The Art of Crystal Gazing: Divination Secrets

Crystal gazing has been in use since the ancients used ice for divination. 
 

As time passed and the use of ice gave way to the use of quartz, there was even more interest in the crystal ball.  In the Middle Ages, elaborate rituals were invoked before the seer took up the crystal ball and prayerfully read the symbols that appeared, believing that they had heavenly origin.  While many dismiss crystal gazing with a shrug, there are rare individuals with a thoroughly scientific attitude who endeavor to search for the truth and refuse to give credence to their own doubts.  Such individuals are now looking at the crystal ball with renewed interest.

Lewis Spence, one of the world’s foremost scholars of occult science, has this to say in his book An Encyclopedia of Occultism: “The object of crystal gazing . . . is the induction of an hypnotic state giving rise to visionary hallucinations, the reflection of light in the crystal forming points de repère for such hallucinations. . . . There are many well-attested cases wherein the crystal has been successfully used for the purpose of tracing criminals, or recovering lost of stolen property.” Now when the veil is thinnest is the best time to look to the other side for messages and meaning. 

One of the Greatest Healing Stones: Amethyst

If ou can only have one stone, this is one to consider for its healing and calming  power. 

Amethyst is a purple quartz found most commonly in Brazil, Canada, and East Africa. The color can range from light violet to deep purple or can be nearly colorless. Amethyst has been prized for jewelry for hundreds of years, and before a huge cache was discovered in South America, it was valued as a precious gemstone. It is now classified as semiprecious.

It is one of the stones most esteemed  by healers. The legendary American psychic Edgar Cayce recommended it for control and temperance. Amethyst is believed to aid in the production of hormones and regulate the circulatory, immune, and metabolic systems. Amethyst is treasured for its centering and calming properties and seems to connect directly to the mind, fighting emotional swings and depression. Aquarians and Pisceans can count it as their birthstone, and this might be a very good thing because the Fishes frequently struggles with substance-abuse issues, and amethyst can conquer drinking and other sensory indulgences, such as out-of-control sexuality. Amethyst also helps with metal focus, intuition, meditation, and memory.

In early Renaissance, amethyst was held to have the power to prevent evil, at least evil thoughts, and to offer protection in time of war. The lovely purple gem continues to reign as one of the most popular of all stones. Little wonder, since it is such an aid to our physical and emotional health.

Celtic New Year: Samhain Celebration

Samhain, also known as the Celtic New Year, is the most profound, important, and best-known of all pagan sabbats.  Samhain is perhaps the  pagan’s favorite high holiday of all. 

After all, it is the witches’ New Year celebration and the time to honor and commune with your elders and family members who have passed on to the other side, as well as the time to celebrate the passing year and set intentions for new blessings in the coming new pagan year.  Plus, it is the season to become your most bohemian in a glamorous costume!

            Supplies:

            Altar space

            3 candles

            Powdered incense

            Bread

            Salt

            Wine

1.     Prepare for this most holy night and rite by setting up an altar.  Place the three candles on a stone altar to represent the Triple Goddess and five to represent the points of the pentagram.  The star of the pentagram should be drawn with powdered incense to be lit later.  Gather together bread, salt, and wine for the sacrament.

2.     After you have made your preparations for the altar, ready yourself by bathing and meditating.  Anoint your body before dressing in a robe or gown befitting this night when the veil between the worlds is the thinnest.  As you ready your body, mind, and spirit, consider what has taken place in the preceding year.  Cleanse your mind and heart of old sorrows and most especially of angers and petty resentments.  Bring only your best into this night.  After all, this is New Year’s Eve for witches, and you want to truly connect with those who have gone on to the other side.

3.     Walk alone to the place of the ceremony and kneel before the altar.  Before lighting the candles on the altar, say aloud:

This candle I light for the Maiden’s brightest glory.

Light the candle and bow to the Maiden.

      This candle I light for the power and passion of the Lady, the Queen.

Light the candle and bow to the Queen.

      This candle I light for the unsurpassable wisdom of the Crone.

Light the candle and bow to the Crone.

4.     Light the incense and then place the candles on the altar, saying:

These do I light in honor of the Triple Goddess on this sacred night of Samhain

I create this holy temple in honor of the Goddess and the God

And all the ancient ones.

From time before time,

I pay my tribute and my devotion

In love and greeting to those behind the veil.

5.     Now light the candles that represent the power of the five-pointed pentagram.  Rap three times on the altar with your hands or with your wand.  Then say:

This is a time outside of time

In a place outside of any place.

On a day that is not a day

Between the worlds and afar.

6.     Pause and listen to your heart for thirteen beats, then hold your hands in benediction over the bread, salt, and wine.  Now say:

For this bread, salt, and wine,

I do ask the blessings

Of our Maiden, our Queen, and our Crone

And of the God who guards the Gates of the World.

7.     Take the bread and sprinkle a bit of salt over it, saying:

I ask that I and all whom I love

Have health and abundance and blessings.

            Eat the bread, and hold up the goblet of wine, saying:

To a spirit that remains strong and true!

            Drink the wine and declare:

By the Triple Goddess and her godly consort, so mote it be!

8.     At this point, a danse macabre to any dark folk or Gothic music of your choosing can end the ritual – I suggest any music by the band Dead Can Dance.  You should also spend time meditating or allowing yourself to ease into a trance state to communicate with your beloved dead.  Hear the messages they have for you and let them know you.

9.     When you feel the ritual has ended, quench the candles, and then say:

Though these flames

Of the material world

Be darkened,

They shall ever burn

In the world beyond.

This rite is ended.

AstroGemology: Soul Stones for Scorpio

Scorpio, First Half: October 23-November 6:   The soul stone for early Scorpios is ruby, a gem celebrated in many legends dating from prehistoric times to the present day. 

Rubies were believed to be dragons’ eggs—very fitting for Scorpios, who have a lizard aspect to their souls. Rubies were believed to give the wearers invincibility. They were also thought to warn of danger by darkening in shade to a red that was nearly black. Rubies correspond to Mars, the first ruling planet of Scorpio, also associated with red. The most valuable rubies outrank even diamonds, and in the Bible, ruby is called the most precious of the gems first created in the world. If worn by a Scorpio, a ruby can re-channel passions such as lust, jealousy, and anger into more positive emotions. By all means, wear rubies, soulful Scorpios!

First-half Scorpios have a most unusual power stone in blue John. It is found in only one place in the world: the underground caverns beneath a hill in the county of Derbyshire, England. The Roman emperor Nero was crazy for it and paid an enormous price for a single vase made from it. It is the rarest of the fluorites, and its appearance of dark blue and reddish purple bands on a white background relates to Pluto, the second ruling planet of Scorpio. This is the sign of the underworld and secrets, and the origin of the name of its talisman is a mystery no one has yet solved. Though blue John can be difficult to come by, other fluorites are more readily available and will substitute nicely for the rare stone. Fluorite is thought to be healing to the bones and to wounds that lie underneath the surface. Secretive Scorpios carry many hurts beneath strong exteriors, and fluorites can gently resolve these over time 

For early Scorpios, the heart stone is stibnite, a blue-gray mineral that comes in clusters of needle-like rods. Stibnite is closely associated with Pluto and has a shiny and opalescent surface. It is soft, and because of its crumbliness, stibnite greatly alleviates this, making it easier for Scorpios to get along with other people and get along better in the world. If you’re a Scorpio, you know you have a strong will; this stone can help you get your ideas across without forcing them. A chunk of stibnite on your desk at work will help your career and reputation

Crystals As Catalysts for Change

If you feel the need to hit reset in your life, you might consider heading to the crystal shop.

If you are reading this blog, it is a good sign that you are wanting positive change in your life. Crystals and gems are powerful vehicles for creating advantageous new directions for you to try. Certain crystals are revolutionary rocks—they can bring fresh change into your life NOW.

Moonstone stimulates all the senses. Onyx helps with self-control. Peridot balances the physical energies. Sapphire is a motivator. Pink quartz helps overcome bad habits. Bloodstone rids emotional blockage. Alexandrite encourages love for life.

The Must-have Essential Oils

I am always amused when I tell people that there are many mentions of essential oils in the Bible. It seems that Jesus an dthe Apostles were big fans of oils and used them all the time. Pretty cool, eh?

If you are skeptical about the efficacy of essential oils, you’ll at least find it reassuring to know that the oils enter and exit the human body without leaving any toxins behind.  The best ways to use essential oils are externally, absorbed through the skin, or through steam inhalation.  However, oral applications are indicated for some remedies.

There are hundreds of essential oils used by herbalists, but for general therapeutic use in the home, these are my recommendations you need to have at the ready,

Lavender Oil

If I could only have one essential oil, I would choose lavender because it is so versatile.  It is a natural antibiotic, antiseptic, sedative, antidepressant, topical treatment for scalds and burns, and a good detoxifier; it prevents scarring and promotes healing, and its lovely scent has a calming effect and is widely used in aromatherapy.

Tea Tree Oil

Used by aborigines in Australia for centuries, tea tree oil is a powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic.  It has a fresh camphor smell and is used to treat athlete’s foot, sunburn, candida, and other infections.

Peppermint Oil

A wonderful therapeutic for digestive, respiratory, and circulatory complaints, peppermint oil is used to treat indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, flatulence, halitosis, catarrh, varicose veins, headaches, skin irritations, and rheumatism.  It also works as a deterrent for infestations of mice, fleas, and ants.  It is not surprising that peppermint oil is regarded as the world’s oldest medicine.

Eucalyptus Oil

In eucalyptus oil, we have an all-purpose antiviral, antibiotic, diuretic analgesic, and antiseptic.  It can be therapeutic for coughs, colds, respiratory stimulation, and insect bites.  If you start to feel cold symptoms, use 5 drops of eucalyptus oil in a hot bath or in a bowl prepared with boiling water for a head steam.

Thyme Oil

Thyme is an “old-time” antiviral, antibiotic, antiseptic, and diuretic curative; it was highly valued and widely used by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans for fatigue, coughs, warts, rheumatism, neuralgia, and acne.  Thyme oil works very well mixed with base oil for massage.

Rosemary Oil

Sweet-smelling rosemary oil is a great antiseptic to use for flu, coughs, headaches, depression, muscular stress, arthritis, rheumatism, fatigue, and forgetfulness.  Rosemary oil is stimulating and will perk you up if you do a head steam with it or put a couple of drops in the bath.

Happy Hygge Home: Aromatherapy Magic

Even if you don’t ascribe to magic, you would probably guess that certain flowers and herbs have their own energies, in the same way they have uniquely lovely scents and oils.

Simmer this mixture whenever you feel the need to infuse your home and hearth with the energies of quietude protection. This will safeguard you and your loved ones from outside influences that could be negative or disruptive. Set your intention for how you want your space to feel and gather together the following herbs:

1/4 cup rose petals

1/3 cup rosemary

1 tablespoon basil

¼ cup sage

1 teaspoon juniper berries

1 tablespoon dried cloves

4 sticks cinnamon

Put all the herbs, flowers and spices into a bowl and gently blend the herbs together by hand. While you are doing this, close your eyes and visualize your home as a sacred place protected by a boundary of glowing white light. Imagine that the light runs through you to the herbs in your hand and charges them with the energy of safety, sanctity, and protection. Add the herbs to a pan with 2 cups simmering water and stir with a wooden spoon. When the aromatic steam rises, intone:

Made of flowers and fire,

Thus brew brings the peace I desire.

With my hands, I make this brew

To bless our home and hearth anew.

And so it is.

I let the brew simmer for at least an hour. As the sweet and spicy fragrance imbues your home with cleansing ernegy, enjoy the blessings brought by this simple house magic.

The Practical Magic of Candles

Nowadays, the popularity of candles has reached an all-time high. Candles are used by folks of all walks of life for relaxation, meditation, and aromatherapy. 

This simple yet profound tool can make powerful magic. Notice how candlelight transforms a dark room and fills the air with the energy of magical light. Suddenly the potential for magic is evident.

Candles contain all four of the elemental energies:

Air—Oxygen feeds and fans the candle flame.

Earth—The solid wax forms the candle.

Water—Melted wax is the fluid elemental state.

Fire—The flame sparks and blazes.

How to Charge a Candle:

“Charging” a candle means instilling it with magical intent. A candle that has been charged carries that intention through all four elements and up to the heavens. It fills the very air with your magic. Ritual candles are chosen for their correspondences, carved, and “dressed,” or anointed, with the energy of an essential oil.

Candle Color Correspondences

Black: banishing, absorbing, expulsion of the negative, healing serious disease, attracting money

Brown: home, animal wisdom, grounding, healing

Dark Blue: change, flexibility, the unconscious, psychic powers, healing

Gold: Solar magic, money, attraction, the astral plane

Gray: neutrality, impasse, cancellation

Green: money, prosperity, growth, luck, jobs, gardening, youth, beauty, fertility

Light Blue: patience happiness, triumph over depression, calm understanding

Orange: attraction, success with legal issues, mutability, stimulation, support, encouragement

Pink: love, faithfulness, friendships, goodness, affection

Purple: healing, ambition, business success, stress relief, power

Red: strength, protection, vitality, sexuality, passion, courage, power, love, good health

White: purification, peace, protection, truth, binding, sincerity, serenity, chastity, happiness, spirit

Yellow: mental power and vision, intelligence, clear thinking, study, self-assurance, prosperity, abundance, divination, psychism, powers of persuasion, wisdom, charisma, sound sleep

Once you clarify your intention, cleanse your candles by passing them through the purifying smoke of sage or incense. Further charge your candle by carving a symbol or sigil into the wax. You can warm the tip of your ritual knife using a lit match and carve your full intention into the candle wax. As you engrave the appropriate magical words onto the candle, you are charging it with energy and intention

Transformation Time: A Water Ritual

Sarasvati is a Hindu goddess of the arts, and originally a river goddess. She is invoked by individuals seeking to improve the flow of their creativity and self-transformation.

A bath blessing that will both relax and purify you is a rare and wonderful thing. To prepare yourself, place 1 quart of rough sea salt or Epson salts in a large bowl. Add the juice from 6 freshly squeezed lemons, 1/2 cup of sesame oil, and a few drops of rose and jasmine oils. Stir until the mixture is completely moistened. You can add more sesame oil if necessary, but do not add more lemon because it will make the mixture overly astringent and potentially irritating to your skin.

When your tub is one-third full, add one-quarter of the salt mixture under the faucet. Breathe in deeply ten times, inhaling and exhaling fully before you do this recitation. You may start to feel a tingling at the crown of your head. The water should still be running when you proclaim:

Sarasvati, O Harmonious One,

Goddess and mistress, I ask your guidance.

Remove from me any impurities

Of heart, spirit, and mind. I open myself to you.

My wish is to once again become whole,

Free of pain, sadness, and all that is better in me.

When the tub is full, it is time to step inside and breathe deeply ten more times. Repeat the prayer to Sarasvati, and use the rest of the salt to gently massage your body. Rest and rejuvenate as long as you like, allowing yourself to feel refreshed and renewed by the ministrations of this Hindu goddess of harmony and artistry from whom eloquence, inspiration, and blessings flow.

\

Sage Wisdom: DIY Smudge Sticks

Prosperity and purification go hand in hand. One of the greatest tools for purification is sage. 

While every metaphysical store has it in quantity, I highly recommend gathering or growing sage yourself. Aromatic sage dries quickly and can be bound into thick “smudge sticks,” which you should keep at the ready in a fireproof clay dish. To make a smudge stick, take dried sage leaves and bind them with green and gold thread wound nine times around the bundles and knotted at each loop. Leave room for a handle at the base of the wand, where you wind and knot the green and gold threads thrice more. This will honor the three Fates who hold the thread of our destiny in their hands: Clotho spins the thread of life; Lachesis chooses its length and outcome; and Atropos cuts the thread.

Use your smudge stick at any time purification is in order, especially if you’ve moved, started a new job, bought a new car, or purchased any second-hand clothing or furniture. This will help remove any energy that might be clinging from the previous owner. Light your smudge stick and, moving clockwise, circle the area or items to be purified. Speak aloud:

Great Spirit, with this smoke,

 your blessed protection I invoke. 

Out with the bad, in with the good. 

Harm to none and blessings to all.

As you travel through your life, you will acquire many sacred things, items which call to you and form part of your ritual equipment. By honoring those found items, you honor also your voyage, and Nature herself. Value these sacred things; they serve as your connection to your past, and your travels. The destination is often less important than the journey itself. The journey is the adventure that enables you to grow and gain in wisdom. Designing your own rituals are unique ways to fully experience your journey through life.

Which Crystal Talisman is Right For You?

Amulets are passive protectors but talismans actively transform the wearer to hold certain powers.

Crystals and gems already hold power, but with a talisman, special powers can be naturally occurring, or you can instill powers during a ritual. A talisman can be any object or symbol that you believe possesses mystical qualities.

Talismans are used for many different reasons. They can bring love, luck, wealth, and protect you from death or harm. For instructions on creating a talisman, consult a grimoire, or spell book. Here is a list of sacred stone shapes for amulets and pendulums when you are trying to figure out how you want to create ritual talismans and charms.

To maximize the power of the talisman that you design and make, consider the following tried and true suggestion: Keep in mind that this will work even better if you place the item on your altar to energize it. On a new moon night, light a candle that corresponds with your intention or hope. Green is for abundance, red is for power and love, blue is creative and spiritual vision. Burn the candle for one hour every evening.

I also like to create gifts of love for the special friends in my life. I like to gather seeds and herbs in my travels. If you create good luck talismans for your friends and loved ones, your good intentions will be repaid many times over. I keep a stock of tiny muslin drawstring bags on hand to make the talismans, but the talisman can be even more powerful if you sew the bag by hand and stuff the dried herbs and flowers inside. For a courage talisman, use mullein and borage; for safe travels, use comfrey; for protection, use snapdragon; for healing, use rue; for success, use woodruff; for strength, use mugwort; for beauty, use an acorn. 

Keep these herbal talismans with you at all times and advise your friends to do the same. These bring good luck when you carry them in a purse, pocket, or even in a string around your neck.

Beeswax Bliss: Herbal Healing Bars

Nothing is more relaxing than a massage and it is so good for you- healng and energizing, to be sure.

Massage bars should be look, smell and feel lush and soothing to the skin. Cocoa butter is beloved for the delicious chocolate sweet scent. I also recommend shea butter, grapeseed oil or mango butter  as other options for they are also delightfully sumptuous.

·        3 ounces cocoa butter

·        3 ounces beeswax

·        3 ounces  almond  carrier oil

·        1 teaspoon of essential oils such as lavender, clary sage, neroli, bergamot, amber

·        soap bar molds (available at all craft stores)

Slowly heat the  beeswax, almond oil and cocoa butter in a double boiler over low heat until just melted. Remove from heat. Add the essential oil when mixture has cooled slightly. Pour into soap molds and cool until hardened, approximately 2 hours. Place in freezer for a few minutes before popping bars out of molds. To use, rub massage bar onto the skin — the warmth of the skin immediately melts the bar. Package your handmade massage oil in a pretty box or basket and give it as a thoughtful gift.

These Essential Oils Are Also Excellent for Mindfulness Mojo:

Cinnamon is energetic oil, spicy and warm. It stimulates the mind as well as the body.

Ginger oil is vitalizing vigor and is known to boost vitality, and heightens desire and comfort.

Jasmine oil sparks sensuality and inspires a feeling of positivity, confidence, and pure bliss

Lavender oil very soothing, calming and nurturing; it can provide a sense of relaxation.

Orange is light, citrusy oil that offers balance and lifts moods, enhancing playful emotions.

Rose brings youthfulness and enhances self-esteems, It aids circulation and relieves tension

Sandalwood is a woody aroma that relieves tension relief and relaxes tense muscles.

Ylang Ylang’s sweet, floral aroma is used as aphrodisiac relaxes and reduces worry and anxiety.

..

Renewing Ritual: Calming Breath Meditation

Murcha in Sanskrit means “to retain,” so murcha is the “retaining breath.”

Murcha will help you hold on to some of your natural energy that business drains away. Restore yourself through this ritual. Pranayama is the fine art of breathing and controlling the flow of oxygen in and out of the lungs. Conscious breathing can vastly improve your health and make you more alert. This is a yoga exercise for achieving a state of ecstasy through pranayama. Done properly, murcha will enhance your mental capacity, center you, and create a sense of euphoria.

Sit down on the floor or a mat and make yourself as comfortable as possible. Now close your eyes and calm yourself completely. Begin the process of murcha by taking a few mindful breaths. Breathe through your nose. Don’t hold your breath; just breathe in and out in a natural manner, but remain aware of your breathing.

When you are ready, take a deeper breath through your nose and visualize the new air and oxygen traveling throughout your body, cleansing and relaxing you. Hold that deeper breath, bend your neck, and bring your chin as close to your lungs and chest as possible. Keep this position as long as you can do so comfortably. When you need to, raise your head again and slowly exhale through your nose. When your lungs are empty, repeat the murcha breath. Repeat this cycle of breathing five times only. After the fifth breath, notice how you feel and be “in the moment.” Like most breathing meditations, you will experience a subtle sort of ecstasy with raised energy and a sense of bliss.

In pranayama, it is important to remember not to place any stress on your body. Don’t hold your breath beyond your comfort level. To do so would be to go against the grain of the technique and teachings of pranayama.

With practice, you will notice you can hold your breath naturally and comfortably just a little bit longer each time. As with all things, pranayama yoga breathing gets better with practice. The beginning breath cleanses the pulmonary system and raises your energy level.

Longevity Elixir: Pear Bliss Brew

One of the most gorgeous of fruits, pears have long been prized in Asia for being a lucky fruit that also offers a long and prosperous life.

 The great magical teacher from whom I learned so much, Scott Cunningham, advocated for their use in love magic and seduction spells. Scott was brilliant in all matters so do take his advice! This pear liqueur is a special brew, indeed. You will need this to make this longevity potion:

3 large ripe pears

2 pods of cardamom

Lemon peel, two inches long

Vodka, 1 quart

1 quart clean and sterilized Mason jar with lid (preferably dark colored glass)

Start by crushing the cardamom pods and set aside. Peel the 3 pears and cut into thin slices. Gently place the pears into the jar. Put the crushed cardamom and lemon peel on top of the pears. Cover all with the vodka. Close and jar and tighten the lid, then gently shake twice. Store the jar full of pears in a dark, cool cupboard for ten days. After the ten days, remove the jar from cupboard. Pour the contents of the jar into a mixing bowl and mash thoroughly using the back of a fork. Strain the mixture into another bowl, using a colander that has been lined with a coffee filter or cheesecloth. Repeat this process twice and then pour the pear liqueur into the Mason jar. If you are feeling fancy, you can store in a pretty bottle but make sure it is sterilized and seal tightly. Live long and prosper!

Your Apple A Day: Simple Apple Cider Vinegar

The apple tree in my back yard is heaping with the gifts from generous apple goddess Pomona. 

 

This easy peasy recipe will result in one of the most useful items in your pantry which can be used in your cookery, as a daily health drink household cleanser, skin and facial toner, a hair rinse and doubtless dozens of excellent ideas. Hippocrates, the founding father of medicine in ancient Greece, taught that he depended on two medicinal tonics, honey and vinegar. Apple cider vinegar lowers cholesterol and blood pressure and helps strengthen bones.  Best of all, this costs mere pennies to make as you are using the cores and peels only from the apples. Bake a couple of pies while you brew up a tonic to health booster. When you add herbs to vinegar, you are enhancing the healing power for the best of both worlds.  All you need is:

8 organic apple cores and peels

2 tablespoons of honey

1 quart of water

Cut up the apple cores and peels into smaller pieces and spoon into a wide-mouthed canning jar. Pour in the water to cover the fruit, spoon in the honey and stir well. Cover that with a clean paper towel or waxed paper and place a rubber band tightly around the neck of the jar, Place on a dark shelf in your cupboard or work area and leave it for two weeks. Strain the liquid and remove the compostable solids that remain and return to the jar and secure the paper and band again. Put it back on the shelf and make sure to stir daily. After one month, take a spoonful and if the acidity and flavor is to your taste, transfer it to a dark bottle with sealable top. Vinegar will corrode metal lids so a pretty bottle with a cork is the best option.

Candle Magic: Intention Spell

 A lot of people are really fired up right now and rightly so as these are intense times. One way to literally fire up your passion and purpose is with an intention candle spell where you can get as specific as you need to. Use your words and spell out your wish to your deity of choice. 

Essential elements for this ritual are one candle of your favorite color, a candle holder, copal or cinnamon essential oil to represent spirituality, paper and pen, a ritual knife, and any visual aids you may require, such as photos, tarot cards, or a drawing of a deity you have made or found specifically for this ritual. Carefully select a representation of a deity with whom you feel a connection or who you believe will be benevolent toward your intention.

The “body” of the ritual refers to the act itself. It will further your intention if you carve related symbols and power words into your candle with the tip of your knife. Anoint the candle with the essential oil you have chosen. Dressing the candle from top to bottom adds the influence of attraction to your spell. Conversely, dressing the oil in the opposite direction, bottom to top, adds banishing power to your spell.

Write your intention on the paper and then speak aloud:

Thus I consecrate this candle in the name of [insert name of the deity here],

So this flame will burn brightly and light my way.

Place the anointed candle in the candleholder, light it, and say:

Blessed candle, light of the Goddess,

I burn this light of [deity’s name].

Hear my prayer, O [name the deity], hear my need.

Do so with all your grace,

And magical speed.

Now read your intention as you wrote it on the paper. Roll the paper into a scroll and, using a few drops of the warm wax from your intention candle, seal your sacred statement. Place the paper on your altar or in a special place where it can be safe until your intention is realized.

Allow the candle to burn down completely in order to truly raise and release energy. It can be useful to use small candles or tea lights for spells that require candles to burn out completely so you’re not left sitting there for several hours. Once you have seen your spell come to culmination, burn the written intention in a metal dish or in your fireplace in gratitude to the god or goddess who helped you. While other faiths may pray to God for help and favors, this differs in that you are helping yourself: you are taking action and setting your intention, not simply turning over all responsibility to a higher power.

Autumn Ritual: Web of Life Storytelling

Here is a wonderfully creative variation on this seasonal rite designed by Robin Heerens Lysne, the author of Living a Sacred Life.

It is based on the Native American Muskogee Creek tribal story about the spider who weaves her web sack to catch the sun and bring it back to earth. Lysne suggests holding a potluck dinner followed by a story-telling session as the light begins to wane. While people tell their equinox or fall season stories and feelings, they should hold the end of a ball of yarn or string and toss the ball to the next person to signal that it is their turn. As people hold the yarn, they should wrap it once around their wrists. When the talking is done, you will have a web of people woven together. Make the web of life with the yarn, symbolizing the weaving of night, day, relationships, and the time of autumn. When you are finished, let yourselves be in the web and contemplate the meaning of your connections.