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[spiritorbghost]

RECIPES I KEEP IN MY ONLINE KITCHEN WITCH JOURNAL #2

I love making these oh my gosh.

Why?

It's really fun

It's been a while since my last one

I get an excuse to try yummy recipes

You all are way too good at what you do

It's fun x2

Teas, Drinks, And Syrups

🍊 Orange Peel Tea 🍊

Violet Lemonade

Coconut Summer Drink

Dandelion Honey

The Best Hot Spiced Cider recipe you’ll ever try

Apple Cider is basically a homesteading spell

Rose Lemonade Syrup

100-Year Garlic (Garlic Honey)

Fire Cider Spell for Winter Protection

Blackberry & Apple Jam

Witchy Recipes - Blackberry Lemonade

Baked Goods + Sweets

Prosperity Bread

Lavender Earl Grey Cookies

Easy Rosemary Focaccia Loaf for Love and Protection

Heavenly Lavender Scones

Honey Vanilla Peach Butter 🍑

Pumpkin Pie Dip 🎃

Vanilla-Pumpkin Cupcakes

Soups, Stews, And Dinners

Super simple secret potato soup

Forest Porridge

Heartwarming potato soup

Perfect Homemade Garlic Bread

Creamy vegetable soup

Springtime Soup

Stuffed Maple dijon glazed roasted butternut squash

Summertime stir fry

Sabbat Stuff

Litha Orange Honey Cake

Litha Thyme Chicken

Stuffed Apples for Mabon

Mabon Mug

Imbolc Pretzel wreath

Oatmeal Bread for Lughnasadh

Samhain Mulled Cider

Samhain Irish Apple Cake

Angel's Best

(my favorite recipe posts I've made over the years, plus backstories that sound like your grandmother's reminiscing over the past.)

LATE WINTER BUTTER ROLLS

My first post I ever made. I was pretty new to the tumblr community at the time. I loved kitchen witchcraft, and I'm the type of person who will ramble on about how much I love cooking and baking. This blog gave me an outlet to express my love of cooking, baking, paganism, and witcraft. And these rolls are very tasty, I make them to this day!

WITCHY TOMATO BASIL SOUP

Tasty, simple, and a crowd-pleaser. It's perfect for a beginner kitchen witch! It was also the second recipe I ever posted.

SWEET CREAM BUNS

It was a recipe given to me by one of my good friends at the time. Every time I make it, it gets devoured in less than 10 minutes. It was also my first recipe to get over 50 notes. I was shocked but ecstatic that so many people would even give it the time of day lol.

WITCHY THUMBPRINT COOKIES

These ones were just fun to make and delicious lol.

A WITCH’S COZY BUTTERNUT WINTER SOUP

A quick soup that feeds a lot of people during the fall season. Fall is my favorite season, so of course I'm very biased lol.

SAMHAIN PUMPKIN BREAD

I love pumpkin bread and apple cider... So why not combine the two? This one was definitely one of my favorites of all time. Moist pumpkin bread and chocolate chips have to be one of my favorite things on this planet. It also makes for the perfect gift for friends and family. Yummy!

ANGEL’S AWARD-WINNING LEMON POPPY SEED BREAD

I love dessert loaves of any kind, so naturally, this would be on the list lol.

MAPLE BUTTER COOKIES

Super simple comfort food! I love any time of cookie with brown sugar.

BRING ME POSITIVITY PECAN FRENCH TOAST BAKE

I love French toast, and I love positivity~

SAMHAIN SOUL CAKES RECIPE

These are really good! And traditional. If you celebrate Samhain, I recommend you make some soul cakes and have friends and family help decorate. I give the littles a bag of orange frosting and let them go crazy lol.

[spiritorbghost]

a discussion on greek mythology and its modern adaptations || importance of sex and wrath in mythology

okay before i get into this a couple of things:

this is more of a rant/tangent style post and is just something I thought I would talk about in regards to a major interest of mine. If you dont agree with some of the things I say or reference, thats okay! again this is my perspective on the issue but I do think it adds insight to many communities involved in adaptations of mythology.

this talk involves discussions of sexual assault and uses the word rape and dissects the word in regards to its original meaning, if you are not in the headspace to read stories or read the word, please come back later or do not read.

this talk also focuses on the harsh treatment of women in mythology, and same warning as before click off if you wish

okay now that youve been fully warned, lets get into it.

as someone who reads Lore Olympus(i know! blasphemy) i will say that there are a lot of controversial themes or storylines that do not sit right with me. If you know the series you probably know that I am talking about the storyline between Persephone and Apollo. This is not a defense of it at all, however I am also not fully condemning it.

First, I want to look at Greek Mythology as a whole. To make it clear, not all myths are told the same. A good majority of mythology has been passed down through word of mouth or paintings or any other art form and will have inconsistencies or changes. Mythology as a whole is a tool used to explain human nature, the universe through the eyes of a certain group, and hierarchy systems along with many other things. Mythology and their stories are also used for morality based subjects. What I mean by this is that these stories are meant to teach a lesson or a type of behavior. This is typically why you will see inconsistencies between the retelling of myths. To use a very popular example of this, the myth of Hades and Persephone varies, but still have their own messages attached. For example, the myth where Hades forcibly kidnaps Persephone and highlights Demeter's determination to get her daughter back is a story about how a mother's love conquers all and how that love made her continue on her quest. However, in another telling where Persephone willingly enters the underworld and marries Hades, the story is about breaking free from authority and gaining back your own control. Again, myths vary depending on what message they want to send to their audiences.

Now I want to look at the gods and their behaviors throughout mythology. I know that everyone is tired of the 'Zeus fucks everything' joke but it is important to note it. Specifically, in the Greek mythos, Gods are the reason many things exist. Or at least are involved in some way in that process. This is why sex and wrath are important jumping-off points in creation mythology. Uranus(or the night sky) was born from Gaea, and then produced the Titans. Because of his hateful nature Uranus had his children imprisoned, until his son Cronus(time) castrated him and dispersed his remains. From this, he created Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. The cycle of sex and wrath is seen time and time again through these myths, and unfortunately the combination of these two is also very commonly seen in mythology.

//Tw SA (i am speaking about this topic from a mythological perspective, but also adding in modern day views of it)

Sexual assault is unfortunately very common place in Greek Mythology. Zeus is typically the mastermind behind these plots, however other Gods are also involved in it as well. The story of Medusa is another myth with many different iterations, however I want to look at the version that falls in line when her name which means "protect, rule" or "guardian". In this myth, Poseidon being jealous of Athena decides to rape Medusa, a servant to Athena, on the steps of her temple. This is again where wrath comes back into play. Athena, being infuriated by the violation of her temple, curses Medusa to become a gorgon. Depending on the interpretation, this 'curse' can also be seen as a gift of protection under the guise of punishment. Most of these horrific acts done by the Gods can be seen as being caused by their own or an outsider's wrath. I do also want to note that the word 'rape' meant something slightly different. Rape used to be defined as "to seize or abduct; carry off by force" as well as our modern definition to it. While in cases like Medusa or anything to do with Zeus really, we understand these cases do mean sexually assalt. Here is where I want to talk about Persephone.

The myth of Hades and Persephone goes by many different names, however one that can be seen around is “The Rape of Persephone”. While in some myths, authors have concluded that Hades may have assaulted persephone, the rape that is being refered to here is abduction. The Rape of Proserpina is the title of a popular sculpture created by Italian artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini between the years of 1621 and 1622. While this statue is about the Roman counterparts of Hades and Persephone, Pluto and Proserpina, the Romans basically stole the Greeks mythos and changed the names slightly. While it is more complex than that, the stories are the same if not similar, which is why I am bringing this statue up. The statue depicts Persephone, being held up by Hades, with her arms and legs in motion kicking away from him. Her expression is fearful and terrified. Hades is joyful and excited. He doesn't look hateful. Why is that? One way to explain it off is the lighting or the fact it's a statue, or that art and its meaning differs from person to person. However, I'm me and I'm very annoying so I'm going to go deeper into this by looking back on a different spin of their myth. While Hades did fall deeply in love with Persephone and was given permission from Zeus to kidnap her, another telling of the story from the Roman perspective sheds more light on the situation. According to a section from Metamorphosis, Aphrodite was wronged by the Gods and wanted to enact revenge. She elected her son Cupid or Eros to shoot Hades with an arrow of love, which would cause him to become infatuated with the Goddess of Spring. It appears wrath is commonplace amongst all the Gods. 

I know that I am bouncing all over the place, but stay with me. I now want to talk about Apollo and his connection to all of this. To reference back to Lore Olympus, Apollo in the series plays the role as the story's main antagonist. In the series, he sexually assaults Persephone. Now before I continue, I would like to say that using Apollo in this way is a gross misrepresentation of his mythology and Persephones. In actual Greek mythology, Apollo is a candidate to be married to Persephone. It is even cited that the God of the Sun and Music stated that he was in love with her. Granted this is mythology, and different versions of the story do appear with Apollo involved or not. Even though the series did not capture the true interaction between Persephone and Apollo, he is not free from the nature of his older counterparts. The myth of Apollo and Daphne shows this plainly. In this myth, Apollo falls in love with a nymph named Daphne who is the daughter of Peneus the River God. However, Aphrodite and Eros become involved again. While Eros shoots Apollo with a love arrow, he also shoots Daphne with one full of hate. This causes Apollo to constantly chase after Daphne, even though she has no romantic interest in him at all. While evading him during a chase, she calls out to her father to help her. To save his daughter, he answers her pleas and turns her into a tree right before Apollo catches her. While this very condensed retelling of the events that took place may not seem like Apollo was going to assault Daphne, it is heavily implied. Because of his infatuation from the arrow, his emotions towards her include not only romantic but also sexual attraction. From patterns we have seen from Gods such as Zeus and also Aphrodite, its only common sense to believe that Apollo was going to rape Daphne if he caught her. Even though Apollo did not sexually assault Persephone, Gods in themselves are selfish and narsasistic, and will take whatever they see as rightfully theirs. It's in their mythological nature. 

Even with the background of Apollo falling in the trend of Gods taking advantage of beings deemed ‘lesser’ than them, one could argue the cycle of sexual assault of women is still problematic and that the modern adaptations of these stories diminish what happened to these women. Which to an extent, I agree. However, I do think it's also important to look at the society that these myths were circulating around. The Greeks and Romans were a dominantly patriarchal society and women were given few rights compared to men. While some Greek city states differed and there were a few acceptions, thats all they were, acceptions. Because of this role of women in society, it is not hard to believe that women were treated this way as if it is commonplace. When looking at greek goddesses, this narrative heavily tracks. Even though they are powerful and in their own right bring more fear into the hearts of men compared to their counterparts, they are treated with malice and violence. These goddesses are sexually assaulted, pushed to the side, or diminished simply because of their gender and this is not an accident. A powerful female figure is terrifying to men, specifically men seeking power, which is why these events could have happened to them in myths. These goddesses are portrayed to have envy, anger, disgust, remorse, sadness, alongside a lot of other emotions. They portray human emotions. 

I know I know, youre gonna say to me ‘Wrena/Kore, seriously? Now we're talking about humanity? In comparison to Gods?” Yes, but there is an important distinction in this mythology. Mythology is human created. While it does portray all-powerful gods and mighty heroes, it's still human. However, this tends to split from Greek and Roman mythology. Remember when I said the Romans stole the Greeks myths and just switched around the names, well they did do that! But they also took some of the humanity out of the Gods. Greek mythology is known for being very human, having a moral in its stories. While Roman mythology also has a story, the Gods are more like objects, representing their roles and being all-mighty hammers of justice for the 'greater good'. Greek and Roman tellings of mythos can get interchanged or swapped due to how long ago these myths were and how similar they were. This is why mythology is so complicated, you either have an overload of information or not enough. Some events are the same, some contradict each other. This is why mythology is a wonderful source of stories. They tell a different version based on what that individual or society needs at that moment. 

To get slightly more personal and not just throw facts or hypotheses at you, when I was little I was told the story of Hades and Persephone. My grandmother told me the version of Persephone being kidnapped by Hades, but falling in love and choosing to stay on her own accord. When I got older, I learned about the other version. I was upset and distraught at this revelation. I thought my grandma was trying to spin a story about stockholm syndrome to get me to accept the patriarchal society we live in. I was pissed. Now that Im older, I realize that wasnt the message she was trying to tell me. What she wanted to say in the story is that even though people will try to control me or take control away from me, dont. Take back the reins and never let someone decide my life for me. Each version of different myths have their own meanings and interpretations, and all are correct.

Unfortunately, that also means all of the bad ones are correct as well. Lets loop back on over to Persephone. Persephone in her myths has been sexually assaulted. Even though Apollo was not the one doing the act, its still stated that it happened. In the creation myth of Zagreus, Zeus sexually assaulted Persephone(his daughter) while she was unconscious. It's fucking despicable and awful to read. But Zeus is gross and that does not diminish the fact that she was in fact sexually assaulted. Wether people like it or not, it's apart of her mythos. Or at least a version. You see, the ‘romanticization’ of mythology is more of a modern trend. Taking old greek myths and modernizing them to make it seem like everything is not terrible is a common trend in writing. However, this attitude is harmful to mythology as a whole. While the modernization of greek myths does leave out some of the awful parts of the stories or ignores them, like incest or graphic violence, it still serves a purpose. While some reasons for re-vamping them could be interest or purely for entertainment sake, some try to stick with a moral messaging. Lore Olympus, while ignoring or misconstruing some of the more graphic details, still has an important story behind it. Persephone being assaulted in that story is a representation of modern day rape victims. She’s scared to tell anyone and terrified of the person who did it to her. When she does finally tell people, she is met with support and comfort. This is the narrative that survivors need today. Support, love, a safe space. Humans are always trying to relate to each other, or see themselves in the things they consume. And mythology is one of those things we just cant help but insert a piece of ourselves into. Mythology changes and shifts with individual needs, and it is all up to the individual and their needs. All versions are right. 

TLDR: While I dont like the storyline between Apollo and Persephone in Lore Olympus, it does serve a purpose and reflects on Persephone's mythology without creating a culture shock for modern audiences. Wrath and sex are the two most important themes in greek mythology, and more than often combine in an unsavory way. Mythology has many different versions of its stories, and each version has their purpose. All of those stories are correct depending on the society and individual. Again, you can enjoy an adaptation of mythology while recognizing that there will be inaccuracies and changes you don't like. You can also enjoy traditional mythology while recognizing the values and morals portrayed are from an ancient society with a different view on the world. 

heres some links to articles that were insightful into this topic, i recommend checking them out if you want:

[spiritorbghost]

i would just like to thank my wife(valleyofthemoon) for following my witch account and liking my silly little witchcraft posts, if no one got me i know that they/she/he has me

[spiritorbghost]

Ares Offerings

"Ares is the Olympian God of war, battlelust, courage, and civil order."

Large Altars:

Strong, dark red wine

Strong whiskey

Pure water

Black coffee

Black tea

Olive oil

Beef

Red meats in general

Cooked fat from meats

Blood from cut meats

Heavy spices

Spicy foods

Garlic

Frankensince

Sandalwood incense

Red, black, and dark purple candles

Art or statues of Him

Statues of horses or dogs

Weapons, armor, and shields (art, statues, toys, handmade, etc.)

Trophies

Small/Hidden Altars:

Spicy jerky

Sport drinks / protein shakes

Hand drawn or printed art of Him

Art or images of dogs, horses, and vultures

Feathers from vultures, woodpeckers, or barn owls

Red crystals such as garnets, rubies, bloodstone, etc.

Iron or steel jewelry

Red flowers, like roses

Thorns

Miniature or toy weapons and armor, especially helmets

Snake skin

Animal teeth

Write down your fears or successes and give them to Him

Medals and ribbons you've earned

Antiques

Photos of riots or past wars

Devotional Acts:

Create a playlist and listen to music that makes you feel brave/empowered

Donate to the Rape Crisis Center or other similar programs

Donate and support victims of war

Cook with garlic or heavy spices that you haven't tried before

Try new things and don't feel ashamed about doing so

Tell Him about your accomplishments

Tell Him about your fears

Learn about shadow work and try it for yourself

Learn about history, past wars, and past riots. Learn what they accomplished or failed to accomplish

Learn and educate yourself about the downsides of war and what can happen to the people affected by wars

Take care of your mental health by going to therapy, eating, drinking enough water, and remembering to take your medication

Partake in combat sports like martial arts, fencing, etc.

Exercise, find some fun workouts to do!

Play some strategy games like chess, Risk, Civilization, etc.

Stand up for yourself and what you believe in, write to your governor/mayor for things you want to see changed, attend riots, etc.

At the same time, don't push yourself if your physical or mental health isn't well, He doesn't want His devotees injured

A good place for His altar would be at the front door of your house or bedroom as He was considered to be the frontline of protection.

Pray to Him for strength, ability to fight and defeat enemies, courage, to keep others safe, and help in a battle.

Sources:

Artwork from the game Hades by Supergiant Games

https://occult-world.com/ares/

https://vocal.media/futurism/ways-of-worship-ares

https://www.theoi.com/Olympios/Ares.html

[spiritorbghost]

Offerings for Lord Ares

God of war, the spirit of battle, courage, civil order, and deals with issues that involves strength. 

Any thing Spicy 

Black coffee

Olive Oil 

“Manly” Scented Things 

Red, Gold, Yellow, Orange, and Black Candles 

Fried Eggs 

Beef or other red meats 

Art made for him 

Trophies you have earned 

Mock blood Offerings like candles 

Rubies 

Cinnamon 

Bloodstones 

Monster Energy drinks 

Sports drinks 

Chocolate (most things chocolate, bonus if its spicy)  

Energy bars 

Raspberries 

Bread 

Garnet 

Garlic 

A safety pin 

Black Tea 

Frankincense 

Sandalwood 

Amber 

Citrine 

Caramel 

Red Agate 

Tobacco 

Storm Water 

Beef Jerky 

A can of soda 

Broken Glass 

Piece of Sushi 

Flowers 

Weapon Imagery

[spiritorbghost]

Summer solstice honey cakes ☀️🌻

Happy summer solstice! Here’s a recipe to honour the day:

(Makes about 30 cupcakes or 2 big cakes)

Ingredients:

Cake:

450g plain flour

225g butter

4 tbsp honey

150g sugar

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp salt

4 eggs

250 ml milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

Icing:

150g icing sugar

20 ml water

1 tsp cinnamon

As much honey as you want

Lavender (optional)

1. Lay out cake cases or grease your tray if you are making one big cake and preheat your oven to 180C/350F

2. Mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt together

3. Add the eggs, honey, butter, milk and vanilla extract and mix until smooth

4. Put the mixture into whatever you are baking it in

5. Bake for 20mins (cupcakes) or 40mins (big cake)

6. Whilst cakes are baking prepare your icing. Mix together the icing sugar, water, cinnamon and honey until smooth. Add more water if you need to.

7. Once the cakes are done, take them out and leave to cool

8. When the cakes are cool, drizzle the icing onto them. Add lavender if you wish

9. Eat!

[spiritorbghost]

Litha

a.k.a Midsummer

What is Litha?

Litha is the summer solstice, which is the longest day of the year. Typically, the summer solstice is on or around the 21st of June, although in 2021 it is on June 20th. This day marks the beginning of summer. It is a bittersweet moment (mostly sweet), because we know that the days are at their longest, but soon the darkness will rejoin us. Litha celebrates the Sun (and any Sun gods/deities), joy, and fertility. For some, depending on your traditions and beliefs, this is when the Oak King is at his peak. Litha is another fire festival, where we celebrate life and all that comes with it

Correspondences

Colours: Yellow, green, gold, blue, pink

Food: Seasonal fruits and vegetables, honey, bread, cake, sunflower seeds

Herbs: Chamomile, elder, fennel, lavender, mugwort, verbena, St. John’s Wort

Flowers: Sunflower, rose, lily, elder

Crystals: Citrine, sunstone, moonstone, tiger’s eye, amber, jade, emerald

Incense: Lemon, rose, lavender, frankincense, pine, sage, cedar, myrrh

Animals: Bees, butterfly, robins, wrens, horses, cattle

God(desse)s: Sun gods (Apollo, Ra, Helios, Horus, etc.), Freya, Brigid, Aphrodite, Hathor, Gaia, Bast, Flora, The Oak King

Tarot: The Sun

Spells: Healing, growth, joy, purification, personal care/growth, protection

Activities

Have a fire

Pick berries, such as strawberries

Make berry/honey/citrus themed things

Pick wildflowers or flowers from a garden

Have a picnic

Light Litha coloured candles

Altar Ideas

Sunflowers

Sun objects

Oak leaves

Lemon/berries/honey

Cauldron

Sun catcher

Sun tea

Other flowers and in season produce

Like what you see? Leave me a tip!

[spiritorbghost]

🌻| Litha | 🌗

[ 📎 AKA "Mid summer's Eve ]

===============================

Note: This came straight from my notebook

===============================

🌿 | Litha takes place on June 20-23 for the northern hemisphere and December 20-23

🌼| Litha falls on the longest day of the year, It celebrated the triumph of nature, Shown as *"The green man"* for some. It also celebrates the leak of light but also the start of descent into darkness.

===============================

💐 Important Litha things

FOOD

Seasonal berries

Honey

Milk

Colors

Warm colors

Creams

Natural spring colors

Other

Sun magick

Fire

Musix

Fae folk

====================================

🌈 Litha Activities

Fae offerings

Look for hagstones

Leap a bonfire (SAFELY)

play or enjoy music

Burn your past (Images/letters)

Do a all nighter and watch the sun rise

===============================

That's all from me today folks

Have a happy pride month

🏳️‍🌈

(Thanks @pinewhisky for pointing out a error)

[spiritorbghost]

What is a Hearth Witch?

The Hearth Witch

“When you learn to love and let yourself be loved, you come home to the hearth of your own spirit. You are warm and sheltered. You are completely at one in the house of your own longing and belonging.”

― John O’Donohue, Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom

[spiritorbghost]

✧ 𝔚𝔦𝔱𝔠𝔥𝔠𝔯𝔞𝔣𝔱 𝔏𝔢𝔰𝔰𝔬𝔫 ճ

⋆ the sabbats ⋆

about Samhain, Beltane, Imbolc, Lughnasadh

յ. no magick is done at a Sabbat unless there is an emergency such as a healing desperately needed, but there is much feasting and merriment, if someone needs to work magick they can do it during an Esbat or do a special Circle sometime before or after the Sabbat evening

շ. as the Goddess is celebrated witch the phases of the Moon so is the God with certain phases of the Sun that are the Lesser Sabbats, while the Greater Sabbats are seasonal and therefore times for honor both the Goddess and the God

Յ. we can think of the God as predominant in winter (dark half) and the Goddess in summer (light half), but neither excludes the other cause both have masculine and feminine attributes so they are both honored during these Sabbats

կ. if the sabbat date coincides with a full Moon the the Full Moon Rite is to perform after Erecting the Temple

Տ. the Greater Sabbats follow a particular story of the gods and each of them have specific details

Samhain (or Hallowe'en): the God starts his journey to the underworld and it bears the light of the Goddess at the end – it was the Celts’ new year, the time of the year for getting rid of weakness, witches usually bring into the Circle a small piece of parchment with their weakness or bad habits that they’d want to lose written on it, on the altar and around it there should be autumnal decoration and the color of the candles and clothes should be orange

Imbolc (or Candlemas): the God is midway coming back to the light of the Goddess – it’s the “feast of lights” traditionally devoted to the Goddess (Brigid), besides the altar should be a “crown of light” a circlet of candles, the color of the candles and clothes should be brown

Beltane (or May Eve): the God and the Goddess get together again and she is impregnated – the altar may be decorated with flowers and the Circle can be bigger to contain a Maypole, the color of the candles and clothes should be dark green

Lughnasadh (or Lammas): the God, Goddess’ lover, is killed by the new younger God – God’s his death and rebirth will bring a better harvest, summer flowers should be on the altar and around the Circle, the color of the candles and clothes should be yellow

ճ. the Lesser Sabbats are Yule, Ostara, Litha and Mabon, we’ll talk about them more in the next lesson

from Raymond Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft, the Big Blue Book recommended supplementary reading:

Eight Sabbats for Witches by Janet and Stewart Farrar

Seasonal Occult Rituals by William Gray

[spiritorbghost]

Bealtaine (Beltane)

"Bealtaine" is the Irish spelling and is pronounced as "byal-tin-ah".

"Beltane" is the Anglicised and is pronounced phonetically.

When is Bealtaine? 1st of May.

What is Bealtaine? It is a Celtic fire and fertility festival that is also known as “May Day”, “Samradh”, and “May Eve”. It marks the coming of Summer.

Traditionally, jumping over a balefire during this festival is said to ensure protection over the forthcoming year - this may be where the “naked-pagans-jumping-bonfires” stereotype comes from.

Bealtaine is opposite Samhain in the Wheel of the Year, and just as they are opposed in position, they are opposed in celebration. Samhain is a festival that in many ways, celebrates death, whereas Beltane is a celebration of life.

• BEALTAINE CORRESPONDENCES •

There are many traditional activities associated with Bealtaine, such as bonfires, Maypoles and feasts, but if we’re going to be realistic, many of us can’t weave flowers into our hair and raise a Maypole in our village square.

Here’s some correspondences and associations that we can realistically work with:

• COLOURS:

Green.

Pink.

Yellow.

Red.

Brown.

Light Blue.

Lavender.

• FOOD:

Seasonal spring vegetables, such as cabbage, asparagus, radishes, onions, and potatoes (UK).

Sweets, such as chocolate, pastries and honey.

Spiced foods, such as ginger and peppers, incorporate the fire element of the festival into celebrations.

Aphrodisiacs, such as oysters, asparagus, nutmeg, and vanilla, incorporate the sensuality and fertility aspect of the festival.

Maybowl (a.k.a., May Wine), is a beverage that is typically made specifically for Beltane. Alcoholic versions of this beverage usually use honey mead or a sweet wine for a base, and non-alcoholic versions may use ginger ale. [Wine & Champagne based Maybowl Recipe]

• INCENSE:

Scents associated with Bealtaine are usually wild, earthy, and are often considered to be sensual.

Vanilla.

Cinnamon.

Patchouli.

Rose.

Lilac.

Oakmoss.

Sandalwood.

• FLORA:

Traditional flowers include: Hawthron, Rose, Sweet Woodruff, and Pansy. Others may include: Bluebell, Marigold, Primrose, and Daisy.

• OTHER TOOLS:

Other tools may include candles, a ritual knife, a brazier or cauldron.

• DEITIES & ENTITIES:

Celtic:

Óengus.

Rhiannon.

Aos Sídhe.

Others w/Shared Associations:

Bast.

Artemis.

Diana.

Flora.

Faunus.

Pan.

Bacchus.

Hera.

Cernunnos.

Eros.

• OTHER ACTIVITIES:

Flower Crowns: Flower crowns are a discreet, pretty and very fitting way of celebrating Bealtaine. If you make your own, use flowers that symbolise the festival - if you can. If you are using artificial flowers, focus on the colour correspondences instead. Red is a biggie as it can represent the fire and/or fertility element.

May Baskets: Traditionally, May Baskets were given to women from men (every woman in a household would get one), and they would be filled with sweets and flowers.

Bonfires: **Only if you have a safe outside space.** Bonfires are a simple way to honour this sabbat. They represent fire (you know, because they are fire), they cleanse and they bring protection. They also bring people together, and it is common to accompany the bonfire with a feast of seasonal foods.

[spiritorbghost]

Wheel of The Year ✧ Yule (December 20th-23rd) ✧ General meanings: winter solstice, new beginnings, rebirth Crystals - Bloodstone, Clear Quartz, Emerald, Ruby, Garnet, Diamond Animals - Bear, Boar, Deer, Eagle, Owl, Tiger, Wren Herbs - Chamomile, Ivy, Mistletoe, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Cedar, Cinnamon, Cloves, Frankincense, Juniper, Myrrh, Orange Deities - Odin, Ra, Isis, Brighid, Demeter, Gaea, Diana, Mithra, Lugh ✧Imbolc (February 2nd✧ General meanings: candlemas, hearth, and home Crystals - Amethyst, Bloodstone, Garnet, Onyx, Ruby, Turquoise Animals - Burrowing Animals, Bear, Deer, Groundhog, Lamb, Sheep Herbs - Acorns, Angelica, Basil, Bay, Blackberry, Chamomile, Crocus, Jasmine, Lavender, Rosemary Colors - Green, Brown, Red, White, Pink, Yellow Deities - Brigid, Triple Goddess, Eros, Osiris, Pan, Herne, Aradia, Athena ✧Ostara (March 20th-23rd)✧ General meanings: spring equinox, renewal and duality Crystals - Amethyst, Aquamarine, Clear Quartz, Agate, Jasper, Moonstone, Rose Quartz Animals - Butterfly, Chick, Rabbit, Lamb, Robin, Worm Herbs - Clover, Daffodil, Honeysuckle, Iris, Jasmine, Lemon Balm, Lilac, Lilies, Mint, Peonies, Tulips, Sandalwood, Tangerine, Ylang-Ylang, Geranium Colors - Pastels, Gold, Light Green, Blue, Pink, Yellow Deities - Eostre, Astarte, Aurora, Kore, Osiris, Dionysus, Ares, Adonis, Venus, Aphrodite, and Narcissus ✧Beltane (May 1st)✧ General meanings: may day, love, and fertility Crystals - Emerald, Garnet, Malachite, Rose Quartz, Tourmaline Animals - Bee, Cat, Cattle, Dove, Frog, Goat, Leopard, Rabbit, Swallow, Swan Herbs - Coriander, Crocus, Curry, Daffodil, Dandelion, Dragon’s Blood, Fern, Flaxseed, Hawthorn, Nettle, Paprika, Primrose, Snapdragon, Peach, Rose, Vanilla Colors - Bright Greens and Blues, Purples, Yellow and Red Deities - Bel, Pan, Maeve, Tanit, Flora, Gaia, Danu, Herne, Aphrodite, Artemis, Brigid, and Diana ✧Litha (20th-23rd)✧ General meanings: summer solstice, warmth, and the sun Crystals - Amber, Carnelian, Citrine, Diamond, Jade, Lapis Lazuli, Tiger’s Eye Animals - Bee, Butterfly, Cattle, Horse, Robin, Sea Creatures, Snake, Bird Herbs - Basil, Calendula, Chamomile, Heather, Heather, Mugwort, Wild Thyme, Peony, Roses, Daisy, Sunflower, St. John’s Wort, Cedar, Clove, Lavender, Mint, Pine, Sage Colors - Blue, Gold, Red, White, Yellow, and Green Deities - Aphrodite, Astarte, Freya, Hathor, Ishtar, Venus, Athena, Artemis, Dana Kali, Isis, Juno, Apollo, Helios, Ra, Sol, Zeus, Prometheus, and Ares ✧Lammas (August 1st)✧ General meanings: first harvest, abundance, and gratefulness Crystals - Citrine, Golden Topaz, Lodestone, Moss Agate, Obsidian, Peridot, Aventurine Animals - Calf, Pig, Rooster, Salmon, Crow Herbs - Apple Leaf, Basil, Clover, Goldenrod, Heather, Ivy, Marigold, Peony, Poppy, Rose, Rosemary, Vervain, Sunflower, Sandalwood, Frankincense Colors - Bronze, Green, Gold, Light Brown, Orange, and Yellow Deities - Lugh, Demeter, Ceres, Corn Mother, and John Barleycorn ✧Mabon (September 20th-23rd)✧ General meanings: autumn equinox, feast, and bounty Crystals - Amber, Citrine, Cat’s Eye, Lapis Lazuli, Sapphire, Yellow Agate Animals - Eagle, Blackbird, Owl, Salmon, Stag, Wild Goose, Wolf Herbs - Bittersweet, Chamomile, Marigold, Rue, Sage, Yarrow, Cinnamon, Myrrh, Frankincense Colors - Brown, Gold, Orange, Red, Yellow, and Green Deities - Mabon, Inanna, Demeter, Persephone, and The Horned God ✧Samhain (October 31st)✧ General meanings: new year, spirit, and potential Crystals - Aquamarine, Bloodstone, Carnelian, Jet, Obsidian, Onyx, Smokey Quartz Animals - Bat, Black Cat, Cat, Owl, Raven, Crow Herbs - Allspice, Calendula, Chrysanthemum, Deadly Nightshade, Mandrake, Mint, Nutmeg, Rosemary, Sage, Thistle, Wormwood, Hazel, Benzoin, Sweetgrass Colors - Black, Gold, Orange, Purple, White, and Silver Deities - Crone Goddesses, Hekate, Hel, Lilith, Kali, Ishtar, Arianrhod, Rhiannon, Persephone, Baba Yaga, and Isis

[spiritorbghost]

SIGILS

A sigil is a type of symbol used in magick. The term has usually referred to a type of pictorial signature of a deity or spirit. In modern usage, especially in the context of chaos magic, sigil refers to a symbolic representation of the practitioner's desired outcome.

basically a form of art in a way in which inscribed or painted symbols are considered to have magical powers

I personally don't fully burn them to activate them ; I just burn the edges but sometimes I burn the whole thing so yeah lol.

you can always get more creative ;3

[spiritorbghost]

Grimoire - Curses and Hexes

(Cursing and hexing have always belonged in my practice and always will. I'm not Wiccan. I don't believe in the Rule of Three and I don't follow the Threefold Law. Please don't attempt to preach the Wiccan Rede at me. If you have a problem with curses and hexes, then simply move past this page please.)

Curses vs. Hexes: What's the difference? Jinxes, Hexes, & Curses curses A few ways to protect yourself when casting curses, hexes, and bindings So You Think You've Been Cursed Signs you may have been cursed/hexed Nightmare Hex "You Feel The Pain You've Caused Me" Coffin Hex The Seven Stings Hex “Feel the Burn” Curse jar Jar of Consequences Hex Lapis Water Binding ‘To Sink a Sailor’ Spell Object Cursing Curses For Empathy Hekatean Witchcraft Curse Drown in your horrors curse “Have Nightmares Of Me” Inconveniencing Hexes RED HEART CURSE "From This Pain, I Will Rise" Curse Jar gentle curse Wither and Rot Protection Bottle To Banish and Bind - Curse Jar for Abusers Blood Rain Curse Jar My Pain to Yours Your Hatred Is Your Own (Curse Jar) Be Afraid Curse A Spell to Cause Impotence “Tell That Devil” Curse Flame Devil’s Curse Revenge Curse Insomnia Hex "Box of Terror" Curse The Lemon Hex Hex Bramble The Sorrow Pot - A Spell for Sadness ‘Red in Your Ledger’ Curse curse alternative The Healing Pool: A Cursebreaker Mild & Spicy Cursebreaker Powders Something to Consider before you Curse: Reversals baneful magic: net gain

[spiritorbghost]

Curses vs. Hexes: What’s the Difference?

If you were to look up the definition of both of the words on a search engine (hello, Google!) they are defined as follows:

Curse: (aside from meaning vulgar words) is “casting the evil eye or an evil spell upon someone.”

Hex: to curse someone.

Oh, dear sweet Google, you have tried your best but in this instance, every witch will tell you that you are wrong.

The general consensus is that ultimately, curses are worse than hexes; the target tends to suffer more at the hands of a curse than they do at the hands of a hex. 

Curses:

Usually more serious than hexes.

Can live on through generations if that is what the caster intended.

Tend to be long-term in nature.

Usually, curses are borne of anger; of hatred and even a need for justice.

They can usually be reversed or undone; reversals can be done by the caster, and undoings may be done by the caster, target or a third party.

Hexes:

Often cast as a “one-off” piece of magick.

Their effects are apparent very quickly, but they are not long-term - seen sometimes as an instantaneous form of malevolent magick.

Hexes are borne of revenge and/or annoyance, and they usually cause irritation and subsequent annoyance to the target - hexes are a way for the caster make their target feel what they have been made to feel for a short time.

Due to their nature, hexes are usually over and done with quickly and do not require a reversal or undoing.

Both of these forms of magick, are forms of malevolent magick that is used for many reasons.

Some people curse their abusers, or people who have hurt them and some people hex their ex-partners, or someone who has brushed them up the wrong way. Like all magick, what you do is circumstantial and no one can tell you whether you should or should not perform magick of this kind (I am pro-curse and hex, but not everyone is).

Common Cursing & Hexing Components:

Taglocks:

Bodily fluids (blood, spit, semen, menstrual blood, tears, urine, etc.)

Fingernails.

Hair.

Photographs.

Personal possessions.

Poppets.

Usernames/nicknames/names.

Herbs/Plants:

Cayenne Pepper

Chilli

Lemon

Black Pepper

Thistle

Thorns

Poppies

Mold

Other items:

Nails (rusted for potency)

Razor blades

String/yarn/chord

Cemetery Dirt

War Water

Needles

Bones

Vinegar

Mirror (broken or whole)

Broken glass

Dead Wasps

You’ll notice that I’ve bunched the common ingredients for curses and hexes in one list - that is because these two are simply lesser and greater forms of the same kind of magick, so you must bear in mind what your intent is when you choose your spell/ritual ingredients.

Do you want to frustrate, annoy and irritate your target? Do you want to bring them bad luck? Do you want to bring them untold misery? Consider this carefully.

*The word “hex” is used in modern witchcraft to describe a mild form of baneful magic[k], but if you want to know more about the word’s history, click here for a fantastic post by @athenathewitch .

[spiritorbghost]

Hecate offerings

For larger altars:

Round cakes decorated with candles

Fish (red mullet and salmon) and cured meats

Red wine and mead

Garlic

Honey

Milk

Breads

Crescent shaped sweets

Pomegranates

Raw eggs

Mushrooms

Dandelion tea

Large candles

A cauldron

Imagery of dogs such as statues, toy dogs, paintings, etc.

Incense (lavendar and myrrh are great)

Graveyard dirt (ask before taking! Do your research before gathering please.)

Snake skin

Animal bones

Mugwort

Wands

For smaller/hidden altars:

Almonds

Foxglove

Mint

Sage

Yew

Rose petals

Lavendar

Cypress and willow leaves

Frankensince

Obsidian

Quartz

Seashells

Black dog fur

Dog nail clippings

Images of dogs (pictures, personal drawings, dog plushies, etc.)

Keys

Personal offerings (nail clippings, hair)

Anything relating to the moon (pictures, keychains, personal drawings, etc.)

Crow, raven, and/or owl feathers.

Actions:

Helping and being friendly to dogs

Donating blankets, food, toys to animal shelters in her name

Volunteering at an animal shelter

Devoting time at night to her (meditate, talk to her, just have some silence for her, etc.)

Sharing your expierences, especially painful ones and your anger or sorrow with her

Study herbs and planting herbs in your garden

Having rituals or casting spells during a dark moon and invoking her

Taking care of graveyards and keeping them clean

Holding a feast for her and having all her favorite foods and drinks

Please feel free to add more, these are what i've personally collected and also what i have thought of.