Category Archives: Paranormal and Witchy Fiction

February 16, 2024 · 10:21 pm

The Outer Realm of the Paranormal

Merry meet all,

I have really enjoyed listening to the podcast The Outer Realm hosted by Michelle DesRochers and Amelia Pisano. I can’t get enough of their podcast. I am even a convert to Folgers Coffee. I have subscribed to their podcast and I am quickly becoming a loyal listener. The podcast is so amazing that I can’t imagine missing a single podcast. 

I love podcasts, more than movies. They provide entertainment in a way that movies don’t and the podcasts are in line with my passions and interests. I have learned a lot since listening to her podcast. Yes I do love podcasts and I love her podcast – it is all about the paranormal: ETs, alien encounters and some other topics. The other topics have ranged from ghosts, animal empaths and historical horror novels like Dracula.

Michele and Amelia are intelligent, down to earth and compassionate. They are super nice and they are great listeners. Maybe I can be on their podcast some day. I would love that. 

I just bought a fascinating magazine titled Ghosts and Hauntings: Spectres, Spooks & Restless Spirits. The magazine was produced by Fortean Times: The World of Strange phenomena. I have to finish reading the book The Witch’s Guide to the Paranormal. I started reading it and I haven’t finished it but I will soon. I want to actually write the book on ghosts and other things that go bump in the night. I will likely do a lot of research for my book. I have started writing it and I am really excited. I have been blogging on the paranormal for years. I have completed under a thousand posts. It is my passion and life. I am quite excited and it feels good to be writing something new. I also want to read a book I bought titled Deathbed Visions. I bet that will be a good book! The book was written by Sir William Barrett. 

I doubt I will self-publish the book. I can get the book traditionally published, I am sure and I can’t afford to cover the costs involved with self-publishing. Maybe this is the right time for to write this book on ghosts and clairvoyance. I had to have a bit of life experience before I could write it. I mean, the paranormal is my life and I hope that readers can feel my passion as they read. 

I bought a small bird house and a bottle of brown acrylic paint from Dollarama today. I plan to paint the birdhouse brown and make it a bat house. The green and white bookcase that I assembled where I store most of my paranormal books is for horror titles. A bat house will be a welcome spooky addition to the bookcase. It will hang from a hook and the bats are welcome to inhabit the little house and hang out there. 

Tonight I listened to Lights out Podcast. I am now listening to The Paranormal 60 hosted by Dave Schrader. His guest is discussing the phenomena about black eyed kids. I have never seen a black eyed kid myself but many people have claimed to have seen them. They sound eerie and unsettling. I am not exactly holding my breath waiting for an encounter with them. 

There is so much to learn about the paranormal and all the strange beings that come with it. Aliens, angels, demons, skin walkers, black eyed kids, grey aliens, wendigos, Bigfoot, etc. I think it is important to maintain a balanced, open mind about it. There is way more talk about the paranormal than ever before. I know we have the benefit of unprecedented ease of global communication. I think that is part of it but I also think that something like a portal opened. Now, this portal is open and it was done in such a way that some beings crossed over. Whatever has opened the portal or inter dimensional portal doesn’t want to seal it and doesn’t care about the human race. It could have been aliens, a person or something. Now that something has opened like a portal, a portly? lol, I don’t think there is any closing it. It’s like a Pandora’s box. 

We may see weirder things in the future, which scares me. The earth is suffering from the fact that her resources are being so wantonly wasted, climate change, war, crime and poverty. These are just a handful of the issues we are facing today. On a paranormal level, it may become common to see black eyed kids, aliens and other cryptid creatures. The future is so uncertain and fascinating at the same time. We can at least have an open mind and still protect ourselves- or you just may have an experience yourself!

Blessings, Spiderwitch

Links: 

https://www.youtube.com/@TheParanormal60

https://www.youtube.com/@Michelle-TheOuterRealmRadio

 

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February 7, 2024 · 11:40 am

Winter Woes

Merry meet all,

A powerful snowstorm blew in at the Atlantic provinces here, creating record amounts of snow. Over three thousand people lost power which thankfully I was exempt from. The Cape Breton provinces received the most snow, a total of 150 centimetres in some areas. The amount of snow was unreal. It is really bad and I just hope that things get better.

Imbolc is here, along with the record-breaking snowfall. I cooked Guiness Stew, a new recipe. Beer broth took some adjusting too, but it is delicious. I encourage you all to try steak soaked in beer broth at least once or several times in your life- with more Guiness and rustic bread. Let the stew steep as that really draws out the flavours.

I worry for those in Cape Breton in regards to the storm. They need food and are not able to get to work. Now the climate change deniers can look me in the eye and tell me that climate change isn’t real. It is. The polar ice caps are melting. We received a winter’s worth of snow in a weekend. That is not normal. I keep filling the bird feeder. As soon as I do, they are right there at the feeder, pecking for seeds, the poor things. I have to stock up on more seed. I refuse to see them starve. 

I hope that the long black boards can finally be adhered to my altar this weekend. The weather must cooperate. It will just be such a game changer and I can’t wait to have my altar off the floor. It will make such a difference in here, because I will be able to store stuff underneath the altar and no longer need to kneel on the floor. I wear a lot of black and my cat has white fur- need I say more? 

I bought a set of queen-sized black linen bed sheets to match the black blanket I bought from Killstar. I swear I sleep better with darker sheets. I also got some white magazine holders and have now happily arranged papers and magazines. It looks so much more organized and coordinated. I am on a mission to get more organized, even if it takes the rest of my life. I am making progress though. 

Imbolc may be the first of the three spring Sabbats but spring is a long way off here yet. Imbolc occurs on February 2nd is the second Sabbat of the Wiccan year. Seeds stir under the soil and animals slowly emerge from their long hibernation. Imbolc is the cross-quarter day between Winter Solstice and the spring equinox. Candlemas is also celebrated on February 2nd. The God returns and strengthens his power. The Goddess gave birth to the God at Yule and returns her maiden role for spring. 

Imbolc is an old Irish word for the birthing of the first lambs of the season, and is often times translated as “ewe’s milk.” The Celts revered the Goddess Brighid for her talents with poetry, healing and smithcraft. 

We will discuss Imbolc more in the upcoming posts. 

Merry Imbolc

Blessings, Spiderwitch 

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January 22, 2024 · 4:56 pm

Inspirations in spring

Merry meet all,

Imbolc is approaching! I can feel the first stirrings of spring because I have been hit with a huge creativity urge. I have planned out painting the bathroom walls -with a resident cat here, painting the bathroom tub area which desperately needs to be done because my landlord sure ain’t going to do it and painting these wooden legs to go on my altar. 

I plan to get the bathroom immaculately clean. It really needs to be done and not just because I am going to paint in there, although that is a huge part of it. Spring cleaning is a big part of spring and a wonderful way to welcome the long-awaited return of spring. I certainly plan to spring clean. My apartment really needs it and I love a fresh clean home. 

The bathroom renovation will be a ton of work.  I am sure it will be beautiful when I am all done. I plan to add more plants and amethyst crystals too. I want the big chunks of amethyst and not just the small ones. I googled witchy bathrooms online and I love what I saw. Of course, those images are all doctored to make it look that great but that is a good place to start to get inspired. 

I want to add a new nightstand and two new dressers to the bedroom. I plan to assemble the bookcases at my Mom’s place and paint them there. I have already made some changes in the bedroom. I installed two hooks on the side of the green bookcase and hung two witch brooms and my stand. That got them off the floor. I swept the area and now the black lap desk rests underneath the bookcase, giving the area an uncluttered look. 

I own a lovely black chest that holds my witchy supplies for spells. I touched it up with black paint and now the wooden chest looks brand new. I sorted through the items in the chest, tossed what no longer serves me and I kept what is still beautiful to me and useful. Now I have a clean wooden chest and I am one step closer to something that has long been an aspiration of mine: to get my altar off the floor. 

Tomorrow I am painting the wooden table legs (for my altar) with primer then I paint them black on Wednesday. My Mom will help me attach them to the altar. I will remove everything from the altar, clean and refresh it, and we will attach the table legs. I want to paint them black the same color as the altar with green vines. It will look great. I am so excited about this project. I currently hate having my altar on the floor. It makes it so awkward for me. Having it up off the floor elevates it to new levels, for sure!

Then I will sage it and dress the altar for Imbolc which is fast approaching. So first I will paint the altar table legs, then paint the bathroom walls then paint the bathtub in the bathroom. I will do just one project at a time. My Mom said I could borrow all her painting supplies, which saves me a ton of money. She is also sharing the paint for the bathroom walls with me, again which saves me money. 

I do believe I have a drop cloth in storage in the broom closet. Painting is a pain in the butt with a cat here in my apartment so I plan to move her litter box to the kitchen to avoid her being in my way. I don’t want to have a lot of cat hair in the paint or stuck to the walls. It will be hard enough to do all this. 

Change is in the air… but that is part of spring. I might add hooks and paint them white to match the bathroom walls above the trim. I will then arrange vines and fairy lights around the large bathroom mirror to soften the harsh perfectly square mirror frame. I have no idea why I didn’t think of that before. I can get ivy vines from outside. it grows abundantly on the maple tree in the front yard. That will be very handy. Ivy symbolizes resurrection, healing and is good for binding lovers together. Well I don’t have a love life but I like the other symbolism. 

I have plenty to keep me occupied for the next few weeks! In other news, I am still working on edits for my novella. I ordered these cool prints from Stamprints and I want to add them to the book I bound myself. They are so cool. I think I will wait until I fill the book with poems and then add them. I have a lot of those leaves to add too. I bought a bottle of Mod Podge glue. I am waiting a long time, way too long, for a witch broom to come in the mail. I am unsure why the order is taking such a snail’s age to arrive. I am still waiting for the new issue of Witches and Pagans magazine to arrive in the mail. 

I am so happy because my article that was printed in the Plant Healer Quarterly magazine is also published in a book. Here are some links : https://www.amazon.ca/Materia-Medica-IV-Botany-Herbalists/dp/B0CNKPZP38/ref=sr_1_1?crid=QWPLBNXQOA9&keywords=Materia+Medica+IV%3A+Botany+For+Herbalists.&qid=1705955453&sprefix=materia+medica+iv+botany+for+herbalists+%2Caps%2C100&sr=8-1

The paperback copy can be found on Amazon at the above link. I am honoured and happy to be included. Now, turning over to the more horror side of things, the editor of the Horror Zine, Jeani Rector, has been voted the best magazine/ Ezine editor in the Critters Annual Readers Poll 2023. She published my short story and my poetry. I am happy to be published in a publication that was accorded that honour. The Horror Zine, her zine, was also voted the Best Fiction magazine/ Ezine by the same poll for 2023. 

Here is the link to the website: https://thehorrorzine.com/

The Spring issue is now available on Amazon so go get a copy right now!!! Cozy up with these awesome publications I am in to keep you busy this winter. It will be spring before we know it. 

Blessings, Spiderwitch 

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January 17, 2024 · 3:18 pm

My Dark Avenger- Dante the Doll

My new doll

Merry meet all,

I was gifted a new pair of winter boots. I am so happy and so are my feet. Living in Atlantic Canada, you need a comfortable truly insulating pair of winter boots.  I love them. I recently made myself a new doll. I made the doll, my dark avenger, because I am so tired of the pain and toxicity I encounter. It has been so bad it has changed me. But not for the worse, but rather for the better. It does no good to be naive but it doesn’t have to turn you into someone bitter or hateful, either. 

I love my doll and I have named him Dante. He is all black with two buttons for eyes and a black button for the nose. He has a red mouth, a grey and red cape, and I stuffed with specific herbs. The herbs are meant to protect me. The herbs are sage, wormwood, nettle, pine needles, High John the Conqueror, mandrake, oak bark and Devil’s Claw Root. I stirred the herbs in a bowl with a wooden spoon, empowering the herbs with protective energy to protect me. He smells good! His hair is made from purple yarn. Dante is a dashing little fellow. I created him with care. Dante sports a necklace of skulls and pentacles and he bears a protection rune on the front, on his chest. I want to add horns and a tail to Dante too. 

I just love how Dante turned out. He looks great and he makes me feel good each time I hold him or look at him. Dante will always watch over me and guard me. That is the intention I put into him. I found a pattern to make a poppet doll and just enlarged the pattern. Then I sewed him together with care and love. I like to take pride in the things I do. They turn out better and last longer. My other doll, Minerva will get to know Dante too. 

I am tired of the pain and hate and toxicity. I received a flash of inspiration and next thing I knew, since I am happiest when I am creative, I was sewing myself a doll. I am tired of being a sponge for all that. No one needs that. Ever since Covid, everything has gone to pot. I hope the world gets better. The doll will now protect me. He is my little friend who will make sure no one ever hurts me again. This does not mean I won’t have my moments or that I won’t ever encounter anything negative ever again, like I am not a god. I am human but it sure feels good now to have Dante around. 

Penny is a sweet munchkin. She probably tries to protect me too. She is always available for a cuddle, whether I am happy or sad. So let’s love our little avengers- dolls, cats or a dog, whatever you have near you that loves you. We know the world could use a lot more love. Let’s choose love!

Imbolc approaches! 

Blessings, Spiderwitch 

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January 3, 2024 · 6:22 pm

Happy 2024


Merry meet all,

Happy New Year! Happy 2024!!!

I am so excited to welcome in 2024. Are you as excited as I am? I hung up my beautiful calendar, the Hedgewitch Botanical, for 2024. The first botanical it mentions is Sitka spruce, which grows on the nature trail. I have foraged Sitka spruce and made a tincture and oil from it. Sitka spruce is lovely. This is what was said about Sikta spruce on the calendar page: 

Sitka spruce withstands the chill breath of winter’s reign, offering peace and protection to all who shelter near. Hang a branch above your door to attract benevolent spirits, or burn it in incense to cleanse your sacred space.” That sums it up. The Natives love Sitka spruce and used the wood well for a variety of purposes. 

I have challenges to meet and new opportunities to embrace. That is part of the fun of a new year: everything is new and while I never make resolutions because I won’t keep them, I do attempt to make new plans and projects that I can keep. For instance, I am still working on my novella edits with Stephanie Ellis, I am still writing on this blog and I still have the goal of achieving 1000 blog posts. I have new projects and plans. I am still studying at the Herbal Academy. I plan to continue to write horror fiction, love my cat, drink coffee, do baking, feed the birds suet and create, love, conjure and hope. 

To make my studies easier on me, I decided to buy a huge- like super huge binder to hold all the printed pages and the pdfs. It didn’t take long for the binder to fill up. The spine of the binder is 5 inches. It has a capacity of holding up to 1270 pages. There are 14 units in the entire Advanced Herbalism course, each with a set of lessons. I don’t expect to make the binder hold all 14 units but it is nice to have all the lessons and papers in one place, one binder as opposed to several small ones. 

Now on to my new goals for 2024: 

I want to finish editing the novella. We are almost done the first round of edits, then I will find a beta reader and get their comments, then I will go through the second round of edits with Stephanie Ellis then on to a publisher. I want to write more horror stories. I want to write a dark book of poetry. The Writing Poetry in the Dark workbook is on order at my local fave bookstore and should arrive soon. Once it does, I shall get writing! I will paste each poem as a completed draft or, as complete as I can make it, because we all know that a poem is never truly finished. I want to write the rough drafts in another beautiful blank hardcover journal I have. I would love it if I could get my novella published. 

My other dream goal that I want to achieve is to graduate with flying colours from the Herbal Academy. I know that won’t happen in 2024. It is nonetheless my big goal, a huge important goal for me. I want to make my dreams a reality. So, to recap, get my writing published and graduate from the Herbal Academy. I can do it. I won’t do it all at once nor in one day but I will eventually achieve it all. I will take small steps to get there. I don’t want to graduate from the Academy, I am having too good a time studying there. I am going to be very sad when I do eventually graduate. I have till 2025 to finish the course and read and conjure potions…

On a more personal note, I want to work on myself. I want to improve on myself, and not overreact to things, to learn and grow as a person. I would love to hear what your new year goals and dreams are! Let me know. 

Blessings, Spiderwitch 

 

 

 

 

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December 19, 2023 · 12:36 am

Winter Solstice Baking and Decorations )O(

Merry meet all,

I am not happy that the weather became so miserable. I worried about losing power which never happened. I postponed the holiday baking. However, I did have some success with presents. 

I assembled a fire starter kit and coffee for my brother and lip balm for my mother. I placed moss, a pinecone I painted white, a bit of birch bark and matches in a glass jar. I put the moss in first followed by the pinecone, then the matches secured with string and a white candle. If he ever loses power, he is prepared for any event or disaster. I also poured instant coffee into a jar with a cinnamon stick and 2 star anise. I had no gift box or packaging so I improvised. 

I used a brown paper bag to store the gifts but first I painted it! I traced a tree from a cookie cutter onto the bag and outlined it in black and green. Then I painted the tree I traced on green. I painted the rest of the bag white. I had to be careful because brown paper bags are delicate when they are wet. I hole punched the bag and wound twine through the holes and tied them. I placed the fire starter kit and the coffee in the bag. I baked the pumpkin bread in a bundt pan. 

I made a small tin of peppermint and sweet orange lip balm for my Mom. In fact it smelled so good I made a tiny pot of it for myself. I am sure she will enjoy it. I can’t wait to wrap it. 

I baked a loaf of pumpkin bread and I added crushed walnut. I have to make the frosting for it. I want to use orange food colouring to frost the bread and add cinnamon and orange zest to the frosting. I plan to make peppermint bark, gingerbread, gingerbread cookies, and yuletide bread. My family will love me for such delicious treats. Or their bodies will hate me. It is the time for feasting though. 

Gingerbread was a tradition of my grandparents. I want to make a loaf because they are gone now and I know it was what they would have baked this holiday season. I can remember being at the cottage during the holidays and they would bake it fresh. Tomorrow nothing will stop me. I want to use up a lot of ingredients and such festive baking is surely the answer to that. I have a lot of dried orange peel in my icebox which is perfect for this. I’m going to bake the yuletide bread in the bundt pan too. I have to candy the lemon peel and orange peel. I have the ‘cranberry and raisin’ raisins for that recipe too. I think it will be delicious. 

I bought a beautiful festive bag from the dollar store which will hold the sweets and gifts. Penny is celebrating Christmas dinner with us of course. She will be part of all the fun. Of course. Penny is family! I tidied up her litter box tonight. Penny loves to lounge on the red tree skirt which definitely doesn’t look pagan but very christmasy but oh well- I do my best. 

I’m celebrating the Solstice solo. Well I am not really alone. I have the company of cats and the spirits here. I have some organic locally sourced hamburger meat. I plan to cook an awesome meatloaf and have an amazing meal and perform a ritual. It is the Christmas dinner with my family I am really preparing for. 

I also saved the best news for last (but not least): I am so happy to share that Wicked Shadow Press published my horror flash fiction story, Winter Solstice Spell in their upcoming anthology, Yule Cat Codex! 

The Yule Cat Codex by Wicked Shadow Press featuring my flash fiction story and many others

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yesterday I foraged for wintry goodies from the nature trail. I foraged eastern white pine, common juniper and Sikta Spruce. I cleaned, trimmed and am now drying the herbs in brown paper bags. If the weather is better tomorrow, I will dry the herbs in my dehydrator. I did create a smudge stick with the juniper, pine and I have to add rosemary. 

I still want to make some decorations out of salt dough. I was inspired by a video I watched. I never lost power today but I did no baking. I could have been so much more ahead. I am having dinner with my family on the 24th. Everything will be perfect.

The best part of baking and making gifts is wrapping them. I don’t have a lot of gifts to give but it feels good. I did already gift my mother the iron tonic syrup. I am sure she will love the minty sweet lip balm. Either way, I can’t wait to wrap it all and package the baked goods but tomorrow I plan to do some last minute shopping. Then it will be bake, bake, bake and create, create, create!

Of course though, I look forward to that. I am a diehard kitchen witch with a rep to maintain.  I can’t wait to begin! 

Don’t let the Yule lads get the best of you! I watched the version of A Christmas Carol with George C Scott the other night. I am so in the mood for the Solstice! I enjoyed the movie so much! It was the best version ever. 

It is almost time for me to strain the Pear Liquor. I can’t wait to enjoy it on the Solstice. I need a pretty jar. I can’t wait to try it. 

https://www.milkglasshome.com/pear-liqueur-recipe/?fbclid=IwAR0OHTTUT4bydi42jwOGnEBdRfEdHJJLArMMjfMypQn-S7epB8P8DDvql40

In other news, I  created a herbal vision board. 

I do believe I will enjoy baking and decorating! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blessings, Spiderwitch 

 

 

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December 7, 2023 · 9:30 pm

The Herbs of Winter Solstice )O(

Merry meet all,

I made a wreath frame! I used the wood from the trees on the nature trail. I am so happy with how it turned out. The best part is, aside from the fact that the wood smells like spruce or pine, is that it is reusable. Winter Solstice is almost here! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I used silver fir, silver birch, cedar and witch hazel to make the wreath. I think it is beautiful. I chose those trees because the wood is more pliable.  I cleaned the needles and leaves off of the branches then cleaned the branches. I dried them and then attempted to make the wreath. I pre bent the wood to make it work for the wreath. This is a good tip. That helps it bend when you make the wreath. I also used string, wire and my hot glue gun. Once I had a pieces of wood bent and where I wanted it, then I didn’t need the hot glue gun as much. I want to add 1 more silver fir branch to fill in the gaps then I will add the spruce and herbs. I really enjoyed making the wreath but it had its moments, like getting the wood to cooperate. I think that the silver fir was the easiest to bend. That and cedar, but the cedar tree here is my neighbour’s tree. I can’t use that wood. The wood is even a lovely colour and has a beautiful scent! 

I love how my wreath turned out. Winter Solstice is on its way! I am in the spirit of Yule and I have already decorated my goth tree! I am so happy that I won a contest with Weird Little Worlds press. I can’t wait to receive my prizes! I have no idea what I am getting so that makes it more exciting. 

I want to talk about which herbs are best for the Winter solstice. The natural beautiful herbs can be found in your own home, in your neighbourhood or in a park. Get outdoors! Let’s go for a walk and see what we find. The most common herbs for Yule are cinnamon, frankincense, bay leaves, pine, juniper, cedar, rosemary, oranges, mistletoe, oak, thyme, sage and oregano. Pinecones, spruce needles and hawthorn are good herbs for Yule. I will now discuss how these herbs can be of benefit this holiday season. 

Juniper berries symbolize cleansing and purifying a space. The berries are also good for protection and purification. 

Cinnamon is good for warmth, protection and prosperity. Cinnamon has such a lovely earthy aroma. 

Cloves have a beautiful aroma too. Cloves promote healing and protection – from the Yule lads!

  • “Thyme, subtle yet powerful, is a herb that weaves itself into the solstice tapestry with threads of courage and purification. It’s a reminder of the resilience of nature, and its aromatic leaves help to fortify our spirits during the introspective winter months.
  • Nutmeg, a fragrant whisper of the tropical lands, brings its mystical warmth to the solstice. It’s a spice that conjures up the magic of the moment, enhancing our connection to the spiritual realm and the inner joy of the festive season.
  • Chamomile, known for its calming and soothing effects, becomes a comforting ally during the long nights, offering relaxation and promoting restful sleep. Other herbs such as rosemary, juniper, and frankincense hold their own significance, each contributing to the enchanting tapestry of winter solstice traditions.
  • Rosemary,with its needle-like leaves, is a robust herb of the solstice, revered for its ability to strengthen memory and uplift the spirit. It’s a symbol of remembrance during the longest night, reminding us of the evergreen aspects of life, even in the depths of winter.
  • Frankincense,with its ancient and wise scent, is a resin that calls to mind the sacred and the divine. It’s used to elevate the mind, opening the inner pathways to meditation and deep contemplation. Its smoke is said to carry our prayers and intentions up to the heavens, making it a powerful addition to winter solstice ceremonies.
  • Peppermint, crisp and invigorating, cuts through the winter’s chill. It’s a herb that stimulates the senses and invigorates the soul. A cup of peppermint tea can awaken the mind and body, making it an excellent herb for staying alert and cheerful during the solstice’s introspective moments.
  • Pine,with its clean and fresh fragrance, symbolizes resilience and longevity. It’s a reminder of the green that will return to the world. Pine boughs are often strewn across the solstice hearth or used to make wreaths, representing the eternal cycle of growth and rebirth.
  • Holly, with its vibrant red berries and deep green leaves, stands as a symbol of everlasting life. It’s a plant that holds a special place in winter solstice lore, representing the enduring nature of life and the hope that shines even in the darkness.
  • Mistletoe, a sacred plant of the druids, is revered for its mystical properties and its role in ancient solstice ceremonies. It’s a symbol of peace and love, and hanging it in the home is said to bring good fortune and protection.”

Credit given to https://www.outdoorapothecary.com/winter-solstice-herbs/

I hope this helps you all find creative ways to use these herbs for the Winter Solstice. You can use these herbs in decorating a wreath, a winter solstice simmering potpourri on the stove, you can dehydrate oranges and use them in decorations, and you can make your home smell like Yule! There is no limit, the only limit is in your imagination. 

Blessings, Spiderwitch )O(

 

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November 26, 2023 · 3:46 pm

The Beauty of Winter )O(

Merry meet all,

Nature is beautiful in the winter, in fact even more so. Maybe I’m biased because I live in an area where I am surrounded by nature but that is what today’s post is about; the beauty of winter. 

I made the whipped herbal butter! I love how it turned out. I used fresh sage and thyme leaves from my Mom’s garden. I also have been out foraging on the nature trail. I was inspired by a blog post I found on the web. Here is the link: https://dandelionherb.com/2021/12/17/yule-bundle-a-winter-solstice-ritual/?fbclid=IwAR2IFnttsUSQEO3XhnXjHk6SE4CqOSpZ2q5NXGTTMq0dlnFO8w4ZeLFtLTo

I decided I would try that craft. I was nearly frozen by the time I arrived home but it was worth it. And my coffee maker was on when I returned. 

I gathered branches from several trees and stored them in a cheap cloth grocery bag. I gathered birch, silver birch, witch hazel, maple, oak, eastern hemlock, eastern white pine and elderberry. I also gathered a lot of burning brush. Once home, I washed and dried the leaves and bark. I was totally awed by how beautiful everything was: the trees with their gorgeous colours of bark, the varying shades, leaves. Some of the bark was white, silvery white, brown, red, grey. It was all so gorgeous! I even scored a beautiful piece of birch bark. I let everything dry and then stacked the bundle of bark pieces together. I bound it all with a strip of the lovely brown muslin I dyed with acorns and secured it all with white string. I think it all looks so beautiful. I don’t want to burn it. The temperature now is too cold for too many outdoor activities, as reluctant as I am to admit it. I glued the birch bark to the bundle using a hot glue gun. The bark bundle is so lovely. I sprinkled rosemary essential oil to the bundle. Now the bundle smells divine!

The rosemary essential oil is making my kitchen smell amazing! I am cool with that. Rosemary is the herb of remembrance. Winter Solstice is a good time to remember what we can be thankful for and the abundance in our lives. We can also remember our loved ones, those who are with us now and those of who have passed. The dark half of the year is for the spirits and witches, to honour the spirits of those who have gone before us. 

I foraged a LOT of fiery red burning brush leaves. Once the leaves are dry, I plan to press them into the poetry book that I bound recently. They will look beautiful in the book. I removed the herbs and flowers I pressed from my large red Jane Austen book and now store them in wax paper in a large labeled envelope. I don’t read the Jane Austen stories (though it probably be good if I did), but I do use the thick book- I swear, the spine is at least 4- 5 inches in thickness, for pressing leaves and herbs. They were all so beautiful that I want to share them here with you! 

Enjoy! Blessings, Spiderwitch

Sage & Dill

Pressed goldenrod

Beeswax coated leaves

Raspberry leaf

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November 20, 2023 · 6:04 pm

Autumnal Inspirations )O(

Nature trail in autumn glory

Merry meet all,

Outside, it’s snowing. The sky switches between overcast and clear blue. One thing is for certain: winter is on its way. I still have the itch to grow herbs and I am scratching that itch by growing basil, mint and oregano. The basil has grown up several inches and the mint and oregano are just germinating. I have a grow light that heats them and guides the seedlings to grow their very best. That is the key to growing herbs in the winter. They sit at an east- to south facing window to get the most sunlight as well. 

I have begun a Pinterest board. I want to share the beautiful photos of herbs and flowers I have and all the crafting I have done. I have so many photos and now I can share them with the world. I hope people enjoy them. Here is the link: https://www.pinterest.ca/heddyjohannesen/flower-magick/

I did make the eldeberry recipe. I don’t think I boiled down the elderberries mixture quite enough. I never can quite get it to a syrup. It tasted divine anyway! 

Fortune has shone upon me. I am happy to say that I have a wonderful friend helping me edit my spidery novella. I am so relieved. It is all going so well so far. I really like the changes. I have a strong feeling that I won’t recognize the story once it is all edited, but I will know it is much improved. I can see such a difference already. She is an amazing editor and if I get the book published, I will be sure to mention her in the acknowledgements. I know I need to improve my writing, and she has been so helpful. I just love how much she has helped me so far. Now thanks to Stefanie, the novella has chapters, a revised storyline especially at the beginning, a genre that is very clear and marketable, and it will all hold together more strongly. I can’t ask for anything more. True I am anxious to send it to publishing companies but I know that it will he much improved if I can actually be patient for once in my life. 

She has lightened a huge load off my shoulders. I now know how I can improve my writing. That is my kind of editor. And she is ok with me being neurodivergent. I am in heaven. 

In addition to editing, I am now enrolled in the Business Herbal Course at the Herbal Academy. I received the book that accompanies the course and I am now making way through the Business course. I think it’s awesome that you can have a legit career at the Herbal Academy once you graduate. I want to use the pressed flowers, herbs and leaves I have trapped in the pages of a thick book and laminate them then add the laminated herbs to greeting cards and sell them. I hope this new project goes well. I really need to earn more money. I also want to sell herbal products once I graduate. I have to start thinking seriously about all that. That is why I am so happy to be enrolled at the Herbal Academy. I never want it to end! I have so many things to learn. 

I think that is the point of life. I never stop learning. 

Blessings, Spiderwitch 

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November 11, 2023 · 4:14 pm

Witches in the Lime light )O(

Merry meet all,

I love the dark half of the year. Technically, here the weather constantly switches between overcast and rainy to sunny then overcast. I was busy today straining herbs and oils. I conjured a bottle of calendula oil and I combined lavender with mugwort into an amber coloured glass jar. I plan to use the oils for beauty recipes and witchy things. 

Speaking of witches… I want to post about a topic that deals with witches. I am familiar with the history of the Burning times, a dark stain on the history of Witches. We survived. We survived the searing burning pain of the flames and we are here now. We will never go away. We never left…We are essential. We are the bringers of light, healing, magic and the impetus for change. Witches are the movers and the shakers. Our cauldrons glow and pulse with magic and our brooms cause rains or cleanse a home of negative energy. 

I really want to post about something related to witches and witchcraft. But for the sake of all involved, I am not naming names here in this post. I just can’t resist the itch to post this but I do want to protect the privacy of those included here. It is professional that way. Ok so now that that is out of the way, here we go. I participated in an online course recently about parapsychology and demonology. I am so sad that I am not included any longer. I hope to continue the studies elsewhere. 

The director whose name I will not mention here has crossed a fine line. I mean he was able to obtain medical records from a person who I will not name. But then after obtaining the records, he violates the privacy of the person involved to discuss the person on his podcasts and workshops. I think that is a violation of privacy but that is only my opinion. It is certainly not carved in stone. I am sure the person involved never gave the director permission to discuss her predicament and mental health publicly and online. That is such a violation. Is she aware of that violation? I sure hope so. 

Just because one person doesn’t agree with a person’s religious or spiritual path doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with that person. I am relieved to have removed myself from the courses. I am sad that I can’t attend the Symposium next year. When I reflect on it, I have to ask myself why would I ever be interested in attending? If you are Catholic or Christian or a total bible thumper, then you would have the best time ever. I saw a person in the audience wave a cross in the air. I wanted to just whip out my pentacle and swing it at him rather briskly. Or sit next to him and get all witchy in his face. But I didn’t. I am glad I didn’t because then I was just giving them what they wanted and I am better than that. I would be no better than them and that is not the point here. 

The persecution will never end. It has left a dark mark in history and the recent events prove it will never go away. Now I know what parapsychology means. Now that I am aware of the meaning, I will be even more of a Witch. I mean we don’t belong in the ghetto. We are out of the ghetto now and we are never going back there. Those so called pompous self-righteous bigots who want to damn every single life form on earth that isn’t exactly like them and should then be damned for that. That is why I keep this blog. I believe that religion has its place and science does too. I like science not as much as I like art but I am sure science has its place. I don’t want to be that mean to a person and treat them like paranormal phenomena is all in their head. 

We witches have our place. We are out of the ghetto and in the lime light, the spotlight where we belong. We are not going away. We will stand strong against those who oppose us. The world is changing and the really religious people like Christians, Catholics and fundamentalists don’t have much choice in it. We all have to keep pace with the change. The world religions have their place and if it makes people happy, then power to you. Satanism and witchcraft – now don’t get me wrong or get bent out of shape by my words here – I am not lumping the two together at all in any shape and form – I am just saying it’s our turn. The other world religions while perhaps valid- had their turn. Now it’s ours. Let’s make it good and memorable and magical! 

The director blocked me from the courses and the paranormal page on his Facebook group. Fine. Let him. I have other roads to stroll down and other fields to frolic in. And every single road has lots of cauldrons, cats and broomsticks for me. I am free to be me there. I skip and cuddle my cat and ride to the moon. But following my own path means more room for me to be me, instead of being judged and persecuted. I just wish I could talk to that woman whose privacy was violated but if she handed her own medical records over, then maybe she was aware of what would transpire. One can only hope. 

I had hoped the world had become more accepting of those who are different, on the fringe. Well change is never easy. Yet change is the only constant. I hope the change is the one most desired and results in the most positive, most accepting change. Where people of all faiths and paths embrace each other and there is no wars over it. But that is a pipe dream and a naive way to view it, I know. 

I can still hope and dream. Be strong, dream. Be aware, be magical. Shine bright starlight

Blessings, Spiderwitch )O(

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