ladyannesscribbles

[ladyannesscribbles]

I don’t have the post anymore, but this is based on one of @incorrectheartbreakers‘s posts!

Tom didn't mean for it to happen, it just did. Somehow, somewhere, some time, he said the right words, or did the right thing, or SOMETHING that made it happen. 

And he found it hilarious.

Everyone else? Not so much. A demon? In their HOUSE? It was absurd. 

Especially a demon that just happened to be Benmont.

“I didn’t know you were a demon, Ben,” Tom mused. 

“You weren’t supposed to,” Demon Benmont hissed.

“As long as you can still play in the shows,” Tom said, waving it off. He walked away.

“What? That’s it?! No terrified screaming?!” Benmont called after him. Someone screamed behind him. “Stan. Please.”

“You’re a–! What even are you?” Stan asked.

Benmont motioned up and down. “A demon, Stan.”

“Oh.”

“Are you about to scream again?”

“Yeah.” And Stan did scream again.

Ron ran in, took one look at the demon, and walked out. Mike, however, just rolled with it. 

“So, you’re a demon. How’d you get here? Why didn’t you say anything? Do you have a demon wife? Are you going to kill us all for our souls? Do you–”

“Mike!”

Mike blinked. “Yeah?”

Benmont sighed. “The answer to all of those is no and I don’t know.”

Mike frowned. “Then you’re just boring Ben that now looks like a demon.”

“I’m deeply offended.”

So as the next few weeks went on, Benmont’s more…demonic side started to show.

But Mike, dear, sweet Mike, decided that that didn’t bother him. One time, he was about to get something together for lunch when he looked over his shoulder and saw Benmont.

“Hey bro, what do you want to eat?”

“The souls of the innocent,” Benmont replied.

Mike nodded. “A bagel.”

“Nooo!!”

Mike smiled. “Two bagels!”

Benmont gave up and left.

Mike shrugged. “More for me, I guess…”

(This was done really fast and is pretty poor quality lol sorry)

[ladyannesscribbles]

Rabbits Rabbits Rabbits

Reblog this on the first of the month for good luck all month long!

[ladyannesscribbles]

12 ❇️ Symbols in Astrology

12 ❇️ Symbols in Numerology

12 ❇️ Nidanas in Buddhism

12 ❇️ Tribes of Israel

12 ❇️ Disciples followed Christ

12 ❇️ Dimensions of Consciousness

12 ❇️ Olympians on Mount Olympus.

12 ❇️ Months in a year

12 ❇️ Year cycle in Asia

12 ❇️ blah blah blah, I think u get it. I want to focus on numerology. Because its had the biggest impact on my life.

🔮 How interesting it is to be alive in this pivotal time in human consciousness. Social structures & personal values are changing while almost simultaneously science and spirituality are beginning to merge. Vibrations and frequencies are rising, guiding us to become the best versions of our souls.

This requires a greater balance between the masculine and feminine energies within us. The duality of this shift, comes with very intense emotional physical and mental challenges that could result in feelings of depression, loneliness, and detachment from this reality. Our great war is a spiritual one ☯

For those who are interested, by applying the principles of numerology & astrology, using basic data, such as: birth name, birth date, birth time and birth place. I can help prepare you for upcoming challenges, create a deeper awareness of strengths and weaknesses, uncover your destiny and unlock your full potential and much more.

I’m gonna explain all 12 numeric symbols individually. 

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 are the core energies. 

11, 22, 33 are the master energies.

1 - ♈Aries ♂💭I Exist 🌸 1 represents the masculine energy. Singularity, independence, action, achievement & originality are the focus here. The do'er.

2 - ♉Taurus ♀💭 I Have 🌸 2 represents the feminine. Duality, partnerships, teamwork, support, emotional literacy, vulnerability, empathy & intuition are the focus of this energy. People that carry this energy are peace makers that “wear they’re on heart they’re sleeves”. 1 energy is about oneself. 2 energy is about others.

3 - ♊Gemini ♂💭I Think 🌸 3 represents freedom, expression, creativity, entertainment & Imagination. 3 is the off-spring of energies 1 & 2. It is the creative child. The most charismatic & gifted of all energies.

4 - ♋Cancer ♀💭I Feel 🌸 4 represents stability, security, hard work, devotion and patience. Those with 4 energy build and up hold foundations. 4 is the home.

5 - ♌Leo ♂💭I Will 🌸 5 represents the Free Spirit. Travel, change, communication, innovative, freedom variety and adventure are the focus here.

6 - ♍Virgo ♀💭I Analyze 🌸 6 represents harmony, balance, sincerity, love, and truth. 6 energy is the equilibrium that holds the world together.

7 - ♎Libra ♂ 💭I Balance 🌸7 represents the energy of the Truth-Seeking. Scholarly, meditative states, solitude, philosophy, enlightenment, spirituality, mystery & esoteric meanings are the focus of this energy. Knowledge through self realization is key here.

8 - ♏Scorpio ♀💭I Desire 🌸 8 represents resource & abundance. Achievement, success, wealth, power, business, acknowledgment & continuation are the focus here. Many of the financially wealthiest people carry this energy.

9 - ♐Sagittarius ♂💭I See 🌸 9 represents wisdom. 9 is the last single digit numeric symbol & the combination of all single digits before it. Altruism, humanitarianism, attainment, satisfaction, inventiveness are the focus here. 9 can influence any situation and thing. The Teacher & The Empath.

Yo 🐧 So the last 3 Energies to the complete the 12 numeric symbols are the Master Numbers. 11 and 22, 33. These numbers are called Master Numbers because they have a higher intensity then the single digit core symbols. Together, this trinity of master numbers represents the trinity to enlightenment.

11 ❇️ Spiritual Manifestation (Vision)

Symbolism 🌸 11 represents The Spiritual Messenger. Combined with the Divine Masculine & Divine Feminine, It is the most intuitive and sensitive of all numbers. 11 energies are here to help further the spiritual development of humanity to the highest vibration.

22 🎇 Spiritual Building (Action)

Symbolism - 🌸 22 represents The Master Builder, it is the most powerful of all the numbers. The 22 energy has a natural gift for manifesting great things that can change people’s  day-to-day lives in a practical way.

33 🎇 Spiritual Creation (Guidance) Symbolism 🌸 33 represents The Master Teacher. The 33 is the most influential of all numbers. 33 is the representation of personal martyrdom for the higher purpose of human development, they push through all personal desires and focus all energy for the collective need.

🔮 Live Numerology & Astrology Sessions Open  🔮

Mystery, synchronicity, Self Mastery. If your interested in knowing your own personal placements or have any questions. Feel free to contact me.

Hit me up 🐧

Email me: kage632@gmail.com

Tumblr: @damkage

Instagram: edashara

Audio Sessions & Video Sessions.

Via Phone (U.S.)

Via Facebook Messenger (U.S.)

What’s App (international)

Donations are appreciated ❤

Via Cash App. $edashara

Via Vemno. edashara

Via PayPal. paypal.me/edashara

[ladyannesscribbles]

moon healing ritual

this is a long-ish ritual that involves using the moon’s energy for helping someone who, emotionally, needs help getting back onto their feet (it can be either you or a friend, etc.)

long post ahead!

 you will need: 

1. a candle (white, your person’s favorite color, or if you want to be fancy, the color or their zodiac sign (correspondence table here)). 

2. something to light the candle with (if it’s a match, you also may want to bring a small dish to put it in while you’re outside, to avoid any fire hazard).

3. something to write on/carve the candle with. 

before: 

1. anoint the candle with a peace or healing oil, such as chamomile or lavender.

2. write the name of the person you want to help on the candle.

the ritual: 

1. go out with your candle when the moon is shining (monday and or/a full moon is strongest, but don’t feel obligated to do it then).

2. choose a spot to perform the ritual. cleanse it and draw your circle.

3. light the candle.

4. channel the moon’s energy. visualize a sort of “energy rope” and attach it to the moon’s.

5. holding up the candle in the direction of the moon, request that its healing energy be put towards the person whom you’re doing the spell for. 

6. meditate with these energies as long as you’d like.

7. thank the moon, visualize the energies being separated, and close your circle. 

8. blow the candle out, or if you want the spell to last long-term, let it burn out.

@cosmic-witch

[ladyannesscribbles]

Name Numerology

Every letter of the alphabet matches a number from 1-9. The number can be calculated by the digit sum equaling the place of the letter in the alphabet. E.g. ‘K’ is the 11th letter, the digit sum of 11 is 2, so ‘K’ equals the number of 2.

Alphabetical number table:

1      A      J      S

2      B      K      T

3      C      L      U

4      D      M     V

5      E      N      W

6      F      O      X

7      G      P      Y

8      H      Q      Z

9       I       R

For the calculation of your Name, Personality and Heart number use your complete name(s) with first, middle and last names as it is written on your birth certificate! (This will bring the most accurate results.)

Here’s an example of how to calculate the Name number:

                          J   E   F   F   R   E   Y         L   E   B   O   W   S   K   I

                          1   5   6   6    9   5   7         3   5   2   6    5    1   2  9

add together                     39                                          33

build digit sum                3+9=12                                 3+3=6

                                       1+2= 3                                  stays 6

add together                                           3+6=9

NAME NUMBER IS                                     9

What your Name number indicates:

(1)    A leadership personality with frontier spirit, strength, independence and determination.

(2)    A diplomat and peacemaker who is sensitive towards the own and other people’s emotions.

(3)    A master of words, always appearing to be youthful who is able to do many things at once and who becomes more self-confident in the process of getting older.

(4)    A practical person who works hard, is patient and possesses a sense of detail.

(5)    A freedom-loving traveller who appreciates diversity and change and who is able to do many things at once.

(6)    A harmonious person who loves a peaceful home, family and all things beautiful and who is responsible as well.

(7)    An analyst who is wise to use his time for reading and writing and moreover doesn’t miss the forest despite of all the trees.

(8)    An organiser who gains power and success when being in charge of one’s own fate.

(9)    A true humanist who loves art, music or voyages. You give generously and need recognition.

For calculating your Personality number you do the same as above only using the consonants of your name(s).

E.g.  J E F F R E Y     L E B O W S K I  —  J F F R Y    L B W K S                       Personality number: 6

Your Personality number indicates that the people surrounding you see you as:

(1)    daring, independent, original, strong-willed, competitive

(2)    receptive, sensitive, empathetic, cooperative, diplomatic

(3)    friendly, optimistic, eloquent, happy-go-lucky, entertaining

(4)    disciplined, practical, hardworking, reliable, loyal

(5)    astute, versatile, active, adventurous, modern

(6)    affectionate, adaptable, helpful, responsible, fair

(7)    restrained, self-confident, critical, analytical, trust-worthy

(8)    modest, disciplined, efficient, powerful, successful

(9)    gentle, generous, helpful, tolerant, influential

For calculating your Heart number you do the same as above only using the vowels of your name(s).

E.g.   J E F F R E Y     L E B O W S K I   —   E E     E O I   —   Heart number: 3

Your Heart number indicates that your deepest inner feelings, wishes and skills motivate you to:

(1)    use your own ideas to lead and guide others exemplary.

(2)    collaborate with others and to use your sensitivity and diplomatic skills to be a joy to the people around you.

(3)    express your optimism and creativity.

(4)    bring sacrifices to reach tangible results for all your hands-on plans.

(5)    seek adventures and to live life on the fast lane.

(6)    create harmony and a peaceful atmosphere.

(7)    spend time alone seeking for the truth and to reflect on the meaning of life.

(8)    take things in your own hands and to use your energy to gain money, power and success.

(9)    use your knowledge and compassion for the benefit of others.

[ladyannesscribbles]

✨Cosmic Witchcraft Masterpost✨

A collection of original content from myself and other Cosmic Witches relating to Cosmic Witchcraft.

Correspondences

Planetary Associations | Infographic

Planets & Intent

Planets & Lunar Phases

Planetary Pairs

Planetary Octaves

Baneful Aspects of the Cosmos

The Aid of the Planets

Planetary Composition & Correspondences

Celestial Body Correspondences | Infographic

Celestial Music

Common Asteroid & Minor Planet Associations | Infographic

Lunar Phase Associations | Infographic

The Moon in Zodiac Signs

Supermoon Activities

Micromoon Magick

Planetary Botanical Blends | Infographic

Planetary Fruit & Vegetable Blends

Zodiac Botanical Blends

Planetary Essential Oil Blends (infographic)

Planets & Colors | Infographic

Planets & Minerals/Crystals | Infographic

Planets & Metals | Infographic

Planets & Numerology | Infographic

Planets & Types of Divination | Infographic

Planets & Days of the Week | Infographic

Planets & Elements | Infographic

Planets & Zodiac Signs | Infographic

Planetary Tarot Card Correspondences

Moon | Infographic | Emoji

Sun | Infographic | Emoji

Mercury | Infographic | Emoji

Venus | Infographic | Emoji

Mars | Infographic | Emoji

Jupiter | Infographic | Emoji

Saturn | Infographic | Emoji

Uranus | Infographic | Emoji

Neptune | Infographic | Emoji

Pluto | Infographic | Emoji

Star Magick

Constellation Correspondences

Behenian Fixed Stars

Royal Stars

Behenian Fixed Star Sigils

Draconids Meteor Shower Magick

Orionids Meteor Shower Magick

Taurids Meteor Shower Magick

Leonids Meteor Shower Magick

Geminids Meteor Shower Magick

Supermoon (in Aries)

Supermoon (in Taurus)

Common Witch Types & Their Planets

Cosmic Nail Polish Chart

Reasons Behind Saturn’s Correspondences

Astronomical & Astrological Events

2016

August

September

October

November

December

2017

January

February

March

April

Spells

Dream Key

Supermoon Spell Jar

Mercurian Intellect Spell

Martian Independence Spell

Jupiter Success Spell

Saturn Banishing Ritual

Saturn Vortex Spell

Neptunian Clairvoyance (spell)

“Shooting Star” Hex

Dark Matter Invisibility Spell

Supernova Ruination (curse)

Spacial Rend (curse)

Death Reborn Revolution (curse)

Quasar Banishing Spell

Shooting Star Wish Spell

Meteor Shower/Shooting Star Emoji Spell

Black Moon Emoji Spell

Jovian “Luck and Wealth” Emoji Spell

Saturnian “Get Through The Day” Emoji Spell

Neptunian “Restful Sleep” Emoji Spell

Motivation Star Jar (by @astro-craft​)

Phoenix Cluster Rebirth Spell (by @phaesphore​)

Full Moon Reflection Jar Spell (by @phaesphore​)

Planetary Aspect Sleep Sachet (by @phaesphore​)

New Moon Banishing Ritual (by @phaesphore​)

Hercules Cluster Jar Spell (by @phaesphore​)

Saturnian Spell Jar (by @phaesphore​)

Balance of Gemini Spell (by @nerdywitchmomma)

Cosmic Witchcraft 101 (by @phaesphore​)

Where to Start?

Tips for Beginners

How to Write Stellar Spells

Blue Moon Magick

Lunar Magick

Eclipse Magick

Black Moon Magick

Mercurial Magick

Venusian Magick

Martian Magick

Jovian Magick

Saturnian Magick

Uranian Magick

Neptunian Magick

Plutonian Magick

Asteroid Belt Magick

Other

What is a “Cosmic Witch?”

What planet do you connect with most?

Planet Worship & Astrolatry

Actions as Offerings

Tasks for the Cosmic Witch

Cosmic Altar & Room Ideas

Top 10 Items for the Cosmic Witch

Cosmic Witchcraft - In the Shadows

Book of Cosmos

Astral Travel

Planet Invocation

Channeling Cosmic Energy

Spell Timing With Planetary Hours

Planetary Aspects & Orbs

Spiral Meditation

Black Hole Grounding

Uranian Weather Magick

Cosmic Magick Terminology

Astronomy Terminology (from SeaSky.org)

Black Hole Jar

Black Hole Decoy

Nebula Jar

Star Jar

Solar Jar

Celestial Warding

Celestial Roll-On Perfume

Celestial Gem Elixir

Planetary Shower Disk

Planetary Bath Salts

Uranian Coffee Scrub

Solar Herbal Salve

Starlight Charm

Stardust Powder

Stardust Powder Variants

Baneful Stardust Powder

Star Potion

Star Water

Planetary Powders

Moon Water

Uses for Moon Water

Moon Water & Lunar Phases

How to Celebrate the Full Moon

Black Moon Water (by @nightkunoichi)

Planetary Tarot Spread

Constellation Runes

Celestial Sigils (by @ofcloudsandstars)

updated on 4-15-2016

[ladyannesscribbles]

@goddess-offerings thank you so much for sharing this! A nice & easy tarot card spread to start with. Give it a try. And remember if you are truly on this path, you were blessed with these gifts to help others - not take or make money off or from them. A truly gifted one knows this and freely helps those in need. It's up to them if they choose to follow your advice. Ours is a solitary path, a green path, and above all a path of peacefulness. May the Goddess bless you all and please go with love in your heart, peace in your mind, and tranquility surrounding you. Lady Anne ^^ö^^

“Keep or banish?” tarot spread 🔮

For when you’re wondering if to get rid of something/someone in your life.

1. Should it stay with me or be banished?

2. Why?

3. Will there be any dangers if I do so?

4. How do I do this properly?

[ladyannesscribbles]

“í líkє stσrms.. thєч rєmínd mє thαt єvєn thє skч scrєαms sσmєtímєs.“

[ladyannesscribbles]

@lilithlunarhiannon thank you so very much for sharing these wonderful quotes and inspiring pictures. They're beautiful! May the Goddess shine her light upon you and bless your path always. Blessings - Lady Anne ^^ö^^

GIF Picture by @wiccangoddes

“í wíll nσ lσngєr αllσw thє nєgαtívє thíngs ín mч lífє, tσ spσíl αll σf thє gσσd thíngs í hαvє. í chσσsє tσ вє hαppч.“

[ladyannesscribbles]

“єvєrчσnє’s dєstínч hσlds αdvєrsítч αnd chαllєngє. hσw wє cσpє wíth thє tríαls thαt líє αhєαd dєpєnds σn hσw wєll wє lєαrn frσm pαst єхpєríєncєs αnd σur lєvєl σf αwαrєnєss αs wє wαlk thrσugh lífє.“

[ladyannesscribbles]

Flowers and gemstones from that time when I took photos for my shop update 💜 Instagram | Etsy Shop

[ladyannesscribbles]

Witch tips without warnings just keep popping up . . .

Hey kids,

Before you rub an unknown thing on your skin, ingest an unfamiliar thing, light a random recommendation from the internet on fire, or otherwise come in contact with something that you are not personally knowledgeable about, take 2 seconds and google it.

For example:

St. Johns Wort, if ingested, has negative interactions with anti-depressants, and interferes with birth control because it speeds up the metabolism of certain substances.

Continuous exposure to fluorite causes a painful bone disease. Fluorite dust can be absorbed through the lungs, skin, and is soluble in water.

There are parts of  yew that should not be burned.

Mugwort is related to ragweed and can cause allergic reactions. Also, it can cause and enhance anxiety.

 Essential oils, man …

No, really. 2 seconds. Google. You’re at an internet connected device anyway. Save yourself the trouble of a bad time.

[ladyannesscribbles]

🍃🕯Spiritual Protection Herb Jar

To repel, banish and protect against harmful spirits and negative energies.

Chives - protection, banishing

Black salt - banishing, spiritual protection

Basil - protection from evil, peace, spiritual protection 

Sage - banishing, protection, cleansing

Black pepper - banishing, protection

Rosemary - banishing, protection, cleansing

Coffee grounds - protection, strength, peace

Wild yarrow - protection, repel negativity 

Ivy leaves - spiritual protection, binding

Chamomile - banishing

Whole cloves - spiritual protection

Eggshells - protection, banishing

I sealed it with a white candle. Hold it in your hands and if you want, say a blessing to charge it. The jar emanates a bright light, intensifying til it fills the whole room.

[ladyannesscribbles]

5 Native Desert Plants & Their Witchcraft Correspondences 🌵🌸

• Chuparosa (Justicia californica)

- Native to Arizona but found in Southern California, New Mexico, and northern areas of Mexico.

- Flowers & petals are edible raw or cooked, dried or fresh.

- Similar to hibiscus, makes wonderful summer teas.

- Hummingbirds adore the flowers and the nectar is chewable like a gum.

- Great in tinctures, scrubs, and teas.

Correspondence: Air, Beauty, Love, Positive Energy, New Beginnings, Boosting Self Esteem, Romance, Sexual Energy.

• Brittle Bush (Encelia farinosa) 

-Native to Arizona but found in New Mexico, Southern Califonia, Texas, and parts of Mexico.

- Not to be confused with the desert wildflower, desert marigolds, which unlike the brittle bush, does not have a orange button center and is poisonous to some herd animals like sheep.

- Stems, flowers, and leaves are edible. Dried, fresh, cooked, raw.

- The dried flowers make a soothing tea for stomach pains.

- Dried brittle bush leaves can also be brewed to make a medicinal tea. It’s great for mouth sores or those tight chest coughs. It taste slightly bitter and has a numbing effect.

- Local folklore says the leaf tea is great for arthritis flare-ups in the cold months.

- Don’t drink this tea before bed though as it can have caffeine-like effect in some people.

- Flower resins and nectar from this plant are chewable and chewed by locals like a candy or gum.

- Great in tinctures, decoctions, infusions, salves, scrubs, masks, and teas.

Correspondences: Earth, Sun, Healing, Cleansing, Banishes away sickness, Good Luck, and Protection, Friendship, Empathy.

• Desert Lavender a.k.a. Bee Sage (Hyptis emoryi)

- Native to Arizona but found in Southern Califonia, New Mexico, and Mexico.

- This is the supernatural plant, the bee’s knee here. Native American tribes like Akimel O’Odham, who’s beautiful people made what is now called Phoenix, AZ their home, saw this as a pure and holy plant that cleanse all evils away from the one’s spirit.

- Everything on this plant is useable. Leaves, flowers, stems, branches, roots. Can be dried, brewed, cooked, or eaten raw.

-Great in tinctures, decoctions, infusions, salves, scrubs, masks, and teas.

-In some Native Amercan practises it’s used to make smudge wands, but to those who are not native and wish to use it they may dry and use a smoke cleansing ritual instead.

- Traditionally used by Native Americans to cleanse the body of diseases and stop internal bleeding or heavy menstruation.

Correspondences: Spirits, Earth, Purity, Cleansing, Healing, Protection, Banishing, Warding, Psychic energies & abilities.

• Ephedra a.k.a. Mormon Tea Plant (Ephedra fasciculata) 

- Found growing wild or in landscaping areas in Arizona, Califonia, New Mexico, some areas of Texas, and northern Mexico.

- Historically used as an alternative to coffee

- The plant’s twigs are edible when brewed into a tea, tasty and mildly stimulating.

- Contains small amounts of ephedrine so great for hay fever, hacking coughs, or as a sinus decongestant.

- Like local honey, drinking teas with this plant is said to help aid allergy sufferers in the springtime blooms.

- Great in tinctures and teas.

Correspondences: Air, Earth, Healing, Protection, Cleansing, Positive Energy, Energy Boosting, Purity, Friendship, Happiness, Alertness, Focusing (Studying).

• Yellow Bells (Tecoma stans)

- Found often in landscaping because of it’s hardiness to the arid climates, can be seen wild though in Arizona, New Mexico, Southern Califonia, and Southern Texas.

- The leaves, flowers, and twigs can be brewed into powerful teas aiding digestion and gastrointestinal issues

- great for hangovers (drink a small cup of tea in the morning, trust me.)

- Contain anti-viral properties so it’s super awesome to combat sickness.

- Great in tinctures, decoctions, and teas.

Correspondences: Earth, Resilience, Strength, Healing, Banishment, Cleansing, Cursing, Retaliation, Dominance.

*note that this is all based on my own craft and years of herbal experience

[ladyannesscribbles]

Great idea! It would be nice to talk/share to/with others from community!

I wanna make a masterlist of lgbt+ witches on tumblr

so reblog this if you are a witch and are lgbt+ pls!

alsoi wanna follow all of you

[ladyannesscribbles]

Love this tattoo! Thanks for sharing this @everett-the-mage !

Moon phases.  Tattoo Artist: Dallas Conte at Vision Seeker Studio in Toronto, Ontario.

Disclaimer: I’m not the person in this photo; I just really love my friend’s work.

[ladyannesscribbles]

Hold a Beltane Bonfire Rite (Group Ceremony)

Celebrate Beltane with a bonfire ritual! Image by Mark Adams/Image Bank/Getty Images by Patti Wigington Updated March 07, 2015 The Beltane bonfire is a tradition that goes back hundreds of years. The fire was more than a big pile of logs and some flame. It was a place where the entire community gathered around – a place of music and magic and dancing and lovemaking. It was customary to light the fire on May Eve (the last night of April) and allow it to burn until the sun went down on May 1. The bonfire was lit with a bundle made from nine different types of wood and wrapped with colorful ribbons. Once the fire was blazing, a piece of smoldering wood was taken to each home in the village, to ensure fertility throughout the summer months. This was typically the time of year when fairs and markets were held, and as most country villages had a common or a green of some sort, there was always room for merriment. Depending on where you live, you might not have enough space for a big bonfire or Maypole dancing – and that’s okay. Just make do with what you have. An alternative to a large bonfire might be a small fire bowl (they’re usually available at discount stores and home improvement chains) or even a tabletop brazier. If you’re in an apartment and space is at a premium, consider building your fire in a small cauldron or other heat resistant bowl. Beltane is the spring counterpart to Samhain. While in the autumn, everything is dying, in spring it comes alive, glorious and bursting free from the earth. Beltane is about fertility and sex and passion and life. This ceremony is designed for a group, and includes a symbolic union of the May Queen and the King of the Forest. Depending on the relationship between the people playing these roles, you can get as lusty as you like. If you’re doing a family-oriented Beltane celebration, you may choose instead to keep things fairly tame. For this ritual you’ll need the following: A bonfire – set it up ahead of time, and designate someone to be in charge of lighting and tending it A May Queen – if possible, select a woman to play this part who is still within her childbearing years A King of the Forest – any adult man can play this role, but it’s even better if he’s someone who is actually partnered with the woman playing the May Queen Drums and other noisemakers Optional: a crown of flowers for each of the females present Optional: a headdress of antlers for each of the males present First, have the group circle around the fire, with the May Queen and the King of the Forest on opposite sides. The High Priest (HP) or High Priestess (HPs) should welcome everyone with something like this: Beltane is here! It is a time when the earth is fertile and full. Long ago, our ancestors planted their fields at Beltane. The fields that lay fallow for months are now warm and waiting. The soil that was dormant for the winter now begs us to plant our seeds. The earth is awakening and ripe, and this is a season of love and passion. It is a season of fire. At this point, the fire starter should begin lighting the bonfire. The HP or HPS continues: As our fires grow, lighting up the night sky, the fire within us grows stronger. It is the fire of lust and passion, knowing that like the earth, we too are fertile. Tonight, the God emerges from the forest. He is known by many names – he is Pan, Herne, Cernunnos, the Green Man. He is the God of the Forest. Tonight is the night he will chase and capture the maiden. She is the Queen of the May, Aphrodite, Venus, Cerridwen. She is the Goddess of fields and flowers, she is Mother Earth herself. As the HP introduces the God of the Forest and the May Queen, they should each step forward into the circle. The HP says: Bring fertility to the land! Let the hunt begin! At this point, the May Queen and the God of the Forest begin the chase, traveling sunwise around the circle, weaving in and out of the other participants. Remember, the May Queen wants to make love to the God of the Forest. This is a fun chase, a joyful courtship, not a mock rape; make sure both parties understand this and prepare accordingly. She can even allow him to get close to her, pretending she’s ready to join him… and then slipping away at the last second. They should travel the circle three times in the chase, and finally stop at a point in front of the bonfire – hopefully, it will be burning well by now. While the God of the Forest is pursuing his lady love, everyone else in the circle starts drumming. Start of slowly – after all, a courtship can take some time to get started. As the couple begins to speed up, increase the tempo of the music. If you’d like to chant instead of or in addition to drumming, go ahead. There are many popular traditional chants in Wicca and Paganism, and nearly all sound good when you sing them with a group. When the May Queen and the God of the Forest finally complete their three-times journey of the circle, the drums should stop abruptly. The HP says: Fire and passion, love and life, brought together as one. At this point, the May Queen says to the God of the Forest: I am the earth, the womb of all creation. Within me, new life grows each year. Water is my blood, air my breath, and fire is my spirit. I give you honor, and shall create new life with you. The God of the Forest replies to her, saying: I am the rutting stag, the seed, the energy of life. I am the mighty oak that grows in the forest. I give you honor, and shall create new life with you. The couple kisses, long and passionate. If they’re feeling really lusty, they can fall to the ground and roll around for a while – feel free to cover them with a blanket if you like. This kiss (or more) is the symbolic union of the male and female spirit, the great rite between man and woman. Once the embrace is broken, the HP calls out: The earth is once more growing new life within! We shall be blessed with abundance this year! Everyone else in the circle claps and cheers – after all, you’ve just guaranteed that your village will have hearty crops and strong livestock this year! Celebrate by dancing around the bonfire, drumming and singing. When you are ready, end the ritual. Tips: If you have a woman in your group who is trying to conceive, she is absolutely the best choice for the role of May Queen. Her partner or lover may act the part of the God of the Forest, or another man may stand in as a symbolic consort.