#december witchcraft

[moodboard-d]

[greenwitchcrafts]

December 2023 witch guide

Full moon: December 26th

New moon: December 12th

Sabbats: Yule December 21st-January 1st

December Cold Moon

Known as: Drift Clearing Moon, Frost Exploding Tree Moon, Moon of the Popping Trees, Hoar Frost Moon, Snow Moon, Winter, Aerra Geola, Maker Moon, Heilagmanoth, Long Night's Moon, Oak Moon, Wintermonat, Moon of the Long Night, Little Spirit Moon, Wolf Moon & When the Deer Shed Their Antlers Moon

Element: Fire

Zodiac: Sagittarius & Capricorn

Nature spirits: Snow, Storm, & Winter Tree faeries

Deities: Athena, Fates, Hades, Hathor, Hecate, Ixchel, Minerva, Neith, Norns, Osiris & Persephone

Animals: Bear, deer, horse & mouse

Birds: Robin, rook & snowy owl

Trees: Fir, Holly & Pine

Herbs: Bay, cedar, chamomile, cinnamon, English ivy, evergreen, fir, frankincense, holly, mistletoe, myrrh, pine & sage

Flowers: Christmas catus, holly & poinsettia

Scents: Cedar, cinnamon, frankincense, ginger, lilac, myrrh, nutmeg, patchouli, pine, rose geranium, rosemary, saffron, violet & wintergreen

Stones: Bloodstone, blue topaz, cat's eye, garnet, jacinth, obsidian, peridot, turquoise, zircon, ruby & serpentine

Colors: Black, blood red, gold, green, red, silver, black & white

Energy: Alchemy, darkness, endurance, death & re-birth, higher education, publications, reaching out to others, religion, spiritual paths, travel & truth

Today, December’s full Moon is most commonly known as the Cold Moon—a Mohawk name that conveys the frigid conditions of this time of year, when cold weather truly begins to grip us.

This full Moon has also been called the Long Night Moon (Mohican), as it rises during the “longest” nights of the year, near the December winter solstice. This name is doubly fitting because December’s full Moon shines above the horizon for a more extended period than most full Moons.

In Europe, ancient pagans called the December full Moon the “Moon Before Yule,” in honor of the Yuletide festival celebrating the return of the sun heralded by winter solstice.

Yule

Also known as: Alban, Arthan & Winter Solstice

Season: Winter

Symbols: Baskets of clove studded fruit, Christmas catus,  decorated evergreen trees, evergreen boughs, gifts, gold pillar candles, hung mistletoe, poinsettias, wreaths & Yule logs/small Yule log with three candles

Colors: Gold, green, orange, red, silver, white &yellow

Oils/incense: Bayberry, cedar, cinnamon, frankincense. Myrrh & pine

Animals: Bear, boar, deer (stag), pig, squirrel & tiger

Birds: Eagle, goose, kingfisher, lapwing, owl robin & wren

Stones: Bloodstone, garnet, ruby, alexandrite, blue topaz,  cat's eye, citrine, clear quartz, diamond, emerald, green tourmaline, jet, kunzite & pearl

Foods: Caraway cakes, cookies, eggnog, fruits, ginger tea, nuts, pork, spiced cider, turkey, wassail & lamb's wool (ale,  sugar, nutmeg & roasted apples)

Herbs/plants: Bay, bayberry, birch, blessed thistle, cedar, chestnut, cinnamon, evergreens, fir, frankincense, ginger, holly, ivy, juniper, mistletoe, moss, myrrh, oak, pine, rosemary, sage, valerian & yellow cedar

Flowers: Chamomile, poinsettia & yarrow

Goddesses: Alcyone, Aphrodite, Ameratasu, Bona Dea, Brighid, Cailleach Bheur, Demeter, Diana, Fortuna, Frau Holle, Frau Perchta, Frigga, Gaia, Hel, Great Mother, Idunn, Isis, Ishtar, Kolyada, La Befana, Maat & Tiamat

Gods: Apollo, Attis, Balder, Bragi, Dionysus, Divine Child, Green Man, Helios, Holly King, Horned one, Horus, Janus, Lord of Misrule, Lugh, Mabon, Marduk, Mithras, Odin, Ra, Saturn & Surya

Issues Intentions & Powers: Darkness, divination, light, messages/omens, purification, rebirth/renewal & transformation

Spellwork: Earth magick, happiness, harmony, love & peace

Activities:

• Set up & decorate a Yule altar

• Clean, organize & cleanse before decorating your home

• Make witch's balls to hang on your tree (protective & pretty!)

• Decorate & bless & Yule tree

• Stay awake until dawn to observe the cycles of nature

• Give gifts tomyour family & friends

• Donate your time or helpful items to charity

• Go caroling

• Hang mistletoe in your doorways

• Make Wassail

• Prepare a Yule Log

• Host a Yule feast

• Craft your own decorative wreath

• Decorate your house with Yule colored candles

• Welcome the Sun

• Go on nature walks & leave offerings to nature

• Meditate & reflect on the passing year

“Yule” comes from Old English geol, which shares a history with the equivalent word from Old Norse, jól. Both these words referred to a midwinter festival centered around the winter solstice, which traditionally marked the halfway point of the winter season. After the solstice—the shortest day of the year—the days again begin to grow longer, so it’s thought that Yule was a celebration of the re-appearance of the Sun &the fertile land’s rebirth. 

The celebration of Yule is one of the oldest winter celebrations in the world. Ancient people were hunters & spent most of their time outdoors. The seasons & weather played a significant part in their lives. The customs and traditions associated with it vary widely.

Scholars have connected the original celebrations of Yule to the Wild Hunt, the god Odin, and the heathen Anglo-Saxon Mōdraniht ("Mothers' Night")

Some believe it marks the rebirth of the Sun (the God) from the Earth (the Goddess) & the cold days of winter will soon begin to wane. The Goddess is seen in her virgin Maiden aspect

In towns and cities throughout Sweden during the Christmas season, large goats are constructed out of straw. It is thought that the tradition originated in ancient times, perhaps as a tribute to the god Thor, who was said to ride in a chariot pulled by goats. In Sweden the goat came to be associated with the Christmas celebration, and the Yule goat is now considered by many to be a companion or counterpart to Santa Claus.

Related festivals:

Christmas- An annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ as the son of God, primarily observed on December 25th

Hanukkah- A Jewish festival commemorating the recovery of Jerusalem & subsequent rededication of the Second Temple at the beginning of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE.

Hanukkah is observed for eight nights & days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar. The festival is observed by lighting the candles of a candelabrum with nine branches, commonly called a menorah or hanukkiah. 

Kwanzaa- An annual celebration of African-American culture from December 26 to January 1st, culminating in a communal feast called Karamu, usually on the sixth day. It was created by activist Maulana Karenga, based on African harvest festival traditions from various parts of West & Southeast Africa. Kwanzaa was first celebrated in 1966. 

A Kwanzaa ceremony may include drumming and musical selections, libations, a reading of the African Pledge & the Principles of Blackness, reflection on the Pan-African colors, a discussion of the African principle of the day or a chapter in African history, a candle-lighting ritual, artistic performance & finally, a feast of faith (Karamu Ya Imani).

Saturnalia-

is an ancient Roman festival and holiday in honour of the god Saturn, held on 17 December of the Julian calendar & later expanded with festivities through to 23 December. The holiday was celebrated with a sacrifice at the Temple of Saturn, in the Roman Forum & a public banquet, followed by private gift-giving, continual partying & a carnival atmosphere that overturned Roman social norms: gambling was permitted & masters provided table service for their slaves as it was seen as a time of liberty for both slaves and freedmen alike.

 A common custom was the election of a "King of the Saturnalia", who gave orders to people, which were followed & presided over the merrymaking. The gifts exchanged were usually gag gifts or small figurines made of wax or pottery known as sigillaria. The poet Catullus called it "the best of days".

Other celebrations:

Feast of Epona-

Eponalia is the feast day of Gaulish Goddess Epona, the Divine Mare & in the time of the Roman Empire it was celebrated on December 18th.

Epona is known to be one of a very few Gaulish deities whose names were spread to the rest of the Roman Empire. This seems to have happened because Roman cavalry units stationed in Gaul followed Her & adopted her as their Patroness. This may have started because many of the cavalry troops were conscripted from Gaul as they were superb horsemen. From Gaul the Romans took Epona with them including to Rome where She was given her own feast day on the 18 December. They worshipped her as Epona Augusta or Epona Regina & invoked her on behalf of the Emperor. She even had a shrine in the barracks of the Imperial Bodyguard.

Hunting of the Wren-

A traditional custom carried out on the Isle of Man on the 26 December, St. Stephen's Day. It consists of groups of people going around villages and towns singing and dancing a traditional song and dance around a decorated wren pole.

The earliest and most common folklore story accounting for the origin of hunt the wren tells of a fairy/enchantress/witch whose beauty lures the men of the Isle of Man to harm, for which she is chased and is changed into the form of a wren. It is therefore in punishment for her actions that the wren is hunted on St. Stephen's Day

Sources:

Farmersalmanac.com

Llewellyn's Complete Book of Correspondences by Sandra Kines

A Witch's Book of Correspondences by Viktorija Briggs

Llewellyn's 2023 magical almanac: practical magic for everyday living

Wikipedia

Encyclopedia Britannica

[quietchanges]

[lunaoblonsky]

Christmas at Hogwarts

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)

[getcozy]

Mood board- The tradition that started it all: Yuletide, the Pagan celebration of winter solstice.

[khajiithaswitchywares]

❄️🌒🌕🌘❄️

[foodandfolklore]

Sugar Plums

If you live in a Western country like myself, you've likely heard the story or Poem 'The Night Before Christmas' It's a Christmas tale, written during Victoria England in 1823 By Clement Clarke Moore in the Troy Sentinel. It established a lot of things into long standing Christmas tradition. The hanging of stockings, a flying sleigh pulled by reindeer and their names, Santa (Still being called St. Nicholas) is descried as fat, jolly, with a white beard who comes in through the chimney. It's all pretty consistent with what we picture a snapshot of Christmas to be.

So what the hell are sugar plums? "The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;"

When I heard this as a kid, I pictured it as some kind of candy or desert that was light an airy. After all, there's a ballet song called the 'Sugar Plum Fairy' so it must be absolutely magical. And it was! For it's time.

One of the reasons we don't have sugar plums to look forward to anymore is because, frankly, we've been able to procure better Christmas goodies. Sugar plums were chopped up dried fruit and nuts, formed into a sticky ball then rolled in sugar. Fruit was a huge treat for the Victorians, so being able to not only have sweet, dried fruit but ALSO dip it in sugar must of been an absolute treat for children.

If You want to try these yourself, I have a recipe I found.

Sugar Plums

You will need: 3oz Dried Prunes (longevity, clears obstacles) 1oz Dried Dates (Rebirth) 1oz Dried Apricots (Rejuvenation, eases anxiety) 1oz Dried cranberries (Celebration, Rejuvenation, Bring people together) 2oz Walnuts or Other Assorted Nuts (Wishes, Prosperity) 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon (Success, Happiness, Prosperity) 1/4 teaspoon Cardamom (Love, Courage) 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg (Luck, Happiness, Prosperity) 1/4 teaspoon Cloves (Love, Friendships, Protection) Teaspoon of Honey (Happiness, Prosperity, Love, Friendship) 1/4 teaspoon salt Course Sugar

Chop your dried fruit and nuts until very small and fine. Add your chopped fruit, nuts, spices, salt, and honey to a bowl. Mix until well combined in a large ball. This is going to take some arm strength.

Once your lump is mixed, start rolling out smaller balls with your hand. Use the palm of your hands to help shape the small ball. Once you have your small ball, roll it in your sugar.

You have now made a sugar plum. Repeat until all the mixture has been rolled and covered.

[sappy-witch]

⭐🎄Celebrating Yule 🎄⭐

Hello darlings 🥰,

As December ushers in its wintry charm, let's dive into the magical world of Yule, the Winter Solstice celebration, a time of rebirth and renewal in the Pagan calendar. ✨❄️

Yule, celebrated on the shortest day of the year, marks the return of the sun and the promise of brighter days ahead. In 2023, Yule, also known as the Winter Solstice, falls on Thursday, December 21st. This day marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, symbolizing the rebirth of the sun and the beginning of winter. Here's how you can embrace this enchanting season:

Ingredients:

🌲 Evergreen branches (Pine, Fir, or Cedar)

❄️ Snowflakes or snowflake decorations

🕯️ White, Gold, or Silver candles

🔔 Bells

🍊 Oranges or orange slices

🌰 Nuts and berries

Ritual:

🌟 Create a Yule Altar: Decorate your altar with evergreen branches, candles, and symbols of the sun. It's a beautiful way to honor the returning light.

🌟 Light Candles: As you light white, gold, or silver candles, reflect on the past year and set intentions for the new cycle.

🌟 Make Yule Decorations: Craft snowflakes, hang bells, and dry orange slices. These activities are not only fun but imbue your space with festive energy.

🌟 Hold a Feast: Celebrate with a meal featuring nuts, berries, and seasonal fruits. Sharing food is a way to connect with loved ones and the earth's bounty.

🌟 Reflect and Release: Write down what you wish to let go of from the past year and what you hope to bring forth. Burn the paper safely in your candle flame as a symbolic release.

🌟 Connect with Nature: Take a walk in the woods, listen to the silence of winter, and feel the magic of the earth.

Yule is a time for inner reflection, peace, and joy. Embrace its magic, and let the light fill your heart and home.

 ____

🌞 If you enjoy my posts, please consider donating to my energies 🌞

✨🔮 Request a Tarot Reading Here 🔮✨

____

With love, from a Sappy Witch 🔮💕

Blessed be. 🕊✨

[witchboxco]

[slashofcrimson]

[the-hermit-at-midnight]

DECEMBER

Moon Name: Cold Moon

Deities: Hecate, Neith, Minerva, Ixchel, Osiris, Athene, Cronos

Nature Spirits: Snow Energy, Water Sprites, Storm Faeries Colors: Black, White, Red Scents: Cedar, Fir, Oud, Frankincense, Myrrh

Herbs: Evergreen, Cedar, Pine, Frankincense, Ginger, Holly, Ivy, Mistletoe, Myrrh, Rosemary, Cinnamon, Yarrow

Flowers: Holly and Narcissus

Tree's: The Elder & Birth Tree

Stones: Blue Topaz, Turquoise, Zircon Or Tanzanite

Element: Earth

Threshold: Dawn

[moodboard-d]

[anautisticaquarius]

ATTENTION WITCHES OF TUMBLR!

We got a situation that requires your assistance.

Long story short, some knobhead police chief (knobhead in question is Hanover Borough Police Chief Chad E. Martin) in Hanover, Pennsylvania is trying to fine and jail a small business owner (they go by the name of Beck and they're known as The Stitching Witch on TikTok, which is where I found about this whole situation, they use they/them/theirs pronouns), just for doing tarot card readings IN THEIR OWN STORE, WHICH THEY OWN.

This shit started on October 5th this year (2023). It's now December 4th, and the pigs still aren't backing down.

Beck has been getting lots of support from friends, followers, friends of viewers, etc., but it's time to beef up the support.

WITCHBLR, ASSEMBLE!

Sign the petition, dive into some research, just please, do whatever you can to help Beck deal with this absurd situation, and hopefully bring an end to the highly unconstitutional law being used against them.

[reno-matago]

Research about trees: Medlar

Fertility, abundance & protection

• Witch's wand. (branches) A medlar branch also keeps witches away and protects livestock, hung in the stable. To calm down animals.

• The makhila, the pilgrim's staff made of medlar wood.

• Beaten by the devil in folklore. (In May)

• Fertility (fruit).To reveal the sweetness behind the bitterness, to improve someone's character. (My thoughts)

The 5 stones of the fruit, very hard, break up kidney stones in folk medicine.

• Wealth (leaf)

• Scarcity and abundance

• Manage the ephemeral and the inconsistent

• Protection of babies

Around the month of May, it commonly happens that the medlar tree, whose buds are eaten by the larvae of certain insects, wilts. In the past, it was said that the devil (or sorcerers) was responsible and that he came to beat the tree, especially those who had not been blessed on May 1st. This is why pouring holy water on this day at the foot of the medlar trees is a wise precaution. The medlar tree sometimes provides the wood from which sorcerers make their wands. The branch must then be cut on Midsummer night. At the same time, a medlar branch wards off sorcerers and, hung from the ceiling of the stables, protects the livestock from evil spells. In addition, the medlar stick “cut the day before a big holiday” instantly calms panicking animals. In Brittany, a piece of medlar was sometimes placed in a child's cradle.

Attention ! Someone who loves medlars will often have quarrels in their life and will have a propensity to interfere in the affairs of others.

(Eloize Mozzani, Le livre des superstitions, mythes et légendes)

Sources: luminessens

[lunaoblonsky]

Winter at Hogwarts

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

[thewitchfarhan]

December Full Moon 2023

December 26th, 2023. The Full Moon sits in the constellation Cancer, a zodiac sign marked by deep emotions, hard exteriors, and sensitive interiors.

Meanwhile, it is Capricorn season, a zodiac sign marked by a grounded sense of mind, a desire to excel, and a motivation towards monetary gain.

Today it is important for all the signs in the zodiac to sit with the emotions in your mind and heart. Do not push away that which upsets you and do not attempt to drown out your thoughts with distractions.

Ground yourself in your current reality, feel the sorrows of the past year but also recognize that what is isn’t what will always be. The new year is a blank slate - allow yourself to dream of what can be.

Do:

- Journal

- Allow yourself to cry

- Meditate

- Water, Earth, or Fire elemental magic

Don’t:

- Suppress emotions

- Spend time around those who don’t care for you

- Gamble/make bets

- Air elemental magic