Blessings of the New Moon

Dark of the MoonNew beginningsDark of the MoonPlant a seed tonightDark of the MoonWhat we envisionWill come to be by the Full Moon’s light. The Hermitby Robert Bly Darkness is falling through darknessFalling from ledgeTo ledge.There is a man whose body is perfectly whole.He stands the storm behind himAnd the grass blades are leaping in … Read more

We Nurture the Spark

Here’s a powerful prayer-spell that would work in perfect harmony with our intentions, as we light our second candle and celebrate the New Moon tomorrow, thanks to one of my favorite conjurors of illumination and magic, Rob Brezsny: TO THE TRICKY GODDESS OF BENEVOLENT MISCHIEFPRAYER OF GRATITUDE All hail the Tricky Goddess of Benevolent Mischief, … Read more

Preparing for the next lighting

Though my soul may set in darkness,It will rise in perfect light,I have loved the stars too fondlyTo be fearful of the night. — Sarah Williams (1837 – 1868) On Sunday, we take the next step in our Solstice Sunwheel ritual. At sunset, or some other quiet time, you will first re-light the first candle, … Read more

Minding Your Own Beeswax

Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared. — Gautama Buddha Candles have been used for magic and spirituality by every civilization in history. But as I’ve been discussing, giving some care as to how those candles … Read more

Candle Power

Light One Candle – © Larkin Van Horn Brother stand the pain; Escape the poison of your impulses. The sky will bow to your beauty, if you do. Learn to light the candle. Rise with the sun. — Rumi To many traditions and spiritual paths, Fire is a Guardian, protector and a living being. It … Read more

The First Candle

Lethargics are to be laid in the light, and exposed to the rays of the sun for the disease is gloom. -~Aretaeus This night, having made the preparations I described last week, we begin our spell for the return of the Light. It is based on the Christian practice of lighting candles around an Advent … Read more

Why We Need Our Solstice Spell…

S.O.S.by Leonard Cohen ©1995 Take a long time with your anger,sleepy head.Don’t waste it in riots.Don’t tangle it with ideas.The Devil won’t let me speak,will only let me hintthat you are a slave,your misery a deliberate policyof those in whose thrall you suffer,and who are sustainedby your misfortune. The atrocities over there,the interior paralysis over … Read more

Preparing Your Magical Wreath

O the Ivy O, she’s the Queen of old,And the Holly he is red.Hang ‘en high in the farm,and us won’t come to no harmTill the Christmas days be told. — Traditional carol from Somerset Both the design and materials of your Solstice wreath can invoke magic. As I explained before, the circular shape is … Read more

Wreath Lore

Love is the vital essence that pervades and permeates, from the center to the circumference,the graduating circles of all thought and action. Love is the talisman of human weal and woe — the open sesame to every soul. — Elizabeth Cady Stanton For our magical working, you will need a wreath and five candles. The … Read more