Winter Magick Day 29

 

Strength From My Goddesses and Ancestors 

Tonight I will sit and light an orange candle in honor of the strength that has assisted me through this year. It has been a tough one, but my ancestors are behind me and I hang on. Hekate, as always, and my other Goddesses, are with me, so I honor Them too. I am grateful for what They have given and continue to give. They are there, showing me what I can do, how strong I am, that I can keep going. I am so grateful for Their blessings.

All honor and thanks

To Great Hekate who holds my soul;

To Kwan Yin, who heals me;

To Mother Mary, Mother of All;

To Mary Magdalene, who teaches me;

To Isis who guides me.

To my Ancestors of Blood and Breed,

Who walk with me, holding my hand.

For strength and comfort, 

courage and wisdom, 

healing and blessings,

I am grateful.

In the New Year, come what may, 

I know They are with me.

All honor and thanks,

So mote it be!

Blessings dark and deep!

C 2025 EA Kaufman 

Hallows Everyday 24

 A Charm To Call the Dead

Create an incense by mixing together some vervain, saffron, cinnamon, and ground pepper, then moisten with just enough honey to hold it all together. 

Light a charcoal in your cauldron, create sacred space in your usual manner, then light a black candle. Work yourself into a mild trance state. Begin placing bits of your incense on the charcoal. Repeat this charm three times:

Ancestors of mine, hear this plea,

Come now, join me, come be with me.

Only those who love me are welcome in this place,

Only those who love me may enter my sacred space.

Guidance and wisdom share now with me.

I call out with love, allow me to see!

Now allow yourself to listen and be aware, adding a bit more incense. Use any type of tool, cards, crystal ball, or other tools, call out and wait for a sign or response.

When done, clear you space asking that any spirits return to their realm. Give a blessing and then ground yourself by eating and drinking something.

Hallows Everyday 23

The Veil Is Thinning 

As I went out walking this fall afternoon,

I heard a laugh a' laughing.

I heard a laugh a' laughing,

Upon this fine fall day...

I heard this whisper and I wondered,

I heard this laugh and then I knew.

The time is getting near my friends,

The time that I hold dear my friends,

The veil is getting thin my friends,

And strange things will pass through.

- author unknown -

Hallows Everyday 19

 Remember Witch, Remember

Take your feathers, leaves, and bones.
Add to them your roots, your stones.
Mix them in your cauldron's womb.
Dance for rain and add that, too.
Your time is now, each heartbeat rings:
Remember Witch, Remember.

You know the way, you know the song.
You've walked this path 

your whole life long.
Drumbeat sounding, heartbeat pounding
The One's before you, love resounding.
With every turn of season, moon
With every deosil swirl of spoon
You chant the words, you hum the tune:
Remember Witch, Remember. 

The stars are out, your feet are bare.
Your arms are raised into the air.
No one told you what to do.
You knew the way, the Way knows you.
So let it go. Release it down.
Heart and blood and bones to ground:
Remember Witch, Remember. 

—¤ Brandi Woolf 2017 

Hallows Everyday 18

 

Prayer and Offering for the Dead One of the most poignant and powerful things you can ever do is offer a prayer for the dead. This can be done at any time during the year. Between Hallows and the Winter Solstice is an especially powerful time for these offerings as well as the time of year when your loved one passed. What you need:  1 White votive candle.  Offering of your choice Picture of your loved one What you do: Light a white votive candle. Lay your offering on your ancestral altar, or next to a picture of your special loved one.  Hold your hands together in the prayer position. Say: From the dawn of your birth To the sunset of your death I honor you. From the mission you completed To your duties left undone I honor you From the seasons of your being Through the cycle of your life I honor you From your time beyond the veil Till your earth entrance back again May the Spirits support you May the Goddess surround you May my healing love reach you From this moment until the end of time. So mote it be. (author unknown) Place the offering (with the exception of incense) outside, on the ground or bury in the ground.

Hallows Everyday 15

 Dear Ancestor 

Your tombstone stands among the rest; 
neglected and alone 
The name and date are chiseled out 
on polished, marbled stone 
It reaches out to all who care 
It is too late to mourn 
You did not know that I’d exist 
You died and I was born. 
Yet each of us are cells of you 
in flesh, in blood, in bone. 
Our blood contracts and beats a pulse 
entirely not our own. 
Dear Ancestor, the place you filled 
one hundred years ago 
Spreads out among the ones you left 
who would have loved you so. 
I wonder if you lived and loved, 
I wonder if you knew 
That someday I would find this spot, 
and come to visit you.

- unknown author-

Hallows Everyday 12

 

Samhain Night

And the campfires burn

And the moon bleeds red

And the trees are hushed

And the ground is spread

With the feast of the dead.

It is Samhain night.

The elder’s eyes shine bright

And she calls to the quarters

And the Lord and the Goddess

And the moon so pale

To pull aside the veil 

It is Samhain night.

Inviting forth our dearly departed

Arms wide and open-hearted 

To feed our soul

The wisdom our loved ones

Wish to disclose 

It is Samhain night.

It is the day of the dead

A cause for celebration 

The fire and the drums

Are a potent combination 

For an ancestral invocation 

It is Samhain night.

And the campfires roar

And the moonlight pours

Making trees cast shadows 

On the feast below

And they join hand-in-hand

With unearthly spirits 

Empty eyes aglow

It is Samhain night.

That the dead and the living

Roam the same earthly plane

And the Wheel of the Year

Groans and turns again.

-Silvana Franco -

Hallows Everyday 11

Ancestors, who are they? What if you’re adopted and have no background on your bloodline? What if there are ancestors who committed crimes, incest and you don’t want to be connected to them? 

These are questions I am asked all the time. And I have a very simple answer: you need only be in touch with those who are of integrity and love you unconditionally. As for bloodlines, your adoptive family’s ancestors are your ancestors. Then there are the ancestors who were people we were especially connected to by friendship, by what I call breed - our kind, folks who practiced as we do and may have been teachers, people we admired. All of these are available to us by making the connection through the mists. 

There is also the Hidden Company, witches, sorceresses, priestesses who have remained close to this world to assist us.

You make the effort, you do the work, and that connection will come if you are serious. This is a good time to make those efforts, while the mists or veil are thinnest. 

Ancestral veneration, I believe and have experienced, brings great rewards. Ultimately, like all of this work we do, takes effort, dedication, and a bit of time. Take the time, make the effort.

Deep Into The Waning Time

 October, my crone-self is much closer to the surface of my being. I contemplate and remember more. I sit and wonder how I got here so quickly. Honestly, in my head I still feel 20, but much wiser. If only I knew then what I knew now.

However, that is a waste of time. My goal is to simply enjoy the magick of each day and get the most out of it. I feel closer to the Ancestors at this time of my life and know they are around me. It’s not just the season, but the season of my life. And not just the bloodline Ancestors, but those of my breed. My breed? Yes, the witches and healers, the women who were ahead of there time - they are also sisters, mothers, grandmothers of who I am. 

I honor them with candles and incense, offerings that are taken to their Underworld. But the best way I know to honor them is to remember them. I think about them, their struggles and tears, but there joys too, their magick, their sense of accomplishment. 

Some of these Ancestors were very alone in their work, their magick, but no longer. Now they are all together, celebrating, teaching with thoughts that they share. Most of the breed, we didn’t know them or even know about them. They weren’t famous or even remembered anywhere but in the hearts of women like me. And so, I honor them.

Remember those woman who did secretly what we do openly. Open your hearts to them. Tell them, I don’t know your name, but I remember you. No, we do not forget them for they live on within us.

Blessings dark and deep.

Hallows Everyday - 24

Three Sisters

by Frank Howell

We are the bones

of your grandmother's grandmothers.

We have returned now

We say you cannot forget us now

We say we are with you

And you are us.

Patricia Reis

from The Ancient Ones

Blessings dark and deep!

Hallows Everyday - 8

The Lamp - Remembrance

The Halloween Oracle by Stacey DeMarco

Interesting, remembrance seems to be the theme so far. When I first shuffled the deck this morning, the same card from the other day, The Underworld, stuck out to the side. I turned it over and thought, well, I need to re-read and perhaps think about the Underworld a little more. For me, I am pretty sure I know what the reappearance of that card is about. Each of you will have to decide for yourselves.

I reshuffled and made clearer my intention, a message about this season for any who read this blog as well as myself. The Lamp - Remembrance. Again... interesting.

For almost all of my years involved in Paganism and Polytheism, I have left a light in one or three of my windows for the spirits. I dedicate special candles for my Ancestors. Stacey calls the lamp a symbol of remembrance, leaving the lights on for those who wish to come home. It also soothes our own mourning spirit within, sad over the loss of those who have passed. Lights at night, candles, lamps, small flames in the dark, are exactly that, very soothing.

The Lamp also represents Hekate for me, with Her torches, in Her aspect as Soteira. She lights the way for us, brightens our lives. That lamp is also a call, I feel. She is saying, "come, be with Me, immerse yourself in the Mysteries I have to offer. Time for some journey work.

The Lamp card also tells us that there is no need to continue to be sad when remembering those who have passed. Certainly we must mourn, release that sadness, experience it and let our feelings release in an appropriate manner. But, in the end, we will be reunited with those we mourn. They are on a new journey, and they do come to visit now and again. When we need them, they are there, we simply call to them. This is why an Ancestor altar is so important, in my opinion, it becomes a strong connection. 

Light your lamps or candles, call them home. They await your summons with love and blessings.

Blessings dark and deep!

Hallows Everyday 26

Hearth - Happiness in our hearts and homes,

The Halloween Oracle by Stacey DeMarco

The hearth was and still is the heart of the home. This is where the family gathers, where we are drawn to, even if it is the stove in the kitchen. Here is the place that offers us sustenance; we gather around the stove to see what's cooking or baking. Usually it gives a positive feeling. If one is actually lucky enough to have a real hearth, it too is a gathering place. We can't help but sit around or nearby, watching the dancing flames, taking in the aroma of the burning wood, feeling the warmth, listening to the crackle and pop as the fire burns.

For me, my hearth is a place for devotional work, a portal for my Ancestors, a true place of comfort. I live in a condo, Toadstool Condo, and my hearth is a ventless fireplace that uses a natural grain alcohol gel instead of wood which crackles and pops just like a real fire. It is SO soothing. My stove is also an altar, where I take care of my family and friends by preparing meals and goodies. But even if you can't have a real fireplace or a ventless one, a small chiminea, available in many home decor or garden stores, can be used with a candle - voila! Instant hearth. I had one before I purchased my ventless fireplace from Plow & Hearth. It changes the energy in the home, especially when you make it an area for devotions as well as comfort. Don't forget your stove, though, the modern hearth.

When the Hearth card presents itself in divination, we must look to home, family, and Ancestors. Are we remembering those who have passed with regular devotions? Do we need to more fully acknowledge relationships? Is there a conflict within the family that needs work and resolution? This is the time to build up the loving home fire. Even if you live alone, your Ancestors are there, you have relationships and family; take time to care for these. Family, which includes special friends, is a priority, make it so if you have been too busy lately. Nothing is more important than love and being with those we love and live with or spend time with. Remembering those loved ones who have passed is an important part of living, don't forget honoring them.

This card also tells us that our home and family is watched over, by the Goddesses of home, hearth, and family, as well as by our ancestors. Honor them all by making time for them, for saying "I love you" and "I'm grateful you are part of my life." We are protected.

Blessings dark and deep!

Hallows Everyday 19

The following invocation was adapted by me from one written by Rev. Judith Lewis. She wrote it for invoking the God at Samhain. I have it in my Book of Shadows and when I reread it I thought it would make a wonderful ancestor invocation after a few changes.

Death walks among us as you pass your way.

Your time has come and gone, the wheel turns.

You have been the spring, the rejoicing summer,

the dying autumn, the still, deep winter.

You are the sorrow, the sadness,

and the coming of death to us all.

Back to the Mother who gave you birth

and nurtured you upon this earth.

Back to the womb of the darkest night,

Back to the chamber of rebirth.

And in that sleep which so restores,

You pass once more, as do we all,

to the Mother to be reborn.

Join us now, before you leave us,

Join us in rejoicing in life.

For without it, there is no death and rebirth.

And so is the cycle and the Lady's way.

Blessed be you, our Ancestors.

Blessings darks and deep!

Hallows Everyday 3

The Apple Parings

With a sharp knife pare an apple

Round and round and round.

Toss the paring o're your shoulder.

The initial found will be the one you'll marry.

Do not be afraid!

Tis an old prophetic omen good for man or maid.

The Jolly Hallowe'en Book, 1937

Love divination at Halloween was a common practice. You might try the apple paring if you are single and see what comes. But... do it on the Eve of Olde Hallows!

 Ace of Cups,

Ghosts & Spirits Tarot by Lisa Hunt

This is a very interesting deck and, for me, assists me in speaking directly to the Spirits and my Ancestors, hearing their wisdom so clearly. I have received good advice. This deck would seem to be a bit morbid, but for those who wish to make contact with the Spirits, it really isn't about the morbid at all, and very helpful.

Today's card is about... love and goes well with the apple paring spell above. The illustration for this version of the Ace of Cups depicts the ballet, Giselle, a tale very much about love, heartbreak, and forgiveness. 

If you are not familiar with the story, the simple version is Giselle, a peasant girl, meets and is wooed by a nobleman, Albrecht, who disguises himself as a commoner. Giselle falls deeply in love, but then learns who Albrecht really is and that he is engaged to a duke's daughter. There can be no future for them and she, heartbroken, drifts into madness and dies of her grief. Because of the nature of her death, Giselle becomes one of the female ghosts known as the Wilis. The Wilis have all died of the same fate and therefore condemn men to die by dancing to their deaths with these beautiful ghosts. Albrecht is remorseful and so Giselle saves him from the deadly punishment of dancing all night to his death by assisting him until the dawn summons the Wilis back to their graves. She forgives him and they proclaim their eternal love, attempting to reach through the veil and touch, a gesture of love that transcends the material. She holds a red rose in her ghostly hand symbolizing her everlasting love.

When this card is chosen, it is a message of love's energies directing your desires and the fulfillment of them. It is a card that represents joy and new beginnings; a new romantic relationship or friendship, a renewal of love in a long established relationship, perhaps even a new life such as a baby, an animal companion. A new spiritual path could be opening before you. Or... if you have been betrayed, the stirrings of healing and the renewal of trust, which is really most appropriate with this particular deck.

This time, while a time of dying things, is also a time of going within, becoming the seed, and preparing for rebirth and renewal. It is a time of rest, regeneration, preparation, restoration. Be careful who you chose to trust again, but remember, we all make mistakes, life is a series of them. Take your rest now, contemplate and begin the healing.

Blessings dark and deep!

Hallows Everyday 2

Winter from the Halloween Oracle

by Stacy DeMarco

Today I asked the Ancestors for a message and they give me the oracle card, Winter. Most appropriate at this time as we begin our descent into the quiet of the year.

We are living in a time of dying now, plants are dying back, leaves drifting from trees, the Earth has given all She can give for now. The days are becoming shorter, and the beautiful, velvet night longer. Life is slowing its pace. We enter the time of metaphoric and literal death as Winter comes. Death, for most, is frightening despite the fact that we will all face it. Winter is the dead of the year, life slows almost to stillness. 

I remember as a child sitting in our back yard or walking through the woods nearby in Autumn. It was a special time; the scent of the air, the falling leaves, the crackle of the dying plants and grasses beneath my feet, the scarcity of animal life. I remember the utter stillness though, that is what stays in my mind, everything but the wind, halting, dying away.

The Ancestors have given us this card to remind us of what lies ahead, what is inevitable, and that we do not have all the time in the world. We need to look at ourselves, our lives, the way we live. Are these things, are we what we take satisfaction in? Do we appreciate what we have? Do we look at all the good there really is or do we focus on what we don't have, what we can't have, and the negatives? This is the time to let go of what stops us from living fully, what really doesn't serve us. It is natural and right and part of the cycle of our lives to move on, let things drift away, especially when they no longer benefit us. Too many live in a state of wanting what cannot be.

It is time to reassess our lives, let the past that holds us back die away and take the necessary action to make ourselves as happy and fulfilled as we can be. The burdensome past is over and cannot be changed. Let it go. Make the choice each day to see the beauty in our lives, and there truly is so much. This does not mean living in a fantasy world, but getting out of the fantasy. You have what you have, you are what you are, move forward with appreciation and make the best of your life.

Sit back for a bit as Winter moves in, contemplate and consider, plan and be what you wish to be within the bounds of reality. Appreciate every day you are given.

Blessings dark and deep!

Weekly Oracle

Shaman of Reflections

The Shaman Oracle by john Matthews & Wi Kinghan

I am the Shaman of Reflections. I offer you who calls upon me the opportunity

to see beyond your mirror image,  and to recognize within yourself the truths that

you may never have perceived. I challenge those who believe there is only one pathway

to follow. In the mystery of the mirror I show each individual his or her true self.

Look into the mirror and be challenged by what you see; and not just a physical mirror... the mirror of your thoughts, contemplations, situations, your soul. Look into the magick mirror. See deeply and past the everyday image, look into the soul, the heart, the past. What have we hidden that, if brought forward, will assist us on this path we travel, this path that has many branches and byways. That deeply hidden image is where our wisdom, the wisdom we have within us, will be. 

This card is a very clear indication that self-clarification is needed. It is time to acknowledge the truth, accepting reality, and then understanding that the challenges we face are valid ways of moving along our path to understanding ourselves and what we need to accomplish, what we have decided to do... or the tasks the goddesses and gods, ancestors, and/or spirits have set for us. 

I see this as, if you will pardon the language, the no bullshit card. Take a good look at what you are doing, what you think you want to be, to achieve - is it what you really want to go for? Are you  really up to the task? There is no shame in acknowledging that your aren't ready or willing to take on this, that's fine so go on your way to whatever is next for you. But some will be called kicking and screaming, but know it is what must be - do it anyway, you've been called and don't have the choice anyway. It will just keep coming back.

Then there are other things, challenges in the mundane, and these may be your greatest fear, the thing you absolutely don't want to have anything to do with. I am in that position right now, dealing with one of my biggest fears. Despite it being a challenge in the mundane, I know my goddesses are behind it, another test, task, whatever one wishes to call it, placed in my path to rip me apart and hopefully put me back together... wiser than before.

Reflection is many things.

Blessings nine!