FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 1, 2023
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Horoscopes Ask a Cottage Witch
A Spell & A Prayer What about me?
Emotional self-care Inspiration & delight while discovering Your Joy
A Weekly Magazine by
Witchy Moms
So what's the story behind Witchy Moms? In 2012, my husband died in a work accident at our business. Our daughters were 5yrs & 2yrs old at the time. I was a 34yr old widow. As one could imagine my entire world changed in an instant. I felt so alone & scared. I had no idea how I was going to move forward. Fast forward to September 2016. I sat in a safe house with my 3 daughters hiding from my abusive partner. I felt so scared & so alone. I had no idea what I was going to do. Once again my life was totally turned upside down. I could not believe that once again I was in the same type of situation- alone, scared & having to rebuild my life. I knew one thing was for sure. I was going to heal & so were my kids. This was NOT how this story was going to end. Doctors prescribed pills & sent me to talk therapy both when my husband died AND when we left our abuser. I knew there had to be another way to get through it, so I spent 3 years discovering all of the healing modalities I could find. I learned so much & found relief & most of all hope that we were in fact going to make it. I also realized that I could not be the only one going through this. There had to be other women like me struggling & looking for answers. In April 2020, I started the Witchy Moms facebook group & instagram account in hopes of finding other likeminded women. And now here we are 3 years later... I feel like I'm just getting started!
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Enchanted Morning Witchy Moms EDITOR PUBLISHER ADVERTISING SALES Natalie Ryan natalie@witchymoms.com The Enchanted Morning is a Weekly Digital interactive publication supporting our magical community around the world. Copyright Witchy Moms 2023. All rights reserved. No reproduction of any material without written consent .
Curious to know more of my healing journey? In 2020, I wrote a bestselling book sharing our journey plus 10 tried & true ways to help heal & get your life back.
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In This Issue & Our Contributors What about me? Emotional self-care after becoming a mom By Jiselle Gilliard
Ask a Cottage Witch By Juliette Jarvis
A Spell & a Prayer By Christina Alphier
This Week's Horoscopes By Sara McCormick
Feature Vendors & The Marketplace 4
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From my
Kitchen table a note from the editor The birds are chirping! The hens are laying!
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The horses are shedding!
For Next Week
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Spring is finally on its way here in our part of the world in Northwestern Canada! My healing is going well. I'm starting to feel like I may feel normal again soon. I am so grateful for this. I will never take my health for granted again. The last 7 months has taught me a lot, of which I will be sharing over the next little while. So much time to reflect while laying on the couch!
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I hope it feels like spring where ever you are in the world & you are feeling the optimism this time of year can bring. Have a wonderful week,
Natalie Cheese! Everyone on the farm is excited that spring is finally on its way here in Northwestern Canada....even our alpacas!
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What about me?
Emotional self-care after becoming a mom by Jiselle Gilliard
About Jiselle Jiselle is a certified emotions coach for adults who want to stop always feeling anxious & overwhelmed. Using her holistic Mighty Emotions Method™ Jiselle has helped clients heal social anxiety, recover from burn out, end people-pleasing, regain confidence & rediscover their joy. Her mission is to empower you to embrace your emotions & use them as tools to enhance your life. She lives in Canada with her husband, daughter & black cat Leta L'éstrange. Connect with Jiselle at: Instagram & TikTok: @mighty_emotions Download Free Resources at mightyemotions.com Listen to the The Mighty Emotions Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & Google Podcasts
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Ask a Cottage Witch! Imagine if Dear Abby had been witchy, what would you have asked her? How to ward off the evil eye of a co worker? A spell to sever ties with an ex partner? Which herbs to add when kitchen witch 'n for prosperity? How to use a pendulum? What your dream meant? Here is your opportunity to ask in a monthly column!
Do you have a Burning Question? Ask Your Question Here Juliette is our cottage witch on the west coast of Canada receiving and answering your questions, you can find more about her at www.SelkieSanctuary.com
Ask a Cottage Witch
By Juliette Jarvis
Dear Juliette, I’m having some trouble with my money spells. I have been doing spells for monetary abundance for quite some time now. Money bowls, blowing cinnamon in my front door, carrying enchanted coins with abundance sigils drawn on them, etc. Yet my husband and I are still coming up negative in our accounts each month - despite all of these spells and living frugally. Some background, I’m a full time student, mama to a two year old, and a server at night. My husband works 50-60 hours a week as HR/Office Manager at an Alzheimer’s and Dementia home. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong with these spells. Help please! ~ Broke but Hopeful Witch Dear Broke but Hopeful Witch, I must start with the suggestion that you may not in fact be doing anything wrong. Cost of living, education, and parenting can be so high that even well paying dual incomes still may not make ends meet. There is a HEAP of gaslighting in spiritual communities that anyone struggling financially (or otherwise) must be doing something wrong, or not holding high enough vibes, are cursed, or are ineffective in their craft. Honestly that is most often a result of spiritual bypassing, so let’s just relieve you of this notion straight away. Spells also can take a very long time to become manifest in the outer world. A whole lot of moving parts in life need to shift and come into alignment at the right times for big changes to be seen. Sometimes situations need to build to a particular intensity before a crucial decision can be made that clears the way or other people are involved who also need things to shift before the synergy can happen. Keep doing what you are doing, and try not to feel like they aren’t working. There may be a lot happening you can’t see yet! The one thing I might shift in your approach is to swap out the word/intention of “Abundance” for “Prosperity”. I’m a stickler for clear, precise wording in our work. Abundance to Spirit/Great Mystery/Life Force/Gods etc can be interpreted in all sorts of ways; an abundance of cash flowing both in and out, abundance of bills, abundance of stuff, an abundance of hard work. (cont'd next page)
Ask a Cottage Witch By Juliette Jarvis Prosperity however, hones in a bit more on the desire for ample resources, having plenty left after expenses, and of thriving financial increase. In prosperity, Juliette
Dear Juliette, May I ask what is the meaning of this symbol, )○( ? ~ Imzadi Dear Imzadi, This symbol represents three of the four phases of the Moon, Waxing Crescent, Full, and Waning Crescent (the New Moon isn’t represented here). It may be used in many ways but often indicates one either follows the cycles of the moon, works with triple Goddess energy, or is simply friendly toward pagans, witches, and/or nature based traditions. It may be used in spell work where one is calling on the life/death/rebirth force of nature, various lunar deities, or when working with the sacred number 3 in its many forms. It’s easy to type and so is commonly seen online or in books. Blessed Be, Juliette
Dear Juliette, Which direction is best for sleeping? Head towards North? ~ Rosewood Dear Rosewood, This is something that shifts between people, locations, traditions, and even per night for some folks! (Cont'd next page)
Ask a Cottage Witch By Juliette Jarvis Some beliefs choose direction based on where the door is, so it can always be seen while laying in bed, or ensuring a mirror isn’t reflecting where we sleep. Others are more concerned with keeping electromagnetic exposure to a minimum by placing the foot of the bed, rather than the head of the bed, against the wall where sockets are near. The best thing would be to try out each direction and see what feels most “right”, and if possible, be open to switching it up if that changes or on nights you can’t fall asleep. It’s not uncommon to have a personal preference. If your practice involves calling on the directions, or the elements have a specific position, or if you work with cycle teachings or a medicine wheel, you might choose direction based on associations there that align with your intentions, healing work, or other relationships. Since you mention North, I would consider what draws you to that direction, what associations you make, and if it physically feels good to lay that way, perhaps start there! Sweet dreams to you, Juliette
Dear Juliette, How does one become comfortable calling themselves a witch? I love the Pagan path and follow the light of love within. I guess years of “church-guilt” as a child still resonates somewhere under the shadows within. ~ Cosmic Cloud Dear Cosmic Cloud, Ooof. This is a big one eh?! I think it a fortunate few who are truly comfortable to call themselves so in all the situations they encounter. From my experience, most of us struggle with the term on some level, be it from religious upbringing, experiencing harassment, unsafe targeting and prejudices, to a deeply ingrained, cellular knowing of the hundreds and hundreds of years of persecution right through to ongoing stereotypes of green skinned warty hags at Halloween. (Cont'd next page)
Ask a Cottage Witch By Juliette Jarvis It’s real. Visceral. And I say it here to acknowledge and honour the depth of it. Not all of us are able to fully come out of the broom closet yet, perhaps only in safe feeling areas, under a pseudonym, or must do so through subtle means. It’s a slow careful wound to heal, and so that is my first thought on how to become more comfortable ~ slowly, and in safe feeling spaces. Luckily, there is a resurgence in reclaiming lost cultures, forgotten traditions, and reanimating old ways across the board, and with online resources, social media, and more and more like-themed movies, shows, and books coming out, we have a bit more mainstream exposure to lean into, even if depictions aren’t always accurate. Many traditionally “witchy” careers are finding greater acceptability even among less welcoming communities. Things like herbalists, energy workers, spiritual art, metaphysical and crystal shops, even slow fashion or hand made items may have old chanting songs, prayer making, intention setting, and superstitions embedded right into their skill sharing. Often we have witchy ways close by that aren't noticed, like the grandma who read tea leaves or weather divination with a groundhog. It all gives us a little more space where our varying beliefs feel normalized and we can get more comfortable with these life ways. And so cultivating relationships with likeminded folks, setting your social media environment to be more welcoming, live streaming Solstice ceremonies, visiting sacred sites, checking for related meetups in your area or perhaps an online coven, joining workshops or attending witch or pagan camps, reading old stories from your culture, watching shows and movies where witches aren’t maligned for being witches; these are all ways to further surround yourself with your people. Those who practice similarly to you or at least, hold regard for how you do. Places where you can test the waters with calling yourself a witch, share about your practice, ask ritual related questions, learn how others hold ceremony or cast spells, and basically steep yourself in witch culture. To go a little further, diving into nuances of what exactly is considered a witch in any given time period, geographical location, culture etc. How integrated or separated was their craft from their daily life tasks? What were they actually doing that set them apart from other ways of working? What are the underlying similarities with the religion you grew up in? (Cont'd next page)
Ask a Cottage Witch By Juliette Jarvis Reading of the history and varieties of modern sects to be able to distinguish Wiccan from Dianic from Hedge from Folk. Learning terms for ritual items or other traditional names for witch niches, and finding language that resonates with you. Exploring in this way really anchors our knowledge, and empowers us when faced with disparaging tropes in media, when confronted with prejudice, to speak well to those who are curious or new, and understand more fully why we became uncomfortable with being called a witch in the first place. One day you might even find yourself advocating and clarifying misconceptions, or supporting others in this deep healing work! With deep peace, Juliette
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Divination Techniques ~ a strong foundation in 7 methods This offering is an opportunity to explore 7 different divination techniques using common items and your own body. You will be able to cultivate a strong foundation and establish which methods you are most drawn to for incorporating into everyday living or your private practice. Often overlooked concepts such as Asking the Right Question and Ethics in Readings are valuable additions to this course and there is a strong focus on honing your intuitive skills rather than depending on books or other people's interpretations.
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A Spell by Christina Alphier
&
A Prayer
I come from a line of witches on my father’s side, the last of whom passed when I was 6. Growing up I felt a connection to the energy of the Earth, and I learned to piece things together on my own. No one spoke about “The silly things” that granny used to do and say, but I had fleeting memories and I had dreams to guide me. It was natural to me that I was a witch. My maternal grandmother was a minister. I was partially raised in her church, with her beliefs and I saw many similarities between her path and mine. She was open minded when it came to religious difference and studied world religion at length, but also hardheaded and steadfast in her opinions. She wasn’t the warmest woman, but her attention was her form of affection. To her church she was “Pastor Ruth”, and her door was always open. To her family, she was the matriarch and if you sought her council, you had better heed it. By the time I was an “adult” I felt I could respectfully challenge her teachings and share my thoughts. She never had much tolerance for children, but when we came of age, she seemed to relax a little more.
Our relationship was a little different, as her relationship with my mother, her youngest, was different than with her other 5 children. We often had what I lovingly called “Next Level” conversations. I think she saw a bit of herself, especially her stubbornness, in me and somehow that earned her favor. One such conversation I would like to share. Over the years, it has helped me have theological conversations with my religious friends and I do believe I have broken down some walls of fear and misconception. One evening grandma was showing me a new “Angel Guide” deck of inspiration cards she had purchased at a retreat. (Cont'd on next page)
I mentioned it was very similar to an oracle deck I had. She got agitated with me and said, “Christina Marie, you better not be messing with that tarot nonsense”! I told her that I didn’t read tarot, though I knew how, I didn’t feel that that practice spoke to me. I did however use an oracle deck, similar to her Angel Guide deck, that helped me dig deeper into myself and look for light in the dark. They guided my meditation at times too. Grandma agreed with the practice of meditation, that was big in her teachings, but she was still giving me a disgruntled look. She said, “Don’t fall into that witch stuff, it’s all bad news”. In my head, a voice said softly: “Here we go. Be gentle”.
“Grandma, do you believe that life is sacred?” “Of course I do, what kind of question is that?” “Grandma, do you believe we are connected to all things, here on this planet?” “Yes, that is spirit connecting all living things.” “What if I told you that a prayer and a spell were the same thing, essentially. A prayer is a focusing of thought and energy asking a higher power for guidance and assistance. A spell is a focusing of thought and energy asking for guidance and assistance. While I do not ask “God”, I do ask the threads that connect all things, the divine if you please, for the same assistance you seek in a prayer. I believe we are all connected on this earth with the earth representing the shield, a version of the “open arms of God” protecting its people. All energy comes from that protection and flows through everything wrapped in its arms. Does that sound familiar? You respect that other religions see their version of “God” as a higher power. Is it any different to think of that higher power as life or existence in general?
You use tools in your life that aid your practice; candles when you meditate to help you focus, your affinity to turquoise, it “symbolizes peace” to you and brings you a sense of calm. The dove of your church insignia, all symbols, and aids in your practice. Like a spell uses herbs, flowers, crystals, candles and colors. All as symbols and aids to focus the energy that is needed in a spell. I believe that life is sacred, above all, harm to none. I believe the energy in our connected universe gives us strength to achieve. To be a Witch, to me, is to harness my energy while walking the path of my life with integrity, kindness, joy, and love.
Does that sound much different from your teachings? We all walk a path of our own creed. Is that not what you preach?” She said nothing, but stared at me and smiled. And for my grandmother, that was telling me that I was heard.
About the Author Christina is woman on a journey to learn who she is “now”. In a bizarre accident she recently suffered 2 massive strokes that took most of her vision and half of her cerebellum. Learning her “new normal” has shifted her perspective on many things. Determined to “Live Now” she is reigniting her passions and committing herself to her writing. She lives with her husband, daughter, 2 dogs and a cat in the Pacific Northwest. She has been a practicing witch for 30 years and loves sharing her knowledge and guiding her teenage daughter on her own journey.
This week's
Horoscopes by Sara McCormick
The first week of April: The Full Moon will illuminate something for everything this week (the Full Moon will be on the 5th if you're on the west coast and the 6th if you're on the east coast). The energy feels like a fight to me with the Full Moon in Libra opposite Jupiter in Aries. This will be when everyone stands up for their beliefs, and cooler heads probably won't prevail. Aries: You’ll have to go deep within this spring, Aries, because only you can blaze your way out of the dark forest. But as you make your trek, you’ll discover new layers of yourself that have been waiting to meet you. Taurus: Like the vine that crawls up the dark tree in search of light, you’re no stranger to hard work, Taurus. Your mind is on money matters, and now you’ll have to put the wheels in motion that will help grow your financial worth for years to come. Gemini: Your words illuminate like the moon shining through a grove, Gemini. This spring, honor your perspective, own your power, and watch as you begin to blossom. Cancer: Are you hoping to find a cozy cottage amongst the brambles of the forest? It’s no wonder, Cancer, as the Sun is illuminating your House of Home and Family. This can bring up thoughts of feathering your nest, moving, and even increase your nostalgia for days past. Leo: If the winter chill is still lingering for you, Leo, don’t worry. You’ll conjure up a fire in no time as your passion and creativity soar. Springtime sets your sights on romance and pleasure, and you’re in the mood to play. 8
Virgo: I know you packed a map to guide you through the dark forest, Virgo, but if you don’t stop and rest now and again, you’ll never make it through. Springtime reminds you of your work/life balance and the toll it has taken on your body to push through no matter what. Carve some time out for you in your schedule. Libra: Sometimes, when we think we can’t go on anymore, we realize that we all need help from our friends and family now and again. Springtime reminds you of the important relationships in your life and how they have been tended to or neglected lately. Scorpio: As spring unfurls, you too are waking up, Scorpio. You’re becoming more aware of your personal power now and how you wield it, speaking up for your needs and what you desire. Sagittarius: As the weather warms, you are itching to travel and explore the dusky forest, Sagittarius. Just don’t forget to venture inward as well, exploring the winding path of your spiritual connection. Capricorn: This spring, the skies clear, and the stars illuminate your hard work, Capricorn. Your career and higher calling are opening up before you, and you’re getting the recognition you deserve. Aquarius: You yearn to find your pack to howl with this spring, as a desire to form new friendships and cultivate a meaningful network to collaborate with grows. Pisces: Dew-covered cobwebs that are lurking in your mental closet get a shakeup this spring as you find the courage to release anything holding you back from finding your next path.
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About the Author Sara McCormick is the astrologer behind Bella deLuna Astrology and the creator of The Soul Care Planner. Using her background in psychology, she creates astrology tools to help you find your power and rhythm through planning with the moon cycles, seasonal wisdom, and everyday magic. She lives in the forests of North Carolina with her husband, son, and three cat children. You can follow her at www.belladeluna.com and on Instagram @belladelunastrology
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New Releases The Future Ancestor: A Guide and Journey to Oneness by Annabelle Sharman An empowering book to help readers connect with Mother Earth and their ancestors through insightful practices, inspiring stories, and healing wisdom. Connect with Mother Earth and your Ancestors through inspiring stories and healing wisdom, and discover how to come home to yourself. We are all Future Ancestors, and we have a responsibility to nurture, protect and restore the balance to our Mother (Earth). We are of her. She owns us. This book honours her and honours us. Heal the Witch Wound: Reclaim Your Magic and Step Into Your Power by Celeste Larsen Healing the witch wound is not about going back in time or dwelling on the atrocities of the past—quite the opposite. This work is about taking steps now to reclaim your power, live a more magical life, and embody your most authentic self. This book will lead you through a diverse range of practices, including spell work, rituals, meditations, and journal prompts to help you uncover and work through feelings of reticence, uncertainty, and fear. Some practices may not resonate for you, while others may be deeply impactful. Take what works, adapt and customize where you can, and leave the rest. This is your journey. Mysteries of the Aura: How to See, Interpret & Work with Subtle Energies by Jean-Louis de Biasi & Patricia Bourin Drawing on Eastern and Western explanations of energy work, this beginner-friendly book teaches you how to see and understand auras. Jean-Louis de Biasi and Patricia Bourin share nearly forty exercises, both for solo practitioners and couples, to help you experience life as a being of light in the material world. Mysteries of the Aura takes you further than the usual study, delving into the rich history of aura work around the world and providing examples from the authors' personal and professional practices.
Relighting the Cauldron: Embracing Nature Spirituality in Our Modern World by Rev Wendy Van Allen This book confronts our climate and social problems and traces them to their origins, focusing on the spiritual disconnect we have between ourselves and our environment. Learn to celebrate your ancestors, journey to the astral plane, implement energy healing techniques, and lead a sustainable lifestyle. By enhancing your connection to nature, you can help create a more awakened humanity and bring balance back to yourself and the world.
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New Releases The High 5 Habit: Take Control of Your Life with One Simple Habit by Mel Robbins In this book, you will learn more than a dozen powerful ways to high five the most important person in your life, the one who is staring back at you in the mirror: YOURSELF. Using her signature sciencebacked wisdom, deeply personal stories, and the real-life results that the High 5 Habit continues to create in people’s lives around the world, Mel teaches you how to make believing in yourself a habit you practice every day. The High 5 Habit is a holistic approach to life that changes your attitude, your mindset, and your behavior. So be prepared to laugh, learn, and launch yourself into a more confident, happy, and fulfilling life. Teaching Witchcraft: A Guide for Students & Teachers of Wicca by Miles Batty A Lost Underground Classic for Seekers and Instructors of the Craft Teaching Witchcraft is written for today's practitioners, both in coven groups and solitary study. Featuring more than thirty-five lessons that reflect current cultural perspectives and practices in the Wiccan community, this resource includes contemporary lesson guides and exam questions, as well as an emphasis on inclusivity.
Fifth Spirit Tarot by Charlie Claire Burgess Expanding the traditional tarot archetypes beyond the gender binary, this deck re-imagines the cards from a queer and inclusive perspective. The more we work with Tarot, the more we realize that binaries don't exist and everything is fluidgender, meaning, even time. We come to realize that we're all creatures made of earth and air, fire and water, all four elements bound together by the fifth element: spirit. Fifth Spirit Tarot goes beyond the gender binary, queering the archetypes with 78 beautifully illustrated and hand-lettered cards by queer and non-binary tarot reader, teacher, and writer Charlie Claire Burgess. Marseille Vintage Tarot by Anna Maria Morsucci & Mattio Ottolini This antiqued reproduction of the historical Marseille Tarot is perfect for readers and collectors who appreciate a vintage aesthetic and the wisdom it provides. This deck's seventy-eight cards showcase iconic imagery that has survived the tests of time, having been especially popular in seventeenth- and eighteenth-century France. Designed with an aged background and special coloring, these cards have a well-loved appearance that will guide you toward deeper, more profound divinatory insights.
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New Releases
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WE ARE EXPANDING!
I am constantly working to improve your experience with Witchy Moms. Over the next several weeks, I will be expanding our Amazon shops internationally to include 7 more countries! As part of the application process, I need to show Amazon that Witchy Moms is a real company. As a way to authenticate my account they need to see 3 purchases in each country, which will then trigger an approval of a Witchy Moms Amazon shop in that country! So I need your help all of my UK friends! Purchase one of these New Releases to help us get a Witchy Moms shop on Amazon.uk
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