Spring equinox is only a few days away. Are you all as excited as I am? I bet you are. Soon we can say goodbye to cold noses and freezing temperatures. “For witches, the Spring Equinox is known as Ostara, named after the Germanic lunar goddess, an embodiment of the great Goddess who gave birth to the Sun God at the Winter Solstice. As an Equinox, Ostara is a time of balance and equilibrium.” (https://www.penguin.co.uk/articles/2018/08/how-to-celebrate-spring-equinox-like-a-modern-witch#)
A witch lives by the lunar and solar cycles – the Moon and the Sun. We celebrate the cycles of the moon.
Every month, witches honour the moon in full moon gatherings. We hold Sabbat celebrations and this time the Sabbat to celebrate is Ostara, or the spring equinox. Ostara marks the first day of spring, when the night and day are of equal length. Ostara is named after the Germanic lunar goddess who is an embodiment of the great Goddess who gave birth to the Sun God at the Winter Solstice. Ostara is a time of balance.
During the Spring Equinox, plant seeds and clean your home. Now is the time to reflect and create and clear away any stagnant energy.
Decorate your altar with warm colours; seeds, fruit; gemstones such as citrine, clear quartz, aventurine and carnelian. Make offerings of honey and milk for the faeries. Place tarot cards like the High Priestess and the Nine of Cups on your altar.
Perform rituals and make offerings. Play music that makes you think of spring and enjoy a cup of herbal tea while you pore over seed catalogs – for organic seeds, of course!
Today I want to talk about planting garlic. I planted organic garlic today in my garden. Garlic and other root veggies are very beneficial for your health. It is a good idea to stock up on root veggies to protect our health during fall and winter.
I planted garlic in the big wooden box because the soil is deep in the box. I hope this ensures the garlic will grow bigger and better. Garlic is not a perennial because I live in Atlantic Canada. We get cold here but garlic does benefit from a cold dormant season.
I had no soil so I used soil from the other pots in my garden. The garden and grassy yard is so strewn with colourful leaves. I emptied two pots of soil into the wooden box. I used the shovel to break up and loosen up the big chunks of soil and mix it in with the rest of the soil in the box. Unfortunately, I had to put the soil in over the straw but I guess the straw will compost in the soil anyway. The soil that was in the smaller planters had plants growing in it such as nasturtiums, the tomatoes, beans and chamomile. The plants are dead and withered but the soil that they grew in was full of nutrients. Earthworms have tunneled through it. I think using that soil was better than buying sterile soil from a store. Using soil already full of nutrients and had the benefit of beneficial insects working the soil is going to pass on those nutrients to the garlic and the soil the garlic grows in. I don’t have to work too hard to make any nutrients as it has already been done for me by the little unseen heroes: beneficial insects, the weather, birds, and the plants themselves. True, there is the other plant box now woefully short of soil but next spring, I will add fresh soil then.
It is so important to have soil full of natural organic ingredients. Our ancestors knew that. Back in the day, and all the way back to ancient times, famers practiced organic gardening methods. The garlic will sit there in the box all fall, winter to spring. The soil needs food to sustain the garlic during the cold season. The soil is now full of the nutrients it needs such as the straw, the Gaia Green organic fertilizer, compost, the leaves, and the garlic skins. Wow that is such a potent mix not to mention the insects that are likely nesting in the box all winter, fed by the straw, leaves and compost. What a potent combination. I will add fresh fertilizer and compost next spring and summer. For now, that will do the trick. This is making me so eager to see how the garlic turns out. Pesticides and other chemicals never offer a good enough benefit. I have a thriving garden because I never use any of those chemicals.
It felt magical to use the soil I already had and break up the chunks. It felt good to plant the garlic. We turn inward during the winter. Also today the moon is in a waning phase. It is the ideal time to plant garlic during the waning moon phase because the garlic is planted deep in the soil. During a waxing moon, we can plant things that grow above the soil.
I added fertilizer to the soil like Gaia Green organics and other fertilizers. I added the compost soil from my compost box to the box. I planted the garlic, cloves separated and pointing up. I watered the soil and tamped the soil down. I planted each clove of garlic a few inches apart from each other. I also added large rocks to the box. Squirrels and bluejays are fierce thieves. I don’t want them to uproot my garlic and dig their own holes in the soil, thereby ruining my efforts. I will harvest the garlic next summer. I am so excited about growing garlic. I just hope that this time I get the satisfaction of large bulbs. I was offered a mix of soft neck and hard neck garlic. I guess I won’t know which is which in the box till next summer.
I am very happy too that I have been patient enough to grow compost soil in my garden. I added it to the soil where I was growing the garlic. I believe that the key to growing a great garden is having your own compost available. I believe that will greatly benefit the garlic and hopefully grow better and bigger.
Garlic is extremely good for your health. I will now list a few health benefits that garlic has.
Garlic is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world, and is a hardy perennial belonging to the Liliaceae family. Other members of this family include onions, leeks, chives and shallots. They are distinguished by their pungent aroma and distinctive flavour.
1. Contains a compound called allicin, which has medicinal properties
2. Acts like an anticoagulant, so reduces the risk of heart attacks
3. May inhibit the growth of cancerous cells
4. Has been known for its antibacterial properties
Mabon is almost here. The leaves are turning. Last night I roasted pumpkin seeds and spotted more pumpkins at the grocery store. A chill hovers in the air, and those are the sure signs of fall. My favourite time of year is here and I am under its spell. I froze the rest of the pumpkin and gave half of it to my Mom who stored some in her freezer. I can’t possibly use it all and sharing is good.
That is the gift of the fall season. The abundance that we receive in the fall. The month of October is already scheduled for me. The much anticipated Paranormal Symposium occurs on October 7th and my demonology course begins on October 16th. Also October means Samhain. I have my herbal courses and preparing for Samhain. I will be busy! I just successfully completed Unit 4 of the Advanced Herbalism course. I am so relieved to have gotten this far. Unit 4 was very difficult. Now on to other news…
I am obsessing right now on what I want to wear at the Paranormal Symposium. The hotel where the Symposium is taking place is very prestigious. My witch boots are at the repair shop waiting for when I am finally rich enough to pay for them. I mended the maxi black lace skirt. I want to look amazing. I mean the hotel was swanky and classy. I felt like a hoodlum when I came in asking if that was the correct location for the hotel. It was. OK I need to get dressed!
I spent hours studying witchy outfits on Google and Pinterest. I can waste hours doing that. I have no desire to buy something new to wear. Instead I took my inspiration from Mori Goth and such. The outfits look so complicated, inspired from nature and so effortless. Right. I have cool black clothes from Killstar. I am sure I can put an outfit together for the big day! I shall dive deep into my closet!
I want to wear an outfit inspired by what I saw on Pinterest. I love Pinterest, it’s one of my guilty pleasures. I have a few options: I mean, black goes with everything.
#1 My black blouse with drapes sleeves paired with the black lace maxi skirt, a black corset I wore with a black cardigan and wear the blouse and black cardigan under the bodice. I want to show the long lovely drapes sleeves but have the cardigan sleeves pushed up to help with the reveal of the sleeves. I sewed the bodice myself so I will feel comfortable in it. I have a short sleeve black tie front top I can wear with the dress. I think I am liking option #2 more:
#2 I wear the black lace dress over the black lace maxi skirt and a cardigan. I want to look alluring, haunting, bewitching. I would still wear the bodice and belt with it. I want to look like I can handle prestigious while being true to myself. I have chosen a few accessories for these outfit options: a witch hat (of course), the black lace up boots, my spider choker, pentacle belt, a shawl, the skull ring and spider tattoo. Oh yeah I can’t wait. I want to paint my nails both silver and black. I have waited months for this so I want to make it all worth the wait. I can get some perfume from the drugstore and I want makeup that doesn’t wear off fast. The black lace dress has pentagrams on it. I love it, so meant for me. I may even add the black lace gloves. Or it may be too much, I will know soon. Or I could wear the gloves there then remove them when I arrive. I have a lovely silver crescent moon necklace to wear too.
#3 I wear the black lace maxi skirt and the black blouse with the lovely drapey sleeves and the short sleeve tie front top. I think I like this option too. I can bring in all the above elements. I think that lace is so bewitching, and best in black. I would still include all the accessories.
Then I will put my intention into the outfit and empower it with my energy. I have to feel comfortable but alluring at the same time. I have never attended a symposium before but I am sure I will have fun. The photo above depicts my backyard. It conveys the image, like the mood I am in. I have seen videos of women who traded in their signature goth dreads, tattoos and goth clothing look and sacrificed their individuality to look all princess. I know in my heart that is a decision I could never make. I can’t even feel comfortable in a business suit. I need my bohemian witchy look or nothing. It is how I feel my best. October is not a warm month but I will be indoors most of the day. I have to consider that factor too.
I have no issue with telling someone flat out what I think of them. I am sure it won’t come to that. But I have fought long and hard for Witches to be accepted. We are not the monsters depicted in Hollywood movies or deserving to be burned at the stake. We are the healers, the midwives, the lovers, the tarot readers, the herbalists, and the moon worshipping badasses.
I’ll polish my boots, mend the fishnet tights, and I sprayed a preserving oil on the black purse I am bringing. It only costs cents to repair something yet it can take you so far. Clear nail polish repairs tights and it is good to have a sewing needle and thread at hand. I may even make a new black slip to accompany the shirts and dresses. Yes I plan to forgo the backpack for a purse. This hotel is ritzy so I want to look as pulled together as I possibly can. This is going to be amazing! I can’t wait.
I am a solitary Witch. I am proud of it. I have witnessed and experienced firsthand how awful it is to be in a coven, especially when that coven is run by narcissistic, power-hungry, sociopathic assholes, pardon my language. I was mistreated for years. I now have nothing to do with them. This post will discuss the few good things and many bad things about being in a coven. I no longer want to be with a group of people who have the nerve to call themselves Witches that you can’t turn your back on. Nope, no more for me.
The one thing that infuriates me is that the High Priest and Priestess, the Elders, never did anything about the way I was treated. Instead, they made excuses for them or blamed me. Well after I was screamed at on a camping trip so bad that I was nauseoous, suffered tons of verbal abuse, and manipulation. After a while, when it was made clear this would never change, I found empowerment in being a Solitary Witch.
When you practice as a solitary, it can get lonely. There is no one to tell you when to cast a spell or clean up spilled incense. You are on your own. But if the coven you are with is dysfunctional, please don’t waste your time or precious energy. Just leave and find a fairer field. You deserve better. Also, never pay to join a coven. You never have to pay money.
This post below will help you decide if the solitary path is meant for you.
A big misconception about witches brought about by movies, television shows and other mainstream media is that you have to be a part of a coven in order to effectively practice the craft.
Being part of a coven is great for learning basic skills and practices unique to that school of thought, as well as feeling connected to a magical family, but solitary witchcraft better fits the witch who thrives on being alone and following the veins of their own personal magic, rather than that of a collective coven.
Solitary witchcraft isn’t for everyone. For some, this practice can lead to feeling more isolated and drained from performing spellwork. In this post we’ll discuss the in’s and out’s of a solitary magical practice so you know if it’s right for you!
Image Credit: Canva
What Is Solitary Witchcraft?
I would like to start by saying, whether you choose to be part of a coven or practice alone, there is no right or wrong way to practice your craft. Each witch is unique and encouraged to find their own way of doing magic.
Solitary witchcraft is exactly what it sounds like: witchcraft that is practiced by yourself.
Solitary witchcraft can encompass any style of witchcraft, such as Green Witchcraft or Kitchen Witchcraft. Solitary witches can practice any religion they choose alongside their craft, such as Wicca. The only important indicator is that their magic is performed, for the most part, alone.
Unlike a coven where there are many members to bounce ideas around and share information, a solitary witch is solely responsible for growing their practice through constant reading and research.
This is why witches that take the initiative to learn on their own will thrive as a solitary witch. If a weekend hanging out in a comfy chair reading sounds better than a weekend with friends, the solitary path may be for you.
One of the biggest benefits to being a solitary witch is that your practice is truly your own. The solitary witch does not answer to the rules of a coven. They follow their own intuition during spellwork and their daily life, choosing the paths that speak to them.
This doesn’t mean solitary witches don’t rely on others, however. Solitary witches can and do call on other entities to help guide or fuel their magic. Calling on the elements, deities, or ancestors is typical for a solitary witch, though the specifics of how and when this is done will vary based on the witch.
Image Credit: Canva
Who Is Solitary Witchcraft Good For?
As a solitary practitioner myself, I’ve always found solitary witchcraft to be the right path for introverted witches. But the term “introvert” is commonly misunderstood.
While the majority of introverts are shy, soft spoken, and reclusive, this is not always the case. To me, a true introvert is someone who gets their energy from being alone; someone who turns inward to recharge.
This would mean that an extrovert is the opposite. They get their energy from being around other people and recharge by interacting with others.
With these definitions, it’s easier to work out whether being part of a coven or taking up a solitary practice is right for you.
For example, I very much enjoy interacting with people on a daily basis. My job requires me to communicate and connect with others in various settings which I have come to love. However, at the end of a long day I have found that I turn inward to recharge.
While others may go out with friends after work to decompress, I find this to be further draining. Hence, I am an introvert and have chosen the path of solitary witchcraft.
For those that find they gain energy from others, a solitary practice would likely be stifling to you! Even if you are shy and a bit reclusive, perhaps you need the boost of another’s energy to help you excel in your craft. There is nothing wrong with this!
So if you find yourself stuck when trying to choose between a coven or solitary practice, simply ask yourself where you feel your energy comes from? Do you thrive on being alone, or being with others?
Image Credit: Canva
Is Feeling Isolated As A Solitary Witch Normal?
In short, yes. Feeling isolated as a solitary witch is still normal. Even for those that thrive while being alone, the feeling of isolation can still creep up on you.
Does this mean you should drop your solitary practice and join a coven? Not necessarily!
While there’s nothing wrong with being part of a coven, this is something Iwouldn’t recommend for a true solitary witch. It is more likely to drain you than to make you feel connected again.
Understand that the feeling of isolation is completely normal in this complicated time we live in. The world is still trying to recover from a global pandemic, protests and political unrest have become common, and in some places war is breaking out.
Be kind to yourself. Use your magic to reconnect to the earth and to your spiritual energy to stay grounded in these troubling times.
What Are The Biggest Challenges Of Solitary Witchcraft?
There are 2 big challenges of solitary witchcraft which exist at different ends of the spectrum: risk of burn-out and risk of a stale practice.
Burn-Out
Since the solitary witch lacks the support of a coven during magical rites, some spells can be especially draining. This is one reason the appeal of a coven is so high. More witches equal more energy.
If you’ve ever been part of a mass spell often organized via social media, the whole purpose behind them is to get as much magical energy focused on achieving the same specific goal.
For example, many witches recently performed a worldwide protection/ healing spell for the people of Ukraine. In this case, the more witches involved, the more potent the magic.
But for many spells, this level of energy isn’t necessary and the desired effect can be easily achieved by a single witch’s magic. It is therefore important to know your limit.
There are also certain things a solitary witch can do to boost their magic, such as working with their chosen deities or correspondences. Calling on a patron goddess for help during a spell not only adds divine energy to the magic, but also prevents the practitioner from draining their own energy during spellwork.
Additionally, practicing basics such as grounding, centering, and circle casting will help shield a witch from becoming burnt out, both in their workings and in day-to-day activities.
If you want to learn more about these basics, check out this category: Beginner Witch Tips
Stale Magic
On the other end, however, limiting yourself by only using certain aspects of your craft can lead to a stale practice. For most witches, I feel like this is more terrifying than being burnt out.
It’s easy to get stuck in a routine, even for magical beings. The great thing about being part of a coven is that there are always other people to bring in new ideas, new spells, and new concepts to try. This can allow your craft to grow faster than practicing alone.
But again, being part of a coven may be draining or perhaps not even feasible depending on your local community. So how can a solitary witch be sure to keep their practice fresh?
Find multiple outlets for information. Become part of a forum or online community such as Reddit’s r/witchcraft. Make connections with other witches via social media, whether they’re in your area or not. If you can, attend a meet up with other witches every once in a while.
Don’t discount your local bookstores, especially second hand stores. There are many occult gems that can be found if you know which thrift shop to check.
If you’re new to an area, swing by the closest metaphysical store and ask about similar businesses around town. Usually a small shop is more than happy to point you to fellow witches in the community.
Image Credit: Canva
Is Solitary Witchcraft For You?
Now that you know a little more about solitary witchcraft, I hope you have a better idea if it’s for you! If this article was helpful to you or you just enjoyed it, leave a comment down below and connect with me over on Instagram!
If you’re interested in learning more about Isolation Magic, check out the rest of the spotlight articles for this month: Category: Isolation Magic
Tomorrow night is the Full Moon of Samhain, known as the Blood Moon. That is a great time for magickal workings. Clean up the altar, dust off your cauldrons and broomsticks!! Or, if you are anything like me, create a new besom. As I sit and type, the colourful leaves trickle to the cold earth. The overcast sky frequently brightens as the sun pushes through the clouds. The air is cool. My garden is dying down for the long cold winter.
I saved a lot of nasturtium seeds yesterday morning. It involved me getting into odd almost yogic contortions to collect the seeds. I have a ton of poppy seeds from my Mom. Now is a good time for saving and storing seeds- and roots! Herbs such as dandelion, burdock, mullein and coltsfoot are rich with medicinal properties. Most of them are biennial.
Here is a link that tells you more about the amazing herb, mullein:
So get out there and harvest your heart out. Now is the time, now is the hour!
Blood Moon
The Blood Moon of October is also known as Harvest Moon, which occurs in September, and Hunter’s Moon. Samhain is the Final Harvest Sabbat, so the names for the full moon make sense. Here are the correspondences to aid you in your shellwork on this magical upcoming Full Moon.
“October Full Moon Correspondences
The Hunter Full Moon spiritual meaning can be a potent time for magic and rituals, as well as a beautiful time of inward growth and reflection. Here are some correspondences and intentions to help get you started!
Psychopomps (Greek – a spirit, human, or being who guides souls that have recently crossed over. They help them transition into the afterlife from the mortal realm. I listed a few examples below)
Ancestors or loved ones
Hecate
Hermes (Greek)
Anubis (Egyptian)
Aurora Borealis (Inuits)
Cuckoos
Shiva (Hindu)
Azrael (Islam)
Shaman
Anito (Filipino)
Arch Angel
Grim Reaper
Sparrows
Colors
Ruby Red
Dark Purple
Black
Burnt Orange
Silver
Deep Navy Blue
Gold
Crystals
Amethyst
Black Tourmaline
Quartz
Obsidian
Moonstone
Bloodstone
Carnelian”
Embrace The Season
The veil thins in October take some time to contemplate the natural cycle of life. Observe how Nature dies externally each season to rest and prepare for the light and growth of next Spring.
Visit a local cemetery. Bring fresh flowers to place on graves you connect with or who might need a bit of love. Read each headstone and imagine who they were and what they cared about in life.
Since the veil thins the closer we get to Samhain or Halloween it increases the opportunity to spot Fae! Learn more about how to incorporate Fae mythology origins or different types of Fae into your spiritual practice.
The October and the harvest season is traditionally a time for protection magic as well. You’ll see this rooted in the history of pumpkin and turnip carving to guard the home and people from sinister or evil spirits. Draw or design your pumpkins with sigils, bind runes, symbols, or spiritual meanings you’re drawn to like sacred geometry or the pentagram.
Embrace all things October: Halloween or Samhain decorations, pumpkin spice everything, cozy blankets, bonfires, or whatever your heart and spirit connect to! Have fun, be free of judgment, and celebrate this wonderful season.
Deep Meditation
October is an amazing season to meditate beneath the moon. Place a picnic blanket in your yard and put on some headphones.
Play some relaxing music that will help quiet your mind or binaural beats that will help you align with your goals and intentions. You could also try playing some positive affirmation songs to help with manifestation.
You can do this on a balcony as well, or even just sitting next to a window and soaking in the moonlight.
Honor and Connect With Your Ancestors
Go through old photo albums and find ways to display or chronicle family photos. Connect with places like Ancestry.com to discover more in-depth information on your family’s history.
Do you have anything that has been passed down to you that you can add to your household decor or place on your altar? Speak to your family elders to hear stories and learn more about your heritage. Contemplate how you can connect with traditions your ancestors celebrated.
I want to post about our winged friends. No I don’t mean screeching jays or cooing chickadees. I am talking about the fae, the faeries, our unseen allies. Or so we think. I’m a brave enough adult to dare to believe in the existence of faeries but I also know well enough when to invoke them, honor them and be careful of them.
Faeries can help us in our homes and gardens. They can protect the home and magically guard a home, help plants grow in the garden and protect it, and keep worse nasty spirits away. But where I come from, they can also enchant you to steal you away to leave you to your death!
I believe that Pleasant Bay is highly populated with the fae and spirits. The tiny fishing village where I set my novel and where I grew up is faery territory. They frolic and flit and send out siren songs to lure you to your fate. Their siren song is sung and the people who can hear them are most likely more clairvoyant.
I have strolled through the woods, the nature trails, and hiked on the mountains. As I walked, I saw flashing spots of light and felt their presence. It feels like you’re being watched but you look and nothing is there. You swear your hear giggles but again, nothing’s there. You feel an unusual need to take a certain direction on a walk through the trees but you can’t understand why you wanted to do that. That is what I mean by faeries. They choose to show themselves to you, its not the other way around. They prefer those who are faery friendly and want to help protect the environment.
But its not without its dangers. The siren songs are heard by those who possess the ability to. However, they can confuse those who are weary and unwary. A cliff presents its dangers and small ponds or lakes. Harbours are another hunting ground for faeries. They say the fae were originally blood drinkers. It is possible, I haven’t researched that enough yet. But while I am not sure they sing that siren song, I believe that they do.
Never thank a faery and never linger in their fae world for too long. Never take their food or drink or you will never return to the mortal world. Their time is different than ours. Their logic is different than ours.
Don’t turn your back on the ocean, don’t gaze into the ocean waves too long and don’t get lost on highways. I am sure some of this goes without saying. But if you don’t believe me, then go to the harbor on a foggy night and see for yourself if you are not entranced by the moody misty waves. I have been and know when to enjoy that sensual experience of waves rolling but know when to turn away and go home.
But for those who can and do sense faeries, then embrace your gift. It is a magical and should be treasured gift to sense the faeries. They don’t let themselves be known by just anyone. You must be special. You may just have a brownie or house goblin lurking within the walls of your home. Hint: They like older houses. Leave an offering of pretty silver trinkets, or milk, honey and cookies for them. And never stop believing in magick!!!
Grow a lunar garden in your yard for some awesome lunar esbat energy. You can grow plants and flowers that bloom at night. Some plants are white and silver reflecting the moon’s colour and energy. Plant them in a crescent-shaped or sickle shaped design to mimic the moon’s phases,
Moonflower opens at night to blossom. Moonflower reveals a lemony scent when it blooms. The flowers are six inches in diameter.
Evening Primrose is a great ground cover plant and spreads rapidly. The plant opens at night and release a sweet aroma
Evening stock
Night phlox
Angel’s trumpet
Night gladiolus
Day Blooming Silver and White plants
Dusty Millers
Silver thyme
Lamb’s Ears( I have this in my garden)
mugwort (aids in psychic workings)
white vegetables
Herbs and flowers with lunar connections
Camphor
Eucalyptus
Gardenia
Jasmine
Moonwort
Sandalwood
Willow
Water Lily
Sleepwort
When your lunar plants have blossomed and grown, the possibilities on how to use them in lunar magick are endless. You can arrange them around your lunar charged candles, in teas and incenses. Grow the moonflower near a window to enjoy the scent at night as you sleep or practice a lunar esbat!
The moon shines over my apartment and garden at night. My plants are blessed with the magickal moon energy. Last night, I performed a lunar esbat and knew my garden was being drenched in July’s first full moon power.
“Gothic horror and cosmic dread from the ghostly shores of Halifax.”
Heddy Johannesen
Conjuror of Gothic Horror
Welcome to My Monsters.
I've always been drawn to the shadows, where the monsters live and their stories hunger to be told.
I write about ghosts, monsters, witches, and outsiders, exploring the darker places where fear, mystery, grief, and the supernatural collide.
Welcome to The Paranormal Quill
Gothic Horror. Dark Folklore. Cosmic Indifference.
Step across the threshold.
I am Heddy Johannesen—conjurer of gothic horrors, paranormal nonfiction writer, and dedicated student of herbalism. From the ghostly shores of Halifax, Nova Scotia, I pull back the veil on creepy alternate dimensions and secrets that refuse to stay buried
Pull up a chair, light a candle, and explore the shadows with me. Just mind the spiderwebs.
