Witchy Moms Magazine Special Edition November 2022

WitchyMoms

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About

WITCHY MOMS

Hi! I'm Natalie.

I started Witchy Moms in April 2020, just as the world shut down, with hopes of creating a community of likeminded horoscope reading, crystal collecting, moon tracking women.

What has happened since then has been truly MAGICAL.

We have since created a community of over 100,000 women in over 100 countries around the world! AMAZING!

Witchy Moms has gone through some changes since it's inception, mainly to reflect my own growth journey. I can honestly say now, I am not the same woman I was in 2020, like most of us i'm sure.

My wish for you, is that each month you are inspired to continue to create joy in your life. To learn & discover.

Lotsoflove,

Natalie Me & my 3 daughters

One of my passions is working with women to create balance & next steps in their business & their life

If this sounds like something you desire, let's chat. Contact me at natalie@witchymoms com

RESEARCHING YOUR FAMILY HISTORY: A BEGINNERS GUIDE

By Beth Wylie

As we enter October, the pull we feel from our ancestors seems even greater. It is fitting that October is not only an important spiritual time of our seasonal journey, but it is also Family History Month. As someone who profoundly feels the call of her ancestors and who has been researching this history for over a decade, my goal is to educate others in reclaiming the historical knowledge of those who came before. If you have been contemplating starting your family history research as part of ancestral learning or healing, October couldn’t be a better time to begin.

Genealogy 101: The Crash Course

You may have watched one of the several popular genealogy television programs such as Finding Your Roots, or Who Do You Think You Are and wondered how to begin your own research. There is a strong appeal to learning what characters make up your family tree.

Perhaps you have a family oral history of Native American ancestry, or a possible connection to royalty or a notorious criminal? Or, you may have a family mystery waiting to be uncovered. I know what you are thinking. Where do I even begin? There is SO much information out there! Where do I begin? (continued next page)

Photo submitted by author Beth Wylie

1) Get Personal!

Write down what you know, beginning with yourself and work backwards. Write down your date and place of birth and then write down the names of your parents, dates and places of birth as well. The more information you include the better. If you know the hospital name, town, and county, put them down. If you are blessed to have grandparents still living, speak with them! They are a wealth of great information that can help you fill in pieces about their lives, and those of their parents as well. There are many great resources to help you with this first step. You can use a family data sheet such as the ones found on Ancestry, Cyndi’s List, or in a pinch just make your own. The key is consistency when gathering and recording the information.

2) Get Online!

Once you have started with your family data sheet, it’s time to search online! You will be amazed at the FREE information out there on the internet. Google is a great resource. The key to using Google is knowing how to input your search query correctly to minimize the irrelevant information that may come up in a search.

If you are like me, you may have a lot of family names that are very common or are similar to other famous people. Some quick hints include: putting quotation marks around full names, using a numrange search to include a period between a range of years, and using alternate name spellings

Another great feature from Google is Google Books. Many books have been digitized and posted entirely or partially online. If you are looking for an obscure book on an ancestor, Google Books may have a digitized version to read with just a few clicks. Once you have exhausted the free resources online, you may want to make a small investment and join an online genealogy community. Most people are familiar with Ancestry com It is probably the most utilized online family history research website in the world. The amount of records it has available is staggering One of the most useful resources is that it provides access to the scanned United States Census records. Last year, they added wills and probate records from several archives. These amazing documents can tell you a great deal about your ancestors, from where they lived, what states their parents were born, (Continued next page)

Photo submitted by author Beth Wylie

what states their parents were born, their occupations, races, and who their neighbors were. Often even other family members you are searching for! Census records have been crucial in my research and have helped me on a number of occasions to break down brick walls. Another great advantage to Ancestry.com is the number of other people who are researching the same family tree as you are! They have their family trees posted as well, and they can also help you in your search. But, be careful with this feature as often times individuals may have incorrect/ unverified information posted on a tree, and it can easily lead you down the wrong path. Unfortunately, many have learned the hard way on this, so always verify or mark it as unverified to return to later when you have the time to dig deeper.

In addition to Ancestry.com, there are several other great online family history communities. FamilySearch.com, FindMyPast.com, are all great resources for tracking and building an online family tree. Some features offered are free, but others may require a membership fee. These sites may also have records not found on Ancestry, so it is advisable to broaden your online search resources if you are able.

3) Get DNA Tested!

When asked by friends which test is the best test to take, Ancestry, 23 and Me, MyHeritage, there is no easy answer. It very much depends on what a person is looking to learn from a test. Are they only interested in ethnic origins?

Photo submitted by author Beth Wylie

Have they already started a family tree and are looking to verify information through DNA or looking to find cousins to help break down genealogical brick walls? Are they looking for biological family? Are they curious about health predispositions?

There are many reasons someone might take a DNA test. In order to determine which test fits the closest to what one is trying to learn, an understanding of the kinds of DNA is crucial.

There are three main types of DNA:

DNA Types: Autosomal- This DNA type tests both the maternal and paternal sides of your family, as you inherit half of your DNA from your mother and half from your father. This test will match you up to 5th or 6th cousins.

Mitochondrial (mtDNA)- This is the DNA that traces matrilineal descent, and is passed from mother to child Men and women inherit this DNA from their mother.

(Continued

4) Get Local! Genealogical Societies

Many states, and even many cities, have genealogical societies. They offer monthly meetings with guest speakers who educate on specific periods of research, provide tips and techniques for breaking down walls in research, how to organize all of the documents you will collect, among many other things. They are also a wonderful source of local historical information that may be relevant to your research. It is also worth reaching out to the societies local to where your ancestors lived to see what they may know that may be relevant to your research.

Libraries and Government Offices

The library, specifically the National Archives and your local state archives, are the guardians of important historical documents that you may not ever find in an online community or in any Google search. County clerk records, historical newspapers, and various books compiled by other family researchers await you at these archives! Many records I have found, including Civil War pension records, wills, and marriage registries have been located on the microfilm at the state archives I have even traveled to county courthouses to visit the clerk's office. There I have found probate records and early plat maps I haven't been able to find online because they haven't been digitized. These documents can provide clues to other family members, but can also make your ancestor more than just a name on a page.

Additionally, your state’s vital records office, usually part of the state department of health, is a great resource for birth and death certificates.

Lineage Societies

Depending on where you are in your research, and how far back you have gone, you may also qualify for a state or national lineage society A local chapter of one of these societies can assist you in documenting your lineage in order to apply for membership They can also be great resources for information, even if you aren't quite ready to become a member. The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), have an online Genealogy Research System that anyone can access, regardless of membership status There are so many lineage societies that it is impossible to name them all here, but as you delve into your research you may find several that you are eligible to join. In addition to genealogy, many engage in social and volunteer activities that benefit their local community.

(Continued next page)

The wonderful thing about genealogy is that you don’t need to be an expert when you begin your research. You will learn so much through trial and error as you progress into searching for your family history. You will hit brick walls and break them down. Sometimes it will take days, other times it will take years. You may find kings and queens. You may find rouges and paupers. You may find that family stories are true, halftrue or completely false. You will find traumas needing acknowledgment and healing, regardless of who you are. Whichever way the road leads, you will have a greater sense of self and purpose knowing the origins of your roots. Incorporating this knowledge into your practice will hopefully make it richer and more meaningful, as it has in mine.

Beth has grown to see this work as spiritual, connecting to her ancestors and learning how their lives were impacted by the seasons and the environments they inhabited. She is specifically interested in her matrilineal ancestors ways of life and how they navigated familial roles, their ancient wisdom that has been lost, and how they adapted with the rise of patriarchal societies.

You can find Beth at lifeinthepastlane blog & on IG

natalie@witchymoms.com

Beth's DNA results from Ancestry, photo submitted by author

A

RITUAL FEAST FOR Samhain

By S.M. Harlow

TO THE FEAST OF THE DEAD! Blessings

Samhain is upon us, and once more we find ourselves facing the beginning of the Witches’ New Year! This Sabbat is the bringer of long nights, chilling winds, and the gateway towards the cold winter season. It is a time where the air crackles with ancient power and wandering joy that dances across the night as the veil between the worlds is thin, and spirits rise! It is a special time to practice our ancestral customs, celebrate ourselves as Witches, and honor the Dark Mysteries that both surround and are within ourselves. During this Final Harvest, we attend to dedicated feasts for the people we loved dearly, cross the veil with a coven to invoke the magick of Old Hallowmas, or set ablaze the sacred bone-fire with tribes that still praise the history of our forebears.

Tea witchery brings ceremony and magick for all practices. The combined elements of earth, air, fire, and water anoints any space and invokes the energies of Spirit. Across many traditions, tea has made a place in the world to heal, focus, encourage, and delight the senses.

Thus, tea aids in conjuring a spiral of magick that instills within the invoker the power to manifest their desires. Tea witchery is a tool that enhances; purifies and creates space, balances power, honors you and the divine. By adding tea magick into your practice, you’re creating a ritual that can empower you like no other potion and connects you to your focused intentions.

To truly set the mood for All Hallow’s Eve and to bond with the Spirits of Rebirth and the Dark Mysteries, here is a transformational tea ritual. Set the space according to how you celebrate, whether that be out in nature, in a family home, or among your celebrated clan.

The Space

Items:

~ Bouquets of calendula, acorns, sunflowers, and autumn leaves from the garden enough to fill the space

~ Black, orange, and purple candles a lot of candles!

~ Carved and lit mini pumpkins, dark red apples, cinnamon stick bundles wrapped in twine, and departed family photos or trinkets to honor the spirits and create an ancestral altar.

~ Obsidian, black tourmaline, onyx, smokey quartz, and bloodstones to protect the feast.

~ Incense sandalwood, myrrh, rosemary, and dragon’s blood.

~ A decorated cloth of black, orange, purple, and/or gold blanket, table cover, or table runner.

tray(s):

that

with Samhain

tier

Scones, with Pumpkin Curd and Clotted Cream

Apple Cider Scones, with Clotted Cream and Bacon Jam Second

Brie Prosciutto

Pecan Whipped Feta Crostini

Butter Turkey Gouda Tea Sandwiches

Arugula Goat Cheese

Chocolate

Fudge

The Food

The Tea

How to Prepare Maple Milk

Pour one cup of milk in a pot and it on the stove Turn the heat to medium Heat the milk, stirring occasionally, until hot and steamy. About 7 minutes. Turn down the heat if it looks like its going to boil Add 1-2 teaspoons of maple syrup and stir to mix. Pour the maple milk into a pitcher and serve right away

*double the recipe for a pot of tea

Ritual:

In a purified glass bowl, blend together

~1 tsp Red Rooibos ~2 tsp dried Cranberries ~2 tsp Pumpkin Seeds

~1 tsp whole Cloves

~1 stick Cinnamon ~2 splashes Maple Milk

As your blend each herb, imbue the mix with your energy and intentions. Surround the glass bowl with lit white candles to empower the blend. After about an hour or less, take the bowl out to brew. Add a tablespoon of the blend to an infuser or double the amount for a pot of tea. Surround the pot with smokey quartz and/or obsidian stones. Heat your water to 208 degrees. Cover the tea with water and hold your hands over the brew Focus your intent on rebirth and transformation, filled with wisdom and recognition Brew for 5-6 minutes. (cont'd next page)

Add the stick of cinnamon to your pot last, or as a garnish. Add the maple milk and sweeten with honey if you wish.

Serve the pots of tea and treats, sipping and absorbing your blessing. Partake the feast together with gratitude and laughter. Hold séances or practice divination to all present. Keep the candles lit or ignite the bonfire well into the night Embrace and sing to the dear departed ancestors, especially as the midnight hour nears and the veil between worlds close, and our loved ones, as well as our own inner shadows, make their journey into the abyss of rebirth and renewal. As the festivities draw to an end, prepare and do a final cleansing with sweetgrass in a circle. Say one final blessing and bid your farewells After this night, it is a new year, a new start, and a new path to discover for yourself. Follow the guidance of your ancestors and trust your instincts. Do not look back upon what you let go during the celebrations Only embrace who you see yourself becoming.

BlessingJust before serving, recite this blessing to all present:

Now as the veil between worlds thin, We call upon our ancestors to usher in. A time of great wisdom and to days gone by, Towards new beginnings and for powers that mystify.

Though life retreats and the ground grows cold, We honor the rebirth of traditions long olde. May we face our shadows and transform anew, Scry now as to the future and hold it true.

Correspondences

Rooibos tea strength, courage, determination, patience, cleansing

Cranberries healing, protection, love, energy, courage, passion, action

Pumpkin seeds wishes, love, prosperity, fertility, protection

Cloves protection, exorcism, love, money

Cinnamon protection, love, healing, spirituality, success, power, psychic powers

Maple love, longevity, money, binding, attraction

Milk Nurturing, power, protection

You can find A Tea Witches Grimoire at the Witchy Moms Amazon Shop!

S. M. Harlow is a two-decade old witch, who practices and devotes herself to tea witchery, divination, and shamanic work. She is a writer, poet, and author of A Tea Witch’s Grimoire. She continues to work with nature and helping others seek enlightenment, as she studies to become a Doctor of Traditional Naturopathy. You can connect with her on Instagram @s.m.harlow or @the tea witch blog

Recipes above can be found on www.theteawitchblog.com

ASK A COTTAGE WITCH WITH JULIETTE JARVIS

Dear Juliette,

I’ve never given a lot of thought to past lives but recently had a regressive experience during a Reiki session where I “ saw ” a glimpse of a personage I believed to be from centuries ago It was like witnessing a 3D movie scene and I remembered vivid details that after later research, were astonishingly historically accurate My practitioner suggested what I saw and experienced was a scene from a past life I had a knee-jerk negative reaction to that idea because I don’t know how that stacks up in my beliefs I believe I journeyed during meditation but I don’t feel any personal connection to the person I saw I was interested more by the actions they were engaged in. My question is what is a past life regression supposed to look and feel like?

Looking Backward

Dear Looking Backward, First off, excellent tracking! Trust and applaud that part of you that felt incongruence at the suggestion It can be easy to doubt ourselves when a practitioner speaks their thoughts and you held to your truth. * High Five *

In my experience with past life exploration both with aid of hypnosis as well as when journeying, there was always a real felt sense of “ me ” While the landscapes or time periods were sometimes logically questionable, there was always an unshakable familiarity or recognition and the underlying essence or messaging felt aligned So I would say you are quite right about it not being a past life

Yet your attention has been well brought to the actions they were engaged in. Perhaps even more so for having your knee jerk reaction on top of historical confirmations. I mean, there is no “meh” about this!

If you haven’t already, you might explore questions like: How did you feel about what they were doing? Is there a literal or metaphorical message there? Are there any correlations between what was happening then and what is happening currently for you? Could you step into this scene again and ask questions?

Good work!

Juliette

Dear Juliette, I am having problems with my neighbours, so much so, I have installed security cameras Is there some sort of protection spell I do to protect my property?

Kraftykrone

Dear Kraftykrone, Aye, this is a call to step into your most power filled Self and to lean hard into knowing your beliefs and actions are potent with great efficacy for change making When it comes to big work like this, it is best to address things over in a few ways Much like sweeping the floor, then mopping it, then getting down on our knees and scrubbing out the last spots. We want to be thorough, methodical, and wise. (Continued next page)

ASK A COTTAGE WITCH WITHJULIETTEJARVIS

This sort of infringement can be deeply unsettling, and your energy may be a bit scattered from fear, hyper vigilance, anger, and possibly having awareness sent out and around your house feeling for any boundary crossing, and I won’t pussyfoot around the reality that it may also be triggering other issues for you too So while I offer suggestions related to your strength, focus, and power, please keep extra gentle with yourself, resource all personal and professional support available to you, and take care of your nervous system in all the ways that you can okay? Okay.

I would start first by calling all of Yourself back to your body to the best of your ability. You might use your breath, tap on your sternum, envision your energy and soul parts returning back to you, or actively track and recall any aspects of yourself that may be tangled up in conversations, incomplete tasks, projected emotions toward those neighbours, space holding for friends and family etc You want to be as filled up with your vitality as possible and most able to focus your intention Any additional grounding exercises would really help anchor this full presence

There is great power in invoking your right to safety, both as a daily mantra whenever you feel need, as well as within suggested spell working ritual. Not hope for it, not meekly asking for it, not even just wanting it, but full force, out loud, declaring it as a natural law Like Gandalf striking his staff into the stone with his entire Being enforcing, “You Shall Not Pass!” Seriously Maybe even go watch a clip of Ian McKellen and let that essence fuel you

Setting physical helpers in place and delegating patrol of a delineated protective boundary is where I would go next. This is not only effective but also takes some of the management burden off of you. My thoughts here are two fold. First conversing with and setting agreements with any natural entities on your land such as a guardian tree, power stone, hedge, or natural barrier like a ditch or where grass meets pavement They may be old familiar allies or new acquaintances so proceed as appropriate The idea is to establish a field around your home maintained by well resourced energies while at the same time, giving you a line of information given by Friendlies rather than keeping attuned for any Hostiles. Keep familiar with them, make offerings, touch them, sing to them, send them love from within the house as you go about your day or lovingly gaze them as you walk past. These are the friends who will let you know of a disturbance.

Next I would establish sacred working space however You do, summon the most appropriate guides, allies, elements etc that you have relationship with, and set about creating 4 protective guards to place or bury in the corners of your property Do this when you feel at your most calmly determined or your most witchy These talismans are to be imbued with the “Keep Out!” energy. The “Don’t Even F*ck Around and Find Out cuz I’ll fight you and Win” energy. Typically these have more than one element to them, for example, wrapping a stone with cord while embodying the power of “NO”, painting a protective sigil on, and adding a drop of your blood as opposed to say, simply burying some black tourmaline If you work with any warrior deities, aggressive allies, or guides with tempers who tend to curse, this is a great opportunity to invite them to inhabit your talisman or to unleash their wrath against those particular trespassers should they cross the boundary Like a trip wire These become your active, working, fierce, guard dogs Once placed or buried, whenever you think of them or the situation, reaffirm strongly that the work has been done. Trust it. Rely on it. Keep vigilant against dwelling on those people and keep shifting to affirming It is Done.

Any additional ritual work you do as time passes helps your nervous systems and keeps the line clear as a maintenance Things like dancing and growing your energy into an impenetrable barrier, visioning spirits patrolling, smoke cleansing, crystal grid programming, hanging evil eye wards, wishing they find their dream home far away from you, making witch bells for the door, peeing outside as an act of claiming space, throwing salt down, whatever helps and can be done from a place of calm power rather than from any sense of desperation. If a few like minded friends can join you or hold vision of your powerful work, that is good too. I would stay away from any spell work like a Freezer Spell or Witch Bottles that might inadvertently keep your neighbours sticking around. Should things escalate despite protective measures above, you might employ more directly offensive measures as a final resort

You got this Juliette

ASK A COTTAGE WITCH WITHJULIETTEJARVIS

Dear Juliette,

How can I tell if there is a ghost in my house?

Slightly Spooked

Dear Slightly Spooked,

The key is to discern if there is truly an entity present or if you may be picking up on echos of events in the house or the land it is on, residual energy from objects, furniture, or previous inhabitants, frenetic occurrences from current inhabitants such as family members going through puberty or volatile relationships, or if guides, ancestors, or the universe are drawing your attention to a message or medicine. Even house sprite activity can seem like a ghost, such as when things go missing or suddenly return, or photos tip over, lights blink, or we see something move out of the corner of our eye

Sometimes we simply have a clear Knowing, or a set of clues converge that helps us decipher like suddenly getting gooseflesh, feeling sudden temperature drop, with a sighting, and a strong sense of presence all at once (which doesn’t always happen with ghosts, but can)

Other times it can take careful tracking of nuances and skills of deduction. It is easy to spook ourselves or be seduced by the drama of having a ghost too, so holding this question lightly with curiosity can be very helpful

Use of divination tools can be hugely supportive, particularly Yes/No type methods like a pendulum, muscle testing, or casting with a simple direct question, “Is a ghost in my house right now?” and monitor yourself closely to be certain of no accidental influence.

Outside of divination tools, you might explore questions such as:

Has someone close to me recently (in the past year or so) died?

Has someone died in my house or on the land it is on?

Have I been inviting a relationship with my ancestors? the fae? new guide?

Do I have an object in the house that feels power-filled, has an intense history, or makes me feel ‘funny’?

Have I been asking for signs to a question? or wondering if ghosts are real?

Am I, or others in the household, going through something big, making a major transition, or are feeling extreme yearning, anger, or grief?

Are there bones, pelts, or skins around? are they fresh?

Is there unexplained persistent illness or seemingly ‘bad luck’ in our home? Does a particular room or area give me the heebie-jeebies?

A lot can shift by removing certain items from the home, having a house clearing, and holding ceremony for transitions, longings, saying farewell and releasing loved ones passed, or for things the things we need to let go of or let dye off.

If after your explorations and tending you are still unsure, or find there is a ghost who hasn’t moved on, it is best to seek direct removal methods, and if need be, employ a trustworthy psychopomp, medium, or other experienced practitioner in entity clearing and deposession as even friendly ghosts are not healthful to live with longterm

May your home be as cozy and comfortable as you wish it to be, Juliette

ASK A COTTAGE WITCH WITHJULIETTEJARVIS

Dear Juliette,

How do I know which one of my gifts is stronger than the other? Light Worker

Dear Light Worker, Two criteria to gauge by are Natural Ease and Results

Looking at which of your senses brings clearest messaging, tracking which gifts automatically engage, and following the methods that feel most natural to you are invaluable indicators as to which is strongest. You likely feel an automatic inclination, physical urge, or find it as your default, go to when you need it most, especially if in a crisis. Pay more attention to these in your sifting and sorting work

While honing our skills and becoming well versed in a particular gift takes time and focused cultivation, it shouldn’t feel like “hard work” or a struggle to experience (this is different from feeling drained or ill after working with people or places) so put any of those to the bottom of your list.

A vital consideration however, is efficacy and clear consistent results.

If we are without accuracy or intended effect, there is more skill development, boundaries, or experience needed in any gift we may possess From the gifts that come most naturally, put the most effective at the top of your consideration

When we have multiple gifts that come naturally with plentiful ways which we receive information and produce results in accurate intended ways, it might help to consider what gift is most suited for the situation at hand rather than looking for one that is always strongest. Perhaps clairaudience is most suited while card reading but clairsentience best when sitting with a friend in need and visions are best trusted when there is danger.

Talents and receptibility can fluctuate greatly with our emotional health, stage of life, menstrual cycle, moon phase, stress levels, even season too Taking time to observe and track in a journal what gifts feel easiest, comes unbidden, and importantly brings proven results, along with any major influences, will hold important clues If done over a period of a few months, likely very telling patterns will emerge.

After a year, you might find a reliable specialty such as when the moon is waxing, and your bleeding time is with you, and you ’ ve nourished your soul in the ways that you do, your dreams are most portentous and your healing work takes effect faster than at other times

What an excellent opportunity to deep dive into reflection and observance!

Juliette

Dear Juliette,

How can I connect to my Grandmother that passed away 1 week before I entered this World? I’m named after her favorite word BTW Blessed Be!

Witch of Hope

Dear Witch of Hope,

Oh how lovely to be bestowed with such a namesake! There are a plethora of ways to connect with your Grandmother that I will offer up for you to explore. Some are intended to build a relationship over time while others may provide more immediate interaction With all of them though, I suggest creating strong boundaries around * when * you are open for communication and to pace yourself if feeling over excited or over whelmed at any point

ASK A COTTAGE WITCH WITHJULIETTEJARVIS

I am always fond of setting up an Ancestral Altar or Shrine and cultivating a practice of honouring along with story gathering, genealogy research, even myth and lore finding from the lands that our ancestors lived on. This is slow work but it shows deep respect and commitment while setting a solid foundation. With a shrine or altar, it can be a helpful delineation for when you’d like her presence, messages, and wisdom too, as you can lay a cloth over or shut the box or close the doors when you feel complete with visiting

If you are versed in soul flight/imram/‘shamanic’ journeying/meditation you might set the intention within those other realm journeys to meet her and spend time together, or you might employ a practitioner or medium who does this work to pass messages on your behalf. If you have an item of hers, holding it may amplify the connection greatly. A very helpful tool may be to use a pendulum. Especially if you can turn a pendant or ring of hers into one. This way you can get to know her through a series of questions or advice seeking

You might simply start talking out loud to her and intuiting, feeling, listening, even smelling! a sense of her presence Asking to be shown a dependable, recognizable sign or set of omens associated with her can help with confirmations if say, you are walking outside mulling a dilemma when your Grandmother sign pops into view right as you consider a solution, or perhaps for times when feeling down or alone, her sign may be a reminder that you are more supported than you realize. A sign might be a feather on your path, a random dime where one is unlikely to be, a rainbow or even an animal appearance, this sort of thing A little time may be required to trust your discernment between something catching your eye and a consistent omen, but it is time well spent

My last thought, is stream of consciousness writing can be a wonderful method of conversation This is where you step out of thinking mode with pen and paper in hand, and simply begin a conversation with her. With a little practice, you can step into “automatic writing” where her words begin to come through without you even thinking of them, that is the trick in fact you just write what comes to mind the instant it does, without worrying if it makes sense, and eventually the channel opens and it is your grandmother speaking

With any of this work, it is wise to be fiercely adamant with intention to only be contacting your Grandmother (or other specifically intended ancestor) as a lot of voices are more than happy for a chance to chat

Beannachtaí, Juliette

Dear Juliette,

Is there a way to improve aura sight, and interpretation Natural energies witch

Dear Natural energies witch, I will be upfront and tell you that I typically only ever observe auras as yellow and white (except once while in active labour I saw the midwife with a brilliant blue kaleidoscope effect!) and so I tend to focus more on the quality of light, the shape it takes, where it is and isn’t, and size of glow rather than interpreting colour. I have simply accepted that is how it is for me so I apologize if you were hoping for colour associations

For improving sight, the first thing I would offer to you is to adopt a sense of free play with it Giving ourselves lots of time to casually practice, as opposed to focusing on development, can really allow our bodies to become more receptive You may already know that dim backgrounds can be very helpful, so twilight is an excellent time to practice. You might look at your hand held up toward the ceiling while laying in bed before sleep, or my favourite, looking just above a treeline at dusk for their collective glow So turn down the lights or head outside in the evenings when you can!

ASK A COTTAGE WITCH WITHJULIETTEJARVIS

You may also have found looking directly at an aura can sometimes make it harder to see, so let your eyes rest loosely near your subject and try taking off your glasses if you wear them. Becoming comfortable with unfocused eyes and softened sight can really help.

Having a look around the home at the places people habitually sit or sleep in can be great sources as energy imprints can be long lingering in these spots and residual glow can be found without needing a person to practice with.

Situations where it is acceptable to zone out staring at someone is an excellent opportunity too, particularly if they are passionate about what they are doing, such as a teacher giving their lesson, a speaker delivering to a group, or actors in a live play; this way you can let your eyes unfocus and look slightly off to the side of their head for long periods of time without making them feel uncomfortable. A sleeping pet, a kid colouring, or a friend reading a book may give ample time too.

Interpretations can softly begin in this casual way as well Simple noticing without worrying what it means, can bring us insights into where our talent lies as well as beginning to build our own association “dictionary” I noticed very early on that I didn’t see a range of colour for instance, but I could tell a lot about someone ’ s well being by how far their aura extends, how well it moves with their body or seems to catch up with their movements, which areas have less glow, seem transparent or with different edges. We can learn a lot about what seems consistent across many people or what is usual for a specific person. If you know anything about the people you observe, you can start building interpretations from there

The next time you know someone is feeling unwell, see if you notice how their energy looks when compared to their most vibrant days Look at injured areas and again once healed Notice any similarities among various people struggling with the same issue such as depression or anger or chronic pain Seek someone in prayer, meditation, or while doing energy healing like Reiki and take note of what you see. Patterns will begin to emerge and those indicators may be unique to how You see as opposed to what a book or other Seer may interpret. This is when a journal may come in handy, and from that, your own personal manual.

Reading and talking to others can give new insights, bring contexts, and tips and tricks you hadn’t considered before too, as long as you can let go of any pressure, “shoulds”, or comparison disparity

With love and light, Juliette

JULIETTE JARVIS

Tucked up in her west coast cottage by the sea, Juliette Jarvis lives as a sacred maker of ritual wear and ceremonial objects, facilitating spiritual living programs, and writing on returning reverence to our lives. She draws on 15+ years of offering community ceremonies, healing sessions, and divination readings when answering your questions in our “Ask a Cottage Witch” column You can find her at www SelkieSanctuary com and @Selkie Sanctuary on IG

KITCHEN WITCHERY SamhainFeast

By Dawn Hunt

SettingaSamhainTable

My favorite color is October. If this sentiment conjures images of brunt umber leaves, bales of hay and glowing pumpkins then you might be in love with Autumn too. Here in New England the Fall season starts at the end of August with drooping sunflowers and the first sighting of changing leaves on our beloved Maples. October is especially anticipated for witches, not just for apple picking and pumpkin carving, but also because of Samhain Night. As a Kitchen Witch, I look forward to preparing my home for the Samhain feast for weeks leading up to Oct 31 st .

Like planning a party with friends, I tend to think of my Samhain dinner as a gathering of loved ones. Because the veils between our world and the underworld are the thinnest on Samhain night it is the perfect time to celebrate our ancestors and our beloved dead. Setting the mood and the table for Samhain Celebrations can be as simple or elaborate as you choose. The keys for working Kitchen Witchery on this Sabbat are simple.

Firstly, decorate your kitchen with seasonal items like orange candles, small pumpkins, and dried leaves. Next, create a place setting at the table where you set out pictures or mementos of your passed loved one. This is the step that really invites them to join you for the feast. Finally, cook a meal that is seasonal, or a favorite of your ancestors and be sure to set a full plate of food for them. When the meal is over, you can leave the food for the ancestors outdoors for a few hours as an offering to animals and nature.

KITCHEN WITCHERY SpiceyPumpkin ChowderRecipe:

6 slices Bacon

3 Potatoes, peeled and cubed

2 Tbs Butter

2 packages Corn, frozen

1/2 Yellow Onion, chopped fine

4 cups Chicken Broth

1 rib Celery, diced fine

2 15 oz unsweetened Pumpkin puree

3 fresh Sage leaves, or 1 tsp dried

1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper

3 cloves Garlic, minced

1 cup Half and Half

You

Dawn

www.CucinaAurora.com

Dawn's new book Kitchen Witchcraft for

Chop 2 slices of bacon and cook on medium heat in large pot until lightly browned. Add the butter, onion, celery sage and garlic. Cook until the onion and celery have softened stirring often for about 10 minutes. Add the broth, potatoes, & corn and stir with a wooden spoon to remove any thing stuck to the bottom of the pan. Bring to a boil. Lower heat to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender but not mushy. Meanwhile cook remaining bacon to very crisp and set aside. In a small saucepan mix the pumpkin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to taste until heated through. Incorporate into the potato mixture. Add half & half and heat through. Top with bacon pieces.

Vegan Option:

To make this recipe Vegan, omit the bacon, use vegetable broth instead of chicken, and full fat coconut milk in place of half and half.

TAROT

By Kalinah Barrett

Let's talk about tarot!

Hey, we're all Witchy Moms here.Let's talk about the common yet complex elephant in the room Without getting into the debate on whether tarot cards are linked to ancient Egypt, or created in the mid-15th century, we can definitely say they're not a new construct. But are they “evil”?

I know, I know, some of you are rolling your eyes at me right now and some of you didn't even make it this far because of the negative connotations associated with tarot. Are they really black magic, though? Or are they just a tool we can utilize to gain deeper meaning and clarity in our lives?

Who are we speaking to when we use tarot cards? Honestly, it really doesn't matter if we don't know how to hear the message being sent, regardless of the sender. We receive no message when we aren't listening. Tarot cards are used less for contacting the dead and more for helping the reader to tune-in to God, our higher selves, angels, guides, Universal Spirit Team, or whatever that looks like for you personally.

So, how do we listen? It starts with quieting the mind If those mental lists of groceries, bills, and all the crap that needs to get done today can be diminished, we can more easily tune-in to our intuition. Which, I'm sure you know you have, being the amazing Witchy Mom that you are!

All that being said, not all tools are suitable for every job, and not everyone will be comfortable using certain tools. That’s perfectly ok! However, for those of us that are interested, I've put together a little something for the witchiest holiday of the year.

Samhain

Tarot Spread

The Gaelic tradition of Samhain marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. The celebration marks a major turning point of the year. It's a time to reflect and honor all that was sown, nurtured, and harvested throughout the year. A time to start turning inward. As the temperatures drop in the northern hemisphere, it is in our nature to slow down. Even our hair grows slower in the winter. Traditionally, Samhain represents a time to reflect while nature turns dormant.

So, what makes it witchy?

The periods between summer and winter are known as “liminal” times, or thresholds between seasons. It has widely been associated with the “thinning of the veil” when ghosts and spirits are stronger and more active (and, yes, that technically applies to springtime, too).

Samhain has traditionally been a day when the souls of the dead walk the earth, and pumpkins are carved to protect from evil spirits. With this being the case, it was very common to celebrate the dearly departed on this day. In the 9th century, the Catholic church adopted this celebration as All Saint's Day, and then All Soul's Day.

Thanks to stories like “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”, “Frankenstein”, “Dracula”, and modern movies such as “Halloween”, we eventually ended up with the pointy hatted, black catted Halloween that we all know and love today Not to mention, Samhain was originally celebrated by Pagans, and as everyone knows, Pagans are definitely all witches, right?

What was sown & harvested in your life this year?

I've created this simple yet effective 4 card spread to help delve a bit deeper into what to celebrate, what to release, and what to take into your heart to keep you warm and sustained until next spring's fertile energy blesses us once again.

Before you shuffle and draw your cards, take a moment to calm your breath and quiet your mind. You may want to say a prayer of guidance and protection, cast your magical circle, or whatever you feel most comfortable with depending on your beliefs and practice. Oracle cards, runes, crystals, or other divination tools can easily be substituted in this spread.

Samhain Tarot Spread

Card 1

'Harvest', Accept & Celebrate

'Compost', Release & Access

Card 1 Card 2 Card 3 Card 4 'Seeds' of Intentions Sewn in Spring

'Spark' to Carry Throughout the Winter

The “seeds” or intentions that were set in the spring grew, regardless of if you intended to plant them or not Maybe you even forgot what it was you set out to grow this year, but stuff grew anyway. What did you sow?

Card 2

Intentional or not, it's time to harvest, so we might as well celebrate! Accept with gratitude the blessings of your bounty. You've earned them, even if it doesn't necessarily feel like it

Card 3

Even the plumpest wheat needs to be separated from the chaff What can be released to ease the transition mentally and emotionally into winter, and composted down for next year?

Card 4

What's left over after all the crappy, ego-driven dissatisfaction is scraped away? This last card represents the spark that will keep your inner fire burning throughout the winter

Sample Reading (courtesy of “The Good Tarot” by Collette Baron Reid)

Card 1- 5 of Air

After an uncertain and rocky start to the year, you were able to maintain balance with grace, if not necessarily ease. The bumps in the road proved merely a stumbling point, not a stopping point. After reassessing (and self-reassurance) you managed past the obstacles that may have proven too much for someone else. (Continued next page)

Samhain

Card 2- The World

Tarot Spread

It's all about perspective. It wasn't a failure if a lesson was learned. That's where growth occurs. In fact, looking beyond the surface, volumes of self-discovery were gleaned this year, and it wasn't all painful You've discovered a lot about what you can accomplish when you step into your own power. Those steps can be baby-small. What matters is that you know you can.

Card 3- Ace of Earth

The springtime came in with lots of ideas. But there's only so much time in one earth day, and we're only human, after all. Instead of regretting the things left unfinished (or even never started), take the opportunity to reconsider what's still feasible, or even worth the time and energy. Maybe it could lead to a cool-weather side-hustle, hobby, or strategizing period. So, maybe you didn't get it all done, but that doesn't mean you still can't

In an interesting turn of events, 2 cards fell out of the deck for this position. In going with the (perhaps unprofessional seeming) flow, they are as follows:

Card 4- Queen of Water

Emotions ran the gamut this year, but you persevered through it all. Emotional maturity and awareness don’t mean hiding emotions, but truly allowing them to be felt without guilt or shame (or taking them out on others). We all have emotional baggage to unpack, and the more we do so in healthy, productive ways, the more comfortable we feel within our own minds and bodies.

King of Fire

Within all the self-discovery that occurred throughout the year, you now have the undisputed, irrefutable proof that you can create a life for yourself that is true to who you are and how you genuinely want to live your life. Your path seems very clear right now because it is. Scary and intimidating, perhaps, but clear none-the-less. Acknowledge the fear. Respect if, even. But don't let it stop you. You have too much to gain.

The Good Tarot Deck is available on our Amazon shop!

TAROT for Beginners

By Kalinah Barrett

GettingStartedWithTarot

Tarot newbies, are you still with me?

Lemme guess, you're totally intrigued now, and are thinking about acquiring a tarot deck of your own!

I mean, there must be SO much you need to know! Where would you even START?!

I hear you. I have a few suggestions.

It's OK to Window Shop

So, maybe you've never even seen a deck of tarot cards before, let alone touched one! Take it slow.

With tarot's popularity continuing to grow, it's becoming easier and easier to find tarot cards in stores. Small, local metaphysical, spiritual, or crystal shops have the advantage in being able to curate a more personal collection (and I always recommend shopping small businesses within your local community).

If, perhaps, you find yourself in an area less metaphysically friendly, you can check your nearest, big-box bookstore.

Of course, if all else fails (or it's too chilly out), you can always browse online.

FindingtheRightDeck

Did you hear the one about it being bad luck to buy your own tarot cards? I heard that one, too. See, back in the day, tarot cards were rare. If you had a deck, it was because someone made them and gave them to you. As “occult” things became more popular and commonplace, the old superstition became a way to gate-keep this divinatory tool. Ignore it; It's a myth.

TAROT for Beginners

Once you start to see what's available, you'll be able to zero in on decks that you like and dislike At some point, you'll probably find a deck that you feel unmistakably drawn to. And you'll probably want to buy it so you probably will. And then HOORAY! You'll have your first deck of cards!

TarotorOracleCards?

People often ask me which is better, tarot or oracle cards? They're sold side by side, what's the difference?

Tarot cards have structure. There are four suits, ace through king, that make up the Minor Arcana, and another 22 cards, The Fool through The World, that make up the Major Arcana. All in all, tarot has 78 cards (usually).

Oracle cards, on the other hand, vary deck to deck. Each deck typically depicts a specific theme (angels, fairies, goddesses, etc.), and are as varied in individual meaning as the authors and artists that created them. Oracle cards are generally more intuitive and free-flowing verses tarot's format.

The bottom line is, neither is better. It's up to you which of these divinatory tools you prefer.

GettingToKnowYourCards

The first most magical part of getting a new deck of cards is the unboxing, and we'll get to that in a minute, I promise. But first, check out these ideas.

•Cleansing- I'm going to guess, if your cards felt “yucky”, you wouldn't have bought them. But still, other people may have had their dirty mitts all over your new cards, and you can totally cleanse them before opening the box. A minute of sunlight, Reiki, prayer, or sound are a few of the more common ways to cleanse an object. Your intention (and comfort level) is what's important here and, speaking of...

•Setting Intentions- Before opening a new deck, you may want to set an intention for using the cards. A personal favorite of mine is “These cards are to be used as a tool for love, peace, and guidance, for the highest good of all”.

TAROT for Beginners

•Meeting the Cards- Give yourself at least an hour the first time going through your cards. Sit with each one, individually. Think of each card as a new friend with its own personality. Get a feel for the idea the imagery is portraying. Then, read what the author says the card represents. Most likely, you will find a greater depth to each card than your first impressions. Repeat this process as many times as you feel necessary.

•Shuffling- How you handle your cards is up to you, such as the method of shuffling, when and/or how many times to cut, etc. You will probably have a preference of what feels right to you, and there is no right or wrong way to do it! However, bear in mind that the rougher you are with your cards, the less likely they are to hold up over time. While you are shuffling is a good time to bring your question to mind, and a natural first question is simply “What do I need to know right now?”

•Layout- How you lay your cards out is, again, a matter of preference. Layouts range from a straightforward one card pull, to 10+ card spreads (more cards for more information) At this point, you're still getting to know your deck, so as an icebreaker of sorts, just start with one card. As you get more comfortable, you can start to add cards to your layouts. Most decks come with booklets, which usually contain suggested spreads, but often 3 card spreads are quite sufficient for most queries. Most 3 card layouts essentially represent you or where you are in life, where you'd like to be, and how to get there.

•Storing Your Cards- Once you've finished your reading, you'll need to put your cards in a safe place. After gathering up the cards and thanking them for their guidance, some prefer to wrap their cards in a cloth to protect them Others (like myself) feel the sturdy box they came in are perfectly suited to keep them protected. Some do both, a cloth wrap and kept in the box. You may be surprised to hear, this is another personal preference matter.

These are merely suggestions to get you started on your tarot journey. Again, and I can't stress enough, there is no right or wrong way to go about using tarot cards. There is only the way that is right for you So, dig in, have fun, and welcome to the tarot side!

Kalinah is a Spiritual Guide and Coach, Reiki Master/Teacher, Ordained Minister, & founder of River Grove Wellness. RiverGroveWellnesscom

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