44 Days of Witchery Day 44: Witch's Choice

I would like to end this journey with a huge thank you to those of you who joined me. For me to have completed this in full, knowing there were people even remotely interested in what I had to say, I am totally honored.
I have learned a lot in this journey. With the research needed to back up some posts, and the knowledge gained for those posts where I had no clue what to write about. Well, I could not have done it without some great force pushing me forward.
Again, thank you.
Goddess Bless.

Natasha

44 Days of Witchery: Day 43: A Magical Recipe

Roses are perfect for every occasion, including afternoon tea. My husband usually buys me flowers about once a month, and when he brings roses, I make this light and gently flavored tea once the flowers have all seen their best.

Ingredients:

• Rose petals - these are available from specialist tea stores; if you have the time, you can also dry your own rose petals - instructions below
• Greenpowder tea

To Dry petals:

• Pick the rose petals and make sure they are free of dew.
• Half fill a net bag and close with an elastic.
• Hang the bag in a warm, dry and dark place to dry. This will take anywhere from a few days to a week, depending on the humidity of your environment.

Once the petals have dried, you can prepare the tea. Combine equal parts rose leaves and equal parts greenpowder tea. Store in an airtight, opaque container, suitable for tea. Make a cup of tea following the instructions for the greenpowder tea. Add honey to sweeten if desired.

44 Days of Witchery Day 42: A favorite Nature Spirit.

Sirens were originally beautiful bird women who lured nearby sailors with their enchanting music and voices to shipwreck on the rocky coast of their island. Although in Greek mythology Sirens are represented as mermaids, they actually dwell on an island in a flowery meadow.


The Sirens are probably best known for their part in the Odyssey where their song lured sailors to their death. Odysseus ordered his crew to plug their ears with wax (on the advice of Circe) so as not to be lured by the Sirens' song. In the story of the Argonauts, Orpheus sang sweetly enough to keep the men from succumbing to the Sirens.

44 Days of Witchery Day 41: A spell I've done

I did this spell about 3 months ago. I started my new job 2 days ago. It took a bit, but I truly believe it worked.

Supplies:

• Large Green Candle
• Large Red Candle

Time: Thursdays (only after you have submitted your resume or applications)

Procedure:

With a pin or sharp knife, write the name of the company(s) you want to work for on the side of the large green candle. On the red candle, you need to carve the victory rune (Tiwaz, it looks like an arrow, pointing up) and your full name. Burn both candles for 30 minutes on Thursday after the sun sets, while visualizing yourself getting the kind of job you want. At the end of the 30 minutes, snuff the candles (do not blow them out). Burn them each Thursday after that for 15 minutes until they burn out, or until you get the job.

44 Days of Witchery, Day 40: My Altar

For years, I had my altar set up underneath a window in my home facing the East. When the little man starting crawling around, I had to take it down for a while. Since then, it's just been a little difficult to put it back up in a permanent location. Our current home lacks the space I prefer for an altar location. So instead, I make my sacred space when it's needed and weather permitting, I prefer outside. There's a nice little clearing behind my home that reminds me of an enchanted glen that I like to perform my rites.

44 Days of Witchery Day 39: Something that Inspires You

Anyone who has or has had a 4 year old boy knows that there are good days, bad days, horrible days, and glorious days. They can have mood swings worse than any pregnant woman and can be the sweeter than candy when they want something.
Those affectionate moments are what inspire me to be a great mother. To know that no matter how stern I am, how determined I can be to raise my son to be a caring and smart young man, it's working. Even when he gets in trouble, there's that shimmer in his eyes that tells me that somewhere in there, he gets the message. He is what makes me strong.

44 Days of Witchery Day 38: Witchy Tools: Cauldron

Cauldrons are typically associated with water. But most often a cauldron is used to burn loose incense on a charcoal disc, to make black salt (used in banishing rituals), for mixing herbs, or to burn petitions (paper with words of power or wishes written on them). That's what I normally use mine for anyway.
I actually have two small ones. Although I would love to have a large one hanging in my hearth, until I actually get a hearth my little ones will have to suffice.

44 Days of Witchery Day 37: A famous Pagan Witch

Who knew! I'll be honest, I never thought to look online or research celebrities that share my faith. So to my pleasant surprise, it turns out that there a ton of celebrities that are openly Pagan/Wiccan.
Patrick Stewart (identifies as Gardnerian) was not too much a surprise, more like a confirmation to me.

She played one on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but did you know she's pagan? Allison Hannigan has been said to believe in real life too.

44 Days of Witchery Day 36: Flower of your choice and it's magical properties.

I chose Vervain as my magical flower.
One of my guilty pleasures: Vampire Diaries on the CW. In the show, vervain is used to protect humans against vampires. If drunk, the vampire wont want to drink your blood, and if worn, it will protect against mind control.
So how accurate did the show make use of this magical plant. Pretty accurate, actually. Going back to the middle ages, legends say that Vervain has been mixed in teas, worn in satchels and infused in baths to protect against Vampires.
But it doesn't end there. There are other uses for this magical plant too. Vervain is also used in love spells. Placed in the home, it protects from storms and lightning. And if buried in the garden, it's said your other plants with thrive!

44 Days of Witchery Day 35: Something people Should know about my Path.

"When one defines oneself as Pagan/Wiccan, it means she or he follows an earth or nature religion, one that sees the divine manifest in all creation. The cycles of nature are our holy days, the earth is our temple, its plants and creatures our partners and teachers. We worship a deity that is both male and female, a mother Goddess and father God, who together created all that is, was, or will be. We respect life, cherish the free will of sentient beings, and accept the sacredness of all creation." - Edain McCoy

So perfectly put, I don't feel I need to add more words.

44 Days of Witchery Day 34: A Rune of your Choice

Aside from carving a corresponding Rune to a candle I'm dressing, I have not yet had the chance to really study Runes. I have a divination book that explains the basics of this tool, but I haven't really delved into it. But I do know some lovely people who have used this tool with wonderful results.

44 Days of Witchery Day 33: Faerie of you Choice

Ondine

The story of Ondine is a about a water sprite that falls in love with a mortal and marries him so she can get a soul. I know, I know, how cliche! Although the story has changed a bit through the years, it's beauty remains the same.

I love this movie's adaptation on the story. And it doesn't hurt that the mortal is so good looking.

44 Days of Witchery Day 32: Pagan/Witchy Artwork.

44 Days of Witchery Day 31: A favorite Witchy Movie

My all time favorite witchy movie is Practical Magic. With some of my favorite actresses in the cast, Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock made adorable witches. And my favorite scene?......
Midnight Margaritas!




My second favorite witchy movie is The Craft. The unfortunate reality of how far off the path some people go is what drew me to this film. But the "I told you so" attitude of the heroine is what makes up for that.

44 Days of Witchery Day 30: Witchy Tools-Wand

I got my working wand about 7 years ago. Up until then I used my arm for casting my circles. It worked perfectly well, actually, and I never really went out in search of a wand. But mine just sort of called to me. I felt a pull so to say and I couldn't get away. I knew that if I left the shop without it, I would regret it.
I've used it ever since and I'm so glad for it too! I feel my energies flowing better, I can see my lines clearer.

44 DAYS OF WITCHERY - Day 29 - Water Element

As I've mentioned previously, water is by far my favorite element. The power, the serenity, it's extremes are beautiful to me.
Water is used to cleanse and purify. Many spells require a bath beforehand to ensure the spell caster is free of unwanted energies. Even in other religions, such as Catholicism, water is used to bless and cure.

44 Days of Witchery, Witchy Day 28: a Picture of a Witchy "I want it now!"

This would be the perfect little box to put my oracle cards in. I love it! One of the many beautiful creations made by a very talented friend of mine: IntoTheDawn on Artfire. I only wish I could do what she does with Polymer clay! I have had my eye on her spirit boxes for quite some time now. Who knows, maybe I'll get one for Yule!

Witchy Day 27:Picture of Nature: Earth Element

From the inside to the outside.... In the dead of Winter...

or in the blooms of Spring





The beauty of nature is all around us, above and below us, year round.

44 Days of Witchery, Day 26: A Witchy Podcast

I have to admit. I don't listen to podcasts. Sorry!

Witchy Day 25: How do your close ones feel about your Path?

I hid my beliefs for a few years, at the beginning. Coming from a Catholic background, I didn't think it would be welcomed with open arms. But after a while, it was really starting to wear on me. I didn't feel comfortable faking it anymore. At first, my mother was not happy. Well, "not happy" is an understatement. She was livid! And then we just didn't talk about it. Simple enough. It' s not like I flashed it around. I just didn't bring it up. I politely declined Mass, kept my alter under wraps, stuff like that.

Years later, her nosiness won out. She had become curious in my inner comfort. She wanted to know how I could feel so at peace with the world when I didn't accept Christ. She began to ask questions, and I tried to answer, but she still doesn't quite get it. No longer asking many questions, Mom has decided to just accept it.

My inlaws are a whole other story. Raised Baptists, they do not accept my path. One has even gone far enough as to shoving a cross under my mattress in hopes that Jesus would watch over me. <--True story! I found it when I flipped the mattress. I in turn put a satchel full of hops under her bed. She didn't know that it was just going to help her sleep better. I let her believe I put a hex on her. I found it rather amusing anyway. (Hubby did too) I did tell her eventually, but I proved my point.

My true friends know what my beliefs are and have never tried to "convert" me. A few share the same thoughts on life, the path, and so forth, and it truly is a blessing to have others that I can talk to about the craft. There's not a large Wiccan community where I live so there's not too many people to share ideas and spells and such.

All in all, I feel that those around me can either accept me and my beliefs, or they don't. I really don't care. An' it harm none, do as thou wilt. Right? To quote one of my favorite authors, Jaqueline Carey, " All Ways lead to the Way". Meaning that in the end, it doesn't matter how we get to where we're going, it's what we do to get there.

44 Days of Witchery, Witchy Day 24: Moon Sign

I will have to be honest, I've never really put much thought into my moon sign. I've always considered myself a true Capricorn. But since I committed myself to this blog challenge, I had to research. And I can totally see where my moon sign would be Leo.

Leo moons radiate power and natural warmth, they are generous and cordial. In turn they like to be recognized and admired. They don't appreciate criticism, since it would hurt their pride - which sometimes comes close to arrogance. I personally don't mind the criticism so much. It makes me want to strive harder to achieve perfection. I suppose that's the Capricorn exuding.
Leo moon personalities can be extremely stubborn. They have purpose, determination, and tenacity when it comes to getting what they want. Add that to the perseverance and bull bullheadedness of a Capricorn and you can imagine what my husband has to deal with on a daily basis.

Strongly idealistic, they are capable of great personal sacrifice for causes in which they passionately believe. I can truly attest to that. I can't even begin to explain the many sacrifices I've made for the people I care for.

44 Days of Witchery, Witchy Day 23; A Favorite Candle

I can't really say I have a favorite candle. I suppose it just depends on what the candle is being used for.

If I'm doing spell work and I want a candle to burn within a few hours, I would just use a tea light for my spell. If I need to use the same candle for quite a while, I would use a long pillar. I would use the same or votives if I need to dress a candle. The only scents would be from the oils used to dress the candles.

But if the candle is just an every day, scent your home kind of candle, then it depends on my mood and the time of year. At the moment, the candle at the edge of my desk is Falling Leaves and Spice, while in my bedroom, it's Lavender Vanilla.

44 Days of Witchery, Witchy Day 22: Current Moon Phase

Waning Gibbous

The moon is past full now. Once again, it appears less than full but more than half lighted.

44 Days of Witchery, Day 21: A favorite Scent

My favorite scent has always been Dragon's Blood. The resin of Dracaena and Daemonorops species of plants.

Although in the past, it was used internally and externally to stop bleeding, help heal wounds, and treat intestinal problems, I would not recommend doing so unless you know for sure the source of your Dragon's Blood is not the poisonous kind. (There has been some confusion in the past)

Burned as an incense, Dragon's Blood resin banishes evil, dispels negativity, and can strengthen the virtues of other incenses. I love it in all cleansing incenses I make because it gives a huge boost and you need only use a little. So for any heavy duty cleansing, this is a perfect resin to use.

You can use it for protection as well. If you feel that envy or other ill energy is around you or directed at you, you can pray for protection and burn some of it near the front door or in the main room of the home.

44 Days of Witcher: Day 20:Fire Element

Fire: commonly associated with the qualities of energy, assertiveness, and passion. Fire represents the creativity and passion that all intellectual and emotional beings have. It is an active force that has the passion to create and animate things. The element is also very rational and quick to flare up as is the personality of many fire-children (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius).

Witches do fire spells to boost courage, stimulate activity, or infuse a situation with passion and vitality. Fire spells can also will an idea into being. If you want to kindle enthusiasm in a romantic relationship or bolster your self-confidence in preparation for a challenge, you could do fire magick.

Fire's volatile nature makes it the most difficult element to control. Although fire spells generate a lot of energy and produce fast results, they are most suitable when your goals are short-term.

Candle magick is the most popular form of fire magick. Candles play a role in all sorts of spells where they activate your intention. In some instances, a candle's flame can be used to focus a witch's mind.

44 Days of Witchery, Witchy Day 19: Paranormal Experience

My first school here in the U.S. was close enough from our house that I could walk there if the weather was nice. So my friends and I would do so almost every afternoon. In our route, there was a creepy house that we always kind of felt an aversion to. You got one of those "pick up the pace" kind of feelings. So we did.
Until one day, in early November, an older kid dared us to go in. Being that we were only 10 at the time, and this other kid was closer to 13, we obliged.
It was kind of cloudy out, which made it darker than normal for that time of year. There were 3 of us, and we slowly ascended the steps to the front door. To our unpleasant surprise, the door was not locked, so opened up on our first attempt. The older kids stood at the sidewalk and watched us enter.
It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I mean, dust and dirt, sure, but all in all not too bad. No skulls or anything. We split up. One girl ventured off further into the house while another went upstairs. I stayed in the main room, looking at all the left behind knicknacks on the mantle and just lying around.
After what seemed like a lifetime, I heard a ruffle sound. I turned and saw a faint light on the stairs. It looked to be in the shape of a woman in a dress. She looked to be smiling, but I couldn't be sure. At that moment, the girl who went upstairs walked right through the apparition, and it was gone.
I didn't mention what I saw to any of them. We left the house, and the older kids seemed a little unsatisfied, but that was it. I can say, I didn't get that uneasy feeling when I passed by that house anymore.
Since then, I suppose my mind has stayed open to the other side. I no longer fear those "creepy" houses. I do get a sense that there may be a presence near me, but I'm not afraid. I've talked to some and have come to the conclusion that not all of them are bad. Not all of them are good either, but that's a different story.

44 Days of Witcher: Day 18:A tarot/ oracle card

I chose The World Card. It is the final card of the Major Arcana in the Tarot deck, pictured with a woman dancing, surrounded by a wreath.

It symbolizes the an ending to a cycle of life, a pause in life before the next big cycle beginning. It tells us full happiness is also to give back to the world, sharing what we have learned or gained. Whenever it comes up, this card represents what is truly desired.

She is, in a sense, the opposite of the Hanged Man right-side-up. As the Hanged Man saw infinitely inward, the Dancer sees infinitely outward.

The Dancer is also the opposite of the Wheel. The Wheel goes up and down like a Ferris Wheel, which means those on it feel like they get moved to higher or lower positions, are lucky or unlucky. The World, by compare, goes round and round like a carousel. This means that whatever corner of the universe a person gets sent to, it seems equally wonderful and interesting.

44 Days of Witchery Day 17: Picture of Nature (Fire Element)

Fire, what can be considered the most dangerous element of all. Fire's energy is invigorating, active, stimulating, and volatile.

44 Days of Witchery Day 16: Favorite Witchy Websites

I don't have any one favorite witchy website. I follow a few blogs though, that I thoroughly enjoy reading.
Cordelia's Cauldron
Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom
and I'm not a Wiccan

44 Days of Witchery Day 15: Thoughts on the Afterlife

Reincarnation.
I believe that my spirit will be born again and again until, well, I'm not sure how many times. I honestly don't know how many times it will take me to "Get it right". I suppose it just depends on what the Goddess herself sees fit.
I don't remember my past lives; I haven't ever done one of those regression/hypnosis things. (Not that I wouldn't love to claim to have been someone spiffy)I just have that feeling. You know? I get that sense sometimes that I've made a similar decision or that a particular crossroads has been in my path before. Kind of like a deja vu, I guess. I also feel drawn to certain eras in time, like it was an important life, but I just can't make that claim yet.

44 Days of Witchery Day 14: A favorite Pagan Holiday

Merry Yule, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanza!
Celebrate it however you may, this is the time of year I love the most. Families come together and people share in giving to one another.
Yule isn't just one day though. It's a time of year. It's a state of mind, even. It is a period of reflection. During Samhain, one has recognized the lessons given in past experience and now Yule brings the opportunity to be reborn with new light. With it's pageantry and traditions, and of course the food. Oh, the food! Roasted pork, Orange Cranberry Chicken, Ginger cakes! And of course, a yule log:

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sifted cake flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 3 eggs, separated
• 1/4 cup milk
• 
  
• 1/8 cup confectioners' sugar
• 
  
• 1 1/2 cups whipped cream
• 
  
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 8 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate, melted
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 
  
• 1/8 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon green food coloring
• 8 ounces marzipan

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 15x10-inch jelly roll pan. Line with waxed paper. Grease paper.
2. Sift together flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
3. Beat together sugar and egg yolks at high speed until light and fluffy. At low speed, alternately beat milk and flour mixture into egg mixture.
4. Using clean beaters, beat egg whites at high speed until stiff, but not dry, peaks form. Fold one third of beaten whites into batter. Fold in remaining whites. Spread batter in prepared pan; smooth top.
5. Bake cake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until set, 12 minutes.
6. Dust a clean cloth with confectioners' sugar. Turn cake out onto prepared cloth. Remove waxed paper. Trim cake edges. Starting with a long side, roll up cake, jelly-roll style. Transfer, seam-side down, to a wire rack to cool for 30 minutes.
7. Unroll cake; remove cloth. Spread whipped cream over cake to within 1 inch of edges. Re-roll cake. Place, seam-side down, on serving plate.
8. To prepare frosting, in a small saucepan, bring heavy cream, melted chocolate, and butter to a boil over medium heat, stirring vigorously until blended. Remove from heat. Let stand until set. Spread frosting over top and sides of cake.
9. To prepare garnish, dust work surface with confectioners' sugar. Knead food coloring into marzipan until blended. Using a rolling pin dusted with confectioners' sugar, roll marzipan to a 1/8-inch thickness. Using a small knife, cut out leaves. Arrange leaves, cinnamon candies, and snowmen on top of cake and around plate. Dust with confectioners' sugar. Enjoy!

44 Days of Witchery, Day 13: Witchy Books that influenced me

In my library, I've got a vast array of different views. Including but not limited to Solitary Witch: The Ultimate Book of Shadows, Embracing the Moon, and Advanced Witchcraft. My first and still favorite being Solitary Witch by Silver Raven Wolf. It has a wonderful introduction with an in depth history of Wicca. When I began my studies in Wicca, I found this extremely helpful. I feel as if it is a wonderful introduction to any young Witch, taking you from a general understanding to feeling comfortable in performing your own rites, rituals, and spells.

44 Days of Witchery day 12: Picture of Nature: Air Element

Never to be underestimated, the power of Air is magnificent. Able to destroy towns, Air is still majestically beautiful.

44 Days of Witchery, Day 11: Witchy Tools: Oils

A few years ago, I was helping out a friend at work and completely hit the jackpot. You see, her job was to clean out homes and business that her boss just bought and clear out whatever remnants the previous owners left behind. On this particular day, she was cleaning out a mini spa. This spa had every essential oil imaginable! Needless to say, I brought them all home. 2 cases full of oils such as Chamomile, Basil, Eucalypti, Dragon's Blood, and many many more.
Now, my friend had no idea what on earth I wanted all these oils for. I mean, really? Why would I want Cedar oil?
But I just smiled and brought them home anyway. Because I knew that I would more than likely use every single one of them. Whether to anoint candles, make my own incense, or simply wear the essence. For example, Dragon's Blood is very good to wear when you're trying to determine who means you ill will. If someone doesn't like the scent and feels as if they need to get away from it, I suggest you try to cut ties with that person all together. Also, cinnamon oil is a very powerful scent sure to spice up your sex life.
That particular jackpot for me was a great learning experience. Being that I didn't know the properties of all the scents I brought home, I had to do a bit of reading. I learned a lot about oils and what one can do with all of them. It was wonderful practice, and I would recommend everyone do a little something with oils at least once.

44 Days of Witchery, Day 10: Your Sun Sign

Capricorns like to pare things down, and take pleasure in the simple things in life. Capricorns can sometimes be rather lonely people, although we rarely let it show. We are often a little reserved—even standoffish. This is generally because we value all things practical, and we'll seldom wear our emotions on our sleeves.
To some, we come across as unimaginative, but can be enormously creative when it comes to the material world. We are generally a very capable people with a strong sense of tradition and responsibility. Turn to your Capricorn friends for help when you need to really get things done. We'll have practical advice, and we'll help you organize and manage your life a little better. Capricorns are generally good with our "word", dependable, and rather loyal people.

Practical and prudent
Ambitious and disciplined
Patient and careful
Humorous and reserved

44 Days of Witchery, Day 9: A favorite Mythological Animal

Call them fairies or fey, these little ethereal creatures are my favorite Magical beings. Whether tall, young, and angelic in appearance or short, old, and generally more troll like, each different fairy brings forth their own characteristic.
For example, I don't know what I'd do if it weren't for the help of certain brownies that come to aid me in my daily housework. And I can't help but giggle when a trickster plays a prank with my husband's keys.

44 Days of Witchery, Day 8: A Magical Place Outdoors

Black River goes through Johnson Shut-Ins in one of our Missouri State Parks. A stunning sight, one of my favorite places.














And again, my trip to Spain brought me more magical moments as well.




































I hope the Goddess blesses me with the opportunity to visit many more magical places in the future.

44 Days of Witchery, Day 7: Air Element

My invocation of Air:
Guardians of the Watchtowers of the East, we do summon, stir, and call thee up to protect us in our rite. Come fill my lungs, and stir all things from the smallest blade of grass to the tallest tree. Come to us now on the cool breath of Autumn's sigh. Breathe into us the spirit of the pure joy of life. So mote it be!

Air: the sustenance of life, making pollination possible with gentle spring breezes. And capable of bringing down cities with it's destructive storms.

Air carries away your troubles, blows away strife, and carries positive thoughts to those who are far away.

44 Days of Witchery: Witchy Day #6

Favorite God: Poseidon


















Being that water is my favorite element, it really is no surprise that one of my favorite deities would preside over it.
Whether you picture him as King Triton (Ariel's father on The Little Mermaid) or Percy Jackson's father (Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief), one thing remains clear. Poseidon is one cool dude!
Never to be taken for granted, Poseidon, the Greek God of the Sea, holds sway over storms as well as earthquakes. An equal to his brothers, Zeus and Hades, his powers are not to be taken lightly.
He could, after all bring forth a monsoon just for being mocked or ignored. But Poseidon isn't all scary. He introduced man to horses, and protected cities such as Corinth and Magna Gracea. He was also one of the caretakers of the oracle at Delphi until Apollo took over.

44 Days of Witchery: Day 5

A favorite Goddess


My favorite Goddess is Bast, a.k.a Bastet: The Egyptian Goddess of Protection and Cats.
She represents motherhood, fertility, and the hearth. Also, enlightenment, truth, and creation.

I've always been drawn to the Egyptian dieties. Bast was one of the first to call to me. I love the fierceness in which she would do anything to protect her offspring. But also, the nurturing and caring side of her too.
I suppose she is best known for her protective side, and that is why I feel so drawn to her. I have always felt it was my duty to help those around me and be the shoulder everyone leans on as well. As a wife and mother, I find myself dedicated to ensuring a good quality of life for my family.
Perhaps this poem I found describes Bast in the eyes of a husband returning home from a hunt. Do you agree?

Hail Bast! Hail Bast! Hail Bast,
coming forth from the secret place,
may there be given to me splendor
in the place of incense, herbs,
and love-joys, peace of heart in the
place of bread and beer.

44 Days of Witchery
Witchy Day #3
Witchy Tools: Athame

The athame is used for the ceremonial purposes, i.e banishing, as well as invoking. Never to literally cut physical objects. It is said that in doing so, said athame would turn null and void of it's magical use.
It's element is fire, just as the sword is. However, the athame did not become so mainstream until Gardner introduced it.

44 days of Witchery: Witchy Day #4

A picture of nature (Water Element)


I've always considered a deep connection with water. Up until a few years ago, I had lived near a large body of water my entire life. It was my sanctuary, my place for peace. For as long as I could remember, any time I felt at odds in the world, or just needed some time to think, the soft sounds of water flowing, waves crashing, or even the glorious view of a waterfall was enough for me to forget all my troubles and get on with my life.

A little harder to do now that I'm in the Midwest, however, it's not exactly impossible to find that little bit of serenity.


This beautiful lily pond was taken at a Buddhist temple during my vacation this year to the south of Spain. It's tranquility brought me peace on what could have been a stressful vacation. (Try traveling with 2 boys under the age of 4)


These mossy rocks were also from my trip to Spain. The wonderful beaches along the Mediterranean Sea gave me such joy this year. It was truly a blessing to be able to experience their beauty.