Herbal Hex Breaker Ritual

Nothing can erode your inner calm more than being hexed or experiencing a run of bad luck and ill spirits. This foolproof spell requires you to obtain the bark of the wahoo plant from your herbalist. Known as Euonymus atropurpureus, it should never be ingested for any reason. Steep the bark in boiling water for 5 minutes. After it has cooled, dip your right index finger into the liquid and cross your forehead, saying seven times loudly, “Wahoo!” Whatever has been pestering you will leave your space immediately.

Herbal Helpers for Quick Protection Magic

You need look no further than your kitchen cabinet for other commonplace herbs to ward off unsettling energy:

    * Lemon rind: Rubbed on furniture, doorjambs, and window frames, cleanses negative energy.

    * Rosemary: When added to potpourri, woven into a wreath, or sprinkled on your doorstep, helps                 protect you.

    * Salt: On the threshold of your home will keep away unwanted guests.

    * Kava kava: Kava kava root guards against negative energy. Boil ground kava kava in a quart (1 liter)     of water, let it cool and pour the water on your front step and walkway. To ramp the power up even            more, add in 1 tablespoon each of ground cloves and cinnamon. Safety first!

Incense Alchemy

 

Long ago, shamans and witches discovered that perfumed resins from herbs and tree branches could be thrown into the fire to release their properties. Ever since then, incense has been an essential tool in magical rites, recognized for its ability to restore universal equilibrium.

Making incense requires a mortar and pestle and a collection of 4-ounce (115ml) lidded jars. The incense is burned on small charcoal cakes, available at all metaphysical stores. Safe burning requires either a censor or use of a fireproof glass or clay dish.

Simple Incense Recipes

    * For peace of mind: Crush sandalwood, bay leaves, and amber resin together. Burn a small amount on     a charcoal cake in your fireproof glass or clay dish on your altar and meditate. The plant damania can be     added to increase concentration.

    * For mastery of mind: Crush together equal parts cinnamon and resinous benzoin. You will achieve         your goals by burning this combination.

    * To enhance meditation: Mix equal parts white sandalwood and frankincense, and add one-fourth part     white orrisroot. Add a drop of oil from one of the following plants: angelica, agrimony, or aloe. Use this     during the day of a full moon or during any lunar ceremony.

Witch Craft: Angel Accessing Charm for Protection

In your travels along the sacred path, you doubtless have gathered up many natural treasures, such as seashells, driftwood, crystals, and small pebbles. You can create a simple “Angel Accessing Tool” from your collection of nature’s blessings. Make an amulet any time you want to gather up the good energy of those unseen who can help and protect you (and drive away the not so helpful energy). Here’s how to make an amulet you can hang whenever you need to call upon angelic aid.

Gather together

    * sections of string, at least 6 inches (15cm) in length, one for each crystal

    * small chunks of crystal (celestite, amethyst, aquamarine, muscovite, morganite, and selenite can all         help you make contact with your guardian angels)

    * a stick (a small piece of sea-smoothed driftwood is perfect)

Tie a piece of string around each chunk of crystal. Attach each string to your stick of wood so the crystals are hanging from the stick. Hang your amulet anywhere in your home you want to “make contact.”

Once you have crafted your magical tool, you should store it in a safe place and bring it out when you really need angelic intervention. When I lived in a big city that had lots of car break-ins, I made one for my car and the era of broken windows ended for me. I recommend one for your office space, too. We all need work angels! You can welcome unseen and benevolent spirits into your home and life with this conjuring charm.

Rite for Welcoming Spirits

We can all use more benevolent energy in our lives. Some angels may take human form, such as a friend who is always there in a crisis. Others are hovering above in the ether and can be invoked with a few words and a focused intention. Use this spell when you need a guiding hand and angelic assistance.

Gather together

    * 1 white and 1 blue candle (these are angelic hues)

    * rosemary essential oil

    * frankincense and myrrh incense

    * celestite, a sky-blue crystal associated with angel energy (amethyst can substitute)

Anoint both candles with the rosemary essential oil. Light the white candle and use it to light the incense. If you were unable to acquire any frankincense or myrrh incense, you can use rosemary incense or light a rosemary branch in a fireproof glass or clay dish. Now light the blue candle with the white one and place them on either side of the crystal. Breathe deeply and speak this spell aloud to invoke the celestial guardians.

    Guardians, I call upon you now

    To bring aid and angelic blessings

    By earth and sky, I invite you now

    To point me to all that is good

    And protect me from all that is not.

    With gratitude to the heavenly host.

    So mote it be.

Writing to Archangel Michael for Protection

 

A study of angelic lore across the traditions indicates that the archangel Michael is the oldest and most powerful of all angels, and as a personal protector he can be called on or invoked when you need him for courage, insight, spiritual growth, guidance, or in times of urgency.

There are many ways to call on the guidance of the angels. You can do this with a pendulum or meditation ritual; ask him to join you in a walk or in your dreams. In fact, in your dreams you will be much more open to receiving his messages. Before inviting Michael into your dream world, breathe deeply and achieve a state of total calm. Then think about why you feel the need for his guidance. Write down in your dream journal or Book of Shadows a specific invitation to him, such as, “Michael, please come to me and help me to know if this potential new love (or new home or job, etc.) is right for me. Yes, you can and should be that specific. The clearer you are, the easier it is for the angel to provide aid. As you fall asleep, think about the circumstances and drift into your sleep and your dreams. The answer will be in your mind when you wake up. Write it down in the same journal and thank your angelic guest with a prayer of gratitude.

She Brings You Blessings and Strength: Hecate Invocation

 

Hecate, above perhaps all others, is the original goddess of witchcraft. She is also the goddess of night, magic, necromancy, the moon, and ghosts. At “the witching hour of midnight,” the power of magic is strongest. This is also the optimal time to call down the goddess known as queen of the witches” for a power boost of blessings and strength. By honoring her and inviting her into “your life, you will receive untold gifts of wisdom, joy, and beauty.

Gather together

    * 1 large crystal, ideally a geode, amethyst, quartz, or rock crystal

    * 3 candles in sturdy glass votives

    * an image of the goddess

    * a rattle or drum

Timing: The best time to perform this ritual is midnight.

Place the large crystal on your altar, along with candles and the goddess image.

    Blessed one, all sky and earth and ocean is yours.

    May we all be blessed by you.

    May we all draw strength from you.

    I sing to thee, bright lady.

    I dance for thee, queen of all.

    In your honor, 

    Blessed be.

Now, pick up your rattle or drum and shake or beat it while dancing under the midnight sky.

Foretelling Your Future: Mercury Sortilege

The god Mercury prevails over communication, speed, prophecy, mental clarity, and fun. Traditionally, he also escorts the dead to the afterworld. All things yellow and citrus can bring forth Mercury’s bright presence, which will help you in all your interactions with others. Try these surefire ways to make contact with the god of swiftness and time.

Gather together

    * 3 yellow candles

    * lemon essential oil

    * neroli essential oil

    * a notebook and a pen

Timing: It is best to do this during the waxing moon.

When the moon begins to wax, burn all three candles. Anoint yourself and the candles with the essential oils. Look at the flames and meditate upon them. Breathe deeply, filling your lungs with the fiery citrus scent. Holding both hands out, palms up, say:

    Messenger of the gods,

    Bring me your news.

    Tonight, in this fire and flame,

    Tell me the place and the name.

    Mercury, messenger and god,

    I will listen for your word on the wing.

    Blessed be, to thee and me.

Now, you can either go to sleep with your dream journal nearby, or you can close your eyes and take up your pen for “automatic writing,” allowing your hand and wrist to relax until you see what words take shape on the paper. Carefully record symbols and images that show up in your dreams; they all have meaning. Often, the names of people you will soon meet appear here first.

Guardians Circle Incantation

This little spell will take you far inside yourself. It will greatly empower you and instill in you a much deeper understanding of who you are and what you are here to do. Each of us is as individual as a snowflake, and our souls are imprinted with a stamp of specialness. The closer you get to the revelation of your soul’s mission, the more you will know why you are here, and more importantly, what you are here to do. While the preparation takes a bit of time, the incantation is 5 minutes of pure magic.

Gather together

* compass

* 1 votive candle

* pine essential oil

* a 1 quart (1 liter) glass jar

* incense

Timing: The best time to perform this spell is during the new moon, when the night sky is at its darkest.

Go outside and find a solitary space in which you can cast a circle. Use the compass to find true north. When you feel comfortable and safe to begin, cast a circle of energy in the center of the circle. Anoint your candle with the essence of pine, a tree that stays strong, green, and alive all through the winter. Place the candle in the glass jar and light it, setting both carefully and securely on the ground. Then light the incense with the flame of the candle and stick it into the ground beside the votive candle. Breathe slowly and deeply; make yourself mindful that you are here in the darkest night, celebrating the sacred. As you breathe, look at the majesty of nature and the world around you. Feel the ground beneath your feet. Listen to the silence that encompasses you. Now open your heart completely to the awesome power of the universe and the magic both inside and outside of you. Touch your third eye, the chakric place in the center of your forehead. With your eyes closed, speak aloud this rhyme:

    Here beneath the moonless sky,

    I open my heart and wonder why I am here.

    Tonight, I will learn

    The reason why I yearn

    To serve the Goddess and the God.

    This night, I’ll hear the reason

    I serve this darkest winter season.

    Guardians, I call on you now!

Remain at the center of the circle and keep your eyes closed. You may hear an inner voice, or you may hear an outer voice right beside your ear. Listen calmly, staying centered with your two feet on the ground. You will know when it is time for you to seal the circle and leave with your new message and mission. When you move, you will initiate the closing of the circle. Thank the guardians as you close the sacred space, being sure to leave everything exactly as you found it. Incense, jar, compass, candles, and matches all leave with you.

When you return home, write your message on a slip of paper and place it on your altar, where it will be hidden from any eyes but yours. Place the candle, jar, and any remaining incense on your altar and burn it for a few minutes each dark moon night.

Final thought: You may also want to begin a special journal of your thoughts, inspirations, and actions regarding the message you received. You have now embarked on an exciting new phase of your life’s journey. Your journal will help you as you make discovery after discovery. Your journal may evolve into a Book of Shadows, or it may one day become a book like this!