Symbols: The Elements

The Classical Elements, as defined by Ancient Greek Philosophy, are Water, Earth, Fire, and Air. The elements comprise everything in our universe and can be extended to our daily activities. The affect our thoughts and actions which we can channel into rituals, tools, and various energies.

Water
Rituals: Bathing, cleansing
Materials: Sand, shells, salt, Witch's Bottle
Energies: Negative Masculine

Earth
Rituals: Gardening
Materials: Clay, books, stones, amulets, sachets, rocks, magnets, twine, string, chalk, wood, mortar and pestle
Energies: Negative Feminine

Fire
Rituals: Candle Magick, inscribing, anointing, burning
Materials: Cauldron, jars, bowls, bottles, ashes, kettle, metal
Energies: Positive Feminine

Air
Rituals: Exercise, yoga
Materials: Chimes, mirror, bells, blades, wands, tools, technology, smoke, keys
Energies: Positive Masculine

Herbalism: Celtic Trees

The Celts are known for best organizing trees, their symbols, and properties. They observed a lunar calendar that assigned various trees to coincide with each New Moon. Today, Druids and other Neopagans continue this tradition.

Lunar Calendar

Birch, also Teak
Time: First New Moon after Yule
Approximation: December 24 - January 20
Properties: Fertility, Creativity, Rebirth, Regeneration, Healing, Protection
Element: Water
Tradition: Tie a red ribbon around the trunk of a Birch tree to ward off negative energy. Use for exorcising evil spirits or energy. Traditional wood of witches' brooms.

Rowan
Time: Second New Moon, Coincides with Imbolc
Approximation: January 21 - February 17
Properties: Hearth, Home, Protection, Initiations, Independence
Element: Fire
Tradition: Hang Rowan staves around your windows to protect your belongings. Carrying increases health, success, strength, and psychic powers. Ideal for dowsing rods. Use to make crucifixes or cross-shaped pendants. Conceal when traveling to ensure safe arrival.

Ash
Time: Third New Moon
Approximation: February 18 - March 17
Properties: Karma, Prosperity, Yggdrasil, Introspection
Element: Water
Tradition: Magical and mundane tools made of Ash are more powerful than any other. Prevents drowning and asphyxiation. Scatter the leaves to the four directions around your house to purify the grounds. Repels reptiles, although attracts lightning.

Alder
Time: Fourth New Moon, Coincides with Ostara or Spring Equinox
Approximation: March 18 - April 14
Properties: Protection, Divination, Prophecy, Intuition
Element: Air
Tradition: Carry on your person to repel the charms of others.

Willow
Time: Fifth New Moon, Coincides with Beltane
Approximation: April 15 - May 12
Properties: Family, Friendship, Healing, Growth, Death
Element: Water
Tradition: A Willow planted near your house will deter natural disasters. Leaves can be used in love potions or healing spells. The traditional wood to knock on to prevent misfortune. Another good choice for besoms, wands, and other magical tools.

Hawthorn
Time: Sixth New Moon,
Approximation: May 13 - June 9
Properties: Happiness, Fertility, Projection, Decisions, Business. Finance
Element: Fire
Tradition: Used to decorate May poles. Placed beneath a mattress will ensure chastity or infertility. Carried in a sachet will ensure prosperity. Protects against storms or lightning. 

Oak

Time: Seventh New Moon, Coincides with Summer Solstice
Approximation: June 10 - July 7
Properties: Strength, Luck
Element: Air
Tradition: Unlucky for druids to meet when Oak is not present. Catching a falling Oak leaf prevents Winter ailments. Burning Oak indoors pushes sickness out. Planting an acorn in the dark of the moon attracts luck, money, and fertility. Carry an acorn in your pocket to an interview or business meeting to encourage a greater outcome.

Holly
Time: Eighth New Moon
Approximation: July 8 - August 4, Coincides with Lammas/Lughnasadh
Properties: Rebirth, Alchemy, Longevity
Element: Earth
Tradition: Used for weapons and banishing spells. Wards against poison and animal attack. Soak leaves in water under the moon to create Holly water or Holy Water. Traditional decoration at Yule. The traditional protective herb of men and masculinity.

Hazel

Time: Ninth New Moon
Approximation: August 5 - September 1
Properties: Longevity, Wisdom, Vitality, Knowledge
Element: Water
Tradition: The first gift you should give a new spouse to ensure a long, happy marriage. Ideal for spells, crafts, or rituals involving crucial decisions. Wish upon a hazelnut and toss it into a body of water for the best outcome.

Vine
Time: Tenth New Moon, Coincides with Mabon or Autumnal Equinox
Approximation: September 2 - September 29
Properties: Freedom, Joy, Wrath, Passion, Ambition
Element: Earth
Tradition: Bless and share a bottle of wine with as many of your family and friends as possible to bless, thank, and fortify all for their labors and friendship. Prudence in sleep, diet, indulgence, and exertion during this time will determine the health of your season.

Ivy
Time: Eleventh New Moon
Approximation: September 30 - October 27
Properties: Maturity, Banishing, Cultivation, Education, Community
Element: Water
Tradition: The traditional protective herb of women and femininity. When women gather, all who form a circle and place their hands on Ivy will be blessed with true sight and demonstrate their cooperation and compassion for all those present.

Reed or Elm
Time: Twelfth New Moon, Coincides with Samhain
Approximation: October 28 - November 23
Properties: Death, Remembrance, Celebration, Devotion, Divination, Stamina, Fortitude
Element: Water
Tradition: When tied into a bundle and tossed into a fire, gossip and poor reputations of you vanish. When worn by a child, will strengthen against corruption and gullibility.

Elder
Time: Thirteen New Moon
Approximation: November 24 - December 23
Properties: Exorcism, Protection, Healing, Prosperity, Sleep, Blessing, Cursing
Element: Water

Tradition: Considered to be the most powerful protective amulet. When inscribed upon, can carry spells to those even halfway across the globe. When placed in the hands of a newborn, will imbue the greatest protection. When carried, can work against addiction and impulses.

Other Trees of Mention

Water

Apple
Properties: Beauty, Love
Tradition: Eating an apple opens gateways to other realms. Bobbing for or offering apples at Samhain encourages our deceased to come visit us.

Cherry:
Properties: Love, Divination
Tradition: Cherry juice, like pomegranate, is used in rituals today in the place of blood.

Ebony
Properties: Protection, Courage
Tradition: A wand made of Ebony will overcome a practitioner's lack of skill, but may have a mind of its own.

Heather
Properties: Attraction, Refinement, Rain-making
Tradition: Used in summoning spells of weather or ghosts.

Maple
Properties: Love, Longevity, Money
Tradition: Children who climb Maple trees will reach adulthood without flaw.

Earth

Beech
Properties: Knowledge, Sustainability
Tradition: Carve spells that will take months or years to effect into Beech for the best outcome.

Gooseberry
Properties: Maturity, Stealth
Tradition: Used for memory or prophetic spells to recall things most distant.

Pear
Properties: Divination, Lust
Tradition: Used for recreational sex magic and not true love.

Walnut
Properties: Robustness, Health
Tradition: When carried, can prevent accident, injury, and chronic pain.

Yew
Element: All
Properties: Psychic, Rebirth, Change
Tradition: Nearly all poisonous. Use only in banishing spells and never to consume.

Fire

Blackthorn
Properties: Purification, Banishing, Balance
Tradition: Used for voodoo to fill poppets or dolls in order to imbue with life.

Cedar
Properties: Healing, Purification, Money, Protection, Shrewdness
Tradition: Cedar is an effective incense against those who would do you harm as well to invigorate the mind.

Honeysuckle
Properties: Fidelity, Attraction
Tradition: Attract fortune when placed inside. Increases psychic distance when rubbed on the forehead.

Mahoghany
Properties: Protection, Endurance, Motivation
Tradition: Conceal when competing or sport or contest.

Redwood, Sequoia
Properties: Love, Potentiality, Longevity, Balance
Tradition: Repels insects.

Air

Aspen/Poplar
Properties: Protection, Truth, Ascent
Tradition: When carried, can help to speak for confidently or eloquently.

Fir/Pine
Properties: Resilience
Tradition: When picked at Midsummer can prevent fatal wounds. Nettles are burned to purify the home. Branches placed indoors at Midwinter ward sickness.

Larch
Properties: Ceremony, Ritual
Tradition: Prevents fire and theft.

Mistletoe
Properties: Manipulation, Instrumentation
Tradition: Effective against all misfortune. Kiss your love beneath it to ensure a long, happy relationship.

Spindle
Properties: Adaptability
Tradition: Used to dispel hexes and promote courage.

Astrology: Full Moon in Scorpio

This week, the Sun in Taurus opposes the Moon in Scorpio. This Moon is also known as the Flower Moon for the blossoms of Spring about us. The Full Moon is a time of synergy, balance, and harmony between contrasting energies. During the month of Taurus, we celebrate the ambition, coming of age, and potential energy each one of us has to effect change in the world. The Full Moon steps in to correct the overstepping and sophistry of those energies. Scorpio does this in a very maturing and transformative way.

Materialism and Monasticism
Taurus is the first earth sign and teaches us to collect all the things necessary for life. Beyond that, we tend to accumulate many things that do not serve us and ultimately weigh us down. Scorpio is the destroyer or objects, not iconoclastic, but liberating. "Let go your earthly tether and enter the void."

Simplicity and Complexity
A great symbol of the millennial, Taurus is inherently happy-go-lucky, but enjoys straying into the dark complexities of philosophy or existentialism. Taurus therefore often projects a sophomoric, magniloquent, and entitled attitude that naturally alienates itself from others. Scorpio is the school of refinement, that reminds us that no one is above another, no one is superlative, and any wisdom gleaned from life is not self-appointed or professed, but is humbly acquired through experiences with others. See the lighthearted film "Adult World".

Fixed Signs
Taurus and Scorpio, along with Leo and Aquarius, make up the "Fixed Signs", which are the rigid sentinels of their elements. Taurus is an earthly monarch, proponent of the rules, laws, and sciences which she accepts, whereas Scorpio is a denizen of the underworld, officious and unyielding in his appraisal of the purposeful life and what is truly meaningful. Fixed signs are a warning to remain nimble in mind and spirit. When we balance confidence with open-mindedness, we learn that humility and resolve creates more effective leaders of us yet.

The Leap from Earth to Air
May, September, and January are uneasy months produced by the leap from the element of earth to air, which are opposing elements. In these months, we're briskly thrown into a new season, anticipate loss, change, and the forfeiture of power. The Scorpion Moon is a great catalyst for acceptance and the release of fear by reminding us of our personal power. The best mantras in uncertain times resemble this, "I am the strongest person I know. I choose to be happy everyday. I can withstand any obstacle I am presented."

Vulnerability, When and Where
Taurus gravitates towards behavioral maxims of either an extreme avoidance of vulnerability, that tirelessly works to exude strength, stoicism, and wisdom, or opens so obtusely they become a self-loathing nuisance. As humans, we long, and should do so, for intimacy with others across various spectrums. In new romantic undertakings, we may throw too much at someone too quickly or not put forth the right effort in reciprocating attention. We convince ourselves that a healthy interaction follows strict policies and we hightail it when someone shows an emotion or reaction that's foreign to us. Stop cringing at what's human and let your life play out organically. Stop self-sabotaging yourself out of fear and enjoy the relationships that you deserve.

Aromatherapy: Essential Oils for Cleaning and Remedies

Essential oils are potent and fragrant liquid oils distilled from herbs, trees, fruits, and seeds. Besides burning or diffusing essential oils, there are numerous ways you can utilize them in cleaning your home and creating remedies for health and beauty. Remember to always label any products you make with their purpose and contents, so that you don't confuse them with another product and to safeguard others from harming themselves. Always purchase the highest quality oils from manufacturers such as Now Foods. Be aware that many oils available are only aromatherapy quality and contain synthetic chemicals that can be harmful to yourself, children, and pets. We recommend Now Foods' oils, because they are 100% pure.

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Housekeeping

All-purpose Cleaner
Mix three drops or lemon oil and three drops of tea tree oil in a spray bottle with water for an all-purpose cleaner. Alternatively, you can mix half water and half distilled white vinegar for added grime busting. For bathtub or shower build-up, use eucalyptus instead of lemon.

Vacuum Cleaner Filter
Most modern vacuum cleaners have a removable and reusable mesh filter, usually located on the side of the machine. Remove your filter, ensure that it is reusable, and wash under warm water. Then carefully shake 5-10 drops of your favorite oil onto the filter, return it to your vacuum cleaner, and get cleaning! It will diffuse the oil as the outtake vents blows air through the filter.

Carpet or Steam Cleaner
Carpet and steam cleaners have a refillable water basin that you generally mix a cleaning solution and water in. Additionally, you can add 10-20 drops of your favorite oil to the basin to give carpets a fresh scent. We recommend cinnamon if you have pets that are prone to accidents. The scent of cinnamon deters them from repeat offenses.

Washing Machine
If you'd like to give your clothes a natural fragrance without having to use chemically scented detergents, first run your machine and fill it with water, add your detergent and a 5-10 drops of your favorite oil, and your clothes last. This order ensures that you don't add oils directly to dry clothes and potentially upset their integrity or prohibit the oils from becoming evenly dispersed.

Air Fresher and Odor Eliminator
To eliminate odors from pets, cigarette smoke, and the elements, fill a spray bottle with water and add 4 drops of rosemary, 4 drops of tea tree oil, and 2 drops of eucalyptus. Shake well and dispense on furniture, rugs, carpets, or car upholstery.

Dishwasher
If your dishwasher consistently leaves water spots or detergent residue, add 3-6 drops of lemon oil to the bottom of your dishwasher before running.

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Health & Beauty

Acne Scrub
To rid yourself of occasional or chronic acne, in a bowl, mix 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon white or granulated sugar, 3-6 drops of oregano oil, and 1/2 teaspoon of carrier oil, such as grapeseed, almond, or olive. Stir and mix into a paste. If your scrub is too thick, add a few drops of carrier oil. If it's too thin, add a tad more brown sugar. Use the scrub on your face or body in the shower or at a sink. Remember to avoid the eyes. Wash afterwards with cool water, or rose water ideally, and avoid using soap. If you have exposed skin or acne you've picked at or irritated, treat with hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol, and rinse again. Pat your face dry with a clean towel, wait 5-10 minutes for your skin to dry, and followup with a thin daily moisturizer.

Moisturizing Body Scrub
Like the recipe above, combine your sugars and oils, but instead of oregano, use sandalwood, frankincense, or rose. The proportions above are for a one-time use, but you can easily double or triple if you require more scrub.

Medicating Shampoos
Shy of creating your own hair shampoos or conditioners, you can add a 3-6 drops of essential oil to your favorite brands to give them an additional medicinal property. For dry scalp or hair, add lavender, rose, or rosemary. For psoriasis, rash, or irritated scalp, add tea tree oil, eucalyptus, or peppermint. For thicker or more luscious hair, add sandalwood, geranium, rosemary, or juniper. For oily hair, add lemon, lime, or orange. Remember to always shake well and to avoid the eyes when applying. Be sure to always label bottles or keep away from others, like kids, who may use them improperly.

Mosquito Repellent
To make a spray bottle, mix two drops each of lemongrass, citronella, eucalyptus, and lavender, with a full bottle of water. To make a salve, mix only one drop of each oil and 1/4 cup coconut oil. Depending on your coconut oil, you may need to combine in a sauce pan on the lowest heat in order to liquefy coconut solids. Store your salve in an airtight container.

Bug Bites
Apply 1-3 drops of lavender oil to an affected area to soothe and heal.

Nail and Cuticle Strengthener 
In a small bowl, combine 5 drops of frankincense, myrrh, or sandalwood with 1 tablespoon or olive, flaxseed, or avocado oil. Apply your mixture to your nails and cuticles, and allow it to sit for 10-20 minutes. If it doesn't completely dry or absorb, wash your hands, and pat dry with a clean towel.

Sunburns and Thermal Burns
To soothe and expedite the healing of burns, purchase a natural aloe vera gel from your local health foods store. Pour all of the aloe vera into a large bowl, add 3-6 drops of lavender, clove, or peppermint, and mix very well. Pour your gel back into its original container or into a new container, if the original bottle has a small mouth or proves difficult to fill.

Bruises
In a large bowl combine very hot water and 5-10 drops of frankincense, clove, or peppermint. Add and soak small towels in the bowl, ring the water out well, and apply to bruised areas for a heat compress.

Ringworm and Fungi
To treat ringworm and other fungi or rashes, combine 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and 3 drops of tea tree oil in a small bowl, using heat to mix if necessary, and then apply to affected areas. Store salve in an airtight container.

Poison Ivy, Oak
To treat rashes from poisonous trees and plants, combine 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and 3 drops of peppermint oil, in a small bowl, using heat to mix if necessary, and apply to affected areas. Store salve in an airtight container.

Bacterial and Viral Infections
While consuming essential oils is generally not recommended, we've had tremendous success combating infections with oregano oil. The danger from consuming oils depends mostly on their grade. Since many oils are only aromatherapy grade and contain synthetic chemicals, only the highest quality oils should be considered for consumption. We recommend the North American Herb & Spice brand Oreganol, easily found at health foods stores in capsules and liquid. If using the liquid, mix 5-10 drops in a masking beverage, such as orange juice or soda. Drinking an oregano oil mixture can be very spicy or unpleasant but, as nature's most powerful antibiotic and antiviral, it will assuredly help you kick or prevent any sickness that comes your way.

Astrology: Full Moon in Aries

During the solar month of Libra, the moon becomes full in the supplementary sign of Aries. This moon is also known as the Hunter's Moon. The Sun directs external energies, while the moon reflects our most internal ones. Our dreams and subconsciousness are never greater than during the Full Moon. The Full Moon also corrects energies that have tipped out of balance and empowers us to abandon things that no longer serve us so that we may take advantage of new opportunities and interests. Below are the fiery themes to the Full Moon in Aries.

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A Call to Action
Aries tells us to never settle for mediocrity and to stop going through the motions, doing things that don't make us happy. Integrity and honesty are her greatest held values, ergo watching someone not living their truth is the greatest tragedy. She itches and suffocates under mundane obligations. While Libra swarms with perfectionism and officious laws for harmony, Aries says "fuck that shit". She knows that fear is the only thing that holds people back from success and happiness. Find the courage to claim your independence and forge a life that you want. Aries tends to repress sensitive feelings and information for fear of upsetting things or appearing weak or egotistical. Start acknowledging your feelings as valid and, though they should be fair and not impulsive, deserve just as much consideration.

Burn It To The Ground
Aries is the iconoclastic, messy-haired girl at the dinner table. Traditions, superficiality, materialism- she would set fire to a Christmas tree, if it would distract us from what we should be celebrating; intimate, passionate interactions with one another. Aries struggles to accept expectations put upon her for vanity's sake. "What is the higher purpose of this?" she pleas. Ask yourself if the daily considerations you give others are reciprocated and take notice of those who would use you as a doormat. Dismantle and wage war on systems that oppress any person on the basis of their identity. Help others see another person for their character, their livelihood, and their efforts.

What's Fair is Fair
Aries accepts everyone as they are and isn't interested in placing blame when mistakes happen. #Hufflepuff She expects honesty and equal effort from others. She knows that things aren't always black and white, and that intentions matter just as much as outcomes. This is the greatest way Aries challenges Libra. Stop holding people in your life to high expectations you know they will not achieve. In conflicts, don't resort to a "my way or the highway" policy; even it brings you to madness, hear others out. And quit baiting others and creating conflicts as a manipulative tactic to guarantee a planned outcome. If you have hurtful or gossip-mongering people in your life, gladly show them the way out.

All You Need Is Love
Let kindness and generosity be your guiding compass. In this life, you can be a demented warrior or a magnanimous knight. Many people are afraid of physical touch, such as hugs and other gestures. If you're such a person, ask yourself how this blockade emerged. Find the courage to lower your walls and let people become close to you. Intimacy is not a relinquishment of power or authority. In your lifetime, someone may hurt you, but fortify yourself in the strength and love you possess for yourself and others. Aries reminds us that human connection and touch is so crucial to our mental and emotional well-being, to be without it would ultimately be depressing, despite all of your best efforts for a stoic or apathetic facade.

Review
1. Live your truth
2. Be comfortable telling people "fuck that!"
3. Never stop empowering others
4. Things are gray
5. Encourage people to articulate their feelings
6. Kindness is my religion
7. I am strong when I am transparent
8. Hug it out

Happy Full Moon! We love you all!

Magick: Types of Witches

While everyone's path is unique to them, Pagan cultures influence and inspire us with their historical traditions and practices. Many of the world's Pagan or rural beliefs were abandoned as people converted to majority religions. Today, many groups and practitioners revive these rich histories with new literature and the celebration of forgotten holidays. Below are some of the most popular and prevalent paths of Magick today. We all may identify with different types from time to time, but overall what kind of Witch are you?

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Red Witch (Philosopher)
A Red Witch is a secular, atheistic, agnostic, or simply spiritual witch. They favor science and experience Magick with energy and spirits, but not necessarily with religion, faith, or deities. Red Witchcraft includes prayer, yoga, meditation, manifestation, and Candle Magick. The Red Witch is an alchemist and draws motivation from new age literature and philosophies such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Huna. They work to calm, focus, and train their minds.

Orange Witch (Anthropologist)
An Orange Witch is a conjurer of indigenous or folk magic. These arts and traditions are generally inherited or passed down over generations, but also can be learned. They draw power from folk gods, ancestors, stories, histories, and legends. Orange Magick includes many systems such as Shamanism, Hoodoo, Santeria, Brujeria, and Vodun. Orange Witches believe in cultivating and protecting personal power.

Yellow Witch (Synergist)
Yellow Magick is eclectic and embodies specialized and applied crafts. Yellow Witches enjoy studying and compiling information and correspondences between elements, herbs, planets, astrology, metals, and other symbols. Imagery and pantheons from Greco-Roman or Egyptian mythology are the most prevalent and encompass adherents of Kitchen Magick, Stregheria or Italian Magick.

Green Witch (Horticulturalist)
Green Witches are those who feel a strong desire to commune with nature whether by exploring it, tending to plants at home, or working to remove themselves from secularism and become more self-sufficient. Like Kitchen Witches, they are inspired by herbs and symbols, but can also be ritualistic or ceremonial. For the Green Witch, deepening spirituality, living ethically, and conserving and appreciating nature are their greatest tenets. Traditions include Druidism, Celtic, Hedge, and Herbalism.

Blue Witch (Artist)
Blue Witches are lovers of art, history, literature, and poetry. For them, Magick is about appreciating and inspiring beauty around them. You might be a Blue Witch if you've enjoyed creating shrines or altar spaces to display, but not necessarily to manipulate. These witches tend to be private about their practice and not let any particular movement define them. Blue Witches enjoy drawing, painting, or writing spells for themselves and others, as well as practicing arts to enhance balance and harmony, such as Feng Shui and Tai Chi. The Blue Witch is sentimental and enjoys temples and sacred places like those seen in Hare Krishna, Shinto, and Daoism.

Indigo Witch (Oracle)
These Witches possess a keener ability to sense, intuit, and divine. They work by counseling, guiding, and reading others and strive to sharpen their inner psychic voice and perception of the unseen. Activities include Tarot, Runes, scrying, dousing, empathizing, and communicating with spirits. Indigo Witches have a powerful Third Eye and tend to favor more eclectic spiritual beliefs from Germanic, Nordic, Baltic, and Slavic cultures. Indigo Magick includes Candle Magick, summoning, channeling, and exorcising.

Purple Witch (Cleric)
Purple Witches are the most deistic and implement many rituals and performance arts into their practice. Contemporary traditions include Wicca, Heathenry, Thelema, Hermeticism, Freemasonry, and other secret or occult societies. Wicca, a popular and broad-ranging Neopagan religion, can observe any number of mythologies or styles. Purple Witches enjoy completing rituals alone or in groups, many often joining groups or covens, where they observe Sabbats and Esbats. Its popular in groups or covens to adopt names and roles for its participants.

As always, let us know what kind of witch you are in the comments below, as well as any questions, comments, or suggestions!

Magick: Creating a Book of Shadows

A Book of Shadows, also known as a Grimoire, Craft Glossary, or Living Book, is a personal journal or workbook that practitioners of neopagan arts compile, that can comprise of rituals, spells, glossaries, symbols, mantras, affirmations, and so forth. Composing such a journal is a very personal activity that evolves as your practice does. Here are the opening pages and sections of our Living Book that you can borrow from in framing your new one! Fancy bound books are gorgeous, but also prove hard to edit. We recommend getting yourself a nice binder, dividers, and maybe even some sheet protectors. Its inconspicuous, durable, and easy to modify throughout your journey.

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Section I, Introduction
Dedication Page 
A dedication page is an opening page where you can list your intentions, goals, beliefs, or purposes for your Book. You can also include a Book Blessing, Warning or Binding phrase.

"I place my faith in and accept as my doctrine a personal pathway to cultivating inner peace, manifesting powerful intentions, and nourishing my mind, body, and spirit.

If this book is discovered, in whatever format, it should be known that its contents were never intended for eyes other than its author and that it should, respectfully, be closed."

Vows & Rights

List objectives or vows that you strive to live by. These are the morals and guidelines of your private practice.

"I will strive to be: a protector, a refuge, a home & a haven. I will give gifts, guard ethics, enhance patience, work with effort, enter into concentration, analyze with wisdom & study skillful methods, all for the welfare, benefit & happiness of all sentient beings. To be respectful, humble, contented & grateful. 

I will strive to retain: right perspective, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness & right concentration. 

I will strive to cultivate: generosity, virtue, renunciation, wisdom, diligence, patience, truthfulness, determination, compassion & serenity. 

I will strive to refrain from: self-indulgence, praising myself or belittling others, harming living creatures, taking that which is not given, false speech, harboring ill will, associating with the foolish & keeping poor companions. 

I will strive to encourage others to: do good, rejoice in one's prosperity, not in one's misfortune and praise those who speak well for themselves.

Beliefs, Deities, Spirits, & Guides

List and define anything that you believe in or wish to commune with, whatever form that takes. Give mention to any Gods you believe in, worship, or whose archetypes you appreciate or want to invoke.

"I believe the soul is defined as the collection of an individual's memories, will, spirit, karma, and conscience."

I believe that guides are spirits or essences, perhaps in the form of animals, either sought out or by, which aid an individual in speaking, acting or otherwise moving in one's chosen path or direction."

Chants, Prayer, & Meditation

List on this page any favored methods of your practice. This section can easily grow to include many pages or poems. Perhaps include tried-and-true ones or common prayers always read at the beginning of your craft or group work.

"Meditation is any form of a family of exercises in which a practitioner can train their mind to self-induce a mode of consciousness to actualize a desired benefit. Meditation is generally an introspective, personal practice, that individuals do alone or in groups. Prayer beads or other ritual objects are commonly used during meditation. Meditation may involve invoking or cultivating a feeling or internal state, such as compassion, or attending to a specific focal point, goal, chakra or color."

Magick and Energy
This page is a good exercise to identify what Magick means and look likes to you. What agick should be used for and what it should not.

"I believe that magick is an invocation through various craftwork to broadcast the energies associated therein for the purpose of manifesting a desired outcome. Often put as, "change that one wills." Magick is intuitive and unseen in nature. It should only be used to promote benign intentions and to banish the ill will of others. It should never be used to inflict harm or punish others.

I believe that energy is the vitality associated with living things, the vibrations of auras, stones and inanimate objects, and collections of thoughts, desires or intentions. I believe that energy is transferable and infectious."

Reasons to Rite
Work. Money. Education. Goals. Banishing. Materials. Friends and Family. Health. Legal Matters. Love. Home. Travel. Emotions. Cleansing. Communication. Blessing.

Section II, Glossary, Correspondences
Preferred Symbols, Planets, Sigils, Elements, Herbs
Allow yourself an entire section to collect your favorite symbols and associations. This section can include planetary signs, astrological or alchemical symbols, angelic scripts, magical alphabets, runes, herbs, and so on. This is your index or glossary of energies and associations. Greco-roman mythology is the most prevalent, but dare to branch out into the mythologies of Egypt, Germany, Japan, and so on. For Herbalism, check out the PDF of Scott Cunningham's 'Magical Encyclopedia of Herbs' also in our links and sidebar.

"Hera (Juno) - Roman symbol for the goddess, that is used for the asteroid Juno. The symbol reflects her penchant of peacocks."

Almanac, Holy Days, Wheel of the Year
Pagan calendars with Sabbats, moon phases, and other historical observances are available online. Check our links page or sidebar for sites with printable material. Keeping a current almanac is crucial in planning out your month and completing crafts with the changes of the moon and seasons.

Winter's Edge, Samhain – November 1, Witch's New Year, The Commitment

Brumal Solstice, Midwinter, Yule – December 20-22, Day of Longest Night, The Fortification

Spring's Edge, Imbolc – February 1, The Quickening, Enduring the Winter

Vernal Equinox, Midspring, Ostara – March 20-22, First Day of Spring

Summer's Edge, Beltane – May 1, The Celebration of Life

Estival Solstice, Midsummer, Litha – June 20-22, Day of the Longest Daylight, The Purification

Autumn's Edge, Lammas – August 1, The Harvest

Autumnal Equinox, Midautumn, Mabon – September 20-22, Thanksgiving

Section III - Journal, Dreams
It's a best practice to keep scratch paper to record thoughts, dreams, insights, or intuitions. This is a great place to sketch images, symbols, or sigils you create. You can leave this section open if you free meditate with music, so you can jot down anything you uncover. In this space, you can also scribe daily mantras, affirmations, or things to manifest.

Section IV-..., Rituals, Spells, Crafts
Lastly, the following sections should be the spells and rituals that you borrow and create for your practice. You can divide your sections by particular disciplines you're studying or working with (astrology, tarot, runes), by different schools of magick (candle, hoodoo, lunar), or by purpose (peace, love, binding).

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for our book, please write us in the comments go! Stay tuned for our favorite spells and rituals.

Glossary: Antiquated and Obscure Words

This compilation of words was inspired by sites like Luciferous Logolepsy that are dedicated to collecting antiquated and obscure words. We hope that you will enjoy skimming through them and comment with any additions you may have.

[http://aconitum-napellus.deviantart.com/art/Open-and-Closed-185490155]

Words for Ability and Particularity 

adroit (adj.) - skilled with hands or body, resourceful, clever
ambisinister (adj.) - clumsy or unskillful with both hands
bailiwick (noun) - a person's area of skill, knowledge, authority, or work
heuristic (noun/adj.) - enabling a person to discover or learn something for themselves
impetuous (adj.) - acting or done quickly and without thought or care
jettison (noun, verb) - to throw goods overboard to lighten a vessel in distress or act of
pancratic (adj.) - by or giving mastery of all subjects or matters
sagacious (adj.) - having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment; shrewd
soporific (adj.) - tending to induce drowsiness or sleep
spirituel (adj.) - showing or having a refined and graceful mind or wit, airy or ethereal
supererogate (verb) - to do more than duty requires
taciturn (adj.) - (of a person) reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little

Words for Absurdity and Vivacity

bumper (noun) - a generous glassful of an alcoholic drink, typically one drunk as a toast
farrago (noun) - a confused mixture or concoction
imbroglio (noun) - an extremely confused, complicated, or embarrassing situation
jape (noun, verb) - to mock, joke or jest
perfuncturate (verb) - To perform in a perfunctory manner; to do negligently
quaff (verb) - drink (something, especially an alcoholic drink) heartily
raillery (noun) - good-humored teasing or banter
rhapsodize (verb) - speak or write about someone or something with great enthusiasm and delight
skylark (verb) - pass time by playing tricks or practical jokes; indulge in horseplay
soirée (noun) - an evening party or gathering, typically in a private house, for conversation or music
wassail (noun, verb) - spiced ale or mule, or to drink plentiful amounts of alcohol and enjoy oneself with others in a noisy, lively way

Words for Boldness and Strength

ardor (noun) - great warmth or feeling, fervor, burning heat
daunt (verb) - to overcome with fear, intimidate or frighten, lessen courage of
degage (adj.) - easy in manner or style, detached
gainsay (verb) - to deny, dispute, contradict, speak or act against, oppose
inveigh (verb) - to protest strongly or attack vehemently with words
malapert (adj.) - unbecomingly bold or saucy
obdurate (adj.) - unmoved by persuasion, pity or tender feelings, unyielding
raffish (adj.) - unconventional and slightly disreputable, especially in an attractive manner
recalcitrant (adj.) - having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline
rococo (adj.) - extravagantly or excessively ornate, especially, as of music or literature
sardonic (adj.) - grimly mocking or cynical
sockdolager (noun) - a forceful or final blow
sophomania (noun) - unrealistic belief in one's own intelligence
supercilious (adj.) - behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others
trenchant (adj.) - vigorous or incisive in expression or style

Words for Compassion and Infatuation

alphamegamia (noun) - the marriage between a young woman and older man
appetency (noun) - a longing or desire, or a natural tendency or affinity
concupiscent (adj.) - filled with lust
deference (noun) - respectful submission to another's judgment, opinion, will
deprecate (verb) - to express earnest disapproval of, protest against a scheme
eleemosynary (adj.) - pertaining to or dependent on charity
ensconce (verb) - establish or settle someone or something in a comfortable, safe, or secret place
exhort (verb) - to urge, advise, or caution earnestly, admonish urgently
imago (noun) - an unconscious, idealized mental image of someone, especially a parent, that
incalescent (adj.) - increasing in heat or ardor, especially from infatuation
influences a person's behavior
phlegmatic (adj.) - having an unemotional and stolidly calm disposition, also stolid
supplicate (verb) - ask or beg for something earnestly or humbly
uxorious (adj.) - having or showing an excessive or submissive fondness for one's wife

Words for Context and Rhetoric

accismus (noun) - form of irony wherein person pretends not to want an object they truly desire
circumlocution (noun) - use of many words to express an idea that could otherwise be in few
dilogy (noun) - R.D. where one is deliberately ambiguous
epiplexis (noun) - R.D. where one reproaches the audience in order to convince or persuade
exegesis (noun) - a critical, in-depth explanation
felicitous (adj.) - well-suited for the occasion, as an action, manner or expression
hypophora (noun) - R.D. where one asks and answers their own question
laconic (adj.) - marked by minimum of words, brusque
mimesis (noun) - rhetorical immitation of another's words or mannerisms, slangly meme
mot juste (noun) - a word or phrase that exactly fits the case
noema (noun) - stating something obscurely in order to force others to work it out
ostensibly (adv.) - purportedly or apparently, but perhaps not actually
parapraxis (noun) - a freudian slip, error in speech, memory, or physical action
paromologia (noun) - partial admission of opponent's argument to strengthen one's final position
rigmarole (noun) - a lengthy and complicated procedure, story, or statement
saga (noun) - a long story of heroic achievement

Words for the Cosmic and Exalted

alate (adj.) - having wings or wing-like appendages
ambrosial (adj.) - worthy of the gods
angelocracy (noun) - rule or domination by angels
apogee (noun) - the highest point in the development of something, apex
august (adj.) - inspiring reverence, majestic or venerable
auspicious (adj.) - favored by fortune
benison (noun) - a blessing or utterance of good wishes
corruscate (verb) - (of light) flash or sparkle, also scintillate
echelon (noun) - a level of command, authority or rank
empyrean (adj.) - belonging to or deriving from heaven, in particular the highest part
entheat (adj.) - divinely inspired
halidom (noun) - a sanctuary or object considered holy or sacred, also fane
ineffable (adj.) - too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words
interregnum (noun) - interval of time between reigns, any interruption in continuity
isangelous (adj.) - as good as or equal to angels
lustration (noun) - policy or ceremony performed before entering a holy place
numinous (adj.) - inspiring awe and reverence, filled with a sense of supernatural presence
orison (noun) - a prayer, usually said aloud
paragon (noun) - a person or thing regarded as a perfect example of a particular quality
prognosticate (verb) - foretell or prophesy (an event in the future)
satori (noun) - sudden enlightenment
septemvir (noun) - a ruling body of seven
talaria (noun) - winged sandals as worn by certain gods, especially Hermes
theophany (noun) - a visible manifestation to humankind of God or a god
venerate (verb) - regard with great respect, to revere
zenith (noun) - the time at which something is most powerful or successful

Words for Crassness and Indecency

asperity (noun) - harshness of tone or manner
brusque (adj.) - abrupt in manner, blunt, rough
dudgeon (noun) - state or fit of intense indignation, resentment, or ill humor
eristic (adj.) - pertaining to arguing for its own sake
eschew (verb) - to avoid or shun
flout (verb) - to treat with contempt and disregard
fulsome (adj.) - offensive to taste or sense, insincere or excessively lavish
mordant (adj.) - sharply caustic or sarcastic, as wit or a speaker
obtrude (verb) - to thrust something on someone uninvitedly
onerous (adj.) - involving an amount of effort and difficulty that is oppressively burdensome
peccadillo (noun) - a small, relatively unimportant offense or sin
pillory (verb) - attack or ridicule publicly
ribald (adj.) - referring to sexual matters in an amusingly rude or irreverent way
vouchsafe (verb) - to give or grant someone something, in a condescending or gracious way

Word for Criticism

animadvert (verb) - to comment unfavorably or critically
arbitrary (adj.) - based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system
aspersion (noun) - a damaging or derogatory remark or criticism, or the act of
benighted (adj.) - in a state of pitiful or contemptible intellectual or moral ignorance
captious (adj.) - marked by a disposition to find fault or raise objections
chichi (adj.) - attempting stylish elegance but achieving only an overelaborate pretentiousness
diatribe (noun) - sharp, bitter attack or criticism
excoriate (verb) - to flay verbally
flounce (verb) - go or move in an exaggeratedly impatient or angry manner
foofaraw (noun) - a great deal of fuss or attention given to a minor matter
gimcrack (noun) - flimsy or poorly made but deceptively attractive
harangue (noun) - scolding, long, intense verbal attack
insipid (adj.) - lacking flavor, vigor, or interest, antonym: sapid
maculate (verb) - to stain or make impure
objurgate (verb) - to express strong disapproval of, to criticize severely
officious (adj.) - aggressive in offering uninvited help or advice
pablum (noun) - bland or insipid intellectual fare, entertainment, etc.
palaver (verb, noun) - to talk unnecessarily at length
pique (noun) - a feeling of irritation or resentment resulting from a slight, especially to one's pride
recriminate (verb) - to counter with accusations
stultify (verb) - cause to lose enthusiasm, initiative, especially as a result of a tedious or restrictive routine
tendentious (adj.) - expressing or intending to promote a particular cause or point of view, especially a controversial one
torpor (noun) - a state of physical or mental inactivity
touchstone (noun) - a standard or criterion by which something is judged or recognized
velleity (noun) - a wish or inclination not strong enough to lead to action
vilipend (verb) - regard as worthless or of little value, depreciate
waylay (verb) - stop or interrupt (someone) and detain them in conversation or trouble them in some other way
zugzwang (noun) - a situation in which the obligation to make a move in one's turn is a serious, often decisive, disadvantage

Words for Darkness and Occultism

ampulla (noun) - a flask for sacred uses such as holding holy oil
cruse (noun) - an earthenware pot or jar
perdition (noun) - a state of eternal punishment and damnation into which a sinful and unpenitent person passes after death
periapt (noun) - an item worn as a charm or amulet
philter (noun) - a drink supposed to arouse desire for a particular person, love potion
tenebrific (adj.) - producing darkness
thanatism (noun) - the belief that the soul ceases to exist when the body dies
vade mecum (noun) - a handbook or guide that is kept constantly at hand for consultation
vespertilian (adj.) - pertaining to bats or other creatures of the night
vestigial (adj.) - forming a very small remnant of something that was once much larger or more noticeable

Words for Deception and Manipulation

abscond (verb) - to depart in a sudden and secret manner, esp to avoid legal consequences
adumbrate (verb, adj.) - to produce faint image or resemblance, conceal or darken partially
bilk (verb) - defraud, cheat, swindle
blandishment (noun) - action or speech, that tends to flatter, coax, entice
bowdlerize, expurgate (verb) - to remove or modify the parts considered offensive
cadge (verb) - to borrow without intent to repay
cajole (verb) - persuade someone to do something by sustained coaxing or flattery
chicanery (noun) - use of trickery to deceive, also skulduggery
collogue (verb) - to confer secretly
cozen (verb) - to deceit or obtain by deceit
defalcate (verb) - to steal or misuse money or property entrusted to one's care
foment (verb) - instigate or stir up (an undesirable or violent sentiment or course of action), also invidious
eisegesis (noun) - interpretation expressing interpreter's own ideas/bias rather than actual meaning
equivocate (verb) - to use ambiguous expressions, to avoid commitment or mislead, to palter
flummox (verb) - to confuse or perplex
inscrutable (adj.) - incapable of being analyzed, not easily understood
inveigle (verb) - to acquire by beguiling talk or methods
kenspeckle (adj.) - conspicuous
legerdemain (noun) - sleight of hand, artful deception
levant (verb) - run away, typically leaving unpaid debts
malinger (verb) - to pretend illness, especially in order to shirk one's duty or avoid work
mendacious (adj.) - telling lies, habitually dishonest, untruthful
obfuscate (adj.) - to make obscure, unclear or abstruse, darken
palliate (verb) - make less severe, uncomfortable, or disguise the gravity of
prevaricate (verb) - to make a statement that deviates from or perverts the truth
renege (verb) - to go back on a promise, undertaking, or contract
skulk (verb) - keep out of sight, typically with a sinister or cowardly motive
sophistry (noun) - the use of fallacious arguments, especially with the intention of deceiving
stonewall (verb) - delay or block (a request, process, or person) by refusing to answer questions or by giving evasive replies, especially in politics
tarradiddle (noun) - a petty lie
venal (adj.) - showing or motivated by susceptibility to bribery
verisimilitude (noun) - the appearance of being true or real

Words for Epithets and Roles

apothecary (noun) - a person who prepared and sold medicines and drugs
beldam (noun) - an old woman, also gammer
bellwether (noun) - a leader of a movement or activity, a leading indicator of future trends
bibliopole (noun) - person who buys and sells books, especially rare ones
buck (noun) - a fashionable and daring young man
cicisbeo (noun) - the man with whom a women is having an a air
cotquean (noun) - a man who busies himself with women's work or affairs
coxcomb (noun) - a vain and conceited man, a dandy
dandiprat (noun) - a young or insignificant person
demagogue (noun) - a political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument, populist
eminence gris (noun) - a person who wields power or exerts influence behind the scenes
fainéant (noun) - an idle or ineffective person, also lurdan
famulus (noun) - an assistant or servant, especially one working for a magician or scholar
fizgig (noun) - a gadding flirting girl or woman
gadabout (noun) - a habitual socialite or pleasure-seeker
gallant (noun) - a man who pays special attention to women
gudgeon (noun) - a credulous or easily fooled person
harridan (noun) - a strict, bossy, or belligerent woman
iconoclast (noun, adj. [-ic]) - breaker or destroyer of images held precious or sacred
jade (noun) - an ill-tempered or disreputable woman
magdalen (noun) - a reformed prostitute
pachyderm (noun) - a person who is not sensitive to criticism or ridicule
philodox (noun) - a person who loves or vehemently propounds his or her own opinions
picaroon (noun) - a rogue or scoundrel, also varlet
poltroon (noun) - an utter coward, also scaramouch is they are a braggart
popinjay (noun) - a vain or conceited person, especially one who dresses or behaves extravagantly
quidnunc (noun) - an inquisitive and gossipy person
rapscallion (noun) - a mischievous person
revenant (noun) - a person who has returned, especially supposedly from the dead
ruffian (noun) - a violent person, especially one involved in crime
scapegrace (noun) - a mischievous or wayward person, especially a young person or child, rascal
sciolist (noun) - a person who pretends to be knowledgeable and well informed
sirrah (noun) - a condescending term for a male, younger or of lower status, also carl
slugabed (noun) - a lazy person who stays in bed late
solifidian (noun) - one who maintains that faith alone, without the performance of good works, is all that is necessary for salvation
sorner (noun) - one who obtrudes himself on another for bed and board
swain (noun) - a young lover or suitor
virago (noun) - a woman of masculine strength or spirit, a female warrior

Words for Health & Cuisine

aliment (noun, verb) - something that nourishes or sustains the mind or body, or to do so
anastasis (noun, adj. -tic) - recovery from a debilitating condition, especially irradiation of tissue
deleterious (adj.) - injurious to health
farinaceous (adj.) - consisting or made of flour or meal
kickshaw (noun) - a fancy but insubstantial cooked dish
olio (n) - a miscellaneous collection of things, such as a culinary dish
roborant (noun, adj.) - a medicine, treatment, etc. that has a strengthening or restorative effect
salubrious (adj.) - beneficial to health
soupçon (noun) - a very small quantity or trace of something
winnow (verb) - remove (people or things) from a group until only the best ones are left

Word for Nature and the Elements

alfresco (adv.) - in the open air, outdoors
apricate (verb) - to bask in the sunshine
balefire (noun) - a large open-air fire; a bonfire
billow (noun, verb) - to rise or roll in like a great wave, a surge
brumal (adj.) - of or pertaining to winter
chatoyant (adj.) - changing in luster or color
effloresce (verb) - to burst into bloom
efflux (noun) - outward flow or lapse of time or passing away, expiration
embouchure (noun) the mouth of a river or valley
estival (adj.) - of or pertaining to summer

foudroyant (adj.) - sudden, as like lightning
fulgurate (verb) - to flash or dart like lightning
garth (noun) - a yard or garden, particularly in a monastery
heliolatry (noun) - worship of the sun
lignify (verb) - make rigid and woody by the deposition of lignin in cell walls
maelstrom (noun) - a powerful whirlpool in the sea or a river
matutinal (adj.) - pertaining to or occurring in the morning
nebulize (verb) - to become vague or indistinct, as like a fine spray
noctivagant (adj.) - wandering around at night
procellous (adj.) - stormy, as like the sea
rarefy (verb) - to make or become less thin or less dense, refined, as like air
spindrift (noun) - spray blown from the crests of waves by the wind
surreptitious (adj.) - kept secret, especially because it would not be approved
taiga (noun) - a swampy forest, particularly in arctic latitudes
torrefy (verb) - to dry or roast with fire, also ustulate

Words for Truth and Virtue

abnegate (verb) - to refuse or deny oneself some rights or conveniences, renounce
aphorism (noun) - a concise saying embodying a general truth or sagacious observation, maxim
axiomatic (adj.) - self-evident or unquestionable, also subaudition
aver (verb) - to assert or affirm with confidence or declare as fact
confute (verb) - to prove to be false
contrite (adj.) - cause by of showing sincere remorse
elucidate (verb) - to clarify or make clear
evince (verb) - to bring to light
exculpate (verb) - to clear from a charge of guilt or fault
expiate (verb) - to atone for, makes amends or reparation for
futilitarian (noun) - believing that human hopes are vain and unjustified
indaba (noun) - a meeting to discuss a serious topic
oriflamme (noun) - a principle or ideal that serves as a rallying point in a struggle
probity (noun) - the quality of having strong moral principles; honesty and decency
shrift (noun) - a confession, usually said to a priest
veracious (adj.) - speaking or representing the truth, also veriloquent

Words for Violence and Vengeance

anathema (noun) - person or thing detested or loathed
bellicose (adj.) - inclined or eager to fight, aggressively hostile, belligerent, pugnacious
brannigan (noun) - brawl
diktat (noun) - a harsh settlement unilaterally imposed on a defeated party or authoritative decree, also ukase
disconcert (verb) - to disturb the composure of
donnybrook (noun) - brawl, free-for-all, heated quarrel of dispute
immolate (verb) - to sacrifice, kill or destroy often by fire
irascible (adj.) - easily provoked to anger, characterized or produced by anger
lupine (adj.) - savage, pertaining to or resembling the wolf
paroxysm (noun) - a sudden attack or violent expression of a particular emotion or activity
pernicious (adj.) - having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way
procrustean (adj.) - tending to produce conformity by violent or arbitrary means
rancor (noun) - bitterness or resentfulness, especially when long-standing
recidivism (noun) - the tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend
scurrilous (adj.) - making or spreading scandalous claims about someone with the intention of damaging their reputation
vicissitude (noun) - a change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant

Sabbats: Samhain

Origins of Samhain
by Mersades Joe 

We all are familiar with the beloved holiday of Halloween. However few know where the traditions we practice today originated from, or how they were originally practiced. It started with the Celtic Pagan Sabbat (holiday) of Samhain, pronounced SAH-win, that was celebrated as far back as 2000 years ago. Though today we celebrate Halloween on October 31st, this is actually the eve before the traditional Samhain celebration on November 1st. Festivities began at night on October 31st and were continued onto the following day.

Many believe that Samhain is a celebration of the Celtic God of the Dead. This is untrue, examining the word Samhain coming from the Gaelic term samain, “sam” meaning summer and “fuin” meaning end, literally translating to 'summer's end'. This explains the foundation of the traditional festivities they practiced, many of them nodding at cleaning out the old and beginning with the new. Fitting, as Samhain is also considered the “Witches New Year” and is the third and final harvest of the year.

Evening festivities kicked off with large community bonfires at sunset. These were the center of the celebrations, used for animal and crop sacrifices to the Celtic deities giving them their share and thanks for the year's harvest. Any crops left in the ground on Samhain were considered taboo and were left as offerings to the nature spirits. Costumes were worn as they danced around the bonfire and told stories. The costumes themselves had multiple meanings behind them. Some wore them to honor the dead rising from the 'otherworld' and, in other instances, the souls of those trapped in animals being set free to be sent into their new incarnations. Costumes were also used to conceal oneself from feared spirits that may have lingered to cause mischief, destroy crops, hide livestock, or haunt those still living that have done them wrong. Finally, some costumes were used to give thanks to the Celtic Gods and Goddesses of the harvest, fields, and flocks. They were thanked for giving their help during the previous year, as well as asked for help and well wishes for the upcoming year and long winter months ahead.

When the community celebration was over, each family took torches of fire from the Sacred Bonfire to re-light their hearths for protection during the upcoming winter. These were then kept burning night and day through the winter months. If they burned out or were extinguished, it was said that tragedy, troubles, or loss were soon to follow. After home fires were lit the families would then leave food, drinks, and other offerings outside of their doors and on altars to appease spirits who may play tricks and for other “wandering dead”. This was referred to “The Feast of the Dead”. They would also set candles in their windowsills to guide spirits of deceased loved ones and ancestors home. Apples were buried along roadsides for spirits that didn’t have any descendants to provide for them. Those that wanted to protect their homes hollowed out and carved turnips to look like protective spirits and placed candles in them. This is believed to have evolved into the Halloween tradition of Jack O’ Lanterns.

Traditionally and still present today, October 31st is said to be one of two “Spirit Nights” of the year, when the veil between our physical world and the spirit world is at its thinnest. Some have even said that it is a magical interval when the laws of time and space are temporarily suspended. This made it a popular time for Druid Priest and Celtic Shamans to tell fortunes and prophecies through various methods including throwing bones, psychic readings, as well as casting Celtic Ogham. Writings recorded by Roman Invaders state that readings of tea leaves, rocks, and twigs were used. There was also evidence of Tarot reading beginning to form.

[http://mescamesh.deviantart.com/art/bonfire-at-midsummer-168983350]

How Samhain Became Halloween

The traditions of Samhain were later Christianized in the early 800's CE by the Church of England and Pope Boniface IV. He declared November 1st as “All Saints’ Day” to honor the saints and martyrs, and thus made October 31st known henceforth as “All Hallows’ Eve”, and eventually Hallow’een.

It is widely accepted today that Pope Boniface IV was replacing the Pagan festivals of Samhain with Christian imagery, as the new religion spread vastly across Europe. This momentum continued into 1000 CE, when the Church declared November 2nd “All Souls’ Day” to honor those who had passed. It was celebrated much like the traditional Samhain, borrowing bonfires, parades, and dressing up in costumes, such as devils, saints, and angels. With this addition, now three days in sum, All Hallows’, All Saints’, and All Souls’ Day came to be recognized as Hallowmas.

With new holidays came new traditions. “Trick-or-Treating” is thought to have come from the early All Souls’ Day parades in England. The poor would beg for food and would then be given “soul cakes” in exchange for praying for the family's deceased relatives. This was also encouraged by the church, pulling away from the Pagan tradition of leaving food and wine for roaming spirits. However, “Going-A-Souling” was eventually picked up by children. They would dress up as spirits or ghosts, visit houses in their neighborhoods, and be given ale, food, or money. Like the Celtic costumes from centuries before, they were used to avoid being recognized by foul spirits when they left their homes after dark.

 [http://cloe-patra.deviantart.com/art/week44-happy-halloween-410467365] 

Halloween in the New World

When Europeans came to America they brought with them their traditions. Anglo-saxon immigrants settled more often in southern colonies, but also Maryland, where these traditions took root more quickly. As people from other European nations crossed the pond, traditions began to blend giving way to the American version of Halloween we know today. By the middle of the 19th century, annual autumnal fests and parties that included ghost stories, dancing, singing, and fortune telling were fast common. Although, Halloween was still not celebrated everywhere in the country.

By the second half of the 19th century, with millions of Irish fleeing from the Potato Famine of 1846, America entered a new era of spiritualism. With the Irish came a surge of Celtic, Pagan, and Gypsy traditions. The Golden Age was upon the country and metaphysical groups and clubs began to pop up with the revived infusion of Irish and English influences. This is when the “Trick-or-Treating” tradition really took off along with many other mystical practices. The new ways of thinking were widely accepted. So much so that practices like young women using tricks with yarn, apple paring, and mirror scrying, to summon names or images of their future husband for example, became common.

Americans made a more family-focused Halloween movement in the late 1800’s, removing the frightening and superstitious aspects of the holiday, and focusing more on playful costumes, food, and games. By the 20th century, the frightfulness of ghosts, pranks, and witchcraft had been mitigated into fall-themed community parties and neighborly get-togethers.

During the 20’s and 30’s, the holiday saw a rise in vandalism that targeted parades and community parties. By the 50’s, community leaders had great success in allowing Halloween to be a holiday focused on the young, due to the high number of children from the baby boom. The practice of trick-or-treating resumed, as it was an easy and inexpensive way for the community to celebrate. Vandalism and other 'tricks' they previously had problems with, were thought to be prevented by providing neighborhood kids with treats and candy. By the 90’s, Halloween became one of the largest commercial holidays with roughly $6.9 billion spent annually on costumes, decorations, and pumpkins.

 

[http://lullacrie.deviantart.com/art/Ghosts-I-84880971] 

Samhain Today, Traditions and Revivalism

To Pagans and Witches the world over, November 1st still marks the beginning of the New Year and Samhain, the Festival of the Dead, is regarded as the most important Sabbat of the year. The Feast of the Dead is a major part of most Pagan celebrations, as well as the neopagan Cakes and Ale on Hallow's Eve. Voluntary communications from those who have passed are of no surprise and are, oftentimes, hoped for, though the departed should never be harassed or commanded to be present. Besides these particular practices, there are many other symbols, colors, animals, and superstitions that are associated with Samhain and Halloween alike.

The most often recognized colors are orange and black. Black has long been used by Pagans to represent darkness after the death of the God (represented by fire and sun) during an earlier Sabbat known as Lughnasadh and the waning of light during the day as Summer comes to an end. Orange represents the awaiting dawn during Yule (December 21st to January 1st) when the God is reborn. The color black is also used for things such as banishing negative energy, scrying, protection, repelling black magic, and grounding. While orange is used to represent fire, communication, messages, travel, general success, and drawing good things. All of these prove useful in Samhain activities.

Jack-O-Lanterns are of course a staple of the season. This tradition has some debate, but most believe the custom derives from Pagans lighting candles for the dead as they walked the Earth on Samhain Eve. These candles were often placed inside hollowed gourds to light the way. The Irish and Scottish carved faces into the turnips or potatoes they used, to scare away evil spirits. In England they did the same with large beets. When Europeans came to America, they adopted the pumpkin, a native fruit, to be the perfect Jack-O-Lantern.

Some of the most well-known representations of Samhain have lesser known stories behind them. During the Samhain season there are superstitions that some still believe in, while others write them off as “old wives' tales”. One of these, is that animals such as black cats and birds are a sign of misfortune. Whether you believe or not, these still have a cultural aspect, leading some to think twice when a black cat crosses their path. Black cats in particular have a history of being bad luck because of their connection with women who were accused of witchcraft. These pet cats were said to be their familiars or demonic animals that had been given to them by the devil. Some even said it was the Devil himself, socializing with witches.

Along with cats, other animals like spiders, bats, and owls have superstitions related to Samhain as well. Owls that fly down on this spiritual night are said to be eating souls of the dead, while those that hoot signal that death is coming. If you see one circling the skies during the day, bad news is to come to someone nearby. If bats come out early and fly around on Samhain, it is a sign that good weather is coming. These fuzzy winged creatures, much like black cats, have been told to be messengers between witches and the devil in rural Scotland and Northern England.

Other superstitions relate more towards divination, fortunes, luck, and love. In parts of England it was believed that if a maiden carried a lantern to a well on Samhain night and held the light above the water, she would see the reflection of future husband. If attending a Halloween party, the first maiden to retrieve an apple while bobbing will be the first to marry. However, for those that need the help of more complex divination, Samhain is considered the most effective night to practice Tarot, Scrying, Pendulum reading, and other forms of divination. With the veil between the worlds so thin, the doors open up with answers you may have not known you even wanted!