Yule may be the most well-known pagan celebration of the Winter season, but it is certainly not the only one nor in my opinion is the most fun of them all. That would be The Saturnalia Festival. The Saturnalia Festival l is an ancient Roman holiday that mainly celebrated the Winter sowing season, as well as honored the god Saturn. The actual dates vary but most scholars agree it was once celebrated between December 17th and the 23rd OR December 25th through the 31st, depending on the calendar that was used. Saturnalia was a jovial time for the entire city of Rome because, everyone in ancient Rome participated in the excitement. Saturnalia was a day when all work came to halt for everyone from the emperor to slaves. This meant even the courts of law were closed. Saturnalia was a time of revelry and social upheaval in Roman society, characterized by indulgence, merrymaking, and the suspension of norms.
When was Saturnalia?
The Saturnalia Festival is an ancient Roman holiday that mainly celebrated the Winter sowing season, as well as honored the god Saturn. The actual dates vary but most scholars agree it was once celebrated between December 17th and the 23rd OR December 25th through the 31st, depending on the calendar that was used. What we know for sure is it that it was observed around Midwinter a.k.a. the Winter Solstice and when the Norse celebrated Yule. Saturnalia is thought to have lasted for up to seven days, this was followed by the celebration of the winter solstice and birth of the the sun god, Sol Invictus, on December 25th , an occasion marked by the city wide chariot races.
History of Saturnalia
Saturnalia started out as a one-day farmers’ festival on 17th December each year. As you might have guessed by the name, the festival was to honor Saturn – the god of farming and the harvest. Over the centuries, the festival grew, eventually becoming a seven-day event culminating on December 23rd with Sigillaria – a day of gift-giving. During this period, Romans celebrated the completion of the planting season and honored Saturn, thanking him for the promise of bountiful harvests to come. The festival brought warmth and light to the darkest days of the year and most of all gratitude to the god of agriculture Saturn.
Saturnalia a time to shake up societal norms
My all time favorite Ancient Roman tradition comes from this festival. One of Saturnalia’s traditions consisted of allowing people to revel in a role reversal of sorts. The social norms on Saturnalia were lifted. Slaves were treated as equals, allowed to wear their masters’ clothing, and be waited on at meal time in remembrance of an earlier golden age thought to have been ushered in by the god. Not only that but, it was a time of participating in indulgences we normally wouldn’t get to partake in like orgies, and cross dressing.
Saturnalia a time of Liberation
Saturnalia was even called a “feast of liberation.” Enslaved people were temporarily liberated. Moral rules were loosened, so activities like gambling , swearing in public and cross dressing were allowed on Saturnalia. The strict city dress code enforced upon all was even lifted meaning no more togas during this festival. Instead bright clothes were worn by all. Allowing others to freely be themselves and express themselves in ways that normally are not allowed giving them liberation they don’t normal get to feel the rest of the year round.
Saturnalia a golden era of abundance
At the heart of Saturnalia was a celebration for Saturn, the god of a the best time for humanity, called the Golden Age. This was a time when everything was plenty and peaceful. It was like a magical time with lots of resources, where everyone got along well, and the earth gave abundance without anyone having to work too hard. This time was full of lots of good things and happiness, and life was easy and free. The time when Saturn was in charge was like the beginning of a world that was full of peace and freedom. This is the time we remember and try to receive from the god Saturn again during Saturnalia.
Saturnalia a time when the veil is thinned
Like their Northern European neighbors who celebrated Yule, the ancient Romans believed the spirits and ghosts from the underworld were active during the Winter season and holidays like Saturnalia. Saturnalia, was a time when the spirits of the dead were honored and the boundaries between social classes were temporarily overturned including those between the living and the dead.
Common Traditions
Saturnalia was generally considered a merry festival, with lots of feasting and exchanging of gifts. Many of the common traditions we see during the winter solstice were seen during this festival as well. In Rome, the holiday was kicked off with a religious ceremony in the Temple of Saturn, followed by a free public banquet open to all. Along with the other common traditions below.
Unbinding of Saturn’s feet
The statue of Saturn’s feet, typically bound the rest of the year, were freed from their bindings during the festival. This symbolized the freedom and liberation of the gods, people, and earth. This was done within the temple of Saturn and by most accounts I can read the priest’s was even allowed to uncover his face.
Drinking, feasting, and revelry
Saturnalia was definitely a time of merriment full of Bacchus level style of partying. Drinks were flowing, bellies were full, and voices of laughter and singing were heard throughout every street. Sources say traditional foods included roast boar, cakes, walnuts, honey, grapes, fermented fish, figs, apples and of course, wine. In addition to the role reversals, large parties were had that involved orgies, fertility rites, gambling, and games of many kinds. cross-dressing was a common tradition and enlivened the atmosphere with joy as well.
Gift giving and gag gifts
Gift-giving, still common during the Winter holiday season today, was incredibly prominent in ancient Rome as a Saturnalia tradition. Gifts were given to children and gag gifts between friends. The gag gifts were called sigillaria and were typically wax dolls and figurines made to resemble gods, mythical heroes, and even grotesque monsters. These were typically sold during a Saturnalia market traditionally held during the holidays. Some believe the figurines are a nod to ancient times when human sacrifices might have been made. I wonder if this is where the roots to the famous gag gifting game, the white elephant game, gets it’s roots from.
The king of Saturnalia
The King of Saturnalia was a man chosen in each household to represent the leader of Saturnalia or Lord of Misrule. The King of Saturnalia would then cause mischief or misrule in the household and more specifically at parties and feasts. By playing pranks, telling jokes, chasing the women, etc. Even having the role creating chaos, by yelling commands that other partygoers had to obey. I consider this tradition as a way to create a character or “spirit” of the season. When I read about this common tradition it gives me a very Loki, causing Mischief kind of feel.
Saturnalia and the god Saturn
Saturn, and his consort Ops (Opis) were both worshiped on Saturnalia. To the Ancient Romans, Saturn wasn’t just the god of karma time and boundaries, but he was also an agricultural god and the ruler of a great Golden Age, a time of abundance and perfect peace. He taught the people about agriculture and how to save their money, so they might never experience hunger or poverty again. He taught them the payout of discipline and restraint. Offerings and sacrifices were made to both the god and his goddess in hopes of protecting the Winter-sown crops. Saturn, also called Father Time and Seed-Sower, is the Roman god of agriculture, prosperity, time and fertility. In one of the myths, Saturn is a haggard wanderer who eventually is given the job of door guardian. Tasked with guarding Rome’s immense wealth. Let’s be honest we all know how much Rome loves their money and gold. Which places him as one of the most important gods to Rome of all, outside of their founders whom we celebrate soon during Lupercalia.
Saturnalia and the goddess Ops
Saturn wasn’t the only deity honored during the days of the Saturnalia Festival but, so was his consort Ops. On, December 19th is Opalia, the feast day of Ops. Ops is the goddess of peace, plenty, and protection. She specifically is invoked to guard one’s home against fires and to extinguish fires that have gone out of control. Interestingly, her name influenced the word opulence, which means great wealth or luxuriousness.
Saturnalia Vs the Winter solstice and Yule
While both Saturnalia and the Winter Solstice happen to be festivals that take place around the same time as each other they are quite different with different core meanings. Saturnalia was a time of revelry and social upheaval in Roman society, characterized by indulgence, merrymaking, and the suspension of norms. In contrast, Yule carried a deep reverence for the natural cycles, focusing on the return of light and the cosmic order. While both Saturnalia and Yule involved feasting and joyful gatherings, their underlying philosophies and significance varied. Yule centered on the sun’s rebirth and spiritual renewal, whereas Saturnalia was more associated with social liberties and honoring Saturn as an agricultural deity.
Themes of Saturnalia
Every season and every pagan holiday has certain concepts and magical themes. Which means, depending on your tradition and needs, you can weave one or more of these themes into your personal celebrations. This festival perform spells to harness the energies of the harvest, abundance, expression, gratitude, liberation, accessing our deepest desires, and merriment. This is also a time to reflect on the past year, but in a way to be present. To truly let go and celebrate the hard work you did during the planting and harvest season. Saturnalia is a time to break down walls, let go of fear, and allow ourselves to express ourselves freely. To no longer let the expectations, and rules of societal norms hold us in shackles anymore. On Saturnalia, we see the following magical rituals and spells below as well. Remember these are just some of the themes and energies you can connect to and work with on Yule.
Merriment
Role reversal
Liberation
Equality
Celebration
Feasting
Drunkenness
Breakthroughs
Expression
Freedom
Abundance
The Harvest
Charity
Community
Agriculture
Wealth
Joy
Winter
Debauchery
Interconnectedness
Humor
Mischief
Saturnalia 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 ancient Roman Festival of Saturnalia. This festival and holiday is time full of merriment, revelry, and honestly down right debauchery. Allowing us to express ourselves freely. For this one time during the year not be bound by societal norms giving us a taste of true authentic freedom. This may make some think this holiday is only about positive and wanted energies. But, that is not the case. To truly be free, to feel full liberation and be present in true debauchery you have to allow yourself to face your repressed feelings, inner shame, and let go of fear and control. You must be willing to let go of all fears and take a massive leap of faith in yourself, your partner, and the community you have made. You have to be willing to remove any masks you have in place so you can be truly present to feel all the pleasure liberation has for you to taste.
Correspondences of Saturnalia
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 Saturnalia. 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- Saturn
Animal- pig/ boar
Element- Earth
colors- red, green, gold, white
Herbs/flowers-spruce, fir, holly, bay laurel, cinnamon, pumpkin, mint, cumin, peppercorn, coriander, fennel, Rue
Stones/ crystals- Iolite, Sapphire, Moldavite, Black obsidian, Shungite, Smoky quartz, Spirit quartz, Onyx, pyrite, black tourmaline, Jet, blue kyanite, carnelian, ruby, garnet, malachite, clear quartz, Lapis Lazuli
Deities-Saturn and Opis. Also Janus, and Bacchus
Symbols-decorated trees, evergreen garland, wreaths, gilded ornaments, the sun face, candles, Sigillaria, coins
Whether you choose to weave Saturnalia traditions into your Winter holidays OR full-on embrace the ancient Roman festival, there are many festive ways to do so. First, In your everyday life, you can work with any affirmations, mantras, and visualization work for liberation, freedom, sexual desires, abundance, and wealth. Check out below more ways to work with and celebrate this Ancient roman holiday into your holiday season even now!
Switch up the roles in your home
One of the most popular traditions and my personal favorite was the role reversal. So, why not do the same in your life during this festival to honor that as well. Now, you may not be able to do this in your entire life because, it isn’t something that is widely celebrated like it was during ancient times in Rome. But, you can do it in your own home at least. So if you are normally the one managing the home while someone else gets a more laid back role. For these few days switch those roles. Allow each other to understand how the other feels to create more harmony in your home from this day on.
Gambling
During Saturnalia, a time of jovial merrymaking, many social norms were relaxed and inverted. Gambling, normally outlawed, was allowed in public. According to some accounts, you were only supposed to gamble for nuts, not money, to recreate the golden age of Saturn
Abundance and Sharing Celebrations
Host a feast that’s all about gratitude and generosity. Share your blessings with others, perhaps through a community meal where everyone contributes, or by donating to those in need. You can also cast abundance and wealth spells for not only you but, also for others. One of my favorites to do is to make abundance spell bags, or packets and gift them to friends, family members, and even strangers on the street.
Gift giving
Embrace the joy of giving with thoughtful, perhaps handmade, gifts. Acts of kindness, personalized letters, or DIY crafts can be more meaningful than store-bought presents.
Other ways to celebrate
Decorate with Evergreens
Carry On the Saturnalia Tree Tradition
Purification and cleansing Rituals
host a Saturnalia Feast
Dress in bright and lively clothing
add Saturnalia Decorations to your altar
Honor Saturn with prayer and offerings
Work with some chaos magic to cause a little mischief
Designate someone in your home as the king of Saturnalia
Throw a Big Party full of dancing, singing, drinking, and feasting
Shadow work focused on freedom, liberation, and what you view as societal norms holding you back. 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.
Study and learn about the history and practices of Saturnalia
While Saturnalia seems to be lost to the ancient past by many, its lessons feel timeless. It teaches us to pause, reflect, and connect—to honor the cycles around us and revel in life’s fleeting joys. The Romans embraced Saturnalia as a way of restoring balance, gaining perspective, and finding unity, whether its by serving another or sharing a warm laugh . Follow your intuition and honor Saturnalia however feels right. That could be through sharing gifts, hosting a festive feast, or simply taking a moment to connect with your loved ones beyond the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Saturnalia reminds us to honor both the light and the shadow, to plant seeds for future harvests, and to bask in the merriment of community. It reminds us of the true freedom and liberation we get to feel when we embrace our authenticity and live outside of societal norms no matter what others feel and think.
The last full moon of 2024 graces the night skies on December 15th. The Moon ending her cycle in the curious and communicative sign of the Twins will stir our minds, increase our desire for variety, and we will thirst for information. Allowing us to shift our perspectives and awaken our urge to connect with others. The Full Moon in Gemini puts the already emotional full Moon in the sign of the mind and expression. Gemini Full Moons are usually times where we express what we’re feeling more easily, and we can say what we mean and mean what we say. We can be authentic and open. This is a time when we can fulfill our desire to feel deeply understood. With the adaptable and curious Gemini energy guiding you this full moon, you’re encouraged to embrace change and let go of what no longer serves you, opening space for fresh ideas and perspectives to emerge. This full moon is a pivotal moment allowing you to explore new perspectives and consider changes that can lead to breakthroughs in your life. This Gemini Full Moon invites us to bridge the gap between mind and heart, thought and feeling. Are your thoughts aligned with emotional truth? Are your feelings guiding you toward your highest good? This lunar moment calls for balance, curiosity, and inspired action
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 cold moon
During December the harsh bitter cold of winter sets in dropping to temperatures we can feel chilling us to the bone especially in my part of the world. This is why the full moon of December is known as the cold moon. This final full moon of the year arrives at the beginning of winter’s stillness and illuminates dark winter nights. Pulling us into the stillness of long winter nights for introspection, rest, and fresh starts as we conclude our annual trip around the sun. The Cold Moon’s energy aligns us with Winter’s dormant energy , stillness, and rebirth coming in the new season. Nature may appear dead and lifeless, right now but looks can be deceiving. Deep beneath the surface, it’s brimming with life and endless potential just waiting to show its new form with the suns return to full light come spring. I know when I go out to the woods during the cold winter months there is so much wisdom to be whispered in the woods. Use the Cold Moon as a wintery guide to “freeze and hibernate” as well. Slow down and be fully present in activities that truly bring you joy and pleasure. This is a magical lunar cycle full of transformation and deep internal work. It’s a chance to recharge and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones.
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, renewal, rebirth, and connecting to the harsh cold of the long winter months ahead.
Long Night Moon (Mahican Native American origins)
Yule month (Ýlir) Norse origins
Little Spirit Moon (Manidoo-Giizisoons)
Oak Moon (Celtic origins)
Dead of Winter Moon (Ukiugraq) Inupiat Language, North Slope, Alaska
Springbok Moon (Antelope) South African origins
Sun Has Traveled Home to Rest (ik’ohbu yachunne) Zuni Native American origins
Bitter Moon (Chinese Origins)
Winter Moon (Tahch’asap’ara) Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana
Evergreen Moon (Comanche Native American origins)
When the Deer Shed Their Antlers (Dakota)
Little Spirit Moon (Anishinaabe)
Frost moon
Drift Clearing Moon (Cree)
Frost Exploding Trees Moon (Cree)
Moon of the Popping Trees (Oglala)
Who is Gemini?
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 Gemini. So who is Gemini? Gemini is known for being curious, communicative, and intellectual, and is the third sign of the zodiac. An air sign, Gemini is the zodiac sign that isn’t afraid of change and will adapt easily when they need too. Represented by twins, this sign is deeply independent, but their dualistic nature still has them in search of a lifelong partner.
Gemini constellation
The Gemini constellation is a group of stars in the northern hemisphere that’s known for its two brightest stars, Castor and Pollux and is located between Taurus and Cancer in the zodiac. According to Greek mythology the constellation of Gemini is made up of two twins: Castor and Pollux. Castor was the mortal son of King Tyndarus, while Pollux was the immortal son of Zeus. Both Castor and Pollux, being identical twins, were inseparable in their looks and actions. Castor was great horseman and Pollux was a great fighter. Together, they went with Jason on the Argo and saved the ship from a terrible storm. When Castor was killed in battle, Pollux pleaded with Zeus to bring him back. Zeus agreed to immortalize both Castor and Pollux, if they spend half of their time on the Earth and the other half amongst the stars in the heavens. Since then, when sailors saw these two stars together, they knew their journey would be prosperous. However, seeing only one star foretold bad luck. In Roman mythology, the constellation Gemini represents Romulus and Remus, the twins who founded Rome that we celebrate during Lupercalia.
In Babylon they were known as the Great Twins. The Twins were regarded as minor gods and were called Lugal-irra and Meslamta-ea, meaning respectively “The Mighty King” and “The One who has arisen from the Underworld.” They were regarded as guardians of doorways and may have originally been envisioned as a set of twins guarding the gates of the Underworld, who chopped the dead into pieces as they passed through the gates.
This constellation is a very special one as well since, it is the only one mentioned in Norse mythology among the Eddas.It is a story of how Þjazi, anglicized as Thiazi, Thjazi, Tjasse or Thiassi was a Frost Giant and a shapeshifter and how their eyes made it into the skies. The story goes; One day, while on a journey, Odin, Loki and Hœnir set up an earth oven to cook an oxen they just hunted. After a while they found that it would not cook. They found out that Þjazi in the form of a great eagle, stopped the oven from heating and demanded a part of the oxen. When the oxen was cooked, Þjazi ate so much of it that Loki became angry, grabbed his long staff and attempted to strike him, but the weapon stuck fast to Þjazi’s body and he took flight, carrying Loki up with him. As they flew across the land Loki shouted and begged to be let down as his legs banged against trees and stones, but Þjazi would only do so on the condition that Loki must lure Iðunn, the goddess of youth out of Asgard with her apples of youth, which he solemnly promised to do. Later, Þjazi, again in the form of an eagle, carried Iðunn and her apples away and the gods, deprived of Iðunn’s apples, began growing old and grey. Loki was going to bring back Iðunn. He borrowed a magical coat from Freyja, transformed into a falcon, flew to the hall of Þjazi, transformed Iðunn into a nut and carried her back to Asgard. When the other gods saw Þjazi in close pursuit of Loki, they lit a fire which burned Þjazi’s feathers, causing him to fall to the ground where he was killed. When Þjazi’s daughter Skadi came to avenge her father, the gods offered her atonement and compensation. She was given the hand of Njord in marriage and Odin took Þjazi’s eyes and placed them in the night sky as stars.
Gemini The Sign Of The Mind And Shifting Perspectives
During the Gemini full Moon we are guided to change our thoughts, and examine our current beliefs to let go of ones that no longer resonate with us. The Gemini full moon calls for us to let go of the need to know, and opens us up to the ways in which our trust in life needs to grow. It opens us up to relooking at how we see ourselves and the world around us allowing us to possibly, completely shift our perspectives for major growth and transformation. This enthusiastic energy allows us to embrace uncertainty. To walk through the different doorways of opportunities without fear or anxiety. Now is also a very good time for grounding or earthing, and for finding our way back to the path of our hearts and maybe even going a different direction to get there/ Doing this may allow you to see some new things. Our minds are a gift, a powerful tool that we can guide and use in whatever direction and purpose we desire. And so it’s time to use our minds for a higher purpose and for the highest purpose of humanity. Gemini, the mutable air sign known as the sign of the twins, brings a lively, adaptable energy to the Full Moon. With Gemini’s influence, you’re encouraged to keep an open mind and embrace curiosity as a tool for growth. The Full Moon in Gemini is a powerful moment to identify and release outdated thought patterns and limiting beliefs that have been holding you back. This phase invites you to clear mental clutter, opening up space for fresh perspectives and new possibilities.
Gemini the sign of communication
Gemini is an air sign and ruled by the planet Mercury, it’s about communication and trying different things in life, being adventurous, socializing, and using language as a tool. Take this time to bring out your strengths in the way you communicate with others and how you take the time to listen to others in your life as well. This is the time to set boundaries and let go of toxic ties and relationships that no longer serve you. If you’d like to improve communication in your life with the people around you, communication is ruled by Gemini and this is your time to do it. So, go inwards and ask yourself are there any ways that you communicate that are outdated and cause issues in your relation ships and then commit to let those patterns go.
Gemini The Sign of Learning
In astrology, Gemini is associated with learning and is said to be a sign of intellectual prowess. Gemini is said to be quick at learning, curious, versatile, and have a thirst for knowledge. Therefore, learning is ruled by Gemini. This is the sign to strengthen your mind and become a better learner. Gemini activates the thinking realms, the imagination and the mental channels, seeking patterns, connection and purpose. It’s a really highly mental energy that stimulates ideas and creativity. Gemini energy is also highly intelligent, which makes it a good time for studying or learning a new course or skill. Now is the time to look into subjects that require thinking and discussing ideas, including literature, science, philosophy, art, and more.
Themes for the Gemini full moon
This time, we experience the New Moon in emotional, Open minded, Witty, Social, Flirty, Distracted, Adaptable, Intellectual, dualistic, Expressive, and perspective shifting Gemini. When the Full Moon in Gemini graces the sky, it offers cosmic guidance for us to examine our patterns and release the thoughts and beliefs that no longer serve our highest good. Let’s explore some of the themes and energies of Gemini deeper below. The Gemini full moon is a powerful moon that amplifies the dualistic energy of Gemini allowing us to shift our perspective and learn new ways of being in this world.
Keep in mind that the full Moon relates to the continuation of your journey to manifest your desires and dreams. This will be especially strong this full moon being in the sign of the twins who day dream about the life you wish to create all the time. So, try and have any of your workings based on these topics, and be willing to be adaptable with 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 harsh cold of winter’s approach, and the introspection of the winter solstice and yule.
What to be cautious of this Gemini full moon
We may be a little bit more scattered when this sign is aligned with the moon. the Gemini Moon personality can at times be easily distracted it’s hard to focus when there’s always something else that could use our attention or our heads are up in the clouds.. So, do your best to use skills that can help you focus like making to do lists, and grounding or centering often. We also need to be careful about the intensity level for how we react to things. When Gemini is affecting the moon each and every event no matter how small seems like it’s the most significant thing to happen to us. It’s important to take the time to check the facts with your emotions and reactions to make sure you are reacting to things with the valid intensity. Be careful to not catastrophize things.
Gemini 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 sign it currently is in; Gemini. This month’s full moon might seem pretty obvious to you; that it is literally the definition of dualistic energy to work with. First let’s talk about the duality of Gemini; the sign of the twins and aka the sign of duality in the zodiac. Gemini focuses on duality which means; the relationship between opposites. Logic and emotion, creator and created, “good and evil”, Wanted and unwanted, masculine and feminine, conscious and subconscious etc. and the union that exist between them. All of these are topics we can reflect on and work with using Gemini energy including using grey magic.
Gemini, represented by the twins, is all about the duality within us. Whether you call the two competing voices within the Ego and Soul, Higher Mind vs Lower Mind, or Inner critic vs Inner cheerleader, these dual voices exist within us all, and our role is to learn how to balance them out and keep them lovingly communicating with each other. This full Moon is less about manifesting new “things” and more about letting go of thoughts that no longer support us emotionally. This requires us to change our minds in order to change the thought patterns that aren’t currently supporting us and allowing us to truly be in alignment with our intentions. Gemini reminds us that duality is a natural expression. YES, unity may be a goal, but duality is our reality on this planet right now, and to feel that internally is normal. The energy of duality allows us to be flexible, change our mind, go new directions and be multifaceted with our thoughts, reactions, and how we interact with others. If you’re feeling the tug between opposites, it’s actually okay.
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 Gemini 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 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.
Now, that we have talked about the themes of this Gemini 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, Gemini’s influence is often utilized for spells and rituals that foster communication, intellectual growth, and adaptability in various situations. Moon phases during Gemini, such as the full moon are ideal times for conducting rituals that leverage Gemini’s energy for learning, networking, and skillfully navigating social situations.
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.
With this moon there are certain spells and rituals that will help connect you this moon in the most effective way. The Gemini Moon is a good time to work on divination and prophecy, wishing spells, luck in gambling, communication, working for positive reception of manuscripts, articles and term papers, increasing web traffic, success in school, getting into the school of your choice. 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 Gemini full moon.
Daydream Meditation-With the Gemini full Moon let your imagination run wild. Take time to daydream. Let your mind wander and tune into all the crazy ideas that crop up. Write about them. Keep it simple, seeing where it leads you. What are you passionate about or inspired by? Write about your full Moon goals and engage all of your senses “as if” you’ve already achieved it. Be creative and free flow with journaling, allowing yourself to dream a new reality.
Set goals using Smart goals– To learn more about what SMART goals are and how to use them you can read about here in my previous blog post.
Abundance spells-You can learn how to connect to abundance with my in depth guide here
Meditation and Visualization
Create and set new firm boundaries in your life
Cast a chord cutting for toxic relationships that no longer serve you
Divination– Try divination associated with the element air; Aeromancy. Which is a form of divination that involves using the state of the air or atmospheric substances to predict the future
Self reflection– You can do this through mirror magic.
Cleansing, and purification magic to release stale and stagnant energy
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
Add winter symbols to your altar when you refresh it
Reflection questions and topics for Gemini 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 cold full moon in Gemini. 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 beliefs and ideas about the world no longer serve me am I ready to release?
What new ideas or insights have surfaced for me recently?
Where in my life do I need to be more adaptable?
How can I improve my communication with those around me?
What old beliefs or patterns about myself am I ready to release?
How do I handle uncertainty, and how can I approach it with more curiosity?
What conversations have I been avoiding, and how can I address them?
In what areas of my life do I feel stuck, and what small changes can I make to move forward?
How can I bring more playfulness and lightness into my daily routine?
How can I shift my inner self talk to being more self loving?
How can I better balance my need for social interaction with time for myself?
Are there any outdated communication styles or patterns I have that need to be released?
What areas of my life do I need shift my perspective to see something clearly?
What successes have I had recently do I need to celebrate?
What stories do I tell myself about who I am are no longer true?
Where i n my life am I resisting change? How can I become more adaptable?
What relationships and ties have become toxic and no longer serve me?
How can I assert better boundaries in my life and with who?
Have I been authentic and impeccable with my words lately? how can I be more intentional with my words this lunar cycle?
How can I use this full moon to deepen my understanding of my interconnectedness with others?
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 Gemini are:
I am open to infinite possibilities and am willing to walk any path
I invite new ways of thinking into my life and release old thought patterns that no longer serve me
I open myself to the magic and miracles that are available to me each day.
I courageously follow the path of my heart.
I let go of toxic thoughts and feelings not supporting my highest good.
I am ready to accept change
I let go of all toxic and unbalanced relationships and ties that no longer server me
I don’t take things to seriously and know when to enjoy life
I communicate with others clearly and respectfully
I free myself from limitations of the mind and my current perspective
Candle Spell For Learning During Gemini Full Moon
Do you want to strengthen your mind and be able to absorb knowledge better? Do you struggle with focus and attention when you are trying to learn? This spells purpose is to do just that during a full moon in Gemini. All you will need is yourself, a quiet area, and a yellow candle. To make this spell more potent you can also hold selenite and then keep it on you when you are studying or learning the rest of the lunar cycle.
How to do spell:
Find a place you can be alone for a little bit undisturbed, and in quiet. Then put yourself into your sacred container connecting to the energy of knowledge, learning, studying and Gemini. You can do this by meditating, grounding, calling your energy back, or doing breathing techniques like boxed breathing.
Once you feel anchored to the energy of learning and Gemini. Light a yellow candle for mental clarity. If you’d like, you can hold a piece of selenite in your non-dominant hand as you write down the ways you want to improve your learning. Visualize yourself learning easily, taking in new ideas and being receptive to lessons you can learn. Once you vision seems clear recite this spell out loud; “I am open to learning anything and everything there is to learn. I learn easily and quickly. My mind works perfectly.” Blow out the candle when you are done and come place in your favorite place to study and learn.
Final thoughts
As the Full Moon in Gemini illuminates the sky, it brings a unique opportunity to embrace change, explore new ideas, and strengthen your connections with others. This is a time to be curious, communicate openly, and adapt to whatever comes your way. By aligning with Gemini’s vibrant energy, you can gain clarity, release what no longer serves you, and pave the way for fresh perspectives and personal growth.The Gemini Full Moon is an invitation to deepen our understanding of how our upbringing, education, and culture continue to shape our mindset, worldviews, and perceptions. It is an opportunity to remember that our mind is meant to be a tool we have full control over, not something we are enslaved by. Embrace this moment as a turning point in your journey, allowing the light of the Full Moon to guide you toward new possibilities.
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!
Friday the 13th has held our fascination in culture for a long time now, for many it has gotten a bit of an infamous reputation even. Because, most of the beliefs are that this day is unlucky. While that is the case in some cultures and practices it’s not the case for all. For many, we see that by bringing the beautiful and loving energies of Friday and the transformative and whole energies of the number 13 together, Friday the 13th is in fact, a very powerful day. A day for feminine energy, manifestation, and creativity. We see the magic of this day and it’s energy mirrored in the 13 lunar cycles of the year and in the blood women shed each month. It is also an extremely powerful time of death and rebirth as it represents that mid-point in the cycle between something new emerging and something old slipping away. Friday the 13th is a day that invites us to explore the depths of our soul and embrace our spiritual journey. Join me under the night sky as you speak to the moon, to learn all about the magic you can harness on this mysterious and mystical day instead of being afraid.
History and legends of Friday the 13th as unlucky
To truly understand the significance of Friday the 13th, we need to delve into its historical origins, explore its spiritual interpretations, and unravel the common beliefs and myths associated with it. The number 13 has a long and intriguing history, steeped in superstition and lore. Its reputation as an unlucky number can be traced back to various ancient civilizations and cultural beliefs. In fact, fear of the number 13 even has a specific name: triskaidekaphobia. The fear of the number 13 is so strong that it has influenced architecture and design. Many buildings and hotels skip the thirteenth floor entirely, jumping from the twelfth to the fourteenth floor in a practice known as; “floor numbering avoidance.” Let’s take a look at some of the myths that have lead to this deep seated fear and feeling of being unlucky.
First up an example of this day being unlucky and it comes from Norse mythology. From what I can find this may even be the oldest one. There was a dinner party being held in Valhalla amongst the gods for all, but one. The trickster god loki was not invited. When he heard of this he decided to attend anyways as the 13th guest of the party. Than during the party he convinced Höðr to shoot Balder with a mistletoe-tipped arrow killing him. Thus marking this day as unlucky.
Next up, we look at Christianity where we see the number 13th portrayed again as being unlucky. This comes up in the story of the last supper when the one who betrayed Jesus was the 13th guest; Judas. Not only that, according to Christian tradition, Jesus was crucified on a Friday, which has led some to view the day as a symbol of suffering and sorrow adding more bad luck to this day for some. We see it again in history with Christianity and the knights templar as well. Many even trace the origins of Friday the 13th superstitions back to the day they were arrested. Which was on Friday, October 13, 1307 by French King Philip IV. Most were imprisoned and later executed. This association between the number 13 and betrayal has resonated throughout history and has contributed to the belief that it brings bad luck.
The energies of Friday the 13th
Throughout history, the number 13 has been steeped in mystery and superstition. In numerology, this number is often considered to be symbolic of change, transformation, and spiritual growth. It is believed to possess a powerful energy that can bring about both wanted and unwanted outcomes. Similarly, the day of Friday has its own spiritual connections. In many cultures, Friday is associated with the planet Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. It is seen as a day of romance, creativity, and spiritual connection. When you combine these two energies the ripe fertile energy of manifestation appears. It is said to be a day when the veil between the physical and spiritual realms is thin, allowing for deeper insights, heightened intuition and spiritual awakening.
Friday the 13th; A day of the goddess
Friday the 13th is not only seen as an unlucky day, but a day of deep beauty and fertility. Before patriarchal times, Friday the 13th was considered the day of the Goddess. It was considered a day to honor the Divine Feminine that lives in us all and to honor the cycles of creation and death and rebirth. With it being the day of the Goddess it is a beautiful day for creating and celebrating life. It is a lovely day for getting in tune with your emotions, sensitivities, and giving thanks to the beautiful Goddess that lives in us all. All this fertile divine feminine energy makes Friday the 13th, a very powerful day to manifest, honor creativity, and to celebrate beauty, wisdom, and nourishment of the soul.
Friday the 13th; manifestation and spiritual awakening
Friday the 13th is a very fertile day for setting intentions, visualizing goals, and engaging in rituals to bring about positive change in our lives. the combination of Friday, associated with Venus, the planet of love and abundance, and the number 13, which is associated with transformation and rebirth, creates a potent energy for manifesting desires and intentions. The alignment of these cosmic energies amplifies our ability to attract what we desire and manifest our dreams into reality.
Friday the 13th is also seen as an opportunity for deep introspection, self-reflection, spiritual awakening, and personal growth. Friday the 13th is seen as a time to delve into one’s inner world and confront any emotional or spiritual challenges that may be hindering our personal growth. It is believed that by embracing this day and its energies, we can embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation, shedding old patterns and beliefs that no longer serve us.
Friday the 13th and duality
Since, I am a grey witch I look for the duality in every single energy I work with including sacred times like Friday the 13th. Man does, this day have so much duality to it and honestly I hope I have made it obvious at this point throughout this post even. While most people think of Friday the 13th as something to be fearful of as a day full of bad luck, dreadful omens, and misfortune. It’s also a time that is fertile with beautiful and loving energy to guide you towards spiritual awakening and manifestation with creativity. You can’t get much more dualistic in energy then that. Plus this day is also connected to a very liminal pocket of time and energy. It’s a time of death and rebirth, representing the midpoint between something new and something old.
Correspondences for Friday the 13th
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 time of the year like a month, which I will list below for you to use. Remember this is just a start to the list for you. You can use any correspondences that connect the magical themes and energies of mystical day like Friday the 13th. Just follow your intuition on what you choose to work with!
Planet-Venus & the moon Animal- Black cat Element- Air & earth colors-black, red, blue, white, pink Symbol- Friday, the number 13, skulls, coffins, eggs, broken mirrors, ladders, black cats Herbs-roses, rose buds, lavender, apples, saffron, hibiscus, heather, water lily, coltsfoot, Turmeric, Lion’s mane, Holy basil, Ashwagandha, Oregano, Echinacea, vervain, mistletoe, Rhodiola rosea Stones/ crystals-rose quartz, peridot, aventurine, jade, rhodonite, lapis lazuli, garnet, coral, emerald, Celestite, pyrite, black tourmaline, Deities-Aphrodite, Venus, Frigg, Freya, Inanna, Juno Zodiac- Aquarius Themes-bad luck, misfortune, duality, protection, manifestation, good luck, bad omens, divine feminine, the goddess, fertility, cleansing, love, beauty, glamor, transformation, spiritual awakening, creativity
Ways to work with the energy of Friday the 13th
As witches, we can associate a lot of great, and magical, things with Friday the 13th. Friday is ruled by Venus, the planet of love, harmony, and money. It’s a good day for self-care, self-love, and to make for some great Venusian-style hedonism. When it comes to this mysterious, mystical, and fertile day there are countless ways to work with it. I will go over some below.
Shadow work
One of my favorite ways to work with this energy is to tap into the very fertile energies prime for personal growth and spiritual awakening on this day is through shadow work. Shadow work on this day is profound leading us to places inside ourselves to release blockages to create a life we have always wanted to manifest. Guiding us to the inner goddess within the creative energy swirling in our womb space. 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.
Sex Magic Own your sexuality! Use your orgasms to set intentions. As you pleasure yourself or consensually with a partner, think of a goal that you want to achieve and attain. While climaxing, state the intention over and over. Being that sex and orgasms are full of fertile manifestation energy, you can make your visions true by manifesting them this way into your life. On top of that it adds a very intimate and magical layer to your sex life and relationship. To learn more about sex magic you can watch my class with Divination Academy on YouTube here.
Harness the bad luck for protection magic
A reality we all have to face in life is that from time to time we will need protection from energies that come our way. Whether it be from a thing, place, or person in our life. So, why not work with the unlucky energy that exists within this day to help you do that. This is one of my favorite ways to work with this day! Taking bad luck, harnessing it, and directing it towards others to protect you can really put a damper on others day. Plus you can get pretty creative with your hexes and curses you cast that are anchored in the energy of bad luck and misfortune. You can make them as elaborate or as simples as you want as well! From writing their name on a piece of toilet paper, then taking it and flushing it down the toilet to flush away all of their good luck and bring only bad luck from this day on. You can cast hexes to just annoy them throughout the day as well; like having one of their shoes never being able to stay tied, or losing sight of their phone every time they set it down. The last way I like to work with this bad luck energy is using it in my protection spells as an amplifier by using its energy in things like bad luck charms and spell bags. Or even weaving it’s energy into my reflective shield causing bad luck and misfortune to befall anyone who sends unwanted energy my way.
Cast spells for peace, harmony, friendship, and strengthening relationships
Make a poppet of someone who has done you harm in your life, then place somewhere dark and keep it there until the next Friday the 13th or you want to bring them back into the light
Death and rebirth magic, maybe even had to a graveyard for some graveyard magic
Inner child healing and healing the mother wound
Get creative and artistic today
Friday the 13th manifestation spell
Use this spell I created below with me today, to manifest 13 of your deepest wishes and dreams with the divine feminine and the energy of 13!
This spell is meant to use the ripe and fertility energy of Friday the 13th to manifest your wishes and dreams. What you will need is a cauldron or fire safe bowl, a marker, a white candle and 13 bay leaves.
When you are ready to begin get yourself into sacred container by visualizing white, warm, feminine energy surrounding you. Once you feel anchored in your container focus on 13 things you want in your life right now and focus on them clearly with every detail in your minds eye. Then take your 13 bay leaves and write one manifestation/wish on each bay leaf as you visualize it being in your life. Once done focus on the energy and number of 13 and light your candle sitting within the cauldron or bowl. Next, focus on the flame and as you burn each bay leave in the flame releasing your wish to the multiverse say. “ By the power of 13, my wishes I burn. By the power of 13 all my dreams come to me.”
Final thoughts
While some associate this day with bad luck and misfortune, others perceive it as a time of powerful manifestation and spiritual awakening. It is up to each individual to decide how they want to interpret and engage with the energies of this unique day. Friday the 13th is a day that invites us to explore the depths of our soul and embrace our spiritual journey. It is a time to release fears and embrace the unknown, trusting that the universe has a plan for us. By understanding the spiritual meaning of Friday the 13th, we can navigate this day with confidence and harness its powerful energy to manifest our desires and cultivate a deeper connection with ourselves and the world around us. Embrace the magic and mystery this day holds and use it as a catalyst for spiritual awakening and transformation. Remember, the power lies within you to make any day, even Friday the 13th, a day of growth, abundance, and spiritual connection.
As the days draw short and the nights grow long, there are celebrations as well as a tinge of fear in the cold, crisp air as the wild hunt stampedes across the sky on winter solstice night. One of the most popular celebrations honoring the winter solstice was Yule Yule is one of the oldest winter solstice festivals, With roots that intertwine Celtic, Druidic, and Norse traditions from thousands of years ago. Yule is a celebration of the dark stillness of winter and the rebirth of the sun. This ancient celebration marks the point at which the night is longest, the day is shortest, and the journey back toward light begins. the winter solstice offers an opportunity to honor nature’s cycles, reflect on the dark season, and celebrate the sun’s return. Like most winter solstice festivals, themes of light, fire, and feasting are common threads. In Norse culture, the winter solstice was known as Yule or Jol, a festival. It was believed that during this time, the sun goddess Sol gave birth to a new sun, marking the beginning of longer days and the end of winter darkness. Yule offers a beautiful opportunity to honor the cycle of nature, embrace the winter season, and welcome the returning light. Join me on a walk through the crisp winter air, to the feel the snow on your cheeks until you reach the Yule bonfire on Winter solstice night.
What is the winter Solstice?
The Winter Solstice occurs annually around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere and around June 21st in the Southern Hemisphere. This is a day when the daylight is diminished and it’s the longest night of the year. Nearly every ancient culture acknowledged or celebrated the Winter Solstice in some aspect. It is a powerful moment in the solar year: The night is at its longest, but immediately after this peak, the light begins to regain its hold again (slowly). The solstice represents death, the absolute darkest moment of the year, but also rebirth and hope. Even as we acknowledge grief, loss, and the death in nature all around us, we know that everything will come back to life again in the spring and summer as it always has.
What is Yule?
Yule was one of the most important festivals in the old heathen calendar. Yule is a midwinter celebration that goes back to (as early as) the 4th century. Yule or Jol is an ancient Germanic holiday season. Some say Yule lasted for 12 days, from the Winter Solstice forward, while others say the festivities lasted an entire two months. From December through January, if we’re looking at a modern calendar. The name Jol is believed to come from a name for Odin himself – JÓLFAÐR, which translates to Yule Father. Yule holds immense significance as a time of transition, rebirth, and renewal. It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, as the sun begins its ascent, gradually growing stronger and promising the return of spring. Yule is a celebration of the winter solstice, representing the return of light, the cycle of life, and the interconnectedness of nature and humanity.
Other names for yule
Jól
Jólablót
Jul
Yule time
Yuletide
Other Celebrations of the Winter solstice
Many cultures across earth have developed their own stories, beliefs and practices surrounding the winter solstice. These are just a few examples of the diverse ways the winter solstice has been found across different cultures. Many cultures have the universal themes of rebirth, renewal, and the triumph of light over darkness, symbolizing hope and the promise of a new beginning.
Alban Arthan The winter solstice was celebrated by the Celts as the festival of Alban Arthan, which means “Light of Winter.” It was believed that during this time, the Oak King (representing the waxing year) defeated the Holly King (representing the waning year), symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. They believed that the burning of the Yule log was a way to symbolize the sun’s return and that the exchange of gifts was a way to honor the gods and ask for their favor in the coming year.
Saturnalia The Saturnalia Festival is an ancient Roman holiday that mainly celebrated the Winter sowing season, as well as honored the god Saturn. The actual dates vary but most scholars agree it was once celebrated between December 17th and the 23rd OR December 25th through the 31st, depending on the calendar that was used. Saturnalia was a jovial time for the entire city of Rome because, everyone in ancient Rome participated in the excitement. Especially what I find to be the most interesting par t of this festival the role reversal when power dynamics were switched. Meaning slaves and servants were now the masters for one day and vice versa.
Chinese winter solstice In Chinese culture, the winter solstice is associated with the concept of yin and yang. It is believed that during this time, yin (representing darkness and cold) reaches its peak, and yang (representing light and warmth) begins to grow, symbolizing the return of light and the gradual transition towards spring.
Blue Christmas (holiday) (Western Christian)
Brumalia (Ancient Rome)
Dongzhi Festival (East Asia)
Inti Raymi (Inca)
Koliada and Korochun (Slavic)
Midwinter Day (Antarctica)
Sanghamitta Day (Theravada Buddhism)
Shabe Yalda (Iran)
Shalako (Zuni)
Uttarayana (India)
We Tripantu (Mapuche)
Willkakuti (Aymara)
Yaldā (Western and Central Asia)
Yule in the Northern Hemisphere (Germanic)
Ziemassvētki (ancient Latvia)
The wild Hunt
Yule was also the time when it was believed the wild hunt would stampede across the skies. This was the night when ancestors visited from the Otherworld, and gods and spirits upon phantom horses rode through the night sky, led by All-father Odin upon his eight legged steed Sleipnir, leading the legendary Wild Hunt! No one wanted to be caught out alone on the road on this night as the ghostly hunting party ripped through the night sky, carrying the souls of the dead to the Otherworld.
Yule a time of renewal, rebirth, and transformation
Yule marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It symbolizes the rebirth of the sun as the days gradually start to lengthen again. Yule celebrates the return of light and the promise of warmth and growth in the coming months. Yule is a time of renewal and transformation, both in nature and within ourselves. It represents the cyclical nature of life, reminding us that even in the darkest times, there is always the potential for light and growth. Yule is a time to shed old patterns, release what no longer serves us, and set intentions for the future.
Yule a liminal time of instrospection
Yule is a time for introspection and reflection on the past year. It provides an opportunity to review personal growth, accomplishments, and challenges, as well as to contemplate the lessons learned and the changes desired for the future. Yule encourages self-reflection, inner work, and setting intentions for personal and spiritual development. One of the best ways to do that is through 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.
Yule a time of celebration and family
Yule is traditionally a time of gathering with loved ones, family, and community. It is a time for sharing warmth, love, and gratitude. Yule celebrations often involve feasting, exchanging gifts, and participating in rituals or ceremonies that foster a sense of togetherness and unity. It is a time of joy amongst the darkest, and harshest nights of the year.
Winter solstice, Yule, 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 winter solstice and festivals to celebrate it like Yule. Yule embodies a powerful duality by embracing the beauty of darkness while celebrating the promise of light’s return. It reminds us that after a season of long, cold nights and short days, the sun’s return is imminent. Yule recognizes the profound duality of life: the lightness and the dark. Yule is a time to pause in honor of all that’s good, while also holding space for pain. Throughout Yule there is a constant ebb and flow, a dance of duality. Filled with joy and sorrow, Abundance and scarcity, and lastly life and death.
Yule and Santa
We all know about the jolly, white bearded, red suited old man Santa Claus. He permeates the holiday season and Yule is included in that. Santa Claus is connected to Yule, because many aspects of the modern Santa figure, like his gift-giving nature and ability to travel through the sky, are believed to be derived from the Norse god Odin who was associated with the Yule festivities, particularly the “Wild Hunt” legend where he would fly through the sky on his eight-legged horse Sleipnir, delivering gifts to deserving individuals; essentially, Santa is seen as a modernized version of the “Yule Father” figure from ancient pagan traditions. To learn more about all of his history you can check out my class on YouTube with Divination all about here. Plus a blogpost on him will be coming right after this one!
Yuletide “monsters”
Most people have heard of Krampus, but there is a whole legion of Yuletide monsters just waiting to be your friend. Let’s talk about the Icelandic Yule Cat, the Yule Lads, and their leader Gryla the Christmas witch alongside Krampus as well below. Why not add them to your yuletide festivities this year as well
Krampus
First up Krampus! In the chilly shadows of European winter folklore (primarily Germanic), the figure of Krampus emerges, distinct with his horns, terrifying hairy body and sinister snarling face. Krampus is a terrifying winter devil who accompanies Saint Nicholas. Krampus punishes the naughty children with spankings, and sometimes his punishments are so severe he even drowns, eats, or carries them off to Hell. While St. Nicholas (St. Nikolaus in Germany) is famous for giving gifts and rewards to the righteous, it’s Krampus’s job to strike fear into the hearts of the wicked. To learn all about the Christmas devil himself Krampus read my previous blog post here.
the Yule Cat While many of us have cats we love on in our homes, the Yule Cat isn’t one to bring inside and feed catnip to. This cat is something much different than the fluffy feline sun bathing in your window sill. In Iceland, his name is the Jolakotturinn. Which essentially translates to Yule Cat and he is known to accompany the Yule Lads (of whom we will meet shortly) and Gryla the Christmas Witch. In fact, the Yule Cat myth has it that he is the pet of Gryla, the only one to love him.
Does that mean if you meet the Jolakotturinn you should let him in your home? Only if you’re fond of facing terrifying creatures AND ONLY IF you are wearing NEW CLOTHES on Christmas when you open that door. What do new clothes have to do with the Yule Cat? Well, legend has it, he will eat you if you’re wearing old clothes!
the Yule Lads If the Yule Cat wasn’t horrifying enough, let’s move on to the Thirteen Yule Lads that hang about for Iceland’s Christmas. Sadly, Santa Claus doesn’t visit the children in Iceland. But the Yule Lads, Jolasveinar or “Yule Swains”, do! The Yule Lads begin invading Iceland on December 12th, thirteen days before Christmas, and hang around until Christmas Day. Each day one new Yule Lad comes down from his home in the mountains. these Yule Lads are more trollish in appearance and nature than human. And they all take on mischievous, if not downright disturbing, roles like one named Window Peeper. Yes, he looks through windows at the unsuspecting people inside. The rest of the thirteen Yule Lads don’t seem much better either with names like Stubby, Gully Gawk, Door Slammer, and Pot Scraper. And yes, there’s even one named Skirt Blower….. Today it’s believed that if the children are bad, the Yule Lads will give them a potato (raw or rotting). And if the children are good, they will receive a gift from each of the thirteen Yule Swains.
Grýla: The Terrifying Yuletide Witch Gryla is the monstrous troll-woman and Christmas witch of Iceland tradition and lore. She is accompanied by her sons and familiar we talked about above. .Gryla steals down from her domain in the mountains to the towns where the bad children lay asleep in their beds. She carries a large sack with her, so that when she snatches the children up she has a safe place to put them. Sound familiar? A little like Krampus from up above.
12 days of yule
Yule celebrations lasted 12 days, from December 21st to January 1st.. The 12 Days of Yule is a holiday that celebrates the winter solstice and the rebirth of the sun. It is also a time to honor the gods and goddesses, the ancestors, spirits of the dead, and the spirits of nature. Below I break down what each of the 12 days represents listen to your intuition to determine how you want to honor and celebrate each one of them.
Day 1:The first day of Yule is also known as Mother’s Night, and it is a day to honor the female ancestors and the goddesses of fertility, protection, and wisdom. (Dec. 20th)
Day 2: The second day of Yule is the winter solstice, the shortest day and the longest night of the year. It is also the day when the sun is reborn, and the days start to get longer and brighter. This is a day to celebrate the light, the fire, and the sun. (Dec 21st)
Day 3:The third day of Yule is a day to honor the triple goddess, the three aspects of the divine feminine: the maiden, the mother, and the crone. The triple goddess represents the cycles of life, death, and rebirth, and the phases of the moon. (Dec 22nd)
Day 4: The fourth day of Yule is a day to honor the ancestors, the spirits of the departed who have influenced our lives and shaped our heritage. The ancestors can be our blood relatives, our spiritual mentors, or our cultural heroes. (Dec 23rd)
Day 5: The fifth day of Yule is a day to honor the animals, the creatures of the earth, air, and water who share this world with us and provide us with food, companionship, and inspiration. The animals can be our pets, our livestock, our totems, or our spirit guides. ( Dec 24th)
Day 6: The sixth day of Yule is a day to honor the gods and goddesses, the divine beings who rule over the realms of existence and manifest the forces of nature and the aspects of life. The gods and goddesses can be from any pantheon or tradition that you follow or resonate with. ( Dec 25th)
Day 7: The seventh day of Yule is a day to honor the elves, the fairies, the dwarves, and the other hidden folk who dwell in the realms of magic and mystery. The hidden folk are the guardians of nature, the keepers of secrets, and the makers of wonders. Some of the traditions and customs that are associated with this day are the Elf Feast, the Fairy Ring, and the Dwarf Gift. ( Dec 26th)
Day 8: The eighth day of Yule is a day to honor the spirits of the land, the beings who inhabit and animate the natural features of the earth. The spirits of the land are the essence of the mountains, rivers, forests, fields, and stones. Some of the traditions and customs that are associated with this day are the Landvættirblót, the Stone Circle, and the Sacred Grove. ( Dec 27th)
Day 9: The ninth day of Yule is a day to honor the ancestors of the spirit, the people who have inspired us and influenced us in our spiritual path and practice. The ancestors of the spirit can be our teachers, mentors, heroes, or role models. They can be from any time, place, or tradition that we feel connected to. Some of the traditions and customs that are associated with this day are the Ancestor Feast, the Hall of Heroes, and the Shrine of Inspiration. (dec 28th)
Day 10:The tenth day of Yule is a day to honor the spirits of the home, the beings who dwell in and protect our household and family. The spirits of the home are the hearth, the door, the well, and the ancestors. Some of the traditions and customs that are associated with this day are the House Blessing, the Door Warding, and the Well Offering. ( Dec 29th )
Day 11: The eleventh day of Yule is a day to honor the spirits of the sky, the beings who inhabit and rule over the celestial bodies and the weather. The spirits of the sky are the sun, the moon, the stars, and the clouds. Some of the traditions and customs that are associated with this day are the Sun Salutation, the Moon Meditation, and the Star Gazing. (Dec 30th)
Day 12: The twelfth day of Yule is the last day of the old year and the eve of the new year. It is a day to reflect on the past, present, and future, and to celebrate the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Some of the traditions and customs that are associated with this day are the New Year’s Eve, the New Year’s Resolutions, and the New Year’s Day. (Dec 31st)
Common Traditions
Lighting of the Yule log
Burning a Yule log is a time-honored tradition that represents the return of light during the darkest time of the year. A large log, often made of oak or other sacred woods, is ceremonially lit and kept burning throughout the night or for the entire Yule season. Symbolizing the light and warmth in the midst of winter’s darkness, a large log is traditionally burned in the hearth or bonfire. As the log crackles and glows, it serves as a focal point for reflection, meditation, and the manifestation of hopes and dreams for the coming year. Keep in mind as well that the type o f wood you choose will add an extra layer of energy to magic this night as well during this night.
Below is an example of the Yule log my son and I made last year. For this year we used pine, evergreen, apples, ground gloves, cinnamon, bay leaves, sage, and rosemary to fuel our intentions of the next year. To release patterns tainted by mistrust that no longer serve us. To call in abundance, reciprocated love and energy, and peace and healing in our family and home. With the twine we bound our intentions tight to cut off unwanted energies and leave them in our past life. We bind our commitment to our new intentions and goals we set this solstice night full of bright new energy as the sun is reborn this day with new light.
Gift-giving The tradition of giving gifts during the Winter season is ancient and spans cultures. In Ancient Rome, Saturnalia was an ancient Winter festival that celebrated the god Saturn during the month of December. The Romans gave each other gifts during this time. This tradition is reflected in the story of the three wise-men and the gifts they bring to the newborn Jesus. But gift-giving isn’t limited to the Romans or to baby Jesus, as the ancient Germanic peoples also gave gifts to one another. This was a transfer of blessings for health and abundance.
Yule Singing or caroling Yule singing, also called caroling, originates in the Wassailing tradition made most popular in England. The term wassail comes from the Old Norse word ves heill which means good health. So the idea of singing to people, or in the orchards to the trees, meant to bless the people or property.
Wassail Wassailing isn’t just a festive activity you can do with your community but also a hot drink. Wassail is a strong drink, often made with ale, honey, spices, or mulled apple cider. The ritual of wassailing involves anointing the tree with wassail and decorating it with wassail-soaked cakes. During feasts, the wassail is poured into a large bowl and guests are greeted with “waes hael”, which means “drink and be well”
Yule Goat (Bock) The Yule Goat or Yule Bock is a Scandinavian winter solstice tradition. It’s basically a decorative goat made out of straw or wood. Then hung on the Yule tree or placed elsewhere around the home. The goat itself is one of two things: either a representation of Thor’s sacred animals OR a nod to the calendar moving into the sign Capricorn. Either way, the yule goat brings prosperity and luck in the coming year.
Deities of Yule
During Yule and the winter solstice its common for many witches and pagans to work with and celebrate deities that connect to and represent the energies central to the celebrations. This season and it’s celebrations are full of magic, and there are many gods and goddesses of rebirth, the winter, and the sun we can connect to this Yule. Yule is a really important time in pagan culture and there are plenty of gods and goddesses to work with or worship, depending on your practice, festivals, and celebrations. SOME of them you can work with are; Odin, cailleach, Sol Invictus, Brechta, Skahdi, The oak and holly king and more! Keep an eye out for my blogpost coming in just a few days all about the deities of Yule.
Magical themes of Yule
Every season and every pagan holiday has certain concepts and magical themes. Which means, depending on your tradition and needs, you can weave one or more of these themes into your personal celebrations. This Sabbat perform spells to harness the energies of rebirth, renewal, transformation, the light of the day, rebirth of the sun, and the darkness of night. This is also a time to reflect on the past year, and planning for the new year ahead. It’s a very liminal time weaved with the energies of duality. Yule is a great time to focus on spells that remind us of the joy we get when loved ones are near. This is a very potent time to allow yourself to descend into the depths of your soul for inner work and reflection. To be healed by letting one version of you die on the eve of Yule night to be reborn as a new you with the sun at first mornings light. On Yule, we see the following magical rituals and spells below as well. Remember these are just some of the themes and energies you can connect to and work with on Yule.
renewal
rebirth
Life’s resilience
return of the sun
stillness
Darkness
light
Joy
Family
Hearth
Introspection
reflection
ghosts and spirit activity
fire
nature’s cycles
Cleansing/ purification
hope
death
Correspondences for Yule
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 Yule and the winter solstice, 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.
We have talked about many different themes, and energies you can connect to during this time from rebirth, transformation, rebirth of the sun, darkness, stillness, introspection, keeping a lit hearth, and family. Let’s talk about how we can connect to and celebrate those themes and energies now. First, you can participate and honor any of the deities listed above or that are associated with the winter, Yule, and rebirth. In your everyday life, you can work with any affirmations, mantras, and visualization work for change, rebirth, reflection, growth, and connecting to the wisdom in the stillness of winter. Check out below more ways to work with and celebrate this holiday and time of year.
Refresh Your Altar One way to connect to a holiday and/or sacred day I always recommend is to cleanse and refresh your altar and/or sacred space. Use earth or fire to cleanse, then decorate with snow water, pinecones and needles, holly, nuts, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, images of Krampus or winter deities, red/green candles and any correspondences we talked about earlier.
Decorate and burn a yule log
Celebrate Yule by joining festivals, feasting, singing, dancing, and spending time with loved ones. The most important and the funnest of all is lighting the Yule log. Hold a ceremony where you and your family can light it together. Nothing says warm and cozy, and keeping unwanted spirits at bay quite like bonfires with your nearest and dearest.
Shadow work and reflection
The winter solstice is a great time for self reflection. There’s no better time to do this than during the darkest and longest night of the year. Wrestling with an issue? Realizations and epiphanies come by easier in the quiet stillness of the season. One of the best ways to self reflect is through 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.
Pine cone wishing spell for new beginnings
This is one of my favorite yule time spells and traditions to do. I like it so much I do it again for new years eve as well. Throughout the span of recorded human history, pinecones have been a symbol of human enlightenment, resurrection, eternal life and regeneration. For the Celts, pine cones represented regeneration and were used as a fertility charm where it was often placed under the pillow. So why not take that fertile energy of the pinecone and use it in a manifestation spell? This spell is really simple and easy to do as well! All you will need to do is go outside to your nearest pine tree and pick out a pinecone that is whispering your name and calling to you. Once you have it go back inside and take small pieces of paper and on each one write a wish you want to see fulfilled and manifested in the next year to come. Once you have them written either fold them or roll them towards you while you visualize that wish being manifested and brought to you. Then take them and stuff them into the pine cone so the pieces of paper are stuck in it. Now you can place the pinecone stuffed with your wishes on your altar or even better add a ribbon to the top and hang it on your yule tree. Then on yule night when you burn your yule log, remove your pinecone from the yule tree and burn it in the fire as well. watch as all your wishes come true this next year.
Tell ghost stories or do graveyard magic
Yuletide is a season of ghosts, ghouls and gods. So what better tradition to carry on than telling ghost stories near a roaring fire? This used to be a well-known and beloved winter solstice custom (think of the ghosts in A Christmas Carol) that has all but fizzled out. On top of that why not take it to he next step by doing some graveyard magic as well.
Snow and Ice Divination for Yule Divination by snow is called nivimancy and divination by ice is cryomancy. There’s different ways to do this. First, if you live in a place where you get snow, simply watching the snowflakes falling and allowing your mind to clear. Then letting images, words, numbers, symbols pop into your mind. If you can go out in the snow, watch the flakes and notice their patterns, how the wind blows them, etc. Ask the Winter gods, ancestors, and spirits to give you messages through the snow. If you don’t live in a place with snow, I recommend the shaved ice method. You can purchase shaved ice, then allow the ice to melt and read the shape, size, etc. of the puddle made. In addition, you can gaze into the puddle and water scry. Living in Minnesota I have learned the Winter spirits really communicate clearly through the falling snow and by scrying off the tops of frozen rivers, lakes, and other bodies of waters. I find I get the clearest messages when I go and sit on the bank of a frozen river in a private little grove or go and visit somewhere I haven’t been before as the snow falls.
Welcoming the Sun
As the solstice marks the turning point from darkness to light, many including myself choose to greet the sunrise on the morning of Yule. Find a quiet spot in nature, whether it be a hilltop or your own backyard, and witness the beauty of the sun’s return. Offer prayers or intentions for the new cycle, and take a moment to feel the warmth of the sun’s rays on your face. Then head on over to sit around a fire you have lit to release what needs to be released as the sun is reborn again and the long nights begin to get shorter.
Simmer pot for the winter solstice and Yule
Whether you consider yourself a Kitchen Witch, are vaguely interested in Kitchen Magic or just want to bring some good vibes and good smells into your home, simmer pots are an easy, accessible and fun ritual for any time of year! Simmer pots are easy to create and customize to your liking, so you can make your kitchen a sacred space whenever you want! So, why not make one specifically to call in and honor the energy of Yule and the winter solstice.
What are simmer pots? Simmer pots are basically potpourri in a pot! You choose your ingredients, put them in a pot with water, bring to a boil, then turn down to a simmer and let it do its thing. They couldn’t be any easier, just be sure you don’t let your pot boil dry! If you want to keep the pot going simply add more water when it gets low. And obviously never leave it going when you are not home. To learn more about how about this magical practice you can check out my previous blogpost on the topic here.
Other ways to connect to Yule
Decorate a yule tree
snow magic
journal and reflect on the natural cycles of the earth
Since Yule, and the winter solstice are thought to be a liminal time when ghosts and other worldly spirits are roaming the earth, a Yule spell for protection may be necessary. Why not create one that will also look great on your Yule tree as a decoration too! You can do this by creating a Yule protection spell witches ball.
What you will need:
A fillable Christmas ball ornament (also called terrarium ornaments. Find at craft and dollar stores.)
Three protective herbs: rosemary, salt, cinnamon
One small stone with protective vibes, examples: tiger’s eye, black tourmaline, obsidian
Small piece of paper
Something to write with
Bow or decoration for top of ball
any correspondences that connect you to yule you want to add
How to perform:
Gather your ingredients and cleanse them in whatever way you prefer. I like to use sound or smoke cleansing.
Get yourself into sacred container
Begin by opening your fillable ornament and breathing gently into it. You’re filling this spell with your essence. At this time, you should also be visualizing your intention for the ball or speaking it out loud. This would be the intention of protecting you, your loved ones, and your home for the Winter solstice and and all witner long.
Next, add each herb one by one, telling each ingredient it’s job for the Yule spell. For example, “cinnamon protects my home and family and increases this Yule spell’s effect.”
Then add your protective stone. And any other charms you feel are protective.
Then add your extra correspondences representing yule
Last, you’re going to write your intention on your piece of paper, then say it out loud, as you roll it towards you, then place it in the fillable ball.
Seal the ball with the top piece and add any bows or decorations to it. You could even draw a sigil of protection on it as well like one from Krampus or Odin for example.
Then hang it on your Yule tree, near your front door or other threshold, or add it to your altar for the winter solstice.
12 Days of Yule = Your Next 12 Months Divination Method
This is a technique I’ve used for a few years now and it almost always turns out to be scary on-point. For each of the 12 days of Yule, you’ll record any omens or signs from that day. Each of those 12 days’ omens/signs are your reading for the next 12 months in the coming year. I honestly picked this up off another witchcraft website a few years ago and can’t remember who made the suggestion. So if it was you, let me know so I can credit you.
Here’s a few examples of how this Winter Solstice divination works:
1st day of Yule: the first snow falls
2nd day of Yule: a crow sits on your roof and caws before dawn
3rd day of Yule: your grandma calls and says she’s been thinking about your friend who passed away
4th day of Yule: carolers come to your house and sing your favorite song
5th day: the broom falls over by your front door
6th day: you find a dead mouse in the basement
7th day: a friend visits without first notifying you
8th day: your candle burns down SUPER quick leaving a wax pattern that looks like a heart
9th day: you step outside and hear a coyote call
10th day: nothing remarkable happens
11th day: you spill your coffee all over your new dress
12th day: your heater dies
How this divination plays out month-to-month make sure to record throughout the year what happens so you can look back at the unreal on point results. Then watch as you add this to yearly traditions like I have as well!
1st day = January = turns out to be a quiet, serene month
2nd day = February = you have a new opportunity to join a local coven
3rd day = March = you dream about your old friend and get the feeling she’s visiting from the spirit world
4th day = April = this month goes really well for you, luck seems to follow you everywhere you go
5th day = May = company shows up. It’s your mother.
6th day = June = you’re sadly demoted at work
7th day = July = then your long time friend from Uni offers you a better job!
8th day = August = a passionate romance comes into your life
9th day = September = you find out a coworker has been talking about you behind your back
10th day = October = a calm, quiet month (and much needed)
11th day = November = your project at work slows down considerably
12th day = December = you realize your anger is getting away from you and figure it’s time to “chill out”
Fire and Ice renewal Yule spell
The winter solstice is a liminal pocket of time that is ripe with the energy of renewal. The earth is going through a time of transition as the days get longer and the nights get shorter from this moment on. It is a time when the sun dies in one moment and in the next is reborn again. Why not take the time to harness some of that potent energy of renewal for yourself as well! The spell below is designed for you to do just that using the alchemizing energy of ice, and the burning passion of fire.
What you will need
A freezer safe bowl that holds at least two cups of water.
Enough water to fill your chosen bowl at least 2/3rds of the way
1 or more white or yellow tealights or small votive candles
Small pieces of winter greenery, berries, warm spices such as cinnamon or cloves, pine needles or citrus slices (fresh, dried or candied) of your choice
For this spell there will be a bit of prep work if you are choosing to use water and not ice. At least four hours depending on the bowl size, before you wish to preform this spell, fill you bowl about 2/3rd full with water. If you are adding greenery, pine needles, etc, do so now. I personally really enjoy adding pine needles, smaller pinecones, holly, and mistletoe. If you are using ice cubes, gathered ice, or freshly fallen snow, simply fill the bowl roughly 2/3rds to 3/4th full with ice.
How to perform:
Get yourself into sacred container. Personally, I like to either take my bowl of ice and candle(s) outside where I can be in the snow and winter cold or while standing beside or in front of a window.
Place your bowl of water that you prepped by freezing, or your bowl of ice cubes or snow in front of you as you do this start to focus on your intention and energy of renewal for the year. Allow yourself to focus what it is in your life that you need to renew in your life whether that be you as a whole, one area of your life, or even a relationship. It is up to you and now is the time to focus on that energy and bring the intention into your minds eye. Once you have your intention of renewal in your minds eye place your candles in the bowl.
Now it is time to light the candles. As you light the flame, say the following words or others that feel right to you: “On winter solstice during Yule, the days begin to grow longer, as the sunlight begins to chase away the longer nights. As nature goes through its rebirth, so too am I renewed in all the ways that I need and want, both known and unknown. I ask for the strength of ice and it’s power of alchemy and change. I ask for the passion and power of fire to burn away what I no longer need and ignite a new light burning bright. I ask for the support of winter’s transformative energy to aid me in this process of renewal and rebirth, As it is, So mote it be.”
Allow the candle to burn until it either out entirely or for the melting ice to drip onto it and extinguish it naturally, whichever happens first. As it burns, imagine the strength and warmth of its flames recharging you and you instilling renewed energy, drive and determination inside of you on every level that you presently need.
We all know about the white bearded old man in a red suit Santa Claus, and his wife, Mrs. Claus. But most of us can’t say the same for Krampus the Christmas Devil. Krampus is a central figure in the Germanic Holiday season and he is more than a mere monster or Santa Claus’s antihero. Krampus takes center stage specifically during Krampusnacht. Krampusnacht literally meaning German for Krampus’ night, occurs annually on the night of December 5th, the night before the Feast of Saint Nicholas. It’s the night when Krampus comes to punish bad kids and some of those punishment’s are quite gruesome. Let’s sit around the Yule log and listen for the sound of chains and bells as we wait for Krampus to run through the streets of your town.
Who is Krampus?
In the chilly shadows of European winter folklore (primarily Germanic), the figure of Krampus emerges, distinct with his horns, terrifying hairy body and sinister snarling face. Krampus is a terrifying winter devil who accompanies Saint Nicholas. Krampus punishes the naughty children with spankings, and sometimes his punishments are so severe he even drowns, eats, or carries them off to Hell. While St. Nicholas (St. Nikolaus in Germany) is famous for giving gifts and rewards to the righteous, it’s Krampus’s job to strike fear into the hearts of the wicked.
What does Krampus look like?
Krampus is a creature often described as half-goat and half-demon with cloven hooves, razor-sharp fangs, large horns protruding from his head, an abnormally long and forked tongue, and dark fur depicted as either black or brown all over his body. Krampus carries a basket on his back (to put naughty children in) and either chains or bundles of birch branches. The chain tradition is to “bind the devil” and the birch switches are to swat the evil out of children.
Origin and history of Krampus
Just like with almost every other Christmas tradition, many believe Krampus comes from ancient pagan times. While he’s called the Christmas Devil today, many believe he was once a horned fertility god. There’s an uncanny resemblance between Krampus, Pan, fauns and the Celtic horned deity Cernunnos. But, as with pretty much every single pagan entity there is never an agreement on his origins. We will take a look at a few of them below.
Krampus and his connection to Frau Perchta
The roots of Krampus most likely derive from Frau Perchta (pronounced perk-tah), a Winter Germanic goddess who is a mix of “good” and “evil”. She can appear in two different forms. To well-behaved children, she appears as a beautiful and kind woman who leaves silver coins in their shoes. However, for children who misbehave, she manifests as a terrifying hairy demon who would slice open children’s bellies, extract their innards, and replace them with hay, dirt, trash, or rocks. Then she would stitch their bellies closed again. Stories tell of her breath being so foul that it causes blindness.
Krampus the daughter of Lady Hel
Others claim Krampus has Norse origins, stating he’s the son of Norse Goddess Hel. However, I couldn’t find a credible source for this. Many websites, and blogs mention this without listing their sources. I believe this detail is from a fictional book by Brom called Krampus: The Yule Lord. If you find credible sources saying otherwise, I’m open to reviewing them. The only reason I find this to be interesting and have a bit of validity to it is because of Krampus’s link to saint Nicholas aka Santa. Many believe Santa’s origins come from Odin himself (I am one of them) . So, if Santa is Odin that would make Krampus Loki. But, Loki is Hel’s father so, if this theory to his origin is correct in anyway then he would be Hel’s father not her son.
Krampus post-Christianity
As Christianity spread, Krampus moved from being a Winter Solstice fixture to being a part of Christmas. The Catholic Church didn’t like that too much, and they tried to ban him, but the people wouldn’t have it. Instead they continued the traditions of Krampus Night and Krampus Run, and in some cases, these traditions became larger as a result of the Church’s warnings. This is also when we see Krampus being linked to Saint Nicholas. They tried to ban Krampus but, were never able to do it fully, so instead the Catholic Church “embraced” him by pairing him with Saint Nicholas to frame him as the Christian devil.
What is Krampusnacht?
The number one way to worship Krampus is through celebrating Krampusnacht. Krampusnacht, German for Krampus’ night, occurs annually on the night of December 5th, the night before the Feast of Saint Nicholas. Traditionally it’s the night when Krampus comes to punish bad kids. Krampus accompanies Saint Nicholas in processions. He carries his birch switch, a basket or pack on his back, and often wears bells and/or rattling chains. In addition to swatting the “naughty ones”, Krampus’ presence is supposed to scare children into behaving in the coming year. His pack on his back is believed to hold the children who have been particularly naughty, and he’s also said to give out coal instead of candy. Then the next day, on the Feast of Saint Nicholas, the good children are gifted and the bad children nurse their Krampus-wounds.
What is Krampuslauf?
Sometimes Krampuslauf is held on Krampusnacht. Krampuslauf is the name for the Krampus parades most of us see all over social media. They are held mainly throughout Central and Eastern Europe. These parades are particularly popular in Bavaria and Austria. Krampuslauf’s festivities are spreading throughout the world, with Krampus parades becoming an annual tradition in Washington DC, Illinois, Texas and Ohio, U.S. As well as other places in Europe.
During the Krampuslauf, men and women dress up as Krampuses and run around town swatting others with branches during the procession. There’s quite a bit of drinking and debauchery during Krampusnacht, and it’s likely that we are just carrying on the older pagan traditions in our revelry. I say this because, the practices of this parade like the swatting of the branches is so similar to the fertility rituals done in Rome during Lupercalia.
Krampus and Duality
Since I am a grey witch every single energy I work with I look at how it can help me maintain balance and how it can represent the cosmic energy of duality. You may not think there is duality in the energy of Krampus since he exists to terrify, and punish children but, I find duality in the essence of protection he can bring. While his energy is about terrifying children into behaving and I don’t agree with parenting like that. I can see that it could be done in a way to protect your children and keep them safe from making decisions that could hurt them or worse. Protection is something we will all need from time to time in our lives and I don’t find that to necessarily be an unwanted energy. But, one that can provide comfort and safety instead. This is why I work with Krampus and why I feel he is getting so popular again. Most of those I know that work with him do so for his protection that he can bring to them and their homes especially those in marginalized or oppressed communities.
Correspondences to connect with Krampus
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 an archetype energy , or the zodiac energy the moon is currently, or a deity, like I will list below for you to use with Lakshmi .Follow your intuition and use what speaks to you!
Themes- punishment, protection, winter, rebellion, parenting, duality of Christmas
Herbs- Cinnamon, Frankincense, Fir, Juniper, Birch, Orange, holly berries, Myrrh, black pepper, chili crisp
Stones/ crystals- black obsidian, onyx, Smokey quartz, carnelian, malachite, pyrite, hematite, black tourmaline
Ways to work with Krampus
If after reading this blog post and learning all about the terrifying monster that is Krampus and you want to work with him and his protective energy. By adding him to your holiday celebrations this year try some of these things in your life and home below. Just remember when you are working with him just like with any other entity you need to do so from a place of reverence and respect.
Study, get to know him
As with every entity I have ever written about or taught about, The first way to get to know them specifically a being like Krampus; is to study all you can about him. Look at the different versions of his origin, and how the catholic church paired him with Saint Nicholas. You can even, study the culture and region, of the people of Germany, Austria, and central Europe. Plus don’t forget there are modern interpretations of him as well in movies, t.v. shows, and books you can look into. The more you study and learn the better! When working with any entity it is all about building a true relationship with them and you do this first by getting to know who they are.
Go to a Parade If you live in Europe, near Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, you might be able to find one close to you there, as well. Krampus parades are even popping up all over the United States now as well, with big ones in Washington D.C and Texas. Check your local cities and take the family to a Krampus parade this Christmas. Or get creative and start your own in your town or home.
Dedicate Altar Space
Set aside some space in honor of Krampus specifically for him. This can be an elaborate large altar or as simple as a small shelf or corner of a counter. Place a representation of Krampus there; be sure to cleanse the space before you invite him in. Include his colors black and red, his symbols, and representations of punishments like birch branches. Plus add any of his other correspondences you can use to connect to him. This will be a container that reminds you to connect with him and his energy. To allow you a container of order, protection, and punishment towards those who are wicked. I also recommend adding bells and chains to this altar as well.
Leave out offerings for Krampus
If Santa Claus loves cookies and milk, what does Krampus like on his special night? It really depends on what you want to leave out. But, one thing I can tell you for sure, make to leave him one more then what you want to leave him. He never seems to be satisficed with what you want to leave him and comes back asking for more. He always haggles with me so, I have learned throughout the years to always leave him one more of what I originally intended to for him. That means one more pour or cup of whatever liquor I am leaving him or an extra tobaccos leaf. I like to take a shoe and leave it outside my threshold and fill it with candy and then place my shot glasses, tobacco leaves, and cigars around the boot for him to enjoy. Below you will see a list of some ideas for offerings you can leave for him on Krampusnacht night. I also leave mine out for most of the holiday season and refresh every Saturday night.
Liquor
Gingersnaps
Gingerbread cookies
Stollen (German fruitcake)
Pumpernickel
Jägermeister
Peppermint Schnapps
Tobacco leaves and cigars
red meats
baked breads
Candy
Black and red candles
Ring Krampus bells
You can also ring Krampus bells! Traditionally, the Perchten and Krampuses are known to wear or carry bells with them during the parade through town. This custom wards off evil and purifies the town. So, why not add this own tradition to your home to add some needed protection during this holiday season as you have people coming and going over your threshold more often. Grab some bells and ring them over your threshold especially on December 5th night, to allow Krampus to protect your home and keep those with ill intentions out. To boost the potency of those bells don’t be afraid to add a sigil associated with Krampus to it as well. I like to put mine on the inside of the bell to maximize the potency of the vibration when it is activated.
Use a birch bundle as a tool
Go outside gather some birch sticks and branches to use in your offerings and spell workings during this Krampusnacht season. This bundle can be placed at your front door to ward off unwanted entries and bring in prosperity. Or make a small bundle and place it somewhere in your Yuletide tree or on your altar in honor of Krampus.
Get or make a Krampus costume
Krampusnacht in its hometown is all about the masks and costumes. Many of these are family heirlooms and have been passed down through families for decades. But, if you are reading this you most likely don’t have access to any like that. So, you can either go and purchase one or you can get really creative and make your own! You can even add sigils for protection to it on the inside as well.
Add Krampus to your holiday decorations
Instead of having your holiday decorations this year have Santa or angelic figures as the focal point of your decorations why not have Krampus be instead. Work with him and bring his energy into your home by changing up your holiday decorations by adding his image to your tree, your wreaths, and even change up the color of your tree themes to black and red. Don’t forget to use birch branches, bells and maybe even replace your tinsel with some chains as well. Get as creative as you want its really up to you!
Use his colors black and red in color magic
A simple way to add Krampus to your holiday season this year would be to use his colors black and red in color magic. Color magic is simply using the colors that correspond to an energy or entity like Krampus to represent them in your spell workings, rituals, or just your every day life. So, there really are endless ways you can use his colors in color magic during this holiday season from using them in your decorations, wearing clothes, using spell bags or candles in your spells, painting your nails, and anything else you can think of! One thing that most people really love about color magic is it can be as loud or as subtle as you want to be. So, if you aren’t quite ready to let others know you are working with Krampus this may the best way for you to go.
Use him as a way to discipline children
I am going to preface this by saying I have NEVER worked with Krapmus like this nor do I support it. I don’t agree with parenting through fear tactics and intimidation. But, one of the ways I keep reading about working with him is by using him to parent unruly and rowdy children. I’ve come across spells invoking him to make a child behave a certain way and I’ve seen spells invoking him to punish and discipline a child as well. Some homes in regions of Austria are even known to paint birch tree branches gold and keep them around the home all year to encourage their children to behave. If you want to work with Krampus this way you could do the same.
Call on Krampus to remove toxic people from your life
One of my personal favorite ways to work with Krampus is calling on him to aid in protection spells especially those aimed towards removing someone unwanted, harmful, or toxic from my life. What is Krapmus’s purpose? To punish those who are wicked. So, why not ask him to help you do the same when you need to get rid of someone from your life. Whether it is someone who abused you, a nasty neighbor, a bully, someone who broke your heart, or someone you need to cut ties with. You can do this by invoking him in your spells by using his name, adding his sigils, or using any of his correspondences as spell ingredients. My favorite type of protection spells to ask for his aid in are things like freezer spells, bindings, banishing, justice spells, and hexes.
Why work with Krampus?
Other then the fact that he is just a really fascinating character why not make sure to work with all aspects of the holiday season. Don’t just focus on the tidings and good cheer but, also on the dark side of winter. Even though he can be harsh with his tactics he does force children to go inwards and reflect on their actions. Calling on him can help you do the same as well during the month and season all about introspection. Don’t forget, Civilization is also about order, and Krampus is most certainly a lover of order. His job is to maintain order by scaring children into behaving properly. He shows up in December and reminds the little ones not to stray too far outside what is acceptable. So, call on him to help bring order to your life and maintain it in society as well. Listen for the sound of chains and bells as we wait for Krampus to run through the streets of your town this holiday season.
December is a time of reflection, renewal, stillness, rest, introspection, hope, celebrating community and our own uniqueness. The magic of December calls us inward for deep introspection to be a catalyst of rebirth and growth to bloom. Now is the time when we rest while we wait for the spring when the ground thaws and life begins again. In December the energy is focused on the journey deep within as the spirits from the other world are held off by the wild hunt and Odin seated upon Sleipnir. December calls us to focus on transformation, shadow work, releasing the past, and choosing the goals we will focus on this coming year to create the life we truly want. December is associated with Yule and the winter solstice marking the rebirth of the sun and the return of light after the longest night of the year. It’s a time to celebrate the return of light to the world next to the glowing hearth with our family and friends. It is a time to set intentions for the coming year, and reflect on the past year’s experiences. This month envelopes us in the duality and magic of winter. By showing us the introspection in dark nights and the hope of day light finally getting longer again. During December in the stillness and silence as the snow falls, and the ground freezes profound secrets of wisdom are whispered with each inhaled breath. Come join me in this blogpost to learn all about the magic falling down in each silent snowflake covering the realm during the month of introspection, rest, and rebirth; December.
History of December
December is the 12th month of the Julian and Gregorian calendars. The name December comes from the Latin word decem, which means “ten”. This is because it was originally the tenth month of the year in the Roman calendar, which began in March. December has marked the end of the year and the start of winter since the ancient Romans created their first calendar.
Zodiac Signs For The Month Of December
Those born in December are said to be born under either the sign of the archer Sagittarius or the mythical seagoat Capricorn.
Sagittarius are typically born between November 22 and December 21. Sagittarius is the ninth sign of the zodiac, and is represented by an archer. They are known for being self-sufficient, independent, free and are a one-of-a-kind, and wise beyond their years. Sagittarius, is the learned healer whose higher intelligence forms a bridge between Earth and Heaven.
Capricorn are typically born between December 22 and January 19. Capricorn’s symbol is a sea-goat, a mythical creature that is part goat and part fish. This is representative of Capricorn’s ability to navigate both the material and emotional realms. Capricorns are said to be hardworking, honest, loyal, and persistent. They are also known for being determined, responsible, and focused.
Sacred Days And Celebrations In December
Every Single month has sacred and important days and celebrations to help you connect to the energies of the month. Plus they usually are a lot of fun to take part in! Below you will find a list of the sacred days and celebrations for the month of December! The common theme you will find is connection to family, our homes, light vs dark and rebirth. But, first we are going to talk about a few that take centerstage during this month having us focus on the introspection in dark nights and the hope of day light finally getting longer.
Saturnalia
First up, one of my favorite festivals and holidays to read about in December because, it just sounds like so much fun; Saturnalia. The Saturnalia Festival is an ancient Roman holiday that mainly celebrated the Winter sowing season, as well as honored the god Saturn. The actual dates vary but most scholars agree it was once celebrated between December 17th and the 23rd OR December 25th through the 31st, depending on the calendar that was used. What we know for sure is that it was observed around Midwinter a.k.a. the Winter Solstice. Saturnalia was a jovial time for the entire city of Rome because, everyone in ancient Rome had off of work and participated in the excitement. Especially the most interesting tradition of this festival when the social norms of society were lifted. For example, slaves were able to be the masters and masters turned into the slaves. Women could switch roles with the men and vice versa. It was a true time of merriment and debauchery for all.
Krampusnacht, or Krampus Night
Krampusnacht, or Krampus Night, is a holiday celebrated on December 5th to celebrate the horned, cloven-hoofed companion to St. Nicholas; Krampus. Krampus is a terrifying winter devil who accompanies Saint Nicholas in Eastern and Central European Christmas parades. You’ll find him in Bavaria, Austria, Slovenia, Hungary, and parts of Croatia and Northern Italy. Krampus is said to punish children who misbehave, while St. Nicholas rewards the good ones. Krampus is said to have been part of pagan rituals for the winter solstice and is thought to be the son of Hel, the Norse god of the underworld. There’s also an uncanny resemblance between Krampus, Pan, fauns and the Celtic horned deity Cernunnos. But as with almost every pagan entity he Christianity came along and he became associated with Christmas despite efforts by the Catholic church to ban him.
Winter Solstice
The Winter Solstice, occurring around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere, is the moment when the sun takes its lowest arc across the sky, marking the longest night and the shortest day.The Winter Solstice is a special event that occurs when the Earth tilts farthest away from the sun. It is the shortest day and the longest night of the year. It’s a special day when one part of the Earth, where you might live, gets the least amount of sunlight in a whole year. The Winter Solstice has been important to many cultures and religions throughout time. It represents a moment of stillness, reflection, and gratitude amidst the busyness of our day-to-day activities.
Yule
As the days draw short and the nights grow long, there are celebrations full of cheer as well as a tinge of fear in the cold, crisp air as Yule is celebrated far and wide. Yule is one of the oldest winter solstice festivals, with origins among the ancient Norse thousands of years ago. Yule or Jol is believed to be first an ancient Germanic holiday season. The name Jol is believed to come from a name for Odin himself – JÓLFAÐR, which translates to Yule Father. Some say Yule lasted for 12 days, from the Winter Solstice forward, while others say the festivities lasted an entire two months. From December through January, if we’re looking at a modern calendar. At this time of year, people are experiencing both the height of darkness and the knowledge and hope that the light and warmth will return. Yule is a time for people to rest, enjoy good food and drink, and turn their thoughts to the gods and ancestors. Plus during this time it was thought that Odin seated upon Sleipnir stampeded across the sky leading the wild hunt keeping the spirits on their side of the veil.
The Celts also celebrated Yule, but their focus was on the rebirth of the sun and the coming of a new year. They believed that the burning of the Yule log was a way to symbolize the sun’s return and that the exchange of gifts was a way to honor the gods and ask for their favor in the coming year. Some mark the holiday with reenactments of the battle between the Holly King (representing darkness) and the Oak King (representing light) of Celtic legend.
Other sacred days and celebrations
Saint Nicholas’ Day – December 6
Egil Skallagrimsson’s Day – December 9
Human Rights Day – December 10
Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – December 12
Saint Lucia’s Day – December 13
Festivus – December 23
HumanLight – December 23
Yule – December 21
Christmas – December 25
Hanukkah- December 25- January 2
Boxing Day – December 26
Kwanzaa – December 26 – January 1
Dies Natalis Solis Invicti – December 25
Brumalia
Saturnalia – December 17
Mōdraniht
Holy Innocents Day – December 28
New Year’s Eve – December 31
Yalda Night
Toji (shinto)
Dong Zhi
Magical And Witchcraft Themes For December
During this month the darkness and silence calls to us to take a break from everything. We have put in the hard work all year, reaped what we have sown during the harvest festivals and now is the time to turn inward and rest. Between Samhain and Yule during the month of December, can be an ideal time for shadow work, working on anything that you want to heal, and release. Allowing for a profound rebirth and personal growth. Leaving room this month to focus on the next year ahead and what intentions you wish to set. To begin our new year with an inner flame of power that is burning bright all year long. Lighting the way for a year to manifest all that we truly desire. Performing intention setting and goal rituals during December will have a lasting affect on what you manifest in the year ahead. Don’t forget to cast fire spells as well during this month to bring you heat and warmth during the cold winter months. As well as connecting you to the hope of brighter and warmer days soon to come. I love to perform fire magic via candles during this month to create a beacon of light and hope for my mental health during the darkest days ahead. Lastly, if you live in a part of the world that freezes during the winter with frozen water ways and falling snow, binding and banishing magic can be extremely powerful and protective right now. Use the power of the alchemy in ice and snow to banish things from your life you need to let go, or to bind someone or something in place that no longer serves you in a wanted way.
The gods and goddesses of December
This month is a good time to get to know the winter goddesses that rule at this time. Some are associated with the dark goddess aspect as of the divine feminine as well. Allowing for a powerful portal to ancient wisdom and magical knowledge during this month as the snow falls. Everyone works with and views deity energy a little differently. Whether you view them as archetypes of the human consciousness, representations of the source energy, or as being entities on their own, there are certain deities that now is the time to connect to and honor them in the most sacred and amplified way.( Don’t forget to grab my eBook in the shop to help you explore this)
During this month a few deities take center stage because they have festivals or sacred days during this month to help you connect with them in a very intimate way. The deities that are going to be the best for you to connect to right now are deities connected rest, rebirth, protection, winter, snow, renewal, darkness, reflection, wisdom, and the winter solstice. Below we will talk about some of the deities you can work with this month. I could never list them all here. Plus take note how most of them are dark goddesses as well.
Hestia– Greek goddess
The first deity I want to talk about I personally feel is overlooked far too often especially during the cold winter months. December is the month that ushers in the winter season. Which means we need warmth and heat for us to survive and thrive. Which is why I always feel pulled to her during this time. Especially living in Minnesota I need her to bless my hearth with continuous heat during the long winter months. Not only that, but she can make your home extra cozy during this month while you spend more quality time with your family. Hestia is the sole attendant to the celestial hearth of the gods. As the goddess of the hearth, she personified the fire burning in the hearths of every home in Greece. On a very tangible level, Hestia rules the domain of fire. This means that she is directly responsible, at least according to the Greeks, for the fire, the stove, and the heat in your home. Honoring her during December, the first month of winter when the temperatures begin to drop, and snow begins to flitter down. She will bless your hearth as she stokes and fuels the flames all winter long. Don’t forget all month long to present her and your hearth with the first offering sacrificed to keep those flames burning strong.
To learn more about and meet Hestia, you can come join me in my upcoming class all about her with Divination academy on Sunday December 15th @ 2:pm CST
Odin-Norse god
Odin is a Norse god who rules over wisdom, war, magic, and sovereignty. Odin is known by many many names. Wodan, Wotan, All Father, One-Eyed Seeker are but just a few. He is the ruler of the Aesir and steward of Asgard. In Germanic lore, it is said he leads the Wild Hunt while being seated upon Sleipnirs back. This hunt is a spiritual parade of sorts that flies through the sky on Winter nights. Sometimes the Wild Hunt collects lost souls and sometimes a person joins the Wild Hunt in their sleep. In Nordic countries, the people gave sacrifices to Odin in the Winter months to ensure safety from them and prosperity. Including the children leaving hay in their boots by the hearth for Sleipnir to snack on as he flew by. Does this sound familiar to you at all? A white bearded old man, riding across the sky with a stead bringing blessings to those as he goes by? Many believe Odin is the actual inspiration for modern day santa claus? Check out my class all about this on YouTube here and decide for yourself.
Skaði (Skadi / Skathi) – Norse goddess
Skaði is a Norse goddess, often called the “Winter Queen,” associated with the mountains, hunting, skiing, and the wild, primarily known as a giantess (jötunn) who married the sea god Njörðr. Daughter of a fallen giant, Skadi walks the windswept mountains, a huntress sculpted from ice and legend. Her eyes, sharp as glaciers, scan the frozen realm. Bow in hand, she glides through the snow on swift skis, a predator born of the wilderness. Tales paint her as fierce, her spirit forged in the fires of vengeance and tempered by the unforgiving cold. She is mistress of the mountains, where the sun dances on glacial edges and the howl of the wolf echoes through empty valleys. But beneath the hardened exterior lies a yearning for connection. A goddess caught between two worlds – Asgard, home of the gods, and the wild embrace of the giants. Skadi’s place in Norse mythology is multifaceted and we see this as she is featured in stories with Odin, Loki, and Njordr among others. She’s even associated with snowshoes, and in later stories is said to have married Odin and bore him many children. She is the embodiment of both the untamed wild and a yearning for understanding. She is a warrior queen, a skilled hunter, and a goddess who walks the line between two worlds. Her story reminds us of the power of resilience in the face of loss, the importance of honoring our true nature, and the ever-present tension and duality between harmony and conflict.
Boreas-Greek God Boreas is the Greek God of the North wind, winter and ice. He’s also known as The Devouring One. He is the spirit of Winter and can be both violent and benevolent. Depending on the person and situation. The Greeks believed he came from the North, being the North Wind, and because of this was considered Thracian in origin. He is often depicted as a powerful, bearded man with wings, with two faces – one in front and one in back. He is the son of the Titan Astraeus and Eos, the goddess of the dawn, and brother to Zephyrus (the West Wind) and Notus (the South Wind). He is said to be the one who brings cold winter weather and is known for his violent temper, most famously abducting the Athenian princess Oreithyia to become his wife.
Cailleach – Celtic / Scottish
Cailleach stands as a prominent figure in Celtic mythology, embodying the essence of wisdom, transformation, and the cycles of nature. Her presence is deeply rooted in the folklore and traditions of Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. She is a divine figure often depicted as a weathered, old woman wielding a staff or a wand. This staff is said to have mystical powers for when she slams it on the ground winter will freeze all the land. She represents the embodiment of winter, sovereignty, and the primal forces of the natural world. Since, the ancient Celts celebrated two seasons only, her reign bringing cold all over the land began on Samhain. So, take your time this month to connect to her allowing you a smoother and blessed time during the long cold winter months ahead as the snow begins to really fall and the temperatures freeze the ground.
Baba Yaga
The next goddess we have gives me a very similar energy and feel when I work with her as the goddess we just talked about above; Calileach. To modern witches and Slavic pagans, Baba Yaga is a witch goddess who lives deep in a birch forest moving from place to place among the trees in her hut she calls home on top of giant chicken legs. From time to time when she needs to gather more supplies you might catch a glimpse of her flying by up in the sky from her magical mortar and pestle. She’s a wild and untamed old woman, often seen as a hag or crone, but can transform herself into a beautiful woman to manipulate or trick someone if she desires. Baba Yaga is a goddess of wisdom, healing, transformation, death, rebirth, renewal and autumn/winter. When healing is needed, whether it’s from colds/flu or emotional healing, Baba Yaga can offer healing often in the form of herbal teas brewed by herself. Calling on her during this December can lead you through the forest now frozen and blanketed in snow, to her skull fenced lined home. To peer into the darkness of her cauldron and gain the most ancient wisdom from the darkness of the cosmos that she guards. To learn more about her you can read my previous post here.
Correspondences For The Month Of December
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 time of the year like a month, which I will list below for you to use. Remember this is just a start to the list for you. You can use any correspondences that connect the magical themes and energies of December. Just follow your intuition on what you choose to work with!
Planet-Saturn
Animal- stags, bears, owls,
Element- fire and earth
colors-Red, green, gold, silver
Symbol-Evergreen trees, candles, yule log, stars, bells, krampus, santa claus
Deities-Dagda, Cernunnos, Odin, Thor, Freyr, Morigan, Cailleach, hestia, Baba yaga, Amaterasu, Skaði, Mithras, Sol Invictus, Alcyone, Baldur, Holda, Bona Dea, Dionysus, Helios, Osiris, Sunna, Nyx, Isis, Freya, Apollo, the oak king, the holy king
Zodiac- Sagittarius and Capricorn
Themes-Rebirth, renewal, light, generosity, reflection, darkness, stillness, silence, coldness, introspection, to endure, wisdom, Personal alchemy, Spiritual paths, Purification, Meditation, banishing, binding, cleansing, home and hearth, family, shadow work, healing, transformation, duality, balance, goals, intentions, new beginnings, endings
How to connect to the magic of December
We’ve talked a lot about all the different types of energies the month of December has and gives us access to work with. So, how can you specifically connect to those energies? In your everyday life you can make sure your affirmations , intentions, and manifestations align with the energies of renewal, reflection, healing, new beginnings, and aligning ourselves with the cycles of the natural world with the darkest nights and coldest days ahead of us in this month. Make sure to grab onto the energy of warmth in the fire crackling in your hearth and home as well as you let go of the past year and head into new beginnings with hope as the next one unfolds. You can celebrate and honor any of the sacred days and holidays this month like Saturnalia, Yule, and many of the celebrations to honor the winter solstice and turning of the wheel.
Some Rituals and spell workings during this time that will be really intensified will be based on cycles of the seasons, rest, reflection, the winter, stillness, silence, and the darkness of the shadows surrounding us. Other spells that will have some significant meaning right now and help you connect to the energy of December should be centered around new beginnings. Setting intentions for you to manifest the life of your dreams in the new year to come. This month is another month when you can really get some clear and transformative messages from your guides. through any means of divination you prefer but, fire gazing or Cryomancy ( snow and ice divination)are some to think about to align with the correspondences of this month.
December creates a very potent liminal pocket of time that is teeming with duality, balance, and the power of transition from not only one season to the next but, from one year to the next.. It’s a month that really pulls us to go deep within ourselves in the darkness, stillness and silence for introspection, reflection, self awareness, and growth. This makes it a great month to do any work on transformation, reflection and preparation for dark times through shadow work. Allowing the energy of the frozen winter in the final days of the year to prep you for the long introspective months of winter ahead. 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.
Since, I am a grey witch I look for the duality in every single energy I work with including sacred times like a month of the year like the one we are currently in, December. I’m going to be honest until this year I really struggled with the duality of this month. I used to hate the bitter cold, and the wetness that chills to the bone with falling snow. All I would focus on was the untold stories and lost dreams frozen in silence all around me. I would let the harshness of this month drown me in the things of the past and let the darkness hold me back. But, now this year I am able to see clearly the other side to this month. There is absolute beauty in the pure whiteness of the snow blanketing the world right now. It washes all of nature in a cleansing and healing way as it goes into a deep rest to hibernate. Waiting to awaken when the ground thaws and spring begins to bloom as new being that was able to get the rest it needs to reflect. The silence and wisdom you find whispered in the creaks of trees is profound as each breath you take in reminds you of being alive with a bitter bite. The duality of this month send us into, what I am coming to learn may be the most liminal pocket of time in the entire year. Allowing us to be reborn by the sunrise of the brand new year when the solstice blesses us with hope as the days get longer and bright again.
Final Thoughts
We talked about many things in this blogpost including the history, some celebrations, the different energies and magical themes we can work with during this month. Along with how to connect to those energies, deities we can honor and worship, and how to work with the magic of December. December is a uniquely magical time that invites everyone to plant the seeds for hopes and dreams. December reminds us that even in the darkest nights, in the harshest conditions, and the coldest times we can still find hope and light. It’s the month that shows us the depth of our resilience and our willingness to thrive in harsh conditions. December invites you to let go and open up, to give out of yourself and to receive. It asks you to look within and tend to our inner garden. It asks you to weed out the old that no longer fits, and to make room for the new that holds endless magical possibilities. December shows us that just like nature we have the ability to every year become a blank canvas. Ready for us to paint and create something brand new and beautiful again. As the snow falls and blankets nature December’s magic brings the promise of rest, introspection, new beginnings, and endless possibilities.
In the beginning of it all there was nothing, a swirling void of darkness and energy. This energy itself was chaos a void or gap in existence. It was all there was. It’s from this intangible nothingness and this void that you have Nyx emerging within the Greek mythology. Greek mythology consists of several different generations of deities. The most well-known and most commonly worshiped historically were the Olympians. Before these came the Titans and before even them were the; Protogenoi. The Protogenoi were the primordial gods like Nyx. According to Greek mythology these primordial gods each represented a different aspect of existence, together they formed the building blocks of the early universe. Nyx represented the darkness, night, and chaos and she played an essential role in shaping the universe and birthing several other important primordial gods. Her power was almost unmatchable and even Zeus the father of the Olympian gods cowered in fear of her. Nyx is the gentle queen of the night, the guardian of shadows, the mother of all that is hidden and sacred. She teaches us to embrace the darkness, not as something to fear, but as a space where we can find ourselves, where we can discover the deepest truths, and where we awaken the collective to the power of chaos and the night. Come join me as we walk in the shadows towards the primordial void of wisdom to learn more about Nyx in this blogpost.
Who is Nyx?
When darkness falls and envelops us in the velvety blackness of night and we hear a women whisper calling our name. That is the goddess Nyx there to give us comfort. wisdom, and pull us into the energy of chaos weaving existence into reality all around us. Nyx is an illusive, mysterious deity associated with the Night, darkness, chaos, creation, destruction, divination (particularly oracular trance and prophecy), love, motherhood, and the mysteries. She held dominion over the shadowy realms and everything that occurred under her dark veil. She was known to govern dreams, prophecies, and the passage of time during night creating the cycle of time in life. She plays an integral role to each one of our lives as the mother of many gods and beings. Each child she birthed holds sway over fundamental human experiences. Since she is a primordial deity, arising from Chaos at the beginning of time she holds a unique place among the gods. She gets to have complete independence and autonomy. She is not subservient to the will of other gods but holds her own unique place in the cosmos. We see this in her stories as she doesn’t interact with many deities outside of her family. Hades, the underworld ruler, was the only other god who used to have rare conversations with her.
Nyx the goddess of Night
Nyx is the very personification of night in Greek mythology and a formidable goddess in her own right. Her name itself literally even translates to mean night. It comes from the Ancient Greek word Nýx, which means “night”. As the first goddess of the night, she existed before creation, representing the shadowy veil that enveloped the universe in its infancy. Nyx is said to have mastered darkness manipulation, which gives her control over the veil of darkness that covers the world at night by controlling the speed and rotation of the planets. As the goddess of night and darkness, she represents the unseen and hidden aspects of existence, embodying the enigma of the night sky and the mysteries of the subconscious.
Nyx the primordial goddess of creation
Although Nyx is the goddess of chaos and destruction she’s also THE goddess of creation. I mean she is the ancestress of every deity. Let me say it again, she is the mother of every deity, the source they all go back to. Since she was there before creation, existing in the weaving energies of chaos. She existed long before Gaia became Mother Earth and Uranus became the sky even. Naturally since she is the primordial mother, Nyx has a very nurturing, comforting and caring side. We see her many times depicted as a motherly figure, offering comfort and protection to favored heroes and those who seek her aid during the night. She was also particularly close to her own children as we see her ask for their assistance with different types of tasks as well, like the story with her son deceit.
Family and Origin
According to Hesiod’s Theogony, Nyx is the daughter of Chaos who prior to her birth was the only being in existence, the initial void that existed before the creation of the universe. She emerged alongside her brother Erebus (Darkness) and played a crucial role in shaping the early cosmogony and everything that we know in the universe. Some even say that Nyx and Erebus hatched an egg that created the Earth, sky, and sea as well. (Orphic beliefs/ tradition) So, really we have the two of them to thank for everything in existence.
Nyx had multiple consorts and was associated with different deities in various traditions. One of her most well-known consorts was her brother, Erebus, who personified the masculine half of darkness and shadow. Nyx and Erebus were considered to be the parents of several significant deities, including Aether (the god of the upper atmosphere), Hemera (the goddess of day), and Charon (the ferryman of the Underworld), Eufrosine, Philotes, Eleos, Styx, and many more. However, like other goddesses, she created multiple descendants on her own and she had many other consorts as well. Her other known children are; Moros, Apate, Dolos, Nemesis, the Keres, the Moirai (the fates), the Hesperides, the Erinyes, Oizys, Momus, Oneiros, Hypnos, Thanatos, Geras, and Eris the goddess of discord and strife.
Myths and legends
Nyx’s appearances in myths varied but were significant and she pops up repeatedly throughout time. She was involved in both benevolent and malevolent events, emphasizing her dual nature and the importance of duality in life and the multiverse. Stories depicted her shielding favored heroes under her veil of darkness while also aiding vengeful acts or initiating treacherous schemes against others. Let’s talk about some of them below.
In Hesiod’s Theogony, Nyx is born as the personification of Night, emerging from Chaos. She couples with the personification of Darkness (Erebus) and gives birth to Doom (Moros), Death (Thanatos), Destruction (Keres), the Fate(s) (The Moirai), Retribution (Nemesis), and more. Hesiod also claims that Nyx lives in Tartarus, the Hell that exists below Hades.
In some versions of Greek mythology, Nyx protected the infant Zeus when he was being hidden from his father Cronus, who intended to devour him. Nyx shielded Zeus under the cover of darkness, allowing him to grow safely until he could eventually overthrow his father and become the ruler of the gods. We see them interact again in Homer’s Iliad, Zeus the all mighty king of the gods, fears Nyx and allows her son Hypnos to go free.
Nyx has shown up a few more times as well, in ancient poems like the Orphic Hymns: once as an Oracle and another time she’s gives birth to the Furies (Erinyes) with Hades, god of the Underworld. In addition to the Greek poems and mythos, Roman writers recorded hymns as offerings to Nyx Goddess of Night.
Nyx also has a prominent role in one version of the story of Echo, a nymph who is cursed to only repeat the words of others. According to the myth, Echo was punished by Hera after she discovered that Echo had distracted Zeus so he couldn’t catch her engaging in an extramarital affair. Nyx is said to have played a role in the curse that befell Echo, providing her with a dark and eerie echo as punishment.
Another legend I found is some say that during the Trojan War, it was Nyx who protected the spies; in fact, fugitives and thieves who run away or who move under the cover of night are her proteges. Some say they work directly for HER while others say they worship her similarly to a protective saint.
Worship of Nyx
When we look at her worship in ancient greece it seemed to go hand-in-hand with other deities. For instance, scholars and historians believe there was no central temple dedicated to Nyx at all but, we do have evidence of a cult existing being dedicated to her. But she may have been honored alongside Artemis in Ephesus, and also Diana and Proserpina in Benevento. We see her statue being found in the citadel of Megara, also known as present day Caria. The statue there is referred to as the “Oracle Nyx” standing alongside temples dedicated to Aphrodite and Dionysus. There is some speculation that referencing her as an “oracle” ties her to the power of prophesying. Whether that means the oracles called on her when they would go into their trances or not is unclear.
What does Nyx look like
When the day ends, the moon rises, and all around you is the blackness; that is Nyx in her most natural form. She is the presence and energy weaving the darkness enveloping you. There are times when Nyx will manifest in a physical, more corporeal form. When she chooses to do this, she typically resembles a large, black bird or a woman with black bird wings. Some sources claim Nyx will appear as a goth-looking woman wearing a black veil studded with stars and a torch in her lefthand.
In other depictions, she often rides a chariot of black horses or dark bulls. She rides it during nighttime with her cloak painting the sky with stars. In some depictions, two of her children, Hypnos and Thanatos, accompany her during the ride. While at other times she is depicted shown as a floating figure in a long black robe, carrying her sons Hypnos and Thanatos in her arms. For me, when she appears typically she appears as a concentrated ethereal, misty, darkness with stars swirling for her eyes and silver bands around her wrist to represent the moon.
Nyx and Tartarus
Nyx lives in the depths of Tartarus, one of the darkest areas of the underworld. Some sources even suggest that the dark misty air around Tartarus is Erebus himself, her husband and brother. Some other deities also live in the same region of the underworld like her children Hemera and Aether where they made the changing from day to night possible.
Every night Nyx would emerge out of the cave with Erebus and block out the light emitted from Aether, which brings night and darkness into the world. In the morning, Hemera would come out from Tartarus and blow away the darkness of the night. But, the mother and daughter can’t be seen together at the same time with one being night and the other being daylight. So, in other words, as soon as the darkness fades away, Nyx would return to her abode and leave her daughter there to shine.
Nyx and her relationship to Hecate/Hekate
Hecate is often invoked alongside Nyx in modern worship, with the two goddesses of darkness seen as powerful allies and companions in the world of the night. While they are companions of the darkness they do still have very distinct and separate roles. Nyx, is the primordial goddess of night, emerging from Chaos at the beginning of time. She is the personification of the night and holds power over darkness, dreams, and the mysteries of the unseen. While Hecate, on the other hand, is younger and according to some even Nyx’s daughter. She is often associated with magic, witchcraft, and the crossroads. She is considered a liminal deity, bridging the realms of the living, the dead, and the divine. To learn more about Hecate/Hekate check out my class with DiviNation Academy about her here.
Nyx and duality
Since I am a grey witch every single energy I work with I look at how it can help me maintain balance and how it can represent the cosmic energy of duality. Nyx’s dual nature as both nurturing and formidable is the first thing that comes to mind when working with her. She is deeply nurturing to her many children and you feel that in the darkness she envelopes you in it as you look into the mysteries of your own soul and the wisdom of the cosmos. While on the other hand she is such a primordial and formidable power you are in nothing but awe as she guides you into the void of ancient cosmic wisdom. This wisdom is so primordial it takes you back to the heart of the collective where you are reminded of how small you are in the fabric of existence. She represents the duality of light and dark, creation and destruction, and peace and fear. Reminding us that darkness is both a source of fear and the unknown, but also a time for rest and renewal.
Correspondences To Connect To Nyx
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 an archetype energy , or the zodiac energy the moon is currently, or a deity, like I will list below for you to use .Follow your intuition and use what speaks to you!
Animal- Owl, bats, black horses, black cat, nocturnal creatures
Planet-The moon
Element- all elements
Sex- Feminine
Symbol- Night sky/ darkness, mist, stars, the moon, chariot, black veil
Tarot card- the moon, the chariot, the star, the priestess
How To Know Nyx Is Calling To Work With You
I get asked this question every time I write or teach about a goddess and even though some consider her a monster, for many witches and pagans, myself included she comes to them as a goddess. Remember, signs and messages appear in many different ways and are unique to the individual. It’s ultimately up to you to discern by opening up your clares, paying attention and listening to your intuition. Also, remember you can choose to work with her as well even if you don’t feel her calling to you. You can be the one to begin building that relationship by reaching out. Below is a list of some ways that you may know she is reaching out to you.
If you work best at night or are a night owl
You find yourself going and gazing up at the black starry night often
You feel a pull to work with darkness and chaos
Chaos magic is part of your path and practice
You are interested in working with deities of death
You feel drawn to any of her children in your life and practice like the three fates, Thanatos, nemesis, moros, Hypnos, etc.
You hear a feminine whisper calling your name in the night, the dark, or the shadows
She appears to you in a vision, dream, meditation, or prayer
You start to see her symbols like the moon, or chariot popping up in your life often like in media, books, or your daily life
You get gifted something that is related to her
You hear her name randomly throughout the day or think of her often
If you experience an awakening under the moonlight in the darkness of night
You are an old soul
You are a mystic seeking ancient primordial cosmic knowlege
You are seeking to understand duality and balance your life
You are feeling the pull of shadow work
Ways To Work With and Connect To Nyx
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 deities in your practice is up to you. If you need help to figure this out you can purchase my eBook here on the Introduction to working with pagan deities.
But here are some ideas to get you started on ways to work with Nyx. Remember; it’s important to approach her with respect, reverence, gratitude and by building a relationship with her. Every time you work with a deity it is an even energetic exchange; which means what you put into your intention when working with them and building your relationship to them is what you get back.
Study, get to know her
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 Nyx is to study all you can about her. Look at the different versions of her origin, and how she is the mother to so many deities that are integral to our human experience. Try to grasp and understand how truly old she is and the power she had over others. Including the fear she instilled in deities like Zeus himself. You can even, study the culture, region, and worship of the people of Greece where she is from. The more you study and learn the better! When working with a deity it is all about building a true relationship with them and you do this first by getting to know who they are.
Call on Nyx during 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 Nyx. Nyx’s association with night and darkness is seen as a representation of the mysteries of the unseen and the hidden aspects of the self. She is the mother of mysteries, of all that is hidden and profound. Ask Nyx to help you explore your own shadows, embrace your inner darkness, and gain insights from your subconscious through the practice of 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. And don’t forget to register for new 6 week workshop series Embracing your shadow here!
Working with Dreams and aid in sleep
As the deity governing dreams, Nyx is often called upon in dream-related spell work and divination. It is said she can help you have some really prophetic dreams. I can’t attest to this as I don’t have access to the dream world ever so, I don’t work with dream magic. But, you can still ask for her guidance to interpret dreams, enhance dream recall, or even induce lucid dreaming for spiritual exploration. You can add her sigil to a spell bag to assist with dream recall, having sweet dreams, and helping you go to sleep and then place it under your bed or pillow welcoming her into your dream realm. In addition, ask Nyx 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.
Dedicate Altar Space
Set aside some space in honor of Nyx. This can be an elaborate large altar or as simple as a small shelf or corner of a counter. Place a representation of Nyx there; be sure to cleanse the space before you invite her in. Include all of her colors, her symbols, and representations of the night and any of her other correspondences you can use to connect to her. This will be a container that reminds you to connect with her and her energy. To allow you a container of primordial chaotic and creative energy to connect too.
Include her in Lunar Magic
The night is intimately linked with the moon, and Nyx’s connection to the nocturnal sky aligns her with lunar energies. lunar magic plays a crucial role, and Nyx is sometimes invoked during Full Moon rituals for heightened intuition, spiritual growth, and transformation. While on the other hand she is also invoked during the new moon for creativity, manifestation, and helping you connect to chaos from which you were born from. To learn all about Lunar magic and how you can add her to it, you can read my guide all about here and take a look at the entire page all about the moon as well!
Divination and Prophecy
As the goddess of night and the unknown, Nyx is associated with divination and the ability to gain insights into the future. In witchcraft practices, she may be invoked when performing divination rituals, seeking guidance from the higher realms, or exploring one’s destiny.
Meditation and visualization
One of the best ways to channel divine energy and tap into goddesses like Nyx is through meditation and visualization. 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. I have many classes on YouTube as well on previous deities you can watch where I even summon and guide you to them in sacred container.
Offerings
Everyone loves receiving gifts, and that includes deities like Nyx. 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 or simply leave them for her outside in the dark under the moonlight. Even better leave it at the mouth of dark cave as well. You can also give her offerings when performing any work to connect to her like meditation, prayer, visualization, and spell work. Below I will list some of the best offerings you can give her, but keep in mind these are just some ideas from my own personal experience with her and her corresponding energies. Just follow your intuition.
You can call on Nyx for rituals when you feel lost or stuck in life with no light to guide you. Let Nyx grab your hand and guide you through the darkness and illuminate the way. This ritual is meant to bring inner peace and clarity regarding your problems through the goddess of night. To perform this ritual, you have to start meditating with Nyx while enhancing the clarity of your thoughts.
Use light incense like Sandalwood or Rosemary
Keep the room dark and quiet and perform the ritual at night, preferably under the full moon.
Close your eyes and focus on breathing.
Call for Nyx and start explaining your situation.
Listen to her as she illuminates the way
Prayers
One very powerful way to connect to a deity is through prayer. Things to Pray for: protection, power, understanding and unlocking your own personal power, fertility, transformation, shedding an identity, fertility, creativity, the darkness, chaos, time, accessing the unknown, truth, motherhood, and connecting to your soul.
“Nyx, mother of the night, mother of sleep, mother of death: Might your darkness embrace me Might your energy caress me Might you be mine and Might I be yours Blessed be.“
“Lady of the Night, Nyx of Shadow and Mystery, We honor you and ask for your presence in this sacred space. May your wisdom guide us in the darkness, Your intuition lead us to hidden truths, And your power protect us from all that would harm us. Nyx of the Night, be with us now and always. Hail and blessed be.”
Other ways to work with Nyx
Call on her to aid in fertility magic
Make works of art, write poetry or sing songs as an offering to Nyx
Go stargazing
Take a midnight stroll and listen to what you hear
Learn astrology
Call on her to aid in protection magic
call on her in chaos magic or transformation magic
Have a moon garden
Moonlight bathing
Auto scripting
Astral projection
Create a spell jar to connect to her and add it to your bedroom or altar
Create a simmer pot for peaceful and restful sleep and add her sigil to the front of the pot
So, after all we have talked about why should you work with Nyx? Picture the very fabric of the universe in its infancy. Before there was anything and anyone. The multiverse a blank canvas waiting to be created. Here you find Nyx, an elemental, primordial, divine force personifying darkness and night. She emerges from Chaos, the swirling void of nothingness, as one of the first beings in existence, making her a primordial goddess of immense power. Now, ask yourself why wouldn’t you want to work with her? Why wouldn’t you want to call to the very beginning of time, the universe and the existence of everything in reality including the personification of your very own soul? On top of her connection to chaos, her connection to night and darkness is something worth working with. Remember, night is more than just the absence of light. It is a realm all of it’s own. A container where mysteries dwell and where wisdom is born. In the heart of darkness, Nyx reigns. Her domain is not one of fear, but of profound possibility, growth, and transformation. There is so much wisdom that comes only when we allow ourselves to sink into the quiet places of our soul. Nyx teaches us that there is beauty in the unseen, that there is power in what we do not yet know.
A fundamental pillar of Paganism is working with the deities that one believes in. While all practicing Pagans have varying beliefs about the gods and goddesses, most agree that honoring their deities is a great way to connect with them and further their spiritual goals. But, again remember not every pagan works with deities. Also remember there are literally thousands of different deities out there in the multiverse and which ones you choose to honor will often depend significantly upon what pantheon your spiritual path follows. This eBook will walk you thru the different ways to view deities, what a deity can be, and the basics to start building a deep meaningful relationship with one.
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!
November is a time to honor and remember our ancestors while enjoying the comfort and compassion of our loved ones in a cozy home full of cheer. It’s a month to express gratitude for the abundance of the harvest season, and prepare for the quiet introspection of winter just ahead. As the last month of autumn we can focus on connecting with our roots and the wisdom of those who came before us while also planning and prepping for the future ahead. November is a month that reminds us of the cycles of life and death in nature around us with the leaves changing and falling from the trees creating a blanket of death on the forest beds. This month’s magic is a time that creates a beautiful mix of energies for us to receive abundance, gratitude, good health, and blessings to our home and hearth. Along with allowing us to sit in silent introspection alongside our passed away loved ones as we reflect on the year that just ended to prep for the brand new turn of the wheel.
History of November
The name November means “ninth month” as it was the Ninth month of the ancient Roman calendar. It is the 11th month of the Julian and Gregorian calendars.
Zodiac Signs For The Month Of November
Those born in October are said to be born under either the sign of the scorpion Scorpio and the archer Sagittarius.
First, Scorpios are born between October 23 and November 21. They are known for being passionate, intuitive, sensual, and emotional. Scorpios are known for their intense passion and magnetic presence. They are also said to be fierce and enigmatic.
Second, Sagittarius are typically born between November 22 and December 21. Sagittarius is the ninth sign of the zodiac, and is represented by an archer. They are known for being self-sufficient, independent, free and are a one-of-a-kind, and wise beyond their years. Sagittarius, is the learned healer whose higher intelligence forms a bridge between Earth and Heaven.
Sacred Days And Celebrations In November
Every Single month has sacred and important days and celebrations to help you connect to the energies of the month. Plus they usually are a lot of fun to take part in! Below you will find a list of the sacred days and celebrations for the month of November! The common theme you will find is connection to family, our homes, gratitude, and preparation for the long winter months some of us may already be nestling into. Don’t forget Samhain took place on the 31st of last month so, you can still connect to the energy of the veil being pulled back that hollowed night. But, first we are going to talk about the one that is front and center this month for pagans, and witches, especially those of latine heritage; Dias de los muertos. This day brings in the essence of family, home, and hearth we feel during November by having a jovial day of remembrance with the dead.
Dias De los Muertosaka day of the dead
Day of the Dead combines the ancient Aztec custom of celebrating ancestors with All Souls’ Day, a holiday that Spanish invaders brought to Mexico starting in the early 1500s. The holiday, which is celebrated mostly in Mexico on November 1 and 2, is like a family reunion, except dead ancestors are the guests of honor. Día de los Muertos is a joyful celebration that is more about healing than feeling bad. It is also a time to face mortality and not be afraid of it. It’s a time when families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drink and celebration.
To learn more about Dias de los Muertos you can learn all about it on Divination Academy’s YouTube channel today!
Diwali ( Date changes each year)
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, or Deepawali, is a festival that holds a profound place in the heart of India’s cultural and religious heritage. With a history spanning thousands of years, this ‘Festival of Lights’ is rooted in ancient Hindu traditions and mythology. Diwali, at it’s heart, celebrates the victory of light over darkness, “good over evil”, and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is typically celebrated over a period of five days, following the darkest day of the month after the new moon. Each day of the five day festival has its own significance and rituals. Diwali is a time of profound significance and delightful customs. Families come together for prayer, feasting, and the exchange of blessings, while the night sky comes alive with fireworks, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. I personally make sure to celebrate this festival every year especially day 3 when you connect and honor the goddess of abundance and prosperity; Lakshmi. She has really transformed my life many times when I light those candles guiding her to my home that night. Don’t be afraid to seek her out all month long either to remind of the gratitude this month brings to you through abundance.
Shichi-Go-San, also known as the “Seven-Five-Three” festival in shintoism
Remembrance Day, known as Veteran’s Day in the USA
Thanksgiving day celebrated in the USA
First month of witches new year
Magical And Witchcraft Themes For November
November is a time to honor and remember our ancestors, express gratitude for the abundance of the harvest season, and prepare for the quiet introspection of winter. As the last month of autumn we can focus on connecting with our roots and the wisdom of those who came before us. The festival of Samhain’s continuation this month, where the veil between the worlds is thinnest, makes it easier to communicate with spirits and ancestors through many forms of divination. Take this time to work with healing magic of some sort as well, like going into the depths of your soul with shadow work and confronting the unknown. It’s also a great time to work with release rituals and finally be able to truly let go and let something die following the cycles of nature you see outside. This time of the year also marks the first month of the witches new year which means it’s a month to really hunker down and plan ahead. To play with our dreams and our deepest desires to begin our new year with an inner flame of power that is burning bright all year long. Lighting the way for a year to manifest all that we truly desire.
The gods and goddesses of November
With every season and month there are certain themes, magic, and energies we have the ability to connect to including deities. Everyone works with and views deity energy a little differently. Whether you view them as archetypes of the human consciousness, representations of the source energy, or as being entities on their own, there are certain deities that now is the time to connect to and honor them in the most sacred and amplified way.( Don’t forget to grab my eBook in the shop to help you explore this)
During this month a few deities take center stage because they have festivals or sacred days during this month to help you connect with them in a very intimate way. The deities that are going to be the best for you to connect to right now are deities connected to the fall, gratitude, reflection/ the shadows, hearth/home, abundance, and seeking wisdom. Below we will talk about some of the deities you can work with this month. Plus take note how most of them are goddesses and ones considered dark at that. Because, even thought this month is about gratitude it also is one of the most potent times to go within following the creative force from where we all begin.
Hestia
The first deity I want to talk about I personally feel is overlooked far too often especially during the cold winter months. Even though November is the month to welcome the last few days of fall, in some regions of the world, like mine snow will also begin to fall. Which means we need warmth and heat for us to survive and thrive. Which is why I always feel pulled to her during this time. Especially living in Minnesota I need her to bless my hearth with continuous heat during the long winter months. Not only that, but she can make your home extra cozy during this month while you spend more quality time with your family. Hestia is the sole attendant to the celestial hearth of the gods. As the goddess of the hearth, she personified the fire burning in the hearths of every home in Greece. On a very tangible level, Hestia rules the domain of fire. This means that she is directly responsible, at least according to the Greeks, for the fire, the stove, and the heat in your home. Honoring her during November, the last month of fall when the temperatures begin to drop, will bless your hearth as she stokes and fuels the flames all winter long. Don’t forget all month long to present her and your hearth with the first offering sacrificed to keep those flames burning strong.
To learn more about and meet Hestia, you can come join me in my upcoming class all about her with Divination academy on Sunday December 15th @ 2:pm CST
Cerrunous; The horned god
Cernunnos was the Gaelic (Celtic) god of the harvest, beasts and wild places. Often called the Horned One or the green man, Cernunnos was a mediator of man and nature. He was the god and energy of the hunt and the wild. cernunnos the Celtic god of the harvest is the heart of Samhain celebrations which reverberate into the month of November as well. Often depicted with antlers or horns upon his head, he is a symbol of the untamed wildness of the natural world. As the god of life, death, and rebirth, cernunnos perfectly embodies the cyclical nature of existence that Samhain celebrates and the cycle we go through during the month of November. During November ,cernunnos’ energy is palpable. He represents the harvest’s end and the descent into winter’s slumber, a reflection of the fading light and the approaching darkness during the last days of fall. Work with him this November to connect your heart back to the wild parts of who you are. While giving thanks for the harvest that will keep you alive during the long cold and dark winter months ahead.
Cailleach
Cailleach stands as a prominent figure in Celtic mythology, embodying the essence of wisdom, transformation, and the cycles of nature. Her presence is deeply rooted in the folklore and traditions of Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. She is a divine figure often depicted as a weathered, old woman wielding a staff or a wand. This staff is said to have mystical powers for when she slams it on the ground winter will freeze all the land. She represents the embodiment of winter, sovereignty, and the primal forces of the natural world. Since, the ancient Celts celebrated two seasons only, her reign bringing cold all over the land began the night before this month began on, Samhain. So, take your time this month to connect to her allowing you a smoother and blessed transition into the long cold winter months ahead.
Baba Yaga
The next goddess we have gives me a very similar energy and feel when I work with her as the goddess we just talked about above; Calileach. To modern witches and Slavic pagans, Baba Yaga is a witch goddess who lives deep in a birch forest moving from place to place among the trees in her hut she calls home on top of giant chicken legs. From time to time when she needs to gather more supplies you might catch a glimpse of her flying by up in the sky from her magical mortar and pestle. She’s a wild and untamed old woman, often seen as a hag or crone, but can transform herself into a beautiful woman to manipulate or trick someone if she desires. Baba Yaga is a goddess of wisdom, healing, transformation, death, rebirth, renewal and autumn/winter. When healing is needed, whether it’s from colds/flu or emotional healing, Baba Yaga can offer healing often in the form of herbal teas brewed by herself. Calling on her during this November can lead you through the forest now littered with dead leaves, to her skull fenced lined home. To peer into the darkness of her cauldron and gain the most ancient ancestral wisdom she guards.
To learn more about her you can read my previous post here.
Artemis
The last deity I want to bring up is one associated with a common activity we have done since ancient times for survival during this month, hunting. The month of November is known as the month for hunting season. When we go to the woods to stalk our prey getting us a stockpile of fresh meat for the long winter months ahead. Artemis, the Greek goddess of hunting and nature, was born as the daughter of Zeus and Leto. Artemis, was the twin sister of Apollo. Their mother, Leto, faced numerous struggles during her pregnancy, as she was relentlessly pursued by the jealous Hera. Artemis helped her mother give birth to her brother Apollo, earning her reputation as the goddess of childbirth. Artemis would establish herself as the revered goddess of hunting, protector of young girls, and a powerful force in Greek mythology. Depictions of Artemis show her with sacred symbols like the bow and arrow, a quiver, and her sacred animal, the deer. Stories of her wrath, such as the myth of Artemis and Orion, highlight her powerful vengeance and the level of her protection. Work with her this month to help guide the bows in your quiver for the hunt and bring forth the wrath needed to protect those who need it especially women and the young.
Correspondences For The Month Of November
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 time of the year like a month, which I will list below for you to use. Remember this is just a start to the list for you. You can use any correspondences that connect the magical themes and energies of November. Just follow your intuition on what you choose to work with!
Deities-Cailleach, Astarte, artemins, Circe, Cybele, Nephthys, baste, Lakshmi, Cerridwen, baba yaga, Freya, holda, Sekhmet, the horned god, lady Hel, Lakshmi, Kali, hestia
Zodiac- Scorpio and Sagittarius
Themes- gratitude, harvest, new beginnings, health, home and hearth, release, ancestors, death, cycles of life, remembrance, prep for winter, last days of fall, divination,
How to connect to the magic of November
We’ve talked a lot about all the different types of energies the month of November has and gives us access to work with. So, how can you specifically connect to those energies? In your everyday life you can make sure your affirmations , intentions, and manifestations align with the energies of gratitude, abundance, home/hearth, family, reflection, and preparation for the long winter months ahead. Make sure to also grab onto the energy of the witches new year setting manifestations right now that are very clear. You can celebrate and honor any of the sacred days and holidays this month like the final harvest, Dias de los Muertos, and Diwali. Don’t forget you also still have the energy of Samhain and the veil being pulled back dancing around for us to connect to and honor as well.
Some Rituals and spell workings during this time that will be really intensified will be based on cycles of the seasons, gratitude, abundance, reflection, coming winter months, and the darkness of the shadows surrounding us. Other spells that will have some significant meaning right now and help you connect to the energy of November should be centered around your home and family. Creating a home that is cozy, caring, and full of gratitude for the time you all share there. This month is another month when you can really get some clear and transformative messages from your guides. through any means of divination you prefer but, fire gazing or apple peel reading are some to think about to align with the correspondences of this month.
November creates a very potent liminal pocket of time that is teeming with duality, balance, and the power of transition from one season to the next. It’s a month that really pulls us to go deep within ourselves for introspection, reflection, self awareness, and growth. This makes it a great month to do any work on transformation, reflection and preparation for dark times through shadow work. Allowing the energy of death in the final days of fall to prep you for the long introspective months of winter ahead. 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.
Spell and ritual ideas
Write a gratitude list, read it out loud to the multiverse and burn it in a fire to release it
Shadow work based on transformation, transition, the cycles of nature, and your feeling of self worth to abundance
Kitchen magic adding compassion, and peace to your meals during family gatherings
leaf magic – one of my favorites is gathering up leaves and writing wishes and manifestations on them and than letting them go on the breeze OR using them to create a wreath and placing it over my hearth all month long
Divination- apple peel reading, water scrying, fire gazing, runes, and throwing bones will be potent right now
Duality and the month of November
Since, I am a grey witch I look for the duality in every single energy I work with including sacred times like a month of the year like the one we are currently in November. November, for me seems to get overlooked when it comes to amount of duality this month has. Most of us, especially in the United states spend this month focused on gratitude and our families while we prep and look towards thanksgiving. That is if we even pay attention to this month at all and don’t just skip right to yule season after Samhain. While this month is a month that draws us into the cozy warmness of our homes and the closeness of family near. Reminding us of all the little things we have to be grateful for as our tables overflow with food from the harvest. It is also a month when nature is blanketed in the reminder of the cycles of life and death with leaves fallen to the ground. In some areas like mine you may even begin to experience the stillness, silence and dark introspection that comes with the first snowfall. This blend of gratitude, happiness, and reminiscing the past mixed with the darkness, stillness and dreaming of the future is a potent duality.
Wrap up
We talked about many things in this blogpost including the history, some celebrations, the different energies and magical themes we can work with during this month. Along with how to connect to those energies, deities we can honor and worship, and how to work with the magic of November. November is a time of abundant blessings, good health, and making cheerful memories around a warm hearth. From the quiet introspection of Samhain lingering to the cozy celebrations of the family gatherings celebrating this years harvest. This month reminds us of the ongoing cycle of life and death, and offers a chance for reflection of the past and preparation for what lies ahead. Use this month to express gratitude for the abundance of the harvest season, and prepare for the quiet introspection of winter just ahead.
Halloween and Samhain are right around the corner and the veil is getting thinner every day! This means more of us will be spending time in graveyards and cemeteries to perform rituals, say prayers, and connect to the dead who reside there. Graveyards are set apart from the hustle and bustle of everyday life—they remain quiet and sad while the world grows up around them. There is a stillness and a timelessness in graveyards. They often hold strong emotional energy, which can be potent for us to call on. They are a symbolic boundary between the world of the living and the world of the dead. While working in and with graveyards can be a magical, spiritual, powerful, and fun thing to do let’s not forget to have proper graveyard etiquette. Come learn about different types of graveyard magic and proper graveyard etiquette in this blogpost today and be prepared for when you go to dance among the graves.
Why work with graveyards?
Graveyards are amazing places for magical and spiritual work for several reasons: Cemeteries are a shared spiritual space that doesn’t belong to any one religion or group. After all, death is the thing that we all have in common. No matter what words are said over the casket, we all return back to the ground, in the end. We all will decay, decompose, and fertilize the soil in the hole that is our eternal home. For Witches and Pagans, graveyards can function as a neutral religious space, or even a temple when none is available. Not only that graveyards create a very liminal space for us to be able to reflect, contemplate, and dance among the shadows.
Mundane Graveyard Etiquette
Before we talk about some magical graveyard etiquette we must first talk about the more mundane etiquette we must always remember when we walk through the gates. First, make sure you look up the hours the graveyard is open to visitors. Which, yes will most likely mean you can’t enter them after sundown. I know as witches’ we love to work under the illuminating moonlight but, this is one rule you really should be mindful of. Mainly because you don’t want the police to show up and put a damper on your magical night or worse to happen because of it. Caretakers may not be able to tell the difference between a well meaning Witch or a vandal (or may not care).So, most Cemetery owners, caretakers, and neighbors will call the police if they catch you there at night.
Some other things to keep in mind, make sure you don’t litter. Take everything with you that you brought with. Don’t bury any spell remnants or ingredients to dispose of them either. Instead leave the sacred grounds and go somewhere near by to bury them instead. Be kind to each and every headstone and grave marker you pass by. This means not doing damage to them in anyway like destroying parts of them, marking them with graffiti or knocking over any of the offerings of remembrance left by loved ones. Lastly, if you happen to choose a time to go and there is a funeral service or mourners present try to come back at another time. If that isn’t possible for spell timing, make sure you don’t interrupt them and give them some respectful space by choosing a grave to work at that is far away from them.
Magical Graveyard Etiquette
First we must remember, every graveyard has a spirit known as a Gatekeeper. That acts as a protector and watches over the other spirits buried there. This is typically the first spirit buried in that graveyard. In my experience, this has been true without exception. I have even come across many stories of communities attempting to get past this binding by burying a dead animal or pet in the first plot in place of a human. From what I’ve found it’s never worked. The gatekeeper has many roles from guiding spirits, to protecting them from harm, and granting permission to each soul that crosses over the threshold. They are largely responsible for setting the energetic tone of the site. So, before you enter make sure to honor their role and the protection they provide to all the spirits who rest there. Ask for their permission to enter and use the energy within. Than with reverence and gratitude offer them a gift. It’s most common to leave some change like a dime to pay for your passage. But, you can also leave flowers, baked goods, and wine or mead.
Second, take the time to honor and clean off any graves you see that may need a little extra love as you walk by. Even if you don’t use their specific grave site you will still be pulling on their energy. Third, don’t take anything without permission from the spirits first! There’s a common phrase, “If you take from a graveyard, you’ll leave with more than you took.” It’s very ominous but it’s a good rule of thumb. Many witches will want graveyard dirt or similar items from a graveyard, but it’s always important to ask spirits before you take from their resting place. Good methods of asking spirits simple questions are pendulums or other forms of divination like throwing bones and meditation. Fourth, if you get permission to take anything leave a second offering. If the spirits grant you their permission to take from their home make sure to leave a second offering as a gift of thanks.
Fifth, try to pick grave sites that are over a 100 years old or a retired graveyard. This is a rule to honor and respect the family of the deceased one’s spirit and resting place you are working with. Choosing a graveyard that is retired and no longer accepting burials or a grave site that is 100 years old; lessens the chance you are picking a grave site that has family that comes to visit them. Which means you are less likely to interfere with their energy as well. Lastly, don’t bring things with as offerings or tools that have banishing or cleansing properties. You are coming to work with the spirits of the dead in their resting place, their final home. To bring items in to banish them from it, is just honestly disrespectful and rude.
Other magical rules I could find across the community are below but, remember the number one rule and thing to remember is reverence and respect when working with the spirits of the dead who call the graveyard their home.
Don’t point at graves or photograph them.
Say “sorry” when stepping over a gravesite.
It is bad luck to wear anything new to a cemetery, especially shoes.
Don’t whistle in a graveyard, or you tempt Death.
Leaving coins on a grave is a token of respect.
Don’t yawn near a grave, or ghosts could get inside your body.
Smelling roses when there are none around is a sign that a benevolent spirit is nearby.
Graveyard dirt what is and ways to use it?
Everything in nature has magical properties including the soil/ dirt we can find all around. I personally don’t think I ever don’t have a jar or bowl of dirt on my own altar. Dirt is part of the Earth element. It can and has been used in spells and rituals to physically represent Earth, fertility, the ancestors, and prosperity for centuries across different practices. When you collect dirt from a symbolic location that dirt aligns with it’s energy. We than can use that dirt to represent our intentions and the type of spell we are casting. Graveyard dirt can be used to hex or curse, speak with the dead, or aid in a variety of spells. It really is up to for how you want to use it.
Don’t forget these tips and rules when collecting your magical graveyard dirt as well. First, remember the rule above and ask for permission from the grave you choose to dig into. If you get a yes make sure to leave an offering for them in gratitude as well! The next thing will require a little bit of prep work before you go. Try and find any information you can about those who reside there. That way you have an idea of the essence of the energy that your graveyard dirt will reflect. For example if you want to use your dirt to create a prosperity spell maybe look at finding someone who was a banker or had lots of wealth. On the other hand your research will also tell you want graves to avoid like those who did things you disagree with or were an unwell soul. There is also a common belief that graveyard dirt from a criminal will hold extra power in your protection spells like hexes, curses, bindings, and banishing. Below you will find a list of SOME of the ways you can you use that graveyard dirt you collect.
Ways to use your graveyard dirt
Add it to your altar to connect to your passed loved ones and ancestors from your generational line
Add to floor washes and sweeps to cleanse, ward, and protect the home
Add to protective powders that you spread around your property and over thresholds
Add it to spell bags for things like love, protection, and prosperity and carry them on your person
Use it instead of salt to line your magical circles for rituals and gatherings
Add to floor washes and sweeps to cleanse, ward, and protect the home
Use it as an ingredient in spell jars
Add it to your sacred container as an anchor when doing shadow work
Add a small amount of it to your ritual baths for certain purposes like cleansings, protection, love, and prosperity
Add to the inside of stuffed lemons, potatoes, apples, pumpkins, and other items used in burial spellwork
Use it in your spell work to represent the element of earth and the essence of transition
Have a bowl of it near you when doing divination work
Add it to your Samhain altar as an offering
Mix it in with your oils and anoint your candles with it
add as an ingredient to spell packets for spells like prosperity, transition, divination, connecting to the dead, past life work, protection
Use it in spells focused on the cycle of life and death and dealing with grief
Graveyard magic enhanced when the veil is thinned
Many witches will get interested in graveyard magic during October and in the fall because our access to the spirits residing there will be much more welcome and enhanced when the veil is thinned. So, what does it mean when the veil is thinned? The Thinning of the Veil refers to the belief that during certain times of the year; especially in late October and early November; the division between the physical world and the spiritual realm weakens. This allows spirits, ancestors, and other supernatural energies to come closer, offering an opportunity for reflection, communication, and connection. This concept aligns with the seasonal transition from autumn to winter. The veil’s thinning is a powerful symbol for many people, representing a time to pause and honor the cycles of life and death. It’s believed that during this period, it’s easier to communicate with ancestors and receive messages from the spirit world across many cultures and practices. which is graveyard magic is so much more powerful and welcome when the veil is thinned.
Ways to practice Graveyard magic
Graveyard magic is a type of witchcraft that is considered to be one of the oldest forms of the practice. Not only that, graveyard magic is very versatile with so many uses for it across cultures and practices. While many witches go to graveyards to do spell work with the deceased ones who call it home like divination, seances, and calling on the spirits of the dead, you don’t have to do that. You can use this magical and spiritual place for so much more than that. The energy of this space can be used in spells like love, prosperity, transition, grief, community, and protection. Just listen to what the graveyard whispers to you and has to say. That will help you to pick which type of spell work will work best for that resting place. Because, remember each and every cemetery will have it’s own atmosphere and energy depending on the souls who reside there, specifically the gatekeeper or guardian. Graveyards are kind of temple for Pagans who connect with gods of Death or the Underworld as well. (such as Hades, Morrigan, and Hecate). So, you can simply just go there to contemplate mortality, ask them to guide you behind the veil, or be there to connect to them as well.
If you want to learn more about graveyard magic and etiquette and go in depth on the topics in this post head on over to my patreon community; modgepodgemystic mysteries and become a member today! When you become a member you get access to my exclusive prerecorded workshop there.
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!
As the leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp, the festivals like Samhain, Halloween, and the day of the dead beckons us into the realm of shadows, transformation, and magic. During these festivals its common for many witches and pagans to work with and celebrate deities that connect to and represent the energies central to the reflective and transitional celebrations. This season and it’s celebrations are full of magic, and there are many gods and goddesses who embody its transitional energy. Spooky season during Autumn, specifically the months of October and November, is a really important time in pagan culture and there are plenty of spooky gods and goddesses to work with or worship, depending on your practice, festivals, and celebrations. Let’s take a walk through the veil that is thinned now, allowing us access to our ancestors, the dead, and the otherworld. To take the time to pause, reflect, and truly connect to those who have come before us while we meet SOME of those deities together in this post today.
Persephone
In Greek mythology, Persephone is the goddess of agriculture, the spring, the Underworld, duality, and the wife of Hades. Prior to her marriage with Hades she was known as Kore, which means “daughter” or “maiden”. I find this to be crucial to her story and representation of rebirth, because, before she grabbed power in her marriage to Hades, the gods hadn’t even given her a name or her own place of power. Which makes no sense to me because she was born from two of the most powerful deities. Persephone is the daughter of Zeus, the chief god, and Demeter, the goddess of agriculture. For her to have such little power, be sheltered, and not have her own place of power within the pantheon was in injustice she would rectify through the power of rebirth and duality by becoming Hades wife. Persephone’s journey into the Underworld each autumn mirrors the cycle of life, death, and rebirth that Samhain embodies. As the wife of Hades, Persephone governs the realm of the dead by his side with grace, compassion, and might. Persephone’s presence in the Underworld brings a sense of balance between life and death. While Mabon aka the fall equinox marks Persephone’s descent into the underworld Samhain marks her rightfully ascending to her throne as the queen of the underworld. Working with her this spooky season you can call her as guide into the underworld and communicating with the your ancestors on the other side. Along with using her example to ascend to your own throne and grab your rightful true place of power.
To learn all about this alluring, intriguing, and transitional goddess, and see her story in a whole new light. Plus meet her in a guided meditation you can watch my class all about her here!
Hades
Since we’ve named him already alongside his beloved wife we can’t forget about the Greek god of the underworld himself; Hades (pluto). Hades is the god and king of the Greek Underworld, which gives him power and control over the souls who reside there. Hades, name translates to “unseen” or “sightless”, which really connects him the energy of transition, rebirth, and the liminal space . Connecting to him during this time of year to allow us to walk in and out of the liminal space that is created during this spooky season by the thinning veil. Hades’ father Cronus attempted to swallow him whole to destroy him forever but, in the end he failed. Allowing Hades to truly feel comfortable in the belly of the darkness that is the underworld beyond the veil. Calling on him during this spooky season will give you a calm, reassuring, and compassionate hand guiding you to your loved ones who reside now in his lands.
To learn more about him and meet him you can watch my class on him with Divination Academy here.
Hekate
To some she is Hecate, others Hekate. For many, she comes without a name revealing herself during times of great personal pain and loss. To others she the triple goddess. There is much to learn about Hecate from the written records, but for a witch to truly know Hecate, we need to experience her. Hecate is a complex goddess with a long history. Hecate is an ancient Greek Goddess often associated with the Underworld, witchcraft, necromancy, crossroads, the spiritual realm, and the moon and so much more. She is the Goddess of Witchcraft, a guide along the path, and the universal Keeper of the Keys. The Guide who leads us back to our soul. And she is a face of The Great Mother, creatrix and destroyer of all. She is a liminal spirit – she guards the thresholds between the human and spirit world. She is the bringer of power and healing. She spins the wheel of time, weaving her magic and mystery throughout. The fiery spark that lives in all the universe. Working with her during this spooky season allows her to hold the torch for you as you walk to the crossroads with your ancestors by your side to choose your path for the next year ahead.
To learn more about her and meet her at the crossroads you can watch my class on her with Divination Academy here.
Osiris
Osiris is one of the most important deities in the Egyptian pantheon, he was the first son born to the god of earth geb and sky Nut. He was the Original ruler of the underworld until his wife Isis took over after his death at the hands of his own brother Set. Osiris was not only the ruler of the dead but also the power that granted all life from the underworld, from sprouting vegetation to the annual flood of the Nile River. He’s the god of fertility, resurrection, and the afterlife. Osiris is super important in the Egyptian underworld, called the Duat. He’s not only a god of the afterlife but, he is the one whom judges all the souls. When someone dies, their soul goes on a journey through the Duat, facing all sorts of challenges. Until The big moment at the end when the “Weighing of the Heart” ceremony takes place. They weigh the person’s heart against the feather of Ma’at, who stands for truth and justice. Osiris is there, watching and presiding over the entire thing. Being the one whom listens to the scales and judges each soul with fairness for all. Working with him this spooky season can give you a chance to look at the weight of your own heart through reflection and do the inner work to still try and tip that eternal scale in your favor.
Lady Hel
The ruler of Helheim. Hel Goddess of the Dead, daughter of Loki, is much more than a mysterious name and looming, shadowy presence. She is a deity of immense complexity, but one that is worth learning from. Hel, also called Hella and Hela, is the daughter of the trickster god Loki and the witch-giantess Angrboda in Norse mythology. Along with her brothers, the wolf Fenrir and the snake Jörmungandr, she was raised by her mother in a place called Járnviðr, the Iron Wood. She rules over the land of the dead, under one of the 3 roots of Yggdrasil, called Helheim. Yes, she is terrifying to behold, as the legends go, yet she brings transformation and paves the way for creation after destruction. When she manifests, she appears as a half-dead half-alive woman, showing the paradox between life and death. The polarity, that is needed for the Universe to continue on. Hel’s spiritual powers include death (physical and metaphorical), the afterlife, protection, transformation, omens, wisdom, mystery and ancestral connection. Work with her this spooky season to learn more about ancestors, shadow work, and to explore your fears about death and the afterlife.
To learn more about her and meet her you can watch my class on her with Divination Academy here.
The Morrigan
The Morrigan is the Celtic Goddess known as many things and she takes center stage during spooky season specifically . The Phantom Queen on the battlefield. The crow that soars above the wreckage and ruin. The seeress, the warrior, the protector. Her presence is a reminder of the thinning veil between the worlds and the mysteries that lie beyond. The Celtic Goddess of War is mysterious and dangerous, and chooses who she aids carefully. the Morrigan is intimately linked to the concepts of fate and prophecy. In Celtic mythology, she is believed to possess the ability to shape and determine the destinies of individuals and even entire kingdoms. Her prophetic powers grant her the ability to foresee battles and events, influencing the outcomes and playing a crucial role in the unfolding of history. The Morrigan’s role as a weaver of fate emphasizes the delicate balance between free will and the forces that guide our lives both in this one and the next. During Samhain, She is said to guide the souls of the departed and can offer protection to those who seek her aid in navigating the realms beyond. Work with her during this spooky season to protect you as work with your ancestors and energies beyond the veil. If your lucky she may even allow you a glimpse into your upcoming year.
To learn more about her and meet her you can watch my class on her with Divination Academy here.
Lilith
For 4,000 years Lilith has wandered the earth. Lilith is a “Dark” Goddess, she is one of incredible power, charisma, and persuasion. She is a mistress of the divine feminine and a true seductress. She is a Queen of Darkness and understands the powerful energies that sleep in the night and can bend them to her will. She hears the dark whispers of the forgotten night. The sleeping Dark mother who calls to the creatures of the nights and nurtures them in blankets of moonlight. She is Lilith, the Dark Mother and she is incredible to work with!
She is a healer and a lover and one who can provide comfort and support to those in need. Her night energies provide rest and comfort and she can inspire those who work with her with dreams. She empowers those she works with. She can awaken our power and help us to claim who we are and our space and become the people we desire to be. She reminds us of our truth and the powerful individuals that we are. Lilith is not bad or evil. Lilith is the voice inside of you telling you to act when you feel you’ve been treated unfairly by the patriarchy. She is the voice that says it’s not only ok but good to enjoy sex and your sensuality. She is the voice calling for the divine feminine in each one of us to stand up and fight for our power. Working with her this spooky season while the veil is thin can help you to get in touch with your inner wild woman, your divine feminine and let her raging power out!
To learn more about her you can read my previous post all about her here.
cernunnos
cernunnos the Celtic god of the harvest is the heart of Samhain celebrations. Often depicted with antlers or horns upon his head, he is a symbol of the untamed wildness of the natural world. As the god of life, death, and rebirth, cernunnos perfectly embodies the cyclical nature of existence that Samhain celebrates. During Samhain ,cernunnos’ energy is palpable. He represents the harvest’s end and the descent into winter’s slumber, a reflection of the fading light and the approaching darkness. His influence extends to the realm of the spirits, as he guides departed souls through the veil between life and death. Work with him this spooky season to connect your heart back to the wild parts of who you are. while giving thanks for the harvest that will keep you alive during the long cold and dark winter months ahead.
Oya
Mighty Oya, a Yoruban Orisha or Goddess, of mighty transformation and change controls the rain, winds, and storms. She’s mothering, powerful, and has a strong desire to help women through their struggles to transform. Oya represents the crone phase of the Triple Goddess and is closely associated with death and rebirth, another symbol of transformation. Allow Oya to blow her winds of change around your life to bring about something greater this spooky season.
Dionysus
Dionysus is a Greek god most well known for his wine-loving ways, but there’s SO much more to him than what’s on the surface. He is the Greek god of wine, intoxication, sacred polarity, ecstatic trance, dance and theatrical performance, sacred hallucinogens, and masked processions and festivals. He is a very unique god in the Greek pantheon because, he isn’t thought to be one of the original Olympians. But, to have originated from Thrace as a titan and later was added to the pantheon. He not only wasn’t part of the original 13 deities of the Greek pantheon but, he is said to be twice-born. Before he became Dionysus he was born to Zeus and Persephone as their son Zagreus. His story is one of death, sacrifice, transformation, and rebirth which is why he is such a great deity to work with during this spooky season. Use him and his love of wine to help you connect to the deepest shadows of yourself to allow rebirth and connect to the spirits in the underworld.
If you would like to learn more about his first life as Zagreus, what his story means and how he can show up in your life join the Modgepodgemystic Mysteries my patreon community today where I share my journey with him.
Baba Yaga
To modern witches and Slavic pagans, Baba Yaga is a witch goddess who lives deep in a birch forest moving from place to place among the trees in her hut she calls home on top of giant chicken legs. From time to time when she needs to gather more supplies you might catch a glimpse of her flying by up in the sky from her magical mortar and pestle. She’s a wild and untamed old woman, often seen as a hag or crone, but can transform herself into a beautiful woman to manipulate or trick someone if she desires. Baba Yaga is a goddess of wisdom, healing, transformation, death, rebirth, renewal and autumn/winter. When healing is needed, whether it’s from colds/flu or emotional healing, Baba Yaga can offer healing often in the form of herbal teas brewed by herself. Calling on her during this spooky season can lead you through the veil to her skull fenced lined home. To peer into her cauldron and gain the most ancient ancestral wisdom she guards.
To learn more about her you can read my previous post here.
Santa Muerte
Santa Muerte, also known as the Bony Lady, “Holy Death,” “The White Lady,” and “La Hueseda” is a special saint with a deep connection to the essence of death. Santisima Muerte emerges from the depths of history, tracing her origins to the sacred traditions of the ancient Aztecs. Her compelling narrative intertwines with the tapestry of life and death, offering solace and guidance to those who seek her enigmatic presence. Today she is a female folk saint and deity in Mexican folk Catholicism and paganism. She is a personification of death, but is also associated with healing, protection, and safe passage to the afterlife. Santa Muerte is not just about death; she also holds sway over the spirit world and mystical dimensions. This allows people to connect with the spirits of the deceased and other mystical beings. Because death has the power to transform our consciousness, she’s considered a powerful spirit for magic, helping people develop wisdom, strength, and awareness.
During this spooky season she is the patron saint who is at the heart of The Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos. Which is a national holiday when the souls of the dead are thought to return to enjoy the pleasures of life as well as the closeness of family and friends. Rather than a somber occasion, the Day of the Dead is intended to be a bright and joyous one. People gather to celebrate the spirits of their deceased loved ones and the lives that they lived. This celebration is not only believed to strengthen the bonds of the family but is also an opportunity to ask the dead for their assistance and protection. Work with Santa Muerte this spooky season to remind you of the love and joy you shared with your passed loves instead of making it a sad and somber affair.
To learn more about her you can check out this class all about her at Divination Academy.
How to connect to and work with these deities
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 gods are reflections of Universal energy and simply archetype energies that you can learn a lesson from. However you incorporate deities in your practice is up to you. But here are some ideas to get you started on ways to work with any or all of these deities of the fall. Remember; it’s important to approach them with respect, reverence, gratitude and by building a relationship with them. Every time you work with a deity it is an even energetic exchange; which means what you put into your intention when working with them and building your relationship to them is what you get back. Don’t forget to check out my shop and for an eBook to help you explore how you view deities more and coming soon my deep devotionals prerecorded workshop series will be available for purchase.
Research, study and read about who they are, where they come from, and their myths and legends
Refresh your altar and add any of them to it. Or create a new one. Use any of the correspondences listed for each deity above that resonates with you!
Cast spells to help with personal transition or transformation allowing the deities of the transitional season to guide you through the process
Cast spells or host rituals including them to connect to, communicate with, or venerate passed loved and ancestors long since gone
Call on hekate/hecate at the crossroads to make a key decision in your life with the veil thinned
Practice liminal magic working with the veil and have your magic be amplified by the assistance of the deities who travel and/or live there the most
Leave offerings for them at graveyards, or cemeteries thanking them for protecting and guiding the souls who are resting there
Use their correspondences and energies in protection spells especially for ones for your home
Save them a plate and a seat at your dumb supper with your ancestors
add their sigil when you make a pentagram wreath and hang on your door, your hearth, or your altar
Prepare winter stores of food with kitchen magic and add their sigils to your recipes and jars to protect your food storage jars
Create a spell jar for them and add them to your altars or place them somewhere in your home
Shadow work focusing on death, rebirth, transition, and your relationship to your ancestral lines. 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.
Call on them to be your guide as you walk through the veil to the other side
Envision them and their energy as you meditate and contemplate your relationship with life, death, and the afterlife
Invite them to your circle and castings when performing graveyard magic
Include them in your celebrations for any festivals like Samhain, all souls day , and dias de los Muertos
Ask them for assistance as guides into past life regression work, and healing generational wounds
Ask them to assist you with working through a grieving process and understanding death and dying
Add their sigil to your candles to be used during your candle ceremony to honor your ancestors this spooky season
Conclusion
However you choose to work with the deities of this spooky season, whether it be when celebrating Samhain, all souls day, or Dias de los Muertos be open and prepared for the darkness, rebirth, and transformation this season has. They will do this for you by being a guiding hand as you walk side by side with the ancients and your passed loved ones through the thinning veil. Leading you to a liminal space of healing, remembrance, and death. Allowing you to shed your current skin as a new cycle begins with their divine guidance and, support, until this new journey ends.
A fundamental pillar of Paganism is working with the deities that one believes in. While all practicing Pagans have varying beliefs about the gods and goddesses, most agree that honoring their deities is a great way to connect with them and further their spiritual goals. But, again remember not every pagan works with deities. Also remember there are literally thousands of different deities out there in the multiverse and which ones you choose to honor will often depend significantly upon what pantheon your spiritual path follows. This eBook will walk you thru the different ways to view deities, what a deity can be, and the basics to start building a deep meaningful relationship with one.
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!
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Welcome to your sacred container to re enchant your life and restore your magic delivered directly to your magical inbox each and every month! What you will get delivered to your inbox each month when you sign up are; exclusive shadow work questions, access to events early, an exclusive monthly tarot card reading for the elemental signs, musings from my mind, the correspondence corner, and a monthly deity devotion based on who has recently shown up in my life. Plus more each and every month!
