OSTED UNDER CHARM, MOON
Spell: New Moon Spell to Relieve Anxiety

APRIL 20, 2023

Color of the Day
TURQUOISE

Incense of the Day
CARNATION

For this spell, seek out a flat stone in nature or obtain a tumbled stone such as quartz, amethyst, or moonstone. At night, light a gray candle and speak to the moon in your own words. Ask for relief from anxiety, tension, and stress, and request that the stone be enchanted as a charm to draw out and cast away any anxiety that attempts to emerge. While holding the stone in your dominant hand, say:

Great Mother Moon, grant unto
me the ease of my anxiety.

As you say these words, will that the stone now becomes a magical charm.

From this point on, whenever you feel ill at ease, hold the stone so it can absorb the tension. Wash the stone weekly to clear it of the anxious energy it has retained.

April 20th

Primrose

The Primrose is another spring flower which it was felt unlucky to bring indoors in a quantity less than thirteen, for fear that less would limit the number of eggs or chicks from poultry.

However, in larger bunches they were welcome. The flowers were said to protect against evil spirits and Witches, although once again I can't say my Craft has suffered in any way from Primrose!

Primroses have long been associated with children, it being said that placing the dried  flowers in a child's pillow would ensure their respect. Keeping the plant in flower on the window sill is also said to encourage their sleep and to guarantee pleasant dreams The plant does have sedative properties and an infusion of the flowers can be used to calm the nerves. The roots are infused as a headache cure, although they can also be sued as an emetic it is wise to make the solution a weak one. Primroses used to be used in cooking as well as medicine, the petals being added to rice, floated on soup or crystallized as cake decorations.

Primroses in the garden are said to be protective, especially as they are favored by the fairies, who look kindly on those who grow them. Wearing the flower is said to attract love, although in some places it used to be considered the signs of a wanton.

The Primrose is used in spells to attract love, and for the protection of a loved one. Place a pressed Primrose flower in the front of the care of someone you care for to ensure safe journeys.

"Beautiful people are those who do beautiful things."

April 21st

Travel Protection

Whenever you or a loved one will be setting off on a journey then create a charm of protection to ensure a safe return.

Make a small bag from fabric containing the travelers' favorite color, sewing it with yellow thread. Into this place some dried moss collected from as close to the house as possible,, a few Mint leaves, a piece each of Moonstone, Malachite, Amethyst and Jet. Add a small feather and some salt crystals. Tie the neck of the bag tightly. This should be worn or carried by the traveler until they return. Note: these days it is best not to put this in luggage f any sort if it is likely top be scanned by a security machines, as it could lead to some awkward questions.

There are various ways of securing a traveler's safe return. Take a piece of chalk of the color of the person's Elemental sign; red for Fire signs, blue for Water, etc, and as they get up on the morning of their journey, write their initials under their pillow and leave this in place until they return. Alternatively, bury a piece of Fig wood together with a silver coin under the traveler's doorstep. If you and your lover are to be parted by a journey, then exchange Aquamarines.

It has long been held that it is extremely bad luck to turn back once you have started a journey, not even to wave farewell. If something has been forgotten, then the traveler should return, sit down and perform some action such as looking at a book, or eating something, before setting out again.

"If you travel slowly you can enjoy the view."

April 22nd

Nettles

Nettles are greatly underestimated, and usually rooted out by most gardeners.

The young tops are goof to eat and are rich in iron and other minerals. Once cooked or dried they lose their sting, and can be used in savory dishes in much the same way as spinach, or made into soup. Baked with sugar, Nettles were reputed to enliven the spirits. Dried Nettles, so long as they retain their green color, can be used as a harmless replacement for salt.

Nettle stings were used to relieve rheumatic pains and to reduce chills, Freshly-cut Nettles can be placed under the sick bed to hasten recovery. Nettle juice is helpful in stopping bleeding, being added to a dressing or even taken internally. It is also used in cases of asthma and other chest complaints. Cooked and cooled Nettles can be used as a face pack, and an infusion makes an excellent hair rinse.

Magically they are used in healing, defense and protection spells. Placed in a charm bag Nettles will keep negativity and fear at bay, and are said to remove curses by returning them to the sender. Sprinkle Nettles around the house for protection against negative thoughts and lightening. Nettles can also be added to the bath for added protection when working defensive magic, or prior to working on the Astral plane. Most people know that Nettle stings are eased by rubbing with a dock leaf, but to increase its efficacy you should recite the following spell: "Dock in, nettle out, dock rub nettle out." But it is not well known that the juice of the nettle is even more effective than dock.

"Success is the best revenge."

4/24/2023 Reading with Grandma Ruth from the "Mystical Moments" tarot.

2 OF SWORDS

 Difficult decisions, weighing up options, an impasse, avoidance speaks this card.

4/24/2023 Reading with Grandma Ruth from the "Mystical Moments" tarot.

2 OF SWORDS

 Difficult decisions, weighing up options, an impasse, avoidance speaks this card.

4/24/2023 Reading done with "Animal Spirit Knowledge" cards by Susan Boulet and Spirit of thr Animals Oracle by Jody Bergsma

Energy of the day: BIRDS
           Soul, Divinity, Liberation, Creativity, Rebirth

Bee---Community---You are a powerful creator. Your work blesses everything you touch. Be open to receiving sweetness. You are the QUEEN of abundance.

Giraffe---Visionary---Rise above earthly matters. Glide through life with grave. You are able to see the right path. Stand tall in your self worth and love with a big heart.

Lizard---Regeneration---As a survivor you are unparcelled. No matter what happens you can adapt. Embrace your transformation. Put on your new cloak. You are a master of regeneration.

results: Frog---Prosperity---Let go of the past and embrace change. Opportunities are close at hand. Hop into the new day with joy. Abundance and good fortune await you.

April 24th

Old Beltane

Beltane was traditionally celebrated when the Hawthorn, also called the May, blossomed.

A major fertility festival, it used to be traditional for the unattached to dress in green to signify that they were available and seeking a partner. These young people would then spend the night in the woods. Any child born of such a union was considered especially blessed and to bring good fortune to the village. As a result both mother and child would be cared for by everyone. It is thought that one of the reasons why it is considered unlucky to bring May blossom into the house is because this would have indicated an unsuccessful night! It is just as likely that the flowers would have given away the fact that the people of the house followed the Old Gods.

When the Hawthorn is in blossom go and seek out a bush, and if you can, lie down under it and meditate on the festival and its meaning. Visualize, the Goddess as Mother and the Horned God as her Consort, for this is the time of their marriage. Gather enough flowers to weave into a circlet. Most florists sell preformed wicker rings which are ideal for this. While you thread the flowers into the rung, focus on the meaning of the festival. If you were not able to mediated under the Hawthorn you can meditate wearing the circlet, otherwise use the circlet to decorate your home for the festival. If you have an image of the Goddess in your home it is nice to also create a smaller circlet for this.

"Give thanks for the gifts of the Goddess, lest She decide to take them back."

POSTED UNDER GARDEN, RAIN, WATER
Spell: Magical Rainwater Spell

APRIL 24, 2023

Color of the Day
GRAY

Incense of the Day
NARCISSUS

Gardens are beautiful, and they can be anything from wild to ordered, small or large. They can be an array of colours or even just a lawn, some trees, or a few patio plants. Whatever type of garden you have, including an indoor garden, the flora need a boost every now and again from magic. Rain from April showers is a power boost, especially when it�s had a spell cast over it.

When there�s a forecast of rain in April, try to capture as much of it as you can by putting out rain barrels, buckets, or old pots and pans. Afterward, pour the April rain into a watering can. Then hold the can in your hands as you say this spell:

April showers bring forth May flowers,
Let my garden bloom for
months, not hours.
Blessed water falling from the sky,
Bless this garden with colours
sensual to the eye.

Alternatively, if you have a water barrel that is full of April rain, place both your hands in the water and cast the spell. Imagine your energy flowing into the rainwater and visualize your garden in full bloom in June. Make sure to wash your hands afterward. Use your magical rainwater to water all your plants, including your houseplants, and watch them bloom and thrive.

April 26th

Music And Magic

Music and music-making are some of the earliest forms of magic.

The use of drumming to raise energies, either those of the spirit world of those of the participants to power the magic, is evident in almost all societies around the world. Likewise the use of vocal sounds to harmonize with the Elements and the divine is a very ancient tradition. This is not surprising when you think of the emotions and feelings that music can engender.

In today's Craft we use singing, dancing, and chanting to raise energy for our spells and it has become traditional to 'drum up the Sun' ay both the Summer and Winter Solstices. However, I would point out that our-of-time drumming on an out-of -tune drum is more likely to persuade the Sun to hide rather than to shine. Many Witches also like to have music as part of their Rituals and workings, although if you are not personally musical this can be a problem as most CD and tape players seem to malfunction if placed within a Circle.

Another way you can use music is to find pieces which, to you, embody the essence of the Elements. Many people find that instrumental pieces are the most useful for this. Use your selected pieces to meditate on the Elements. If you are talented you can even create your own, as my partner has done for us. I have also found that tapes of wildlife, birds for example, and natural sounds, like the wind in the trees or the sea, are an excellent aid to meditation, and you can always record these yourself.

"Try listening with your eyes closed and you will hear more."

POSTED UNDER AIR, CURE, FAMILY
Spell: Listening to the Elders

APRIL 26, 2023

Color of the Day
TOPAZ

Incense of the Day
HONEYSUCKLE

Take some time here at the start of this Mercury retrograde period (which began on the 21st) for some midweek pampering. Schedule a full spa manicure and pedicure, and treat an elderly relative to the same. Everyone needs occasional foot and hand pampering. Side-by-side chairs provide a time for just the two of you to bond. Coax some wisdom and/or juicy stories out of your relative and be prepared to take notes. You may find out facts about your family�s past that will astound you. Incant:

To the keeper of family history, I offer this physical indulgence in
exchange for stories, recording the facts that have formed our
family to this place and time.