Search Results

Winter hearth scene Embracing Midwinter: Traditions of Yule, Winter Solstice, and the 12 Mystical Nights (plus one) As we approach Midwinter, known also as the Winter Solstice, many spiritual traditions honor this darkest time of the year. This season is rich with themes of rebirth, reflection, and connection to the unseen world. Whether through the warmth of Yule celebrations, the stillness of the Solstice, or the Rough Nights tradition, or the jovial feast, parties and gift giving of Saturnalia. these practices invite us to deepen our relationship with the cycles of nature and honor both ancestors and the Sun’s eventual return. Yule and the Winter Solstice: Honoring the Return of the Light Yule is one of the best-known celebrations of this season, particularly within pagan communities. Originally observed by Germanic and Scandinavian peoples, Yule takes place around the Winter Solstice on December 21, the longest night of the year. From this point forward, days begin to lengthen, marking the Sun’s gradual return and the promise of renewed life. Many Yule traditions, such as lighting a Yule log, decorating with evergreens, and feasting, are focused on bringing warmth and light into the home. The Yule log, adorned with holly, pine, and winter greens, symbolizes both the darkness we endure and the spark of hope that will once again thrive. Lighting the Yule log invokes warmth, protection, and prosperity for the coming year, with ashes from the log often kept as a symbol of continuity and resilience. Yule Traditions: - Lighting the Yule log as a central piece in the home or on the altar - Decorating with evergreens, holly, and mistletoe to invite protection and resilience - Feasting with family and friends to celebrate abundance and connection - Practicing gratitude and setting intentions for the year ahead The Winter Solstice: A Universal Moment of Pause Across ancient cultures, the Winter Solstice holds great significance as a time when the Sun "stands still," and the world is momentarily paused. In addition to Yule, this season is marked in diverse traditions, often by gathering around bonfires, lighting candles, and celebrating the rebirth of the Sun. This period invites deep reflection, marking both an end and a beginning. It is a natural time to look back on the year, recognize personal growth, and let go of unresolved energies. Many people view the Winter Solstice as a time to slow down, embrace stillness, and honor life’s cycles. Winter Solstice Rituals: - Spending time in silence or meditation to reflect on personal growth and intentions - Gathering with loved ones around a winter's feast, bonfire, or candlelight to share warmth and togetherness - Creating a vision board or journaling about goals and dreams for the coming year - Making offerings or prayers of gratitude for guidance through the darker days The Rough Nights: Mystical Midwinter Traditions In Germanic, Scandinavian, and Lowland traditions, *Rauhnächte*, or the Rough Nights, are a series of twelve mystical nights that follow the Winter Solstice. Known as a "time outside of time," these nights typically start on the winter solstice but are often in modern day observed on December 25, and end on January 5. Each night is thought to reveal insights into one of the twelve months following December, and it is considered a period when the boundary between the physical and spiritual worlds is thin some utilize the 13th day for wishes and to honor the old calender During the Rauhnächte, people cleanse their homes, ward off unwanted energies, and engage in small daily rituals. Each night offers a unique window into the energies of the coming year, providing a spiritual foundation for setting intentions. Customs like writing down dreams, performing acts of kindness, smoke clearing, and blessing the home are practiced to bring protection and positive energy into the new year. Rough Nights Traditions: - Cleansing and blessing the home to welcome fresh, positive energy - Observing each night as a reflection of the month it represents, often through divination or dream interpretation - Engaging in acts of kindness and gratitude to set intentions for a harmonious year - Practicing gratitude and mindful reflection on one’s spiritual path Celtic Midwinter Observances: Honoring Ancestors and the Spirit World In Celtic traditions, Midwinter and the Winter Solstice are powerful, liminal times that invite connection. Though there is no exact Celtic equivalent or so named *Rauhnächte*, Midwinter is marked by ancient customs and sites such as the 5,000-year-old passage tomb at Newgrange in Ireland. Aligned precisely with the Solstice sunrise, Newgrange illuminates the central chamber with a shaft of sunlight, symbolizing rebirth, continuity, and the return of the Sun. In the Celtic traditions it is believed they celebrated this time by large communal feasts and a number of healthy bonfires to rejoice in light and merriment to stave off the cold and brutal winters. This season is a time for honoring the cycles of life and death, and for welcoming the coming light. In some modern practices, the Solstice marks the transition between the Holly King and Oak King, representing the shift from the darker half of the year to the lighter. Decorating with holly, ivy, and mistletoe also continues as a way to honor protection and resilience, bringing blessings and luck to the household. Celtic Midwinter Traditions: - Honoring ancestral wisdom through quiet reflection or storytelling - Lighting candles and small bonfires to celebrate the Sun’s return - Decorating with holly, ivy, and mistletoe for blessings, protection, and renewal - Gathering with loved ones to celebrate the continuity of life through shared meals and community Common Themes: Reflection, Rebirth, and Renewal While Midwinter traditions vary by culture, they share powerful common themes. The Winter Solstice, Yule, and Rough Nights each encourage us to embrace the season’s darkness as a time for reflection and rebirth. These observances remind us of our connection to the cycles of nature, to our ancestors, and to the spiritual realms. As you observe Midwinter, consider creating meaningful rituals inspired by these traditions. I encourage you to look at other traditions of your heritage as well, you'll find similar themes to make your rituals meaningful at home. Whether you light a Yule log, fill your days with gifting and festivities, spend time in introspection, or embrace a twelve-night tradition, let this season be a reminder of the cycles of life, death, and renewal—and of the bright promise of the Sun’s return. May this Midwinter season bring peace, warmth, and spiritual renewal. 🌞 You can find our Yule log kit in our shop ofalchemy.com during this time of year. It comes with rituals to follow through the 13 days either during solstice or the modern festive time.

Samhain is fast approaching and it’s a wonderful time of year for many of us this is a time to dig deep down in to your internal roots. Many magical practitioners do ancestral work but the focus is heightened at Samhain as this is one of the high holidays where the veil is lifted for us. This work can be continued throughout the year, but at this time we can get closer to those we honor, we can heal, learn, for ourselves and future generations. Resolve past emotions, release mourning, or conflicts. It is also the New Year! Many of you do this work already or are familiar of the content. By paying respect to those who’ve been here before you, you’re recognizing that you are who you are today because of those who helped shape you by influence, those that laid the foundation for you. By venerating those we have a connection to, we help heal not only ourselves but remove blockages and karmic debt for them as well. What is the Altar for? There are many answers to this one question but I’ll start with it is a place to commune, just as we create relationships with our friends in the living world we can also create relationships with those beyond the veil, by giving them a space to sit with us and enjoy our company from time to time. It is a place to remember to share and to discern what is best in your own personal way how you want to proceed. Ancestral work changes and evolves it can be simply visiting and honoring your dead, to really diving deep and working on healing. My experience with Altarworking for my Ancestors Initially started off being a place for simple offerings and beginning a connection, as it has evolved my practice has changed to include consulting, visiting, and healing. The Altar will work with you so long as you take time with it. Spend time with your ancestors at least acknowledge them daily and a good hour or two weekly or monthly will allow communication to develop. Some people break down their altars after the first week of November. Many will keep them up year round to maintain a strong bond. Creating the Altar I create my Ancestral Altar in the West to follow the Irish tradition of opening a window or a door in the west on Samhain night. You can change this based on your own path.. Keep in mind this is going to be your personal connection to spirit, and a place where energy gathers. It may not be helpful to have this space in your bedroom since energy will gather here. Where? A flat surface that has been cleansed with warm salt water, or polished with lemon oil other items that can be used Florida water or Rose water. Be mindful of the surface of your altar, do not use ingredients that will strip wood, or use ingredients that may be harmful on a surface you know to be porous. When in doubt always spot test. If you’re limited on space don’t fret you can use any space available to you. A shelf a nook an end table just dedicate this space only to the intention of Ancestral work and all will be well. Who’s the altar for? Ancestral Altars can honor any deceased blood relatives, teachers, friends, spiritual kin (think of famous authors or artist who have influenced you spiritually) You’re not limited to those that were once human ancestors, you may be missing your past pets or familiars, an old oak tree, or the land that may have been burned or lost. The key is that you’re working with the deceased they are no longer in this realm. We’re not working on this altar with living spirits. Tools to gather? -white cloth is suggested however any color you feel strongly about will do-photos or objects associated with the ancestors or deceased you wish to call in, honor, or work with during this time. If photos or objects are unavailable, write each ancestor’s name, or the name of a group of ancestors, on separate pieces of paper or even place cards to get creative. -a glass of clean water – white or light blue candle – items that represent sentiment to your ancestors – Tarot cards XIII comes to mind – many people use skulls I use a few crystal skulls that rarely leave my altar – a space for flowers or potted plants – a space for offerings – simple or elaborate so long as it makes you feel connected to your ancestors, save one caveat: never offer a picture of a living individual on the ancestral altar. (It’s just poor taste to tempt death.) -Consecration incense & Clearing incense Remember ancestors do not have to all be related by blood, perhaps a philosopher or writer who has passed has strongly influenced your life. You can also honor elements, forests, lands of loss that you feel called to. Creating these relationships, honoring our connections empowers these elements to act with us and create stronger foundational roots for oneself. If you feel later that a presence is no longer called to the space you can respectfully remove them at any time just simply ask them to leave peacefully and re-consecrate using water or incense. Examples of offerings: foods that you know your ancestors enjoyed. If you don’t know, suggested substitutes: milk, bread, honey & cornmeal are popular. I personally prefer nuts, apples, & pomegranates save for any fruit on Samhain through or after the first week of November. Additional Altar dressing suggestions: favorite perfumes, a trinket box, pieces of jewelry, stones from a favorite location, earth (gathered dirt) from a significant location, quotes from authors that have inspired you, fallen branches, leaves, postcards, an urn, pictures of favorite destinations, anything that you know your ancestor has an affinity to. Optional Scrying mirror or pendulum (black mirror) Clear quartz active generator can also be used as a vessel Animals that help with spirit communication e.g. Snakes, Owls, Crows, even Bees. Prior to starting this work, always open a protective circle, call in your guides, or call in the directions whatever you do in your practice before spiritual work to ensure you’re protected. I do this even while the thought form begins because once you’re in the flow of things emotions come in. Burn incense or herbs that are protective. Like Rosemary and use blessed water or salt. Take some time to prepare your altar, cleansing the objects, dusting off photo frames, anointing your candle, and preparing your mind to relax for meditation. Then, light the candle and place the glass of water on the altar. Welcome each of the ancestors to your altar using their photos, objects, or name cards. “I welcome “name of deceased” to this altar. If you have a bell you may ring the bell before each announcement. If you’re trying to connect to a lineage, I welcome any benevolent spirits from ”family insert your last name” to this altar. I f you do not know your ancestors last names, focus instead on the family lines you carry. You can call on your ancestors through your maternal or paternal lineages by naming or acknowledging them in general terms, For example, saying, ‘I call upon the ancestors of my mother’s line’  or ‘I welcome the ancestors of my father’s line.’  You may also speak from the heart, inviting those who are connected to you by blood, spirit, or shared lineage to be present and offer their support.  Ensure you’re asking for those who are working in your highest good, or benevolent spirits only. You’re able to invite who you wish and rescind invitations at any time. Keep in mind your ancestors may choose to also not take part. If the energy is such that an ancestor requests to leave, do not be alarmed, they may not be ready to commune or are called to do work elsewhere. Thank them for their time and burn some cleansing incense of your choice and continue your work. The first few times remember you’re building a new relationship, this will be new and emotional on both sides. Try not to ask many questions of your ancestors immediately to give time for the relationship to build, over time you’ll be able to create a stronger bond where one might do these sessions to gain insights on self healing, familial healing, and inner knowing. It’s important as it is in life to build on the relationship. If your first night is on Samhain you can feel free to ask what it is the ancestors would like to share with you. Spend some time remembering your ancestors, envision them here in this space and take notes of any messages that come through. If any energy feels unsettled, you can sprinkle water from the glass with your fingertips over the altar to cool things down so to speak. When you are ready to end communication, if you’d like to honor other lost souls or send a peaceful bid to any recent tragedy now would be a good time for silence on this. After this, bid farewell to your ancestors, extinguish the candle, and pour the water outdoors or in flowing water away from the home. Remember to refresh your water the next day (if you so choose to keep the altar going). Declare the work complete, close your altar by closing your circle and thanking your guides. On Samhain night Continue the working above adding in your foods selected and feast with your ancestors, there are two ways of doing this, some prefer to be serious at this dinner having a mourning type of ritual or what is called a dum supper, and others do this ceremony by engaging in a more jovial occasion playing music and dining near their altar. Choose what you feel is best for you and your lineage. Whatever is appropriate to your ancestry is fine. For me this is an offering to spirit and is done in silence with light music so that I may hear my ancestors' messages. Why is Samhain an important time for Ancestors? Below is a very brief summary of historySamhain (Summers End) Marks the end of the Harvest Season and the beginning of winter known as the Darker Half of the year. Typically Celebrated 10-31 through November 1st. Halloween night is inspired by this ancient Celtic festival. I will be focusing mainly on its Irish roots. During Samhain, the boundaries between the world of the living and the world of the otherworld become thinner, allowing spirits, and other supernatural entities, such as the Aos sí to pass between the worlds to socialize with humans. Extensive preparations were made for the sharing of a communal feast that included the departed as guests of honor. To enable them to come and go freely, all doors and windows were left unlocked; special cake were made exclusively for their consumption, and a feast was set aside just for them. This had to be left untouched by any mortal for the duration of the ritual period. Eating the food of the dead was considered to be major sacrilege and it condemned the perpetrator to becoming a hungry spirit after death, forever banned from sharing in any future Samhain feast. Divination rituals and games were also a big part of the festival and often involved nuts and apples. Turnips had faces carved in them to ward off evil or tricky beings. People would go door to door in disguise called ‘mumming or guising’ often reciting verses in exchange for food or offering prayer for lost souls. Those who had been wronged came back to haunt the wrongdoer. There’s many stories by county in Ireland that still exist today. As Samhain is approached in a more modern way, One such article I find amusing to revisit was published in the Limerick Leader October 2009 it’s Author is unknownand now can only be access via web archives. https://web.archive.org/web/20091102012547/http://www.limerickleader.ie/features/A-to-Z-of-Halloween.5779425.jp It's  no surprise that this holiday has in later years inspired the American Halloween and has gone on to be something entirely different. November 1st There is a large amount of texts regarding the old Celtic tradition but much is still shrouded in mystery in exactly how the ancients practiced. The reason being is that Celtic Tradition like many at the time was an oral tradition and many books of reference such as The Book of Invasions or Lebor Gabála Érenn, are usually written by the outsiders perspective one can only imagine what happens during translation. We do know it was summers end, the belief of the veil being lifted and BonFires were lit to remove decay, the night of, of Samhain was to ring in the new year another Bonfire was lit for warmth and renewal. Perhaps in some ways re-lighting these altars releasing our fears and speaking to our ancestors we can then understand a bit more about releasing and healing prior to the new year beginning. To Ring in The New Year So you’ve spent 31st on healing the past, removing the old. The evening of November 1st is the new year, now you are ready to step forward into New. Write your petition in the evening of November first of all the things you’re grateful for that will come to pass in the year, as you’re writing them feel gratitude as if they’re already present or have come to pass. As you feel this energy release these to the new bonfire knowing that your ancestors will carry this message for you as well. Brief Halloween Lore For fun I’ve included a short story about Jack O’ Lanterns below: The story originates from an Irish myth about a man nicknamed “Stingy Jack.” According to the story, Stingy Jack invited the Devil to have a drink with him. True to his name, Stingy Jack didn’t want to pay for his drink, so he convinced the Devil to turn himself into a coin that Jack could use to buy their drinks. Once the Devil did so, Jack decided to keep the money and put it into his pocket next to a silver cross, which prevented the Devil from changing back into his original form. Jack eventually freed the Devil, under the condition that he would not bother Jack for one year and that, should Jack die, he would not claim his soul. The next year, Jack again tricked the Devil into climbing into a tree to pick a piece of fruit. While he was up in the tree, Jack carved a sign of the cross into the tree’s bark so that the Devil could not come down until the Devil promised Jack not to bother him for ten more years. Soon after, Jack died. As the legend goes, God would not allow such an unsavory figure into heaven. The Devil, upset by the trick Jack had played on him and keeping his word not to claim his soul, would not allow Jack into hell. He sent Jack off into the dark night with only a burning coal to light his way. Jack put the coal into a carved-out turnip and has been roaming the Earth with ever since. The Irish began to refer to this ghostly figure as “Jack of the Lantern,” and then, simply “Jack O’Lantern.” In Ireland and Scotland, people began to make their own versions of Jack’s lanterns by carving scary faces into turnips or potatoes and placing them into windows or near doors to frighten away Stingy Jack and other wandering evil spirits. In England, large beets are used. Immigrants from these countries brought the jack o’lantern tradition with them when they came to the United States. They soon found that pumpkins, a fruit native to America, make perfect jack o’lanterns. Irish tradition of the Ivy Leaf: Each member of the family places a perfect ivy leaf into a cup of water and it is then left undisturbed overnight. If, in the morning, a leaf is still perfect and has not developed any spots then the person who placed the leaf in the cup can be sure of 12 months health until the following Samhain. I originally wrote this article over on wordpress in 2018. My practice hasn't changed much except that I am able to commune with my ancestors year round and the messages become more heightened around the end of August as we draw closer to the darker half of the year. Except for now I do observe both the 31st and Astrological Samhain which is closer to the right time to celebrate this year. In the Northern Hemisphere, Samhain occurs around November 6th, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it is marked around May 5th  in 2025. I add this to let you know you have more time to build your Altars and commune. The darker half of the year is about introspection, connection, spirit, and eventually the return of the sun. Samhain marks the beginning of the dark half of the year our ancestors are accessible throughout the year, the time we take in winter is a pause to slow down, invite the warmth in, remember, honor ourselves, venerate those whom have influenced and raised us by raising their memory we honor the significance of their life.  If you like what you’ve read or want to share anything, please feel free to reply. I am always happy to hear more perspectives.

While doing a working, I felt a need to use rotten eggs, for the compound and sulfuric nature, and with no apparent connection. Even more curious I had made a jar of them months back. I had some boiled eggs that were overcooked so i placed them in a jar of vinegar. I set out to find out more on why? It occurred to me that somewhere somebody had to have used them before in order for me to get this notion. As I started to search through my books and found little references, I couldn’t find much about eggs other than for blessings for protection, nothing really about rotten eggs, it would make sense that a rotting food of course would definitely be helpful in a counter working, especially one that smells so horrid. It made sense for driving out, similarly to devils dung. Then I came across working done on or near Bealtaine, called Piseóg, they’re not exactly the word for curse and often times are more associated to superstition, charms and spells, but when enacting a Piseóg a common ingredient is a rotting meat or eggs which would bring ill fortune to the person or land it was enacted on. I write this to say, your intuition is not by chance, sometimes it is a remembering. Take notes and research the seemingly insignificant ideas that might bubble up, you may uncover a message from your ancestors & as we are nearing Samhain; one of many festivals of the dead, the message becomes more clear 💚 Dá fhada an lá tagann an tráthnóna. #samhain #ancestors #veneration

AI is being embedded in almost every tool from google search, to auto replies, photoshop, canva, video apps, webdesign, spellcheck is replaced with "grammar and style". Now the Esoteric community.... It's become increasingly hard to detect especially with AI writing detectors throwing out false positives. As an Occult artist and watching the world navigate this new technology, we also become under attack. I have seen articles stating that some Etsy readings are being done with AI and passed off as real, however I am also wary of these articles because the majority of non pagan crafters on Etsy are notoriously against all things pagan, while Etsy actually doesn't mind Pagan shops, they allow them with some restriction, the crafter base is extremely critical of anything they deem "woowoo" so articles like that, while they may have some merit, I am wary of the sources citing this information. Most AI chat bots are programmed to mirror the user, so in one aspect it really is up to the you to define for yourself, whether you are truly genuinely performing the act of creation or simply plagiarising a computers work as your own. As I am typing this, The blog software I use is giving me "suggested words" as I bypass that structure, by the end of my post I will get a request to review my work with AI. It's no longer a general spellcheck option. Similarly I am finding more and more platforms for selling such as Etsy, Shopify, and Wix are rolling out automation tools that rely on AI technology. I have used AI in the past, to spot check my writings, and often it will even re-write my own words, that has proven to be a problem in itself. I have used tools to check if my work shows up as human or not. After I've gotten false flags on some of my own writings. I then found myself reading the many reddit posts regarding authors becoming extremely frustrated with the mixed resuls AI checkers output. At the bottom of the article is a link of the top 6 checkers in 2024, You will get varying results on your own writings. It's becoming increasingly difficult to establish what is true content or generated these days. As AI continues to emulate, it then changes the writing style after each upgrade. This then makes the writing seem more human. I have found the more philosophical or instructional my writings are, the more likely these programs to check work, will result in false flagged material. It's as if AI itself thinks that a human mind cannot generate content and that AI is smarter than us. On a side note, in a former life, my previous job required that I write SOP's (Standard operating procedures) at an online software company for an internal employee knowledgebase, due to that, some of my instructional text can seem more streamlined. I wrote SOP's for over 12 years. I used the heck out of spell check because I am prone to typing faster with my left hand. So what can you do? Well at this stage, if you resist AI (as most pagans will, due to our ethos) we will then need to refer to our libraries. Looking at older texts, this does mean that some information may be outdated, So then what? Research! This involves cross-checking information across multiple sources to increase confidence in information accuracy. By finding three or more resources that confirm the same information, you can establish a higher probability of accurate information. 1. Reduce the risk of misinformation: False or misleading information can be prevalent, especially online. Research helps to filter out inaccuracies and ensure that you're working with reliable data. 2. Gain a deeper understanding: research allows you to see different perspectives and approaches to a topic, which can lead to a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding. 3. Develop critical thinking skills: The process of evaluating and comparing information helps you develop critical thinking skills, which are essential for navigating complex and often ambiguous subjects like the occult or esoteric topics. Relying on AI, over time will eventually rob you of these skills. If you're not actively learning through proven methods over time you may find that it's hard to even follow simple instructional text. Let alone an unknown or liminal subject. Things to keep in mind: older texts may have biases that are outdated, use your personal discernment in these cases. Perhaps some authors that once were highly regarded may have views that are conflicting. Understand the historical context, and if it doesn't align with your values it's ok to move on from that author, look for primary sources rather than secondary. Meaning look for authors that have authority on the subject at hand. How do you do this? Ask around, search old forums and communities. You'll start to see references to many names that come up time and time again depending on the subject. AI can be a useful tool, however it's highly impactful to the environment and overuse may cause more harm than any good. It is very important that if you use it, it is not used for every single creation, thought, or question, especially not to process intuition, feelings or magick! AI is not an endless knowledge source, there are a plethora of studies that have shown that when AI doesn't know the answer it will simply make one up. AI is also programmed to be agreeable to the user, so in essence it may give you only the answers you want to hear vs the truth. AI certainly cannot give you intention, personal transformation, or outcomes. Magick, and ritual are about intention, focus, experience, and intuition. All of this is to say you and your thoughts are as equally important as the act of ritual itself. Creating rituals in AI is counter to any Esoteric movement. The Art of Alchemy, the Craft in Witchcraft, or the Cunning, or Folks in folk magick, should not be reduced in the equation, it is about the individual being involved in the process from beginning to end, that creates the experiences and conscious outcome. This isn't something that AI can perform in a meaningful way. AI is not "yet" sentient in human consciousness, empathy or intuition. These arts are human arts reducing them to an algorithm removes their significance and reduces their importance. This all being said, I am not on a mission to stop people or police them. We all have free will. This article is more to share the reasons why you might want to re-think the approach of jumping to AI for any ritual or everyday solutions, and outcomes. It could be a useful tool to find a resource, but not as the resource itself. You'd do better to use your own tools, as humanity has before, than to rely on this new tech for every possible reason. I also stress again, look in to the impact it is also having on the planet due to it's overuse. Helpful articles and links on fact checking and AI checking: https://guides.library.ttu.edu/artificialintelligencetools/detection https://www.researchgate.net/publication/386998010_The_Problem_with_False_Positives_AI_Detection_Unfairly_Accuses_Scholars_of_AI_Plagiarism https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12107892/ https://edintegrity.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1007/s40979-023-00146-z https://www.reddit.com/r/AcademicPsychology/comments/1cbqqv1/false_positive_with_ai_detector/ impacts of AI on human the psyche https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/what-to-know-about-ai-psychosis-and-the-effect-of-ai-chatbots-on-mental-health https://news.cuanschutz.edu/news-stories/can-ai-cause-psychosis https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/13/technology/chatgpt-ai-chatbots-conspiracies.html link for ai word check https://www.eweek.com/artificial-intelligence/ai-detector-software/#chart Disclaimer The information and opinions expressed on this blog post are for general information purposes only. They do not constitute medical or psychological advice, nor should they be relied upon as such. The contents of this blog post are intended to stimulate discussion, promote critical thinking, and encourage individual research. They do not represent a professional opinion or recommendation. If you have concerns about your physical or mental health, or any specific issue, please consult a qualified healthcare professional or a licensed therapist for personalized advice. The author and publisher of this blog post disclaim any liability for any direct or indirect consequences resulting from the use or interpretation of the information provided. By reading this blog post, you acknowledge and agree that: The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice. You will not use this information to make decisions without consulting a qualified expert. You hold harmless the author and publisher from any potential damages or losses.

Candle work is simple to start and powerful when done with intention. In this guide, you’ll learn some expanded techniques, beyond traditional color and planetary days this includes : butting, dressing, and loading along with carving, pinning, linking, hermetic sealing, petition candles, and responsible disposal. 1. Candle Butting Butting means flipping a candle and creating a new tip  so it burns in reverse. This is standard in hoodoo and traditional double-action or reversing work . Steps: Cut off the original wick end. Flip the candle upside down. Carve a new tip and expose the wick. Dress the black or “negative” end with reversing or banishing oil. Light the new tip first to burn away blockages. When the black half finishes, the positive colored side draws in your desired energy. 2. Candle Loading Loading a candle hides your intention inside the wax . Carve a small hole in the base or side. Insert herbs, powders, or a folded petition. Seal the hole with melted wax to create a hermetic seal . This keeps your energy protected and concentrated until the burn is complete. 3. Candle Dressing Dressing charges your candle with oil and herbs  while focusing your mind. Clean the candle. Rub oil in the correct direction: Bottom to top  to draw energy. Top to bottom  to banish. Roll the oiled candle in herbs that support your goal. “Rubbing and dressing a candle focuses your intent as much as the flame does,” explains Cassie Uhl 4. Petition Candles Petition candles use written intention  to guide energy. Write your goal in clear, positive language. Place the petition under, beside, or inside the candle. Match candle colors to your work: Red  for love or passion Green  for money or growth White  for purification or healing Light the candle and focus on the request  until it finishes burning. 5. Carving and Inscribing Carving adds focus and direction  to your work. Carve names to target someone or something. Write keywords like “Prosperity”  or “Protection.” Use sigils or symbols for layered intention. 6. Pinning (Needle or Nail Timing) Pinning sets a time release  for your spell. Push small pins or nails into the candle along its length. As the wax melts past each point, energy releases in stages. 7. Candle Linking (not cord cutting) Linking connects two or more candles  to send energy from one to another. Arrange candles apart. Connect them with a line of herbs, oil, or melted wax. Light the “source” candle first to start the energetic flow. 8. Candle Knocking and Naming Wake the candle before lighting it. Knock on it lightly three times. Speak its purpose: “You bring peace to this home.” 9. Novena candles or glass jar candle loading Piercing the Candle with Skewers (for Loading and Energy Release) When working with jar candles or novena candles where the wax surface is solid and hard to carve, you can use wooden skewers or thin sticks to safely create channels inside the wax for your herbs, powders, or petition. Essentially you would pierce the skewer through to the bottem and load with ground herbs Once this is done re-seal the top with wax, and place your petition under the jar. Additionally you can freeze the candle, this will allow you to pull the wax away from the glass and load the bottom Some practitioners write sigils on the glass itself 10. Eco-Friendly Disposal of Wax and Remnants Your candle work continues until you dispose of the remnants  in a way that respects both your ritual and the earth. Bury natural wax  like beeswax or soy in a planter, instead of direcly in soil, this is to keep energy close or encourage growth. Burn small natural wax residues  safely in a fireproof container to release energy, only if the wax is free of synthetic additives. Compost herbs and paper  in your home compost or green waste bin. Dispose of paraffin or synthetic wax in household trash,  wrapped in biodegradable paper if possible. Avoid tossing wax or spell items into rivers, lakes, or wild spaces. Ritual practice works best when it honors the land . Quick Reference Table Technique Purpose Key Action Butting Reverse energy flow Flip candle, carve new wick Loading Hide spell materials Carve cavity, seal with wax Dressing Charge with oils and herbs Rub oil, roll in herbs Carving Focus energy Inscribe names or symbols Pinning Stage energy release Insert pins along the length Linking Connect candles energetically Join with wax, oil, or herbs Petition Candle Guide intention Burn with a written petition Disposal Complete work safely Eco-conscious disposal method Safety First: Always practice candle magic safely. Never leave burning candles unattended, keep them away from flammable materials, and ensure proper ventilation. Use fireproof containers when burning wax remnants. Keep candles out of reach of children and pets. Intent Matters: Candle magic works best when performed with clear, positive, and respectful intentions. Avoid using candle magic to harm, manipulate, or infringe on others' free will. Respect for Traditions: This guide draws from various magical traditions, including hoodoo and modern witchcraft. Please approach these practices with respect and honor the origins and cultural significance of the techniques. Environmental Responsibility: Use eco-friendly materials whenever possible, such as natural waxes (beeswax, soy) and biodegradable herbs. Dispose of wax and ritual remnants responsibly to minimize environmental impact. Avoid contaminating natural water sources or wild areas with ritual waste. Personal Responsibility: Results of candle magic vary and depend on many factors including intent, energy, and individual practice. This guide is for informational purposes and does not guarantee specific outcomes. Health Considerations: If you have allergies or sensitivities to scents, oils, or herbs, please test cautiously or avoid using those materials.

I feel grateful every day to live in this modest home, where the soil is rich and the seasons guide the work. Tending to the garden brings a sense of rhythm and calm. I watch the bees and butterflies move through the space, doing their quiet work. It reminds me how much life there is in stillness. When the time comes to prune, I gather the spent stalks. Some go into arrangements around the house. Others I save for later use; nothing is wasted if it can still serve a purpose. My first home in NL had only a balcony, but I felt the same sense of care and reward there. A small space can hold a lot of joy when you treat it with attention. Discovering the Lovely Lupine Today, I'll share what I've learned about Lupines . Lupines belong to the Legume family, and they come with a rich history. Culpepper associates Lupines with Mars, noting their value in bitters for stimulating appetite. He also highlights their use in uterine care, especially for expelling a miscarriage. In addition, he includes a recipe for an anti-aging cream. This tracks; Lupeol, a compound in the seeds, promotes collagen production, which supports skin elasticity and firmness. The historical significance of lupines stretches back to ancient times. Pliny claimed, "No kind of fodder is more wholesome and light of digestion than the white Lupine when eaten dry." He adds that regular use improves complexion and lifts the mood. Virgil called it tristis Lupinus , translating to "the sad Lupine," likely due to its raw bitterness. Just like a child eating a lemon, it pulls the mouth into a frown. The name Lupine derives from lupus , Latin for wolf. Roman actors used the seeds as prop money, referring to it as nummus lupinus or "wolf coin." Nutritional Benefits of Lupines The flowers are also rich in antioxidants. They contain peptides that help protect skin and reduce damage that contributes to early aging. These effects are genuine; however, toxicity can vary. Improper preparation can leave behind harmful alkaloids. Some varieties are high in anticholinergics. Bitter lupin must be soaked and processed by someone knowledgeable. Although they are often confused with aconite, lupines are actually closer relatives to peanuts. Lupines are unique in that they are the only legumes native to both Eurasia and South America. Magickal Uses of Lupines The Power of Lupines Money Protection Imagination The Otherworld Regeneration Happiness The Fae Creativity Shapeshifting Gamblers’ luck (especially blue bonnets) Dog healing (not intended for direct contact with dogs) Occult sources link Lupine to shapeshifting, both mythic and psychic. The wolf-root etymology supports this connection, suggesting themes of wildness, instinct, and transformation. Some hedge witches place lupine pods in charm bags to guide lucid dreams or journeys to the Otherworld. Others use them as offerings to the Fae, who are said to favor their spiral-shaped blooms. In folk magic, dried lupine flowers are burned for inspiration or sewn into sachets for creative work. Blue varieties, particularly the Texas Bluebonnets, are carried by gamblers for a steady hand and better odds. Historical Roots In rootwork, lupini beans were sometimes used in money-drawing spells. One Italian charm involved soaking lupini in wine and drinking a sip before casting lots. This was said to invite fortune while keeping malevolent spirits away. Have you ever worked with lupine? If not, you might find that incorporating them into your practice can bring unexpected benefits. Information is based on the wisdom of the early 19th century and presented as historic data. As such, some of the information regarding medical claims may now be considered inaccurate or not in accordance with modern medicine. OfAlchemy makes no claims or statements on medical advice; this is solely for historical reference. Please consult a professional naturopath or doctor for further advice.

The topic of authenticity comes up often in spiritual magical practices. Some practitioners prefer to use ingredients that follow historical records. Others use tools or materials that are easier to find, or better suited to their needs today. A common example is the use of candles. Some practitioners use tallow due to it's prominent use in other eras. Some choose beeswax, soy, or palm. I won't go in to my thoughts on the best option for candles, I will say however that tallows are best for ointments, reason being is that it penetrates through the skin, and for a perfume you'd want to consider not using Tallow and looking for a wax substance like Jojoa, Jojoba stays on the top of the skin longer allowing the perfume to linger insead of absorbing in to your skin. Now in the making of oils. Preperations can be made through herb maceration, fragrance oils, natural perfume materials, or essential oils. The core of your work should always hold meaning for you. It should reflect your beliefs and respect your deity. As someone who studies historical practices, I’ve found that many of my choices, guided by intuition, often line up with what historical sources describe. That leads to an important question: What makes an ingredient the best one? Is it made with care? Is it rare, or prepared with skill? Was the basic plant or herb available during that period in time? Is it something valuable to you, something you would offer with reverence? In ancient Egypt, when making kyphi, a sacred incense, they used the best materials they could import. That tells us something. They knew quality mattered when the offering was meant for the divine, there were different preperations for those of high rank, or for themselves. These categories changed over time. And now that we have access to more materials and at times, better ones, there is no reason not to use them. That is why some of the oils and incense I make include natural perfumery ingredients ( I use absolutes, essenetial oils, macerations, and extractions). What we know is that Egyptians used maceration and enfleurage methods. The world's first recorded perfumer or Alchemist is a woman known as Tapputi . Her existence is recorded on a Cuneiform tablet of 1200 BCE in Babylonian Mesopotamia. Proof the ancients had early forms of distillation. We have built on those. Our tools are more refined in some cases, and that means our offerings can carry more potency. There is nothing wrong with using ancient methods, or choosing the ones that feel right to you now. As new resources and research become available, we also get closer to what may be historically accurate. I'll use Kyphi again as an exmaple. One may use translated texts from temple walls, which in recent years the lexicon has changed, as a student of the mysteries, it is my goal to maintain and build on my knowledge, There are two modern Egyptologists that have deciphered these recipes and one varies on the ingredients. This is something that can be missed, if you do not continue to research in to moderns vs. historic discoveries. I am a perpetual student of perfume and incense. To me incense is a perfume, it is still used as a fumigation to perfume the body today in some regions. By re-evaluating my learnings as often as time allows I ensure that I am making the best possible recipe available to my rituals and customers. Some of this is done through courses, other times this is checking out new discoveries or news on the subject. It's something for you to remember. Much of what survives of recipes and everyday living of our ancestors and historic places, are recorded through outsiders lens or from a modern lens, and sometimes even a religious clergy lens, not always from native voices. We cannot know every tool or ingredient our ancestors used. Much of it hypothesis, based on translations and historic reconstructions. That is not to say we shouldn't follow confirmed sources, but it's also important to consider who's work we're using as the final say on the subject. In my practice, I use a two-part method. I learn from scholars who share their research. I study occult texts. I research with every creation and I listen to my intuition. That balance is what grounds my work. It lets me honor tradition while staying true to what resonates now. So in this context often times "authenticity" is for the largest part still debatable except for in traditions that are currently untouched and active today.

Image o Marked by the arrival of May, the ancient celebration of Beltane (Old Irish: Bealtaine; also known as Cétshamhain, meaning "first of summer") is observed as a sacred midpoint between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. This time marks the transition from the vitality of spring to the full bloom of summer. More than a seasonal marker, Beltane is a threshold of transformation, where spiritual contact, divination, creative union, and fertility are said to be heightened. It was seen as a collective invocation for protection, prosperity, and favor from the unseen, channeled through the sacred powers of nature. Origins and Etymology of Sacred Fire Celebrated on May 1st, Bealtaine is one of the four principal Gaelic fire festivals. Its name is believed to derive from multiple sources: One interpretation is "fires of Bel," referencing the Celtic deity Belenus, associated with healing, brightness, and solar light. Another theory traces the name to the Old Celtic belo-teniâ , meaning "bright fire," reflecting its role in honoring and renewing the sun's power. Some sources also connect Beltane to Bilé, a chthonic figure paired with the earth goddess Danu, embodying life from death and linking the festival to the ancestral and underworld realms. Although 19th-century scholars attempted to link Beltane to foreign deities such as Baal or Baltic goddesses, these claims lack credible linguistic support. Folk and Historical Customs Traditional Beltane rites emphasized spiritual cleansing, protection, and community renewal: Twin Bonfires:  People and cattle passed between fires for blessing and protection. Communal Fire Ritual:  Home hearths were extinguished and relit from the central fire. May Morning Dew:  Washing one's face with dew collected at dawn was believed to preserve youth, protect the skin, and attract fortune. Dew was seen as a liminal element formed between earth and sky. Sacred Dew and Plant Lore Dew collected from sacred plants like hawthorn, birch, or rowan was valued in protection rituals. These plants were believed to carry potent energy, and their dew was carefully gathered for magical or spiritual use. Caution was taken not to collect dew from toxic species. In alchemical traditions, dew ("celestial water") was thought to contain the anima mundi, or world soul, and was used in spiritual preparations. This reflects the deep connection between nature's phenomena and esoteric practices. Rituals of Liminality The rituals of Beltane were more than ceremony. They formed a spiritual bridge uniting land, people, and spirit. The veil between worlds was considered thin during this time. Protective charms, offerings to the fair folk, and floral decorations (especially yellow blooms like primrose and marigold) were used to safeguard homes and thresholds. Sacred wells were also visited at dawn, with people drawing water believed to be imbued with healing and magical potency. Prayers, offerings, and blessings often accompanied these acts. Core Themes of Beltane Seasonal Shift:  Transition into summer, marked by growth and light. Liminality:  A time of blurred boundaries, where rules soften. Sacred Fire:  Used for purification and renewal. Water and Wells:  Seen as sources of power, insight, and healing. Fertility and Vitality:  Life force is rising in both land and body. Abundance:  Welcoming prosperity and growth. Protection:  Guarding the home and soul from harmful forces. Pacts and Intentions:  An ideal moment to make vows and commitments. Spiritual Significance Beltane, alongside Samhain, is one of the great spirit nights of the Celtic calendar. Where Samhain honors the descent into death, Beltane celebrates life, union, and emergence. Energetically supported during Beltane: Spirit communication Divination Honoring ancestors and the Otherworld Releasing the old and initiating new intentions The Tuatha Dé Danann, divine beings of Irish myth, are said to have arrived in Ireland during Beltane, further linking the festival to otherworldly arrival and renewal. Alchemical and Esoteric Symbolism From a hermetic perspective, Beltane aligns with: Element:  Fire Alchemical Process:  Coniunctio (Sacred Union) Planetary Influence:  Venus Esoteric Themes:  Fertility, union, polarity, sacred passion Goddesses like Áine, Brigid, and Danu are often honored at this time, though no single deity presides. The Green Man archetype and Venusian themes reflect the divine union and sensual vitality of the season. While the Maypole is more commonly linked to Central European traditions, it has become symbolically relevant to Beltane. It represents a living axis mundi, embodying the union of opposites through a spiraling dance of harmony. Modern Ritual Suggestions Candle Blessing:  Light a gold or white candle and speak intentions for renewal, creativity, and purification. Pass objects through the flame's warmth for blessing. Floral Threshold Offering:  Decorate your door with flowers like primrose or hawthorn. Speak a charm for protection and prosperity. Sacred Union Meditation:  Visualize the balance of masculine and feminine energies spiraling within, awakening creative power. Divination at Dusk:  Use tarot, scrying, or ogham to receive insight as the veil thins. Reflect on what is blooming and what must be released. Feast and Offering:  Prepare a seasonal meal. Before sunset, leave an offering to the spirits or ancestors at your altar, a crossroads, or a tree in gratitude. Conclusion: The Living Fire Beltane is more than a fertility rite. It is the sacred spark where worlds converge, where desire becomes creation, and where intention becomes form. Whether through fire rites, floral offerings, or simple reverence for the land, may this season illuminate your path with inspiration, joy, and sacred connection. Sources Ronald Hutton, The Stations of the Sun  (1996) Peter Berresford Ellis, A Dictionary of Irish Mythology  (1987) James George Frazer, The Golden Bough: Balder the Beautiful  (1913) Dáithí Ó hÓgáin, The Lore of Ireland  (2006) J.A. MacCulloch, The Religion of the Ancient Celts  (1911) Alexander Carmichael, Carmina Gadelica  (1860s–1909) Lyndy Abraham, A Dictionary of Alchemical Imagery  (1998) Melanie Marquis, Beltane: Rituals, Recipes and Lore for May Day  (2015) Raven Grimassi, Beltane: Springtime Rituals, Lore and Celebration  (2001) I have written my own invocation if you use it please tag me on social media @ofalchemy Invocation Written by Soror RL The Tuatha Dé Danann as depicted in John Duncan 's Riders of the Sidhe (1911)

In the heart of every sacred tradition, there is breath. From the whispered incantations of ancient spells to the deep rhythmic breathing of meditation, breath is more than a biological function. It's a bridge. It connects the seen and unseen, the body and spirit, the intention and manifestation. Breath is the first thing we do when we arrive in this world and the last thing we release when we leave it. In magick, this isn't a coincidence. It's a clue. The Esoteric Meaning of Breath In many spiritual and esoteric systems, breath is synonymous with spirit. The Greek *pneuma*, and the Sanskrit *prana* In Irish the word for breath is "anáil" all point to this truth: breath is life force. In ancient Egypt, breath was also seen as the animating principle of both divine and earthly life, The act of breathing marked a crucial transition in the creation process, signifying the moment when a being transitioned from a state of potentiality to one of active existence. It also comes full circle in the afterlife through the opening of the mouth ceremony. This ceremony is a breath to allow the soul to speak, eat, and experience the afterlife. When we speak, we shape air with intention, emotion, and sound each word a spell, each sentence a vibration sent into the world. In this light, breath is the medium of magick itself. It gives power to words, clarity to focus, and life to intention. It is through breath that the formless becomes form. In ritual magick, breath can be used to: - Charge objects by breathing intention into them - Cleanse space with forceful exhalations - Anchor the self during trance or altered states Practical Uses of Breath in Everyday Magick Magick doesn't always need candles, crystals, or elaborate ritual. Sometimes, it only needs your breath. Here are simple, yet powerful ways to incorporate breath into your daily practice: 1. Morning Breathwork Intention Upon waking, take three deep breaths. With each inhale, draw in the energy of the new day. With each exhale, release doubt and resistance. On the final breath, speak your intention aloud or in your mind. 2. The Breath Sigil Trace a sigil in the air or visualize it clearly in your mind. Inhale and draw energy in, if you need it in certain areas focus there or choose a chakra that resinates. Exhale and breathe that energy into the sigil, empowering it with your life force. 3. Spell Activation After casting a spell or setting an intention, seal it with a single, conscious breath. Whisper the final word, blow gently over your tools, or exhale through your palms onto the work. 4. Grounding with Breath Whenever anxiety or distraction arises, pause. Inhale for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale for four. Repeat until you feel steady and centered again. Why Breath Matters in Magick Magick is, at its core, about presence being deeply present in the work. Breath is what anchors us to this moment. It tunes us into the subtle currents of energy flowing through and around us. It connects us to our power. When you use your breath with intention, you become a channel. A living spell. A breathing prayer. So the next time you cast, speak, create, or simply exist, remember: you are breathing life into reality. Each breath is a magickal act. Each exhale, a whisper of creation.

In the modern esoteric landscape, it can feel as though many are vying to define what it means to be a "real" witch, occultist, or magickal practitioner. Social media brims with aesthetic-driven content dictating how one must look, what tools they must use, or how they must practice in order to be considered legitimate. But true power does not come from external validation, it comes from the rituals and traditions you cultivate for yourself. The Power of a Personal Magick Tradition Magick is a deeply personal experience. It is not bound by aesthetics, dictated by gatekeepers, or confined to the parameters of any single tradition. While lineage and historical practices can offer wisdom, the most potent spellwork is born from an intimate understanding of self and the forces that move through your life. Your magick is yours alone, woven from the threads of your lived experience, ancestry, intuition, and connection to the unseen. Creating your own meaningful tradition means embracing the practices that resonate with you. It’s about developing rituals that feel right in your bones, whether that means using folklore, animism, hermetic principles, chaos magick, or any number of paths that align with your truth. There is no singular way to practice, only what is effective and meaningful to you. That being said, this is not about disregarding or discouraging initiatory traditions. As an initiate who has studied multiple forms of craft, I have seen the deep value in structured systems of practice. These traditions hold immense wisdom and power for those who are called to them and choose to walk those paths with integrity. However, structured paths are not the only way to experience transformative magick. What we do on our own, outside of formalized systems, holds its own strength, validity, and potency. And importantly, personal practice does not need to borrow from or take from closed traditions. It can stand entirely on its own, rooted in personal experience, understanding, and connection, it does not need to be anything more. Sympathetic Magick and the Power of Personal Symbols One of the most universal and accessible forms of magick is sympathetic magick working with correspondences, symbols, and representations of desired outcomes. Whether you are lighting candles, crafting sigils, or using personal talismans, the essence of magick lies in intent and connection, not arbitrary rules about authenticity. You do not need specific tools blessed by a particular lineage, nor must you only use foraged herbs or work within a strict aesthetic. The power is in the meaning you assign to the act. A single, personally charged object can hold more power than a collection of ritual tools that have no personal resonance. A handwritten charm, a simple bowl of water placed on an altar, or a whispered incantation at sunrise, these can be just as potent, if not more so, than complex rituals borrowed from a tradition that does not speak to your soul. Beyond Competition: Embracing the Self One of the most damaging ideas circulating in esoteric spaces is the belief that spirituality is a competition or that someone may be more than you, or that there is a “correct” way to be magickal and anything else is performative or lesser. This mindset is antithetical to true spiritual growth. Comparison is a thief of power, leading practitioners away from their innate wisdom and toward an endless cycle of seeking external validation. Your practice does not need to be impressive to others. It does not need to be shared or understood by anyone but you. The most profound magick often happens in solitude, in the quiet spaces between the expectations of others. It happens when you recognize that your connection to the unseen is not dictated by anyone else’s approval or aesthetic. Crafting Your Own Path If you are seeking to create a personal tradition that is both meaningful and effective, begin with self-awareness. Ask yourself: What symbols, elements, and materials feel innately powerful to me? What practices bring me a sense of connection, grounding, or empowerment? How do I experience and interact with the unseen forces around me? What myths, folklore, or ancestral wisdom resonate with my spirit? From these reflections, craft rituals that align with your own internal wisdom. Let go of the need to conform to the image of what a practitioner "should" look like, and instead, embrace what feels true for you. Whether your practice is simple or elaborate, well-researched or intuitive, what matters is that it is yours. The Power of Groups and Magickal Currents There is also great power in groups and the magickal currents they generate. Working with a group or aligning with an egregore can amplify your intentions, creating a collective strength that may not be possible alone. These shared energies can catalyze growth, transformation, and healing. But remember, the power in groups or currents is not the only form of power available to you. There is also incredible strength in the quiet, personal moments where you forge your own path, one that is uniquely yours. Conclusion: Honoring the Magick Within The idea that magick must conform to a set of external standards is a falsehood that weakens individual sovereignty. Your rituals, symbols, and sacred moments belong to you. Whether your magick is rooted in ancient traditions or created entirely anew, it is real because you make it so. The most powerful spells are those crafted with intention, sincerity, and personal resonance, not those dictated by social expectations. Embrace your own unique current of magick. Honor your path without comparison. The truest traditions are the ones we build with our own hands and hearts, whether they are inherited, studied, or born from personal revelation. An elder magus once imparted a profound truth: when you act with love, a pure heart, and strong will, your work will thrive, even if a word or step is forgotten.

An offering for those whom would like to observe the internal greening during the upcoming Vernal equinox Best performed in magickal East at sunrise. Rebalancing the Scales: In the pursuit of inner harmony and the alignment of our spiritual and material selves, The intention is to rebalance our scales internally, allowing us to forge through the veils of illusion and commit to greater workings. Prepare Your Space: To begin, choose a scrying tool, whether it be a black mirror, a bowl of still water, or a polished stone. Each serves as a reflection of our being, allowing the unseen to reveal itself. Light a candle to symbolize the returning light of the sun, casting its glow as strength and renewal. 🕯️🌞 Perform the LBRP, or work according to your tradition. Set Your Intention: Focus your thoughts on the intent of balance ⚖️ release the heaviness of the past season, and make space for the flourishing of new energy. As the earth greets the sun’s warmth, so too shall we embrace the renewal of Spring. 🌱🌟 Optional: Invoke the presence of Solar & Lunar deities, or those who govern the thresholds of light and shadow, to assist in revealing deeper truths. 🗝️🌙🌞 Gaze with Purpose: Relax your gaze, letting your vision soften. As you peer into your scrying window, allow the symbols, colors, or movements to emerge. These may be subtle at first, but trust that the images you see are reflections of your inner equilibrium as messages, guiding you toward renewal. 🔮✨ Receive & Reflect: Once you begin to receive visions, focus subtly on what is ready to be released? What must be cultivated? What must be shed and what is ready to bloom. 🌿📝 ✨ Mantra for Balance: FLAME OF THE RENEWED SUN, RISE WITHIN ME. LIGHT OF THE NOUS, UNVEIL THE PATH. LET THE SEEN AND UNSEEN CONVERGE, LET THE VEIL OF NIGHT PART BEFORE THE FIRE OF MIND. FROM DARKNESS, WISDOM: FROM LIGHT, ASCENT. AS ABOVE, SO BELOW LET VISION FLOW. Allow your mind to open and the mysteries to unfold. Start Journaling and let the messages seen, heard, or even that you smell, guide you to receive the wisdom necessary for you to integrate balance and renew.🔥🌿 Close your space, give thanks Feel free to modify as you feel called. “Direct not thy mind to the vast measures of the earth, but raise it to the immeasurable Light.” 🌟 If you have not planted seeds yet now is a good time to start. 😉 Suggested Altar offerings: Fresh earth, salt, purified or cleansed water, black and white candles around your scrying medium and a golden or orange candle to welcome the sun. L.V.X. - Andrea #vernalequinox #springequinox

The truth about Saint Patrick and Irish paganism is often misunderstood. Contrary to popular belief, Patrick did NOT rid Ireland of the Druids, nor was he the first Christian to arrive. Palladius likely holds that distinction. In fact, Patrick’s influence on Irish paganism during his lifetime was minimal, and it wasn’t until centuries later that he became wrongfully identified as the mass converter of Ireland. The Patrick most people know is a product of myths, shaped by legend and Church influence. The reality is that Irish pagan traditions did not disappear with Patrick’s arrival (March 25, 433). They endured for centuries, showing up in Brehon Law texts and later hymns that protect against the “spells of wrights and Druids.” The Druids evolved into the “filidh,” Poets highly esteemed in medieval Ireland, the fili were not only masters of poetry but also experts in prophecy, law, and genealogy. Their influence in society remained significant until the 1600s. It’s time to reconsider the story we’ve been told about Saint Patrick. Rather than focusing on a myth, let’s remember the persistence of Irish paganism, the resilience of her people, and the rich cultural history that has always been part of the island’s identity. ☘️ ‘Maybe it’s time to stop feeding energy into a Christian narrative about Patrick and his life that is not only false but actively harmful to us.’ -Morgan Daimler It helps to acknowledge the complex history surrounding colonization and religion and their impacts on the pagan society, mythos, and legends of the native people of Ireland. While I respect the various beliefs and traditions that exist, I firmly believe that no belief system should cause harm to individuals or communities. The ongoing efforts to restore and celebrate the sacred sites and rich cultural heritage of Ireland are commendable and play a crucial role in honoring and preserving the identity of its people. #SaintPatrick #IrishPaganism #DruidHistory #PaganTruth #CulturalHeritage #AllSnakesDay #PaganResilience #ancesterveneration Sources: Sufenas Virius Lupus, various writings on Celtic Reconstructionist Paganism and Irish mythology. Ronald Hutton, Blood & Mistletoe: The History of the Druids in Britain. The Irish Pagan School, resources and articles on the history of Irish paganism and the myths surrounding St. Patrick. The Brehon Laws, ancient Irish legal texts In summary, it's important to clarify that St. Patrick did not lead a massacre, and perpetuating this idea can be harmful to Irish stories and communities. It's perfectly fine to celebrate "All Snakes Day" in solidarity with pagans, even though it does not correlate to any truth other than what the myth of St. Patrick represents. We should also be mindful and respectful of the Irish people and their own traditions. Both celebrations can coexist, even if they are both rooted in mythos.