Samhain is coming! Get on your broomsticks and dust off those cauldrons. Samhain is the third of the harvest Sabbats. I have had a great October month so far. Two stories published, two courses in Demonology and Parapsychology, a Paranormal Symposium and the Writer Digest Virtual horror writing conference. I can hardly ask for more.
I want to harvest dandelion roots, brew elderberry syrup, hawthorn cordial and puree pumpkins to make delicious pumpkin bread and soups. I am so itching to harvest dandelion roots that I think I will get up early tomorrow morning and do just that. I don’t care if it is raining. The rain will loosen the soil for me. The dandelions have a more concentrated amount of valuable nutrients in them in the fall. Now is the right time. After that, I will dry them in my dehydrator.
I was on a walk on the nature trail. It was raining so I could not take any photos. The nature trail was resplendent in autumn colours of red, gold, brown and green. Fall is the most beautiful season of all the seasons. I strolled slowly through the trail, admiring the colourful leaves. It was so invigorating! October is a magical month and every single minute of it should be enjoyed.
Here a few pointers for you while you are casting your spells:
If you insist on wearing a robe with long billowing sleeves and you are burning candles at your altar, please at least pin the sleeves up and out of the way to avoid a fire.
Don’t singe your hair.
Shelters often don’t adopt out black cats and kittens during October. They are all too familiar with the horror stories of abuse or see cats returned to the shelter. This has a damaging effect on a cat as the cat will never know what was wrong or why it is returned. Donate to an animal shelter or if you see any sort of animal abuse, be sure to report it. Always have your phone charged!
Compost your pumpkins once done. Fill the pumpkins with peanut butter and leave them in the garden for the neighbourhood critters. Don’t use bleach to preserve your pumpkin.
Use organic gardening methods to help the pollinators in your garden. Practice bioregional herbalism. Join a community garden.
Light a candle at the window on Samhain eve to aid the lost spirits.
Honour your ancestors with a sincere, open heart. Hold an ancestral supper and leave a spot for them at the table.
Don’t feel that you have to spend a fortune to enjoy Samhain. I don’t. I usually use what I have over and over again. I take good care of my magical items. That helps me get more money out of what I spent.
If you truly are weary of some of your magical books, gift them to a coven mate or to the local library.
Don’t rake the leaves! I keep the leaves all year on my garden. They help the soil retain moisture and can be a nesting spot for pollinators.
You can still make it rock if you are celebrating Samhain solo. Or hang out with fellow solo practitioners. They are out there. Just have to find them and you may find you have lots in common!
Do try to give out good quality candy to the kiddies who are trick or treating. Compliment them on their costumes. Be patient. They want to enjoy the night too.
Learn a new skill. I borrowed a book from the library on innovative ways to craft smudge sticks and tried it. They are beautiful!
Mostly, enjoy yourself. The next October is a long way away. Enjoy it now.
Pumpkin season is here. The Paranormal Symposium is a few days away. I have been busy preparing for it. I can’t wait to attend.
The beautiful black plush blanket that I ordered from Killstar arrives tomorrow! I can’t wait for that either. The blanket has a spiderweb print and will keep me warm. I want to download lots of photos of my ancestors for Samhain. I also want to make them a beautiful offering of golden flowers this year. I decided on goldenrod and marigolds, and maybe asters. I am sure they will appreciate the offering.
The host of the Paranormal Symposium, Elliott Van Dusen, wants to interview me about my blog, The Paranormal Quill after the Symposium. I am happy about that. It is nice to get some recognition after all my hard work. I have had a long go of it. I will have to prepare for that too. It should be interesting.
I bought a cool black glossy nail polish the other day. The brand is Opi and the color is black onyx. I love the color and the quality of the nail polish. I am almost all set for the Paranormal Symposium. I just have to decide what to wear. I washed two gothy witchy dresses and they will be clean in time for the big day. I bought a beautiful black handbag today on Spring Garden near the Public Gardens. It is so lovely. I hand washed that too, as it had a strong scent. I want to use that bag the day of the event. Yes this has taken a lot of thought. I need spending money for lunch and maybe cabfare. It is a day long event so that is why I have been thinking everything through. The black boots I wanted to wear aren’t ready. I have an alternate pair. The clothes are clean. Yup I do believe I just have to enjoy myself and relax. I even asked my Mom to give me a wake up call early in the morning. I take the bus so I have to get up early early in the morning. I have to be ready by 8 am to leave or be there at the time. I know where the event is to be held and I know which bus to take. Now the old me would have scrambled at the last minute. This time I have prepared well in advance. Yeah being this organized sure feels better.
I even checked out hairstyle options. Maybe not that necessary but you never know. I mean we would seriously prepare for a job interview right? Right. I really want to make an impact with my appearance.
Penny will be groomed later in the month. I needed the money today to buy groceries and to pay for duties and taxes for the quilt to be shipped to me. I hate that but I had to do it. The blanket was 60% off. I wouldn’t have bought it otherwise, considering it is mailed from the States.
I harvested roses, yarrow, black horehound, asters, lavender, apples and red clover. I dried them save for the apples in my dehydrator. Now they are stored in jars. The herbs look beautiful even when dried. I ground up a large quantity of black pepper and I ground up a loaf of white bread. I stored the black pepper in the same jar and stored the bread crumbs in a ziplock bag in the freezer. I want to use up the food that I have because it is so expensive these days. Yup times are tough right now. I am not buying a new outfit for the big day. I intend to use what I already have. That is what the happiest people do. They make the most and best of what they have. I have nice things and I try to make them last me as long as I can.
I will have to get to know black horehound. I am not too acquainted with that herb but it is not that accepted amongst herbalists. One more herb to learn!
I am suffering from another burst of awesome creative energy. The stars must be aligned! I hemmed and mended my black wool cloak. I also finally added this beautiful silvery and blue Celtic dragon trim to the cloak. It’s not finished but the trim does look truly cool on the cloak. I hope to finish sewing the cloak this weekend.
The trim goes over the hood and down the opening sides of the cloak- both left and right. I love how it looks. It is so cool. I added the trim to enhance the cloak. The dragon trim is turned toward me, facing inward to protect me. I have had enough of the negative energy sent my way. As I pinned the trim to the cloak to be sewn in, I projected a protective energy for the dragons to protect me. I am sure the dragons will protect me while I wear it this fall. I finished the cloak today. I completed the lining hem and sewed on the trim. I am so happy, and the cloak looks so beautiful!
Dragons are powerful creatures and a strong symbol in many cultures. Tolkien loved dragons as do I. I have dragon bookends, dragon pen holders, dragon trinkets, dragon candlesticks, dragon censers, you get the picture. I love dragons. Dragons are an important symbol in China. Yup I love dragons. I leave gemstones next to my dragons too to keep them well fed and have something to protect. They get bored otherwise.
I plan to repair a treasured book titled Tales of Magic and Enchantment. I love the book so much. I had this book since my childhood. The book is falling apart due to wear and tear and age. I have a large piece of davy board to glue onto the back of the book. I scanned a picture in from the book which I shall glue onto the back cover. It will look great.
I love witchy gowns! I love to wear witchy gowns in black of course! I love the dresses and gowns online but I am not rich by any means. I have a black swishy dress that is very Arwen- ish and witchy! I want to add more fabric near the hem as godets to make the hem way witchier and swishier! It will look great. I like to enhance what I already own. It saves me a lot of money, with the exception of the Viking Nordic apron dress I ordered. There is no way I could recreate that on my own. It would cost a fortune too.
My next creative project will involve spiderweb lace and black goose feathers. I have a black spiderweb lace shawl and I want to order goose feathers from Amazon. Then I want to adhere the feathers to the shawl. I can’t wait to do that project and I just know it will look cool. That should keep me busy!
In a few days, I am off – or should I say, on board for the movie The Last voyage of the Demeter. I can’t wait to see it. I am in the midst of writing a short story, though it may be longer, about a murderous mandrake root ghoul. I am editing my novella Queen of the Arachnas for submission as well. I have gathered a few herbs for drying and pressing too. I love summer. Enjoy every minute of it. It doesn’t last, not in the Maritimes. I am ready for fall!
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!
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.
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!
The invasion has begun! It is inescapable. Penny has run out of play room too! Oh my what am I to do? Did I get your attention? Ok I’m referring to the invasion of seedlings that have taken over my home, Goodness there are so many plant pots in here. Burn a candle and light some incense! Play relaxing music.
This post is about how to create your own soil mixes for your own tender seedlings. You DO have young green seedlings in your apartment right? lol
Well let’s get started. I like mixing up the soil.
Ever notice that plant pots are round in shape? I like to think of the planters and plant pots as cauldrons. They have a lot more to do with cauldrons than you think. This may just change the way you garden from now on. Grab a cup of tea and join me.
I mentioned the benefits of purchasing and using good quality soil in the last post, right? There is a good reason for that. It helps your plants get off to their best start, off to the races running. or, in this case, growing. Let’s take it a step further.
Set down newspaper on the counter or wherever you choose to work in your home. Put the plant pot or seedling plant pot on the newspaper. Be willing to get your hands dirty. I love getting my hands right into the soil but that’s just me. Place a pitcher full of cold water nearby. Open the bag of soil. Next tip: I put a cloth grocery bag (plastic bags are banned here). It keeps the bag from spilling or making a mess. Just don’t forget about it but you won’t, will you?
Mix the soil into the plant pot. As you do this, envision that you are filling the pot with the energy of the Goddess. (Use a round pot for this.) You will see why now. The pot is round, so is a cauldron. The pot is deep ( well, most of them are). So is a cauldron. The cauldron is the deep earthy womb of the Goddess. The pot is too once it is full of soil. Once it is full of soil, meditate and reflect on the earthy goodness of the soil from the Goddess and the pot too. Mix that soil up in your hands. Smell it, feel it, cradle it in your hands. Visualize the energy traveling from your hands to the soil. Feel the energy traveling from the soil to you. I always do feel the energy of the soil. That is why I never wear gardening gloves. I love feeling the connection.
Stir the soil with a wooden spoon or your own eager hands. Loosen up any clumps and remove rocks. If you want, depending on what stage of growing your seedlings you are at, you can add fertilizer. Mix in bonemeal, bloodmeal, worm castings, coffee grounds or ground eggshells. Be sure to stir thoroughly. As you do, mix well and visualize. Direct the energy of your intention into the soil.
If you choose, you can put the seedling into the plant pot THEN fill it with the soil. After that, when you have centered the seedling into the pot, and placed it in deeper than it was before in the starter pot, add the soil. Be sure to visualize, direct the energy and feel the soil in your hands. Grow with love and you will get love. The DNA of the future plant is contained within the seed. So planting a seed truly is an act of magic!
Once the seed is planted, in a matter of days a cotyledon emerges, a tiny sprout. That sprout can grow into an oak tree, parsley or a pumpkin. Don’t crowd your seedlings – their tender roots need room to grow. I watched my Mother transplant over three dozen cherry tomato plant seedlings. Some of the starter pots contained up to five seedlings! They are all growing in their own pots now, much less crowded.
A plant is a living being with feelings. Treat the plant like that and you will be rewarded many times over with a plant happy to grow and bloom and/ or bear fruit or seeds! If it is thirsty, water it. If it droops, place it in more light. If it is crowded or rootbound, repot it. I can sense when a plant is thirsty. You can also use your hair dryer to blow for a few seconds on your plants. That signals to them that they should grow strong stems. If it is warm enough where you live, leave the window open. The wind that wafts in will help them grow!
I hope this post inspires you to get growing your own plants! Let me know in the comments below.
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
The photo above is the nature trail. The nature trail looks spooky and in my opinion, is the best representation of the thinning of the veil between the worlds. It beckons to me, enticing to dare to venture down the concrete path ” to lose my mind and find my soul”. Well I am most certainly not losing my mind. I just like the expression. The expression means to totally lose oneself in nature, to release any inhibitions. The sky and the trees appear to be enveloped in a mist, and yet reveals how beautiful the autumn season is. The leaves contrast the heavy grey sky. Rustic orange, brown and gold colours stand out against the sky.
The veil between the worlds is thinning. I don’t believe this occurs only at Samhain and Beltane. I think there is a stronger reason why there are so many more reports of people encountering spirits now more than ever before. It can’t be just that we have better ghost hunting devices for detecting them. There has to be actual spirits to detect or the devices would be no use to anyone. I don’t know what started this or how the veil is getting weaker. It could be that we destroyed the ozone layer ( just a theory, don’t laugh), or that someone or a group of people performed certain dark magic that led to the rapidly thinning veil. It could also be that we are all in a global transition. The global transition could have to do with the fact that we are in the Age of Aquarius. The old systems are collapsing. People are turning away from the old long established systems of the patriarchy (which I am in support of), and the other old systems of the Church. They could be seeking something more liberating and less conventional. And what is more conventional than the Church and oppression?
These are a few theories. They are not fact and should not be treated as such. The other theory is that they are coming because a change is coming. I fear that this change might be darker and weirder than we are ready for. The spirits may already know the dark change coming. Look at the world right now. Tension, hate, animosity, apathy, crime, war, and the pandemic are running high. Ever since the pandemic began, people have become more hostile and less loving. It’s almost like there is something wrong with you are if you are nice. That’s terrible. All the negativity in the world is feeding the spirits.
I can’t remember when this happened. But not too long ago, I had another of my freaky incidents. Apparently, I had a paper cut. The weird thing is, I never felt any pain. I had a page in my hands and somehow got a paper cut. I never felt the pain but my hands were blood stained from the paper cut. I had a new white computer mouse in my hands and the mouse managed to remain immaculate somehow. I entered the washroom to bandage my hand but no, I can’t explain that. Paper cuts hurt. I am open to theories. This is as weird as the time I saw a ghost in the shape of a rat or rabbit disappear under my bed. I am open to theories and explanations.
There has to be a reason for all these occurrences. The ones that I experience and in the rest of the world. People have been discussing this since 2016 and maybe before that time. Stories of ghosts are nothing new. The important thing right now is why it is happening. I will be discussing this more in depth in future posts.
Here is a link that discusses the thinning of the veil in more depth. I hope you enjoy reading it.
A new story came to my attention this morning. The story is about a woman who was told by a judge not to expose her child to witchcraft. Will we ever win? It’s hard to say if this news story is any indication. I have pasted the link into this post below.
“Mother ordered in Sydney court not to expose child to witchcraft
> >
SaltWire Network · Posted: 16 hours ago | Updated: 13 hours ago
A Sydney Family Court judge has ordered a number of restrictions for the parents of a seven-year-old — among them, the mother must not expose the child to her spiritual belief in witchcraft. STOCK IMAGE
A Sydney Family Court judge has ordered a number of restrictions for the parents of a seven-year-old — among them, the mother must not expose the child to her spiritual belief in witchcraft.
The restriction is one of 27 imposed on the couple by Justice Lee Anne MacLeod-Archer in hopes of settling a high-conflict relationship between the parents that has been ongoing in court for most of the child’s life.
In a decision released this week, the judge noted the child is described as bright, articulate, charming and pleasant but now displays signs of anxiety, aggression and hyperactivity and is at risk of developing further mental illness as a result of the conflict between her parents.
“It’s clear the child has seen and heard a lot of arguments and conflict. Sadly, when asked to draw a picture of her family, she pictured herself standing apart from her family members,” said the judge.
When asked to explain why she placed herself standing apart, the child explained, “Just doing nothing … I was tired. That’s how my life rolls.”
The names of the parents were not reported by the judge in order to protect the identity of the child.
The father halted visitations by the mother for nearly a year contending the mother was not adhering to health restrictions imposed as part of Nova Scotia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
CHILD COMES FIRST
MacLeod-Archer concluded that a previous order of shared custody with the father as primary caregiver is to continue and rejected the mother’s claim for custody.
“The mother frames her submissions in terms of parental rights. But those rights are trumped by the best interests of the child,” ruled the judge.
MacLeod-Archer also wrote that the mother asked the court not to punish her for having a mental illness.
“This decision is not about punishment. It’s about what parenting plan is in the child’s best interests. Shared parenting requires a level of co-operation that is not present in this case,” said the judge, adding the mother will have access, without the father’s consent, to discuss her child’s welfare and progress with teachers, doctors, counsellors and therapists.
The mother admitted to the court she has not been seeking cognitive behavioural therapy as recommended but that she intends to do so.
The mother has told her child things that no child should be hearing including the details of the murder of a friend of the mother’s and that the child’s father did not want her to be born.
“That type of deliberate damage to the child’s trust and love for the other parent is unacceptable and it must never happen again,” said the judge.
The court was also told that while at the mother’s home, the child was allowed to watch scary movies and play violent/adult-themed games which the judge said were not appropriate for a child of her age.
The father also expressed concern that the child has been exposed to witchcraft.
“A child of seven years old, who is already exhibiting signs of anxiety and stress, and who is at risk of developing further mental health challenges, is far too young to be exposed to witchcraft,” ruled MacLeod-Archer, adding that day may come when the mother can explain her beliefs to her child but that can only come with permission of the father.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
The mother vowed not to let the child visit her altar located in the home.
“I am concerned about her (the mother’s) willingness to comply with this restriction. She may view it as an infringement on her religious freedoms, much as she views the requirement to wear a mask as an infringement on her personal liberties,” said the judge.
“If that is the case,” said the judge, “the mother must realize that her right to practise her beliefs is not affected by my decision. It is only the sharing of her beliefs with the child that is.”
During the hearing, the mother said she considered the pandemic a hoax and does not agree with being compelled to wear a mask and that the current health restrictions are a bit much.
The restrictions ordered by MacLeod-Archer include that both parents comply with all public health directives during the current pandemic, and they not discuss or question the child about the other parent’s personal life or activities.
All adult-themed movies and games portraying paranormal, supernatural, violent or sexualized stories are not to be shown or made available to the child.
The mother is also prohibited from exposing the child to symbols relating to her spiritual belief.
When it comes to communication, the parents will only converse via text or email and all such communications are to be child-focused, cordial and to the point.
The child is not to be shown or hear any discussions concerning court proceedings. Neither side is allowed to post any comment, music, poems or photos on social media about the other parent and any existing posts are to be removed.
Both parents were also ordered to enrol in counselling and the father is to make arrangements for the child to have counselling to help deal with the emotional impact of the parental conflict.
I explore graveyards. I worship my ancestors at my ancestors altar. I read dark fiction and hold a fascination with the paranormal. I love bats and cats and the moon. I own a ghosts and spirits tarot deck. I go where few dare to tread. Yet I see nothing wrong with writing horror. My mother doesn’t like it even though she supports what I do. She knows why I do what I do but she has her own opinions, which she is entitled to.
Most Wiccans, ok some, are the fluff bunny type. I’m going out on a wire here and dare to cross a line. I am all about honouring nature. I own a garden where I grow herbs and flowers. I am aware of the environmental issues and I do my part as best I can. There is only one planet Earth. We should take care of her or we will have nowhere to practice our craft. The moon is a poor replacement. Seriously.
I love to burn black candles, wear black nail polish and black clothes. I read the book Memento Mori yet couldn’t drum up the same enthusiasm from others and wondered why. I was called the Grim Reaper for wearing a black cloak- in my defence, I was cold! I like to include the darker gods and goddesses in my practice and my writings. I own skulls and don’t shy away from the darker herbs. Skulls don’t scare me. Crows have warned me of a death. I don’t hurt spiders and can’t fathom why some people sprinkle spider killing powders in their homes. They are the world’s best insect predators. Where would we be without them? I am one of the few grey or darker witches in Halifax.
But it all started when I found out about necromancy. I finally found my calling. I plan to perform the pact ritual where you basically sell your soul back to yourself. You reclaim your power. I just need to obtain a few ‘provisions’, such as a lancet, herbs, a skeleton key, a mirror, a skull. Once I have everything, I will be able to perform the ritual. I finally found something deeper- and darker, but I was searching for that ‘deeper something’ and found it. I think this truly hearkens back to the Witches of Olde.
If this is my calling, I don’t mind. I revel in it. I get odd looks when I walk out in public, cloaked. I am one of the few who do. I see it as something with substance. I mean honouring a flower is all good and well but not the same thing. Ancestor worship should be done all year not just on October 31st. So it comes as no shock to know I perform an ancestral supper on October 31st, on Samhain eve.
I just completed a 5-day Tarot plunge course. The course was offered online. I enjoyed the course and learned new things and was reminded of what I already knew. It was fun to do. I plan to finish my paranormal novel and send it off to editors. A friend is reading it right now. I might write a chapbook of horror themed poetry. I applied to attend the StokerCon festival hosted by the Horror Writers Association.
Black roses unfurl! Show us your glory! Let bats swoop through the nights and owls pursue mice. Black candles burn, their flickers whisper secrets to the moonlight. I may be alone in my deep plunge into this darkness but it is oh so satisfying, more than just plain old navel gazing. I keep a photo of my grandfather on my altar. I loved him in life and honour him in death. I am sure he watches over me. I want to learn all I can about it.
So to those who are like me, you’re not alone. Blessings to you!
I finally have my large cauldron home. I’m proud to own such a beauitful cauldron. I plan to do many magickal spellworkings with the cauldron. The cauldron is so big and heavy that I had to take a cab to get it home and even then, it was hard carrying it up the steps to the door and to my apartment.
I have already cleansed and dedicated the cauldron. The cauldron is home in time for Samhain. What witch doesn’t want a big cast-iron cauldron to work spells with? I do, I do. The cauldron is shown in the photo above. The cauldron is also already pre-seasoned.
The cauldron is a symbol of the Goddess, the womb of the goddess, and representative of mystery, magick, the water and fire elements. A Witch can scry using water or oils in a cauldron. A Witch can burn incenses and resins too. I am sure I will have many wonderful magickal workings with my cauldron. I named her Cerridwen, which I feel is appropriate.
Please do not steal or copy from this blog. If you do, be prepared to be stomped on by the Fates and karma for your bad character. I can be reached at :
heddyjohannesen @ gmail.com
