Cleansing Water.

I had an absolute wonderful solitary day in nature this week.
Both time planting herbs in my garden, and outside in the great outdoors.

There's a spot, that not many people frequent, and on this sunny day I had it all to myself. Fields supplied by woodland, with a little stream, and green hills.

^^ Nothing but the sounds of nature for companionship.
I left my shoes in the car, and walked barefoot through nature.

Heading to the stream, I paddled for a time.
Washing my face and the back of my neck in the icy flowing water.
I sat with my feet dangling in, watching a buzzard idly circle the tree tops.

 

And before leaving, my inner hedgewitch came to the surface, as my nostrils picked up the pleasant aroma of wild garlic.
I picked a handful, washing it in the stream, and mashed it in with my potato for tea.

Beltane Rite

Blessed Beltane.

As promised here is a breakdown of how I celebrated the holiday.
I had work all of May Day, so all of my ritual was performed on Beltane Eve.

Firstly I collected my supplies;

And I began to set my ritual space.
Due to not owning our own house yet, I could not have a full Beltane Bonfire! (One day...One day...)
So, I gathered a collection of candles in a circle, to represent the fires of Beltane.
Fire is a huge part of this rite, as is the Sun God.
The fires of Beltane are said to hold healing, magical properties. For thousands of years, people have jumped the bonfire flames, to rid themselves of illness, to receive mental clarity, or simply to make a wish.

Light all but one candles, and set your incense going.
Cast your circle.

Meditate a little, and ground yourself here.
A common tradition for those not living in towns with pagan traditions is to make their own mini maypole.
The maypole represents the union of the Lord and Lady of the Greenwood, and dancers take ribbons and dance around the pole intertwining them around the pole.

To make my own, I set out this morning with the sun beaming down on me, to the nearby woodland, and collected an appropriate size stick.
Then coming home I collected my ribbons.
Now in this sacred space I've made, I set about wrapping these ribbons around my chosen stick. My mind truly focused on the task, the braiding of the ribbons a therapeutic rhythm.

With this completed, I can set my maypole aside.
Now rise.
And dance in my circle. If you decide to do this ritual; Don't feel silly, or embarrassed, just dance freely. Put on music if you have to, or if you're outside, sense the rhythm of the earth.
Dance for as long as you feel comfortable, and smile while you do so.

Sitting back at my candles, I began to chant.

" I dance delight
On Beltanes Night.
All senses freeing,
I dance for being.
Sun, embrace the earth, Bright
I ask you with this Rite."

I light my one remaining candle in the name of the Sun God, and drink from a chalice of Wine in the name of the Goddess.

And to close my rite, I jumped my candle DIY bonfire, and made a wish!

 *************

Something like this could easily be tailored to your own Beltane celebration.

Enjoy.
Much Love,
Jade

xx

Witch?

I recently listened to a podcast featuring 'Old - Hag', in which she spoke about how so many people claim to be a witch or follow a religion, but don't put anything into it. They are not for lack of a better term 'practicing'.

And this made me think; is this me?

Do I label myself but not follow through?

Do I perform enough magic, to classify as a witch?

The answer is that every time I light a candle, every time I draw down the moon, every time I put my intentions out into the world, every time I wear a crystal for guidance. every time I read tarot, every time I meditate, every time I let the bath water run down the plug hole before leaving the tub, every time I bake with love, every time I use herbs for healing - all of these things are magic.

In my heart I feel so strongly connected to divination and candle magic. I am drawn to mirror magic, and adore reading tea leaves.

It's not a lie, it's not a fad, this is my life - and in every thing I do, you can find my inner witch.

It's inside all of us.

How can it not be, women especially with our connection to the moon and the tide.

We are made of power.

We are the goddess.

I agree with Old-Hag, there are many people of little faith out there from all religions who claim to be something, they simply are not.

But what does your heart say?

You can't expect good things to come from your religion, if you are not practicing.

How does mother earth know you're calling, if you don't take the time to get outside?

G.Hobyah

I've been performing a lot of candle magic recently, thanks to the abundance of candles that have come into my life.
Life is back on track.
Things feel like they're moving in the right direction...finally.

I did a pull for this blog, using my fae oracle deck, beautifully illustrated by Brian Froud.

G. Hobyah

-Imaginary Fears

-Unreal Hazards

-Realistic Caution.

"The Hobyah thrives on fear, getting stronger and stronger until we face him. He is a sham - a tiny fear blown out of all proportion - and the smallest positive thought will banish him."

Love And Light

https://www.facebook.com/loveandlightshopchepstow

This beautiful little spiritual shop in Chepstow, stocks the most beautiful handmade, reiki infused candles. In all shapes, all sizes, all smells, and all colours.
I have had nothing but wonderful service from them.
The lady who owns the shop and is behind the creation of all these gorgeous candles is Simone Jones.
She's been awfully accomadating for me, taking all beeswax from her candles, to make them vegan friendly for me, and recently I was honoured enough, to be asked by the shop, to photograph a new range of glass candles that were now being made. 

Below are my results.
It's been along time since I did any sort of buisness/product shots, but I think I captured the magic of these creations here. 

The Page of Swords

A one card pull...

The Page of Swords,

Or in the Wildwood deck, the Page of Arrows.

PAGES are messenger cards.

SWORDS have the element of air.

SWORDS deal with the mind and intellect.

This card represents an abundance of energy, passion and enthusiasm.
You cannot wait to get started on new projects, and share them with the world.
This card is giving you the 'Go!Go!Go!'

The problem is sticking to your plans, and keeping the wheels turning.
Now is the time to take action, and move forwards.
The card shows curiosity, and the feeling of restlessness. 

Is anyone else feeling this card as hard as I am??

Now if you'll excuse me, you'll find me in the garden!

Jade 
xx

Faerie Arc

Whilst trying to connect with my Faerie Oracle, lovingly created by Brian Froud; I discovered a new spread, that can easily (and probably is) be translated to a traditional tarot deck.

It's a very simple question driven, 5 card spread.

Here is the set-up;

Card 1 ~ Which is the card at the bottom of the image.

                Represents you currently in terms of your question.

Card 2 ~ The next card up, placed horizontally.

                Is the obstacle in the way.

Card 3 ~ The card to the left.

               Something you can do to get to your desired ending.

Card 4 ~ The card to the right.

                Something else you can do to aid the situation.

Card 5 ~ The top, central card.

               Your goal. End result.

Using this spread I actually began to feel a connection to this deck for the first time. Doing larger pulls, always helps me see patterns and meanings, more so than a one card pull.

This is my first result whilst using the spread.

With Frouds Faerie Oracle deck, and most oracle cards in general; the reading is as much about your own interpretation, as it is about what the book states. I'm learning to combine the two, to get a properly accurate reading for myself and others.
Take the card below; The Oak Men.

It's a beautiful card, and instantly through the title, I think of trees. Old, wise, and seemingly ever lasting. In the three faces, I can see the Mother, Maiden and Crone - knowledge learn't from our elders, passed on through generations, which helps us grow wise and strong. Trees are stoic and unmoving...and if we think of JRR Tolkien's Ents, they are slow in their thinking, but deep. Looking for deeper meaning and thought behind actions. No rash behaviour.
 This is my interpretation, and when you look up the meaning in the book that Froud intended to create, you'll often find some/a lot of similarities to what you've come up with yourself.

                                            ___________________________________

I plan to make a blog on the books in my TBR pile currently. And also to share a fun idea I discovered that involves using your crystals.

Love and Light,
Jade
xoxox

My Spring Altar

Wow.
Over 2 months since my last blog update...
That's a long, unintentional break.

I'm hoping to start back up here, to reconnect spiritually to my cards and other magical working. And maybe one or two people will find something that helps them on their path here.

So I'll start with my altar re-design for spring.
Which is all about endings and new beginnings.

It's an altar focused on building and growing dreams. Featuring 3 (the magical number) photos of people who are currently inspiring me, and living dreams I want to live myself.
Everytime I do focused work at my altar, these guys are staring back at me, encouraging me.

This little pewter witch under my roe deer skull, was one of my first magical purposes. I got her when I was around 11, and with her little cone hat, she really grounds me.

The shells I collected from various beach trips over the years - they represent water, travel, and creativity.

                                                         ______________________________

So...
I've got a new spread to share with you all here soon. I've been trying hard to connect with my Brian Froud Faerie Oracle Deck, and yesterday I got a truly motivational, true reading with it for the first time.

If you would like to see my daily posts, and more of my witchy goings on, feel free to follow me over on my instagram;

http://instagram.com/razorlustjade/

Tarot Thursday

Todays one card pull for you guys!!

The Tower

For those of you in 'The Parlour', this card has been coming up a lot for us recently.

So, The Tower is viewed as more of a shadow card in the deck.

The card represents sudden change. A shaking of your foundations. Sometimes things need to crumble down, so you can rebuild stronger and better. It can symbolize the shattering of illusions, and a complete breakthrough.
~ Like the death card in the tarot deck, The Tower is not telling you your life is going to be destroyed, it reminds us that we sometimes need to lose things, to see a bit clearer, and to bring in the new.

I hope you enjoy my tarot thursdays, pop back next week for the last one before christmas!
I plan to pop back soon, to share a new spread with you lovely lot.

Much Love,
Jade 
xoxo

Yuletide

Yule.
My second favourite holiday!
The winter solstice, and the days of Yule represent the shortest day of the year. It is a festival of bright lights and fire, in the middle of the darkest season.
Most people whatever their religion, now accept that the 25th of December is not Jesus's birthday - and even more people view it as a commercial way of money making by companies, which may be true, but it does not diminish the ancient rites of a pagan festival...which as far as we can tell is where 'Christmas' descends from.

So Yule, to most witches, falls on the 21st of December. The word Yule, and the general festivities, relate back to Germanic paganism, with the first recorded use of the name Yuletide being found in 1475. In it's earliest form the term yule, or yuletide, was significant to a 12 day festival in the month of December, or sometimes just a referral term for the month itself.

As with most of Witch tradition, the true origins and rites are rather jumbled - but the general belief is that the days of Yule, are a celebratory festival during the Winter festival, rejoicing in the rebirth of the SUN, and/or the Great Horned God.

In simple terms, you are thanking the gods/goddess that you have survived a long hard winter, and are joyful that the sun is being reborn. The longest night is behind you, and their is hope.

So as a witch, you might ask why I have so many christmas related things in my household. A decorated tree? mistletoe? holly and ivy?
Why do I cook so many rich, cinnamon treats, and yule logs endlessly all month?

You might be surprised to learn some of their origins, and how they date back to our wonderful pagan and druid ancestors.

A Tree

That possibly tacky thing in the corner of the living room, covered in twinkling lights, and brightly coloured baubles, actually has some deep seated roots!
The evergreen tree was sacred to the Celts, because it did not die! Its boughs became a symbol of the eternal divine. Your gods and nature have not abandoned you, when all the greenery around you cannot penetrate the hard earth. Bringing full trees into your house is a more recent tradition, but it held the same basic priniciple. This tree would live the winter, and so would you, and when the sun returned to the earth, you would replant the tree back to nature. 


Mistletoe

Druids revered the oak tree, and the mistletoe that grew from it. During the winter when all other signs of nature had vanished, the green twigs of mistletoe and their white berries, were seen as a sign of eternal fertility.
They travelled far, and climbed high for this mistletoe to clear couples of infertility.
Often hung over their doorways, over the years we have developed the tradition of kissing beneath it.
So...don't kiss too passionately, now you know the supposed effects ;)

Yule Log

Originally not a scrummy, chocolate cake at all!
Can you believe?!
The Yule log was just that, a log. Harvested with your own hands, and placed in the fireplace. The log would be decorated, for the season, and then put in the fire as the main kindling, at winters end. The fire here, representing the newborn sun.
Nowadays, what with fireplaces being hard to come by. Many witches, use their yule log as a base for three candles. The candles still represent the coming sun, it's a lot safer. and you can reuse the same log year and year again.

Nativity Scene?!

Yes.
I know.
The nativity is about the birth of christ? Yes. It is.
However, originally called the 'crib', the first such scene was made in 1224, to remind people of the religious side to christmas.
But for thousands of years, us magical folk, have been carving things into wood, making sculptures from clay, wheat poppets, even voodoo dolls. Their techinical name is 'santons', and making a santon of those you love is very powerful magic. Creating physical, visual images of your family and friends, and keeping them together, in a set-up similar to that of the nativity, forms strong bonds between you, and keeps you connected even over great distances. 

Holly And Ivy

A sprig of holly near the door is said to invite nature sprites. It is a deterant for evil beings, and a welcome to positive entities.
It is also a symbol of remembrance for the historic battle of the Holly and the Ivy. 

That Family Meal

This ones simple.
Harvest was over, times were hard. Getting everyone together for festive meals, around the fire, kept everyones spirits up - it shut out the dark, and laughter and good cheer, held away the negativity.
                                                         ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So there you have it.
Christmas is a bit more witchy than you thought isn't it?


I will be back on Thursday for more tarot for you guys,
But I am already wishing you the happiest of  Yules with your nearest and dearest.

Much love,
Jade
xoxo

Tarot Thursday

Things are getting a bit festive here in the Addis household.
I LOVE christmas!
Yule is my favourite time in the pagan calender to celebrate - it brings people together, keeps the dark and cold from bringing us down, and promotes a load of baking.

Sat in my freshly decorated living room, with my twinkly lights on the tree, with spicy candles glowing, pinecones and tinsel everywhere, I poured myself a cup of tea, and did a one card pull for all my followers.
That's right - You.
If you read this blog, then this pull is for you, the spirits are sending me guidance to pass onto you.

King of Swords

You may need to exercise judgement, power and force of will in the near future. This king represents clear thinking, authority, the truth and intellectual power.
What with the hectic season upon us, the King tells us we need to find a way through the chaos to calm clarity. We must heed others advice, and listen to what they are saying to uncover truths.
When you're debating whether you can afford that last present, think of the King of Swords and what he'd tell you!

I plan to be back soon, with a blog showing the role of the ancient winter solstice and Yule celebrations, in our current modern day christmas.
You might learn something new, and have more appreciation for some of that tacky goodness.

See you all soon.
Jade
xoxo

Yuletide Altar

Altars are a very sacred space to any witch.
That is not to say that you can't practice witchcraft if you do not have an altar - but they are a wonderful place to ground and center yourself, as well as a great way to leave a dedication to your chosen faith, and to have as a thanks to the goddess.

Now, like most of my fellow sisters, my altar changes seasonally. It's very easy to alter your altar to bring some of nature indoors.

I thought today I would share with you my current autumn/winter altar.
Altars are private places where a witch can 'pray' if you will. It is a great space for meditation and any spellwork.

Over ten years ago, when I set up my first altar - I had been gifted and purchased so many wonderful artifacts, that I was cramming as much as I could fit onto my altar.

Over time I've learnt that less is more, and that I can utalise the space around my workspace for spare candles, my runes, my chi-gong balls, and to burn incense.

I've found working on a small table for an altar to be most useful.
Plenty of space below it for storage, and you can easily cover it all up with a large piece of pretty fabric.

Choose items that are personal to you!

This is very easy to do with small items like crystals, as you can change them routinely without changing your entire altar. Crystals that represent things you wish to achieve this month, or crystals for meditation work wonderfully.

(For those curious; quartz, eagles eye, tigers eye)

For the months of September and October, I had a pumpkin lantern on my altar, now that Samhain has passed, and we are moving into Yule - I have replaced the pumpkin with a festive wreath.  I placed it around an ever-present candle on my altar.

 At the base of this bowl, are rose petals worked in love magic months ago, that will stay on my altar for a long, long time. But depending on what my altar is meant to be expressing, I add different objects to the top of the bowl.

Now, it is red leaves of autumn, a pine cone, and a seagull skull.
There are two skulls on my altar at the moment. A bird and a fox. Both are real, and both were ethically obtained.
The skulls are really important throughout the course of winter. It reminds us of natures trials in these months, and of the impending death of flowers, and trees, and grass, and animals, with the presence of snow and frost, and biting cold.

Whilst Tarot and divination are a large part of my life, I don't usually have a tarot card on my altar. But recently 'The Moon' card has been calling to me. I've pulled it multiple times - it's moved from the bottom of my deck to the top at least twice. And the moon has been in my dreams.

The Moon represents your subconscious. Your hidden desires. It tells you to listen to your dreams and learn from them. The Moon represents a darker side to you emerging. 

----------------------------------

Bonus!!!

If you are lucky enough to have a familiar, set them up a little bed, near your altar. You'll find they love to sleep nearby when you are doing spell work.

Show me your altars in the comments.

I love seeing where you all work your magic.

Love and Light,

Jade

xoxo

The Wheel Of The Year Reading

The Veil is thinning -
The invisible curtains are being drawn aside.
Whispers filter through.
Voices of those long passed, are carried on the wind;
Caught in the tumbling leaves.
Ghostly presence occupies space,
The Spirits walk among us.
Now is the time for divination,
The hours to ask for guidance.
When the moon is high in the night sky,
Raw energy can be harnessed.
Loved ones beam at you unseen from the curtains shadow,
Opaque and shimmering.
Answer the voices,
Hone in your power,
This shared energy...
The bewitching hour.
Feel them
See them
Use them.
Be grateful and reward them.
Pull your cards knowing that today they have decades, centuries, of magic and energy penetrating them from the Otherside.
Turn your runes with assertion.
Sip your tea, and gaze at the stories the leaves have to tell.
Open your mind,
But...
More importantly,
Open your heart.
They're waiting...

                                                      ---------------------------------

Hello my loves.
Happy Samhain.
This is going to be one super long reading/blog post to trudge through!

Here today, the first day of the pagan year - I bring you a 12 card reading. Each card represents a month in the year to come. And as I pulled them, I thought of wheels and turning, calenders and dates...all whilst whispering into the darkness;
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.

The table on which I did this reading is magic in itself. Passed on to me from my white witch, great auntie...I can only imagine the things it has witnessed. A round table, just like Arthurs.
In the short year it has been with me, it has been used for many...many midnight tarot sessions. Many early morning tea readings. It's helped me to aid those who've needed my guidance the most in their hours of need.


So - Here is your completed spread.

The first month to start with is of course - October.
And as this month is now at an end, I tend to find that this card will often reflect, your current state. So if you like, this card represents you in the present.

I pulled; EIGHT OF WANDS

This card shows freedom, space to move and breathe. It is often associated with travel. More-so it represents movement and action taking place. Progress has been made. There is an element of home and togetherness to this card.

November
THE WHEEL 

This card represents a turning point in your life. The wheel is ever spinning, cycles are in motion. Things come and go - and the wheel suggest luck and karma are on your side this month.

December
KNIGHT OF WANDS

The knight implies you need to follow an idea. Take action! He has commitment and energy - along with a desire for passion and adventure. You may need to be a little impulsive this December...But make sure that whatever you do, you give it your all.

January
FIVE OF CUPS

Traditionally this card is a card of loss, bereavement and regret. However it is also asking you 'Is your cup half empty? Or half full?' Sometimes we can get so lost in our grief and disappointment, that we miss positive aspects to situations, or other positives happening in the world around us.
You may have these feelings in the month of January, but remember to look at all sides of the coin.

February
KING OF SWORDS

This King is all about clear and intellectual thinking. Decisions may need to be made this month. The King reminds us that a good leader must remain detached and objective. You need to take on the role of an authority figure, and take charge of the truth.

March
TEMPERANCE

This is the card of balance. It reminds us to best take all things in moderation. You need to be able to take the middle road, and avoid extremes. Stay true to your purpose, and remember patience is a virtue.

April
SIX OF PENTACLES

Now is a time to share wealth and prosperity. This card tells you to be charitable to those in need. Your generosity is crucial this month.  This card reminds you to be grateful for what you have, and thankful when your money income and outgoings are in balance.

May
KNIGHT OF PENTACLES

Sticking with money for the month of May. This knight shows you, you need to be efficient and methodical to achieve your goals. And whilst your current goals may not be big and wordly, with focus and patience, everything you set out to achieve will be met with success.

June
EIGHT OF SWORDS

Uh-oh! You're doing it again. Being your own worst enemy? Stop that!
This card suggests an imprisonment and confinement, that resides firmly in your mind. Break free of these bonds, and take off your blindfold. Follow the path you wish to take, and ignore those niggling bad thoughts that restrict your dreams.

July
NINE OF PENTACLES

All that money work you did these prior months are paying off. This card suggests luxury coming your way. You feel that you have reached a point in your life where you are self-confident and self-sufficient. With some self-discipline you can succeed!

August
DEATH

Endings and beginnings. As we near the end of The Wheel of the Year, change descends upon you. A journey is about to be undertaken, as the wheel moves you to another position. The end is near for a major aspect of your life - but remember all endings are a beginning, and this one looks to be fruitful and trans-formative.

September
THE MAGICIAN

You have every thing you need before you.
You are the magic...
Always remember that!
                                                             ----------------------------------

Have a glorious All Hallows Eve!

Let me know in the comments what you are doing to celebrate this major holiday!

Enjoy it.

Jade
xoxo