Tag Archives: witch

September 8, 2026 · 2:50 pm

Autumn Inspirations: When the world turns Golden

Greetings Darklings:

September is here with all of its autumnal glory. I’m ready, more than ready! I have been busy, whether that be pressing flowers and herbs, keeping an eye on my growing turnip and carrots, setting my black plush blanket on my bed and raiding Dollarama for halloween goodies. I don’t mean candy. I found a too cool black plush cushion bedecked with a big silvery spiderweb print. It screamed Buy me and I obeyed. It is so me. Of course. I also found a witch doll, a black spiderweb lace tablecloth and a similar table runner. I have plans for the fabric. 

I plan to donate my gothic backpack. It bit the dust. Before I donate it, I salvaged the following items:

  • Two substantial black leather belt straps with buckles
  • Three Killstar metal logo tabs
  • A rectangular Killstar “Rage Realm” plaque
  • A large silver pentagram pendant
  • Two long, narrow leather pieces with multiple eyelets
  • A studded leather strap/belt piece
  • A small rectangular leather-backed piece

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am proud of myself for removing those items as well as I did. Now I can allow the old backpack to retire in peace. I ordered a new ultra cool bag from Killstar.

I have a new inspiration for sewing a spooky witchy dress for Samhain. I can’t afford to buy luxe fabrics to make it but why should I? I found my old unused black cotton bedsheet which is a queen size. I also dug out my black spiderweb lace tablecloths and runners. I do not want to spend a ton of money. I plan to make a simple dress using a pattern I already have and have already used. I have saved a ton of money right there. I want to use the Victorian Nightgown Sewing Pattern: Renaissance Chemise Dress. It’s not the Arwen pattern and I just don’t have the budget. I will cut out the pattern tomorrow morning in the crafts room at the library. I ditched my idea of forcing a sleeve to fit into a dress that is a different size now. The body of the dress will be simple yet elegant and the sleeves will make the statement.

I downloaded a spiderweb pattern to embroider onto the upper sleeve cap. I still want to sew arwen sleeves, not the sleeves from the nightgown pattern. I have to be frugal with the amount of fabric I plan to use. I hope this plan works. I do plan to sew the lower sleeves from chiffon, the upper sleeves from velvet or velveteen. I will sew the spiderweb lace onto the lower sleeves, not the spiderweb fabric from dollarama, but the fabric I ordered from Etsy – real fabric. I hope the two different fabrics don’t contrast each other too much. I do think a gathered elastic neckline would look exquisite and far more preferable. 

I am sure I can turn the fabric into a spooky, witchy dress ready for Samhain. I will just have to use persuasion. That is my #1 rule about craft projects: never force it. You get more done when you coax or persuade. Don’t craft when you are angry, or at least allow yourself to slip into that deep meditative state. It works for me every time. The process of creating is meant to be enjoyed, a process of discovery. 

I baked a loaf of herb bread last night. I found out too late that my loaf of herb bread was supposed to be baked in a smaller skillet. I didn’t know but it is still mouth watering delicious. I sprinkled in fresh rosemary and dried oregano, thyme and basil. Oh the bread smells so good and tastes even better. I planted four amethyst funds beans in the pot with my blooming turnip and carrots. I did harvest two beans. I let them dry. The beans were fully dried, which I stored in a dated and labeled envelope. I hope to get to do the same with the new beans. I hope they grow well. 

The weather here lately has been cool and wet. The overcast sky and cooler temperatures tell me that fall is here, not on its way. It Arrived! On the subject of arrivals, my copy of Tales from the Hearth arrived, an anthology my short story is published in. I plan to grab a copy of the latest Wicked Shadow Press anthology soon.

I’ve harvested a few herbs from the bountiful garden in our backyard. Mints, oregano, lemon balm. I want to press a few herbs and use the rest in teas.

I am ready for Fall!

Blessings, Spiderwitch )O(

 

 

 

 

 

Leave a comment

Filed under Paranormal and Witchy Fiction

Tagged as , , , , ,

November 1, 2024 · 10:39 am

My Samhain Experience

Greetings darklings,

The sun’s shining brightly on this early November morning. I am in recovery mode. That’s my jack o lantern in the photo. I had an awesome Samhain experience. I want to share that here with my dear readers today. 

I performed a bonfire ritual outdoors at my backyard step two nights ago. I was trying to get hydrogen peroxide and Epsom salts to ignite. No luck. I used a candle to light my hag torches made from mullein stalks. To my surprise, it worked! It proves there is something to going old school with our Magick! Candles will always work when everything else fails. A lovely fire brewed in my cauldron. It was freezing cold outside but the fire kept me warm. I felt the presence of spirits as I sat there with my black wool cloak draped around me for warmth. The smoke rising from the cauldron was so fragrant! 

The next evening, I performed a nice ancestral supper. I cooked a pot roast to perfection. I set a plate for Spirit and myself and left food for spirit too. The turnip, carrots and garden grown potatoes were perfect too. The energy was in the air and I am sure spirits were with me. The candles burned bright and flickered a LOT. I got choked up, remembering my grandparents and several memories returned to me. Yes it was solemn and sad. I can’t believe I cooked that buttery soft truly magnificent meal. I even wore my mourning veil. I ought to make all my meals that delicious and amazing. 

Last night, I left candy out for the eager trick or treaters. Tonight I baked a loaf of pumpkin bread, roasted pumpkin seeds, carved a pumpkin, brewed a batch of rose flavoured chocolate, and made marshmallows from marshmallow root herb powder. I need to blend it more. I bought granola bars and tried a s’more with the chocolate and the marshmallow blend. It tasted great but it is not quite there yet. I am so tired from slaving in the kitchen. The marshmallows can chill in the fridge for tonight. I am tired. Real tired. The kiddies ate most of the candy I left for them. I lit a candle and left it on the windowsill for the spirits. The pumpkin will go out in the back yard tomorrow. 

I was too tired from all that to perform a Solitary Samhain ritual. I still have candy left over from last night and a bowl of freshly roasted pumpkin seeds. I have a large mason jar full to the brim with pumpkin puree. I wish I was able to share all that magic, fun and savoury food with someone. I did it all alone with the ghosts and my cat. That is part of being a true Solitary Witch, I guess. 

Now it’s November, October hangover time. I want to buy a new canister of coffee but I must wait for a few deliveries to be made to my door: kitty kibble, a dress form from Amazon and copies of my published book! I can’t wait. The Arwen dress is not finished yet. The new dress form will make sewing the dress much easier. 

In other news, my novel is an Amazon Best seller! That is awesome. I will now write a sequel to The Cult of the Spider People. It’s successful so it would be worthwhile. I bought a neat Horror Tarot deck. The images on the cards make me think of the older days of pulp fiction. 

I would love to hear how you all celebrated Samhain!

Blessings, Spiderwitch 

Leave a comment

Filed under Paranormal and Witchy Fiction

Tagged as , , , , , , , , ,

October 7, 2024 · 1:42 pm

Bewitching Witch House )O(

Merry meet all,

The fall season is here! The leaves are already turning on the trees. My favourite time of year is here. The Wheel of the year soon turns to Mabon, the autumn equinox. 

I have been busy crafting a very special secret project. I crafted it with love and patience. It’s hard to believe that it was crafted from cardboard and popsicle sticks. However, I have persevered and crafted a true masterpiece. I have worked on it for a while and it was very hard work – but worth it! The best part of all it is not for myself but for someone else. 

The Witch House in its early construction stage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I glued popsicle sticks together to form the front, sides and back of the house. I did the same for the roof. Then I got a good idea. I glued cardboard to the front, sides and back of the house over the cardboard but not on the roof. I painted the front, sides and back of the house black and I painted the roof grey. I created two sides of cardboard for the house and glued them onto the two sides of the house. It’s was so tedious because the cardboard from the raisins box is red. I had to cover every single piece of the cardboard with white printing paper. Then I glued on Halloween printed card stock to the cardboard and painted every single piece, large or small, black or grey. I made a staircase for the front of the house. The house needed to have a solid and secure foundation just like a real house. It’s important to get that stage down first before anything else. 

I made a board for the house to sit on from the cardboard raisin box. First I painted it brown. I had to glue on Halloween card stock and then paint it black all over. Everything I had to paint took time to dry. After a while, I realized that using the heat of a hair dryer made the paint dry faster. I am still trying to figure out how to add a chimney to the roof. The board now serves as the garden. I did add a chimney to the back of the house. 

I borrowed my Mom’s good bigger glue gun and glue sticks. I do believe I have used up most of the glue sticks. 

I had to trim down the foam block. I did it using a bread knife and a big exact knife. I needed to make the house and staircase meet evenly. Oh my gods the work that this took. I covered the foam block you see in the picture in Halloween card stock  paper. Then I painted that all black. Then I painted on a sealant. I adhered black spider figurines to the foam block. That nicely covered any flaws. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I went to Michaels arts and crafts store to buy miniatures for the Witch House. I painted small white foam balls black and glued them onto the Witch House. I bought a cool skull Led lights set and adhered it to the Witch House.  Now it was coming together. I crafted several ‘shingles’ pieces – and covered them in white typing paper and painted each piece grey and adhered them to the roof of the house. Now, with the black balls and the LED lights set, it was really looking like a house. I arranged a miniature fence around the perimeter of the house and garden. 

I added moss, leaves, an owl figurine,  acorns, a pinecone, a headstone, a large spider, and real herbs to the garden. The herbs are goldenrod, dried grass buds and broad leaved dock. I added a miniature cauldron to the garden. The cream coloured pumpkins lend an old world charm to the garden. I arranged an archway over the garden at the entrance. I glued leaves to the archway. I made the archway with the miniature fence. 

The two ‘sides’ of the house were not easy to make. They each have an arched roof. I measured and had to construct a box and secure it to the sides of the house and painted them black. The sides pulled from the house. I concealed that with popsicle sticks. Then I used another piece of cardboard which I painted grey and coaxed it into an arched design. I glued that on and painted it black underneath. I glued a real black feather I found outside to the front side of the house. 

I used tiny letter stickers and adhered them to the front door. Oh my gods the door. It was glued on to the front of the house in such a way that the door won’t close. I think of it as a moat now. I hurt my hands cutting the top of the door because I wanted the door to be curved or arched.

I formed the door from popsicle sticks. I glued a piece of cardboard to the popsicle sticks then trimmed them. I painted it blue and grey then I went with black and grey paint. The door looks battered or maybe weathered is the word. I carved out a space in the door. I wish it would close all the way. Ah well. 

It looks like an old world door. The letters on the front of the door/ moat read: “Flying School”. I glued on a small wooden witch hat above those words. I sprinkled glitter on to the witch hat. I glued on the letters “Witch House/ Salem/ 1692” above the entrance to the house. I covered the letters with sealant. I touched up the rough spots with black or grey paint. I added black paint in splotches on the grey paint. I wanted the Witch House to look aged, as if it had been there a long time. 

I adhered black spider and bat figurines to the house. They now crawl all over it. I glued tiny bone figurines to the garden and stairs and fence. I painted them grey. I glued a wooden butterfly to the lower right side of the house. I glued in three witches gathered around a cauldron figurine inside the house. They can’t move but they can still spell cast! I noticed that each witch had a different symbol on her black witch hat. I crafted a broomstick figurine made from lemon balm twigs and glued it to the lower front of the house next to the stairs. 

I cut these small round yellow and orange balls on ‘twigs’ from a weird tree figurine. I glued them to the moss, put one in the cauldron and ended up using the tree figurine thing for a tree. I glued it to the left side of the garden. It serves as a tree. It leans way out though and I can’t get it to stand up straight. 

I glued a piece of real tree branch wood to the front entrance of the garden. It lays flat and looks like it really belongs there. I glued on a skeleton torso in ornate frame to the front roof of the house. I painted it grey and I painted the eyes of the skeleton black to give it more definition. I made an arched window on the right side of the roof. I have to finish the window. I painted it black and grey. I painted a wooden piece – the letters read Boo! to the floor of the Witch House and painted it grey. I also added silver sprinkles to that and the staircase. I glued on two black widow spider figurines to the house. They add a wicked menacing feel to the Witch House. I added a bit of moss to the staircase. I know the moss will stay in place because there is so much covering the moss in the garden. I adhered toadstool stickers to the staircase and the fence archway. 

Now it’s coming together and making me wish I was small enough to live in the Witch House. I would never leave it if I could. I anointed the Witch House with special oils – Samhain and Bewitching. I have a mandrake essential oil to use as well. I burned sage and let the smoke waft over the house. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I fear that the Witch House is not that stable. I still have to add a large piece under the Witch House to make it adhere to the black foam block. It tips and is uneven. Once I do that and use rubber cement glue, it will stick and stay in place. It just needs to be evened out. 

Update: I have covered the large piece of craft foam with black fabric and it now rests under the Witch dollhouse. I think the Witch dollhouse is just the coolest thing I have ever crafted! It really is and I almost wish I could keep it. The rubber cement glue didn’t work. 

I didn’t want to go for something campy. I wanted to capture the true spirit of Samhain. When the LED lights are on, the whole house is instantly alive and magickal! It appears so bewitching! The Witch House has been a true labor of love. I don’t regret it, and I want one for myself. I have nowhere to store it though. I am going to be happy to gift this beautiful, decadent and wicked witchy Witch House! 

I still have to paint the Witch House and garden in a sealant. Once I am done doing everything else. I  have painted the entire Witch house in a sealant. The Witch house is now done. I added another black block to go under the house to keep the house stable. I am so proud of my achievement. I hope my friend loves her gift! 

I found a huge box to mail her gift in. My cat Penny naturally and instantly believes the box to be hers. I needed a box that was a certain size to be able to mail the gift. I can’t wait for Nora Peevy to see it.!!!! Talk about a treat (trick or treat). 

I assembled a collection of school supplies for my niece and nephew – Halloween pencils, pens and pencils, a homemade pencil case, notebooks, scribblers, a ruler and pencil sharpener, etc. I hope they love it. I mailed it to them and I know they will love having new school supplies! So they get those straight A grades! 

I bought beautiful deep blue knit fabric, grey lining material, blue chiffon and blue lace. I want to craft a witch gown. I am tired of this other Witch gown I have. I am retiring and donating it. The dress has served its purpose. I plan to make my own pattern though. I ordered a pattern from Judy’s Little Shop. I thought I lost the original Arwen pattern only to be reacquainted with it later. But the first pattern is pretty tattered. I want to save the bodice though. I can use it for the new gown. It’s black and silver but I will find a way to make it work. I also ordered some beautiful silver floral lace from Etsy. I want to use that for the trim on the collar and sleeves. The best part of using the bodice for this dress is the eyelets are already done for me. I hate setting in eyelets for the lace up bodice. 

I love to craft and that is certainly evident here! I can’t wait to start making the gown. I guess I should get started by cutting out the pattern pieces! 

In other news, I passed the second test to become part of the Nova Scotia Guard. I successfully completed the Volunteering in Emergencies exam. I even received a certificate. The edits are done on my novella. Now we move on to formatting. Getting closer to publication! 

The finished Witch Doll House

 

Blessings, Spiderwitch 

The lace trims – 

https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/766918166/dark-silver-romantic-lace-3d-flower?click_key=54f1cf584262be0c431185264bdd6bb9919a1337%3A766918166&click_sum=c1302c61&ref=hp_rv-1&pro=1&sts=1&fbclid=IwY2xjawFKojRleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHT4pm6k3_jPARFOvp8ZQVLNyAaeLJujQO5bUqgHDQZ8IAuRLIlByiKLAcQ_aem_7PYNYomrbabE5b-60BaGrg

Embroidered Mesh – EXQUISE – Navy

2 Comments

Filed under Paranormal and Witchy Fiction

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

March 1, 2024 · 1:16 pm

Enchanted Costuming )O(

Merry meet all,

Beware the Ides of March!  Yes March is like an enigma, it is still winter but spring wants to have her way too. 

The besom I ordered from Etsy and that flew in from the Ukraine is truly magickal. The besom is still standing up on end perfectly straight. Wow. The besom named Raven is black and beautiful. Well it came from Russia, yeah so, it’s magickal. I love Raven. The besom is just made for this witch’s abode. 

I plan to start my seeds soon. I wanted to get soil today but the freezing cold temperature – minus 21 C% windchill, keeps me indoors. I may go out just to do laundry but that’s all. I guess I will head out tomorrow. It is too cold to leave the house today. 

I ordered the Tauriel Maxi Overdress in black this week. I can’t wait to get to wear it with everything I own almost. Black matches everything. I already can think of several dresses I can wear with the overdress. That’s why I don’t regret buying it. It is better than buying something and then discovering too late nothing matches. Here is the enchanting description of the overdress from Holy Clothing:

  1. “Named for the free-spirited elven warrior from The Hobbit, our Tauriel Overdress truly is a magical piece. There’s something really fantastic and awe-inspiring about this hooded overdress, from the falling vines of leaves to her mysterious oversized hood.
  2. This overdress is a single piece that is made up of a lace-up bodice, asymmetrical hem skirt, and a hood. It’s also an underbust design, which gives the wearer a lot of looks to play with when they’re deciding which pieces of their closet to add to the outfit they want to create.
  3. Tauriel isn’t just a fantasy dress for costume play or LARP. It’s so much more than that. It’s a dress that allows you to bring a spark of magic into your everyday life without being a huge statement piece. This is a dress with a subtle and lovely flare, and one that would look perfect while worn during a Sunday market excursion or donned for a day out in your nearest big city.
  4. Live magically. Live romantically.
  5. About this overdress:
  6. Metallic silver nature-inspired embroidery.
  7. Pockets for keeping your favorite shiny rocks safe.
  8. Brass eyelets.
  9. Bodice designed with two layers of rayon and interfacing.
  10. Crepe godets.
  11. Double layer of rayon for the hood.
  12. Exclusive HolyClothing design.
  13. Ethically handmade in India.” Credit to Holy Clothing. 

How can you turn that away? I can’t. I ordered it for a reason. I can’t wait for winter to end so I can strut my stuff. Here is a photo of the overdress  shown below. https://holyclothing.com/collections/overdresses I have included the link if you want to order one for yourself. 

I hope this inspires you to try enchanting your own style! Blessings Spiderwitch

Leave a comment

Filed under magic, organic, Paranormal and Witchy Fiction, seeds, spring

Tagged as , , , , , , , ,

November 11, 2023 · 4:14 pm

Witches in the Lime light )O(

Merry meet all,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings, Spiderwitch )O(

Leave a comment

Filed under Paranormal and Witchy Fiction, Samhain

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

October 25, 2023 · 11:53 am

A Dark Inspiration

Merry meet all,

This post will focus on Samhain and my dyeing fabric project using acorns. Are you all excited? I am.

I foraged for a very big mullein stalk yesterday morning. The stalk was about six feet in length. I plan to use the mullein stalk to make hag tapers or torches with. I hope and hope the weather on October 31st will cooperate. I want to have the traditional bonfire. I always have my traditional bonfire. I will  prepare the mullein pieces, cut to size in a double boiler pot with melted beeswax. I will add herbs and oils. I want the beeswax to look black so I will add charcoal. An additive to make beeswax black can affect the way it burns. The charcoal is purely for aesthetic purposes. The popular herbs for Samhain can be used to enhance the beeswax and hag tapers. I would use aromatic herbs like sage, rosemary, wormwood, mugwort and rose. I can’t wait to make the hag tapers.

I’m making the dye bath with the acorns I foraged for earlier. I have treated the muslin cloth in a pot of water with the powdered album. I use the album to make the fabric take to the dye. I used a very large stainless steel pot and added the acorns. I have to ensure the water covers the acorns. I will continue to simmer the acorns for till late tonight and let the acorns soak in the water all night until about midday tomorrow. The longer that the acorns steep, hopefully the darker the color will be.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then I will strain the acorns and pour the dye bath back into the pot. The acorn dye bath has steeped overnight and I’m boiling it on the stove again. The dye has become a lovely dark brown colour. I know the dye will be three times lighter when rinsed and dried. That’s why I am steeping the acorns for so long, to achieve the darkest color possible. I will attempt to dye the fabric tonight and I may do a test patch too. I am excited to see how this turns out. The tannins in the acorns are what make the dye possible. Acorns are rich in tannins. It makes me feel so witchy, stirring a pot of acorns! The scent from the acorns is musky and earthy. 

Now I have to prepare for Samhain! I am sure I am not the only one. I pureed the pumpkin to brew pumpkin bread, perhaps some barmbrack bread and pumpkin soup. I may even try making powdered pumpkin and use my dehydrator. I want to harvest dandelion roots and dry them in my dehydrator. 

Fall is the season of abundance! I am sure the book I am binding will be beautiful. Last night, I worked on it some more. I watched a few videos about people who know how to bind books professionally. They sure knew their stuff. Some of it was a little over the top. I am binding the book to create a book for my horror poetry. I want to write another poetry book. I have a pdf of the Writing in the dark poetry workbook. I am not writing my rough drafts of the poems in that book. Of course the first poem I will put in the book will be the one I wrote and had published, about the cemetery, Encounter with Death. I want to stain the pages with coffee or tea and maybe other herbal infusions. Or dilute essential oils and add that to the pages. I want herbs to have a big role in the creation of this book. The acorns are already adding that energy. I did make three pages of paper. I added a few herbs to the pages too. I will tea stain those pages and add them to the front and back of the book. The covers and spine are cut to size. I cut a small rectangle on the back book cover so I can emboss that section. 

I also plan to include a photo of the headstone where I gathered the acorns by accident. I want to include a small note that I appreciate and respect the spirit for letting me gather the acorns. I’m putting the note in an envelope and storing at the front of the book. I thought of buying a taper logy set ( the decorative paper for making a junk journal) and dyeing the paper and adding it to the book. 

The fabric I’m binding the book with is muslin. I hope the colour will be a deep enough colour of brown for this to work. I want to attach a black velveteen strip to go over the front edges of the book. I also want to add 4 corner protectors. Most of the supplies are available at Michaels. I love that store. I want to also add an adhesive to the muslin once dyed to make the fabric stiffer and more durable. 

I considered making the paper for the book by hand. But I don’t have the fine art of making paper with a mold and deckle down enough. I plan to buy a pack of coloured paper at Staples and then tea staining it and trimming the outer front edges of the paper to add texture. I have a lot of plans with this project. Maybe this will finally make me write that book already! 

Golds, brown and black tones and shades will obviously work here. I originally wanted to use the davy board up. I had some remaining from my other project. I want to decorate the pages with crows, spiders and bats. This is supposed to be about horror after all. I will post more when the book is complete. I can’t wait and I can’t wait for Samhain. 

Blessed be, Spiderwitch

 

Leave a comment

Filed under Paranormal and Witchy Fiction

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

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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

October 1, 2023 · 11:33 am

October is here!!! )O(

Merry meet all,

October is here! October brings many charms such as pumpkins, gourds, fiery autumn leaves, and that magical chill in the air. I have a busy month ahead of me. Here is my schedule:

Paranormal Symposium – October 7
HWA Annual Blog event – my post October 7
Writers Digest University Horror Writing conference – October 14
Demonology Course – October 16 
Samhain – October 31
On top of that, I have my herbalism course, and taking care of my cat Penny (a full-time job in itself), my writing. I plan to harvest dandelion roots soon and dry them in my dehydrator and brew immunity tonics. I want to take the Intro to Parapsychology course and I hope it’s still open by the time I can afford it. Penny’s going to the groomers this week. She has so many mats in her fur and I want her to look and feel her best. She is my beloved kitty after all. 
There are also a few awesome astrological events this month as well. October is the month with the most magic after all. Here is a link from Spirit nest that describes the astrological events: 

On October 4th, Mercury moves into Libra, providing us with opportunities to be more empathetic and receptive in our social and professional lives.

On October 8th, Venus enters Virgo, and on October 10th, Pluto ends its retrograde in Capricorn. The combined earth energy of these two events grounds us and directs our attention to our priorities. With Pluto’s shift, we are encouraged to approach work with enthusiasm and energy.

On October 12th, Mars enters Scorpio, and for the next six weeks, we can expect to feel a heightened sense of passion and sensuality.

On October 14th, the New Moon Solar Eclipse in Libra kicks off eclipse season, followed by the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Taurus two weeks later. This marks the end of a two-year cycle of eclipses in the Taurus-Scorpio axis and signifies the end of an intense learning process centred around letting go of control.

I created a calendar that depicted photos of my irascible cat Penny. Today was the calendar’s last day. I have a calendar from Llewellyn but that doesn’t start till January, which makes no sense to me because October 31st is Witches New Year. I printed out a calendar for the month of October from the app on my desktop. I have a lot to keep track of this month. I hope to catch the eclipse near the end of the month. 
I want us all to welcome the newest member to my witch doll coven, Morrigan. I collect witch dolls in October every year. This year, I found her at. Michaels arts and crafts. She is beautiful and will adjust nicely to her new home. She holds a crow or raven in her hands and I knew she was perfect. There are 30 days to Samhain but I already feel the first stirrings of Samhain in the air. I also found a lovely astrology workbook. I find astrology fascinating and I look forward to working with it. 
The Horror Zine published my short story, Skin, for this month. I received a copy of the book in the mail. I am thrilled that my story appears at the front of the book, as that means it will be read by readers sooner. They can find the story easily. I will have to scratch up another story for the editor! Here is the link to the Horror Zine: https://www.thehorrorzine.com/?fbclid=IwAR0zTcB_PFZ1hmnigq8XuqbK0jKceeX05A3Xi8ZtQ2uJlnYHsRlYQBJ3Msc
I also see October as a month to bring projects to completion. I have several projects to finish. October 31st is the Witches New Year so that is the reason for my compulsion to finish projects. I love the feeling of completing projects. I like ticking them off my list. I do have Virgo in my chart and this is clear here. I want to work on my material media, turn up the compost outside, finish the laundry, make my apartment sparkle and be all clean for October, and write more horror stories. Whether I actually accomplish all that, time will tell. 
Until then, be magical and have fun!
Blessings, Spiderwitch 

Leave a comment

Filed under Paranormal and Witchy Fiction

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

September 25, 2023 · 1:47 pm

Samhain Style )O(

Merry meet all,

Happy Mabon! Fall is here. I have been busy decorating my apartment for fall/ Samhain. I set up my goth ghost tree. I sipped cider and listened to classic Halloween tunes as I did. I painted wooden ghosts white, orange and black and hung them up on the tree. I found a few cool items at the dollar store and added them to the tree. I hung a black leaf garland on the bookcase, and wound orange lights through the garland and then added orange fabric pumpkins to the garland. I love how it all looks- playful and wicked at the same time. That is the spirit of fall. For those of you who are already keen to decorate, then keep reading. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I roasted pumpkin seeds, brewed a pot of cider and I just found my halloween altar cloths, tapestries and a brown tablecloth I made myself. I repaired my black lace maxi skirt and washed it. The skirt is ready to wear. I am so happy about that. I plan to wear it to the Paranormal Symposium. I feel the magical chill in the air as fiery leaves trickle to the earth. It’s the Season of the Witch, for sure. I love this time of year. 

I even made a tree skirt for my goth tree. I used a grey spider print plastic table cover. I cut a hole in the centre for the centre of the goth tree pole then I arranged it around the tree. You can’t see it in the photo above but it is cool and my cat sits on it. I am ready for Samhain now and I hope you are too. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Decorations don’t have to cost a whole credit card or your entire life savings. I barely spent any money on my decorations. October is a magical time of year but it is only once a year. I never feel that I have to spend a fortune. If you keep that in mind and buy decorations that can be used more than once a year, then you will find better items to purchase. That is how I always look at it. 

I use items from nature and herbs. I harvested all the Chinese lanterns. They ripen to a lovely orange colour. Pumpkins can be used for decoration of course, as well as acorns, pinecones, and gourds. Don’t buy the fake ones from the store. Forage for your own goodies! You can use them in spells as well. You can draw up more energy for spells from a real gourd or acorn. I never buy plastic pinecones. I live near a nature trail so it is easy for me to find nature treasures. Nothing I love more than harvesting and foraging for acorns, pinecones, apples, herbs. If you want tips on how to clean them to avoid pests, then peruse the past blog posts. 

My garden is winding down. The leaves turn gold and red. I still have celery, tomatoes (a few, thanks to the hurricane), and green peppers growing. It is hardly the harvest I was hoping for. I’m keeping an eye for when the frost hits and I still haven’t planted garlic. I still want to grow carrots. Carrots can handle a frost. I strolled through the nature trail. Sadly, I am not sure what happened to the elder shrubs but there are not nearly the same amount of elderberries as last year. I want to make elderberry syrup but I may have to buy the berries at the organic food store this year. The shrubs were almost bare of berries. That had to be due to Hurricane Lee. 

Here is more inspiration to satisfy your decorating itch! https://enchantedlivingmagazine.com/a-table-to-celebrate-your-autumn-inner-witch/?fbclid=IwAR0kH8PaBBjFXLvURRmu-76itsIL5ABshJY89jorYV2nj6ppVDARW02tphM

I found this article too: https://www.bhg.com/halloween/outdoor-decorations/halloween-outdoor-makeover/

Do what works for you and reflects your personal style. You can go with a theme of ghouls, zombies, or more classic and subtle halloween decorations, whatever strikes your fancy. It looks like Samhain all year in my apartment but that is just me. Let me know what inspired you in the comments. 

Blessings, Spiderwitch 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leave a comment

Filed under Paranormal and Witchy Fiction

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

September 21, 2023 · 7:19 pm

Mabon Fashion Magick )O(

Merry meet all,

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. 

Here is a blog link with more helpful tips for you and your costume! https://livinglesh.com/stylish-witch-halloween-costume/

Let me know what you think in the comments below!

Blessings, Spiderwitch

 

Leave a comment

Filed under magic, Paranormal and Witchy Fiction, Samhain

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