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saturniidae pngs ˚ ༘ ೀ⋆｡˚

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Adonis Blue (Lysandra bellargus) butterflies basking in the sun.

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stood Oak. Ancient. Strong.

Beneath the green and mossy canopy,

where sunlight filtered, gold on leaf,

stood Oak. Ancient, strong, his roots deep,

watching forest secrets drift to slumber.

His gnarled roots, a woven grip,

on earth where tales unfolded

in the rustling sigh of the wind

that stirred his high, old branches.

The Druids came, in white flowing robes,

seeking power in the dimming light,

their low chants, a gentle murmur,

around his thick, moss-covered base.

He observed the fox, its coat of red,

the shy deer that cautiously approached,

the hawk circling in the high air,

his ancient presence holding silent knowledge.

Through summer's heat and winter's cold grip,

he remained steadfast on the rise,

a guardian spirit, reaching tall,

a quiet observer of the woods.

The young tree grew in his shadow,

the old stones where words were spoken,

the changing seasons, quick then slow,

all found their reflection in his limbs.

And as the moon, a silver shimmer,

spread shadows through the forest's quiet dream,

old Oak kept watch, unwavering and true,

while the wild wood rested under the night sky.

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Random herbs and plants that popped up in my garden this year. Trying to learn to forage from my own backyard.

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artwork by Kate Broughton

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Grimoire ideas that aren't research

While my grimoire is dedicated to research and documentation and I love that for it, I totally get how a load of writing isn't for every practitioner. I didn't want to leave you guys out so here are some grimoire ideas that aren't related to research.

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Pen test/paint test page

make a spell page or prayer page in the style of collage/black out poetry

make a zine of the holidays/your preferred tools/deities/spirits ect.

make collage of your deities/spirits or local wildlife

tape grid/dump

sticker dump

sigil dump

If you're handy with a needle and thread, turn those sigils into patches for your clothes

Tape in an envelope to store excess thread or make a page of thread colour correspondences

if you enjoy cooking, make a list of flavour combos and their magical properties including dish uses, colour schemes, aromas, general vibes ect.

Rip off the labels of your candles, herbs and spices and stick them in your grimoire for future reference

design your own insignia (you don't have to be in a coven)

stick in pictures of local haunted attractions/spiritual places and (optionally) write about them

make a collage of you ideal work space or meditation spot

Plan/design your ritual outfit

make a charging station for small objects then design a large one for yourself (can be conceptual or literal)

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Hekáte, beloved Protectress of those who respect Her name,

Our Mother in guidance of wisdom and knowledge,

Lift the veil of the Liminal,

Reveal the path You wish me to see.

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Learn your local Oak Trees

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Pages from my Grimoire : The Sun's Journey and the correspondences of each part of the day.

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Music Magick

Music has long been recognized as a powerful tool for evoking emotions, altering consciousness, and connecting with the divine. In the realm of witchcraft, music can be used to enhance rituals, set intentions, and amplify energy. Here are some ways to incorporate music into your magickal practice:

• Listening to specific songs to help you get in the right mood and mindset for the spell/ritual you're going to perform.

• Creating/charging sigils.

• Magickal choreography (casting spells by dancing).

• Use music to guide a meditation, or meditate on the song itself, its meaning, and what emotion it represents.

• Using beats/rhythms to induce a trance state.

• Sing your incantations.

• Keep music on in the background while doing your craft or studying magick to raise your vibration and improve your results.

• Audiomancy; divination through music (ie: specific lyrics or songs playing at synchronistic times).

• Create playlists for/with the deities and spirits you work with. This can be used as both an offering and an invocation.

• Listen to angry music while doing baneful magick to amplify your rage.

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Spell Journal For Kids

My Daughter created her own spell journal a few years ago when everyone was on lockdown due to covid. It was a creative outlet for her to work through all the shitty stuff happening. After she finished it I thought it would make a great little gift for kids to write out their spell work. So we worked together and got it self published through Amazon (I know, I know). It was a big hit and now she has done some updates and designed a new cover. 

Unleash Your Inner Wizard with this Madic Spell Book!

This isn't just any ordinary book; it's a gateway to a world of wonder and imagination! Inside, you'll find pages for you to record your very own spells.

What you'll find inside:

Spell Title: Give your spell a catchy name that captures its magic.

Spell Purpose: What do you want your spell to do? Make a friend laugh? Turn a frown upside down?

Spell Ingredients: Gather your magical supplies, from feathers to glitter, and list them here.

Spell Casting Instructions: Write down the steps you'll take to bring your spell to life.

Spell Results: Did your spell work? Share your magical results!

With this spell book, you can create spells as unique as you are. Let your imagination soar and your creativity flow!

This was the last edition:

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Yule marks the darkest time of the year, yet it also heralds the promise of the sun's return. It’s a time of profound spiritual significance, a celebration of the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

Historical and Mythological Roots Yule's roots stretch deep into pre-Christian European cultures. The Norse celebrated the festival of Yule, honoring the god Odin, while the Celts observed Alban Arthan, a time of reflection and renewal. In both traditions, the winter solstice was a pivotal moment, marking the death of the old year and the birth of the new.

Honoring the Sacred Trees: Oak and Holly The oak and holly are central to many Yule traditions, particularly within Druidry. The oak, king of the forest, symbolizes strength, stability, and the masculine principle. Holly, with its vibrant red berries, represents the feminine principle, passion, and the enduring life force. 

Decorating with Evergreens: Adorn your home with evergreen boughs, holly, and mistletoe. These plants symbolize eternal life and resilience, thriving even in the harshest winter conditions.

Yule Log Ceremony: A central Yule tradition involves burning a Yule log. This log, often made of oak or another hardwood, symbolizes the sun and its life-giving energy. As the log burns, it's believed to bring warmth, light, and prosperity to the home.

Yuletide Rituals and Practices

Sun Wheel: Create a sun wheel, a symbol of the sun's cycle. This can be drawn, painted, or constructed from natural materials. Place it on your altar or display it prominently in your home.

Ancestral Honors: Light a candle or offer a small libation to honor your ancestors. Connect with their wisdom and guidance, and remember the sacrifices they made to bring you into the world.

Winter Solstice Feast: Prepare a hearty feast featuring traditional Yuletide foods such as roasted meats, root vegetables, and festive breads. Share the meal with loved ones, expressing gratitude for the abundance in your life.

Meditation and Contemplation: Take time for quiet reflection and meditation. Connect with the natural world and the cycles of life and death.

Divination: Use divination tools like tarot cards, runes, or scrying mirrors to gain insights into the coming year.

Involving the Family in Yuletide Traditions

Storytelling: Gather around the hearth and share stories of Norse mythology, Celtic folklore, or family history.

Baking: Involve children in baking traditional Yuletide treats like gingerbread, fruitcake, or spiced cookies.

Gift-Giving: Encourage thoughtful gift-giving, focusing on handmade or meaningful items rather than material possessions.

Nature Walks: Take a family walk in nature to connect with the spirit of the season. Collect natural materials like pine cones, acorns, and berries to use in decorations or crafts.

It's easy to create a meaningful and memorable experience for yourself and your family. Remember, the most important aspect of Yule is to connect with the spirit of the season and honor the ancient traditions of the winter solstice.