Samhain - October 2020

Wild Goddess Magick

Witchology Magazine SAMHAIN FOR FAMILIES

Understanding Shadows and Ouija Boards Working with

Mugwort & Obsidian

Samhain

Astrology & The Darker Side of Venus CONJURING THE WITCH CONSCIOUSNESS

Cover by Sami Mettler @shearlysamantha

Samhain—(sow-in or sah-win) This sabbat represents the last harvest, the end of summer, and the beginning of the witch’s New Year. Samhain is usually celebrated on October 31st in the northern hemisphere and April 30th in the southern hemisphere. Samhain occurs when the veil between worlds is at its thinnest, allowing the dead and the fae (nature spirits, like fairies, elves, and goblins) to enter our realm. It also coincides with Halloween. On Samhain, honor spirits, contact your ancestors, or celebrate life and death.

EDITORIAL

Ambrosia Hawthorn, Editor-in-Chief Sarah Justice, Co-Editor Louisa Blackthorn, Acquisitions Editor Meg Rosenbriar, Acquisitions Editor Christie O’Regan, Acquisitions Editor

ART & PHOTOS

Cover: Maggie Lloyd by photographer Aubrey Holland All other photos are from stock.adobe.com, free stock sources, or from contributors.

SUBMISSIONS

ambrosia@witchologymagazine.com sarah@witcologymagazine.com www.witchologymagazine.com/submissionsads/

SOCIAL

www.witchologymagazine.com www.instagram.com/witchologymag www.twitter.com/wgmagick www.facebook.com/witchologymag Copyright © 2020 by Wild Goddess Magick.

All rights reserved. This magazine 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.

Witchology Magazine assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

So please note, we cannot guarantee any outcomes from the content of this magazine, but please don't give up on the magick within you!

Wild Goddess Magick

Witchology Magazine

Welcome!

Welcome to our 29th issue of Witchology Magazine!

A small independent digital publication created in 2018. It’s been quite the journey and transformation but it won’t end here. Witchology has a very bright future so make sure to stay tuned! There won’t be a November issue this year as we make preparations for a relaunch for Yule with shiny new features and a fresh new look!

You can now look forward to bigger and better things this Yule for Witchology Magazine!

In the spirit of the third harvest, it’s my hope that you’ll find something in this issue that will truly elevate your practice.

Blessed be witches,

Ambrosia Hawthorn @wildgoddessmagick

Cover by Sami Mettler @shearlysamantha

Our Witchy Team 1

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1. Sarah Justice @tinycauldron Tinycauldron.com Co-Editor, writer, shop owner

4. Katiee McKinstry @rosecafletic lifestartswithcoffee.com Writer, witch

8. Hazel @hex_tarot Hextarot.bigcartel.com Witch, and professional tarot and palm reader

2. Karla Michelle Freeling @spellboundarrangements SpelboundArangements.etsy.com Mother in the military, Pagan, shop owner

5. Ellen Evert Hopman Herbalist, published author Elleneverthopman.com Tribeoftheoak.com

9. Frances Billinghurst @francesbillinghurst templedarkmoon.com Published author, witch, devotional beader

6. Wren Le Fey @the_cemetery_witch @oak_and_bramble Witch, writer, nature lover

10. Gillian Pegg @gillianmoragivy @pegggillian Witch, writer

3. Vivacia Ahwen @sheraprincess Msvivacia.wordpress.com Witch, astrologer, romance author, artist

7. Chris Allaun @astreataylor Astreataylor.com Published author, witch blogger, fire dancer 5

OCTOBER 7 Witchy New Releases 8 Shop Feature: The Witch’s Diary Shop 10 October Magickal Workings 11 October 2020 Astrology Gather the Witches Event 32 The Power of Hex Feature 50 Witchology Sneak Peek 48 Witchy Shops Directory

ARTICLES & LORE

16 Samhain on the Cemetery 24 The Darker Side of Venus 29 Honoring our Familiars in the Past and Present 33 Samhain for Families 36 The Land Spirits at Samhain 41 The Shadow and the Dark Goddess

MAGICK LEARNING 20 Understanding Shadows 22 A Quick Intro to Ouija Boards 26 The Tiny Spellbook: Conjuring the Witch Consciousness 28 Simple Samhain Altar 38 Using Obsidian to Block Negative Vibes 34 Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) 46 The Sabbat Cycle of Beetroot

FEASTING

47 Magick in Your Glass: A Samhain Wine

Witchy New Releases Want to know what’s new in the witchy community? Then look no further. We’ve put together these latest releases.

Yin Magic: How to be Still

The Power of Hex: Spells, Incantations, and Rituals

By Sarah Robinson

By Shawn Engel The Power of Hex, author Shawn Engel shows young witches how to use their own power in an inclusive way, and empowers them to create their own spells with their new knowledge. Beginning with the definition of hexing, unpacking the ethics, and showing how disenfranchised groups have used this type of magic throughout history for protection, The Power of Hex leads into modern takes on the practice.

From there, an overview of focusing energy in different rituals leads into four main spell chapters, rounding out to a chapter dedicated to building your own spells using aligned ingredients.

Available at Chicago Review Press.

In Yin Magic shows how ancient Chinese Taoist alchemical practices can mingle with yoga and magic to enhance our wellbeing from sleep to stress-levels, helping us to move beyond the burnout cycles and embody the beauty of letting go.

Yin Magic helps us to make everyday magic at a sumptuously slow pace as an antidote to the busyness of modern life.

Available at Womancraft Publishing.

Spells for the Modern Mystic: A Ritual Guidebook and SpellCasting Kit

By Kelly Knight and Brandon Knight Looking to boost your self-empowerment and personal protection? Would you like to enhance your personal transformation and optimize the energy of the spaces in which you live and work? Spells for the Modern Mystic holds the key to tapping into the universe to improve your life. With this deluxe gift set, aspiring and seasoned practitioners can conduct more than two dozen spells to improve all areas of life, including love, financial well-being, and personal security.

In addition to the materials you need, Spells for the Modern Mystic contains a guide that explains the five essential elements of rituals—symbols, terms, and methodology, including how to set up altars—and answers frequently asked questions. It also shows you step-by-step how to set up and perform rituals and cast spells in six life areas: self-protection; ancestral power; love; transformation; wealth; and personal spaces. Available at Amazon.

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SHOP FEATURE

The Witch's Diary Shop Key DeLombre sells travel altars, starter kits, intention candles, smudge sticks and sprays, ritual incense, oils and powders, ritual kits and mojo bags, altar tools, crystals, and jewelry.

She also offers custom spells manuals and tarot readings.

Most of my creations are handmade, and many of my herbs and plants are homegrown, and hand foraged.

What made you start your shop?

I started my shop to keep myself busy and mentally sane, to be honest. I’ve always been fond of DIY; I can build tables and shelves, sculpt, and I’m a huge fan of upcycling; I always think of making it before buying it!

Where you hope to take it?

I’d love to open a kind of cabinet of curiosities related to witchcraft, with seasonal events like vintage halloween sales. A dusty, dark place where people would come to ask for a spell, some peculiar crystals or just out of curiosity. I’d gladly be the creepy witch hag behind it!

Instagram.com/ key_delombre/

Shop

Advice: Make what you’d like to buy and don’t think the average will be satisfying! In a world where appearances very often prevail over talent, build yourself a hardcore customer family! Once they trust you, you will be able to count on them to spread the word and help you grow!

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OCTBER MAGICKAL WORKINGS

October is the ideal time to say our goodbyes to all that are departing as the earth goes dormant for the upcoming winter months. It's an

excellent time to work with spirits, shadow work, dark deities, and to craft your own witchy traditions. Wherever you are, October is a perfect time for honoring life, death, and rebirth while also focusing on letting go to make room for the new.

October Astrology Correspondences Tarot: Tarot: Death XIII Elements: Air and Water Deities: Persephone and Hades, Hecate, Odin Stones: Opal, tourmaline, heliotrope (bloodstone) Plant Magick: Mugwort, sage, calendula, wormwood, marigold, apple branches for wand-making, gourds, Colors: Maroon, black, burnt umbre, deep purple Affirmation: I see. I listen. I speak. I shine.

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ASTROLOGY

October 2020: Break of Day

By Vivacia Ahwen

The crows above the forest call; Tomorrow they may form and go.

O hushed October morning mild, Begin the hours of this day slow.

Make the day seem to us less brief.

Hearts not averse to being beguiled, Beguile us in the way you know.

Release one leaf at break of day; At noon release another leaf; One from our trees, one far away.

Retard the sun with gentle mist; Enchant the land with amethyst. ~~ Robert Frost, from “October”, 1915

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passed, release what no longer serves you, and choose new dreams to dream. In October’s Witchology issue, you’ll find ever so many ways to welcome the Pagan New Year, whether you celebrate with a coven or are a solitary practitioner creating his or her own path. There is room for everyone at the Samhain banquet. Let’s raise our chalices high and see what else the stars and planets have in store for us, shall we?

lessed Samhain to you, fellow skywatchers.

October has arrived, at last, basking in all her idiosyncratic glory. She begins four weeks of mysterious delight by donning her trees in lovely, garish costumes of red, gold, and orange.

She breathes a last warm breath of Indian summer on our skin. Such a tease. The following week, we’re bundled in fall jackets, sipping our “basic” pumpkin spice lattes in the cooling autumnal breeze. Away fly the leaves, spinning in the wind, leaving their branches behind. They wrap and weave themselves into a chilly embrace of the coming crisp, cold days. October ends her sacred dance in a full-on celebration, this time with us in our lovely, garish costumes dancing under the enormous silvery moon.

October 1: Full Moon in Aries (Harvest Moon).

Game on, full send! Firey Aries knows who’s boss, and that’s The Ram. How would you describe your life’s purpose? Are you being a follower or a leader?

Grab your journal and freewrite under the light of the moon. What are your deepest desires, and how might you make them come to their fruition?

Harvest moon with a side dish of aggressive, goaloriented Aries makes for a powerful combination.

Kicking off with a Harvest Moon in Aries, and touching down with a Hunter’s Moon in Taurus on All Hallow’s Eve makes for a month not soon forgotten. (A once in a Blue Moon kind of October, if you will.) Magic and mystery crackle in the air. Eat, drink, and make merry on this holiest Sabbat, the Feast of the Dead. The wheel turns.

Honor and communicate with those who have

But there's a full moon rising Let's go dancing in the light We know where the music's playing Let's go out and feel the night.

--Neil Young, Scorpio, from “Harvest Moon” 12

ASTROLOGY October 13: Mercury retrograde. Oh, relax.

Mars has been retrograde since September ninth.

That’s been some serious stank, yet we’re all holding our heads up high and marching boldly into the great unknown. So what’s a little Mercury retro action compared to showboat Mars? By now, you know the drill for Mercury retrograde success: Back up your files, make sure you send those racy texts to the correct recipient, don’t hit “Reply All” on any of your emails, get that malware removed from your smartphone at the local branch, don’t sign any contracts, and put off any major purchases of electronic gear. Mercury retrograde brings old friends, family, and former flings a callin’, so choose wisely for who can or can not reenter your sacred space. You’ll also feel the urge to pick up creative projects that you had set aside long ago. This time, complete your work.

Make Mercury retrograde your servant, not your master.

October 2: Venus enters Virgo. Virgo is a perfectionist, and she expects her love life to be orderly, as well. Tap into that Venus in Virgo aspect to redefine your romantic relationship(s).

Decide what your idea of a perfect union might look like, and meditate on how to manifest that bond between you and another, or even a part of yourself that might need a little extra love. Clean your emotional space, clear the air, and make way for order to emerge from the depths of your heart.

October 3: Pluto quincunx True Node. Feeling unusually strong, today? That’s the true blue Pluto fighter in you, FTW. The past several weeks we’ve all struggled through some major obstacles and confronted fears we didn’t even know we carried.

You’ve got the power of the north; now wield it wisely. If offered new leadership roles, rise to the challenge.

October 16: New Moon in Libra. There’s so much romance in the air. New beginnings, delightful surprises, healing, fresh approaches, and that irresistible Libra charm are yours for the taking under this astrological influence. Make your move.

October 4: Pluto direct in Capricorn. You are full of questions today, and able to wheedle direct answers from someone who’s been acting kind of shifty as of late. Take a gentle approach, and after gleaning the information you need, don’t make a “Gotcha!” moment out of it. Just get on with the evening. And, holy moly. This has been an intense retro, hasn’t it? Some serious shinola has been hitting the fans nonstop since way back on April 25th. Finally we can let out that breath we’ve been holding, roll up our sleeves, and make things happen. Our work has just begun. Let’s do this.

October 18: Ceres direct. Since Ceres is a maternal influence, her direct movement is favorable to all manner of health, wellness, nourishment, and –yes—some garden magic.

Maybe it’s time for some kitchen spells? Carve a pumpkin and roast the seeds? Maybe plant some herbs to come bursting up in spring 2021 all bright-eyed and bushy tailed? Plant some bulbs?

Pick some apples? Show Mother Earth some love.

October 9: Last Quarter Moon in Cancer.

Cancer is all about family, and you catch yourself feeling a pang of regret for words of love left unsaid to your nearest and dearest. So say them already.

October 22: Vesta enters Virgo. Work, work, work. You are beyond productive today and complete any task you undertake with ease and expertise. Try not to get so immersed in the grind that you forget to share affection with your peeps, who may mistake your dedication to career matters and projects as a rejection of them.

Communication can be wonky under Mercury retrograde, so make sure to send the right signals.

October 12: If Jupiter sextile Neptune were a Major Arcana card, it would be The Hanged Man. Everything is upside down, but that ain’t a bad thing. You are able to view conundrums from a new perspective, seeing them as challenges as opposed to obstacles. Rather than thinking with your mind, you are acting from your heart, which is just as it should be.

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ASTROLOGY that Taurean appetite. Eat, drink, and be merry.

Shake it up, baby. Twist and shout.

Sun enters Scorpio. Watch out for the Scorpion stinger, and don’t get ensnared by game-players, whether in love or business. If you’re feeling extra sexy today, go with it, but be compassionate and don’t step on anyone’s toes. Secrets, secrets are no fun. Secrets, secrets hurt someone.

Vivacia hates to be a killjoy, but is first and foremost a mom, so this must be said: Wherever you go, with whomever you choose to celebrate, please practice social distancing. It’s Halloween, so you seriously have no excuse not to wear a mask, amirite? Don’t leave drinks unattended if you go out for a night on the town. Perhaps consider a quiet outdoor gathering instead, preferably around a bonfire or by a body of water. It’s one of the most sacred nights of the year, and you’ve got a whole lotta magick to work. Wishing a happy and blessed October to one and all. And remember: It is a wise person who rules the stars, and it is a fool who is ruled by them. Over and out!

October 23: Why so serious? Well, with the First Quarter Moon in Capricorn, how else is a poor witch to feel? You’re all business today, and have no patience for anything –or anyone—running interference while you try to reach your goals. Be patient.

October 27: Mercury retrograde enters Libra.

Okay, now Mercury just got a little too personal.

With Mercury retro in Libra, miscommunication is more likely to occur. The disharmonious aspects may affect your romantic life, but the “chumminess” of Libra means it’s more likely that you and a bestie will have a misunderstanding.

Nip any hard feelings in the bud, and remember to use “I” statements as opposed to “You” statements when you attempt to clear the air.

Better still? Shut up and listen to whatever s/he has to say, and don’t interrupt or be thinking about how you’ll respond. You catch more bees with honey, gorgeous.

October 29: Jupiter quincunx True Node.

Luck Be A Lady! Jupiter comes blasting in with all kinds of good fortune. Since the north node is linked to direction, divination, and destiny, this is truly a magical formation. You feel loved and cared for, and are open to giving and receiving gifts both physical and spiritual in nature.

October 31: Full Moon in Taurus (Blue Moon, Hunter’s Moon). Here it is, lovelies…Samhain!

With Taurus pumping up the volume of the Full Moon power, you’re feeling a stronger dedication to your practice and have what it takes to getting what you want and need. Ask and ye shall receive; seek and ye shall find. After all, it is our new year, and hopefully we’re a few days from beginning a healing journey for this planet. We seem to have lost our way over the past four years, and enough is enough. Say yes to love, no to hate, and open your hearts. Oh, and don’t be afraid to give in to 14

October 2020 has two Moons.

The first is the Hunter’s

moon; ideal for spells

relating to protection and guidance.

The second is a Blue

moon, because it is the second to occur in a month; blue

moons occur roughly once every 2.5 years, and offer the perfect time for spells focused on long-term results, such as setting up a new business.

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Adobe Stock @Gill

Samhain on the Cemetery

By Wren La Fey

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I shall personally leave behind, I am brought back by the sights and sounds of life. There are badgers, foxes, bats, and rabbits; wrens in the holly tree by my bedside window. A robin that comes to say hello, a three-legged cat that pauses to view us as she hobbles past, and the owl that calls out to us.

Amongst the gloom, there is color; the litter of ancient, faded silk stems long forgotten, and freshly left flowers. There are trees and shrubs and greenery, and big atramentous skies to view a plethora of stars.

s Samhain approaches and the darkness sets in, the days getting shorter and colder, it’s hard not to ponder one’s mortality. The veil between the world of Matter and the world of Spirit is at its thinnest, and two burning questions linger; where did we come from, and where will we go?

Despite being surrounded by death and decay, there is always life in the cemetery. Amongst the bones and bodies of the dearly departed, there is a steady stream of graveside visitors; mourners, tourists, runners passing through, visits from the vicar, funeral processions, and the constant hum of mowing and trimming.

Amongst the hubbub and the noise, there is always peace. The constant cycle of life and death and change and transformation on the cemetery gives silent space to reflect on the gift of life. Silent space to reflect on our unborn and unrealized potential, and the ever-present message of Samhain and Memento Mori; remember you must die.Â

When I wander amongst row upon row of cold, grey stones, or gaze out of my kitchen window as the sun sets on another day, wondering what legacy

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Planning a Samhain Cemetery Visit

Take photographs, especially if you are unable to leave items at the grave.

In many areas of the world, late autumn is a time when the dead are remembered, celebrated, and honored, and a cemetery visit is a great way to incorporate ancestor veneration into your Samhain practice and festivities.

Graveminding Ritual – This immersive ritual combines reverence, reflection, and veneration; alongside a practical headstone clean up, communion, and the creation of an ancestor altar. The primary purpose of this practice is that it feels like a vigil and pilgrimage; the beauty is there is space for meditation and celebration.

Simple Graveside Visit - An opportunity to leave flowers, pay respects, and spend a moment with loved ones that have passed over. You could also take this opportunity to gather graveyard dirt for Samhain spells and rituals, being sure to ask permission and leaving a gift for the dead in exchange for what you have taken. Flowers, a libation, small coins, or some other small offering are appropriate.

Cemetery Supper – Gather with family, and partake of a cemetery supper. This can be as formal or as informal as you wish. In colder climates, soup and a roll are good suggestions; in warmer climates, a picnic is perfect. Include favorite and traditional Samhain foods, and be sure to pack an extra plate for your hallowed dead.

Headstone Clean Up - Be sure to follow cemetery rules and etiquette. Clean the headstone using water and a soft brush. Many cemeteries provide water and jugs for watering floral tributes but take a jug and water along to be sure. Be wary of old and crumbling headstones; use water only on those stones, and remove any weeds or overgrown grass from the plot. Tidy with love and compassion.

Seasonal Decoration – Dress the graveside with seasonal foliage, or with herbs and plants associated with Samhain, in place of, or alongside, flowers. Alternatively, you may wish to create a seasonal wreath.

Ancestor Altar - Ancestors altars are popular at Samhain, and there is absolutely no reason why you can’t create one at a graveside. Like the altars inside our homes, it can be as simple or as complex as you wish. Candles, flowers, food, and laminated photographs are perfect. Check cemetery rules, and be sure not to leave a mess.

Wren La Fey, is The Cemetery Witch. She is also a writer and nature lover. She can be found on Instagram at @the_cemetery_witch or @oak_and_bramble.

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Gather the Witches A Virtual Samhain Event Hosted by

Witch With Me

October 24th - 25th 2020

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Community If you know Witch With Me, you will know that community is at the very heart of everything they do. To celebrate the diverse, innovative and creative witchy community, they are inviting everyone to take part in the Opening Ceremony.

All you have to do is fill a short clip of yourself lighting a candle and holding it up to the camera, but you can find more details at witchwithme.com/opening-ceremonysubmissions/

ather the Witches 2020 is the first annual Samhain event to be hosted by Witch With Me, a collective founded by Meg Rosenbriar and Louisa Blackthorn.You may have read Witchology’s interview with them in the previous issue!

The Event This event encapsulates everything Witch With Me is all about: Community, Learning, and Celebrating All Witches. There is a main stage featuring dynamic and jaw-dropping performances, all with complimentary access, and the ‘Witches’ Lair’ hosting presentations from some of the best and brightest minds in witchcraft today, including Laura Tempest Zakroff and Devin Hunter.

Witches Supporting Witches If you have a witchy business that you would like to promote, Witch With Me are also offering a platform at Gather the Witches, via their Coven Market, for you to do just that. You can find more information over at witchwithme.com/ covenmarketplace

You will need to buy an Access All Areas pass for the Witches’ Lair but with twenty-five (yes, TWENTY-FIVE!) presenters, the amount you will learn and enjoy will be so worth it. Think of it as an investment into your practice! All the while networking with other witches and celebrating Samhain.

Find out more and get your ticket at witchwithme.com/ gatherthewitches2020 19

Adobe Stock @milosz_g

Understanding Shadows

By Frances Billinghurst

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Aeneas who traveled into the Underworld in Virgil’s Aeneid. In his Divine Comedy, Dante Alighieri also referred to many of the dead as “shades,” including his own guide, Virgil.

ately, I have noticed an increase in social media chatter about “shadow workings,” and in particular relation to working with “shadow beings.” While these days everyone seems to have their own interpretations with respect to things, I feel it is important to differentiate between “shadow working” (based on a Jungian psychological term for understanding the repressed/rejected aspects of the self), and working with actual ghost-like “shadow beings” who are not of this mortal world.

Similar to “shadows” are “shadow persons,” or “shadow beings,” where a patch of the shadow is perceived to be a living, humanoid figure. These are often interpreted as the presence of a spirit or other entity in various cultures as well as by believers in the paranormal or supernatural.

Within Native American belief, for example, “shadow people” are described as dark silhouettes with human shapes and profiles that flicker in and out of peripheral vision. According to paranormal researcher Heidi Hollis1, some of these shadow people have been known to jump on living people’s chests in an attempt to choke them.

Throughout history, “shadows” (as in “shadow beings,” or “shades” as they were also called) referred to the spirit or ghost of someone who had died and was residing in the underworld. When the Greek hero Odysseus descended into Hades (the Underworld) in Homer’s Odyssey, he encountered “shades,” tormented ghost-like beings. Likewise,

1Heidi

Hollis interview on Coast to Coast AM - https://www.coasttocoastam.com/show/2006-03-27-show/ 20

Shadow Men,” a teenage boy had a shadow person living under his bed who was capable of killing human beings; however, this shadow would not harm the person whose bed it lived under. In the 2007 novel, John Dies at the End,3 when the “shadow men” kill a person, that person is retroactively erased from existence, and history is rewritten as though they were never born. In addition, the 2013 horror movie "Shadow People" was based around a fictional sleep study being conducted in the 1970s where patients reported seeing “shadowy intruders” before dying in their sleep. This movie was allegedly “based on true events.”

Within metaphysical and occult teachings, a “shadow” can be likened to a doppelgänger (or a “double walker.”) These entities tend to be perceived as harbingers of bad luck, or even as a person’s evil twin. Another interpretation is that a “shadow” is a psychic imprint of a person who has died but whose spirit or ghost form has been summoned back into this world. Probably one of the better-known examples of the summoning of a “shadow” can be found in the Bible where King Saul engaged the infamous witch of Endor to summon up the ghost of the prophet Samuel in order to obtain advice on battling the Philistines. It is interesting to note that this Hebraic king chose to consult the witch who engaged in a course of necromancy after his previous attempts to consult his own god failed.

“Shadows” are not always perceived as menacing and evil. Within some paranormal realms, they are considered to be extra-dimensional inhabitants, that is, residents from other universes who have some connection to our mortal realm. However, this appears to be more of a rarity as opposed to a common interpretation.

Within the scientific community, “shadows” have been explained as results from various physiological and psychological conditions including sleep paralysis, experiences with heightened emotions (such as walking alone at night), or even prolonged periods of sleep deprivation. Drugs, such as methamphetamine, are known to contribute to a “conspiracy component” that encourages hallucinations. This is turn has been directly compared to paranormal entities described within folklore.2

For the most part, “shadows,” regardless of whether they appear within a metaphysical or occult context, relate to beings who are not of the physical realm but who are somewhat earthbound due to rather malicious connections. If this is an area of magical working that you are interested in undertaking, I would strongly recommend that you undertake adequate research regarding the most appropriate means to do this, not to mention being personally knowledgeable when it comes to protection (both physically as well as psychically and even emotionally). To me, working with “shadows” in this context is not the same as working with your ancestors or even spirits in general, nor is it the same as exploring and integrating your “shadow self.”

Visual hallucinations, such as those caused by schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, may also appear to be shadowy figures at the edge of peripheral vision.

The alluring, yet somewhat dangerous, aspect of “shadows” has seen them often depicted in modern pop culture. For example, in an episode of the original 1985 Twilight Zone entitled “The

2Vila-Rodriguez,

Fidel, "Methamphetamine, Perceptual Disturbances, and the Peripheral Drift Illusion", American Journal on Addictions (September 2011 3Bergin, Nicholas, John Dies at the End' has limited showing in Omaha. (:Lincoln Journal Star, 2013) 21

A Quick Intro to Ouija Boards

By Karla Michelle Freeling

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alking boards are historically significant, having existed in one form or another since shortly after 1848, the birth of Modern Spiritualism. The Ouija itself was created and named sometime in the 1890s in Baltimore, Maryland. Sadly, due to horror movies and novels, the reputation of Ouija boards has always been one of dark and evil. These dark portrayals have caused unnecessary fear and misconceptions of using a Ouija board as a divination tool. If appropriately used, Ouija boards, the same as Tarot cards, can work as guides to help you on your spiritual path.

Using a Ouija board can and will be a different experience for each person, and with so many different views on talking boards, you as a user need to figure out what you believe to be accurate and what you expect to gain from your board. For example, some believe Ouija boards are doorways to another world. Those who believe this embrace the spirits and their messages or warn others against its use while claiming it's the "devil's" board.

Now, I am no expert on patterns of belief when it comes to religious evil, but I do know that in my practice, as an eclectic Pagan, there is no "devil."

This means I am embracing the culture of spirits and messages. Some people don't overthink it and use them as props or Halloween decorations.

The day I decided to look into talking boards, I did not take the task lightly. I purposely did not talk to friends or individuals I knew had never touched a board in their lives. In my experience, these are the individuals that swear the board is evil. As always, my first stop for anything occult-related is and always will be Salem. I started my research by contacting The Talking Board Historical Society (TBHS) and the Salem Witch Board Museum.

While reaching out to the TBHS, I ended up

speaking to a lovely woman named Karen. She was the absolute best. She shared links of videos she had made and introduced me to the book "The Spirits of Ouija: Four Decades of Communication," a book I highly recommend. Her videos on YouTube are titled "How to Use a Ouija Board Part 1 and Part 2". I watched these videos over ten times, trying to soak in all of the wonderful shared information.

I also had the pleasure of speaking with John, a representative from the Salem Witch Board Museum. Because of all of the misconceptions that surround Ouija boards, I made it a point to ask him if he had any advice on dealing with unwanted spirits that he could share with my lovely Witchology readers! He answered that he has had many conversations with people who have had bad experiences with Ouija Boards. However, most of the time, when they remove the board from their house, the bad experiences cease. The museum collects and displays boards such as these, and even though some people who come into the museum can feel some presence, they never have bad experiences. He also made it a point of emphasis that nothing bad can happen by just being around a board. This seems to be one of the biggest misconceptions non-users have.

After all of my research, I discovered that a spirit board is just a tool - like crystals and wands. It's a board made of wood, and the true essence is within you. Ouija boards are not evil or negative in any way. However, your thoughts and beliefs will influence the board and the energies you connect with. I recommend not just jumping into using a board. Take your time, meditate on your end goal, credible sources, and trust in your essence.

Karla Michelle Freeling is a devout Pagan witch and a working mother in the military. Her passion is to create one of a kind florals and crystals that pay homage to the Gods. Connect with her on Instagram @spellboundarrangements or on Etsy.com/shop/spelboundarangements 22

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The Darker Side of Venus

By Scott Irvine

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s the weather cools, the Autumn Equinox is the last chance to celebrate what mother earth has rewarded us for our earlier toil.

It is the time when the pendulum that represents the powers of light and dark has reached total balance. The pendulum has gained momentum, swinging down from the heights of summer and giving the illusion that time has sped up. Sunrises arrive later and sunsets earlier, while temperatures are falling as the earth begins to go into hibernation.

gatherers when our ancestors lived under the guidance and protection of the Great Mother Goddess, her spirit pervading all of nature. The most well-known story of Ereshkigal and Ishtar discovered is the epic poem ‘From the Great Above to the Great Below’ by Enheduanna, a priestess of the Moon God Sin. This Babylonian poet reveals the descent into the Underworld by a woman in love. (This was a millennia before the Greek Demeter went in search of her daughter Persephone.)

At this time of year, the evening star of Venus blazes bright throughout the night, heralding in the death and darkness of the coming Samhain. This winter festival is the beginning of the ‘dark’ half of the year, which will last until Beltane when the warmth and light of the sun begin to come into power. Venus is visible as the morning star in the spring, heralding in the light before disappearing in the radiance of the sun.

Ereshkigal, with her far-reaching grasp, took the grain god Tammuz from the realm of the living to reside with her in the Underworld. Tammuz was the loving husband of her dear sister Ishtar and not the choice of their brother Shamash.

Ereshkigal always saw Ishtar as a threat to the Underworld, her kingdom within Mother Earth, and the realm where the spirits of the once-living reside before regeneration and rebirth into another existence.

For the Sumerians and later the Babylonian priests, the coming and going of Venus in the heavens gave rise to the sister goddesses Ishtar and Ereshkigal, the manifested opposing forces of life and death. Making up the trinity was their brother, the Sun god Shamash. The siblings are the children of the moon god named Sin; he ruled the heaven at night, with his reflective light ebbing and flowing constantly to awaken the human subconscious.

Ereshkigal knew that her actions would bring Ishtar to the Underworld. Ishtar arrived at the gates of hell naked after negotiating the seven gates of the seven great walls that separate the worlds of the living and dead. The goddess of love was determined to come away with her husband’s life. Nobody says ‘no’ to the Queen of Heaven; not even her sister. However, Ishtar had picked a fight with the wrong woman and paid with her life.

With both the fertility god and goddess gone from the realm of the living, nature began to grow weak and die, turning the once fertile land into barren desert. The great uncle of the daughters of Sin was the great magician Enki, Lord of the Water, who controlled the weather alongside his brother Enlil, the Lord of the Air and father of Sin. It was up to Enki, who had a soft spot for the beautiful Ishtar, to intervene if his father’s creation was to survive.

For myself, the coming of winter means the arrival of the goddess of death, Ereshkigal. It is her responsibility to bring to a close the cycle of growth so that nature can rest to ensure fertile ground for rebirth the following spring. Without her, nature would rever t to chaos and unpredictability.

The story of Ereshkigal is recorded on clay tablets dating back to the time of the Neolithic hunter-

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A powerful spell was cast that would resurrect both god and goddess and enchant Ereshkigal into allowing them to leave. The dark queen was incensed when she became aware of the deception and demanded justice from the Anunnaki high council. The gods made into universal law that once his fruits of labor were ready to be harvested and his services were no longer required, Tammuz would return each year into the custody of Ereshkigal until his rebirth the following spring for the Ishtar celebrations.

something new can be born on Earth, keeping life fresh and active.

When the leaves on the trees change color and start to drop, it is a sign that Tammuz is leaving this world until he is needed again.

Hail Ereshkigal, Dark Lady, Queen of the Dead.

While writing my first Moon Book, Ishtar and Ereshkigal, The Daughters of Sin, I found a connection to the dark lady of the underworld and felt she was getting portrayed as the negative energy to Ishtar’s positive force. It seemed she was someone to fear by Babylonian priests to keep their flock working for the greater good. Without division, there is no fear; without fear, there is no control.

Humanity has learned to fear the unknown as a state of mind where demons lurk in the shadows, creatures of the dark whom the early civilizations believed were driven by the ‘evil’ spirit of Ereshkigal. Only offerings and sacrifices to the gods could keep them safe.

Ereshkigal not only renews life; she is the force that refreshes old thoughts and ideas that do not serve us anymore. Ereshkigal loves to destroy old habits that gather cobwebs in the shadows of the busy mind. If you allow her, the dark lady can help you to remove the negative baggage that is holding you down. Call on her to let fresh thoughts, new ideas, and realities recharge the mind, body, and soul.

Scott Irvine has followed the path of the goddess since exploring the many goddess temples on the small islands of Malta and Gozo off the Sicilian coast in the Mediterranean Sea, igniting her spark within him in the spring of 2010. He has contributed to a number of anthologies, including Paganism 101, Naming the Goddess and Seven Ages of the Goddess, as well as publishing articles on the Moon Books blog.

However, who is Ereshkigal really? Her force comes from the hidden aspect of Ishtar, her secret side that is represented by the dark side of the planet Venus that is never witnessed from Earth. She is the transformation from one state into another, much like the Celtic Cailleach becoming the maiden once more between Midwinter and Imbolc, destroying the old so

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The Tiny Spellbook Column:

Conjuring the Witch Consciousness

By Sarah Justice Samhain has a long-held connection with divination and conjuring. The sabbat is known for connecting to the dead, usually loved ones that have passed. However, another facet of Samhain is connecting with the collective witch consciousness, where we tether our energies to those that have practiced before us and have left their enchanted energy behind. It’s also a time to honor those who paved the way for us, both true women and men of the craft as well as those who have no enchanted connection to us other than being accused of practicing and paying with their lives.

To start your incantation, form a circle with your salt. Ensure that your altar and all of your workings are inside that circle. It is vital you cast the circle before you begin, as it lends strength in protecting you from negative outside energies that can come and go during ritual.

For this spell, you will need: •

Amaranth flour, egg shell and coarse sea salt, mixed into a coarse powder-like substance.

•

Purple, black and yellow candles, for higher spirituality, negativity banishing and communication (respectively).

First, sprinkle amaranth flour mixture around the perimeter of your home. This is to draw the dead in but keep you protected. Then, sprinkle it in a circle around your altar, using the salt circle as a guide.

Settle in your dedicated space and state the following: The vines gain strength and in them bones.

They quiver and jerk as they find the path home.

A soft scatter of earth as the feet shuffle close.

A low-hanging chant, the ancestors’ prose.

With a quickened knock and a thirsty heart, They rap on the cottage door with a start.

The dust shivers off of the old wooden beams, And in come the spirits from a time that hath came.

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Repeat this incantation until you feel a presence.

Next, whisper: I conjure the folk from a time come and went.

I speak to the souls the old practice lent.

Of fire and hearth, a besom that guides, From elders and deep-woods, from hollows you glide.

Come sit by the warmth of a goldenrod flame, Whispering wisdom to which you lay claim.

Do you speak? Can you stay?

Do you have words to whisper this way?

Then, finish the incantation: Mother Moon, the mother from which ancestors emerge; I conjure your children from whom I will learn.

Now is the time to perform any scrying or conjuring method, or simply wait to feel or hear a presence.

After you’ve completed your conjuring or connection, close your circle. This is where you close the connection you made with the spiritual world. To leave it open means to invite those who may have come in unannounced, whether good or bad. Close the circle by reciting the following.

The hollow is empty, for the ancestors rise But none but the honored, the revered and the wise Can enter, depart this conjuring circle As it closes, farewell, to the ancestral eternal.

A Witchology warning: Please be mindful that conjuring is intermediate spellwork; preparation and experience in grounding and shielding is best, since opening the pathway also invites energies best left alone and some energies may not want to leave upon being invited.

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Clear Quartz Sphere

Besom

Simple Samhain Altar

B

For the Modern Witch

eing limited in space for your altar need not mean you are limited in power.

Infusing each item of your set up with intention, and ensuring you are connected with them, will keep your space full of magic, regardless of how big it is.!

Himalayan Salt Lamp

Chalice Cauldron

Amber Votive

Athame Pinecone

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Honoring our Familiars in the Past and Present

By Hazel of Hex Tarot

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ow many of us have a familiar or a spirit animal energy we connect with? If you are anything like me, you have probably had many. Whether it's a beloved pet or a spirit animal, our familiars offer us comfort, support, and help along our magickal path.

a psychic connection can take some time and patience. In my experience, the animal’s willingness and readiness to connect with you on this level is a clear differentiator between your loved family pet and a true familiar. This is also true for wild animals, if you have ever been lucky enough to look into the eyes of a deer, coyote, or fox, there is no mistaking those that are spirit messengers and those that are regular beings. Of course, all animals are conscious and therefore sacred, but a spirit messenger will show itself at a profound moment in your life, at a magickal unforgettable moment.

As many of us with familiars know, they are different from our regular pets. In many ways, they are the ones who choose to work with us.

There is no mistaking it when a familiar comes into your life. They seem to resonate with your frequency which enables a deep psychic bond between you both. No matter the species, a familiar will always be highly intelligent and will take a keen interest in your spiritual work and magick, often sitting with you or observing your rituals when given the chance.

Whether the message is clear at that instant or more research is needed, the deep connection and understanding between both of you is a sure indicator that this was a spiritually conscious encounter.

While regular pets may demand your attention, a familiar will look to you as an equal and a mutual bond of support and respect passes between witch and animal. You are not merely an animal friend but kin.

As we celebrate Samhain, the veil is at its thinnest between the world of the living and the spirit world. It's a great time to honor and connect with our family members, ancestors, and spirits guides. This is true for our deceased familiars and pets too.

It is essential to have quiet time with our familiars, away from entertainment, devices, and the busy traffic of our home. To sit and really connect with them on a spiritual level is important to create a lasting bond. Developing

Honoring our animal companions who have served and grown with us invites empathy and humility into our spiritual practice.

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It gives reverence to all the living beings we encounter and connect with. It is an acknowledgment that the bonds we form with all our pets and familiars are not superficial, but deep and in some cases everlasting. Reconnecting with a familiar or pet once they have passed renews the psychic bond you had with them in life. In this way, we can work with our familiars during meditation, astral projection, and shamanic journeying. When this kind of ethereal bond is formed our familiars may be willing to act as spiritual guardians, psychic guard dogs, or messengers to guide us between the spirit worlds.

that I gave to my cats. Years later the fish were happy as ever. One night, I dreamt my fish had left its bowl. Confused, I chased it about the room as if I was trying to catch a fly. Eventually, I caught it and set it free into my bath, which stretched out into a mighty Ocean in my dream.

In the morning started my usual routine of coffee and plant watering. As I got my goldfish tank something was wrong: My beautiful golden fish had passed away. Though I was stricken with grief there was no doubt in my mind that she came to say goodbye during her passing. And from time to time, I still feel her energy with me.

Your familiars may be able to shapeshift to protect endangered and vulnerable animals. The very skilled among us may be able to merge with our familiar and experience oneness through deep meditation together. There is no doubt that cats and snakes are one step ahead when it comes to these kinds of practices, so it's no wonder they appear so frequently in folklore associated with witchcraft. Practicing psychic communication with your pets cements this bond even after they have passed. I keep pictures of my familiar around my altar at this time of year. Tufts of your familiar's fur or skin can be woven into charms of protection or placed on a shrine. I have found meditation to be a great way to contact passed familiars, they never seem to be far from us. One thing I have learned over the years is that a familiar can be any animal.

During my turbulent mid-twenties, I bought two goldfish one black one gold. I loved those fish and cared for them with the same respect and welfare

Hex Tarot is a professional tarot, palm reader, and witch. She teaches esoteric workshops on these subjects and writes regularly for occult publications. To learn more about her or for readings or course inquires inquiries https://instagram.com/hex_tarotÂ

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SAMHAIN FOR FAMILIES

By Debi Gregory

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here are so many aspects of Samhain to consider when choosing what you want to do with your family. Do you focus on the thinning of the veil? On your passed loved ones? On the modern witch’s new year? On the older aspects, such as turnip carving?

In the end, no matter what sort of Paganism or Witchcraft you practice, it all comes down to one thing: tradition. This, of all the Pagan festivals and celebrations, is the one that focuses most on the social traditions of our ancestors. Whether you choose to stick to modern interpretations of ancient traditions, like honoring the dead, or you decide to embrace more modern practices, such as trick or treating, all of them have their foundations in Paganism.

So, with the wealth of options available to you, which do you choose? There are a few tips and considerations to get you started.

Trick or treating is the most popular tradition in the Western world, and most Pagans seem to fall in one of two groups: those who embrace the fun and get involved, dressing up and giving out sweeties, and those who shun it as a degradation of our ancestral and faith practices. Fear not! There is a middle ground!

The main concern for parents in this debate is, obviously, the impact on the children. Do you get them involved and risk trivializing the festival, or do you shun it and have them miss out on what has become a huge part of the culture of Western childhood? My advice is to let them join in!

As long as you take into account the usual safety advice, there’s no reason you can’t let your children join in and add your own lessons on the origins of the practice. There are many practices and traditions to choose from, whether it's the ancient Celtic tradition of dressing up to ward off the Fae (or Sidh); the practice of celebrating those same beings by dressing as them to celebrate the festivities alongside them, dressing up to re-enact the great battles of folklore to honor and amuse.

In the end, no matter what sort of Paganism or Witchcraft you practice, it all comes down to one thing: tradition.

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Here are some other ways to celebrate: •

Pumpkin Carving – Originally this would have been done using smaller root vegetables, usually turnips, and instead of candles, hot coals were placed inside to make them glow.

In my family, we have competitions to see which of us can carve the most obscure fruit or vegetable. My carved apple of 2014 was met with uproarious laughter and is still spoken of in hushed tones… if by hushed tones we mean snorts and chortles. But I digress! There are some great fruits and vegetables out there of varying shades that can make for a veritable rainbow of ghoulish, tasty fun! This can all also be paired with some harvest time education! After all, Samhain is the final harvest festival in the Pagan calendar! What better way to celebrate both the Third Harvest and Samhain than to scoop out various yummy innards and make stews, pies, pastries, crumbles and soups?

With just this one activity, there is the potential for so much education! If you’re home educating, “pumpkin carving” can cover many subjects like history, crafting, cooking and even math!

•

Dumb Supper – This tradition is probably best left to families with older children and teens. In ancient times, the dead would be invited to join in the feasting, with ancestors and departed loved ones often invited by name in a ritual. You may see parallels here with other cultural festivals, such as the Mexican Day of the Dead. Most cultures have a similar tradition for celebrating the lives of their ancestors and remembering their lost loved ones. Windows and doors would be left open to allow the dead to come and go as they pleased and the feasting would be augmented by games and discussions on what the departed had missed that year. Dumb suppers can include old family recipes, and they often involve the previous activity of carving veggies and fruits.

•

Crafting and decorations – The whole family can get involved in making decorations.

These can be based on the spooky aspects of the celebration, which is a great excuse to teach children about folklore beings from ancient cultures or symbols of the harvest.

An eco-friendly way of doing this would be to collect card from food packaging, such as cereal boxes, for cutting, sticking and painting later! You can also gather natural materials.

•

Autumnal Walks – Going for a walk in nature with the family offers some great opportunities for family activities. You can discuss and documenting the seasonal changes, collecting natural ephemera, meeting up with family and friends (safely), and simply breathing in the beautiful, fresh autumnal air.

Whatever you decide to do this Samhain, remember that no matter what, the main thing is being together! And anything you don’t have the time or energy for this year, you can always do next year!

Have an abundant Harvest, a Blessed Samhain!

Debi Gregory has been writing and speaking about Pagan parenting and being part of a Pagan family for over half a decade. She lives in Yorkshire, England, with her husband and their three children. Her first children’s book, The Elemenpals, is available now for pre-order from Moon Books and Amazon.

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THE LAND SPIRITS AT SAMHAIN

By Chris Allaun

I

time when the people slaughtered animals and used the blood as a sacred offering to the spirits of the land. Other Heathens called this time Alfablot, the honoring of the elves. The land was fast approaching the time of the dead.

These were the energies of the land and its people preparing for the dark winter ahead.

f you are anything like me, then you love the energies at Samhain tide. We often think of Samhain as the day out of the year where the veil is thin, and the ancestors return the land of the living. It is the day we build our ancestor altars and invite the beloved dead into our magical circles to return to us in merriment for one night. But Samhain is so much more than November 1st. The reason we call it Samhain “tide” is because the energies actually last for a few weeks. Yes, that’s right! Samhain roughly lasts from the last week of October all the way through the first week of November. Think of it as like “Yuletide.” This is a time of the holiday season, not just one day. When we look back at the lives of the Celts who celebrated this sacred time, they did not have calendars like we have today. They followed a lunar cycle, which means that instead of a thirty-day cycle, they follow the waxing and waning of the moon. In tradition, Samhain was celebrated roughly around the full moon in late October or early November. To the early Celts, Samhain was upon us when the cold winds of winter blew the last leaves off the ancient trees.

With all this in mind, if you stand quietly in the night, you can almost hear the ancestors speaking with us. As the veil becomes more and more thin, the beings of the Otherworld begin to make their way through. Yes, there are more spirits than the ancestors who come through the veil.

Think back to a time when you were out and about during Samhain tide. Have you ever been walking through a park or the woods during the night? Could you feel the darker spirits watching you as made your way through? I would like to take a moment and discuss what I mean about “darker” spirits. Dark doesn’t mean evil or harmful. When we say “dark,” what we are describing are those spirits who are as ancient as the earth itself who have withdrawn themselves into the depths of the Otherworld to stay hidden from civilization. They were once spirits who walked the earth before humans changed the landscape into what it is now. hese wise and powerful spirits are ancient beings who live in the shadows of the deep wood. If you have ever been camping in the forest, you may have felt them peering out at you from behind the trees in the night as you huddle around the campfire.

That feeling of being watched in the night? That may have been them.

Let’s take a look at the energies of the land that make up this wonderful and magical season.

During the final days of October, we begin to notice that the last remaining green trees have turned to autumn colors. If you live in Northern areas, the winds have turned cold and the skies become mostly grey. During this time, the Celts noticed that the world seem to be dying. The leaves of once beautiful trees turned colors and would seem to “die” and fall. The birds left the land to find warmer weather away from this cold place. Wild animals would scurry around for food with a sense of the approaching dread of the dark time ahead. This was also the time where sick and old cattle were slaughtered in preparation for the winter. The Anglo-Saxon people called this time Blod-manad. This was the

There are other beings who freely walk the earth during the time of Samhain. We have all heard of the Faery processions that happen at both Bealtainne and Samhain. These are the great magical holidays where the Otherworld opens and the Faeries process through the forests celebrating these seasonal times of life and death.

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3. Place a blanket or a rug on the ground and sit in a comfortable position.

4. Take a few deep breaths and expand your chest physically. Envision energy moving in and out of your heart chakra as you connect to the spirits around you.

5. At this point, decide if you would like to contact a Dark Elf or one of the ancient Nature Spirits of the shadows.

6. Close your eyes and visualize yourself getting up and walking into the woods or natural area.

As your physical body is sitting still, imagine your spirit body is walking into the Otherworld of Samhain.

7. Now, visualize the chosen spirit approaching you. Spend some time introducing yourself and getting to know the spirit. When hedgeriding, protection in the form of spells and charms is important as you may encounter more than one energy that has malicious intent. Also, if for some reason the spirits do not want to speak with you this night, you will say your thanks and goodbyes and try again another night. Spend all the time you need speaking with the spirit and asking them if they would like to have a magical working relationship with you. You can also ask them if they would teach you works of magick.

Once you are finished, give thanks and say goodbye.

8. When you are ready, imagine returning to your physical body. Take a few deep breaths and open your eyes.

9. Leave an offering for the spirit

Did you know there are the dark ones? The cousins to the Faeries are the elves. They are also called alfar which translates to “bright” or “mists.” There are a type of elves that are called the Dark Elves. The Dark Elves are the elves who left the bright shining world of the Light Elves and traveled into the surface of the Underworld to a place called Svartalfheim. This roughly translates to “land of the dark elves.”

The Dark Elves are not evil, but, like the Light Elves, they do not hold the same concept of morality as humans do. However, they do hold the concept of honor very highly. I have found that the Dark Elves are very active around Samhain and they eagerly join the dead in their nightly parades throughout the cold dark land.

Working with these types of spirits is not dark or scary in the slightest bits. As you know, nature is both light and shadow and each has its benefits and healing properties. Psychologists often point out that one cannot truly heal until one faces their shadow. When working with these spirits, remember to treat them as ancient powerful spiritual beings with whom we can have a magical working relationship. Entering into a relationship with the spirits will not only add power to your magical workings but will also help you spiritually evolve while on your chosen path.

The first thing you will need to do is find a secluded place in nature. I live in Chicago, so it is sometime difficult to find a 100% secluded natural area. Do the best you can with what you can find. You will also need to bring an offering of some kind. Living in the U.S., I will often give tobacco as an offering, but you can offer things like mead, wine, ale, water, milk, bread, fruits, or anything that feels magical to you. Once you find a place and have your offering, perform the following technique:

If this is an area of magical working that you are interested in undertaking, I would strongly recommend that you undertake adequate research regarding the most appropriate means to do this, not to mention being personally knowledgeable when it comes to protection (both physically as well as psychically and even emotionally).

1. Spend a moment or two connecting with the place and the spirits who are there.

2. Ask the spirits of the place if it is alright to perform your magick in this spot. This is more of an intuition. I take a moment and ask the spirits if I can do my magical work in the place I have found. Then I intuit a response.

If it feels like a “yes,” then I go forward with my magick. If it feels like “no,” then I find another place and ask again.

Chris Allaun has been practicing witchcraft and Paganism since 1992. He is an ordained minister with the LGTBQ temple The Fellowship of the Phoenix. He is also a Native American pipe carrier and studies the path of the Red Road. He has taught many students on the subject of witchcraft, magick, Paganism, Shamanism, and energy healing. He is the author of Otherworld: Ecstatic Witchcraft for the Spirits of the Land and Upperworld: Shamanism and Magick of the Celestial Realm.

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Using Obsidian to Block Negative Vibes

By Katiee McKinstry

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H

appy Autumn Equinox, and welcome to the spookiest of seasons. As we welcome in true autumn weather and Halloween, it’s time for our inner witch to thrive. One of the best crystals to implement in your practice during October is obsidian. From its beautiful, black sheen to its ability to block out negativity, you’ll want to have obsidian in your pocket through the autumn months.

Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass. It’s an igneous rock, which is formed from the solidification of magma or lava. A very long time ago, most tools that people used were made from obsidian, such as building supplies and food-cutting utensils. That’s because obsidian has an intensely sharp edge and is incredibly strong. Thus, tools such as scalpels that surgeons use today are often made from obsidian due to its sharpness.

But not all pieces of obsidian are so sharp they’ll hurt you, which makes them ideal for carrying in a pocket. You’ll often see that there are many types of obsidian that are polished, tumbled stones.

Carrying obsidian with you can cut away negative energy you have coming to you or that you’re holding onto. Scorpios in particular may find themselves drawn to obsidian, as they may need to release any negative thoughts during the autumn months.

If you are drawn to this black crystal, you likely are trying to rid yourself of bad vibrations. Use the stone to ward off dissonant energy and allow yourself to thrive and cultivate a positive mindset. Obsidian is an empowering crystal because it helps you to fight back against negative energy that may be unforeseen. Don’t be discouraged; obsidian has your back, and you can rise up through anything.

Here is a quick mantra to include in meditation, or just in your daily life, featuring obsidian: “I release what no longer serves me. I trust the universe and divine timing to preserve my positive energy. With this obsidian, I protect my peace.”

Say this mantra while you are meditating and holding the obsidian close to your heart. If you need a boost of positive energy, hold the obsidian or carry it with you throughout the day.

Return to it often, and remind yourself that you deserve light and happiness.

Blessed be!

Katiee is a writer, witch, and podcaster based outside Atlanta, GA. She’s a studying astrologer, tarot reader, and avid concert goer. You can connect with her on Instagram @rosecafletic or on her website: www.lifestartswithcoffee.com

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The Shadow and the Dark Goddess

By Frances Billinghurst

I

n my last month’s article, I introduced the concept of the Dark Goddess and why I consider her to be important in our modern lives. I also mentioned, albeit somewhat briefly, the Jungian concept of “shadow,” the repressed or ignored aspects of our consciousness. In this article, I wish to further expand upon the shadow.

individuation requires “shadow work.” Due to his interest in various occult and esoteric concepts, Jung further believed that individuation was the primary goal of all religious or spiritual paths, as the shadow could be found in all of these systems, from Christian “sin” to the Buddhist “false sense of self.” He even associated the process of alchemy with his psychological work – the transformation of lead into gold was a metaphor of individuation.

When talking about the shadow aspect of our personality, I feel it is important to have at least a bit of an understanding of where this term originated from, and that is from one of the earlier pioneers in the field of psychology: Carl Gustav Jung. Jung is recognized as the founder of what is termed “analytical psychology,” or the process that places the emphasis on symbolic imagery and archetypes1 as a means of bringing the subconscious into the consciousness. This exploration allows a person to become more aware of what drives their actions and gives them more control over their emotional state and therefore their life.

He also recognized that aspects of one’s personality or behaviors that they did not like tended to be disowned, ignored, rejected, or even suppressed. It is these aspects that he termed “shadow.”

Part of my own spiritual path and indeed the tradition of the craft that I was initiated into, revolves around getting to “know thyself,” echoing the alleged ancient Greek aphorism that once appeared over the temple at Delphi in Greece. This means getting to know all aspects of myself including my shadowy aspects of my personality. In more recent times, I have noticed that the need to “embrace one’s shadow” has become a common topic amongst Pagan or craftorientated bloggers and YouTube channel hosts. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, I feel it is important to mention that such work does have the potential to bring up emotions and memories of situations where you may not have necessarily have the ability to deal with on your own. If you find yourself in such a place, I would strongly advise seeking proper professional help. Further, working with the shadow side of our personality is not something that we do just once; it is a life long journey integrating all these different aspects.

To Jung, the central goal of human experience was what he called “individuation,” or the process of reintegrating the different aspects of our subconscious, creating wholeness of the self. One of these subconscious aspects was the shadow and as such, one form of

1Within

Jungian psychology archetypes are universal, inborn models of people, behaviors, or personalities that play a role in influencing human behavior. They are universal patterns and images that are part of the collective unconscious.

Jung believed that we inherit these archetypes much in the way we inherit instinctive patterns of behavior.

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Jung based his archetypes around mythological creatures. This is perhaps why there is a trend among goddess-centric spiritual circles to use mythological themes when performing shadow work. Therefore, the Dark Goddess is often perceived to be the gatekeeper or guardian of the “hell” we must all descend to in order to address, accept and even “reclaim” our rejected shadow self. Whilst I do not necessarily disagree with this concept, coming from a more mythological study approach, to me there is still more to the Dark Goddess than this. In fact, to use her only in this way is, I believe, somewhat limiting.

Often my initial altar is somewhat bare, consisting of simply a candle and maybe an image of the Dark Goddess. I always ensure that I have a set of oracle or tarot cards (or another form of divination) close by as well as my magical diary (journal)to record my experiences and any insights received from meditations, dreams or other occasions.

Sometimes I may feel drawn to add some food or drink to partake in the sharing of a meal with the Dark Goddess. If I am undertaking a sadhana (spiritual journey) in order to work with an aspect of the Dark Goddess over a specific period of time, it is not uncommon for the altar to end up holding an assortment of items by the time I am ready to dismantle it.

It should be pointed out that every one of us has a shadow, as this is part of the initial individuation process that we all go through right from an early age. This is when we start to become aware of the responses we receive when displaying certain attributes resulting in what those around us (parents, family, society, religion, culture) deem appropriate or not.

Moreover, working with the shadow is not something that can be achieved overnight or even within a short period of time. It can actually end up being be a life long journey of self-discovery.

My practice on the whole involves meditation and offering up either prayer or petitions. For me a prayer is a form of praise or giving thanks to the chosen deity whereas a petition is more often than not a request for assistance (ie, a spell). I personally feel that these days, modern witchcraft practices tend to have a heavy dependence on performing petitions and spells as opposed to expressing gratitude, offering praise or event getting to know the actual deity you are working with. That could be the difference between devotional practice, where the emphasis is on the connection with deity, and utilizing only the “craft” aspect of witchcraft.

The work that I undertake with the Dark Goddess often takes place in a somewhat more devotional sense in that I attempt to establish a connection with her and then build up a relationship over a period of time.

Sometimes I work with the Dark Goddess as a catch-all concept, leaving it open for whatever aspect of herself she wishes to choose as her appearance. Other times, I may be drawn or choose to work with a specific aspect. In both instances, the construction of an altar is essential as this acts as the container of the energy (or power) of the Dark Goddess.

For readers who are interested in establishing a relationship with the Dark Goddess or her various aspects, I intend to elaborate further on how to do this in further articles. In the meantime, the best place to start is the construction of your altar and learning to open yourself up as you sit before it.

Frances Billinghurst is the author of Dancing the Sacred Wheel and In Her Sacred Name: Writings on the Divine Feminine, and editor of Call of the God: An Anthology Exploring the Divine Masculine within Modern Paganism. Her long awaited Encountering the Dark Goddess; A Journey into the Shadow Realms will be released through Moon Books in April 2021, with Contemporary Witchcraft: Foundations for a Magical Life due to be released in July 2021. More information about Frances can be found on her blog (http://francesbillinghurst.blogspot.com.au), on Instagram, or crafting magick with the Temple of the Dark Moon (www.templedarkmoon.com).

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FEATURE

MUGWORT (Artemisia vulgaris)

By Ellen Evert Hopman

Mugwort is a classic herb for “dream pillows” because it opens the third eye. It is an excellent herb for those who are attempting astral travel and vision, and it enhances dreams for those pursuing lucid dreaming.

Here is a bit of my own experience with this herb: Years ago, I created a “dream tea” that was doled out during an evening ritual at a large Pagan festival. It contained mostly Mugwort with small amounts of Yarrow (for protection), Rose petals (for love and sweetness), and honey. I drank two large cups of the brew and walked out into the night. It was the full moon, and I was easily able to navigate my way through the camp to the edge of a lake. I sat down and half closed my eyes, preparing to meditate beside the waters. I suddenly realized that I could see to the bottom of the lake, and the plants down there were glowing with many colors and waving gently from the depths. That vision persisted for a few minutes and then gradually faded.

The Ainu of Japan burn Mugwort to exorcise the spirits of disease, who are said to flee from the smell.

In China, people hang bunches of Mugwort during the annual Dragon Boat Festival to keep away both bugs and evil spirits.

From pre-Christian Pagan times to the present, Mugwort has been one of the most important herbs for healing and divination. In 1927 Germany it was still being used to treat sickness caused by sorcery and to undo bewitchment of eggs and milk. Modern Witches make Dream Pillows—pillows stuffed with Mugwort leaves and possibly some Lavender flowers or Heather blossoms for added relaxation—to sleep on and drink Mugwort tea to enhance dreaming and to open the third eye, the ajna chakra, which is located in the center of the brow, above the nose. Once awakened the third eye allows one to see the inner and outer worlds more clearly and to understand the world from the point of mindful witness or observer.

Wear a crown or belt of Mugwort as protection during a rite to summon spirits. Hang bunches of Mugwort on gateposts and over the door to keep evil spirits out of the house. Make a strong tea (or use the oil) to cleanse and bless magical tools.

Grow Mugwort near the house and commune with it regularly to open your psychic powers. Hang bunches of Mugwort near your bed or stuff it into a pillow to promote visionary dreams and to contact the ancestors. Drink Mugwort tea and burn the leaves or smoke them at a funeral to communicate with the deceased. Burn Mugwort near a grave to protect the spirit of the deceased and to release their sadness (especially if the death was traumatic in some way).

Mugwort is part of the famous Saxon “Nine Herbs Charm”: Remember, Mugwort, what you made known, What you arranged at the great proclamation.

You were called Una, the oldest of herbs, you have power against three and against thirty, you have power against poison and against infection, you have power against the loathsome foe roving through the land.

(From the tenth-century Old English “Nine Herbs Charm”) 43

MUGWORT (Artemisia vulgaris)

FEATURE

In addition to its visionary and divinatory uses, Mugwort has long been used for its medicinal effects. Taken as a tea, it helps with issues in the digestive tract such as diarrhea, cramps, constipation, and vomiting. It is a classic herb for premenopausal syndrome (PMS) and irregular periods. Thanks to its sedative properties, it can aid with anxiety, epilepsy, convulsions in children, chronic fatigue and depression (neurasthenia), preoccupation with illness (hypochondria), general irritability, restlessness, and insomnia. It is a tonic for the liver.

Mugwort can also be added to healing salves and appears to be especially well suited for itchy skin conditions such as burn scars.

Caution: Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid Mugwort. It may cause allergic hypersensitivity, especially in those who are allergic to Chamomile, Birch, Celery, Wild Carrot, and other members of the Aster family, as well as those who are allergic to Tobacco, White Mustard, honey, royal jelly, Hazelnut, Olive, latex, Peach, Kiwi, the Micronesian nut called Nangai, and other plants from the genus Artemisia, including Sage.

Mugwort at Samhain Visit the grave of a wise beloved ancestor, or of any deceased person whose advice you need. Bring a thermos of hot Mugwort tea and drink it at their graveside. Burn Mugwort and inhale the smoke near the grave. After you have heard the voice of your beloved dead or seen their image, give them a gift such as a flower, a lit candle in a jar, and some small coins, and you may leave with a tiny bit of soil for your magical workings.

Excerpt from “The Sacred Herbs of Samhain – Plants to Communicate with the Spirits of the Dead” by Ellen Evert Hopman, Destiny Books; Illustrated Edition (August 6, 2019) Ellen Evert Hopman is the author of a number of books; Secret Medicines from Your Garden – Plants for Healing, Spirituality and Magic, The Sacred Herbs of Spring, The Sacred Herbs of Samhain, The Real Witches of New England, A Legacy of Druids – Conversations with Druid leaders from Britain, the USA and Canada, The Priestess of the Forest trilogy of novels, and other volumes. She is the current Archdruid of Tribe of the Oak (Tuatha na Dara) www.tribeoftheoak.com, an international Druid Order based in New England. See her books and blog at www.elleneverthopman.com

Think carefully about which deceased person you will collect soil from. If you want to do healing work, find the grave of a healer or a physician. If you want to climb a mountain, find the grave of a successful mountaineer. If you want to make art, seek out the grave of a famous artist, etc., and always leave them a gift and a few coins so you can “buy the dirt.”

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THE SABBAT CYCLE OF BEETROOT

By Sarah Justice

B

eetroot is a common inclusion in Beltane, with the beet corresponding to the love, beauty and sex part of the fertility-centered sabbat. Beets also offer a dark moody color correspondence to Beltane’s pink and red palette.

For savories, slice beetroot thin and coat with oil, bake until crisp, and then salt the dried chips for an appetizer. Chunk the pieces and roast them with salt and oil, or boil and stir deosil, waiting in either method for the beets to be fork-tender. If the flavor is too much, dry beetroot chunks or slices for moody garlands or spiritual offerings.

We don’t leave beetroot behind in May; beets enjoy cooler weather as they grow, making them a suitable vegetable for cultivation and thus popular at a third harvest. With its presence at both times of the year, it may feel like the beet is a Beltane correspondence that got lost on a spin of the sabbat wheel. Actually, the beet fits right in at Samhain; the crop’s earthy flavor pairs well with other common third-harvest cultivations that increase awareness of the spiritual realm, like squash. And if the pumpkin can represent the abundance of sustenance during Samhain, why can’t the beet as well? It already has experience symbolizing fertility, right?

Regardless of whether it’s the main dish or side dish, beetroot is an enchanted symbol of the connectedness of the sabbat wheel, and the “coming full circle” cycle, from fertility and the sowing of seed to the harvesting of the crop. It is also a reminder that, while each sabbat may have goals distinct from one another, they all are tethered and connected, like all things in nature.

The enchantment continues: The beet is actually “related” to amaranth, which, in some varieties, comes in almost the same deep maroon hue as the beet. Part of the “goose fruits” (including quinoa, among others), amaranth corresponds with connecting to the spirit and conjuring the dead.

This connection makes beet a nice Kitchen Witch substitute for amaranth if you prefer that path or if you don’t have amaranth on hand. If you do, consider pairing the goose fruits by baking bread with amaranth flour and serving it with roasted beet.

Beetroot is pretty versatile too; the powder can be made into an earthy Samhain beverage by combining the root powder with hibiscus (divination), black peppercorn (protection) and a good deal of sweetener, as beetroot has a very distinct, powerful flavor that overrides others.

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Magick in Your Glass

By Gillian Pegg

Samhain marks the third and final harvest festival and what better way to symbolize the fruits of our labors than to create a glass of infused wine. This recipe is a wonderful way to acknowledging the many blessings of the harvest season that brought new energy and wellness. And for this transformative element, wine has also traditionally been used by witches and Pagans in rituals and celebrations.

In many tales of folklore, wine is used to seal an agreement or toast to a victor. In ancient Pagan celebrations like Samhain, wine was drunk all night by the campfires, and imbibing with friends was all about appreciating the past season's harvest and the seasons to come.

One of the best ways to celebrate the wheel turning to cooler autumn months is making a lovely cauldron (or jug!) of mulled wine. There are many different recipes out there, but I find that having the balance between sweetness and tartness makes all the difference.

Ingredients: Bottle red wine with berry and plum hints Cinnamon sticks Orange peel Blackberries Cranberries Apple Star anise Optional: ½ cup brandy

Directions: 1. Put the dry ingredients a bottle or jar and pour the wine over.

Cap this tightly and shake well. Store the infusing wine in a cool place, out of direct light. You’ll want to keep them fairly handy, however, as they should be shaken up every day or so for 1-3 weeks.

2. After that, strain the herbs using a strainer and several layers of clean cheesecloth, and return to a clean jar or a bottle.

3. Twenty-four hours before serving, add in your fresh ingredients and store in the fridge.

4. If you’d like, add the brandy or other stronger alcohol to create a liqueur or cordial.

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COMING THIS YULE 2020

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