Tag Archives: ritual

October 23, 2025 · 1:55 pm

Samhain Activities

Merry meet all,

October is flying by. Like it’s a witch’s broomstick racing against time. I have been so busy. I apologize for not posting more here. Now for the good news!

The book drive for the Edith Garland Dupré Library (University of Louisiana at Lafayette) was a smashing success! I am so proud to have participated in the book drive. I mailed them a copy of my novella The Cult of the Spider People. Jill Girardi from Kandisha Press had this to say about the book drive’s success:

“Hi Ladies! As you may have heard me going on about, the book drive we did for the Edith Garland Dupré Library (University of Louisiana at Lafayette) was a great success! Here are the first pics of the special Women in Horror book section created just for our books!

Libraries are one of the last strongholds for free speech in America, and every single one of you who contributed helped continue to uphold and fight for this right. Thanks to all of you who sent in books, offered to donate money, and helped in any way. Freedom to read and freedom to write! This is very important to everyone on the planet. We should all have the freedom to read what we choose. 

Wicked Shadow Press has published my flash fiction story and many other stories by talented authors in a 3 volume anthology collection- Halloweenthology! This marks their third descent into the haunting heart of Halloween and they are proud to have come this far. I am proud to be pubished in those books!

Cover of Autumn Falls
the anthology my story is in

Samhain is almost here! I have a pumpkin and I stocked up on candles and incense for the big day on October 31st! I plan to have an ancestral supper. I am also atending two Halloween parties and a public Rit. I can’t wait! It will all be so much fun. 
Stock up on cider and root veggies. I love sipping cider and enjoying a hearty beef stew during the autumn season. Cider and apples are full of Vitamin C, which we need in flu and cold season and the stew warms our hearts. Hot cider is good, too. Carve pumpkins and bob for apples with your friends!  Get candy for the trick or treaters and your favorite costume. Before you know it, it will be October 31 and you want to be ready for it, right? I do. I am sad that I do not live on Crown Drive anymore. I had bonfires in my backyard and no one noticed or cared. I miss having my own place. I can still have fun though. I plan to enjoy every single minute of Samhain. I hope you do too. 
Collect autumn leaves, hold a bonfire, dress your altar for Samhain and have fun! 
I had so much fabric left over from my halloween patchwork blanket project that I used the black fabric for an altar cloth. I just organized all my sewing patterns. It was a real mess to sort through. I had to iron all the pattern pieces (a mountain of them!). I sorted them with the pattern envelopes. I spread the envelopes over my floor. I sat on the floor and it took me a few hours to get it done, but I did. That is a good task to complete before the 31st. It’s good to start the Witches New Year on the right foot…. 
I know that my life was uprooted earlier this year. I moved from Crown Drive. I had a lot to deal with. However, everything has calmed down. Everything is sorted and all my belongings are all in my Mom’s basement and on the main floor. I did not want to move. I lost my garden. That was the hardest part. I faced a challenge and I learned a lot about myself. I hope that everything gets better. The one thing I did not want to face was thrown right at me, so to speak. I will miss my garden and the nature trail. I do not miss living there though. I don’t miss the ants and the mold. That place was one giant ant hill. I have to live with my Mom (ugh) because the rent is so expensive. That is a huge problem for most people everywhere. I don’t know when it will be affordable again. 
I have to adjust to living with someone. My Mom is the ultimate conservative mundane person. I am enjoying Samhain somewhere else with someone who doesn’t get all hung up on that. 
I wish you all a memorable and magickal Samhain
Blessed Be, Spiderwitch 

Leave a comment

Filed under Paranormal and Witchy Fiction, Samhain

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

June 24, 2025 · 9:27 pm

Summer Solstice Bonfire

Merry meet all,

We must be in the grips of a major heatwave. It is so hot out. We could fry eggs on the pavement. I celebrated the Summer Solstice with my man and my cauldron. The photo above shows where we went to have the bonfire. It is a beautiful spot, that’s for sure. 

WE bought my large, large cauldron and fire starters, paper, etc. Basically what we would need to start a fire in the cauldron. It is illegal to do so so that is why we were so out of the way. The mosquitoes were hungry and herons flew over the water. We began the bonfire right away. I brought a jar of mugwort, a few cinnamon sticks, rose petals, juniper and sage. I tossed the herbs into the fire. It was so cool. 

There truly is something magical about a bonfire in a large cauldron on the night of the Solstice. The herbs I selected specifically for the ritual burned in the cauldron. The flames danced out of the cauldron and I loved the sounds of the flames crackling in the cauldron, the smoke rising. It was all just so magical and earthy and made me feel like I stepped into another time for a while. 

The waves washed over the shore. I dipped my toes in. That is mandatory, it’s summer. The sunset was breathtaking. We sat down on lawn chairs and enjoyed the peace and quiet and shared some beers and talked. I relaxed and totally enjoyed myself. The fire did not take long to expire. I added more paper to encourage the flames. 

The tricky part was not in getting caught but in how to cool the cauldron down. We tipped the ashes out. I had to leave it behind which caused me a great deal of anxiety, but the cauldron is safe. ALl in all, it was a great summer solstice ritual at the beach. I hope you all had a magical Midsummer eve too. I had no wings or crown, but I have a backup set of wings I wear- and only I know where they are. Oh the heat. 

Enjoy summer!

Blessings, Spiderwitch

Leave a comment

Filed under Paranormal and Witchy Fiction

Tagged as , , , , , , , , ,

May 13, 2024 · 11:20 am

The Dos and Don’ts of Haunted Objects

Merry meet all,

I am so honoured to discover that my blog is included on the website 100 Best Paranormal Blogs and Websites! Wow! I am honoured. I mean this is awesome. Truly awesome. 

Today the sun’s shining hard but the cold wind lingers. That ruins my groove because I can’t wear certain tops, unless I have the equivalent of an eskimo parka on over it. Not sure why this cold wind is still here but I hope it leaves soon.

Today’s post is about how to deal with a haunted object. Enjoy!

The Dos and Don’ts of Dealing with a Haunted Object

Many people believe that objects can become Haunted. Whether you believe it or not, there are certain steps you should take if you think you have a Haunted object in your possession. In this blog post, we will go over what to do if you think an object is Haunted as well as how to remove a spirit from an object.

How Can a Spirit Become Attached to an Object?
There are two main ways that a spirit can become attached to an object: through attraction or through energy. The first instance is when the spirit is attracted to the object itself. This could be because of the material it is made out of, its color, or even its shape. The second instance is when the spirit becomes attached to the energy of the person who owns the object. This often happens with items that have been passed down through generations or have been owned by someone for a long time. The attachment can also happen if the owner was very emotional when they were using the item.

For example, if a person got very angry while using a particular tool, that tool could pick up on that anger and attract a spirit that is also angry. Or, if someone passed away while wearing a certain piece of jewelry, that jewelry could hold on to the energy of the person and their passing. There are many different circumstances in which a spirit can become attached to an object.

Can Objects Be Haunted?
The answer to this question is a little bit complicated. Technically speaking, no, an inanimate object cannot be haunted because it does not have a soul. However, what many people think of as “haunted” objects are actually just objects that have had a spirit attached to them at some point in time. So while an object cannot be haunted in and of itself, it can have all of the same symptoms as a haunted house would—things moving on their own, strange noises, etc.—because there is a spirit present.

Dos:

• If you think an object is Haunted, the first thing you should do is try to figure out why the spirit is attached to the object. This can be done by researching the history of the object or talking to a medium.

• Once you know why the spirit is attached to the object, you can try to help them move on. This can be done by holding a seance or by performing a cleansing ritual. • If you are successful in helping the spirit move on, be sure to bless the object so that it does not become Haunted again.

Don’ts:

• Do not attempt to remove a spirit from an object without knowing why they are attached to it. This can agitate the spirit and make them angry.

• Do not try to communicate with the spirit without the help of a professional medium. This can be dangerous as spirits can lash out if they feel threatened.

• Do not attempt to perform a cleansing ritual without first doing your research. Cleansing rituals can be dangerous if not performed correctly.

If you think you have a Haunted object in your possession, there are certain steps you should take. Do your research and try to figure out why the spirit is attached to the object. Once you know why they are attached, you can try to help them move on. If you are successful, be sure to blessed the object so that it does not become Haunted again. If you have any further questions or concerns, please consult with a professional medium.

Credit given to: https://paranormalacademy.co.uk/the-dos-and-donts-of-dealing-with-a-haunted-object/

2 Comments

Filed under Ghosts, ritual

October 2, 2023 · 12:03 pm

Samhain Celebrations

Samhain is almost here. The energy of autumn crackles in the air. Today’s post is from another fellow Witch and she shares many ways to celebrate Samhain. Dust off your cauldrons!

Write a Samhain Journal Entry

Take a few minutes from your day and write down the changes you would like to see moving forward. What things are you ready to let go of and what goals are you ready to really tackle?

Many consider this the Witches New Year and it’s a perfect time for planning new beginnings.

Make a Witchy Bucket List

Make a list of all of the things you would like to accomplish in your spiritual practice in the days, weeks, and months ahead. Perhaps you want to learn more about herbs, kitchen magick, start a Grimoire/BOS, or begin connecting with a deity. Maybe all of those things!

Write them down and check them off throughout the year as you accomplish them. I don’t know about you but checking things off a list always makes me feel accomplished.

Have a Nature Walk

A wonderful way to celebrate Samhain, and any other Sabbat really. Take a few minutes from your day, go outside, and connect with nature.

Autumn is such a glorious season. As you are walking clear your mind and really take in your surroundings,the trees, the colours, the scents of fall, the way the air feels on your face. And during your walk give thanks to mother earth for all that she does for us.

Do a Meditation to Honour Your Ancestors

A meditation doesn’t need to be an hour long. Even if you can only spare 10 minutes from your day for this you will feel good that you took the time to make it happen. 

Sit somewhere quiet and take these few minutes to remember your loved ones who have passed on, think of happy memories, their smile, their favourite things and let them know they are in your heart and with you always.

Honouring those who have passed on is an integral part of Samhain and shouldn’t be forgotten.

Do a Quick Tarot Reading for Yourself

Even just a little three card reading can be beneficial to see a glimmer of what may be in store this year and give you a bit to think about in terms of you path and the directions and changes you will make moving forward.

Celebrate Samhain & Halloween with Decorations!

Embrace the symbols and colours of the season.

Surround yourself with pumpkins, skulls, ghosty things, and maybe carve a pumpkin. Decorating is a hugely fun part of the holiday, and a fun activity to do with the little ones if you happen to have any running around.

Bake a Halloween Treat Symbolizing New Beginnings

There is always some baking going on in my house for Samhain and Halloween. No reason not to infuse a little magick into your  treats this year.

Enjoying some special goodies is also a staple part of the season. Most holidays have food involved and Samhain is no different.

Light Candles for Your Loved Ones

Light candles for your loved ones as a sign of remembrance. 

You can place them in the window to help guide them on their journey this night where the veil is thinned and spirits roam.

Light a Candle for Yourself

Light a candle and recite affirmations for yourself.

Things you would like to see yourself accomplish in the coming weeks and months. Candle work is a mini fire ritual on its own, no huge bonfire required.

Have a Ritual Bath

A peaceful bath with some candles, maybe some oils and salts, to release negativity is a timely activity to perform on Samhain.

Releasing any negative energies that you have built up in order to enter this new year feeling cleansed and refreshed.

Cleanse Your Space

We don’t want to forget about our homes as well!

Simply burning appropriate herbs and walking through each room of your house will do the trick. Walk throughout your home slowly, focusing your energies and visualizing any negativity lifting away out into the aether.

It’s Not Halloween Without Costumes!

We usually have a party at our place and costumes are required lol. Alas, this year there will be no gathering of friends but that’s no excuse to not really have some fun and get into costume!

And it’ll be fun for the trick or treaters, if trick or treating is still happening in your area. And if not, just get dressed up and have a photoshoot, because let’s be honest that is always a good time!

Tell Ghost Stories

Samhain is steeped in lore about ghosts, ghouls, demons, and the like. All of these otherworldly creatures are said to walk the earth during Samhain when the veil between worlds is at it’s thinnest.

Embrace the spookier side of the season, make a hot bevvy and tell some stories. If you’re brave enough that is!

And you can check out this article from Reader’s Digest to get you started: The 13 Most Haunted Places in the World.

Watch a Scary Movie

What would this season be without some good jump scares. ‘Halloween’ anyone?

Charge Your Crystals

This Samhain is also a Full Moon. Take advantage of that energy and set your crystals outside to charge.

Charging your crystals under a Full Moon is a powerful way to re-invigorate their energies, and doing so under a Samhain Full Moon will be doubly so.

Host a Dumb Supper

During your evening meal leave a place setting empty for your loved ones who have passed and eat your meal in silence. 

If you don’t want to do the silent part you can still leave out the empty place setting. This literally takes no extra time out of your day.

Add Some Samhain Pages to Your BOS or Grimoire

If you keep a Book of Shadows or Grimoire add some info in there on Samhain.

If you already have pages on the Sabbat there is always something new you can add in. Some facts you maybe didn’t know or a new ritual perhaps. Be creative!

Keeping one of these is a wonderful outlet for both your practice and your creative spirit.

Create a Space to Honour Your Ancestors or Loved Ones

You can add these things to your altar if you have one but if not, you can simply set up a little space for them somewhere in your home.

You can put pictures, flowers, foods, and some of their favourite things. A simple and wonderful way to show remembrance.

Let Your Hair Down and Dance 

Dance has long been associated with celebration and life.

Crank up your favourite seasonal tunes and let yourself go. Dancing is a wonderful way to release energies from the body and can have you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Just what the new year called for.

Make Moon Water

Fill a glass jar with water and focus your intentions on what the water will be used for, take your time with this process so that your focus is clear. Leave the jar outside over night to soak up those awesome Full Moon energies.

Celebrate Life

While this can be a somber day when we are missing our loved ones, it is also a day that should be filled with life and celebration. 

This can mean anything that you feel is celebrating and honouring life. Indulge in your favourite foods, read a book, dance around your house, have sex…whatever it may be cherish the moments and really LIVE.

There you have it! 

These ideas, especially some of them, should be fairly easy to incorporate into your day if you are crunched for time.

Pick one or two that really call out to you and do them with vigour. Really enjoy the moments, take them in, and savour them.

You can of course do as many of them as you wish or spend more time on any of them if you have it. Take a long luxurious bath, do an hour-long meditation, perform a lengthier ritual, or dedicate your whole day and do 15 different things lol. You do what resonates with you and what your schedule will allow.

If you feel you got the most out of your day and are happy with how you celebrated, that is what truly matters.

You can also check out my full post on Samhain Celebrations and Correspondences for some more ideas and inspiration if you wish.

Your turn! Tell me your Samhain wishes!

Do you normally celebrate Samhain,  Halloween, or both? How will you be celebrating this year? I always love to hear your thoughts, so please leave a comment or drop me a line. There are lots of ways for us to connect

And if you enjoyed the post, remember you can SUBSCRIBE, receive your Mini Autumn Grimoire Bundle for FREE, and be the first to know about new content and exclusive freebies!

Blessings, Spiderwitch 

Credit to: https://www.thewholesomewitch.com/ways-celebrate-samhain-halloween/

Leave a comment

Filed under Paranormal and Witchy Fiction, Samhain, seeds

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

May 12, 2023 · 12:33 pm

Gardening Rituals

Merry meet all,

The last two days I worked on my garden. I consider this to be an annual ritual. Working with soil is so therapeutic. 

I bought eight bags of soil and once at home, carried them to the backyard where my garden is. I let my cat get some nature telly at the back door. I usually buy some beer and treats. I enjoy the beer when I am done the ritual. 

I distributed the soil all over the garden. I had to toss out the lawn chair as it broke from the snow and cold. I tidied up the plant supports. I raked away most of the leaves. I do keep some leaves in the soil after the long winter. The leaves are like mulch or compost. I loved working on my garden. The wind was strong and cold but the sun warmed my back. I pulled out weeds and made sure that the perennials that come up every year received soil at their bases. The raspberry canes, lemon balm, sage, purple sage, mint, tiger lilies, Asiatic lilies, lovage, rhubarb, woodruff, hostess, ferns, lungwort, chives, and hasps are growing nicely. Seeing my garden emerge after a long winter cheers me up so much. 

I transplanted the raspberry canes to a new spot. I had to move them or they would take over the vegetable and herb patch. I am sure they are not happy with me. I gave them new soil and water. They will grow new roots and can grow as much as they want in their new spot. I made sure they still receive a lot of sunlight. 

I made my offering of milk, honey, fennel seeds and I sprinkled beer on the soil in the two patches of my garden. I have a shade spot and a big sun spot. I make offerings at each spot. This means the nature spirits will help me to grow the best garden ever! 

lungwort

I am growing mugwort indoors. The plants have grown three feet or more. I keep an eye out for frost warnings. I plan to move them out soon. I know mugwort is invasive but I want to grow it in the soil in the back of my vegetable, herb and flower patch. I am tired of growing it from seed every single spring. I don’t think it will do too much damage. Mugwort can grow up to six feet so it has to placed in the back of the garden. 

My other seedlings that are still growing under the grow light are doing well. They are growing so well, a little too well. I just stepped outside and it is so cold – the wind is so cold. There are no more frost warnings but the wind is cold. I will wait, I just keep the plants at the back door. The cold wind blows in when my cat gets nature telly. The light and the temperature is different in the kitchen. I could also put them out during the day and bring them in at night but that means they bring in bugs as well. 

I hope that cold wind goes away soon. It has to warm up so I can put my plants out. I will wait till the first week of June. It’s hard but they would not thrive. Patience is a virtue all gardeners must practice. 

Blessings, Spiderwitch )O(

Leave a comment

Filed under Paranormal and Witchy Fiction

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

October 31, 2022 · 3:41 pm

Merry Samhain )O(

 

Merry meet all,

Happy Samhain! Today is warm and sunny even for October. I was dressed very witchy today from my witch hat to the witchy dress to my laced up boots. I got a lot of stares and compliments. Ah let’ em. I think it’s great that the weather is cooperating. Children have their warm wonderful hearts set on trick or treating. I bet they are all driving their addled parents crazy, eager to march out on the streets, engaging in a old, old tradition of scouting for candy. I have a bowl of candy ready for the kiddies! 

I strained the hawthorn cordial. I didn’t really get as much as I would have liked. That’s ok. I performed one more bonfire last night. The air was chilly but that didn’t stop me from enjoying seeing the dancing flames from the burning hag tapers. The fire warmed me. Today I shared some of the frosted chocolate cake with my Mom. I offered a slice for my brother too. I tossed in some lollipops for them as well. It felt good to share that with them. 

I can’t wait to try the hawthorn cordial. Tonight I am cooking a Shepherd’s Pie for the ancestral supper. I am so craving this meal. I have never cooked it before. It should be good! Afterwards, I plan to perform a ritual. 

Whatever fun you plan to have, whether you are bobbing for apples, enjoying pumpkin pie or trick or treating, keep your pets inside and eat lots and lots of candy! Remember, the spirits are out and about tonight. Be sure to light a candle at the window to help lost spirits find their way. 

 

Merry Samhain!!!!!!!

Blessings, Spiderwitch

Leave a comment

Filed under Paranormal and Witchy Fiction

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

October 22, 2022 · 9:15 pm

Elecampane Root Harvest )O(

 

Merry meet all,

Yesterday I harvested the elecampane root. It was a great day. I turned the actions of digging the elecampane root up into a ritual.  The weather was sunny and relatively warm. I gathered together all the tools I need: a garden shovel, a garden trowel, and a stainless steel bowl to wash the roots after. 

I dug a large ring around the root ball. I removed the leaves and rocks from around the plant. Then I dug in with my garden shovel in a ring. I dug away all the soil surrounding the roots. I loosened the soil with the shovel and eased up the roots. I had to remove more small rocks that served as an edging around the plant. The elecampane plant was quite established. 

I removed the roots from the soil. I held the amazing elecampane roots in my hand. Wow. I felt the weight of the roots in my hands. It was so cool. I removed and cut up a long tree root from the soil and a rock. That may have been why the elecampane roots didn’t grow deeper. I carried the roots and the main crown to the back stone step. The roots were smaller than I anticipated. Undaunted, I proceeded to wash the roots. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I scrubbed the roots clean with a toothbrush. I cut roots off from the main crown. I rinsed the water and cleaned them again. I noticed that there were a couple of buds on the main crown. I brought the roots inside to clean them again. I planted the main crown back in the soil. I left an offering of cornmeal and fertilizer. I was so excited and emotional. I have a strong emotional connection to the earth. It hurt me to even dig up the roots. The scent of the elecampane root was amazing! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I returned the rocks to edge the elecampane plant and scattered the leaves over the soil. I hoped the main crown would grow new roots in the soil. I had fun with my fresh rich elecampane roots in the kitchen. They smelled so good and left the scent on my fingers. I cleaned them and chopped them. I arranged the roots on parchment paper on a cookie sheet. I dried the roots in the oven overnight at a low temperature. I removed them from the oven in the morning. The roots were dried, and a pale white colour. I stored them in a jar. I didn’t get as much as I wanted. Since the root crown has rooted again and there were new buds on it, I will get new growth next spring. I may have to wait a year or two to harvest more roots. It will be worth it. 

I am not sure what to do with the elecampane roots. I stored the seeds in a jar. I want to grow a lot more elecampane. Next spring, I will clear away tree branches, roots, rocks and weeds to make a clear space to grow more elecampane. Elecampane is medicinal for lung health and digestion. I am trying to build up an apothecary. This project will take patience. I already have fifty jars (a slight exaggeration) full of herbs: roots, seeds, bark and berries). 

I planted the nettle, mugwort and rue. The herbs will root themselves and emerge in the spring, just like the elecampane roots! I checked the next day and the elecampane main crown resisted when I gently tugged on it. That was exciting!

I love harvesting medicinal roots. My life is more exciting gathering medicinal roots. I hope it’s the same for you. 

Blessings, Spiderwitch 

Leave a comment

Filed under Paranormal and Witchy Fiction

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , ,

October 21, 2022 · 1:03 pm

Root work )O(

Merry meet all,

I was just out harvesting MORE dandelion roots. They are drying now on the kitchen cupboard. I’m buying another bottle of vodka soon and tincture the roots. Or maybe I will use brandy, no, I should stick with vodka. The alcohol acts as a natural preservative.

Dandelion, Taraxacum Officinale, is so good for your health that I really question why anyone wants to spray or kill it. Dandelion root is bitter and its actions are diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and it has hypeglyemic properties. “Dandelion root is a powerful diuretic, stimulating kidney function as well as the movement of bile from the gallbladder and liver. Folklore and scientific evidence supports the use of dandelion as a diuretic with intriguing possibilities that it may help with controlling blood sugar and inflammatory processes (Castleman, 2001). Due to its diuretic properties, dandelion may help PMS (Castleman, 2001, Hoffman, 2003) and, most recently, andropause symptoms (Noh, H-Y, 2013).” *Copied and taken from the Herbal Academy website. 

Digging up a dandelion root isn’t easy. Dandelion root, like yellow dock and burdock roots, have a single long stemmed taproot. I have gotten the hang of digging up the roots. If you don’t dig it up right, the root cracks. I ease my trowel into the soil slowly, and I take all the leaves and stems in one hand, then push the trowel in and around the root. Then I tug gently and the root leaves the soil. It is an art. Now you all know why I want to dig up dandelion roots. They are full of vitamins as well as the listed above benefits. 

I bring the roots home, avoiding the curious eyes of passerby, and fill a bowl with clean water. I dunk the roots in the water in the bowl outside, then empty the bowl outside. I bring the roots in and I scrub them clean with an old toothbrush. Soon I will chop up the roots and dry them on low heat in the oven. They can’t be left on the counter for long or they will mold and be tossed to the compost pile. All of those nutrients would be lost.  I have to store them and get the vodka then I plan to make the tincture. It will be amazing! You can dry the chopped roots in the oven on parchment paper at 350 F for thirty minutes. 

I already have a tincture of burdock root and dandelion roots tincturing. I plan to leave it for 3 months! But you usually wait 4 to 6 weeks or a full moon phase, if you want to get witchy about it! You can store the roots in the alcohol for a long time. Some people make dandelion tea or wine. I would love to try dandelion wine!

I’m harvesting the elecampane root tomorrow. It better not rain tomorrow or I may do it today after all. Today’s weather is overcast and clear. I have never done this before. I don’t want to kill the plant. I know how to harvest the root, I am just not experienced enough at it. I guess this is all part of learning to be a herbalist. I watched Youtube videos to see how it’s done. It will be fine. I will dry, chop and store the roots over the winter in a labeled dated jar. I love to get artsy with the labels too. 

Digging up a plant for its roots is killing the plant. In terms of elecampane, I hope to leave the roots or new buds for replanting. I have found an amazing article all about harvesting elecampane roots. I’m going to soak the roots once dug up to see the new buds. That will tell me I can successfully replant the elecampane. I have no intention of killing the roots. I just wish I had a pitchfork but my big garden shovel will work. I’ll use my boline to gather the roots I want to harvest. The rest goes back in the soil with a sprinkle of fertilizer. 

I still have to wash the pots, harvest the beans once they turn brown and hard, and make my offering. I am almost done my garden chores. I am sad and happy at the same time. I love the harvest but the harvest signifies the finale for my garden for the year. The rich gifts the earth blesses me with makes it all worth it. 

Blessings, Spiderwitch

 

 

Leave a comment

Filed under Paranormal and Witchy Fiction

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

October 20, 2022 · 11:47 am

Pumpkin Magic )O(

Merry meet all,

Today I want to post about my favourite orange cucurbit, pumpkins! Pumpkins are everywhere. Pumpkins are famous for fairy tale magic. Autumn colored leaves blanket my garden, as squirrels and bluejays gather nuts and seeds to store for the long winter ahead. Samhain is almost here. Now let’s gather our own Magick!

10 Ways to Use Pumpkins in Witchcraft

moodymoons, ,

Long before Cinderella’s fairy godmother sent her bewitched pumpkin carriage careening towards a royal party under a reckless magic spell, this mythical fruit vined its way into the legend of witchcraft.

Here are a few ideas to bring this classic spell ingredient into your magical practice.

10 Ways to Use Pumpkins in Witchcraft

Dry roast the seeds and toss them in a mojo bag for prosperity.    The fertile abundance of seeds inside a pumpkin perfect for success mojo bags.

Use your jack-o-lantern to chase away negative energy.  Did you know jack-o-lanterns were originally carved to chase away demons?  In the spirit of this tradition, burn a charcoal disk with protection herbs like rosemary to turn away negative energy at the doorstop.

Bury your kid’s spent pumpkin in the garden to “fertilize” a wishing spell.    Never know what to do with your kid’s jack-o-lantern once Halloween is over?  The pumpkin’s magical lore makes it “ripe” for wishing magic.  Have your child write a goal for the springtime on a piece of (natural) paper, and bury it in the garden to bless his/her endeavors.   Kids move so quickly from one phase to the next, seeing their “wish” come up in the spring will remind them of how far they walked since the beginning of the school year!

Boil your cauldron.  If your kitchen-witchy, make a batch of crock pot pumpkin soup
Be sure to include plenty of “heart-warming” magical spices like chili powder or cumin.  Stir it clockwise four times and bless it for strong ties between family and friends.  Then serve it to everyone!

Leave it as an offering to the woodland spirits.  Samhain is a time to honor those who came before you. Once you’re finished with your pumpkin, take it to woods and leave it as an offering to your ancestors.   It also makes great deer food!

Use it in a group Samhain ritual.  Hollow out and carve a large pumpkin with symbols sacred to your tradition.  Light a candle inside, go around the circle and talk about your year together as a group or coven.  Discuss any remaining tensions, write them down and then agree to let them go with the start of the new Wheel of the Year.  Place a candle inside the pumpkin lantern, and one by one, burn the paper.  Watch it go up in smoke and let go. 

Save the stems.  The stem dries out and cures pretty quickly.  Leave it with your magical cabinet to boost wishing spells or prosperity spells during the next Wheel of the Year.

Draw out your inner beauty.  Mix 1/4 cup pumpkin puree with a splash of apple cider vinegar and an egg.  Use it as a mask to bring out the “enchanting” side of your inner beauty.

Place a pumpkin near your creative work space for inspiration and brainstorming.  Pumpkins connote fanciful thinking and fairy tales.  Use this energy in your work space to break out of box thinking and reach deeper.

Make a bird feeder to connect with the spirit of fire and air.  Invite winter-friendly birds near your home by making a bird feeder out a your pumpkin.  When you notice a bird near it, say a blessing and send him off with to carry a wish or prayer skyward!

Copied with respect for copyright***

Blessed be, Spiderwitch

Leave a comment

Filed under Paranormal and Witchy Fiction

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

October 19, 2022 · 12:26 pm

Candle Magick )O(

Merry meet all,

Candles are the purest form of Magick. I love staring at a pure bright candle flame. It just stirs my heart and warms my heart. I want to share tips and to burn candles magically and safely this Samhain:

  • Burn a white candle on the windowsill this Samhain to guide lost spirits. 
  • Store candles in the freezer for a while. The wax will drip less.
  • Burn a candle for one hour and remember to trim the wick. Never leave a candle unattended. 
  • Carve symbols or sigils into the candle wax for an added boost of Magick.
  • Carve symbols or sigils into your pumpkin to keep bad spirits away or to empower the pumpkin wtih protective Magick.
  • Use coloured candles for certain spells: black is a psychic energy and draws in energy, blue is for emotion & intuition, orange is for creativity, white is for Spirit, purple is for psychic energy, brown is for earth-related matters, red is for Mars energy and fire.
  • To release the energy of a candle, blow the candle out when you’re finished a spell. To keep the energy of a spell in the candle, snuff the candle out with a candle snuffer. 
  • Clean your candlesticks to keep them ready to use for new spell casting.
  • Gaze into a candle flame to scry your future or a message from Spirit. 
  • Burn essential oils on candles or buy the scented candles. Try not to use synthetic oils. Use natural essential oils. They don’t always cost a fortune.
  • Keep your familiars away from candles. Burn candles where your furr-milairs can’t get to them. Always practice safety when burning candles. 
  • Don’t burn your candles at your altar while wearing long billowing sleeves or near the curtains. Safety first. 
  • Grind herbs to a powder if you want to burn herbs on your candles first. The candles will sputter less. 
  • Bury the wax out in the garden when the candle is finished burning. 
  • If you do burn a lot of candles indoors or outdoors this Samhain, keep sand, a fire extinguisher or a pitcher of water nearby to avoid a fire. Getting evicted is not cool!
  • Put your intention into the candle. That will add extra power to your spell. For example, I wanted a pet cat. I burned a cat-shaped candle. Sympathetic magic! Like attracts like. 
  • Always put a positive intention into your spell workings, never negative. You want bad, you get bad. You want good Magick, you get good Magick! So be positive always! Energy always returns to the sender!
  • Spirits are around us everywhere this Samhain! Burn a candle you made yourself. Add graveyard dirt and clary sage essential oils to the candle at your altar to attract the spirits. 
  • Gather a lot of oak leaves and dry them. Once they are thoroughly dry, grind the leaves to a powder. Use the powder like an ash for your cauldron. Nestle a cauldron or a charcoal disc in the oak ash. Store the unused oak leaf ash in the fridge or the freezer to keep it from spoiling. Oak leaves have a strong energy, and represent longevity, strength, stability, endurance, fertility, power, justice and honesty.

I hope the above tips help when you cast candle Magick this Samhain! 

Blessed be, Spiderwitch 

 

Leave a comment

Filed under Paranormal and Witchy Fiction

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , ,