrence and a time to perform magick that needs a little power boost to make it happen faster.

At the end of March I decided to do something I haven’t done before – celebrate the Full Moon in all her glory, this one was extra special because it was a Blue Moon. I decided to cast a couple of spells but I will be keeping mum on those, however just before midnight I lit a white candle anointed with Lunar oil and lit some Moon incense. There was a slight breeze that night here too and I think there is nothing more powerful than standing in a breeze and letting the air wash over you, I find it can be quite profound. I always feel incredibly energized afterwards.

I felt very sure of myself that night, like I finally really connected with the power of the Moon. I think from now on I will take the time to pay homage to the Full Moon, even if it is just lighting a candle and some incense.

My Initiation

About 2 years ago I joined an online school called The Firefly Academy; it’s a Wicca/Witchcraft school with a fantastic range of courses and a wonderful teaching staff. After doing the prerequisite courses I qualified to be initiated into the Outer Circle of Firefly as a Priestess.

I chose the name Nephthys Darkmoon as my magical and priestess name because I had received it. One night in bed this name kept going through my mind and it felt right, it felt like it was meant to be me, meant to be mine. Nephthys is the Egyptian Goddess of divination, hidden knowledge and dreams, and I have always been fascinated with her, so much so I have part of her name in my business. Darkmoon is the phase of the moon I like best, going outside and seeing a clear sky full of stars is just fantastic!

On March 26th I performed my initiation and it was an incredible experience, it felt amazing to honour those who had taught me and it felt amazing to have achieved something so wonderful. Now I look forward to the path ahead with Firefly and my own spirituality as Lady Nephthys Darkmoon.


(If you are at all interested in checking out the Firefly Academy go to: http://online.fireflyacademy.org/)

Mabon 2010

Well this was the first Sabbat I have ever celebrated and so I tried my hardest to make it special, one I would remember. I wasn’t sure how to go about it, but it all worked out well and it was extra special because my birthday is just a few days after Mabon.

A few days before I set up my own personal altar, it was my first so it was kind of basic, I used 3 candles – red, yellow and orange, oak leaves, pine cones, herb mix, potato vine, gemstones (Smokey Quartz, Amethyst, Aventurine, Clear Quartz) sage incense stick and an owl totem. I loved the way it looked though, ultimately it represented how I approach my craft, simple yet interesting.

I also set up a Family Altar on the kitchen bench near to where I was cooking; the Altar was on a simple green cane placemat decorated with a white pillar candle, three smaller candles – again red, orange and yellow, pine cones, oak, sage incense and a bowl of acorns and tomatoes from our yard to represent the harvest.

I made a 3 course dinner for my family, Pumpkin Soup with cornbread (interesting experience making cornbread), Roast Pork with Garlic & Rosemary potatoes and Pumpkin with brown butter and nutmeg, dessert was Apple Crumble with custard. It all went very well and tasted fabulous! Before dinner I also read a wonderful Mabon invocation to my parents.

After dinner I lit my candles and incense and let them burn away, finally before midnight I took a small portion of cornbread and gave it to the earth, a thanks to Gaia for all that had come so far this season and thanks for all that was to come.

All in all not bad for my first Sabbat celebration!

Welcome to the Cottage

My name is Nephthys Darkmoon. I first came to Witchcraft at the age of 13 after seeing the movie “The Craft” (yes I know, terribly clichéd) but it resonated with me on a deep level and I felt a connection to that path. Since that time I have slowly learned all I can, trying different methods, different paths and different ideas. I could never quite take to any of the traditions nor did I feel Wicca was for me. Before I became a Witch, I was an Atheist and to that end I feel as though part of that choice is still with me. I have chosen to continue on my spiritual path and eventually I found that Witchcraft suit me, I felt comfortable there. I would call myself a Solitary Eclectic Witch with a strong interest in Green Witchcraft and Dragon Magick.

I love to garden, to grow beautiful flowers and herbs. I am a fan of Fae Folk and as such have started creating a Faery Garden aptly named “Faery Hollow”. I would like to explore Faery Magick and Green Magick more, I feel like there is a path for me to follow but as yet I have not committed myself to the call. I often wander about what it means to be a Witch, how it is simply a part of who I am, it doesn’t define me but it is a part of my life that is as essential as breathing, as eating, as living. It is who I am but not all that I am.