I am Witch

1.  My belief in a higher power is not limited to a single deity. Nor, is it always dependant on any deity. Sometimes, it is stripped back to the core belief that I respect, trust and acknowledge Universal energy and power. As I do not conform to any one religion in this belief, I draw from many traditions, cultures and beliefs in my practice of worship, magick and ritual.

2. The cycle of the moon is very important to me; when she is full, Lady Luna is a beacon of goodness (a light in the dark, if you will); as the milky orb wanes, her magick strengthens the art of diminishing negative energy; when she is Dark, it is time to put magickal work aside and rest; as her thin sliver returns and she is New the time has come to begin again with new projects and endeavours; from there she waxes and the time has come for magickal work to bring gain; until she is once again Full and ready to be the strongest force of positive energy in the sky.

3. I live in alignment with the seasons; therefore, I celebrate the change from light to dark to light again, from warm to cold to warm again. I rejoice in the rain, I roll in the snow, I bathe in the sun and I howl at the moon. I do conform to the witches Sabbats as the most structured way of celebrating the cycles of nature but I find enjoyment in nature every day.

4. I am a tree-hugger: a hug is an embracing way to express a love of trees and to give thanks to the spirit of that tree for not only providing beauty, shade from the sun, cover from the rain, but also the oxygen we need to breathe. It is not a silly thing to do but a genuine gift of love and respect for the oldest and grandest life force on the plant.

5. I accept the elements: earth, air, fire and water, as the foundation and key components of magickal practice and trust that they are the cornerstones of my work.

6. All living things have a life force; a spirit, essence or energy which is to be respected and treasured. This is not limited to people and animals; it also includes the elements, trees, plants, rocks, mountains, crystals, anything made by the natural world. To honour this life force is to believe it a blessing to the world.

7. I trust that life (or existence) is eternal, and when the physical body dies, the spiritual body does not. I believe in reincarnation and that when there are lessons that still must be learned, you are reborn to learn them. I also believe that when all lessons are learned, there is ascension of the soul to the ‘afterlife’.

8. The magick I practice is channelled, created and/or generated for others. The only workings I do for myself are those that honour deities and ‘unseen’ energies – the fae, for example, and those for a life of balance.

My January Celebrations

I like to celebrate something every opportunity I can and so I have listed here all of the God/Goddess Days, Feasts, and general festive practices that I respect, honour and celebrate in the month of January. This also includes the end and start of a Celtic Tree Month, although I am not elaborating on this too much because my very good friend Shiann Raven Moon will be posting detailed information on each tree over the coming months.. This is by no means a complete list of the myriad of deities, historical events, beings and myths that could be incorporated into daily celebrations because there are far too many. This is simply a list of who and what I give thanks to and for throughout the year (later months to be posted in time).

1^st

·        New Years Day

The first day of the year based on the Julian and Gregorian calendars.

·        Tewa Turtle Dance

The celebration of a creation myth detailing when Sky Father embraced Earth Mother and all life was created.

·        Gamelia Festival

It is a wedding festival; consisting of a month of marriages; celebrated in Athens. Therefore honoured by Athena and so during this time I honour her in return.

·        World Peace Day

This is a day set aside to meditate for peace to be brought to the world.

2^nd/3^rd

·        Inanna’s Day

Inannna is the Sumerian Goddess of Love, War and Fertility; daughter of Anu; the 2^nd and sometimes 3^rd of January are celebrated in honour of Inanna because it is believed that this is when she was born.

3^rd

·        Thesmophoria

Greek in origin, the festival was based on secret women-only rituals related to marriage customs. It is commemorated on the third of the year because this is when Kore (Persephone’s maiden aspect) was taken to the Underworld by Hades.

5^th

·        Kore’s Day

Kore is the name of maiden aspect of the Greek Goddess Persephone (Queen of the Underworld and daughter to Zeus and Demeter). The word ‘Kore’ itself means ‘maiden’.

6^th

·        Feast of Kore/Epiphany of Persephone

Celebrated at midnight on the 5^th and continues into 6^th January.

7^th

·        Day of Sekhmet

This is a festival of intoxication; Egyptians would dance and play music to soothe the wildness of the Goddess..

·        Feast of Aphrodite

To honour peace and compassion the feast held on this day is in Aphrodite’s name.

21^st

·        Start of Celtic Month – Rowan (Luis)

This Celtic month named by the tree Rowan runs until 17^th February is associated with the Celtic Goddess Brighid and indicates a good time of year for initiations or self-dedications.

·        Sun enters Aquarius

The start of the Aquarian astrology sign.

23^rd

·        Day of Hathor

Egyptian Goddess of Love, Beauty, Motherhood, Healing, Music, Dance and Joy. Celebrated by wearing obsidian and/or blue lace agate as they are both associated with Hathor. A symbolic reference to cows is also appropriate so I put cattle pictures on my altar on this day.

27^th

·        Day of Ishtar

Babylonian/Assyrian Goddess of fertility, love, war & sex counterpart of Inanna. She has the title of ‘Queen of Heaven’. Symbolised by the Morning Star, the planet Venus and the star Sirius; also eight and sixteen pointed stars and lions. Celebrate and honour by using these symbols and/or invoking her for a working relating to her specialities.

31^st

·        Festival of Hecate

Hecate is the Crone aspect of a Greek Triple-Goddess archetype; generally considered a moon Goddess, given her association with Dark Moon. Renewed later as Artemis/Persephone, and later coming to fruition as Selene/Demeter. I indulge in her Festival by invoking her and meditating on her wisdom and drawing down dark moon energy.

·        Imbolc Eve

Imbolc is the first spring festival, the true embracing of light returning to the world and so the eve of this celebration is much like the last day of darkness.

Baby Drew

Written for a dear friend with a relative who lost a child. No words can express the sadness felt by all those who know the loss of a child but knowing that the child is in a warm loving place, with the angels, can bring comfort in time.

Your smiles were stolen from our eyes,

Your laughter lost by loved ones cries.

First words not spoken to give joy,

First steps not walked of this boy.

But you were given wings, dear Drew,

And now the angels fly with you.

So though we cannot watch you play,

In our hearts you’ll always stay.

The Wiccan Rede

I must say that this is by no means my own rhyming handiwork. Several versions have been published. For a fuller understanding of its history, please visit: Wikipedia - Wiccan Rede. Some people may wonder why I posted it, as it is not my original work... well, I posted it because it is an incredible piece of writing which I am proud to say I live by.

Bide within the Law you must,

In perfect Love and perfect Trust.

Live you must and let to live,

Fairly take and fairly give.

For tread the Circle thrice about,

To keep unwelcome spirits out.

To bind the spell well every time,

Let the spell be said in rhyme.

Light of eye and soft of touch,

Speak you little, listen much.

Honour the Old Ones in deed and name,

Let love and light be our guides again.

Deosil go by the waxing moon,

Chanting out the joyful tune.

Widdershins go when the moon doth wane,

And the werewolf howls by the dread wolfsbane.

When the Lady's moon is new,

Kiss the hand to Her times two.

When the moon rides at Her peak,

Then your heart's desire seek.

Heed the North winds mighty gale,

Lock the door and trim the sail.

When the Wind blows from the East,

Expect the new and set the feast.

When the wind comes from the South,

Love will kiss you on the mouth.

When the wind whispers from the West,

All hearts will find peace and rest.

Nine woods in the Cauldron go,

Burn them fast and burn them slow.

Birch into the fire goes,

To represent what the Lady knows.

Oak in the forest towers with might,

In the fire, brings the God's insight.

Rowan is a tree of power,

Causing life and magick to flower.

Willows at the waterside stand,

Ready to help us to the Summerland.

Hawthorn is burned to purify,

And to draw faerie to your eye.

Hazel the tree of wisdom and learning,

Adds its strength to the bright fire burning.

White are the flowers of Apple tree,

That brings us fruits of fertility.

Grapes grow upon the vine,

Giving us both joy and wine.

Fir does mark the evergreen,

To represent immortality seen.

Elder is the Lady's tree,

Burn it not or cursed you'll be.

Four times the Major Sabbats mark,

In the light and in the dark.

As the old year starts to wane,

The new begins, it's now Samhain.

When the time for Imbolc shows

Watch for flowers through the snows.

When the wheel begins to turn,

Soon the Beltane fires will burn.

As the wheel turns to Lammas,

Night power is brought to magick rite.

Four times the Minor Sabbats fall,

Use the Sun to mark them all.

When the wheel has turned to Yule,

Light the log the Horned One rules.

In the spring, when night equals day,

Time for Ostara to come our way.

When the Sun has reached it's height,

Time for Oak and Holly to fight.

Harvesting comes to one and all,

When the Autumn Equinox does fall.

Heed the flower, bush, and tree,

By the Lady blessed you'll be.

Where the rippling waters go,

Cast a stone, the truth you'll know.

When you have and hold a need,

Hearken not to others greed.

With a fool no season spend,

Or be counted as his friend.

Merry Meet and Merry Part,

Bright the cheeks and warm the heart.

Mind the Three-fold Laws you should,

Three times bad and three times good.

When misfortune is enow,

Wear the star upon your brow.

Be true in love this you must do,

Unless your love is false to you.

These Eight words the Rede fulfil:

"An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will”

Reflecting on... The Waning Crescent

7 - 10½ days after the Full Moon

The waning crescent moon is a beautiful sight. The slim left-sided arc indicates the decreasing light of Lady Lunar as she shines over the earth. It is a time of deep intuition and divination.

The magic I undertake when the moon is in this phase generally relates to banishment & binding, releasing, reducing & reversing; anything that involves ‘taking away’ or ‘removing’. This could be applied to a variety of workings: reducing debt and breaking bad habits are popular practices when the moon is waning, but also diminishing heartache and ending bad relationships. It is the removal moon phase.

My personal choice of magick during this particular waning crescent is the banishment of a romantic problem. I rarely use magick to dabble in affairs of the heart but as this is only to remove obstacles, and not to influence a future romantic situation, I feel justified in it as a use of my energy.

From a Wiccan perspective, the Goddess is in her Crone aspect during this time; the wisdom she offers is what I find such an incentive to better myself. Therefore, the inspiration for clearing out the old energy I no longer need; breaking bad habits, banishing aches and pains, curing addictions and other such spiritual releases.

Imbolc Approaching...

As the Wheel of the Year turns into the light, darkness slowly recedes and I hear the sound of birdsong strengthen each morning as I stir from sleep to enjoy the day. It seems wrong that as we head into January, frost is not biting the nose and fingertips. Though melodious rain patter has been heard against the windowpanes, it doesn't quite have the magic touch that frost does. Waking up to see the world blanketed with a chilly air and a sparkling coat creates an excitement in me that I barely find in other parts of the year. For this reason I have chosen to recreate it today:

I cannot make it snow; I don’t have that kind of power, but I can decorate my altar with white velvet to give the appearance of a snowfall over my sacred space; I can make snowflakes out of paper to decorate my window and bring that winter chill indoors; finally I can decorate my altar and myself in glittery adornments, just to add some sparkle. This is my plan for Imbolc decorations over the next few weeks. Photographs will be posted with progress.

Now, as Imbolc is on its way, which is the first of the ‘Spring Sabbats’, I will also be keeping eye on my snowdrops (galanthus) in hope that they bloom for my festivities. I like to assign a special flower to each Sabbat at for me, snowdrops are the flower of Imbolc so even though I will be visiting a friend this Imbolc, my altar will be decorated with snowflakes and I will take some for my friend’s altar too.

My Christmas Gift Poetry

Introduction

Great writer’s minds have crafted

For many years they've grafted

To find the words that will portray

The feelings that are hid away

In darkened rooms, by candle-light

On ocean shore and mountain height

So by this logic, words should be

Hard to find for you or me

But a secret that was never told

When words were made in days of old

Is that I was there and I knew

I’d need these words to give to you.

I thought for quite a lengthy spell

How to describe you all so well

I swam through quite a turbulent sea

With many waves of black coffee

There were obstacles I faced

While trying not to get too spaced

Words came fast and then too slow

All back and forth, then to and fro

Many hours with prose were toiled

Lost in rhymes that had me foiled

I sat alone and thought so deep

Sometimes I’d laugh, sometimes I’d weep

But now I'm pleased with the result

And happily I do exult

Each poem written by my hand

Is complete and rather grand

So please enjoy the words I wrote

With love and kindness they denote

All I feel I've found since meeting

The 32 friends I'm daily greeting

Vicky

Chocolate truffles and hazelnut creams

Cookie-dough goodness and sugar-cloaked dreams

A realm of true sweetness and hidden delight

Encompassing all that is kept out of sight.

So through this magical land I wander

Filled with the hope that’s free to plunder

And happen upon a special surprise

A fountain of wisdom with no hope of disguise

The rose-scented waters that from it cascade

Reveal the sweetness you keep in the shade

And how your soul is sent from above

A gift of the Gods, to us, with love

Tony

Made of every wondrous thing

Toffee apples and silly string

A shooting star in rapid flight

The silver glow of full moonlight

It’s in your eyes, that life is mirth

And in your smile, what that is worth

The laughter and sparkle you emit

Compliment your dazzling wit

So when I am low, I think of you

And my spirits rise as if they’re new

These words of genuine gratitude

Are for your sunny attitude.

Helen S

Golden rays from a summer eve

Surround you in an auric weave

And on the back of fairies’ wings

The tiny notes a songbird sings

You are blessed in many ways

But being encircled by the faes

Makes you touched by nature’s glory

A precious moment in your story

This magic that has chosen you

It shines like drops of morning dew

So feel special, feel treasured

For natures love cannot be measured.

Ruth

A heart of gold is rare to see

Its gift of love is given free

Capacity that can’t be measured

And so your friendship must be treasured

I know these rhymes seem awfully cheesy

But words for you, they flowed so easy

You are beyond compare the best

So always know that you are blessed.

And if you ever feel unsure

Read these words, they are a cure

To remind you that when all seems lost

Your heart of gold is never the cost

Stuart

Legend tells of a man of snow

Abominable unless you know

That he is sated and appeased

When his appetite is eased

Dark the cavern in which he dwells

With densest walls of sparkling swells

Silence reigns in its icy deep

So walk with haste, don’t make a peep

He will emerge to fill his tummy

So if you bring him something yummy

The legend says you’ll find out that

He’s really just a pussy cat.

Umesh

Abstract, heart-felt or purely random

How to convey the sheer fandom

Of the gifts that you possess

And in what way I should express

With descriptions of humour and wit

Or the sparkle your eyes emit

Should I write of brush-strokes grand

Or liken you to grains of sand

The decision could not quite be made

So to compromise I was swayed

And tried a little of all three

It turned out well, I hope you agree

Tee & Hayley

Days that have been spun to myth

In hurried time that left forthwith

When knights were plenty in this land

And gallantry was seen first hand

It’s almost lost and gone forever

But some, like you, they do endeavour

To bring chivalry into this age

By letting courage out it’s cage

The heat that flows inside your veins

Is bravery that never wanes

It bubbles up inside your heart

And sets your soul a world apart

Now, to each tale that has a knight

His lady love must be in sight

A maid of courtesy and grace

To catch the knight in love’s embrace

Then bestowed upon the pair

The blessing of a son and heir

And to fulfil this happy ending

Wedding vows are now impending

It happened here, right in this story

How love triumphed and found glory

So Cinders and Snow White are beat

By Kingstanding’s most elite.

Denise

Light the heart of those who know

Your disposition’s is aglow

A wealth of care and understanding

Kindness eternally expanding

An autumn glade of dancing gold

A leaf procession in the cold

That warms the spirit of those nearby

To never want to say goodbye

Your quiet calm is humbling

Like autumn leaves are tumbling

No wonder you’re so highly rated

When you’re beautifully understated

Chris

Lollipops and bubble-gum

Brandy snap and sugar plum

Your inner child is singing out

The fun that you are all about

It took no time to ascertain

You are so very far from plain

The rainbow that is in your heart

Makes you an abstract piece of art

I wrote this verse to now express

How knowing you is to regress

To every colour, dark, pale and bright

That you bring to every day and night.

Dave

I've found this rhyme so hard to write

Because it seemed quite impolite

To capture in just words alone

The unique nature that you own

It bubbles with a childish glee

Skips and frolics, wild and free

Eternal youth is ever thine

Gifted from the great divine

But dwelling deep within such fun

A mischief making has begun

So when your wayward side takes hold

Remember it stops you growing old.

Tanya

I wrote a poem of chocolate mountains

Juice filled lakes and truffle fountains

But when it came to read it through

It would've made you hungry too.

And so to fairy land we travel

Starlight shining on sacred gravel

Enchanted woods and talking trees

Unicorn sighted on bended knees

Only here where magics reign

Can I say I've done it again

As I wrote these words I knew

They’d been fucked by Tinkerbell too.

Khya

Starlet glamour, dazzling chic

Unparalleled air of mystique

Exuding charm from every pore

Not a blemish or a flaw

It seems with angels you’re aligned

And in your soul, gold’s intertwined

Not simply round the outside twirled

But woven in and gently swirled

The angels made you incandescent

Creating light that’s effervescent

It can’t go out or even fade

Because your goodness won’t be swayed

Gary

This is the second time I've tried

To write in verse what I have spied

In the year since meeting you

And here is what I know is true

That rock is in your heart and soul

It fills you up and makes you whole

And what I've found a great surprise

For one so young, you’re very wise

So abstract words don’t seem required

To tell you that you are admired

For your friendship and your heart

You really are state of the art

Ste

Roll the dice, play your hand

Make a castle in the sand

Live for today, not tomorrow

Feel the joy and not the sorrow

No moment on this earth is wasted

When you sample what’s to be tasted

So be surprised by each detail

Breathe it in when you inhale

Don’t let a blessing be forsaken

When each one helps you awaken

To see the world is all enchanted

So never take it too for granted.

Gina

Silver threads that wind their way

Through the ethers bright bouquet

Of colours bending is astral flight

A spectacle of pure delight

And when they reach this realm of earth

The heart and home of nature’s birth

Their colours burst a rainbow spray

A cosmic fireworks display

I think of this when I see you

Because you emit every hue

Of the rainbows brightest light

Even those that aren't in sight.

Mark

Rainbow characters did unite

To create a pure delight

This is what I see in you

Zippy, George and Bungle too

But I'm bringing the full cast

From the 80’s all amassed

The Moomins and the Fraggles play

Thundercats will rock this day

He-Man has brought all the Masters

Of the Universe, so no disasters

No wonder you turned out so great

With 80’s TV as your mate.

Lucy

When it’s time for you to slumber

Count the sheep of endless number

Enveloped in a layer of fuzz

And imagine no alarm will buzz

A cocoon of softness when you sleep

Protection as your dreams go deep

Wrapped up in all those comfy folds

No chance of nasty flu’s or colds

Fleecy flannel, fur and fluff

Pyjama goodness, that’s the stuff

Covered in teddies, cupcakes and more

Keeps you warm and helps you snore.

Simone

Inevitable that time will pass

And as it does you will amass

A myriad of lessons learnt

Just avoid the ‘getting burnt’

It’s easy to imagine that

These lessons come without combat

But remember for who you will become

That getting there is half the fun

Breaking hearts will open yours

And few mistakes cause actual wars

So whenever of something you’re unsure

Never forget, it’s been done before

Angie

There is a lake of vast expanse

Which from a distance, at first glance

Appears to be serene and still

But no one can predict it’s will

The fluid depths hold currents high

And 50 proof rains from the sky

That’s mirrored on the surface shine

And scatters on this mystic brine

Legend says in residence

A naiad of great elegance

Will dance under the endless rain

Her spirit not to be contained

Helen P

The ease with which this verse flows out

Says much of whom it is about

No words could ever exactly say

The thankful blessing it does portray

Your warmth is always showing through

I never thought but then I knew

That I must have done something fine

To be counted a friend of thine

There are few people in this land

Whom for a century I could stand

But you are definitely on that list

A fact I never would resist

Orlana

Ocean waves are gently lapping

At the shore and softly crashing

The peace of such a scene is so

Visible in your quiet ‘hello’

Immortal are these waters deep

That captivate and ceaseless keep

The sweet serenity of this girl

Who shimmers like a clam-fresh pearl

Her song is one of youthful life

So no matter what the strife

The waters running through this soul

Will always be in her control

Matt

I thought this poem would be a breeze

The words would flow with so much ease

Because you’re kind in heart and mind

This poem would make that outlined

However, when it came to write

Each line came over too contrite

The words seemed clumsy, overdone

The magic wasn't being spun

It took some time to know why

The rhymes together would not tie

But now I know it’s just too tough

To find words that would be good enough

Rose

The magic of a Catherine-wheel

The gold, magenta and the teal

Spiral through the ether swirling

Your light and sparkle is a-twirling

Never change your disposition

Because it’s such a sweet emission

Of all that you hold dear and true

The wonder that’s just and only you

A temperament of pure delight

That fills the room you’re in with light

And brightens any darkly place

With the presence of your grace.

Jan

It takes a very special soul

To be trusted in a friendship role

And it took seconds to be sure

That your friendship was couture

In an instant it was cast

Not burdened by a blemished past

Highly coveted and enjoyed

Never a cross-word or annoyed

No rule is set or broken

No secret left unspoken

Because acceptance is the key

In the friendship of you and me

Adam

Candied the words that tumble out

When I think of what to shout

About the niceness you bestow

On everybody that you know

Your sweetness sticks like toffee

Enjoyed like sugared coffee

And never is a bad word said

Because you have a level head

A smile in each greeting

Courtesy in every meeting

So words can’t really capture well

How knowing you is rather swell

Carol

A disposition of softest grace

Is displayed upon your face

And on your smile I can depend

In loveliness you set the trend

So it takes no time to love

All that you sweetly consist of.

A heart you wear upon your sleeve

Kindness so easy to perceive

So as I write this little rhyme

I think of how you are sublime

Choice of words is far from lackin’

‘Cause you are completely crackin’

Nick

It’s not hard to understand

That you deserve a big brass band

That marches in salute of you

For all the good things that you do

The sound could not be loud enough

Or have sufficient punch ‘n’ stuff

To honour just how great you are

In fact brighter than a star

So, fifty trombones should be hailing

A hundred trumpets ever scaling

The drum beat magnified ten-fold

‘Cause in making you, they broke the mould

Tasha

Though knowing you is rather new

It’s easy to see a fiery hue

A spark of passion for all you love

A kindness that fits you like a glove

You have a very special air

A warmth of spirit with a care

And in that spirit magic lives

Enjoy the benefit it gives

So feel happy, feel proud

That you are blessed and endowed

With the sweetness in your heart

That sets your soul a world apart

Michelle

Crisp the snow that sets the scene

On a landscape quite serene

Nothing breaks the silent splendour

So to its presence, do surrender

Enjoy the sparkle as moonlight

Enchants each frosty star delight

The winter blanket has descended

Reminding me when we befriended

A dozen moons have soared the sky

And from then to now I can’t deny

That knowing you has been so nice

A very lucky roll of dice.

Sophie

Fairy lights and candy canes

Santa pulling on sled reigns

Winter scenes of delight

Sparkling both day and night

Stockings hanging from the fire

Christmas Eve, time to retire

To dream of presents under tree

Bringing happiness and glee

You epitomise this time

Of the spirit, so divine

That flutters in to December

A Christmas worthy to remember.

Thai

Lotus flowers of pink-white hue

Float gently on the silver-blue

Above them dance the fire-flies

That mirror starlight from the skies

So invoke the lovely lotus bloom

Your magic’s held within its womb

Watch its splendour, feel its grace

Keep it in a warm embrace

And in that joyful merry dance

It’s possible to slyly glance

The magic that is in your heart

And the revelry it does impart

Diane

There is a cosmic multitude

Of people with an attitude

Those who think they’re always right

No matter what the cost or plight

But not all souls are made this way

Some freely give their time away

And when I think of you, my friend

I know that you are of this trend

And it doesn’t take a sleuth

To know you only speak the truth

Special from the inside out

A blessing to us all no doubt

The End

Merry Christmas all.

xxx