Beltane - May 2020 by Witchology Magazine

Wild Goddess Magick

Witchology Magazine Crystal and Flower Magick for Your Special Day

Your Guide to Crafting a

Beltane

& Handfasting

3UNITY

Unique Pagan Ceremony

RITUALS TO

Getting to Know Ani Ferlise and

Rituals and Rites from Seasons

Gabriela Herstik

MAKE YOURS

of Wicca

Beltane

Celebrated on May 1st in the northern

hemisphere and November 1st in the southern hemisphere. Often called May Day, Beltane celebrates life, new beginnings, passion, and

romance. Use this time to honor unions and springtime energies of renewal, rebirth, and awakening.

-The Spell Book for New Witches

Lukas Gojda

EDITORIAL Ambrosia Hawthorn, Owner & Editor Sarah Justice, Co-Editor WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS Miss Wondersmith, Mike Sexton, Karla Freeling, Josie Hellbore, Severina Sosa, Gillian Pegg, Hazel, Kaitee McKinstry, Willow, Gabriela Rosales, Vivacia Ahwen. ART & PHOTOS Cover: Ambrosia Hawthorn and Illustrations: Tiffany Sosa stock.adobe.com All other photos are from free stock sources or from contributors. SALES ambrosia@witchologymagazine.com SUBMISSIONS ambrosia@witchologymagazine.com sarah@witcologymagazine.com www.witchologymagazine.com/ submissions-ads/ SOCIAL www.witchologymagazine.com www.instagram.com/witchologymag www.twitter.com/wgmagick www.facebook.com/witchologymag Copyright © 2019 by Wild Goddess Magick. All rights reserved. This magazine or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. Magazine is intended for ages 18 and up. We are a proud participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. All our content is reviewed and vetted in the process. The opinions expressed in our published works are those of the authors and do not reflect the opinions of Witchology Magazine or Wild Goddess Magick. Witchology Magazine assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance

Welcome!

“These words herein are from me to you, each picture, thought, and quote we imbue. This issue reflects the knowledge I have to share, use each spell, ritual, and work with care.”

Welcome to our 24th issue of Witchology Magazine! A small independent digital publication created two years ago. Within these pages, you’ll find what’s new in the witchy community, must-haves for Beltane and handfasting. We have two witchy interviews and an abundance of May themed articles for you to enjoy. Stop by our “what’s new” to see the latest book releases and Beltane goodies! No matter what your path is, there’s always something that can enrich and elevate your practice! Please also note, we cannot guarantee any outcomes from the content of this magazine, but please don't give up on the magick within you!

Blessed be witches,

Ambrosia Hawthorn @wildgoddessmagick Editor, published author, Wiccan, and eclectic witch.

Wild Goddess Magick

Witchology Magazine

Cover by Ambrosia Hawthorn @wildgoddessmagick

Our Witchy Team

1. Sarah Justice @tinycauldron Tinycauldron.com Co-Editor, writer, shop owner 2. Gabriela Rosales @thestylistwitch thestylistwitch.com Fashion Alchemist 3. Miss Wondersmith @misswondersmith Thewondersmith.com Wondersmith, recipe creator, forager, event hostess

4. Willow @flyingthehedge flyingthehedge.com Hedgewitch, writer

7. Josie Hellebore @hillcountrybruja hillcountrybruja.etsy.com Witch, writer, creator, curator, hop owner

5. Kaitee McKinstry @rosecafletic medium.com/ @rosecafletic Writer, Witch

8. Mike Sexton @artistmikes Mikesextonstudio.com Eclectic Wiccan, artist, published author

6. Karla Freeling @wiccanology Wiccanology.etsy.com Mother in the military, Pagan, shop owner

9. Gillian Pegg @gillianmoragivy @pegggillian Witch, writer

10. Hazel @hex_tarot Hextarot.bigcartel.com Witch, and professional tarot and palm reader 11. Severina Sosa @severinathewitch medium.com/ @severinathewitch Hedgewitch, herbalist, writer 12. Vivacia Ahwen @sheraprincess Msvivacia.wordpress.com Witch, astrologer, romance author, artist

BELTANE & MAY 7 Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New in the Witchy Community 8 May Must-Haves 9 May Magickal Workings 24 May Astrology Forecast: A Spring Clean 34 Interview with Ani Ferlise, Priestess of Passion 42 Interview with Gabriela Herstik 52 Interweaving Spiritualities: Yoga for Witches Review 56 Witchology Directory

FEATURES 10 A Witchy Wedding 13 Handfasting: Why This Ancient Ceremony Remains Popular Today 14 Flora of Love 16 Adding Crystals Into Your Handfasting 18 Handfasting with a Modern Spin 22 Unity Rituals to Include in Your Handfasting 36 Are Fertility Spells Ethical? These Witches Think So

MAGICKAL LEARNING 29 Beltane: Light the Fire Inside Yourself 30 Seasons of Wicca Beltane Ritual 33 A Quick Guide to Love and Fertility Goddesses 39 Monthly Herb: Hawthorn 40 The Tiny Spellbook: Root Magick for Stable Relationships 46 Spellcasting With Your Wardrobe 48 Using Dew for Glamour Magick

MAGICKAL RECIPES

54 Redemption of Salads 55 Hawthorn Tea

What’s New in the

Witchy Community

Want to know what’s happening in the Pagan community? Well, we’ve searched high and low to bring you the latest releases.

Bewitching the Elements: A Guide to Empowering Yourself Through Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit

Reading the Leaves: An Intuitive Guide to the Ancient Art and Modern Magic of Tea Leaf Divination By Leanne Marrama and Sandra Mariah Wright An illustrated guide to tapping into your intuition through the simple act of sitting down to a cup of tea. Whether you're wondering about career, finances, love, or health, Salem witches Sandra Mariah Wright and Leanne Marrama are here to help build your intuitive skills and transform your life. Available on May 19, 2020 at Amazon.

By Gabriela Herstik Empower yourself by connecting to the five elements through meditation, breathwork, tarot, crystals, rituals, and journaling. It's the new age of enlightenment, and more and more people are embracing witchcraft and other spiritual practices to tap into their inner strength and resilience, while aligning with something larger than themselves. The tools that Gabriela Herstik offers in Bewitching the Elements will help you connect to the universe and your inner light. Available at Amazon.

Seasons of Wicca: The Essential Guide to Rituals and Rites to Enhance Your Spiritual Journey By Ambrosia Hawthorn Strengthen your practice, deepen your faith―Wiccan rites and rituals for every season. Rooted in nature, spiritualism, and a reverence for the divine, Wicca is a religious practice focused on the balance and harmony between life and nature. Seasons of Wicca offers practical guidance and empowering rites and rituals that will bring the magic of Wicca into your daily life. Discover the origins of Wicca with an overview covering the importance of working with nature and the deities. Explore in-depth primers on the Wheel of the Year and the crucial purposes of the elements, and embark on your own spiritual path with step-by-steps for Sun Celebrations, Moon Celebrations, and Wiccan Rites. Available on May 12, 2020 at Amazon. 7

Witches Supporting Witches Beltane Bath Set $16.16 SugarMagnoliaMarket

Check out the latest creators, shops, collections, and more for this month!

Mini Floral Smudge Sticks $6.75 MoodyMoons

Magickal Beltane Herbs and Resins $17.99 WynterWillowWitchery Beltane Altar Bottle $12.00 ConjureandCauldron 8

MAY MAGICKAL WORKINGS The month of May celebrates Beltane and the growth of the land. Beltane is May 1st and is a celebration that falls midway between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. It honors spring at its peak and the coming summer. The month of May is a good time to harness fertility magick in hopes of producing an abundant year ahead. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a wonderful time of the year to plan your witchy wedding or handfastings as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the start of wedding season and the #coronabride.

A Witchy Wedding By Gillian Pegg

Making your handfasting ceremony as meaningful and individual as your practice.

wedding is a time to celebrate love and surround yourself with people who are special to you and your partner. For many witches, it’s a great opportunity to let your practices, beliefs, and ways of being shine through. Whatever being a witch means to you, your wedding should reflect who you are as a couple and as individuals. Make your wedding a meaningful, magical day by choosing items, practices, and traditions that serve you. Whether you are out of the broom closet or not, there are many ways to be close to your beliefs and be true to yourself on your special day. As someone who is engaged, I am always on the lookout for witchy wedding ideas. I’ve outlined below a few ways any witch could make their wedding tailored to them. Honoring your way of being is always important, especially on your wedding day when you should feel beautiful, powerful, hopeful, and loved.

The Ceremony

A traditional Celtic handfasting is romantic, rooted in ancient history, and, to me, an honoring nod to our witchy ancestors. Often happening on Beltane, a handfasting involves the couple standing before each other with their hands clasped. The officiant, often a druid, or priestess, wraps and interweaves the handfasting cord around the couple’s hands. There are a few traditionally Celtic vows that might be more relevant to some witches than a typically lawful or religious ceremony. These ancient words spoken by the officiant often acknowledge nature, the goddesses and gods, and the turning of the wheel. To make a handfasting ceremony extra special, make your handfasting cord from strips of fabric from your loved ones. Braided together, this cord symbolizes that the love you and your partner have for each other is strengthened through the support and love of your family and friends. The cord is usually around a yard long so that it can be wrapped around the couple’s hands, symbolizing the Celtic knot. You can also attach small charms to your handfasting cord, which might have a special goddess, deity, symbol, initials, or phrase. An example of a traditional Celtic Handfasting Vow: Ye are Blood of my Blood, and Bone of my Bone. I give ye my Body, that we Two might be One. I give ye my Spirit, ’til our Life shall be Done. You cannot possess me for I belong to myself But while we both wish it, I give you that which is mine to give You cannot command me, for I am a free person But I shall serve you in those ways that I can and the honeycomb will taste sweeter coming from my hand.

The Look

I’ve never pictured myself in a ‘traditional’ white wedding dress, and I’d be willing to bet that many witches feel the same. Whether you’ll be wearing a tux or a gown or ceremonial robes, there are several ways to incorporate your identity as a witch into your ensemble. Witchy wedding gowns can be hard to come by, but you need not wear something that screams witch if that’s not your style. For something more subdued, you could sew a patch of ancestral tartan, or a fabric that speaks to you (whether black and cobwebby or intricately embroidered) inside your gown, next to your heart. The outfit, a veil or cape, the shoes, and even your hairstyle and jewelry could all help to bring out your witchy vibe. Of course, if you’re like me and want to channel your truest innermost self, you’ll want to look like a witch that’s just crept out from enchanted woods, or stepped out of a raging sea tide or a tall crumbling tower. The beauty is: It’s all about you!

A Witchy Wedding

Aesthetic elements that echo your craft, such as ivy or ferns or butterflies, might be a good choice. Color is another aspect that lets a witch play with their personality. Would you go for the classic black gown, with spiderweb accents and a corset back, or would you pick a gown that a forest fairy might wear, embroidered with little woodland animals and acorns? Moon, star and sun motifs, crystals sewn into the bodice, or shell and scale details are all possibilities. Your accessories can help make your overall look more witch friendly.

The Bouquet

A bouquet or a fresh crown of flowers and herbs is a wonderful way to add witchcraft to your ceremony. A bundle of mint, rosemary, lavender, or lemon balm in your bouquet can help ease those pre-wedding nerves and leaves a fresh, earthy scent in your wake. Not to mention, herbs are a very important part of many witches’ practice, so incorporating them in such an organic way might bring some calm into your hectic day. Magically speaking, you could also choose herbs that have properties you wish to bring into your marriage. Try lemon verbena for unity, myrtle for everlasting love, or ivy for wedded love. But of course, pick herbs and flowers that have significance for you, or that you feel a connection with. Enchanting your bouquet or crown is also a good idea, to help you carry only good things into your partnership. No matter how you choose to bring your practice into your wedding ceremony, be sure to keep it “as you” as possible. Celebrate your love for your partner, your new life together, and all the magical, witchy joys to come. Note: In order to be legal in most places, a handfasting must be incorporated into a legal ceremony of exchanging vows and rings. Otherwise, you can have a commitment ceremony that may not yet be legally binding, but will still be magically and spiritually significant.

A Witchy Wedding

Handfasting:

Why This Ancient Ceremony Remains Popular Today By Severina Sosa While many elect to keep the traditional handfasting roots intact, some modern pagans are looking for ways to add their own spin on things.

The tradition of handfasting can be traced all the way back to the ancient Celts around 7000 BC. Although used as an alternative wedding ceremony now, originally, handfasting was meant as a public declaration of love and the intent to marry, which would happen if the couple was able to successfully make it a year.

One way that they are doing this is with the type of fabric they are using for their cord. Instead of traditional fabric, anything can be chosen - hemp, old t-shirts from family members, even chords that involve pet hair! Charms can be added too.

The name “handfasting” is a reference to the literal tying together of the couple’s hands, and is why we now refer to marriage as “tying the knot.”

Some modern pagans are even choosing to involve their handfasting guests in the ceremony. Instead of having the officiant wrap the chord (or other fabric), everyone attending can bring their own, infused with their wishes for the couple, and take turns wrapping them around their hands.

During the ceremony, the couple faces each other and grasps hands (right hand to right hand, left hand to left hand in a criss-cross pattern). As the officiant speaks the vows, the cord (or cords) is wrapped around the couple’s hands in an infinity pattern.

Another modern take on the handfasting tradition is to display the chord and knot in the home after the ceremony. Shadow boxes or other frames are a great and creative way to show off your love and commitment to each other, and remember your special day for years to come.

At the end of the handfasting, the cords used are tied into a “marriage knot.” In most cases, one of the following 5 knots is used: • Fisherman’s knot • God’s knot • Infinity knot • Mystic knot • Trinity knot

While handfasting has been around for centuries, modern pagans are still finding their own ways to make this unique tradition their own in some really interesting ways.

Your handfasting should always represent you, so don’t be afraid to do your own thing. 13

FLORA OF LOVE By Hazel of Hex Tarot

have permission from the landowner and adhere to the respectful, ethical practice of never taking from a sick or scarce plant and never taking more than one-third of its yield, so as not to damage the plant or deprive wildlife for food or habitat.

he language of flowers is well documented. Over time this language has been somewhat watered down to romantic aesthetics, the magickal qualities of the flowers being lost in distant folklore. As Pagans and witches, many of us still hold this old knowledge. We value and understand the deeper qualities of flowers, and using them in rituals and magick is common in our practices. When it comes to love, the rose is by far the most widely accepted token of one’s heart’s desire, perhaps because of its careful cultivation and sweet bouquet. But there are many more flowers with suitable qualities attaining to love which can be used in our rituals, rites, and celebrations.

Daisies (Bellis perennis) bring a sense of joy and harmony to anyone using them magickally. Wearing them will give you protection, and their delicate colors are associated with creativity and purity. Woven in, as part of a flower crown or in a bouquet, daisies lighten the spirits and enhance an atmosphere of joy and play. Flowering from early spring through late summer, these flowers are perfect for representing the childlike wonder of new love. Daisies have folklore connections with the Fae and earth spirits. Using daisies in any conscious or magickal way invites these spirits into your life. They are linked to the Goddess Freya and can be used to make offerings to her. Daisies can be used for divination to great effect. They do, however, have a reputation for honesty, so make sure you are willing to know the answers if you do use them in this way.

Choosing the right flowers for any ceremony, like handfasting, can be complicated when considering the language of flowers. Handfasting is a deeply personal ritual for the partnership involved. Each person entering into the union will have their own preferred traditions. Magickal knowledge and folklore of flowers can be as varied and unique as the couple. Common love tokens such as lavender make a perfect addition to a bouquet or altar. Fresh or dried, the aromatherapy benefits of the sharp, sweet fragrance are known to relax us and give a deeper sense of calm, bringing love to us. There are less commonly used flowers associated with love, many of which can be homegrown or picked wild. Providing you

Sunflowers (Hellianthus annus) are one of the most recognizable flowers connected with the sun. The beautiful yellow heads turn to face and follow the sun as it makes its course across the sky. Sunflowers were a sacred

offering and transubstantiation rites. Magickally, it repels negativity and may help you increase your labors and rewards. In my experience, I have found it linked to the heart chakra, and it can help to expand feelings of security and love when carried or worn.

flower for the Aztecs as they are native to Peru (not France). Priestesses wore crowns of sunflowers to represent their connection to the sun god. They have an occult history linked to European magick and alchemy. Magickally, sunflowers bring joy and integrity and make wishes come true. Perfect to use in courtship and in commitment rites. I have to say they are my favorite flower to work with using prosperity spells of any kind, including love and happiness.

Meadowsweet (Spiraea ulmaris) is a small white flower great for use in handfasting and union ceremonies. Native to Britain, Meadowsweet has been a deeply prized sacred herb of the Druids since before the Bronze Age. It is said to attract love, joy, peace, and bring success to a marriage. It has traditionally been used as a funeral herb in many Pagan communities because it is believed to help the passage from one state into another flow smoothly. In this regard, it is perfect for handfasting rituals as we pass from two individuals into one partnership. Whatever plants and herbs you choose for your love rituals or handfasting rites, be sure to do your research on the folklore and magickal use of the flowers to get the most personal ones for you.

Wheat (Triticum sativum) is often an overlooked plant for altars and union rites. Associated with the Lughnasadh, it is a nurturing plant bringing vitality and abundance to those who use it magickally. It is an incredibly beautiful plant with an ancient history of cultivation stretching back more than ten thousand years. Wheat has ties to fertility. In Druid folklore, Goddess Cerridwen eats a man who has transformed into a grain of wheat and becomes pregnant, giving birth to the poet Taliesin. Many other faiths, ancient and modern, use wheat within

Wheat and Daisy Divination Love Tea You’ll need: 1 sprig of edible wheat 3 freshly picked and washed daisies Strip the wheat and two of the daisy petals, leaving one whole. Add everything to your favorite cup or sacred drinking vessel. Pour over boiling water, brew for a few minutes. While you are drinking the tea, focus on bringing love and abundance into your romantic life. If you have any specific questions, ask them. Before the last drop is drunk, place the cup in your left hand and whirl the tea in the cup three times. Turn the cup over onto a saucer. Allow drying slightly before turning back over to read the symbols. Whatever shape or symbols you see will show you what you need to do to bring more love into your life or perhaps who. *Before taking any plants or herbs orally, always make sure they are safe to ingest. Do not take them if you are taking any medication, have allergies, or any underlying health issues.

FLORA OF LOVE

Adding Crystals Into Your Handfasting

stems of the flowers and wrapped up with a ribbon.

handfasting is already a magickal day. Surrounded by your friends and family, declaring your love and loyalty to the one you’ve chosen to spend your life with - nothing could be more perfect.

Use Crystals as Table Decor Adding crystals to a centerpiece, or even making crystals the centerpiece all on their own, are additional ways to add their special energy to your ceremony. Geodes are the perfect, modern way to do this. Choose a pair of geodes to represent both halves of the whole, or choose a color or crystal that speaks to you as a couple. It’s a unique way for each table to experience its benefits. If you want to go even more all out, the wedding cake can even be decorated like a geode!

Ultimately, everything else is secondary. However, and especially if you’re having your handfasting in full Pagan tradition, you might want to add in some more magickal elements. Infusing your ceremony with crystal energy is a great way to do just that. Here a few ways crystals can add a little something extra to your handfasting ceremony.

Crystals Make Great Gifts for Bridesmaids

A Brief Summary Of Wedding Crystals and Their Uses

If you’ve been stuck on a unique, personalized gift to give to your handfasting party, look no further!

•

Crystals, especially those that have been specifically chosen for each person, make great gifts for the people helping you on your special day. Single bridesmaids may appreciate rose quartz to attract love into their lives, and married bridesmaids can be gifted a moonstone (at least, for those that are seeking to expand their families.) Whether that gift is actual crystals or crystals built into a necklace or bracelet, there are a nearly unlimited amount of options for every situation.

• • • • •

Add Crystals to Your Bouquet

Aventurine: Starting new journeys, prosperity, compassion, empathy Citrine: Positive self-esteem, prosperity, nerve-calming, energy Diamond: Eternity, strength, unity, harmony Garnet: Passion, commitment, sexuality, devotion, trust Rhodochrosite: Commitment, confidence, honesty Rose quartz: Love, compassion, opening the heart chakra, gentleness, understanding, forgiveness

No matter how you choose to include crystals on your special day, they will infuse your handfasting with extra magick. They’re also a great way to personalize exactly the intention you hope to amplify.

If there are any crystals that speak to you, add them to your bouquet. A crystal, charged with your specific intention, can be placed with the

FEATURED

HANDFASTING WITH A MODERN SPIN By Josie Hellebore

It is safe to say that most girls spend many hours daydreaming of their future wedding day. I was no different. 18

FEATURED

a young girl (truth be told, I am not sure if wedding themes existed in those days). I had friends start Pinterest boards for my wedding and family members, sending me links to potential venues. The entire post-engagement time period was incredibly overwhelming. I found myself having to assert and exercise boundary implementation, which was tough being that I am a non-confrontational person.

s long as I can remember, I dreamed of having an overtly Pagan wedding with a handfasting ceremony, a priestess officiant, a flower crown, and the whole nine yards. The one thing that you don’t take into account as a young person planning out your theoretical wedding day is that marriage occurs between two people and that other person has a say in things, too. It certainly had never crossed my mind, but it had a huge bearing on the wedding I initially envisioned and the wedding we actually had.

Once I let it be known to my friends and family that my future husband and I would be spearheading the planning, things got easier and more enjoyable. My advice to any newly engaged person is to stand your ground and don’t let anyone (family and friends included) railroad you throughout the planning process. Everyone loves weddings and oftentimes the ones closest to us (as well-intended as it may be) can project their own experiences or wedding fantasies onto our wedding plans.

I met my husband almost seven years ago. We met in the summertime, began dating in the fall, and almost two years later, he proposed, and I accepted. Immediately after announcing our engagement, I was inundated with questions about the date, the location, and the “theme.” I had no idea what a wedding “theme” even was. That was one detail that I hadn’t mulled over as

HANDFASTING WITH A MODERN SPIN

FEATURED

married and understood my spiritual path, and I asked their advice. The one resounding message that was echoed back to me was: Marriage is about compromise. There are going to be many battles; choose them wisely.

Some husbands are very hands-off in the wedding planning process and leave most of the details up to the bride. This is not my husband. He is very much a man who wants to be included in the details of anything that concerns us as a family. Our wedding was no different. I love this about my husband. I love that he cares, that he has his own thoughts and opinions, and that he isn’t afraid to speak his mind. He also has an amazing eye for aesthetics. Seriously, he did most of the interior design planning on our house, and it looks amazing! That being said, my husband, unlike myself, is not Pagan. He respects and appreciates my beliefs and loves that I practice witchcraft. However, he carries his own spiritual beliefs. We soon came to understand we had very different visions for our big day.

I have applied this advice to many marital situations since then, and it rang true in all of them. I conceded to allowing this pastor to stand in as our wedding officiant, although I had some conditions. I knew that he wasn’t going to tell a sermon about any Goddesses, and everything he said was going to be Christian-based. My request was that he not get into too much denominational detail, use God instead of Jesus and take a Unitarian Universal approach to the sermon.

His steadfast involvement led me to realize the importance of communicating the nonnegotiables. I suggest to anyone who is planning a wedding to make a list of two categories. In one category, list your “line in the sand” items: things you absolutely must have and cannot do without. In the other category, write the things you are willing to compromise on. For me, a handfasting was a line in the sand. It was one of the things that I was not willing to forego. Another was that it would not be a church wedding (much to my Catholic family’s dismay) and that the ceremony would take place outdoors. My husband was on board with all of these. One of his lines in the sand, however, was a hard pill for me to swallow. He wanted the wedding officiant to be someone he knew personally who had married many of our friends, who just happened to be a Christian pastor. At first, I balked. This went against every fantasy I had of a Pagan priestess officiant, and I was not happy about it. I spoke to several close and trusted friends who were

HANDFASTING WITH A MODERN SPIN

FEATURED

Perhaps you have been thinking about how you can incorporate Paganism into your special day. Maybe you are still “in the broom closet” and want to express your witchy side, but don’t want to out yourself entirely.

I knew that this concession would not only please my husband, but it would also placate our family members who were either unaware of my spiritual beliefs or unapproving of them. Our handfasting was the most traditionally Pagan aspect of our wedding, but we also added modern, eclectic, and cultural influences that made the event unique to us. In Texas, fall is the most popular wedding season because the temperature has finally cooled down a bit. My husband and I are huge Halloween fanatics and celebrate it faithfully every year, costumes and all. We also celebrate Samhain and Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), as both holidays have ties to our respective heritage backgrounds: Mexican and Irish. The fact that both the Gaelic Pagans and the Mexican culture honor their ancestors and the thinning of the veil at the same time of the year in completely different parts of the world is a happenstance that we have always found endearing. Because of this, late October was the obvious choice for our wedding date.

Here are some other Pagan traditions that may blend perfectly into your marriage ceremony: •Handfasting with color-coded cords that symbolize values and principles you want to bring into your union. •Jumping the Besom Broom! You can decorate your broom with flowers and ribbons (or colors that coordinate with your cords from the handfasting!) •A Wine Blessing in lieu of a champagne toast •A Unity Candle ceremony. •Casting a Circle around the marital altar by using incense, flower petals, ringing bells, chimes, or by sprinkling consecrated water on the ground. •Calling on the four directions and the four elements to bless your union. •Having a Pagan Priestess or Priest officiate your wedding, or for a more subtle alternative, you can have a Unitarian Universalist officiant. (UU is a religion that respects and incorporates beliefs from many spiritual practices from all over the world.) •A Maypole Dance!

We had a theme that was subtle yet creative: Peacock Day of the Dead, with light and minimal décor. We wanted classy, not campy. Our colors were a palette reminiscent of a peacock with teals, greens, blues, and purples. I made the centerpieces from glass vases, floating candles, colored glass, ribbons and peacock feathers, most of which I bought at craft stores. At the Bride-and-Groom table, we had a beautiful Mexican Día de Los Muertos statue of a married couple. Our cake topper was a handcrafted bride and groom with peacock Día de Los Muertos-themed face paint. The end result was a universal, inclusive nuptial celebration with both modern and traditional undertones. I married my best friend that day, and it was perfect.

These are a few suggestions, yet there are many out there. You can make the event as extreme or as low-key as you feel comfortable with. My best advice is to make your wedding unapologetically YOURS, whatever that may mean to you and your betrothed. Many blessings upon your unions, witchy boos! May the Gods and Goddesses rain blessings and prosperity down upon you.

HANDFASTING WITH A MODERN SPIN

Unity Rituals to Include in Your Handfasting

andfasting, one of the oldest unity rituals in the world, has been a Pagan wedding staple for hundreds of years. In recent years, more modern trends have made their way into these ceremonies. As Pagans everywhere look for ways to make their handfastings unique, here is a list of unity rituals you can add to your ceremony to truly make it yours.

Plant Unity Ritual

Sand Unity Ritual

“Tying the Knot”

While this is one of the most common unity rituals, even for Christian weddings, it is also one of the easiest to adapt to each specific partnership. There are actually a lot of different variations, as well, but are based around one simple premise.

While handfasting has turned more into a symbolic tying of the knot, a traditional element of ancient handfastings has been making a comeback recently. Many people are electing to literally tie the knot by binding their hands together with ribbon during their ceremony. The color can be chosen either just by preference or for magickal reasons. In most traditions, the right hands are bound together in an infinity symbol and will stay that way for the duration of the handfasting.

Another take on the sand unity ritual, the plant unity ritual involves both people planting a flower, herb, or other plants in the same pot at the same time. Planting seeds together is another great option, as you can care for the plant together as your relationship continues to grow its roots as well.

In a sand unity ritual, all that is needed is a container and two different colors of sand. The colors and the type of container can be literally anything the couple can dream up. During the handfasting, both people will pour their sand into the container at the same time. The blending of the sand represents the blending of the partnership, going from two separate people into one entity. Some people also choose to include any children either person might have from previous relationships.

These are just a few options for adding a unity ritual to your handfasting ceremony. They can add an extra level of ceremonial commitment to an already magickal day. Don’t feel like you have to choose a traditional option, either. In the end, it’s your special day, and you should follow your heart.

Mayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Moon is

The flower, merry, milk, planting, or willow; ideal for spells relating to building energy, intuition, and connections

ASTROLOGY

May 2020: A Spring Clean By Vivacia Ahwen If there’s a bustle in your hedgerow, Don’t be alarmed now, It’s just a spring clean for the May queen, Yes, there are two paths you can go by, But in the long run, There’s still time to change the road you’re on. -“Stairway to Heaven,” Robert Plant and Jimmy Page from 1971 album Led Zeppelin IV

Making new witchy connections does a spirit right, especially in this fraught point in time. Momma Earth is in bad need of some healing. You may not be able to dance around a Maypole this year, but you’ll always be able to find a tree just begging to be embraced.

elebrating Beltane with a shelter-in-place rule makes for a bittersweet sabbat. How to ring in a holiday of passion, mating, and love-relating when you can only leave the house for food and emergencies? What about our Maypole? How can Beltane happen with no forest and beach rituals? Without gatherings with like-minded souls calling upon the God and Goddess in collective song, chanting, dance, and blazing bonfires? How do we make our mischief and brou-ha-ha in a way that honors and feeds our collective soul? What’s a witch to do? Hop on the broom and Zoom? Perhaps.

Speaking of embraces, we’ve been hearing a lot about the dangers of “living in fear” or that by taking social safety precautions, we are “giving in to fear.” It’s all about perspective. By respecting the laws of science to smash that COVID curve into submission, and by taking to our hideaways until the most dangerous time passes, we are not acting out of fear. We are acting out of love for the safety of all people and our tired planet. Mother Nature is recovering. Finally, is fear really such a shameful emotion to have while trying to survive and thrive in the eye of a storm? Don’t be afraid of your fears. They’re not here to scare us. They’re here to let us know something or someone is worth fighting for. Let’s learn from our fears, make peace with those fears, and be okay with not being okay. For today.

You like decking out your altar, and this holiday you’ve got some extra time to revamp on your indoor practice space into a more user-friendly area. The more inviting your “temple” is –even if it’s just a corner in your bedroom!—the more likely you are to stay regular with your practice. You’re already scrolling through Witchology, now, where inspiration abounds for spells, crafts, artwork, and kitchen witchery. Hit up your solitary practicing pals to see what their favorite solo Holy-Daze celebrations are like; they’ve gotten this personal distancing thing down to a science. And yes, get in on the buzzing magical social media bandwagon; your spiritual community is busier than ever.

May 1 Mercury conjunct Uranus. April ended with the introduction of new life lessons, intensified intuition, and a creative drive that had been put on

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your shoulder while you create a new work of art, whatever your medium may be: painting, poetry, music, dance, or theatrics. A mystery which had you stymied is solved, and deeply buried secrets come to light. Burn sage to clean out spiritual blockage and ward off illness.

pause as we adjusted to this Brave New World. Take advantage of this jolt to celebrate Beltane; tap into that transcendental “big hum.” Embrace your fertility and feed your horniness in whatever way suits you! Celebrate the coming together and lovemaking of the Divine. The Goddess is alive, magic is afoot. No partner? Find a tree –preferably an alder—and passionately embrace her. Also, sex for one is underrated, so give your hot bod some love. Wear your loveliest frocks or just hang out skyclad, weave some flowers in your hair, crank some music, and dance your sweet ass off.

Mercury sextile Neptune. Your psychic energy is off the charts today, so work it into your practice. Play “guessing games” with your tarot deck. Mentally contact a far flung friend and see if the phone rings. If you know someone suffering, send them spiritual sympathy and healing energy. Libraries have opened their doors online to keep us all well-read and our heads fed during the pandemic.

May 03 Venus square Neptune. Repeat positive affirmations today, as Venus square Neptune can distort your self-image. Honor yourself, and send that self-doubt packing. This is also a good day to reach out to a dear friend and be each other’s cheering squad. Remember that even when socially isolating, you are never alone. Love surrounds you and fills you to the brim. Accept the nourishment and believe yourself deserving of the universe’s big ol’ hug.

Take advantage of that by checking out some classic self-help books for nurturing your psychic self. William Hewitt’s Psychic Development for Beginners (1996) is a good one. The Anatomy of the Spirit by Caroline Myss is an excellent guidebook as well. Bust out your scrying mirror, try some automatic writing, and gaze into your clearest crystals. See what you see!

May 04 Sun conjunct Mercury. Whew, our mental energy is returning. Focus on what you most desire; this planetary aspect is most auspicious for manifestation. While the influence of Sun conjunct Mercury can help us articulate needs and feelings, our listening skills may waver. Try to focus on what another person is truly saying, rather than trying to shove conversations the way you think they should go.

May 09 Mercury trine Pluto. Today is all about animal magic. Do you have a familiar keeping you company? No pets? No problem. Turn on some sounds of the forest or sea, lie down, relax, open your mind, and see what creature reveals itself to you. Listen. May 10 Sun sextile Neptune. A great day to soak up some vitamin D3. Get in at least a half hour of outdoor time, even if that means just sunbathing on your porch. Don’t forget your SPF 50, and pay attention to Neptune when he reminds you to pound that spring water. Deep condition your hair with warm coconut oil. Do you smell summertime coming?

May 07 Full Moon in Scorpio is the last supermoon of 2020, and she’ll be intense. Tonight’s ritual’s focus could be on emotional closures, and with the power of sexy Scorpio, draw that energy back into yourself. Scorpio is infamous for the “sting” and jealousy issues, so don’t give into that shadow side. Instead, call upon his passion, and be prepared to integrate that into the rest of the month. Be open to the tap of your creative muse, and let her sit on

Mercury trine Jupiter. Let’s get physical! Your body is craving movement, and your soul is

May 2020: A Spring Clean

ASTROLOGY

“Torn between two lovers, feelin’ like a fool, Lovin’ you both, is breaking all the rules…”

craving companionship, but the gym is closed. Ring up a buddy for a bike ride, run, or brisk stroll down a spacious path. The shelter-in-place order has an exercise clause, you know. If you live in a high-risk region of the country, look into online fitness clubs and classes and get ready to have a virtual butt-busting session.

Foolish? Not so much; it’s just that the Goddess of Love and the Sign of the Twins make for a confusing menage-a-trois. Whether it’s two love interests, two friends, or two heartfelt projects vying for your attention, today’s a day for duality. Meditate today on what balance means to you, and whether you need to flit between interests, choose one, or incorporate both.

Saturn retrograde in Aquarius. A day for “adulating.” Since you’re feeling responsible today and have linear thinking, it’s time to get to the bottom of the paperwork and bills that have been piling up on your desk. A cluttered space makes for a cluttered mind, so sit down and get ‘er done.

May 14 Jupiter retrograde in Capricorn. Whom do you consider a leader in your life? Are you in search of a mentor? Could there be a spiritual guide just waiting for you to discover her or him? Jupiter retrograde in Capricorn is when you should reassess who you follow while listening to your inner wisdom. You’re feeling sharp as a tack, so tackle a project requiring mental acuity.

May 11 Mercury square Mars. You are a force to be reckoned with today, and you’re ready to share that strength with loved ones who are stumbling. Give in to your generous spirit, as you’ve got plenty of fuel and fire to share. Do the galactic boogie.

May 15 Sun trine Pluto. Your influence on others is featured today, so be a force for goodness. Though you are feeling that role model ZING, remain humble. Today is all about effortless mastery.

Mercury entering Gemini. brings out everyone’s Chatty Cathy. Enjoy long phone calls or a Zoom virtual cocktail hour. While the social aspect is lovely, it can be tempting to get pulled into a catty conversation. Avoid gossiping, even if you’ve got a story you’re just dying to share…which is not yours to tell. Keep talk light, easy, and breezy. Remember the threefold law, and only put out the kind of energy you’d welcome back into your life.

May 17 Sun trine Jupiter. You feel lucky, punk? No wonder. With the force of Sun trine Jupiter you’re inviting good fortune today. Material acquisition arrives in an unexpected form today, so keep your eyes peeled. Show me the money!

May 12 Mercury trine Saturn. Insist and persist. Your ambitious nature is off the charts today, and you’ll feel most accomplished by the time your head hits the pillow. It’s a successful kind of day, and your stamina knows no bounds.

May 20 Venus square Neptune. Contact a person with strong “animus energy” for guidance regarding a romantic issue you’ve been struggling with. If you’d rather meditate on the puzzling conundrum which has been taking up too much mental real estate on your own, invoke whichever masculine spiritual force or god figure you choose in your private practice.

May 13 Mars enters Pisces. Fire and water. Intensity and compassion. Give and take. Venus retrograde in Gemini. Like 1970s softrock star, Mary McGregor sang:

May 2020: A Spring Clean

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May 25 Mars sextile Uranus. Mars is bringing out the aggressive warrior in you, so turn down the volume a bit. You catch more bees with honey. Remember that sextiles are an opportunity to create harmony and order out of chaos…Luckily Uranus is a chill planetary influence. Take the competitive tendency provoked by Mars and throw a bucket of water on it. Without water, there can be no growth.

May 21 Sun enters Gemini. The urge to mingle is strong today, and you’re drawn to friends from opposite sides of the social spectrum. Consider starting –or joining—an online reading group to feed your analytical mind, and contact one of your “spirit buddies” with whom you feel safe to share your hopes and fears without worrying about being judged. May 22 New Moon in Gemini. Your id and ego are butting heads, you say? Try to harmonize both sides of your personality today. Begin a new project where both instinct and intellect are featured. Balance is everything.

May 28 Mercury enters Cancer: Mercury inspires deep communication, and Cancer brings up family issues which must be resolved. Choose loving words when speaking with la familia, as they carry more weight today, and dear ones are more open to listening. Open your heart to healing, your mind to understanding, and your spirit for guidance. Listen with a curious approach; learning is favored.

Mercury conjunct Venus. Clarity in romance is featured today, and your sexual energy is off the charts. Be certain you’re sending the right signals since there are no hiding messages when Mercury’s on board for the ride. You’re looking even lovelier than usual today, so hold your head high and revel in that beauty which is always there. You know you have it, so flaunt it. Remember to keep your flaunting six feet away from sexy strangers at all times! Temptation levels are high. Great day for sexy Skyping. Sun trine Saturn. Please stop winding yourself up, spinning in circles, and obsessing about small details. Today’s about enlightenment, but stillness and receptivity are essential to listen to what the universe is trying to tell you. Mercury square Neptune. If you can find a body of moving water today, please do so. If you can’t find a river, even a small stream will do! Write a wish on a natural “page” (think birchbark, dried leaves, or even biodegradable homemade paper), close your eyes, and drop it into the water while concentrating on what that unrealized desire will bring to you.

May 2020: A Spring Clean

May Astrology Correspondences Tarot: The Lovers VI Elements: Fire Deities: Sheela-Na-Gig, Cernunnos, Venus, Bacchus Stones: Aventurine, rose quartz, and bloodstone. Plant Magick: Daisies, lily of the valley, hawthorn, tarragon, elder Colors: Deep coral, sunshine yellow, and cumulus cloud white. Affirmation: I inhale courage. [Take deep breath.] I exhale fear. [Release breath.]

Beltane: Light the Fire Inside Yourself By Mike Sexton

eltane is one of the Greater Sabbats, and it signifies the union of the God and Goddess. In this way, it’s a celebration of life. All around us, animals are mating, baby birds are hatching, bunnies are running about, and where I live, I’ve had the privilege of seeing many a new calf as well as baby goats running about. Beltane focuses on many of these things: fertility, love, passion. It’s also a time of the thinning of the veil, so you might even get a bit more spiritual contact coming to you during this time.

Beltane being a fire festival, reminds me of things I’m passionate about that keep the fire burning within myself, like painting, creating clay sculptures, and new craft items for my altar to share with my deities as well as the fae that share my home and land. This is a time of birth, so give “birth” to some of your creative ideas stored within you. Maybe that involves finally starting that herb garden you’ve wanted to get going. Perhaps it’s volunteering more at an animal shelter or a homeless shelter. Your passion most likely runs deeper yet, and you want to connect more with Deity. Whatever your passion is, I encourage you to use the energy that is flowing all around us during the time of Beltane to help spark those passions into reality. Write down a few things you’re passionate about but haven’t started doing or haven’t finished. Read those aloud each morning or before bed to help bring your ideas to the forefront of your mind. Then think of how to make those passions form into reality. This is a form of magick in and of itself. After all, magick is using

energy around us and within ourselves to change our reality and bringing your passions to life. Write down what you’ll need to do or purchase to make our passion a reality. If it’s giving yourself to your community, put a note on your phone along with the phone number or email to sign up to volunteer at a shelter. If it’s an herb or flower garden, write down the types of herbs or flowers or fruits you want to grow and then study what they need to flourish in the land. If it’s something such as getting closer to Deity, put time in your phone to meditate daily, to speak to Deity, to ask questions, research the culture and history if you want to connect with a particular deity. It helps to know how the people lived that various honored deities in our past so that you have a better context of why a specific deity behaves as they do. We can also use any new-found time to focus on these passions. With COVID-19, families are spending more time together at home due to various rules and legislations to try to keep the virus from spreading. Use this time to involve your family. Perhaps even sit down as a family and brainstorm things you can do that you’re all passionate about. Teach your children about crystals, herbs, and vegetables. Get your significant other to pitch in. Think of things you and your mate can do together to help increase your bond. With the power of fire, with the Sun’s increasing energies each day, this is a beautiful time to get started on something you’re passionate about. This will bring riches to yourself, your family, and the energy all around you.

A Quick Guide to Love & Fertility Goddesses By Karla Freeling

Aphrodite (Greek) Goddess of Sexual Love Attributes: Love, Beauty, Sensuality Colors: Red, White, Gold Crystals: Rose and Clear Quartz Pray to Aphrodite and ask her to assist you in drawing love into your life.

Frigga (Norse) Goddess of Fertility and Marriage

Hathor (Egyptian) Goddess of the Sky, Women, and of Fertility and Love Attributes: Fertility, Love, Passion Colors: Green, Blue, Black Crystals: Turquoise and Malachite

Attributes: Love, Marriage, Birth

Attributes: Fertility, Love, Passion

Colors: Blue, White, Aqua

Colors: Yellow and Gold

Crystals: Aventurine, Chrysocolla, Emerald

Crystals: Sunstone and Vanadinite

I personally like to use runes and pray to Frigga to help see the truth in relationships.

In ancient times, men and women would pray to Hathor to bring their lovers to them (of their own free will).

Parvati (Hindu) Goddess of Love and Devotion

Parvati is the perfect Goddess to turn to for matters of family, love, and help with marriage, parenting, and fertility.

INTERVIEW

Interview with Ani Priestess of Passion

Ferlise:

Can you tell us a little about you and your witchy background?

My name is Ani Ferlise, and I am known as the Priestess of Passion! I blend sensual embodiment rituals, neuroscience, and sacred sexuality to create life-changing, deep healing, and self-love -- once and for all. And, I am totally devoted to all things magical, so I do it all through bringing rituals back to the world, like the mystical cherry on top. My main work is to create a sacred space to help people reconnect with their bodies, which, in my humble opinion, is the most magical, powerful, divinatory, amazing freakin’ tool we have. And I teach sex magic, which is a practice where you connect with your body and sexuality as a means of prayer and connection and magic — resulting in some serious, sexy, soulful, sacred, self-love. I have found that the way we connect and show up for ourselves is the way we connect and show up for everything in life, whether it be to work, relationships, creativity, magic, or anything in between. To deepen the connection with the self is such an important key to living a vibrant, creative, and soulful life. It helps to really “drop” into life instead of feeling like you’re watching it go by. It helps to feel into your truth, your intuition, your desires, your power, your legacy, and your purpose on this planet. Connecting with your body as a magical gateway to all things amazing, and tapping into the sacredness of sex as a healing portal that unlocks the deepest knowledge, magic, power, and aliveness, is life-changing. And it is now my mission to bring this spirituality and magic into the body and make it accessible and practical. To blend the mythic and the scientific in an embodied, transformational way. And do it while dancing, laughing, crying, going deep, being real, and feeling it all in the most authentic way. 34

INTERVIEW

affirming in-person experiences, and my sensual ritual product line, Kozmic Ryder, I am priestessing the rebirth of connection and aliveness in daily life. I am bringing the magic to the mundane, leading to a whole lot of passion for every part of life. We cover everything from honoring life transitions, emotional liberation, empowerment practices, body and sex magick, custom-designed rituals for self-acceptance and self-love, and claiming desire by getting super clear on what the intent is. We design custom rituals and practices rooted in neuroscience for deep healing and lasting transformation. Kozmic Ryder is a sustainable, sacred, sensual ritual goods line that has everything from ritual teas to a whole Lucid Dreaming ritual kit! What inspired you to begin your practice?

How can our readers connect with you?

Here’s the thing: Most of my life was spent hating my body, feeling shame about all parts of myself, disconnecting from myself and others. I was definitely not feeling powerful, and constantly trying to make myself small, because I felt like too much or not enough.

You can reach me at aniferlise.com for offerings and a FREE sex magic e-book and guided ritual audio so you can follow along! Catch me @ani_ferlise on Instagram where I frequently hold free live moon rituals, and Ani Ferlise on YouTube, for weekly videos that break down all sorts of rituals, magic, and transmissions.

This looked like flip-flopping between deep fear and checking out completely, constantly going to readers or teachers to tell me my truth, being one hell of a people pleaser, and not being able to hear my own needs, never mind my desires or intuition, and a laundry list more.

Is there anything else you would like Witchology Magazine readers to know about you or your practice? My practice is omni-faith, and trauma-informed. I am devoted to working with people in a way that suits their authentic expression, with whatever they are carrying. I believe in power with, not power over, and teach all the tools so that you won’t need me when we’re done, and you can create your own spin on everything!

All of this impacted my relationship with myself and, in turn, everything else in life. Pleasure, magic, and being enchanted with life did not come naturally to me at all. My teens and early 20s were really challenging because of this. So off I went on a journey to deepen my relationship to self, to Spirit, to life itself. Through several certifications, apprenticeships, deep dives into ritual and ceremony, and quests in impractical red slip dresses and motorcycle boots to Mount Shasta, I found that the only way to heal my mind is to be in my body.

My coaching program, Initiation Into Aliveness, is about to open its doors again. If this sounds like it’s in alignment with you, I invite you to check it out on aniferlise.com!

What made you decide to become a Priestess of Passion? A Priestess is one who creates and holds sacred space. If I could hold sacred space for others, and really help bring all parts of their body and mind online in the form of ritual and coaching, then I could share everything that I have been blessed enough to learn in an embodied, holistic way. What does your work entail? Through deep, one-on-one sessions in my program ‘Initiation into Aliveness’, juicy online courses, life-

Are Fertility Spells Ethical? These Witches Think So By Katiee McKinstry

Casting spells is what witches do best, but are all spells ethical? Do their spells invade the privacy of the ones receiving them? These witches say they don’t.

witch casts a spell or manifestation with intention and intuition, then it could come to fruition. The question then is if spell casting is consensual. Koli believes that consent is key, and practicing witches should get the permission of the person they are casting spells for beforehand.

“I feel like fertility spells are ethical,” witch Sabrina Marie said. “For me, I see spell casting as very misunderstood. Spellcasting is not what we see in movies; it isn’t putting a bunch of ingredients in a cauldron and taking over the universe to get what you want. I see spellcasting as a form of praying with tools and ingredients to help the universe understand and focus on what you are hoping for. All spellcasting witches should know you can cast and cast, but if the universe doesn’t see it as right for your path, it most likely isn’t going to happen.”

“I think as long as the person you’re performing it on consents to having it done, I don’t feel there’s a problem,” witch Koli said. “As long as you cast it with the intention for the greatest good.” Although consent is important, one could also consider that manifestation is similar to prayer in a church. For example, if a woman came to her church community and expressed sadness over her infertility, wouldn’t those church members pray for her to get pregnant? In that case, the prayers are deemed ethical.

According to Women’s Health, about 10% of women living in the United States experience infertility. Because so many women do face infertility issues, many might consider trying to cast a spell to help them in their process. A little extra couldn’t hurt, right? However, should witches take it upon themselves to cast these spells without the women knowing?

“Manifesting is a huge part of spellcasting, and it is very powerful, and in my opinion, there is nothing unethical about it, just like wishing on a star or making a wish when blowing out birthday candles, those are very small forms of manifesting,” Sabrina Marie said. “When manifesting something, you focus on it and envision it and “pray” for the universe to give it to you. I don’t see anything wrong with putting it out into the universe that you wish to become pregnant or more fertile.”

Similar to what Sabrina Marie said, spellcasting will not work unless the universe makes space for it. Casting spells is not like what you see in the movies, but rather it focuses on manifesting what it is that you want. That takes time and trust in the process in order for it to work. If a

By putting your desires out to the universe, you yourself are manifesting. With that logic, it only seems ethical that someone else could also manifest fertility and pregnancy on your behalf. However, it is also understandable to ask for consent first, if you feel so-called. The path to parenthood is different for everyone, which is important to keep in mind when casting a fertility spell. The universe has a plan, despite what your plan may be.

Sabrina Marie said. “Then I started manifesting to help me find the way to a better place mentally, and I asked the universe for guidance and help, and after doing so, I was presented with exactly what I needed to get better. I am in a much better place now, and I genuinely think it was a gift from the universe.” Asking the universe for guidance can help ease your mind as you strive for fertility. Trust that everything has a process, and everything is working out best-case scenario. It comes down to the practicing witch to determine if the spell casting is ethical. Overall, these witches believe that casting fertility manifestations are ethical, as it can only be helpful. However, as Koli says, it can not hurt to get consent first. It’s also important to have an open mind to what the fertility spells would look like when they come to fruition.

“I think it’s like anything else,” Koli said. “Intent and manifestation happen all the time, but I think when it comes to family, being open-minded about how your family would be made is so important. DNA doesn’t make a family; love does.” Since 10% of women in the US face infertility problems, it is not something completely uncommon, and casting fertility spells could even help women prepare for pregnancy. Having that goal in mind, and letting the universe know what it is you really want are all ethical practices. Asking for a little help along the way in any capacity is nothing to be ashamed of.

“I am a young woman, not ready to have children yet, so I have not done any spellcasting for fertility,” Sabrina Marie said. “However, I have been diagnosed with PCOS and have been told that the chances of me becoming pregnant are little to none. So in the future, when the time is right, I may look into spellcasting or manifesting and asking the universe to help me become pregnant or bring a child into my life, whether that be through fertility or adoption or any other options.”

It’s important to remember that spell casting is not what you see in Hollywood. There’s not a snap of a finger or twinkle of a nose that will magically make you pregnant. Manifesting takes work and extreme desire, but also, time. “I have been doing a lot of manifesting surrounding my mental health. I dealt with a lot of anxiety, and I was starting to go down a really rough road with it,”

Are Fertility Spells Ethical? These Witches Think So

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The Tiny Spellbook:

Root Magick for Stable Relationships by Sarah Justice

This month I’ve delved into several books: Sarah Robinson’s Yoga for Witches, Andrew Holecek’s Dream Yoga, and a little bit of Wright and Marrama’s Reading the Leaves (side note: love them). These pieces devote chapters to grounding, a process by which we become prepared to perform spellwork (among other activities). Some witches may not practice this part, but it comes recommended; grounding prepares you for setting an intention by settling and silencing the body for one focus. It also lets you identify and visualize the movement of energy. When we think about grounding for this month, we can think of preparing for Beltane or any spring celebration (namely weddings). These festivities center around fertility and love, and fertility and love need groundwork; they need strong roots to produce a stable foundation on which those elements of life are built. So when we cultivate magick for these practices, it makes sense to utilize actual roots. (Note: Here, we’re less focused on the traditional idea of “rootwork,” which is the use of roots in magick to bring about any intention; here, we’re more focused on using roots to encourage two intentions in particular: stability and whatever the correspondence is to the root.) One great method for encouraging grounding is to visualize the movement of roots away from the soles of your feet and into the ground, growing deeper. These become taproots, with little offshoots of roots that become an intricate web, locking you into the ground beneath you. If you’re lying down, these roots can emerge from any place your body touches the ground; they seep and sink into the ground, “rooting” you to the earth and stabilizing you physically and symbolically. The great thing about roots is that you can also eat ‘em to encourage stability, as well as the root’s own intention. Some widely available roots and their correspondences are: Beetroot: beauty Yucca Root: wiping the slate clean Ginger Root: love Carrot: sex Radish: lust (Carrots and radishes are roots too!) Chicory Root: overcoming obstacles (this one is often included in coffees; ingest away!)

Other roots you may not want to eat, but are helpful, include: Poke Root: courage (do not eat; toxic) Any root: Take the roots of a mint plant, for instance, and dry them out for new beginnings, which wipe the slate clean for a more sturdy foundation. I would not eat the roots of any plant, however. I like to combine my (dried) roots into a melded intention rather than separate them and perform individual spellwork. As stated, all roots suggest grounding and foundation-building, but we can combine them to add in more correspondences. My personal sachets, for instance, may include burdock root (healing), chicory root, yucca root, and beetroot for a strong marriage. Usually, my quick spellwork involves simply making sachets of herbs and hanging them in the main areas of the home. But you can also burn these root mixtures by making a powder out of the roots and burning them over charcoal; beetroot, ginger, and turmeric come readily available in powders. The interesting thing about grounding is that it corresponds not only to earth but to air, since a large part of the grounding process involves breathing patterns. By focusing on the breath, we can silence the mind’s other, more trivial, or less relevant thoughts by shifting the focus to what we’re physically doing. We can also begin the process of “breathing in” the intention and exhaling any negative energy. To add in some yoga, we can also take this time to send our breath to an area of the body, like a particular chakra that needs focus and healing or that corresponds to your spellwork. Consider adding to this earth-and-air connection with roots that correspond particularly to air, like dandelion root (wishes and divination) and chicory root. My absolute favorite is chicory root; a stiff chicory root decoction with cream and cinnamon is as good as morning coffee (it’s also a mild laxative; be careful). By doing this, I feel I am channeling both the earth and air components of grounding. When I think about this earth-and-air connection in grounding work, I remember the popular saying about ensuring we give our children--and ourselves--roots and wings for a fulfilled, stable, healthy life. Roots and Wings. Earth and Air. Visualization and Breath. Let it begin there.

Getting to Know

Gabriela Herstik

ÂŠ Alexandra Herstik

Can you tell us a little about you and your practice? My practice is rooted in the sacred cycles of the earth, the cosmos, and the self. I live in alignment with the cycles of the moon, sun, and earth and have taken ample time to attune myself and my practice to the celestial dance of the zodiac, of the moon phases and the wheel of the year. My practice is also deeply rooted in the Divine Feminine, in worshipping the Goddess, embodying the Goddess, and supporting the subtle currents of her energy. I am devoted to the Goddess Venus but work with many of the faces of the Goddess; I have intimate relationships with the Dark Goddesses like Lilith, Babalon, Hecate, and Kali. I am devoted to both the sacred and profane, and glamour magick and sex magick are cornerstones of my witchcraft.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Be steadfast in your commitment. Magick works when we do it over and over.â&#x20AC;? Getting to Know Gabriela Herstik

I am a student of the Western Mystery Tradition and study Hermetic Qabalah, including working with the Tree of Life, tarot, astrology, theurgy, and numerology. My daily meditation practice includes the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram, a ritual that aligns you with light from each direction, banishes negative influences, and invokes the archangels. I also work with EFT tapping and reiki, practice a seated meditation for about 17 minutes, pull tarot cards, journal, and practice gratitude and affirmations. I am also deeply connected to the elements, and work with candle magick and bath magick often, and also practice breathwork and grounding during my daily meditation practice. Magick is the lens in which I live my life, and I consider my life a spell. What inspired you to write your book, Bewitching the Elements? Accessibility is extremely important to me in my work, and something I strive for in all I do, and this is something that I really based this book around. When my publisher and I were brainstorming ideas, a concept that was central to my book was that of empowerment. Finding something we can work with to feel centered and capable and able has been more important than ever. I decided to write about the elements because of their ability to transcend religions and cultures and dimensions. Because we are ALL children of the earth, and because the elements are so deeply ingrained in and a part of (and reflection of) nature, we all have a personal relationship to them. We all know the feeling of the sun on our skin, the smell of the earth after the rain, the feeling of the wind on our cheek. The elements transcend, and in one way or another, they connect us all. So this book uses earth, air, fire, water, and spirit as a thread to finding power within ourselves; it calls on the magick of ritual and our own relationship to the elements to help us embody our divine essence and embrace our personal power and magick. What can our readers learn from your book? My goal for this book is that by the time you’re finished with it, you’ll be able to create a balanced ritual practice for yourself that draws on the messages of each of the five elements. Not only that, but by the time you’re done reading it, you’ll have many, many rituals and practices you can work with to connect to earth, air, fire, water, and spirit. I broke up this book by dedicating a chapter to each element, and then writing a final chapter to share how we can connect them all. Each chapter dives into what the element can teach us and includes simple ways to connect with the element, crystals to work with, journal questions to explore, embodiment practices to feel the element’s power, rituals to connect with said element, Goddesses that embody each of the elements including a meditation to meet her and how to create an altar to her, and the corresponding zodiac signs for each element. There’s also a quiz to see your current elemental makeup and suggestions on how to balance this, and a worksheet that helps you use the practices I write about to create a customized ritual practice. My goal is for people to read this book and feel connected, inspired, and empowered by their own magick and the magick of the natural world.

Getting to Know Gabriela Herstik

What advice do you have for fellow witches who are interested in growing their practice? Be steadfast in your commitment! Magick works when we do it over and over; it’s called a magical practice for a reason. Ask yourself what your intention for the current moment, moon phase, season, or cycle is. Then find a ritual you can return to over and over to grow this. This doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, it’s more important that you start small so you can commit to this. Maybe your ritual is lighting a candle every day or meditating for five minutes or doing a daily EFT tapping. Ask yourself where you can be more committed to your practice and then follow this path. My other piece of advice is to meditate! Meditation and visualization are vital. If you feel resistance or like you “can’t” meditate, then it’s even more important that you do! Again, it doesn’t have to be long or involved. It can be 3 minutes of breathwork or seated meditation. Start small and then work your way up. Also, study! Learn new things! Explore new paths of magick; there’s a never-ending well of practices you can connect with. Never be satiated with what you have; always be curious and open-hearted to the cosmos and the magick they offer.

Is there anything you want to share with our witchy community about your business? That I feel so deeply humbled and grateful for this work. That I really feel honored to be able to do this! Also that I write ritual guides for the New Moon, Full Moon, and holidays of the witch, and that I also have an online course on working with Goddesses and creating a devotional practice to the Divine Feminine! I am also starting a newsletter that includes magick, musings, and rituals for taking care of your mental health because I wanted to continue to offer free resources for folks. Also, my first book, Inner Witch: A Modern Guide to the Ancient Craft is a wonderful book if you’re looking to start your journey with witchcraft but don’t know where to begin.

Where can our readers connect with you? I’m on both Twitter and Instagram as @gabyherstik, and you can find my website, which includes portfolio, classes, and ritual guides, at www.gabrielaherstik.com.

Getting to Know Gabriela Herstik

Spellcasting with your Wardrobe By Gabriela Rosales The Stylist Witch

ave you ever had a morning where you wake up and don’t feel especially optimistic about the day ahead? Or have you ever followed up that feeling by standing in front of your closet, staring blankly at it, waiting for inspiration to hit you? Has that inspiration hit you in the midst of trying on an outfit, when you switch an item out, replace it with something else and all of a sudden you can’t stop looking at yourself in the mirror?

Congratulations! You unknowingly cast a spell using the tools in your wardrobe. This intuitive work is what I like to call “Fashion Alchemy,” and it has the power to instantly change not only our moods but the way we feel about ourselves and the world at that moment. One of my favorite ways to practice fashion alchemy is with the incorporation of color magick. We’ve all heard the cliché meanings of colors like yellow for happiness and blue for sadness, but color magick stems beyond that. Every color is indeed representative of certain energies (see chart). However, the essence of witchcraft is, of course, doing what feels right for you. The incorporation of color magick allows us the option to identify the energy we want to summon and allocate it to its corresponding color and subsequently wear something of that color to aid in the alchemical embodiment of the desired energy. For example, if I wanted to call on the energies of abundance, growth, and a connection to nature during Taurus or Beltane season, I would wear something green.

Another fun way to play with fashion alchemy is to repurpose. This can be the upcycling of vintage clothes, your own old clothes, or even household wares like old curtains or bedsheets. This hands-on method encourages us to not only alchemize energy, but also physical clothing and accessories as well, and new methods for both creativity and witchcraft are always welcome. One of my favorite go-to repurposing projects that is always quick and fun is turning old dresses into shirts. Sometimes, after one too many washes, some dresses start to shrink up at the bottom and become an awkward length that we can no longer wear even though the top still fits fine; these are the perfect specimens to alchemize and turn into cute tops. It’s a bonus if you sew and can properly finish the edges. Although a lot of the time, an unfinished edge can be really cute too. Fashion alchemy, in its essence, is a method in which witches can empower themselves through the ritual of adornment. The intention you set with every garment, accessory, color, fabric, and style infuses your self-image with energy and power, casting an unspoken glamour magick spell. Luckily, this practice is accessible to us all because we live our whole lives in clothes! Only now, with awareness and intention, we have the power to turn seemingly mundane tasks like getting ready every morning, into divine rituals of self-love, in the form of cute outfits.

Wardrobe Color Wheel 47

Using Dew for Glamour Magick By Willow of Flying the Hedge

attributed dew formation to a magical source, usually fae or a deity. In Greek mythology, Ersa, the daughter of Zeus and Selene, is the goddess of dew, calling it forth in the morning to nourish the earth, while Celtic folklore suggests the dew was created by the fair folk and was imbued with their magic, which could be used in all manner of ways.

hen the days begin to warm, but the nights remain cool, the landscape is transformed each morning into a glittering wonderland by droplets of dew. Dew has long been regarded as magical, most likely because of its mysterious formation, especially around Beltane. In fact, many modern texts on witchcraft suggest collecting dew on Beltane for use in magical workings. However, these texts often gloss over the folklore and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t explain how to collect it or exactly how to use dew in magical workings.

Dew was believed to be a holy water capable of healing a number of ailments, from headaches and bunions to freckles and sunburn. It was highly sought after on Beltane and May mornings to bring good health in the coming year. Apart from its healing properties, dew was also heavily associated with beauty. A number of old folk sayings suggest rolling around in dew on Beltane or washing your face with it to turn even the plainest girl into a beauty. Other tales speak of the fae stealing away dirty or lazy women and children, bathing them in dew, and returning them the following day.

Dew forms when the days are warm, the nights are cool, and the air is thick with moisture. As the air cools, the moisture condenses, forming a layer of water droplets over cool surfaces, such as plants and stones. As the sun begins to rise, the dew quickly evaporates, leaving the surfaces dry once more. Prior to our modern understanding of evaporation and condensation, our ancestors

Dew forms when the days are warm, the nights are cool, and the air is thick with moisture.

â&#x20AC;? 48

Those gifted by the fae with a dew bath were said to return as the most beautiful people ever seen. Still, other folktales and sayings suggest that wiping your eyelids with dew collected on Beltane morning will gift you with sight to see the fae among us. As such, dew can be used in healing spells and glamour magic, and to enhance psychic abilities. But how should one go about collecting dew in the first place?

Once collected, dew is a potent ingredient in a number of spells. A traditional glamour charm suggests washing your face with the dew while saying: I wash my face in water, That has neither rain nor run, And I dry it on a towel, That was never woven or spun. It is said for the next year, your skin will remain vibrant and wrinkle-free. The dew can also be added to baths, makeup, facial lotions, or other beauty products to enhance youthfulness and beauty.

There are a couple of ways that you collect dew for magical workings, but one of the easiest methods is to take a clean towel or cloth, and run it over the surface of the plants and grass to collect the dew. Once collected, the towel or cloth can be wrung out, and the water captured in a glass jar, boiled to remove bacteria, and stored in a cool, dark place.

If you are looking to use dewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s healing properties, the water can be rubbed on the afflicted area every day while visualizing the dew evaporating from your skin and pulling out the illness, pain, or affliction with it. You can also simply add it to a healing bath or wellness spell. To enhance psychic abilities, rub dew across your eyelids or on your forehead where your Third Eye is located.

If you are looking to use the dew quickly on the morning of Beltane, simply running your hands over the dew-covered surface and applying the dew to the spell will suffice. Dew is generally believed to be safe, but as with any water collected outside, use with caution and do not ingest unless it has been purified.

No matter how you decide to use it, make sure to thank our earth and the spirits of the land for the precious gift of health and beauty.

Using Dew for Glamour Magick

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Interweaving Spiritualities: Yoga for Witches Review

One book can prepare you for beginner status in two spiritualities. By Sarah Justice

have to admit it. I’m the ideal consumer for Yoga for Witches by Sarah Robinson. I love anything yoga and anything witchcraft. Give me my hawthorn tea to chant over before I settle in my garden parlor, where me and my dusty pink harem pants bend and flow to the thunderstorm noises outside, and I’d be a peaceful girl.

That’s my ideal. I have none of those things. And with quarantine, my practice more or less involves tea-bag Assam and a preschooler who sweetly mimics my downward dog and crawls between my stances. But Yoga for Witches reminds us that that’s not yoga anyway. That’s asana, one of the eight tenets of yoga, which also involves the stillness of mind and discipline in

action, breath, and focus. Through careful introduction to the tenets of yoga and their connections to witchcraft practices, the reader can easily become an informed practitioner in both. But Robinson’s work stems beyond simply making the connection. The book delves surprisingly deep, sharing asanas that prepare the body for invoking the moon, earth, sun or animal spirit for magick; ayurvedic recipes that can also correspond to magickal practices; writing prompts that serve to both still the mind and explore the witch within; mantras and mudras that help form intentions in spellwork; and a mindful focus on deities that can assist you in both your yogic and witchcraft journeys. It also interweaves history, very lightly and subtly, so the reader doesn’t feel bogged by the dryness.

There are some subtle connections the advanced practitioner will notice, but they are interwoven with open, obvious connections like with prana and magick, mudras, and spells, so the beginner yogi or witch still finds footing. But delving deeper into the book, the reader’s brain has become so oriented to this intertwining that they begin making the connections themselves without Robinson’s guidance. The teacher in me enjoys this gradual preparation of the student to catch the tenets of the course on their own, and this is a testament to Robinson’s own skill as a teacher.

you to web site links for these visuals, which is helpful, and asanas related to moon, sun, and earth magick are depicted in rough, rudimentary form. But for the visual learner, something may be left to be desired.

Robinson’s teaching isn’t the only credibility established; certainly, she’s outfitted with credentials that prove her expertise, but this ethos is established without any ego. The reader feels comforted knowing that in the world of Yoga and Magick, Robinson’s got it in the bag, probably more so than an author who, at every turn, returns to their own credentials to remind readers why they’re trustworthy. We get reflections to relevant classes she teaches, but it’s done without any ego stroke. It simply reminds the reader that Robinson practices what she preaches, and that’s the biggest reason you’re in good hands.

She shares that the most essential tool you need is yourself. That words hold meaning. That you can take what techniques you like, leave the rest, and still call yourself a yogi or a witch. That healing the subtle body, the emotions, and thoughts, takes time. That remembering our roots, our ancestral knowledge, and what we know intuitively as spiritual beings is a conscious act.

My only complaint is wanting more. Visual support in describing the intricacies of chakras and energy movement would have been helpful, as I am certainly a beginner in that topic. And I began to think that those unfamiliar with asanas might struggle when reaching the pose instructions. To her credit, Robinson leads

But perhaps the most moving of the book isn’t her instruction at all; it’s her attitude. Robinson guides us in a kind and compassionate way, sprinkling life lessons and reminders of self-care like a doting mother who respects your independence but would shame herself if she didn’t at least say her thoughts.

Through these subtle pieces of guidance, these loving touches on the back in word form, Robinson’s work moves beyond just feeding the mind. She reminds readers that we are more than that mind, and that that growth is just as important. Namaste, Sarah. From one practitioner to another.

Redemption of Salads By Miss Wondersmith

A wonderful way to celebrate the beauty of the season and take yourself on a culinary adventure is to pack a “salad picnic.” Head into the woods with a bowl, some salad toppings, and dressing, and forage for your own delicious salad. INGREDIENTS: Vegan Wild Herbs Ranch 1/2 c cashews, soaked for a few hours or overnight in the fridge 3 wild onions, thinly sliced Juice of 1 small lemon (about 1/4 c) 2 tbsp olive oil 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste 1 tsp dried lomatium leaves 1/4 c water 1/4 c parsley, finely chopped pepper, to taste Wakame Gold Dressing 1/4 c fresh wakame (or 5g dried wakame soaked in water and drained) 1/4 c white tahini 2 tbsp sesame oil 2 tbsp soy sauce 3 tbsp rice vinegar 2 tbsp orange juice 1 tbsp maple syrup zest from 1 orange 1/2 tsp turmeric freshly ground black pepper, to taste Smoky Sumac Raspberry 1/2 c fresh raspberries 1 tsp dijon mustard 3 tbsp sumac tea (1 tbsp. sumac and 1/2 c. boiling water, let sit for 20 minutes and strain) 3 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp honey 1/4 tsp smoked salt 1/4-1/2 tsp chipotle pepper

DIRECTIONS: Vegan Wild Herbs Ranch This zingy dressing is thick and creamy, thanks to the cashews, which give it a great texture. It’s extra flavorful, thanks to wild herbs like wild onions and lomatium, which is also known as biscuitroot and has an aromatic, parsley-like flavor. Be extra careful with the identification of lomatium; however, since it is in the same family as its poisonous cousin water hemlock and shares some similarities. When in doubt, leave the lomatium out or substitute dried parsley. 1. Rinse and strain the pre-soaked cashews, then add them to a blender along with the lemon juice, salt, olive oil, dried lomatium, and water. Blend until creamy. 2. Add the sliced wild onions and chopped parsley and blend until small chunks remain. Assess the thickness of the dressing and add a little more water if you’d like it runnier. Season with freshly cracked pepper to taste and serve! Wakame Gold Dressing Full of umami and rich flavors, this Asian-inspired dressing is particularly delicious when paired with citrus fruits or smoked salmon. Both the turmeric and wakame give it a lovely yellow hue, while the tahini gives it a creamy consistency and sesame flavor. 1. Pat the fresh or soaked wakame until dry and chop into small chunks. 2. Combine all ingredients except the wakame and blend well into a smooth sauce. Add the wakame and pulse until very small chunks remain. Assess the thickness and add a little more water or orange juice to thin it out to your preference. Smoky Sumac Raspberry Smoky chipotle is balanced out by sweet raspberries to make a dressing that is equally at home drizzled over a fruit salad as it is on a bed of salad greens. Instead of lemon juice, this recipe uses a more local source of acidic flavor: sumac—both the light red color and slightly tannic flavor work particularly well in this recipe. 1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Add more sumac tea as needed for tart flavor and thinner consistency. 54

Hawthorn Tea Hawthorn is one of the quintessential love plants because it speaks to the fidelity and marriage aspects of romantic love, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s versatile. Leaves, flowers, and berries can be used in edible and non-edible spellwork concoctions. For Kitchen Witches, a great, easy way to incorporate hawthorn into our work is by a simple decoction or boiling the dried berries for a bit of time to create hawthorn tea. The berries do hold seeds that contain trace amounts of cyanide, which can cause illness and thus cause some to worry. However, the dried berries are generally safe to consume, and those using fresh berries generally pull out the seeds anyway. But for those anxious, hawthorn tea should be made by infusing hawthorn berry powder with water rather than using the berries. Substitutions for hawthorn can include rosehip chips. These provide an earthy, tart flavor that rivals the hawthorn berry taste. INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

1 tsp hawthorn berries or 1 tsp hawthorn berry powder 1 tbsp rosehip chips, as an addition or as a substitution for hawthorn. 2 c water Â˝ tsp whole cloves for a smoky flavor Honey, to taste

1. Boil together for 30 minutes, tasting the flavor every 10 minutes until the decoction develops the desired taste. 2. Sprinkle cinnamon or coriander for a spicier flavor. The berries will take longer to decoct; the berry powder can simply be an infusion of powder and 2 cups hot water. 3. Stir clockwise to promote positivity.

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