Category: healing

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Nurture your emotions, release past wounds, and heal under the Wolf full moon in Cancer

The first full moon of 2025 graces the skies with a watery and emotional current of energy in the sign of the Crab Cancer on January 13th. As the moon finishes her cycle in Cancer we are pushed to dive deep into the depths and waves of our emotions. Cancer is one of the most sensitive and intuitive signs of the zodiac. It’s ruled by the moon so when the moon is in the sign of Cancer at any time, you can be sure you’ll be feeling more emotional than normal especially during a full moon! Cancer rules emotions, and you can work on any emotional issues. You can work on facing those feelings you have let sink to the depths of your psyche, embrace them with compassion, and surrender to the waves and let them go. The Cancer full moon connects us with the feeling of home within ourselves, pushes us to develop a new awareness of our emotional nature, and establish a new relationship with our sensitivity and vulnerability. It represents our foundation in life, our home, our roots, and our family of origin or our motherland. So during this full moon our healing and release work can focus on things like our childhood, generational traumas, and toxic family dynamics as well. The Full Moon in Cancer is a profound opportunity to nurture your emotional landscape, connect with your inner world, and release what no longer serves you. Let’s surrender to the waves of our psyche and our deepest emotions riding on the back of the crab under the glow of the full moon light in this blogpost together.

First, What is the Full Moon

Over the centuries, the Moon has played a significant role in different cultures and traditions. The full moon simply put is when the moon is completely illuminated in the sky and it has reached it’s peak in this lunar cycle in the sky. When the moon is completely illuminated it’s time for all to reach full expression. The full moon is the most powerful and potent time of the entire lunar cycle.

A full moon occurs when the transit (moving) Sun and Moon are in the exact opposite positions in the Zodiac (called an opposition). The full moon greatly affects humans and it’s no wonder it does because, there’s a scientific reason for this – we are made up of 60% or more of water. Full Moons are the peak point of the lunar cycle: at this time of the month, the light of the Sun is fully illuminating the Moon, and the luminaries are exactly opposing one another from our perspective on Earth. This potent alignment offers us opportunities to gain more awareness about what is moving in our inner and emotional world, and information previously uncertain or hidden could be revealed at this time.

With the moon being fully illuminated it creates this portal to some of the most potent energy to connect to for us to manifest our desires and dream life. This portal creates a connection to our peak creative energy and the deep seated creative passions we all have within us. This creative energy and power is the energy we need to actually do and create the things and lifestyle we need to manifest what we desire. With the new moon phase being about planting the seeds of what you want to manifest, the full moon is about actually doing the work and moving the energy to make your manifesting happen. The full moon allows you to bridge the connection between these energies and themes and bring them into your life while reminding you how important it is to have them in your life not only when the moon is illuminated in the sky for you to see.

There are so many ways to work with the full moon, to learn more about the basics of working with the full moon energy check out my blog post here and you can watch my class all about lunar magic. But, remember each full moon will be slightly different and have different practices to add and different ways to do it based on which zodiac sign the full moon is currently in at the time.

The wolf moon

During January, as the long harshness of winter has settled in for awhile and food sources to hunt become scarce. The howl of hungry wolves coordinating to take down their prey is something we commonly hear. This is why the full moon of January is known as the wolf moon. This first full moon of the year is an opportunity to slow down and reconnect with what truly matters. The howling wolves have long been a signal of the deep winter season. The Wolf Moon symbolizes both introspection and the power of community. The Full Moon of January connects us to Winter’s strength, the resilience of the wolf pack in harsh condition, and quiet stillness. Wolves, are revered for their wisdom and instinctual nature, and serve as symbols for individuals seeking a deeper connection with their inner selves. Like the pack-oriented wolves, this full moon reminds us of the importance of fostering relationships, improving communication, and achieving harmony in all aspects of life.

As with most pagan names there will be different ones for each culture so below I listed any of the other names for the cold moon I could find across the Earth. The common themes for these moons are, stillness, introspection, community, resilience, wisdom, rest, and the coldness of winter.

  • Mörsugur (Norse) Fat (most likely animal fat) Sucking month
  • Great Spirit Moon or Spirit Moon Ojibwe Native American origins
  • Mantis Moon (Praying Mantis) South African origins
  • Ice Moon Catawba Native American origins
  • cold moon
  • frost exploding moon
  • When Snow Blows Like Spirits In The Wind Moon
  • Stay Home Moon or Quiet Moon Celtic
  • Bear Hunting Moon (táan kungáay) Haida Alaska Native American origins
  • Moon After Yule (Anglo-Saxon)
  • Sun Has Not Strength To Thaw

Who is Cancer?

Like, I said before each full moon will be amplified and influenced by the zodiac sign we find it in and this time the full moon is in the sign of Cancer. So who is Cancer? As the fourth sign Cancer is the very bottom of the Zodiac which makes it associated with our foundations and the core of who we are. As a water sign Cancer is not afraid dive into the depths of emotions and create a nurturing environment to heal the wounds of the past. Cancer represented by the crab is known to be very emotional, nurturing, sensitive, and deeply intuitive.

Cancer constellation

Cancer, the crab, is the dimmest of the 12 zodiac constellations, yet it contains one of the brightest star clusters, the Beehive Cluster. In Greek mythology, the constellation Cancer represents a giant crab named Carcinos that attacked Hercules during one of his 12 labors. The goddess Hera sent the crab to distract Hercules while he fought the Hydra of Lerna, a water serpent. Cancer was able to grab Hercules’s toes with its claws, but Hercules killed it with a kick before it could cause more damage. Hera felt sorry for the crab and rewarded it for its efforts by placing it among the stars as the constellation Cancer.

In Egyptian mythology, the Cancer constellation was associated with the sacred scarab beetle, an emblem of rebirth and immortality. The connection comes from the scarab’s behavior of rolling dung into a ball, which the ancient Egyptians saw as a symbol of the forces that move the sun across the sky, thus connecting the beetle and the constellation with cycles of renewal and eternal life. In Mesopotamian mythology, the Cancer constellation was often depicted as a turtle or tortoise, associated with the summer solstice and sometimes seen as a gateway to the underworld.

In Celtic mythology, the Cancer constellation is most closely associated with the goddess Cerridwen, who is often depicted as the keeper of a cauldron of knowledge, with the stars within Cancer representing the sparks of wisdom emanating from her magical brew; essentially, the constellation is seen as a symbol of the cauldron itself, signifying the potential for enlightenment and deep understanding.

Themes for the Cancer full moon

Every full Moon contains its own themes, which are related to the sign that it falls under. This time, we experience the full Moon in the emotional, sensitive, loving, caring, forgiving, compassionate, foundational, sign of the crab; Cancer. The crab is also the sign that represents our family, our childhood, our ancestral line, and our past. When diving into the depths of your soul, with not only the moon as your guide but the crab as well. You are most likely to see themes focused on these topics as you swim among your emotions. The Cancer full Moon is going to bring the spotlight on your personal life, your inner life, your emotional life, as well as on home and family dynamics that we need to address or take care of, confront, and finally release and let go. The full Moon in her home sign invites us to strengthen our ability to tap into our intuition and reminds us of the value of giving space to our emotions. Keep in mind that the full Moon relates to the continuation of your journey to manifest your desires and dreams. So, make sure your release work helps you make those happen. Let’s explore some of the themes and energies of Cancer deeper below.

  • Nurturing
  • Sentimental
  • Emotional
  • Tender
  • Nostalgic
  • Protective
  • Creative
  • Intuitive
  • Moody
  • Loyal
  • sensitive
  • security-seeking
  • compassionate
  • Kind
  • Sympathetic
  • supportive
  • healing
  • Maternal
  • Foundational
  • devoted
  • Imaginative
  • resilient
  • duality
  • Family-orientated
  • ancestral
  • domestic

Cancer The sign to nurture your emotions

Cancer is a water sign associated with nurturing, intuition, and empathy. The Moon is at home in Cancer and illuminates our innate desire to focus on our deepest emotional needs. The cancer moon reminds us of the importance of letting our emotions flow, of sitting with our emotions without judging them, without rationalizing them, and without attaching a story to them. The Cancer full moon infuses us with its energy. Making it a powerful time for emotional healing, enhancing psychic abilities, letting go of past wounds, breaking generational patterns, and nurturing relationships. Whether it’s spending time with loved ones, creating a comforting environment, or simply honoring your own feelings, the Full Moon in Cancer highlights the importance of caring for your inner world. Remember, tending to your inner world is just as important as taking care of others during this extra sensitive and emotional full moon.

Cancer The Ruler Of Home And Family

Cancer is the ruler of the home and family, so we can focus more on home and family matters. This can be a time to work on healing wounds from your childhood, releasing past toxic patterns, and redefining the dynamics in your home and relationships. When the full moon is in Cancer this is a time to go back to our roots, who we are, where we came from, and work on releasing anything holding us back emotionally that is connected to our generational lineage, our childhood, and our upbringing. Now is a great time to begin looking into childhood wounds and working to start to healing them. Cancer is also the sign of mothering energy, so during this Moon you’ll feel a stronger urge to nurture and care for not only your own family more deeply, but everyone as if everyone was one of your children.

Cancer the sign of heightened intuition

Cancer is one of the most intuitive signs of the zodiac and has a natural ability to understand other people. This sign has an uncanny ability to sense the moods of others . This sign really is ruled by their intuition and gut feelings, which often proves to be a trusty compass for them. Guiding them to react to others with compassion and empathy giving them the emotional support they need. To connect to the heightened emotional intuition of Cancer this full moon it’s an excellent time for enhancing empathy, and deepening your intuitive abilities by working with your clairs. This allows you to follow that gut instinct about peoples true emotional state, even when it’s not what you see on the surface.

Eris is active

I don’t normally talk about other energies too much but, I have a soft spot for Eris. I feel she gets such a bad rep and she is so overlooked. Especially for her ability to bring empowerment , fight for the under dog, and bring about much needed justice. So, whenever she is active I always try to bring it up and make a note of it. Eris is known to bring destruction and unsettling energy, but this is only to achieve a greater harmony. Eris can see what is old, broken, or is in need of a massive change. She fights against oppression and outdated beliefs, aiming to bring more freedom. though she is known to be a bit erratic when she feels offended. I mean she did play a big hand in the destruction of troy. When she is active she can ignite some inner rage to stand up for yourself, and even get into the fight for justice within our community. To learn more about her energy and myths check out my class on her in the dark goddess devotionals class with DiviNation here.

What to be cautious of this Cancer full moon

When it comes to the Cancer full moon emotions will be really heightened and it’s easy to become moody if you don’t express how you’re feeling. So make sure to express those hidden feelings that you have allowed to sink to the depths. Another thing to be cautious of with the full moon in Cancer is to not allow yourself to build up stronger defense walls. The crab likes to retreat behind the walls of it’s castle to remain safe and protected as the waves of emotions crash upon the shore of your soul. But, don’t let yourself do that by lashing out in passive aggressive ways to those you love and care about. Allow the walls of your castle to soften and come down this lunar cycle instead of allowing them to be reinforced. The last thing to keep in mind is to make sure you don’t allow the nurturing pull of the crab to overcome you. It’s great to care for others and nurture others but, not at your own expense.

Cancer and duality

Since, I am a grey witch every single energy I work with I look for the duality in that energy and how I can connect to it. First, let’s talk about the sign Cancer. The zodiac sign Cancer is known for its duality, which is represented by the crab’s hard shell and soft underbelly. Cancer energy is said to be tough and protective on the outside, but nurturing and emotional on the inside. Like the crab this energy allows us to retreat into our shell and home we carry on our back and be grounded safely in it. But, when we need to we can stand our ground and defend the home we carry on our backs and protect it until the end. Even though we will feel protective, this energy also allows us to feel, be sensitive, and to nurture not only others but, ourselves. We may feel resilient and hard on the outside right now, but on the inside the waves of emotions are crashing all around us and we internally don’t feel strong and protected.

Second, the full moon itself is all about duality as it is another time of transformation, transition, and rebirth. During this time we are pushed into a liminal space that forces us to look at the things, people, and places that have been obstacles or holding us back. This can be a thing of beauty and hope as well as a thing of pain and darkness which forces us into duality.

Correspondences for the Cancer full moon

First, what is a correspondence? A correspondence is an item or symbol that is meant to connect you to a specific energy thru it’s representation. It is seen also as an item to respect, honor, and venerate that energy as well whether it be a deity, an archetype energy , or the zodiac energy the moon is currently in like for Cancer, I will list below for you to use. Remember to follow your intuition with the correspondences you choose to work with and that you can always use any that correspond to the moon itself as well.

  • planet- The Moon
  • Animal- crab, lobster, crayfish
  • Element-Water
  • Sex-Feminine
  • Modality-cardinal
  • Symbol- Crab
  • colors- sea green, blue, silver
  • Motto- “I feel”
  • Chakra- Heart
  • Herbs- water lily, aloe, passionflower, lemon balm, lotus, sandalwood, lavender, rosemary, ginger, Geraniums, daisy, honeysuckle, chickweed, peppermint, jasmine, hyssop, morning glory, parsley, verbena
  • Stones/ crystals- pearl, moonstone, aquamarine, turquoise,Rhodochrosite, rose quartz, ruby, opal, Chrysoprase
  • Deities- luna, diana, artemis, lord krishna, deities of the moon, Freyja, Lupa, skadi, calliech, cerridwen, baba yaga
  • Themes-Emotional, Family-oriented, Protective, Devoted, Caring, Maternal/Paternal, Intuitive, Domestic, Sentimental
  • tarot- The chariot
  • House- 4th
  • Day- Monday

How to connect to the Cancer full moon

Now, that we have talked about the themes of this cancer full moon and how it is going to affect you let’s talk about how you can specifically connect to and work with this moon. In magical practices, under a cancer full moon we can focus our spells on things like self love, creativity, emotional healing, generational patterns, and increasing your intuition.

First, make sure to do all of your staples that your learned in the previous blog post on the full moon and the moon in general like, charging your crystals, making moon water, and resetting your altar. Make sure to make moon water this lunar cycle. The moon rules Cancer, so its energy is particularly strong and potent during this time. This makes Cancer moon water incredibly powerful for spells and rituals involving emotions, intuition, home, and family.

With this moon there are certain spells and rituals that will help connect you this moon in the most effective way. Like spells focused on emotional healing, release work, self care, and deepening your connection with your intuition. Remember these are just some of the many ideas. Follow your intuition and the energy of this moon. Below is a more extensive list of ideas on how to connect to and work with the Cancer full moon.

  • Redefine a relationship with a relative
  • Make your home cozy and a safe environment
  • Do inner child work– You can start by purchasing my eBook in the shop
  • Visit a body of water and do some elemental magic
  • Make sure your SMART goals and word of the year are set
  • Do something nostalgic or sentimental
  • self care rituals and things to build your self worth
  • Abundance spells-You can learn how to connect to abundance with my in depth guide here
  • Meditation and Visualization
  • release and heal wounds no longer serving you
  • Heart Chakra Energy Work
  • immerse yourself in water
  • Spend time with your mother and/or connect to maternal energy
  • Divination– Try divination associated with the element water; one of my favorite is by practicing water scrying.
  • Self reflection– You can do this through mirror magic. To learn more on how to do this you can read about it here
  • Cleansing
  • Ritual bath
  • spend time in silence and alone
  • Do things that bring you comfort
  • Get creative and express yourself with art in whatever modality sings to your soul
  • Practice lunar magic
  • Womb healing– To learn more about this practice you can watch my class all about here and book me for 1:1 guided sessions here
  • Protection magic and spells– To learn more about how to do protection magic you can watch part 1 and part 2 of my classes with Divination academy on YouTube
  • release emotions by making worry water
  • Do things that help you feel stable and safe
  • Burn Bay leaves with things you would like to release on them
  • Work with your intuition– sit with your intuition, listen to your intuition, work on developing your psychic clares. To learn more about how to do that you can purchase my eBook here
  • Hydrate
  • attend a community support group and/or therapy
  • Random acts for kindness
  • Spread compassion by volunteering in your community
  • add the wolf to your altar
  • Visit the winter woods where wolves play
  • snow magic for release work
  • Create a spell bag or talisman for a peaceful home
  • watch a feel good movie or read a romantic novel
  • Connect with and ride the waves of your emotions
  • Cook a big meal and host some family
  • Use the last full moon of the lunar year to work with the year of the dragon
  • Make a spell jar-to connect to the zodiac Cancer. To learn how to make spell jars you can purchase my ebook here
  • Work with the element water in your magical workings and spells- You can learn more about how to do that here
  • Connect to the energy of January. You can read my extensive guide here
  • Make a simmer pot-for peace, calmness, emotional healing or clarity
  • Journal– focus on your emotions, emotional healing, family life, family dynamics, childhood, ancestors

Reflection questions and topics for wolf full moon in Cancer

During the Full Moon in Cancer, your focus should be on emotional awareness, self-care, and nurturing your connections. This is an ideal time to tune into your inner feelings, acknowledge any emotions that have been bubbling beneath the surface, and create a safe space for self-compassion. Whether you do it thru meditation, shadow work, or divination like tarot; below is a list of prompts and topics to connect with the energy of the wolf full moon in Cancer . If you would like to learn more about shadow work you can purchase my eBook here;  you can book me for a 1:1 session as your guide here; and you can watch my free class previously taught on it through DiviNation here.

  • What changes or shifts are occurring within you? How can you embrace transformation and growth during this period?
  • How do you contribute to your “pack” or community, and how do others contribute to yours? What can you learn from the dynamics of a wolf pack?
  • What wounds or past hurts from our childhood do you need to let go of?
  • What does your inner child need from you to feel safe? To feel loved? What did they not get when you were young you can give them now?
  • How can you express your own authentic voice? How can you find your own way to howl?
  • What helps me feel stable and secure? How can I create more of that in my life?
  • What emotions are bubbling just beneath the surface that I need to face?
  • Do I trust my gut instinct? How can I release doubt in my intuition?
  • What dynamics in my home need to be changed and shifted to bring more peace?
  • What generational patterns am I willing to release to step into my own destiny?
  • What in my day to day life feels heavy that I need t be willing to let go?
  • What emotion keeps coming up for me in a destructive way over and over again do I need to face and then let go this full moon?
  • How can I mother myself more?
  • Do I have a mother wound that needs to be healed an addressed?
  • How do I allow myself to flow freely with my emotions? What happens when I let myself ride the waves of my emotions?
  • What do I need to release in order to trust in the source?
  • How have I nurtured myself in the past 6 months? How can I nurture myself in the next 6 months?

Full moon Prayers and affirmations

  • I release all that does not serve my highest good.
  • I illuminate the things blocking my path to my desires.
  • I release all negative energy, feelings and thoughts that are not serving me.
  • I release the belief that I am not worthy or capable of manifesting anything that I want.
  • I call in the energy of the full moon to cleanse my field of anything that is not aligned with my higher purpose.

Affirmations specific to the Cancer full moon

  • I go with the flow of my emotions
  • I let my emotions guide me
  • I trust my intuition is a connection to the universe and is always protecting me
  • I am clear on my needs
  • I allow myself to feel vulnerable
  • My sensitivity and empathy are strengths not weaknesses
  • I trust my instincts, and they guide me wisely.
  • I am a valued member of my community, and I contribute positively to it
  • I protect the members of my community who are vulnerable and need it
  • The past no longer defines me I create my future
  • I let go of stress and emotional wounds and surrender to the flow of life
  • I protect my own energy by allowing myself time alone
  • I nurture myself through ups and downs. Breakdowns lead to break throughs
  • I let go of toxic dynamics to create a safe, nurturing, and peaceful home

Spell for emotional healing

Cancer is the sign of emotions and nurturing which makes it a very potent time to go within and do some emotional healing. Especially with family wounds, childhood wounds, and scars from the past. Use the spell below during the cancer full moon to bring emotional healing to your life as you surrender to healing waves where the crab resides.

What you will need:

  • a bowl of water
  • pink candle
  • oil
  • Lavender, pink rose petals, rosemary, cinnamon
  • rose quartz

How to perform spell:

Get into sacred container by taking some deep breaths and visualizing pink, loving, and nurturing energy surrounding you. Once you feel set in sacred container take the herbs and grind or mix them together. Once done take your oil and anoint your pink candle with it focusing on loving pink energy open you up to emotional healing. Next, take your candle and roll it in the herbal blend you mixed. Next set it next to your bowl of water asking to connect to the energy of the crab and the depths of your soul. Once your items are set light your candle. Take your rose quartz and hold it in your hands while reciting the spell below staring deep into your bowl of water.

” Water wash over my heart and soul to soothe what needs to mend, healing energy to me please send. Heal the inner scars and wounds you touch and I wish to no longer carry. Heal my heart, and soul so here on out I can be peacful and merry.”

Repeat the spell as many times as you feel you need to. Until you feel your emotional wounds mend, heal, and be released. Leave the candle to burn until it goes out on it’s own. Take your bowl of water and give it to the earth outside thanking it for absorbing your emotional wounds as you do so. Carry your rose quartz with you for as long as you need to bring you love and emotional healing throughout the day.

Howl your emotions out ritual with the wolf moon

This first full moon of the year is the wolf moon remember? So why not connect to the spirt and energy of the wild and wise wolf under the full moon rays of light by communicating like them tonight. One of the simplest ways to release pent-up emotions and energy is to actually howl at the moon just like wolves like to do. Though we now know that wolves howl for different reasons (including to find pack members or to coordinate a hunt), this full moon we can take a cue from these majestic creatures and do our own howling. The howl is the spirit of the wolf unleashed in its divine expression.

So this full moon Do what the wolf does: howl to the Moon. With all the stress and unwanted emotion in life let it go, howl what is in your heart. Let loose what is in the depths of your soul. The Moon is listening. Sitting with the Full Wolf Moon especially in cancer you will know that you are not alone.

How to do this:

When the moon is high out in the sky get some warm clothes on and head outside under the moonlight. Find a place where you can get a clear view of the full moon and be alone. Then stand with your feet apart and put your hands on your hips creating your strongest power pose. Focus on drawing the energy of the moonlight down into you and your pose. Feeling the untamed wild , wisdom, and intuition of the wolf. Allowing the rays of the full moon to hunt down the things that need to be released tonight. Once you feel they have been found. With a deep breath as loud as you can howl as the wolves do and let it all out. Feel the tension, the stress, the past wound, the pain, and the hurt, leave you now with the depth of your howl and be left to the winter wild.

Final thoughts

This full moon being the last one before we enter the year of shedding with the wood snake is your cue to slow down, tune into your intuition, and prepare for the release that naturally flows with the full moon. Whether it’s letting go of emotional baggage or simply acknowledging your inner world, this Full Moon invites you to nurture yourself and those closest to you. The Full Moon in Cancer is all about emotional release and healing especilay with the wolf howling by our side. This full moon encourages you to acknowledge what’s been submerged beneath the surface of the waves and let go of any emotional weight that no longer serves you. By focusing on self-compassion and nurturing your emotional well-being, you can create a solid foundation for personal healing and growth during this full moon in sign of the crab with Cancer.

Don’t forget to make preparations for your full moon hangover you may experience after this lumination. If you don’t know what a full moon hangover is or how to deal with one you can read all about it in my previous blog post here!

Have you been feeling stuck, emotionally unstable, missing joy in your life, or having a hard time connecting to yourself and your magic? Do you want to start the new year from a different headspace? I have the answer for you to start out this new year from a place feeling grounded, present, and ready to manifest your dream life. Come join me for this special one time only two day event teaching you how to integrate the practice of Mindfulness to your magic and life!

What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is the practice of purposely bringing one’s attention to the present moment without judgment. It allows you to move from just existing in life to thriving, get back to wise mind, create a place to heal and grow in, and most important of all, align you with joy while creating a life where you truly thrive! This skill is a core skill in DBT, the therapy that changed my life! To register for this special two day event visit the link below! https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/JY5UBMB2TA27L

Come join me for community, knowledge, and to restore the enchantment of magic in yourself and life today!

Don’t forget to head over to the shop today for eBooks, workshops, resources, and 1:1 services with me!

Facebook
Patreon
Pinterest
Email

About Me : I have been a solitary grey magic practitioner for 15 + years. First and foremost, I consider myself a mystic and seeker of all knowledge. I am dedicated to the restoration, and re-enchantment of Magic in society, across this realm, and in each and every soul I come across in life! I am here to create a container that promotes healing, duality, and raw authenticity. I do this by guiding you on your personal journey to understanding your unique magic and sacred contracts. I facilitate this for you through embracing your shadow, duality and learning to live in energetic balance while not wearing a mask. When you work and learn from me you do so from your “darkness” as much as your “light” and in a way to truly harness and accept it not to just go thru it on the way to your light. But, I teach you how to truly embrace it, work with it, and use it alongside your light as a partner. I hold up a mirror for you to be able to see your authentic reflection looking back. Then have the courage to take the next step and do the uncomfortable but vital inner work to completely remove your mask. By facing all of your past wounds, traumas, and hurts. Allowing you to see both the dark and light within your story and take each chapter and alchemize it into something that is so powerful. your unique internal flame will shine so bright you will always be able to go within and find it on a dark cold night. You will learn how to truly live in duality and energetic balance to allow growth, and alignment with your sacred contracts and purposes. to finally move on and truly let the things that hold you back in this life from healing and manifesting go. To see everything I offer; like personalized shadow work sessions, womb healing, eBooks for you to work through on your own, Tarot sessions for guidance and more! Go to my shop!

© 2025, Modgepodgemystic LLC

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Celebrate the Chinese new year with the wood snake

The 2025 Chinese new year celebrated alongside the lunar new year falls on January 29th . Marking the end of winter and the beginning of the spring season, Chinese New Year celebrates looking to the future for new beginnings with themes of happiness, health family, and good fortune. This Chinese new year marks the arrival of the Wood Snake, a rare and meaningful combination that appears only once every 60 years. This year of the Snake signifies introspection, subtle power, and transformative growth. It embodies a quiet yet potent and sometimes lethal energy capable of illuminating hidden paths and fostering deep emotional and spiritual understanding. Its strategic, resourceful nature makes it an excellent year for long-term growth. Come with me and slither through this blogpost to learn how to welcome the lunar new year and coil up with the energy that it holds.

First, what is the Chinese new year

Of all the traditional Chinese festivals, the new Year was perhaps the most elaborate, colorful, and important. This was a time for the Chinese to congratulate each other and themselves on having passed through another year, a time to finish out the old, and to welcome in the new year.

The Chinese New Year is a festive celebration at the beginning of the Chinese calendar new year. It has a long and exciting history, and there are many wonderful traditions, meals, and activities to be enjoyed during the holiday. It is also a chance for families to clean their homes and set forth their intentions for the new year. 

The Chinese New year can also be called by other names as well, like the spring festival due to it’s timing with the changing of the seasons and it ushering in spring. It also known as the lunar new year since it starts on a new moon and is based on the lunar calendar.

When is the Chinese new year celebrated?

The Chinese New year is celebrated on the first day of the First Moon of the lunar calendar. The corresponding date in the solar calendar varies from as early as January 21st to as late as February 19th. This year it falls on January 29th 2025. Chinese New Year, just like the Western new Year, signifies turning over a new leaf and starting something new. Socially, it is a time for family reunions, and for visiting friends and relatives. This holiday, more than any other Chinese holiday, stresses the importance of family ties and bonds.

 Traditionally, the holiday lasts sixteen days. The first week is considered a public holiday, and the sixteen days are split into different parts of the celebration. For example, the Lantern Festival is generally hosted on the 15th day, and is one of the most looked-forward-to events. The Chinese New Year is teeming with unique traditions and mythologies. The celebrations includes beautiful outfits, delicious food, and lots of colorful decorations and entertainment. Each region of China and Chinese cultures around the world have their own unique traditions and ways of encouraging hope, prosperity, and positivity for the new year. 

History of the Chinese New Year

The history of Chinese New Year dates back over 3,500 years. Each unique religion and culture around China has its own mythology and tradition related to the Chinese New Year, but most stories agree that it has to do with appeasing ancient deities.

One of the most popular myths associated with the celebrations of the near has to do with a mythical beast. Nian, a mythical beast, would appear during the Spring Festival and eat the villagers every single year. Than one year an old man appeared in the village and hung red paper lanterns and decorations, and set off fireworks to scare him away. When the villagers returned to the town, they saw that Nian had not destroyed it, as in previous years. Red decorations and clothing became associated with the holiday, and thus, the tradition of setting off fireworks for the holiday evolved, as well.

Much of the history is also rooted in praying to the gods for a good harvest since Chinese culture is deeply rooted in agriculture.

Common traditions for the Chinese new year

Sweeping of the Grounds

Preparations for the Chinese New Year in old China started well in advance of the New Year’s Day. The 20th of the Twelfth Moon was set aside for the annual housecleaning, or the sweeping of the grounds Every corner of the house must be swept and cleaned in preparation for the new year. Spring couplets written in black ink on large vertical scrolls of red paper, were put on the walls or on the sides of the gate-ways. These couplets, short poems written in Classical Chinese, were expressions of good wishes for the family in the coming year. In addition, symbolic flowers and fruits were used to decorate the house, and colorful new year pictures (NIAN HUA) were placed on the walls (for more descriptions of the symbolism of the flowers and fruits.

Family Celebration

On the last day of the old year, everyone was busy either in preparing food for the next two days, or in going to the barbers and getting tidied up for the New Year’s Day. Tradition stipulated that all food be pre-pared before the New Year’s Day, so that all sharp instruments, such as knives and scissors, could be put away to avoid cutting the “luck” of the New Year. The kitchen and well were not to be disturbed on the first day of the Year.

The New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day celebrations were strictly family affairs. All members of the family would gather for the important family meal on the evening of the New year’s Eve. Even if a family member could not attend, an empty seat would be kept to symbolize that person’s presence at the banquet. At midnight following the banquet, the younger members of the family would bow and pay their respects to their parents and elders.

Lai-See

On New Year’s Day, the children were given Red Lai-see envelopes , good luck money wrapped in little red envelopes. On New Year’s day, everyone had on new clothes, and would put on his best behavior. It was considered improper to tell a lie, raise one’s voice, use indecent language, or break anything on the first day of the year. Starting from the second day, people began going out to visit friends and relatives, taking with them gifts and Lai-See for the children. Visitors would be greeted with traditional New year delicacies, such as melon seeds, flowers, fruits, tray of togetherness, and NIANGAO, New Year cakes.

There are a few guidelines for the money in red Lai-see envelopes. Only clean, unwrinkled bills should be put in red envelopes; it’s considered in poor taste to include old or wrinkled bills. Red Lai-see envelopes should contain even amounts of money and certain numbers are considered more auspicious than others. The amount of money shouldn’t have the number four in it (eg. 4, 40, 44, etc), because the word for “four” sounds like the word for “death” and is considered unlucky. However, it’s considered lucky to have amounts of money with the number eight in it, because the word for “eight” sounds like the word meaning “to prosper”.

Firecrackers Are Set Off
At the beginning of the legend, firecrackers were used to scare away the monster Nian from the village in order to protect the villagers. Many of the Chinese legends tell of using fireworks to scare away”evil” spirits and to prevent poor luck in the new year.

In modern times, fireworks are used to both symbolize the ancient tradition and also to evoke a celebratory mood. All of the firecrackers set off during the Chinese New Year celebration are red, to invite all the good luck. It is also a way to express happiness and joy. In fact, Chinese New Year is the event with the greatest number of fireworks released every year—upwards of a billion!

Lion dance

The lion dance is another one of the Chinese New Year symbols that originated from the story of Nian. Except in this version of the story, instead one one man scaring away the monstrous Nian, the whole village came together to bang on pots to make noise, and to create a large lion that would scare Nian away. The Chinese New Year lion dance honors this story by having people play percussive instruments (drums symbols and gongs) while two people perform a dance in an elaborate lion costume. One person acts as the head of the lion, and the other person acts as the body, performing acrobatic movements to mirror way a lion would move in time with the music. The dance begins with the lion asleep. Once he is woken up by the instruments, the lion shakes, gets up and beings playing.

He then becomes hungry and begins to search for food. This hunt for food is called “plucking the greens”, during which he searches high and low to retrieve auspicious foods like lettuce and mandarin oranges which are attached to red envelopes. He eats the lettuce and oranges and “spits out” good fortune to everyone nearby, keeping the red envelopes for the dancers. The lion dance is thought to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity and good fortune to everyone nearby, especially those who catch the food that the lion “spit out”

Dragon dance

Like the lion dance, the dragon dance is another one of the Chinese New Year symbols that ushers in prosperity and good fortune for the coming year, and wards off evil spirits. While the dragon dance also involves music and movement the two dances are very different. Instead of using two people like the lion dance, the dragon dance uses many people. The size of the dragon dances vary, but usually have over 9 people.

Each person is holding a pole which is supporting part of a serpent-like dragon body. One person stands in front of the dragon, holding a ball attached to pole which represents a “Pearl of Wisdom”. The person holding the pearl uses it to lead the dragon around on a quest for wisdom, knowledge and truth. The people puppeteering the dragon body have to follow the pearl, in time with the percussive elements of the music.

Lucky Chinese New Year foods

Gathering with family to share a meal and leaving food offerings for ancestors are important traditions during the Spring Festival. All of the foods chosen are Chinese New Year symbols that each have a special meaning that corresponds with a wish for the new year.

  • One important Chinese New Year foods you’re bound to see is fish. The word for “fish” sounds like the word for “surplus” so whole fish are eaten to usher in abundance in food and wealth for the coming year. In addition to being served whole, images of fish are also used as decorations to attract abundance.
  • The shape of dumplings (also called jiaozi) resemble the yuanbao, which was a type of ancient currency made from ingot (silver, gold or other metal). Eating dumplings is thought to attract wealth. The more you eat, the wealthier you are believed to become.
  • Tang yuan is a traditional Chinese New Year dessert which is served during the Lantern Festival consisting of sweet rice balls with a black sesame filling. Their name and round shape signify family unity and togetherness.
  • Tangerines and oranges on Chinese New Year are believed to bring luck and wealth for the coming year because the word for “tangerine” sounds like the word for “luck”. The golden color of oranges and tangerines also correlates to wealth.
  • Another golden food that symbolizes wealth is the spring roll, also called chun juan. Not only does their color resemble wealth, but their shape is also looks like gold bars.
  • Make sure not to cut your noodles if you normally do so, because eating long, unbroken noodles in the dish called longevity noodles is believed to encourage longevity in life. It’s also bad luck to cut anything during Chinese New Year, because it is viewed as cutting off your luck.
  • Fa gao, also known as “prosperity cake” or “fortune cake” is a popular dessert made from rice flour and steamed until the top splits. The more sections formed by the split in the top denotes how lucky a person will be in the coming year.
  • Another lucky dessert, nian gao or “year cake” is made from sticky rice flour and can be sweet or savory. The name of this dessert sounds just like the words for “higher year” which symbolize progress, success and a better year than the last.

The importance of wearing red

Red is associated with the colors used to scare away the monster Nian, but it also has other meanings as well. Traditionally, it stands for good luck in Chinese culture and is used to keep away any spirits who might harbor bad fortune. Wearing red is traditional for Chinese New Year, in order to welcome in the new year with good fortune, but you can also wear bold or bright colors for the celebratory mood, as well. You’ll also want to decorate with red around your home. Decorations include paper cuttings, which are intricate and narrative. They often represent symbols from mythology or of good blessings for harvest. Other decorations include Door Gods, red lanterns, calligraphy fortunes, paintings, and more.

The importance of the FU character

The Chinese fu character, meaning good fortune and blessings, is one of the most commonly found Chinese New Year symbols. It is written on a red, diamond shaped piece of paper, which is often hung upside down on the outside of the front door. The reason these fu papers are hung this way is because the word for “upside down” is similar to the word “arrive”. Hanging the fu character upside down signals that good fortune and blessings will arrive at your home for the new year.

The Chinese Zodiac

Chinese Zodiac animals are another one of the important Chinese New Year symbols. Each year is assigned one of the twelve animals in the Chinese Zodiac in a very special order. This order is determined from one of the most well known Chinese mythological tales. The twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac are; the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. The tale that tells us their order is the great race and it goes like this. The story goes that the Jade Emperor, the ruler of heaven and earth, held a race to create a calendar and a way to measure time. This race was a call to his dear animal friends to race across the river to him when upon their arrival they would a special meal and celebration together. There are a few different version for the telling’s of what actually happens during the race. But below is the most commonly accepted version for the results.

The rat and the cat were good friends, but they were poor swimmers. They asked the ox to carry them across the river, and he agreed. However, the rat tricked the ox by pushing the cat into the river and then leaping onto the ox’s head to finish first. The ox came in second place followed by a wet tiger after that. The rabbit was having a hard time hopping from stone to stone across the river, when suddenly a log floated by. The rabbit hopped onto the log and it drifted him quickly to shore. Little did the rabbit know that just behind him was the dragon. The dragon saw the little rabbit in need and graciously blew wind to carry the log all the way to shore. The Jade emperor was curious and asked the dragon why it came in fifth place when it could fly. It turns out, the dragon had been distracted from the race by a village that was in drought. The dragon provided rain to save the village then continued the race and was declared the fifth zodiac animal by the emperor. The snake, hid in the horse’s hoof to cross the river, then jumped out to scare the horse into seventh place. Next, a raft floated up to the finish line carrying the friendly ram, the playful monkey and the talkative rooster. The three of them had teamed up and crossed the river together. So, ram was eighth, monkey ninth, and in tenth place was the rooster. The dog, made it across the river, but spent too much time playing in the water and came in eleventh. The pig Stopped to eat and fell asleep, finishing in last place. The Jade Emperor assigned the pig the final space in the zodiac

It may sound odd but, if you want to get a really deep look at this tale and how each zodiac animal really manifests in humans there actually is a really amazing anime about it. Go check out fruit baskets.

The year of the snake

The snake, being the sixth animal in the zodiac, is set to take center stage in 2025. The Year of the Snake is associated with transformation, renewal, and spiritual growth. Snakes are known for their ability to shed their skin, symbolizing the process of letting go of the old and embracing the new. Snakes are everything you aspire to be: smooth, sneaky, and completely unbothered by the opinions of others. They’re the passive-aggressive MVPs of the animal kingdom. They slither through life with the grace and determination to get to there next goal. Never being afraid to strike out with a venomous bites to protect yourself and your way of life. The snake is also a symbol of wisdom, cunning, and adaptability. This year with the influence of the snake you can expect new opportunities and challenges that will test our skills and resilience. This year of the Snake signifies subtle power, and transformative growth. It embodies a quiet yet potent energy capable of illuminating hidden paths and fostering deep emotional and spiritual understanding. Its strategic, resourceful nature makes it excellent for long-term growth. I am just about done with a special guide to dive into this snake energy for the year specifically. So, keep an eye out for that coming in just a bit!

How the element wood affects the snake

When it comes to the Chines New year not only is there an animal associated with each year but, also an element that dominates that years energy. This year we find ourselves in the element wood alongside the snake. Wood represents the energy of growth, and is known for it’s flexibility that paired with the energy of the snake makes this a year of massive transformative energy. The last time we had a wood snake year was 1965 — the Vietnam War, the space race and the first space walk, Malcolm X’s assassination, the civil rights movement and the race riots, and the Beatles and the Rolling Stones tour the world. The snake’s strategic and introspective nature is complemented by the element of wood, which fosters growth, balance, and connection with nature. In the Year of the Wood Snake, the “Wood” element signifies a period of increased growth, flexibility, and creativity. Essentially, the Wood element softens the Snake’s typically reserved nature, adding a layer of compassion and a desire to nurture new beginnings. The influence of wood encourages our creative and innovative sides while the snake’s energy provides us with the strategic insights necessary to achieve our goals.

The Chinese new year and duality

Since, I am a grey witch I look for the duality in every single energy I work with including sacred times like the Chinese new year. Even though this is a holiday and celebration focused on family, good luck, and prosperity which is a very wanted energy there is a duality to this celebration. Remember the myth we talked about with Nian? The mythological beast that came up from the ocean each year to eat villagers. That story reminds us that this time of the year is a liminal time where the veil is thin and protection from unwanted entities and spirits is needed. It also reminds us that often when we are celebrating our precious time with our families we are also reminded of a time we almost lost them or the ones we did lose already.

Correspondences for the Chinese New year

First, what is a correspondence? A correspondence is an item or symbol that is meant to connect you to a specific energy thru it’s representation. It is seen also as an item to respect, honor, and venerate that energy as well whether it be a deity, an archetype energy, the zodiac energy the moon is currently or for A holiday or sacred time like the Chinese/ Lunar New year. I will list below for you to use. Remember this is not an all encompassing list and there may be other correspondences to use. Just follow your intuition and use what calls to you.

  • Planet- Jupiter
  • Animal-Snake
  • Element- wood
  • symbol- lanterns, zodiac animals, lai-see envelopes, couplets, fireworks, fu character, plum blossoms
  • colors-red, gold, white, black
  • Herbs/flowers-bamboo, fennel, cinnamon, star anise, Szechuan pepper, cloves, ginseng, Chrysanthemum, goji berries, peace lily, money plant, Anthuriums, bay leaves, Jade plants, peach, plum, Kumquat
  • Stones/ crystals-ruby, garnet, citrine, amethyst, peridot, jade, sapphire, clear quartz, aquamarine, black pearl, moonstone
  • Deities-The Year God: Also known as Tai Sui, Door Gods: Also known as Menshen, The Three Star Gods: Also known as Sanxing, The God of Wealth: Also known as Caishen, The Kitchen God, The City God, who is said to be the reincarnation of a human official from an earlier time
  • Food/drinks-Tang yuan, fish, dumplings, spring roll, also called chun juan, Fa gao, also known as “prosperity cake, nian gao or “year cake”, tangerines, plums, peaches, fruit, shrimp, chicken

How to celebrate the Chinese new year with the snake

Marking the end of winter and the beginning of the spring season, Chinese New Year celebrates looking to the future for new beginnings with themes of happiness, health, and good fortune. The New Year is frequently regarded as an occasion to gather and feast together as a family at a reunion dinner to honor household and heavenly deities, as well as ancestors. However, you choose to celebrate the chines new year and work with its energy just follow your intuition and do what feels right for you. Let’s take a look at some of the many different ways you can celebrate and work with the energy of the Chinese new year.

  • create an altar for your ancestors and leave offerings for them
  • Graveyard magic
  • Spread prosperity and good luck by handing out lai-see red envelopes
  • Read the myths and legends of the Chinese zodiac
  • Learn about the culture and region of the China
  • Perform lunar magic to welcome in the lunar new year
  • Sweep your entire home, declutter, deep clean, reorganize
  • hang up decorations like paper lanterns, couplets, and the color red
  • Practice calligraphy and you can even use it to create sigils to welcome in the lunar new year
  • Host a family get together eating traditional lucky foods
  • Cleansing and purification magic
  • Transformation spells
  • Do release work to let go of the past year and shed your old skin
  • work with the snake in your spells, rituals, and represent it on your altar
  • introspection and reflection based on transformation, creativity, and shedding old skins like shadow work.  If you would like to learn more about shadow work you can purchase my eBook here; you can book me for a 1:1 session as your guide here; and you can watch my free class previously taught on it through Divination here.
  • Set off some fireworks
  • Attend a lion or parade dance if you can
  • Divination like pulling cards
  • Good luck and abundance spells
  • host a family reunion
  • Give thanks and practice gratitude for the past year
  • Use the venom and bite of the snake to protect yourself with protection magic and baneful magic like hexes, curse, binding
  • Creativity express yourself with the snake
  • be flexible and adaptable with your plans and way to reach your goals like the wood and snake
  • Bathe in the moonlight

Final thoughts on the energy of 2025

2025 isn’t here to hold your hand or sing you a lullaby. It’s here to remind you that you’re a witch. You are a powerful and sovereign entity dammit, and sovereign beings don’t crumble, they conquer. So shed your old skin, step into your power, and slither into this year like the unapologetic, venomous conqueror you were always meant to be. Remember while you do this to never be afraid to show your teeth and strike with a venomous bite if someone gets in your way and threatens your way of life. Be fluid and slither with grace to get to where you need to go and don’t be afraid of the paths in the shadows. The shadows may be mysteries and dark but, in them wisdom can hide. We have a big year full of so much energy that is dynamic, and confrontational unfolding in front us. We won’t be able to slither and hide in the shadows from our purpose, our power, and our true identities anymore. But, we can use them to heal, transform, and find new paths in the dark. This is a year we will be forced to remove masks by completely shedding our skins. We will be forced to uncoil from a place of safety and warmth to find our true way in the world in and new creative way. We will be forced to stand up show our venomous bite and even strike back with a lethal blow when the timing is just right.

Have you been feeling stuck, emotionally unstable, missing joy in your life, or having a hard time connecting to yourself and your magic? Do you want to start the new year from a different headspace? I have the answer for you to start out this new year from a place feeling grounded, present, and ready to manifest your dream life. Come join me for this special one time only two day event teaching you how to integrate the practice of Mindfulness to your magic and life!

What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is the practice of purposely bringing one’s attention to the present moment without judgment. It allows you to move from just existing in life to thriving, get back to wise mind, create a place to heal and grow in, and most important of all, align you with joy while creating a life where you truly thrive! This skill is a core skill in DBT, the therapy that changed my life! To register for this special two day event visit the link below! https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/JY5UBMB2TA27L

Come join me for community, knowledge, and to restore the enchantment of magic in yourself and life today!

Don’t forget to head over to the shop today for eBooks, workshops, resources, and 1:1 services with me!

Facebook
Patreon
Pinterest
Email

About Me : I have been a solitary grey magic practitioner for 15 + years. First and foremost, I consider myself a mystic and seeker of all knowledge. I am dedicated to the restoration, and re-enchantment of Magic in society, across this realm, and in each and every soul I come across in life! I am here to create a container that promotes healing, duality, and raw authenticity. I do this by guiding you on your personal journey to understanding your unique magic and sacred contracts. I facilitate this for you through embracing your shadow, duality and learning to live in energetic balance while not wearing a mask. When you work and learn from me you do so from your “darkness” as much as your “light” and in a way to truly harness and accept it not to just go thru it on the way to your light. But, I teach you how to truly embrace it, work with it, and use it alongside your light as a partner. I hold up a mirror for you to be able to see your authentic reflection looking back. Then have the courage to take the next step and do the uncomfortable but vital inner work to completely remove your mask. By facing all of your past wounds, traumas, and hurts. Allowing you to see both the dark and light within your story and take each chapter and alchemize it into something that is so powerful. your unique internal flame will shine so bright you will always be able to go within and find it on a dark cold night. You will learn how to truly live in duality and energetic balance to allow growth, and alignment with your sacred contracts and purposes. to finally move on and truly let the things that hold you back in this life from healing and manifesting go. To see everything I offer; like personalized shadow work sessions, womb healing, eBooks for you to work through on your own, Tarot sessions for guidance and more! Go to my shop!

© 2025, modgepodgemystic LLC

Posted on by — 2 Comments

Reframe your perspective with a 7 day Gratitude challenge

During fall the energy and essence of gratitude is in the air all around us as we watch the fields being harvested with the bounty from the land and making it’s way to our tables for gathered meals as we give thanks with our families in November and December. This time of gratitude has me thinking of the importance and significance of cultivating a mindset of gratitude in my life. Cultivating a mindset of gratitude is a powerful tool to realign our thoughts and energies and allow us to live life from a state of wise mind and duality. When you practice gratitude you are building a deeper connection with yourself. You are committing to self-awareness, self-reflection, and self-compassion and these are essential tools for supporting your personal growth, mental health and overall well-being. As the saying goes, “What consumes your mind, controls your life.” So why not let gratitude consume our minds and dictate the course of our lives? By shifting your focus to positivity, gratitude not only improves your mental health and self-esteem but also enhances relationships and boosts overall well-being. Learn how practicing gratitude can transform your perspective, leading to a happier, more fulfilled life .Discover the life-changing benefits of gratitude with this 7 day gratitude challenge in this blogpost today!

What is gratitude?

Thankfulness, gratitude, and appreciation are all deeply connected, simply they all mean expressing the pleasant feeling of being thankful and appreciative for something one has received. The word gratitude comes from the Latin word gratus, which means “grateful, pleasant”. Not only is it something we feel and experience but, it is a tool we can use to reframe our perspective. Using gratitude as a tool allows you to shift your focus. From what you believe your reality is towards what you want your reality to be. They are both very real, but you choose to prioritize one over the other.

The Science behind gratitude

It turns out, the benefits of gratitude aren’t just motivational fluff you see on social media everywhere. Scientists have actually shown that gratitude can physically change your brain. This research made me realize that the mind’s ability to “rewire” itself—known as neuroplasticity (A term I Learned while in DBT) —plays a big role here. When we practice gratitude regularly, it strengthens certain neural pathways, just like exercising a muscle. In fact, gratitude activates regions in our brain linked to pleasure, reward, and emotional regulation, including the prefrontal cortex and the hypothalamus. Let’s dig into a bit of it now!

Practicing gratitude effects our brains by stimulating the production of dopamine (a chemical messenger (neurostransmitter) that works in the brain. It helps nerve cells send messages to each other. When dopamine is released in the brain, we feel a sense of temporary pleasure) and serotonin (another messenger which creates a long-lasting feeling of happiness or wellbeing), often referred to as the “feel-good neurotransmitters. These chemicals play a vital role in regulating mood and emotions. By regularly expressing gratitude through different ways in our lives, we essentially train our brains to produce more of these beneficial chemicals!

Researchers have discovered that expressing gratitude can also trigger the release of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for strengthening social bonds and creating feelings of trust and connection. So practicing gratitude not only improves our relationship with ourselves, but also enhances our ability to build and maintain meaningful connections with others and ourselves.

Historical Significance of Gratitude

Historically, the concept of gratitude isn’t new. Many ancient cultures emphasized the importance of thankfulness in their traditions and rituals. For example, the ancient Romans celebrated a festival called “Lectisternium” where they expressed gratitude to their gods for their blessings. The festival of Setsubun central in Japan and Shintoism is a time when they give thanks to the kami and the land for the spring and fertility to come. Plus pagans have many, many holidays centered around gratitude and giving thanks like Mabon, Samhain, Beltane, Hekate’s night, and so on! Honestly there are too many holidays centered on giving thanks to name. Similarly, every religion has holidays, and festivals that are centered around the act of giving thanks, We even have holidays centered around cultural and country specific reasons to give thanks like Thanksgiving in the USA, highlighting its timeless significance to our human existence.

Benefits to practicing gratitude

By dedicating just a few minutes each day to this practice, you can begin to experience a shift in your perspective. You’ll start to notice and appreciate the small joys that make life special, from a sunny day to a kind gesture from a stranger. Ultimately, this simple act of focusing on gratitude for a small pocket of time can lead to profound changes in your mindset and overall well-being like some of the benefits we will explore more below.

Gratitude aligns your with the flow of abundance

When we acknowledge and appreciate the blessings, big or small, that surround us, we invite abundance into our lives. Gratitude shifts our focus from what is lacking to what is plentiful, fostering a sense of contentment and fulfillment allowing us to enter into the flow of abundance. Once in the flow, we are able to connect to the generosity of the multiverse and have all of our needs met.

Gratitude creates a life attracting positivity

Practicing gratitude not only has a positive impact on our mental and emotional well-being but also attracts more positivity into our existence. By expressing thanks for the opportunities, relationships, and experiences we have encountered along our journey, we create space for greater joy and success to manifest. Embracing a mindset of gratitude transforms challenges into valuable lessons and setbacks into steppingstones toward growth and achievement.

Focusing on gratitude builds resilience

Gratitude and having a daily practice focused on it, can help individuals build resilience by encouraging them to find silver lining in challenging situations. When you’re able to see the good even in difficult times, you become more emotionally resilient and better equipped to cope with problems or life changing events as they arise. By acknowledging and appreciating the good, you develop a more balanced perspective, making it easier to cope with challenges by allowing you to access wise mind and use the DBT skills that will be the most effective.

Gratitude reframes our perspective

By focusing more on a habit of gratitude, you learn to reframe your thinking and concentrate on the positive aspects of your life. Our brains have a natural tendency to dwell on negativity, a phenomenon known as the negativity bias. It is an evolutionary survival mechanism that once served a purpose but can now hinder our well-being. In our day and age we don’t always have to be on alert for dangers in the wild to be able to survive and provide for our families. Of course we have a new set of issues nowadays, but our bodies do not have to constantly be in fight or flight mode. By consciously redirecting our attention towards gratitude, we counteract this bias and retrain our brains to notice and appreciate the good things around us. This shift in perspective can significantly improve mental well-being.

Gratitude helps us heal from childhood trauma, abuse, and pain

Learning how to practice gratitude after childhood trauma can help in your healing journey immensely by helping you reach radical acceptance. I know how hard it may seem to practice gratitude, especially when you’ve experienced childhood abuse and trauma. It’s hard to be grateful when we’re born into an unloving home with toxic or abusive parents that makes us doubt our self worth. It seems insensitive or perhaps even offensive to suggest. However, the benefits of gratitude, and practicing gratitude can help with healing from trauma. Also, gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring the fact that bad things did and do happen. It’s possible to feel grateful yet still find that life’s hard sometimes. It isn’t easy, but it can make a difference.

Other benefits of practicing gratitude

  • Feeling grounded, especially during challenging times
  • Boosting your mental health and well-being
  • Allowing your mind to focus on the positive things
  • Making you more optimistic
  • Developing a new-found appreciation for the simple things
  • Cultivating a healthy work-life balance
  • Relieving stress and overwhelm
  • Decreasing anxiety and depression
  • Fewer physical symptoms of illness
  • Forming a deeper connection with yourself, your surroundings and others

Ways to connect to Gratitude

Gratitude has more power to make our lives happier and healthier than we have ever imagined. Spending a little time each day to practice gratitude makes you consciously and intentionally focus on becoming more grateful for everything around you. It is also a great way to practice being more mindful and helping you shape a reality where you thrive. Feeling and expressing gratitude changed my life. I have more confidence in myself and I see people and situations in my life more compassionately. I have more peace of mind than ever before and I’m more certain that I can design the life I want for myself while maintaining wise mind and duality.

Discover some simple and powerful gratitude rituals below to transform your daily routine and boost your mental well-being. These easy gratitude practices help cultivate mindfulness, positivity, and emotional resilience. Whether you’re new to gratitude practices or looking to deepen your daily routine, these rituals are perfect for anyone seeking peace, happiness, and a life where you thrive in wise mind. Start and/or end your day with a grateful heart and watch how your mindset shifts. When you practice gratitude, it becomes part of all areas of your life. Join me on this 7 day gratitude challenge below and watch your reality become what you truly want and your perspective be reframed.

1.Keep a Daily Gratitude journal

Gratitude means, “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.” So to practice gratitude is to show your own appreciation of things. Either in your head, out loud or on paper. The most popular form of practicing gratitude comes with journaling and keeping a daily gratitude journal. A gratitude journal is more than just a diary; it’s a dedicated space where you regularly record things you’re thankful for. This simple yet profound practice encourages you to focus on the positive aspects of your life, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem. By doing so, you train your mind to see the good in everyday situations, fostering a more optimistic outlook on life.

So, for day 1 of this gratitude challenge we are going to start are very own daily gratitude journal practice. When you do this find a quiet place you can sit down and simply answer the questions below, Writing down the things, people, surroundings, etc, you are grateful for at that exact moment as you reflect on your day. Try to do your best to make this part of your daily routine from here on out. Here is a link to this gratitude journal for you to download and use as many times as you would like too!

2. Create a gratitude list through a brain dump

For day 2 of this challenge to help us reframe our life with gratitude, we will focus on getting a bigger picture of the things in our life we have to be grateful for. Doing this allows us to reframe our perspective even wider looking past just the day we had today to further beyond. Today’s challenge task is an easy one – make a list of everything you’re grateful for. You have wonderful things in your life already. It’s up to you to notice it. Think about everything you currently have going on in your life (or don’t have going on – in a good way). Take a moment to reflect on these blessings. There is nothing too small for you to be grateful for. You can be grateful for that cup of hot tea you get to enjoy every morning, that playtime with your child, your cat purring as they lay sleeping near by… List everything you can think of in a journal for you to see in one place. Allowing it all to sink in. Each and every single thing you have to be grateful for in your life as a whole.

3.Create a gratitude Jar

For day 3 of this challenge to help us reframe our life with gratitude, we will focus on that bigger picture again. While creating a way for us to come back to it in times of doubt or hardship when we need a little reminder of what we have to be grateful for. We will do this by creating a gratitude jar. So, what is a gratitude jar? A gratitude jar is a manifestation exercise where you add notes of gratitude to a container of your choice. Now, there are a few ways to use this tool of gratitude and a few ways to make it, First way you can choose is to take the list you made in day 2 of this challenge and either cut it into smaller pieces. Or write each thing written there onto sticky notes or smaller cut pieces of paper. Then you can take those pieces place them inside a jar, and leave it in your home somewhere you can see it. That way when you have moments of doubts when you are thinking life is too dark and you can’t go on because you have nothing to hold on for, you can pull as many of those little papers out. Then read them to help you reframe your unwanted and emotional thoughts.

The other option for how you can make this tool today and start using it to reframe your perspective brings more attention to your gratitude practice each day. Take one piece of paper and sit down and think of something that happened or someone who made your day worth being grateful for today. Once you have that in mind write in on your piece of paper then place it inside your jar, coming back every single day to do the same thing. Then whenever you would like come back and open your jar to read all the things you took the time each day to write down you were grateful for. You can go back in a week, at the end of the month, or what is common is to to wait until the end of the year on New Year’s Eve. Don’t forget either you can get creative and decorate your gratitude jar in any way you want as well bringing more joy to this daily practice of gratitude.

4. Express thanks to others in your life

For day 4 of this challenge to help us reframe our life with gratitude is to focus on expressing thanks to others in our life. Think about people that have done something for you at any point in your life. It can be today, yesterday, or even decades ago. Typically, people are grateful for their parents, guardians, caregivers, other family members, spouses, children, and friends. Let me remind you though that you don’t have to be grateful for people who have hurt you, even out of obligation or blood ties. (unless you want to be). So, think about those in your life that have held you up, supported you, and allowed you to grow into the beautiful human that you are. Then find a way to express your gratitude and thanks to them and do it. Whether that be by sending them a random text, getting them a card, or by giving them a gift. Do little and big things for them as they’d do for you. Spend quality time with loved ones. Connect and bond. Savor the moments you get to spend together. Don’t take any of it for granted because you never know how much time you have left with someone. So cherish it while you can. The goal is to make sure they feel your appreciation and how much your think they are truly worth. But, remember a simple “thank you” is usually enough for those who support you with their love. Plus it could also be a small act of kindness to brighten up someone’s otherwise dark day.

5. Prioritize and practice self care

When you practice gratitude you promote self care and end up prioritizing yourself. Because when you practice gratitude you are building a deeper connection with yourself. You are committing to self-awareness, self-reflection, and self-compassion and these are essential tools for supporting your personal growth, mental health and overall well-being. It allows you to truly connect with yourself on a raw, wholehearted level and changes your perspective on things. So, for day 5 of this gratitude challenge I want you to pick an activity that you consider self care and you are grateful you have the ability to do today. Then be as mindful and present as you can while you enjoy and soak up the time of self care you have today. Take in and notice how when you focus on self care it allows you to connect to parts of yourself and things you have to be grateful for in your life. For me when I slow down and focus on me it really allows me to open my eyes, and reframe what I see. Opening me up to more that I have to be grateful and thankful for. To learn more about self care and how vital that is in your life and how it promotes self love as well as gratitude click the link to read my guide here.

6. Spread gratitude through acts of kindness

For day 6 of this gratitude challenge we are going to use a little bit of DBT and bring our focus to gratitude by spreading it to someone else. Sometimes it’s hard to see what we can be grateful for because of life circumstances or our mental sate. If you are having a hard time in life or you are feeling anxious and/or depressed seeing things you can be grateful for may be clouded or something you simply don’t want to do. So, today we are going to use opposite action if we need to and instead of focusing on what we don’t have or what we have lost get out and spread kindness to bring us something to be grateful for. That feeling in our heart that glows and brings us joy plus the smile on the other person’s face is more then enough to be grateful for today.

For day 5 of the challenge today get out and give yourself something to be grateful for by being kind to others today. Spend 30 minutes doing something kind for someone else. This can be something extremely small like leaving a note on their doorstep, sending an email to thank them for all they do, making breakfast for someone, or volunteering your time. Do whatever it is that comes from the heart and makes you feel good inside.

7. Use affirmations of gratitude

For the last and final day of this challenge we are going to use simple yet very affective tool; gratitude affirmations. Gratitude affirmations are a simple tool you can use daily to help you see the beauty that life has to offer. So what are gratitude affirmations? Gratitude affirmations are positive statements that you repeat regularly to stay in wise mind and cultivate a mindset of gratitude. There are so many ways you can use gratitude affirmations in your life. For day 7 of this challenge pick one of the ways you feel called to use them below. Then pick some of the affirmations in the graphic to begin using today. I personally love to say mine out loud when I wake up in the morning and before I close my eyes at night.

  • Write them in your journal
  • Choose a new affirmation for each day of the week, then write it on a post-it note to keep by your desk
  • Choose 3 affirmations to focus on each day and say them out loud to yourself
  • Set up automated reminders on your phone so you get notified with an affirmation or multiple affirmations throughout the day
  • Get creative and draw or write an affirmation in your bullet journal

8. Bonus- Shadow work prompts for deepening your gratitude through journaling

Shadow work through journaling focused on gratitude and what we have to be grateful for can bring about a greater sense of contentment. It encourages you to see the glass as half full, which can have a profound impact on your attitudes and overall perspective of life. It brings you to a place where you are able to let of of fear and meet yourself and your life fully. When we journal and do shadow work based on gratitude it helps you become aware of all the goodness in your life. Even the things you may not see as things to be grateful for right now because they live deep within the shadows of your heart. If you would like to learn more about shadow work you can purchase my eBook here; you can book me for a 1:1 session as your guide here; and you can watch my free class previously taught on it through Divination here.

If you want to deepen your journey with gratitude beyond this challenge you can access these bonus shadow work prompts in my FREE shadow work journal here!

Final Thoughts


Showing appreciation for things doesn’t always look like journaling or making a gratitude list. Sometimes it can be as simple as making a language shift. So instead of saying “I have to do this” and feeling resentful or unexcited, change it to “I get to do this” for an instant positive mindset shift. Remember, you don’t “have” to do anything. No one is forcing you. You are the one in control of the choices you make. You “get” to do what you want to do, so feel excited and grateful for these opportunities and life you get to live each and every day.

Don’t forget to also be grateful for yourself! During this gratitude challenge make sure when you go through each day to include things that are only about you. Being grateful for yourself or anything about you is probably one of the hardest things to be grateful for. I know as a childhood abuse and trauma survivor it is for myself. So, if that is please make sure to make this part a priority. No matter how you feel about yourself or how someone else made you feel. There IS something about yourself that you can find to be grateful for. You just have to look for it. Use this challenge to find it and bring it to light in appreciation.

It’s true what they say: gratitude really does have the power to transform your world. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself, like me, realizing that gratitude was one of the missing pieces all along.

Come join me for community, knowledge, and to restore the enchantment of magic in yourself and life today!

Don’t forget to head over to the shop today for eBooks, workshops, resources, and 1:1 services with me!

Facebook
Patreon
Pinterest
Email

About Me : I have been a solitary grey magic practitioner for 15 + years. First and foremost, I consider myself a mystic and seeker of all knowledge. I am dedicated to the restoration, and re-enchantment of Magic in society, across this realm, and in each and every soul I come across in life! I am here to create a container that promotes healing, duality, and raw authenticity. I do this by guiding you on your personal journey to understanding your unique magic and sacred contracts. I facilitate this for you through embracing your shadow, duality and learning to live in energetic balance while not wearing a mask. When you work and learn from me you do so from your “darkness” as much as your “light” and in a way to truly harness and accept it not to just go thru it on the way to your light. But, I teach you how to truly embrace it, work with it, and use it alongside your light as a partner. I hold up a mirror for you to be able to see your authentic reflection looking back. Then have the courage to take the next step and do the uncomfortable but vital inner work to completely remove your mask. By facing all of your past wounds, traumas, and hurts. Allowing you to see both the dark and light within your story and take each chapter and alchemize it into something that is so powerful. your unique internal flame will shine so bright you will always be able to go within and find it on a dark cold night. You will learn how to truly live in duality and energetic balance to allow growth, and alignment with your sacred contracts and purposes. to finally move on and truly let the things that hold you back in this life from healing and manifesting go. To see everything I offer; like personalized shadow work sessions, womb healing, eBooks for you to work through on your own, Tarot sessions for guidance and more! Go to my shop!

© 2024, Modgepodgemystic LLC

Posted on by

Working with the emotional, intuitive, and spiritual Pisces Harvest Full Moon

We are entering a new lunar phase this week; the full moon on September 17th. As the Moon changes signs approximately every 2-3 days, we feel her influence over our moods and intuition shift. This full moon we will find ourselves in the; creative, spiritual, compassionate, empathetic, and dreamy sign of Pisces. Pisces is the clairvoyant of the zodiac. It is a sign with a deep sensitivity to those around them and heightened sense of intuition. This full moon in the water sign Pisces, is special as it will be accompanied by a lunar eclipse as well. Plus this is the start of a whole new eclipse set. Which means we have some very potent and powerful energy, pushing us into a new phase of our lives unfolding in front of us during this creative pisces full moon.


The Full Moon in Pisces is a period that stirs the waters of your innermost psyche, often bringing with it a tide of deep emotions and heightened intuition. It’s a time when we will place greater focus on our spirituality, our intuition, our subconscious, what’s hidden, and the past. We will be pulled to strengthen ourselves internally, quietly, and on our own. Pisces is the last sign of the Zodiac, and Lunar Eclipses tie to endings, so this can be a big eclipse for finishing something. To finish something that is meant to truly allow us to move and heal in our lives and evolve. This full moon and lunar eclipse can also be huge for releasing baggage, whether it’s spiritual, subconscious, or karmic. We will likely being faced with something from the past or within ourselves that is difficult, but we have to come to terms with it and try to be more understanding, introspective, and ultimately let it go so it’s not weighing us down anymore.

First, What is the Full Moon

Over the centuries, the Moon has played a significant role in different cultures and traditions. The full moon simply put is when the moon is completely illuminated in the sky and it has reached it’s peak in this lunar cycle in the sky. When the moon is completely illuminated it’s time for all to reach full expression. The full moon is the most powerful and potent time of the entire lunar cycle.

A full moon occurs when the transit (moving) Sun and Moon are in the exact opposite positions in the Zodiac (called an opposition). The full moon greatly affects humans and it’s no wonder it does because, there’s a scientific reason for this – we are made up of 60% or more of water. Full Moons are the peak point of the lunar cycle: at this time of the month, the light of the Sun is fully illuminating the Moon, and the luminaries are exactly opposing one another from our perspective on Earth. This potent alignment offers us opportunities to gain more awareness about what is moving in our inner and emotional world, and information previously uncertain or hidden could be revealed at this time.

With the moon being fully illuminated it creates this portal to some of the most potent energy to connect to for us to manifest our desires and dream life. This portal creates a connection to our peak creative energy and the deep seated creative passions we all have within us. This creative energy and power is the energy we need to actually do and create the things and lifestyle we need to manifest what we desire. With the new moon phase being about planting the seeds of what you want to manifest, the full moon is about actually doing the work and moving the energy to make your manifesting happen. The full moon allows you to bridge the connection between these energies and themes and bring them into your life while reminding you how important it is to have them in your life not only when the moon is illuminated in the sky for you to see.

There are so many ways to work with the full moon, to learn more about the basics of working with the full moon energy check out my blog post here and you can watch my class all about lunar magic. But, remember each full moon will be slightly different and have different practices to add and different ways to do it based on which zodiac sign the full moon is currently in at the time.

The Energy of a lunar eclipse

So, what about the lunar eclipse energy happening right now? if you go online especially on social media you will see countless warnings telling you not do any workings during a lunar eclipse including making moon water. They say its a time of bad omens, and a time that is too chaotic to harness and work with. I simply don’t agree with this. This may be because I am a grey witch. I just don’t see why we can’t work with a moon phase that is chaotic. The universe and all that exists within it sprouted from chaos or nothingness. This is common theme in belief systems, cultures, and stories across the Earth and time like in Mesopotamia with the goddess Tiamat. So, wouldn’t working with chaos like the lunar eclipse be a very primal and potent things for us humans to do? I think so. But, it will be up to you and what you decide for your own practices and beliefs.

This eclipse is also a time to close a karmic chapter and cycle in our lives and begin writing the next new chapter. Eclipses tie to endings, so this can be a big eclipse for finishing something. To finish something that is meant to truly allow us to move and heal in our lives and evolve. This full moon and lunar eclipse energy combined together can also be huge for releasing baggage, whether it’s spiritual, emotional, subconscious, or karmic.

The harvest moon

This full moon is also known as the harvest moon. The harvest moon is a full moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox, which is usually around September 22 or 23 in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s named for its role in helping farmers harvest crops by providing bright moonlight after sunset for several nights in a row, which is when they could gather the most crops. The Harvest Moon’s glow is often seen as a reminder of the abundance provided by the Earth’s cycles. It serves as a visual representation of the fruits of one’s labor and a time to express gratitude for the bounties received. It symbolizes the continuous cycle of growth, harvest, and renewal. Just as farmers gather crops during the harvest, September’s Full Moon invites introspection and the “harvesting” of inner wisdom and insights. It’s a time for self-reflection, meditation, and inner exploration.

The history of the this moon also intertwines with cultural practices and folklore. In China, the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is celebrated during this Moon. Families come together to give thanks for the harvest, share mooncakes, and admire the moon’s beauty. Similarly, Native American tribes have their own traditions associated with the Harvest Moon. The Ojibwe people call it “Manoominike-Giizis,” the Rice-making Moon, as it signals the time to harvest wild rice.

As with most pagan names there will be different ones for each culture so below I listed any of the other names for the harvest moon I could find across the Earth. The common theme among them is focusing on gratitude and the bounty that has been grown from earth this year.

  • Barley Moon (Old English) (source: Time and Date)
  • Fall Moon (Ukiuqsraq) Inupiat Language, Alaska
  • Tvímánuður (Norse) means harvest month (source: Nordic Culture – Skjalden)
  • Leaves Turning Moon (Waatebagaa-giizis) (Ojibwe) (source: Ojibwe.net)
  • Nut Month (dulisdi) Cherokee, Carolinas
  • Singing Moon (sometimes called Song Moon) Celtic
  • Corn is Harvested (li’dekwakkwya ts’ana) Zuni Native American Origins
  • Spring Moon (South African origins) (source: Centre for Astronomical Heritage)

Who is Pisces?

Pisces is a water sign, ruled by the planet Neptune, and is the 12th and final sign of the zodiac. People born between February 19 and March 20 are Pisces. It’s symbolized by two fish swimming in opposite directions, representing the constant division of Pisces’ attention between fantasy and reality. As the final sign, Pisces has absorbed every lesson—the joys and the pains, the hopes and the fears—learned by all of the other signs. This makes these fish the most psychic, empathetic, and compassionate creatures of the astrological wheel.

Since, Pisces is ruled by Neptune, the planet that governs creativity and dreams; these ethereal fish adore exploring their boundless imaginations. But, Neptune also oversees illusion and escapism. Neptune’s energy is like the energy of the ocean: magical, mysterious, and often scary. When the fog is thick on the water, the horizon is obstructed and there is no differentiation between the sea and the sky.

Pisces the Constellation

The Pisces constellation is one of the largest northern sky constellations. Pisces lies between Aries constellation to the east and Aquarius to the west. . According to legend the constellation is composed of two fish who are connected together by a ribbon. The fish are the goddess Aphrodite and her son Eros (Roman: Venus and Cupid). They turned themselves into fish in order to escape from the monster Typhon. They then connected themselves together with a ribbon in order not to be separated. There is also a different origin tale that Hyginus preserved in another work. According to this, an egg rolled into the Euphrates, and some fishes nudged this to the shore, after which the doves sat on the egg until Aphrodite (thereafter called the Syrian Goddess) hatched out of it. The fishes were then rewarded by being placed in the skies as a constellation.

Pisces The Most Potent Time To Manifest

Pisces is the last Zodiac sign, so we may also take some time to clear things out and make room for anything new to come. We can reflect more on the past, but in a less emotional way, and get more understanding. This full Moon activates a deep desire to go within the ocean of soul and face the things truly holding us back, to make our wildest dreams a reality. There is a sense of things finally beginning to move forward after a prolonged period of stagnation with an intense power push for change.

The full Moon in Pisces is a time of healing, a time of magic, and most importantly, one of the most potent times to practice manifestation work. That’s because Pisces is ruled by Neptune, the planet of imagination and mysticism, which means you’ll not only be more connected to your creativity but also your spiritual center. You have the opportunity to slip into the flow and waters of life now. When that happens, you want what is happening and what is happening is what you want. Your manifesting is working perfectly

Pisces The Sign of Creativity

The Pisces full Moon can be a great time for creativity since Pisces rules imagination and fantasy, and we can get lost in daydreams. This can be channeled into creative projects and ventures, and we can get inspired more easily. The energy of Pisces guides us to go with the flow, to be less concerned with planning and plotting, and instead, to bring ourselves into the present moment. Which may feel really nice after coming off the meticulous, busy, always planning, Virgo new moon we just experienced. While we may not have all the answers and be in a state of unknowing, this full Moon reminds us that this is where our true creative powers lie.

Pisces The Sign of Compassion and Empathy

Pisces is a compassionate sign, so empathy and understanding can also be strong with this full Moon. We may want to be of help in new ways, and focus on trying to help those who can’t help themselves. At the center of the Pisces full Moon lie themes of healing, kindness, and sensitivity. This lunar phase invites us to nurture our emotional well-being, cultivate compassion for ourselves and others, and embrace the healing power of love and forgiveness. You can utilize the energy of this full moon to heal relationships by releasing toxic ones that no longer serve us and truly cutting those chords. You can look into the depths of your soul to face past hurts in a relationship and heal deep wounds that may still be lingering causing resentment and friction.

Pisces The Sign of Spirituality

Pisces is the sign of spirituality, so this can be a time to start new spiritual ventures. We can make more time to connect with our intuition and subconscious mind, and we can feel more in tune with the subtle energies all around us. It is an energetic frequency that dissolves boundaries, allowing us to tap into the collective consciousness and access deeper layers of intuition. This full moon ask you to dive deep into your unconsciousness and bring up the surface the feelings you have held about yourself that are holding you back. From your connection to the divine, magic, and your power. Once you have brought them to the surface you will have the ability to finally release them and move forward onto the next chapter unfolding now in front of you.

Pisces The Ruler of What’s Hidden

Pisces rules what’s hidden, so we may become aware of something that has been hidden, some sort of secret, whether its being kept from us by others or ourselves. We can also find we do our best on our own, in the background, and behind the scenes. It reminds us that while being authentic and open with others is great to do, we don’t always need to tell everyone our WHOLE truth. It encourages us to tap into the realm of dreams and imagination, including things we never think we could see. To envision a future aligned with our soul’s purpose and our wildest dreams. Pisces inspires us to imagine things we have yet to even know our soul has dreamed.

Themes Of The Pisces Full Moon

Every full Moon contains its own themes, which are related to the sign that it falls under. This time, we experience the full Moon in the dreamy, creative, and spiritual Water sign Pisces. Pisces is also a Mutable sign, the most adaptable and flexible of the signs. That means that you’ll be better equipped to handle any of the emotional sensitivity or mood swings that typically accompany a full Moon with all the release work and letting go. You’ll also be better prepared to find creative solutions to any challenges or issues you’ve been facing because you’ll feel both more creative and better able to go with the flow. If the Pisces fish can teach us anything, it’s that there are no wrong paths. The two fish of Pisces swim in opposite directions, and yet, their journey is a circle meaning they will eventually both land in the same place.

Keep in mind that the full Moon relates to the continuation of your journey to manifest your desires and dreams.And this is especially strong this full moon being in the sign that rules our dreamscapes, Pisces. So, try and have any of your workings based on these topics be grounded in those seeds of intention you had planted on the new moon. Don’t forget this full moon is layered with many energies for you to connect to as well like the gratitude of September and the intense rebirth of the lunar eclipse.

  • Creative
  • Dreamy
  • Emotional
  • Sensitive
  • Innovative
  • kind
  • Supportive
  • Imaginative
  • Intuitive
  • Psychic
  • Romantice
  • Compassionate
  • Empathetic
  • Artistic
  • Adventure
  • Duality
  • healing deep emotional wounds
  • Balance
  • Releasing Karmic cycles
  • Closing a chapter
  • Unity
  • Adaptability
  • Idealize
  • Carefree

Things to look out for with Pisces

Amidst the beauty of this lunar energy, there may also be feelings of emotional overwhelm. Pisces energy can easily blur the boundaries between fantasy and reality, leading to confusion and escapism, including a lot getting lost in daydreaming. It is essential during this time to stay grounded, to honor our emotions without becoming overwhelmed by them, and to cultivate practices that promote inner peace and clarity.

Pisces and duality

Since, I am a grey witch every single energy I work with I look for the duality in that energy and how I can connect to it. This includes the full moon and the energy of the zodiac sign it currently is in. First, the full moon itself is all about duality as it is another time of transformation, transition, and rebirth. During this time we are pushed into a liminal space that forces us to look at the things, people, and places that have been obstacles or holding us back. This can be a thing of beauty and hope as well as a thing of pain and darkness which forces us into duality. Next, let’s look at the duality of Pisces itself. First, we see it in the representation of the two fishes in it’s symbol. It shows us that the two fish even though they may be swimming different directions. They will always eventually meet with each other at the same spot to complete their cosmic circle. We also see the essence of duality in the way Pisces calls us into the deep to look at our deepest emotions, and wounds guiding us to release them. This is a needed thing for healing and change but, the depths of the emotions can also feel like they are drowning us amongst their rough waves.

Correspondences for the Pisces

First, what is a correspondence? ,A correspondence is an item or symbol that is meant to connect you to a specific energy thru it’s representation. It is seen also as an item to respect, honor, and venerate that energy as well whether it be a deity, an archetype energy , or the zodiac energy the moon is currently in like I will list below for you to use. Remember to follow your intuition with the correspondences you choose to work with and that you can always use any that correspond to the moon itself as well.

  • planet-Neptune
  • Animal-Fish/dolphin
  • Element- water
  • Sex- Feminine
  • Modality- mutable
  • Symbol- the fishes
  • colors- Sea green, blue, lavender
  • Phrase/motto- I Believe
  • Chakra- Sacral/
  • Herbs- seaweed, Irish moss, Jasmine, Gardenia, Lotus, chamomile
  • Stones/ crystals- Aquamarine, Amethyst, Pearl, moonstone, Ruby, Ocean Jasper, blue lace agate
  • tarot- the moon
  • Deities- Aphrodite, Eros, Isis, Neptune, Poseidon

How to connect to the Pisces Full moon

Now, that we have talked about the themes of this spiritual, emotional, creative, intuitive, and karmic cycle ending harvest moon in Pisces and how it is going to affect you let’s talk about how you can specifically connect to and work with this moon.

First, make sure to do all of your staples that your learned in the previous blog post linked here https://modgepodgemystic.com/working-with-the-full-moon/ for you like, charging your crystals, making moon water, https://modgepodgemystic.com/moon-water-a-magical-staple/ and resetting your altar.

With this moon there are certain spells and rituals that will help connect you to this moon in the most effective way. With the Moon in pisces, magic associated with dreams, emotional healing, relationships, creativity, and your psychic intuition highlighted now. You can also perform magic associated with gratitude, harvesting your bounty from the earth this season and duality to amplify those workings right now. Remember these are just some of the many ideas, follow your intuition and the energy of this moon. You can find more ways to connect to the moon and more information on many of these forms of magic on my Pinterest page here and my Facebook here.

  • Dream work
  • Water therapy/ Worry water
  • Scrying
  • Get in touch with your intuition and work on developing your psychic clares; my favorite book to start I have linked here; https://www.amazon.com/Trust-Your-Magical-Self-Intuitive/dp/057858722X
  • Spirit work
  • Cord cutting
  • Ground yourself to make sure you don’t get lost in your daydreams and escape reality to much
  • Astral work
  • start a dream journal
  • Creativity spells and expression
  • express yourself in an artistic way, through writing, painting, drawing, sculpting whatever makes your heart sing
  • Create a spell bag for sweet dreams and place under your bed or pillow
  • Vision Work
  • Auto Scripting
  • Cleansing
  • Daydream
  • Rest
  • Lunar magic
  • Ritual moon bath
  • Work with the two fishes in meditations and spellwork
  • Connect to your sacral chakra
  • Shadow work based on ambition, goals, direction, success,and releasing perfectionism. If you would like to learn more about shadow work you can purchase my eBook here;  you can book me for a 1:1 session as your guide here; or you can watch my free class previously taught on it through Divination here.
  • Elemental magic with the element of water
  • Meditation and visualization work
  • Reflect on the past 6 months and what worked and what didn’t
  • Write down and release all things that no longer serve you into flames or the earth
  • moonlight bathe in the nude
  • Connect to a deity of September
  • Make a simmer pot to bring in creativity, release past hurts from a relationship, or to increase psychic abilities
  • Create a spell jar to bring emotional healing, creativity, or to increase your psychic abilities
  • Do candle magic with blue candles
  • Refresh your altar
  • Be vulnerable and express your emotions no matter how you will look

Reflection questions for Pisces full moon

Every full moon is a great time for reflecting on those seeds you had planted during the new moon and how they are doing now at the end of the lunar cycle and how you can celebrate your success and adjust the future for even greater success. Whether you do it thru meditation, shadow work, or divination like tarot; below is a list of prompts and topics to connect with the energy of the Pisces harvest full moon.

  • How can I foster more creativity in my daily life?
  • What type of artistic talents do I have that I can use in my life to express my emotions?
  • What do my boundaries look like right now? What boundaries do i need to adjust?
  • What past hurt or wound is coming to the surface for me most right now?
  • What emotions do I avoid most and how do I escape them?
  • Is there anyone in my life I need to more compassionate towards including myself?
  • Where in my life do I need to release my expectations and control to allow me to flow with life to create my dreams?
  • What has been coming up in my dreams lately? What are they trying to tell me?
  • What illusions are you allowing to block your view of reality?
  • How are you working on emotionally healing in all areas of your life?
  • What emotional patterns do you keep repeating that are holding you back from achieving your dreams that you need to release?
  • How can you incorporate working with the divine in your life every single day?

Full moon Prayers and affirmations

Some prayers or affirmations you can state with the full moon are:

  • I release all that does not serve my highest good.
    I illuminate the things blocking my path to my desires.
    I release all negative energy, feelings and thoughts that are not serving me.
    I release the belief that I am not worthy or capable of manifesting anything that I want.
    I call in the energy of the full moon to cleanse my field of anything that is not aligned with my higher purpose.

Some prayers or affirmations you can state with Pisces are:

  • I open myself up to listening to my intuition and my higher power
  • My energy and creativity creates my reality
  • I embrace my emotions as a source of wisdom and accept what they reveal to me
  • I release what no longer serves me and am open to the brand new unknown chapter unfolding in front of me
  • I dive into the ocean of my subconscious and release the emotional wounds blocking me from reaching my dreams
  • I allow the two fishes to guide me in the waters of life to find peace, emotional balance and my dreams.

Release Your Emotions With Worry Water

The ritual I am bringing to you for this emotional, expressive, and intuitive full moon in watery Pisces is a simple one it may seem, but it is a favorite of mine to do whenever we are in a water sign. Water signs open up such a deep, potent portal to our emotions in the most intuitive and compassionate way. This portal allows us to view some emotions we may not have been able to see in the depths before Pisces floats them up to the surface for us to see. This ritual even has more power behind it with Pisces being the sign of hidden things in the depths of our subconscious.

So, let’s learn how to release our emotions by making worry water. All you will need for this is a bowl of water its best if it is in a clear bowl and bonus energy if it is moon water. And then a quiet space you can be alone and uninterrupted for a little while. If you like to have candles, crystals, incense, or tools when you enter your sacred container those are optional for you to use here as well.

How to perform this ritual and make worry water

  • Go to the spot you can get enter your sacred container. Get into a comfortable position with your bowl of water in front of you.
  • If you are using extra tools like candles you set up your tools now and light candles or incense if need to.
  • Take some deep breaths in and out as you began to visualize protective, compassionate, expressive, energy entering your container and enveloping you.
  • As you feel that energy around you look into the bowl, you can even touch the water or pick the bowl up if you feel the desire to, than speak, whisper, or even yell all of your stresses, worries, fears, secrets, hidden emotions and hardships into your bowl of water.
  • Allow the element of water to absorb all those feelings, those unwanted energies and things, and hidden emotions you may have rushing thru yo. Allow it to transmute those emotions into healing, growth, and awareness.
  • Once you feel you have released all the emotions you need to into your bowl of water you can thank it for being a place to absorb and transmute all of this for you, than take your bowl of water and either dump it down the drain, flush it down the toilet or pour it out to the earth if you can.

Full Moon Ritual Bath Purification Prayer

This bath will cleanse the body, mind, emotions, of anything unwanted and blocking your intentions, success, and desires. It will also remove stagnant energy and/or energy that is not yours, that may be causing you difficulties on a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual level. For three consecutive nights (the day before, the day of, and the day after the full moon) create this bath to wash, cleanse and purify your body in.

While you are drawing your bath, and after you have created your sacred container by adding candles (preferably white) music or anything else you would like to add, bring this herbal mixture to a boil on the stovetop. Rue (or rosemary), white sage, Lavender, rose buds, pink salt, and basil. Once your mixture has turned into a tea on the stove top take it and head to your tub. As you pour the mixture in recite this purification prayer below.

“I release the unforgivable, and all the things that cause me deep seeded fear and hold me back. The things that hold me back from being my true self, accomplishing my goals, and having endless success. I release the emotional pain that I carry with me each and every day. Affecting my heart, my actions, and my reactions. I release and heal the wounds that prevent me from feeling love, worth, and anything but trauma and the sting of karma. I release these things not only from this life but all past lives, and dimensions. I release all blocks keeping me tied to karma and trauma. I release all resentments, and unwanted thoughts I keep on a loop in my mind towards myself and others. I release all beliefs sabotaging myself and not allowing me to connect authentically to my higher self. With the passing of this powerful, fertile, and grounded full moon my life is renewed. I am purified, cleansed, and whole. I am free from stagnation and pain. I am able love purely and unconditionally on this eve I am I am renewed.”

Get into your tub; cleanse and wash your body from head to toe as you visualize that cleansing energy go over every inch of your body. Soak in the tub for at least 15 minutes. If you do not have a tub: Pour the herbal water over your head and body in the shower and do your best to ensure that the water touches all parts of your body, including private parts. Do not rinse. It is best not to towel dry and instead let the body air dry as much as possible.

Emotional Healing Spell

Use this emotional healing spell tonight to allow you to heal and release a wound from the past that has been showing up lately and causing some unwanted effects on your life. This spell will be incredibly potent during this Pisces full moon as you will have the two fishes with you to dive deep and release what truly needs to be released.


How to perform:
1.Get yourself into sacred container by calling pink healing energy to you and into your sacred container
2. Grab your herbs and grind them together into a powder
3. Take your pink candle and anoint it with your oil
4. Take your candle and roll it in the herbal mixture towards you while envisioning yourself healing from the emotional wounds that are affecting you right now
5.Next, hold your piece of rhodochrosite in your hand as you light your candle
6. Once it is lit focus on the pink energy again and recite the following spell
“Emotional healing to me please send. Soothe my heart and help me mend. Heal my heart, release the past allow my inner scars to close up fast.”
7. Let the candle burn until it goes out on it’s own. Take the crystal and place on your altar for you to back to whenever you need support or healing throughout the week

Conclusion

However you choose to work with, connect to, or celebrate, the full moon in the dreamy, spiritual, creative, and emotional Pisces. Follow your intuition, and emotional spirit to guide you the rest of this lunar cycle to finish growing your seeds of manifestation and continuing your success from last month. Allow the two fishes to show you what you need to see in the depths of your souls to release and be able to shape the reality of your wildest and biggest dreams. Under the pisces full moon your fears, doubts, and obstacles will be released and given back to the flowing intuition of water. Follow the two fishes into the depths of the ocean to meet all your goals and ambitions’ with creativity.

Don’t forget to make preparations for your full moon hangover you may experience after this lumination. If you don’t know what a full moon hangover is or how to deal with one you can read all about it in my previous blog post here!

Come join me and divination academy to celebrate the next moon and connect with its energy in sacred container and community. Click the link below to join us on Tuesday September 17th @ 7:30pm CST https://www.facebook.com/share/RQwkTA5bBnrzgH5F/

Come join me for community, knowledge, and to restore the enchantment of magic in yourself and life today!

Facebook
Pinterest

Don’t forget to head over to the shop today for eBooks, workshops, resources, and 1:1 services with me!

© 2024, modgepodgemystic LLC

Posted on by — 1 Comment

Why Coming Out As A Bisexual Woman, In A Hetero Or Straight Appearing Relationship Was Hard

This month(June) kicks off LGBT PRIDE month! Pride month is a month dedicated to the celebration and commemoration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender pride.

Those who identify as bisexual are among those to be included this pride month. But, bisexual people often exist in a grey area, simultaneously ostracized by the LGBTQ+ community as not “gay enough” and heterosexual people as not “straight enough.” Others tell them they are just confused, it was or is a phase, and the even more harsh to here from both communities; it’s not real and all for attention. That may explain why, according to one recent study, most bisexual people say their friends and family don’t know their sexuality.

Coming out as bisexual was a very difficult thing to do and I want to take the time to really talk about and shed light on the whys especially on the fact that we struggle to fit into either community, our identities are questioned often, and how if we are in a hetero or straight appearing relationship it diminishes our identities as bisexuals and/or ostracize us from communities.

I used to be one of those in the most category we talked about earlier in the survey. Until 3 years ago a combination between a new type of therapy and Pride month, allowed me to finally open up about my sexuality, my past, and how much being in the closet was really affecting me. I hadn’t expressed to anyone my sexualtiy not even to my husband who at the time I had been with for a decade. No one knew about my brief relationship with a girl in middle school and high school, my sexual hookups with girls, and the deep feelings of sexual attraction and desire for many of my deep friendships growing up.

People were surprised to say the least, and many didn’t believe me and said or asked quite a handful of hurtful things. I had always been in hetero or straight passing relationships in public and I ended up married in one even. It made it even harder for me since I met my husband so young, and have been together for 13 years now as I write this. Like I said, I hadn’t even discussed it with my husband until he was the first one I came out to right before my cousin and best friend. On top of that, I didn’t come out until I was almost 30 years old, at that point many asked me why it mattered now, including myself.

But, the longer I was in the closet and not public and vocal about my identity; the more I didn’t feel authentic. The more I didn’t feel honest. The more I didn’t feel whole. The more I had actually started to have some guilt in my marriage and resentment as well. And I had reached a point that I needed to figure out why I was so afraid to openly express my sexuality when I was usually so authentic about every other area of my life.

There were three huge reasons I had come up with while in reflection. The first was my hetero or straight appearing relationship really causes a lot of issues with my sexuality. Now, this doesn’t mean my husband isn’t kind and supportive or I was worried of judgement from him. The issue is the image my relationship makes others see and how they perceive me and feel about it me in different communities because of it. From my experience your made to feel, when you are in a hetero or straight relationship you for some reason have to almost just give up and hand over identity as a bisexual. You get questions from the LGBT community and the assumptions made that you are a straight when you are seen with your partner. You get doubted and not believed from the ally or straight community as well and even told, well your married now and to a man so how can you be bisexual anymore? Again, like the whole time it was just confusion and you waiting to make an ultimate choice on your identity and you chose straight.

However, my “gay side” and my “straight side” do not compete. They coexist, regardless of my partner’s gender. This is simply my identity and it doesn’t go away because, of the gender or sexual identity of my life partner. When I really realized this myself it helped me to understand that it shouldn’t matter to myself or anyone else that my relationship appears to others as a hetero or straight relationship. I am and always will be bisexual no matter the gender or identity of the person I am married too.

The second reason it was so hard for me to come out as bisexual was the grey area I talked about in the beginning that made me feel really ostracized in either community. Listening to the way others would talk about those who were bisexual both in the hetero or straight community and in the LGBT community didn’t make it seem like a welcoming and opening space for me to be out in. To be honest I still struggle with this today. In general because of being bisexual and the having to always feel like you are defending your identity, what it means in both communities and defending yourself to be included in the safe spaces. To be questioned about the validity of it, was it phase, were you just confused, and even at times being made to feel like it’s asking for attention. AND this is coming from all sides and both communities which makes it seem like being lonely in the closet may be better than having to defend yourself from all fronts at times.

The third reason was the guilt and resentment that I had started to build up in my marriage. Most of this was my fault. My husband had never given me any reason to believe that I couldn’t be open and honest with him. For me, I just wasn’t ready to come out to anyone at all about it and that had included him for a really long time. I would make comments about my preferences in women and how I found some attractive throughout the years but, I never told him directly about my identity. Eventually I started to feel guilty for not allowing him the chance to be a safe space and also for not being fully honest with him and all parts of who I was. When the guilt got really heavy I even at times felt like I had tricked him into marrying someone he didn’t fully know and that felt wrong and unfair. Which made me had to decide what felt worse the guilt about hiding it from him or the anxiety of coming out to him?

The fourth and final reason it was hard for me to come out as bisexual was I experience straight-passing privilege because of the image my relationship portrays to others. This means that most people assume I am a straight woman in a heterosexual relationship. Which does allow me to at times not have to deal with some challenges and obstacles of those assumptions if I don’t want to. Which led to me feeling guilty and like I almost hadn’t earned the right to be in the LGBT community and in queer spaces especially since I had been in the closet for such a long time.

I eventually realized that guilt is a feeling that you invoke on yourself not others so it was time for me to deal with that on my own while remembering that it was something I needed to be aware. Because, when you let that guilt and straight-passing privilege take over it can lead to the erasing of your bisexuality whether you do it to yourself like I did by not allowing myself out the closet for so long or by others making assumptions about your identity no longer existing. I do my best to also remember it’s normal to not always feel confident in my identity. It’s okay to sometimes feel discomfort, after all sexuality is a spectrum that changes as we evolve with it.

To this day I still experience being questioned, I still have to be vocal in public spaces and openly identify myself to feel like I am not allowing straight-passing privilege to erase my bisexuality, and at times I have to still struggle with feelings of guilt when in queer safe spaces and especially during pride month it gets a spotlight shown on it. I do my best to hold onto my bisexuality though and not allow it to be erased because of my hetero or straight passing relationship. Some of the ways I do that is by trying to be vocal and open about my identity, until recently I had a flag in the front window of my home ( it will be replaced), I talk about my identity often with others, and I bring awareness to my relationship and others on my social media when I can. I attend pride events and try to be in queer safe spaces and communities and find ways to bring my bisexuality into my life through shows I watch, conversations with my husband, and into my sex life without cheating.

What I ask of you if you took the time to read about my experience this pride month is if you are bisexual and in closest I hope this helped you feel safer, and seen. I hope it let you know you are not alone and there actually is a much bigger community of others out there for you to connect with. Especially if you are in a hetero or straight appearing relationship. Since, I came out of the closet I have had more than a handful of other women confide in me they identify the same way and I guard some of their doors still. Most importantly remember being bisexual doesn’t mean you shouldn’t find safety and belong in queer safe spaces.

If you are not bisexual I ask that you remember being bisexual isn’t a phase, or confusion for someone you love if that is how they identify. Even if they end up choosing a life partner that has them appear to be in a hetero or straight appearing relationship. It doesn’t suddenly make them no longer bisexual. Please don’t try and erase that part of their identity from who they are. This pride month if they are out of the closet and vocal about it don’t forget about them. Don’t allow them to be overlooked especially if they are in a hetero or straight appearing relationship. Their existence isn’t any less valid in the LGBT community this pride month. Remind them that their relationship doesn’t make them any less valid in the LGBT community and it shouldn’t make them feel that way either or like they have to hide in the closet if they still are.

Posted on by

I am not my mental illnesses, they don’t define who I am AND because, I live with them they do shape my reality

May is mental health awareness month. For many this points a spotlight on mental health and mental illnesses when they may not always think about it and they seek to learn more. While for others it may be a month to focus on improving mental health, healing, and using skills to create a life worth living while living with mental illnesses. Even yet, this month could be the push someone needed to seek help, treatment, or to go and get a diagnosis for the first time.

For myself it becomes a month focused on reflecting on how balanced I currently am, to check in with how well I am using mental health skills and techniques to maintain a healthy mental state, and to really look at my own personal relationship with my mental health and mental illnesses. While reflecting and really looking at my mental health and my relationship currently with mental illnesses this month was a little different for me than in past years because, I wanted to write about it. I have written and rewritten this post so many times this month because during my reflection process my answer would change. I would write an open letter about the illnesses I live with ( OCD, PTSD, Bipolar, BPD, and a few more) and it just wouldn’t feel whole. I would pick my favorite DBT skills to talk about this month and it wouldn’t feel like enough for bringing awareness.

So, I kept waiting, reflecting and rewriting and after a interpersonal conflict which put me in a really unbalanced and depressed state of mind. Where some things were said that were hurtful had pushed me to think about myself, my reactions, and if my view on reality were causing imbalance and unhappiness in my life. Which lead me to really think about the topic I landed on for this blogpost. The fact that I am not my mental illnesses, they don’t define who I am AND because I live with them they do shape my reality and how I experience the world.

I often forget that my mental illnesses don’t define me. I work so hard to try to raise awareness of these illnesses and how they affect your brain chemistry and makeup. I focus so much on wanting people to understand that these illnesses are not just in your head, they are real and they affect your brain chemistry and makeup. That at times I feel I almost let them become my whole identity unintentionally.

I also forget this when I start to struggle. I start to sink into the unwanted parts of my mental illnesses and I begin to believe that’s who I am and all the negative stigmas that are attached to them. When I feel overwhelmed by my symptoms, I try to remind myself that my illnesses are not me. I have to remind myself that my mental illnesses don’t disqualify me from being a mother, and that they can’t stop me from doing anything. I than remind others of the same thing once I am back to believing it, because sadly not everyone in my life agrees with this. Some believe that just having a mental illness means I shouldn’t even be mother.

While all the above is true and I work really hard to do my best to remember that and to remind others. The other half of this is recognizing that although they do not define me and who I am, my mental illnesses do shape my reality, how I experience the world, and how I interact with others. Some of the mental illnesses I have can never be “cured” and some I can’t be medicated for either. Though I can develop a healthy lifestyle based on therapeutic skills to help live a much more happy, balanced and stable life with them. They will always be apart of my life and my reality.

So, what does that mean and why does it matter? For myself I live with bipolar disorder and BPD which can cause some ping ponging on my feelings, thoughts, reactions, and even at times my beliefs. On top of that you through the extreme anxiety that comes with OCD and triggers from PTSD. This undoubtedly means my perception of reality will be affected by these things in ways others may not have to experience. On top of that it will affect how I interact with others and even with myself. This means I can’t allow myself to believe so deeply that I am not defined by my mental illnesses that I completely forget how they affect my perception and my place in this world. That I unintentionally put myself into denial of their existence and allow myself to not maintain healthy mental health and let my mental illnesses affect myself and my life in unwanted ways. This also means that when I interact with others I have to remember they may not be experiencing reality from my perception. And I ask others to do the same with me.

Whether you chose to read this because you live your life with mental illnesses or you have those in your life you love who do or simply to gain some insight and awareness. The main things I really want you to take from are the following. Living with a mental illness doesn’t define you. It doesn’t dictate who you are, who you can become or what you can accomplish. It may look a little different or you have to go a different path to get there but, they don’t dictate that at all. They don’t disqualify you from any part of a happy, thriving life you dream of. All you have to do is find the skills THAT HELP YOU achieve that. AND; still remember that you do live with them. They will affect your day to day life, how you view reality through perception and how you interact with and perceive others. Don’t allow yourself to forget that and neglect your mental health hygiene and skills and lead to unwanted effects resonating throughout the areas of your life.

Mental Health Awareness Resources
Please note that all of these resources are available at any time of day or night and are all free of charge. If you are struggling or know someone who is, please do not hesitate to reach out. These hotlines are there for the very specific purpose of helping you.

If you are having thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You will be connected to a trained crisis counselor who will treat you with respect and listen to you. They can help you identify options in your area.
If texting seems more your speed, you can text NAMI to741-741. This will connect you to a trained crisis counselor. They are available 24/7.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is also available 24/7. You can reach them at 800-799-SAFE (7233). Victims of domestic violence often suffer from depression and anxiety.
Victims of sexual assault often struggle with fear, depression, anger, and anxiety. You can reach the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673).

Favorite Sites For Mental Health Awareness
There are many great websites that focus on mental health awareness. The following are highly recommended.

National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI)
Harvard Medical School – Has great pages focused on mental health issues
Mental Health America
National Institute of Mental Health
Active Minds – specializes in teens and young adults
Project Semicolon – dedicated to suicide prevention

If you or a loved one are struggling with any type of mental health concern, please reach out to a professional who can offer support, advice, and direction. You are not alone. Millions of other people are facing similar struggles. And millions have faced them and come through the other side wiser, stronger, and healthier. Take the time and effort this May to educated yourself and become more aware of the mental health issues in your range of influence and experience. You never know how or where you can make a difference.

The last thing I will leave you with are some mental health statistics to remind how relevant this is to each one of us!

The following statistics were found at the National Alliance on Mental Health website.

  • 1 in five American adults will experience a mental illness
  • Nearly 1 in 25 Americans live with a serious mental illness
  • 18% of American adults live with an anxiety disorder
  • Almost 7% of American adults live with major depression
  • Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide.
  • Depression costs the U.S. $193 billion in lost earnings every year.
  • Suicide rates in the U.S. have risen 25% in the last 20 years
  • 20% of American youth (ages 13-18) have a mental health condition
  • Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death in American youth ages 10-24. It is the 10th leading cause of death for Americans overall.
  • The average delay between onset of mental health symptoms and treatment is 10 years
  • Almost 60% of American adults with a mental illness did not receive treatment in the last year.
  • Minorities are much less likely to receive treatment for mental illness
Posted on by — 2 Comments

Working With The Prosperous, Stable, Physical, And Present Energy Of The Taurus New Moon

We are entering a new lunar phase this week; the New moon. As the Moon changes signs approximately every 2-3 days, we feel her influence over our moods and intuition shift. As the moon begins her next cycle aligned with the steadfast bull, we feel called to ground ourselves in the realm of the earthly and tangible. Under the taurus new moon, our intentions manifest through sensual delights, pragmatic actions, and diligent cultivation of resources over time. The sign of Taurus favors the arrival of good fortune and prosperity. So when you combine the New Moon’s allure, and the sacred Bull’s prosperity it’s a supernaturally potent mix.

The Moon in Taurus also calls us to inhabit the grounded beauty of the present moment.
Taurus brings in the anchor of deep stability. The energy this earth sign brings is anchored and aware. We’re able to put away the cares and fears about the past, present, and future and be here now. This is the rock around which all that wonderful and messy life is spinning. The new moon in Taurus represents a time of renewed intention setting focused on abundance, pleasure, and material stability rooted in our deepest desires and passions without hesitation or fear.

This new moon in Taurus is asking us to dig down to the bedrock of our lives. To re-discover what’s lost, what’s buried, and what’s forgotten. And bring those submerged pieces back to life. Reminding us when we are rooted to the earth we get to be truly who we are and manifest a life full of abundance and pleasure.

This new moon begins a lunar month centered around rebuilding our lives from the ground up, reassessing our values, and strengthening our relationship with ourselves, our physical bodies, and the Earth. Keep reading to learn all about this Taurus new moon, how it will affect you, and how you can harness it in your life and magical practices. By aligning with the Taurus new moon

New Moon What Is It And Why We Honor It?

Every month, the New Moons carry us over the threshold of a new beginning. So, let’s talk about the new moon in general before we dig into the depths of what a Taurus moon can do for you and your life. The new moon is the time to reflect and cleanse your energy. It is a time to set your intentions for what you wish to attract this lunar cycle. Every intention set requires action and energy from your part as well.

The new moon energy is there to support you in manifesting what you want. The new moon is a time to allow new ideas and energy to flow with you. It is a time to honor new beginnings, and the turning over of a cycle. Think of these intentions as seeds you are planting for this lunar cycle to be ready to harvest by the full moon.

Use this time to rest, reflect, and plant what you will grow just as your ancestors across many cultures did while there was little light in the night sky for them to use. Each New Moon is unique, offering its own magic within each month.

To learn more about the foundations of working with the new moon, and how it affects you, read more here in my previous blog post. https://modgepodgemystic.com/working-with-the-new-moon/

Themes For The Taurus New Moon

Every New Moon contains its own themes, which are related to the sign that it falls under. This time, we experience the New Moon in the purposeful, prosperous, stable, relaxing, anchored, earth sign of Taurus the bull. Let’s explore some of the themes and energies of Taurus deeper below.

Taurus The Sign Calling You To Be Present

Taurus is a fixed sign. It roots into presence, and sustains what’s here and now. The Taurus New Moon is often a time to relax, indulge, and take it easy. No doubt life has been spinning SO fast around you recently? It’s because, we’re coming out of a high energy, intense, passionate period with the previous Moons, and this is now a time to pull back. We can take a break, chill out, and don’t want to fill up every moment of our lives with something to do. By standing still and taking time to rest during this New Moon, presence will form. And in that presence; you’ll find what matters and maybe even some answers to questions you have been pondering recently. Taurus has all the time in the world. Not to mention the tenacity to stick with the search to firstly find out the answers, and secondly, figure out how to bring them to life.

Taurus The Sign Of Money

Taurus has a reputation for abundance, in all its earthly delights. Taurus is a money ruler, so we can focus on opportunities to improve our financial situations and plan for the future. We can maximize resources we have, and get our hands on new resources. This can help improve stability and security in our lives, and as we improve stability and security, we can get more opportunities for money and resources.

Taurus The Time To Anchor

Taurus brings in the anchor of deep stability. This is the rock around which all the duality of life is spinning. Taurus as an archetype is earthy, fortified like a mountain, and all about the sensations of nature around us. It often asks us to connect to our bodies and to the tangible, material parts of our life experience. On our journey there, Taurus also asks us to backtrack. To go back to the foundation and core of who we are and the intentions we are setting. Before setting any intentions for change, this Moon wants us to first look to our core truths, values, and motivations. To make sure we are planting seeds of intentions we truly desire to be sown.

Taurus The Sign Of The Body

Taurus is a fixed earth sign because of this; it is one of the most body-centered (and centering) signs of the zodiac. When the New Moon is in the sign of Taurus we are reminded of the sacredness of our physical form. Taurus asks us to sit with ourselves fully. Not in an intellectual way, or spiritual way but, in a physical way. It asks us to take time to notice the breath entering our lungs, the beating of our hearts, the movement in our blood, the tension in our muscles, pressure on our bones, and sensations from our senses. When the moon is in Taurus, we are encouraged to revel in our physicalness and the pleasure of what we can experience with our sense of touch especially in the realm of sex. Taurus puts an emphasis on creature comforts reminding us to slow down, savor deeply, and reconnect with our physicality by simply enjoying life’s pleasures.

Taurus New Moon and Duality

Since, I am a grey witch every single energy I work with I look for the duality in that energy and how I can connect to it. This includes the new moon and the sign it currently is in. First, the new moon itself is all about duality and illuminating the night sky in both light and shadows. The new moon is all about rebirth, renewal, and the beginning of a new cycle, which puts you in a transitional liminal space and energy. In order for you to be in a space to begin again, to transition, and be reborn you had to just come from and ending and death. Second, the sign of Taurus while it may be all about abundance, security, stability, and going deep within to be rooted and anchored. That isn’t a light process, or an easy process. To truly fully receive abundance, and be rooted in our sacred contacts and soul purposes. To truly manifest all of our deepest desires, passions, and intentions; we have to face the depths of our pasts, who we really are, and where we have honestly been. In order to have the space and ability to receive it all and most importantly be willing to receive by knowing we are worthy and it is meant to be ours. Doing this opens you to a very liminal space steeped in duality for you to truly do the work needed to benefit from this new moon to its fullest potential.

What To Be Cautious Of This Taurus New Moon

Our confidence can be high with the Taurus New Moon if we feel secure and take it easy. If we don’t, we may become stubborn about something, and insecurity can lead to lashing out erratically. Be careful with being stubborn as well to not try and move immovable objects and start unneeded conflict. The other thing to be careful of with this moon; is the pull to rest, relax and go inward. It can be very potent and alluring. While taking to time rest and replenish our bodies is important don’t let it go so far you start to avoid responsibilities.

Ways To Work With The Taurus New Moon

Now, that we have talked about the themes of this Taurus new moon and how it is going to affect you let’s talk about how you can specifically connect to and work with this moon.

First, make sure to do all of your staples that your learned in the previous blog post linked here https://modgepodgemystic.com/working-with-the-full-moon/ for you like, charging your crystals, making moon water, https://modgepodgemystic.com/moon-water-a-magical-staple/ and resetting your altar.

With this moon there are certain spells and rituals that will help connect you this moon in the most effective way. Remember these are just some of the many ideas follow your intuition and the energy of this moon.

Correspondences For The Taurus New Moon

First, what is a correspondence? A correspondence is an item or symbol that is meant to connect you to a specific energy thru it’s representation. It is seen also as an item to respect, honor, and venerate that energy as well whether it be a deity, an archetype energy , or the zodiac energy the moon is currently in like Taurus that I will list below for you to use.

  • planet-venus, moon
  • Animal- The bull
  • Element- Earth
  • Sex- Feminine
  • Modality- Fixed
  • Symbol- The bull, the goddess
  • colors- green,gold, brown
  • Motto- I have, or I possess
  • Chakra-Root chakra
  • Herbs- mint, thyme, sage, mallow, catnip, honeysuckle, saffron, rose, lavender, bergamot,
  • Stones/ crystals- emerald, jade. moss agate, green aventurine, Pyrite, peach moonstone, malachite, rose quartz, amazonite, amber, carnelian
  • Deities-Aphrodite/Venus Hera/Juno, Ishtar, Isis, Freyja, and Frigg and the gods Pan, Dionysus/Bacchus, Xolotl, and Quetzalcoatl
  • Themes-Stability, Security, Sensualality, Abundance,Fertility,Peaceful,Rest,Reflection,Love,Self worth,Grounded, Rooted, Strength, Patience, Determination, Fortitude, Physical body
  • tarot- The hierophant
  • House- Second house

Root Meditation For Taurus New Moon

The purpose of this meditation is to help you feel grounded and stable to the earth, and who you are while also replenishing your energy and strength. It also creates a circular current of energy from the earth’s core, through your energetic body, and the celestial body the moon.

How to do:

Find a comfortable position to be in somewhere that you can be alone and be left uninterrupted for a small amount of time. If you want to do this outside under the moon or connecting to the earth you can as well!

Begin by taking four centering breaths in and continue to box breath:

How to box breathe:

Breathe in to the count of four (I measure my count with my heartbeat).
Hold your breath for four counts.
Breathe out for four counts.
Pause for four counts before taking another breath.
Repeat.
This breathing technique helps to quiet the mind and center your focus. I use this not only for meditation, guided work, and magical purposes but, for mental health coping skills as well!

Continuing to breathe gently into the softness of your belly, you are going to begin to visualize yourself within yourself. Visualize yourself pulling back from the edges of your body. Draw your consciousness inwards so that you feel yourself inside of your body as if it were a sacred container/ temple that you can draw back into. Feel yourself growing smaller in the powerful space of your body, drifting down into the sacred portal of energy in your belly, down into your pelvic space. The sacred portal of energy many know as the root chakra or the cauldron of warming.

Remaining within yourself, visualize a root extending from inner-you down deep into the earth. Breathe into this root as it extends downwards into the floor beneath you, and than into the soil. Feel as it expands and grows moving throwing the soil. Past roots of plants and other trees, past rocks, and decaying remains and debris, past critters, and creatures that wiggle in the dirt. You breathe in and on the exhale your root extends even further into the soil stretching as far as it can until you reach the burning hot, molten core at the center of the earth. And you feel the energy of the earth pulsating there ready for you to absorb.

With every out-breath your root extends and with every in-breath you pull up green energy through your roots back into inner-you from that molten hot core in the center of the earth pulsating in front of you. The green energy stretches up into all parts of inner-you until you are completely filled with it from your toes to fingertips to the very top of your head. The energy extends out of the crown of your head skywards in the form of branches, sprouting leaves, and maybe even blooming buds or fruit. With every out-breath your branches extend upwards and with every in-breath your branches pull celestial, lunar, and solar energy into inner-you. Let the currents of green and celestial energy mingle throughout your body creating a circle current from the celestial energy, through you, and into the core of the earth and back again.

When you feel sufficiently charged-up, begin to pull back your roots and branches until they have formed a small but powerful sphere of centered energy in the belly of inner-you. This is a continuous conductor of energy that you can connect to for abundance, growth, and the divine connection between you, the earth, and the celestial body the moon. You can go within yourself, to your sacred container/temple of your body, to access it at any time, including repeating this simple ritual to continue to revitalize your inner energy.

Whenever you are ready you can open your eyes and come fully back to your body by giving yourself a self-massage or squeezing your feet connecting to the energy current you just were connected too.

If you would like more ideas for rituals you can check out my Pinterest page, my Facebook page, and watch any of my previous moon celebrations here; https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeHvi9fxqgzRx1cIX1vfLMDVVtPYzKvl1&si=ppeNd5wwT6saWEdf  or at the top of the Divination facebook page, and you can read more in a previous blog post here

However you choose to connect to this new moon and work with its energy be prepared to experience the steadfast bull, and feel called to ground yourself in the realm of the earthly and tangible. Under the taurus new moon, your intentions will manifest through sensual delights, pragmatic actions, and diligent cultivation of resources over time. Listen to Taurus who is asking you to dig down to the bedrock of your life. To re-discover what’s lost, what’s buried, and what’s forgotten. And bring those submerged pieces back to life. Reminding you that when you are rooted to the earth you get to be truly who you are and manifest a life full of abundance and pleasure.

To connect with the moon more you can join me for a FREE celebration and ritual with Divination on May 7th @ 8:00 pm CST in Facebook live! https://www.facebook.com/events/3334367276860444/

Posted on by — 4 Comments

The Grey Witch; Walking The Path Of Duality and Balance

Every thing in nature is usually seen in the eyes of most pagans as being dualistic. Many paths consistently teach of how one must be able to understand and work with these seemingly opposing forces. These are the two forces and divisions of male and female, physical and spiritual, etc. It’s often commonly thought throughout practices that, these two forces only exist in division now but, were once of a previous unified force, or the divine. These two generally represent any of the dualistic polarities, this includes the polarities of positive and negative aka dark and light; or how I choose to view them as wanted and unwanted. To put it simply; the divine is neutral, grey. It is both positive AND negative, light AND dark, unwanted AND wanted. The divine, nature, and magic are all neutral and the grey witch encompasses this truth in all that they do and they are. They take this truth and use it to intimately work with all of the energies around them in a balanced way. I know this because, I myself am one of those witches! Let’s journey into grey Magic, walking the balanced path of Witchcraft together.

Magic itself is a neutral energy or force

Since the divine, the source, the multiverse, is neutral and grey and magic comes from the divine and source magic itself has to be a neutral energy and force as well. Magic itself is neither “dark nor light”, but it’s the way the magic and energy is sent out into the world. It is all about our intention, the energies we connect to when using it and where we choose to direct it.

White, Black, And Grey Magic

Generally speaking, white magic is magic done for the benefit of ourselves or others by raising positive energy for a particular outcome. It helps us connect with spiritual forces, gain wisdom, and more enlightenment. Black magic is done to bring harm to others, and grey magic is exactly what it sounds like: the grey area in between the two.

(Note: I don’t use the terms “white” and “black” in my practices for many reasons but, mainly because they have clearly negative racial connotations. However, I’m including them here because this is typically how grey magic is described by others.)

The Grey Witch

What does it mean to be a grey witch? A grey witch embodies a unique approach to witchcraft, incorporating elements of both left-hand (dark magic) and right-hand (light magic) paths into their practices without showing a preference for either. These types of magics may also sometimes be referred to as destructive and constructive magic, respectively. You may also see it referred to as positive “light and love” vs negative “baneful and evil” magic as well. Like I talked about above; I use the terms and view of wanted vs unwanted. The term “grey” derives from the mixture and balance of black and white magic. Grey witches greatly value magical and spiritual balance not only in their craft but also in their lives. They are neutral. This neutrality characterizes the grey witch as a force that exists between the extremes in the world of witchcraft.

It is not just the forces of “good” and “evil” that the grey witch toggles between. A grey witch also sees the polarity of femininity and masculinity, day and night, life and death. The secret to becoming a grey witch is keeping your power balanced. Grey witches recognize that to be whole, they must embrace both “positive” and “negative” energy.

Let Go of “Do No Harm”

Over and over and over again the Wiccan Rede is touted as some universal law that all witches must obey or face some kind of horrific consequence. Many witches particularly those who follow the religion wicca preach endlessly that witches must follow this rule. While on the surface this might seem like a well meaning rule with good intentions, but the ramifications of this rule are actually quite problematic. This rule creates a massive energetic imbalance in themselves, the collective, and the multiverse.

The biggest flaw in the push for the rede to be accepted by all witches is that it’s specific to one religion! It is called the Wiccan Rede for a reason, it’s a rule for Wiccans! If you’re not Wiccan, why would you follow their tenants? There are tons of other religions that get combined with the practice of witchcraft. These beliefs all tend to have their own moral view of the world and those moral views may or may not mesh with the rede. If you’re Wiccan, obviously the rede is meant for you and you can ignore this point.

If you’re still not convinced that “harm none” is a ridiculous rule then let me point out just how completely impossible it is to actually uphold. If you think about it, you can never be perfectly certain that the consequences of your actions aren’t harming someone. You could cast a successful job spell and while that spell might seem very positive for you, it inevitably will cause another candidate to be passed over for that job. Being passed over that job could be the catalyst for all kinds of unwanted things to follow.

Every single action you take has ramifications that could negatively impact other people without your knowledge. And I mean every single action! If you were to try and never harm anything ever again you would have to stop participating in life in any way. All actions in the world have both wanted and unwanted results and how you perceive these results is entirely based on perspective. Perspective changes everything, nothing is black and white and what is wanted in one persons eyes will undoubtedly be unwanted in someone else’s.

And what about morally grey spaces? Say somebody tries to break into your home and harm your family and the encounter become violent. Is it morally reprehensible for you to hurt this person in self-defense? I mean, you are still harming them so under “harm none” this is not ok. I think most people would agree that defending your life, your home, and your family from an attacker is not a “bad” thing though. And if you wouldn’t defend yourself, what if it was someone else being hurt? If you saw someone being attacked, dragged into an alley towards a vehicle to be kidnaped and did nothing, your inaction would be contributing to the harm they’re experiencing now and after. If you intervene and harm the attacker, however, your action is causing harm. In situations such as these “harm none” falls apart entirely because no matter what you do it’s completely impossible to abide by the rule.

Instead of trying to maintain some totally unreachable standard of moral purity, delve into the complexity of human life. Stop looking for dictated moral solutions and actually take charge of your own actions, beliefs, and consequences. Think about yourself in relation to the world around you, reflect! Find purpose in your actions, decide what matters to you most and make it a center point, do the work to go within yourself and find that guiding inner voice that can help you navigate the trickier moral challenges that you encounter. THIS is real power and true control over your own circumstances. That is how you create a life that is truly in alignment with your joy, your will, and your purpose. This is a key step to walking the path of the grey witch.

A Grey Witch Lives In Duality

Being a grey witch is a person who practices witchcraft and is comfortable with the idea of duality. Duality has been pinned against each other since the dawning of time, a struggle of “good versus evil” a grey witch understands this. Central to the philosophy of a grey witch is the belief that the world operates in shades of grey rather than in simplistic black and white, and this perspective influences their practice of the craft. Grey witches must incorporate duality and balance into their mentality and into their everyday lives.

A Grey Witch Understand Human Nature

A grey witch is a person who has made a decision that humans are both “good and evil”. Philosophy has questioned whether humans are inherently born “good or evil” and if our actions become the true definition of our nature. A grey witch has decided that they don’t have to choose either side. Is it possible to accept that we are only human, which means depending on the moment we can be either wondrous or terrible? Absolutely, and a grey witch has wrestled with this question coming to peace within themselves when choosing this path. This is the path that the grey witch has taken upon their path, recognizing in all things created by nature there is a balance between greatness and evil.

(Note: I don’t use the terms good or evil in my practices or beliefs. These are not terms I agree with nor how I view the world. I don’t believe anything, anyone, or event its wholeheartedly “evil” or “good”. I View the multiverse, it’s energies, and the results of entities actions as wanted or unwanted and that will depend on the entities involved.)

The Grey Witch and Emotions

Grey witches must incorporate duality and balance into their mentality; often these witches have powerful mental power once mastering this. The hermetic law “As within, so without, as above, so below, as the universe, so the soul.” Teaches us this. This philosophical perspective outlines the idea that who we are on the inside will be created in the world around us. The grey witch understands this law and incorporates this into their life and how they handle their emotions.

They allow themselves to be happy but, leave enough room for bad feelings to run their courses, such as jealousy, anger, and sadness. They do not suppress themselves when dark clouds are around them; they harness the energy of the storm to heal without masking. They understand that every emotion serves a function, is meant to be felt, and is there to communicate something to us.

The Liminal Space

Similar to the hedge witch, the grey witch lives and thrives in the liminal spaces; since they are dripping in grey energy and magic. What is a liminal space? Liminal comes from the Latin root word Limen, meaning threshold. Therefore, liminal spaces are places where a threshold is crossed. Spaces of transition or between spaces if you want to call them. It’s a space where you leave where you are but you aren’t fully in another space yet. In general a liminal space; is in the between where we can commune with spirit and otherworldly beings, preform energy work such as reiki and other healing methods, revisit past lives to heal personal trauma, and the list goes on. There are physical, spiritual, and magical liminal spaces.

  • Magical liminal spaces are a type of spiritual liminal space that is unique to each practitioner. These magical liminal spaces are personal times of power when the veil between worlds is thinnest for the practitioner
  • Personal liminal spaces are personal characteristics which we embody that are in-between.
  • Spiritual liminal spaces, which can also be identified as experiential liminal spaces, are events or states of being in which we leave something behind but haven’t arrived at our destination when we part with them

Some examples of liminal practices include things like:

  • spirit work – mediumship, possession
  • divination – pendulum, cards, tea leaf reading, palmistry, etc.
  • casting spells – anything requiring manifestation and intention
  • invocation of deity – asking a deity to fill your space with their presence
  • ancestor work – asking for help from your ancestors
  • energy healing – reiki, meditation, trancework, shamanic journeying

Views Grey Witches Often Have

  • They think it is critical to incorporate the paths of light-work and shadow-work into your practice
  • They do not believe in Karma, the threefold law, or the Rede of “harm none”
  • The phrase “a witch who cannot harm, cannot heal” resonates with them
  • They believe that people are both good and evil
  • They often feel they are forcing positivity or numbing pain
  • They believe there is not only one path but two. To protect themselves and their loved ones, they will weave through light or darkness
  • They may not even believe in the terms “good” and “evil”
  • They might find that misusing energy can be harmful and reserve their energy work for times they feel personally called to justice.
  • They might also only use their magic when trying to gain balance in the universe for themselves or those they hold dear.
  • Being a witch is a political act in itself, however, a grey witch has the great hope that they can help restore justice for humanity.
  • They could also have the belief that they are a neutral force rather than a dual one.
  • It doesn’t matter to a grey witch how you view them; they know that opinion is subjective from person to person

How to Incorporate Grey Witchcraft into Your Practices

Grey witches work with a broad spectrum of spirits, celestials, and ancestors both living and those to come. Grey witches follow their intuition and the ebb and flow of balance and call on the entities needed to either create and/or maintain balance with each spell, working, or ritual, they perform or cast. What matters to them is how they feel when inspired at that moment, how they process their inner healing, at times enacting justice, and most importantly maintaining balance.

  • Find ways to include balance in your mindset and spiritual practice
  • Utilize magical intentions that involve Nature because the natural world is also neutral and balanced
  • Integrate shadow work into your practice. Allow yourself to work through negative thoughts and feelings; don’t try to suppress them
  • Study and incorporate spell work and magical intentions that create balance and combine positive and negative energy
  • Connect with ancestors, gods, goddesses, or deities that embrace balance and duality
  • Add all five elements in your practice

The Grey Witch and Shadow Work

Meeting your shadow self can be traumatic. Working through it doesn’t mean you cover up stuff with light or light work though, you can only work through it, and accept it. You embrace the darkness as it is, and allow it to grow, mold and reshape itself as it sees fit, if it sees fit. This is the difference between a grey witch and others when it comes to shadow work. You don’t work through your shadow to get to your light, or work with it in the sense to transform it. You simply embrace it, comfort it, understand it, and allow it grow and mold and shape as it sees fit. You allow it to express itself in the way it needs to be like in rage, grief, fear, etc. and you access that expression for some potent magic, energy, and self awareness.

If you would like to learn more about shadow work you can purchase my eBook here; https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/2S3QJZ4UPDRG6 you can book me for a 1:1 session as your guide here; https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555318986253 and you can watch my free class previously taught on it through Divination below!

Grey Magic; Walking The Balanced Path of Witchcraft

The main intention of a Grey witch is to be a catalyst in healing. The light is a symbol of our higher divine mind and the dark the deeper, unconscious part of self, the primal, the animal, the profound power of physicality. A balance between the two unlocks the magic of our spiritual potential on our path of witchcraft. Being a grey witch is the most beautiful evolved form of a human being. The one without illusions and lies or masks. It’s just you, the whole you, a raw force and undeniable spirit that captures and commands everything around you .Whether embracing the shadow that lives within us all or changing your frequencies to rise above, the grey witch is a powerful being mastering all the energies in the multiverse in one being.

“A grey Witch I am and forever will be,
a balance of both dwells deep inside of me.
For I am not black, nor am I white.
I will walk in the darkness, I will walk in the light. I seek no harm and my intentions are just.But make no mistake, I’ll do what I must. So take heed of my word, I give you insight. For I am grey, I will defend, and I will fight.”

To expand your knowledge about this path and if you’d rather listen than read; you can watch my free class with Divination Academy on YouTube below!


Posted on by — 5 Comments

Working With The Basics of Life and Magic; Energy

Energy! Nothing is solid; Everything is made up of energy.  Me. You. Your family. The chair you’re sitting on. Your bed. The ground you walk on. That’s why energy work is so important. The language of our higher self is spoken to us through our intuition and intuition communicates with us through the language of energy. It allows us to understand the world around us, both in practical everyday matters and in the mystical and sacred stuff! 

Because we are always moving in a sea of energy, and that energy is feeding our energetic body, it informs us of what is happening around us.  It is important that we pay attention to how this process works.  Just as we can live better by knowing how the food we eat affects us, we can do the same with knowing how energy affects us, and how to nurture it and bring ourselves into mental and physical balance.

On top of this, we can use energy to pick up information around us and become more intuitive. Having great intuitive skills enhances our lives, giving us comfort knowing where to go and what to do through our inner guidance.   By learning how to develop our intuition coupled with learning about energy, we become powerful in our connection to divine wisdom.

Why knowing about energy is so important

Part of being good at rituals, spells, magick is having a solid relationship with energy. If you think about it with any magickal work that you are doing you are working with energy. It’s incredibly important to understand that energy and to know how to work with it in order to find the most success in your work.

You have to develop a relationship with energy in order to be able to work with it in the best way. Everything in the world is made up of energy so the more types of relationships you have the more success you will find.

Energy Work

What is energy work, and what are some of the options out there? Energy work is simply put tapping into the body’s own frequencies to promote well-being.

Energy work is any work that involves changes to the human energy field or subtle body. It is commonly used as part of a holistic healing regimen or alternative medicine. The practitioner makes adjustments to the flow of life energy using various techniques including acupuncture, acupressure or may use crystals or their own energy through Reiki or Laying on of hands.

Energy work is the intentional effort to manipulate your or someone else’s energy for spiritual, emotional, or physical healing. There are countless modalities of energy work practices in cultures around the world. You can perform energy work on yourself or seek it out from a professional.

Energy work affects both the subtle body system (the energetic body) and the physical body in various ways. The subtle body system shows up differently across cultures. Here are some of the subtle body systems we see across the world: chakras and nadis (Hinduism), meridians (Chinese Medicine), the three cauldrons (Celtic), aura (cross-cultural), Ojos de luz (Incan energy system), and the list goes on. Most cultures around the world have some reference of an energy or subtle body system.

Energy work and magic

Magic is probably the purest, the most basic, and the oldest form of energy work there is. Plus if you think about it almost all magical workings can be classified as energy work. Because magic itself is the practice of manipulating and changing energy. You do not have to practice witchcraft to do Energy Magic. You are just you. you have a power within you that is divine. This power allows you to merge, draw upon, and contain for a few moments an ancient force and then propel it in the direction where someone asks for help.

History

Energy work has been around for 1000’s of years across many cultures. 

The ancient eastern medicine masters learned 5,000 years ago that energy makes up everything in the Universe, including our bodies and our minds.   While the Western world is beginning to scientifically prove that everything is energy, the Eastern philosophies have figured out how to manipulate it to create health, wellness and even abundance.

The spiritual tradition of energetic healing was commonly used throughout ancient India and China. In India, energetic work is based in the belief of Prana, or universal energy, breathing life into all things. In China, vital life-giving energy is referred to as Chi. Chi is made up of two opposing forces, Ying and Yang. When these forces are balanced, optimal health is displayed.

Energy Flow

All energy does is flow. It is us who have blockages that makes the flow of energy need to re-route itself. This stream of life-force energy is always flowing through you. The more you allow it the more it will flow.

Within the natural world there is a primal energy force. It is what people sense when they are out in nature, that uplifting energy that makes people feel better. But what we sense as humans only scratches the surface. This energy is as ancient as the Earth, and it stems from an energy that is as ancient as the Universe itself. Magic is created using this primal, natural force of nature. The caster of any spell is a conduit for this energy.

Energy System- Chakra system

Chakras are wheels of energy within our bodies and interwoven with our auras. If your chakras are blocked, negative vibrations, attachments and illness occurs. The seven chakras are the main energy centers of the body within Indian culture and practice within the buddhist and hindu religions. Chakra translates to “wheel” in Sanskrit, and you can imagine them like wheels of free-flowing positive energy. Chakras are used to describe the way energy “moves” throughout the body. Each of the seven chakras are said to correlate with different abilities, expressions, and types of health. 

Each person has 7 major chakras aligned along the spine from the top of your head to the bottom of your spine. When energy flows freely through our chakras, it flows freely through our entire bodies including our physical, emotional, mental, and astral bodies. When the chakras are blocked or imbalanced, energy doesn’t flow and therefore causes issues throughout the person’s entire being.

Root Chakra

Your root chakra is a spinning wheel of energy located at the base of your spine. It’s color is dark red to black and links us to the energy of the earth beneath us. If you’re grounded and connected to the Earth’s energy, your root chakra will be unblocked and spinning freely. You attract financial prosperity and have a level head.

The Muladhara, or root chakra, represents our foundation. On the human body, it sits at the base of the spine and gives us the feeling of being grounded.

When the root chakra is open, we feel confident in our ability to withstand challenges and stand on our own two feet. When it’s blocked, we feel threatened, as if we’re standing on unstable ground.

When Your Root Chakra is Blocked…

When your root chakra is blocked, you may feel scattered and have financial problems or money blocks. You feel disconnected to the earth and anxious. You may even have back or hip pain or problems – reasons to unblock chakras ASAP. In addition, your spirituality may suffer when it comes specifically to ancestor work. Why? Because the ancestors dwell in the earth, in the roots of the World Tree below our feet. And as our root chakra connects us to the earth, it also connects us to our ancestors.

Sacral Chakra

Your sacral chakra is the wheel of energy located between your navel and coccyx. It spins in the area of your reproductive organs and is the color orange. The sacral chakra represents sexual health and creativity. When it’s unblocked, you express your sexuality in a healthy way AND creativity flows into all aspects of your life.

The Swadhisthana, or sacral chakra, helps inform how we relate to our emotions and the emotions of others. It also governs creativity and sexual energy. Those with a blocked sacral chakra could feel a lack of control in their lives.

When the sacral chakra is blocked…

Your sacral chakra governs sexuality, so when it’s blocked sexuality isn’t expressed or satiated. You may have blocked sexual energy, be confused about your sexuality, have low libido OR struggle with imagination and creative thought put into action. Illness, infertility and infection with sexual or urinary organs may also be present. For men – prostate issues may also arise. And, as the sacral chakra is located near the lower intestines and bowels, your digestive system may also suffer. Mentally, your creative ideas might not come to fruition if the sacral chakra is blocked.

Solar Plexus

Your solar plexus IMO is one of the most important chakras in your body. It’s located between the bottom of the sternum and above the belly button. The solar plexus is a yellow color and connects us to the divine energy of the sun and the light. It is your energy zone that supports self esteem, courage, and your personal power. If your solar plexus is healthy, you exude confidence and tackle goals with clarity and fervor. People may see you as vivacious and lively.

The third chakra, the solar plexus chakra, speaks to your ability to be confident and in control of your life. Think back to the last time you had butterflies or felt a pit in the stomach: That’s the Manipura chakra at work.

If your solar plexus chakra is blocked, you might feel overwhelming amounts of shame and self-doubt. Those with open sacral chakras are free to express their true selves.

When your solar plexus is blocked…

you may struggle with self esteem and confidence. You look in the mirror and don’t recognize your true power and beauty. Depression may result from a blocked solar plexus, as well as struggles with career paths, maintaining healthy relationships, making new friends, etc. Digestive illness and problems may surface. A blockage of masculine energy could also be present because of disconnection with the sun.

Heart Chakra

Your heart chakra is located over and through your heart. In the middle and middle-left of your chest. It’s green in color and manages all things related to love in your life – romantic love, friendships, family members, etc. It also governs self-love. If your heart chakra is freely aligned, you give and accept love freely, maintain healthy relationships, and love yourself wholly.

The Anahata, or heart chakra, is the bridge between the lower chakras (associated with materiality) and the upper chakras (associated with spirituality). As the name suggests, this chakra can influence our ability to give and receive love—from others and ourselves.

Someone with a blocked heart chakra will have difficulty fully opening up to the people in their life. If someone’s heart is open, they can experience deep compassion and empathy.

If your heart chakra is blocked…

you have trouble loving yourself and may engage in reckless behaviors to self-medicate the emptiness. Low self esteem and feeling isolated from others. You may be overly-defensive and don’t trust others. You may also have heart or lung problems. Arterial and vascular problems may also arise from a blocked heart chakra. If your heart chakra is imbalanced, you likely have problems loving yourself and others. And lose your fervor for love.

Throat Chakra

Your throat chakra is located over your throat in the middle of your neck. It’s blue in color and governs how you speak to others and how you speak of yourself. Communication is the key aspect of the throat chakra and relates to ALL forms of communication including writing and music. It’s how you express (or don’t) express your truth. If your throat chakra is functioning well, you communicate your feelings and needs with others in a healthy manner AND express your true self.

The Vishuddha, or throat chakra, gives voice to the heart chakra and controls our ability to communicate our personal power.

When it’s functioning at full capacity, it allows us to express ourselves truly and clearly. Someone with a blocked throat chakra will feel like they have trouble finding the words to say how they truly feel.

When your throat chakra is blocked…

you may have a problem with pathological lying or simply “stuffing down” your feelings. You are afraid to be yourself and express your truth. Communication is blocked in your relationships and with yourself. Throat, digestive and thyroid problems may occur.

Third eye

Your third eye is located between your brows, slightly above the bridge of your nose. It’s purple in color and allows you to see the truth in others, energy in the spiritual realms, and brings clarity of mind and soul. When your third eye is open, you see the beauty in the world and in others, as well as being able to see auras, invisible truths, etc. Your ability to tap into psychic awareness comes easily.

As we move up the body, we’re getting closer to communion with the divine. The Anja, or third-eye chakra, controls our ability to see the big picture and connect to intuition. Think of it as the eye of the soul: It registers information beyond the surface level.

Visions and intuitive hits are not uncommon for someone with an open third-eye chakra.

When your third eye is blocked…

You have a spiritual block and don’t see the beauty in others or the world around you. Signs from the universe go unnoticed. You feel disconnected from others and your own spirituality. Headaches, sinus infections, eye problems and other head illnesses may occur. This is a common chakra blocked with many people due to the way society functions. We are taught not to believe, not to see. To focus on what’s directly in front of us. And therefore, ignore our third eyes.

Crown Chakra

Your crown chakra is located at the very top of your head and is the color white. It is your direct link to the energy of the universe – to Source energy a.k.a. God, Goddess, or the Divine. Its your source of spiritual connection and gives you the ability to hear god’s voice, accept divine healing, and feel the presence of your guides and angels.

The Sahasrara, or crown chakra, the highest chakra, sits at the crown of the head and represents our ability to be fully connected spiritually. When you fully open your crown chakra—something very few people ever do!—you’re able to access a higher consciousness.

When your crown chakra is blocked…

you may not believe in god or any other power outside of physicality. Hearing divine guidance or feeling the presence of spirit guides is non-existent. You may feel “unlucky” or angry because of past traumas. You’ll feel disconnected spiritually and alone in the universe. Headaches, migraines, and other neurological illnesses may occur. Sensory processing issues could surface, as well as issues with dizziness and regulating temperature and sensory stimulus.

Chi-China

Chi is your life force, the energy that flows through you and through everything. It is that which gives you life.

The concept of chi (also spelt Qi) has its roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Martial Arts. But the idea of a vital life force energy and its role in our health can be found in many cultures. For example, in yoga and Ayurveda we describe this life force as Prana. 

Chi energy moves through the body like breath and blood and is nourished by a healthy diet, enough sleep and movement practices, however its qualities go beyond the physical or tangible.

Chi can be described as the purest energy that arises out of consciousness, awareness, stillness – through you into your body and all expressions of life. Chi in short can be described as the essence of your true self. Chi is the bridge between physical form and pure awareness

Chi energy is like a bridge between your form, which is your body, your thoughts, emotions, sensations, and the formless which is your essence, consciousness, awareness. In a way, when we trace chi back from form to formless, this is the journey of being on the spiritual path. Various practices including Qigong, Tai Chi, yoga, pranayama (breathing exercises), acupuncture and working with marma points all work to support the free flow of chi or prana. They work on strengthening chi and removing any blockages.

The Three Celtic Cauldrons

What is it? Well, the Cauldron of Poesy is a medieval Irish bardic poem extolling the virtues of a trio of metaphysical cauldrons located within the human body. 

The three cauldrons the poem talks about are the Cauldron of Warming, the Cauldron of Motion, and the Cauldron of Wisdom. Each cauldron is positioned in a different part of the human body. The Cauldron of Warming is located within the pelvic region, in the depths of our bellies. The Cauldron of Motion is located in the center of the chest, where our heart and lungs reside. Lastly, the Cauldron of Wisdom can be found within our head or sitting on top of it like a crown.

The poem further explains that when we’re born, these spiritual cauldrons are situated differently. Upon birth, the Cauldron of Warming is found in the upright position—basically how we expect a cauldron to sit normally. It is said to contain the basic energy and wisdom we need to live, breathe, grow, and survive at the instinctual level. It can be upset by sickness or unhealthy choices, though.

The Cauldron of Motion is supposedly on its side when we are born, meaning that it is partially empty. Being situated close to the heart, we can connect the Cauldron of Motion to what inspires us—what makes us move. As we pursue what we love and immerse ourselves in culture, the cauldron shifts into the upright position. When we deny ourselves artistry and emotional exploration, we can feel drained and unbalanced. If we immerse ourselves too much, we can flood ourselves and unbalance ourselves physically and mentally.

Lastly, we come into the world with the Cauldron of Wisdom completely overturned and empty. This cauldron guides our spiritual development—exploring the divine, our own places in the universe, and each other. We can upright and fill this cauldron as we become aware of our purpose and seek to make wise choices on our paths. 

Each cauldron can be in one of three positions: upright, tilted, or inverted. The position indicates the ability of a cauldron to function. An upright cauldron can hold and ‘cook’ its ingredients; a tilted cauldron allows ingredients to slip away; an inverted cauldron cannot hold on to anything.

Why to use this method?

It resonates with a threefold idea of how many have viewed human consciousness/divinity. Coincidentally, there are a multitude of practices and belief systems from all over the world that see the human soul as being made of three parts. In the Modern Tradition of Witchcraft, we identify the three parts as the animal/physical self (our most basic raw form), the conscious self (that which is aware on this plane—it has reason, emotion, and artistry), and the self-divine (our connection to the tapestry of the universe, the gods, and our own god-selves). So we could connect each of the parts to a different cauldron: animal/physical self to the Cauldron of Warming, conscious to the Cauldron of Motion, and self-divine to the Cauldron of Wisdom.

kabbalistic tree of life in Jewish mysticism

a 2,000 year old poem is a description of Ten Sefirot-Ten Energies is the basis for the Tree of Life –a Kabbalistic map developed in the south of France in the 12th century in the mystic school of Rabbi Isaac the Blind. The Tree depicts the flow of energy from the infinite source (above)to the finite expression/manifestation (“below”).

In Transformational Kabbalah the Tree of Life becomes a pragmatic tool for seeing how and why things, people, and events manifest in our lives -and how and why we go about creatively manifesting things, people, and events.

Prana

Life force (Prana) simply means energy. All matters in the universe are made up of energy. It is not just about our physical body we are talking about here. Even, our thoughts and feelings are also energy waves which actually can be measured through proper instruments. Pranic healing requires no physical touch. Pranic healing is a three-step process in which it accelerates the body’s inner healing ability to heal at all levels like physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

Medicine Wheel

The medicine wheel (also called the Sun Dance Circle or Sacred Hoop) is an ancient and sacred symbol used by many Tribes. It signifies Earth’s boundary and all the knowledge of the universe. The Indigenous medicine wheel represents the alignment and continuous interaction of the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual realities.

The Medicine Wheel, sometimes known as the Sacred Hoop, has been used by generations of various Native American tribes for health and healing. It embodies the Four Directions, as well as Father Sky, Mother Earth, and Spirit Tree—all of which symbolize dimensions of health and the cycles of life.

Quantum Healing

Quantum healing is a pseudoscientific mixture of ideas which purportedly draws from quantum mechanics, psychology, philosophy, and neurophysiology. Advocates of quantum healing assert that quantum phenomena govern health and wellbeing.

Quantum healing is a term coined by Deepak Chopra to describe how our thoughts, beliefs and attitudes affect the way we experience illness and health in our lives. According to this principle, our consciousness does not just control the function of our brain and nervous system.

Working with your Energy- Raising the Vibe

You have probably heard others talking about raising their vibe or going to a higher vibration. When they are saying this they are talking about energy work. 

When you raise your vibration you become consciously aware of your mental and emotional state. As this awareness increases so does the perception of your blocks. But keep in mind that this is all good information.

A lot of people think that raising your vibration means that you’re going to feel better, lighter, and even imagine stepping into fantasy picture of riding in on a unicorn. Additionally, while “raising your vibration” sounds like a lovely result, (and of course it is), its the entire process that will show you where you are out of balance with that higher vibe.

Let’s say for instance, you want to be more loving. So your light body will begin to hold more love. But as you hold more love, you will be shown all the frequencies that are out of alignment with love. This is not the fun part. So now you are seeing things like hatred, trauma, disgust, rejection all come to the surface because you are holding more light, and these shadows can no longer be hidden. 

But hang in there! Don’t throw away all your amazing work just because it is getting hard. It’s all part of the experience.You actually have the chance here to do the spiritual healing work to release these stale emotions, memories and experiences that will change your entire life!

With a higher vibration, you’re able to hold higher states of consciousness and this consciousness lift will help you move through your inner blocks more and more quickly. 

Raising Your Vibration means that a lot of your old trauma, past memories, and old energy is revealed so that you can heal it and bring in a new higher vibration to hold in your mind, body and soul.

Reiki

Reiki is a Japanese style of bodywork founded by Mikao Usai. The name translates to “spiritually guided life force energy”.  It is a spiritual and vibrational healing intervention without the involvement of physical manipulation. Reiki is spiritual in nature but is not a religious practice, the intent is to maintain physiological balance through a subtle vibrational field. 

Reiki has been used to treat ailments alone or as a supplemental treatment to promote recovery and enhance the quality of life.

To learn more about reiki you can watch the Divination class series on it below.

Polarity Therapy

This method was founded by osteopathic physician Randolph Stone in 1947. Polarity Therapy is a holistic wellness practice used in alternative medicine. Inspired both by Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicines, the intent is to rebalance the distribution of energy throughout the body using a mix of bodywork, exercise, nutrition, and counseling to alleviate or prevent health issues.

Ayurveda

Ayurveda is derived from the Sanskrit words ‘ayur’ – life and ‘veda’ – knowledge, translating to knowledge of life. This natural medicine practice originated in India over 3,000 years ago and is based on the idea that diseases are a result of an imbalance within one’s consciousness. In India, Ayurvedic medicine is regarded as equal to conventional Western medicine.  

Ayurveda treatment starts with an internal purification process, followed by a special diet, herbal remedies, massage therapy, yoga, and meditation. The primary concepts of the practice are universal interconnectedness, the body’s natural constitution (prakriti), and life forces (doshas). Herbs, plants, oils and spices are all commonly used in Ayurvedic treatment.

Currently there is no national standard in the US for Ayurvedic medicine, so be sure to research your practitioner’s background and experience and consult your medical professional before using herbal medicine.

Centering

Centering gives you perspective on your own energy by allowing you to differentiate between what is yours and what is in the environment around you.

Think of centering like cleaning up your house after several weeks of not putting things away where they live. There are half-finished projects, maybe a couple dishes, you haven’t unpacked a shopping bag. All of those material possessions belong somewhere.

It’s the same with your energy. Whenever you experience extreme emotions,  little bits of your energy can become detached. This can make you feel sort of, spread too thin. Centering helps you to call back and reattach all your bits of energy and helps you feel whole again.

If you don’t have any energy fragments scattered around, centering can simply gather and focus your energy so that it’s ready to work toward your next intention. To learn more about centering send me a message on facebook and ask me how to get access to my witchcraft basics bootcamp for a week of detailed work on centering!

Method:

Lay down or sit comfortably. Enter a meditative state by focusing on your breathing.

Find your center. This is the place where all of your energy radiates from. For me, this is the center of my pelvic region in my root chakra. Some people find their energy center is the middle of their forehead at the third eye chakra. Yours may be somewhere else entirely. Wherever it is, feel the energy circulating from it.

Now visualize that you—and your energy center—are the nexus of a galaxy. Orbiting all around you are stars and planets and comets and meteors. These are your energy fragments.

Notice that some of the orbits are large while others are nice and close to the center. Feel the gravity of your center grow and pull the furthest fragments of energy closer to you.

As the gravity of your center continues to grow stronger, the bits of your energy galaxy circulate right near your center. Everything is back in it’s home, and your energetic universe is harmonious.

At this point, you are centered and can ease yourself out of the meditation. Sometimes it’s nice to hang out in your energy galaxy, though. It’s a good opportunity to close up any energy leaks and to get to know your energy a little better.

Take note of how you feel in contrast to how you felt before you centered.

Grounding

Grounding is a term used to help center and calm a person’s energy and emotions. It is a process that helps us to energetically and physically connect deeper to the healing frequencies of the Earth and puts us more in a present state of awareness.

Grounding is a way to connect you to the earth and to your purpose. It gives you the opportunity to take a strong stand in your intention.

To learn more about grounding you can learn about it here in the study guide from my previous class I taught on it. Grounding &earthing 

Breathwork

What is breathwork? It’s breathing, but not like you know it. Think of breathwork like an active meditation, where you change your breathing pattern to boost mental, physical and spiritual health. 

Breathing also helps move energy and you can use the breath to facilitate its movement in and around your body.  As you breathe in, imagine drawing in pure divine energy.  This can be very powerful.  As you breathe out you can imagine you are sending energy out in a particular direction.  Send out the negative energy you may have accumulated, sort of like dirt or pollution, into the ground where it will be neutralized.

Sound Healing

Sound Healing is a powerful therapy that combines different healing sounds, music, and sound healing instruments to improve our multidimensional well-being by creating a beautiful experience where all layers of our luminous energy field (body, mind, soul, spirit) are awakened gently and lovingly.

Integral Sound Healing is highly effective at triggering our relaxation response, which counters the many symptoms caused by chronic stress, while helping to balance our whole being. 

Sound Healing Instruments that are easy to play can be applied both on the body and off-the-body, whilst also incorporating vocal sounds and tones.

Sound Therapy techniques are delivered using instruments such as Tibetan and crystal singing bowls, gongs, drums, tuning forks, and more, both during a one-on-one sound healing session or sound bath

Work with crystals

Crystals are such amazing tools to help us harness energy and use it in a much more effective way in our lives, and magical practices. Using crystals help us be in alignment with the energies surrounding us and can also help us call on certain energies when we want to use them.

Crystals come directly from the earth and therefore vibrate with healing earthly energy. All of our medicines come from the earth and so why can’t natural resources also provide some sort of healing? They can! This includes crystals and stones of various types and colors.

Thought alignment

An important key to working with energy, is using your thoughts.  Energy follows thought. Using your thoughts and your imagination are the tools for directing, manipulating and controlling energy. 

With every thought we think, energy reacts to that thought by moving.  So learn how to manipulate your energy and the energy around you with your imagination.  When you do so, you’ll tap into your intuitive guidance system because energy is the language of your intuition. By moving energy with your intention and your imagination, you can control and move energy to pick up intuitive information about things. For example, you can expand your energy field to connect with a place or area you would like to pick up intuitive information about.

Protection And Energy

There are ways you can shield yourself from negative energy or energy that you don’t want to experience. The amplitude of your energy, which is the LOUDNESS of your energy, will overwhelm the energy of other things. Have you ever noticed that when you’re near someone who is extremely happy and excited, the energy rubs off on you? By the same token if you are near someone who is very, very depressed, sad and down, that you feel it as well? Sometimes their energy is so “loud” that you can’t help but absorb it and feel the way they do. If you are a sensitive person you’ll pick up and absorb all the nuances of that energy until it becomes yours. The solution is to turn up your own energy so it shields you from energy of those around you. If your energy is ‘louder’ than the “Negative”nergy around you, you will drown it out and not be affected by it. You can stay light and happy yourself. Remind yourself to observe those people and not absorb their feelings, thoughts and energy. Remember energy follows thought. If you can’t do that, then your intention can create an energetic shield against the negative energy. 

Here’s how to do that.

Step 1: Pull your energy back in to yourself – close to your physical body with your intention.

Step 2: Imagine a shield, like a force field, or a wall made of steel, titanium, or diamond, whatever is strong to you.

Step 3: You can physically move away from the ‘source’.

You can imagine being in an energetic egg of protection with energy that allows the good to come in but the bad bounces off. You can also use a physical shield, by putting something between you and the negative energy source, or simple step back, or walk away.

To learn more about ways to protect yourself you can watch my two previous classes on the topic here;Magick And Witchcraft Basics: Protection and Warding Part 2

Shielding 

The last energy work type I’ll discuss here is called shielding. In my opinion, this is the most important energy work practice that you can learn as an energy manipulator. If you can commit to starting a daily shielding practice and keeping it up, you are committing to keeping your energy safe and secure.

Shielding is a way of keeping your energy safe. You set up a barrier to separate the feelings, emotions, and thoughts of others from your own space. It can prevent energetic vampires from draining your energy, and it protects your energy from spirit attacks and other unfriendly things. It’s a great way to help protect empaths from absorbing all of the negative emotions of other people as well.

Shielding can be especially useful before going to areas with lots of people like a concert, convention or fair. These types of events have a lot of free-floating energy that can be overwhelming.

You can build a shield around anything you want to protect: your loved ones, children, and pets, your home, your car.

Method:

Ideally, you would ground and center before you build a shield.

Sit down or lie down. You could stand up to do this, but it helps to close your eyes, which—while standing—could potentially make you get wobbly.

Visualize your body surrounded by a sphere of glowing light. Make sure it completely surrounds you with no cracks or weak areas.

Imagine the light forming to your body like a second skin. Let it lock into place around you.

Now visualize that the outside of this shield is shining and reflective like a mirror. Imagine negative energy coming toward you and bouncing off the mirror back to its sender.

This is a basic, yet effective method of shielding yourself from negativity. Do you feel safe and protected after shielding?

Alternatives:

If this shield doesn’t feel strong enough to you, or it just doesn’t feel right, try something else. Here are some other ideas for shields you can test that may feel more comfortable or satisfying. Construct them in the same way, by visualizing them surrounding you.

  • A whirlpool or hurricane of water swirling around a calm eye of the storm where you are
  • Big gusts of wind or a tornado blowing around you and sending away negative energy
  • A sphere of burning flames to incinerate any negative energy that tries to get close
  • Mountains of solid, impenetrable rock
  • A tangle of thorns sticking out away from you, with beautiful flowers on the inside
  • Clouds of smoke and mist that obscure you from enemies
  • Anything else you can imagine! Whatever feels right to you.

If you would like to expand your knowledge on energy and energy work you can purchase my Ebook on the topic in the shop, and reach out me for a booking on many different types of energy services I offer for 1:1 guidance, and clearing. Or if you’d rather listen than read; you can watch my free class with Divination Academy on YouTube below!

Posted on by

Sekhmet The Egyptian Lioness Goddess Of War, Healing, The Sun, and Plagues

Sekhmet, lioness goddess of Ancient Egypt, is the powerful precursor to the more docile, fun-loving Bastet. She’s known as the Lady of Terror, Mistress Dread, and Lady of Flame. Yes, she’s fierce and a goddess of war. But she also has a protective, healing side that many sources don’t tap into. Like a lioness, Sekhmet watches over her pride, and will hunt and defend as the need arises. Sekhmet, the Bloodthirsty, could be both a loving mother and a ruthless foe. 

She is an ancient Egyptian goddess of war, healing, the sun, and plagues. She was also the patron deity of physicians and healers, and could at one time spread disease and cure it. Equally feared and worshiped, the lioness Sekhmet was without a doubt one of the most prominent goddesses in the Egyptian pantheon.

Sekhmet is an ancient Egyptian goddess of healing, protection and war. With the fierce powers of both a lioness and a cobra, she is seen as a powerful protector to those working in witchcraft. Let’s Learn about Sekhmet, Goddess of War and Healing and how to work with her energy in your spiritual practice and daily life.

Who is Sekhmet, the Lioness Goddess of Egypt?

Sekhmet is an ancient Egyptian goddess of war whose belief and worship was born in Lower Egypt. Next to Bastet, Sekhmet is the most important and influential of leonine goddesses in the Egyptian pantheon. Some believe that the Ancient Egyptian goddess Sekhmet was actually the goddess Hathor, which transformed herself due to the power of the Eye of Ra.. In some mythology, She is the daughter of Ra; in others, She is the daughter of Nut, the Sky, and Geb, the Earth.

She’s known as the Eye of Ra, one of his formidable daughters, of whom he employed to punish humanity when he got sick of us. (I’ll go over the myth in more detail later.) She nearly destroyed the entire human species with her wrath and fiery breath. Sekhmet is frequently portrayed as the embodiment of the Eye of Ra, meaning she was a personified enactor of Ra’s vengeance and a destroyer of his enemies. Sekhmet is a lioness, but she is also a representation of the blazing, hot desert sun. Her name likely means “strong”, “powerful”, “violent” or “mighty”.

Some sources see Sekhmet as a manifestation of the powerful creator god Ra. Her fiery breath not only destroys, but it creates. Many scholars claim from stories that her “hot breath created the desert”. In addition to using her fiery breath to destroy, she also has the power to call on plagues for further death and destruction. Sekhmet is a known healer, therefore granting life on the other side of death and decay. We see a sacred polarity with Sekhmet, as she indeed has a softer side and grants healing to those she deems worthy. In fact, at one point, Sekhmet’s physicians were the most well-known and beloved.

What is Sekhmet Goddess of?

Sekhmet is first and foremost a goddess of war and destruction. She is the Eye of Ra, and he called on her to exact his revenge and wrath in the old myths. It’s said that when Sekhmet rained wrath down upon humanity, the only way to stop her from destroying us was by pouring out red-dyed beer to trick her into thinking it was blood. She drank it and became intoxicated which stopped her. This was an act completed by Ra when he realized he had to stop her.

Sekhmet is also known to bring plague, or call on epidemics, yet has the power of giving life and healing to those she feels are worthy. The “Seven Arrows of Sekhmet” were feared by the Egyptian people and certain rituals were performed and offerings given to appease this terrifying goddess. Sekhmet is the hot breeze of the desert and a solar deity. 

But despite the monstrously violent aspects of Sekhmet, she was also worshiped as a goddess of healing. This stems from her ability to invoke and manipulate plagues and diseases.

Not only can she brandish them as a weapon or a scourge of humanity, but she can also cure them and restore life to the afflicted. As such, Sekhmet, goddess of war and healing, is a patron of doctors or physicians. Her priests were known for being physicians: they were originally established to worship and honor Sekhmet to appease her. And to keep her wrath at bay. Eventually, they would play a crucial role in medicine by reciting spells and prayers to Sekhmet while also applying herbal remedies to those in need of healing. Amulets were worn in the shape of Sekhmet to appease her and to invoke her protection and healing. Her priests performed a rite known as “appeasing Sekhmet” to ward off pestilence and plague.

Sekhmet and Duality

She evokes a distinct sense of duality; of violence tempered by compassion. Like a lioness, she is a guardian and is fiercely protective of those in her charge. But paradoxically, she also wields a capacity for inestimable violence and terror.

In the Egyptian Book of the Dead, there are multiple mentions of Sekhmet as both a constructive and destructive force. But even in her destructive facet, she is, above anything, the keeper of cosmic balance or Ma’at. However, sometimes, she tried too hard to keep the balance between life and death, resorting to extreme practices to control the population. Plagues in ancient Egypt were often called “messengers” or “slaughterers” of Sekhmet, for they were supposed to follow her commands.

Sekhmet and the divine feminine

As women, we are told that showing our anger is not becoming, it is not lady-like, but anger, as every other emotion, is valid. Sekhmet represents the sacred rage that is ours, our true strength as women. Our anger is sacred and holy; it is the anger to change worlds — think Joan of Arc, Rosa Parks. Anger forces us to action. Use her to help you connect to your true divine feminine power and your rage to protect those who need protecting as a role of a fierce protective feminine energy. 

Sekhmet as symbol of the state

Sekhmet is also known as a goddess of sovereignty. One of her roles was protector of the pharaohs, even beyond death — once a pharaoh passed away, Sekhmet would bring them to the afterlife. 

Sekhmet as a dark goddess

She is the Goddess of the Sun, Lady of the Flame and Guardian of the gateway of rebirth. She is fierce but loving, protecting her own and those loyal to her, strong and powerful and will see hidden truths. Warrior, hunter and a healer.

Sekhmet will encourage you to live and follow your sacred path of inner integrity, help you to speak your truth and be honest and will empower you. She will help you with self healing and healing for others and will protect you.

A dark Goddess, she will help you with shadow work and to look deep within.

What does Sekhmet look like?

In Egyptian art, she was depicted as a woman with the head of a lioness, and sometimes her skin would be painted green just as Osiris was. She carried an ankh sign on her left hand and a long-stemmed lotus flower on her right hand. Her head was crowned by a large solar disk, relating her to the sun god Ra, and an uraeus, the serpent associated with Egyptian kingship.

Often she was seated on a throne and wears a long red dress. This is why she is sometimes referred to as the Mistress of Scarlet or Mistress of Red Linen. The red dress is a nod to her wrathful nature and fiery breath. Sometimes she has symbols painted over her nipples, which are assumed to be illustrations of lioness fur OR a representation of stars in the Leo constellation. With which she is inherently linked.

There were some six hundred statues of Sekhmet erected at the glorious temple of Karnak, commissioned by Pharaoh Amenhotep III.

Her name

Sekhmet’s name comes from the adjective sekhem, meaning “powerful” or “mighty”, while the ending –t is a suffix for female names. Of her many epithets, all were equally terrifying. She is sometimes referred to in Egyptian texts as “She Before Whom Evil Trembles”, the “Mistress of Dread”, “The Mauler”, or the “Lady of Slaughter”.

History of her worship

Sekhmet’s origins are unclear, but she seems to have been born in the Delta area, where lions were rarely seen and were thus regarded as mysterious and magical beasts. According to the Memphite Theology, an important text engraved in the famous Shabako Stone, the lioness Sekhmet was the wife of Ptah, patron god of artisans, and the mother of lotus god Nefertum. She was also the firstborn of the sun god Ra.

Sekhmet was worshipped throughout Egypt, particularly whenever a wadi opened out in the desert edges. This is the type of terrain that lions are often found. Many of them having come from the desert in order to drink and prey upon cattle in the area. Some believe that the worship of Sekhmet was possibly introduced into Egypt from Sudan because lions are more plentiful in that region. Sekhmet’s main cult center was located in Memphis, and was part of the Divine Triad of Ptah, Sekhmet, and Nefertum (fig. 4). Sekhmet, as the wife of Ptah, the ‘Creator’, and their son Nefertum is also closely associated with healers and healing. Some scholars believe that Sekhmet’s worship might pre-date Ptah by at least several hundred years, but because of the shift in power from Memphis to Thebes during the New Kingdom (1550–1069 BC) the Theban Triad made up of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu resulted in Sekhmet’s attributes being absorbed into that of the goddess Mut.

She was also revered as the “Mistress of Asheru” in the Mut Temple, at Karnak, and her cult was strong in the regions of Luxor, Memphis, Letopolis, and all the Delta. At some of the temples there, she was offered the blood of recently sacrificed animals, in order to placate her rage. If her anger was contained, it gave her worshippers control over their enemies and the vigor and strength to overcome weakness and illness.

Priests would perform rituals before a different statue of this Egyptian goddess every day, to appease her considerable anger. This is the reason why so many different images of Sekhmet have survived to our days. In Amenhotep III’s temple there have been found as many as 700 statues of Sekhmet. In Leontopolis (the city of the lion, in Greek) some sources inform that there were tamed lions and lionesses kept captive as living images of Sekhmet.

Sekhmet was known to enjoy the taste of blood. Every year, on the feast of Hathor and Sekhmet, Egyptians commemorated the saving of mankind by drinking copious amounts of beer stained with pomegranate juice. The surviving records of such feasts talked about how they did so to worship “the Mistress and Lady of the Tomb, the Gracious One, Destroyer of Rebellion, Powerful with Enchantments”. During the celebrations, a statue of Sekhmet was dressed in red facing west, while one of Bastet was dressed in green and facing east. Bastet was considered to be Sekhmet’s counterpart or twin, and during the festival, they embodied duality, which was an important concept in Egyptian mythology. Sekhmet represented Upper Egypt, while Bastet stood for Lower Egypt. Bastet was the tame, good goddess, while Sekhmet was the Bloodthirsty, the chaotic and dangerous deity of war and love.

Such a bad reputation was awarded to this Egyptian goddess due to a myth in which she had threatened to wipe out humanity which we talked about earlier. The only thing that prevented her from ending humanity was getting drunk on beer which had been dyed red as blood. Thus, during her annual festival, held at the beginning of the year, Egyptians danced, played music, and intoxicated themselves in an attempt to soothe the wrath of the goddess. This ritual had another meaning, too, and that is to prevent the excessive flooding of the Nile, which ran blood-red every year carrying upstream silt.

Her Mythology 

In Egyptian mythology, there is a long and interesting tale in which the story of Sekhmet is told. It is known as The Destruction of Mankind. This story is written on a funerary papyrus from the New Kingdom (1539-1292 BCE), and the tale it tells is extraordinary. At the beginning of time, the story goes, when gods lived among men, a rebellion aimed to overthrow Ra, king of the gods. Despite being a god, Ra had become old, and grew weaker every day, until humans decided he was not fit for ruling over them. Before this insurrection, Ra had been ready to give up the throne and return to the Nun, the primordial ocean. But now he was angry at humankind, and took one of his eyes which transformed into Sekhmet. He then ordered the eye to strike the seditious men with a heat close to the sun’s: “The desert was dyed red with the human blood, while the Eye was pursuing traitors and killing them one by one. It didn’t stop until the sands were covered with bodies. Then, temporarily satiated, Sekhmet returned triumphantly to his Father”.

Sekhmet continued to kill every man and woman in sight for the next few days, but at one point, Ra considered that it had been enough punishment, and decided to spare the rest of humanity. The problem now resided in how to stop Sekhmet from fulfilling her task. Ra ordered his Eye / Sekhmet to stop the killing to no avail for “his Eye had tasted human flesh and she liked it. She decided to kill again”. The only way to stop Sekhmet from killing was to get her drunk with beer, her favorite drink. Ra brought a red pigment from the desert and ground it into a fine powder, which he mixed with the beer. He then made seven thousand red-beer jars and poured them into the Nile. When Sekhmet saw the red liquid, she thought it was blood, so she drank it eagerly until she was too drunk and fell asleep. When the Egyptian goddess finally woke up, she had forgotten about her purpose of killing every single human being, and felt satiated. She then returned to her father, Ra, who welcomed her back and rewarded her for her services. 

In one variant it is said that she drank until She  fell asleep and She became Hathor again when she woke up. 

In some versions of this tale, she becomes angry again when she finds out she was deceived, and she leaves Egypt until Toth persuades her to come back.

In yet another variant on this story, when Sekhmet awoke from her stupor, the first creature she laid eyes on was the god Ptah. She fell instantly in love with him. Because of this, she is usually portrayed as the bride of Ptah, god of architects and craftsmen, as well as mother to Maahes and Nefertem. The union between Sekhmet and Ptah epitomizes harmony: on the one hand, we have Sekhmet the destroyer, and on the other, we have Ptah the creator. As such, the marriage of these two deities symbolizes the balance and order of the universe.

When it comes to statuary, this is even clearer when we consider the fact that Sekhmet, goddess of war and healing, with her red robes was often depicted facing westward, while Ptah was clad in green and facing the east.

They are positioned as opposites, and yet together their duality is neutralized. They form a complete whole.

Why Work With Sekhmet?

Sekhmet is often sought out by those who are facing challenges, obstacles, or a need for protection. She is known to bring strength, courage, and the ability to overcome obstacles. Sekhmet is also associated with healing and renewal, making her a popular deity for those seeking to heal from physical or emotional wounds.

Correspondences

First, what is a correspondence? A correspondence is an item or symbol that is meant to connect you to a specific energy thru it’s representation. It is seen also as an item to respect, honor, and venerate that energy as well whether it be a deity, an archetype energy , or the zodiac energy the moon is currently in like I will list below for you to use.

  • planet-sun
  • Animal-lioness
  • Element- Fire
  • Sex- Feminine 
  • Symbol- Lioness, Lions, Sun, Sun Disk, Ankh, Egyptian Spitting Cobra, Septer formed from Papyrus (symbolizing the union of Heaven and Earth), Flames, Fire, Blood, Desert.
  • colors- Red, yellow, orange, gold
  • Themes- destruction, chaos, war, plagues, fire, royalty, and the afterlife
  • Motto- “I am pure strength. I honor my anger by giving voice to it”
  • Chakra-Sacral and solar plexus 
  • Herbs-Bay, basil, catnip, bloodroot, Patchouli, Frankincense, Mrryh, Amber, Pomegranate, Copal, Dragons Blood, Red Sandalwood.
  • Stones/ crystals- Red spessartine, Carnelian, Garnet, Red agate, Ruby, citrine,Cinnabar, tiger’s eye, fire agate, Zincite, orange calcite, bloodstone, amber

How to work with Sekhmet

Everyone’s relationship with deities is different and we all work with and believe in them differently. You might believe in multiple gods and goddesses and work with them each as though they are close, personal friends. Or maybe you believe the old gods are reflections of Universal energy and simply archetype energies that you can learn a lesson from.. However you incorporate deiteis in your practice is up to you. But here are our ideas to get you started:

To work with Sekhmet, it’s important to approach her with respect and reverence. She is known to be a fierce and powerful goddess, and may not always be easy to work with. 

Study Sekhmet

As with every deity I have ever written about or taught about, The first way to get to know a deity, specifically a goddess like Sekhmet, is to dive into their history and qualities. Begin by studying the myths, verses, and incantations featuring this fierce goddess. Read about her connection with Ra, syncretization with goddesses Mut and Hathor, and how she might be the predecessor of the cat goddess Bastet. Then read about the culture from which she arose. Then study some more. Keep a section in your journal and/or book of shadows dedicated to Sekhmet.

Dedicate Altar Space

Set aside some space in honor of Sekhmet. This can be an elaborate large altar or as simple as a small shelf or corner of a counter. Place a representation of Sekhmet there, be sure to cleanse the space before you invite her in. Include her color red, her symbols, and representations of lions and the sun and any of her other correspondences you can use to connect to her. This will be a space that reminds you to connect with her and her energy. To bring that ferocity and self-protectiveness to your daily life. To learn more about altar and how to work with them in your practice you can read about it here in my study guide on my previous class taught on the topic; All About Altars study guide.docx

Work with her as part of the triple goddess archetype

Many pagans and witches who work with the divine feminine work with that energy in the essence of the triple goddess. You can do this with Sekhmet as well. She is commonly known as being part of the Egyptian triple goddess with Hathor, Bast, and Sekhmet. Hathor is seen as the mother aspect, Bast the maiden, and Sekhmet the crone aspect. To learn more about working with the triple goddess archetype you can read my previous study guide here; Triple Goddess Study Guide.docx

Offerings

Everyone likes receiving presents. Sekhmet is no different especially since this was so central to her worship and mythology.  Give her beer, pomegranate juice, representations of arrows, gold, and incense like frankincense, myrrh, and kyphi.  You don’t have to give her offerings every day, but when you feel it is appropriate. You can place these offerings at your altar space dedicated to her or when performing any work to connect to her like meditation, prayer, and visualization. 

The best offerings for Sekhmet include:

  • Alcohol, especially red alcohol.
  • Blood, or substitutes like bloodroot soaked in wine.
  • Images of cats or lions.
  • Incense.
  • Fire, from bonfires to candles.
  • Milk.
  • Spicy foods.
  • Red gemstones.
  • Dragon’s blood resin.

Stand Up For Yourself

Women are beginning to realize they are their own people, and they have immense power in this world. They are beginning to claim their power and take it back.. And they’re beginning to stand up for themselves. If you find yourself in a situation or a relationship in which you’ve allowed yourself to be used or abused, Sekhmet is in your life to teach you to stand up for yourself. Invoke her power and energy to aid you in speaking your truth, being your own person, and standing in the sunlight of your own soul and personal power.

Protection Rituals

If you’re in need of extra protection at home or at work, or anywhere for that matter, call on Sekhmet to guide and shield you. While performing your protection rituals at home, such as cleansing, shielding, and warding, invoke Sekhmet’s energy to set up a barrier of fire around your home. She will only allow those with good intent to cross it. Wear an amulet dedicated to Sekhmet while traveling or leaving the home to keep her protective shield around you at all times. To learn more about protection you can read about it here in my previous study guide; All about protection study guide.docx

And you can watch the two classes here; Magick and Witchcraft Basics: Protection and Warding Part 1 & Magick And Witchcraft Basics: Protection and Warding Part 2

Sunbathing

Obviously Sekhmet is a solar goddess and therefore she enjoys warmth, sunlight, and hot climates. So why not get out in the sun and do a little sunbathing like a cat? It feels great, gives you energy, and allows you to soak up the magical energy the sun has to offer us humans as the vital energy of our existence. 

Connect with an Ankh/Sun Disk

Find an Ankh or a sundisk, you can even have a piece of paper with the symbol on it in your hands. Close your hands around the symbol or place on your heart space. Close your eyes and ask Sekhmet to connect to you through the symbol.

Perform solar magic

Like we just talked about, Sekhmet is a solar goddess so a very obvious way to connect to and work with her would be performing and working with any kind of solar magic. There are so many different ways to work with solar magic and the sun from meditating under it’s bright rays, making sun water, drawing down the sun and more. To learn all about solar magic and connecting to the sun and how to do so you can read about it here in my previous blogpost; https://modgepodgemystic.com/solar-magic-a-guide-to-harness-the-bright-vibrant-and-confident-magical-energy-of-the-sun/ 

Alternative Healing

Sekhmet was once a mother goddess of war and healing in ancient times. You can tap into her healing vibrations by learning a mode of alternative medicine. Consider taking a class or reading a book on herbalism, DNA activation, past life regressions, or energy healing modalities like Reiki.

Meditation, visualization and Dream work

One of the best ways to channel divine energy and tap into goddesses like Sekhmet is through meditation, visualization and dreaming.  These practices allow you to open up and receive/ connect to divine energy in a very intuitive, clear, and transformative way.  You will find a plethora of guided meditations on YouTube that will lead you to your spirit guide or god/goddess.. Try those if you have a hard time meditating on your own. You can even use listen to the guided meditation in my class below! In addition, ask Sekhmet to visit you in your dreams and teach you lessons that you currently need to learn. Then record every encounter with her in your journal, book of shadows, or grimoire. 

Meditation to connect with Sekhmet

Find a quiet spot, put on some incense or an oil diffuser, light a candle and close your eyes.  Take three deep breaths and relax. Hold your intention in connecting to Sekhmet. You could say this in your head three times, ‘My intention is to connect with Sekhmet.’

Imagine you are in a desert. Sand is all around you, the sun is high in the sky and its hot. In the distance you see pyramids. You start to make your way towards them as there is nothing else around. Although its a tiresome and long journey you know its worth it.

You finally get to the pyramids. There is one large one in the middle and two either side. You walk up the steps of the middle pyramid and enter it. Inside is quiet, painted with wonderful pictures and symbols. There is a door in front of you and you decide to walk up to it. It slides open and you hear a voice say ‘Enter’. So you enter and see a beautiful woman on a throne in front of you. ‘Who are you?’ the woman says. You answer her and state you are here to connect with Sekhmet. She nods for you to approach her and tells you she is Sekhmet. That is all she says and you wait in silence as you do not want to force anything. She then stands and starts to talk to you. What does she say?

Take this time to connect with her, listen to what she has to say and ask questions. When you have finished connecting and she has gone and ready to go yourself, take three deep breaths and come back to the room. Write down your experience. What did she say to you? Did you ask questions? Were they answered? What else happened?

Study the Lioness

Since Sekhmet is a lioness goddess one way to connect to her would be to study the lioness. If you’ve never watched the lioness move in the wild, now’s your time to. Watch videos on YouTube, documentaries on the TV, and read books about how lionesses hunt to feed their pride and defend their families. This is how the lioness moves, and this is how Sekhmet moves.

Move your body and be active

Sekhmet is a very vital, active goddess, and she appreciates action. You can take a martial arts class and dedicate it to her, or join a group to combat injustice.

Stand up for others

Sekhmet stands against those who don’t believe in equity, harmony, and reciprocity, so you can align yourself with her by helping to bring more justice and balance to the world.

Live according to the principles of Ma’at

In the legend of her enacting Ra’s vengeance, she destroyed people who didn’t live according to the principles of Ma’at. One of the best ways to work with Sekhmet is to live according to these ideas.

The seven principles of Ma’at are:

Truth, the ability to see between fact and fiction.

Justice, the state of equity between all things.

Harmony, the state of alignment and balance between all things.

Balance, both within an individual and with the world outside.

Order, the state of clarity and a lack of excess.

Reciprocity, the acknowledgement that what goes around will come around.

Propriety, performing correct actions to uphold truth, justice, harmony, balance, order, and reciprocity.

Shadow work

Just like with every other deity I have ever written or taught about shadow work is a phenomenal way to connect to and work with the goddess Sekhmet. With her being considered a dark goddess due to her destructive nature she has the ability to bring us into a very liminal space that is also steeped in duality with her connection as a healing goddess as well. When doing shadow work with her she is going to be able to shed some light with her burning fire on topics more focused on healing, past wounds, standing in your own personal power, justice, retribution, anger, and destroying barriers, bridges and things that no longer serve your highest good. To learn more about shadow work and how to use it in your life and magical practices you can watch my previously taught class on the topic here;

An Invocation of Sekhmet

“The Powerful, powerful in her existence, She that impurity fears. The one who’s face is beautiful, remarkable of image, who thrusts back sadness. The solar feminine disc, radiant, rejuvenating, illuminating the country. The Mistress of the sky, appearing in her sanctuary. Sekhmet, powerful against the enemies, inspiring terror in the rebels. The Mistress of Iunet, entering into her chapel, whirling and dancing in her temple.”

(translated into English by Kerry Wisner, 1999-2000, from the French text “Dendera – I Traduction” by S. Cauville)

A Prayer to Sekhmet

Behold, I smell the earth before the mighty one. Behold how I have kept the vigil in the shrine of Sekhmet. Behold, I am the child, the child of Sekhmet, the lady of the east. I am with her. I am one with her. I am Sekhmet and the flames of all those who praise her. I am the hand of the powerful goddess, wearer of the solar disc. I am the twice beautiful one, more splendid than yesterday. I am she who goes forth with Ra. I am she. My hair is the hair of Sekhmet, the golden one. My eyes are the eyes of the lioness. My ears are the ears of the goddess. My nose is the nose of she who can sniff out all evil. My  teeth are the fangs, which can devour the darkness My neck is the neck of the divine goddess. My hands are the hands with long claws. My forearms are the forearms of the mighty one. My backbone is golden and it shines with splendourMy  chest is the chest of the mighty one of terror. My Belly and back are the belly and back of Sekhmet. My buttocks are strong, as the goddess . My hips and legs are the hips and legs of the goddess My feet are the clawed feet of the lion goddess. There is no part of me that is not of the goddess. I am Sekhmet who cometh forth in the dawn. I am the power of Ra by day. I shall not be dragged back by my arms and none shall lay violent hands upon me, lest I destroy them utterly. Nether man nor god shall hurt me, nor shall the living, Nor shall the holy dead detain me. Nor shall the demons destroy me in battle, for I am Sekhmet And I shall eat off their faces. I am she who cometh forth. I am yesterday and I am the seer of millions of years. I am the power of the divine judge. I dwell in the east. I am the lady of eternity, the unveiled one. My name is created to defy all evil. I am the flame that shineth in the sanctuary. I am Sekhmet.

Prayer of Protection

Lady of the Burning Sands, Sekhmet, Mistress of Terror! May no enemy find me, May no harm approach me, Your sacred fire surrounds me, No evil can withstand Your Eye.

Prayer To Overcome Adversity

“O Sekhmet, Source of Strength and Mercy, I am beset by sorrow and many troubles; wounded by injustice and the offensive wrongdoing of others. Grant me the strength to meet adversity with quiet courage and unshaken will. O Sekhmet, Overcomer of All Enemies, Forgive my weakness and renew my hope. Place your protective mantle around me, help me remain steadfast and resolute in front of my enemies. Shield and defend me and my loved ones from the ravages of fear and anxiety. O Sekhmet, Who Rouseth the People Grant me the fortitude to show forbearance to those who would sin against me. May I allow no trial, however severe, to embitter my soul and destroy my trust. May my heart not despair of human good. O Sekhmet, I praise and honor Thee with gratitude for your help.

Sekhmet’s Message

I am the Sun. Powerful and bright. Full of energy and life. I am also the darkness and the mystery. I will protect you, help you to know your inner wisdom and find your true self. I will help you look at your shadow to help heal your issues and to face your fears. When you are ready, call to me, I will be waiting.

Sekhmet’s Message

Sekhmet ~ Be Strong: “You are stronger than you think you are, and your strength assures a happy outcome.”

 “See yourself as strong and victorious. Do not complain about anything. Do not blame anyone or any condition. You are the embodiment of strength, not victim hood. As you rise above the old tendencies and see yourself in the new light of beautiful feminine strength, your life will automatically shift in miraculous ways. You will attract new opportunities, forms of abundance, and relationships to help you manifest your highest potential. Being strong means seeing yourself in the most favorable light you can imagine. Be real, allow yourself to feel genuine emotions, but most of all, be strong.”

How to Know She’s Calling You

What if Sekhmet was calling you to her? Here are some of the signs that Sekhmet is calling you:

  • Lions and lionesses start showing up everywhere: TV, radio, books, etc.
  • You hear the name Sekhmet over and over in random places and conversations
  • You are drawn to lions and large cats
  • Your occupation is in the medical field or alternative healing
  • Your zodiac sign is Leo OR is another fire sign like Sagittarius or Aries
  • You’re drawn to ancient Egypt and the Egyptian pantheon
  • You descend from the ancient Egyptians
  • Your phase in life calls for ferocity, standing up for yourself, or even justifiable wrath or revenge
  • The desert seems to call to you
  • You feel more aligned with the sun than the moon
  • You feel strong pulls to fight for social justice issues
  • You start seeing and hearing things about lions all the time
  • An encounter with a large cat (or even a lion) may be another sign that she’s trying to get your attention.
  • If you feel a powerful, protective, or even intimidating presence around you, that may be Sekhmet.
  • The sudden urge to take up a martial art or otherwise improve your offensive and defensive skills can be another sign of Sekhmet’s attention.

How Sekhmet will help you

Sekhmet will help you look deep within and give you the courage to look at your shadows. She will help and guide you through this healing process and give you strength and empowerment. She will help you speak your truth and empower you to be who you are meant to be and not shy away from the world. Helping you to become whole again, happy and complete. Call on her when you need courage and strength. When you wish to do shadow work. Call on her to help with healing yourself and others. Call on her for protection.

I will leave you with this poem about the power and identity of anger and the fierce protection of the burning flames that is Sekhmet. Just remember if you choose to work with Sekhmet she is fierce, has high standards, roars with protection, and will burn down anything that she sees as injustice and not serving the greatest good of all man. She is a fierce deity who will protect those who are part of her pride and bring about the most transformative healing with the cleansing power of flames. 

“I burn and fume

and shoot daggers from my eyes

I erupt and roar

(though you’ve not pulled my tail)

my edge are sharp

and I cut deep

my energy is strong and fierce

and my displeasure

needs to be expressed

Though sometimes mild

I can be very intense

Once incited

I am difficult to put out

I am always appropriate

always needed

Don’t try to get rid of me

I need to be acknowledged and heard. 

I am anger”