Everyday Hallows - 31

Skull of Light, Illumination

The Halloween Oracle, by Stacey DeMarco

Hallows Blessings to all. Thank you for joining me in this journey through the month of October and Hallowstide. May you be blessed by the Goddesses, your Ancestors, and the Guardian Spirits who assist you. May you find all that you need as you travel this path.

The Skull of Illumination brings our Hallows Everyday and the nine days of divination to a conclusion. We have arrived at a place of clarity, understanding. Walking the path in the darkness, we found and continue to find, torches to guide us along the way. The wisdom that has been given to us on the path of our exploration is the light that allows us to see. What we see is the past that has shaped us and given us the foundation that now supports us. We can see the light in the darkness shows the Unseen, and we can proceed from here secure that the way will somehow always be lit for us so we can find what we need. It is up to us whether or not we continue along a path that is not always acceptable, certainly not easy, but rewards us with magick and mystery.

Our way really is lit as we forge ahead, learning from what is shown to us. We can stop hiding in the darkness and instead see what it has to offer.

Blessings dark and deep!

Hallows Everyday - 30

Well, here we are on the 30th. The month has gone by quickly, just too fast for me. Even so, I have this tremendous feeling of wonderful things to come. All this energy of releasing that has reared up throughout the month, there was a reason for that, I feel it very strongly. I am tossing off the feelings and issues that have held me back, I truly feel that I am beginning an important new cycle. And it feels very good this morning, a real shift.

Over the past few days, I have felt like I've been getting my butt kicked energetically with all the devotional practices, the divination. So much thought and contemplation this year about Hallows Everyday, it was a real spiritual work-out, so to speak. But today, I've awakened with a sense of joy, an excitement, and a very strong feeling, as mentioned, that something new and wonderful is beginning.

Now... onto the oracle for today.

Lady De Los Muertos, Acceptance and Equality

The Halloween Oracle, by Stacey DeMarco

In a way, this card was a surprise and yet not so much. This lady is known also as Santisima Muerte, (Most Holy Death), Santa Muerte (Holy Death), and the Holy Queen, among other epithets. She is a blend of Catholic and older Mexican origins, coming to be more known when she appeared in the nineteenth century to a healer in Veracruz, or so the story goes. Since then, there have been, according to those who are dedicated to Her, many miracles. Her origins date back to pre-Spanish Mexico, but some claim She comes to us through the Yoruba tradition, Voudon, Santeria, and Palo Mayombe. Whatever Her origins, Her practitioners are generally not concerned with them, but more with Santa Muerte Herself and the gifts She brings into the devotee's life. 

Late last year, Santisima Muerte began to call to me. I began some studies, and here She is again. Another call? For me? For some of you?

This card's appearance continues the theme of releasing that which doesn't serve us. It also tells us that those issues in our lives which are based in fear need to be rethought. Death is inevitable, but we don't have to dwell on it - you'll go out of your mind. Instead, take a different approach, one based in the positive, and consider that all will be well. Fluffy? OK, maybe, but a little fluff really never does hurt, although too much may choke you! ; )

Taking a more positive approach, can assist us in changing what we want changed more easily, and keeps fear in its place. Exploring Santisima Muerte and the gifts and wisdom She can bestow, while certainly not everyone's cup of tea, is one example of learning to deal with death with acceptance. Bring death into its place in life, an equal partner, inevitable, and a next step. I think of it, or try to, as the new adventure after this one.

For me, this card is a call, one I won't ignore; for others... you will choose from what I've said here and your own contemplations. That being said, the card could just be a call from the Underworld, the Ancestors, Santa Muerte, Herself. It is the time of year when that happens. Sometimes it is just a simple hello and those passed saying, "we're here on the other side, but still with you, we're watching over you, remember us."

Blessings dark and deep!

   

Hallows Everyday - 29

Skeleton, Strength

The Halloween Oracle, by Stacey DeMarco

It is interesting that when I read about this card, it spoke about Halloween being a scary time, and also dressing up as a skeleton for Halloween - "...we even dress as skeletons who have no flesh at all and their bones are there for all to see... In short we are showing our vulnerability at Halloween and our strength in facing our fears too." When I was a little girl and we moved from the city to the country, for the first two Halloweens I dressed in a skeleton costume. I suffered from panic attacks and was a nervous child, I can remember being fearful and depressed. I hadn't really felt those feelings, despite them still being there, or thought about them in a very long time, but the memories and feelings came flooding back with those words. I looked at an old photograph on the shelf, about 50 years ago, of me in my skeleton costume. So, yes, interesting.

This card, the Skeleton, is about two ways of being; vulnerable yet strong. There is no need to be strong all the time, no need to carry all the burdens by yourself, to be alone in fear. As fearful as I was as a child, I pushed myself and kept going, struggled and managed to live, learn, and grow up to share compassion for those who suffer from anxiety and assist them in working through it. Many people helped me along the way, and others didn't. I walked away from those who couldn't or wouldn't accept both parts of me.

Now, I walk in the darkness, not completely without fear, but strong enough to go forward, explore it, and find the peace that is in that dark cave, deep within. Anyone who knows me, if they take the time to look, will see both my strength and my vulnerability - and that is just fine - it's who I really am. Those who care for me will accept both.

Everyone has vulnerabilities, there is no shame in that. They are part of being human, part of understanding that we are perfect in our so-called imperfections. How strong we really are! Despite the fear laying beneath the surface, we are in fact, strong enough to tackle whatever presents itself to us. The question is, will you show both sides of yourself? Or... do you think, as many do, that you must hide the one, never showing it? 

The message here is that you are incredibly strong and brave when you show your vulnerable side, no matter what anyone says. It is healthier to let go of the burden of carrying guilt, shame, hubris, anxiety, illness... whatever it may be, hidden so no one sees. Bare your soul a bit, but don't wallow in the vulnerability either. Let go of the need to show you are the strongest, the best, never wrong, never fearful. On the other side of the coin, don't let the vulnerable overshadow your strength; feel your strength, know it, own it. Balance is the key.  Learn to be at ease with the very human need for support. Accept that support gratefully, without resentment or embarrassment. Ask the questions you may think are stupid, but actually show how wise you are to ask. You will find that there are those who love you and have been holding out their hands waiting to help you, wanting to be there for you. Offer your hand to them.

Blessings dark and deep! 

Hallows Everyday - 28

Nightsong, Hidden Talents

The Halloween Oracle, by Stacey DeMarco

Hallowstide is the between time, the edge of the changing seasons, stepping from one time into another. We are moving into the winter of the year where that which is bright and living has fallen away into slumber,  contemplation, and introspection. The world turns misty and that which is more often unseen comes to be seen and inspire.

The Nightsong card brings a message from the Goddesses. That which is vital and creative is still alive deep within, waiting to be expressed. There is some seed of creative force ready to burst into being if we will birth it. It is necessary to look within ourselves, find it, and allow it to bloom. 

For many, our hidden talents are so personal and fragile we hesitate to share them. The night bird who sings in the night comes to guide us in that darkness of fear, encouraging us to unwrap the gift of our potential, claiming the possibilities open to us.

We are full of magick. As witches, priestesses, sorceresses, wise women, we are different and live differently. Everything we do and touch sparks with the inspiration of the Goddesses. We have chosen, on some level, to be this way, to be different and live in a world that is far from mundane. We are more likely to hear the night song, a song that is not often heard. That song is one that lets us know we must use the gifts given by the Goddesses, without waiting any longer and without fear of judgement. Do whatever it is your are meant to do, do what you ache to do, bring those hidden talents into the light of day. Wait no longer.

Blessings dark and deep!

 Blood in the Forest, paper weaving

copyright 2012, E A Kaufman

Hallows Everyday - 27

Vampire, Emotional Boundaries

The Halloween Oracle, by Stacey DeMarco

An interesting message for today, the Vampire card can indicate being drained and the need for stronger boundaries. Yes, that's the simple message, but there's more to it and a bit of a warning that may be needed during this season. The veil is thin and many of us are more open psychically, hoping for spiritual communion and communication.

Vampires, at one time seen as monsters, have become romantic and sensual figures. Once human, they have metamorphosed into another type of being, now feeding from the life force of the type of being they once were. That feeding has become a longed for act of seduction in literature and movies, nourishing and strengthening the vampire, but leaving the victim depleted of life force, eventually dying. Let's be frank, this isn't sexy and it certainly isn't love. If you think it is, consider this, to these types of blood sucking vampires, you are basically a cow, chicken, pig, or a head of lettuce. You are sustenance, willing or not. You are NOT the romantic heroine they have searched for over hundreds of years. Is this creature real? I never say never.

While there are people out there who play at being vampires, going so far as to actually drink others' blood (very dangerous) and people who want to be fed from, there are real types of, for lack of a better term, energetic vampires out there. These are the people who suck you dry, leaving you feeling completely drained - physically, emotionally, spiritually. They can take your motivation, using it to strengthen themselves and leaving you, for all intents and purposes, emotionally and spiritually dead. Once they get their energetic hooks into you, it becomes a real fight to get rid of them. I well know about this as I have assisted several people in breaking away; it isn't pretty, erotic, ecstatic... it's a fight for life. Many of us have experienced this to a certain degree with people who are not strong energetic vampires, our natural protective instincts take over and we remove ourselves from there influence. However, the strong ones definitely exist.

The other type of, what I would refer to as vampiric beings, are spirits who attach themselves and make life a living hell. Certainly there are guardian and guiding spirits who stay with us, but it is a healthy relationship - they don't "feed" from you. This is why when practicing divination to call the dead, we must be very careful. Shielding and protection techniques are the first tools I teach, because there are spiritual and "human" beings out there who will harm you and YOU need to protect yourself.

Some people are hysterically afraid of ouija boards, tarot cards, scrying tools, but the truth of the matter is that hundreds of thousands of these items are sold every year and demons have not taken over the world. That is not to say that once in a while some innocent doesn't get lucky, but for the most part, the tools are harmless. If you know what you are doing, which includes shielding and protection, you'll be fine. I know the hysterics will disagree, so be it. I have my experiences over many years, they have there overwrought emotions.

Today, this card is a reminder to strengthen your boundaries, your wards, and shields, at this time when spirits are coming through to connect with us. The good, the bad, and the ugly are out there, waiting for that little hole in your energetic protection. Keep up your daily practices of re-enforcing your protections, which you should be doing daily anyway, but be extra vigilant.

A couple of very good books to assist you:

White Light, The Complete Guide to Spells & Rituals For Spiritual For Psychic Protection, by Diane Ahlquist - click here.

Spiritual Protection, A Safety Manual for Energy Workers, Healers, and Psychics, by Sophie Reicher - click here.

Blessings dark and deep!

  

Hallows Everyday - 26

Death, The eternal cycle begins here.

from The Halloween Oracle, by Stacy DeMarco

Death cards, in general, give a little chill when they show themselves in a reading. Of course, we know that in tarot decks they rarely mean physical death, instead the Death card is about, at its simplest, transformation. The Death card in this oracle deck is really no different.

This card comes to us as we are letting go and clearing away in preparation for a new cycle. That clearing process is very powerful, not always comfortable, but necessary and part of the normal cycle. Death, in its physical aspect, is a frightening thought for most people, but the truth is we will all face it, it is truly a part of life. We experience many "deaths" as we wander through our lives. If we can, we celebrate the changes and begin anew, enthusiastic to continue on to a new branch of our journey. 

This is a reminder, as well, to remember our beloved dead. They too are making a new journey, somewhere, in some way. A mystery has been revealed to them, so allow them to guide you. Tend to your Ancestor altar, make your offerings, and remember.

If you don't journal, Hallows is a good time to begin. Scribbling down your thoughts assists in release, and also holds reminders we can go back to. A new notebook, some pages at the beginning left blank to make lists, some sketches or favorite images scattered here and there to inspire and remind us of dreams, favorite quotes, poems... all of these can be added to your journal. Then, simply write, a thought for the day or pages of angst, joy, whatever. Don't overanalyze or make it harder than it needs to be. Journaling is for you, not something you need to share with anyone.  

So... we shall let go, unfold our wings, and take flight into a new journey, going deeper into the season. We will reflect and contemplate, care for ourselves and truly live.

Blessings dark and deep!

Hallows Everyday - 25

Time is just rushing by and the great night is almost upon us. I will be very busy with old and new friends, and missing a particular friend who is far away. But... celebrating, honoring our beloved Ancestors, the Hidden Company, and most especially the Goddesses, will fill my spirit  to overflowing. On to our oracle card for today.

Skull of Darkness, Blind Spots

The Halloween Oracle by Stacey DeMarco

This deck of oracle cards has been an amazing tool for me since drawing the very first card; I never fail to find the answer in them. Today's card is no exception. We have delved deeply into ourselves through our devotional activities and the energy of the season, searching for what serves us and what no longer does, seeking answers and truth. The Skull of Darkness has important advice for us in that search.

The Skull of Darkness encourages us to look to the part of ourselves that remains hidden or unseen. We may not like or appreciate certain aspects of ourselves, what many may consider to be dark aspects. But our greatest treasures can be hidden in that darkness, waiting for us, unseen only because they are hidden in the blind spots we hold on to, purposely. We think this helps or "saves" us in some way, don't look at it, don't think about it, don't feel it. By keeping those aspects in the "blind spots", refusing to see or feel, we risk a great deal; repeating harmful or painful patterns and behaviors. The underlying and growing need to know, which can occur during this time, is really a knock at the door of our spirits.

The darkness is a soothing place, the womb, the cave deep within the earth. There is comfort to be found there if we will see it that way. We are better for releasing fear of the dark. We are better for releasing the fear of seeing who we truly are, for accepting ourselves, warts and all, darkness and light. There is nothing in the dark that isn't also right there when you turn on the light or turn your head and look to see what is there. 

No one is perfect, all have their secrets, their anxieties, insecurities - so what? We must love those parts too, they are just as much a part of us, perhaps more important, than those parts we see as beautiful. What is beauty for one may be something else for another. The secrets and fears mold us and strengthen us, we get through them everyday, even when we think we don't, even when it has been a horror of a day or night, even when we refuse to acknowledge them. We still wake up the next morning and, in some way, we go on, we just keep going on. Bury something and it becomes a seed, sprouting, growing, and eventually making its way to the surface, ready or not. We need to be ready. 

We need to turn our minds so we can see those blind spots, illuminate the dark places, reveal the secret and scary places that actually can no longer harm us. They are leftovers from another time, we've been there and now we are here. Adjusting our attitudes toward what was, realizing the past really is over, we will be able to focus on today, accomplish what tasks and pleasures we choose, and maintain balance. What if you aren't the most... whatever it is you think you should be, whatever it is you fear not being? You already are getting through life anyway, just as you are. What we may consider to be the negative, the darkness of our beings, is just another part of who we are. Instead of hiding them away, we can use those parts to grow, improve, achieve. We really are just perfectly ourselves.

Light the candle and turn your head. The Crone Goddesses, the Dark Goddesses, They are holding out Their hands, waiting to help. They are the ones who can help light our way.

Blessings dark and deep!

art by Katlyn Breene

Hallows Everyday -24

Apple, Risk and Reward

The Halloween Oracle, y Stacey DeMarco

The apple, symbolic in so many ways, appears today as guidance during our Hallowstide divination, and again, we are given the gift of a most appropriate message.

For me, the apple is a symbol of wisdom and knowledge, magick, the Underworld, and this season. What we have accomplished thus far has been, for some, a risk. You have begun a regular practice of devotional activities and the likelihood is that reward is the result. Of course, you need to attend to this practice regularly, don't just drop it, which would be disrespectful to the Goddesses, Ancestors, and Spirits. 

The lore of the apple tells of its health giving benefits as well as being a potent addition to love magick. Completely opposite of that lore is that the apple tree has a strong connection to the Underworld, a bridge to that realm, and a welcome offering to the dead.

This card speaks to me as a strong suggestion to make offerings of apples on Hallows, and strengthen my connection to the Underworld. Any dealings with the Underworld entail risk, but this card is about risk and reward. I understand it as an important request, perhaps a challenge, a test. I will bury them near the hedge, truly given with love. What is needed is asked for, I have no choice but to listen and heed the request.

Blessings dark and deep! 

Hallows Everyday - 23

Dawn, The light after the dark.

The Halloween Oracle by Stacy DeMarco

This card is so appropriate for the beginning of this divination cycle of Hallows Everyday. The intention was to receive messages related to our devotional activities and this speaks to me on a number of levels.

We took flight when we undertook these activities, even for those who only participated  in a few, it was a step into a new spiritual place of being. We are journeying into and out of the dark, the dark being most important at this time, but we are ultimately traveling toward the time of light. We also gain wisdom with each step, each one of the devotional activities lead toward a light in spirit, a deeper connection to the Goddesses, Ancestors, and other Spirits we may have encountered or connected to. Some may have made a fresh start in their spiritual practice and found how this can change so many things for us.

The main message of this card is about starting again, hope, a fresh start. Change is always with us, for good or bad, but however it comes, we have the option to make it a positive experience and use it to our advantage. We've made a new beginning at this Hallowstide, it will certainly serve us well.

A note about this oracle deck, The Halloween Oracle by Stacy DeMarco; I hesitated to purchase it initially, thinking it might be a bit silly. I was completely wrong, it is a powerfully intense deck and Stacy's interpretations of the cards are just the beginning. I have found it to be extremely inspiring, very opening to my intuition, and spiritually nourishing.

Blessings dark and deep! 

Hallows Everyday - 22

I have posted many devotional practices through the days of October so far, enough to give you much to contemplate and apply to your own practices. Today, one final suggestion and then tomorrow, nine days of divination from the Halloween Oracle to look at what the Lady, our Ancestors, or any other helpful spirit, may have to advise and suggest. That will be the intention, helpful advice and suggestions.

Before sunrise this morning, I went outside with a flashlight, in my white nightgown, and searched among my hedges for a stone. I thought I wanted something flat, smooth, and plain, but what I found was a rough stone, one with plenty of crevices and bumps, and green mold or something similar. I knew it was the one, so I picked it up from beneath the hedge and took it inside. I washed it, cleansed it spiritually, and then performed my morning devotions. Next I began my early morning task which shall be today's devotional practice.

My little stone which is cleansed and blessed.

Devotional activity: Go outside your home and find a small stone. Take your time, let it call to you. When you find it, say a little prayer of thanks; always be grateful for the gifts of the Earth. Wash your stone, cleansing spiritually as the waters run over it; dry and consecrate it, then let it be for a little while to make sure it is completely dry. When ready, using a Sharpie or other permanent marker, draw a black spiral, beginning in the middle, traveling out and then off to the edge. This is your releasing side.

A very bumpy path, but then releasing can be that way.

Focus on the path that leads away, taking what you do not need on a journey that lets go and travels out of your life.

When ready, turn the stone over. Using a green Sharpie, which I chose for growth, draw another spiral, beginning at the edge of your stone and traveling in to the center. Let the last line connect to the previous circle. This is the drawing in path, that which you need coming to you easily and freely, remaining with you as long as you have need.

A path traveling in, green for growth, 

once again the path a little bumpy.

Make this little blessing, or one of your choice, while holding your stone in your non-dominant hand, covering with you dominant hand:

Awaken, awaken, Old One of the Earth,

Spirit of Stone, Keeper of Strength,

Creation of the Lady,

Be now, I ask, an ally to me.

Release and let go, bring in and let grow,

Release and let go, bring in and let grow,

Release and let go, bring in and let grow!

(copyright 2014, E A Kaufman)

(Now, blow you intention into the stone with your breath.)

Carry your stone with you, keep it on your altar or shrine, or... as I plan to do, keep in on your bedside table. First thing in the morning and last at night, or whenever you have need, hold your stone and recite the blessing, allowing the stone to assist you.

Use any color pens or paint that have meaning for you and any shape or size stone.

Blessings dark and deep!

Hallows Everyday - 21

An apprentice's Ancestor altar.

Re-membering

Re-member us,

you who are living, 

restore us, renew us.

Speak for our silence.

Continue our work.

Bless the breath of life.

Sing of the hidden patterns.

Weave the web of peace.

Judith Anderson, 1990

Another apprentice's altar

Devotional activity: In a pretty bowl, place an apple, clean and polished, sliced into three sections, three hazelnuts in their shells, and three sprigs of fresh rosemary. Pour some red wine over all. Place the bowl on the floor before your Ancestor altar and recite this prayer:

Prayer For An Offering

I make this offering to my Ancestors of Blood and Breed,

I make it to you all so you shall know you are remembered.

As I take the wisdom and assistance you offer,

So I give this offering in return.

Here and below and above,

Within and without and round about,

This offering, a gift I bring,

I give it with this prayer I sing!

(copyright 2012 E A Kaufman)

Take the offering outside to some special place, cemetery, lake, tree, hedge, and empty the offering gently onto the ground, reciting the prayer twice more. Walk away from your offering without looking back.

 One more apprentice's Ancestor altar.

Blessings dark and deep!

Hallows Everyday - 20

Samhain Invocation

Forests misty, dark and deep

the door between the worlds release

loved ones, family, favored pets

to join me in this evenings fest.

The birth of new, the death of old

I will this cycle to unfold.

Each leaf that drifts upon the ground

will bury all that is unsound

and in its place will rise anew

the gift of love the whole year through.

With the harvest gold and autumn sun

I reap the best that I have done.

And as the days grow shorter still

with long nights and winters chill

I'll work to build a better place

for every soul and human race.

Wild autumns wind, and crone's dark voice

speak to me of wisdoms choice

let me hear your words of fate

so I know which path to take!

Those of you who went before

speak to me from crossroads door

whisper words of love and care

let me know that you are there.

(author unknown)

Devotional activity: Light an orange and black tea light or votive candle tonight - or any color you feel is appropriate - and give thanks for what you have achieved, let those things that were not completed go, like the leaves in the wind. Focus only on the positive, and be grateful for that. Recite the above invocation, feel connection with your Ancestors who have gone before, let them know they are not forgotten. Know that the new endeavors ahead, whatever they may be, will bring wisdom, inspiration, and achievement of what is for your highest good. Make it so!

Blessings dark and deep!

Hallows Everyday - 19

The Samhain Vow

On the Wheel of the Year does the Winter begin;

the world is austere and we all turn within.

I vow there to face the shadows I find

and work to unlace their powers that bind.

I vow to invoke my Ancestors relief

and release in the smoke all my fear and my grief.

This task I do claim as I mark this Samhain,

and swear by the flame behind Jack's cheery grin.

-Ashleen O'Gaea-

Celebrations for the Seasons of Life: Samhain To Ostara

At this time of year, when death is very much a theme of the season, so to speak, it can be easy to forget the joy of this season, the fun stuff: carving pumpkins, costumes and Halloween parties, harvest feasts, and autumn foods like big pots of hot soup waiting for us at home, oh... and all the other good Halloween fun rituals. The remembrances can be sad, but we can focus on the joy in remembering, the happiness and excitement that we experience at this time. Don't forget that part of it too - the fun.

I read an article about how to keep your carved pumpkin from getting moldy so I'll share it here. Cut the the top or bottom off, which ever you do, clean out the seeds and stingy fiber, then wipe away any dirt. Soak the pumpkin in a bleach solution - a teaspoon of bleach to a gallon of water - for about 5 minutes, stirring it around and keeping it submerged. Invert on a cloth to drain, wipe dry completely and allow to air dry for an hour. When completely dry, coat the inside with a thin layer of petroleum jelly and wipe the excess. This seals the pumpkin, but I would only use a tea light in a glass container in my pumpkin if I did this, I would worry about it possibly catching fire, so WARNING!

Here is the link for instructions using a spray bottle of bleach water and the petroleum jelly.  

Click here for some instructions, a bit different, by the Clorox bleach company.   

Devotional activity: take a walk outside and pick up some fallen branches, leaves, stones, pine cones, twigs, whatever you find, and add these as decorations to your altar. Remember to leave some sunflower or pumpkins seeds, or bird seed, as an offering and a way to give thanks for the treasures you are given.

Blessings dark and deep!

Hallows Everyday - 18

Song of the Samhain Goddess

Deep night in the forest,

Deep night on the hill.

The Old Wise One opens Her cloak -

Inside, bitter smoke coils like a snake.

Heaped at Her feet, orange pumpkins grin.

The bones of Her hand shine through the skin.

Breath of Mystery rides the wind:

Honor me.

Breath of death cold on the back of your neck:

Honor me.

Breath of magic whirls around you:

Honor me.

Breath of endings and beginnings, always new.

Honor me now.

~Cait Johnson~

Devotional activity: Remember the Crones, those elderly woman who have touched your life, living or past. Light a candle for them, purple for they are powerful and purple is a good, funky colors for them. Pour a libation of tea with a pinch of brandy or whiskey added. And... if you are a crone, honor yourself; laugh, dance, and know how powerful and wise you are.

Blessings dark and deep!

Hallows Everyday - 17

Broom Lore

A new broom should sweep dirt out of a house only after it has swept something in.

Never sweep after sunset or you will chase away happiness.

A broom laid across a doorway will keep out ill will, bad luck, anything bad.

Never walk on a broom.

If you feel you are being haunted by an unfriendly spirit, 

step over a broomstick and the spirit will be 

unable to bother you.

If a wife sweeps a circle around her husband, he will remain true.

If you want to marry, jump over a broom nine times and

you shall be married within the year.

Every witch must have her broom and I certainly have a collection, hung all around the house. There is just something about a handmade broom with a twisty or otherwise interesting broomstick! There is a great deal of folklore about them too. I like all sorts of brooms, large and small, made of various materials, I seem to find them wherever I go.

Cinnamon brooms, not actually made of cinnamon, are found in grocery and craft stores at this time of year. They smell heavenly and are a nice to have at the door, their scent greeting guests! Each year, at this time, I purchase a new cinnamon broom. I love the fragrance, of course, but the main purpose is to make my Hallows broom to reside by my front door, bristles up. This charm protects our home, our health, and brings prosperity and blessings. The old one, from the previous year, will be burned at Hallows, in my large cauldron or in a bonfire. 

In preparation for the broom blessing, I decorate my new cinnamon broom with strands of beautiful yarns and threads, strips of lace, as well as a three cinnamon sticks, dried apple and orange slices I have studded with cloves, and a little pouch containing various items and herbs for purpose.

Devotional activity: In preparation for the broom blessing on Hallows purchase your cinnamon broom and give it a good smudging before bringing it into your home. Decorate as you like, but be sure to add a charm bag that includes items for protection, good health, happiness, and prosperity.  Set the broom, bristles up, at your altar to await the blessed night.

With the sweeping of my broom,

I sweep out sadness, sweep out gloom,

Clearing air and clearing space,

With magick's power and magick's grace.

Negativity I sweep away

Leaving good to have its sway. 

Sweeping all the bad things out,

As my broom sweeps round about!

from the book, The Witch's Broom by Deborah Blake

(click here to see the book at Amazon)

Blessings dark and deep!

Hallows Everyday - 16

Well, we all know this is pumpkin time, especially since there is pumpkin everything available. I love pumpkin so I eat a good amount of it, along with a plentiful variety of squashes. I have a very basic, nothing fancy way to prepare it - spit it in half, scrape out the seeds, and bake cut side down in a little water until nice and soft. Sometimes I'll flip it over, brush with a little butter and roast until it gets a nice and browned. I then mash it up, add plenty of butter, ground cinnamon and cloves, a good splash of maple syrup or brown sugar, and maybe a splash of sherry or rum, just a little for flavor. Yum! 

I also like to add some pumpkin to my coffee or spiced tea. I take about 2 cups of good strong coffee or black tea, add about a cup of mashed pumpkin, canned is just fine; I whip the pumpkin into the coffee, and add some spices to taste. I like a teaspoon of cinnamon, a shake of ground cloves, and a good grating of nutmeg. I warm about 1 ½ cups of whole milk and half and half mixed with some heavy cream, if I have it; if not I use 1 1/2 cups of half and half blended with whole milk - about half of each. You can add a spoonful or two of maple syrup, brown sugar, or other sweetener, but I don't. Warm it until just right, then add your coffee/pumpkin/spice mix and warm a little more, but don't boil. Whip it so it blends nicely. And there you are, a lovely season beverage!

Devotional activity: Get yourself a supply of those little fresh pumpkins that are available; you can even get them by the bagful. Decorate the outside with some colored Sharpie pens or carve if you like. Make a blessing over the pumpkin and let it sit on your altar for a day or so, then take it to some special place: hedge, base of tree, lake, and leave it as an offering after saying the appropriate offering blessing. Do this every week through Hallowstide, or more if you can. Cemeteries are also a good place to leave this offering. 

Blessings dark and deep!

Hallows Everyday - 15

I was speaking to one of my apprentices who described a rather incredible dream. We discussed it a bit and then I shared a dream I had years ago about having to cast a circle in a large church, LOL. That would really be something and I have always wondered where the dream came from and what, if any, special meaning it had. Never have really figured it out, but it is still very clear because I have it in my dream journal so I can refer back to it for further thought. Sometimes a dream is just a dream and at other times, it's a message.

Devotional activity: Every witch knows she ought to keep a dream journal, but we all get a little lazy about this now and then. Try to get back into the habit, especially at this time of year.

Blessing dark and deep!

Hallows Everyday - 14

Since the veil is thinning, thinning, choosing an oracle or tarot card each day can supply answers and advice from the Otherworld when your questions are directed to your Ancestors. This is a good time and way to hone your skills with your cards just because of the ease of communication. Something I find helpful is casting a "yes or no" spread. You must carefully word your question so that the answer can be only yes or no. Avoid using "should I do this or that; instead, word the question "should I lend money to John? Or, is it beneficial to me to do such and such? or asking if this particular ancestor would be open to working you, getting to know each other (whatever you may be considering.)

Choosing a particular ancestor, one you may already have a close connection with is good, but better still would be to choose someone you have not worked with much before. This type of practice will assist you in getting to know them and find out if they are someone you want to continue working with.

Devotional activity: Use a favorite tarot deck and choose a particular ancestor. Consider a question;  in addition to those suggested above, perhaps whether or not they would like a particular offering. Cast a yes or no spread and see what turns up.

Blessings dark and deep!

Hallows Everyday - 13

Oya, among other things, is the Yoruba Orisha who is the keeper of the gates of cemeteries, assisting those making the transition across to the Unerworld, and giving guidance on the ghost roads. Her powers over transformation and change can  support us in our lives, assisting us as we move forward toward achieving that which is necessary for our betterment, but nonetheless painful, and that which is more difficult to get through. Some see Her as the Crone in the trilogy which includes Her younger sisters, Yemaya and Oshun.

I include Oya here, during Hallowstide because of Her relationship to cemeteries, the resting places of the dead, and Her abilities to hold back or call forth the Spirits of the dead. Oya is one of the Queens of the Dead. She does not live in the cemeteries, but at the gates. There is much more to Her than what I have written here, Oya is a fascinating and complex Orisha.

Devotional activity:  Once again, write a short prayer/verse, this time to Oya. Go to a cemetery, better at twilight, walk around and open your senses. Can you hear or see anyone? Notice the gentleness and peace of the Land of the Dead. Recite your prayer to Oya at the gates or other entranceway to the cemetery and leave a small offering to Her, perhaps some dark chocolate or other dark food. If you are not open to making a trip to the cemetery, light a black candle for Her and present your prayer. Consider going to the cemetery though, even if you only go to the entrance.

Blessing dark and deep!

Hallows Everyday - 12

 

Statue by Netjerwaret, Deviant Art

http://netjerwaret.deviantart.com/art/Sumerian-statue-Ereshkigal-164333895

Today, we look to Ereshkigal, Sumerian and Akkadian goddess of the Underworld, also known as the Mesopotamian Irkalla, Great Lady Under the Earth. The Sumerian name for the Land of the Dead was Attalu, the place of ancestral memories. That, I think, is a beautiful name, the place of ancestral memories. It holds a sweetness, a dreamy quality for me.  

Ereshkigal's myths are varied and I shall encourage you to explore them. She is variously viewed as jealous, bitter, mourning the loss of Her love, powerful, and also a Crone or Hag, again bitter. She was also revered by other gods and goddesses. I see Her as a goddess who rules over Her realm and can assist us with loss. She is powerful and holds that power giving no quarter. How do you see Ereshkigal?

Devotional activity: Explore a few of Ereshkigal's myths and decide which resonate's with you most. Does She frighten you? Again, as we did yesterday, write a short devotional prayer or verse for Her, reciting it after dark and lighting a black candle for Her. Feel free to post your prayer/verse in the comments section, as well as any thoughts or experiences.

Blessings dark and deep!

Hallows Everyday - 11

Hel, Norse Goddess of the Underworld

Susan Seddons Boulet

This time is perfect for exploring and making a connection to Underworld goddesses, especially if you have avoided this or have a fear of Them. They are the Mothers of the Dead, those who tend to all who pass the veil. Yes, some can be scary, but They have an important role; They remind us to remember, They assist those making the transition from this world to the next, They guide us to accepting the inevitable. Great insights and less fear can be the result of exploring our relationship with these goddesses.

Devotional activity: Today we begin three days of making devotions to Underworld Goddesses. Our first is Hel, Norse goddess of the Underworld. Research a bit about Her and write a short devotional prayer to Her. Tonight, late when it is dark and you can feel the energies of the waning moon, light a black candle and recite your prayer to Her. Allow yourself a few minutes to consider what the role of regular devotional practice to an Underworld goddess might bring to your life. Feel free to share  your prayer and experiences in the comments section.

Blessings dark and deep!