#spring equinox correspondances

[esoteric-chaos]

Spring Equinox Masterpost- Spoonie Witch Friendly

Art Credit: Anastasia Catris

The Spring Equinox, also called the Vernal Equinox or Ostara, is usually celebrated between the 21st of March in the Northern Hemisphere (In the Southern Hemisphere around September 20th or 21st)

In 2024, Ostara and the Spring Equinox land in the Northern Hemisphere on Monday, March 19th.

The Spring Equinox celebrates the arrival of spring. Celebrating balance, growth, and new beginnings as Winter has finally ended.

Spring Equinox Correspondances

Colours

Light Green

Lavender

Sunny Yellow

Light Blue

Pastel Pink

White

Herbal

Lemongrass

Daffodils

Tulips

Violets

Apple Tree

Cherry Blossom

Primrose

Birch tree

Hyacinths

Dandelion

Garlic

Ash tree

Jasmine

Edibles

Honey

Salad greens

Spring veggies

Fresh berries

Mead

Herbs

Eggs

Seeds

Bread

Edible flowers

Quiches

Custards

Maple

Animals

Hares

Baby Chicks

Snakes

Robins

Bees

Butterflies

Phoenix

Ram

Crystals

Fluorite

Moonstone

Silver

Aquamarine

Clear Quartz

Amazonite

Symbols

Bonfires

Flowers

Rabbits

Eggs

Seeds

Baskets

Flowering or Tree Buds

Lambs

Birds

Spiritual meanings

Purification

Cleansing (removal of stagnant energy)

Growth

Transition

Motivation

Balance

Birth

Good fortune

Kindness

Joy

Fertility

Scents

Coconut

Citrus

Floral scents (rose, lilac, jasmine, etc)

Herbal scents (rosemary, basil, mint, etc)

Gods / Goddesses / Spirits

Eostre –  (Anglo-Saxon)

Aphrodite - (Greek)

Gaia - (Celtic)

Gaea - (Greek)

Venus - (Roman)

Athena - (Greek)

Aurora - (Roman)

Eos - (Greek)

Isis – (Egyptian)

Freya - (Norse) 

Persephone - (greek)

Cybele - (Roman)

The Green Man - (Celtic)

Odin – (Norse) 

Osiris – (Egyptian)

Pan – (Greek)

Thoth – (Egyptian)

Adonis – (Greek)

Apollon –  (Greek)

Apollo - (Roman)

Need some suggestions to celebrate? I've got you covered.

High energy celebrations and ritual

Deep cleaning of the hearth and home

Nature hikes

Visiting farmers markets

Making preserves

Create a fae garden

Create a seasonal altar

Abundance/Prosperity ritual

New beginnings ritual

Low energy celebrations 

Wear pastels

Create flower crowns

Light a candle with scent correspondence

No spoon celebrations 

Opening a window

Journaling Prompts

Keeping hydrated

Drink floral tea

Rest

How you celebrate the holiday does not matter. You can choose to do any activity that feels right. These are only suggestions and remember that you're enough no matter what.

Also please note some stuff is UPG. A great book is Year of the Witch by Temperance Alden for honouring the celebrations and if you wanted to work more seasonally. It's not Wiccan-based and has plenty of resources for every witch.

Feel free to post how you celebrate in the comments or reblogs!

Want to see more of my posts? Check out my Wheel of the Year Masterpost or my Main Masterpost.

[pagan-essentials]

Ostara 2024

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[witchboxco]

Ostara Altar Ideas & Correspondences

Ostara, also known as the Vernal Equinox, marks the balance between light and dark, symbolizing renewal, fertility, and the awakening of the Earth from its winter slumber.

Ostara Correspondences

Symbols: Eggs, rabbits, spring flowers, seeds, and chicks.

Colors: Pastel shades such as green, yellow, pink, and light blue.

Crystals: Aquamarine, rose quartz, moonstone, and clear quartz.

Plants: Daffodils, tulips, crocuses, and other early spring ephemerals.

Herbs: Jasmine, honeysuckle, and vervain.

Foods: Fresh fruits, leafy greens, eggs, honey, and sprouts.

Altar Decorations

Spring Flowers: Adorn your altar with fresh flowers like daffodils, tulips, or cherry blossoms to symbolize the awakening of nature.

Eggs: Decorate eggs with natural dyes or paint them with symbols of fertility and growth. Arrange them in a nest or basket on your altar.

Rabbits and Chicks: Incorporate small figurines or images of rabbits and chicks to represent the fertility of the season.

Symbols of Balance: Place representations of balance, such as scales or yin-yang symbols, to honor the equilibrium of light and dark during the equinox.

Spring Incense: Burn incense blends featuring floral scents like jasmine or lavender to evoke the essence of spring.

Altar Cloth: Use a pastel-colored cloth as the base for your altar to reflect the hues of the season.

Candles: Light candles in colors associated with Ostara, such as yellow or light green, to welcome the return of the sun.

Seeds and Soil: Display small pots of soil or bowls of seeds to symbolize the potential for growth and new beginnings.

Divination Tools: Incorporate divination tools like tarot cards or runes to seek guidance and insight for the season of growth ahead.

Offerings: Leave offerings of fresh fruits, flowers, honey, or bread as a gesture of gratitude to the Earth for its abundance.

As you prepare your altar for Ostara, infuse it with your intentions for renewal, growth, and the blossoming of new opportunities. May you find warmth in the returning sun. <3

[whimsigothwitch]

Imbolc "In the belly" (Feb 1-2) 🐑 Midway point between the winter solstice and spring equinox, Winter is slowly but surely coming to an end and spring is just around the corner. The days are getting longer and snowdrops, crocus and daffodils are starting to bloom. Farmers sow the first seeds, sheep are lactating and the first lambs are born. Imbolc is all about purification, fertility and rebirth.

Correspondences for Imbolc: Symbols; lambs, Brigid cross, candles, sun, fire, seeds, milk, spring flowers. Colors; white, pastels (green, yellow), earth tones, gold. Spells; Cleansing, gratitude, rebirth/renewal. Crystals; amethyst, quartz, aventurine, selenite, moonstone. Flowers and herbs; lavender, rosemary, cinnamon, bay leaf, chamomile. Food; pancakes, milk, soups, seasonal vegetables, seeds, cheese, yogurt, poppyseeds, homemade bread, cakes, dried fruits, teas. Imbolc activities; cleaning, planning your garden, planting the first seeds, nature walk, lightning candles, bake bread, make a Brigid cross, write poems, make art.

[lunar-bat]

Witchcraft 101: Wicca & The Wheel of The Year

Paganism - An umbrella term for many nature-based and polytheistic spiritual traditions. Note that not all pagans practice witchcraft. Wicca - A pagan, nature-based religious movement. Wicca blends aspects of witchcraft, nature veneration, and ceremonial magic. It places a strong emphasis on honoring nature and follows a duotheistic belief system often known as the Triple Goddess and Horned God. Wheel of The Year The wheel reflects the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth in the natural world and is central to the rituals, spells, and celebrations of many pagan and witchcraft traditions. The Wheel of the Year is divided into eight significant points, which correspond to the Sabbats or festivals:

Samhain (October 31st): Also known as All Hollow's Eve, marks the beginning of the Wheel of the Year and is associated with the end of the harvest season and the onset of winter. Samhain is a time for honoring ancestors, reflecting on mortality, and recognizing the thinning of the veil between the physical and spirit worlds. Samhain is a time to acknowledge the cyclical nature of life and death and to connect with the spiritual realm. Yule (Winter Solstice, typically around December 21st): Marks the rebirth of the sun, with a focus on light, hope, and renewal during the darkest time of the year. Yule customs include lighting candles or a Yule log, feasting, gift-giving, and spending time with loved ones. It's a significant part of the Wheel of the Year, emphasizing the cyclical nature of life and the changing seasons. Imbolc (February 1st): Marks the early signs of spring and the gradual return of light and warmth. Imbolc is associated with the Celtic goddess Brigid and is a time for purification, cleaning, and preparing for the coming season's growth. It's often celebrated with rituals, candle lighting, and dedication to Brigid. Imbolc highlights the theme of renewal and the awakening of life after the winter months. Ostara (Spring Equinox, typically around March 21st): Marks the arrival of spring, where day and night are in balance. Ostara is a time for celebrating fertility, new beginnings, and the growth of life. It is often associated with themes of rebirth, renewal, and the awakening of nature. Common customs include egg decorating, planting seeds, and celebrating the return of warmth and longer days. Beltane (May 1st): Celebration of fertility, love, and the union of the goddess and god. Beltane is often observed with rituals, bonfires, Maypole dancing, and other festivities that emphasize the vitality and growth of life in the natural world. Midsummer (Summer Solstice, typically around June 21st): Also known as Litha, marks the longest day of the year when the sun is at its peak. Midsummer is a time for harnessing the sun's energy, celebrating the abundance of nature, and enjoying outdoor festivities. Common customs include lighting bonfires, dancing, and gathering herbs and flowers for magical and medicinal purposes. Lughnasadh (August 1st): Also known as Lammas, marks the first harvest of the year and is associated with the Celtic god Lugh. Lughnasadh is a festival dedicated to expressing gratitude for the Earth's bountiful harvest and agricultural abundance. Traditional practices during this time involve crafting corn dollies, enjoying meals made from freshly harvested crops, and engaging in various games and competitions. Mabon (Autumn Equinox, typically around September 21st): Marks the second harvest and a time of balance when day and night are equal. Mabon is a festival for reflecting on gratitude, giving thanks for the fruits of the Earth, and preparing for the darker months ahead. Common customs include feasting on seasonal foods, making offerings to the land, and creating altars with symbols of the season.

[apod]

2023 September 23

Afternoon Analemma Image Credit & Copyright: Ian Griffin (Otago Museum)

Explanation: An analemma is that figure-8 curve you get when you mark the position of the Sun at the same time each day for one year. To make this one, a 4x5 pinhole camera was set up looking north in southern New Zealand skies. The shutter was briefly opened each clear day in the afternoon at 4pm local time exposing the same photosensitized glass plate for the year spanning September 23, 2022 to September 19, 2023. On two days, the winter and summer solstices, the shutter was opened again 15 minutes after the main exposure and remained open until sunset to create the sun trails at the bottom and top of the curve. The equinox dates correspond to positions in the middle of the curve, not the crossover point. Of course, the curve itself is inverted compared to an analemma traced from the northern hemisphere. And while fall begins today at the Autumnal Equinox for the northern hemisphere, it's the Spring Equinox in the south.

∞ Source: apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap230923.html

[talonabraxas]

The Celtic Tree Zodiac: Find Your Tree Sign in the Celtic Tree Calendar

⛤ The Ogham Grove ⛤

The Ogham Grove is a modern way of working with the Ogham, as both a year wheel and as a sacred circle, or grove; for both solitary rituals and group work within a sacred landscape - and as an internal, astral sanctuary, within one's own mind - one's inner grove.

Whilst the Ogham Grove is a modern way of working with the Ogham, it is actually based upon the oldest known tree sequence attributed to the Ogham; that which was recorded in The Scholar's Primer - which was compiled into the Book of Ballymote circa 1390 AD.

Of course the Ogham may have corresponded with specific trees long before 1390 AD

but there is no earlier evidence. The oldest evidence of the Ogham writing system is that of inscribed pillar-stones; the oldest of which appear to date to the 4th century.

Simply, the Ogham Grove is created by placing the trees of the Ogham, evenly spaced (every 18 degrees), around a circle; when one does this, all manner of meaningful patterns begin to emerge - aligning trees (and their mythological lore) with specific stars, deities, and times of the year. This opens up exciting new fields of research into Celtic studies.

knowledge across arts, music and poetry, as well as science, language, and environment. They understood that human life was a small part of a much larger pattern, and that these rhythms could be worked out by careful observation, and strict adherence to an annual cycle – the Celtic Ogham Wheel of the Year.

​The inner wheel represents the Fibonacci sequence: 1,1,3,5,8,13.

​1 – the single point, the centre of all things

2 – the spiral stirring within the cauldron

3 – the Triskellion, the three maidens attending the cauldron

5 – the Rose, the Queen of every hive

8 – the Fire Festivals

13 – the Ogham lunar sequence

The Outer Wheels depict the current calendar months, the signs of the zodiac, and the full grove of the 20 Ogham trees in their natural order, beginning with Birch.

​THE FIRE FESTIVALS

​The eight Fire Festivals take place at the solstices and equinoxes of the solar year, and help to bring a deeper connectedness and understanding of the world around us and the importance of living in harmony with that world.

​The Festivals are as follows:

Winter Solstice (Yule): 20th December

Imbolc: 1st February

Spring Equinox (Ostara): 19th March

Beltane: 1st May

Summer Solstice (Litha): 21st June

Lughnasadh/Lammas: 1st August

Autumn Equinox (Mabon): 21st September

Samhain: 31st October

[sunny-days-and-warm-mournings]

I think SWK is monkey pretty (obviously) and literally Uncanny Valley pretty like— he looks like a monkey but he's not, he just looks and acts and plays like a monkey, but he ISN'T. He walks a shaky line between Yaoguai and celestials too. and I've always seen him w human features sometimes.

I know the book says explicitly that he does look like that. A primate and that he's also short as fuck. But I think him sitting between monkey/ape/gibbon/macaque (or a mix of all four), Yaoguai, Celestial body, and human seems right with me.

For example, the Blackmyth WuKong's design:

IT SITS JUST RIGHT. He's more human-like in his features but??? It's also very clear that he's a simian. The Monkey King Hero Is Back is like this too.

Very monkey. It's so clear and if you say that he's a monkey then I'd believe you, though I'd also doubt it. He just doesn't feel like one, or his monkey features also just doesn't sit too close to that territory. I feel like he's literally a walking Uncanny Valley amongst the other monkeys from Flower Fruit Mountain.

Some people say he could be a golden snub-nosed monkey, but SWK being based on rhesus macaques is much more convincing. He's drawn in those features in arts more, too. I know he's a stone monkey born from absorbing essence from Heaven and Earth (as well as from "nothingness" thus what Subodhi named him after) but— he doesn't belong on any existing specific genus of primates. Some wikis even only classify his "species" as "Stone Monkey, Based on rhesus macaques". Literally just "based", as in he only looks like one. A macaque-looking primate.

Also I'm not sure but isn't he also classified as a demon or Yaoguai as some sort? I don't remember well. Then, but then, I realized that in Chinese Mythology the world was created from Nothingness, too, until the giant Pan Gu cut the single line to make Yin and Yang.

"Chinese creation myths are symbolic narratives about the origins of the universe, earth, and life. In Chinese mythology, the term "cosmogonic myth" or "origin myth" is more accurate than "creation myth", since very few stories involve a creator deity or divine will. Chinese creation myths fundamentally differ from monotheistic traditions with one authorized version, such as the Judeo-Christian Genesis creation narrative: Chinese classics record numerous and contradictory origin myths. Traditionally, the world was created on Chinese New Year and the animals, people, and many deities were created during its 15 days.

In contrast to the above Chinese cosmogonic myths about the world and humans originating spontaneously without a creator (e.g., from "refined vital energy" in the Huainanzi), two later origin myths for humans involve divinities. The female Nüwa fashioned people from loess and mud (in early myths) or from procreating with her brother/husband Fuxi (in later versions). Myths about the male Pangu say that people derived from mites on his corpse. "

The Palaces of the Nine Constellations and the Eight Trigrams from the egg also corresponds to seasonal nodes (Winter Solstice, Beginning of Spring, Spring Equinox, Beginning of Summer, Summer Solstice, Beginning of Autumn, Autumn Equinox, and Beginning of Winter.) — which can mean that not only SWK was birthed from Heaven and Earth (as well as the Sun and Moon), he was also made with more yang essences than he is with yin. The Eight Trigrams may have also contributed with his immortality. You can see about the 24 solar stems of the calendar too if you're curious.

The book is chock full of body horror, too, but it happens more during the journey itself than in the beginning. SWK's immortality and healing makes it possible for him to do these things, but I have my own theory that he's not made of flesh (or anything that makes a living thing, well, living in terms of biological stuff) and that he was born from a magic stone and and is a stone monkey— his flesh/body is more like a very thick solidification of yin and yang essence, much like how the world was created in Chinese Mythology. Then perhaps balanced w the essences of the two celestial bodies, the Sun and Moon. This could contribute to how he's so hard to injure and why the Samadhi fire didn't do much damage on him, and not just because he hid closer to where the wind seal inside the crucible is.

OOF I got sidetracked a little bit but this has been sitting in my head since morning. It's just that when I look of drawings of SWK I recognize he's a monkey, but it feels like he's just something else posing as one. Like using a suit so well it blends just enough to look right. I could do more research on this but I don't have the time rn so...

But anyway— I think it's pretty cool that SWK is only based on rhesus monkeys, but not classified as one considering his origin. It's very cool and somewhat creepy and maybe even creepier for the other monkeys and animals in Flower Fruit Mountain. He's natural, but something under all that fur and skin just doesn't feel right.

Also here's a fic I've been developing as of late, if anyone's interested in reading :v

[read-by-marie]

Planetary Days & Hours

Each day and hour of our lives is ruled by different planets. If you study astrology, you already know every planet profoundly influences our lives from birth until death. Understanding the different planetary movements can help you find the best time for performing any ritual, scheduling a meeting, and everything in between.

Understanding the Planetary System

The planetary day begins with sunrise, is sectioned into 24 planetary hours, and ends at sunrise the following day. It sounds like a regular day; however, planetary hours are not divided into 60-minute intervals--in other words, some planetary hours are longer than others. Our days are divided into 2 sections: sunlight and moonlight. From sunrise to sunset is divided into 12 equal sections; sunset to sunrise is divided into another 12 sections.

This results in moonlight planetary hours being longer than sunlight. Rarely are the planetary hours precisely 60 minutes. The only exception is the spring & fall equinoxes.

This chart helps you better understand the order of the hours and how they move throughout the day. 7 influential planets rule the days and hours: the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Mars, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn. Each day begins in the hour of their respective planet.

Sunday always starts in the hour of the Sun. Monday always starts in the hour of the Moon, etc.

From here, the hours move in a linear pattern.

Sun (1), to Venus (2), to Mercury (3), to Moon (4), to Saturn (5), to Jupiter (6), to Mars (7): Repeat.

Regardless of the day, the hours will always move in this order. You might be wondering /how/ the days start in their respective planetary hours if we maintain this order. We skip three planets between the last hour of moonlight and the first hour of sunlight.

On Sundays, we end in the Hour of Mars (the last hour), skip the Sun/Venus/Mercury, and start in the Hour of the Moon - beginning Monday. You can refer to the previous picture to get a better visual.

***I recommend Planetaro (for IOS) and Planetary Hours Calculator to better measure the planetary hour.

Understanding the Days & Hours

7 influential planets rule the days and hours: **The following correspondences apply to the planetary days and hours.

☉ SUN | Day & Hour of the Sun - Sunday

The sun encourages you to step out of your comfort zone and act confidently. It's all about living in the present moment and acting with intention. Under the influence of the Sun, you'll find it easier to approach authority figures and find more success in getting what you want (promotion, jobs, etc.). If you can, you should schedule essential meetings during the hour of the sun, especially if a decision needs to be made. You're encouraged to relax and go with the flow. Go outside and see where the wind takes you.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Best for self-expression, exploring, creativity, socializing, career success, and advertising.

-

☾ MOON | Day & Hour of the Moon - Monday

The moon inspires you to connect physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It's all about turning inwards and aligning yourself with what matters most. The moon is best for connecting with family and being emotionally vulnerable. You'll find it easier to discuss emotionally charged topics during the hour of the moon. Similarly, people will be more receptive to your feelings. You should spend the hour of the moon with your family if you can. Under the influence of the Moon, you should reflect on your goals and emotional well-being. It's a great day to test your intuition, experiment with divination, write down your feelings, and organize your emotions.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Best for emotions, family, and food.

-

♂ MARS | Day & Hour of Mars - Tuesday

Mars makes you want to move and assert yourself. You'll find yourself more motivated under Mars' self-assured energy. This is a great time to make decisions and lead by example. You're at your most motivated and physical confidence, although you might be a little too confrontative and irritable. It's crucial to strike under the influence of Mars. Still, you're making decisions, starting something new, or getting physically active--don't bite off more than you chew.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Best for action, motivation boosts, and physical energies

- ☿ MERCURY | Day & Hour of Mercury - Wednesday

Mercury is all about communication and processing. It's the best time to communicate via all media, study and recall information, and send important documents/messages/etc. You'll find that you have more focus under the influence of Mercury. It encourages you to recall important information and convey that to others. Under the influence of Mercury, you should schedule exams, draft essential messages, and/or write down anything important to you. It's an excellent time for overall communication and understanding.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Best for communicating, learning, and sending important messages.

- ♃ JUPITER | Day & Hour of Jupiter - Thursday

There is no lucky time than Jupiter's hour. You'll typically hear good news, see improvements, and see good luck during this time. Under Jupter's influence, things seem to go your way more often. Under the influence of Jupiter, you should manifest (wealth, relationship, career success, etc.) and invest in all aspects of your life. Jupiter doesn't just influence your material wealth, though. You'll see success in all aspects of life, including emotional/romantic/spiritual/etc. Jupiter is all about abundance and generosity. You should also consider donating during this time.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Best for growth, good luck, fortune, and success.

- ♀ VENUS | Day & Hour of Venus - Friday

Everyone knows about the allure of Venus and the planet's influence. Venus encourages you to love by all definitions of the word. It's the best time for dates, romantic encounters, and (my favorite) self-love. Under the influence of Venus, you are encouraged to do self-care, self-beautification (hair, makeup, shopping, etc.), socialize (romantically and platonically), and overall de-stress, relax, and enjoy yourself to the fullest. It influences you to love life however that looks for you.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Best for love, social occasions, mediating after a dispute, de-stressing, entertainment, and financial investments.

-  ♄ SATURN | Day & Hour of Saturn - Saturday

Saturn is all about getting things done and setting things right. It's about finishing everything you've been putting off: projects, chores, finalizing plans, etc.--Saturn is there for it all. This is an hour of productivity at its finest. Under the influence of Saturn, you are encouraged to get work done and follow the flow. You have to take things one by one as they come. You are encouraged to start organizing your plans/agenda and tie up any loose ends before the hour ends.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Best for responsibilities, getting organized, and rules.

References/Resources

[delightingintragedy]

Ostara Dreaming

"Use this blend before bed to dream of love - especially the night before the spring equinox.

3 drops Roman chamomile essential oil (Chamaemelum nobile) (preferred) or Cape chamomile essential oil (Eriocephalus punctulatus) for luck, sleep, love

1 drop jasmine absolute (Jasminum officinale) for love, prophetic dreams

5 drops lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) for love, peace, protection

1 drop Turkish rose absolute (Rose damascena) or rose geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens) for love, dreams

Springtime is when minds drift toward love. Spring flings, first romances, and vow renewals all have their place in the spring dreaming. Mix all oils, and diffuse 1 drop synergy per 100 ml water.

For massage, mix 15 drops synergy per ounce of carrier oil (a good all-purpose oil is sweet almond) plus a drop or two of vitamin E to preserve the mix."

-Blackthorn's Botanical Magic by Amy Blackthorn

Edit: NOTE: Essential oils and absolutes can be expensive, and this book has shown to present a few costly recipes, so take them with a grain of salt. I personally use oil infusions rather than essential oils because of chemical sensitivity, and it tends not to be of high cost comparatively. I take all of these recipes as a suggestion of correspondence rather than something I absolutely must follow. It's better to get creative and use what you have on hand rather than spend a ton of money on some oils you'll only use once or twice.

[thatdruidgal]

grimoire organization 2022

Greetings, everyone! This is how I've organized my grimoire for 2022. I use Obsidian to write it digitally.

This is just my personal preference for organization, so no worries if yours looks different! There are as many ways to organize a grimoire as there are witches and wizards in the world.

Tell me what you think! What parts do you like? What do you think I should add? Anything I'm missing or suggestions to make it better? Feel free to comment how you organize your grimoire below!

Farewell, and good tidings!

Branwen

---------

01.00 introduction

01.01 book blessing + protection

01.02 devotion/dedication

01.03 codes/rules/tenets

personal code

code of celtic druidism

the celtic commandments

01.04 intentions and goals

goals

intentions

01.05 learn more/add to grimoire (notes)

02.00 about author

02.01 names

02.02 personal craft

02.03 life path number

02.04 birth tarot card

the emperor

02.05 astrology birth chart

sun in leo

moon in capricorn

ascendant in aquarius

mercury in virgo

venus in leo

mars in pisces

jupiter in leo

saturn in cancer

uranus in pisces

neptune in aquarius

pluto in sagittarius

02.06 celtic zodiac

hazel “the knower”

02.07 personal beliefs (brief)

02.08 favorites

color

magical tools

herbs

crystals

02.09 relationships with spiritual beings

02.10 psychic abilities (clair-)

02.11 personal signature/symbols

02.12 ancestry

02.13 how i want to be remembered

03.00 basics

03.01 types of spells

cleansing

saining 

warding

enchanting

verbal spells

invocation

evocation

candle spells

sigil spells

jar spells

ratchets

rituals

03.02 ritual work

the ritual model

intent

visualization

consecration

meditation + grounding

directing energy

clockwise vs. counterclockwise

03.03 types of correspondences

protection

healing

cleansing

banishing

luck

mental clarity

03.04 sabbats 

about sabbats

yule (winter solstice)

imbolc

ostara (spring equinox)

beltane

litha (summer solstice)

lughnahsadh

mabon (fall equinox)

samhain (halloween)

03.05 altars

03.06 spirit guides

about spirit guides

ancestor guides

ascended masters

archetype guides

guardian angels

animal guides

03.07 auras

about auras

chakras

03.08 alphabets + code language

ogham alphabet [not featured here]

03.09 symbols

celtic symbols

03.10 about divination

04.00 nature

04.01 the three elements

nwyfre

gwyar

calas

04.02 talking to nature

04.03 lunar phases 

full moon

new moon

waxing crescent

first quarter

waxing gibbous

waning gibbous

last quarter

waning crescent

blue moon

black moon

lunar eclipse “blood moon”

solar eclipse

moon void

04.04 herbs

tips

for saining 

medicinal

misc

how to dry + store

04.05 gardening

companion plants

herbs

night-blooming plants

04.06 waters

rain water

storm water

dew water

snow water

moon water

sun water

river water

sea water

spring water

lake water

well water

swamp water

rose water

florida water

salt water

rosemary water

how to make moon water

04.07 aromatherapy

essential oils

custom for calm

05.00 minerals

05.01 crystals (by intention)

ones i own

ones i do not own

05.02 stones

precious stones

hag stones

wishing rocks

heart stones

05.03 jewelry

05.04 amulets

about amulets

charging amulets

05.05 charging

05.06 cleansing + care

05.07 salts

purposes

06.00 spirits

06.01 relationships with the spirits

06.02 when making offerings…

06.03 offering ideas

06.04 spirit guides

how to contact

talking to spirit guides

questions to ask

06.05 the fae

about the fae

offering ideas  

(some) types of fae

07.00 altars

07.01 layouts

07.02 what to use/ideas

07.03 for the elements

nwyfre

gwyar

calas

07.04 for sabbats

yule (winter solstice)

imbolc

ostara (spring equinox)

beltane

litha (summer solstice)

lughnahsadh

mabon (fall equinox)

samhain (halloween)

08.00 recipes

08.01 general tips

08.02 infusions

tips

herb-infused oil

rose oil

08.03 foods

lughnasadh herb bread

litha orange honey cake

rosemary-honey shortbread

enchanting flower and herb spread

08.04 drinks

fire cider

08.05 potions

08.06 natural remedies

elderberry syrup

08.07 lotions

rose hip lotion [personal]

08.08 cleaning products

pine needle spray

08.09 misc

incense

four thieves vinegar

09.00 spells + rituals

09.01 affirmations

lunar affirmations

09.02 sigils

passive sigils

active sigils

creating sigils

charging sigils

09.03 sachets + jars

anti-anxiety sachet

09.04 prayers

simple opening prayer [personal]

druids prayer

09.05 blessings

old irish blessing

blessing lavender tea [personal]

garden blessing

seedling blessing

09.06 lunar rituals

new moon

waxing crescent

first quarter

waxing gibbous

full moon

waning gibbous

last quarter

waning crescent

09.07 sabbat rituals

yule (winter solstice)

ostara (spring equinox)

beltane

litha (summer solstice)

lughnahsadh

mabon (fall equinox)

samhain (halloween)

09.08 birthday ritual

09.09 solitary dedication ritual

10.00 divination

10.01 astrology birth charts

sun

moon

ascendant

mercury

venus

mars

jupiter

saturn

uranus

neptune

pluto

10.02 zodiac signs

aquarius

pisces

aries

taurus

gemini

cancer

leo

virgo

libra

scorpio

sagittarius

capricorn

10.03 celtic zodiac

rowan

ash

alder

willow

hawthorn

oak

holly

hazel

vine

ivy

reed

elder

birch

10.04 basic tarot card meanings

major arcana

minor arcana, cups

minor arcana, swords

minor arcana, staffs

minor arcana, discs

10.05 tarot spreads

10.06 cleansing the tarot deck

10.07 omens

10.08 psychic abilities

about psychic powers

what to use them for

developing psychic abilities

11.00 library

11.01 dictionary/encyclopedia (?)

11.02 science and magic(k)

matter and energy

11.03 celts

deities

celtic clothing

celtic days

hand-fasting 

11.04 druidry

about druidry

bard

ovate

druid

druid organizations

11.05 paganism + animism

11.06 types of divination

augury

astragalomancy

biorhythms

cartomancy

tarot

cleromancy

rhabdomancy

numerology

osteomancy

sacred geometry

tasseomancy

theriomancy

11.07 types of witches/witchcrafts

green witch

eclectic witch

kitchen witch

solitary witch

cottage witch

grey witch

hedge witch

sea witch

religious witch

moon witch

sun witch

elemental witch

fire witch

earth witch

water witch

air witch

swamp witch

faery witch

cosmic witch

divination witch

crystal witch

secular witch

urban witch

literary witch

forest witch

music witch

chaos witch

shadow witch

techno witch

desert witch

art witch

natural witch

hereditary witch

11.08 types of psychic ability

clairvoyance

clairaudience

clairecognizance

clairsentience

clairalience

clairgustance

psychometry

11.09 tree lore

oak

hazel

hawthorn

11.10 animal lore

salmon

cranes

serpents

bees

ladybugs

butterflies

dragonflies

owls

hawks

crows

spiders

11.11 misc correspondences 

shapes

colors

weekdays

elements

12.00 inspiration

12.01 legends and myths

fionn mac cumhaill and the salmon of knowledge

12.02 poetry

celandines

alder dance

the oak tree

augeries of innocence

putting in the seed

hermitage

to the cardinal, attacking his reflection in the window

nature aria

the gray heron

12.03 artwork [not featured here]

12.04 photography [not featured here]

13.00 shadow book [personal]

13.01 affirmations

13.02 recipes

13.03 cleansing

13.04 warding

13.05 enchanting

13.06 verbal spells

13.07 candle spells

13.08 sigil spells

13.09 jar spells + sachets

13.10 crystals

13.11 rituals

13.12 tarot divination

readings

getting to know the field tarot deck [archive]

13.13 dreams

13.14 craft challenges

13.15 holiday celebrations

13.16 miscellaneous

13.17 craft advice

from mickey

14.00 personal beliefs

14.01 personal beliefs (expanded)

14.02 creation of the universe

14.03 death + otherworld

14.04 time

14.05 “spirituality”

14.06 magick

15.00 index of personal contributions

16.00 list of sources of information

[esoteric-chaos]

Imbolc - Spoonie Witch Friendly

Imbolc is usually celebrated between February 1st & 2nd, in the Northern Hemisphere (In Southern hemisphere around August 1).

Imbolc is a fire festival celebrating the home, hearth, and the halfway point between Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox.

Is is the celebration of the return of the light and sun. A great time to honour the coldest days and the arrival of spring.

Imbolc Correspondences

Colours

White

Gold

Silver

Pastel Colors

Herbal

Rosemary

Basil

Bay leaves

Cinnamon

Myrrh

Hay

Chamomile

Angelica

Lavender

Daffodil

Blackberry

Willow 

Edibles

Blackberry

Root vegetables

Dried fruits

Stews

Mead

Fermented foods

Grains

Dairy (specifically ewe's milk)

Cider

Herbal tea

Canned foods

Oats

Animals

Deer

Cow

Sheep

Lark

Swan

Bear

Wolves

Groundhog

All burrowing and hibernating animals

Crystals

Gold

Silver

Brass

Amethyst

Moonstone

Garnet

Ruby

Symbols

Candle flame

Seeds

Besom/broom

Brigid’s cross

Serpent

Sheep (due to Imbolc’s association with ewe’s milk)

White flowers

Snowflakes

Flowing water and springs

Sunwheel

Star

Evergreens

Spiritual meanings

Creativity

Awakenings

Introspection

Fresh beginnings

Perseverance

Patience

Renewal

Revision

Healing

Frugality

Self-care

Youth

Scents

Cinnamon

Rosemary

Basil

Cedar

Mint

Gods / Goddesses / Spirits

Brigid (Celtic)

Aphrodite (Greek)

Bast (Egyptian)

Ceres (Roman)

Cerridwen (Celtic)

Gaia

Hestia (Greek)

Vesta (Roman)

Venus (Roman)

Athena (Greek)

Demeter (Greek)

Persephone (Greek)

Aenghus Og (Irish)

Eros (Greek)

Faunus (Roman)

Pan (Greek)

Cernunnos (Celtic)

Osiris (Egyptian)

Asmodeus (Demon, personal UPG)

Need some suggestions to celebrate? I got you covered.

High energy celebrations and ritual

Astral projection/travel

Divinations

Cord cuttings

Create a Brigid’s Cross

Gardening (best time to start to plant seeds)

Make resolution(s) and goal(s) for the year ahead (I'll fight to the DEATH about my personal opinion that this is a better time for resolutions than New Years itself. Best time for renewal and goal setting)

Ritual to say farewell to winter

Make bread

Spring clean! It’s the best time for it

Low energy celebrations 

Starting a manifestation journal

Burning a bay leaf with manifestation on it

Planning in your planner

Lighting a candle in honour

Make a cup of tea

Practice self care

No spoon celebrations 

Prayer

Putting on sun lamp

Greet the sun at sunrise

Rest

How you celebrate the holiday does not matter. You can choose to do any activity that feels right. These are only suggestions and remember that you're enough no matter what.

Also please note some stuff is UPG. A great book is Year of the Witch by Temperance Alden for honouring the celebrations and if you wanted to work more seasonally. It's not wiccan based and has plenty of resources for every witch.

[echo-bleu]

Mettarë/Yestarë traditions

In Númenor and Gondor (On AO3)

Today is the winter solstice, which corresponds to Yestarë, the first day of the year, in the King's Reckoning (Númenor and early Gondor calendar) and the Steward's Reckoning (later Gondor). In elven calendars, it usually falls in early spring or at the equinox instead.

Tolkien said little about it, except that the last and first day of the year, Mettarë and Yestarë, fall outside the calendar proper. I wanted to come up with some headcanons for the holiday for my fics.

Mettarë is the last day of the year, and as such, a day of closing and ending.

You are meant to finish as many ongoing projects and things as you can in the week leading up to it to be able to start fresh in the new year.

Mettarë is also the day for the worship of Mandos.

For Men, death is an end and a new start, and Mandos is the Judge and the Guardian of the Halls through which they must pass to go beyond the world. Mettarë is about closure, and remembering the dead and letting go of your grief.

If someone in the household died in the previous year, you spend Mettarë sorting through their possessions.

(personal items, mostly, clothes and such, whatever you can afford to keep untouched until Mettarë)

Then you put them all into the room where they slept (or a room you can associate with them, but it’s usually a bedroom. Depending on who mourns them, might be their childhood bedroom, or even their front door if they lived alone and you could afford to keep the rent up/not sell it until now, etc. If needed, it could be a room they’ve only been to once while travelling, or even a random closet or a cellar with their stuff in it in a pinch).

Usually people decorate the door somewhat, with dried flower wreaths and bouquets that they made in the summer for that purpose.

During the day of Mettarë, the household will also welcome in anyone who knew and loved the deceased, and the guests will bring either something of the deceased that they can afford to give away (or something that reminds them of them) or more dried flowers, maybe also dried fruit.

At nightfall, after all but the closest people have gone, they gather around the door and light a candle, which they put on the floor in front of the door (far away enough that all the dried flowers don’t catch fire, please, we’re trying not to burn down the house).

They say a prayer to Mandos in Quenya that goes something like “please Mandos, give them a second chance and call them again so that they might go beyond the world and be at peace” (but like, archaic).

That is because there’s a belief that on Mettarë, the doors of Mandos might open just a fraction for all the people who didn’t answer the call the first time, and Mandos will call them again.

This is derived from various elven beliefs and traditions, but Men go through Mandos too on their way outside the world, and it’s unclear whether they can miss the Call or not, so better be safe. In any case, that’s how it coalesced in Mannish beliefs.

Then they open the door just a fraction, and they will leave it like this until dawn, with no one going in or out.

(if someone else usually sleeps in that room, they might relocate for the night, but this is why you wouldn’t normally use a kitchen or a living room)

If the candle is snuffed out quickly by a draft, it is believed that this might be the fëa of the dead finally answering the call and going through the crack of the door. If it’s not, they already answered the call, or they never will.

The candle, while it is there to call the loved one’s fëa and light the way, is really more symbolic and also a bit of a hazard, so you don’t leave it burning all night.

It’s not really done to snuff out the dead’s candle, of course, so you should select a candle that will only burn for a couple hours at most.

In third age Gondor, candles that burn for exactly two hours are sold for that purpose, sometimes decorated with flowers, but most people will just use the end of a regular candle.

Often families will reminisce about the dead loved one while the candle burns.

In the morning, on Yestarë, the first day of the year, the family takes down the decorations and opens the door wide.

They bring out all the possessions of the deceased, which they sorted through and stacked in the previous day, and they start handing them out.

Usually anyone who was close to the deceased will take one personal item that belonged to them, so various people will come in through the morning to pay their respects and take an object.

It’s mostly the same people who came the previous day, and left things of the deceased in the room, so a lot of them will just take the same thing back, but they might leave “theirs” and take something else. The family/spouse/children/whatever still normally gets final say over who gets what if there are disagreements, but it’s very bad form to argue over this. Usually they’ve mostly agreed on it the previous day.

People symbolically take one thing but of course, if there is a need, someone might get the deceased’s entire wardrobe or whatever, this is a day of charity.

Then anything left is taken to be donated to people who need it. Large official building (city hall, feast halls, the lord’s reception room, etc) will be turned into a donation space on Yestarë afternoon, where you can bring things to donate and people who need it can receive them.

If you haven’t lost someone during the year, you can still honour Mandos and the dead on Mettarë.

It’s a good day to go through your own stuff and pile up what you no longer need and can donate.

A lot of families will still decorate a door and go through the ceremony, for any fëa that doesn’t have anyone to do it for them. Over the years though, it’s become more and more symbolic and ritualistic, rather than meaningful.

Dried flowers are still popular for the door, but so are other things, like death imagery: various objects decorated with skeletons or skulls, depictions of Mandos and his Halls, and also depictions of Valinor, because death and Valinor have coalesced together somewhat in the minds of Men.

Mettarë door ornaments are a flowering market in the weeks leading up to it.

Those without a loved one to mourn usually don’t light a candle, but they might also add something in the shape/likeness of a candle on the door.

Then on Yestarë morning, people exchange small gifts. You’re supposed to give your loved ones something of yours that you picked the previous day, but many people make or buy new things instead.

It should still be small, inexpensive gifts.

Then in the afternoon, families go to the donation spaces and bring anything they no longer need to donate. Everyone gathers, and it’s a time of collective enjoyment and celebration of the new year.

But there are no drinks or food while the donations are ongoing, out of respect for those who are in mourning.

Usually the local lord (or king) will preside over the donations. If he’s a good lord, he will donate more than anyone else and make sure that the poorest people get everything they need.

Then a large buffet is served, at which everyone, regardless of class, is invited.

In some places, there is a dinner and feast specifically for the court, but the lord is supposed to provide for everybody on Yestarë night, so there will still be a free meal for the lower classes.

In terms of dress code, you can dress up on Mettarë but keep it sober, with little jewellery or bling.

You should also do your hair in the simplest way possible. If it’s long, it should be in a simple plait.

This is derived from the First Age Noldor tradition of braiding the hair of the dead in a single plait as part of the funeral customs, so that they might not be too attached to their body and refuse the call of Mandos.

That’s of course a very Noldorin belief, but it spread to Númenor (probably through Elros, but perhaps also from those who came from Thargelion and Nargothrond) and they’ve kept it up, though they no longer remember the cause.

On Yestarë, you can go all out and dress in your best clothes.

Food is also very simple on Mettarë, with no drinking allowed. On Yestarë, fast is broken at dawn with a large breakfast, but made only of plants and dairy, no meat. Then a large animal (or more depending on the size of the town or place) is slaughtered in the morning and roasted in public for the feast.

The actual dishes vary depending on the area, and change dramatically in Fourth Age Gondor, when the start of the year is moved to the spring.

Yestarë isn’t really a food-based festival though (unlike, say, the harvest festival) so it’s mostly going to be large, filling dishes rather than delicacies.

Note: none of this is canon. I meant to write more details and stories involving actual characters, but I also wanted to post it today, so. Feel free to use it in fic if you want! (and please tell me if you do!)

[witchboxco]

Imbolc Altar Ideas & Correspondences

Imbolc, also known as Candlemas or Brigid's Day, marks the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It's a time to celebrate the returning light and the awakening of the Earth.

Altar Decorations:

Candles: Imbolc is strongly associated with the element of fire. Decorate your altar with candles in shades of white, yellow, and light blue to represent the increasing daylight.

Brigid's Cross: Craft or purchase a Brigid's Cross, a traditional symbol associated with the Celtic goddess Brigid. Hang it on your altar as a protective charm.

Seasonal Flowers: Place early spring flowers like snowdrops, crocuses, and daffodils on your altar. These symbolize the first signs of life returning to the land.

Herbs: Incorporate herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and cinnamon for their purifying and invigorating properties. Bundle them together with a red or white ribbon.

Seeds: Represent the potential for growth by adding a dish of seeds to your altar. Consider seeds associated with early spring crops like wheat or herbs.

Imbolc Symbols: Include symbols like lambs, ewes, and the sun to capture the essence of this seasonal transition.

Candle Holders: Choose unique candle holders or lanterns to enhance the ambiance. Consider using candle holders in the shape of suns, stars, or nature-inspired designs.

Divination Tools: Add divination tools like tarot cards or runes to your altar for seeking guidance during this transitional period.

Symbolic Stones: Integrate crystals such as citrine for abundance, aquamarine for clarity, and moonstone for intuition. Arrange them aesthetically around your altar.

Feathers: Symbolizing air and spirituality, feathers can be incorporated to invoke the energy of the season. Choose feathers from birds associated with the goddess Brigid, like swans or owls.

Artwork: Display artwork or illustrations that resonate with the themes of Imbolc. This could include depictions of Brigid, snow-covered landscapes, or symbols of growth and renewal.

Imbolc Incense: Craft or purchase incense blends with scents like frankincense, myrrh, and chamomile to fill your sacred space with a soothing and purifying aroma.

Correspondences

Goddess Brigid: Imbolc is sacred to Brigid, the Celtic goddess of hearth, home, and inspiration. Invoke her energy for healing, creativity, and protection.

Colors: White, yellow, light green, and light blue are associated with Imbolc. Use these colors in candles, altar cloths, and decorations to align with the festival's energy.

Stones: Crystals such as amethyst, garnet, and clear quartz resonate with Imbolc's energies.

Foods: Dairy products, especially cheese, and foods made with seeds like bread or muffins are fitting for Imbolc. Set offerings on your altar or incorporate them into your celebration feast.

Water: Imbolc is also associated with the element of water. Include a small bowl of water on your altar to symbolize purification.

Creativity Symbols: Imbolc is a time for inspiration and creative endeavors. Include symbols of your creative pursuits, such as a paintbrush, musical instrument, or writing quill.

Anointing Oils: Create or purchase anointing oils infused with herbs like lavender, rosemary, and frankincense. Use them to anoint candles, tools, or yourself during Imbolc rituals.

Animal Representations: Incorporate figurines or images of animals associated with Brigid, such as lambs, cows, or swans, to honor her connection to the animal kingdom.

Wheat or Corn Dolls: Craft small dolls from wheat or corn husks, symbolizing the harvest to come. Place them on your altar as a representation of the Earth's fertility.

Bell or Chimes: Hang a bell or wind chimes near your altar to symbolize the awakening of nature and the stirring of life. Ring it during your Imbolc rituals to mark significant moments.

Decorative Cloth: Choose an altar cloth with intricate patterns or symbols related to Imbolc, such as suns, wheels, or Brigid's crosses, to add a touch of magic to your sacred space.

May you find warmth in the returning light. <3

[whimsigothwitch]

Imbolc is coming up, so here is a post with correspondences for those who celebrate!

Imbolc "In the belly" (Feb 1-2) 🐑 Midway point between the winter solstice and spring equinox, Winter is slowly but surely coming to an end and spring is just around the corner. The days are getting longer and snowdrops, crocus and daffodils are starting to bloom. Farmers sow the first seeds, sheep are lactating and the first lambs are born. Imbolc is all about purification, fertility and rebirth.

Correspondences for Imbolc: Symbols; lambs, Brigid cross, candles, sun, fire, seeds, milk, spring flowers. Colors; white, pastels (green, yellow), earth tones, gold. Spells; Cleansing, gratitude, rebirth/renewal. Crystals; amethyst, quartz, aventurine, selenite, moonstone. Flowers and herbs; lavender, rosemary, cinnamon, bay leaf, chamomile. Food; pancakes, milk, soups, seasonal vegetables, seeds, cheese, yogurt, poppyseeds, homemade bread, cakes, dried fruits, teas. Imbolc activities; cleaning, planning your garden, planting the first seeds, nature walk, lightning candles, bake bread, make a Brigid cross, write poems, make art.

[sappy-witch]

March Magick 🌼

Hello darlings 🥰

As we welcome the first signs of spring, it's time to refresh our magical toolkits with some new herbs, crystals, and other tools to help us connect with the energy of this magical month. Here are some correspondences for March:

🌿HERBS & SPICES: 

Dandelion: wishes, divination, and growth. 

Nettle: protection, healing, and prosperity. 

Lemon balm: joy, abundance, and healing. 

Violet: love, luck, and protection. 

Bay leaves: success, protection, and healing. 

Rose: love, self-care, and beauty. 

💎CRYSTALS: 

Aquamarine: courage, clarity, and communication. 

Aventurine: abundance, luck, and prosperity. 

Bloodstone: grounding, protection, and vitality. 

Green calcite: healing, growth, and emotional balance. 

Moonstone: intuition, emotional healing, and divine feminine energy.

Rose quartz: love, self-care, and harmony.

🔥INCENSE: 

Patchouli: earthy, grounding, and sensual. 

Lavender: calming, healing, and purification. 

Frankincense: purification, spiritual growth, and meditation. 

🕯️CANDLES: 

Green: growth, abundance, and healing. 

Yellow: clarity, communication, and success. 

Purple: intuition, psychic abilities, and spirituality. 

🔮OTHER TOOLS: 

Feather: communication with spirits and guides. 

Tarot cards: divination, guidance, and self-discovery. 

Athame: directing energy, cutting cords, and protection.

🎉CELEBRATIONS:

In addition to these correspondences, there are several important pagan and witchy celebrations happening in March.

Ostara: this falls on the Spring Equinox around March 20th. It is a time to celebrate the return of spring and the balance of light and dark. You can honour this time by decorating eggs, planting seeds, and performing rituals to welcome the new season.

Holi: a Hindu festival of colours that usually falls in March. It celebrates the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of spring. You can participate in this festival by throwing colourful powder, dancing, and feasting with loved ones.

Remember, the magic is within you, and these tools are here to support and enhance your practice. Use them with intention, gratitude, and respect.

____

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With love, from a Sappy Witch 🔮💕

Blessed be. 🕊✨