Beyond The Veil

 Beyond the Veil

Someday, when I have finished with this life, I shall live in Autumn, 

In a cozy little village with cobblestone streets and lanterns 

with a soft, golden glow instead of street lights.

There will be village shops that serve tea and simple meals any time one likes.

They will sell all manner of enchanting and interesting goods,

Book shops with all the books one could ever want.

Of course, a shop for fiber and fabric, needles, scissors, and hoops.

People will roam the village, 

out and about into the wee hours of the night, 

All kind, all safe.

In my little cottage I shall stitch with glorious colorful threads 

on fabrics of every kind, everyday, creating beauty.

I shall collect herbs and flowers, leaves and roots, from garden and woods,  

brewing potions and powders, vinegars and teas, 

to keep in colored jars on a shelf,  Passing them along as needed.

All the cottages will have gardens with glorious flowers 

in shades of orange, red, gold, and brown, 

Trees tall and thick with age.

The scent of the autumn earth, with hints of cinnamon and clove, 

pumpkin and apple, will waft on the wind.

And a misty, feral forest will surround my village, 

inviting one to roam, day or night, without worry.

I shall be able to see and speak to all the people and pets I’ve ever loved.

A witch knows that when she passes 

she goes to the place she has created, 

And so there is where I shall go. 

Copyright EA Kaufman October 2026

Many years ago I read Robert Cochrane’s works and was extremely influenced by them in my practice of witchcraft. In particular was something that made a most profound impression upon me. I paraphrase, but basically he wrote that when we die we will go to the place that we have created. We, being witches, I assumed. I have thought about this a great deal over the years, creating my place where I will go. I have been very careful in that creation, visiting it now and then, refining it. I knew then and more so now that it was something of great importance.

A friend recently sent me a link to a Halloween YouTube video, AI generated, Halloween themed. I watched, enjoyed, and then sat down and wrote the poem shared here. I hope it inspires you to consider Cochrane’s idea of beyond the veil.

Blessings dark and deep!

Image from YouTube, The Village Where It’s Halloween 

A Protection Sigil For the Home

 

I regularly reward my home, it’s just part of my regular witchy maintenance magick. After all, those wards don’t last forever. And while I don’t obsess about protection work, I do my upkeep as I do anything else.

I saw this image on Pinterest and it spoke to me. I am working on various magickal artsy things and thought, ah, perfect to stitch or draw so…

Draw this sigil on paper or embroider it on fabric. While doing so imbue your intention, protection from harm, intruders, and negative energies, into it. 

You could chant something like:

Protection magick cloaks this home,
No harm, no bane while we are here or roam.
In the name of (your goddess)
It is made so!

Colorwise, black or red would be my preferred colors, but go with what works for you.
Hang on your front door.

Blessings dark and deep!

Autumn Tasks

 So I have been puttering and shifting my energies since the weekend. I spent time with my mom cooking and having some wonderful conversation, enjoying being with her. We made stuffed peppers together, chattering the whole time. I am blessed to still have her, she is 89 years old. We had a grand time.

On the way back home I made a stop at the Dollar Tree and nabbed a couple of witchy Halloween decorations that will actually be permanent decor at Toadstool Cottage! Both just $1.50 each. There really are some very nice seasonal things to be had there for witches, including some nice jars. Witches and jars, it’s a thing, isn’t it? I will be painting the witch stirring the cauldron black to make a simple silhouette. 

I’m truly settling into life here after almost a year, enjoying the area, the trees, the energy. And… I’ve begun creating and crafting after a bit of a hiatus, I spent today creating some simple witchy pendants, some to give as gifts and some to perhaps sell. It felt good.

And now in the wee early hours I decided to draw a card from the Moon Temple Oracle. It certainly gave me guidance for myself as well as to share so here it is. I hope it inspires anyone who reads it.

Moon Temple Oracle:

19: Rhythm, All Moon Phases, Flow, Synchronicity, Pulsate

Our lives, energies, moods, bodies are like the moon cycling through seasons of our lives. It’s all ebb and flow, as cliche as that may sound.

Right now, in accordance with the new moon, doors are opening on many levels,  Let’s not overthink this opportunity. Instead, we allow ourselves to go with the flow, move in rhythm with how the Goddesses are guiding us, our guides, ancestors, even the spirits of the land around us will assist in the dance.

Keep things simple, don’t force anything. Let go and it will happen. Move fluidly, bend like a willow in the wind, allow it all to unfurl in Nature’s time. Our own intuition knows the fruitful way forward so we can flow with our own guidance too. Things are happening, step through the gate, the door, or onto the stage. Now is the time. 

I hope you are settling into this lovely time of year, nourishing yourselves on all levels and creating magick all around you.

Blessings dark and deep!

An Autumn Oracle For the Week

 

Oracle for the Week:

Mother Earth and Summer: I chose a card as usual, but another fell from the deck so I go with that flow!

We have further entered the waning of the year and while Summer is behind us Her energy is not. We have fallen into the fiery energy of Autumn with Her reds, oranges, and golden colors, leaves like flames surrounding us and reminding us that Mother Earth is mature and wise. She reminds us to stay connected to Her, be with Her. That connection will bring us fulfillment, and we are still blooming and radiating the sacred fire from within. 

We are guided to go outside, breathe the air as it refreshes and inspires us, allow the Sun to energize us, firing up our creativity, allow rain or ocean, lake or stream to restore and bless us, and from the Earth Herself, collect gifts of sticks, stones, leaves, shells, bits of bark, whatever is offered. Gather the special autumn veggies, fruits, and nuts. Then we shall take the preciousness and create sacred art, objects for rituals, gifts, or objects to hang or place in our homes, foods to nourish as delicious meals, treats, and medicines, sharing as gifts to ourselves and others. These may even be offered back to Mama. 

My husband recently brought me a collection of sticks and a couple of lovely branches, all fallen, as well as a few acorns. I am reveling in creating, but one particular branch, with a tiny acorn cap has been placed as is on my altar. My home decor includes more red and orange as well, the inspiration and need for those colors coming to me late in August. My creative juices have been flowing as well. So… these cards give validation that I need to return to my artistic and culinary endeavors after a dormant and stressful period of transformation and change of life circumstances. 

Celebrate the fires of inspiration and creation, embrace that fiery summer energy that can be found within, bringing it into our autumnal endeavors.

Blessings dark and deep!

Autumn in the Garden

 Join me in a dream where we sit around a fire, the cauldron swirling, an herbal brew scenting the night air. We sip a steaming, earthy beverage that takes us deeper into ourselves and each other. Here we are greeted by the Great Mother Herself… and She bestows upon us a knowing of our most precious need and how to bring it into being.

Will you sip Her medicine, Her Wisdom? Will you sit outside your homeplace tomorrow under the fullness of Her lantern and let its power infuse you with healing, knowledge, and dreams? I will meet you there. 

Blessings of Light and Dark!

- from Dreams in the Garden Patch by E A Kaufman c 2026

Art by Sibencraft on Etsy

Full Moon Blessings

 

The Full Moon arrives and I shall sit in my little garden beneath the oak tree that overhangs my patch and watch Her shine through the branches and leaves. Such a blessing to absorb the light of the moon, Her magick, Her blessings. Here is a little blessing I was inspired to write earlier.

Full Moon Blessings to all I give,

May all your dreams and wishes live.

The Great Mother’s love fills and surrounds,

Her peace, protection, and prosperity abounds.

As Her lantern shines tonight,

May we all be guided by peace, love, and light. 

C 2026 EA Kaufman 

And speaking of my little patch of garden, I discovered that one of the plants is Twoleaf Nightshade, with berries right now. Yes, it is poisonous and it is considered an invasive weed. Now every witch needs at least one poisonous plant just… well, because. And as for weeds, they are wildflowers!!! Anyway, an exciting find for me. I was quite delighted. 

So, enjoy the full moon, get out there and bathe in Her light for a little blessing of moon energy. 

Blessings dark and light!

A Soothing Tea Spell

 

 A Soothing Tea Spell

Brew yourself a cup of Constant Comment Tea - decaf or regular, or Bigelow Sweet Dreams tea… or whatever you like that relaxes you. Light a pink or lavender colored candle which you have charged to bring gentle, stress relieving energy.

Add a bit of honey for sweetness and cream, if you like, then stir deosil and chant three times:

By Earth and Air, Fire and Tea,

As I sip, stress and anxiety flee.

As I imbue this healing brew

My mind and heart are comforted too.

Relax, release, restore me please,

By leaf and water I am given ease.

By the Great Mother, it is made so.

And so it is, the magick flows!

Copyright E A Kaufman 2026

Now… enjoy and relax.

Blessings dark and light

!

Copyright E A Kaufman 2026

Full Moon Blessings

 Full Moon Blessings!

Full Moon Blessing

Creative power,

energy of the Full Moon,

Enhance the positive in my life

And fill my days with joy and  laughter.

Creative power, 

Energy of the Full Moon,

Open my life to positive energy

And let me know a safe haven from the world.

Creative power, 

Energy of the Full Moon,

Bring the presence of the 

Goddesses into my life,

To guide me on my journey 

as I fulfill my life purpose.

Creative power,

Energy of the Full Moon,

Please accept my appreciation and gratitude

For all that is good in my life.

And so it is!

So mote it be!

Author Unknown, Adaptation by EA Kaufman 

Art by Susan Seddon Boulez

What We Share, Learn, and Live With

I have always told those who studied with me or who were interested in what and how I practice, that I follow my own path. I created and cobbled together what had and still has value to me. While at one time I was happy to share that practice, I learned a very valuable lesson that changed my mind about sharing and teaching. 

I have never cared if what I do in my spiritual practice is carried on by anyone else when I am gone. I told the people I practiced with this too. It was never about that. Certainly it was lovely to participate in ritual with others, there have been wonderful times that I enjoyed and received much from. But I also remembered to only share what felt right to share. There were always things I held back, which puzzled me. I was fairly open in my teaching and helping others. I now realize there was a good reason for that strong sense that I should not share certain practices and workings.

My life has drastically changed from last year and I am struggling to accept and carry on. People I thought would always be part of my life are no longer with me by, I assume, their choice. I even live in a different place. It takes some adjusting to work through what I feel, it is so much change. I didn’t expect it and so never prepared for it. But that’s life, isn’t it? Live and learn is a cliche for a good reason.

Within I have always known who and what I am, imperfect, stubborn, yet loving with much to give. And so I went about doing what good I could and messing up, as one does, in most cases, repairing where I could… like we all do. And I learned my lessons well which has caused sadness, but not really any surprise. 

My Goddesses and Ancestors stand by me, teach, heal, and scold. I am finding new ways to carry on, new magicks, new interests and insights. It seems those guardians who have always been with me are standing closer, propping me up, pushing me forward. I am a bit wiser and will conduct myself accordingly, with more discernment. I don’t need to be anyone’s teacher or guide any longer. 

Instead, I will conduct myself accordingly, my devotional work with be done with more vigor than ever, my Reiki practice will continue with a still open heart, and I will appreciate what I have had and have, continuing to experience the mysteries and magick that my life holds.

And so it is. Blessings dark and light!

Art by Meraylah

                      

 

Dressing a Candle

Some tips for dressing your candles: 

- easy with oil, you don’t need a lot. If you overdo it, you’ll have a candle that goes up like a torch. I tell you this from experience, lol!

- same with the herbs - easy does it or you are going to have a torch and it could be a problem.

- maintain focus on what you’re doing, intention adds to the success of you candle spell. It’s all about what you put it in. 

- use different colors of wax to kick up the energy. Red adds energy and it is always a good choice. 

Blessings dark and light!

Monday Moonday Mushroom Oracle

36 Dead Man’s Finger: Timing

Don’t rush, don’t push, wait for the right time.

If we’re not sure when the right time is, we keep moving until our intuition tells us it’s time.  Let everything unfold in divine timing, our intuition can be trusted to guide us.

Let’s not push because of impatience, let things come to us because we are both in vibrational alignment. Let’s look at the reasons we might not be achieving something. What do we need to learn from it?

Remember, we are limitless beings transcending time and space; time exists only in the physical realms. Learning our lessons breaks patterns and cycles. If we do the inner work, shifts can happen 

Blessings dark and light!

Monday Moonday Mushroom Oracle

20 Scarlet Elfcap, Healing:

A time for healing has arrived or is on the way. Some of our wounds are fresh, but other are open because we keep at them, staying in the wound, picking at it. This wound allows loss of  our energy. 

Where are we wounded and allowing the energy loss?

We can grow and heal by taking the time to learn the lesson. Once the lesson is learned, we will, hopefully stop repeating the patterns. If we keep repeating those patterns, we need to ask ourselves what is it we need to learn and why are we resisting. Trying to see things without the emotional charge, can help us move away from being a victim. Seeing others who have healed as teachers can help us in our journey. Breathing through, letting go, moving forward, that’s what we need.

We, in turn, can help others to heal while healing ourselves. Every act of kindness we commit assists in our healing and in healing others and the world around us. Let us move into kindness for ourselves and others. 

Blessings dark and light!

Monday Moonday Mushroom Oracle - late!

 

I’m  2 days late! So sorry, I got sidetracked and forgot.

18 Blue Pinkgil, Rarity: 

This mushroom is a rare sight in nature and when it is seen it really stands out. People take notice even though it is small in size.

Being different, individual, having our own purpose is a good thing… even when we think it separates us. 

But rarity is not necessarily unique, it doesn’t mean we are alone or doing it wrong. Each of us is a complex mosaic, each piece beautiful with something to contribute. And that rarity can protect us from things we are better off without. 

We can stop worrying about going our own way, not fitting in with other’s ideal. We have our own purpose and that’s 

truly a good thing. Relax, embrace that uniqueness and know we are not alone. There is connection for us with other rare creatures. 

Blessings dark and light!

Imbolc & Full Moon Blessings

 Imbolc and Full Moon Blessings. 

As the seeds stir, may you find renewal, regeneration, and restoration, 

Yes, despite the snow and cold, the seeds are stirring and the blood is warming. We are still in the mode of rest, but renewal is coming. Taking time to care for ourselves is part of our devotional and magickal work. Warming, nourishing foods, soothing , healing meditations, spells for renewal and restoration are all part of taking care. The energy of the full moon will enhance all of that, so get busy, my dears.

Blessings dark and light!

A Candle Spell

I found this chant on Pinterest and thought it would go well with a Crystal Journey Positive Energy candle and a protection candle burning at the same time. A very good combination.

Blessings dar and light.

Monday Moonday Mushroom Oracle

31 Verdigris Agaric, Impress

We are beautiful and the things we do are beautiful. Our purpose: stand out, let ourselves be seen showing the world our beauty. Standing up, making an impression can have important effects on others. We just never know, because many times we hesitate, we are unsure of our own worth. But, the truth is we do have something to offer. So let go, free ourselves, believe in ourselves, put it right out there. Our purpose doesn’t have to be a big one in the scheme of things. We just never know.  And we never know how long we are here for, so… get busy, make life good. Let’s get out of the rage and anger cycle, embrace beauty, open our hearts, stand proud and beautiful. We are enough.

Blessings dark and light!

Tasks of the Priestess, Works of the Witch

In the deep of winter I am working at my own healing after realizing that we can never count on anyone but ourselves. It is a hard lesson when you have given a great deal. But… there are other avenues that will open, of that I am assured. With the guidance of my Goddesses, my Ancestresses, and the other spirits that assist me, I do what I have always done. Move right along. And so it is.

Great Mothers, Ancestresses of Blood and Breed, Spirits wise and true, 
Assist me now as I move forward.
Your guidance and support I call upon.
In return, along with my devotion,
You shall have sweet bread and spiced teas,
Lovely scented smoke and burning flames.
The tasks of the priestess, 
The works of the witch,
They save my soul.

C 2026 EA Kaufman, The Witch of Stitches

Blessings dark and deep!

Monday Moonday Mushroom Oracle

 

33 Indigo Milk Cap: True Colors

Here we are in the new year when people make resolutions, restarts, new beginnings. But are they necessary? What if we just decided to be our true selves? Let our true colors show through? 

This card advises us to know ourselves inside and out, step into our power and be who we really are. Understanding ourselves and knowing we don’t have to pretend is so freeing. We can be at ease, releasing the stress of trying to live up to what we think others want us to be. We are perfect as we are, who we are. Love ourselves, be who we really are, our true colors are beautiful. 

Blessings dear and deep!

New Year Reading

 

Here is a spread I found on Pinterest to get a heads up on the year before me. I hope it helps you as well.

Blessings dark and deep!

Happy New Year 2026

 

Happy New Year! 

Many blessings for much love,

 good health, prosperity, and all you desire!

Blessings dark and light!