#esbat

[iridescent-witch-life]

2024 Lunar Calendar by Duchess_of_Lore

[secretcatholicwitch]

Christopagan Spell List Masterpost: 11/17/23

💫Casting circle ritual:

Call and Releasing the Elements/Quarters

Call and Releasing God and Mary

🌒🌕🌘Esbats ritual:

🐺Wolf Moon

❄️Snow Moon

🐛🐦‍⬛Worm/Crow Moon

🌷Pink/Seed moon

Blessing places:

🖼️House Blessing sigil

🏡House Blessing

Alter Blessing (Coming Soon)

Blessing objects:

📒Spell Book Blessing

🪄Wand/Staff Blessing

🌌Tarot Card Blessing

⚖️Pendulum Blessing

💧Celestial Water

🪴Harvesting Plants And Enchantment

✝️Protective Enchantment: from evil 

Spells:

👨🏻‍💻Lord, I need a job

💤St. Dymphna sachet for sleep (NEW)

[ridge-and-holler]

Selene of Appalachia

She is the Moon over the Mountains, the pale lantern in the dark, the quiet watcher of the hills. Her chariot is the mist, her steeds are the clouds, her veil is the night itself. She is the silence of snowfall, the hush of a world bathed in silver, the glow of the creek when it catches the moon’s reflection.

She is the guardian of dreamers, the keeper of secrets, the light in the dark that does not burn but soothes. She is the moon that sees but does not judge, that watches the lonely traveler, the lost soul, the wakeful child at the cabin window.

She is Selene of the Full Moon—and the mountain people know her well.

In the hush between owl calls, in the way the trees seem frozen in silver light—that is her presence. She rides upon the waters of every creek and stream, her face reflected in every ripple. When the moon is full, the rivers whisper her name.

To walk beneath the full moon is to walk in Her light, to cleanse the mind, to find clarity. In old times, some said that the road is safest when the moon shines bright, for no shadow can hide in her gaze.

She does not speak in thunder or fire; she speaks in stillness. She does not blaze like the sun; she glows. She does not demand; she watches. She is the soft light in the darkest hours, the steady pull of time, the quiet witness to the sorrows and joys of the land.

And when her silver light touches the mountains, we remember that we are never truly alone.

[tyetknot]

MOON WORSHIP

[covenoftheopenmind]

[prissypixie]

Esbat of the stranded by Subsurface🐚

[eclecticwitch666]

Imbolc Baking

Due to coming down with a horrendous flu last week, I was unable to do my Imbolc ritual & baking. So, today, I am finally feeling better and baked! I found an amazing recipe for an incredible loaf of bread; it has a garlic salt and rosemary topping and it is absolutely to die for. I devoted the baking process to Hecate and enchanted the dough with my intention. I am not a very good kitchen witch, but I really enjoyed the process!

Please check out the recipe from @stygiantarot!

[xylinthia]

Once I was fantasizing about the moon, and how I wish she'd reach down and give me a hug. I don't mention it too often, but I'm wiccan. And when doing a circle on a full moon, I really just talk to the moon during the 'working'. I'll pour my heart out to her, and this is the mental image I have.

[pnwitch-of-west17]

[lailoken]

Hey there!

I was wondering, what exactly is a Housel and can it translate over to a Deipnon (as in for Hekate) or Esbat working? Do forgive me for asking and best to you always!

Hello!

Historically speaking, the word "Housel" is technically an archaic synonym for "eucharist." However, it has taken on linguistic connotations with the idea of a "Witch's Eucharist" amongst certain occultists. I will only really attempt to speak about what it means within the context of my own tradition, though.

In the Wending Way, a Housel is an act of spiritual communion that takes the form of a ritual feast offered to one or more numinous entities. Any given Housel is composed of three feasting elements, which symbolically represent a sacrificial slaying. They include the Housel Flesh (a baked good—generally a loaf of bread—representing the sacrificed flesh), the Housel Blood (a propitiatory libation—generally Wine—representing the spilled blood of the sacrifice), and the Housel Spirit (pure honey, which represents the freed soul of the sacrifice.)  During special occasions, a "Housel Pit" is dug outdoors and utilized as a Mouth of Offering, wherein feasting propitiations are interred after the practitioner has partaken of those offerings themselves. A Housel is generally undertaken when trying to beseech an entity or entities.

During the Cardinal Sabbaths that we observe throughout the year, specialized Housels are performed as part of larger seasonal worship, which bind one to the land, the ancestors, and the spirits. These involve traditional and oneiric rites, and probably have the most in common with the Esbats you mention.

During the Full of the Moon and the Dark of the Moon, specialized Housels are also undertaken, which serve as ritual renewal of Oathbound compacts between the seeker and their Initiators. In particular, the Witch-Father is propitiated during the Full Moon, and the Witch-Mother is propitiated during the Dark Moon. During Lunar Eclipses, a third Deity who makes up a Trinity with these two is wroshipped—sometimes called the Angel, the Dragon, or the Androgyne. These specialized forms of Lunar Housel are called Dapum (Dapis singular), and they have the most in common with the Deipnon you reference. In fact, they share etymological roots, and the Dark Moon Dapis I observe shares a lot of things with the Deipnon.

[annrosecuriosities]

"Full Moon, shining bright, midnight on the water Oh, Aradia, Diana's silver daughter." -Kenny Klein

Shop | Instagram | YouTube

[iridescent-witch-life]

🎨 falconhealingarts

[alexsgrimoire]

Beltane & May New Moon Ritual Script - 2024

Here's the script I put together for my coven's combined Beltane and New Moon ritual that I'm leading this weekend! There were some scheduling issues with the UU Church we meet at and this date was the only one that really worked, so we decided to combine both into one since they're both close to the date and have similar correspondences! If you're using the script, please tag me in it!

DO NOT INTERACT: TE/RFS, TE/HMS, SW/ERFS, TRAN/SMEDS, TRUS/CUM, TRANSPHOBIC, HOMOPHOBIC, EXCLUSIONISTS, CONSERVATIVE, NAZI, TRADWIVES, ANTI-BLM, ANTI-ASIAN, XENOPHOBIC, ABLEIST, ANTI-POP CULTURE PAGANISM

Meditation

Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Feel the air come in through your nose and out through your mouth. Take a moment to center yourself.

It’s a warm spring afternoon. The sky is cloudless as the Sun shines above, illuminating the prairie you stand in. The earth feels warm and tender underneath your bare feet. Wiggle your toes in the grass and feel the wildflowers in various colors tickle your toes and ankles. The fresh breeze smells of roses and honeysuckle, and birds chirp in nearby shrubs.

You spot a circle of people partaking in a dance before you. Colorful dresses and tunics flow in the wind, and flower crowns of daisies and daffodils sit on their heads. They cheer and sing, their voices floating on the wind. As you approach, those nearest you smile kindly and open their arms to allow you to join in. You enter and hold their hands, quickly feeling joy and warmth. You turn with them, the energy transferring from hand to hand.

Your hands release at the height of the energy, and you each dance independently. You use all the power you gathered to dance. Shaking your arms and legs, headbanging, spinning around, whatever brings you the most joy. You dance and dance until you’re worn out, then lie down in the grass and stare at the sky.

You regain your breath, breathing in and out deeply. As the Sun begins to set, the sky has turned from bright blue to shades of pink, purple, and orange. The Sun God starts to depart, taking the youthful energy of the day with Him. The Moon Goddess now enters, bringing the serenity of the night sky and stars. The people you danced with under the Sun lie on the ground with you, softly humming a hymn to welcome Her presence.

The Moon in Her New phase doesn’t shine as brightly as She does during her Full phase. Instead, she offers just a slice of light, letting the constellations and other celestial bodies take their time in the spotlight. Despite Her hidden figure, you can still feel Her energy, a soft feeling of abundance, protection, and love.

As you lie in the grass, think about what you wish to achieve in the coming weeks. What will be the best way to reach them, and what reward will lie in the end? The Moon will grant your wish as long as you put in the effort to achieve it. Don’t forget that you have the power to succeed, and She offers her assistance.

You gently close your eyes as you lie in the grass after setting your intentions. It is time for rest and recovery after a long day with the God and Goddess. You are safe from all danger, protected by those Above and Below. You drift off into a reverie, awaiting what the next day brings.

As we end this meditation, center yourself and take another deep breath. Feel your feet ground you as you return to this plane. Once you are ready, slowly open your eyes.

Chant & Calling the Quarters

We’ll sing “We Are a Circle” now. Feel free to stand, but don’t feel pressured to.

ALL: We are a circle within a circle, with no beginning and never-ending. (x3)

Form a circle deosil around the group with a wand (x1) to the pace of the chant.

Now, to call the quarters.

East/Air Quarter Caller: Guardians of the East, we call upon you to watch over the rights of our Kindred. Powers of knowledge and wisdom, guided by Air, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. Hail and welcome!

Light the yellow candle.

ALL: Hail and welcome.

South/Fire Quarter Caller: Guardians of the South, we call upon you to watch over the rights of our Kindred. Powers of energy and will, guided by Fire, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. Hail and welcome!

Light the red candle.

ALL: Hail and welcome.

West/Water Quarter Caller: Guardians of the West, we call upon you to watch over the rights of our Kindred. Powers of passion and emotion, guided by Water, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. Hail and welcome!

Light the blue candle.

ALL: Hail and welcome.

North/Earth Quarter Caller: Guardians of the North, we call upon you to watch over the rights of our Kindred. Powers of endurance and strength, guided by Earth, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. Hail and welcome!

Light the green candle.

ALL: Hail and welcome.

Center/Spirit Quarter Caller: Guardians of Above and Below, we call upon you to watch over the rights of our Kindred. Powers of grounding and balance, guided by Spirit, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. Hail and welcome!

Light the white candle.

ALL: Hail and welcome.

The Story of Beltane & the May New Moon

Beltane, also known as May Day, Walpurgis Night, and Floralia, marks the halfway point between the Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice. The name and festival Beltane are Gaelic in origin, which comes from the words “Bel,” meaning “bright,” and “Tene,” meaning fire, along with the God Belenus, who represents Fire. Beltane is considered the oldest holiday in Gaelic tradition, dating back to at least the 10th century. 

In modern Pagan practices, Beltane represents the Sacred Union between the Mother Goddess and Horned God, conceiving the Harvest Child. The phallic maypole and yonic wreath of flowers and ribbons represent their Rite. As such, Beltane has become a time for fertility and sexuality, and it’s also associated with creativity and love. Bonfires represent fertility, protection, and the longer days of summer, and crops, beauty, and creativity continue to grow.

Beltane is also associated with fairies of Gaelic lore, specifically the aos sí. The veil is thinnest at this time, much like at Samhain, allowing them to pass through. The aos sí were appeased with offerings of food and drink to prevent their troublesome natures and in hopes that they would grant wishes.

Along with Beltane, we also celebrate the New Moon of May tonight. The New Moon is a time for setting intentions, manifestations, and new beginnings. It’s the beginning of the lunar cycle, where the moon is absent from the sky, and the stars shine brighter. The Moon’s energy is at one of Her highest, and it’s the perfect time for spellwork.

The May New Moon is in Taurus, representing creativity, sensuality, and abundance. These values align perfectly with Beltane, creating the perfect storm for intentions in these realms. It’s time to focus on achieving long-lasting results, especially those concerning money. However, the Earth element of Taurus reminds us to stay grounded and practical.

With Beltane and the Taurus New Moon coinciding near each other, the energy is high, promoting growth both in nature and within you. Take this time to focus on the pleasures in life and the abundance around you.

Cone of Power

Now, for the Cone of Power. Stand if you’re able, with hands linked. Left hand under, right hand over. As we chant, visualize the energy swirling around us and channeling into the sky.

ALL: Goddess and God

Moon and Sun

We link hands

And become One

Repeat louder & faster until the energy is built, then call release.

The Maypole Dance

((AUTHOR'S NOTE: I specifically wrote this section to accompany the song "Bard Dance" from the Baldur's Gate 3 soundtrack and this dance pattern. You do not have to use this same source material, and I encourage you to give the ritual your own spin! I'm simply copying/pasting exactly how my script is written.))

As I mentioned earlier, dancing around the Maypole is a Beltane tradition that dates back to before the Middle Ages in Europe, and we’ll be bringing that tradition to life today! Everyone grab a ribbon from the Maypole, and I’ll get my metronome set up.

Set the metronome app for 112 BPM and wait until everyone has a ribbon.

We’re going to split into two groups, 1 and 2.

Count out groups 1 and 2 (every other person) and start the metronome.

This is the tempo we’ll be using for the dance, in counts of four: four beats per measure and four measures for each dance phase. I’ll count it out like this as we dance.

Count "1 2 3 4 / 2 2 3 4 / 3 2 3 4 / 4 2 3 4" along to the tempo.

For the dancing, group 1 will walk to the pole for two measures and then walk back out for two measures.

Give an example with measure counting.

Group 2 will now do the same.

Give an example with measure counting.

Then, we turn clockwise for four measures and counterclockwise for four. And then the dance repeats! Do we want to try it without music and then start with the music?

(IF TRYING WITHOUT MUSIC FIRST: Walk the group through one cycle of the dance, then play Bard Dance on Spotify for the full run time. Count out the measures during the dance.)

(IF STARTING WITH MUSIC: Set Bard Dance on Spotify and play/dance for the full run time. Count out the measures during the dance.)

Simple Feast

Take a moment to ground yourself after dancing, and take the time to think about how you engaged with your fellow dancers. Now is also a perfect time for refreshments, our cakes and ale! We have unleaded, ________________ provided by ________________, and leaded, ________________  provided by ________________. We also have ________________ for cakes, provided by ________________.

Pass around wafers, cups, and drinks.

May you never hunger.

ALL: May you never hunger.

May you never thirst.

ALL: May you never thirst.

Intentions & Bonfire

As this is the New Moon, we’ll set intentions, but this time on ribbons for a Beltane twist! If anyone would like a copy, I have a guide to ribbon colors and their meanings. Cut yourself a ribbon that connects to your intention for the coming weeks. ((AUTHOR'S NOTE: Ribbon color guide can be found here!))

Allow time for people to get/cut ribbons and grab pens.

Feel the ribbon in your hands. Think of what the color means to you and your goals for this lunar cycle phase. Imagine the ribbon tightly wound around a physical representation of your intention, a present of joy and success ready to be opened. When you're ready, write your intention on the ribbon and hold onto it for now.

Light the bonfire.

Bonfires are another Beltane tradition used as a method of protection and purification. Historically, Gaelic people walked livestock between two bonfires and sprinkled ashes over crops. The Fire element is also associated with new beginnings and transformation, which makes it the perfect method to activate intentions! As you toss your ribbon into the fire, visualize its Sacred power bringing your intention to life!

Let everyone toss ribbons into the bonfire.

Dismissing the Quarters & Farewell

Now, to wrap up and thank the quarters.

North/Earth Quarter Caller: Guardians of the North, powers of endurance and strength, guided by Earth, we thank you for watching over the rights of our Kindred. May you be forever blessed. Hail and farewell!

Extinguish the green candle.

ALL: Hail and farewell.

West/Water Quarter Caller: Guardians of the West, powers of passion and emotion, guided by Water, we thank you for watching over the rights of our Kindred. May you be forever blessed. Hail and farewell!

Extinguish the blue candle.

ALL: Hail and farewell.

South/Fire Quarter Caller: Guardians of the South, powers of energy and will, guided by Fire, we thank you for watching over the rights of our Kindred. May you be forever blessed. Hail and farewell!

Extinguish the red candle.

ALL: Hail and farewell.

East/Air Quarter Caller: Guardians of the East, powers of knowledge and wisdom, guided by Air, we thank you for watching over the rights of our Kindred. May you be forever blessed. Hail and farewell!

Extinguish the yellow candle.

ALL: Hail and farewell.

Center/Spirit Quarter Caller: Guardians of Above and Below, powers of grounding and balance, guided by Spirit, we thank you for watching over the rights of our Kindred. May you be forever blessed. Hail and farewell!

Extinguish the white candle.

ALL: Hail and farewell.

The Circle is open, yet the Circle remains as its magical power is drawn back into us. 

ALL: Merry meet, and Merry part and Merry meet again! So mote it be.

Bibliography

Amanda. Beltane. Pinterest, https://www.pinterest.com/pin/10696117858758902/. Accessed 4 May 2024.

Amanda. “New Moon Rituals for 2024: Anticipate New Spiritual Beginnings.” Thepeculiarbrunette.Com, 21 Mar. 2024, www.thepeculiarbrunette.com/new-moon/.

Arina. Ribbon Colors to Make Wishes at Beltane. 30 Apr. 2021. Tumblr, https://swm-grimoire.tumblr.com/post/649920725689466880/beltane-blessings-to-you-all-and-happy-midspring. Accessed 4 May 2024.

“Bard Dance.” Spotify, Larian Studios, https://open.spotify.com/track/4RyPvJk0n6DLCptEoe6PE7?si=164e9e8f768d41cf. Accessed 4 May 2024.

Beltane Correspondences. Pinterest, https://www.pinterest.com/pin/31666003614457079/. Accessed 4 May 2024.

Beltane. 26 Apr. 2024. Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/p/C6PA1mtrXD8/. Accessed 4 May 2024.

Beltane. Pinterest, https://www.pinterest.com/pin/AVkyPjJ1KAjMZ2BVc5oVO1WzroMTbntG-SAaAezJAzJLiPyQxGAUb-E/. Accessed 4 May 2024.

“Beltane.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., www.britannica.com/topic/Beltane. Accessed 4 May 2024.

“Beltane.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 4 May 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beltane.

“Best Crystals for New Moon.” Village Rock Shop, www.villagerockshop.com/blog/crystals-for-new-moon/. Accessed 4 May 2024.

Cass. “May 2024 Witch Guide.” Tumblr, 29 Apr. 2024, greenwitchcrafts.tumblr.com/post/749095783179206656/may-flower-moon.

Cunningfolk, Alexis J. “Grounded Strength : The New Moon in Taurus - Worts + Cunning Apothecary: Intersectional Herbalism + Magickal Arts.” Worts + Cunning Apothecary | Intersectional Herbalism + Magickal Arts, Worts + Cunning Apothecary | Intersectional Herbalism + Magickal Arts, 24 May 2017, www.wortsandcunning.com/blog/grounded-strength-the-new-moon-in-taurus.

“A Detailed History of Beltane.” Beltane Fire Society, 25 Mar. 2015, beltane.org/a-detailed-history-of-beltane/.

Gladheart, Friday. The Practical Witch’s Almanac 2024. Microcosm Publishing, 2023.

Grant, Ember. The Second Book of Crystal Spells: More Magical Uses for Stones, Crystals, Minerals ... and Even Salt. Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd, 2016.

Hadas, Julia Halina. The Modern Witchcraft Book of Moon Magick: Your Complete Guide to Enhancing Your Magick with the Power of the Moon. Adams Media, 2024.

Howell, Aden. “Bard Dance – Borislav Slavov Baldur’s Gate 3 - Bard Dance, Flute Duet.” Musescore.Com, 18 Jan. 2024, musescore.com/user/37316127/scores/13632847.

Jordan, Krystle. “Beltane Celebration: Fires, Faeries, & Love.” The Wholesome Witch, 10 Apr. 2021, www.thewholesomewitch.com/beltane-correspondence-guide/.

Kiernan, Anjou. The Ultimate Guide to the Witch’s Wheel of the Year: Rituals, Spells & Practices for Magical Sabbats, Holidays & Celebrations. Fair Winds, 2021.

Lowery, Heather. “Maypole Dance 1-Dance Steps-All the Way to Galway (Level 1).” YouTube, YouTube, 24 Apr. 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=K54KrDlbwSU.

Luna, Bri. “New Moon in Taurus.” The Hoodwitch, The Hoodwitch, 24 May 2015, www.thehoodwitch.com/blog/2015/5/16/newmoon-in-taurus.

Mitchell, Krista. “Taurus New Moon Crystals.” Krista Mitchell, Krista Mitchell, 25 Oct. 2023, www.krista-mitchell.com/blog/taurusnewmooncrystals2018.

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Russell, Davy. “The New Moon in Taurus.” DavyandTracy, 3 May 2024, davyandtracy.com/spirituality/new-moon-in-taurus/.

Shadow, Forest. Beltane Correspondences. 1 May 2023. Book of Shadows by Cybercat Designs, https://cybercatdesigns.com/blog/beltane-correspondences/. Accessed 4 May 2024.

Valkyrie. Beltane Correspondences. Pinterest, https://www.pinterest.com/pin/951385490022713178/. Accessed 4 May 2024.

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[ridge-and-holler]

Concerning Noumenia in the Mountains

The Noumenia comes not with fanfare, but with quiet.

It is the stillness after the dark moon, when the sky is bare and waiting, and then—just barely—a silver edge begins to grow again, like a fingernail of light scratching across the sky.

The old folks say the first sliver of moon is when you sweep your porch, light a candle, and start again. It is a time for resetting the clock, a time to wipe the slate clean.

Devotions on the New Moon

The first light of the moon belongs to the gods. It’s said they draw near on this night, not with shouts and thundering, but quiet and attention, to see who remembers.

Hestia is honored first—the hearth is swept, the fire relit, a fresh pot put on to warm. She is the one who keeps the home standing, who makes a cabin more than just four walls and a roof.

Hecate Apalákhia is given her due at the liminal hour—the moment when night turns toward dawn, or when the stars grow dim. We leave her offerings at the edge of the yard, by the tree line, at the fork in the trail—where roads cross and things are known without speaking.

Selene rises soft and pale, riding her slow path over the ridges. She is the new light in the dark, the fresh breath after a long silence.

Noumenia Customs in the Hills

A plate is left out overnight—a piece of cornbread, a little milk, a little honey—for the gods who walk unseen, and for the ghosts who have yet to rest.

The dogs are fed well, because they see what we don’t.

Bread is baked, sometimes with the month’s first flour or the final remainders of last seasons’s sourdough starter.

The mason jars are washed, and the clean ones are set by the window.

The ashes are cleared from the hearth, and new kindling is laid for the month ahead.

The front porch is swept west to east, and the dust is flung out the door to make room for blessings.

Letters or names of kin are whispered into the wind, a way of asking the gods to look kindly on them this moon.

A candle is placed in the window facing east, so the moon sees you waiting when she rises.

No harsh words are spoken, and nothing is borrowed—start clean, start quiet, start true.

————

Noumenia in the mountains is the first line of a new story, the breath drawn before a song, the hush before the fiddle plays.

It’s a holy quiet, a clean table, a swept floor, a new light in the sky.

It’s how we begin again.

And the gods, if you listen, begin again with us.

[theancientirishcraft]

[covenoftheopenmind]

Full Moon Glistening