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The Magic of Self love and how to maintain it thru self care

With Valentine’s Day just behind us and love in the air and on almost everyone’s mind and hearts I want to talk about a type of love that I feel is overlooked, self love. Don’t get me wrong I am very guilty of this in my life and often. Having those moments, days, weeks, months, and even years where you simply don’t feel worthy, your self- esteem is low, your self confidence is down, and you just aren’t in love with yourself and who you are.

To be perfectly honest I am even writing this because I need this reminder and focus myself right now. Self-Love is something I have been struggling to remember in moments of doubt, hardship, and sadness lately. The unwanted affects that have been happening are affecting all areas of my life, my relationship with myself, my husband, my son and my students. I have not been the best most authentic version of myself as a mother, wife, teacher, and the divine individual that I am.

What is Self-Love?

Before, I talk more about the unwanted affects of not having self love as an intentional focus in your life let’s talk in depth about what Self- Love is. In it’s most simple and basic definition self-love is being in love with every part of yourself.

That’s it. Seems simple right? But, it’s much more than this because what does that even mean and look like to be in love with every part of yourself? What does that even feel like?

When I really think about those questions and dig deep at what it means to really truly love every part of yourself I get flooded with the amount of ideas and thoughts of what it truly means and at the same time I feel like I will only be able to articulate such a small amount of what this act and feeling truly encompasses.

Self love feels like placing a very high value on your own well being and happiness with oneself. It feels like knowing your worth and never settling for less. It feels like no guilt when taking the time to take care of your own needs and not sacrificing my well-being to please others or for others well being. It feels like deep acceptance with of every part of your body, soul, mind, and personality as divine being. It feels like confidence in your gifts, blessings and abilities and leaving no room for self doubt to flourish.

Self love looks like saying no to things that truly do not bring you joy, a sense of accomplishment and do not align with my soul purpose or values. It looks like setting boundaries with those you love and removing those that don’t respect them. It looks like being proud, confident and accepting of your body to take care of it and express yourself with it in the ways you want to. Self love looks like boldly living your soul purpose and doing what you love.

Above all else to genuinely and wholeheartedly love every part of yourself should come first. Self- Love is so powerful and honestly the best love you will ever have. And the most profound you will ever experience to further growth, healing, and transformation.

When you love who you are wholeheartedly your relationships will be healthier, your life will be happier and you will be aligned with your sacred contracts and soul purposes. If you are a parent you will connect with your child more and be able to be the emotional intelligent and loving parent you want to be. You be happier and it will shine through to those around you and you will choose to things and people that only bring you happiness.

When you have a strong relationship with self-love it shows yourself and others the standards in how we want to be treated. How we want others to treat us and how we treat ourselves. It helps us to decide our boundaries and have the ability and fortitude to maintain them.

Unwanted affects of low self love

When you have a weak relationship or outright lack one with self love like I touched on early you will definitely see some unwanted affects to you, your life, and your relationships. It may differ from person to person but, here are some ways it may affect you.

You may have an issue with self esteem and self worth which can lead to many issues when interacting with others like being a people pleaser, or always apologizing or pushing others away. You may be more emotionally imbalanced and moving from one emotion to the next including depression, explosive anger, and anxiety.

You may lack motivation to work towards your goals or to set some to begin with due to being indecisive. You may not be kind to yourself by taking care of your body physical and be uncomfortable in it which can lead to many different affects on your relationships with others and how your present yourself to the world.

The list of possible unwanted side affects could go on and differ for all the main point is if you don’t make this relationship a priority every area of your life will take a hit as well and you will be lacking connection to one of the most potent energies to foster a happy and healthy life and well being.

Your happiness and well-being are important; protect it by always valuing who you are and maintaining a secure relationship with self-love. As is with any relationship you have to do things to maintain it and communicate effectively with it. The things you do to main self love, those acts are called Self-care.

What is Self-care?

Self-care is the act of valuing, respecting, and caring for your mind, body, and soul. It is the act and doing things that allow you and help you to embrace your flaws, your strengths and abilities. Self care is doing things that make you feel more like yourself.

Self care is a deliberate choice to gift yourself with people, places, things, events, and opportunities that recharge our battery and foster our connection to self love. These activities do this by focusing on promoting whole health, body, mind, spirit, and soul. When all these areas of your life are aligned you foster such a deep connection of love to oneself and have the ability to connect to it much easier.

Types of Self-care

The key to self-care it should be something that you enjoy and not feel like an obligation.

Emotional self-care– Helps you get in touch with your feelings in a way that makes you feel centered and in wise mind with them. This is about becoming more in tune with out emotions. It’s about checking in with yourself, becoming more mindful of your triggers and thinking patterns while finding a way to work through it

Spiritual self-care- The act of spiritually looking after yourself cane be accomplished by simply doing tings that make your heart and soul flourish, whether this be by connecting to you soul, your magic, or a deity/ higher power/ source/ universe/multiverse. This doesn’t have to mean anything to do with a religion though. You are simply making sure what you are doing is nourishing your soul.

Physical self-care- This is all about looking after your body, doing what you need to stay healthy and connected to your physical self. Taking care of our bodies is a large component of self care, but it doesn’t have to include vigorous exercise routine.

Social self-care- Anything, or event that gets your around others. We are social creatures and we recharge when we are around others. This may look different depending on being an extrovert or introvert and your comfort level around others so make sure to honor that and keep that in mind.

Intellectual/ mental self-care- Anything that stimulates your mind, helps you working towards your goals, learning new things and expanding your understanding of the world around you.

Recreational self-care- Self care that encourages you to tap into your inner child and simply have fun

Financial Self-care- This type of self-care allows you to cultivate a healthy relationship with money so you can reduce stress

Environmental self care- This type of self-care allows you to find the right environment so you can truly thrive

As you just read above there are so many areas of your life where you can use self care you to nourish every aspect of yourself and when every aspect of yourself is nourished and you are happy how could you not be able to connect yourself and wholeheartedly exist in self love?

Ideas to practice each type of self care

Physical- go for a walk
drink some water
take a shower or bath
wear an outfit you feel confident in
Dance alone to favorite music


Emotional-Journal
therapy
express emotions
do shadow work


Spiritual- yoga
meditate
Prayer
connect to a deity
go to an altar

Financial- Make a budget
create goals


Recreational-do a hobby you love
make art
listen to music
Take a road trip


Social-Call a friend
Go see family
attend a social event
join a club


Intellectual-Study a topic you enjoy
watch a youtube video
put together a puzzle
read a book

No matter how you choose to practice self care whether it is from this list or something you choose on your own do it with intention to connect to and foster your self love in the most affective way for your life, happiness and to benefit your relationships. Keep an eye out for a blog post coming on magical and witchy ways to practice self care and self love!

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What is personal Development?

For me it’s anything that encompasses growth for yourself and your life.

It’s the intentional acts and/or reflection you are doing to grow as a person to better yourself, your soul, your community, your family, and your life.

This is what we do to be happy, feel whole, and to help us both uncover our sacred contracts and divine purposes, to live our life in accordance with them to fulfill them!

Which means this can encompass and cover ALOT of things!

From shadow work and reflection to taking care of your physical health, developing your own belief system, seeking mental health help and using the skills they teach you, to goal setting and more!

This topic is a deep seeded passion of mine!

Let me tell you why and why I feel I have so much to share on this topic!

In 2015 I got married to my amazing husband after being together for 4.5 years already, I turned 25 shortly after that and I completely broke.

Quarter life crisis

If anyone doesn’t think this is a thing. I promise you it is.

My depression and anxiety got so bad, I would curl up into a ball while shaking and crying on the floor in front of the door to our house because I had to leave it to go to work or the store for groceries.

It got to the point where, I called into work so many times, had used all my PTO, FMLA, Sick pay all of it that I was fired. All while I was lying to my husband about it.

Telling him I had been going to work and getting sent home early or if he went in after me that I had taken a half day of PTO that morning.

Because, I had no idea what was going on and how do you explain to others I literally can not get my body or mind to leave my house without a severe breakdown.

And being fired from my job only made things worse for me.

I shame spiraled hard and fast!

I had never failed like that before.

I am not going to lie it took much longer than I would have liked to get to the point where I could even begin to think about personal development and how to get there.

It took me an entire year of literally just being depressed and anxious and sitting in front of a tv to numb myself and a lot of weed.

But, than I hit this moment when I was shaking, crying, and about to throw up again from the anxiety of how much longer can I keep feeling like this? How much longer am I going to be able to do this mentally, emotionally and physically?

And if I won’t be able to do this much longer than what am I going to do? How am I going to get out of this space?

This moment sparked my personal development obsession and journey!

Where I spent the next 5 plus years gobbling up everything I could get my hands on, blogs, books, therapies, self help books, podcasts, youtube videos, learning how to bullet journal, taking workshops, retreats and classes, and so much more.

In that 5 plus years I succeeded and failed many times. Went thru CBT, DBT, and a handful of trauma therapies. Dealt with isolation, depression, anxiety and more. Was diagnosed with OCD, Bipolar 2 disorder, PTSD, a binge eating disorder, BPD, DID, Severe anxiety and depression.

I have done the work to no longer meet criteria for some of those and a few I have gotten to a very healthy and manageable level. That doesn’t mean I am cured and I still have days and moments and situations where I struggle.

So, let me help you do that too!

Let me be a support to you!

Let me be a guide to you!

Let me teach you what worked for me and help you sift thru the many ways you can work on your personal development in all areas of your life, like self care, physical health, mental health, and your own personal belief systems and values!

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Marriage and/or a partnership aren’t meant to be equal or 50/50

I Know right away some of you have clicked on this to come at me with guns blazing ready to argue with me. To let me know how wrong I am, how young I am so how could I possibly know, and to tell me how I am anti feminist or in an unhealthy marriage.

I am going to tell you that you are wrong.

I am going to stick to the statement I made in this blog post title.

And I am going to ask that you hear me out. Read this until the very end and than tell me you don’t think and feel the same way.

My marriage and why you should even read this

I am going to get very personal in the post. I am going to talk about some deep things that have happened and are happening now in my marriage and how not viewing my marriage as 50/50 and equal is how we are still together today.

After meeting right out of high school at 18, getting engaged after only 6 months and moving i with each other, getting married after 4 years and now being together for 13 years ( married for 8) not having this 50/50 mindset is a key factor to us still being together today.

Unlike so many around us that have already divorced or will be soon. And we have outlived the national average for a marriage of 7-8 years and beat the statistics so far of meeting as teens and being too young to stay together.

It has not been all sunshine and rainbows and we more than understand ups and downs in marriages. How hard they can be to navigate, how you can get disconnected and/or grow apart or start to venture down different paths. We have been thru many things life has thrown our way and things we have done to hurt each other. But, all of that will be for later posts.

My marriage never would have survived being 50/50

What we are going to focus on in this post is this idea I keep seeing blowing up on social media; that marriages and/or partnerships if they are healthy are equal and/or 50/50. I get the appeal of thinking like that and I get the idea of how this is thought to be healthy.

But, man am I so thankful my marriage doesn’t function this way.

My marriage never would have made it this long if we had this mindset.

We would have been doomed from the start and set up for failure and I would not be who I am today as an individual nor would my husband if we had this 50/50 mindset.

With this mindset my husband should have left me a long time ago.

And let me tell you why.

What does this 50/50 mindset actually mean?

Like I touched on before I get the appeal of this mindset. I 10000% understand that equal share of responsibility, support, and dealing with life with your partner sounds like and feels like the most balanced way to go through life with a partner.

It seems fair. Let me tell you why it is not.

That isn’t the definition of fair.

Fair doesn’t mean equal like so many think it does. I myself was included in this until a therapist of mine taught me otherwise.

Fair means that something is impartial, just, and not achieving an advantage over another.

For something to be just is going to be subjective based on the people, places, and events involved and it will change and fluctuate all the time.

This fluctuating and subjectiveness is exactly why our goal and my goal is for things to be fair and not 50/50. It gives room for grace in your marriage/ partnership whereas the 50/50 mindset does not.

50/50 leaves no room for grace and support

Grace is critical to a marriage/ partnership. Both giving/ showing your spouse/partner grace and them being able to reciprocate for you when you need it.

And being in a 50/50 mindset leaves no room for grace to be in it.

50/50 means 50/50 no matter what at all times.

It means each person has their own weight to carry, their equal share of the responsibilities and its up to them to carry it so their spouse/ partner can carry theirs. It’s some peoples definition of teamwork.

With this rigid look on duties, responsibilities, and teamwork how could there be grace and true support when its needed? And without that how would you ever expect a relationship to last?

I can tell you with 100000% certainty my husband should have left me, my marriage should no longer be intact and I myself in all honesty may not have lived this long to give birth to my son, go thru therapy and treatment, hold my husband in grace now, and be writing this blog post now for you to be reading.

So, what is grace in a marriage/partnership?

I keep saying my marriage or any marriage won’t make it without grace in it which is why a 50/50 relationship doesn’t always set you up for success.

So, what is grace in a relationship?

Grace in a relationship allows for support. It allows goodwill to enter the marriage/ partnership.

It allows for one spouse/partner to be able to have bad day. It allows for give and take.

It allows for one partner to say ” my load is too heavy right now, I can’t carry it all. Is it okay if I don’t take this on right now? ” It allows for your partner or you to ask for help from the other and know you can get it.

It allows for you to be able to say you need support, to ask for it, and to receive it.

It allows for a partner to say ” hey I need you to carry 80% today I can only handle 20%.” and for the other partner to be willing and able to do that knowing that when the scales tip the other way the same amount of grace will be given to them.

It allows to truly build a team, a life, and marriage built on support.

How can not being 50/50 in a marriage look like in use and its impact

What does this look like in an actual marriage/ partnership? Let me tell you about its biggest impact on mine. How its kept us together and even me alive.

This mindset in our marriage really got put to the test shortly after I turned 25 so about 6 years ago, shortly after we got married and had been together for about 6 years at that point.

I had a quarter life crisis at the point, I completely broke to the point where I almost was or maybe should have been hospitalized. I couldn’t even leave my home, literally. If I tried I’d curl into a ball on the floor in front of my door shaking and crying in a panic attack.

It was my lowest point in my life.

I’ll have a blog post coming soon to dive really deep into that topic.

If we had the mindset of 50/50 and equal at this time my husband should have left for what happened next and the weight he carried for me and for the length of time he did it.

I lied to him about going to work, used all my time off, fmla etc, and had gotten fired.

I than spent the next three years in such a bad depression and having other mental health illnesses causing more instability, My husband was the only one who could work and we eventually ended up homeless because not even that could bring me back to carrying my own weight.

And thru it all my husband carried almost all my weight we were easily 80/20 or 90/10 no matter what he had going on because I simply couldn’t do it. I couldn’t carry a larger amount than that.

And he did so for over 3 years! Without resentment, without blame, and without pressure to push me back to carrying a larger amount of the weight. And doing so allowed me to have time for so much reflection, growth and therapy and I’m in a place we both never could have dreamed to be in.

That grace and willingness was possible because we both knew than and know now that every single day we take a look at it and see how much of the total weight we each are able to carry and in what areas.

It made it possible for me to hold him in the same space now as he goes through what I did and now it’s his turn to heal and grow while I carry most of the weight and hold him in grace and support.

Some days we are 60/40, some days 50/50, some days 80/20, and others 95/5.

Some days my husband carries more weight and others I do.

In some areas he takes on more and in others I do.

We both know that we are there to carry whatever the other needs us to in order for us to be a team truly, to grow together, and support each other when we need it, how we need it, for how long we need it for.

We both know we have a true partnership, and team and know how to truly give and take in a relationship, to be fair, and supportive of one another.

I challenge you to question your idea of a marriage and if 50/50 is truly what you want

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Moon water; a magical staple

Moon water what is it?

What is Moon Water? Moon water ? is simply water that has been exposed to the moonlight and charged with a Magical intention.

The water will now embody the properties and energy of that moon phase and the astrological sign it was in so we can use it whenever we need it in our craft.

This charged water becomes a tangible connection for you to have to the moon! You can use it on your altar, in spell workings, to connect to the archetype energy of the moon, and as an offering to a deity/ element/ or the moon itself.

Moon water is highly beneficial for both your life and your witchy practice.

The main benefits are as follows: it guides you away from anger and arguments, it boosts positive thoughts, it helps you to manifest your dreams, it helps you in meditation and it lightens the body and soul, it becomes a mirror to reflect and release emotions, and enhances and connects you to your intuition thru divination and to your divine feminine energy.

It helps you stay away from arguing and getting angry

The moon water helps you focus, let go of what no longer serves you, learn how to breathe deeply, and unwind from the past to create a great present and an even better future. It is a great tool to add to cleanse negativity by drinking it or by taking a bath with moon water.

It helps you imagine your dreams and boosts manifesting

Moon water is a perfect tool to boost visualization and manifestation techniques. Spending time imagining your goals and writing them down on paper is the way to give them the right energy for achievement. Spending time focusing on your dreams during the full moon gives that extra touch to turn them into action.

Moon water as a divination tool

With its connection to the moon it connects you to the divine energy of the moon which is teeming with emotional energy, intuition, dreams, and manifesting. This makes it a perfect tool to use for water scrying in divination to give it more energy and cleared connection to your intuition and emotions.

Enhanced reflection through added power of the moon

What is water essentially besides the element and what it represents?

It’s a mirror, a tool to reflect you inner child, desires, dreams, struggles, and more back at you and gives you a safe space to sit in the emotional tides that mirror may reflect back to you and enhance what needs to be while letting what doesn’t be washed away.

Connection to the divine feminine

Since ancient times the moon has been a symbol and connection to many goddesses and has been venerated as goddess on her own as well. Which means the moon itself is very much attached to the divine feminine energy and can create an amazing channel to connect to it and is absorbed into the moon water to create a space for you be submerged in that connection.

Channeling the Energy of Each Phase

Beginner Witches often ask: Can you make moon water without a full moon? The answer is Yes! You can prepare Moon Water any night, even on a New Moon (it’s dark but it’s still there!)

The New Moon and all other lunar phases have energies of their own. Let’s see when to make Moon Water according to the spells you are going to cast.

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Remember: There are 8 lunar phases and we can group them into 4 stages:

New Moon, Waxing Moon, Full Moon, and Waning Moon.

New moon


New Moon Water

Charge your water under the New Moon and use this water as a booster for spells of new beginnings. If you are looking to:
Start a new job or business
Open your heart to a new relationship
Move into a new place
Sprinkle your altar, your home or workspace with some New Moon Water!

If you are planting seeds, water them with some of this moon water to promote a healthy start.

Waxing moon


Waxing Moon Water

The benefits of this lunar phase are associated to growth, evolution and development in both the spiritual and material realms. If you are casting:
Spells for Money and Success
Good Luck Rituals and Spells
This phase is all about manifestation, attraction and moving forward. Invite the power of Water to your life by placing a cup of Moon Water on your altar.

Full Moon Phase


Full Moon Water

The energy of the full moon can help you reinforce any kind of Witchcraft spells:
Love and Beauty Spells
Spiritual and Psychic Protection Spells
Meditations for Growth and Wisdom
Divinations and any ritual practice in which you need to strengthen your spiritual powers will see benefits.

Just place a cup of Moon Water on your altar as you cast it.

Waning Moon Phase


Waning Moon Water

Enhance the power of Banishing spells by using this blessed water in your ritual.
If you want to get rid of a problem, a person or a situation, cast a banishing or a freezing spell and add a cup of Waning Moon Water to the list of ingredients.

Can I drink Moon Water?

If you are using clean drinking water, there’s no risk! You can drink a few sips before starting your ritual to energize your body with the energy of the moon, or make a tea with it!

You can take a sip of it at the beginning of the day to invite in positive thoughts, emotional stability, and connect to your intuition and divine feminine.

You can take a sip before going to bed to enhance your dreams and leave a bowl or cup of it on your bedside to enhance them while you sleep.

What else can I do with Moon Water?

There are plenty of things you can do with it, such as taking a bath, washing your hands or face, carrying it with you as an amulet, or even cooking and cleaning your home with it! Place it on your altar as an offering and a way to connect to the moon. Use it in your garden or your house plants even!

But its true Power lies in that you treat it as the sacred tool that it is. It’s not just tap water anymore. It’s now been consecrated and charged with your intentions, so don’t waste it or play with it. Be thankful because water is an essential element for life and all living things.

Can you make Moon Water on a cloudy night?

Yes! The energies of the Moon are always present, even when it’s cloudy outside. Just like the sun rays, moonlight is potent enough to travel through the atmosphere, clouds, and even through the pollution of big cities.

How to fully enjoy its benefits?

Moon water has different properties according to the lunar phase. I love full moon water, but you can customize your experience as you wish! It will help you focus on a specific thing in your life.

How to Prepare Moon Water

We can use this water when for any reason we can’t work during the best Moon phase for a spell. Instead, by charging regular drinking water with the energy of the moon, we preserve that energy until a later time.

HOW TO PREPARE MOON WATER

  • Pour water in the bowl. If it’s your first time, use 3 cups of water. Otherwise, feel free to experiment with the amounts.
  • Put the bowl in a place where it will be lit by the moonlight, preferably outside, but it could be near a window inside your home. It’s a good idea to use a glass bowl or a transparent bottle to allow the light to reach the water without obstructions. It doesn’t matter if it’s cloudy outside, since moonlight, just like sunlight, can pierce through the clouds easily.
  • As you place the water in the moonlight, consecrate it by saying out loud
  • ” Dear moon thanks for this sacred water which is already helping me with ( insert intention)”
  • OR ” Dear divine moon I call to you this evening and ask that you charge this water with your divine sacred light and energy to create a connection to you for me to call upon and connect to you thru.”
  • Your intention/petition could be attracting more money to your life, healing a part of your body, fixing a relationship, or anything else where you want to focus this sacred energy.
  • You don’t need to leave the water outside all night. A few hours is enough, but make sure to collect it before dawn, before the sunlight touches it.
  • Filter out any insects that might have landed on the water and pour it in a bottle or jar. Store it in a dark place such as a kitchen cabinet or refrigerator until you use it.

Tips for Collecting Moon Water

To make a very powerful Moon Water, start the first night of the lunar phase you chose (for example, the first night of the Full Moon), and charge the water outside for 3 consecutive nights. This can be done not just during the Full Moon phase, but during any lunar phase. Each has its own Magical properties as we will see below. I recommend to make sure to do so on the full moon and the new moon.

Ways to use moon water in your rituals and spell workings

 Enhance your Meditations

The first step towards strengthening your intuition is to recognize its existence. Being aware of your powers is key in realizing full potential while meditating.

  1. Light a blue or purple candle on your altar. You can also use white as a staple. 
  2. Apply a drop of Moon Water to your Third Eye chakra (between the eyebrows) to open yourself to divine wisdom and revelation.
  3. Follow a guided meditation to awaken your inner knowledge and listen to your intuition.
  4. Find a place of peace within you, allowing the visions to come to you with ease. Don’t be disappointed if you don’t have any visions at first, practice makes perfect.
  5. Keep a bottle or jar of Moon Water near your altar to keep working on your abilities.

Add Moon Water to your Baths ?

  1. Fill your bathtub as you normally do, and pour some Moon water that you’ve previously prepared. Get in the tub and pour the rest of the water on yourself.
  2. Follow a Spiritual Bath Recipe for more ideas. If you need to cleanse any specific part of your body, focus on that area. Visualize everything that no longer serves you being released from your body and aura.
  3. If you’ve charged your Moon Water with a specific intention, focus on absorbing the light of that intent, while promoting intense peace and relaxation. Wash your hair with Moon water to encourage growth with a divine glow.

Bless your finances with Moon Water

To make your money flow easily, Water is the perfect Element. Have confidence that nothing can stop the flow of money in your life.

  1. Bless your money by sprinkling just a few drops of Moon Water on your purse or wallet.
  2. Visualize the possibilities and the outcome you expect.
  3. On the Full Moon, you can cast this Silver Moon Spell for Money manifestations

Purify and cleanse your home with Moon Water

Cleansing your sacred space is very important. No spiritual work can be done in an environment full of stagnant energy.

  1. Make sure to clean your house physically with a mop/sponge as you normally would and add some Moon Water to your bucket.
  2. You can also just sprinkle the water with your fingers or a spray bottle wherever you want to clean and bless the space.
  3. Optionally, combine this water with herbs or essential oils to spread more positive energies

 Consecrate your crystals with Moon Water

Gemstones and crystals are powerful tools that we use to store, absorb, or amplify energy.

Charging your crystals implies establishing your intention and purpose. When you charge them under the Moon, they are infused with the deep symbolism of Lunar Magic (intuition, protection, and mystery).

  1. Place your stones outside to bathe under the Moon
  2. Put a bowl with water next to them.
  3. Make sure it’s safe to wash your stones with water, and physically clean them with Moon Water.

*make sure that specific crystal can be exposed to the element of water first

Water your plants with Moon Water ?

Consecration passes an intention or specific energy from your spirit onto the plant. There are many ways to bless a plant: This is a simple method which can be adapted to any practice.

  1. During the day, take the plant with both hands. If the plant is on the ground, place your palms near it.
  2. Visualize and feel a Magical energy flowing around the plant, fueled by your own heat and energy.
  3. Say the following spell:
    “Sacred Nature, bless my plant.
    Moonlight gives you a healthy life.
    My Magic is your power,
    To grow and protect me.
    So mote it be!”
  4. Water your plant with Moon Water, or spray its leaves with it.

Charge your water with the energies of the Zodiac

Each day, the Moon is passing through a zodiac sign. Do this if you want to invoke a specific trait of a zodiac sign, for example, during a future ritual or spell.

  1. Place a bowl of water by the window where the moonlight will touch it. You can also do this outside.
  2. than recite a spell, invocation, or prayer to connect the water to the zodiac energy
  3. Once you’re done, store the Moon water in a bottle or jar.
  4. Use the water in your ritual by simply placing a bowl of Moon Water on your altar as you call upon the Element Water, or sprinkle some water on your tools.

However you choose to work with moon water in your magical practice or you daily life just remember to tailor it to your needs and to thank the moon for the energy and divine connection the moon water is bringing to you!

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Simmer Pots; and the Magic behind them

I absolutely love simmer pots! I honestly can not praise them enough! Not only do they leave your house smelling amazing, are usually pretty inexpensive to do, but did you know they are jam packed full of magical energy and properties?

I recently learned most people including witches and pagans don’t know this about them!

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 customise to your liking, so you can make your kitchen a sacred space whenever you want!

In this blog post I will dive into the magic of simmer pots, how to use them, what they can do for you in a magical sense, and go over how to do a refreshing spring simmer pot!

First what is an actual simmer pot?

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.

Simmer pots also lack the harsh toxins that are packed into conventional air freshener sprays and many scented candles. Just fresh ingredients from your kitchen! No fake fragrances or toxic chemicals needed.

One more benefit, they can likely be crafted with things you already have in your kitchen making them a convenient and inexpensive solution.

What makes a simmer pot magical?

Aside from making your house smell divine, one of the ways simmer pots are magical is they incorporate all of the natural elements – making it a fun way to bring a connection with nature and the environment to your space.

You do this simply by creating it.

EARTH
The first step to creating a simmer pot is to choose the herbs, spices, plants and other foods that will go into your concoction

WATER
Once you’ve put all of your botanical ingredients in the pot, you will fill the pot 2/3 with water.

FIRE/HEAT
The fire element is added when you turn on your stove top burner and start heating up your simmer pot. You’ll want to bring it to gentle simmer

AIR
The steam from your simmer pot will circulate the scent and magic of your simmer pot throughout your space. And sending the energy of your spell, intention, manifestation, or ritual into the air, your sacred space and the multiverse.

This is my favorite part and why I find them so magical. The amount of magical energy being released into your space out into the multiverse and than inhaled back into your soul through your lungs is astounding and intoxicating.

Simmer pots also leverage the magical and mysterious properties of herbs and other plants making it great way to practice kitchen witchcraft even if cooking or baking isn’t really your thing.

The magic behind the ingredients

Different simmer pot rituals can be created with different herbs, spices, and foods. Tune into abundance, peace, health, peace – you name it! – depending on what you add to your pot.

We mustn’t forget that the herbs, spices, and whole foods housed in our kitchens all carry their own energies and magickal properties.

So let’s use those items to assist us in manifesting our goals. You’ll easily be able to create a simmer pot that aligns with your intentions and smells delicious!

Below are different ingredients and their associations. Remember you can add anything to these in any combination you want to fit your own personal needs and intentions!

Lavender – Purification, intuition, good luck, calm, peace, balance

Cinnamon – Love, passion, purification, money, success, strength

Clove – Protection, love, clarity, stress relief, truth

Star Anise – Protection, Banish evil, clarity

Oranges – Love, luck, money, happiness

Lemon – Longevity, purification, love, happiness, friendship

Vanilla Bean – Love, passion, strength, intelligence

Rose – Love, invigoration, stimulation

Verbena/Vervain – Good fortune, healing

Cardamom – Clarity, courage, direction

Pepper – Courage, warding off jealousy

Capers – Romance, fertility

Nutmeg – Health

Mint – Virtue, protection

Ginger – Protection from evil

Bay Laurel – Victory, success

Calendula – Healing, warmth, sunshine

Sage – Wisdom

Lemon Grass – Clarity

Lilac – Youth

Marjoram – Peace, harmony, happiness

Oregano – Joy

So, what can simmer pots be used for?

Now, that you know what they are, what can go in and how they are magical what can you use them for?

SO MUCH! You have endless possibilities. You can use them to manifest, set intentions, cleanse, purify, protection, to connect to the deity Cerridwen, and more!

Below is a list of some ideas for you!

SUCCESS & CONFIDENCE

PROTECTION & CLARITY

ABUNDANCE & WEALTH

PROSPERITY & LUCK

CLEANSING & HEALING

How do you make one?

When I do a simmer pot with a specific intention in mind I follow these simple steps to incorporate my magick and mind into the process.

Step 1: Gather The Herbs
First, I select the herbs and aromatics I want to use. I try to select herbs that match the overall vibe of the intentions I’m setting for the season. Or for that specific ritual, spell, or manifestation.

Step 2: Set your intentions very clear in your mind and don’t lose sight of them for the entire process.

Visualize your desired outcome or goal for the magickal work you are doing. Are you aiming to create happiness in the home, or more money in your wallet? Whatever it may be focus on what you want the outcome to look like. Continue with the visualization and stirring until it feels right to finish. You’ll know when!
You may recite your goal, a chant, or ritual words while you stir as well. Something pertaining to your desired outcome.

Step 3: Next, I fill my pot with water ( Fill the pot two thirds full of water. You can just use water from your kitchen sink.) and add all the herbs and aromatics into the pot except for the bay leaves. ( If using them and I almost always am for these)

Step 4:Then I bring the water to a simmer over medium heat.
Then turn down the temperature until it is simmering gently – similar to making soup.

*Once the water starts to get low, you can always add more water, allowing the the pot to simmer longer.

Step 5: set your intentions again

Once the water is simmering, I take each bay leaf and write my intentions on them. It could be the same intention written on several leaves or unique intentions written on each one. Then I take each intention in my hands, close my eyes, and take a few deep breaths. I try to connect with it and really feel what the intention will be like when it manifests. If you’re good at visualizing, you could spend a few minutes visualizing the intention. 

After I’ve spent a few minutes with the intention, I place the bay leaf in the simmer pot. Then I repeat for the rest of my intention. Once all the bay leaf intentions have been added to the pot, I stir the pot a few times clockwise and imagine the simmer pot dispersing the energy of the herbs throughout my home

*stir the pot clockwise. Unless you are doing a banishing or releasing spell, in that case stir the pot counter clockwise.

step 6: And that’s about it! I just let the simmer pot do its thing for the day, keeping an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t run out of water. At the end of the day, I dispose of the herbs in my little compost bin (I pick out the citrus first). Usually, it’s suggested that herbs used in rituals be returned to the earth when you’re finished, so you could bury them outside. But if that’s just not an option, I think it’s ok to just thank the herbs and dispose of them in the garbage!

If you want to get dive into even more simmer pot recipes check out my guide here that gives you one for each day of the week.

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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Working With The New Moon

The Sacred Meaning of the Moon

 Over the centuries, the Moon has played a significant role in different cultures  and traditions. 

The Moon moves quickly through the Zodiac, spending about two and a half  days in each sign. 

It passes through all twelve signs in about 28 days. 

Some nights, at the time of the Full Moon, we admire its beauty and grandeur. 

Other nights, when it starts to fade, it becomes thin and inconspicuous, so  different from the peak of its fullness and magical glory. 

Ever-changing lunar cycles remind us of the cyclical nature of life itself. 

The Moon’s physical power is demonstrated by the phenomenon of ocean tides,  which are generated by the moon’s gravitational pull.

It’s a well-known fact that the human body consists of nearly 60% of water on  average. It only proves that the moon has the power to influence our physical  and mental states, just as it influences ocean tides. 

The profound connection between Moon cycles and human states of being has  been observed throughout the centuries. 

https://astronomy.stackexchange.com/questions/32272/struggling-to-understand-the-phases-of-the-moon

Moon Phases and Their Meanings 

The Moon constantly passes through the cycle of growth and decline, and the  phases of the Moon are different parts of this never-ending cycle. 

They are much more than just astronomical phenomena; they have a deep  symbolic meaning. Understanding each stage of the Moon cycle can help guide us  on our journey of personal growth and development. 

The full Lunar cycle consists of 8 phases: 

• New Moon 

• Waxing Crescent 

• First Quarter 

• Waxing Gibbous 

• Full Moon 

• Waning Gibbous 

• Third Quarter 

• Waning Crescent To simplify things, it’s recommended to work with two main phases of the Moon:  New Moon and Full Moon.

New moon What is it and why we honor it? 

The new moon is the time to reflect and cleanse your energy. It is a time to  set your intentions for what you wish to attract this lunar cycle. Every  intention set requires action and energy from your part as well.

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

Use this time to  rest, reflect, and plant what you will grow just as your ancestors across  many cultures did while there was little light in the night sky for them to  use.

 Each New Moon is unique, offering its own magic within each month.

Check out some of my FREE Moon celebrations with Divination Academy on youtube in the links below to see some of the specific differences for the new moon in each zodiac sign! You can also check out my study guides here https://modgepodgemystic.com/resources/

What to Avoid on a New Moon 

1. Isolation: especially if you’re manifesting new friends or a  partner, avoid keeping yourself isolated on a new moon. This is a  great time to get out and build new connections! Check out a new  environment, meet new people and put yourself in places that  align with the life you’re manifesting. 

2. Spending Time Around Negativity: the new moon is a time where  we want to focus on the things we want. We’re planting seeds,  setting intentions and planning out our action plan for  

manifestation. Avoid people and places that carry a negative  energy or will bring you down. 

3. Giving Up on Something: the new moon isn’t the best time for  release. For releasing, giving up and letting go, try to align with  the full moon instead.

Foundations of working with the new moon

There are so many ways to work with the new moon, below I will go through the basics of new moon workings but, remember each new moon will be slightly different and have different practices to add and different ways to do it based on which zodiac sign the new moon is spec

1. Set Intentions 

One of the best rituals for manifesting on a new moon is by setting  intentions for the month ahead. 

Grab your favorite journal and write out the following: 

• What kind of energy do I want to experience over the next  month? 

• What do I desire to manifest the most in this moment?

• What action steps can I take towards achieving that dream?

• Write out your goals, hopes and desires for the following month.

2. Start Something New

If you’re looking for the perfect energy to start something new (like that  business idea, that blog, or that new yoga routine) the new moon is the  perfect day to do it. Be intentional as you begin and focus on WHY you want  to start that new adventure.

3.New Moon Candle Manifesting Ritual 

To do a candle manifestation ritual on the new moon, you’ll just need a few  items: 

Candle: I recommend chime candles, beeswax candles, or even  birthday candles.

Anointing Oil: Resonance Apothecary makes a beautiful one and  so does Art of the Root, I recommend their Road Opener Oil.

Manifestation Herbs: bried basil, cinnamon, sage, rosemary, rose, are all good options. Mountain Rose Herbs is my go to  for organic, wild-crafted herbs. 

Dress your candle with the anointing oil of your choice (you can also  substitute the anointing oil for aligned essential oils you may have on hand).  Once your candle is dressed in the oil, roll it in the dried manifestation herbs  of your choice. Next, find a good place to light your candle. As it burns, gaze  into the flame and visualize your manifestation coming true. Focus on how  you’ll feel when it happens. Allow your candle to burn all the way down (use  a birthday candle if you don’t have time to monitor a larger one). Give  gratitude for your practice and the elements assisting you.

4. Scripting 

Scripting is a manifestation technique you can use to journal out your  desires. To do so, simply write a gratitude letter to the universe, giving  thanks for the details of your manifestation coming true. Be sure to write in  present tense. 

For example, “Dear Universe, I am so grateful that XYZ has become my  reality. Thank you for assisting me in making this dream come true. I am  celebrating this accomplishment (be specific) by xyz.” 

Write a thank you letter to the universe, expressing gratitude for your  manifestations as if they already happened.

5. Make a Crystal Grid 

Making a crystal grid is a great way to harness the powerful manifestation  energy of a new moon.

T O C R E AT E Y O U R O W N N E W M O O N C R Y S TA L G R I D : 

1. Get clear on what you’d like to manifest with this new moon and  set an intention for your grid. 

2. Choose crystals that align with what you’d like to manifest. (hint:  citrine for success and wealth, rose quartz for love, black  

tourmaline for clearing or protection, clear quartz for amplifying) 3. Lay the crystals out on a surface where they will be safe and  won’t get disturbed. You can arrange them in a traditional grid  pattern or even just a shape that feels good and inspiring to you. 4. Using your hands, draw a line connecting all the crystals in your  pattern- this helps to connect the crystals with each other and  charge the intention of your grid. 

5. Meditate with your grid (maybe as you drink your ceremonial  cacao!) and allow it to stay out for the entire lunar cycle- referring  back to it when you need a reminder of your new moon  

manifestation intention. You can use a crystal grid cloth to inspire your crystal design, or just follow your  heart as you place your crystals in a formation that resonates with your new moon  manifestation.

Best Crystals for New Moon  Manifesting Rituals 

• Selenite– Connecting to our angels, clearing our space  and our aura 

• Citrine– Good luck, attracts abundance, success and an  overall good manifesting stone 

• Labradorite– Amplify and strengthen spiritual awareness 

• Moonstone– New beginnings & protection 

• Rose Quartz– Promotes and attracts love • Clear Quartz- Amplifies our intentions and manifesting  ability

6. Make a Manifestation Box 

Simply fill a dedicated box with items that represent what you’d like to  manifest, and place it on your altar or in another meaningful space in your  home.

7. Make a Vision Board 

Similar to a manifestation box, a vision board is a compilation of images and  words that represent what you’d like to manifest. To make a vision board as  part of your new moon manifestation ritual, gather images (real or digital)  and arrange them into a collage on a large piece of paper. You can add words that represent what you’re manifesting or words that represent the  journey you’d like to experience manifesting. Hang your vision board in a  place where you’ll see it everyday and can be reminded of it.

8. Make a Manifestation Jar 

Similar concept to the manifestation box and vision board, making a  manifestation jar is a fun ritual you can do to call in your desire. 

T O M A K E A M A N I F E S TAT I O N J A R : 

1. Gather your supplies: a glass jar, paper + pen, crystals, herbs and  items that represent what you want to manifest. 

2. Write your manifestation goal down on the piece of paper. Bonus  tip: using a real graphite pencil is a magical way to use elements  that strengthen the magic of what you’re manifesting. 

3. Place your paper in the jar, along with the other items you’ve  collected (crystals, trinkets, herbs, feathers) 

4. Seal the jar by fastening the lid and dripping melted candle wax  around the close. 

5. Optional: Leave your jar out under the new moon so it can be  infused with the energy of fresh beginnings. Then place it on your  altar or in another safe place where you’ll see it often and be  reminded of your goal. 

6. Take some time each day to focus on your goals. Visualize yourself  achieving them and thank the universe for bringing them to you. 

9. Do a Bay Leaf Manifestation Ritual I have a whole article on this here: Bay Leaf Manifestation Method, and this  is a great ritual to practice under the new moon! Simply write down what  you’re manifesting on the bay leaf, then burn it as you focus on your  intention. Be sure to use a fire-safe bowl or cauldron

10. Make New Moon Water New moon water is great to have if you want to create a room mist, add  some magic to your bath, or drink to fill your vessel up with your new moon  manifesting intentions. click the link below to read my blog post for a detailed look at how to make moon water and its benefits to your practice.

11. Attend or Host a New Moon Circle  Gathering in a circle is a powerful, ancient tradition you can recreate today  in honor of the new moon. Get together with some friends and take turns sharing around the circle what your intentions are for the new moon. You  can discuss what you’d like to manifest, and what aligned action plans you  have to make it happen.

12. New Moon Tarot or Oracle Reading 

An easy new moon ritual you can practice by yourself or with others is  pulling some cards. Whether you prefer oracle or tarot, asking the following  questions and pulling cards to answer is a fun way to get intuitive guidance  influenced by the new moon energy. 

Q U E S T I O N S T O A S K : 

• What steps do I need to take to accomplish my goal? 

• What should I focus on to stay aligned with my path and higher  purpose in manifesting?• Is there anything I need to watch out for or be mindful of as I  manifest my desires?

Calling down the moon & The four corners

Mother moon I call to you

Tonight your energy is new  

Under this new 

Give me your power this faithful night  

I invoke you into my being and souls 

Fill up my vessel and make me whole 

I heal and cleanse myself 

This new moon my spirit is renewed 

Under your silvery light I stand before you in awe and in love 

I cherish the gifts sent from above 

I welcome growth 

I welcome transformation  

So mote it be 

Amen  

Aho

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Setsubun- Celebrate the coming Spring in Shintoism

Setsubun is a Japanese festival day held between the second to the fourth days of February. Although it is not a public holiday, the day is still well known for Japanese people to perform rituals right before Spring begins in the Japanese lunar calendar.

It is also known as the Bean-Throwing Festival as the most famous ritual associated with Setsubun is mamemaki (“bean scattering”).

Setsubun (節分) is the day before the beginning of spring in the old calendar in Japan. The name literally means ‘seasonal division’, referring to the day just before the first day of spring in the traditional calendar, known as Setsubun; though previously referring to a wider range of possible dates, Setsubun is now typically held on February 3 with the day after – the first day of spring in the old calendar – known as Risshun (立春). Both Setsubun and Risshun are celebrated yearly as part of the Spring Festival (Haru matsuri (春祭)) in Japan. In its association with the Lunar New Year, Setsubun, though not the official New Year, was thought of as similar in its ritual and cultural associations of ‘cleansing’ the previous year as the beginning of the new season of spring

When is it?

Setsubun is usually celebrated in Japan on February 3rd, marking the day before spring with various traditions meant to drive away evil spirits and bad luck and cleanse the home and family for the coming year. Shrines and temples around Japan hold special festivals for the public to come together and participate as a community

What is the meaning behind this festival?

Setsubun (節分, lit. “seasonal division”) is a festival held on February 2, 3 or 4, one day before the start of spring according to the Japanese lunar calendar. It is not a national holiday. For many centuries, people have been performing rituals with the purpose of chasing away evil spirits at the start of spring.

Setsubun was accompanied by a number of rituals and traditions held at various levels to drive away the previous year’s bad fortunes and evil spirits for the year to come.

The new year was felt to be a time when the spirit world became close to the physical world, thus the need to perform mamemaki to drive away any wandering spirits that might happen too close to one’s home. Other customs during this time included religious dances, festivals, and bringing tools inside the house that might normally be left outside, to prevent the spirits from harming them. Rice cakes were also balanced on lintels and windowsills.

Because Setsubun is considered to be a day set apart from the rest of the year, a tradition of role reversal in appearance and dress was also practiced; such customs included girls wearing the hairstyles of older women and vice versa, wearing disguises, and cross-dressing. This custom is still practiced among geisha and their clients when entertaining on Setsubun.

Traveling entertainers (旅芸人, tabi geinin), who were normally shunned during the year because they were considered vagrants, were welcomed on Setsubun to perform morality plays. Their vagrancy worked to their advantage in these cases, as they were considered to take evil spirits with them.

The History

For many centuries, people have been performing rituals with the purpose of chasing away evil spirits at the start of spring. Although originally practiced as part of an individual household’s traditions for preparing for the first season of the new year, Setsubun is now mostly observed at various Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples and geisha communities.

Setsubun has its origins in tsuina, a Chinese custom introduced to Japan in the 8th century. It was quite different than how we see it today. According to the Japanese history book Shoku Nihongi, tsuina was first held in Japan in 706, and it was an event to ward off evil spirits held at the court on the last day of the year according to the lunar-solar calendar. At that time, tsuina was an event to drive away evil spirits that brought misfortune and disease by decorating each gate of the palace with clay figures of cows and children and using peach branches and walking sticks.

The custom of Setsubun as we know it today began in the Muromachi period (1336–1573). Every household of the aristocracy and samurai class threw beans from their houses into the open air. The [[Ainōshō]] a dictionary compiled during the Muromachi period, states that the practice of bean-throwing during Setsubun originated from a legend in the 10th century, during the reign of Emperor Uda, that a monk on Mt. Kurama escaped misfortune by blinding oni with roasted beans. The Japanese word for bean, 豆, is pronounced mame, which can be written as ‘devil’s eye’ (魔目), and some believe that the pronunciation is similar to that of mametsu (魔滅), meaning ‘to destroy the devil’, which is why people began throwing beans during Setsubun.

Around the 13th century, it became a custom to drive away evil spirits by the strong smell of burning dried sardine heads, the smoke of burning wood and the noise of drums. While these customs are not popular anymore, a few people still decorate their house entrances with fish heads and holy tree leaves in order to deter evil spirits from entering.

How to celebrate today

In modern days, the most commonly performed setsubun ritual is the throwing of roasted beans around one’s house and at temples and shrines across the country.

In the ritual roasted soybeans, known as fukumame (“fortune beans”) are either thrown out of the front door, or at a member of the family wearing a demon or ogre mask while shouting “Devils out! Fortune in!”, before slamming the door shut. The beans are thought to purify the home by driving out the evil spirits that bring misfortune and bad health with them. 

Afterwards you should pick up and eat the number of beans, which corresponds to your age.

The beans are thought to symbolically purify the home by driving away the evil spirits that bring misfortune and bad health with them. Then, as part of bringing luck in, it is customary to eat roasted soybeans, one for each year of one’s life (kazoedoshi), plus one more for bringing good luck for the year.

The custom of mamemaki first appeared in the Muromachi period,and is usually performed by either a man of the household born in the corresponding zodiac year for the new year (toshiotoko (年男)), or else the male head of the household.

Another widespread custom is the eating of Eho-maki sushi rolls. One is supposed to eat the roll without talking, while facing the lucky direction of the year.

Some festivals you can be apart of around Japan

As all traditional festivals, setsubun is celebrated in many variations throughout the country.

One place you can go to take part in Setsubun is Heian Jingū (Heian Shrine).

Heian Jingū’s Setsubun-sai starts with priests holding a sacred Shinto ritual at the inner sanctuary, leaving offerings to the gods on the altar, reading aloud prayers, and performing purifications. Than people representing warriors, onmyōji diviners, and the demon-quelling oni called Hōsōshi participate in the Daina no Gi, an exorcism once performed at the Imperial Palace in the Heian period. Men wearing fearsome ogre masks burst into the shrine and “terrorize” the assembled people from the courtyard, making their way to the main hall veranda where the oni leader does a victorious dance. However, shrine parishioners appear to banish the oni with lucky beans in a tradition called mamemaki (bean throwing), chasing them back out the shrine gates shouting “oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi” (“bad luck out, good luck in”). The people who came to see the ritual then gather around the main hall in the hopes of catching some of the packets of lucky beans thrown out into the crowd by priests, parishioners, and geiko and maiko, before the day wraps up with an ōhitaki shinji fire ritual.

Sources/ images:

https://images.app.goo.gl/ADpnzASWqibawXud9

https://images.app.goo.gl/HekdeU6tzbAGewtQ8

https://images.app.goo.gl/CHfwczjxbbsoH67t9

https://images.app.goo.gl/CHfwczjxbbsoH67t9

https://images.app.goo.gl/QiubEDRz3ty4GFDk8

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How I found my Magical & Spiritual Path

My Journey prior to paganism and Witchcraft

As a wee bitty baby against my will I was baptized in a Lutheran church. I have very strong feelings on baptizing children into any religion and later in life I did perform an unbaptizing ritual and a chord cutting with that contract and deity. After that growing up my family wasn’t super religious until I got to middle school and my family started attending a Baptist church and my mom was remarried. And even than my parents never were devoted Christians. It always felt very surface level from them and that they were Christian for the image and when they needed financial help or support. I was always much more devote than they were and it caused many fights my teen years when I would point out some of their unchristian like behavior.

When I say devote, I mean I brought my bible with me everywhere, I was the girl at the lunch table reading my bible and saying prayers at the public school, organizing see you at the pole for the first time ever in my district and school, leading bible study groups, I had the bible memorized forwards and backgrounds due to awana, sunday school, and other bible study groups, and I went on a mission to the Dominican Republic as well. I was devoted to that religion and faith until that mission, that started to change it all for me and what happened in life afterwards.

When my disenchantment with Christianity began

My mission trip to the Dominican Republic was a turning point in my faith and who I was and who I now have become. It was a trip that caused a lot of mixed emotions for me, anger, hurt, confusion, guilt, shame, and it really began to make my faith in the Christian religion fall to pieces. Going into this trip I was so excited, so proud, and so grounded in who I was and what I stood for. I was so excited to simply go, and provide a service to help others. I deeply care about others especially when they are suffering or going through difficult times and simply wanted to help. I was so excited for the service part and focused on that. Of course I would spread the word of Jesus when I could and when it felt natural but, for me I was there to serve and help with my hands and actions.

Day one of our actual mission work and that all changed for me.

I will never forget being pulled aside after spending majority of the day playing with the kids, digging drenches and moving and tilling land for the basketball court we had come to add to the village our church had been to many times before this one. And being told I was spending too much time playing with the children and not enough time witnessing to the children.

If you know me now or knew me than, you’d expect me to immediately speak up and say “nope, that’s wrong. That’s not why I am here. I will do it my way and that’s it. In a kind way and I am here to serve first and foremost.”

None of that happened.

I got completely quiet, turned and went back to the physical labor part of our trip and that was how I finished the rest of the trip. ( until I got bit by a mosquito and got really sick)

I spent all my free time of that trip in shock/awe that conversation had even happened. I spent my time in prayer, reading the bible, and in reflection trying to figure out what had happened and if that was what I had been dedicating my life too? Had I been crusading for an institution that cared more about how many followers they had, the rules, and who their followers were? Who cared so much more about their deity, than their fellow human beings? Who thought the church was more important than what was simply kind, moral and helping your fellow human? Was this one small group of people, was it my church, was it the whole religion, was it the deity himself?

If you are reading this and at my site because you were apart of Christianity prior to this You probably had a similar moment happen and reflection follow and I am sure you have an inkling of what began to happen next for me.

Disenchantment plus Synchronicity Equals leaving the church

After that trip, I spent a lot of time reflecting and thinking looking all around me. At my fellow church goers, at the religion itself, at the text, at the leadership, and how we treated others. And than the multiverse stepped in and added another thing in my life with the beauty that is synchronicity; I took AP world History at school. That class opened up so many doors for me. I had always loved history but, it was so limited to what I had been taught at that point. And to hear what my religion had been doing globally to mankind for centuries really made me look more. On top of that being taught other religious beliefs from a source outside my church was EYE OPENING. And led to my own study of these religions and belief systems.

I started studying Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Judaism, and at that time was being taught to me as mythology like Greece, Rome, Persia and Egypt. I would stay after class, and go and find any time I could to study and ask my teacher questions.

By the end of that school year I would no longer have a bible on me, I would no longer be saying prayer at school, and I would be fighting with my parents about forcing me to go to church and study groups. I even got to the point of just out right arguing under my breath passive aggressively out loud during sermons.

I would no longer consider myself Christian. My parents would continue to force me to keep the image up for their sake at church but, I never got baptized in the Baptist church and later would not be married with any religion whatsoever.

So, where did my path go from here?

At first, I didn’t what it was I really believed. I was going back and forth on what I wanted to do.

Did I want to look for just a strict religion or was I looking for more?

Was I looking for more of a way of life something that would be so much; a belief system, morals, religion, purpose, your answer to life and being and more?

I wanted more which is why after awhile the traditional religions I had learned about in school and started to study just didn’t seem to quite fit. Not even atheism which I was for awhile in the middle of it all.

This is how I started looking into paganism, magic, and specifically wicca.

I had never in my life doubted that magic, the occult, or mythical creatures and entities were real and existed. That is a truth I have known my entire life and I never thought it was an evil or bad thing either. I wasn’t a Christian who thought reading harry potter was evil and should be banned. I was an over the top fan actually and those books helped me survive my abusive childhood. But, that is for another post at another time.

I just never before this had thought it was something I was capable of having access too or using.

I thought it was a birthright or you had to be lucky enough to be chosen to be taught something that sacred. I also had zero comprehension of how to actually work with energy at this point so, as I look back it makes sense I had this view.

So, I very shyly and under the radar started checking out books on magic, and wicca at the library and would only read them while hiding at school or in my truck. That year was the first year I ever connected to the moon, and cast my first spell. I stayed in wicca for less than year for many reasons, some being I simply don’t agree with a lot of the doctrine, the person who founded it, and I didn’t want to be forced into a coven and space with others.

For a long time I simply looked into mythology and different ways to connect to the seasons, the moon, and the elements. I learned how to make moon water and would secretly make it on my window sill in my bedroom. But, my stepdad wasn’t really paying attention and my mom was in prison so, I was able to experiment a lot more and start to cast more and study more.

I spent the next 5-6 years really just learning and studying and doing it under the radar as much as I could because I wasn’t sure really yet what I thought and I didn’t know if I was a witch and if I was, was I willing to come out of the witch’s closet especially where I live in Central MN? So, in public I identified as Agnostic During this time I had my first encounter with a deity and met two of patron deities hades and Persephone. I met my first demon and Fae.

After, I got married around 25 I got my first altar in my home, started practicing out in the open. I Finally was able to put a name and image to my spirit guide (kitsune named kana) who had been with me for so long and I began to really connect to Shintoism and study intensely this practice and add a Kamidana to my practice. I started my journey down the path of grey witchcraft and duality at this time as well.

I spent the next 5 years studying many many topics I will do my best to list them all below. But first what do I mean by studying?

I live in an area that isn’t the best for access to resources and we tend to be at least a few years behind others as well. On top of that other practices outside of Christianity are passive aggressively tolerated here. And if you have never felt passive aggressive judgement from a Minnesotan before, its more powerful than peer pressure.

So, due to this I have been a solitary practioner until October of 2023. How I have learned and studied while being solitary ( and having very little money always) is this; I take every single free workshop I can, every free class I can. I get and read every book, grimoire, blog, essay, research paper I can find on a topic. When I say study I look at a topic from the many perspectives; magical, historical, anthropological, cultural and more. I have paid for a few programs for reiki and chakra reading/ balancing, sound healing, astrology, and crystal healing.

After, I feel I have done enough study, I have reached out to some mentors I have made connections to after taking free classes and workshops with them, and I have done the reflection, meditation, and shadow work. I get to the practical work. I plan, I prep, I practice, and than perform it. ( keep an eye out for a future blog post on the 4 P’s of experimenting with your magic) Each and every time it is an experiment grounded in the confidence of your intuition, energy and your own power and divinity.

List of topics I have studied

Many forms of divination- tarot, astrology, runes, fire scrying, mirror scrying, water scrying, and many more

Pantheons/ Religions-Greek, roman, Babylonian, Egyptian, Shintoism, Taoism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Norse, Celtic, Irish, Germanic tribes, Hinduism, Mesopotamia, many “left-hand” path practices and many more

Deities- When it comes to deities I can list some of the ones I work the most closely with but, it’s honestly better to just ask me! Persephone, hades, Lilith, Amaterasu, Loki, Kali ma, Pan, Lucifer, Most “dark Goddess”

Sex magic, goetic magic, demonology, mirror magic, elemental magic, moon magic, crystals, Kundalini reiki, sigils, energy work, sacred contract topics, manifestation, the Akashic record, past life regression, Trauma work, shadow work, liminal work, ceremonial magic, ritual magic, deity work, channeling, meditation, building a sacred space, many “mythological” creatures/entities, hermetics, working with the rays of light, womb healing, and so much more.

I will add to this list as I can remember to add!

Where my Path is at Today

I have been a solitary grey magic practioner for about 15 years now.

And this past year I began attending a Pagan Academy as a student where my knowledge and practice was recognized and I have now become a Professor there teaching many topics, summoning deities for others and hosting rituals including casting circles and calling down the moon.

First and foremost, I consider myself a mystic and seeker of all knowledge. I study from many different sources, paths, pantheons, religions, cultures, teachers and practices. Two of my main patron deities were keepers of the schools of mysteries ( hades & persephone). And I dedicated to becoming one with the multiverse through all esoteric and occult knowledge.

I have practiced and studied from many different teachers and masters in areas such as shamanism, magic(k), witchcraft, religion and spiritual practices.

I focus my studies on being as accurate to the culture and religion as possible throughout history and representing it all.

I am a grey magick practioner which means I work with both dark and light energy and strive to maintain constant duality in my practice and life. I live and thrive in the grey.

I do not view things in the terms of “good” vs “evil” I view everything as energy and as either wanted or unwanted energy.

I believe in sacred contracts, and have discovered many of mine and strive to live in a way to fulfill it this lifetime. I’ve done a lot of past live regression and work and continue to do more to this day to unlock more of my past lives and knowledge I have gained through each incarnation. I do this through many way like currently working with a mentor on past life regression therapy, Ive done Akashic record work, studying and worked with auto writing, and astral travel and work as well.

I work with all the dark goddesses and have the ability to channel and invoke deities. I Love the connections I have with many deities and the energy they allow me access to connect to through a different perspective but, I also understand I myself am a goddess and divine being in my own right as well.

My magic is very folk, ceremonial, energy based and elemental based with some chaos magic mixed in and some others. I really do dabble in large variety.

I write every single prayer, spell, invocation, and circle casting personally I use.

I work with many divination tools and practices such as all forms of scrying, tarot, runes, etc.

I work with deity energy, archetype energy, chakras, the collective uncounscious, all forms of nature, other entities such as demons, the fae, and all supernatural entities.

I focus heavily on moon energy in practice and in my daily life and home.

My knowledge is extensive across many practices, topics and paths.

My energy and magic is naturally very healing, purifying and cleansing and I love to provide that to others as it is a key part to my soul contract.