Sunday Surprise - Yule/Christmas Lore

* The Yule tree (lore, correspondences, decorating, and consecrating) *
From the Earth Witchery Website, which I can no longer find at the link given : (

 

Lore

The Celtic Druids venerated evergreen trees as manifestations of deity and as symbols of the universe. To the Celts, these trees were sacred because they did not die from year to year like deciduous trees. Therefore they represented the eternal aspect of the Goddess who also never dies. Their greenery was symbolic of the hope for the sun's return. The Druids decorated the evergreen trees at Yule with all the images of the things they wished the waxing year to bring. Fruits for a successful harvest, love charms for happiness, nuts for fertility, and coins for wealth adorned the trees. These were forerunners to many of the images on today's Christmas trees. Candles were the forerunners of today's electric tree lights.

In Scandinavia, Yule trees were brought inside to provide a warm and festive place for tree elementals who inhabited the woodland. This was also a good way to coax the native faery folk to participate in Solstice rituals. Some believed the Saxons were the first to place candles in the tree. Gradually sacred tree imagery was absorbed and marginalized by the Christian church--but it was never able to destroy trees' resonance within our collective unconscious completely. We realize when we plant a tree we are encouraging the Earth to breathe. And when we decorate our evergreen trees at Yule, we are making a symbol of our dream world with the objects we hang upon it. Perhaps a chain or garland, reflecting the linking of all together on Earth. Lights--for the light of human consciousness, animal figures who serve as our totems, fruits and colors that nourish and give beauty to our world, gold and silver for prosperity, treats and nuts that blend sweet and bitter--just as in real life. The trees we decorate now with symbols of our perfect worlds actually animate what we esteem and what we hope for in the coming year; as from this night, the light returns, reborn.

Decorating the Tree

It's best to use a live tree, but if you can't, you can perform an outdoor ritual thanking a tree, making sure to leave it a gift when you're finished (either some herbs or food for the animals and birds). Start a seedling for a new tree to be planted at Beltane. If apartment rules or other  conditions prevent you from using a live tree indoors, be sure to bring live evergreen garlands or wreaths into the house as decorations.

• String popcorn and cranberries and hang them on the Yule tree or an outdoor tree for birds.
• Decorate pine cones with glue and glitter as symbols of the faeries and place them in the Yule tree.
• Glue the caps onto acorns and attach with a red string to hang on the Yule tree.
• Hang little bells on the Yule tree to call the spirits and faeries.
• Hang robin and wren ornaments on the tree. The robin is the animal equivalent of the Oak King, the wren of the Holly King. Each Yule and Midsummer they play out the same battle as the two kings.
• Hang 6-spoked snowflakes on the branches of the tree. The Witches Rune, or Hagalaz, has 6 spokes.
• Hang sun, moon, star, Holly King, faery, or fruit decorations.
• String electric lights on your tree to encourage the return of the Sun.

Consecrating the Tree

Consecrate the Yule tree by sprinkling it with salted water, passing the smoke of incense (bayberry, pine, spruce, pine, spice, cedar, or cinnamon) through the branches, and walking around the tree with a lighted candle saying:

"By fire and water, air and earth,
I consecrate this tree of rebirth."

 

 

 

* The Holly King and Other Lore *
THE HOLLY KING

From the Celtic tradition, we get a pair of ancient pagan images who fight for supremacy at Yule. The Holly King and the Oak King are probably constructs of the Druids to whom these two trees were highly sacred. The Oak King (king of the waxing year) kills the Holly King (king of the waning year) at Yule. The Oak King then reigns until Midsummer when the two battle again, this time with the Holly King as the victor. The Holly King, who has evolved into the present day Santa Claus, wears red, dons a sprig of holly in his hat, and drives a team of eight (total number of solar Sabbats) deer, an animal sacred to the Celtic Gods. Holly and mistletoe are traditional to the season through commemoration of the battle. The holly was hung in honor of the Holly King; the mistletoe (which grows high in the branches of oak trees) in honor of the Oak King. The Oak King and Holly King are mortal enemies at Midsummer and Yule, but they are two sides of a whole, and neither could exist without the other.

SANTA CLAUS

Today's Santa is a folk figure with multicultural roots. He embodies  characteristics of Saturn (Roman agricultural god), Cronos (Greek god, also known as Father Time), the Holly King (Celtic god of the dying year), Father Ice/Grandfather Frost (Russian winter god), Odin/Wotan Scandinavian/Teutonic All-Father who rides the sky on an eight-legged horse), Frey (Norse fertility god), the Tomte (a Norse Land Spirit known for giving gifts to children at this time of year), and Thor (Norse sky god who rides the sky in a chariot drawn by goats). Julbock or Julbukk, the Yule goat, from Sweden and Norway, had his beginnings as carrier for the god Thor. Now he carries the Yule elf when he makes his rounds to deliver presents and receive his offering of porridge.

When Early Christians co-opted the Yule holiday, they replaced the ancient Holly King with religious figures like St. Nicholas, who was said to live in Myra (Turkey) in about 300 A.D. Born an only child of a wealthy family, he was orphaned at an early age when both parents died of the plague. He grew up in a monastery and at the age of 17 became one of the youngest priests ever. Many stories are told of his generosity as he gave his wealth away in the form of gifts to those in need, especially children. Legends tell of him either dropping bags of gold down chimneys or throwing the bags through the windows where they landed in the stockings hung from the fireplace to dry. Some years later Nicholas became a bishop--hence the bishop's hat or miter, long flowing gown, white beard and red cape. When the Reformation took place, the new Protestants no longer desired St. Nicholas as their gift-giver as he was too closely tied to the Catholic Church. Therefore, each country or region developed their own gift-giver. In France he was known as Pare Noel. In England he was Father Christmas (always depicted with sprigs of holly, ivy, or mistletoe). Germany knew him as Weihnachtsmann (Christmas man). When the communists took over in Russia and outlawed Christianity, the Russians began to call him Grandfather Frost, who wore blue instead of the traditional red. To the Dutch, he was Sinterklaas (which eventually was mispronounced in America and became Santa Claus). La Befana, a kindly witch, rides a broomstick down the chimney to deliver toys into the stockings of Italian children. These Santas were arrayed in every color of the rainbow- sometimes even in black. But they all had long white beards and carried gifts for the children. All of these Santas, however, never stray far from his earliest beginnings as god of the waning year.

As witches, we reclaim Santa's Pagan heritage.

REINDEER

Santa's reindeer most probably evolved from Herne, the Celtic Horned God. Eight reindeer pull Santa's sleigh, representative of the eight solar Sabbats. In British lore, the stag is one of the five oldest and wisest animals in the world, embodying dignity, power and integrity. From their late Autumn dramatic rutting displays, stags represented strength,  sexuality and fertility. As evidenced by multiple prehistoric excavations of stag antler ritual costumes, the wearing of stag antlers in folk dance recreated the sacred male shaman figure called Lord of the Wild Hunt, Cernunnos, or Herne the Hunter, among others--he who travels between worlds, escorting animal spirits to the afterlife and sparking wisdom and fertility in this world. Likewise, the stag's branching antlers echo the growth of vegetation. In America, the stag represents male ideals: the ability to "walk one's talk," and powerfully, peacefully blend stewardship and care of the tribe with sexual and spiritual integrity.

In Northern European myth, the Mother Goddess lives in a cave, gives birth to the sun child, and can shape shift into a white hind, or doe. Therefore, the white hind was magical, to be protected and never hunted. In myth, graceful running women of the forest--who were actually magical white hinds--brought instant old age or death to hunters who chased them. To the Celts, all deer were especially symbolic of nurturing, gentle and loving femaleness. White deer hide was used to make tribal women's clothing. White deer called "faery cattle" were commonly believed to offer milk to fairies. In Britain amongst the Druids, some men experienced life-transforming epiphanies from spiritual visions or visitations by white hinds, balancing and healing their inner feminine energy. In Europe white hinds truly exist, and are many shades of warm white cream-colors, with pale lashes--otherworldly in their peaceful and modest behavior. To many Native American tribes, deer are models of the graceful and patient mother who exhibits unconditional love and healthy, integrated female energy.

WREATHS

The Wheel of the Year is often symbolized by the wreath. Its circle has no beginning and no end, illustrating that everything in its time comes back to its point of origin and travels onward, over and over again. Scandinavians began the tradition of hanging the wreath at Yule, the beginning of their new year, to commemorate new beginnings in the cycle of life. Today in rural Germany, a giant wreath, known as St. Catherine's Wheel, is a holdover from another pagan custom which involved sympathetic magic to lure the sun's warmth back to the earth. A giant four-spoked wheel with an effigy of a person bound to it, is lighted on fire and rolled down a hill. (The effigy probably hearkens back to a time when human sacrifices were made in plea to the sun.) In some traditions, Yule was a more important holiday for honoring the Sun God than Midsummer. In Winter, Mother Earth was cold and barren without the fertilizing power of Father Sun.

MISTLETOE

Mistletoe was also known as the golden bough and was held sacred by both the Celtic Druids and the Norse. Mistletoe was used by the Druid priesthood in a very special ceremony held around this time...five days after the New Moon following winter solstice, to be precise. The Druid priests would cut mistletoe from a holy oak tree with a golden sickle. The branches had to be caught before they touched the ground. Celts believed this parasitic plant held the soul of the host tree. The priest then divided the branches into many sprigs and distributed them to the people, who hung them over doorways as protection against thunder, lightning and other evils. The folklore, and the magical powers of this plant, blossomed over the centuries A sprig placed in a baby's cradle would protect the child from faeries. Giving a sprig to the first cow calving after New Year would protect the entire herd.

Now for the kissing part. Although many sources say that kissing under the mistletoe is a purely English custom, there's another, more charming explanation for its origin that extends back into Norse mythology. It's the story of a loving, if overprotective, mother. The Norse god Balder was the best loved of all the gods. His mother was Frigga, goddess of love and beauty. She loved her son so much that she wanted to make sure no harm would come to him. So she went through the world, securing promises from everything that sprang from the four elements--fire, water, air, and earth--that they would not harm her beloved Balder. Leave it to Loki, a sly, trickster spirit, to find the loophole. The loophole was mistletoe. He made an arrow from its wood. To make the prank even nastier, he took the arrow to Hoder, Balder's brother, who was blind. Guiding Holder's hand, Loki directed the arrow at Balder's heart, and he fell dead. Frigga's tears became the mistletoe's white berries. In the version of the story with a happy ending, Balder is restored to life, and Frigga is so grateful that she reverses the reputation of the offending plant--making it a symbol of love and promising to bestow a kiss upon anyone who passes under it. Balder is sometimes seen as the sacrificed and resurrected god, who is restored to his people after the Battle of Ragnarok.

LIGHTS

Winter was a time of death and stagnation in the eyes of early humans. The earth was barren and unproductive, shelter was drafty, disease was common, and food was scarce. Little wonder they did all in their power to assure the Sun's return each year. During the festivals of the waning year, fire became a form of sympathetic magic to entice the Sun back to the earth. Bonfires were lit; Flaming wheels rolled down hillsides; Burning candles were placed in windows. Candles were later placed in the boughs of evergreen trees, later evolving into lights on our holiday trees.

Honor the new solar year with light. Do a Solstice Eve ritual in which you meditate in darkness and then welcome the birth of the sun by lighting candles and singing chants and Pagan carols. If you have an indoor fireplace or an outdoor fire circle, burn an oak log as a Yule log and save a bit to start next year's fire. Decorate the inside and/or outside of your home with electric colored lights. Because of the popularity of five pointed stars as holiday symbols, this is a good time to display a pentagram of blue or white lights.

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Friday Form A Circle - Happy Samhain!

* Hearken Now, The Darkness Comes! *
By Lark

 

Mists gather in the valleys and pour down the ancient riverbeds to the darkening sea. Gone the fires of autumn's glory, lost to the legions of cloud-swept days and chilling rains. Gone to wild geese flying southward, gone the last of summer's bounty. Mornings rimed with silver frost, evenings gathering gloom for sitting round the hearth fires glow. Hearken now, the darkness comes!

In the vale under the moor, the village speeds it's frantic pace. Thatcher's finish repairs on thick round roofs to hold out the snows of winter. Children bring in the last of the nuts and withered fruits from the woods. The wheat is threshed and winnowed on the chilly breeze. Wood smoke rises from the hearth fires and axes ring in the clear air. Down from the moors come the cattle and sheep to the winter fields, come too the pigs from the forest glades. The smell of blood is thick in upon the air as those animals chosen for the slaughter are slain and cured against the winter's needs. The planting begun at Beltane is now the harvest. Hearken now, the darkness comes!

In the great forests that lie across the land, the leaves form a thick carpet upon the ground, upon which treads the King Stag, velvet gone from his crown of horn, challenging all with his trumpeting cries. The bear and the fat squirrels seek their dens. The wolves stir in the cold, and their voices rise in songs to the moon. Now is the time of the Hunter. His shadow flies across the midnight sky, His horn sounds in the wind like thunder, His red-eyed hounds fly on before. Hearken now, the darkness comes!

She who stands guardian now is no longer the soft Maiden of spring, nor yet the fecund Mother full of the heat of summer. It is Cerridwen now, the Crone, the Hag, who stands without. In dreams and trance you see her, holding the cauldron into which all that live must go. Holding the cauldron that is Death. Gone too the young Lord of Spring, the Summer King. Now is the time of Herne the Hunter, wild master of the Winter's night. Harsh he is and full of fire, Lord of Death made manifest. Hearken now, the darkness comes!

And in the turning of the year, the walls of time and space become as air, until life and death are as one and departed souls walk again among the living. Here on this most sacred night, as the old year died and the new was born, around the fires the people gathered in celebration. There was wine and cider from the vines and groves, bread from the fields of winnowed wheat, and meat steaming from the slaughter. A great feast and celebration of life to take into the darkness. Hearken now, the darkness comes!

And as the earth moved onward into the darkness, the veil between the worlds grew thin, and strange beings walked upon the land. See now the pooka shake his tangled mane, the Sidhe come forth from out the hollow hills, listen as the bean sidhe sings forth her terrible cry. And against this army of eldritch power, men did wield a greater weapon as fires sprang forth upon the hilltops and lit the standing stones and village greens. Dancing, swirling, leaping past the fires, the people held back the powers of the night with light and music until the dawn came once more. Yet still the darkness comes!

Turn and turn again the Earth did in its endless dance among the stars. Gone now the villages that lay beneath the downs and among the woods. Gone the straight track and winding sheep path. Gone the King Stag and the shaggy bear. Yet still we hear an echo of that time and place as we sit to honor our blessed dead, as our children dress as monsters and play in the shadows. We hear the whisper of the Goddess in our hearts, and sometimes, late at night we hearken to the cry of the Hunt, high in our crowded skies. Hearken, for the darkness comes!

And we, the spirit children of that ancient age, we remember. Though we labor not in the fields of waving grain, yet do we too now bring in our harvest. We gather to ourselves the fruits of our projects begun in the spring of the year and ready ourselves for a time of rest and introspection. We unburden ourselves with that which is no longer needful for our survival through the winter of the year. We the children of this ancient age remember too our honored dead who speak to us again as the walls of this world grow thin. We pass the Cup of Remembrance as we think upon one who has gone before. We remember the good times and the bright things we treasure from their memories, and we allow them to fly free. We make our peace with She who waits for all. We remember the fears of the darkness, and in our masquerade and games, we come to terms with Death and with change. For such is the meaning at the heart of the feast. So prepare you now as the darkness comes. Ready the harvest of your hopes and dreams. Light the fires against ignorance and fear. For
remember also, that the darkness is but one turn upon the Wheel, it is the darkness of the womb. And the Death we all must face is merely the doorway to the Life to come.

* Lord Atmahka's Samhain Ritual *
by Lord Atmahka

Lord Atmahka offers his ritual for Samhain, observed at the full moon nearest Ancestor Night, also called Hallowe'en, and in 1998 was observed Nov. 4. While this ritual is more a Wiccan one than Druidic, it is of the nature of this one, and is gently offered, to be accepted in whatever way it will, by those spirits who are among us and in our hearts. It is traditional at Samhain to leave food outside in a special place for the souls of the dead. A small candle is placed in a window, to guide those souls. The food consists of a small piece of bread, and an apple, cut across horizontally, revealing the five-pointed star. There is also a small container of salt. Half of the apple will remain with the food, the other half consumed during the ritual. Wine is also left with the food, a portion of that which is used in the ritual. The remainder is left in a natural paper container, to return entirely to the earth. Also, the salt will remain.

THE RITUAL

An altar is set in a special place, obscure to the rest of the world, and safe from intrusion. It is made up of the elements of the outdoors. This year it was based on three large stump pieces from a mulberry tree cut a year ago, and left to mature among the living trees and grass. They are placed in a triangle shape, with a circle of stones round about the whole area. On the left side altar stump is placed the bread, the apple, a small chalice of white wine, and fall leaves, a simple display. A candle, lighted from the domicile and carried to the altar, is in a square glassed lantern and placed on the right stump piece representing bringing the individual  to a special place with his personal light shining. A small cauldron is in the middle of the natural circle described by the largest trunk piece. This circle is divided into 8 parts, spokes representing the wheel of the year and the cycle of the season - the beginning and end of creation. A candle is placed within the cauldron, as yet unlighted, as well as incense. A special small sword is placed next to the apple and bread. A black, hooded robe is worn, representing the idea of being one with the outside, bereft of finery, and in keeping with the solemnity of the occasion. Standing before the altar, thoughts flow through of friends and family who have passed before, in their transition to another form of their entity. It is known that they are merely in another stage of their being, so we are not sad. Rather, we allow memories of them to come into the lighted circle, and thereby they live in our hearts and continue to be with us. We do not wish for them to be unable to progress, so we allow their spirits to go on after a time. We know that they have incarnated into another form, and only this one aspect of their spirit remains. Also prepared before the journey to the altar: a piece of paper with any aspect of life that needs to be released: worry, disease, anger, want. We know that these are merely transient, so we identify them and place a word or two for them on the paper, which is carried to the altar. We speak a Blessing Chant:

"May the powers of the One,
the Source of all creation,
all inclusive, eternal;
may the Goddess of the Moon and the God,
hunter of the sun;
may the powers of the stones, rulers of the elemental realms,
may the powers of the stars above and the earth below ~
bless this place, and this time, and I who am with You."

Holding the chalice of wine toward the sky, we speak:

"Gracious Goddess of Abundance,
bless this wine and instill it with Your love."

Taking the knife and cutting the apple horizontally to reveal the five-pointed star, and cutting the bread also in half, both are then held up, and say:

"Bless this food of the harvest and fill them with Your love."

Finally, these thoughts, in the following vein:

"The veil is lifted tonight, we open the gates
between this world and the next,
and honor ancestors and others who have gone on before.
You are not forgotten;
remember me and all who wish me well are welcome in this circle."

Lifting the bread and salt over the altar:

"I ask all who have gathered here to join me in this feast."

I dip a piece of the bread in the salt and eat. Then, half the apple is eaten, remembering its symbolism. Likewise then, the wine, first placing it on the circle, it is lifted:

"May I always be strong in body, mind and spirit."

Drinking some of the wine, the rest is placed back on the altar. The candle within the cauldron as well as the incense both are lighted. The paper with those things to be released, is placed in the cauldron, to be burned and banished from our being. The balance of this time is spent in meditation, going within to consider all matters that appear, then allowing all the spirits to depart to the four points. When meditation is completed, then the circle is released. The food is left, the candle and incense are gently diminished, and we return to our domicile, to start a new year.

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Thursday This Is Your Spell - Charge of the Dark Goddess

Samhain approaches quickly. This is the dark of the year, when the veils thin, and the dead rejoin us for one night. When the dark aspect of our Goddess is foremost. In honor of that I am presenting several versions of "The Charge of The Dark Goddess"...

* The Charge of the Dark Goddess * 
Source Unknown/No Longer Available 

Wisdom and empowerment are the gifts of the Dark Goddess of Transformation. She is known to us as Kali, Hecate, Cerridwen, Lilith, Persephone, Fata, Morgana, Ereshkigal, Arianhrod, Durga, Inanna, Tiamat, and by a million, million other names:

Hear me child, and know Me for who I am.
I have been with you since you were born,
and I will stay with you until you return to Me at the final dusk.
I am the passionate and seductive lover who inspires the poet to dream.
I am the One who calls to you at the end of your journey.
After the day is done, My children find their blessed rest in my embrace.
I am the womb from which all things are born.
I am the shadowy, still tomb; all things must come to Me
and bare their breasts to die and be reborn to the Whole.
I am the Sorceress that will not be ruled,
the Weaver of Time, the Teacher of Mysteries.
I snip the threads that bring my children home to me.
I slit the throats of the cruel and drink the blood of the heartless.
Swallow your fear and come to me,
and you will discover true beauty, strength, and courage.
I am the fury which rips the flesh from injustice.
I am the glowing forge that transforms your inner demons into tools of power.
Open yourself to my embrace and overcome.
I am the glinting sword that protects you from harm.
I am the crucible in which all the aspects of yourself
merge together in a rainbow of union.
I am the velvet depths of the night sky,
the swirling mists of midnight, shrouded in mystery.
I am the chrysalis in which you will face that which terrifies you
and from which you will blossom forth, vibrant and renewed.
Seek me at the crossroads, and you shall be transformed,
for once you look upon my face, there is no return.
I am the fire that kisses the shackles away.
I am the cauldron in which all opposites grow to know each other in Truth.
I am the web which connects all things.
I am the Healer of all wounds, the Warrior who rights all wrongs in their Time.
I make the weak strong.
I make the arrogant humble.
I raise up the oppressed and empower the disenfranchised.
I am Justice tempered with Mercy.
Most importantly, child, I am you.
I am part of you, and I am within you.
Seek me within and without, and you will be strong.
Know me.
Venture into the dark
so that you may awaken to Balance, Illumination, and Wholeness.
Take my Love with you everywhere
and find the Power within to be who you wish.

* Charge of the Dark Goddess *
by Morwynn

Listen to the words of the Dark Mother, who of old was called Hecate, Nuit, Morrigan, Banba, Erda, Macha, MotherNight, Sekhmet, and many other names:

Whenever you seek wisdom, at the time of the Darkening Moon,
come together in love and trust and learn of Me,
who is the Wisest of Crones...

Ye who search the mysteries of the Earth, the secrets of Air and Darkness,
of Blood and Fire, the silence of the uttermost stars,
come unto me,
and I shall whisper to you in the depths of midnight.

Ye shall approach Me in silence,
and as a sign that ye are free from fear,
your breast you shall bare to My blade...
for fear has no place in My mysteries,
and that which you seek of me will destroy you
if you fear it.

For I am the dolmen arch beyond which stretch the mysteries of infinity.
I am the silence before birth and after death.
I am the clouded mirror in which you scry your own soul.
I am mist in the twilight, the vast and starry sky of midnight,
shadows on the Moon.
All things come to Me in the end, and yet I am the beginning of all.

I meet you at the crossroads, I lead you through the darkness,
My hand you grasp in the passage between the worlds.
To those that toy with Me am I an instrument of self-destruction.
Yet to the true seeker do I bring knowledge beyond mortal comprehension.
Of you shall I demand the utter truth of all that you are,
and in return shall I give you all that you may be,
all that I am.

For My wisdom is beyond the Ages,
and knowledge of My Secrets is power over self,
over fear, over death.

Nor do I demand aught of you which you cannot give.
For I am the Mother of Mysteries,
and as you know Me,
so shall you learn to know yourself.

* Charge of the Dark Goddess *
by Shayla

The Dark Goddess speaks to us, Through the mouths of Lilith, Kali, Tiamet, Hekate, Nix, the Black Madonna, Nemesis and Morgaine.

I am the Darkness behind and beneath the shadows.
I am the absence of air that awaits
at the bottom of every breath.

I am the Ending before Life begins again,
The Decay that fertilizes the Living.
I am the Bottomless Pit,
The never-ending struggle
to reclaim that which is denied.

I am the Key that unlocks every Door.
I am the Glory of Discovery,
For I am that which is hidden, secluded and forbidden

Come to me at the Dark Moon
and see that which can not be seen,
Face the terror that is yours alone.
Swim to me through the blackest oceans
To the center of your greatest fears--

The Dark God and I will keep you safe.
Scream to us in terror,
and yours will be the Power to Forbear.
Think of me when you feel pleasure,
and I will intensify it,
Until the time when I may have the greatest pleasure
Of meeting you
at the Crossroads Between the Worlds.

* Charge of the Dark Goddess in Tribute to Hecate * 
Source Unknown/No Longer Available 

Hear now, the words of Hecate, who comes forth
from her cavern of trickling waters and baying hounds.
I am the eternal soul, the dark maiden,
the mother of night, and the patron of witches.
Fear not my power, for I am justice, the keeper of the keys,
and the bearer of ancient wisdom.
I come to you during the dark of the moon,
that I may lead you as your soul's mirror.
My vision spans all directions,
as I walk the endless crossed roads in darkness.
I travel between the worlds, yours and mine, my children,
that I may guide you through the shadows of the Underworld.
As I stand on the edge of sanity, cloaked, veiled,
with glowing eyes and a blazing torch,
my appearance is intense,
but you shall learn, my fearful ones,
that it is I who brings you fairness and resolution.
It is I who protects you, my suffered children of the earth.
It is I who heals your wounds and makes you strong.
It is I, Hecate, Queen of the Underworld,
who charges thee by the light of my love,
and harkens to your call in the winter
when the night is still.

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Friday Form A Circle - Solo Samhain Ritual

* Solo Samhain Ritual *
c 2001 Erica Frank

Samhain Ritual, short version, suitable for solitaires; based on the Mystic Spiral ritual style.

Items needed:

• A knife (must be sharp)
• Apples or Grapes (preferably room temperature or warm) Pomegranate (preferably chilled)
• Standard ritual gear (candles, incense, altar, etc.)

Items you might want:

• Leafy garland or panpipes
• Two (greek-style) torches or dark robe
• Small serving dish(es)
• Small towel (pomegranates can be messy)

Call elements, Cast circle Invoke deities: (face main altar), and say:

"Gaia, who nurtures all life,
send your son Pan, Lord of the fields and flocks.
May he join me in celebration and revelry."

(Light God candle):

"Pan, master of beasts and rough, primal forces
-enter this circle; share your wild abandon
!Bring joys and lusts; bring the last kiss of summer
before the cold of winter. Join me, Pan! IO EVOE!"

[may add longer invocation to Pan]

(if in group, HP takes on the aspect of Pan, puts on a garland or plays pipes, etc.)

(face main altar), say:

"Ouranous, who rules the heavens,
send your daughter Hecate,
She who guards against the terrors of the night.
May she join me in celebration and reflection."

(Light Goddess candle):

"Hecate, queen of night and the restless spirits
enter this circle, share your peace and wisdom.
Bring calm and endurance; bring guidance 
through the winter until the days grow warm.
Join me, Hecate! IO EVOE!"

[may add longer invocation to Hecate]

(if in group, HPS takes on the aspect of Hecate, puts on dark robe, lights two torches, etc.)

Cycling of the year

Take the blade, and grapes [or apple]. Cuts into fruit (apples or grapes); serve them.

"I eat this last fruit of summer.
I am filled with the warmth
that has ripened this fruit on the vine [or tree].
I taste the Sweetness of life in the sun."

(Everyone eats, and pauses to think about the end of summer.) Place knife on altar. (If in group, Pan hands knife to Hecate. If solo, put down garland, take up torches or put on dark robe.) Say:

"Summer ends. Winter begins.
The fields lie fallow,
and the beasts sleep in their homes.
The Lord passes the mantle of guidance to the Lady
as the nights grow cold and long."

Take blade & pomegranate. Cuts into it, serve it on plate. say:

"I eat this first fruit of winter.
I feel the chill that ripened this fruit in the rind.
I taste the richness of life hidden away."

(Everyone eats, and pauses to think of what winter will bring.)

Worship & prayers

"Hekate Apotropaios, averter of evil--control the wrath of the dead, whose spirits cry out for vengeance, and who may lash out at anyone they can reach. Protect the living from their rage. Hecate Chthonia, lady of the underworld--you have dominion over the hostile spirits who wander; guide them to their resting places, and seal the gates between the worlds.

Hecate Phosphoros, light-bringer--bring us light and guidance as we stand in this doorway, this transition between peace and war. Let your torches show us the truths hidden in the shadows; lead us out of this darkness."

Remembrance & contemplation

"We now remember and honor those who have died this past year." Each person in circle goes to altar, and mentions someone who has passed in the last year that they will miss. If you have incense, each person lights a stick, or puts another pinch on the charcoal. (Or lights a candle.) If you have a token of the person (an item of theirs, or a photo), place it on the altar. (Doesn't have to be someone known personally.) Since last Samhain, I  mourn the passing of the following people:

George Harrison, musician
Peggy Lee, singer
Thor Heyerdahl, explorer
Ann Landers, advice columnist
Chuck Jones, animator.)

Continue until everyone in circle has had the chance to remember people.
Pause.
Simple Feast

Cakes & wine, bread and juice, or whatever your group uses. Thank the Gods. Say:

"Pan, lord of the fields in summer,
thank you for your presence,
for sharing your joy in life.
Before you depart to your winter realms,
we drink deep in your honor

[raise cup, drink, spill some in libation bowl, pass it to next person if any]...

Hail Pan! Hail & farewell!"

"Hecate, lady of night & magic,
we thank you for your presence,
for extending your protection to us.
Before you depart to take up your winter duties,
we drink deep in your honor

[raise cup, drink, spill some in libation bowl, pass it to next person]

Hail Hecate! Hail & farewell!"

Dismiss the elements, Open the circle.

(Anyone who wants the long version can email me at elfwreck@yahoo.com). Permission granted to use, copy or distribute, as long as credit is given and no money is charged.

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Friday Form A Circle -

* Dancing with Death Ritual *

by Andy, Widdershins

Close your eyes, and calm your thoughts. Let your mind go out into the world. A wind blows cold across the land. Leaves, torn from the trees, swirl about like battling dervishes. A chill night is falling on the Earth, and we must be ready. Samhain is come again, and the whole world dies. Ourselves included. Of our own free will, we must take now the path to the Underworld, so that, of our own free will, we might be reborn again.

Let your spirit seek across the land for that path. At Samhain, we see the signs of the last harvest. Once fertile fields, now empty of all but the decaying remnants of the crops. A tattered scarecrow looks down, image of dying Dionysus. He knows the secrets of death and rebirth.

Seek farther for the path. Look in the cities, for death is there too. At Samhain, people even celebrate it. People dress themselves as spirits, in hopes of blending with the real spirits that walk on this night. The graven faces glowing from pumpkins tell the tale. Death can be a blessing or a curse.

Back now again into the country. Here you see the truth. All around you plants die. The summer sun has gone, and the plants die for lack of warmth. Follow the dying sun, for near its home lies the path. Send your spirit into the west, where the waves hurl themselves against comfortless rock. The waves have carved a passage, and down it you must go.

Each of you now take a coin for Charon, the ferryman. For Cerberus, take a cake as Psyche did. Like all hounds, he is fond of treats. Come now, the path is before us."
- Potential visualization for Hermes to recite

It is Samhain, the coolest holiday of the pagan year, and that means we need a good ritual. The ritual that follows developed out of three main ideas: Persephone as Queen of the Underworld, the dumb supper and the Danse Macabre. I've studied Persephone for years, and She is the only Goddess I have ever manifested as a fully conscious entity within me, so I know a fair amount about Her. One thing that has always bothered me about her portrayals is that they almost always focus on her Kore aspect. As Kore, She is the happy maiden to whom bad things happen. Sometimes She likes it, sometimes She gets over it, but the story always ends there. She is like a child actor who everyone remembers as a spunky 7-year old and ignores what she's done since. I wanted to experience Persephone in her full glory. Persephone is the Queen of the Underworld. She is the radiant spirit of life in the land of death. She rules there as much as Hades does. She is the one who gave Eurydice back to Orpheus. She is the beauty who inspired Pirithoüs' mad quest to "save" and wed Her (aided by Theseus). So beautiful was She that Aphrodite had Psyche steal Her beauty chest to learn its secrets. Persephone is a radiant queen, long recovered from the initial unpleasantness of her wedding. Persephone is lonely, however. She is only living being in the Underworld, and that can get old after a while. She always welcomes guests from above and treats them well. Even Pirithoüs, one of her suitors, was "condemned" to remain with Her in the Underworld forever by Her "jealous husband" Hades. That's really a harsh punishment for someone who loves Her anyway.

The second idea I included is the dumb supper. Traditionally, on Samhain, people would eat supper in silence out of respect for the dead. Often, empty places were left at the table for the dead, complete with empty plates and bowls. Eating in silence on Samhain makes it easier for the dead to be heard again. As part of a ritual, this is easy: Have the normal post-ritual feast during the ritual. The use of black foods such as black-cherry Jell-O, grape juice, Black Forest cake and so on can enhance the effect. Soft lighting is good, although you should save the candles for later.

The third idea is the Danse Macabre, the dance with death (or the dead, in the case of this ritual). When envisioning this ritual, I wanted to have more interactions with the dead than just thinking about them at dinner, but didn't know how. Then, just before last Halloween, I went to the "Classical Halloween" performance in Seattle's new Benaroya hall. Much beautiful, but haunting, music was heard. That fused in my mind with the "haunted ballroom" from the haunted mansion in Disneyland, and the Danse Macabre was born.

The idea is to invoke a particular dead spirit into a candle flame, and then dance with it. Black votive candles work wonderfully well for this. Start with a dark room, the darker the better. Have each person call their chosen dead and light their candle. Start the music, and with the spirits of the dead providing all the light, dance. The effect of all the people dancing around with the candles is a beauty to behold and even more fun to do.

The music is important here. I suggest classical because it gives an elegant, haunting feel. "The Danse Macabre," by Camille Saint-Saens, is the work that inspired the Danse. "Mache Funebre des Marionettes" by Gounod is good. The easy way to get the music is to go into one of those big record stores before Halloween. They have all sorts of collections of Halloween music, ready to use. You may have to hunt some for classical ones. Ask the person at the classical desk way in the back. I use Fright Classics by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Try to avoid known movie soundtracks. While the main theme from The Exorcist or "Night on Bald Mountain" would be perfect, everyone in the ritual would be thinking of Linda Blair or Mickey Mouse. A little choice on track selection for your compilation tape will avoid this problem.

Now on to the ritual itself. How elaborate you want to be depends on your time, resources, the number of people who will be in the ritual and your personal tastes. I'm going to write for ideal conditions; much of the ritual can be altered or dropped. Ideally, you will have a house to work in. In this case, you can use one room for the visualization, one for the feast and one for the dance. The visualization room can be left as usual for a ritual. The feast room should have room for people to sit and eat. Ideally, the dance room will be cleared of furniture, with all lights out, draped in black, with mirrors scattered about. In this room, the open space and the dark are the important parts.

Before the ritual, get the rooms ready. Set the food and utensils out so people can eat in silence without having to ask "where is a cup?" and "pass the salt" and so on all the time. Buffet style is the key here. Have votive candles ready in the dining room for the next stage. Placing a large burning candle there makes it easier for everyone to light theirs after the feast. In the visualization room, set out a bowl of those chocolate gold coins ready so people can each take one for Charon. Doggy treats should be ready there if people are to pass Cerberus also. The ritual uses the Greek mythos of Persephone as its foundation. It calls Persephone and Hades. To invoke other death deities such as Hel, Kali, Hecate or Set, you will have to adapt the ritual. It isn't too difficult to modify, but I'm going to assume the original Greek theme here. The roles in the full ritual are Persephone, Hades, Hermes, Charon and Cerberus. Hades can be dropped, with Persephone speaking the essential lines from both parts. Figure out who is going to do what in advance.

Charon and Cerberus merely take offerings and let people pass. They can be as dramatic or boring as they want. Cerberus can be dropped altogether. At the place where my group often has rituals, the owners have three dogs running about. I envisioned giving one of the dogs a doggy treat to pass by Cerberus. This step should work for any pets who like lots of treats.

The Ritual

Start in the visualization room. Ground, cast your circle around the house, perform your usual ritual beginning. As goddess and god, call Persephone and Hades. While the initial ritual is going on, Persephone, Hermes and Hades (if He appears) should be in the underworld room invoking and preparing. After the circle is cast, Hermes comes in and begins the journey. If you are not using the Greek mythos, insert your favorite messenger of the dead here. The journey to the underworld is a guided visualization with some walking about. You can use the visualization at the start of the article, or make your own. The key here is for Hermes to set the mood. It is Samhain, and you are undergoing a dark and mysterious journey to the realm of the dead. At the end of the visualization, everyone gets up. Hermes leads people to the eating area. His path, preferably, is convoluted, possibly going out of and back into the house. Along the way, people pass Charon and give him their coins. In a different spot, they pass Cerberus, if present. Leashes or a separate closed room can keep pets in a particular area if they participate. Whoever is playing Charon and/or Cerberus should leave the main group and get ready when the visualization starts. They can rejoin the group after everyone passes their stations. When everyone reaches the eating area, Persephone (and Hades, if present) are there, waiting. Preferably, they're seated in big chairs. Hermes announces to the ritualists that they are entering the feasting hall of the underworld where Lady Persephone and Lord Hades are holding court. He presents each member of the group by name to the Lady and Lord. Persephone should welcome the group and bid them to eat. How dramatic this should be is up to the gods involved. Hades should probably just scowl a lot - yes, his wife is having another of Her infernal parties. The underworld was so much quieter back when He was single. None of this mortals traipsing around stuff.

After the presentation, Hermes joins the main group and the dumb supper begins: a feast of black food and silence. Contemplate those who have passed on. Leave food and places for them. At the end of the supper, Hades makes an announcement. If you perform the ritual without Hades, Persephone can speak, and you can edit the following accordingly. I'm going assume Hades here. The speech is borrowed from an account of Orpheus' trip to the underworld.

"We are the gods who rule the dark and silent world; to us all born of a woman must come. All lovely things at last come down to us. We are the debtors who are always paid. A little while you tarry up on Earth, then you are ours forever and forever. But I see you have come to us too soon. We will weave again for you life's pattern, taken from the loom. But first you must decide who will do the weaving."

Hades takes out a pomegranate, and Persephone takes out a flower. Each person takes either a seed or a petal. Hades then leads the seed-takers into the heart of underworld (the dance area). Hades (or Persephone) tells his group that they have chosen to accept death as part of their lives. When they return to the land of the living, they now have a task. Once each moon, until it is Samhain again, they must find something that has died and light a black candle for it. It could be a plant or animal - just anything or anybody who has died. The ritualists should call Hades when they light the candle, of course. Persephone should tell the group the same thing, if Hades is not present. For those who remain, or when Persephone returns from working with the first group, Persephone tells the group they have chosen to be a bringer of life to the world. When they return to the land of the living, they now have a task. Once each moon, until it is Samhain again, they must call Persephone and then do something that makes someone happy.

The key here is to split the group. Everyone has to make a choice and accept his or her fate. Also, Persephone and Hades should tell everyone not to reveal what happened to them. They might mention what happened to Eurydice when Orpheus didn't follow instructions. By splitting the group up, a level of mystery is introduced that adds to the magic of the ritual. Keeping each part secret from the people in the other group only enhances this effect.

Persephone now leads the petal group down into the heart of the underworld. Everyone lights their candles as they enter and calls the spirit of someone who has passed on. Persephone speaks again.

"Now the reweaving of lives will begin. Dance now the Danse Macabre, the dance of death and life, and we will weave the essence of your spirits together again."

Start the music, dance with spirits, enjoy life. Persephone, Hades or both weave the intense energies involved. Whenever the deities feel everything is done, they stop the music. Hermes leads people back to the visualization room. Everything is released, and everyone goes home.

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Monday Make A - Grave Rubbing

Make a Grave Rubbing!
By Patti Wigington, About.com

"When you're wandering around a cemetery, be considerate of others who may be present - - both the living and the dead."
Patti Wigington

Many modern Pagans and Wiccans include ancestor worship as part of their Samhain celebrations - it's not out of the ordinary to meet members of the Pagan community who can recite their genealogy back ten or more generations. In addition, because it's common for Wiccans and Pagans to view death not as ending but as the beginning of the next phase of spiritual development, grave rubbings are popular with many Pagans. It's great to use those of your own relatives and family members, but if you find a headstone that strikes you as interesting, there's nothing wrong with making a rubbing from it.

It’s important to keep in mind that if you’re tromping about a cemetery, you should be respectful. Not only of the people who are lying there, but also of those living beings who may happen to come along while you’re there. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying yourself, but please make an effort not to disturb someone who may be grieving. Not everyone views death in the same way, so while your family may accept it as part of nature’s cycle, another family might be overcome by a sense of loss. Also, bear in mind that many cemeteries are private property. Before wandering into them, check to see if you need to get permission. If you do, be sure to get it before you end up trespassing.

Headstone rubbings are a unique way of preserving the past and getting some pretty neat décor out of it as well. While doing a rubbing usually doesn’t cause damage to headstones, there are certain precautions that should be taken. If a stone is worn or crumbling, pass on it. Rubbing an already-damaged stone can cause it to flake and chip to the point where it’s irreparable. Instead, choose stones which are in good condition – the best results come from either polished granite stones or solid slate markers.

You will need:

• lightweight paper (white butcher paper works nicely, but you can experiment with other colors as well),
• a large crayon (preferably black, but again, feel free to try new stuff) or rubbing wax,
• masking tape
• a soft-bristled paintbrush to clear debris off the stone.
• You might also want to take a cardboard tube with you to store your rubbings for transport home.
• I also like to bring a notepad and pencil to jot down notes about the cemetery and the person whose headstone I’ve rubbed.
• A pair of garden scissors can be helpful for trimming off weeds at the base of the stone.

Once you’ve chosen your stone, brush it off lightly with your paintbrush. You’d be surprised how much dust and organic material can accumulate in the carvings, to say nothing of bird poop. Once it’s cleaned off, use the masking tape to keep the paper in place over the area you wish to rub. Try to extend the paper past the top and sides of the stone – that way you won’t get random crayon marks on the stone itself.
Start your rubbing by filling in the outer edges of the carved area. This will give you a point to work towards. Once you’ve done that, move to the center and begin working outward, back towards your edges. Use the flattest surface of the crayon or wax, and make light, even strokes. If it looks like your rubbing isn’t showing up well, don’t worry. You can go back and add more definition later. Keep your strokes uniform to prevent variations in coloring.

Once you think you’re done, step back and look at the rubbing from a distance. Chances are that by viewing it from a few steps away, you’ll notice some irregularities in the shading or detail. Go back and fix them, without putting too much pressure on the stone. When you’re satisfied with the result, carefully remove all the tape. Be sure to clean up stray bits of paper or other garbage. Roll your rubbing up and place it in your tube for safekeeping.

Once you get it home, matte and frame your work and hang it up on your wall. A collection of grave rubbings is a good conversation starter all year long, but particularly at Samhain. If you have access to the gravestones of your ancestors, a wall of framed rubbings can become the perfect altar to your heritage.

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Wednesday What Herb is This - Wormwood

WORMWOOD

CAUTION!! Wormwood and its related variety known as Mugwort, are not only TOXIC in large doses, but WILL CAUSE FETAL ABNORMALITIES!!!! UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES USE EITHER OF THESE HERBS IF you even SUSPECT PREGNANCY, OR ARE BREAST FEEDING!!
WARNING: The oil is pure poison and should only be used externally! Never take this herb for more than a few weeks.

Wormwood is also known as Absinthe, Green Ginger, Old Woman, Crown For A King.The Common Wormwood grows on roadsides and waste places, and is found over the greater part of Europe and Siberia, having been formerly much cultivated for its qualities. In Britain, it appears to be truly indigenous near the sea and locally in many other parts of England and Scotland, from Forfar southwards. In Ireland it is a doubtful native. It has become naturalized in the United States.

This herb has been known to be in use since 1500 B.C.E.. Dioscorides' Greek Herbal, written in the first century C.E., calls for its use as a remedy against intoxication. The ancient Egyptians used it for headaches. Wormwood tea is used as a liver remedy to dispel the symptoms of jaundice and to remove depression and melancholy. According to the Ancients, wormwood counteracted the effects of poisoning by hemlock, toadstools and the biting of the seadragon. The plant was of some importance among the Mexicans, who celebrated their great festival of the Goddess of Salt by a ceremonial dance of women, who wore on their heads garlands of wormwood. The ancient Egyptians used it as a vermifuge (to kill internal worms), as did many later cultures, and the name "wormwood" may refer to this property of ridding the body of worms. For protection, Wormwood can be burned in incense or used in potions. French Witches of the Middle Ages rubbed babies with Wormwood juice in order that "they never be too cold or hot for as long as they lived." Early American colonists stored this herb with their clothing to protect the material from moth larvae. To rid the place of fleas; or books of book lice, powder some wormwood seeds and "dust" the area where they are found.

Wormwood has the potentially addictive substance Thujone in it. (The "kicker" in the liqueur Absinthe.) Thujone acts powerfully on the nerve centers, causes delirium, hallucinations,  and in some cases, insanity. The mystique of Absinthe as a drink is helped by the fact that the liqueur has been banned in many countries since the early part of this century. What many don't know is that Absinthe was hardly the first alcoholic beverage which utilized wormwood - much earlier, wormwood was used in the production of wine and beer. Before hops were introduced in some areas of Europe, wormwood was used to bitter beer. The chemical Thujone which is found in Wormwood appears to be porphyrinogenic, which means that it increases the production of heme in the body. It is possible that this property could make the symptoms of porphyria, which is commonly (and incorrectly, I might add) known as the "vampire disease", much worse. There is speculation now that the artist VanGogh, a notorious Absinthe addict, was also a porphyric, and the two in combination led to his insanity and untimely demise.... Remember that thing about van Gogh's ear?

*Wormwood is magically associated with the planet Mars and the element of Air. Wormwood is said to be dedicated to Diana in some old witches Grimoires. The genus is named Artemisia from Artemis, the Greek name for Diana. Wormwood is also associated with Isis and the Goddess of Salt. Wormwood is an ingredient in many of the old Flying Ointments. Absinthe has been used in some Magical ceremonies in the past. Wormwood is a classic herb for the Samhain season. In October the wheel of the year stops for a magical 3 day interlude before the feast of Samhain, which ushers in the death and rebirth of the seasonal wheel of the year. At Samhain we place gifts of food on our altars, and out-of-doors, extending hospitality to the disembodied ancestors who are surely among us. We light dark candles and call our dear departed, especially those most recently dead. Wormwood, when added to herbal incense, is an aid in opening the psychic centers. When these centers are open and receptive, we may better communicate with those who have "passed over". Its been written that wormwood and sandalwood (an herb of purification and high spiritual energy) burned together near a gravesite will summon the spirit of the departed. Wormwood is a banishing herb, used to rid a person or an area of anger and negativity.

On Samhain strew it in your ritual fire as a protection against malevolent spirits. Burn it as incense to improve psychic abilities, or wear sachets for this purpose. The tea may be used to enhance prophecy and divination. It may also be carried for protection from the evil eye, and is said to protect vehicles from accidents due to dangerous roads when carried within. Used to remove anger, stop war or inhibit violent acts. Wormwood is burned to gain protection from wandering spirits. Used in divinatory and clairvoyance incenses, initiation rites and tests of courage. It is said to enable the dead to be released from this plane so they my find peace. Wormwood can be used for Magic relating to psychic powers, protection, love, banishing, and calling spirits. Witches have long burned Wormwood to raise spirits. An ancient spell calls for Wormwood to be pounded with the gall of a white bull; then with suitable ritual, a bit is placed into your eyes "to take away all impediments to sight, of both of the mundane and fabulous..." (Don't try this please). It can be used in divination and clairvoyance incenses. Wormwood can be used in love spells. An Old Love Charm says, 'On St. Luke's Day, take marigold flowers, a sprig of Marjoram, Thyme, and a little Wormwood; dry them before a fire, rub them to powder; then sift it through a fine piece of lawn, and simmer it over a slow fire, adding a small quantity of virgin honey, and vinegar. Anoint yourself with this when you go to bed, saying the following lines three times, and you will dream of your partner "that is to be":

"St. Luke, St. Luke, be kind to me,

In dreams let me my true-love see." '

In another love spell done to divine the face of your future lover, take dried Marjoram, Thyme, and Wormwood, grind them to a powder and cook them gently with honey and vinegar to make a paste. Anoint your third eye center with the mix and ask three times that a vision of your lover's face be granted to you in your sleep. Wear the mixture to bed.

Sources:

Alternative Nature Online Herbal

A Witch's Herbal part of The Celtic Connection

Full Moon Magic Herbs

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.