#catawba falls

[mlucerophotography]

Catawba Falls Trail

Near Old Fort, North Carolina. June 2024. Photos by M. Lucero.

[sayjoisme84]

Morning at the Lakeshore humane society in dunkirk ny. Grey dog is Louise, she’s bonded to Thelma, who I couldn’t get a good picture of.they’re up for adoption together. The brown and white dog is Sasha, she has an adoption pending.

[victusinveritas]

Photos and words taken from various Facebook posts:

Appalachia was never prepared for this.

I’m sharing in hopes to raise more awareness and also to encourage any type of support that can be provided to Appalachians.

Entire towns have essentially just been washed away. So many people have lost everything they had, some even losing loved ones.

Below are some organizations I have been seeing locals share to help with the recovery efforts:

-RISE Erwin https://gofund.me/bad8e5ab

-American Red Cross https://www.redcross.org/donate/dr/hurricane-helene.html

-Unicoi County Animal Shelter https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=QRXK7CAJK2GCE

-Report Missing Persons 1-800-824-3463

-United Way of East TN Highlands https://unitedwayetnh.org/help/

There is a lot more to the NC Mountains than Asheville.

Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, Vilas, Sugar Grove, Elk Park, West Jefferson, Black Mountain, Swannanoa, Sylva, Cullowhee, Brevard, Bryson City, Hendersonville, Cherokee, Waynesville, Burnsville, Candler, Canton, Spruce Pine, Chimney Rock, Lake Lure, Linville, Marshall, Maggie Valley, Newland, Grandfather, Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain, Old Fort, Morganton, Marion are just a few of the cities and towns that have been flooded and/or destroyed. The counties of Yancey, Mitchell, Avery, Ashe, Watauga, Transylvania, Burke, Caldwell, Alleghany, Madison, Buncombe, McDowell, Rutherford, Polk, Henderson, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Clay, Cherokee, and Swain are devastated and in need of the same help, some even more.

Other counties that fall under various definitions of Western North Carolina include: Alexander County, Catawba County, Cleveland County, Surry County and Yadkin County. When these counties are added, they form a total regional area of roughly 11,750 square miles (30,400 km2). This makes the region roughly the size of Massachusetts. Western North Carolina holds 11% of the state's population.

There are millions of people up there with no electricity, no communication, no water, and no way to get out or let rescue teams even know where they are. I am not taking anything away from Asheville and the utter destruction there or any other areas in NC that have damage. The level of destruction is unimaginable. But it's not one or two cities or towns that are in need of help.

This does not include the destroyed areas in the Tennessee mountains, Western Virginia, Georgia, or South Carolina.

[breelandwalker]

Sturgeon Supermoon - August 19 2024

Buckle up, witches - we've got supermoons on the horizon and August begins the wild ride!

Sturgeon Supermoon - August 19, 2024

The Sturgeon Moon is the name given to the first full moon in August. The name comes from the plentiful numbers of sturgeon which appear around this time of year.

Sturgeons are living prehistoric relics, examples of which appear in the fossil record as far back as 200 million years ago. Today, they are endangered due to overfishing, pollution, and habitat loss, but giant sturgeons growing up to 12ft (3.65m) long were once a common sight in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain in North America.

Other North American Indigenous names for this moon include Flying Up Moon (Cree), Corn Moon (Algonquin and Ojibwe), Harvest Moon (Dakota), Dry Moon (Catawba), Mountain Shadows Moon (Tlingit), and Black Cherries Moon (Assiniboine). European names for this moon include Haymaking Moon (Norse), Lightning Moon (English), and Grain Moon (Anglo-Saxon).

It's also interesting to note that in China, the seventh full moon of the lunar year is called the Hungry Ghost Moon, during which spirits of departed ancestors visit their relatives and homes, and trickster spirits may cause mayhem among the living if not properly appeased. Food offerings and incense are put out for ancestor spirits, families visit gravesites to offer prayers and site maintenance, and festival dances and floating lanterns celebrate the honored dead.

What Does It Mean For Witches?

The August full moon is the first of FOUR CONSECUTIVE SUPERMOONS for the 2024 calendar year. So if you've got a lunar magic inclination and the patience for a long-term working, this a great time to start making things happen!

Peak illumination will occur at 2:26pm EST so tonight's moon will be big and bright and full of potential.

August's full moon is technically both a supermoon AND a seasonal blue moon. A blue moon is the second full moon occurring in a calendar month. A seasonal blue moon is the third full moon in a season when four full moons occur. September's full moon falls before the autumn equinox this year.

Both blue moons and supermoons are particularly advantageous times for spellwork, especially that which involves the fulfillment of goals, desires, and wishes, or the culmination of long-term plans. It's also a great time to start new projects and set new goals for the fall and winter.

Supermoons carry your magical workings forward with a little dash of extra strength and vigor, and may provide extra clarity during divination or reflection. It's also the perfect time for spells related to wishmaking and abundance, drawing in the appearance of something long-awaited or extra bit of luck or prosperity you've been needing. And with three more supermoons coming our way in September, October, and November, this is a particularly advantageous time to begin a long-term working that will culminate toward the end of the year.

What Witchy Things Can We Do?

In August, we harvest one set of crops and sow another, reaping the rewards of our previous efforts and planting the seeds of future success. Look back on the magical workings you've done so far this year - how are they working out? Have any of your spells produced especially notable results? Go back and add to your notes, making sure to record anything that worked particularly well. (And also anything that DIDN'T work well. Remember that failure is a learning experience too.)

Evaluate your progress and reflect on what you want to carry forward and what you might need to put on hold or just let go for the time being. If you're partial to divination, a reading may help to provide some additional clarity on your current status, as well as some perspective on the possibilities for the near future.

Celebrate the harvest of grain and corn with your favorite recipes or a summer picnic. But don't just limit yourself to corn and wheat! Late summer fruits are also ripe and make a tasty addition to any table.

Set your intentions and your goals for the latter part of the year and start preparing for the autumn and winter. It may seem silly to prepare for the cold when the weather is still blazing hot, but it will be here before you know it. Take time for one more summer beach trip or camping excursion before the hustle and bustle of the fall sets in.

The observation of blue moons and supermoons as magical occasions are a modern addition to witchcraft, but the lack of antiquity doesn't mean there's any shortage of metaphysical potential!

Prepare for a bountiful fall season with lots of opportunities to make things happen. Set yourself up for success by making your wants and needs clear in your spellwork. Attend to practical matters to remove whatever obstacles you can and clear the way for your hard work and magical endeavors to pay off.

Set out a big jug of potable water each month to catch the light of the supermoons between now and November - it will be great for cleansing, protection, wish-making, and drinkable potion bases later! If you've got wildcrafted or garden-grown herbs with a lunar alignment, or which correspond to prosperity, success, and strength, harvest a few this evening and keep them specially labeled for future workings. And remember to put out your moon jars!

All in all, this month's full moon is supercharged with lunar energy and primed for magical workings, so make your spells count!

Happy Sturgeon Moon, witches! 🌕🐟

Further Reading:

Additional Lunar Calendar posts by Bree NicGarran

2024 Witches' Calendar post by Bree NicGarran

Supermoon in August 2024: The First of the Year!, The Old Farmer's Almanac.

Hooked on the Magic of August’s Full Sturgeon Moon, The Peculiar Brunette.

Hungry Ghost Festival, China Travel, June 20 2023.

Sturgeon, Wikipedia Article.

Everyday Moon Magic: Spells & Rituals for Abundant Living, Dorothy Morrison, Llewellyn Publications, 2004.

Image Credit: "Leaping Gulf Sturgeon," by Dawn Witherington

(If you're enjoying my content, please feel free to drop a little something in the tip jar, subscribe to my monthly show Hex Positive, or check out my published works on Amazon and in the Willow Wings Witch Shop. 😊)

[kimberly40]

Western North Carolina generally consists of 29 counties, that when combined form a total regional area of roughly 13,000 square miles and is roughly the size of the state of Massachusetts.

There are 82 mountain peaks between 5,000 and 6,000 feet in elevation in western North Carolina and 43 peaks rise to over 6,000 feet.

Among the subranges of the Appalachian Mountains located in western North Carolina are the Great Smoky Mountains, Blue Ridge Mountains, South Mountains, Brushy Mountains, Great Balsam Mountains, Great Craggy Mountains, the Plott Balsams, and the Black Mountains.

Mount Mitchell, in the Black Mountains, is, at 6,684 feet, the highest point in eastern North America.

The major rivers in the region include the French Broad River, Nolichucky River, Watauga River, Little Tennessee River, and Hiwassee River flowing into the Tennessee River valley; the New River flowing into the Ohio River valley; and the headwaters and upper valleys of the Catawba River, Yadkin River, Broad River, and Saluda River flowing through the foothills towards the Atlantic.

The Eastern Continental Divide runs through the region, dividing Tennessee-bound streams from those flowing through the Carolinas.

The counties commonly included in the region are as follows:

Alleghany County

Ashe County

Avery County

Buncombe County

Burke County

Caldwell County

Cherokee County

Clay County

Graham County

Haywood County

Henderson County

Jackson County

Macon County

Madison County

McDowell County

Mitchell County

Polk County

Rutherford County

Swain County

Transylvania County

Watauga County

Wilkes County

Yancey County

-Other counties that fall under various definitions of Western North Carolina include: Alexander County, Catawba County, Cleveland County, Surry County and Yadkin County.

*Pictured is the Linville Gorge in Burke County, North Carolina by Wildwood Blessings Photography

[lowcountry-gothic]

Wildflowers and berries at Catawba Falls Trail, near Old Fort, North Carolina. Pisgah National Forest.

[lilbit-of-kizzy]

Hey so I found this really awesome website for Western NC!!

Fall is the busy season for the mountains, it's when most of the tourists destinations make their money for the entire year. And there's quite a lot of confusion as to what's actually open due to Helene, so a lot of these places are going to suffer again.

Please if you were thinking of going to the mountains this year give this map a look! If you weren't planning on it (and are able to) maybe consider it! These places could really use your business rn!!

It's a good idea to go ahead and call even the green locations just in case! (Definitely check the ncdot website before traveling west of Catawba Co) Especially if there's a particular destination you had in mind! I know places like Tweetsie and Linville Caverns (actually I'm not 100% on the caverns) have decided to stay closed for the foreseeable future, so their workers can focus on repairs, not on making it to work.

And I know the Blue Ridge Parkway is still closed, but the two Mast stores in Valle Crucis are back open! So while it's still best to check there's plenty of places who could sure use a visit!

I wanna thank everyone on this website for caring about us! For sharing good info and donating where you can, it's meant the world to our little slice of the world!

[weirdyearbook]

"A heart breaks and a star falls. That's not true, you know. When your heart breaks, there are no stars."  From Catawba College's 1971 yearbook.

Here's my gallery of unusual imagery from vintage college yearbooks.

Wondering about this post?  Wait for the dissertation (TBA). For now:  Weblog ◆ Books ◆ Videos ◆ Music ◆ Etsy

[numberjuantravels]

Catawba Falls is one of North Carolina's most beautiful waterfalls and a must-see for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This stunning waterfall, located in the Pisgah National Forest, is a popular hiking destination with a well-marked trail that leads visitors through lush forests, over streams, and past rocky outcroppings. The trail is moderately difficult but accessible to hikers of all skill levels, making it ideal for families and groups.

The sound of rushing water grows louder as you hike along the trail, and before you know it, the majestic Catawba Falls appears. The waterfall cascades down a series of large boulders and rocks, creating a spectacular natural spectacle that will leave you speechless. The surrounding landscape is equally beautiful, with towering trees, vibrant wildflowers, and an abundance of wildlife.

If you're going to Catawba Falls, wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water and snacks. The trail can be slippery in some places, so proceed with caution. When you arrive at the waterfall, take some time to enjoy the natural beauty and take some photos to remember your trip by. Overall, visiting Catawba Falls is a truly unforgettable experience that should be on the bucket list of every nature lover.

[stubobnumbers]

Saturday, September 7th - Part Three.

Saturday, September 7th - Part Three. (Rest of the G5, FCS, D2, and D3).

G5 vs FCS: Idaho at Wyoming - 2:30 PM TruTV. First meeting.

Northern Colorado at Colorado State. Colorado State leads the series, 20-0-1.

UT Chattanooga at Georgia State - 6 PM ESPN+. UT Chattanooga leads the series, 1-0.

Eastern Kentucky at Western Kentucky - 6 PM ESPN+. Western Kentucky leads the series, 49-34-3.

Gardner Webb at James Madison - 5 PM ESPN+. First meeting.

Merrimack at Connecticut. First meeting.

Missouri State at Ball State - 1 PM ESPN+. First meeting.

Sacramento State at Fresno State. Fresno State leads the series, 2-0.

Southern Utah at UTEP - 8 PM ESPN+. First meeting.

Saint Francis (PA.) at Kent State - 1:30 PM ESPN+. First meeting.

Stephen F. Austin at North Texas - 6:30 PM ESPN+. North Texas leads the series, 22-4-3.

Texas Southern at Rice - 6 PM ESPN+. Rice leads the series, 2-0.

Utah Tech at UNLV. First meeting.

William & Mary at Coastal Carolina - 6 PM ESPN+. First meeting.

Southeastern Louisiana at Southern Mississippi - 6 PM ESPN+. Southern Miss leads the series, 19-3.

FCS Games: Montana at North Dakota - 6 PM ESPN+. Incarnate Word at South Dakota State - 6 PM ESPN+. Tennessee State at North Dakota State - 2:30 PM ESPN+. Northern Iowa at St. Thomas (MN.). Maine at Montana State - 7 PM ESPN+. Portland State at Weber State (Big Sky) - 7 PM ESPN+. Villanova at Colgate - 5 PM ESPN+. Drake at Eastern Washington - 6 PM ESPN+. Southern Illinois at Austin Peay - 6 PM ESPN+. Valparaiso at Youngstown State - 1 PM ESPN+. Wofford at Richmond - 2:30 PM Flo Video. Texas A&M Commerce at UC Davis - 9 PM ESPN+. Illinois State at North Alabama - 6 PM ESPN+. Indiana State at Eastern Illinois - 6 PM ESPN+. New Hampshire at Holy Cross - 1 PM ESPN+. Campbell at Western Carolina - 12 PM ESPN+. Charleston Southern at Furman - 6 PM ESPN+. UT Martin at Southeast Missouri State - 6 PM ESPN+. Tarleton State at Houston Christian - 6 PM ESPN+. Mercer at Bethune Cookman - 2 PM Youtube Video. Lafayette at Monmouth (NJ.) - Flo Video. Morgan State at Towson - 5 PM Flo Video. Fordham at Central Connecticut State. Wagner at Lehigh - 11 AM ESPN+. Bucknell at VMI - 12:30 PM ESPN+. Butler at Murray State - 6 PM ESPN+. Central Arkansas at Lindenwood - ESPN+. Elon at North Carolina Central - 5 PM ESPN+. Georgetown at Marist - 11 AM ESPN+. Mississippi Valley State at Lamar - 6 PM ESPN+. Prairie View A&M at Northwestern State - 6 PM ESPN+. South Carolina State at The Citadel - 11 AM ESPN+. Stonehill at Stony Brook - 2:30 PM Flo Video. West Georgia at Abilene Christian - 7 PM ESPN+.

FCS vs Non-FCS: Edinboro at Robert Morris 5:00 pm ATTPI / NEC Front Row Video Savannah State at Southern 6:00 pm GrioTV Arkansas Baptist at UAPB 7:00 pm TBA Catawba at Davidson 6:00 pm $espn+ Video Central Washington at San Diego 3:00 pm $espn+ Video Franklin Pierce at Bryant 3:00 pm $Flo Video Kentucky Christian at Morehead State 5:00 pm $espn+ Video Kentucky State at Alabama A&M 5:00 pm Youtube Video Lane at Jackson State 6:00 pm Youtube Video Miles at Alabama State 5:00 pm $espn+ Video Presbyterian at Erskine 6:00 pm $Flo Video Tuskegee at Grambling 6:00 pm HBCU Go UVA Wise at ETSU 4:30 pm $espn+ Video Virginia State at Norfolk State 1:00 pm $espn+ Video Virginia Union at Hampton 5:00 pm $Flo Video Warner at Stetson 5:00 pm $espn+ Video Western Oregon at Idaho State 5:00 pm $espn+ Video Winston Salem at North Carolina A&T 6:00 pm $Flo Video

D2 ranked game: Bemidji State (20th) at Minnesota State (8th).

Three D3 ranked games: John Carroll (19th) at UW-Whitewater (3rd). UW-River Falls (17th) at Alma (7th). John Hopkins (8th) at Ithaca (20th).

[allencherer-blog]

Top Hiking Trails Near Charlotte

Top Hiking Trails Near Charlotte https://ift.tt/hCBmitF Charlotte, North Carolina, is a bustling city known for its vibrant culture and southern charm. But just beyond the city limits, you’ll find some of the best hiking trails that offer a refreshing escape into nature. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner looking for a weekend adventure, the trails around Charlotte have something for everyone. Here are some of the top hiking spots you won’t want to miss. Crowders Mountain State Park Just 30 miles west of Charlotte, Crowders Mountain State Park is a favorite among locals. The park features two main peaks: Crowders Mountain and The Pinnacle. The Pinnacle Trail, a challenging 4-mile round trip, takes you to the highest point in Gaston County, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding Piedmont. If you prefer something less strenuous, the Crowders Trail is a 2.5-mile hike that still rewards you with great vistas. Don’t forget your camera – the views are worth it! U.S. National Whitewater Center A short drive from downtown Charlotte, the U.S. National Whitewater Center isn’t just for whitewater rafting. It also boasts over 40 miles of trails perfect for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking. The trails vary in difficulty, making it an excellent spot for both beginners and more experienced hikers. After your hike, relax by the river, or grab a bite to eat at one of the on-site restaurants. It’s a perfect spot for an all-day adventure. Latta Nature Preserve Located about 15 miles north of Charlotte, Latta Nature Preserve offers a variety of trails that wind through forests, along the shoreline of Mountain Island Lake, and past historic sites. The preserve is home to the Carolina Raptor Center, where you can learn about birds of prey and see them up close. The Hill Trail and Catawba Trail are popular choices, offering moderate hikes with lovely lake views. Latta Nature Preserve is also great for birdwatching, so bring your binoculars! Anne Springs Close Greenway Just over the border in South Carolina, Anne Springs Close Greenway spans 2,100 acres and features over 36 miles of trails. The Greenway is a fantastic spot for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The Blue Star Trail is a highlight, taking you through hardwood forests and across scenic creeks. The Dairy Barn entrance is a good starting point, offering easy access to multiple trails and the historic Dairy Barn itself, which is often used for events and weddings. Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve Located within the city, Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve offers a quick escape into nature. The park has 10 miles of trails that loop around the 727-acre preserve. The Dragonfly Pond Trail and Robinson Rockhouse Trail are popular options, the latter leading you to the ruins of a 19th-century farmhouse. The Nature Center is great for families, featuring interactive exhibits and educational programs about local wildlife and ecosystems. South Mountains State Park For those willing to drive a bit farther, South Mountains State Park is about an hour and a half from Charlotte and offers some of the best hiking in the region. The park features over 40 miles of trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous hikes. The High Shoals Falls Loop Trail is a must-do, taking you to a stunning 80-foot waterfall. The Chestnut Knob Trail offers panoramic views and is perfect for those looking for a more challenging hike. Final Thoughts Whether you’re seeking a strenuous workout, a leisurely stroll, or a family-friendly outing, the hiking trails near Charlotte offer something for everyone. So lace up your hiking boots, grab some water, and hit the trails. You won’t be disappointed by the natural beauty waiting just outside the city. The post Top Hiking Trails Near Charlotte first appeared on Dr. Allen Cherer |Hiking & Cycling . via Dr. Allen Cherer |Hiking & Cycling https://ift.tt/p5zKlBR July 01, 2024 at 02:04AM

[randomrepeat-blog]

Lower Catawba Falls

Located east of Asheville, North Carolina, this photograph features the lower aspect of 100-foot tall Lower Catawba Falls. The park is currently …Lower Catawba Falls

[williamwhiting-artist]

This painting is of ‘Blowing Rock Mountain’ in western North Carolina. I painted it a couple of decades back. I forget the exact size, but it’s in oil over acrylic, and was commissioned for a private collection.

The legend of Blowing Rock Mountain is similar to the classic love story of Romeo and Juliette — but with very much Its own twist on the plot. It’s the story of a pair of lovers from warring tribes, one from the Cherokee Nation and the other from the Catawba Nation.

As one story has It, a tribal Chief sends his daughter to live on top of the mountan to remove her from the unwanted attentions of a suitor he found objectionable. But while In hiding, the maiden sees a young man hunting on the land the mountain overlooks. She shoots a warning arrow In his direction — but rather than detering him, he climbs the mountain to see who shot the arrow.

The pair fall In love at first sight, but when the lover learns that his beloved Is the daughter of the Chief of a rival tribe, he throws himself off the mountain in despair. Her grief Is so complete that her her ancient ancestors who’d gone before, magnifiy her tears and sighs causing her lover to be lifted back to the mountaintop unscathed. Her tears and cries cause the mountain to wear away at the summit leaving the natural stone tower and a testament to their love.

#blueridgemountains #blowingrock #art #northcarolina #landscapepainting

[minimilize]

Catawba Falls waterfall in Pisgah National Forest near Asheville NC

Get ready to be mesmerized by the beauty of Catawba Falls, a hidden gem in Pisgah National Forest near Asheville, NC.

[breelandwalker]

Frost Moon - November 26-27, 2023

Grab your scarves and mittens, witches - it's time for the Frost Moon!

Frost Moon

The Frost Moon is the name given to the full moon which occurs in the month of November. In temperate zones in the Northern Hemisphere, November is the month during which the first frost or first hard freeze of the season is usually observed.

Like most full moon names, this is an English translation of a traditional name used by one or more North American indigenous groups, in this case the Cree and the Assiniboine. Similarly, the Anishinaabe and the Ojibwe also called this month the Freezing Moon or Freezing Over Moon respectively, as indigenous naming conventions usually refer to the entire lunar month and not just the full moon itself. Other indigenous names include Deer Rutting Moon (Dakota and Lakota), Whitefish Moon (Algonquin), Leaf Fall Moon (Catawba), and Digging (or Scratching) Moon (Tlingit). The latter refers to the habit of deer and other creatures scratching up the ground to find hidden food caches, as well as bears digging their dens for winter hibernation.

Another common name for this month's full moon is the Beaver Moon, due to the increased sightings of these busy little creatures shoring up their dams and food stores before the first hard freeze of winter. (Unfortunately, it's also a reference to the peak days of the North American fur trade, signaling the optimal hunting time for beaver pelts.)

In some modern pagan traditions, particularly those claiming Celtic lineage, the November moon is also called the Mourning Moon. This occurs when the November moon is the final full moon before the winter solstice. In 2023, the November is indeed a Mourning Moon, as the December full moon falls on the 26th, a good few days after the solstice. (I was not able to find an original source for this claim, but given the celebration of the beloved dead in October, a subsequent period of mourning and remembrance makes sense. It may also be a reference to the Catholic All Souls Day, but that's just speculation.)

This particular Frost Moon will be at peak fullness in the early hours of November 27th (4:16am EST), so the moon may appear to be full on both Sunday the 26th and Monday the 27th, depending on where you live.

What Does It Mean For Witches?

This is the month when migrations are finishing up, animals are finishing their cold weather preparations, the temperature starts to plummet, and fall descends rapidly into winter. If you haven't finished your preparations for winter, mundane or magical, this is probably your last chance to do it. (Don't forget to prioritize and delegate!)

With the days getting shorter and the nights getting colder, the temptation to hunker down and hibernate is STRONG. But we have to remember that just like the eponymous Beaver, humans have to stay active during the cold months. Start stockpiling ways to keep yourself busy and motivated, since that Seasonal Slump is on the horizon for many of us.

Consider also the beaver's dam. You've spent the whole year working towards all kinds of goals. Is there still something blocking your way? What might it be and how can you best address and remove the obstacle? Or, alternatively, is it time to stop and rest and see if that roadblock will clear itself with a little time and patience?

In keeping with the Mourning Moon moniker, this could be a good time for reflection and remembrance. Think back on what you've built this year and take time to be proud of yourself. Remember what is dear to you, take a moment to miss someone who is gone, and consider rekindling bonds that may have lapsed or grown tenuous during the hustle and bustle of daily life. It's always a good time to tell someone you love them.

On a practical note, if you have pets that regularly stay outdoors overnight, start bringing them inside or make sure they have a shelter that is properly warm, clean, and secure against human or animal intruders. If it's too chilly for you to be out without a coat, it's too chilly for the critters, fur or no fur. PLEASE do not leave your furry friends out in the cold!

What Witchy Things Can We Do?

As we prepare for winter, this is an excellent time to shore up those magical protections. Check on your longterm spells to see if they need refreshing, or just go ahead and do a quick cleanse-and-reclaim as a proactive measure. Even if everything is solid, practice your technique by shoring up points of egress or adding a new layer to the existing wards or trying a new visualization or method for personal protections. Create a new charm or talisman to carry you through the winter or make something festive and decorative that could be given as a gift.

On the subject of cleansing, this is a good time to clear out any stale or disruptive energy that might be lingering from the recent change of seasons. Solstices can be times of transformation, but change is rarely a calm or peaceful process and it brings its' own set of challenges and upheavals. If things have gotten a little more chaotic than you'd like, take a moment to put your house in order, metaphysically speaking.

If you're partial to jar spells, consider putting one together to help maintain safety and abundance through the winter months. If you're going to be traveling for the upcoming holidays, a bit of luck and protection for the journey wouldn't go amiss either.

Try a frost divination. If your area is starting to see overnight frosts, take a moment in the morning to examine the patterns that the frost leaves on the windows of your home or vehicle. Do you see any patterns or images in the ice crystals? Check the weather forecast and whisper a question into the wind when the overnight temps will drop below freezing. Then in the morning, see if there's an answer waiting for you!

Happy Frost Moon, witches! 🌕❄

Further Reading:

Additional Lunar Calendar posts

Full Moon November 2023: The Beaver Moon's Spectacular Spiritual Meaning, The Peculiar Brunette.

Beaver Moon: Full Moon in November 2023, The Old Farmer's Almanac.

Beaver Full Moon in November - Buckle and Hocken, TimeAndDate.com.

Everyday Moon Magic: Spells & Rituals for Abundant Living, Dorothy Morrison, Llewellyn Publications, 2004.

Image Credit - iStockPhoto.

(If you’re enjoying my content, please feel free to drop a little something in the tip jar or check out my published works on Amazon or in the Willow Wings Witch Shop. 😊)

[kimberly40]

The old power house on the trail to Catawba Falls in Old Fort in McDowell County, North Carolina. This was built in the 1920’s.

•July 2024