Beltane - May 2019

Wild Goddess Magick

Witchology Magazine Fire magick 101

Modern

Handfasting

Honoring the

GREEN MAN

Beltane

Celebrating Fire and Fertility

Connecting with the Goddess

Artemis

HISTORY OF THE

MAYPOLE

May Day celebrations are a time to acknowledge the return of growth and the end of decline within the cycle of life.

Wild Goddess Magick

Witchology Magazine EDITORIAL Ambrosia Hawthorn, Editor Maya LeMaitre, Copy Editor

WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS Holly Charles, Deborah Mesdag, Stefanina Baker, K. Freeling, Miss Wondersmith, Monica Crosson, Mike Sexton, Nikki Walters, Nicole Dunn, Ailen Alma, Bridget Engels, Sarah Justice, Lightworker Astrology.

ART & PHOTOS Cover: Ambrosia Hawthorn Illustrations: Ambrosia Hawthorn stock.adobe.com All other photos are from free stock sources or from contributors.

SALES & SUBMISSIONS admin@wildgoddessmagick.com www.wildgoddessmagick.com/magazine/advertising

SOCIAL www.wildgoddessmagick.com www.instagram.com/witchologymag www.twitter.com/wgmagick www.facebook.com/witchologymag Copyright Š 2019 by Wild Goddess Magick.

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. Magazine is intended for ages 18 and up.

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The opinions expressed in our published works are those of the authors and do not reflect the opinions of Witchology Magazine or Wild Goddess Magick. Wild Goddess Magick assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

From The Editor These words herein are from me to you, each picture, thought, and quote we imbue.

This issue reflects the knowledge I have to share, use each spell, ritual, and work with care.

Welcome to a publication filled with equal parts wonder and magick!

This is our 12th issue of Witchology Magazine and I’m excited to share a little bit about what’s inside!

Within these pages, you’ll find what’s new in the witchy community, must-haves for Beltane, history and folklore, Tarot spread, fire magick, modern handfasting, sex magick, raising your vibrations with flower essences, working with the Fae, a New Moon meditation, working with deities, correspondences, delicious recipes, and a witchy directory! We have eight guest writers this month which I’m sure you’ll enjoy!

This Magazine is for all the witches and Wiccans out there. Please note, we cannot guarantee a spell or ritual but don’t give up on the magick within you.

Blessed be witches,

Ambrosia Hawthorn

Our Writers & Contributors Ambrosia Hawthorn Editor & Content Creator

Ambrosia is a writer, card slinger, and an eclectic witch. She found her practice at a young age and still balances being a witch and being discreet. She also has a witchcraft blog. Her goal is to provide modern content to every kind of witch! www.wildgoddessmagick.com @witchologymag @witchologymag @wgmagick admin@wildgoddessmagick.com

Holly Charles Tarot Spread Creator Holly is a modern day mystic, a holistic and Ayurvedic therapist, an eclectic witch, medium, and spiritual development specialist. She helps people on a spiritual path to find balance and restore harmony in order to become the truest and brightest version of themselves. www.hollysholistichealing.co.uk @holistic_holly @hollysholistichealing @holisticholly holistichollymoderndaymystic@gmail.com

Monica Crosson Here we go ‘Round the Maypole Writer Monica Crosson is a contributing writer for Llewellyn Worldwide and Faerie Magazine, weaving magick in beautiful Pacific Northwest Washington. She is the author of “The Magickal Family: Pagan Living in Harmony with Nature.”

Published by Llewellyn Worldwide. www.monicacrosson.com @monicacrosson @themagickalfamily @monicacrosson1 tangle-wood@hotmail.com

Nicole Dunn Beltane Wish Box Contributor

Nicole has been a practicing witch her entire life. She loves all things natural and believes in the ways of the universe. She owns and operates a shop online for all things witchy. www.etsy.com/shop/thewitcheshaven @thewitcheshaven @thewitcheshavenn @havenwitches mimstheword.91@gmail.com

Miss Wondersmith Subterranean Sensuality and Beltane Lollipops Recipe Contributor

Spreading wonder through writing about everyday magick to enhance our connections to ourselves, our community, and the glorious natural world of the Pacific Northwest. www.thewondersmith.com @misswondersmith @thewondersmith patreon: thewondersmith misswondersmith@gmail.com

Deborah Mesdag Vegan Honee Recipe Contributor Deborah is a kitchen witch, chef, and food blogger with a passion for sharing delicious gluten-free and vegan recipes for all occasions- from simple everyday fare to elaborate holiday feasts. www.vegankitchenmagick.com @vegankitchenmagick @vegankitchenmagick @vkitchenmagick vegankitchenmagick@gmail.com

Stefanina Baker Writer Stefanina is a psychic, Tarot reader, and eclectic witch based out of Wilmington, Delaware. She has been a practicing witch since she received her first Tarot deck at 13. She practices folk magick, enjoys performing fire rituals, and mixing potions and elixirs. www.readingsandrituals.com @readingsandrituals @readingsandrituals readingsandrituals@gmail.com

Nikki Walters Raise Your Vibration Writer

Nikki is a green witch, herbalist, and astrologer dedicated to re-enchanting people with plants and planets. She offers holistic services and wildcrafted products at her online magick and medicine shop. http://www.greenwitchgardens.com/ @greenwitchgardens @greenwitchgardens333 greenwitchgardens@live.com

Mike Sexton Contributor Mike is an eclectic solitary Wiccan practitioner with strong knowledge in kitchen and hedge witchery as well as crystals and many other areas. Mike has been practicing for many years and is also an author of On Your Wiccan Way: Learning to Build Your Wiccan Path www.mikesextonstudio.com/bitomagick.html @mike.sexton.547 @mwsstudio mwsexton77@gmail.com @artistmikes

Karla Freeling Ailen Alma Contributor How Beltane Sex Magic Can Help Us Grow Writer

Karla Pagan witch and a working mother in the witch Ailen is is aa devout writer, creator, and mystic.

She is also a heathen military. passiontraditions is to create oneancestors, of a kind florals and the system retracing Her the Norse of her dismantling crystals that pay homage to the Gods. through arcane practice, and unearthing the hoy and love present in the www.wiccanology.etsy.com @wiccanology world. wiccanology@yahoo.com ailenpomes@gmail.com @foxpriestess

Sarah Justice Recipe Contributor Sarah is the owner of The Tiny Cauldron, a metaphysical shop for oldworld magick ritual and altar items. She has been a practitioner for 14 years in hedge witchcraft and old-world magick. She is also a lover of all things nature and coffee. www.tinycauldron.com @tinycauldron @tinycauldron tinycauldron@gmail.com

Bridget Engels Meditation Contributor Bridget is the founder/leader of the Circle of Luna, in Seattle. She is a Wiccan, ritualist, artist, writer, and the author of The Oracle of Luna: Meditations with the Moon Goddess Volumes 1 and 2. www.bridgetenels.doodlekit.com @theoracleoflunamedmoongoddess @bridgetengels circleofluna@gmail.com

MAY & BELTANE

10 What’s New in the Witchy Community 11 May Magickal Workings 12 May Must-Haves 15 Beltane Tarot Spread 31 Interview with Chosen Eyes 60 Witchy Shops Directory

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ARTICLES & LORE 13 Preparing for Beltane 17 Origins of the Maypole 18 Here we go ‘Round the Maypole 24 Modern Handfasting 26 The Green Man 38 Raise your Vibration with the Flowers of Beltane 34 Working with the Fae 36 Connecting with the Goddess Artemis 37 Artemis New Moon Meditation 42 How Beltane Sex Magic can help us Grow 44 May Astrology Forecast

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CORRESPONDENCES

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14 41 47 48 49 51

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Beltane Goddess Artemis Herb: Hibiscus Crystal: Bloodstone Celtic Tree Lore: Willow The Flower Moon

MAGICK LEARNING

16 Fire Magick 101 19 Maypole Dance for Growth 21 Beltane Wish Box 23 Glamour Magick Spell

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FEASTING

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52 Beltane Oat Muffins 53 Hibiscus-clove Juice 53 Lavender Skullcap Lemonade 54 Subterranean Sensuality and Beltane Lollipops 58 Vegan Dandelion Honee 10

What’s New in the

Witchy Community

Want to know what’s happening in the Pagan community?

Well, we’ve searched high and low to bring you the latest products, books, and more.

Your Tarot Court: Read Any Deck With Confidence

By Ethony Dawn

The Witch’s Book of Mysteries

By Devin Hunter Devin Hunter, author of groundbreaking works The Witch's Book of Power and The Witch's Book of Spirits, makes a powerful statement on how you can deepen your Witch Power and further develop your relationships with familiars, guides, spirits, and gods. The Witch's Book of Mysteries invites you to embark on a pivotal journey designed to help break you free of the illusory cultural energies that hold you back from true magical vitality.

Released on May 8, 2019 on Amazon.

Your Tarot Court is designed with contemporary readers in mind—it discusses gender as a social construct, translates the royal hierarchy for a modern world, and more. Professional reader Ethony Dawn guides you through the court, offering techniques, spreads, and interpretations that make the cards more accessible and understandable. This enlightening guide helps improve your understanding of yourself and the people around you by removing the mysteries shrouding these noble figures.

Released on May 8, 2019 on Amazon.

Spells for a Magical Year: 100 Rituals and Enchantments for Prosperity, Power, and Fortune

By Sarah Bartlett Spells for a Magical Year reveals specially designed spells and rituals for all major dates to benefit you and your loved ones. Follow step-by-step instructions for performing the rituals, using talismans or amulets, and casting spells around New and Full Moons, solstices, and equinoxes. There is also a unique guide to bewitchments according to the apparent path of the sun through the sky to boost fertility, love, creativity, prosperity, and well-being.

Released on May 21, 2019 on Amazon.

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MAY MAGICKAL WORKINGS The month of May celebrates Beltane and the growth of the land.

Beltane is May 1st and is a celebration that falls

midway between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. It honors spring at its peak and the coming summer. Beltane is a good time to practice fertility magick in hopes of producing an abundant year ahead.

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Flower Crowns $48+ BloomDesignStudio

Tree of Life Pendants $50.00+ RavenscraftStore

Greenman Oak Man Mug $22.95 WitchyWomanWorkshop

Fairy Garden Maypole $13+ FairyElements

BELTANE Must-haves

Our favorites for this month!

God and Goddess $53.62 WoodgroveGifts Beltane Sabbat Incense Powder $14.99 FireFoxAlchemy

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Preparing For Beltane

By Ambrosia Hawthorn

Beltane is the third of the four great Celtic fire festivals of the year along with Imbolc, Lughnasadah, and Samhain.

The celebration of May was called Beltane. The root word, “bel� means bright and is associated with the Sun or light. This festival is a celebration of the return of life and fertility to a world that has passed through the winter season.

Beltane also marks the appearance of the Horned God, who is the rebirth of the solar God slain during the Wheel of the Year and is often associated with the Green Man. For your practice, rituals generally focus on fertility, prosperity, health, protection, purification, and growth as the summer season grows closer.

Need some Beltane inspiration? Beltane and the month May are the perfect times for picnics, visiting parks, mountainsides, riversides, and even just getting outdoors.

Blessed Beltane!

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B

eltane May

Focus: Abundance, creation, fertility, growth, love, psychic abilities, and sexuality.

Magickal Workings: Sacred fires, offerings, handfastings, protection, and working with the Fae. Deities: Aphrodite, Artemis, Astarte, Bona Dea, Danu, Diana, Flora, Freya,

Horae, Maia, Prosperina, Sarasvati, Venus, Apollo, Baldur, Belenos, Cernunnos, Horned God, Odin, Pan, Pluto, and Ra. Colors: Brown, green, pink, white, and yellow.

Herbs: Hibiscus, lemon, mint, mugwort, rose, violet, and woodruff.

Trees: Birch, hawthorn, and oak.

Crystals: Bloodstone, and emerald.

Metals: Copper and silver.

Animals: Bees, cow, dove, frog, rabbit.

Oils and Incense: Frankincense, jasmine, lemon, mint, pine, rose, woodruff, and ylang-ylang.

Symbols: Flowers, fires, and the maypole.

Beltane Tarot/Oracle Spread

By Holly Charles May is a time of power and fertility. It is a great time to assess and consider what in your life you want to give energy to and to ask what you can change for the better. Everything you do now will bring you closer to your goals- so finding clarity and setting intentions will serve you very well.

Here is a spread to help you tap into the fertile Beltane energy, to get clear on what is holding you back, and to help you pour your creativity and focus into what will help you move into the life you want. Pick as many cards as you like for each placement to clarify and help you find understanding For help developing your Tarot and Oracle skills, connect with me on social media. I have an online Tarot and Oracle school coming soon.

1) What should I be celebrating?

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2) What do I need to know to cultivate more love and romance in my life? (Whether single or in a relationship) 3) Elsewhere, am I focusing my energies and intentions in the right places?

4) Where should I focus my energies going forward, to connect with my passion and purpose?
 5) What do I need to release that may hinder my progress?
 6) What shifts do I need to make for improvements in all areas of my life?
 7) What seeds do I need to plant at this potent and fertile time?

2 4

3 5

6

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FIRE MAGICK 101 One of the most fascinating and sometimes terrifying elements to work within a ritual space is the element of fire.

When starting to work with fire, it is vital to know some basic information as well as learn about the necessary precautions to take to keep you and any other people in your ritual space safe.

A safe way to work with fire is to start with a simple bonfire. This can keep the fire contained in one place while still allowing for the burning of objects and herbs.

Candles can also replicate this type of simple, safe fire magick in the safety of your own home.

Writing down your intentions and then tossing them onto or in the fire is an excellent way of ridding yourself of bad habits or sending

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your intentions out into the sky.

When working with fire, always make sure to always keep a fire extinguisher or a bowl of water handy, and wear articles of clothing that are non-flammable.

Fire magick is generally associated with male energy and the Southern direction. It is also symbolized by the colors white, red, orange, and crimson, and the season of Summer.

One of the most common ways to involve fire in a ritual is by practicing the art of fire scrying. It is also one of the best methods for beginners to try as it only requires a flame and a quiet ritual area.

Scrying involves merely getting into a calm mindset and gazing into the flame. The way that the flame flickers has a

hypnotic effect, which can help focus intention and put you into a whole other headspace.

While scrying, try to choose a candle color (if using a candle) that relates to the intention of your practice - love, fertility, luck, etc. If practicing, purple, yellow, or white can be an excellent color to use.

Runes or symbols can also be carved into the wax, adding an additional element of power. http://wiccaliving.com/fire-element/ http://www.earthwitchery.com/scry.html

Origins of the Maypole Maypole began as a part of the Pagan May Day festival also known as Beltane in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Germanic European countries. The Maypole dance is a fertility rite meant to symbolize the union of the masculine and feminine and the renewing its life with the approach of summer. This festival culminated on May 1 with offerings of flowers and garlands to the Roman goddesses Flora and Maia, for whom the month of May is named.

The Maypole is traditionally a tall pole garlanded with greenery or flowers and often hung with ribbons that are woven into complex patterns by a group of dancers. The maypole may be built especially for this holiday or year round fixture in the community. Symbolically, the maypole represents a return of warmer weather and spring, and its shape was made mostly to allow for garlands to be hung from them during the maypole dance. Some other views on the maypole suggest that its shape could be a representation of a phallus, although that has never been historically proven.

The maypole dance, which is performed around the maypole, is usually performed by the performers each grasping ahold of one of the garlands that are strung from the top. The traditional Maypole dance is both a circular and a spiral dance. It involves alternation of male and female dancers who move in and out from the center to the outer circumference. Starting from as far back as the garlands can stretch, dancers generally take a few steps toward the maypole, followed by a few steps away from it.

They then weave themselves both over and under each other, essentially braiding the garlands from top to bottom. Music is also a large and essential part of these festivities.

The ritual of the maypole and the maypole dance has been found all across the globe. There are specific regional traditions in Malta, Germany, and Austria, as well as celebrations in the United States, Britain, Denmark, and Italy.

The maypole can also be found in popular culture. The horror film, The Wicker Man, uses the central maypole traditions and possible phallic origins as its central theme. Maypoles can also be found in the classic Disney movie Frozen, the television show Doctor Who, and the music video for Safety Dance by Men Without Hats.

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Here we go ‘Round the Maypole

By Monica Crosson

There is something about the maypole that, for me, conjures sweet, innocent images of my children, dressed in filmy fairy attire, clumsily weaving ribbons under a yellow sun. Our Beltane parties were never complete without one.

What I found interesting was the number of my mundane friends who were not aware of what this iconic symbol of spring symbolized. When I would explain that the maypole was a classic phallic symbol, representing the male organ literally being thrust into the Mother's fertile soil, the response sometimes bordered on horror. “Why are we letting our kids do this?� I usually didn't make it to the part where I told them that the red and white ribbons that were plaited intricately down the pole's shaft symbolized the mixing of female blood and male sperm. Why ruin a good party?

The maypole has a long history that goes all the 18

way back to the ancient Roman's celebration of the resurrection of Attis in a week-long festival known as Hilaria (Festival of Joy).

A pine was festooned with wool wrappings and violets. It was then ceremoniously paraded to the temple of Attis' mother/ consort, Cybele, where priests danced in frenzied, bloodletting circles around it.

As Roman legions moved and their culture spread, so did some of their customs.

Most prevalent in Germany and Britain, Hilaria's frenzied dances evolved into circular dances around a garland topped pole that we might find more familiar, today.

In 1644, the Puritans had the custom of the Maypole outlawed for its blatant display of sexuality. By 1660, the law was repealed and many villages set up permanent poles in their town centers. Some of these poles measured up to 90ft tall! It was during the 18thcentury that the interweaving of ribbons became a popular part of

the Maypole dance in both France and Italy. Soon, troupes of dancers were performing the Maypole dance all over Europe. It was even incorporated into some Physical Education programs in both England and the United States until the 1950s.

The Maypole almost died out in the 20th century, but thanks to the resurgence it has made a comeback. I loved our Beltane celebrations we held when my children were small.

Now that they're older we go to Camlann Village for their Renaissance Beltane celebrations. We dress up, pack a lunch and spend the day lost in time- For in Camlann, it is always 1376. We enjoy minstrels and dancing, candle making and archery. And after the May-Queen is chosen, she leads us in a Maypole dance to the playful sound of pipes, drums, and the hurdygurdy.

Believe me! The energy raised would make our ancestors proud!

M

aypole Dance for Growth

By Monica Crosson

Setting up a Maypole as part of your Beltane family or coven ritual is easier than you might

think. No need to go into the forest and cut down a tree, because this one is made from PVC pipe which makes it portable so that you can celebrate the Sabbat in a park, backyard or field, then safely store your Maypole for the next celebration.

You will need:

To make the Maypole- first, gently sand the PVC pipe and cap

sold in 10-foot lengths. You

Spray paint both the pole and the lid in whatever bright color

10ft long 1” PVC pipe (Pipe is can keep it that long or have the store trim it to the size you want)

1 1/4” PVC cap

Old weighted umbrella stand or

to remove the shiny surface and allow the paint to stick.

suits your family. Let dry. As part of the ritual for growth, have everyone involved in the Maypole ritual pick a color of ribbon that suits their intention. I have included some examples:

an old holiday tree stand

Green: work, luck, balance

Brightly colored spray paint

Pink: goodwill, friendship, peace, healing

(you'll have to weigh it down) Light-weight sandpaper

Colorful ribbons (10' x 1”) Hot glue

Hammer or mallet

Red: love, strength, courage

Light blue: opportunity, quests, tranquility Dark Blue: protection, change Yellow: harmony, creativity

Orange: success, encouragement, vitality White: truth, purity, justice Violet: self-improvement

Purple: psychic growth, wisdom, self-assurance

You will then take the ribbons and hot glue them into the top of the pole. If you have to layer them on top of each other, that’s fine. When you are finished tap the cap over the ribbons with a rubber

mallet or cover the cap with a dish-towel and gently hammer it onto the top of the pole- place in the umbrella stand. Now you are ready to perform your ritual.

Have everyone hold their ribbons. Focus on the color and its meaning. Imagine your intention growing and gaining strength- Finally, imagine it fully formed. Then say together: “Round the Maypole, we shall go a'dancing, During this time when all things grow,

We ask for the Lord and Lady's blessing, And to share with us all they know,

For as we weave these pretty ribbons,

The Magick intensifies three times three, As we circle-we shall will it,

Let the Magick hold- so mote it be!”

As you weave around, focus on your intent. Imagine your goal in full bloom. As you end tightly around the pole, everyone raises their hands and yell, “Blessed Be!” Note: When finished the cap can be easily removed and the ribbons replaced with other colors.

Beltane Wish Box

By The Witches Haven

The Month of May represents the height of spring as the Earth opens up and blooms, and the start of summer. The beginning of May marks a pagan holiday, Beltane. Beltane is the celebration of fertility, the union of the god and goddess, the Green Man and the May Queen. During this time, the May Queen has reached her fullness, and the king or the Green Man has fallen in love with her. This is the time that they consummate, and the May Queen gets pregnant. When she births, she births into existence flowers blossoming, bees buzzing, and of course warmer weather.

Henceforth, Beltane focuses on sexuality, sensuality, passion, and indefinite conception.

To celebrate Beltane, you can conceive an idea for a new project, celebrate a tree by decorating it, or plant some flowers, and do all things involving flowers!

What you will need: 1 small cardboard box Rose petals, or the flower of your choice Poppy seeds Paper Willow bark or an acorn An item that represents your dreams

Write your dream down on the paper while visualizing it. Decorate the box with a few symbols that you like. You can make it as beautiful as you’d like. Put the paper that you wrote the dreams on, and your acorn or bark in the box, and close it. Take the box outside and place it into a hole in the ground. Scatter your flowers, seeds, and pieces of the Earth on top of the box.

Then finish burying it completely. After you have buried it, say “Dreams that lay beneath the Earth, awaken now. Grow high, as my desires and reach up towards the sky. As I will it, so mote it be”.

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G

lamour Magick Spell

By Stefanina Baker

Now that spring is in full swing; it is time for glamor magic! Glamour Magick is a spell I use when I need to feel like a sexy goddess, or when I need a boost to my self-esteem.

You can either pour your own candle or decorate one you purchase.

What you will need: Pearl, gold, and pink glitter, (optional for

candle decorating) 3 rose quartz stones Dried lavender Dried rose petals Seashells (if you have

them not mandatory) 16oz or 8 oz ball jars for pouring candles into, or an 8 to 16 oz candle.

On your altar -Flowers, plate for the candle, crystals, and tealights

Arrange the rose quartz in a triangle around your candle. Put pinches of each herb in the candle. Not too much or it will catch fire. Lay seashells around the candle in a circle if you are using them.

Light your candles, and say: “Beauty grace and youth will abound, Peace and light will be found, As I focus on my candles and crystals,

I can see myself age backward, Younger and younger, I will be, Beautiful and desirable to all who see me, Like a Barbie, like a doll, like a goddess to them all, I’ll be, Eternally young and beautiful, so mote it be.”

A perfect place to do a spell like this is in front of your vanity, or mirror where you get ready and put on makeup often. That way anytime you stand in that space, you will be reminded of your glamour magick spell.

Modern Handfasting The symbolic pagan ritual of handfasting can be traced back centuries.

However, with the popularity of paganism in modern times, handfasting seems to be making a comeback.

Modern handfasting is found in many both traditional and nontraditional wedding and commitment ceremonies throughout the world.

Have you ever heard the term “tying the knot?”

This term directly relates to handfasting, as it is performed by literally binding the two participants together with a rope or cloth.

This cloth should be colorful, explicitly related to the couple, often combined two different colors during the ceremony.

Hands can be joined in one of two ways - either with the couple standing side by side or facing each other with their hands crossed.

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There are also multiple types of knots that are commonly used for a handfasting ceremony.

The fisherman’s knot is probably the most common. This type of knot is also known as the “true love” knot, which explains a lot of its popularity. It starts with two different overhand knots that are combined to form a figure eight. The fisherman’s knot is also known to tighten under pressure, as well as to get studier the wetter that it gets.

The god’s knot is another handfasting knot. It is the combination of three different colored cords (purple, white, and gold) that are braided together by the couple before being wound around their hands for the ceremony.

One of the oldest types of knots used is the trinity knot, which has been used in Celtic and

Irish handfasting ceremonies for centuries. This knot is also the most recognizable for its three-cornered shape.

One other knot commonly used is the infinity knot, which is a favorite of many pagans. The couple starts by crossing their arms in a figure eight or infinity formation. The officiant of the handfasting will then wind the cord around their arms three separate times.

Handfasting has also gained popularity due toIts prevalence in popculture. The ritual can be seen in the movie Braveheart, as well as the immensely popular television series Game of Thrones. It is a great way to bring an ancient twist to a modern ceremony. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Handfasting_(Neopaganism) https://www.thecelebrantdirectory.com/ blog/the-art-of-handfasting/

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The Green Man One of the most wellknown Pagan images is that of the Green Man. Although the face may vary depending on its use and the time period from which it originated, the story can be traced back as far as 400 AD. To qualify as a “Green Man,” the figure must be of a man’s face that appears out of some greenery or foliage (hence the origin of the name). The figures often vary from youthful, to middle-aged, to elderly.

Much of the time, the type of greenery changes depends on what is found in the region around the Green Man. While there isn’t one specific myth associated with him, it is commonly assumed that he was created to be a symbol of rebirth and growth (much as the seasons are constantly

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changing and renewing).

However, the Green Man is also commonly found on gravestones.

This is most likely because part of rebirth and growth is death and endings. Without them, rebirth would not be possible. The Green Man embraces these things as part of the natural cycle of life.

These images are often found with a skull instead of a fleshed out face.

As time progressed, the symbol began to be coopted by Christianity.

This made him into a less scary, more jovial figure, which muted the importance of what The Green Man originally represented. His image can still be found in historic churches all across the world.

Recently, The Green Man has become

somewhat of a symbol of counterculture movements as well.

There are festivals dedicated to him, including a recent Green Man theme at the popular festival, Burning Man. To summarize, the Green Man is a symbol of the cycle of life and embraces each phase birth, growth, and death.

This is the reason his image can be found with various ages, including representing the skull of death. Knowing the history and common usage is a great way to add this important pagan symbol to any ritual you may be planning and to harness his spirit successfully. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Green_Man https://www.newyorker.com/books/ page-turner/the-remarkablepersistence-of-the-green-man

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Raise your Vibration with the Flowers of Beltane

By Nikki Walters

May flowers bring soul medicine. While plants heal us on so many levels, it’s the flowers that connect with our subtle bodies, healing us energetically.

Opening the gate to the spellbinding world of flowers also opens the gateway to your most creative, magickal self.

Dr. Edward Bach, who was well-known for his work with flower remedies has said, “The action of these [flower] remedies is to raise our vibrations and open up our channels for the reception of the Spiritual Self; to flood our natures with the particular virtue we need, and wash out from us the fault that is causing harm.”

Beltane sweeps us into the sweetly-scented flowering season, but most plants only bloom for a few short weeks.

Making your flower 28

remedies, or essences are a wonderful way to hold on to the flowers’ ethereal energy because these simple formulations hold the imprint of the flower’s vibrational pattern. The entire process of making your own flower essences also gives you the perfect opportunity to connect with goddess energy. Here are some ideas for a Beltaneinspired flower essencemaking ritual:

Choose your Flowers Beltane is a time to connect with the realms of faeries, angels, and spirit guides who can lead you to the flowers that you may need or work best with. You can also let your intuition guide you to the right flowers, meditating on the vibrations you pick up on. A plant’s morphology and natural

habitat also give clues to its healing powers.

Alternatively, you can take a planned approach by seeking out one of the hundreds of books on flower essences. These books also contain information on the vibrational action and the type of person best suited for the flower. You can use whatever flowers are growing in your region, or you can consider some common flowers of May and Beltane such as these: Lilac Lilac’s enchanting fragrance often conjures nostalgia and precious memories. Feeling drawn to Lilac may indicate you’re clinging to lingering memories that are preventing you from moving forward. If you’re having a hard time letting go of something or someone, lilac essence gives you a push, allowing you to

new experiences and beginnings. It’s especially useful when overwhelmed by nostalgia.

Violets Violets are called on for matters of the heart, such as heartbreak, attachments, and self-love. Violet essence can help you to connect with your heart and feel confident in your self-expression and creativity.

Violet is especially helpful during times of personal transformation to invoke a calm, solid feeling.

Oak Flower Oak flower is for people who need help letting go of all the duties of the world. It’s for the warriors who take on so much that they push past the point of exhaustion. Oak flower essence nudges them into understanding that there is a breaking point, that it isn't worth it, and it is OK to rest.

Clematis Clematis is for the dreamers who have difficulty keeping their feet on the ground or for those who have no interest in their reality. Clematis has a grounding energy and is useful for creative types to bring their

creations into material form. It provides stability to bring dreams into reality.

Ground and Gather Before you head to the garden, take a moment to ground through the earth. Tune into your body and your senses, and focus on any parts of you that need healing. Clear your mind and communicate your intentions to the plant kingdom surrounding you, being open to any images or flower names that pop into your head. You may also want to say a prayer to Mother Earth or the May Queen. When you are ready to gather your flowers, snip them off at the base using a clean, sterile pair of shears, being careful not to touch the flowers with your hands, causing vibrational contamination.

Capture the Essence In a clear glass bowl of spring water, cover the top of the water with the flowers, using tweezers to place them on the water carefully. Leave the bowl in a sunny location for 3-4 hours, preferably near the location where you collected the flowers. During this infusion time, you can pray, meditate, or chant with your

Raise your Vibration with the Flowers of Beltane

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healing power of the flower. When your potion is ready, express your gratitude for the flower spirits and gently remove each flower from the bowl using the tweezers.

Pour the flower essence spring water into a clean glass jar and add equal parts brandy (or another type of alcohol). This bottle becomes the mother essence that you can make stock bottles from. To make a stock bottle, fill a 1ounce apothecary jar with half brandy and half spring water and add 6-9 drops of the mother essence to the bottle. Shake vigorously and mindfully.

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You can sing, dance, chant or recite a spell while shaking, increasing the potency of your formula. Whatever you choose to do, take time to connect with the flower essences and your intention for them.

Use your Flowers Flower essences are typically taken in 3-4 drop doses under the tongue, 3-4 times per day. They have no smell or taste and are safe for all ages. You can also use flower essences externally on your pulse points or chakra centers on the body. Another way you can take in the flowers’ vibrations, is by soaking in a bath with 3-4 drops of flower essence.

Raise your Vibration with the Flowers of Beltane

GETTING TO KNOW CHOSEN EYES Chosen Eyes wrote for us in our Ostara issue in March, 2019. She’s back and we’re getting to know her a bit more.

Welcome back to Witchology Magazine!

Let's begin by sharing about your practice.

Where and how did it begin?

my work is dedicated to transforming the negative image portrayed by Black magickal practitioners and normalizing our faces within the community.

My name is ChosenEyes, and I am a repository for information, connection, and change. I work as an educator, medium, doctor/health educator and much more. I began my journey as a child, as I have always been a psychicmedium. I started my professional journey (i.e., for profit) at the tender age of 14 in Atlanta, Georgia where I advised clients utilizing my mediumship and mirror practices. I later taught myself tarot with a deck gifted to me by my mother at about age 15. My first divinatory loves are mirrors and scrying. There’s an overwhelming sense of freedom when I scry, and I have been able to do so with a myriad of tools: fire, water bowls- which I shared in the Ostara issue, gems, and yes - even the air.

I wasn’t as vocal about my practices in the beginning for a few reasons. First, I was a teenager in the late 90’s early 2000’s, and social media hadn’t even been invented yet. As a young Black girl living in the American deep south, witchcraft isn’t very welcomed, especially in many traditional Black communities. The people I worked with most were friends of the family and referrals via word of mouth as it had to remain underground and “hush-hush” despite a strong historical magickal lineage, the stigma surrounding magick within the Black community at the time (and to some extent presently), was not positive. For this reason, a considerable part of

What a journey! Tell us about being a Medium and what it’s like.

As a medium, I act as a portal to hold space for parties on all sides of the veil to communicate.

Admittedly, I have found it humbling to fulfill this role as it has been both a blessing and a weight. Before I am anything else magically speaking, I am first and always a medium.

Holding space in this capacity has been beautifully taxing, and nothing truly prepares you for such an undertaking.

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information/knowledge: I hand out proverbial “condoms” and knowledge to minimize the spread of magickal disease. I thoroughly believe in free will, and my work is in no way aiming to take that from ANYONE! I only ask that practitioners of ALL levels arm themselves with as much knowledge as possible to make the best-informed decisions for themselves and their clients. I love working students of all ages interested in developing their spiritual/magickal talents and designing and teaching courses that aid in developing the next generation of practitioners. My Patreon creator page ThePupil seeks to do this by offering online teaching and community.

What are your go-to sources of inspiration and knowledge?

For inspiration, I spend time with what matters to me: family, good food, nature, good sci-fi. I get lost in my imagination and let it take me where it sees fit - it typically knows what I need.

For knowledge, I look to my elders and ancestors. My grandparents have always been my go-to’s for info and connection. I also LOVE old books, medical/historical scholarly periodicals, and older publications, so I look to them for some guidance. But generally speaking, I let the spirit move me where I’m needed and try to be a vessel.

Is there anything you want to share with the witchy community about your business in particular?

As a doctor, educator and seasoned magical practitioner it is my firm belief that magick is medicine and medicine is magick. I view myself as a magickal sex-ed professor and repository of 32

Where to find ChosenEyes www.ChosenEyes.com Patreon: ThePupil IG: @choseneyes9 Twitter: @choseneyes9 FB: @ChosenEyes

Top 5 Tools for Mediumship

By ChosenEyes

Black tourmaline Silence

Bay leaves Salt water Copal

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Working With The Fae

By Mike Sexton I love to learn about the Fae, all the different types ever since I had my first experience with them. It's interesting to learn their stories and myths from countries around the globe, and one thing that most of them have in common is the truth that the Fae are very little like what you see in Disney films or cartoons.

The Fae aren't to be trifled with and are a very proud race of beings. There was a time when most of what we consider ghost or poltergeist activities were attributed to the Fae and their displeasure with something we might have done. People took great care, even after Christianity was introduced into Europe and other lands, to not offend the Fae in any of their forms.

Often, if a child suddenly fell ill or looked unusual in some way, the parents thought that the child was a changeling. This was when the Fae were believed to take a healthy human child with them

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and leave a sickly child in its place. This was a way for parents to explain why their child was behaving strangely or wasn't quite right.

During this time of Beltane, we can communicate most efficiently with the Fae. The other time is Samhain. During these times, the veil between our realm and theirs is much thinner, and it makes it easier for us to contact them and vice-versa.

However, let me state that dealing with the Fae isn't something you want to attempt if you're new to your path. It takes a great deal of knowledge and experience under your belt to communicate with such beings because if you do something wrong, you could end up with a world of troubles. This includes inviting them into your circle for rituals and spell work and then not knowing how to let them return to their realm correctly.

If they're accidentally stuck here, they will make their displeasure known by causing accidents or fires. It's ok to offer them a proper offering at these times of the year and doing so with respect will cause them to have a much greater liking to you, but if you wish to work with them in any capacity, learn about their folklore and their myths; their likes and dislikes.

A few items that are safe to offer them are cakes, porridge with honey and butter, milk with honey, and all kinds of sweets.

They also like shiny objects such as gems, polished or painted rocks and beads, and coins. They would also appreciate a section of your garden as a place to get away from human interaction if you can leave a part of your yard untouched.

Things you don't ever want to offer to them are clothing, salt, anything with iron, or tomatoes.

Make sure to do your research.

The Fae can often be offended

when you say, "thank you" because it makes them feel like they're subservient in some way.

It's much easier to offend the Fae than it is to regain their confidence. If I'm doing gardening or trimming, I make sure to let them know why I'm doing this and that I have nothing but respect for nature. The important thing is to let them know that you care about nature, animals, and them. By giving them warning you’re going to do gardening work, it also provides them a bit of time to move themselves to a different area of the property without having to feel like they’re fleeing.

I've had excellent experiences with them. I made Fae houses for them to live in, I have a small Fae altar, I speak to them with respect, and do what I can to show them that they're welcomed. I think if you do your research and show them respect, the Fae will feel at ease around you so you can develop a great relationship together.

Working With The Fae

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Connecting with the Goddess Artemis The Greek Goddess Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt, is perhaps one of the most well-known female Grecian deities.

addition, there are many things associated directly with Artemis that should be invoked in sacred space.

Historically, Artemis was born to Zeus (considered the King of the Gods in Greek mythology) and Leto (one of the Titans).

She also has a twin brother who is just as equally well-known, Apollo. She is commonly seen as depicted carrying a bow and arrow.

The colors that are connected with the Goddess are silver and white. Use these when planning any colors for candles or clothing in your ritual. She also is associated with the gemstones of pearl, moonstone, and quartz crystal, as well as the metal silver. Wear these in some form while in sacred space. Artemis also is associated with the number 6, as well as menstrual blood. While males can work with and invoke her, women will find the closest and most powerful connections.

In addition to being known as the Goddess of the Hunt, Artemis is also the Goddess of the wilderness, wild animals, virginity (herself, a virgin), and childbirth.

She is also the protector of children, as well as having the power to both cause and cure diseases in women.

When working with Artemis in any ritual, knowing that history and her focuses are incredibly important. In 36

When making an offering to Artemis during a ritual, choose something that is associated with wild animals. Commonly used items may be honey cakes, bird seed, or other edible offerings that can

be left in the woods after you leave the area.

Invoking the Greek Goddess Artemis in your next ritual can help increase the power as well as the focus of your space. Making sure to bring her into your space in a respectful way, using objects that are associated with her, can only make that connection stronger.

Good luck and happy hunting! https://greekgodsandgoddesses.net/ goddesses/artemis/ http://sacredwicca.com/goddessartemis

Artemis New Moon Meditation

By Bridget Engels

Take a few deep breaths. Relax. Let go all your cares and concerns of the day and gently go within.

Feet on the ground and hands with palms facing up. Now close your eyes sister, for tonight we honor and embrace the Goddess of Self and the truth of our power.

In your mind’s eye, see yourself sitting in your sacred space with a silver candle lit on your table. It is peaceful and quiet. In a corner you see a mist rolling into the space.

It surrounds you so that there is nothing else to see. You blink your eyes a few times.

You are now standing deep in a dark forest at night. An owl coos a melancholy hoot-hoot that echoes off the ancient cypress and evergreen trees. Looking up, you notice a crescent moon rising in the east and a few twinkling stars appearing in the late summer sky. In front of you stands a circular white marble circular temple with open-air pillars all around it.

Your curiosity leads you towards this ancient white temple, and you now reach the front of the stairs. There is a young maiden wearing a flowing white dress seated on the steps. Her hair is dark black, and her luminous eyes intently stare at you.

She motions you with her hand to come towards her. You step towards her, and she stands up and turns toward a doorway and begins to walk in that direction through the

dimly lit temple. You follow the maiden in white as she leads you past the central brazier with its flickering flames creating shadows upon the temple pillars. She guides you through a small chamber and at the end is a doorway. She turns and looks at you and then opens this door.

An ancient forest opens up you on the other side of this door. These woods are teeming with more creatures and old trees than the first forest where the temple was. You see a group of deer leisurely grazing, a few black and white wolves, bears, and mountain lionssome lying in a calm circle around large boulders. They do not look up at you yet as your mouth drops in awe at this peaceful and beastly gathering.

A warm wind from the east blows through your hair and clothing as you adjust your cotton shawl over your shoulders. The Maiden has disappeared. You feel unsure of why you are here, and then you sense someone or something staring at you. You turn around.

A statuesque and regal woman stands near the edge of the large animal gathering. She is wearing a deep royal blue tunic and on top of her dark black flowing hair rests a glowing circle of moonstones and glittering diamonds with an inset of a large crescent moon in front. Ornate silver bands wrap around her tanned and muscular wrists and arms.

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She steps out of her chariot pulled by two massive-antlered stags, radiating strength and power through her sharp brown eyes.

She stealthily moves towards you with her shining silver bow and glittering arrows slung around her broad shoulders.

You are frozen in place. You notice that the beasts are gone and in their place stand thirteen maidens dressed in white flowing tunics wearing animal masks and antlers with vines in their headdresses. They begin to chant and move clockwise with arms entwined: “ Holy Maiden Huntress Artemis Artemis…

New Moon come to us….”

The magnificent Lady with her fierce eyes now speaks to you: “Sister- do not be afraid of me. I am Artemis; Mistress of the Hunt and I am ruled by no one. You have confusion in your mind and spirit. Is this why you seek me?”

She clicks her fingers together, and the circle of maidens stop their trancelike dancing and chanting to watch her.

“There is no better place than my realm; the wilderness to understand and embrace the unique person you are meant to be. Sister, I ask you: What does your soul long for? What are your life goals? What is stopping you from achieving these goals? There are many ways to hunt them down.”

shoulder pack. They glow in the dusky forest evening. Her starry head circlet also begins to glow. She now looks at you with seriousness. You feel unsure of your life in some ways and what path will move you forward. Your journey has been full of life’s trials thrown at you, waring you down. You lower your head and your mind feels foggy.

You feel Artemis’ hand on your shoulder.

“Visualize your wildest dreams and embrace them so that you can manifest them into your life and out into the world. You have so many gifts Sister, and you have the life force and potential to bring them to reality. Close your eyes and visualize your dreams, goals, and whisperings inside your wild soul….”

-----------------------------------------------------PAUSE here for a few minutes.

-----------------------------------------------------“Feel your goals gathering power inside your deepest womb. What will they feel like when you attain them? Feel this now. Now visualize and feel them as alive whirling energy orbs moving up into your heart center. Now slowly move those orbs up into your mind’s eye.

Hold these dreams and goals of yours in your mind a while longer. They are all alive and in your essence.”

Artemis comes closer to you now and hands you her mighty silver bow and arrows to you. She stands close behind you and supports you.

She reaches behind her back and pulls out her large silver bow and arrow from her 38

Artemis New Moon Meditation

You open your eyes and see the forest trees in the near distance are lit up here and there with an unusual glow. You see your images from your mind projected in front of a few tall cedar trees in the forest.

“Now take aim Sister. For my arrows are your arrows, and they will aim true. See them fly directly to your targets!”

You take Artemis's bow and arrow from her and squinting your eyes; you pull the string back, take aim and then release your first arrow at the nearest swirling visual goal in front of a tree. It whizzes through the forest like a silver bullet right into the center of your nearest visual target. You hear a "YEESSSS!!"

Artemis takes your shoulders proudly and smiles down at you. She hands you another and another silver arrow that you aim and send powerfully through the magical night air into each of your projected goals and dreams. You feel your victory! Artemis has been standing right behind you this whole time with her sacred support.

The Mistress of the Hunt now takes your arm, and you both walk back into the circle of dancing maidens who now have a bonfire in the center of their circle. Their masks and headdresses look otherworldly. The maidens bow to Artemis as she walks into the circle with you.

“It is your time to rise and spread your wings my divine Sister and BE the unique person that you are meant to be! You know what to

do- just set your inner course with your dreams and project them outwards.”

The black and white wolves, the deer and the mountain lions as well as the owl and several other creatures of the forest all gather around the circle and honor you. This is YOUR moment and your victory. Feel this special honor with yourself.

The Crescent New Moon hangs large and low in the night sky that is gently lighting up in the East. Artemis now turns and steps out of the circle and back into her chariot pulled by her giant stags.

You bow to Artemis and graciously thank her and the maidens and noble forest creatures who now pay homage to you for their magickal wisdom and power. You honor these wild ones and thank them for their precious lives in the cycle of nature that you are also a part of in the great web of life.

Your creature instincts are strong, and like a wild animal, you calmly look into their eyes and see yourself in them. Never hunt them; hunt down your dreams, and your visions like Artemis has shown you. If you can feel, visualize them strongly then you can achieve them through your own divine will.

You feel tired from your night in the forest with the Goddess Artemis and you feel the forest mist creeping on the ground and then enveloping you like a blanket. You take a few deep breaths in and out. Gently return to present time and place and open your eyes.

Hail Artemis and Blessed Be!

Artemis New Moon Meditation

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Goddess Artemis

Artemis, daughter of Zeus, is the Greek Goddess of hunting and the moon, reveals the physical

strength and self-reliance of women everywhere. As a symbol of her sovereignty, Artemis wore a crown shaped like the crescent moon upon her brow- this symbolizes animal horns. She is also often drawn wearing a short functional tunic. In Rome, Artemis’s equivalent is Diana, and was praised for her strength and athletic grace; her skill as a huntress was unsurpassed.

Hunting was especially important to humans at this time because they relied on meat as a main source of nourishment. Independent and wild, Diana chose to join her life with no man.

Instead, she lived unencumbered in the woods, her only companions a loyal band of nymphs and untamed animals.

Artemis is often associated with the New Moon.

This is the ideal time to call on her during rituals or spells.

Artemis’s story is a celebration of women’s

physical strengths and friendships. Call on her for independence, courage, confidence and physical strength.

Her association with the natural world and

wilderness, symbolizes her own untamed spirit.

She lends us courage when we need it most.

Symbols: Bow and arrow, deer, bears, hunting dogs, and birds.

How Beltane Sex Magic Can Help Us Grow

By Ailen Alma Jumping over bonfires, faery encounters, lush and flowering nature all around us, friends, dancing, drinks— these are the images you’ll typically evoke when you think of Beltane.

Also, sex.

The problem is that the kind of sex Beltane proposes is very different from what mainstream culture depicts. The cis- and hetero- version of this very primal act centers on the ego’s genitalia as the focal point, orgasm as the only goal, and scarcity as the model for our behavior.

This is a miniature replica of the limiting beliefs society has taught us: that there’s only so much love (money, growth, community) and that, if we don’t anxiously compete with each other, we’ll go without.

Even after coming to my own path as a witch, I bought into this mainstream version of what sex was. In fact, I still struggle with it at times.

Sometimes, I’ll still feel I have a certain ‘duty’ to orgasm or to please my partner when I don’t authentically feel like it. That there’s something wrong with me if I don’t.

It’s the same sort of weight-on-the-chest I get when I don’t challenge my own rooted scarcity ideas such as, ‘I don’t deserve this opportunity,’ ‘I need to be productive in order to be valuable,’ or ‘If what I make isn’t perfect it isn’t worth it.’

But we witches have nature to look to for healthier patterns that can help us defeat these limiting beliefs. And the wheel of the year is 42

exactly that- a pattern of cyclical expansion and contraction, of a balanced and wholesome relationship with the world around us.

Beltane- A Time for Love Traditionally, Beltane (also May Day or Walpurgis Night) is the beginning of summerthe time in which our ancestors saw life around them thrive. When vegetation grew taller, animals grew bigger, and the day grew longer.

Symbolically, Beltane is all about fertility, creation, and manifestation on the physical and spiritual levels. In my own tradition (and, as far as I know, in most of the other European cultures), this festival is ruled by the Lord and the Lady, Freyr and Freyja. They are the patrons of wealth, magick, and a good relationship with the land. The growth that they bring aligns with nature, with what’s best for our deeper selves and for all beings. It doesn’t respond solely to humans but includes all of the environment. Negative structuring beliefs won't limit it, but it grows to bring new, more organic structure to our lives.

Freyr and Freyja, deities of fertility, teach us sex magic: how to align ourselves with the expansive energies of the world to grow in that authentic, healthy way.

Sex Magick- I’ve got a Spell on You Contrary to popular belief, sex magic isn’t about getting someone to have sex with you. In fact, I believe the only hard-and-fast rule there is to sex magick (and, frankly, to sex in general) is the informed and enthusiastic consent of everyone involved.

Sex magic is about raising embodied energy for a purpose. In my own experience, the energy built isn’t just coming from you, but also from your environment. That’s why it’s essential to treat your surroundings not as something inanimate and separate from you, but as your ally, part of you. You need to understand that your essence is the essence of everything deeply.

The energy coursing through you is the world’s energy.

Sex magic is not about getting “perfect results.”

Rather, it’s a practice that nourishes your entire way of being in the world- everywhere, at all times, in everything you feel and do.

Here is a simple sex magick ritual I practice regularly. You can explore it on your own or with a partner, and it’ll help you become more present, increase your energy, and dive into the abundance to bring prosperity to your manifestations.

Cosmic Erotic Bath Ritual Start by setting aside some time for yourself, making sure you’re undisturbed. Have everything you need at hand: bathtub or shower, a crystal such as smoky or rose quartz or some sensual red jasper, herbs (I use damiana and rosemary, which clear and energize the lower energy centers) inside a thin fabric bag, and a lit candle to represent the traditional bonfire.

To set your intentions, write them on a piece of paper with red ink and take them into the bath with you. It can be anything from "I’m manifesting a life that frees me and brings me pleasure" to "I’m creating a new professional opportunity that uses my talents” or simply “I love myself, I love the world."

Take a deep breath and close the door to the bathroom. This is your space and time, and you are safe. Draw a warm bath or start the shower

and, if possible, lower the lights. Put on your favorite music- whatever makes you feel aliveand submerge the herbs in the water.

Now, concentrate on what your senses perceive.

Does your skin glisten in the water? How do the herbs smell? Sense the warmth of the water reaching inside of you, melting away what you no longer need, the dead leaves and branches that carried you through your winter. Touch your body in whatever way you want, focusing both on the moving hands and on the bits of skin that are getting friction.

Grab the herbs bag and gently scrub your body with it. Imagine becoming the plants you’re using. Imagine becoming the water. Envision golden light filling your body in a column that slowly rises from the soles of your feet to the crown of your head. Sink into sensation.

If you feel safe and comfortable and you want to orgasm, you can continue to touch your body in whatever way you prefer, breathing consciously and bringing your intention to the forefront of your mind. Those of us with a strong relationship to sound and the air element may want to repeat the intention out loud five times.

Be sensuous, whatever sensuous means to you.

Be fire, water, crystal, word. Be present. Become your pleasure. If you orgasm, make sure to visualize your intention clearly as if rising from your heart with the sexual energy you have concentrated. You deserve this.

As you continue to inhale and exhale deeply, feel the water slowly cooling. Stay in the bath for as long as you want.

You are everything you need. You are enough.

This is enough.

How Beltane Sex Magic Can Help Us Grow

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May Astrology Forecast

By Lightworker Astrology

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May Astrology Forecast

By Lightworker Astrology May brings Beltane in the Northern Hemisphere, Samhain in the Southern Hemisphere, a New Moon in Taurus, and a Full Moon in Scorpio.

On the 4th there is the New Moon in Taurus, helping you set a strong tone for your intentions.

Your instincts and emotions can be influenced by security and stability. Taurus will be pushing for structure and foundations.

On the 6th, Mercury will leave Aries and move into Taurus for 15 days until it transitions into Gemini on the 21st. Mercury represents the mind, communication styles, and messages. This means that there will be a slowdown as Mercury leaves action-oriented Aries for slow-stable Taurus. Then on the 21st, Mercury in Gemini will bring about more social time.

During May, there are three planets in retrograde- Jupiter, Pluto, and Saturn. While you

don’t feel these retrogrades as much as other planets like Mercury, Venus, and Mars, their motion will cause a slowing down effect. It's an excellent time for reflection.

On the 15th, Venus moves into Taurus and Mars into Cancer. With Venus in Taurus, it's time to slow down and focus on your values. You will want to feel more secure in your life with Venus, and usually, it’s through spending money and having physical objects around you that make you feel good.

For Mars in Cancer, your drive will be more centered around your loved ones. You’re less social during this transit as you spend more time at home or with your loved ones. Let your focus and need to nurture be present.

One the 18th there is the Full Moon in Scorpio.

This Full Moon is classically one of the most potent and powerful

of the year. This is because Scorpio is the sign synonymous with transformation and spiritual growth.

On the 20th we have the Sun moving into Gemini.

You will want to experience new things, learn, and your mind will be more active and curious. You may also adapt to situations more efficiently instead of being stubborn and stuck in your ways.

Gemini Season is all about communication, creativity, and selfexpression, and all of these endeavors are going to be supported.

Overall, this is a good time for you to check in with yourself and ensure that you are heading in the direction that you want to be.

Visit me for more on Astrology IG: @lightworkerastrology Patreon: @tiffanysosa

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Hibiscus Other names: Rose Mallow, Sour Tea. Plant family: Malvaceae.

Hibiscus is often utilized in attracting love or creating passion. Hibiscus is also used in divination and to enhance your psychic abilities. This flower is rich in healing and spiritual properties.

Magickal properties: Clairvoyance, divination, harmony, love, lust, peace, enhancing psychic abilities, growth, and dreams.

Hibiscus spp.

Magickal workings: Drink hibiscus tea to infuse its properties during your magical workings.

Blossoms are perfect for charms and love poppets. Hibiscus can also be incorporated in incense and oils.

Scent profile: Bitter and tart.

Actions: Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiparasitic, antiseptic, digestive, diuretic, refrigerant, sedative, stomachic and tonic.

Correspondences: Venus, Water.

Bloodstone Bloodstone, a green chalcedony flecked with red spots, has been used in ancient Babylon to overcome enemies and was used in ancient Egypt to open doors, break bonds and even cause stone walls to fall.

Magickal properties: Healing, luck, victory, courage, money, strength, power, legal matters, business, and invisibility.

Bloodstone is considered a Heliotrope and is classified as a Jasper or Chalcedony variety of Quartz. It is typically dark green with blood-like spots of Red Jasper or iron oxide inclusions.

Magickal workings: It has associations with blood and was frequently carried by soldiers to either avoid wounds or as a magical first aid. Bloodstone is used to increase circulation of the energy through the body and release blockages. The bloodstone which is worn lends

courage, calms fears and eliminates anger. It has long been used in spells designed to secure

victory in court and legal matters. Because it is green, it is utilized in wealth, money and business magick.

Correspondences: Mars, Fire.

C

eltic Tree Lore Willow - Saille

The Willow Celtic Moon April 15 - May 12 Latin: Salix caprea

Saille, pronounced sahl-yeh, and is associated with the Willow tree. The Willow gets its moon associations (another powerful symbol of psychic and intuitive energy) because of its

relationship to water. The Willow is often found near water, and when nourished it will grow rapidly. This symbol is representative of knowledge and spiritual growth.

This is a tree associated with healing and growth. A Willow planted near your home will help ward away danger, particularly the type that stems from natural disaster such

as flooding or storms. They offer protection, and are often found planted near cemeteries.

This month, work on rituals involving healing, growth of knowledge, nurturing and

women's mysteries. For healing magick, brew a cup of tea with willow bark. Willow

contains salicylic acid, a synthetic version of which is the primary pain-relief ingredient in Aspirin.

Magickal Properties: Healing and protection.

Magickal Workings: Enhancing psychic abilities, letting go, water magick, and release.

Symbolism: Water and healing.

APRIL’S MOON IS THE Flower MOON 50

lower Moon

F

May

Also referred to as the Dyad Moon, or Hare Moon. The energy this month is about fertility and growth. This is a time of conception and fertility and new growth.

Spring is a time of abundance, and May is a fiery month full of lust and passion.

Correspondences: Colors: Green, brown, and pink.

Gemstones: Emerald, malachite, amber, and carnelian.

Trees: Hawthorn.

Deities: Bast, Venus, Aphrodite, Maia, Diana, Artemis, Pan, Horned God. Herbs: Dittany of Crete, elder, mint, rose, mugwort, thyme, rose, broom, and yarrow.

Element: Fire.

During this Full Moon, work on spells and rituals related to building energy and trusting your intuition. It’s a good time to connect with the Fae and strengthen your connections with spiritual beings.

Beltane Oat Muffins This is the only oatmeal muffin recipe you’ll ever need because it is so adaptable. Easily substitute ingredients, add toppings, add raisins, nuts, berries. Adapt this recipe to your ritual, sabbat celebrations, or just for fun. Oats tie into the wheel of the year very nicely.

INGREDIENTS: 1 c milk (almond, soy or rice milk works great too) 1 c quick-cooking oats or 1 cup old-fashioned oats 1 egg (or 1/4 cup of mashed banana or 1 tablespoon flax seed mixed with 2-3 tablespoons of water) 1/4 c vegetable oil 1 c all-purpose flour 1/4 c white sugar 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp cinnamon

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DIRECTIONS:

- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease 12 muffin cups or line with paper muffin liners.

- In a small bowl, combine milk and oats. Soak for 15 minutes.

- In a separate bowl, beat together egg and oil; stir in oatmeal mixture. In a third bowl, sift together flour, cinnamon, sugar, baking soda and salt. Stir flour mixture into wet ingredients, just until combined. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups until cups are 2/3 full.

- Bake in preheated oven for 15-25 minutes or until a tooth pick inserted in center of muffin comes out clean.

*Remember to bake with intentions. Magick stars within the kitchen.

Hibiscus-Clove Juice

By Sarah Justice The Tiny Cauldron

The intention from herbs: sensuality, divination, prosperityperfect for Beltane.

INGREDIENTS: 1 c dried hibiscus flowers 2 1/2 c water 3 cloves 1/2 tsp cinnamon 3 Tbsp Honey (or sweetener of choice) Optional additions: 1 tsp damiana or 1/4 tsp of beetroot powder or juice from 1/2 an orange

Lavender Skullcap Lemonade

By Sarah Justice The Tiny Cauldron

DIRECTIONS:

- Combine dried hibiscus, water, cloves, and cinnamon into a small pot on medium heat until it starts to boil. As the juice boils and melds, it gets thicker. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. To thin out (if desired), add 1/4 cup water or when cooled, a splash of seltzer water.

- Strain and refrigerate or allow to sit at room temperature.

When reasonably cool, add ice. If you prefer it warm, add honey and enjoy. This makes one serving or two small servings.

*Be mindful to incorporate only food-grade herbs. The herbs you buy at grocery stores or online at reputable online sources like Mountain Rose Herbs, are foodgrade. Ensure you read the packages and ask the store owner if the herbs purchased are food-grade. When in doubt, do not include it.

DIRECTIONS:

- Combine herbs, and water, into a small pot on medium heat until it starts to boil. Reduce heat to low and gently simmer for 10-15 minutes. Don’t let the liquid boil.

- Strain and refrigerate or allow to sit at room temperature. When reasonably cool, add ice. If you prefer it warm, add honey and enjoy.

This makes one serving or two small servings.

INGREDIENTS: 1/4 c of lemon juice, or the squeezed juice of one lemon 2 1/2 c water 1 tsp skullcap 1 tsp of lavender Honey or sweetener to taste.

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SUBTERRANEAN SENSUALITY AND BELTANE LOLLIPOPS

By Miss Wondersmith

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SUBTERRANEAN SENSUALITY AND BELTANE LOLLIPOPS

By Miss Wondersmith Early May is a time of great celebration, from May Day to Beltane to other ancient spring festivities. It's when our region seems to hit peak fertility, with blooming flowers and trees blanketing the land in a magical explosion of life and beauty.

We gather around spring's first bonfires and watch the sunset as evenings lengthen and warm. It's a wonderful time to celebrate the beauty of our world, and one excellent way to do so is through the use of edible flowers.

In this article, I have highlighted a couple of specific floral flavors that I find particularly suitable for this time of year, plus an easy and gorgeous recipe for edible flower lollipops!

I know spring has truly arrived as soon as I see wild violets blooming in the forest. These shy and sensual flowers have been praised since ancient times for their sweet smell, delicate flavor, and healing properties. I like them because they are the

herald of the season, the gatekeepers of spring. And with spring comes a burst of energy: the beginning of the most fertile of seasons, when new life springs up everywhere.

How magical this time must have been for our hunter-gatherer ancestors, hungry from living off of preserved foods and bark.

How reassuring it must have been to see the wild violets in the woods and know that soon, very soon, the hunger would be gone and the bellies filled with nourishing delights.

These gorgeous little pockets of blue-purple (along with pansies, their domesticated cousins) are some of the first spring colors to grace our region each year and are a familiar sight to many.

Violets have been associated with love for many centuries, probably due in part to their heartshaped leaves. Both the leaves and the blossoms are edible. The leaves are soft and succulent and make an excellent addition to a wild greens salad, and

the flowers carry with them an intoxicating fragrance. That fragrance is yet another magical part of violets; the primary scent molecule that makes it (ionone) can only be picked up by our scent receptors for a small period. That means that we’re only able to smell that fantastic scent for a few moments before it fades into the background, then comes back out again later to surprise us with its beauty.

The common blue violet (Viola sororia) is native to most of North America and can be found in the woods, but it also makes its welcome appearance in lawns and along sidewalks in the city as well. Though the native violets here lack the strong aroma of their European cousin (Viola odorata), they do have a pleasant sweet scent of their own. There’s another side to them, though, that is not quite so familiar.

Did you know that violet plants have a second kind of flowers that grow hidden underground, yet still seed?

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These ghostly-white flowers exist entirely under the earth’s surface and are never exposed to pollinators or breezes but produce fertile seeds nonethe-less. They develop their seeds in the darkness and release them directly into the soil, where they then sprout into a new violet plant. These seeds are stunning, too - they’re iridescent and look like tiny pockets of pearls.

These ghostly flowers and their mesmerizing seeds are a backup plan for the violet plant. Violets keep their hidden seedproducers underground in case something were to decimate the rest of the plant. It’s almost as if these sweet and innocent flowers lead a secret life underground through their pearly appendages and subterranean sensuality.

“I know a bank where the wild thyme blows, where oxlips and the nodding violet grows” -A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare.

Vanilla, on the other hand, has a fleeting but exciting reproductive cycle. Each

flower opens up in the morning and closes late in the afternoon on the same day, giving it only one day of blooming. If it is not pollinated in that tiny time window, the flower is shed and no beans are produced. They are entirely dependent on pollinators like small bees and specific hummingbirds. Vanilla is also a very sensual flavor, having been used for centuries in everything from wedding cakes to body lotions. The little flecks of its bean pod are a mark of decadence and quality in sweet treats and make a lovely addition to these glowing golden lollipops, a celebration of the beautiful new light and smell of spring.

I believe that the foods we eat carry with them the magic they exhibit in their life cycles. These lollipops are not only gorgeous, filled with edible flowers and shimmering vanilla specks, they are also full of the secret sensuality of spring. Beltane (celebrated in early May) was a crossquarter celebration for many ancient spiritualities

SUBTERRANEAN SENSUALITY AND BELTANE LOLLIPOPS 56

and religions. It is a time to celebrate the peak of fertility and filled with flowers, bonfires, and general cavorting. I designed these lollipops in honor of the season. They shimmer with a warm orange hue like candlelight or rose gold, sparkle with edible gold luster, and showcase the floral beauty of edible spring flowers. They would also make a wonderful Mothers Day gift! Hibiscus tea gives these lollipops their lovely orange hue and a slightly tart flavor that balances out the sweetness of the other floral flavors.

It’s optional, but strongly recommended!

Subterranean Sensuality and Beltane Lollipops

By Miss Wondersmith

DIRECTIONS: - If you are using a lollipop mold, lightly grease it with cooking spray or a piece of paper towel with some oil on it. If not, you’ll need to create your mold: pour 2 1/2 cups of powdered sugar into a shallow baking pan and gently pat down. Create indentations in the size you want your lollipops to be with a round, flat-bottomed object like a small jar or cup. Set aside.

- Stir together the sugar, corn syrup, cream of tartar, and water in a small saucepan with a candy thermometer clipped to the side of the pan. Bring to a boil over high heat and continue to heat without stirring.

- When the mixture reaches 300F, remove the pan from heat. Do not overcook or the mixture will start to caramelize!

- Stir in the vanilla (be careful - it might sputter a bit). Wait for the mixture to stop bubbling.

- Using a metal spoon, drop the sugar mixture into the molds or powdered sugar indentations. Carefully place a flower face-down on the hot candy (I recommend using tweezers to avoid accidental burns.) Use the end of a lollipop stick to press it into the candy lightly. Then pour just a bit more hot candy over the top to encase it completely, covering the backside.

- Place a lollipops stick in the candy and turn a half turn to encase it.

- Allow the candy to harden, then remove from molds. If you’ve used the powdered sugar method, rinse off the excess sugar under a thin stream of water and then let air dry. If you’d like to add another layer of decadence to them, you can brush the backs of the lollipops with gold luster when they’re slightly tacky, then continue to dry them.

INGREDIENTS: 2 c sugar 2/3 c corn syrup 2/3 c strongly-brewed hibiscus tea 1/8 tsp cream of tartar 2 tsp vanilla paste or extract Fresh organic edible flowers, washed and patted dry lollipop sticks lollipop mold OR a pan filled with powdered sugar edible gold luster (optional)

As always, if you've enjoyed my writing and would like to support my goal of sharing wonder with others, please take a look at my Patreon page to learn more about getting involved or showing support!

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Vegan Dandelion Honee


By Deborah Mesdag

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Vegan Dandelion Honee

By Deborah Mesdag

Our yard has been full of dandelions, so my mom suggested we make dandelion “honee” for Beltane this year! It turned out great, so I wanted to show you how we made it.

INGREDIENTS FOR HONEE BASE: 800 g (4 c) vegan sugar 1,920 g (8 c) unsweetened apple juice INGREDIENTS FOR DANDELION BLEND: 4 c dried dandelion flower heads

DIRECTIONS:

- Pick dandelion flowers during the daylight while in full bloom.

- Soak the flowers in cold water for five minutes to allow time for any insects to exit.

- Remove the petals, then measure the petals only. Discard the center of the flower and the stem.

- To make the honey, bring 3 cups of unsweetened apple juice to a boil. Then take it off heat and add in the dandelion petals to soak for 1-2 hours.

- Strain the dandelion mixture through a cheesecloth and discard the solids.

- Place back on the stove on low and gradually add sugar while stirring until the sugar has dissolved.

- For a thicker honee, simmer on the stove on a low temperature until desired thickness.

Notes: *Store dandelion honee in the refrigerator. *Some choose to leave the flower heads intact, but this can add a bitter note to the honee. It's best to use only the petals and eliminate any green parts. *If you're concerned about who or what was tiptoeing through the dandelions before you picked them, the rinsing and boiling processes should eliminate any lingering bacteria. However, it's best to avoid patches of dandelions that may have been treated with chemicals. Many pesticides aren't eliminated by boiling.

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