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The Night of Hecate; Meet the goddess of witches at the crossroads

Hail Hecate! Hail the dark goddess of witchcraft and the crossroads on the night of Hecate!

To some she is Hecate, others Hekate. For many, she comes without a name revealing herself by the howl of her hounds during times of great personal pain and loss. To others she is the triple goddess connecting us to the phases of life as the maiden, the mother, and the crone. While some observe Hecate on the Deipnon, the dark moon, others dedicate a specific day , November 16th, as a time to work with her energy for protection, wisdom, and guidance. November 16th is known as the night she haunts the crossroads with her hounds and we follow the glow of her torch to answer her call. On this night we are meant to leave an offering at the crossroads to Hecate and ask Her to keep us safe from the storms of life, or even better, just keep the damaging and dangerous storms away completely. You can also go to her this evening to get clarity on your path and to appease the dead who wander the earth behind her each night.

What is Hecate night and why we honor it?

November 16th is called Hecate’s Night. On this night she roams the earth with her hounds hearing pleas from us as we stand at the crossroads. This is also the night that new initiations are made for Witches who follow her and a time known for them to gain more access and clarity into her magical ways. The Night of Hecate is a time to celebrate Hecate, and her association with transitions and the crossroads. It’s a time to go to her seeking wisdom and guidance for the year ahead. To give gratitude and thanks for her protection and aid given to those who are oppressed, marginalized, or caught in-between.

Who is Hecate?

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.

To learn more about her you can watch my detailed class with DiviNation Academy, to hear myths she is apart of, her different origins, and more below!

Hecate Correspondences to use for Offerings

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!

  • Planet- the moon
  • Animal-snakes, owls, hounds, sheep, crows
  • Element- Earth
  • Zodiac-aries, capricorn, scorpio
  • Sex-feminine
  • Symbol- keys, torches, the crossroads, the underworld, the wheel,, sword, 13
  • Colors-Red, black, silver
  • Herbs-lavender, mandrake, dandelion, yarrow, wormwood
  • Stones/ crystals-obsidian, black tourmaline, moonstone, ruby, jasper, labradorite,
  • Foods-garlic, honey, eggs, pomegrantes
  • Tarot card- The moon

Hekate’s Night Ritual- Hekate’s supper

Hekate’s ancient devotees held dinners in her honor known as Hecate Suppers or Hecate’s Deipnon which is Greek for supper. This ancient festival that honors the goddess Hecate, traditionally was held on the night of the New Moon aka the dark moon every month for some. While others set aside one day of time every year on November 16th to hold theirs. This supper was traditionally known as a time to honor Hecate as the goddess of the crossroads, the underworld, witchcraft, and to purify one’s household and spirit in ancient Greece.

On Hekate’s Night, food offerings were given to Hekate and her hounds, that they loved from the correspondences listed above. These offerings of food were both enjoyed by those celebrating the feast AND left out by the front door (the “crossroad” between indoors and outdoors, between one’s private space and public spaces) or at a crossroad, on a (perishable) plate or flat stone, as an offering to Hecate as she roams the Earth by night with her sacred hounds. inviting her protection, wisdom, and guidance inside.

This Hecate night why not do the same? Prepare your meal, host your feast with your fellow witches if you would like, make your heartfelt petition to her, and then go to your front door or a crossroads nearby. Make your invocation and petition for her to answer as she roams by this night. Tonight is a good time to ask for her assistance to release something from your life. Once you do then walk away from your plate without looking back. Encountering or hearing a dog is a good indication that your petition has been heard by Hecate and her sacred hounds and you will be getting an answer back.

The second part to this feast is the aspect of charity. Charity was important when honoring Hecate because she is commonly known for being the goddess to guide and protect those who are lost, down trodden, and consider themselves broken souls. So, don’t forget to make sure to find a way to help others in a charitable way. This doesn’t have to be humans either your acts of charity can extend to animals as well. Especially anything that involves dogs like taking in a stray, donating to a wildlife preserve, or donating your time and money to the ASPCA. This practice shows compassion for those whom she looks after the most and/or her sacred hounds.

The last part if you want to keep it as traditional as you can is the purification and cleansing of your home and spirit. Historically, people would fumigate or “smoke-cleanse” the doorstep where the offerings were left, after they’ve cleaned up the remnants. Along with cleansing their home and property as well. If you held your Hecate Night at the crossroads and only left biodegradable items, you can skip this step at your threshold. But, I still recommend to cleanse yourself and the space where you held your dinner at.

Other ways to connect to Hecate

Other than hosting a Hecate supper, leaving an offering at your threshold, and going to meet her and her hounds outside at a crossroads. Here are some other ways to work with Hecate for the next 24 hours for Hecate night and even beyond. 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 and get to know more about her. Learn about her myths, legends, worship, and about the culture and region of Greece she comes from
  • Add her to an existing altar or create a new one just for her alone
  • Ask for her guidance using divination like a pendulum and tarot cards
  • Write a petition for protection read out loud under the light of the moon, then burn it, and wait for the sounds of hounds to be heard
  • Ask for her guidance in 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!
  • Care for her most sacred animals dogs in anyway you can
  • Include Herbs in any of your spells today like for protection, transition, and awakening your magic
  • Perform lunar magic and spells associated with the moon since it’s the planet she is ruled by
  • Do spirit work or graveyard magic since she is the gatekeeper to the spirit realm
  • Work with deities of the underworld like Persephone and hades along side her
  • Menstrual magic using your menstrual blood since she a goddess of life and death attaching her to our womb
  • Ask for her to hold the torch and light the way during womb healing
  • Threshold magic
  • Key magic to unlock things locked away and hidden

Black Candle Protection Spell With Hecate

One of Hecate’s most revered qualities is her role as a protector. She is often invoked in spells and rituals when seeking to safeguard oneself or loved ones from harm, whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual. Use this spell tonight to do just that.

What you will need:

  • A black candle
  • Oil of your choosing
  • A pin or something to carve with
  • A piece of black obsidian
  • garlic
  • mugwort
  • Lavender

How to perform spell:

First, once you have all of your supplies ready go ahead and get yourself into sacred container with your black candle sitting right in front of you. Focus on the situation or person you are seeking Hecate’s aid in protection from. Once you have the situation or person in your minds eye focus on the power of Hecate removing it from your life. Then with a deep breath take your pin and draw a symbol or sigil of Hecate into your candle while continuing to focus on what her aid and protection will feel like and bring. Next, take your herbs and mix them together and continue to focus on the sense of her protection. Once, they are mixed set them aside and grab your oil to anoint your candle. Once, your candle is covered in oil roll it in your herbs towards you calling Hecate’s protection to you and your life. Now, with your candle dressed in your oil and herbs set it back down in front of you. Focusing on the sigil/symbol you engraved into your candle light your black candle. As you light the black candle hold your piece of obsidian in your hand and focus on your intention of invoking Hecate’s protection. Visualize her presence surrounding you, a powerful goddess of the night, standing at the crossroads, holding torches that light your way. Say the following invocation or something similar that resonates with you:

“Hecate, goddess of the crossroads and queen of the night,

I call upon your power, your wisdom, your light.

Protect me now, as you’ve done before,

Shield me from harm, forevermore.

With this flame, I summon your might,

Keep me safe through the day and the night.”

Let the candle burn for at least 13 minutes or the rest of Hecate’s night as you envision a protective barrier forming around you. When you blow the candle out at the time that intuitively resonates with you, give thanks for Hecate’s fearsome protection she aided you with today. Then place the candle on your altar and come back and relight it at the next dark moon if you feel more protection from the situation or person is needed.

Orphic Hymn to Hekate (translated and sung by Melissaofthebees)

You can listen to it here!

I call Hekáte of the roadside, lovely god where three roads meet.

In sky, on earth, and in the ocean, yellow gown upon her form.

At tombs she celebrates the Bacchic rites with souls of those long dead.

Daughter of the Titan Persēs, fond of solitude and deer.

By night, protectress of the dogs, she is a most enchanting queen.

Barking dogs announce her passing. She’s unbound and fair of face.

On her head the bull-horn headdress, lady, priestess of the world.

Ruler, damsel, and our nursemaid, wandering the mountainsides.

With her worshippers, she’s present, maiden at the holy rites.

Always gracious when one worships with a god-like bull-horned zeal!

Refrain: I call Hekáte of the roadside, lovely god where three roads meet

How to know she is calling to you this Hecate’s night

I get asked this question every time I write or teach about 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 and beckoning you to meet her at the crossroads this Hecate night.

  • The number 13 keeps popping up everywhere
  • You hear dogs howling at night from nowhere
  • She shows up to you in your dreams
  • You keep finding yourself at either figurative or literal crossroads
  • Hecate’s symbols are repeating: the key, crossroads, torch, dagger, Hecate’s wheel
  • You’re drawn to graveyards and cemeteries
  • You are in a situation you are seeking protection from a person or situation
  • You’ve had a spiritual experience (either positive or terrifying) at a crossroads in the woods
  • You work with Persephone, Hades, or other deities of the Underworld
  • You’re new to the craft and need guidance but don’t know who to turn to
  • You are ready to break free from an unhealthy cycle
  • Hecate comes into witches’ lives who are pregnant and dying (during major transitions in life)
  • You’re seeing a white dog(s) everywhere you go (in real life or on TV, etc.)
  • The triple goddess moon symbol is showing up often in your life
  • Hecate’s name keeps showing up in your daily life (in random conversations, books, TV shows, online, etc.)
  • You love working with animals, in particular dogs
  • Stray dogs tend to find you and want you to take them in
  • You feel you are apart of a down trodden, marginalized, or targeted group of people
  • You were born under a Dark Moon or on Hecate Night
  • You seeking aid in the fight for equality and equity
  • Spirits communicate with you and have your entire life

It’s for you to discern and decide if you will listen to her hounds howling and follow the glow of her torch light as a guide at the crossroads this Hecate’s night.

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

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

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Ground with the safety, security and abundance of Taurus during the beaver full moon

A lot is happening in the collective right now causing waves of change and uncertainty and this month’s full moon on November 15th, in Taurus can really help us with feeling safe amongst the chaos. Taurus, being an earth sign, naturally connects you to stability and security, grounding you in the roots of yourself and the Earth. As the moon begins her next cycle aligned with the steadfast bull, we will feel called to ground ourselves in the realm of the earthly and tangible by really truly slowing down. This will be a welcome feeling right now especially with so much change happening in the collective. Grounding our energy, feeling secure and stable in our being, and spending time in nature with the steadfast bull are all things we can do to feel a sense of calm amongst the chaos that is happening around us now. Allowing us to be more willing to confront these changes head on with grounded purpose instead of digging our hooves in and thrashing about in fear. This stable energy is going to be really welcomed as well. After the very emotional and transformational new moon in Scorpio we just experienced. Slowing down right now allows us to really take the time with Taurus and do the intentional work we committed to last lunation with transformative Scorpio. This full moon is here to remind us there are new pastures for us to venture to, and even though we may have been content where we were, nothing stays the same for long. If we charge forward being grounded in the roots of who we are we can meet the chaos, the fear, and the unknown from a place of stability and strength. Join me in this blogpost to plant your feet firmly on the fortified rock that is Taurus full moon amongst the chaos of life.

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 Beaver moon

During November, Beavers eagerly complete their lodges and food supplies for the chilly winter months ahead. Which is why this month’s full Moon is called the Beaver Moon. Its name represents the time of year when beavers prepare for winter. This was also when Native American tribes would trap beavers for their valuable pelts to help their people survive the harsh winter months. This full moon is about harnessing the tenacious and patient energy of the beaver to bunker down in your home and make it cozy and warm for the winter months to come. This month’s full moon reminds us to look at the beavers ability to truly be the architect of their own lives with their building abilities. They are meticulous with the dams they build, picking where within the water they will create boundaries. They maintain their home with protection and love constantly searching for cracks in the foundation and repairing it when needed. The Beaver Moon symbolizes a time of release, protection, transition, introspection and cleansing.

As with most pagan names there will be different ones for each culture so below I listed any of the other names for the hunter’s moon I could find across the Earth. The common themes for these moons are, preparation for the winter, the transition to winter, gathering supplies, and protection.

  • Freezing Over Moon – Ojibwe
  • Mourning Moon
  • Deer rutting moon
  • Snow moon
  • Milk Moon – pre-colonal South Africa
  • Leaf Fall Moon (Yapa Huktugere Nuti) Catawba – Native American origins
  • Frost moon
  • Slaughter or Butcher month – Norse origins (Gormánuður)
  • Darkest Depths Moon – Celtic origins
  • Digging moon
  • Little Winter Moon (Tahch’asap’aratohku) Tunica – Native American origins

Who is Taurus?

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 Taurus. So who is Taurus?

Taurus the second sign of the zodiac symbolized by the headstrong bull is the sign that anchors us to stability. As a fixed Earth sign; Taurus is the fortified mountain on which we stand amongst the spinning chaos of life. Taurus is the steady, grounding force of the Earth. Since Taurus is ruled by the planet Venus we look for stability in the sense of comfort, in the material things that make us feel secure, safe, and bring us tangible pleasure. The headstrong bull of Taurus provides you with inner strength and a deep connection to what truly matters to you.

Taurus Constellation

Taurus is one of largest constellations in the northern sky. The constellation is symbolized by the bull’s head. Not only that it is one of the oldest constellations and one of the first ones to spoken and written about. Its history dates back to the Bronze Age .It sits in the evening sky close to the famous constellation Orion and it includes a famous star cluster the pleidess.

According to Greek mythology, the constellation Taurus was placed in the sky by the god Zeus. That’s because Zeus changed himself into a beautiful white Bull to win the affections of the Phoenician princess Europa. After Europa hopped onto the Bull’s back, the Bull swam across the Mediterranean Sea, taking Europa all the way to the island of Crete. Later, Zeus and Europa became the parents of Minos, the legendary king of Crete. In another Greek myth, Zeus’s wife, Juno, changed her lover, Io, into a heifer or bull to hide her from Zeus

Meanwhile, the Zuni of New Mexico used the Pleiades cluster as an agricultural calendar. When the Pleiades – which the Zuni called the Seed Stars – disappeared into the western dusk in spring, they knew it was safe to plant their seeds, as the danger of frost had passed.

Now for the oldest myth I can find. In Babylonian mythology, the bull was known as the Heavenly Bull, or MUL.APIN. This constellation is connected to the story of Gilgamesh. He was the king of the Sumerian city state of Uruk. In the book The Epic of Gilgamesh, the king has to fight the Heavenly Bull. This animal was sent by the goddess Ishtar to kill Gilgamesh. She was so angry at him for not falling for her advances that she thought he deserved to die. Gilgamesh is considered to be represented by the constellation Orion, which is right next to Taurus. The story goes that they are still fighting their battle in the skies.

Taurus the rock of stability

Taurus brings in a solid rock foundation of deep stability. This is the rock around which all the duality of life is spinning. Taurus as an archetype is earthy, fortified like a mountain, and all about the sensations of nature around us. It often asks us to connect to our bodies and to the tangible, material parts of our life experience. On our journey there, Taurus also asks us to backtrack. To go back to the foundation and core of who we are and the intentions we are setting. Before releasing and letting go for change, this Moon wants us to first look to our core truths, values, and motivations. To make sure we are planting seeds of intentions we truly desire to be sown by first releasing what no longer needs to grow.

Taurus The Sign Of Money

Taurus has a reputation for abundance, in all its earthly delights. Taurus is a money ruler, so we can focus on opportunities to improve our financial situations and plan for the future. Whether it’s budgeting, saving, or investing, this is a good time to take stock of your resources and recognize the value of your hard work. By doing so, you can align your financial life with your personal values, leading to a more secure future. During this full moon, we can maximize resources we have, and get our hands on new resources. This can help improve stability and security in our lives, and as we improve stability and security, we can get more opportunities for money and resources.

Taurus The Sign Of The Body

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

Themes of the Taurus Full moon

Every full Moon contains its own themes, which are related to the sign that it falls under. This time, we experience the full Moon in the grounded, secure, stable, pleasurable, practical, headstrong, and rooted sign of the bull in Taurus. When the Full Moon in Taurus graces the sky, it offers cosmic guidance for grounding yourself in the present moment. The Taurus full Moon, is a powerful moon that amplifies Taurus’ grounded energy, focusing your attention on practical matters and what brings you inner peace.

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 our body, security, and stability will feel a need to take intentional steps down the path where all our goals will be met. So, try and have any of your workings based on these topics, and be grounded in those seeds of intention you had planted on the new moon. Don’t forget this full moon is layered with many energies for you to connect to as well like Samhain lingering and the meticulous building abilities of the beaver as your prepare for the winter ahead.

What To Be Cautious Of With The Taurus Full Moon

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

Taurus and duality

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

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

How to connect to the Taurus Full moon

Now, that we have talked about the themes of this secure, stable, grounded, and abundant Taurus beaver 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. First, make sure to do all of your staples that your learned in the previous blog post linked here for you 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 to this moon in the most effective way. With the Moon in Taurus, magic associated with protection, your physical body, grounding to the Earth, your finances, and experiencing life’s pleasures are highlighted now. You can also perform magic associated with preparation, rebirth, transition, and introspection under this full moon as well. Remember these are just some of the many ideas, follow your intuition and the energy of this moon. You can find more ways to connect to the moon and more information on many of these forms of magic on my Pinterest page here and my Facebook here.

  • Abundance spells, job spells, business spells, and money spells
  • Balance your root chakra- You can learn more about energy work in my previous blog post and on my pinterest page
  • Mindfully be outside
  • Connect to and work with deities of the fall and/or Samhain
  • Focus on building your sense of self worth
  • Meditation and Visualization
  • create a simmer pot to call calmness and tranquility to your home or to aid in peaceful sleep and rest
  • Love yourself through self care
  • focus on preparing for the long winter months ahead
  • Practice Grounding or Earthing
  • Add the symbol of the beaver to your altar when you refresh it
  • Journal
  • budget, bay off debt, or make a saving goal plan
  • Rituals focused on giving thanks and gratitude
  • Look for cracks in the foundation of your schedule, routine, and life and make the changes to fix them
  • create boundaries and dam necessary areas and relationships in your life
  • Fertility magic-Since Taurus is connected to the element earth it is a great time for fertility magic.
  • Divination
  • Transformation and renewal spells and magic
  • Love spells and magic
  • Sex magic
  • Have an at home spa
  • Nourish your body with fresh veggies and fruits
  • Self reflection- You can do this through mirror magic
  • Cleansing
  • 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
  • Burn Bay leaves with the things you wish to release written on them
  • Deepen your experience with your senses by developing your clairs- For a guide to help you do this you can book a guided session with me or purchase my ebook here
  • Self care ritual bath
  • Work with the element earth in your magical workings and spells
  • Mindfully connect to your body
  • REST!
  • 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.

Reflection questions for Taurus 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 beavers full moon in Taurus.

  • What dams need to be released in your emotions to fully heal and move on?
  • Where are you receiving abundance in your life and where are you lacking abundance?
  • How can you connect more to your physical body in your every day life?
  • How do you respond to change in your life? Do you go with the flow or dig your hooves in and fight it? How can you respond to change with more grace?
  • In what areas of your life do you not feel secure and safe?
  • How can you bring more safety and security to your life?
  • What cracks are in the foundation of your daily routine and schedule that need to fixed?
  • What areas of my life do you need to slow down and be more present in so you can enjoy the simple pleasures of life more?
  • In what areas of your life do you overindulge and need to adjust your intake of?
  • How can I be present in nature daily to ground back to your sense of self?
  • In what ways am I clinging to material things that are no longer serving me?

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 Taurus are:

  • I am grounded, stable, and secure
  • The love I show to myself is reflected back to me in others
  • I enjoy all the simple pleasures in life
  • I am abundant and money flows to me easily and swiftly
  • I create a strong foundation by releasing what no longer serves me
  • I am connected to my body and listen to it’s needs
  • I release all blocks that have stopped me from allowing me to receive abundance
  • I attract all that I need
  • I connect to the foundation of myself for strength and fortitude

Root Meditation For Taurus Full Moon

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

How to do:

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

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

How to box breathe:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wrap up

The full moon aligned with the steadfast bull invites us to slow down, tune into our senses, and connect with the physical world. This is a time to indulge in life’s simple pleasures allowing us to connect back to ourselves and back to the Earth. Allow the rays of the Taurus full moon to illuminate your needs for safety and security. Allow this full moon to remind you that you have a solid foundation to stand on to feel grounded, safe, and supported during the chaos of life.

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

Come join Divination Academy and myself on Friday November 15th @ 8:00pm CST in Facebook live to connect to the stable and grounded Taurus full moon. If the feed cuts out a prerecorded video will also be posted that morning for you to have access too! RSVP to the invite to get notified when we go live!

https://www.facebook.com/share/181W6FRjWb

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

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

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Entering a new chapter of manifestation through the 11/11 portal

Certain dates hold a special significance in the terms of celestial alignment and they create a portal through which we can access heightened energies, spiritual insights, and opportunities for growth. The 11th of November is a really important date as it is the 11th day of the 11th month of the year and for many it is the luckiest day of the entire year. This is because it is known as the 11/11 portal. According to numerology, it is a special day when the date aligns in perfect numeric harmony, opening a powerful doorway to a brand new chapter of manifestation and spiritual awakening. This cosmic event helps you connect more deeply with your true most authentic version of yourself. This portal creates a powerful alignment of cosmic forces that opens a gateway to transformation, renewal, manifestation, abundance, and purpose. The 11/11 Portal offers a reminder that we are creators of our lives and it offers a door way for us to walk through to be able to grab onto all that we want to manifest. The 11:11 Portal is a day of reflection, meditation, and connection. It is a reminder to pause, check in with ourselves, and realign with our sacred purposes through a doorway of magical and other worldly alignment.

First, What is a portal?

A portal is an energetic gateway or doorway that creates a powerful opportunity to connect with higher energies. We can make the most of each portal if we work with the incoming energies and channel, anchor, and integrate them.

The importance of numbers
In numerology, every number from 0 to 9 is a symbol and is therefore highly significant. Symbols are the language of the soul and patterns of numbers work together like a code. We can use days like these to connect more fully and readily with our higher nature and choose to elevate our consciousness.

In numerology, the number 1 represents the beginning of all creation. Then the number 11 is very unique number being a “Master Number” and it’s one of only three. A master number, which means it has a unique vibration and a high level of spiritual significance. It’s believed to represent a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms. 11 itself is associated with intuition, spiritual awakening, and enlightenment.

The meaning of 11/11 portal

11/11 portal is viewed as a time when the universe is in alignment to amplify one’s intentions. It’s thought to be the ideal time for manifesting desires and clarifying goals. The 11/11 portal is a cosmic nudge encouraging us to stay on our spiritual path or to set intentions for what we deep in our souls wish to manifest. It is a doorway to the energy of getting everything we desire. It is a moment when we can access higher realms of understanding and tune in to deeper truths about ourselves that we usually keep hidden. This portal guides us to shedding old patterns, releasing fears, and embracing change.

The 11/11 Portal and Duality

Since, I am a grey witch every single energy I choose to align myself with I look for how I can connect to it in the sense of duality and balance. With this portal it may seem like, there is no way an energy swirling with abundance, wealth, manifestation, renewal, and transformation can be anything but, a wanted thing and a wanted energy? Well, every single energy we work with is dualistic and this energy is no different.

When we are putting our energy, faith, and hope behind a wish to manifest it we must first go into the dark. We must first go into the shadow of our soul to figure out what we are missing. We have to go into the shadows to see what it is we are lacking. In order for us to be clear in the wish and intention we set today we have to fist experience the duality of our reality. This isn’t always a wanted, fun, and cheery place to be. It opens us up to being open and honest with ourselves about what we have and what we don’t. But, than moving through the darkness, and place of lacking into an energy of deserving and bringing it to you.

How To Work With Portals In General

Portal days are a prime opportunity to refocus on ourselves. Below are some ways you can do that with portals in general on portal days when they are open and active.

Listen to your gut feeling: Portal days are not the time for overthinking decisions. Instead, listen to your intuition and trust the inspirations that come to you on these days.

Movement: Energy needs to flow, so make sure you get enough exercise on portal days. For example, you could start the day with some yoga or plan a walk during your lunch break. This will ground you and sharpen your focus at the same time.

Get enough sleep: In order to be as physically and mentally prepared as possible, healthy sleep is essential. Portal days demand a lot from you, so make sure you get enough sleep or take short rest breaks in between.

Journalling and manifestation: Hold on to your thoughts and ideas by visualising them on a goal board or writing them down in your journal. This not only prevents you from forgetting them again, but also brings order to your potential chaos of thoughts.

Create rituals: Everything has a more intense effect on portal days. This includes the opportunity to create new rituals, reinforce existing ones or overhaul old ones. Rituals ensure consistency and can help us to really put our new insights into practice and integrate them permanently into our everyday lives.

How to use the 11/11 portal Specifically

This year, the 11/11 portal occurs on the same day Venus enters Capricorn. The planet of love finds practical commitment in this sign. Therefore, this is an optimal time to manifest love and relationship growth. Career and monetary growth is also ideal under a Capricorn Venus transit on 11/11. 11/11 is a great time for self-reflection, looking back at your journey, and setting intentions for the future, knowing that the Universe is working in your favor. Use the 11/11portal to connect with your higher self, gain clarity on your goals, and create a powerful intention that will manifest with remarkable speed and efficiency.

Bay leaf 11/11 wish ritual

If you want to maximize your manifestation, perform your ritual on 11/11 at 11:11 am or pm. This is the ideal pocket of time to get clear on what you want and ask the universe for whatever your heart desires. Call in your ideal life and the experiences you wish to have. Once you have a clear idea of what you truly want, you can use this bay leaf manifestation ritual below to usher it into existence.

What you will need:

A fire safe bowl, bay leaves, a pen, a lighter or matches

How to perform:

5-10 minutes before 11:11am or pm, take the time to get yourself into sacred container focusing on the energy of manifestation, your dreams coming true and your the deepest wish in your heart for this year. The amplified energy of this date is thought to enhance the manifestation process, aligning your desires with the flow of the universe. Remember, the more specific and intentional you are, the more powerful the outcome can be. Once you feel set in that intention take your bay leaf and pen and on one side of the bay leaf write that manifestation and wish on it. Then flip it over and on the other side write 11 11. Next, focus again on your wish and intention and right at 11:11 light your bay leaf on fire releasing this wish to the multiverse with the energy of the master number behind it.

Other ways to work with this portal

  • Use the whisper method
  • meditate on the concept of abundance and what it means to you
  • Do shadow work to identify your true desire and wish for today
  • auto scripting
  • Write a gratitude list and read out loud in thanks for what you already have
  • Sex magic either solo or with a partner is very potent for manifestation today
  • Start a goal/vision board for
  • Set some new SMART goals
  • Key magic to unlock new doorways and paths
  • Divination like tarot, runes, or using pendulums for yes/no answers

Wrap up

There are many ways to work with the 11/11 portal like, ritual, ceremony, meditation, prayer, channeling, or sacred gatherings. These practices serve to amplify our intentions, deepen our connection to the divine, and align us with the transformative energies of the portal. We can use our own unique way to honor the 11/11 Portal and embrace its gifts of renewal, transformation, and manifestation. Embrace this sacred time as an opportunity for growth, healing, and spiritual evolution, trusting in the guidance of the multiverse/cosmos and the wisdom of our own inner knowing/ intuition. When this portal opens up to you, you can walk through to a new reality of unlimited abundance, bliss, and peace

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

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

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Working With The Primordial Greek Goddess of Night and Chaos; Nyx

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
  • colors- black, dark blue, silver, white
  • Themes-darkness, hidden secrets, mysteries, chaos, wisdom, transformation, Cyclicality, creation, destruction, motherhood, fertility, divine feminine, night, dreams, protection
  • Herbs- moonflower, cinnamon, peppermint, mugwort, lavender, poppy, jasmine, honeysuckle, nightshade ,Queen of the Night, Ref Flare Water Lily, Dragon Fruit Cactus, Evening Primrose
  • Stones/ crystals- labradorite, lapis lazuli, moonstone, agate, snowflake obsidian, black tourmaline, onyx, selenite
  • 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.

  • Milk
  • Items with stars on it
  • Moonwater
  • Owl figurines
  • things you have created like poems, pieces, of art
  • red wine
  • Coffee beans
  • Dark chocolate
  • Eggs
  • Dark colored feathers
  • things with the symbol of the moon on it
  • poppy seeds
  • black mirror
  • black veil
  • Images of her or statues of her
  • moon cakes
  • black and blue candles

Ritual for when you feel lost or stuck

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
  • Invoke her during Samhain
  • Ask her to guide you into the underworld
  • Ancestral magic and generational healing

Why work with Nyx

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.

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

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

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Working with the magic of November; gratitude, introspection, and preparation

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 Muertos aka 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.

Other sacred days and celebrations

  • All Soul’s Day
  • All saints day
  • Samhain
  • Guy Fawkes Night
  • Feast Day of St. Martin of Tours
  • 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!

  • Planet- Pluto
  • Animal- scorpion, owls, goose, jackal, raven, beaver, deer, hawk, snake
  • Element- water and fire
  • colors-Orange, yellow, brown, white, black
  • Symbol-Marigolds, sugar skulls, candles
  • Herbs- hops, cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, mugwort, Patchouli, rosemary, star anise, marigold, peppermint, sage, wormwood, dragon’s blood, chrysanthemum
  • Stones/ crystals- Obsidian, smoky quartz, topaz, onyx, apache tear, tiger’s eye, amethyst, lapis lazuli,
  • 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
  • Elemental magic with the element of water or fire
  • 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
  • Simmer pot for gratitude and abundance
  • Transformation and transition spells and rituals
  • Pumpkin magic- protection, abundance, love
  • Herbal magic-brew teas especially
  • Apple magic-prosperity, protection, love, manifestation
  • Use pumpkin seeds for fertility magic
  • Protection magic– most potent right now will be banishing, hexing, binding, and cord cutting rituals
  • Abundance and gratitude magic- one of my favorites this month is using drinks like hot chocolate and apple cider to call in abundance daily to my life
  • Bake fresh loaves of bread and add sigils to the dough for good health and prosperity
  • Candle magic
  • Leave an offering for Hestia at your hearth to bring warmth into your home during the winter months
  • Take a mindful walk in nature and find pockets of liminal space to work with during the last days of fall
  • Set SMART goals and intentions for your manifestations for the witches new year
  • Cleanse your home, altar, and tools
  • Ancestral magic like graveyard magic
  • Create a symbol of the harvest, gratitude, and abundance; the cornucopia and place it in your kitchen, near your hearth or on your altar
  • Journal reflecting about the past year than take the piece of paper and burn it in a fire
  • Add sigils for protection and good health to the lids of your jars as you prep your winter food stores
  • Work with deities of the underworld and darkness or deities of the fall and the harvest
  • 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.

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

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

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Dive into the depths of your emotions to shed your skin and transform during the Scorpio new moon

We are entering a new lunar phase on November 1st; the New moon. As the Moon changes signs approximately every 2-3 days, we feel the influence over our moods and intuition shift. This month we find the moon in the investigative, intuitive, passionate, emotional, sensual, and transformative, sign; Scorpio. The Scorpio New Moon on November 1st, brings a lot of intensity and passion, especially focused on new beginnings, new ventures, new relationships, and the beginning of new karmic cycles. The energy of this Scorpio new moon will feel very similar to that of the lunar eclipse. It’s a time for purging, changing, and reassessing our lives. This new Moon, more than others this year, opens a doorway to the subconscious, allowing us to see energies normally hidden. With the energy of the transformative, investigative, and intuitive Scorpio new moon happening right when the veil is the thinnest during the year, it is time for us to become intimately aware and familiar with our shadows and what we keep hidden. Which can allow us to grab onto this moment of profound transformation and self-discovery. We likely need to work on a major transformation, and this can be intense, but ultimately leads to solutions and frees us. This is a time when you’ll look within to truly understand the depths of your feelings. This period of introspection could lead to greater self-awareness as well as an awareness of those around you including your relationships with others and yourself. This Scorpio new moon will have us diving into an ocean of emotion asking us to look at how we support not only others but ourselves. Giving us the passion to speak up and express what it is we need to feel supported that is seeded deep within our hearts. Come dive into the depths of your emotions and investigate what you find there to shed your current skin in transformation with the Scorpio new moon in this blogpost.

New moon what it is and why we honor it

Every month, the New Moon carries us over the threshold of a new beginning. So, let’s talk about the new moon in general before we reorder the soils of our lives with new moon in Virgo. 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. But, remember every intention set requires action and energy from your part as well. You can’t just set an intention and miraculously it is yours. You must also put the movement of energy behind it with action steps.

The new moon energy is there to support you in manifesting what you want. The new moon is a time to allow new ideas and energy to flow with you. It is a time to honor new beginnings, and the turning over of a cycle. Think of these intentions as seeds you are planting for this lunar cycle to be ready to harvest by the full moon. Use this time to rest, reflect, and plant what you will grow just as your ancestors across many cultures did while there was little light in the night sky for them to use.

Each New Moon is unique, offering its own magic within each month. To learn more about the foundations of working with the new moon, and how it affects you, read more here in my previous blog post.  And to learn more about the moon in general and lunar magic you can read my comprehensive guide on the topic here. You can also watch my class on YouTube with Divination Academy here!

So, who is Scorpio?

Scorpio, the ruler of the 8th house is one of the most misunderstood signs of the zodiac. Because of its incredible passion and power, Scorpio is often mistaken for a fire sign. In fact, Scorpio is a fixed water sign that derives its strength from the psychic, emotional realm. Scorpio is associated with the underworld and the dark side of human nature. That is because it is ruled by the planet Pluto, who has dominion over the underworld, aka the realm of the dead. But, keep in mind dark doesn’t mean evil or bad, it simply means the absence of light, and the stuff hidden out of our sight. Scorpio is a unique sign though, because it is thought to be dually ruled. Scorpio’s traditional ruler is the planet Mars. This accounts for the somewhat aggressive and manipulative nature of the scorpion we see, representing this sign with it’s venomous sting. The modern ruler of the sign is Pluto, which emphasizes its themes of transformation, death and rebirth.

The Scorpio Constellation

The Scorpius constellation is located in the Southern celestial hemisphere, where it sits near the center of the Milky Way. It is also one of the brightest constellations in the sky.

In Greek mythology, the constellation Scorpius was identified with the scorpion sent by Gaia, that stung Orion, the mythical hunter. This was all after he claimed there was no animal on Earth he couldn’t kill. When Orion began bragging, he would kill every animal, the Earth goddess Gaia sent Scorpius the Scorpion to sting and kill Orion instead. Ever since the two lie opposite each other in the sky, and Orion is said to be fleeing from the scorpion as it sets just as Scorpius rises. In one version of the myth, Orion tried to rape the virginal goddess Artemis and she sent the scorpion to punish him for that violation.

In another part of the world Hawaii, it has a different tale attached to another figure Maui. In Hawaii, they know Scorpio as the demigod Maui’s Fishhook. One day Maui went fishing with his brothers in their outrigger canoe. He brought with him a magic fishhook, instructing his brothers that whatever he caught with it, they were to continue paddling and never look back. Maui caught a huge object and asked his brothers to paddle harder while he pulled the line. As Maui hauled, many rocks appeared. The more he pulled, the more rocks appeared. Finally, he pulled hard enough that the large chunks of land surfaced from the ocean, which became known as Hawaii.

Scorpio the scorpion

The scorpion is Scorpio’s primary symbol. Scorpions inflict disabling stings with their tails, and they’re considered rather cunning and/or vengeful. The scorpion is an amazing, complex creature that is bent on survival. It’s hostile, defensive, cautious, and has a keen sense of its surroundings. Scorpions crawl on the ground, hide in dark corners, and, if threatened, strike out with their deadly tails. Much like the Scorpion would rather kill itself than be killed, Scorpio is the Sign giving us the ultimate control over our destiny.

Themes for the Scorpio new moon

Every New Moon contains its own themes, which are related to the sign that it falls under. This time, we experience the New Moon in the investigative, intuitive, passionate, emotional, sensual, and transformative sign of the scorpion; Scorpio. The Scorpio New Moon is all about diving into the depths of your subconscious and riding the waves of our emotions to healing, hidden secrets and deep transformation. It’s about being brave enough to confront the dark parts of your life and who you are allowing it to heal your deepest scars and alchemize it into power and manifesting the life you truly want. This Scorpio new moon is an opportunity to plant seeds of transformation and invite profound and lasting change in our reality by letting go of what has run its course or no longer serves us. This new moon coming right after the veil being pulled back on Samhain night creates a very cyclical karmic energy adding a boost to the already present energy of new beginnings. Let’s explore some of the themes and energies of Libra deeper below.

Let’s explore some of the themes and energies of Scorpio deeper below.

Scorpio the sign of alchemy and transformation

Scorpio rules over the process of alchemy and transformation. Scorpio is all about who you are becoming in relationship to life and the journey of embodying your true authentic power. This is because, it is not only a water sign connected to our emotions and intuition but, also ruled by the planet Pluto. Pluto, is the planet of transformation, the underworld, and death. This means death in the sense that something comes to an end and transforms into something else (very similar to the Death card in tarot). I talk about this all the time in my classes. Death is crucial and central to every area of our lives especially when it comes to profound transformation, healing, and enlightenment. A death of some kind must happen for something to be born. This is an opportunity to WELCOME and honor how you are changing shape. It is Scorpio who companions us on the journey to the underworld as we look at the areas of our life that need our tender love and compassion. Take advantage of this transformational moment and try not to run away from the darkness and the breaking apart. The intention is to break to rebuild. Scorpio has this ability to regenerate and transform like no one else and always comes out stronger from a battle. As the sign of extremes, Scorpio energy can draw out both our darkest shadows and our most enlightened selves.

Scorpio the sign of Investigating the dark and deep

Have you already heard that Scorpio is the most intense sign of the zodiac? This is because it’s a water sign, so it’s ruled by emotions, and is always looking inside like a detective. Its gaze is investigative and never fears the truth. A new moon Scorpio is known as a time of deep introspection caused by the depth of our emotions. Scorpio isn’t afraid to explore dark or deep things, making it a very psychic and investigative sign that isn’t afraid of diving deep into dark depths of the ocean in our hearts. And like the depths of the ocean even if we come up for a breath Scorpio will pull you relentlessly back down, again, and again, and again. Down, into the depths of your emotions until you no longer fight the waves of your emotions but, succumb to the ebb and flow of the endless waves. This period of introspection could lead to greater self-awareness as well as an awareness of those around you. This ability to get in touch with the intricacy of your own emotions gives you the insight needed to understand others’ motivations. Don’t be surprised if you have a few light bulb moments during this time.

Scorpio the sign of unleashed sexual desires

Scorpio is the sign most closely associated with sex: this is due to their enigmatic nature which is what makes them so seductive and beguiling. This sign even rules our reproductive and sexual organs! Sex isn’t solely about pleasure for these sensual scorpions though. They also crave the physical closeness, spiritual illumination, and emotional intimacy sex can provide. When the moon is in the sign of Scorpio it is oozing sexual passion, and desire. With it also being a time about going into your dark depths you may have some desires being illuminated you normally shy away from or simply have not acknowledged. This is the perfect time to not run and hide from them but, to approach them without fear and experience the waves of pleasure those dark sexual desires can bring you and your partner. Use this energy to expand and unleash your sexual pleasure with your deepest sexual desires coming to the surface from the depths where you let them usually rest. Than tap into the enlightenment, enhanced intimacy, and manifestations powers this boosted raw sexual power can have in your sex magic.

What To Be Cautious Of This Scorpio New Moon

Since Scorpio has a tendency to bring anything hidden to the surface, your truth radar may be sending you additional communications. Listening to your gut instinct is important now, and especially due to the volatility of this energy. But, be very mindful to exercise emotional maturity if something needs to be addressed. It could be easy, during this window, to end up in emotional drama, conflict, or to simply blow up on others with our words. So stay conscious of your emotional awareness and use this powerhouse energy to fuel your desires instead of getting steeped in drama, conflict, and damaged relationships.

Scorpio new moon and duality

Since, I am a grey witch every single energy I work with I look for the duality in that energy and how I can connect to it. First, let’s talk about the duality of Scorpio. I find a lot of duality in Scorpio from the give and take of sexual passion, to the spectrum of our emotions we feel. But the most profound aspect of duality with Scorpio I feel is it’s investigative nature with our emotions and the deepest parts of ourselves. The need to dive deep into our subconscious, and investigate the feelings we keep hidden in dark can be a powerful container of duality. It’s a time when we are called to sit with the uncomfortable truths within us, the ones we’ve been avoiding, and allow them to lead us toward profound personal growth. The balance between these forces can feel like a dance between surrender and action, and healing and discomfort.

Second; the new moon itself is all about duality and illuminating the night sky in both light and shadows. The new moon is all about rebirth, renewal, and the beginning of a new cycle, which puts you in a transitional liminal space, energy, and time. In order for you to be in a space to begin again, to transition, and be reborn you had to just come from and ending and death. If you want to know more about duality and being a grey witch you can watch my class with Divination Academy about it here.

Correspondences for the Scorpio new moon

First, what is a correspondence? A correspondence is an item or symbol that is meant to connect you to a specific energy thru it’s representation. It is seen also as an item to respect, honor, and venerate that energy as well whether it be a deity, an archetype energy , or the zodiac energy the moon is currently in like Scorpio, that 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-Pluto and Mars
  • Element- Water
  • Symbol- The scorpion
  • Modality- Fixed
  • Day- Tuesday
  • Body part- Genitals, and reproductive organs
  • colors- Red, black, grey
  • Phrase/motto- “I desire”
  • Chakra- Sacral Chakra
  • Herbs/flowers- ginger, myrrh, Cumin, geranium, chrysanthemum, basil, rosemary, nettles, devil’s club, hisbiscus, guarana, damiana, peony, yarrow, mud root, coriander, honeysuckle, blood root, dragons blood
  • Stones/crystals- Topaz, serpatine, black obsidian, bloodstone, garnet, ruby, smoky quartz, jasper, oynx, malachite, citrine, turquoise, aquamarine, opalite, moonstone
  • tarot- Death card

How to connect to the Scorpio new moon

Now, that we have talked about the themes of this Libra new moon and how it is going to affect you let’s talk about how you can specifically connect to and work with this moon. First, make sure to do all of your staples that your learned in the previous blog post on the new 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. This Scorpio new moon is a time to focus on shadow work, past life regression, ancestral magic, divination, and other deep transformative practices. Remember these are just some of the many ideas. Follow your intuition and the energy of this moon. Below is a list of ideas on how to connect to and work with the Scorpio new moon.

  • Shadow work focused on deep emotions and trauma
  • elemental magic with water
  • Therapy of any kind
  • Sex magic and spells
  • Lunar magic
  • Set intentions and plant seeds for complete transformation
  • Ritual moon bath
  • Make a spell jar representing Scorpio and add to your altar or bedroom
  • Connect to Samhain that just took place
  • Connect to your Sacral chakra
  • Explore your sexuality and sexual desires
  • Meditation and visualization work
  • write a gratitude list and reflect on all the tranformation you had this past year
  • Divination- especially water scrying, apple peel reading
  • Water emotion release ritual
  • Inner child work
  • Start a mindful journaling practice
  • Sit with your emotions
  • Get lost in a mystery
  • Confront someone you need the truth from
  • Fertility spells and magic
  • expand your intuition by listening to your gut
  • Focus on abundance
  • Create sacred space for your emotions
  • Commit to healing, growing, and transforming however that looks to you
  • Connect to the dead, spirits, and your ancestors with graveyard magic
  • Connect to sex deities like pan or lilith
  • connect to deities of the underworld, rebirth and transformation
  • Transformation and rebirth magic and spells
  • moonlight bathe in the nude
  • Create a simmer pot for increased passion adn expression in your home
  • Spend time in stillness, silence, and solitude
  • Set goals for the witches new year
  • mirror work
  • Cleanse yourself, and your home from unwanted energies and entities

Shadow work questions for the Scorpio new moon

Like we’ve talked about over and over again in this post this new moon is a deeply emotionally time calling to us from the deep. Guiding us to confront the things hidden in the dark the depth of water creates. Forcing us to experience the crash of each wave, as we dive down again and again until we think there isn’t much more we can take. Then we finally get a ride while resting on the protective scorpions back, to the shore once more. Standing up tall as we shed our old skin transforming among the sands of the shore taking a deep breath in. Whether you do it thru meditation, actual shadow work, or just journaling while in reflection; below is a list of prompts and topics to connect with the energy of the Scorpio new moon.

 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 rebirth would like to experience this new moon?
  • How can you connect more to your passions?
  • In what was have you been self sabotaging in your life and relationships?
  • What emotions are waiting in the deep for you to confront?
  • What hidden sexual desires are willing voice and act on?
  • How can you use your emotions to transform you into the next version of who you are?
  • What past wounds and hurts still sting are you willing to now release?
  • What patterns am I willing to transform and how?
  • What words deep within the depths of my heart do I need to finally express?
  • What fears, secrets, or hidden elements do I need to face?
  • Where have I given my power away to others?
  • How in my life can create more intimacy in my relationships?
  • How have a already transformed, changed, and grown and where in my life do I still have more room to transform and grow?
  • Are there parts of myself that I hide away from others and consider “dark”?
  • How can I change my life by being more vulnerable with myself?
  • In what ways can a reconnect to my emotions everyday with self care?

Scorpio New moon transformation spell

This spell some may not be able to do but, if you can it connects you to the energy of water and the transformative energy Scorpio sends crashing into our souls this new moon. Lending you the power the darkness and depths our emotions churning in the waters of our soul have. To do this spell you need to be able to get yourself somewhere sacred in the woods where you may find a running river, creek, or brook.

What you will need: a spell bag or pouch, a piece of paper and pen, rosemary, ginger, coriander, tea leaves, cinnamon, mint, lavender, Dandelion (flower or seeds)

How to perform: Go to a wooded area and find a tree with a branch hanging near your water source. Sit down, and get yourself into sacred container. Taking in a deep breath and focusing on the smells, sights, and sounds of the transformation in nature all around. Then with a deep willingness and readiness in your heart to change, grow, and transform take your pen and paper and write your intention. Once done take the paper and place it into your pouch or spell bag locking your commitment and intention to change inside. With your next big breath take your herbs and add them as well if you would like you could even add a piece of hematite. Then hold your spell bag in your hands once again taking in a deep breath pulling in the energies of transformation all around especially the running water you have found. Envision the intention you had set and all the work it will take to go deep within the depths of your emotions to transform your life and how you feel. Then with your next deep breath take your bag knotting it tight locking your intention to transform with Scorpio guiding you tonight. Next take your spell bag and tie it to a branch with water running near, leaving it here for the water, the wind, and the Scorpio new moon to fuel your intention of transformation this eve.

Ritual Full Moon Bath

Taking a moon bath is an extremely soothing way to harness the power of this moon phase. A Moon bath can be an especially powerful practice when the Moon is transiting the water signs of Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. This is because the element of water is activated, i.e charged up – like a crystal, it has more potential to HOLD intention and frequency. So, this new moon take a ritual bath to help you connect to your depth of your emotions in Scorpio right now. I would recommend to have your items added to your bath right now be focused

Top tip: Using Moon water in your ritual bath will take it to the next level!

Sex Magic To enhance your sex life

With this new moon in Scorpio being so deeply connected to our sexual desires, passions, and energy this moon is an extremely potent time for any type of sex magic and sex work. This includes doing spells to enhance your sex life. We can all use a little enhancement from time to time for many reasons and even if you don’t why not add some enhancement to increase your pleasure, your partners pleasure and have some really body alterating orgasms’ at that! I am passionate about sex magic and use it in my life, magical practices and my marriage ALL the time! To learn more about sex magic you can check out part two of class on the topic here and the study guide with divination academy here!

The spell below is a great spell enhance and intensify any of sexual pleasure sessions!

Carve your name and your partners name into your red candle

Anoint your candle with honey while thinking of all the passion, desire, and freedom you want to experience in your sex life.

Take your anointed candle and roll it in your cinnamon and sugar again visualizing all the passion, desire, freedom and climaxing you want to experience with your partner.

Be as specific as possible.

Light your candle during your next sex session together to ignite your passions and let it burn until it goes out on it’s own

Wrap up

The New Moon in Scorpio brings a potent opportunity to dive into the shadowy parts of ourselves, shedding old layers and making space for emotional and spiritual rebirth. It’s a time when we are called to sit with the uncomfortable truths within us, the ones we’ve been avoiding, and allow them to lead us toward profound personal growth. Scorpio’s influence over this new moon asks us to embrace the intensity of our inner world and use it as fuel for empowerment and transformation.

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

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

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Samhain; An ending and a new beginning

Samhain marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the dark months of the year. It’s also known as the witch’s new year. Samhain is a fire festival celebration that marks the halfway point between the Autumn Equinox (Mabon) and the Winter Solstice (Yule). Samhain is celebrated from sundown on October 31st to sundown on November 1st. This is considered one of the two most important fire festivals. Samhain represents the ending of the light half of the year and the beginning of the dark half. This is also thought to be the time when the veil between the worlds is believed to be thinnest, making it the perfect time for honoring the ancestors and spirits of the dead. Samhain is a sacred moment when the boundaries between worlds blur, and we can easily hear the whispers from the Otherworld. This day is all about remembering our connection to the shadows, the dark, and those who have passed on. We honor the cycles of life and death and connect with passed loved ones and ancestors, not in sorrow but in celebration. We remember their lives and recognize that death is not an end but a passage. The long nights ahead allow Nature to withdraw and rest. Samhain reminds us to embrace the darkness and face our shadows because, a new cycle is about to begin. Come peer beyond the veil hand in hand, as we dance among the graves of our ancestors in celebration waiting for the new year to begin in this blogpost.

What is Samhain?

Samhain, meaning “Summers End,” is the third and final harvest feast and festival taking place on October 31st through November the 1st, though in the Southern Hemisphere it occurs on April 30th and May 1st. Samhain, pronounced “SAH-win”, is the eighth Sabbat and final spoke on the Wheel of the Year. With ancient Celtic origins, Samhain was one of the four fire festivals, and falls at the halfway point between the Autumn Equinox, and Winter Solstice. There are many holidays that occur across the Earth happening on the same days as well; Halloween, Day of the Dead, Third Harvest, and Hallowtide. Samhain not only celebrates the final harvest before the winter frost, but also celebrates lost loved ones, and the beginning of Winter. For some, Samhain is also regarded as “The Witch’s New Year.”

History

To understand where Samhain originated from we must go back all the way to Ancient Gaelic Ireland where Samhain was originally celebrated as the Celtic festival Samhain. Samhain, pronounced Sow-en, is an ancient Celtic harvest festival that occurs annually beginning the night of October 31st through November 1st. The name of this holiday, Samhain, actually means “Summer’s End” and was also once considered the new year to the ancient Celts. It was a time when the last crops were harvested and Winter preparations began.

It was a time of preparation for the winter where communities would ensure that they had enough food for the cold months ahead. Food was gathered and animals were slaughtered in order to preserve food-stuffs for the lean winter months. The slaughtering of animals was a particularly important part of Samhain and is representative of the very themes of death and completion that this festival celebrated. The festival is thought to have originated between 400 and 1100 CE. At that time Samhain is suspected to have lasted three days and three nights.

From Celtic Festival To Religious Remembrance Day (All Saints Day)
As with most Pagan holidays eventually the Roman Catholic Church would assimilate the festivities of Samhain into a new Christian holiday, All saints day. In 835 All Saints Day (also known as Hallowmas and Hallowtide) became formally instituted by Emperor Louis the Pious and eventually came to take over the celebrations of Samhain in the British Isles. Originally it was celebrated on different days of different months around Europe but it subsequently came to take the place of Samhain by being celebrated on the 31st October and 1st November.

All Saints Day was a day of remembering Saints, those who had been martyred and those who had passed on. Christians would pray for those souls who had recently departed and might not yet have reached heaven. The Saints and Martyrs of the Catholic faith were also honored. Families would visit graves and light candles for family members that had passed on and towards the end of the 15th century, the baking and sharing of soul cakes became a common custom. Many believe that trick-or-treating originated from this custom of ‘Souling’ where the poor (often children) would go and visit homes where soul cakes would be given to them in exchange for praying for their departed loved ones. It was also common for verses, songs, and rhymes to be performed in order to earn soul cakes.

Similar Celebrations
Halloween
All Hallow’s Eve
The Witch’s New Year
The Third/Final Harvest
Calan Gaeaf “The First Day of Winter”
Oiche Shamnhna
All Soul’s Day
All Saint’s Day

Samhain Myths and legends

The Wild Hunt
One of the most compelling tales associated with Samhain is the Wild Hunt, a spectral stampede led by a god or king associated with death. The Hunt sweeps across the sky, capturing the souls of those unfortunate enough to cross its path. It is said to be most active during Samhain due to the thinning of the veil between worlds.

The Cailleach
In Scottish and Irish lore, Samhain marks the time when the Cailleach; the divine hag or the veiled one, comes to power. She carries a staff that freezes the ground beneath her, symbolizing the coming of winter.

The Tale of Stingy Jack
The practice of carving Jack-o’-Lanterns originates from the Irish tale of Stingy Jack. According to the story, Jack tricked the devil twice, leading to a curse that left him wandering the earth with only a hollowed turnip (later a pumpkin) and a burning coal to light his way.

The thinning of the veil

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, many spiritual traditions recognize a time known as the Thinning of the Veil during the month of October. This concept is central to festivals of Samhain where it’s believed that the boundary between the world of the living and the world of spirits becomes thinner. So, what does the thinning of the veil actually mean? 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.

A remembrance of passed loved ones

Samhain is a festival that honors the dead, and is a time to remember ancestors in joy and reverence. With the veil being thin during this day, the souls of the dead were thought to revisit their homes, seeking hospitality amongst their loved ones from the beginning of the harsh winter cold. Samhain gives us a space for grief, a space for memories and a space to feel connected to those that we have lost, as well as our ancestors of blood, skin and bone, in a way that no other gathering does. It is a balance and fusion of sadness and joy. It allows us release and connection in the very same breath as the veil is thin. Samhain is a time of release. Instead of holding onto the past, you can let it go. It is an ending and a new beginning. We can look back and remember our ancestors, honor them, and release any grief or ties so that their souls can be free.

The Witches New Year

Samhain is also the beginning of a new spiritual year, sometimes called the Witches New Year. This makes it a perfect time to focus those intentions on new goals and the things you would most like to achieve in the coming weeks and months. This time of the year is to close the year, reflection, and set intentions for the year to come. This is when the Wheel of the Year, which represents the solstices, equinoxes and cross-quarters, now comes to an end and will start over again the following day after Samhain. Because Samhain is also known as the witch’s new year, think of it as a reset for you.

Samhain and the fae

The fae folk, known in various cultures as fairies, are often described as beings of both beauty and danger. These otherworldly creatures inhabit a realm that is both parallel and deeply intertwined with our own, especially during key seasonal moments like Samhain. In Celtic belief, faeries were closer to nature spirits, with their own laws, motivations, and moral codes. On Samhain night, the fae were said to roam freely, as the barrier between worlds weakened with the thinning of the veil. Some legends I’ve read even show that they used this time to move their courts between summer and winter homes, much like the seasonal shifts celebrated by the Celts themselves. It was both a time Gifts were left outside homes to appease them, as the fae were known to either bestow good fortune or bring about mischief, depending on how they were treated.

Samhain 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 festival and holiday of Samhain. this festival is all about embracing the balance between endings and beginnings which is one way to view duality in our lives.. It’s a time when the veil between our world and the spirit realm is its thinnest, inviting profound connections with ancestors (the past)and introspective insights (the future). This mix of remembrance and renewal makes Samhain not just a moment to look back in gratitude for the harvest, our passed loved ones and moments of growth, but also forward with hope to the new possibilities that colder days bring wrapped in reflection and healing.

Remember, I said above that Samhain is also recognized as the witches’ New Year, offering a chance to reflect on the past and prepare for the future. As the old year fades away and the new one begins, we find ourselves in a liminal space forcing us into the energy of duality. This is a time of transition and transformation, when anything is possible. It’s a great opportunity to engage in energy work such as meditation or visualization to help manifest your intentions for the upcoming year. Also to work on shadow work and going deep within to facilitate the death needed to happen for rebirth and transformation. The liminal space between one year ending and another beginning is a special time that should be embraced fully!

Common Traditions

The Jack O’ Lantern was brought to the New World by Scots-Irish immigrants. Grisly faces carved out of pumpkins were believed to scare off malevolent spirits and prevent them from entering one’s house on Samhain night. Hence putting them by the front door. They guard our thresholds on the day the veil is the thinnest being the one to decide who crosses it to be allowed in.

As for costumes, the tradition of guising dates back centuries. Possibly thousands of years.
Guising is the act of dressing in “disguise” and traveling from house to house in a parade or procession. Or going door to door begging for food or beverage in exchange for a skit or song. The disguises were typically bizarre and downright creepy and were also thought to either disguise the people inside OR scare off evil spirits. Now we, see it in the form of trick or treating for candy.

Our Celtic ancestors believed performing ritual and casting Samhain spells for purification and prosperity was appropriate for this time of year. It was tradition to symbolically purify their cattle by walking them between two great bonfires on Samhain Eve. People would also walk between the fires, or (more dangerously), jump over a smaller bonfire. The fire was believed to purge the soul and the physical body of negative spirits and bad luck. So that everyone and every animal was purified and healthy for a new year.

Deities of Samhain

During Samhain 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 death, transition, and the afterlife we can connect to this Samhain. Samhain 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. Let’s peer beyond the veil and dance on graves hand in hand as we take a look at the deities of the dead we can connect to during this sacred day. You can meet SOME of those deities in my previous post here.

Magical themes of Samhain

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 cultivate inner balance, honor the dead, reflect on the past year, and planning for new year ahead. It’s a very liminal time weaved with the energies of duality. Samhain is a great time to focus on spells that remind us of the joy and remembrance of our loved ones and the past. This is a very potent time to allow yourself to descend into the depths of your soul for inner work and reflection. To dance between the veil that is thinned now and the liminal space of shadows among the graves to grow, heal, and be reborn. On Samhain, 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 Samhain.

  • Ancestors
  • Death
  • Transition
  • Reflection
  • preparation
  • Shadows/ Shadow work
  • The afterlife
  • Protection
  • Cycles of life
  • Gratitude for the 2nd harvest
  • Balance
  • Prosperity
  • Divination/ Psychic intuition
  • Endings
  • New beginnings
  • Cycle of the seasons
  • Wisdom

Correspondences for Samhain

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 Samhain, 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- the moon
  • Animal-bats, cats, wolves, owls, snakes, hounds
  • Element-fire
  • colors- black, orange, purple, red
  • Herbs/flowers- cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, myrrh, rosemary, calendula, mugwort, apples, pumpkins, Frankincense, all spice, rue, sage, tobacco leaves, marigolds, bay, ginger, hemlock, nettles, madrake
  • Stones/ crystals- obsidian, amethyst, smoky quartz, carnelian, onyx, jet, ruby, bloodstone, pyrite, amber, garnet, malachite,
  • Deities-Persephone, hades, Morrigan, Anubis, Osiris, Hecate, lady hel, Lilith, cernuous, oya ,Dionysus , baba yaga, Lakshmi, santa muerte, Loki,
  • Symbols-cauldron, skulls, jack o’ lanterns, The crone, bonfires, mirrors, scythe

Ways to connect to Samhain

We have talked about many different themes, and energies you can connect to during this time from death, our ancestors, the harvest, abundance, transformation, reflection, the new year, and more. 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 Samhain, transformation, and Fall. Samhain creates a very potent liminal pocket of time that is teeming with duality, balance, and the power of transition. It’s a Sabatt that really pulls us to go deep within ourselves for introspection, reflection, self awareness, and growth. This makes it a great celebration to do any work on transformation, rebirth, and renewal through shadow work. Allowing the energy of the thinned veil to look at the past with joy and plan for the new year 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.

In your everyday life, you can work with any affirmations, mantras, and visualization work for change, rebirth, abundance, reflection, growth, the harvest, and the concept of life and death. You can also begin to turn your attention towards Yule coming next month. Don’t forget to also take the time to give thanks to your passed loved ones and ancestors for the harvest through rituals, prayers, and offerings as well especially during Samhain! Check out below more ways to work with and celebrate this holiday and time of year.

Refresh Your Altar
Another 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 grains, fallen leaves, veggies you have harvested, apples, pumpkins, symbols of death, pictures and items of your passed loved ones, and any correspondences we talked about earlier.

Bonfire Release Spell for Purification

This is a simple Samhain spell that utilizes the traditional purification sabbat bonfire. If you have a firepit or fireplace, this spell for purification is a powerful symbol to the universe. You tell the universe and the gods that you are finished with a toxic habit or person in your life, and release it in the flames.
Here’s what you’ll need for this Samhain Spell:
Paper
Pen
Source of fire (bonfire, fireplace, candle flame)

How to perform:
Gather your materials and sit by the fire. Take a few minutes to just listen to the fire crackling, and feel the heat on your skin. Gaze into the flames and connect with this powerful element of transformation and change. Next begin to think about what habit or person you are releasing this Samhain. Think about why you’re purifying your life from this thing or person. The benefit it will bring to you and how it will help you achieve your dream life. Then write the habit or person down on the piece of paper. Fold it away from you 3 times. Hold it in your hands and allow all of the unwanted thoughts and energies inside of you to “drain” out of you and into the paper. Then throw it in the fire and say, “after this Samhain, never again. Never again. I release _ from my life by the power and transformation of the Samhain fire. As it is, So mote it be.”

Simmer pot for Samhain

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 Samhain and enhanced communication with the dead.

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.

Host a dumb supper

The tradition of the Dumb Supper comes from an old belief that spirits return to dine with their loved ones on Samhain. A dumb supper is where all members of the dinner party are silent throughout the meal.. Sometimes specific spirits are invited, other times the invitation is simply open for any spirit which chooses to partake. The meal becomes an actual ritual in which the ancestors are called to join the table and so it is critical to remain silent to allow the ancestors to manifest and/or speak to us in whatever way they can.

Bobbing for apples

In addition to the typical Samhain tradition of carving pumpkins, bobbing for apples was also customary. This particular custom dates back at least a couple centuries, but has its roots in ancient times. The apple across many cultures was seen as fruit of divine and magical powers attached to prosperity, protection, love, and more. So, this Samhain why not make it a family custom to go bobbing for apples creating some fun memories and calling in all those magical energies. You can also learn more magical ways to work with apples in my previous blogpost here.

Faery Offerings
In Ireland, it’s a well-known fact that not only do the ancestors visit on Samhain but the good folk do too (aka fairies). Traditionally, the people gave offerings of food and drink to the fae to keep them appeased and from causing mischief on Samhain Eve.

Reflect on the past year and set SMART goals for the new one ahead

Since Samhain traditionally marks the Celtic New Year, now’s the time for pagans and witches alike to make New Years Resolutions and set SMART goals. Sure, you can wait until New Years Eve BUT your resolutions will be more powerful if set on Samhain night. Set with potent and powerful intention to bring to manifestation with the aid of your ancestors behind them this night. When setting new years goals it’s important to reflect on the past year as well. Take stock of what worked, what didn’t, and be brave enough to listen to the whispers of your soul guiding you on where this next year should go.

Visit Ancestors’ Graves
Another simple Samhain tradition is to visit your ancestors’ graves. This is also customary in Mexico on the Day of the Dead aka dias de los muertos; to visit and celebrate one’s ancestors’ graves. Visit the cemetery during the day and decorate their graves with flowers and leave offerings out of respect. You can also take a pot or bowl of marigolds and leave that at your front door of your home to lead them back there to join you for the night.

Graveyard magic

Samhain is magical for 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 my previous blogpost here and be prepared for when you go to dance among the graves.

Other ways to connect to Samhain

  • Cleanse and purify your home
  • Prosperity magic with pumpkins
  • make a spell jar to represent Samhain and place it on your altar
  • Set lit candles in your windows to guide your ancestors home
  • Create a pentagram wreath and hang it on your front door or hearth or altar
  • Carve pumpkins and place on your threshold
  • Use pumpkin seeds in fertility magic
  • Place 7 seeds in a pouch and carry on your person or in your purse/wallet to add increase money flow
  • host a séance
  • Meditate and contemplate on the concepts of morality, life and death
  • Pray to gods and goddesses of death, and the afterlife
  • Mirror work and mirror gazing
  • Divination is extremely potent during this time so do things like pendulum work, tarot cards, or throwing bones. Don’t forget to check out my free virtual card reading event Samhain night!
  • Create a separate altar to honor your ancestors
  • Perform spells for generational healing, grief, and letting go
  • create a gratitude list for the second harvest
  • Go on a mindful trip into nature
  • apple peel reading divination
  • Jump over a bonfire
  • Release magic with fire either candle magic or a bonfire
  • Begin prepping and planning for the winter
  • Create a goal/vision board
  • perform banishing, bindings, freezing spells, and cord cutting rituals
  • Necromancy
  • Rebirth/renewal/resurrection magic
  • make traditional soul cakes and leave them as an offering for the dead

As the leaves turn golden and a crisp chill settles in the air with whispers from loved ones for us to hear honor Samhain this year. Let Samhain create liminal space to give gratitude for the end of the harvest and prepare for the beginning of winter soon ahead. Allow the most mystical times of the year, to show you the bridge between the living world and the spirit realm. Follow the call to join your shadows and go deep within and watch this new year begin with healing, transformation, and magic. Samhain is a time of release. Instead of holding onto the past, you can let it go. It is an ending and a new beginning, enjoy this next new cycle.

To learn more about this holiday and if you would rather listen and watch than read you can check out my last year’s (2023) class and ritual here!

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

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

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Graveyard Magic and Etiquette

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
  • Use it in spells and rituals connecting to gods and goddesses of the dead and the afterlife
  • 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.

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

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Deities of spooky season; gods and goddesses of the dead, transition and the afterlife

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
  • Call on them to assist you with different types of divination like, tarot, pendulum readings, runes, or throwing bones while the veil is thin (Don’t forget to check out my free virtual tarot event)
  • 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.

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

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

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Take control of your self worth; 7 day challenge to redefine and boost your self worth

We spend so much of our time and lives seeking validation from outside sources. When validation is the most powerful coming from within. It allows us to step into our own power and build our feelings of self worth, self love, and confidence. Self worth and how we feel about ourselves will affect every area of our lives from how we show up for others, how we manifest, and the power of our magic. The importance of looking inward for approval and validation can’t be overstated when it comes to building an intentional life that is meaningful and fulfilling to you. So stop outsourcing your happiness and give this responsibility to the only person who is truly equipped for the job. YOU! Take control of your feelings of worthiness, love and confidence back into your own hands by using this 7 day challenge.

Before we get into the different ways to work on your self-worth, I want to share that I am not a therapist, but I am sharing the work I have personally done when going through cognitive behavioral therapy and Dialectical behavior therapy. These are the tools I’ve used that have helped me work on my own self-worth. Something I have struggled with quite a lot over the years and still sometimes do. Because, I am intimately aware, that many of us are broken people with broken parents from broken homes in a broken world. Trying to make something beautiful and move from a place of just surviving to thriving and being whole. We’re thrust into life without many of the tools for living, and it’s not that those tools don’t exist, but we just don’t have the time, energy, or means always to get access to them. Allow this 7 day challenge to help you bridge the gap and do just that.

What is self worth?

Self-worth is the belief that you are loveable and valuable regardless of how you evaluate your traits. Self-worth is often confused with self-esteem, which relies on external factors such as successes and achievements to define worth and can often be inconsistent leading to someone struggling with feeling worthy. When you think about it, your self-esteem could hit rock bottom, yet you still hold onto the notion that you have innate worth. Self-worth is at the core of our very selves—our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are intimately tied into how we view our worthiness and value as human beings. Self- worth really is a gauge of how much you value, love, and respect yourself.

People with healthy self-worth tend to have greater self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-love. People with high self-worth carry with them a sense of confidence that they will be all right and manage whatever comes their way. They have the ability to live with purpose, intention, and it is much easier to manage their logic and emotions to stay in wise mind. While they are aware of areas in which they can improve, they don’t let their shortcomings or weaknesses define their identity. They are not afraid to pursue opportunities and have reasonable faith in their ability to deliver while pursing their wildest dreams.

What is Self-Validation?

Self-validation involves acknowledging and accepting your strengths, achievements, positive attributes, and emotions. It also involves knowing that having imperfections and making mistakes does not take away from your worth or value. We cant rely on others to make us feel good. When we do, we allow others to dictate our worth. And we don’t trust our own thoughts, feelings, and judgments; we assume others know more than we do and their opinions matter more. Instead, we need to learn how to validate ourselves. Self-validation is a distinctive DBT skill that focuses on accepting the emotions you are experiencing. If you have trouble regulating your emotions, then you probably have a hard time accepting them in the first place as well. Learning to self-validate your emotions will help you cope with the overwhelming emotions we may have, while also allowing you to build up self worth.

Steps for validating yourself

  • Notice how you feel and what you need.
  • Accept your feelings and needs without judgment.
  • Don’t over-identify with your feelings. We want to accept our feelings and also remember that they don’t define us. Notice the subtle, but important, difference when you say I feel angry vs. I am angry or I feel jealous vs. I am jealous. Our feelings are temporary they come and go.
  • Remember, practice is an important part of learning self-validation!

Make sure your self validation looks like:

  • Encouraging yourself
  • Acknowledging your strengths, successes, progress, and effort
  • Noticing and accepting your feelings
  • Prioritizing your needs
  • Treating yourself with kindness
  • Saying nice things to yourself
  • Accepting your limitations, flaws, and mistakes

7 day challenge to redefine and boost your self worth

There are things you can do to boost your sense of self-worth and ensure that you value yourself like you ought to be valued; as a full, complete, and wonderful human being that is deserving of love and respect, no matter what. Take control of your feelings of worthiness, love and confidence back into your own hands by using this 7 day challenge to help assess, redefine, and boost your self worth.

1.Become aware
The very best thing you can do for yourself is to learn how to become more aware of your thoughts and how they affect your feelings. Our thoughts are incredibly powerful and how we decide to see an event or situation becomes our reality. This is the first step in learning how to validate yourself. You want to start the process of recognizing your thoughts, so you can stop the negativity and reframe how you see a situation, person, or event. Reframing or looking at something differently is what you are doing when you validate yourself. You are asking yourself to stop mentally beating yourself up and start appreciating the things you do well. You are recognizing the ways you are growing as a person and giving yourself the kindness you deserve.

How you can do this today, is by taking a sheet of paper and at the very top writing ” Times I invalidated myself today”. Now, throughout the day keep this paper always by your side and make a tally for each time you invalidate yourself whether out loud or in your mind. If you notice a certain thought pattern, emotion, or phrase coming up repeatedly take note of what it is on the page. Than at the end of the day sit with this page and look at how many times you tore yourself down when you could have built yourself up instead. Give yourself the warmest and most compassionate hug apologizing for forcing your mind to be fixated in place of judgement, pain, and despair. Let yourself know you understand why they may have lashed out or reacted in pain during the day. Than make yourself a promise that you will be more aware of what you think, believe and say to yourself each and every day. Starting by showing up for day two of this challenge tomorrow.

2. Accept that you need acceptance
The next step to building up our self worth through validation, is radically accepting that no matter how much we think we don’t care, we all need to feel accepted and loved. I don’t care who you are, where you are from, or how resilient you think you are. Being accepted and feeling like you belong is incredibly powerful and something we all long for. Essentially, it’s part of our DNA being something we are searching for from the moment of our births. We have to be accepted in order to survive. we need to be accepted and cared for by the people around us. At the same time, we must recognize we won’t always get that acceptance in the way we need it or the way we want it. Which means it’s on each of us to love and accept ourselves. To be the ones that can truly fulfill that need no matter where we end up or how alone we are. In order to start the process of validating yourself, you have to start the process of loving and accepting yourself wholly without judgement. That means all parts of yourself, including your thoughts, emotions, actions, opinions, and values.

How you can do this today, is by spending some time doing some brain dumping and journaling focusing on your strengths and weaknesses. This allows you to spend some time with really getting to look at each part of yourself. When you do this you are able to than validate each part of yourself by reframing your thinking and looking at it from another perspective. Seeing how those things you view as weaknesses have actually been hidden gems of resilience and pieces that make us who we are. So, those things that you have listed in the weaknesses column will be moved to the strength column with acceptance, validation, and love.

3. Do the inner work to assess how you currently view your worth

One of the most crucial steps to working on your self worth, is doing the hard and intentional work of assessing how you actually value yourself right now and what you view is your self worth. Depending on where you are at on your journey of healing, self discovery, and inner work this may be a really uncomfortable day for you. This is when you sit down alone, in a quiet, calm and sacred container where you can go deep within your heart. To really ask yourself how much do you value yourself, what is your worth, and why is it at the place it is at?

How you can do this today, is by doing some shadow work. Self discovery is the ultimate goal of shadow work and shadow work prompts are an ideal way to get to the root of your shadow. You can choose different parts of yourself and your shadow to work with each time you delve into the darkness of your soul with shadow work. So, take some time today to use the prompts below to really assess how you truly value yourself. Doing so will allow you to know how much reframing around your self worth may need to happen and provide you with a path to take to boost it to be as high as it can be.

If you would like guided 1:1 help with this you can book me for private shadow sessions in the shop!

4. Don’t Listen to all of your thoughts
The next step to building up our self worth through validation, is understanding that you don’t need to listen to every single one of your thoughts. A common expression I heard throughout DBT that stuck with me was, “Just because you have a thought, it doesn’t make it true.” We have 30,000 to 50,000 thoughts a day and research has shown that about 80% of our thoughts are either regrets from the past or fears about the future. Making a huge chunk of our thoughts based not in facts but simply assumptions and emotions. Which means our thoughts aren’t always completely reliable or truthful.

When you validate yourself, you’re asking yourself, “What else can be true?” The act of validation is about looking at a situation and thinking, “OK, this didn’t go as planned. I made a mistake and now I have to decide how I’m going to think about this situation to radically accept and move on.” In that moment, you can beat yourself up and break yourself down or you can challenge your thoughts and decide to ask yourself, “What else can be true?” “What else can I see or learn?” ” What am I responding to emotions, assumptions, or facts?”

How you can do this today is, by taking the time to mindfully sit with a situation you’ve recently reacted to in a way of anger, pain, or hurt. Look back on the situation and think about it from a perspective you may have missed in those moments by checking the facts. Doing this allows you to identify what was emotion and what was fact you were reacting you to. Giving you the ability to validate your reactions while also looking for the places where you can change how you reacted.

5. Speak words of validation to yourself out loud

When was the last time you validated yourself? I am referring to positively recognizing your thoughts, emotions or actions. When was the last time you took a moment to stop the negative chatter in your mind? Stop waiting to hear the positive words, praise or encouragement you’re craving. Tell it to yourself because you’re the only person you have complete control over.

How you can do this today, is by literally revamping your self talk and speaking words of validation out loud to yourself. You can do this anywhere you would like and whenever you would like. I find it the most helpful for myself to speak words of validation out loud to myself in the morning when I wake, when I go to bed, and than anytime throughout the day when I catch myself speaking to myself in an unkind way. I’ll even do it before a big conversation, event, or social outing.

6. Stop people pleasing and set boundaries

We are so conditioned to believe that our value is tied up in what we give instead of who we are. Many of us like myself are taught, self-worth is all about whether or not you are making someone else happy, by doing them a service or giving them things they want. This is what determines whether you’re good enough, you matter, and deserve to be loved. But, after living most of my life as a chronic people pleaser, turning that need into anxiety so extreme it became OCD. I have learned that finding your value in other people will always leave you feeling less than what your true worth is really meant to be.

How you can do this today, is by setting boundaries for yourself or saying no to something today. It’s okay to say no, to set boundaries, it doesn’t make you a selfish or bad person. You’re allowed to give what you receive. You’re allowed to form relationships where it’s give-give instead of give-take. You are allowed to say no. You are allowed to say “I can’t right now.” and most shocking of all; you are allowed to form the opinion that some people do not deserve your help

You do not have to give and give until there’s nothing left. Seek the people who fill you up, who reciprocate what you give, and who respect the boundaries that you make. Take all of that endless love and compassion and time and money that you are always giving other people, and turn a little bit toward yourself. See how good that feels. Don’t chase that feeling of worthiness from other people when you are so capable of filling yourself up and finding others who will appreciate you and respect your boundaries.

7.Determine your definition of self worth

Self-worth is a subjective concept that can fluctuate based on many variables, says Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD, a clinical psychologist and professor at Yeshiva University. Which means it’s important for us to determine how we ourselves define our own self worth. According to Dr. Romanoff, these are some of the factors that may influence self-worth:

Core beliefs and values
Thoughts and feelings
Emotions and mental well-being
Experiences and interactions with others
Relationships, both past and present
Health and physical fitness
Career and profession
Activities and hobbies
Community and social status
Financial position
Physical appearance
Childhood experiences

How you can do this today, is by taking the time to sit and mindfully reflect and honestly answer what factors are you using to determine your self worth? Then take the next step to release and let go of things that you are misplacing your value in like what others think of you, the amount of money you have, or your physical appearance.

Wrap Up

It’s important to have self-worth because it impacts everything you do from your relationships, to how you work, how you feel about yourself, and how others view you. Remember, self-worth, is based on your strengths, flaws, and who you truly are at your core when accomplishments, possessions, and acquisitions are stripped away. While it’s fantastic to be proud of your accomplishments and good to be aware of how others perceive you, a sense of self-worth is a vital part of a healthy and thriving existence. Your inherent value as a person does not stem from your accomplishments or what others think of you Ultimately remember You are the only one who determines your self-worth. If you believe you are worthy and valuable, you are worthy and valuable. Even if you don’t believe you are worthy and valuable, guess what—you still are worthy and valuable!