Gemology

agate - increases energy and relieves fatigue

amethyst - promotes peace and removes negative energy

aventurine - good for luck and money; gets ride of sad emotions

calcite, orange - balances emotions, removes fear

hematite - promotes courage, and strength

jasper, dalmation - encourages family loyalties, unity and strength

obsidian - provides protection and balance, good fortune and prosperity

quartz, clear - good for meditation and diseases

quartz, rose - brings love and confidence

sodalite - good for creativity and deep thinking

tiger eye - good for traveling, brings energy

unakite - promotes self-awareness and self-love

What gem, stone, and metal correspondences would you add or change?

Herbology

anise seeds

magickal: psychic powers, prophetic dreams, protection, luck
medical: digestive problems

basil leaf

magickal: love, wealth, prosperity, business success
medical: none known

calendula

magickal: protection, legal matters
medical: wound mending, stress management

catnip

magickal: cat magick, beauty, love, anger management
medical: sleep, insomnia, depression management

chamomile

magickal: money, prosperity, sleep, prophetic dreams, love, purification, gambling, legal matters, nightmare prevention
medical: stress release, stress management, calming, anger management

cinnamon

magickal: spirituality, lust, love, power, success, psychic ability, protection, prosperity
medical: stomach pain

cloves

magickal: protection, exorcism, love, lust, gossip management, prophetic dreams
medical: to ease nausea & vomit

fennel

magickal: purification, protection, health/healing
medical: colic, flatulence

fenugreek

magickal: luck, health, prosperity
medical: weight loss, iron, heart

hibiscus flowers

magickal: lust, love, divination
medical: none known

jasmine

magickal: love, money, prophetic dreams, heartbreak management, PMS
medical: stress release

juniper berries

magickal: protection, love, health, theft, hunting
medical: cystitis, flatulence

lavender

magickal: love, protection, sleep, peace, anger management, liberation, menopause, PMS, stress management, travel
medical: stress release, insomnia

mistletoe

magickal: protection, fertility, love, lust, liberation
medical: soothes nervousness system

nettle leaf

magickal: exorcism, protection, healing, lust, gossip management, stress management
medical: supports whole body

oat straw

magickal: money, prosperity, stress management
medical: nervous system

peppermint

magickal: purification, sleep, love, health/healing, menopause, psychic ability
medical: eases flatulence

thyme

magickal: health, healing, sleep, love, courage, psychic ability
medical: sore throat, digestive problems

rose

magickal: love, lust, protection, healing, beauty, luck, PMS, prophetic dreams, psychic ability
medical: calming, stress release

sea salt (not technically an herb...)

magickal: protection, cleansing, purifying
medical: skin, dental health, and relief

What herb correspondences would you add or change?

Candle Color Magick

white - purity, protection, can be used for any other color (7th chakra); peace, purity, spirituality, higher self, consecration, divination, clairvoyance

lavender - intuition, dignity, spiritual shield (7th chakra)

purple - spirituality, intuition (6th chakra); spiritual power, psychic ability, ambition, third eye, success, independence

light blue - clear communication (5th chakra)

blue - meditation, tranquility, moon (5th chakra); wisdom, protection, calm, creativity, patience, astral projection, prophetic dreams

pink - emotional love, harmony (4th chakra); romantic love, peace, nurturing

apple green - emotional healing, protection (4th chakra)

green - healing, prosperity (4th chakra); finances, luck, physical healing, abundance, growth, fertility

yellow - clairvoyance, communication (3rd chakra); learning, breaking mental blocks, confidence, persuasion

orange - strength, success, joy (2nd chakra); business goals, career goals, justice, success, ambition, energy

apricot - gentle strength & joy (2nd chakra)

red/cherry - self-love, friendship (2nd chakra); energy, strength, passion, love, career goals, courage

cranberry red - love, passion, courage (1st chakra)

silver - telepathy, clairvoyance, intuition, dreams, astral energy

black - absorb negative energy (1st chakra); protection, repelling, binding, banishing, meditation

What candle color magick correspondences would you add or change?

Days of the Week

Monday

correspondences: psychic work, intuition, dreams, spirit work, female fertility, reconciliation, receptivity, love, purity, healing
planet: The Moon
color(s): silver
crystal(s): pearl, opal, moonstone

Tuesday

correspondences: courage, binding, protection, achievement, power, initiation, protection, passion, confidence
planet: Mars
color(s): red, orange
crystal(s): garnet, ruby

Wednesday

correspondences: communication, divination, luck, safety, health, wisdom, commerce, business
planet: Mercury
color(s): purple
crystal(s): aventurine, agate

Thursday

correspondences: wealth, male fertility, ambition, expansion, luck, happiness, honor, family, harvests
planet: Jupiter
color(s): dark blue, green
crystal(s): turquoise, amethyst, lapis

Friday

correspondences: lust, romance, happiness, travel, friends, beauty, sexuality, harmony, growth
planet: Venus
color(s): pink, aqua, seafoam
crystal(s): coral, emerald, rose quartz

Saturday

correspondences: psychic, astral travel, banishing, spirit work, seances, cleansing, prosperity, protection, transformation, creativity, fortune, hope
planet: Saturn
color(s): black, dark purple
crystal(s): Apache tear, obsidian, hematite

Sunday

correspondences: auditions, prosperity, recognition, finding, peace, friendship, success, achievement, beauty, hope, victory, self expression, creativity
planet: The Sun
color(s): yellow, gold
crystal(s): clear quartz, diamond, amber, carnelian

What days of the week correspondences would you add or change?

Pagan Prayers

Here is a collection of my favorite prayers. These prayers are mostly traditional with authors unknown. However, I just read what I am referring to as the Evening Prayer in Living Wicca by Scott Cunningham.

Comment below if you'd like me to share a black and white printable mini Book of Prayer that includes all but the Evening Prayer.

Morning Prayer (Blessed be my feet)

Blessed be my feet, which walk the sacred path of the Lord and Lady.
Blessed be my knees, which kneel at the sacred altar.
Blessed be my heart, may it beat the drum of compassion.
Blessed be my lips, may they always speak the truth.
Blessed be my eyes, may they see the wisdom of Spirit.
May the love of the Lord and Lady be in and around me
     as I begin my journey through life this day.

So mote it be!

Bath Time Prayer

Blessed be the waters that wash away the soil

From my tired body worn with care and toil

That I may rise from them clean as new

As if bathed in pools of shining dew

So [mote] it be.

Pagan Serenity Prayer 

God & Goddess Grant Me

The Power of Water To Accept with Ease & Grace that which I Cannot Change The Power of Fire For the Energy of Courage To Change the Things I can The Power of Air For the Ability To Know the Difference and The Power of Earth For the Strength To Continue My Path

Buddhist Meal Time Prayer

This food comes from the earth and the sky
It is the gift of the entire universe
And the fruit of much hard work
I vow to live a life that is worthy to receive it

Evening Prayer

Lady of the Moon;

Lord of the Sun;

Protect me and mine

Now day is done.

Bed Time Prayer (As I lay snuggled)

As I lay snuggled in my bed,
Pillow tucked beneath my head,
Maiden, bring me joyful dreams.
Mother, bring me peace, serene.
Wisest Crone, watch over me.
Until the light of dawn, I see.
And let me wake up safe and sound,
Each day that to this Earth, I’m bound.

What are your favorite Pagan and Wiccan prayers?

Recommended Reading

Favorite Authors

Scott Cunningham

Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Wicca in the Kitchen, Earth Power: Techniques of Natural Magic. I am currently reading Living Wicca: A Further Guide for the Solitary Practitioner.

Deborah Blake

Witchcraft on a Shoestring: Practicing the Craft Without Breaking Your Budget, Circle, Coven, & Grove: A Year of Magickal Practice, The Goddess is in the Details: Wisdom for the Everyday Witch, Wickedly Dangerous (Baba Yaga Book 1). I love Deborah Blake's practical approach to spirituality and fun writing style in her fiction.

Starhawk

The Spiral Dance: A Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the Goddess, Earth Magic: Sacred Rituals for Connecting to Nature's Power, The Pagan Book of Living and Dying: Practical Rituals, Prayers, Blessings, and Meditations on Crossing Over. I listened to the first two as audiobooks borrowed from my library and bought the third.

Famous Authors

Raymond Buckland

Wicca for One: The Path Of Solitary Witchcraft, Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft. Since I'm a solitary practitioner, I prefer the former over the latter. I've heard Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft is considered to be a classic; however, I would consider it to be more on the intermediate level than for raw beginners.

Janet & Stewart Farrar

A Witches' Bible (Eight Sabbats for Witches: And Rites for Birth, Marriage and Death and The Witches' Way: Principles, Rituals And Beliefs Of Modern Witchcraft). I found the rituals to be more formal than I'd like and they require a coven, so I gave the book away. Keep in mind that A Witches' Bible includes both Eight Sabbats for Witches AND The Witches' Way.

Margot Adler

Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America. This book comes highly recommended, but it just wasn't a good fit for me. Honestly, I only managed to get halfway through this book before I decided it wasn't for me and returned it to the library. Though Margot Adler offers many different perspectives, the book didn't really resonate with me.

Controversial Authors

Silver RavenWolf

Teen Witch: Wicca for a New Generation, To Ride A Silver Broomstick: New Generation Witchcraft, To Stir A Magick Cauldron: Witch's Guide to Casting and Conjuring, To Light A Sacred Flame: Practical Witchcraft for the Millennium. I read Teen Witch when I was about 12 and the three other books of hers that I've listed throughout my teens. I don't know what all the fuss is about over Silver RavenWolf. Her approach isn't for everyone and, as with anything, I recommend you read books about spirituality with a grain of salt.

What are your favorite spiritual books and authors?

Paganism, Wicca, and Witchcraft

One question I keep seeing as I read Wicca 101 books and online sources is, "What is the difference between Paganism, Wicca, and Witchcraft?" Marietta at Witchy Words does an excellent job of explaining the difference. Allow me to offer a brief explanation with the use of one of her visuals.

Paganism  encompasses many different types of earth-based religions with a reverence for nature. Wicca is a specific type of Paganism based on ancient European traditions and folklore combined with some modern practices. In the 1950s, Gerald Gardner published both fiction and non-fiction books that popularized Wicca. Witchcraft is the non-religious use of magick (k is sometimes added to distinguish between true magick spells and sleight of hand). As you can see, there can be some overlap between Paganism, Wicca, and Witchcraft.

I consider myself a Neo-Pagan Witch. Neo-Paganism is used to differentiate between modern and ancient practices of Paganism, but they're used somewhat interchangeably. Paganism may draw from ancient practices, and there are many different kinds of Paganism, but I suspect a lot of Paganism today is Neo-Paganism. My religious practices include celebrating Wiccan holidays. I prioritize nature-based spirituality and rarely perform magick spells.

Do you consider yourself a Pagan, Wiccan, or Witch?

Sources for Tools and Supplies

One of the mistakes new Wiccans, Pagans, and Witches make is spending a lot of money on witchy tools and occult supplies. When you're just starting out, it may be difficult to know what you really need. I'm with Michaela at the Penniless Pagan, "worshiping nature shouldn't cost you a dime." That being said, if you want stuff to adorn your altar or use in spells and rituals, there are a variety of low and no cost options.

Nature
Gather sticks, stones, leaves, feathers, pine cones, shells... It's free, personal, and meaningful. If you are going to harvest something from a living tree or plant, it's a good idea to be responsible about it. Ask the tree or plant's permission, only take what you need, leave an appropriate offering of water or fertilizer, say thank you.

Farmers Markets
Ideally I'd like to start gardening, but a good source for local, fresh, and seasonal produce and other odds and ends is farmer's markets. Prices are usually pretty reasonable.

Thrift Stores
"Recycle, reduce, reuse" is a very Wiccan and Pagan motto. If you can't find what you need at home, consider thrift stores. Remember to cleanse and consecrate your thrift store finds, just in case they might be carrying any unwanted negative energy from a previous owner.

Local Businesses
My favorite metaphysical shops in Albuquerque include Blue Eagle Metaphysical Emporium (large selection of new and used books about Wicca and Witchcraft among other tools and supplies), Abitha's Apothecary (primarily incense and essential oil blends), and Crystal Dove (wide range of jewelry, crystals, and books; I even got a tarot reading there).

The Internet
I've had good experiences ordering from Grove and Grotto, a variety of Etsy sellers, and when I can't avoid it (such as when I'm looking for a rare and specific used book) Amazon.

Nature, farmers markets, thrift stores, local businesses, and the Internet are good places to search for inexpensive tools and supplies. Look around your house for stuff to use. Be creative and resourceful. You probably need less than you think. Blessed be.

Where do you go for altar tools? Do you make your own?

Sabbats

A sabbat, according to Merriam-Webster's second definition, is any of eight Neo-Pagan religious festivals commemorating phases of the changing seasons. These special days mark the seasonal quarters and cross quarters in the Wheel of the Year. Below is a short description of each with Northern Hemisphere dates in parentheses and alternate names in italics.

Yule (December 21st, plus or minus a day or two)
Winter Solstice, Midwinter
Longest night of the year. A time to look within and plan for the future. Rebirth. Colors include red, green, and white.

Imbolc (February 1st through 2nd)
Candlemas, Brigid's Day
Celebration of the coming of spring. Purification and renewal. The secular equivalent is Groundhog Day. Colors include white, red, and pink.

Ostara (March 21st, plus or minus a day or two)
Spring Equinox, Vernal Equinox
Equal day and night. A time to celebrate balance. Fertility of people, animals, and the land. Colors include pastel pink, pastel blue, and pastel green.

Beltane (April 30th through May 1st)
May Eve/May Day
Celebration of fertility, sexuality, and life. An auspicious day for handfastings and weddings. Colors include bright red, blue, and yellow.

Litha  (June 21st, plus or minus a day or two)
Summer Solstice, Midsummer
Longest day of the year. A celebration of the sun. Colors include gold, white, and blue.

Lughnasadh (July 31st through August 1st)
August Eve, Lammas
Loaf mass. First of three harvest festivals. Wheat and grains. A celebration of the Celtic god Lugh. Colors include yellow, orange, and brown.

Mabon (September 21st, plus or minus a day or two)
Fall Equinox, Autumnal Equinox
Equal day and night. Second of three harvest festivals. Grapes and wine. Thanksgiving. Colors include orange, brown, and gold.

Samhain (October 31st through November 1st)
Halloween, November Eve
Third of three harvest festivals. End of summer and start of winter. The veil between the living and the dead wanes thin. Witches' New Year. Colors include black, orange, and blood red.

My sabbat rituals are still evolving, but I like my celebrations to included guided imagery from Magical Meditations by Yasmine Galenorn. Magical Meditations is an excellent book that I borrowed from a library and enjoyed so much that I decided to purchase. One of my favorite things about this book is that Galenorn includes suggested plants, incenses, oils, crystals, and candles in the Guidelines for Use sections to go with each meditation.

How do you celebrate the sabbats?

Esbats

An esbat is a modern witch ritual carried out during a full (or new) moon. Since the full moon was yesterday and I work full-time during the week, I've been celebrating esbats on the closest Saturdays. Tomorrow I plan to celebrate the full moon by reflecting on my last of 10 monthly health goals that I set for myself back in January.

Throughout my reintroduction to Wicca over the past two years, I've been experimenting with what to do to honor and celebrate the lunar cycle. At first I searched online for simple rituals and asked other people what they did for their full moon esbats. I decided to light a white candle and meditate on feminine divine energy. Sometimes I'd gaze at or visualize the full moon while chanting "Maiden, Mother, Crone" with the use of mala beads.

Second, I pieced together my own ritual from the words of Deborah Blake, a Llewellyn publication, Raymond Buckland, and Scott Cunningham. If you want to know more about my old full moon and new moon rituals, you can comment below to request more details. It includes:

• Purify Yourself
• Purify Your Space
• Cast the Circle
• Call the Quarters
• Full (or New) Moon Rite
• The Simple Feast
• Dismiss the Quarters
• Open the Circle

Third, in an attempt to simplify things, I bought the CD Circle In A Box by Lisa Stewart. The music is lovely and I occasionally still use it. It includes:

• Consecration
• Calling the Quarters
• Casting the Circle
• Invoking The Goddess
• Invoking The God (which I sometimes skip and save for sabbats)
• Chalice & Blade
• Magickal Meditation
• Cakes & Ale
• Releasing The God
• Releasing The Goddess
• Releasing The Quarters
• Merry Meet, Merry Part, & Merry Meet Again

Fourth, for a while I would follow the Sage Goddess full moon rituals on YouTube. I did enjoy Athena's rituals. However, since Sage Goddess is a metaphysical shop, I grew tired of the mentions of crystals and sacred tools. I'm discovering that my own personal practice is to be less dependent on tools and more mindful of my budget when considering purchasing spiritual things. I'll write more on this frugal philosophy later.

Fifth, I've been spending more time reflecting on my progress towards monthly goals and writing in my intuitive journal. I've also been doing this in conjunction with the use of tarot cards. In addition, if I plan ahead and have enough time, I still like to use Circle In A Box.

Starting next new moon, leading up to Samhain (the witch's new year), I plan to set a monthly intention to work through Cunningham's 13 Goals of a Witch:

1. Know yourself.
2. Know your Craft (Wicca).
3. Learn.
4. Apply knowledge with wisdom.
5. Achieve balance.
6. Keep your words in good order.
7. Keep your thoughts in good order.
8. Celebrate life.
9. Attune with the cycles of the Earth.
10. Breathe and eat correctly.
11. Exercise the body.
12. Meditate.
13. Honor the Goddess and God.

I'll do a tarot reading on new moons and reflect on my progress on full moons.

How do you celebrate esbats?

Albuquerque Pagan Pride Day

A Chronicle of the Events of Sunday, September 24, 2017

I was running late that morning, going to the city from a small town, but I made it to Unitarian Universalist services just in time. They called my name and I walked to the front to receive a rose and participate in the new member ceremony. Saw a familiar face when I stopped by the social hall for refreshments then headed to a grocery store on my way to the festival.

Like last year, my spouse and I donated a can of corn and a can of black beans as admission to Albuquerque Pagan Pride Day. There seemed to be more booths this year and the bicycle valet station was cute, but we were disappointed that there weren't more food trucks. We had falafel sandwiches last year but decided to go somewhere else for lunch this year.

Started off with lavender lemonade, then walked around to check out other vendors. I resisted the temptation to buy clothes, jewelry, books, or various pagan supplies (such as the small cauldron that I bought last year and rarely use); however, I did add my name to a pagan publishing mailing list and picked up a few pamphlets. Was glad to see Coyote Willow CUUPS next to Rio Rancho Moonspirit CUUPS.

Before long, the druids began the main ritual. I participated--walking in a circle while chanting, listening to their ceremonial words, singing--while my spouse sat under a tree. Some kids approached him and he saw a bull dog with brown fur on its legs that looked like pants. Refilled my cup with lavender iced tea then browsed the booths some more.

Sampled some flavored popcorn. Received a free neck rub from a nice gray-haired lady from Sweetwater Herbs. She used a relaxing aromatherapy balm that was a blend of ylang ylang and lavender. Can you guess what my favorite flower is? Afterwards we went to “a place of peace and happiness,” An Hy Quan, for lunch. It was a wonderful day.

First Post

Dear Reader,

Welcome to my new blog. Though I was raised Christian, I decided not to get confirmed. Instead, I secretly performed a Wiccan self-dedication ceremony when I was still a teenager. Over the years, I have let my attention to spiritual needs lapse while I focused on my educational and professional goals, only returning to spirituality in times of need.

A few years ago I started experiencing some health issues. Spirituality saw me through multiple surgeries and in the spring of last year I decided to spend a year and a day in more consistent study. A year and a day later, on my thirtieth birthday, I performed another dedication ceremony.

For the past two years I have attended Albuquerque Pagan Pride Day, but I'm still mostly in the broom closet. I'm an eclectic solitary practitioner who is working on celebrating full moon and new moon esbats more consistently. I've gotten into the habit of meditating for a few minutes at the same time each evening with special guided meditations on each of the eight sabbats.

Blessed be,
Serena
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