#The Mystic Crone

[mysticcrone5761]

Episode #43 ~ It's time to find your voice

Link: https://bristolwicks.blogspot.com/2025/06/episode-43-daily-cardsdaily-energy-4.html

For my tarot people, there's a new post up at The Mystic Crone. Sometimes you've tried as long as you can try, and it's time to find your voice and your courage.

[amythystraine]

It's time to find your voice

Link: https://bristolwicks.blogspot.com/2025/06/episode-43-daily-cardsdaily-energy-4.html

For my tarot people, there's a new post up at The Mystic Crone. Sometimes you've tried as long as you can try, and it's time to find your voice and your courage.

[domlafou]

Scrying Crone

Collage (magazine paper on Bristol board). November 2024.

From my new collage series "Now It's Dark"

[the-hidden-cities]

☾︎ 𝖂𝖔𝖗𝖘𝖍𝖎𝖕 𝖞𝖔𝖚𝖗 𝕯𝖎𝖊𝖙𝖎𝖊𝖘 ☽︎

Tusbena, The First Woman

The Maiden

The Mother

The Crone

Cerngwr, The Horned Man

Buile, The Madness

The Savage

The Stranger

The Mystic

Muireann, Lady of the Sea

The gods will answer your questions if you have them.

[venuskind]

☆ Becoming a Crone ☆

Much of what has been written on middle age and becoming a crone only partially resonates with me, if it does at all. I feel the relative truth of what I hear and read, my truth though related is different. From my vantage point my experience and truth feels more expansive, as it does not limit me to a form, gender narratives, nor ancestral myths. 

The states I am being initiated into are not as earthbound, or linked to ancestral traditions still known to us. They are ancient in that they have been present on this planet in times before - before the forgetting and atrocities of separation consciousness. The states I am being led to carry in them the frequencies of earth, our galactic origins, as well as the dark formless that preceded all form.

The much glorified and centered rewilding has been a part of my journey, a part that was given to my thirties and which played a part in my liberation. Looking from where I am now it becomes obvious that it was but a preparatory stage, not an end or climax of this path. My Soul calling me to walk further, to remember ancient knowing of *all* my lineages planetary, non-planetary, and all the way back to the source of all form - the numinosity of the void.

One piece of this becoming is the lesson of stripping off all human identities, identifications with personality, body, and mind, to immerse into and know the formless essence of being. In stripping off the aforementioned I find myself no longer beholden to them, seeing them as mere constructs, artificial to the boundless nature of being. Realizing how being human has been limited to repeating patterns and limited possibilities of expressing and being due to the great forgetting and the rule of stark unconsciousness. Our being knows that there is another way of being human and exploring this dimension, and this knowing is calling ever so loudly for embodiment. To do so we have to take off the heaviness of unconscious patterning, and distorted perceptions, only then will we be truly receptive to and have enough spaciousness to call in expanded possibilities to flow through our being and rework our collective field.

Another aspect of this becoming is to wholly embrace oneness. It sounds simple but experience shows how much our mind body system resists it. It will accept it here and there but in the next moment it will hold on to separation consciousness in order to differentiate itself from 'others', which it holds in some form of judgement or dislike. So deeply ingrained are these conditioned distortions that we find ourselves once again split within, some part vibrating with the frequency of oneness and others clinging to separation consciousness. 

And I am learning that a nervous system which has been dysregulated by complex trauma is slow in releasing the fears and automated responses it has created for survival and open to the deeper meanings and ramifications of oneness. This is where deep compassion and skillfulness are needed to help integrate and heal with the guidance and grace of Self energy. It is a very slow process and yet it is a crucial part of this journey, it is the most important key to unlocking our full potential, expanded knowing, and full alignment with consciousness/life.

While working on the previous a third aspect is being learned and gently entrained in our body: 

To drink of the poison cup without sickening or dying. 

What I mean by it is the capacity to be present with the most harrowing aspects of human doing, with the oppressions, injustices, and violence our plant, animal, and human kin are suffering without resorting to denial, repression, numbing, or acting out. To be a vessel large enough to feel and hold it with compassion and perceive with eyes of consciousness, witnessing it fully and honoring the experiences observed, and act where it is in our power with love and care to alleviate and balance what we can. To feel and know the suffering of all - victim, perpetrator, bystanders, and saviors alike - knowing the underlying distortions and conditioning that keep recreating these experiences across millennia. 

Being, seeing, feeling, reflecting at the same time, side-stepping explanations and resolutions of the conditioned mind, and  opening to the mystery while leaning into not-knowing with trust. Letting the love at the core of our being call to the mystery to reveal knowing, a path to change or healing, and support us in holding it in a way that doesn't poison us to be a(n unwitting) part of it. 

This is what embodying a different frequency and holding it in a dissonant field is to me. 

... continued on the blog.

Art: 'ATMA - The Guide of Souls' by Autumn Skye

Source: https://venuskind.de/2023/11/crone/

[intellectualgirlblogger]

Glamour and sorrow may just go hand in hand. They both cost you something🤷‍♀️☠️👒😤🩰🚬🕰️⚰️✨✨✨✨✨

[saturninemysticthreads]

How would you style/use this? Comment below!

[astra-ravana]

Collecting And Utilizing Magick Charms

My personal charm collection.

Magick charms are small, enchanted objects used for protection, luck, attraction, and spiritual power. Witches, shamans, and mystics have used charms for centuries to enhance spells, manifest intentions, and guard against negative forces. This comprehensive guide will help you collect, store, and use charms effectively in your witchcraft.

What is a Magick Charm?

A magick charm is any object infused with energy or intention to create a desired effect. Unlike talismans (which attract energy) or amulets (which repel energy), charms can do both, depending on their purpose.

Uses of Magick Charms in Witchcraft:

• Protection – Shields against negative energy, hexes, and harm.

• Luck & Prosperity – Draws fortune, money, and success.

• Love & Attraction – Enhances self-love, relationships, and passion.

• Healing & Wellness – Promotes emotional, physical, and spiritual health.

• Psychic Abilities & Divination – Strengthens intuition, dreamwork, and spirit communication.

• Manifestation & Goal Achievement – Focuses energy on specific desires.

Collecting Magick Charms

Magick charms can be found, crafted, or gifted. The key is choosing objects that resonate with your energy and intention.

Where to Find Charms:

• Nature – Stones, feathers, shells, acorns, bones, dried herbs.

• Thrift Shops & Antique Stores – Old jewelry, keys, trinkets, coins.

• Personal Objects – Lockets, rings, buttons, meaningful tokens.

• Handmade Charms – Sigil-carved wood, cloth pouches filled with herbs, inscribed coins.

• Cultural or Spiritual Items – Religious symbols, runes, lucky talismans.

A List of Magick Charms & Their Meanings

Protection Symbols & Charms:

• Pentacle/Pentagram – A five-pointed star within a circle, symbolizing protection, balance, and the elements.

• Hamsa Hand – A hand-shaped amulet with an eye in the center, used to ward off the evil eye and negative energy.

• Ankh – An Egyptian symbol of life, protection, and divine energy.

• Eye of Horus (Wadjet) – Offers protection, health, and wisdom.

• Algiz (ᛉ) – A rune of protection and higher guidance.

• Triquetra – A three-interwoven loop symbol representing the triple goddess (maiden, mother, crone) and protection.

• Bindrunes – Custom symbols made from Norse runes for specific protective purposes.

• Hexagram (Seal of Solomon) – Used for divine wisdom and spiritual protection.

• Blackthorn (Saining Rod) – A charm in Celtic magic for warding off evil spirits.

Love & Attraction Charms:

• Heart Symbol – Represents love, passion, and emotional connection.

• Venus Symbol (♀) – Associated with love, beauty, and feminine energy.

• Claddagh Ring – An Irish symbol of love, loyalty, and friendship.

• Red String – A Kabbalistic charm for protection and attracting love.

• Rose Quartz – A stone of love, harmony, and emotional healing.

• Apple (Sacred Fruit) – Used in love spells and fertility rites.

Wealth & Prosperity Charms:

• Coin – Standard charm of wealth, success, and prosperity.

• Maneki-Neko (Lucky Cat) – A Japanese charm for attracting fortune and prosperity.

• Four-Leaf Clover – Brings luck, success, and good fortune.

• Fehu (ᚠ) – Manifests wealth, prosperity, and abundance.

• Cornucopia (Horn of Plenty) – A symbol of abundance and wealth.

• Chinese Coins (Tied with Red String) – A feng shui charm for prosperity.

• Citrine (Merchant’s Stone) – Attracts wealth and financial success.

• Elephant with Trunk Up – A charm for good luck and financial stability.

Power & Strength Symbols:

• Thor’s Hammer (Mjölnir) – A Norse symbol for protection and personal power.

• Dragon Symbol – Represents strength, wisdom, and magickal power.

• The Lion (Solar Power) – Represents courage, dominance, and royalty.

• Oak Leaf & Acorn – Strength, endurance, and longevity.

• Sowilo Rune (ᛋ) – Represents the sun’s power, success, and victory.

• Phoenix – A symbol of resilience, transformation, and rebirth.

Wisdom & Knowledge Symbols:

• Key – Unlocks new opportunities, wisdom, and secrets.

• Ouroboros (Serpent Eating Its Tail) – Represents infinite wisdom and cycles of renewal.

• The Owl – A symbol of wisdom, intuition, and the unknown.

• Merkaba (Star Tetrahedron) – Represents spiritual ascension and higher consciousness.

• Celtic Awen – Three rays representing divine inspiration, wisdom, and creativity.

• Feather – A symbol of knowledge, communication with spirits, and travel.

• Shell – Connection to water energy, emotions, intuition.

• The Labyrinth – A journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.

• Spider Web Charm – Symbolic of creativity, patience, weaving fate.

• The Book (Grimoire Symbol) – Represents arcane knowledge and magickal wisdom.

Healing & Health Symbols:

• Caduceus (Staff of Hermes) – Often confused with the Rod of Asclepius, it symbolizes healing and balance.

• Rod of Asclepius – A staff with a serpent, representing medicine and healing.

• Chalice/Grail – A symbol of spiritual nourishment and healing.

• Dove Symbol – Represents peace, purity, and emotional healing.

• Green Aventurine – A crystal associated with heart healing and vitality.

• Healing Hand (Reiki Symbol) – Used in energy healing practices.

Magick & Spiritual Symbols:

• Triple Moon (Waxing, Full, Waning) – Represents the triple goddess and the phases of magick.

• Yin-Yang – Balancing opposing energies, duality, and harmony.

• Infinity Symbol (∞) – Represents limitless potential and eternal cycles.

• Spiral (Sacred Geometry) – Represents cosmic forces, spiritual growth, and energy flow.

• Alchemical Symbols – Such as Sulfur (fire), Mercury (transformation), and Salt (earthly existence).

• The Sigil – A personal or created magical symbol for manifesting desires.

• The Triskelion (Triple Spiral) – A Celtic symbol of motion, progress, and spiritual evolution.

Death & Afterlife Symbols:

• The Scythe – Symbol of death, transformation, and the cycle of life.

• Anubis (Jackal-Headed Deity) – Egyptian guide of the dead and protector of souls.

• Raven & Crow – Messengers of the spirit world, associated with death and prophecy.

• The Skull – Represents mortality, spiritual protection, and wisdom.

• The Black Rose – A symbol of endings, transformation, and mourning.

Storing & Carrying Magick Charms

Proper storage keeps charms energetically charged and ready for use. Here are some ideas for how to store your charms:

• Charm Bracelet – Wear daily for constant energy.

• Key Ring – Carry for protection, luck, or travel safety.

• Necklace or Amulet Pouch – Close to the heart for emotional or psychic work.

• Pocket Charm Bag – Small pouches with multiple charms inside.

• Altar Bowl or Plate – Keeps charms cleansed and charged.

• Wooden Box – A sacred space for unused or rotating charms.

• Glass Jars – Store charms by category (protection, love, luck).

• Hanging Charms – Over doorways, windows, or in cars for protection.

Activating & Charging Your Charms

Once stored, activate your charms to align them with your energy and purpose. Here are some methods for charging charms:

• Full Moon Light – Best for charms related to psychic abilities, intuition, and love.

• Sunlight – Increases vitality, confidence, and empowerment.

• Fire Energy – Hold over a candle flame to strengthen power (use fire-safe materials).

• Earth Energy – Bury in soil or place on a crystal for grounding.

• Anointing Oils – Rub with essential oils that match the intention (e.g., rose oil for love, peppermint for clarity).

• Breath & Spoken Word – Whisper affirmations or spells into the charm.

Example Activation Spell:

"By earth, air, fire, and sea,

A charm of power this shall be.

Blessed with magic, strong and bright,

Guided by love, luck, and light."

Using Magick Charms in Witchcraft

Protection Magick:

• Wear as Jewelry – Carry protective charms like pentacles, hamsas, or evil eye symbols as rings, necklaces, or bracelets.

• Hang Above Doorways – Place charms like iron horseshoes, pentagrams, witch bells, or bindrunes on doors to keep negative energy away.

• Pocket or Pouch Carrying – Keep a small charm (such as a rune, hexagram, or protective sigil) in your pocket or mojo bag.

• Car Charm for Safe Travel – Hang protective symbols like an Eye of Horus, hag stone, or hamsa in your car.

• Candle Spell with Protective Symbols – Carve protective sigils or runes onto candles and burn them for shielding energy.

Love & Attraction Magick:

• Charm Bags for Love – Create a sachet filled with rose petals, cinnamon, and love-drawing charms to carry with you.

• Embedding in Jewelry – Enchant a piece of jewelry with attraction energy and wear it to enhance romantic appeal.

• Love Candles – Use pink or red candles and tie love charms to them for love spells.

• Bath Ritual with Love Charms – Place rose quartz or heart charms in bathwater to charge yourself with loving energy.

• Knot Magick with Charms – Tie a ribbon around a love-attracting charm while focusing on your desire.

Prosperity & Success Magick:

• Prosperity Jar – Fill a jar with green aventurine, bay leaves, wealth charms and coins to attract wealth.

• Keep Money-Drawing Charms in Wallet – Carry a citrine crystal, Chinese coin, or prosperity sigil inside your wallet.

• Tie Wealth Symbols to Candles – Use green or gold candles and adorn them with symbols for financial success.

• Charm Your Work Desk – Place a charged prosperity charm on your workspace to attract career success.

• Bury a Charm for Long-Term Growth – Plant a coin or lucky charm in the soil with a new plant to manifest sustained wealth.

Healing & Well-being Magick:

• Crystal Healing Charms – Wear or carry stones like amethyst, jade, or lapis lazuli for mental and physical healing.

• Drink Infused Herbal Water – Charge a charm with healing energy and place it beside a cup of herbal tea.

• Create a Healing Amulet – Anoint a small token with essential oils like lavender or rosemary and carry it for health.

• Under-Pillow Charms for Rest – Place a dream charm or amethyst under your pillow to promote restful sleep.

Divination & Psychic Enhancement:

• Pendulum Work – Use a small charm as a pendulum for dowsing and spiritual guidance.

• Charms with Tarot Cards – Keep psychic-enhancing charms with your tarot deck for clearer readings.

• Crystal Ball or Scrying Mirror with Charms – Keep a pentagram, labradorite, or a third-eye charm near scrying tools.

• Create an Intuition Talisman – Carry a charm or rune (such as Algiz or Ansuz) to strengthen intuition.

• Anointing the Third Eye – Use a charm to draw anointing oil onto the third eye for spiritual awareness.

Spirit Communication & Ancestral Work:

• Ancestral Altar Offerings – Place a charm representing your ancestors on your altar to honor and connect with them.

• Use Spirit Keys – Enchant an old key as a tool to unlock communication with spirits.

• Bone or Shell Divination – Keep a charm or marked bones for spirit-based divination.

• Spirit Sigils - Use name sigils or symbols of spirits to connect with them.

• Carve Names on Candles – Inscribe an ancestor’s name on a candle along with a symbolic charm for guidance.

• Use a Spirit Bottle – Fill a small bottle with herbs, salt, and charms to aid in contacting spirits.

Shadow Work & Personal Growth:

• Shadow Work Charm Pouch – Keep black tourmaline or obsidian, a moon, a skull, etc. charm in it for deep introspection.

• Mirror Work – Put a shadow work charm on a mirror and use it for self-reflection rituals.

• Create a Personal Power Amulet – Enchant an item with affirmations for self-empowerment.

Warding & Banishing Negativity:

• Black Salt & Charm Mix – Combine black salt with a protective charm and sprinkle it around your home.

• Smoke Cleansing with Charms – Pass a protective charm through incense smoke to empower it.

• Candle Banishing Ritual – Carve a banishing sigil onto a black candle and burn it while focusing on removing negativity.

• Mirror Magick for Reflection & Deflection – Charge a small mirror charm to send negativity back to its source.

Elemental Magick Uses:

• Earth Charms – Bury a stone charm in soil to manifest long-term goals.

• Air Charms – Hang charms in trees or use feathers to enhance communication and wisdom.

• Fire Charms – Burn symbols in fire to release intentions or perform fire scrying.

• Water Charms – Place charms in a bowl of water under the moonlight for cleansing and intuition.

Dream Magick & Astral Travel:

• Dream Charm Under Pillow – Use an amethyst, moonstone, or dreamcatcher to encourage prophetic dreams.

• Charm on Bed Frame – Put a charm under your bed or mattress to enhance dream recall and astral travel.

• Silver Cord Charm – Carry or wear a silver cord for protection during astral projection.

• Anointing with Mugwort Oil – Use mugwort-infused oil on a charm to enhance dream visions.

Retiring or Disposing of Old Charms

If a charm loses its energy, becomes damaged, or is no longer needed:

• Bury It – Returns energy to the earth.

• Burn It – Safely burn wooden or biodegradable charms.

• Release It into Water – If eco-friendly (e.g., shells, stones).

• Gift It – Pass it to someone who may need its magic.

Magick charms are versatile, powerful tools that enhance spells, offer protection, and bring luck. Whether worn, carried, or placed in a sacred space, they infuse your life with magick while keeping your intentions aligned.

[gaiasgrimoire]

HEKATE - History & Origins

Hekate (also spelled Hecate) is an ancient goddess who originated in pre-Greek Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) and later became prominent in Greek mythology. Her roots are deep and complex, with associations that span from the underworld to the heavens, making her one of the most enigmatic and powerful figures in the ancient world.

Origins of Hekate

1. Pre-Greek Origins:

Hekate's origins likely stem from pre-Hellenic times, specifically in the region of Anatolia. Some scholars believe she may have evolved from a local goddess worshipped by the Carian people, a civilization located in southwestern Anatolia. In this early context, Hekate was probably associated with fertility, the natural world, and the cycles of life and death.

2. Introduction to Greece:

Hekate was later integrated into the Greek pantheon, where she became a highly revered and complex deity. Unlike many other deities that were tightly tied to a specific realm or aspect of life, Hekate’s powers spanned the heavens, earth, and the underworld, giving her a unique and formidable position in the Greek spiritual framework.

3. The Hesiod Connection:

Hekate first appears prominently in written Greek records in Hesiod’s Theogony (circa 8th century BCE). Hesiod describes her as a powerful goddess honored by Zeus himself, with dominion over the earth, sea, and sky. According to Hesiod, she was one of the few Titans who retained her powers after the Olympian gods defeated the Titans. This depiction of Hekate as a goddess of great authority suggests that her worship was both widespread and significant during the time.

Hekate’s Role and Attributes

Hekate's identity evolved over time, and she became associated with several key aspects:

1. The Crossroads and Liminal Spaces:

Hekate was often depicted as a goddess of the crossroads, symbolizing her connection to liminal spaces—places where the boundaries between worlds (life and death, light and dark) are thin. Crossroads were considered magical or dangerous places in ancient times, and offerings were often left for Hekate at these junctions, particularly on nights of the new moon.

2. Goddess of Magic and Witchcraft:

Hekate became closely associated with magic, witchcraft, and the mystical arts. She was believed to have power over spirits and ghosts and was often invoked by those seeking protection, guidance, or to cast spells. Her role as a guide in the spiritual realm made her a key figure in the rituals of ancient sorceresses and witches.

3. Triple Goddess:

In later traditions, Hekate was portrayed as a triple goddess, representing the three phases of a woman’s life (maiden, mother, and crone) or the three realms she ruled (earth, sea, and underworld). She is often depicted with three faces or bodies, symbolizing her ability to see in all directions and her mastery over past, present, and future.

4. Keeper of the Underworld:

Hekate was also connected to the underworld and became a key figure in the myths surrounding death, the afterlife, and the spirits of the dead. In many depictions, she is shown holding torches, which symbolize her role as a guide, lighting the way for souls journeying to the underworld. In the myth of Persephone, Hekate is described as guiding the young goddess back to the world of the living, solidifying her connection to both life and death.

Symbols and Iconography

Hekate is often depicted holding torches, symbolizing her role as a guide through darkness. Other symbols associated with her include:

🐕 Dogs: Dogs were sacred to Hekate, often accompanying her in depictions or howling at crossroads, signaling her presence.

🗝️ Keys: As a gatekeeper between worlds, she holds the keys to the underworld and the mysteries of life and death.

🐍 Serpents: Symbolizing rebirth, transformation, and wisdom, serpents are frequently connected with Hekate’s imagery.

🗡️ Daggers: These represent her role in cutting through illusions and revealing truth.

Worship and Practices

Offerings at Crossroads: In ancient Greece, worshipers left offerings known as Hekate’s Supper at crossroads. These offerings often included food, incense, or small tokens to appease the goddess, seek protection, or honor her as a protector of the household.

Pharmakeia (Witchcraft and Medicine): Hekate was revered by witches and healers for her mastery of herbcraft, poisons, and magical spells. Those practicing pharmakeia (the ancient art of medicinal and magical herbs) would invoke her assistance in their workings.

Legacy

Hekate’s legacy is vast, and she remains a powerful figure in modern paganism and witchcraft. Contemporary witches often invoke Hekate as a goddess of magic, transformation, and protection. Her connection to the moon, the night, and the spirit world makes her a potent deity for those walking magical or spiritual paths.

In essence, Hekate is a goddess of boundaries and transitions, guiding individuals through difficult journeys—whether in the physical world or the spiritual realms. Her origins are ancient, but her presence endures, particularly for those seeking wisdom, magic, and the courage to face the unknown.

[mysticcrone5761]

Episode #42 ~ Daily Cards/Daily Energy, an unexpected door will open (no, really)

A link to the audio version will be coming at some point, and you'll find that link at The Mystic Crone blog, in this post, at the bottom.

[amythystraine]

An Unexpected Door Will Open (no, really)

I've used Green Witch Tarot for today's reading at The Mystic Crone.  Lot's going on here, and also a warning... most of us would be so better off not being tempted to do something that goes against our basic nature, yes, we would.  Read on, and enjoy.  I hope you make a tarot connection today.

[covenofvenus]

🌸The History of the Magic of Spring🌸

Greetings fellow seekers of the arcane,

As the spring season is now upon us, let's delve into all of the mystical tapestries of spring, a season that has long been revered in occult and metaphysical traditions for its potent symbolism, transformative energy, and profound connection to the cycles of life, death, and rebirth.

As we explore its numerological significance, associated deities, spirits, colors, and herbs, we shall also draw upon the wisdom of the great Renaissance magician, Cornelius Agrippa, to illuminate its deeper occult meanings.

The Occult and Metaphysical Significance of Spring

Spring is the season of renewal, a time when the Earth awakens from its winter slumber and bursts forth with life. In the grand wheel of the year, spring represents the Maiden aspect of the Triple Goddess—youth, innocence, and the promise of new beginnings. It is a time of balance, as the vernal equinox marks the moment when day and night are of equal length, symbolizing harmony between light and dark, masculine and feminine, and the seen and unseen worlds.

Metaphysically, spring is associated with the element of Air, the realm of thought, renewal, change, communication, innovation and inspiration. It is a time to plant seeds—not only in the soil but also in our minds and spirits. The energy of spring is one of expansion, creativity, and the breaking of old patterns to make way for new growth. This season invites us to align ourselves with the rhythms of nature, to shed the stagnation of winter, and to embrace the vitality of life force energy that flows abundantly during this time.

Numerology of Spring

In numerology, spring resonates with the number 3, a sacred number that embodies creativity, manifestation, and the divine trinity. The number 3 is often associated with the Maiden, Mother, and Crone; the past, present, and future; and the mind, body, and spirit. It is a number of synthesis and harmony, reflecting the balance of the equinox and the triadic nature of spring’s energy: growth, renewal, and transformation.

The number 3 also corresponds to the planet Jupiter, which governs expansion, abundance, and optimism—qualities that are deeply aligned with the spirit of spring. In magical workings, the energy of the number 3 can be harnessed to amplify intentions related to creativity, fertility, and new beginnings.

🌸Western, Eastern, South American & Indigenous Deities and Spirits of Spring

Spring is ruled by a pantheon of deities and spirits who embody its themes of rebirth, fertility, and renewal globally & culturally.

African American Traditions and Spring

African American spiritual practices, which often blend African ancestral traditions with Christian, Indigenous, and Caribbean influences, hold spring as a time of profound spiritual significance. The season’s themes of rebirth, resilience, and liberation resonate deeply within African American culture, reflecting both the struggles and triumphs of the community. In the tradition of Hoodoo, a African American folk magic system rooted in African spirituality, spring is a powerful time for rituals of renewal, cleansing, and growth. Hoodoo practitioners often perform spring cleaning rituals, both physically and spiritually, to clear away stagnant energy and invite prosperity.

This might involve sweeping the home with herbs like hyssop or basil, or using Florida Water (a traditional cologne with purifying properties) to cleanse the aura. Spring is also a time for planting roots—both literal and metaphorical. In Hoodoo, roots like John the Conqueror and High John the Conqueror are used in spells for strength, courage, and overcoming obstacles. These roots, planted in the fertile soil of spring, symbolize the resilience and determination of the African American spirit.

Spring is also a time for honoring ancestors in African American traditions. Practices such as setting up ancestor altars with fresh flowers, candles, and offerings of food or drink are common. The ancestors are seen as guides and protectors, and their wisdom is sought during this time of renewal. The blooming of flowers and the return of life to the land are reminders of the enduring presence of those who came before us. For many African Americans, gardening is also not just a practical activity but a spiritual one. The act of planting seeds, tending to the soil, and watching life emerge is a powerful metaphor for resilience and growth. This connection to the Earth is deeply rooted in African traditions, where the land is seen as sacred and imbued with spiritual energy. Spring gardening rituals often include prayers or blessings for the seeds, asking for a bountiful harvest and the blessings of the Earth.

African Traditions and Spring

In many African traditions, spring is celebrated as a time of renewal, fertility, and the return of life-giving rains. The Yoruba people of West Africa, for example, sometimes honor Oshun, the goddess of rivers, love, and fertility, who is often associated with the vitality and beauty of spring. Oshun’s energy is invoked during rituals to bring abundance, healing, and joy. Her sacred colors are yellow and gold, and offerings of honey, oranges, and sunflowers are made to her.

In ancient Egyptian cosmology, spring also aligns with the festival of Sham el-Nessim, which marks the beginning of the spring season and is celebrated with feasts, music, and offerings to the gods. The goddess Isis, who embodies the power of resurrection and renewal, is often honored during this time. Her story of resurrecting Osiris mirrors the themes of death and rebirth that are central to spring.

Indigenous Traditions and Spring

For many Indigenous peoples of the Americas, spring is a time of profound spiritual significance, marked by ceremonies that honor the Earth’s awakening. The Hopi people of the southwestern United States celebrate the Bean Planting Ceremony, a ritual that aligns with the spring equinox and involves prayers for fertility, rain, and a bountiful harvest. The Green Corn Ceremony, practiced by many Indigenous nations, is another springtime ritual that celebrates renewal and purification.

In the Andean traditions of South America, spring is associated with Pachamama, the Earth Mother, who is revered as the source of all life. Offerings of flowers, seeds, and coca leaves are made to her during rituals to ensure her blessings of fertility and abundance. The Inti Raymi, or Festival of the Sun, celebrated by the Inca, marks the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere (which aligns with the spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere) and honors the return of the sun’s life-giving energy.

Latin/Hispanic/South American Traditions and Spring

In Latin America, spring is often celebrated with vibrant festivals that blend Indigenous, African, and Catholic traditions. In Mexico, the arrival of spring is marked by the Festival of Xipe Totec, the Aztec god of renewal and agriculture. Xipe Totec, whose name means “Our Lord the Flayed One,” is associated with the shedding of old skin and the emergence of new life. His rituals involve offerings of seeds and flowers, as well as dances and processions.

In Brazil, the Festival of Iemanjá, the Yoruba-derived goddess of the sea and fertility, is celebrated in February, aligning with the energy of spring in the Southern Hemisphere. Offerings of flowers, mirrors, and perfumes are cast into the ocean to honor her and to seek her blessings of abundance and protection.

Asian Traditions and Spring

In many Asian cultures, spring is celebrated as a time of renewal and the blossoming of life. In China, the Spring Festival, or Lunar New Year, marks the beginning of the agricultural year and is a time for family reunions, feasts, and rituals to honor ancestors and deities. The goddess Nuwa, who is credited with creating humanity and repairing the heavens, is sometimes invoked during this time for her creative and restorative powers.

In Japan, the arrival of spring is celebrated with Hanami, the viewing of cherry blossoms, which symbolize the fleeting beauty of life and the impermanence of all things. The Shinto goddess Konohanasakuya-hime, who is associated with flowers and volcanic energy, is honored during this time for her connection to the life force and the cycles of nature.

In India, the festival of Holi marks the arrival of spring and is celebrated with vibrant colors, music, and dance. Holi honors the divine love of Radha and Krishna and the triumph of good over evil, as well as the renewal of social bonds and the joy of life.

Caribbean Traditions and Spring

In the Caribbean, spring is often celebrated with festivals that blend African, Indigenous, and European influences. In Trinidad and Tobago, the Carnival season, which culminates in February or March, is a time of exuberant celebration, music, and dance. While Carnival does have some Christian roots, its origins can be traced all the way back to African and it's vibrant energy and themes of liberation and renewal align with the spirit of spring.

In some Afro-Caribbean traditions such as Santería and Vodou, spring can be a time to honor deities associated with fertility, growth, and the life force. Oshun (Santería) and Erzulie (Vodou) are both spirits of love, beauty, and abundance who are sometimes celebrated during this season. Offerings of flowers, sweets, and honey can be made to them to invoke their blessings.

Western Traditions and Spring

Persephone (Greek): The goddess of spring and queen of the underworld, Persephone’s return from the realm of Hades marks the arrival of spring. Her story symbolizes the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth.

Eostre/Ostara (Germanic): The namesake of Easter, Eostre is a goddess of dawn, fertility, and the rising sun. She is often depicted with hares and eggs, symbols of fertility and new life.

Flora (Roman): The goddess of flowers and blossoming plants, Flora presides over the beauty and abundance of spring.

Green Man (Celtic): A spirit of nature and vegetation, the Green Man represents the regenerative power of the Earth and the life force that surges through all living things.

Freya (Norse): Though often associated with love and war, Freya also embodies the fertility and vitality of spring.

These deities and spirits remind us of the sacredness of the natural world and the interconnectedness of all life. They invite us to honor the cycles of nature and to celebrate the return of light and warmth.

🌸Colors of Spring

The colors of spring are imbued with magical significance, each carrying its own vibrational energy:

Green: The color of growth, renewal, and the Earth itself. Green is associated with the heart chakra, healing, and abundance.

Yellow: The color of the sun, intellect, and joy. Yellow energizes the mind and inspires creativity.

Pink: The color of love, compassion, and new beginnings. Pink opens the heart to self-love and emotional healing.

Pastels: Soft hues of lavender, mint, and peach carry gentle, nurturing energies that support spiritual growth and inner peace.

These colors can be incorporated into rituals, altars, and clothing to align with the energy of spring and to invoke its blessings.

🌸Herbs of Spring

The herbs of spring are potent allies in magical workings, each carrying the essence of the season’s vitality:

Dandelion: A symbol of resilience and transformation, dandelion is used in spells for wishes, divination, and spiritual growth.

Nettle: A herb of protection and purification, nettle clears stagnant energy and strengthens the body and spirit.

Violet: Associated with love, healing, and intuition, violet is a sacred herb of spring that connects us to the fairy realm.

Lemon Balm: A herb of joy and abundance, lemon balm uplifts the spirit and attracts prosperity.

Elder: A tree of regeneration and protection, elder is sacred to the goddess Freya and is used in rituals of healing and transformation.

These herbs can be used in teas, sachets, or incense to harness the energy of spring and to support magical intentions.

🌸Cornelius Agrippa on the Occult Significance of Spring

Cornelius Agrippa, the renowned Renaissance magician and philosopher, offers profound insights into the occult significance of spring. In his seminal work, Three Books of Occult Philosophy, Agrippa describes spring as a time when the celestial influences of the Sun and Jupiter are at their peak, infusing the Earth with life-giving energy. He associates spring with the eastern direction, the element of Air, and the zodiac signs of Aries and Taurus, which govern new beginnings and material abundance.

Agrippa emphasizes the importance of aligning magical practices with the seasons, noting that spring is an auspicious time for rituals of growth, healing, and manifestation. He also highlights the role of the planets in shaping the energy of the season, particularly the influence of Venus, which governs love, beauty, and fertility, and Mars, which brings vitality and courage.

Agrippa’s teachings remind us that spring is not only a time of external renewal but also an opportunity for inner transformation. By attuning ourselves to the rhythms of nature and the celestial forces at play, we can harness the power of spring to manifest our desires and to deepen our connection to the divine.

🌸🌸 Conclusion 🌸🌸

Spring is a season of profound metaphysical significance, a time when the Earth awakens and the veil between worlds grows thin. Its numerological resonance with the number 3 reflects its themes of creativity, balance, and transformation, while its associated deities, spirits, colors, and herbs offer a rich tapestry of magical correspondences.

Drawing upon the wisdom of Cornelius Agrippa, we see that spring is a time to align ourselves with the celestial forces of renewal and to embrace the boundless potential of new beginnings. Additionally, when we are exploring the traditions of African Americans, Africans, Indigenous peoples, Latin America, Asia, the Caribbean and Western Europe, we gain a richer, more intersectional understanding of all of the spring’s magic.

As we walk this path of the arcane, let us always try to honor the sacred energy of spring, planting seeds of intention and nurturing them with love, wisdom, and gratitude.

For in the cycle of the seasons, we find the eternal dance of life, death, and rebirth—a reminder that we, too, are part of the great cosmic web.

Blessed be, dear seekers. May the magic of spring this year always guide you on your journey.

xx

Lyonessa Hart🌸

[dark-corner-cunning]

Embracing the Northern Road: Welcoming the Winter Solstice

Winter Solstice blessings, seekers of the hidden paths. As we step into the season of stillness and shadow, we walk the Northern Road—the sacred direction of Winter, midnight’s embrace, and the black spirits of air. This is the realm of haunted winds, the whisper of spirit, the curling smoke of offerings, our breath upon the icy air, and the resonance of the voice that calls from the depths of the unseen.

The Northern Road is the domain of Old Mother Black Cap, embodying the Crone’s energy—wisdom distilled through experience, transformation born from the dark soil of the soul. The familiar spirit of this path is the black crow, a sentinel of the liminal. The crow, perched between realms, offers us a mystical gateway to the spirit world, where the rational mind falters, and the mysteries unfold. With the crow’s guidance, we are invited to explore the unknown, to see the unseen, and to trust the revelations it offers. The crow’s magic teaches us to dance with life’s mysteries and cultivates a sense of curiosity about the depths within ourselves and the world.

As the Winter Solstice dawns, marking the longest night and the return of the sun’s journey, we are reminded of Winter’s sacred purpose: transformation. This season, cradled in the arms of the Northern Road, is the birthplace of revolution and evolution. Winter is a time of introspection and integration, calling us to confront our shadows and embrace the darkness that holds the seeds of our potential. Through this embrace, we align with the cycles of the earth and prepare to sow the intentions that will sprout with the awakening of Spring.

The Northern Road speaks of balance—the ability to wield both the light and the shadow. Under Old Mother Black Cap’s watchful eye, we learn the power to cure, bless, and charm, as well as to curse, blast, and bind when necessity calls. This path reminds us of the duality within all things and the wisdom required to discern the appropriate actions in alignment with our deeper truths.

Workings under the Northern Road’s influence are potent and transformative. Air & Spirit magick thrives here, as do practices of atavistic communion—connecting with ancient and primal energies within ourselves and the land. Expansion and transformation are key themes, as are the arts of binding, blasting, and wisdom-seeking. The airy nature of this road encourages communication—not only with others but with the unseen forces and whispers of the spirits that guide us.

As you welcome the Winter Solstice, take a moment to stand still beneath the northern winds. Feel the breath of spirit on your skin, hear the crow’s call, and allow the Crone’s wisdom to guide you. Embrace the mysteries of this season, for Winter is not an end but a sacred pause, a time to honor the darkness within and prepare for the light to come. The Northern Road is yours to walk—boldly, wisely, and with the strength to wield all the power it offers. Blessed be. 🌒🖤🪶

“To the spirits of the north, keepers of the air, and the crow's keen eye. Hear our call, awaken, and arise.”

Artwork by my witch sister - Kay Reid

[the-hermit-at-midnight]

The Mystical Significance of the Crow in Witchcraft and Magick

In the vast tapestry of symbols and beings that populate the world of witchcraft and magick, few hold as much intrigue and mystique as the crow. Revered by many cultures throughout history, the crow has come to symbolize wisdom, magic, and transformation in the realm of the occult. Let's explore the significance of this enigmatic bird and its role in witchcraft and magick.

1. **Messenger of the Otherworld:**

In various mythologies and belief systems, crows are often seen as messengers between the earthly realm and the realm of spirits. Their black plumage and keen intelligence evoke an air of mystery, making them natural conduits for communication with the unseen realms. In witchcraft and magick, practitioners may invoke the presence of crows to seek guidance, protection, or insight from the spirit world.

2. **Bearer of Wisdom:**

Crows are highly intelligent birds known for their problem-solving abilities and complex social behaviors. In many cultures, they are revered as symbols of wisdom and knowledge. In witchcraft, the crow is often associated with the archetype of the wise old crone, a figure steeped in ancient wisdom and magickal prowess. Through their association with crows, witches seek to tap into the deep well of knowledge that these birds are said to possess.

3. **Guardian of the Sacred:**

In some traditions, crows are believed to be guardians of sacred spaces and magickal practitioners. They are said to watch over witches and protect them from harm, serving as loyal allies and guides on their spiritual journey. In rituals and spells, practitioners may call upon the energy of the crow to provide a shield of protection or to keep unwanted influences at bay.

4. **Agent of Transformation:**

Crows are creatures of the liminal spaces – the thresholds between light and darkness, life and death, the mundane and the magickal. As scavengers, they feed on the remains of the old, transforming death into new life. In witchcraft, crows are often associated with the process of transformation and renewal. They remind practitioners that change is a natural and necessary part of life, and that through death and decay comes the opportunity for rebirth and growth.

5. **Symbol of Magickal Power:**

Throughout history, crows have been associated with magickal power and the ability to shape-shift or transform. In folklore and mythology, witches are often depicted as being able to take on the form of crows or to summon them to do their bidding. In modern witchcraft, crows are revered as symbols of personal empowerment and mastery over one's own destiny.

The crow holds a special place in the pantheon of symbols used in witchcraft and magick. As a messenger, guardian, and symbol of wisdom and transformation, it serves as a powerful ally for practitioners seeking to deepen their connection to the mysteries of the universe. Whether invoked in rituals, spells, or meditation, the crow embodies the essence of magickal power and spiritual insight, guiding witches on their path to enlightenment and empowerment.

[talonabraxas]

Owl Witch Talon Abraxas

Hecate and Owls: Ancient Symbols of Wisdom and Mystery

In ancient mythology, Hecate, the Greek goddess of magic, crossroads, and the night, holds a mysterious and revered place. Often depicted as a triple goddess, with three faces representing the maiden, mother, and crone, Hecate is associated with the unseen realms, the moon, and the mystical forces of nature. One of the animals closely linked to this enigmatic deity is the owl, a creature that has captivated human imagination for centuries.

Owls have long been regarded as symbols of wisdom, intuition, and the ability to see beyond the veil of darkness. Their nocturnal habits and keen nocturnal vision have earned them a place in various cultures as messengers between the mortal and spirit worlds. In many ancient societies, owls were believed to be companions of goddesses associated with magic and wisdom, including Hecate.

The connection between Hecate and owls is deeply rooted in the symbolism they share. Owls’ nocturnal nature and their ability to navigate through darkness align with Hecate’s role as the goddess of the night and the underworld. The owl’s piercing gaze, often depicted as penetrating and all-knowing, mirrors the goddess’s wisdom and her ability to see through illusions. Additionally, both Hecate and owls are associated with crossroads, places where choices are made and where paths intersect, symbolizing the liminal spaces between worlds.

In ancient Greek literature, Hecate is often accompanied by a retinue of owls, reinforcing the bond between the goddess and these wise birds. Some stories even describe her sending owls as messengers to guide and protect individuals in their journeys through the darkness of life.

The image of Hecate and owls has persisted through history, inspiring art, literature, and spiritual practices. Even today, many modern practitioners of various magical traditions invoke Hecate’s guidance and the wisdom of owls in their rituals and meditations.

As symbols of mystery and enlightenment, Hecate and owls continue to intrigue and inspire, reminding us of the vastness of knowledge hidden within the shadows and the importance of seeking wisdom in the darkest corners of existence. Their timeless connection serves as a reminder that understanding and embracing the unknown can lead us to greater depths of insight and self-awareness. Just as Hecate guides travelers through the crossroads of life, owls illuminate our paths through the mysteries of the world, inviting us to embrace the magic that surrounds us.

[bayoubashsims]

In my headcanon, the TS1 Goth Family ghosts are Jocasta's family since it was said that Bella was descended from a long line of mystics, decadents, and occultists. Since they have no last names, I have decided to give them the Magic Town surname of Strange, assuming that Magic Town residents tend to not have surnames.

In my headcanon, Jocasta (in yellow) travelled with her carnie family. She was a fortune teller, while her brother Uncle was a jack-of-all trades who just wanted a normal life. They traveled from place to place, but settled in Magic Town during their heyday.

The siblings' parents, Grandpa and Grandma, were a magician-assistant team, helped by Grandpa's associate, Vegas, who was the sole guardian of his young niece (who would later be Auntie).

Grandma's Cousin, meanwhile, was an alchemist training to be a sorcerer and spent his time experimenting with magic and alchemy. Also with them is the Crone, whose relation to the family is not known to their descendants, but was said to watch over the family for generations to come.

(in my headcanon headcanon, she is Great Granny Cassandra, Jocasta's grandmother, a character created by @whattheskell)