With Spring in the air, the days getting longer and the snow beginning to melt in some areas of the world most of us will feel a pull to refresh, rebirth, and renewal. We may even celebrate some spring holidays like, the Spring Equinox, Ostara or Easter. Whichever holiday it is you celebrate; a common symbol you will see is the Egg. The egg has been a powerful, and prominent symbol in human culture for 1000s of years far back into antiquity. The egg has been a staple not only as a food source and a center piece at breakfast time but, in magic, religion, and cultural practices as well. It can be seen in texts, art, and stories across many different cultures and even still today we see it every time spring rolls around in modern culture. Eggs symbolize fertility, birth/resurrection, Spring, nourishment and protection. Let’s roll into spring and crack open the magical uses and meanings of eggs in this blogpost.
Eggs In Cultures Throughout History
From Roman and Greek funerary rites to the birth of the Hindu god, Brahma, the egg is featured prominently in religious/spiritual traditions, folklore and celebration practices around the world. For many modern pagans, the egg symbolizes the Spring Equinox and/or Ostara and the renewal of life in the natural world. Let’s look at some more ( not all) of the ways eggs have been used in different cultures throughout history.
In Persia, eggs have been painted for thousands of years as part of the spring celebration of No Ruz, which is the Zoroastrian new year. In Iran, the colored eggs are placed on the dinner table at No Ruz, and a mother eats one cooked egg for each child she has. The festival of No Ruz predates the reign of Cyrus the Great, whose rule (580-529 b.c.e.) marks the beginning of Persian history.
In some Native American creation tales, the egg features prominently. Typically, this involves the cracking of a giant egg to form the universe, the earth, or even gods. In some tribes of America’s Pacific northwest region, there is a story about thunder eggs–geodes–which are thrown by the angry spirits of the high mountain ranges.
A Chinese folk tale tells of the story of the formation of the universe. Like so many things, it began as an egg. A deity named Pan Gu formed inside the egg, and then in his efforts to get out, cracked it into two halves. The upper portion became the sky and cosmos, and the lower half became the earth and sea. As Pan Gu grew bigger and more powerful, the gap between earth and sky increased, and soon they were separated forever.
In early Christian cultures, consumption of the Easter egg may have marked the end of Lent. In Greek Orthodox Christianity, there is a legend that after Christ’s death on the cross, Mary Magdalene went to the emperor of Rome, and told him of Jesus’ resurrection. The emperor’s response was skeptical, hinting that such an event was just about as likely as a nearby bowl of eggs suddenly turning red. Much to the emperor’s surprise, the bowl of eggs turned red, and Mary Magdalene joyfully began preaching Christianity throughout the land.
It was commonly thought in the Middle Ages and Early Modern Period that witches could use empty eggshells to “fly” to their sabbaths. Eggshells were also thought to be used as vehicles for the fairies, so it was highly encouraged to destroy your eggshells before such magical beings could put them to use.
There’s an old English superstition that if you’re a girl who wants to see who your true love is, place an egg in front of your fire on a stormy night. As the rain picks up and the wind begins to howl, the man you will marry will come through the door and pick up the egg.
In American folk magic, eggs appear regularly in agricultural stories. A farmer who wants to “set” his eggs under broody hens should only do so during the full moon; otherwise, most of them won’t hatch. Likewise, eggs carried around in a woman’s bonnet will provide the best pullets. Eggs placed in a man’s hat for safekeeping will all produce roosters. Even the eggs of certain birds are special. Owls’ eggs are said to be a sure cure for alcoholism, when scrambled up and fed to someone with a drinking problem. Dirt found under a mockingbird’s egg can be used to alleviate sore throats.
Symbolism and Meaning Of The Egg
In many cultures and society, the egg is considered the perfect magical symbol. It is, after all, representative of new life. In fact, it is the life cycle/ circle of life personified in it’s shape alone. As we talked about above Eggs are the center of many creation myths and the source of where our universe began. Even when you look up the definition of what an Egg really is; it is the place life begins, and is protected and nurtured until it is ready to be born into this realm. Life is LITERALLY hatched from and BEGINS in eggs. The egg is a source of powerful energy that is able to take stagnant and unproductive energy and metamorphize it into fertile and productive energy. Eggs in magic and witchcraft represent fertility, rebirth, creation, nourishment, protection and abundance.
Magical Ways To Work With Eggs
As you can imagine because, eggs are such a potent, prominent, and powerful energy with many different energies you can connect to there are just as many ways to work with them! On top of that they are generally pretty easy to get ahold of, if you don’t already have some in your kitchen. You can roll into Spring feeling refreshed, and ready to crack open in rebirth and transformation with any or all of these magical workings.
Oomancy-Divination With Eggs
Oomancy is the name for egg cleansing and divination, also known as ovomancy, ovamancy, ooscopia, oomancia, oomantia. The name comes from the ancient Greek word for egg “oon” and “manteia” meaning divination. There are several methods to how this can be done in different cultures. Oomancy was a very common form of divination practiced in ancient Greece and Rome specifically, where it was believed that one could tell the future by interpreting the shapes formed when the separated whites from an egg was dropped into hot water.
Included here is a standard version if you would like to try your hand at.
Directions
First, you will want to fill a clear glass bowl with water. Hot, boiled water may make it easier to see shapes since it will partially cook the egg and prevent it from moving more than necessary.
Next, cleanse the egg before rolling it down your body starting at the crown of your head, allowing it to absorb impurities, then crack it into the water. Below is a list of signs to look for when divining with eggs. When reading an egg cleanse, the yolk is representative of you and the whites symbolize others.
Clear or mostly clear means you’ve been keeping up with your cleansing methods and wards…it means you don’t have a lot of negative energy affecting you!
Strings of white that go from top to bottom in the water indicate energetic cords that are negative and need to be cleared (if it’s thin, the attachment can be cleared easily but if it’s thick, it might take a longer stint of purification rituals to sever the tie)
Blood in the yolk could mean one of two things (or both simultaneously): the person is ill and/or is being spiritually attacked by a witch/evil eye
Cloudiness in the whites and around the yolk is the actual negative energy you’ve lifted off yourself/the individual
Foul odor also means the person is being spiritually attacked and affected by witchcraft or the evil eye
Actual symbols should be read accordingly. For instance, if you see an eye, we interpret this egg cleanse meaning as someone is watching you or sending you the evil eye. If a scary face is in the white, you may have a ghost or spirit nearby of a malevolent nature
Thick white blob still connected to the yolk typically means the person has another person strongly attached to them and could be feeding off their energy (sometimes the blob appears to look like a little head growing off the yolk itself)
Cobwebs or thready substance around the yolk means you have folks who are envious of you and your endeavors
Thick coating around the yolk could indicate a strong protective shield around the person OR the person is so defensive that they struggle in relationships
Letters or numbers should also be read accordingly in an egg cleansing reading. Letters could indicate someone’s initials who is throwing magical shade your way OR someone who is attached to you energetically. Numbers could indicate the amount of people who are throwing shade your way, or it could be predicting a future event on a certain date.
Double yolk means one of a few things: a. if you’re pregnant, you’re having twins. Or b. you have a twin soul somewhere out there. Or even c. your soul may have been split in two during a traumatic experience during your life.
If eggshell gets into the cleanse: this means your spiritual protective barriers have been penetrated. Consider learning how to shield yourself and wear a protective amulet.
Repeat as many times as necessary, cleansing and protecting between, until signs are good and there are no indications of a curse.
Bury A Raw Egg In Your Garden Or Yard
A classic symbol of fertility and abundance, a buried egg in your spring garden blesses the harvest for fruitful yield. It helps that it also makes excellent fertilizer! This also appeases the nature spirits present in your garden. You can also spread or sprinkle eggshells in the garden for the same purposes. You can amplify this energy and blessing by drawing a fertility sigil, a symbol for a Spring deity, or a growth intention before you bury it in the earth. You can recite a mantra, prayer, or invocation as well as you buy the egg. During this on a New moon or during the Spring equinox can also add more energy to this practice for you.
Banish A Dark Mood
Feeling a little under the weather emotionally? Try this liberating ritual. Write one word or symbol on a raw egg that represents your frustration, sadness or grief. Go to the edge of a moving water and throw the egg against a river rock. Watch the contents drain into the water. Walk away and don’t look back.
Leave Eggs At A Newer Gravesite
The Greeks and Romans left eggs in tombs or near grave sites to symbolize the afterlife. Leave eggs at the graveside of a loved one to bless their eternal life and heal grieving souls.
Use Eggs In Kitchen Magic
Include eggs in kitchen witch recipes for abundance, fertility or to celebrate the Spring Equinox. Get creative! Next time you crack an egg into a bowl, tell it what you want it to do. “An egg to increase fertility and increase my chances to conceive,” as an example. “An egg to protect all who eat this cake.”
Cascarilla; Egg powder
Cascarilla powder is simply eggshells ground down into a fine powder. This magical powder is used for different magical purposes but mainly for protection. Wash out your eggshells, let them dry, then grind them down in your mortar. Save the powder and use in protection rituals and spells. Some of my favorite ways to use egg powder are adding it to black salt, using to line a magic circle when casting, add to a spell bag or spell jar, or a prosperity bowl.
Cast A Glamor Or Beauty Spell
Eggs symbolize renewal, rebirth and eternity. Whisk together an egg white, a splash of fresh lemon juice and a little honey, then apply it to the face ask you would a skin mask. Close your eyes and meditate on the manifestation of eternal beauty. You can also use eggs to create a hair mask to use instead of a face mask as well.
Ostara/ Spring Equinox Wish
One of my favorite Ostara traditions to do is making an Ostara wish using a hard boiled egg. It is so simple to do as well! All you need is a hard boiled egg. Take a hard boiled egg, write a wish or intention you would like to plant to bloom by harvest time this year. Take your egg with your wish written on it out under the moon on Ostara. Hold it up to the sky, recite your wish out loud, and than take your egg and bury it in the earth for your wish to sprout, grow, and bloom this year.
Decorate Eggs
Eggs are a symbol of the Spring and henceforth Easter and Ostara. The tradition of painting and decorating eggs pre-dates Christianity and spans multiple cultures. To appease the gods and the spirits of Spring, decorate and paint eggs, then leave them at the foot of trees as offerings. Decorated eggs in the home in Spring ensures abundance and health in the coming months. The colors you choose to use when decorating can even represent specific energies and intentions as well. Below is a list of some ideas for you as you decorate your eggs.
Red- Passion, Power, Transformation
Orange- Attraction, Good Fortune/Luck
Yellow- Happiness, Inspiration
Green-Abundance, Prosperity, Wealth, Good Health
Blue- Peace, Tranquility, Spirituality
Purple- Mystical, Magical, The Power of Spring
Pink-Love, Friendship
Egg Magic For The Home
While I don’t necessary condone throwing a bunch of eggs on your roof, one egg or eggshell thrown on the roof of the house can protect you from another witch’s hexes. You can also line any threshold with an egg like a window sill or door for home protection. You can take a hard boiled egg and bury it in the earth near your front door as a protection ward and to call in abundance too. Or sprinkle broken eggshells across the threshold as a protection barrier.
Decorate AnEaster Egg Tree
In Germany, it’s traditional to have an Easter tree to celebrate the Spring season. This is the same thing as a Christmas tree, except it’s for Easter. And if you’re pagan, call it your Ostara Tree. instead. Purchase hanging or make your own. You can even add magical symbols and words to each egg.
Egg Prosperity Spell
This spell is designed to bring you prosperity, whether it be financial or otherwise, by working with the magical properties of the egg.
What You’ll Need:
An egg or eggs if making more than one
biodegradable sachet
pyrite
mint
marker, dye, and other tools to decorate the egg
What To Do:
Begin by cleansing, charging, and/or blessing your items. After the items are ready to go, write, draw, or otherwise decorate your egg with your intent: prosperity. You can draw a rune in gold on your egg to represent prosperity. Other color choices are green, orange, or violet. You can dye the egg a solid color, draw sigils, or money symbols. After the egg is decorated, place it along with the pyrite and mint into the biodegradable sachet.
When all the items are placed in the sachet, hold it in both hands and imagine it filling with gold and green light. Say, “With egg for new beginnings adorned all in gold [you can insert your own color here, but it may not rhyme ] With pyrite for wealth and mint for fortunes untold, I open myself to wealth beyond measure, And accept the Universe’s treasure.”
Once the spell is done, find a safe place in your garden, preferably by a plant also associated with prosperity and abundance, and bury the sachet
Egg Fertility Spell
This Spell is meant to bring you fertility in your life especially if you are trying to conceive in your life right now. It harnesses both the potent power of the egg and the snake. This is a very simple spell to do that needs very few items.
What you will need:
A hard boiled egg
A jar or Satchel- Depending on what you want to make a spell jar or spell bag
Mint
Thyme
Rose
Gold wax/candle
What to do:
Once you have hard boiled your egg, take a pen or marker and draw a symbol of a snake on the egg. Take the egg, remove the shell, and save the shell for later. Eat the egg while envisioning golden light full of fertility filling you up from the inside. Than take the eggshells, mint, thyme, and rose place them in a jar or spell bag and seal with some gold wax from a candle. Place the jar or bag under the bed you would like to conceive in.
One Last Tip; Using Your Eggshells
We have talked about a lot when it comes to Eggs, the history of eggs through many cultures, their meanings and energetic connections and many ways you can work with eggs in your magical practice and life. The last tip I want to leave you with is to remember to keep your eggshells for all kinds of magical workings as well. You can grind them up to add them to all kinds of protection workings like spell jars, spell bags, black salt, and even use them to line your magic circles when you are casting. They can even be used in fertility, prosperity, and growth spells as well. However you choose to work with eggs this spring enjoy the very potent, powerful, and fertile energy they will bring to you move through this season of rebirth.
Every single month has it’s own energy, and frequencies we can connect to that is unique. When we connect to the month’s energy and frequencies we can find ourselves living a much more aligned, and magical life. We have the ability to amplify our magical workings, intentions, and manifesting. Let’s talk about March, March is named after the Roman God Mars. It is the 3rd month of the Gregorian calendar and was the first month of the Roman Calendar year. This month is tied to the coming of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere during the Spring Equinox.
With this month being named after Mars and connected to the coming of Spring, this month is packed full of magic. It Is a time to focus on renewal, rebirth, fertility, growth, prosperity, and fruitfulness. This time is also a very liminal time which makes it a great time for cleansing, purifying, and protection magic and work. This is the most fertile time of the year to plant seeds of intention for manifestation for the rest of the year. Let’s spring into March and look at all the ways you can connect to the energy of March to allow yourself, your magic, and your intentions to really bloom and blossom this year.
History In The Month Of March
The month of March is the 3rd month of the Julian and Gregorian Calendars but was originally the first month of the Roman calendar year, called Martius named for Mars, one of the most important Gods of the Roman state. This month later took on a little more significance in history when it became known for the Ides of March. Also known as March 15th, the date of the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44BC and than became considered an unlucky day by many and for some still today it is considered an unlucky day.
The month of March later became even more significant with the arrival of St. Patrick’s Day in 461 BC. St. Patrick’s day is on March 17 which refers to the anniversary of Saint Patrick ‘s death in the year 461. Still considered Ireland’s patron saint to this day, Saint Patrick was born in the 4th century in Great Britain. Now, this holiday is packed with parades, good luck charms, and all things green. The event started as a religious holiday, but over time it’s become a celebration of Irish culture.
Prior to this for 1000s of years in antiquity the month of March was a time that was honored by humans and a time they looked forward to. They could welcome the first rays of sunshine of the spring months and begin to feel the harsh Winter start to dissipate. They would begin to prepare for planting their crops, and honoring the Spring equinox and the return of their beloved Sun and Spring. March has always had a place of special significance for humans.
March Magical & Witchcraft Themes
In magic and witchcraft, March is often associated with themes of rebirth, renewal, and transition to name a few. As the month marks the arrival of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, it symbolizes the awakening of the earth from its winter slumber and the emergence of new life. With March being named after and associated with the planet mars it is deeply connected to vitality, fertility, and the movement of energy in getting things done.
With March being the bringer of spring, the bringer of new life, and the time for us to literally plant seeds in the ground for us to harvest in the fall to feed our families through the long harsh winter. This month is ripe with the energy of fertility, new beginnings, and possibilities. This energy of new beginnings also comes with a sense of cleanliness, the need to purify and amplified protection. Channel into this energy when setting intentions, doing manifestation work, and your magical workings this month and watch them bloom like never before.
Another key theme with spring and the point of the wheel of the year we are tuning our energies into with the month of March is renewal, rebirth, and transition. These themes make it a very key time to be willing to go deep within yourself to find any hidden truths, to figure out how to maintain balance, and to work with your duality and shadow. When doing this you allow yourself to be open to the massive amount of transformative and transitional energy this time has to offer.
The Gods And Goddesses Of March
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.
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 going to be those who represent spring and the changing of the seasons, like Persephone and Demeter as this is the time of the year those two are together on Earth. Deities that can connect you to fertility, fruitfulness, and growth are also great to call to this time as well.
This time is also a very liminal time. This month gives us access to one of the two times during the year the veil is the thinnest, and we can have access to other realms and the crossroads with much more ease. Deities that have the ability to bring you wisdom, guidance, and access to you shadow shelf like Hecate, the Morrigan, and Persephone are amazing to call to and work with during this time.
The Correspondences For March
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, like I will list below for you to use.
Celebrations- St. Patrick’s Day, The Ides of March, Pi Day, Mothering Sunday, Ostara, Spring Equinox
Trees- Alder & Ashe
How To Connect To The Magic Of March
We’ve talked a lot about all the different types of energies the month of March has and gives us access to work with. So, how can you specifically connect to those energies? In your every day life you can make sure your affirmations and manifestation work align with the energies of growth, prosperity, and fruitfulness. You can celebrate and honor any of the sacred days and holidays like Ostara, and the spring equinox with renewal rituals and welcoming in the season of spring.
You can connect to the liminal energies of March by doing shadow work based on duality, balance, and your inner child. Remember you can amplify this energy and the benefits of the work by calling on deities that are available to you during this month like, Persephone and Hecate.
Witches can connect to the magic of March by centering their rituals, and spell workings around the themes of cleansing and purifying by taking a ritual bath, doing a cleansing floor wash, or smoke cleansing your home with an herb bundle. Rituals and spell workings during this time that will be really intensified will be based on prosperity, wealth, growth, and rebirth. You can do things like create a lucky money bag, a prosperity bowl, or perform some spells using egg magic.
Other Ways To Celebrate And Connect To March
When we want to use the energy around us to affect our magical practices and rituals we can amplify that by doing things in our every day life to align with the energy as well. You can align with the energy of abundance, wealth, and prosperity with affirmations, mantras, intention goal setting and going on a hunt for a four leaf clover. You can do things like making sure you get yourself outside breathing the fresh air and getting in touch with the earth. You can do things to express your creativity like dying eggs for Ostara.
This month is so full of rebirth, and renewal energy it is a perfect time to refresh your home with spring cleaning, reorganizing and changing up your home decorations if you feel the pull this can extend to your altar as well. You can also make sure you connect to the energy of spring, and rebirth by either planning your upcoming gardens or starting to plant your first seeds you can harvest in the fall.
Spring Forward With March To Bloom The Rest Of The Year
We talked about the history of the month of March, celebration days, the energies you have access to connect to, deities you can call to and honor, how you can connect to the energies, rituals you can do and how to make the month of March apart of your every day alignment in life. However you choose to connect to the many energies March has to offer you; from rebirth, fertility, growth, fruitfulness, cleansing and wealth enjoy how the refreshing energy of spring will bring a new sense of life to you and your magic. And watch things bloom throughout the year like they never have before.
The magic circle — also known as the magic circle of protection, ritual circle, witch’s circle, and even sacred circle — is one of the most iconic trademarks of magic. You hear over and over again about how we should know how to do one and when you attend ceremonies and rituals you hear the facilitator/ practitioner use one often but, do you really know why we cast a magic circle and what one really is?
What is a magic circle?
A magic circle is a sacred space that practitioners of magic believe contains energy. The magic circle is an area of non-physical space created and constructed of personal power. It creates an energetic and psychic container – a safe, protected space – for magic and healing to take place. When you cast a circle, you are said to be in a space between worlds – void space, magic space, liminal space, grey space, spiral space beyond linear time. It’s a magical environment in which the deities are welcomed and celebrated, and where rituals and magical workings take place.
Many magical practitioners create a circle as part of their magical ritual. The circle may first be marked out with chalk or paint, or drawn in salt or, more usually, it is visualized with no physical representation of the circle at all. All of the participants may stand around the perimeter of the circle or may stand in the center.
A solo practitioner generally stands in the center. The circle is established using the energy of the practitioner(s) using means specific to their tradition. The energy encircles the area horizontally as well as vertically, creating something more like a sphere or bubble of spiritual energy.
There are two main types of magic circles used. Those formed by ceremonial magicians are designed to protect the magician from the forces that he or she raises. While those formed by witches and wiccans, are mainly used to create sacred space in which to meet and commune with the Goddess, God and Spirits. The magic circle is essentially a magical seal or sigil. Circles may or may not be physically marked out on the ground, and a variety of elaborate patterns for circle markings can be used. A castor may even add tools, candles, and other items as well.
When it comes to casting a circle there really are endless possibilities to how you choose to cast one, when you choose to cast a circle, and what/if you call in to add energy to your circle as you cast it as well. Continue to read to learn all about the history of casting a magic circle, why you should use and when, and some of the many ways you can cast a magic circle and decide if this staple of magic workings will be added to your practice.
A Circling Group
A group of witches or magic users may sometimes refer to themselves as a Circle or Circling group rather than a coven. A coven implies the group’s shared set of beliefs and oaths. Using the term Circle to describe a group of magical practitioners implies that while the group performs magic together and gathers for some spiritual and social occasions, they do not necessarily share the same belief system and owe each other no oaths.
Circles are often formed for training purposes or for family groups and general fellowship and Circle members may be involved with other groups as well.
History of casting a circle
Manly P. Hall once said, “The most primitive and fundamental of all symbols is the dot [circle].”
They considered geometry holy teaching in antiquity. Scholars and wise men of old deemed the circle sacred and studied it along with other divine natural sciences in studying the stars and mathematics. At the time, they saw mathematics as a discipline to aid in communication with their gods. Ritual magicians utilized solving geometric equations like squaring the circle. We see this in the mystical teachings by Pythagoras.
Circle casting has been around for 1000s of years. We see evidence of it as far back as Sumerian culture. Evidence of its practice can be found in texts like the Lesser Keys of Solomon as well. It is mentioned in other “high magick” grimoires; many of dubious origin. In this early metaphysical literature, casting a circle was a means of containing spirits and energies conjured during complex rituals of evocation. The means of conjuring these spirits was risky to all involved and it’s easy to imagine that many spirits were not too happy with the mages doing the summoning. Circles also functioned as a way to protect the humans performing the ritual and were often combined with sigils.
Over time, the reason for casting a circle has changed. Most contemporary witches who cast circles do so to create a sacred space or vortex of power that sits between and connects the physical world with the spiritual. In this space, the witch is free to work with the energies they choose to evoke. The circle, no longer just a means of protection, has become an energetic focus and sphere of unadulterated power when properly created. This modern idea of circle casting began with the work of traditional English witches in the early 1900’s and was popularized afterward by Gerald Gardner, the creator of the Wiccan religion.
Mesopotamian Magic
In Mesopotamia, called by some the cradle of civilization, most people created rituals. Both individually and as a community. The Sumerians called the use of ritual circles Zisurrû.
Sumerians used a common technique in casting ritual circles. They drew the circle with flour or chalk. They spread the flour around figurines of deities and figures of protection entities. For example, I, An, and Enlil who were all gods of Mesopotamia and are within the seven gods. Sumerians believed they attributed to the gods with this ritual.
The type of flour was crucial as different grains held unique properties. Wheat flour specifically invoked deities. Barley encircled beds to protect against disease-causing demons, and šemuš-flour repelled ghosts.
Archaeologists have also discovered the use of magic circles. Similarly, not on the ground but in pottery. Written on the bowls, called “incantation bowls.” In spirals were magical words of invocation, multiple names of deities, and seemingly “nonsense” words that hold mystical power.
Greek Magic
In Greece, Magic circles were protective necessities. However, this motif of the circle as protection against negative spirits is a constant theme in all cultures.
The ancient Greeks used prayers from priests as a spoken magic circle.
Charles Stewart, the author of Magic Circles, says,
“An exorcism prayer for clearing a space of evil spirits describes how the priest’s blessing establishes a circular ‘boundary of fire’ within which all terrestrial, aerial, and astral spirits will be bound and rendered subordinate to Christ and the saints.”
Hermetic Magic, Golden Dawn, Thelema, and Others
A significant tradition exists within the magical Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. They named this tradition the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram or LBRP.
Physically, you will draw out pentagrams representing the four cardinal directions. The archangels are usually the magic circle and will not have markings. The figures you draw and envision form a protective circle around you.
Wicca
In the early 1900’s and was popularized afterward by Gerald Gardner, the creator of the Wiccan religion.
In Wicca, a magic circle is typically nine feet in diameter, though the size can vary depending on the purpose of the circle, and the preference of the caster.
Some varieties of Wicca use the common ceremonial color attributions for ‘quarter candles’: yellow for air in the east, red for fire in the south, blue for water in the west and green for earth in the north (though these attributions differ according to geographical location and individual philosophy).
Have you ever been told that you can’t enter a circle or leave a circle once it has been cast? That is a wiccan belief and actually doesn’t spread across all castors when it comes to magic circles. This is because wiccans believe the barrier is believed to be fragile, so that leaving or passing through the circle would weaken or dispel it. This is referred to as “breaking the circle”. It is generally advised that practitioners do not leave the circle unless absolutely necessary.
In order to leave a circle and keep it intact, Wiccans believe a door must be cut in the energy of the circle, normally on the east side. Whatever was used to cast the circle is used to cut the doorway, such as a sword, staff or knife (athame), a doorway is cut in the circle, at which point anything may pass through without harming the circle. This opening must be closed afterwards by reconnecting the lines of the circle. The circle is usually closed by the practitioner after they have finished by drawing in the energy with the athame.
Purposes
Casting a circle can have many purposes to benefit your magical workings and practices. What purpose you are meaning to use it for as well will help you determine when and how to cast one in your magical workings, practices and even in your daily life.
Create Intentional Space
Part of casting a circle is about mindset. It allows us to shift out of the mundane world and into the sacred. As you get used to casting a circle, it will start to signal to your body and brain that you’re entering into a ritual space, and your energy will likely begin to shift automatically. Your body, brain, soul, and spirit will automatically shift into a more grounded, mindful, and energetic state.
Protection
When you open yourself up to working with energy, it’s important to protect yourself from unwanted energies. Working with magic and ritual, especially any astral or Akashic work, it can leave us vulnerable to unwanted energies coming in. When you cast a circle you are creating a potent extended barrier of energy around you and your space to help you filter the energies you are allowing in. It can be even more potent if you add deities, other entities, guides, the watch towers, elements, and more.
Focus the energy of your workings
Casting a circle isn’t just about keeping unwanted energy out; it’s also about keeping the desired energy in. Our magic is more powerful when we can focus it in a specific direction, rather than let it scatter and diffuse. An energetic circle helps us gather and concentrate more energy to support the purpose of our magical workings!
When to cast a circle
So, when should you cast a circle you ask? Again, the possibilities really are endless and there isn’t just one answer to when you should be casting a magic circle. For example, you can cast a magic circle of protection around yourself before you leave on a long trip in your car or flying in a plane. Or you can do one when you are taking a ritual bath, calling down the moon, creating a spell jar, on Samhain, and even during meditation. The list really is endless. You can cast a circle whenever you feel you need to use its magical and energetic purposes in your life. Here is a list of some more idea below;
Any pagan holidays or festivals
When honoring the Wheel of the year
When doing divination
While calling down the moon
Shadow work
During cleansing
Meditation
Spell work/ Casting
When working with a deity
Coven/ group work
When in need of protection
When you need to focus
For amplification purposes
Astral travel
Akashic/ Spirit Work
As Protection magic
When working with the Elements and/or planets
property/home magic
Where to Cast a Circle
I feel like I am going to sound like a broken record here but, guess what guys? Your possibilities for where to cast a circle are again going to be endless. You can cast one one your way to work in your car to help you with dealing with coworkers, you can cast one in your living room, your front yard, your bedroom for enhanced sex magic, literally the list could go on. It all just depends on the purpose you are using the circle for, the time you have to cast it, and how you want to do it. Then you just make sure your location fits all of those needs.
Do you have to cast a circle?
Is casting a casting a circle you have to do each time you cast, or do deity work, or celebrate Samhain? No, you don’t. Casting a circle is completely up to you. You can choose when you cast a circle, and if you even cast a circle at all. Most of the times when I am working with a deity I cast a circle but, not every time. Other magic workings like when I am making spell bags I have never cast a circle when doing. This is going to all be up to you and what you decide. One of the many beauties of this path.
What you’ll need to Cast a Circle
Depending on your practice, purpose, and space this could mean many different things. You could need nothing to cast your circle but yourself and a quite space alone or in a group. Or you may need representations of the four elements, a deity, the four directions, and the list could go on. So, this is really going to be up to you.
Some common items you may need when casting a circle will be listed.
A bowl of salt or herbs to represent earth
A chalice of Water
A wand or Athame
Incense or feather to represent Air
Candles to represent fire
Crystals
Images of deities
Statues of deities
Offerings
Anything you can use to outline your physical circle if you choose to like flowers, salt, flour, branches, rocks, etc.
Prep for your circle
So, you know you’re going to be casting a magic circle. Is there any prep for casting one? Yes, for every type of circle casting there is at least a little bit of prep. I say this because, even if you are doing a quick one in your car or a daily one in the mirror at home you still have some prep work.
Your prep work for casting a circle will look different every time as a whole but, each time you need to decide what is the purpose of your circle you are going to cast, do you need to cleanse and prep your space, will you be physically drawing your circle and do you need any tools? Once you answer those questions then you do what needs to be done. You decide the purpose, you grab any tools if needed and you cleanse the space if you need to. If you decide to cleanse I like just doing a simple smoke cleanse with incense or an herb bundle. After that your next step to prep work is to go to your chosen space, physically draw your circle if you chose and than get grounded, enter sacred space, take some deep breaths and get ready for your visualization and circle casting.
How to Cast Circle
There are so many ways to cast a circle. It’s my belief that magical practice is always more powerful when it is YOURS. When you take the time to study it, sit with it, experiment with it and develop it to be your own personal magic and style. However you choose to cast your circle, one thing is common: you’ll work with visualization and energy.
Below is one example of how to cast a circle using the four directions and elements;
Center yourself with a few deep, grounding breaths.
Let your eyes close and start to call on the elements.
Starting in the East, with the element of Air, speak aloud to invite the energy of Air, of breath, of voice, of mind, to hold the circle.
Then turn your focus to the South, the element of Fire, and speak aloud to invite the energy of Fire, of transformation, of passion, of the sun, to hold the circle.
Turn your focus again to the West, the element of Water, and speak aloud to invite the energy of Water, of feeling, of surrender, of the ocean, to hold the circle with you.
Lastly, turn your focus to the North, to the element of Earth, and speak aloud to invite the energy of Earth, of holding, of soil, of forests, to hold the circle.
Feel the shift in your body and your space as the circle forms. Visualize a golden circle of light around you, supported by the powerful energy of each of the elements, holding a sacred and safe container for you.
When you feel ready, say out loud: “The circle is now cast.”
When you need a quick circle for protection in public places, here’s how to cast a simple circle:
Relax your body and mind as much as possible.
Cleanse your body with 5 deep breaths and allow the tension to leave your body.
Close your eyes (if you can) and visualize a bright white light bursting from the top of your head.
Continue visualizing – this white light now showers over your body, forming a circle from head to feet.
Hold the image of an impenetrable, shining white bubble. This circle protects from energetic intrusion. Hold the image as long as you can and it will protect you for the day.
How to Cast a Circle for Pagan Rituals (AKA Calling the Quarters)
For pagan rituals and sabbats, after cleansing and preparation
Stand at the North point of the circle (have your wand/athame ready, if you use one.) Turn and draw a circle with your wand, ending where you are standing in the north.
Then, take a breath and envision a cave of impenetrable crystals encircling you.
Face the north, raise both arms, and say, “I call on the element of Earth. Nourish and protect us this magical night.”
Walk towards the east. Envision a powerful, illuminated wind encircling you.
Face the East and say, “I call on the element of Air. Inspire and guide us this magical night.”
Turn from the east and walk towards the south. Envision a fire that ignites passion and power from deep within you.
Stand facing the south and say, “I call on the element of Fire. Ignite our spirits and empower us this magical night.”
Now turn and walk towards the west. Envision a gentle rain falling all around.
Stand facing the west and say, “I call on the element of Water. Give us powers of dream and intuition and purify us this magical night.”
Next, stand in the middle of the circle and visualize a white bubble of light where you walked the circle. This circle isn’t just one dimensional – it reaches above your head and below your feet forming a perfect sphere.
At this point, you may call the ancestors or gods of your choice (this is optional).
Say, “The circle is cast. Let no one enter or leave the circle until it is released.” Proceed with the ritual.
An example of one of my circle Castings
My circle castings change every single time I do one. When I am casting for my home and property I will physically create one with the points of my property and items, when I do shadow work I at times will invoke deities, sometimes I use just my energy and others I use crystals and all the elements. I follow my intuition and the purpose I have for this particular circle.
Below is a short example of what I usually include in a circle casting in most of classes and rituals; ( Each element part changes each time)
I call to the spirit and guides to each and every soul in this circle.
I ask that you encircle us in protection, guidance, connection, and wisdom.
I call to guardians and gatekeepers of the four directions and I thank you ever so much for turning your gaze towards us and I ask for you to join us.
I call to the direction of east and the element of Air
For you are the breath in my lungs the reason I can breath
You bring transformation and wisdom on your wides of change each time you blow through my life.
I honor your breath, your power of change and that you are my breath of life.
I ask you element of air to hold the eastern gateway
I call to the direction of south and the element of fire.
You are my passion, my spark, and the ember in my soul for motivation.
You teach me to blaze and burn brightly to be a guide in the dark and warmth to those who seek my shelter.
To have passion and desire and also to know when to use my flames to burn those who need to be taught a lesson
I ask you element of fire to hold the southern gate.
I call to the guardians and gatekeepers of the direction of west and the element
Of water.
You teach me water that your depths are vast and deep and moving in your tides can cause your to drown or float just like our emotions.
You teach me to swim with grace when I need to and float when your depths call.
You are the life force for each living being and the reason earth is so very unique.
I call to you element of water and ask you to hold the western gate this evening.
I call to the guardians and gatekeepers of the direction of north and the element of Earth.
You are the home of every living being.
You are the resting place of every ancestor of every line and every generation.
You are where we all begin and where we all end.
You are the populated cities and the vast uncharted territories yet to be found.
I call to you element of earth and ask you to hold the northern gateway.
I call to the guardians and gatekeepers, spirit guides, inter dimensional beings, elementals, any deities, and all other entities willing to protect, guide and assist of both above and below and thank you so very much for holding those gateways.
Amen. Aho. So mote it is
Other ways to Enhance a Circle
You can make casting a circle as simple or as complex as you’d like. Here are some other ways you can choose to enhance and cast your circle.
Place your Ritual Deck element or direction cards around you in each of the corresponding directions.
Place physical items representing each of the elements around in the corresponding directions. Learn more about how to represent each of the elements here.
Place four crystals around you in each of the corresponding directions. Hematite or snowflake obsidian work well for Earth/North, amethyst or kyanite for Air/East, citrine or pyrite for Fire/South, and moonstone or carnelian for Water/West.
Place four lighted candles around you in each of the corresponding directions. A black or brown candle for Earth/North, a yellow or purple candle for Air/East, a red or orange candle for Fire/South, and a blue silver candle for Water/west
Walk the circumference of the circle.
Use a wand or athame (ritual knife) to draw the circle around you.
Physically draw your circle using salt, sugar, or flour
Add offerings and image of deities or other entities
Add sigils at the four directions and/or corners
The Elements Vs. The Guardians of the Watchtowers
Some people prefer to invoke the elements when casting a circle, while others call on the guardians of the watchtowers. What’s the difference between the two? When the elements earth, air, fire, and water are invoked to cast a circle, we are calling those elements specifically and the energy they bring. When the guardians of the watchtowers are called, we invoke the highest beings that watch over each directional point and related element. These are sometimes seen as gods and goddesses, sometimes seen as angels.
Breaking a Circle
Have you ever been told you can’t enter a circle once the castor has begun or that if you leave you can not re enter or you will be ending the circle for everyone? Are these things true? I am not going to say it’s a definite no. For some the answer is yes. For others like many wiccans, you have to open a door by cutting one in the circle using your left hand and athame. For others like myself I don’t think it is true unless I make the decision for it to be true. I believe your circle is being constructed with your energy which means you get to decide if no one else can enter, if they can under certain circumstances, or if anyone can enter at anytime.
Closing Your Circle
You cast your spell, meditated for shadow work, focused your energy, or cast protection now what? Now, you have to make sure to do one more important thing, close your circle. Your circle is a sacred energetic space you created and you are also energetically keeping it in existence. When your circle has served its purpose and intention do not forget to thank your circle for how it assisted you and then ask it to be released/ dispelled and your energy to come back to you or go to where it came from.
Wrap Up
Casting a circle in magic has a long history across many cultures and practices and how you choose to cast yours is up to you. Remember it may change each time as well. Experiment with it and decide what works best for you, using the elements, tools, the directions, a deity, or just yourself. It really is up to you! And remember you can decide to never cast one as well and that’s okay though I really think you should give it a try the benefits are worth it!
To expand your knowledge about this magic or if you’d rather listen than read; you can watch my free class with Divination Academy on YouTube below!
We are entering a new lunar phase this week; the New moon. As the Moon changes signs approximately every 2-3 days, we feel her influence over our moods and intuition shift. This new moon we will find ourselves in the creative, spiritual, compassionate, empathetic, and dreamy sign of Pisces. Pisces is the clairvoyant of the zodiac. It is a sign with a deep sensitivity to those around them and heightened sense of intuition. The new moon in Pisces is an opportune time to initiate change, take action towards goals, and renew oneself. The Moon beginning her cycle in the whimsical sign of the Fish stirs our passions and imbues us with courage to pursue our desires.
New moons are an opportunity to start fresh, plant seeds, and envision your future—and this month’s new moon in Pisces happens to be the last new moon of the astrological year. In other words? Consider it time to set your “New Year’s” resolutions for the astrological year. For me this is the third time during the year I set year long resolutions.
You may find that you feel this particular transit more intensely than others ( I know I am) as this New Moon is a Super New Moon – the point where the Moon is at its closest point to Earth. Super Moons tend to amplify the impacts we might ordinarily feel. Now have this moon be in Pisces and you can expect this Moon to be an intensely emotional one. This is also the second Super New Moon in a line up we are about to experience over the coming months.
Keep reading to learn all about this Pisces new moon, how it will affect you, and how you can harness it in your life and magical practice.
New moon What is it and why we honor it?
First, let’s talk about the new moon in general before we dive into the depths of what a Pisces moon can do for you and your life. The new moon is the time to reflect and cleanse your energy. It is a time to set your intentions for what you wish to attract this lunar cycle. Every intention set requires action and energy from your part as well.
The new moon energy is there to support you in manifesting what you want. The new moon is a time to allow new ideas and energy to flow with you. It is a time to honor new beginnings, and the turning over of a cycle. Think of these intentions as seeds you are planting for this lunar cycle to be ready to harvest by the full moon.
Use this time to rest, reflect, and plant what you will grow just as your ancestors across many cultures did while there was little light in the night sky for them to use. Each New Moon is unique, offering its own magic within each month.
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 dreamy, creative, and spiritual Water sign Pisces. Pisces is also a Mutable sign, the most adaptable and flexible of the signs. That means that you’ll be better equipped to handle any of the emotional sensitivity or mood swings that typically accompany a New Moon. You’ll also be better prepared to find creative solutions to any challenges or issues you’ve been facing because you’ll feel both more creative and better able to go with the flow.
If the Pisces fish can teach us anything, it’s that there are no wrong paths. The two fish of Pisces swim in opposite directions, and yet, their journey is a circle meaning they will eventually both land in the same place.
Pisces The Most Potent Time To Manifest
Pisces is the last Zodiac sign, so we may also take some time to clear things out and make room for anything new to come. We can also reflect more on the past, but in a less emotional way, and get more understanding. This New Moon activates a deep desire to take a leap of faith and accept life’s imperfections to make our wildest dreams a reality. We are living through a powerful time period when all planets are direct until the end of April. There is a sense of things finally beginning to move forward after a prolonged period of stagnation.
The New Moon in Pisces is a time of healing, a time of magic, and most importantly, one of the most potent times to practice manifestation work. That’s because Pisces is ruled by Neptune, the planet of imagination and mysticism, which means you’ll not only be more connected to your creativity but also your spiritual center. You have the opportunity to slip into the flow of life now. When that happens, you want what is happening and what is happening is what you want. Your manifesting is working perfectly
Pisces The Sign of Creativity
The Pisces New Moon can be a great time for creativity since Pisces rules imagination and fantasy, and we can get lost in daydreams. This can be channeled into creative projects and ventures, and we can get inspired more easily. The energy of Pisces guides us to go with the flow, to be less concerned with planning and plotting, and instead, to bring ourselves into the present moment. While we may not have all the answers and be in a state of unknowing, this New Moon reminds us that this is where our creative powers lie.
Pisces The Sign of Compassion and Empathy
Pisces is a compassionate sign, so empathy and understanding can also be strong with the New Moon. We may want to be of help in new ways, and focus on trying to help those who can’t help themselves. At the center of the Pisces New Moon lie themes of healing, kindness, and sensitivity. This lunar phase invites us to nurture our emotional well-being, cultivate compassion for ourselves and others, and embrace the healing power of love and forgiveness. You can utilize the energy of this New Moon to create a better relationship with yourself, which is the jumping-off point of confidence and success.
Pisces The Sign of Spirituality
Pisces is the sign of spirituality, so this can be a time to start new spiritual ventures. We can make more time to connect with our intuition and subconscious mind, and we can feel more in tune with the subtle energies all around us. It is an energetic frequency that dissolves boundaries, allowing us to tap into the collective consciousness and access deeper layers of intuition.
Pisces The Ruler of What’s Hidden
Pisces rules what’s hidden, so we may become aware of something that has been hidden, some sort of secret, and can work well alone. While we may want to be of help, we can also find we do our best on our own, in the background, and behind the scenes. It encourages us to tap into the realm of dreams and imagination, to envision a future aligned with our soul’s purpose. Pisces inspires us to imagine the future we want.
What To Be Cautious Of With The Pisces New Moon
Amidst the beauty of this lunar energy, there may also be feelings of emotional overwhelm. Pisces energy can easily blur the boundaries between fantasy and reality, leading to confusion and escapism. It is essential during this time to stay grounded, to honor our emotions without becoming overwhelmed by them, and to cultivate practices that promote inner peace and clarity.
How to Connect to Pisces Energy
Now, that we have talked about the themes of this Pisces 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.
With this moon there are certain spells and rituals that will help connect you this moon in the most effective way. Remember these are just some of the many ideas follow your intuition and the energy of this moon.
Dream work
Divination
Water therapy/ Worry water
Scrying
Spirit work
Astral work
Creativity spells and expression
Crystal Healing
Writing
Vision Work
Auto Scripting
Ritual Bath
Shadow work
Manifestation work
Cleansing
Daydream
Write down and plan your smart goals
Rest
Chakra healing and alignment
Correspondences Of The Pisces 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 I will list below for you to use.
Manifestation Topics and Questions for Pisces New Moon
Every new moon is a great time for manifesting and planting seeds of intention to bloom during this lunar cycle. You will want to try and align your manifestations, intentions, and goals around the themes of the Pisces fishes to reap the maximum benefits and rewards from this lunar cycle in the seeds you choose to plant now. Try and focus on things like your biggest dreams, balance in your emotions, your creative expression and artistic endeavors, expanding your intuition and listening to your hearts true desires. Whether you do it thru meditation, goal setting, journaling, shadow work, or divination like tarot; below is a list of prompts and topics to connect with the energy of the Pisces new moon
To learn more about how to do detailed shadow work you can learn more watching my class here! You can also book a 1:1 guided session with me on my site in the readings and services section or on Facebook.
Release Your Emotions With Worry Water
The ritual I am brining to you for this emotional, expressive, and intuitive new moon in watery Pisces is a simple one it may seem, but it is a favorite of mine to do whenever we are in a water sign no matter the lunar phase. Water signs open up such a deep, potent portal to our emotions in the most intuitive and compassionate way. This portal allows us to view some emotions we may not have been able to see in the depths before Pisces floats them up to the surface for us to see. This ritual even has more power behind it with Pisces being the sign of hidden things in the depths of our subconscious.
Even though this is a new moon and about planting our seeds of intention and setting us up for manifestation I feel it’s always important and crucial to maintain balance and do a little bit of release work when you want to manifest or plant intentions. That way you have a clear image to visualize and focus on what you want to manifest. So, let’s learn how to release our emotions by making worry water.
All you will need for this is a bowl of water its best if it is in a clear bowl and bonus energy if it is moon water. And than a quiet space you can be alone and uninterrupted for a little while. If you like to have candles, crystals, incense, or tools when you enter sacred space those are optional for you to use here as well.
How to perform this ritual and make worry water
Go to the spot you can get into sacred space. Get into a comfortable position with your bowl of water in front of you.
If you are using extra tools like candles you set up your tools now and light candles or incense if need to.
Take some deep breaths in and out as you began to visualize protective, compassionate, expressive, energy entering your space and enveloping you.
As you feel that energy around you look into the bowl, you can even touch the water or pick the bowl up if you feel the desire to, than speak, whisper, or even yell all of your stresses, worries, fears, secrets, hidden emotions and hardships into your bowl of water.
Allow the element of water to absorb all those feelings, those unwanted energies and things, and hidden emotions you may have rushing thru yo. Allow it to transmute those emotions into healing, growth, and awareness.
Once you feel you have released all the emotions you need to into your bowl of water you can thank it for being a place to absorb and transmute all of this for you, than take your bowl of water and either dump it down the drain, flush it down the toilet or pour it out to the earth if you can.
However you choose to connect to this new moon and work with its energy be prepared to experience the depths of your emotions, and allow yourself to go with flow of where they lead you to unlock your intuition, compassion, creativity and your wildest of dreams.
Why am I hosting a workshop on Lilith soon? Why did I already teach a class on her last year and summon her? Why did I create a study guide already for her? Why am I writing this blog post for you all now? Many reasons! The main reason, I teach and work with the “dark” goddesses and she is the number one goddess I get questions about.
Lilith has become a popular goddess for witches to want to work with for many reasons, the ” dark” feminine is becoming more popular for witches and pagans to be willing to work with for one. Second, many people, women especially are starting to do the very challenging work of healing journeys related to sexual trauma. I want to take a moment here as well. In case no one has said it to you; and you are on that journey; I am so very sorry you have that journey to take in your life. But, Lilith is one of the best choices of a deity to have with you for assistance and guidance on that journey. I personally know this myself and you can find and read many many stories saying the same.
Other than that she is just all around an astounding deity to work for liberation of yourself in almost every way and area of life. How you see yourself, your connection to magic, your connection to the collective, truly connecting to your “dark”/ Shadow self, and allowing you access and permission to enact justice when it is needed.
My journey with her has been a long one crossing many paths, working with many different faucets of her and delving into untying her extensively knotted and complicated history. She has been a staple in my practice for many years now and has a place on one of my altars often. So, if you have ever been curious about her, if she has ever called to you in the night or during some of your darkest times, if you are a student who was in my class last year and have been craving more this blog post is for you!
Keep reading to go on a journey through her darkness and duality. Learn about who she is, her extensive history, how she affects us today, how to work with her, how to honor her, and so much more! This post will not be the only one either as there is just no way to encompass all that she is in one blog post so this is just the beginning of our journey with her! Let’s start with who Lilith is.
Who is she?
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 the Dark Queen of the Night. 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.
She is very pro-independence and helping people to rise up in their power and increase their self-image and self-confidence. She is the protector of women and children (especially babies) and helps to empower people in all areas. She seeks justice and abhors slanderous gossip and bullying. She is gifted on the areas of divination, healing, black magic, necromancy, and bending dark energies to her will. She knows how to work with the energies of blood and the life force contained and can assist anyone who is called to work with her in learning these skills.
Her power and radiance shine on those who work with her and she has learned about the feminine archetypes and is empowerment for women, she understands greatly the darkness of all sides of these energies, the great empowered darkness. Her feminine energies though are not vindictive or damaging in any way to the masculine energies.
She is balanced and beautiful. She is one who seeks to empower women while still allowing them to be women. She can be vicious and violent, one who will defend herself and her family and one who will not let anyone push her around. She rises to the challenge presented to her and she will defend herself with the sheer might of the goddess she is.
She is all this and More. Lilith has incredible power and ability to see through illusions and uncover the truth of false accusations. She is a very powerful sexual and bold goddess who can work powerful sex magicks and sex rites.
Lilith, Feminism, Sexual Liberation and Witches
Let’s first touch on one of the ways that Lilith affects the collective as a whole; Lilith is an icon, symbol and representation of a dark goddess and feminine identity, feminine sexuality, liberation and empowerment. As the first woman of Adam (the first man – which in biblical Hebrew “Adam” אדם means “man”), Lilith has been forced to feel the pain of rejection, oppression and scorn for seeking equality and being denied to fully express herself, her true nature.
Lilith is like many dark goddesses who have been viewed to be feared, seen as hag-like, demons and scary, but rather this intense raw energy as a dark goddess can be “owned” and use protectively; a weapon that was once used against the Dark Goddess is now in her hands to defend herself.
Lilith may speak and come forth to women, but she may also come forth to men if she feels necessary. Anyone regardless of gender who feels a strong connection or the call of Lilith to awaken and liberate their sexuality, to revive or unleash their feminine side, can work with Lilith. Lilith (like many dark goddesses) may choose someone to work with when she feels the time is right; this may be at a younger age in your 20s or later in your 40s or 50s, whenever Lilith decides will be the right time.
Lilith’s extensively long history
Lilith has a long history that dates back far into Jewish mythology, Sumerian and Mesopotamia; a history that has often been cruelly unfair to a goddess and figure such as Lilith. I am going to do my best to sum up her very extensive history for you in this blog post, there really truly is so much to her history and so few know even half of it. If you want the entire detailed history you can read my study guide here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-gjqbHtFpVvAk3ArQ_LJAF1gtQzMcnAA/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=107019596187888016346&rtpof=true&sd=true I wrote for my class with Divination Academy last year.
For 4,000 years Lilith has wandered the earth, figuring in the mythic imaginations of writers, artists and poets. Her origins lie in Babylonian demonology, where amulets and incantations were used to counter the sinister powers of this winged spirit who preyed on pregnant women and infants. Lilith next migrated to the world of the ancient Hittites, Egyptians, Israelites and Greeks. She makes a solitary appearance in the Bible, as a wilderness demon shunned by the prophet Isaiah. In the Middle Ages she reappears in Jewish sources as the dreadful first wife of Adam.
In the Renaissance, Michelangelo portrayed Lilith as a half-woman, half-serpent, coiled around the Tree of Knowledge. Later, her beauty would captivate the English poet Dante Gabriel Rossetti. “Her enchanted hair,” he wrote, “was the first gold.”1 Irish novelist James Joyce cast her as the “patron of abortions.”2 Modern feminists celebrate her bold struggle for independence from Adam. Her name appears as the title of a Jewish women’s magazine and a national literacy program. An annual music festival that donates its profits to battered women’s shelters and breast cancer research institutes is called the Lilith Fair. In most manifestations of her myth, Lilith represents chaos, seduction and ungodliness. Yet, in her every guise, Lilith has cast a spell on humankind.
Lilith in Sumerian and Mesopotamia
The ancient name “Lilith” derives from a Sumerian word for female demons or wind spirits—the lilītu and the related ardat lilǐ. The lilītu dwells in desert lands and open country spaces and is especially dangerous to pregnant women and infants. Her breasts are filled with poison, not milk. The ardat lilī is a sexually frustrated and infertile female who behaves aggressively toward young men.
The earliest surviving mention of Lilith’s name appears in Gilgamesh and the Huluppu-Tree, a Sumerian epic poem found on a tablet at Ur and dating from approximately 2000 B.C.E. The mighty ruler Gilgamesh is the world’s first literary hero; he boldly slays monsters and vainly searches for the secret to eternal life. In one episode, “after heaven and earth had separated and man had been created,”3 Gilgamesh rushes to assist Inanna, goddess of erotic love and war. In her garden near the Euphrates River, Inanna lovingly tends a willow (huluppu) tree, the wood of which she hopes to fashion into a throne and bed for herself. Inanna’s plans are nearly thwarted, however, when a dastardly triumvirate possesses the tree. One of the villains is Lilith.
Lilith in the bible and Talmud
She than makes her way into Judaism and Christianity. Over time, people throughout the Near East became increasingly familiar with the myth of Lilith. In Judaism she is the most notorious demon. In the Bible, she is mentioned only once, in Isaiah 34. The Isaiah passage lacks specifics in describing Lilith, but it locates her in desolate places. The Bible verse thus links Lilith directly to the demon of the Gilgamesh epic who flees “to the desert.” The wilderness traditionally symbolizes mental and physical barrenness; it is a place where creativity and life itself are easily extinguished. Lilith, the feminine opposite of masculine order, is banished from fertile territory and exiled to barren wasteland.
While Lilith is not mentioned again in the Bible, she does resurface in the Dead Sea Scrolls found at Qumran. The Qumran sect was engrossed with demonology, and Lilith appears in the Song for a Sage, a hymn possibly used in exorcisms: “And I, the Sage, sound the majesty of His beauty to terrify and confound all the spirits of destroying angels and the bastard spirits, the demons, Lilith. . ., and those that strike suddenly, to lead astray the spirit of understanding, and to make desolate their heart.”7
Centuries after the Dead Sea Scrolls were written, learned rabbis completed the Babylonian Talmud (final editing circa 500 to 600 C.E.), and female demons journeyed into scholarly Jewish inquiries. The Talmud (the name comes from a Hebrew word meaning “study”) is a compendium of legal discussions, tales of great rabbis and meditations on Bible passages. Talmudic references to Lilith are few, but they provide a glimpse of what intellectuals thought about her. The Talmud’s Lilith recalls older Babylonian images, for she has “long hair” (Erubin 100b) and wings (Niddah 24b).8 The Talmud’s image of Lilith also reinforces older impressions of her as a succubus, a demon in female form who had sex with men while the men were sleeping. Unwholesome sexual practices are linked to Lilith as she powerfully embodies the demon-lover myth.
Lilith in The Alphabet of Ben Sira
Until the seventh century C.E., Lilith was known as a dangerous embodiment of dark, feminine powers. In the Middle Ages, however, the Babylonian she-demon took on new and even more sinister characteristics. Sometime prior to the year 1000, The Alphabet of Ben Sira was introduced to medieval Jewry. The Alphabet, an anonymous text, contains 22 episodes, corresponding to the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. The fifth episode includes a Lilith who was to tantalize and terrify the population for generations to come. To some extent, The Alphabet of Ben Sira shows a familiar Lilith: She is destructive, she can fly and she has a penchant for sex. Yet this tale adds a new twist: She is Adam’s first wife, before Eve, who boldly leaves Eden because she is treated as man’s inferior.
Ben Sira cites the Bible passage indicating that after creating Adam, God realizes that it is not good for man to be alone (Genesis 2:18). In Ben Sira’s fanciful additions to the biblical tale, the Almighty then fashions another person from the earth, a female called Lilith. Soon the human couple begins to fight, but neither one really hears the other. Lilith refuses to lie underneath Adam during sex, but he insists that the bottom is her rightful place. He apparently believes that Lilith should submissively perform wifely duties. Lilith, on the other hand, is attempting to rule over no one. She is simply asserting her personal freedom. Lilith states, “We are equal because we are both created from the earth.”10
The struggle continues until Lilith becomes so frustrated with Adam’s stubbornness and arrogance that she brazenly pronounces the Tetragrammaton, the ineffable name of the Lord. God’s name (YHWH), translated as “Lord God” in most Bibles and roughly equivalent to the term “Yahweh,” has long been considered so holy that it is unspeakable. During the days of the Jerusalem Temple, only the High Priest said the word out loud, and then only once a year, on the Day of Atonement.
In The Alphabet, Lilith sins by impudently uttering the sacred syllables, thereby demonstrating to a medieval audience her unworthiness to reside in Paradise. So Lilith flies away, having gained power to do so by pronouncing God’s avowed name. Though made of the earth, she is not earthbound. Her dramatic departure reestablishes for a new generation Lilith’s supernatural character as a winged devil.
In the Gilgamesh and Isaiah episodes, Lilith flees to desert spaces. In The Alphabet of Ben Sira her destination is the Red Sea, site of historic and symbolic importance to the Jewish people. Just as the ancient Israelites achieve freedom from Pharaoh at the Red Sea, so Lilith gains independence from Adam by going there. But even though Lilith is the one who leaves, it is she who feels rejected and angry.
The Almighty tells Adam that if Lilith fails to return, 100 of her children must die each day. Apparently, Lilith is not only a child-murdering witch but also an amazingly fertile mother. In this way, she helps maintain the world’s balance between good and evil. Three angels are sent in search of Lilith. When they find her at the Red Sea, she refuses to return to Eden, claiming that she was created to devour children. Ben Sira’s story suggests that Lilith is driven to kill babies in retaliation for Adam’s mistreatment and God’s insistence on slaying 100 of her progeny daily.
To prevent the three angels from drowning her in the Red Sea, Lilith swears in the name of God that she will not harm any infant who wears an amulet bearing her name. Ironically, by forging an agreement with God and the angels, Lilith demonstrates that she is not totally separated from the divine.
Lilith in the Zohar
The next milestone in Lilith’s journey lies in the Zohar, which elaborates on the earlier account of Lilith’s birth in Eden. The Zohar (meaning “Splendor”) is the Hebrew title for a fundamental kabbalistic tome, first compiled in Spain by Moses de Leon (1250–1305), using earlier sources. To the Kabbalists (members of the late medieval school of mystical thought), the Zohar’s mystical and allegorical interpretations of the Torah are considered sacred. The Lilith of the Zohar depends on a rereading of Genesis 1:27 (“And God created man in His image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them”), and the interpretation of this passage in the Talmud. Based on the shift of pronouns from “He created him” to the plural “He created them,” in Genesis 1:27, the Talmud suggests that the first human being was a single, androgynous creature, with two distinct halves.
Centuries later the Zohar elaborates that the male and female were soon separated. The female portion of the human being was attached on the side, so God placed Adam in a deep slumber and “sawed her off from him and adorned her like a bride and brought her to him.” This detached portion is “the original Lilith, who was with him [Adam] and who conceived from him” (Zohar 34b). Another passage indicates that as soon as Eve is created and Lilith sees her rival clinging to Adam, Lilith flies away. The Zohar, like the earlier treatments of Lilith, sees her as a temptress of innocent men, breeder of evil spirits and carrier of disease: “She wanders about at night time, vexing the sons of men and causing them to defile themselves [emit seed]” (Zohar 19b).
The passage goes on to say that she hovers over her unsuspecting victims, inspires their lust, conceives their children and then infects them with disease. Adam is one of her victims, for he fathers “many spirits and demons, through the force of the impurity which he had absorbed” from Lilith. The promiscuity of Lilith will continue until the day God destroys all evil spirits. Lilith even attempts to seduce King Solomon. She comes in the guise of the Queen of Sheba, but when the Israelite king spies her hairy legs, he realizes she is a beastly impostor. The Zohar’s final innovation concerning the Lilith myth is to partner her with the male personification of evil, named either Samael or Asmodeus.
Lilith in Luciferian Witchcraft and Luciferianism
She encompasses the spectrum of divine feminine energies. She is the consort and lover of Samael who holds the title of Adversary. Many people think that Samael and Satan are the same being, but they are not. Samael is not a demon, he is an Angel, a dark angel and one who is not aligned with the group of Holy Angels.
He works with the Darker beings of the Outer Spiritual world, most specifically the creatures of the night and has deep connections and affiliations with those beings who are of darkness. He embraces and understands the darkness and is aligned with it. That is where his energy resides and he is the consort and lover of Lady Lilith and her King. He is not Satan.
Samael and Lilith have MANY children together, in fact, Lilith is the first of her kind and the mother of many offspring that are like her. She is a beautiful and incredible goddess of lust, passion, seduction, and pleasure.
Lilith in the Outer spiritual world was one who suffered great abuse and left what she knew. She ventured out into the world on her own relying only on her skill and ability. She met the Angel Samael, and they were smitten with each other. She grew and was infused with the power of the Dark Goddess. They completed each other’s energies and she embraced her empowered feminine qualities and stepped into the powerful Goddess and Queen that she is today.
Honoring The Darkest Aspects Of Lady Lilith
Lady Lilith, the enigmatic and powerful goddess, is a multifaceted being whose mythology encompasses both light and shadow. While she is revered as a symbol of independence, liberation, and empowerment, there are darker aspects to her lore that speak to the complex and often misunderstood nature of her essence.
As a figure who defies easy categorization, Lilith embraces the duality of creation and destruction, nurturing and wrath, desire and fear. In this section, we will delve into the darkest aspects of Lady Lilith, exploring her role as a succubus, a torturer of men, and a stealer of infants. It is through honoring and understanding these aspects that we can fully appreciate the depths of Lilith’s mysteries.
Lilith as Succubus: In some legends, Lady Lilith is depicted as a succubus, a nocturnal entity that seduces and bewitches those who cross her path. Her allure is both intoxicating and perilous, leading to both pleasure and ruin.
Lilith as Torturer of Men: In tales of retribution and justice, Lilith is known as a punisher of men who have wronged women or abused their power. As a goddess who refused to be subjugated by Adam, Lilith holds a mirror to patriarchal oppression and seeks to redress the imbalance. Lilith has a fierce determination to challenge tyranny and inequality.
Lilith as Stealer of Infants: One of the most fearsome aspects of Lilith’s mythology is her association with the stealing of infants. In ancient lore, Lilith was believed to be a child-snatcher, preying on the vulnerable and innocent. While this aspect is often viewed as malevolent, it may also be seen as a manifestation of Lilith’s wild, untamed nature that defies societal norms and conventions.
Lilith’s darkness is a reminder that we each possess both light and shadow, and that embracing our wholeness is an integral part of our spiritual journey. Allow Lilith’s complexity to inspire you to explore your own depths, to confront your fears, and to discover the hidden facets of your soul.
Lilith in Astrology
Lilith gives you the power you need to be YOU. For women, Lilith can show you how you can be your true independent self and find that power within you as a woman. For everyone, she’s your ability to think for yourself and say it. Your inner Lilith – the person who has their own mind and own power independent of anyone else – can be a source of hidden power that helps you become a stronger version of YOU. That makes Lilith an incredibly empowering position!
In practice, I also find people with strong Lilith in their charts tend to: be super feminists (girl power!) be super mystics (Lilith is a little – or lot – witchy) there’s usually a difficult relationship with the mother (perhaps linking to the “demon” and stealing babies part of the mythology)
What is Lilith, technically? Black Moon Lilith (BML) is the point in the Moon’s orbit that is farthest from Earth (the apogee). There are two versions of BML, Mean and True or Oscillating. The movement of BML is not too stable, so the Mean position averages out the movement, while the True or Oscillating position gives the actual position. You can look up both positions in your natal chart and see which position, Mean or True/Oscillating, resonates stronger for you personally.
Technically, in astrology, there are three different Liliths (just to make it confusing!): Black Moon Lilith, Dark Moon Lilith (also called Waldemath Moon), and asteroid Lilith (the only physical body of Lilith). Dark Moon Lilith tends to be a little darker while asteroid Lilith to be more symbolic of the story of Lilith. I personally mostly just use Black Moon Lilith unless one of the other two is super strong in a natal chart.
How can I find my Lilith positions? To find the locations of your Liliths for free, you can use astro.com. Click on ‘My Astro’ in the upper right, choose to use as a guest or create an account (to save your information), then input your birth data (date of birth, time of birth, and place of birth).
You should be directed to the ‘Free Horoscopes’ page; click on ‘Extended Chart Selection’, then click on Additional Objects, and then click on Lilith in the menu (gives the Mean BML position), and in the Manual entry box, type in h13 (Oscillating BML), h58 (Waldemath), and 1181 (asteroid Lilith), then generate your chart (hit the button ‘Click here to show the chart >>’).
Working with Lilith in Witchcraft
Working with Lilith in witchcraft can be for different reasons connected to who Lilith is and what she represents. In Luciferian Witchcraft and Luciferianism (a form of Theistic Satanism), Lilith is honoured as the consort of Samael. However, you don’t have to practice Luciferianism or Luciferian Witchcraft to work with or be called upon to work with Lilith. Lilith can be worked with to reawaken your feminine sexuality, your passion for life, to reclaim your personal power when you feel small or that the world is overbearing and looming over top of you.
If you feel that you have given away your power or that you feel victimized in any way, Lilith screams back that you have the power to stand tall in the face of anyone encroaching on your space. Here are a few ideas for witchcraft spells and magick involving Lilith or simply to work with Lilith:
Improving sexual relationships (to create balanced relationships)
Healing sexual trauma
Asserting independence and women/women’s rights
Fighting patriarchy/oppression/sexism placed on women
Boosting self-confidence and sensuality
To gain respect and/or recognition for contributions
Exploring and/or awakening your sexuality (especially if experiencing low libido)
Sex magick (feminine dominance)
Healing and/or managing menstrual issues and/or working menstrual magick
Working with the feminine shadow self or healing feminine shadow issues
Reclaiming your personal power and strengthening your voice
Handling or managing pre-menopause, peri-menopause or menopause symptoms
Feminine reproductive issues (especially with PMS, PMDD or other hormonal/mood swing problems)
Womb healing
Correspondences to Connect to Lilith
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 he zodiac energy the moon, an archetype energy , or a deity like I will list below for you to use.
Symbols
Owl- Wisdom, intuition, connection with Lilith Serpent- Rebirth, transformation, feminine power Black Moon- Mysticism, hidden knowledge, Lilith’s energy Apple- Forbidden knowledge, temptation, femininity Crescent Moon- Goddess energy, intuition, feminine cycles Screech Owl- Night vision, divine guidance, Lilith’s presence Black Rose- Mystery, seduction, Lilith’s essence Bat- Transition, rebirth, connection with the night Dark Water- Depths of emotions, divine feminine energy
Crystals onyx red jasper obsidian red carnelian labradorite black moonstone black tourmaline jet garnet clear quartz All dark crystals (black and red) will work for connecting with Lilith. Clear quartz can be effective if no other crystal is available.
The Venus Symbol: Representing femininity and the divine feminine, the Venus symbol is a circle with a cross below it. This iconic symbol reflects Lilith’s role as a champion of women’s rights and a guardian of the feminine spirit.
The Raised Fist: A symbol of resistance and solidarity, the raised fist has been used by feminist movements around the world to signify strength and unity. Including a depiction of the raised fist on your altar honors Lilith’s revolutionary nature and her call for liberation and equality.
The Triple Moon: Comprising a waxing crescent, a full moon, and a waning crescent, the Triple Moon symbolizes the phases of a woman’s life—maiden, mother, and crone. It also reflects Lilith’s deep connection to the moon and her association with transformation and cycles of change.
The Equal Sign: Simple yet powerful, the equal sign stands for gender equality and the belief that all individuals deserve equal rights and opportunities. Placing this symbol on your Lilith altar reaffirms your commitment to justice and fairness.
The Snake: As a symbol of wisdom, rebirth, and healing, the snake is often associated with Lilith, who is said to have taken the form of a serpent in some tales. The snake also represents the shedding of societal constraints and the embracing of one’s true self.
The Wild Rose: The wild rose, with its untamed beauty and resilience, symbolizes Lilith’s free spirit and her defiance of patriarchal norms. It also serves as a reminder of the beauty and strength inherent in all women.
(Best) Day(s)
Wednesday Friday From just before sunset on Friday to the first three stars in the sky on Saturday evening is Shabbat in Judaism. Depending on your belief, cultural background or how you modernize the Jewish creation story, it may be personally decided to honour (or not) Lilith during the time of Shabbat. This may seem heretical, so you may choose whether Lilith can be honoured before or after Shabbat is over depending on your belief. This is a personal choice and only taking into consideration the cultural history and origin of Lilith.
(Best) Time of Day
witching hour (this can mean midnight or the time between 3 am and 4 am depending on your definition) (Best) Moon Phase
dark moon new moon
Sacred Days
Beltane / May Day (because of the sexual theme of the holiday) October 24 – some sources state this day as the day Lilith left the Garden of Eden and also as a Sumerian holiday to mark the end of the harvest February 29 (Leap Year every 4 years) – said to be the day when women can be loose/free to break (traditional) norms (e.g. old fashioned customs) and ask men out on dates; may not be so applicable in modern times, but can be in a sense a liberating day for forthrightness and breaking social limitations placed on women.
Ways to work with Lilith
Embrace the Moonlit Path Lilith, the Goddess of the Night, draws her strength from the moon’s luminous energy. To connect with her, bask in the moonlight, whether it’s under the silver glow of the full moon or the gentle embrace of the crescent. Engage in moon rituals, meditations, or simply spend time in contemplation under her celestial guidance. As you align with the lunar cycles, you will tap into the depths of your intuition and unleash the hidden aspects of your being.
Invoke the Queen of Shadows To work with Lilith, embrace your own shadows and fears. Light a black candle and call upon her as the Queen of Shadows. Confronting and accepting your inner darkness allows you to integrate and transmute these energies, empowering you to walk the path of self-discovery and empowerment. Trust in Lilith’s guidance as you navigate the depths of your subconscious, for within the darkness, you shall find your true strength.
To learn more about Shadow work and how to do it you can check out my Class on the topic Here and check you out the study guide in the resource section!
Celebrate the Wild Feminine Lilith embodies the untamed, wild, and unapologetic aspects of femininity. Celebrate and honor your feminine power by embracing your authenticity and standing unyielding in the face of adversity. Engage in activities that help you connect with your feminine essence, such as dance, art, or nature walks. Embody the Goddess of the Night within you, and let her energy inspire you to reclaim your sovereignty.
Create a Lilith Altar Design a sacred space dedicated to Lilith, adorned with dark-colored crystals, moon symbols, and images representing the night. Place offerings of dark fruits, red wine, or pomegranate seeds as a tribute to her essence. Meditate at this altar, seeking her guidance and strength, and watch as her energy infuses your life with purpose and resilience.
I don’t like to share my own personal altar and am working on being willing to do that so for credit here is the link where I got this one from https://images.app.goo.gl/nTXEztrS9dwbRrh68 But, I did teach a class on this already and am waiting for the video to be uploaded so until than if you need help you can comment on this article and keep an eye out I have an eBook I am just about done with for you on this topic!
Dance with Fire and Air In ritual and celebration, dance under the moonlit sky, invoking Lilith’s spirit within you. Let the flames of fire and the whispers of the wind be your companions in this dance. Moving your body to the rhythm of the elements, you connect with the primal force of Lilith, igniting your passion and embracing the free-spirited aspects of your soul.
Invoke Lilith in Dreams Before sleep, set the intention to meet Lilith in your dreams. Keep a journal by your bedside to record any visions, messages, or encounters you experience. Working with Lilith in the realm of dreams can provide profound insights, healing, and guidance as you navigate your waking life.
Explore Divination and Tarot Turn to divination and tarot as tools to communicate with Lilith and gain deeper understanding of your inner self. Choose tarot decks that resonate with the themes of the night, the moon, and feminine power. Engage in regular readings, seeking Lilith’s wisdom to illuminate the paths that lie ahead. If you need to get a start at Tarot you can check out this amazing free class series at the link here;
Confront Patriarchal Conditioning Lilith’s story challenges patriarchal constructs, making her a symbol of resistance against oppressive systems. Reflect on the ways patriarchal conditioning has influenced your life and choices. By dismantling these patterns and embracing Lilith’s essence, you empower yourself and support the collective shift towards equality and liberation.
Call on Lilith for Protection Invoke Lilith as a guardian and protector, especially during moments of vulnerability or when you seek strength in challenging times. Her fierce energy can shield you from harm and guide you through adversity, reminding you of the power you hold within.
Commune with Nature Spend time in nature to connect with Lilith’s primal energy. Seek solace in forests, beside flowing rivers, or under the open night sky. As you immerse yourself in the natural world, you become attuned to the rhythms of life and Lilith’s ancient wisdom.
If you want to start a journey or expand your knowledge on elemental magic and how to work with the elements I have a class coming up in mid march on this topic thru Divination Academy. Check it out at the link below!
Work with Lilith in Ritual Magick In your magical practice, incorporate Lilith’s sigils or symbols to amplify your intentions and spells. Seek her presence as you explore the mysteries of the night and harness her transformative energy to manifest your desires.
Honor Lilith in Rituals and Festivals Celebrate Lilith’s presence during seasonal festivals, such as the Samhain or Beltane, when the veil between worlds is thin. Light candles and offer prayers to honor her role as the Goddess of the Night, inviting her blessings and guidance into your life.
Mirror Scrying: Gazing into the Veil of the Night Embrace the ancient art of mirror scrying to connect with Lilith, the Goddess of the Night. Instead of staring at your reflection, dedicate a mirror specifically for scrying purposes. Call upon Lilith’s spirit as you peer into the depths of the mirror, allowing her to guide your divination sessions. Through this mystical practice, you can unveil hidden truths, receive insights from the otherworldly realms, and tap into the wild energy that Lilith bestows upon her devotees.
Air Element Magick: Embrace the Wild Winds Harness the untamed energy of Lilith by incorporating air element magick into your practice. Work with the wind’s flow by making and burning incense, engaging in smoke and cloud scrying, or crafting powerful storm magick rituals. As the spirit of the wind, Lilith’s essence is intertwined with the breath of life, and through these practices, you can attune to her primal force and explore the mysteries of the unseen world.
The Owl Familiar Spirit: Commune with Lilith’s Sacred Messenger The owl, synonymous with Lilith’s name in Hebrew, serves as a sacred animal and messenger of this enigmatic goddess. Connect with the owl familiar spirit or the Owl spirit guide in your practice to honor Lilith and delve into the occult mysteries she holds. The owl’s wisdom and intuitive prowess will aid you in understanding the deeper layers of the night and the secrets that lie within.
Sex Magick: Embrace the Lustful Enchantress Explore the domain of sex magick, ruled by the intensely lustful nature of Lilith. Whether in personal or partnered encounters, learn to manifest your desires and tap into the transformative power of sexual energy. Engaging in sex magick rituals can provide profound insights into your own sensuality and desires, fostering a deep connection with the Goddess of the Night and the alluring mysteries she embodies.
If you are interested in sex magic Keep an eye out for some Ebooks, woskshops, and other things coming you can have access too on the topics in the meantime check out my study guides here from the two classes I have taught already on the topic through Divination.
The Daughters of Lilith: Becoming One with the Enchantress In her demon form, Lilith is said to lead a horde of spirits known as the Daughters of Lilith. Delve into the study of this unique group of spirits and consider embracing your identity as a Daughter of Lilith, which is synonymous with being a witch. By aligning with this mystical lineage, you can connect with the ancient, powerful energies that flow through Lilith and explore the paths of witchcraft and the arcane arts.
Read about Lilith: Unveiling the Enigmatic Goddess Embark on a journey of knowledge by immersing yourself in reading about Lilith. Delve into a wealth of resources, from ancient folklore and religious texts to modern interpretations and archaeological discoveries. By diving into the depths of Lilith’s story, you will gain a profound understanding of her multifaceted nature, her significance in diverse cultures, and the wisdom she bestows upon those who seek her guidance.
Final Musings
In the tapestry of history and myth, the name “Lilith” weaves a mesmerizing thread, connecting ancient civilizations to modern seekers of wisdom. As we embrace her enigmatic essence, she reminds us of the eternal truths found within the depths of the night—the beauty of embracing our shadows, the strength in claiming our sovereignty, and the power in honoring the wild and authentic self.
Lilith, the Goddess of the Night, beckons us to wander through the realms of our own souls, fearlessly exploring the depths of our desires, fears, and dreams. She stands as a beacon of feminine strength and empowerment, encouraging us to reclaim our voices, defy societal constraints, and dance boldly under the moon’s gentle glow.
She is incredibly powerful and healing for feminine energies and as a Queen in her own right, helping both men and women to feel comfortable with their bodies and embrace themselves and their truth. She is a Divine Goddess and one of abundance and empowered feminine archetypes. She is incredible and beautiful to behold. She is a goddess of women embracing their femininity.
Lilith is a guardian of the night, an embodiment of the shadowy and mysterious aspects of femininity. She reigns over the realms of darkness and dreams, where the subconscious mind roams free and untamed. As a goddess of the moon, she presides over its phases, from the new moon’s hidden embrace to the full moon’s radiant splendor. Her lunar influence connects her to cycles of life, death, and rebirth, a symbol of eternal renewal.
She is balanced and beautiful. She is one who seeks to empower women while still allowing them to be women.
She can be vicious and violent, one who will defend herself and her family and one who will not let anyone push her around. She rises to the challenge presented to her and she will defend herself with the sheer might of the goddess she is.
In her divine form, Lilith exudes an air of untamed sensuality and allure. She is the enchantress who bewitches mortals with her captivating gaze and seductive charm. Yet, her allure extends beyond mere physical beauty; it emanates from her deep connection to the primordial forces of creation. Lilith represents the life-giving aspects of femininity—the generative power that births both galaxies and ideas alike.
As the embodiment of feminine sovereignty, Lilith challenges conventional notions of subservience and patriarchy. She stands tall and unyielding, refusing to be confined by societal norms. The goddess Lilith is the epitome of independence, self-reliance, and courage. 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.
If you want to learn some more advanced ways of working with her like; how to Summon her, how to do tantric prayer to invoke her, working with her sigils and womb healing You can purchase my eBook about her in the shop.
To expand your knowledge about her further and meet her in a guided mediation or if you’d rather listen than read; you can watch my free class with Divination Academy on YouTube below!
Suggested Reading:
The Black Moon Lilith series: Black Moon Lilith in the Zodiac Signs Progressions & Black Moon Lilith Natal Planets Conjunct Black Moon Lilith That Dark Lady, Lilith Intro to Black Moon Lilith Lilith the Witch Transit Black Moon Lilith Black Moon Lilith & Love Astrology Prominent Natal Black Moon Lilith When You’re Cut Off From Black Moon Lilith Houses Ruled by Black Moon Lilith Transit Black Moon Lilith in the Houses & Aspects
Resources sited: History: a. See Tzvi Abusch, “Gilgamesh: Hero, King, God and Striving Man,” Archaeology Odyssey, July/August 2000. b. But see David R. Freedman, “Woman, a Power Equal to Man,” BAR, January/February 1983.
Dante Gabriel Rossetti, “Body’s Beauty,” in The House of Life: A Sonnet-Sequence (Cambridge, MA: Harvard Univ. Press, 1928), p. 183.
James Joyce, Ulysses, chap. 14, “Oxen of the Sun.”
All Gilgamesh quotations are from Samuel N. Kramer, Gilgamesh and the Huluppu-Tree: A Reconstructed Sumerian Text, The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago Assyriological Studies 10 (Chicago: Univ. of Chicago, 1938).
Translated by Theodor H. Gaster in Siegmund Hurwitz, Lilith—The First Eve (Einsiedeln, Switzerland: Daimon, 1992), p. 66. Another translation does not mention Lilith’s name and reads, “Be off, terrifying ones, terrors of my night.”
Unless otherwise indicated, all Bible quotes are from TANAKH: The Holy Scriptures (Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, 1985).
These items may arise from Lilith’s association with darkness. Some translators and commentators have mistaken the etymology of Lilith’s name. Lilith, lylyt [tylyl], was not derived from the Hebrew word for night, lylh [hlyl], as they supposed. Instead, Lilith’s name originated in her depiction as a mythic Mesopotamian fiend and foe of Gilgamesh.
4Q510. See Joseph M. Baumgarten, “On the Nature of the Seductress in 4Q184,” Revue de Qumran 15 (1991–1992), pp. 133–143.
All talmudic references are to The Babylonian Talmud, trans. Isidore Epstein, 17 vols. (London: Soncino, 1948).
Raphael Patai, The Hebrew Goddess, 3rd enlarged ed. (Detroit: Wayne State, 1990), p. 226.
The translation is my own. The full Hebrew text of The Alphabet of Ben Sira is found in Ozar Midrashim: A Library of Two Hundred Minor Midrashim (New York: J.D. Eisenstein, 1915), vol. 1, pp. 35–49.
All references to the Zohar are to the edition translated by Harry Sperling and Maurice Simon, 2nd ed. (London: Soncino, 1984), vol. 1.
David Stern and Mark Jay Mirsky, eds., Rabbinic Fantasies (Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, 1990).
Joseph Adler, “Lilith,” Midstream 45:5 (July/August 1999), p. 6.
Rossetti, “Eden Bower,” in Poems (Leipzig: Bernhard Tauchnitz, 1873), pp. 31–41.
Judith Plaskow Goldenberg, “Epilogue: The Coming of Lilith,” in Religion and Sexism, ed. Rosemary Radford Ruether (New York: Simon and Schuster, 1974), pp. 341–343.
Pamela White Hadas, “The Passion of Lilith,” in In Light of Genesis (Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, 1980), pp. 2–19.
“Mirror, mirror on the wall…..” A famous Phrase many know but, did you know that you can use mirrors for more than just seeing your own reflection, putting on makeup and asking them “who’s the fairest of them all” ? Mirrors can be used in many different kinds of magical ways in your practice and in your life. The connection between mirrors, your identity, reality, your self, and your self-image are strongly tied together.
Of all the spiritual methods of inner work available to us in the 21st century, mirror work is one of the simplest and most powerful.
Unlike many pathways to inner growth out there, you don’t have to go out and splurge large amounts of money or time.
Thankfully, mirror work is a practice that is freely available to anyone – all you need is a mirror! And nearly all of us already have access to one.
If you’re looking for a simple, practical, and deeply transformative practice that can become a daily habit of self-love, look no further than your bathroom mirror.
Read this blog post to learn all about how you can become the most magical of them all with the many uses of mirrors.
My love for mirrors
I Personally deeply love mirrors especially as a grey witch and mystic who thrives in the liminal space and duality. Mirrors have this very mesmerizing way of pulling you into a portal of your own reflection and into a new reality. Which really is what is happening when you look into a mirror from a scientific perspective. Every time we look into a mirror it’s our perspective of reality that is being reflected back to us.
When you think about this from a spiritual and magical perspective it’s both terrifying and exhilarating. To know what you are seeing and in a mirror is both real and unreal at the same time. It opens up this mindset that allows you to dive head first into the portal of reflection for some of the deepest shadow work you can experience and journey to fully understanding your identity and soul contracts.
This deep pool of reflection a mirror opens you up to also has this amplifying effect to your magic and the messages you receive through many forms of divination as well.
Magic mirrors as a tool
Mirrors are both simple and complicated tools of magic. Through ages, they have been used for scrying, searching for the truth, finding your personal unknown – and as portals.
They have also been used in protection spells to reflect unwanted energy back to its sender, or keep entities out of your home or sacred space as well. They can be used as an amplifier to your magical workings as well. There is also the concept of the black mirror we will dive into as well.
A mirror can be such a handy tool to use because they are relatively easy to get your hands on. You can use your bathroom mirror, a full length mirror, a compact mirror really anyone you choose to use. Keep in mind depending on the use and workings you are doing with it you may need to make sure you have cleansed and charged the mirror prior. I also find I have much clearer results when I am using one of my own mirrors instead of someone else’s or one outside of my home, though you can do that if you need to.
Is a Mirror “evil”?
The quick answer, like any other type of magic yes/ and no.
Can it be used for malicious intent? Sure, it can. But, any magic and practice can be. Just like mirror magic can be used for really useful, helpful and beneficial intent as well. It all is up to the practitioner ; how they are using it, and their intent each time they use it. It also depends on your view on good and evil. For a practitioner like myself who doesn’t believe in that viewpoint the answer is of course no; always. To read more about my viewpoint you check out a previous post here. https://modgepodgemystic.com/how-i-found-my-magical-spiritual-path/ and here https://modgepodgemystic.com/who-am-i-as-a-witch-and-what-is-my-path/
But, many do not see it as I do, so let’s talk about the negative superstitions and ideas that surround mirrors in both the magical/ pagan community and in society as a whole.
Mirror magic can actually be a pretty controversial topic and practice when you bring it up. Usually, when I do I am hit with so many reasons for why I should not be using it and I see witches all the time on social media asking if it is okay to even have mirrors in their homes, near their altars or near their beds. I even see other witches scaring them completely away from them with many different superstitions and beliefs.
Now, everyone can have their own belief and superstitions from their cultures and I respect that but, we also need to be willing to look at other viewpoints and beliefs as well and understand not everyone will believe any or all of the common superstitions and beliefs I will list below and being willing to do this is how we truly stop gate keeping.
List of negative beliefs and superstitions about mirrors;
did you know that if you stare into a mirror too long the DEVIL will appear behind you
Everyone’s heard the one about breaking a mirror and bringing bad luck for seven years
some cultures take it a step further and believe that breaking a mirror doesn’t just mean bad luck, but is an omen for death in the household!
It’s said that souls can become trapped in mirrors
The fae can kidnap you to their realm by pulling you thru one
The bloody Mary myth
you can even summon demons and vengeful spirits by calling them forth in mirrors… and then, I guess, be trapped in a bathroom with them
If you keep one by your altar you will allow evil spirits to possess you
Mirrors facing out in our home are a portal into your home for demons
Honestly the list could go on. Some of these beliefs have cultural aspects behind them like with the one concerning the fae. Others are just scare tactics in my opinion from one specific church *cough, cough * Christianity to keep us away from a true tool to amplify our power and remind us that we are divine beings ourselves and not just God and Jesus.
Mirror work; what is it?
Mirror Work was a method originally developed by inspirational teacher Louise Hay as a way of getting in touch with the inner self. The primary purpose of mirror work is to develop self-love, self-care, and a more meaningful relationship with others.
By simply looking into the mirror for a certain amount of time each day and gently talking to yourself, you can foster a more compassionate and forgiving connection with yourself.
Mirror work can make us feel initially uneasy because it exposes our inner critic in plain daylight.
Suddenly everything we feel about ourselves that we might not be aware of comes to the surface. And if you haven’t developed a compassionate relationship with yourself, you might be prone to believing all the nastiness whispered in your ear by your inner critic.
Of all the spiritual methods of inner work available to us in the 21st century, mirror work is one of the simplest and most powerful.
Unlike many pathways to inner growth out there, you don’t have to go out and splurge large amounts of money or time.
Thankfully, mirror work is a practice that is freely available to anyone – all you need is a mirror! And nearly all of us already have access to one.
If you’re looking for a simple, practical, and deeply transformative practice that can become a daily habit of self-love, look no further than your bathroom mirror.
Spiritual Awakening & Mirror Work
As a symbol of truth and clarity, mirrors are one of the most ancient and direct ways of accessing self-realization.
Some of the earliest uses of mirrors date back to Anatolia (now called Turkey) from 6,000 to 8,000 BC. These ancient mirrors were made out of obsidian, which itself is a stone symbolic of psychological purification, shadow integration, and protection.
By using a mirror to consciously access the inner layers of our being, we gently remove the blocks and untie the knots preventing our ability to grow and evolve. Mirror work can facilitate a deepening of our spiritual awakening process.
Mirror work and the inner child
Mirror work is an intensely effective way of helping us to re-establish a connection with this delicate part of ourselves.
When looking into the mirror and trying to reconnect with the inner child, it’s not unusual to feel waves of sadness wash over you. You may also experience unexpected bubbles of excitement or joy. But typically, it’s common to experience heavier and more uncomfortable emotions first.
Although this kind of mirror work can be upsetting and unpleasant at times, these feelings point to deeper work that is alchemizing at a subconscious level.
Simply gazing at yourself in the mirror and comforting your inner child can be a tremendously healing practice and a powerful form of inner child work. The more emotions you experience, the more a sacred kind of purging and transformation is happening.
Mirror Work; portal to the soul
The eyes are the mirrors to the Soul as the old saying goes, and mirror work gives you direct access to this core part of your being.
However, it’s not always possible to directly connect with your deeper Self. Most people first experience a harsh inner critic that arises and serves as a doorkeeper to the deeper psyche.
To make it past that harsh doorkeeper, you must learn to disarm it through mindfulness and self-compassion. It’s at this point where inner work practices such as self-love become vital to work through your insecurities and self-resentments.
How to do Mirror work
There are no official methods of doing mirror work – although you can try the 21-day practice developed by Louise Hay in her book.
Personally, I prefer to tailor mirror work to myself and my own needs. Here are some of the fundamental principles of mirror work that you might like to keep in mind if you want to create your own practice:
Use affirmations that feel authentic to you (I’ll explain this more below)
Dedicate at least two minutes every day
Do mirror work in private so that you aren’t disturbed (or feel the need to keep your guard up)
It’s okay to feel emotional – let yourself feel whatever comes up
Keep a journal where you record any notable experiences (I’ll explain this more below)
With that being said, here’s a simple step-by-step guide to mirror work that you can use and adapt to your own needs:
1. Commit yourself
2. Think about the best time of day
3. Choose or create your own affirmation
Why use affirmations, you might wonder? Affirmations counteract the negative self-talk that runs through our heads – they also help to reprogram our minds.
4. Repeat your affirmation (with feeling)
5. Embrace any emotions that arise
6. Place a hand over your heart
7. Record your discoveries
How to use mirrors Magically in spells and rituals
There are so many ways to use them to amplify your magical workings, spells, rituals, and your life. Let me walk you through some of them now, and remember I may miss some and if I do always comment and let me know so, I can grow my knowledge and find a new way to use them.
Amplifying Magic
I mentioned above about leaving mirrors on the altar for this purpose ( we will go in depth more later too), but mirrors can be set up for any spell to significantly boost the power of individual elements! Strategically placing mirrors around whatever aspect you want amplified (candles, stones, yourself) will have the most impact and I recommend using multiples of three when deciding how many mirrors to use.
Breaking Mirrors
People have major reservations about breaking mirrors and this superstition goes back a long way. Symbolically, breaking a mirror can represent breaking some aspect of yourself or “breaking through” to an enlightenment.
For spells involving moving past old obstacles, breaking bad habits or cycles of behavior, you can look into the mirror and tell yourself what you want to change, what habits are coming to an end, then put the mirror into a cloth bag and break it (safely). These pieces can then be discarded or used in a larger self-altering ritual.
Bridging Worlds
Mirrors are sometimes seen as windows into other dimensions or a way to look in on others without their knowledge. This made mirrors tools of divination. It was believed that your reflection was your soul and therefore when used for scrying or divination, you could theoretically ask your soul-self questions or ask to see something happening elsewhere. Black scrying mirrors are actually less reflective so you don’t see yourself as clearly. The reason for this being that your own reflection was considered a distraction from whatever you’re actually hoping to find in the mirror’s surface. We will go over them in more detail later though.
Scrying with a mirror; Catoptromancy
Scrying is one of the best known forms of divination, and can be done in a variety of ways. And when I say a variety I mean a variety from using raindrops, snow, ice, bread, smoke, and so many more if you want me to do a post on more ways to scrying let me know in the comments.
Catoptromancy (Greek: κάτοπτρον, katoptron, “mirror,” and μαντεία, manteia, “divination”) is a form of mirror magic. It’s technically scrying done with mirrors. Scrying is a relative of clairvoyance, augury, or divination and it refers to the practice of looking at an object to receive a message or vision. In scrying, the intention is to “see deeper”, to get visions or messages, or to gain inspiration, guidance, and revelation. You can use a black mirror or a regular mirror as well.
A couple things on this; some think the mirror is the one proving the answers and the messages and others like myself see the mirror simply as the conduit and tool that is allowing me to receive the message in a more clear way for me to understand.
Beauty Magic
Get your favorite color of lipstick or if you are like me and do not use it you can use chapstick as well, and a bowl of rose petals. Stand in front of your bathroom mirror, or use a handheld one, and place the lipstick in the bowl of rose petals. Say Beauty within and outside of me, beauty I feel and what others now see. Luscious color to last a while, on my spirit and on my smile. Apply the lipstick, blow yourself a kiss in the mirror, and admire how awesome you are. Keep your lipstick handy for touch-up applications as it wears off during the day. When you go to bed at night, keep the lipstick in the bowl of rose petals beside your mirror.
Protection Magic
Mirrors can be used for protection and binding spells. They send evil deeds and negative energies back to their senders. Think about it like light: when a light hits a mirror, the mirror reflects the light back. The principles of protective mirror magic are similar: the mirror acts as a shield that reflects the energy back.
Protecting from negative energy attacks
When you feel something is threatening you, your property or anything very close to you, place mirrors on every window of your home, facing out. The mirrors will reflect any negative energy sent to you, back to its sender.
Protection from lies
When you are about to go into a tough situation where you feel you might be lied to, bring a small hand mirror with you. Hold it in your hand, mirror side facing your opponent. It doesn’t matter if the person spots it – you can always say that you have it for some other purpose. If you want this magic to be even more effective, make your opponent look in the mirror.
Super simple defensive spell
Fogging up a mirror and reciting an incantation is said to reveal to you those who seek to harm you.
Repelling unwanted energies
In the bowl, facing the mirror, place something that represents your target – the person who is cursing you. This can be a photo, a business card, a small doll, an item that they own, or even their name written on a piece of paper. This will reflect that individual’s negative energy back to them.
You can also create a mirror box. It works on the same principle as a single mirror, but uses several mirrors to line the inside of a box. Just hot-glue them in place so they don’t move around. Once you’ve done so, place a magical link to the person inside the box, and then seal the box. You may use black salt if you wish to add a little more magical oomph.
One of my favorite methods of making a mirror box is to incorporate the shards of a mirror you’ve smashed with a hammer while chanting the person’s name. This can be such a big release for you mentally and energetically and than you add all that release to the spell when you use the shards in the box.
Suspended binding
One way to bind using mirrors is to place a picture of your target between two separated mirrors, usually performed in a hallway, symbolically holding the target in suspended animation.
Simple binding with mirrors
I suggest getting a tube (from a toilet paper roll, for example), securing a small poppet in the middle of this tube and then slot two mirrors on each end of the tube. Paint the tube black or wrap a black cord around it, then pop it in the freezer. If you wish, you could also place a clear quartz in with the poppet to amplify the binding.
Shattered sanity hex
So, you really want to shake someone’s balance. Well, then, load a mirror with magic. The mirror should be big enough to be broken easily, and if possible, frameless.
Get a taglock from your target, such as one string of hair, and glue it on the other side of the mirror. Or, write the exact name and birthdate of your target on the back of the mirror (you probably want to be very subtle with this).
Meet your target. Present the mirror to them and make them look at themselves by complimenting their eyes and asking them to look at a detail in their iris (such as a dot, shape, color, or the dark ring of the iris). The longer you can make them look, the better.
Arrange it so that the person turns away. Then, “accidentally” break the mirror so that the person sees it.
*This one I got from a blog quite a few years back, added it to my book of shadows and can’t find the name anymore so once I find it I will update this to add a link to them
Mirrors and the altar
I touched on it earlier that you can have mirrors at your altar, let’s talk about the two different reasons why, defense/ protection and amplification.
The first one I want to talk about is amplification.
Amplify your altar
Think of it like this, when the sun hits a mirror what happens? The beam of light gets reflected back brighter as it’s absorbed into the reflective surface and then bounced back. (That part we will talk about in a minute.)
That part where the beam of light gets brighter as it’s absorbed into the surface, that’s the effect a mirror can have on your altar. I do this by having a mirror placed at the back end of my altar facing it wide open to see every part of my altar, and myself when I come to it for prayer, spell workings, or rituals.
Defending your altar
We talked about how it can amplify your altar now let’s talk about how it can defend your altar. Do you remember when I sad we would talk about the bounce part of the sun bean hitting a mirror.
Well that bounce back is how a mirror protects your altar. By doing just that not only does it bounce and reflect back the unwanted energies or attacks it sends it back already amplified as well.
One tip with this though, I felt it was confusing and a little chaotic to have a mirror on my altar for each intention. So, to fix that I started drawing protection sigils on the one for that specific intention to make it much more clear intention.
Black Mirror
We can’t talk about mirrors without talking about black mirrors.
A black mirror is a tool that is used for example in scrying, Goetic rituals for evocation, and searching for your personal “unknown”. Some consider it to have a bit of controversial nature, but I think it’s still pretty common magic.
A black mirror often is a plate of glass that is painted glossy-black from the other side. It can also be made from black glass completely. The main point is to look into the dark reflection. Not just a couple of minutes. But a session with black mirror gazing could take for example 20 minutes. What most of the people can expect to start seeing is how their face starts to morph.
An ideal black mirror has enough size so that if you hold it and place it arm’s length away, you can still see your face clearly. Smaller than this may not reveal enough, and larger than this pulls your focus on a wider area. But, it depends on your skills and purpose. Same as with size, goes with the shape: A round black mirror holds some traditional worth, but I wouldn’t worry about the shape too much.
Protecting your mirrors
If you choose to use your mirrors as a magical tool you’re going to want to treat it just like every other magical tool, by cleansing them, consecrating them and protecting them. You can do this several different ways.
Let’s talk cleansing first;
Smoke Cleansing
Smoke cleanses a space of negative energy. You can use any incense for cleansing, but some incense that corresponds to cleansing are:
Sandalwood
Sage
Frankincense
Lavender
Jasmine
Choose from these options, or you can even mix up your own incense with protective herbs and resins.
Cleanse With Essential Oils
A few drops of sage essential oil or any other protective essential oil can be rubbed onto the mirror. Leave the oil on for a few minutes, and then wipe it away.
Sandalwood
Patchouli
Frankincense
Cypress
Rosemary
Lavender
Myrrh
Sage
Pine
Vetivert
Cinnamon
Moon Or Sun Cleansing
Putting your mirror out to be exposed to fresh air and sun or moonlight is a powerful way to cleanse it of all negative energy. Nothing can fight the power of the sun and moon, not even the most powerful spirits and demons.
You can choose to use either celestial body; it’s up to you and which energy you prefer to work with. Leave the mirror exposed to whichever light you choose for at least 4 hours.
Once it has been cleansed now here is how you can protect it from unwanted energies.
Drawing A Pentacle On It
Drawing a pentacle on your mirror is an easy way to protect it from being possessed. The pentacle will stop anything bad from going in or coming out of your mirror.
You can also create your own protection sigil or rune to draw on it as well.
Sprinkle salt water
Salt water is boosted with both protection and purification properties which makes it a great and usually easy way to add some protection.
Place protective crystals around it
Crystals of all kinds can be used for protection and you can add their protection to your mirrors by placing them near them in front of them is the best.
Alternative Mirror
If you can’t get past the legends, superstitions or beliefs about mirrors, water is an alternative you can use for any of these methods and magics. Water was the first reflective surface we used to see ourselves and lots of superstitions and lore cropped up about what this reflection truly meant. If the water rippled while you were looking into it, well, that was bad news because whatever happened to your mirror self would obviously happen to you (not sure why ripples were bad for you… they sound kind of fun). You could become transfixed by your reflection like Narcissus, or unwillingly invite cruel spirits through. Water, though, is a very gentle mirror and conducts energy well. Remember what I said about trapping? You can use the water’s smooth surface in the same way, and then have a more tangible ingredient for spells. Witches have used water for divination just as they have used mirrors and if you’re more comfortable using water, then it’s a perfect alternative.
Wrap up
Mirror work is deceptively simple but tremendously empowering. So much healing work can be done by simply looking at yourself in the mirror and expressing self-loving affirmations.
One of the most amazing side benefits of mirror work is how it impacts your relationships. By learning how to love yourself more, life becomes more harmonious and your connections with others blossom and flourish.
And finally, mirror work helps to facilitate and deepen our spiritual awakening, aiding us in gaining clarity and inner illumination.
Today using mirrors isn’t as common as it used to be, so experiment to find the best way to incorporate mirrors into your craft and revive this ancient and effective practice! Mirrors are a brilliant tool for many kinds of magic. They offer an interesting tool to explore the depths of your mind. Let me know what they help you uncover when you explore with them!
To expand your knowledge about this type of magic or if you’d rather listen than read; you can watch my free class with Divination Academy on YouTube below!
It’s a day that comes around once every four years so of course there is going to be some boosted magical energy for us to harness for ourselves and our lives. Leap Year is a rare moment to step out of the ordinary flow of time. It’s an opportunity to recalibrate, reflect, and realign with the Earth’s natural cycles.
Leap Year is a potent day for deep magic and transformation since it’s a day out of time, offering a powerful energy boost for spells and rituals. If you want a change in your life this year, then there’s no better time for doing spell work than on February 29th.
So, let’s leap into the rest of 2024 with magic, motivation, and confidence together in this blogpost.
What Leap Year Means
With its extra day, Leap Year is a way of syncing our calendar with Earth’s orbit around the sun. It’s like the universe’s version of a time-out, giving us a moment to align more closely with celestial rhythms. Leap Year happens because our calendar year (365 days) is shorter than a solar year (about 365.24 days). Julius Caesar, back in 46 BCE, introduced the leap year as part of the new Julian calendar.
Traditions and Superstitions
Leap Day is associated with various customs, traditions, and superstitions that have evolved over time. One of the most well-known traditions is that women can propose to men on Leap Day—a practice believed to have originated in Ireland during the 5th century. According to legend, St. Bridget struck a deal with St. Patrick to allow women to propose on Leap Day, leading to the tradition of “Bachelor’s Day” or “Leap Year Proposals.”
Superstitions surrounding Leap Day include the belief that it is an unlucky day for weddings like in Greece. In some cultures, Leap Day is also associated with unusual weather patterns, strange phenomena, or mystical occurrences.
February 29th is a liminal day
Occurring as it does once every four years, February 29th is a rare day. It exists, that much is true, but the fact that it does so on such an infrequent basis makes a highly charged, unique and powerful day that exists both in and betwixt the realms.
It is a liminal time, not completely unlike periods such as those surrounding Samhain and Beltane, respectively, when the veil is especially thin.
February 29th is a day and time on the edges and periphery. A brief period of once-ever-four-years time that quickly transforms into the more commonplace occurrence of March 1st.
The Numerology of Leap Day 2024
Numerology is a practice that believes every number has a special spiritual meaning and significance. Like observing the planets in astrology, we can track the patterns in numbers to find clarity and enrich our everyday lives. Every number, including dates on the calendar, carries a unique blend of energy that can be used to align our lives with the cosmos.
This year’s leap day has a numerological meaning of 3. Here’s how the numbers break down: 2/29/2024 = 2 + 2 + 9 + 2 + 0 + 2 + 4 = 21, which turns into 2 + 1 = 3. The number 3 in numerology is significant in influencing communication, curiosity, and creativity. Today is the perfect opportunity to focus on a project close to your heart and watch it flourish.
Leap days are also special in numerology because they hold the power of Master Number 11 within them. Because leap day always falls on February 29 (2 + 9 = 11), you can also expect a deeper connection with your intuition and spirit guides.
In numerology, Master Number 11 is intuition, connection, sensitivity, and oneness. It’s considered one of the most powerful numbers in numerology, designed to clear and align. Master Number 11 invites us to be at one with the universe. Take advantage of this moment to indulge in new ways of seeing and appreciating the world.
Realignment Spells
Leap Years are necessary to synchronize our modern-day calendar with the Earth’s movement around the Sun. You should perform realignment spells if you need to adjust something in your career, your family, marriage, or yourself. The key is to take a little step back and see what needs to be tweaked a little from all aspects of your life. If you’ve already identified this, then get set for February 29th for a very strong realignment spell. Realignment essentially means saying goodbye to the old ways and to make way for the new.
One form of a realignment spell is using banishing magic. Leap days come and then they vanish just as quickly. A banishing spell cast on this day will be extra potent, as it will carry the transience of the day in its very essence. I am especially fond of doing banishing work involving written messages or intentions and burying them outdoors at either 4 am or 4 pm on February 29th (the hour of four-o-clock corresponding to the fact that leap years generally transpire once every four years).
Spirit work
Leap days heighten psychic abilities and break down barriers. This makes leap days perfect for divination, scrying, and spells that connect to the spirit world. Follow your intuition and listen to whatever method is calling to you and be open to any messages you may receive. But, don’t forget to protect yourself with your basics as well.
Fae work
Leap Day is the other day of this year where you can easily access the world of faeries, sprites, elves, and other spirits of the woods. Like the spirit world, the realm of fairies is easier to access on days when the veil between worlds thins. Use leap day magic to contact the fairy realm. If you want to ask something to those belonging to this realm, opening channels of communication on February 29th is ideal.
Long Term goals and Intentions spells
Since leap days only happen every four years, they are wonderful for spells that take longer to come to fruition and spells that you need to unfold over time. Use leap day magic to solidify long-term goals and set lasting intentions. This spell is part of laying the groundwork for your future undertakings. Just like building your network or ensuring sustainability for your business, doing a long-term spell on Leap Day will ensure that whatever plan you carry out is insured with prosperity and good fortune.
Spells for Courage, bravery, and Self Confidence
Leap days are traditionally days where the mundane is replaced by the unexpected. This is a great day to be bold and try something new. Cast a spell of courage, daring, or passion. Turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Love Magic
Love magic to help you find, if desired, a long-term partner (you can also perform friendship magic to help bring new long-term friends into your life as well – keep in mind that love magic does not have to strictly be romantic by any means; plutonic love is highly important in most peoples’ lives as well).
Other long term spells and rituals to do
-Banishing work.
-Beginning a new journal, Book of Shadows, Grimoire or other personally meaningful spiritual or magickal related record.
-Breaking bad/negative/unwanted habits.
-Bringing your deepest, most poignant dreams into reality.
-Burry, in either a more literal or a figurative or representative way, aspects of your life, magick practice, and spiritual journey that no longer serve you well or which are holding you back from blossoming in the ways that you need and want.
-Committing yourself to thoroughly learning a subject, art, technique, etc that pertains to your magickal practice.
-Engaging in long-term shadow work.
-Fertility magick.
-Health, wellness, and fitness-related workings and goals.
-Launching new projects, such as a business, blog or website, volunteer endeavor, or doing home renovations.
-Planting/starting a new garden or a brand new section of an existing garden.
Shorter-term magic for the leap year
If you’re feeling drawn towards shorter-term magic and spiritual undertakings, here are some useful suggestions that you may wish to put into practice specifically on the last day of this February.
-Astral projection and lucid dreaming.
-Courage magick to help you do something that you’ve been struggling to muster the gumption needed to undertake.
-Curse and hex breaking (or placing, if that’s up your alley).
-Doing twelve-month tarot and oracle card spreads to help provide you with a clearer picture of your life over between now and next February.
-Finding lost objects. February 29th is “hidden” for a few years at a time, when it reappears, jump at the chance to use its powerfully unique energy to aid you in locating missing or lost items.
Leap Year Correspondences
-Trees: Cedar, pine, rowan, cypress, and laurel.
-Herbs, spices, and flowers: Hyssop, bay leaves, anise, myrrh, sandalwood, frankincense, pine needles and pine resin, cinnamon, nutmeg, ylang-ylang, mint, rosemary, balm of Gilead, sage, thyme, basil, tansy, wisteria, jasmine, heliotrope, palmarosa, lemon balm, primrose, heather, snowdrops, and patchouli.
-Colours: White, blue, violet, purple, grey, light yellow, pale green, pink, red, brown, silver and gold.
-Crystals and stones: Clear quartz, diamonds, rose quartz, citrine, amethyst, fluorite, silver, pyrite, angelite, aquamarine, ruby, garnet, jasper (including dalmatian jasper), ammolite, bloodstone, turquoise, black tourmaline, onyx, and selenite.
-Animals: Sheep, cows, foxes, rabbits, hares, bears, deer, otters, groundhogs, prairie dogs, eagles, robins, owls, chickadees, blue jays, and unicorns.
-Gods and Goddesses: Brigit, Kuan Yin, Diana, Eros, Persephone, Aphrodite, Demeter, Venus, Selene, The Muses, Mars, Pan, Boann, Shakti, Branwen, Parvati, and Bast.
Nature spirits: The fae, including faeries who are connected to the home, one’s property and garden.
-Foods: Those associated with Imbolc and the end of the winter, with an emphasis on warm spices, fresh citrus fruits, grains, seeds, breads, potatoes, and most types of fresh and dried green herbs.
-Magickal supplies: Candles, salt, dried herbs (including those listed above), tools made out of silver and silver-tone metals, altar tiles, crystal wands, and ogham runes.
-Elements: Air and water, though fire is an important element for February as well, particularly as it relates to Imbolc.
-Astrological sign: February 29th falls during the time of Pisces, whose ruling element is water. Pisces is ruled by Neptune and is represented by a fish.
Spell to Manifest on Leap year
What you will need; some bay leaves, pen, and a candle.
With your bay leaf, pen, and candle ready.
Make sure to do this ritual either at 4am or 4pm on February 29th.
Get into sacred space.
Take several deep, soothing breaths in and out, and focus on your surroundings. As you do so, think about an area in your life that you’ve been struggling to overcome or more past.
This could be just about anything. From ditching an unwanted habit to working up the courage to ask for a raise at work to finally standing up for yourself with your family.
Light your candle and visualize what or who it is you want to release. How does it feel to completely release the thing, event, or person?
Once you feel that vision is grounded in your mind’s eye take your pen and write 1 word or a sentence of what you want to release
Once written focus your energy on the leaves and envision the strength that you need to overcome this issue in your life entering your body. Scrunch up the leaf/leaves and throw them away from you. While visualizing the energy completely releasing to the universe and the energetic chord dissipating
AMEN. AHO. SO MOTE IT IS!
Leap with Confidence
However you chose to connect to it this year do so with intention and confidence to carry with you the through the rest of 2024! Leap Year is a rare moment to step out of the ordinary flow of time. It’s an opportunity to recalibrate, reflect, and realign with the Earth’s natural cycles. The first two months for me this year were more challenging than I was prepared for so, I plan to harness the magic and energy of this day as much as can and I hope you do too!
Baba yaga is an incredibly fascinating witch and goddess. Her name alone just draws you in to learn more about her and pulls you into the slavic forest in search of her wandering hut on chicken legs. She will pull many in to learn about her but very few will actually learn her magic and walk her path with her. Some view her as simply a folklore character, others a witch, some a hag, and to others she is seen as an ancestral figure to honor as a goddess.
We can learn much from her when we are open to her wisdom. Her light is that of our ancestors, whose flame has been burning for generations. Death and rebirth are the domains of Baba Yaga, the Slavic goddess of regeneration.
Baba Yaga is staple of Slavic lore. She can be found in stories across several countries as a specific character, not just an archetype. What I find most interesting about her is that she is portrayed, almost equally, as a villain and a benefactor.
Who is she?
Baba yaga is seen in many folklore tales throughout the Slavic and Russian culture. Like I touched on before many see her as just that. A folklore character that has many myths and legends surrounding her of her doing dark things like eating children who wander into the woods. But, many others view her as a divine ancestor, a powerful spirit, an ancient earth goddess. Though her lineage is unknown and we do not know where or who she came from or her parents which is a reason she is seen as primordial energy and not being of this world of the underworld. She is also referred to as the keeper of the waters of life aka the fountain of youth and when I have worked with her she has shown me a door that only she has the key to and explained all knowledge of time is within it.
Her importance during ancient times
In ancient cultures, older women were seen as the keepers of family or tribal wisdom and tradition, and they were revered as such.
These knowing women were thought to be familiar with the mysteries of birth and death; as a result, they were qualified to care for the sick and dying, and they were endowed with the function of bringing life and death.
Her name
The first part Baba translates to old woman or grandmother. Depending on the region and people, this can be a term of endearment or even an insult. It essentially points to the fact that the woman is in her elderly years and may even be ugly or misshapen, to some. Which is where we see the connection and description of her being a hag goddess being so common. To others, it gives the woman a certain power and wisdom
Yaga, this part of her name is a little harder to translate and understand. There have been literally dozens of translations looking at various languages in Eastern Europe and Russia. Some include terror, horror, serpent, chill, witch and even dryad or wood nymph.
Her many images
Baba Yaga isn’t just one thing. She’s many: a monster, witch, hag, villain, divine grandmother, earth goddess, forest spirit, shapeshifter, light bringer, and to some she’s even considered a hero. According to Judika Illes, while Baba is of Slavic prominence, she may have once been the Scythian goddess of the hearth Tabiti. Though, I believe we can see her as many of the deities of the hearth. Including Hestia of Greek origin and Holda and Berchta of Germanic origin. We also can draw a connection to her and the celtic goddess Cerridwen with what she has to offer and her connection to herbal knowledge.
To modern witches and Slavic pagans, Baba Yaga is a witch goddess who lives deep in a birch forest. She’s the keeper of herbal and healing wisdom and grants her knowledge to those who are worthy and of whom seek initiation.
Baba Yaga’s myths over the centuries have turned her into the wicked witch of the forest, seen as ugly and old. This is more commonly a societal view of how many see elderly women set in their ways and often shunned by younger generations who value beauty and youth over age and experience.
The tales say Baba is an old woman with iron teeth like boar tusks. She has bear claws and wears a necklace of skulls, smokes a pipe, and sometimes has a golden or iron foot. In other belief, she’s a snake from the waist down. Some say she wears an apron and holds a key to life’s mysteries. She flies about in a mortar, holding a pestle. Sometimes she holds a broom with which to sweep away any signs she’s been about.
When she’s first documented in 1755 (that we know of), the writer says Baba has bony legs, iron teeth, and refers to misshapen or repulsive features. Including the old woman’s nose, breasts, buttocks and vulva. Baba appears in a list along with other Slavic deities, with all of the others compared to Roman deities. But not Baba she’s on her own. Which shows her sovereignty and power.
Baba Yaga is associated with the dark forests, death, rebirth, sickness, dying, but also healing, renewal, sage wisdom and advice that comes from experience and a long life.
Her wise grandmother’s energy is strict and harsh, but for your own well being.
Her energy is most strongly felt in the autumn, leading up to Mabon and Samhain as the leaves change color and the temperatures begin to get cooler.
Baba yaga and the liminal space
Baba Yaga is not quite of this world and the next as she remains otherworldly between the physical world and the spirit world/underworld.
A crone witch and often referred to as a goddess, Baba Yaga can be considered part of the dark goddess archetype.
She is seen as a liminal witch and not quite of this world due to her magical hut which is central to her mythology and who she is. Baba Yaga is found between the worlds, not exactly of the spirit world or the underworld and not quite of this world either.
Her connection to death, mortality, fraility can be connected to the same as ghosts who roam the Earth and the magick of the mythological forest creatures such as the Rusalka (русалка) and Leshy (леший).
However, even with Baba Yaga as a dark/crone goddesss she doesn’t reside in the underworld, but she is connected to what it represents.
Baba yaga’s hut
Baba Yaga’s home is strongly connected to her mythology, which is also associated with the familiarity of the home and our ancestral connections.
So, where is Baba Yaga’s house and what does it look like?
The tales say Baba Yaga’s house is deep in a birch forest. And that it sits atop a pair of giant chicken legs. Because it has legs, it can move. In other tales, her cabin sits atop the legs of a goat or spindle wheels.
Around Baba Yaga’s house, there’s a fence with skulls that sit on top. These skulls glow at certain times. And in her cabin, there’s a large oven akin to a cauldron. Baba Yaga is said to stretch out on top of this oven to warm herself, and in some tales, she’s so large that she can reach both corners of her home as she stretches out atop it. The cauldron in her home screams of Baba’s domain over magic, regeneration, ancestral wisdom and initiation into the magical arts and is where we see Cerridwen popping up again. During the day, a white horse and a red horse may be seen outside her hut. And at night, a black horse. It may also be surrounded by other wildlife including birds, squirrels, snakes, etc.
Baba yaga and Vassalissa the wise
Vassalissa the Wise may be the most well-known story featuring Baba Yaga.
One of the more famous of the Baba Yaga stories features the main character not as the old woman herself but a young maiden named Vasalisa.
In the tale of Baba Yaga and Vasalisa the Wise, Baba takes on her typical personality as the fearsome witch in the wood. The young maiden, Vasalisa, is sent away by her evil stepmother and stepsisters. They selfishly and sadistically hope that Vasalisa will die in the cold, dark forest. But instead, Vasalisa comes to the hut of Baba Yaga, and the old woman offers her life as well as shelter and food in return for Vasalisa’s hard work around the house. And any other duties the old woman might require.
For three whole days, Vasalisa toils over the chores (without complaint) and cooks the old woman her meals. With the help of a poppet she holds in her pocket that is a vessel for her dead mother’s soul. And each day Vasalisa is met with 3 horses on the old woman’s property whom she also saw while traveling in the forest before coming to the hut. There’s a white and red horse that appear during the day, and a black horse that appears at night. Baba also threatens to put Vasalisa in her cauldron if she doesn’t complete her chores each day. On the third day, Vasalisa is brave enough to ask Baba Yaga a question. Vasalisa asks about the three horses, to which the old woman replies:
“The white horse is my bright day;
the red horse is my red, round sun;
And the black horse is my black, dark night.”
At the end of the three days, Vasalisa is granted her desire to return home. Baba Yaga gifts her a skull that lights up to light her way home. When Vasalisa returns home with the skull, she sets it in her stepmother’s hearth. Immediately, the stepmother and stepsisters are so taken with the skull that they can’t break eye contact. In turn, this turns them to ash and Vasalisa is free from their evil ways. She takes the skull and returns to Baba Yaga in the woods. Upon which Baba Yaga invites her to learn her ways.
The blood red horse may be akin to a woman’s menstruation and initiation into womanhood
Ancestral magic: Vasalisa holds a poppet in her pocket with the energy or spirit of her dead mother that guides and helps her throughout her trial with the old woman in the woods
Birch forest: also a symbol of regeneration and renewal, as well as of the Goddess in many European traditions
Initiation process: successfully completing an ordeal that tests one’s patience and brings one to death’s door and back again
Correspondences
First, what is a correspondence? A correspondence is an item or symbol that is meant to connect you to a specific energy thru it’s representation. It is seen also as an item to respect, honor, and venerate that energy as well whether it be a deity, an archetype energy , or the zodiac energy the moon is currently in like I will list below for you to use.
Sign- scorpio
Colors- red, white, black
Animals- snakes, horses, chickens, creatures of the forest, cat
symbols-mortar and pestle, broom, cauldron, skulls, flame
When to work with Baba yaga
Advice
Guidance
Healing (physical ailments)
Wildcrafting
Herbalism
Relationship advice
Hedge Witchcraft
Baba Yaga gives straight-forward advice, knowledge and wisdom to those who respectfully request and want to improve their witchery skills.
Her witchery expertise is in areas of herbology and wildcrafting (using wild and natural items found in nature and forests), along with hedge witchcraft. Baba Yaga can help to give wisdom and teachings when it comes to witchcraft (folk magick) and healing.
She uses natural items in forests and nature that bring healing in herbal salves, ointments and teas and herbs that can be used in folk magic.
If you work with herbs in your practice, you can work with Baba Yaga to help you perfect your craft and improve your skills and knowledge with herbs and healing with herbs.
In meditation, Baba Yaga can offer healing teas and herbs that can work to help ease discomfort and minor ailments such as upset stomach, minor colds, seasonal allergies, rashes/hives, headaches, etc.
If you’re looking for the right herb for a spell or natural healing, you can call on Baba Yaga to guide you to the right resources or materials.
How to know if you should work with her
“Be prepared. Baba Yaga is not an easy teacher. And she is definitely no pushover. She will challenge you, she will test you, and she will push you farther than you ever believed you could go. But, like a tough coach or a domineering drill sergeant, perhaps it’s because she believes in you more than you may believe in yourself. To work with her takes courage, intelligence, resourcefulness, and even a little bit of moxie, but if you’re ready for the challenge, you’ll reap incredible rewards—climbing higher, going farther, and doing more than you ever thought possible.” ~ Madame Pamita, author of Baba Yaga’s Book of Witchcraft.
You’ll know if Baba Yaga is calling you to her house and to her craft. But if you’re unsure, here’s a few signs she might send you:
The Birch tree keeps showing up in books, TV, etc.
You see Baba Yaga’s name everywhere online, movies, books, etc.
You’ve had a vision, dream or meditation in which Baba Yaga approaches you or you find her house in the birch forest
Three horses come to you as an omen (and an even bigger sign if there’s one white, one red and one black)
You might see a cauldron, broom, or spinning wheel as signs
Dreaming of skulls along a fence-line or in the hearth
If you’re going through an initiation process in life, at work, in a skill or spiritually
How to work with her
Here are just a few ideas of how to work with her and always remember it may look different and feel different for each and every one of us so just follow your intuition and your call.
1. Read and Research
The first thing I always recommend when getting to know a deity is to read as much as you can about them. If you’re not a reader, watch documentaries. Listen to audiobooks and podcasts. Whatever you can find about Baba Yaga will be helpful in getting to know her from a respectful, cultural perspective. She is featured in many fairy tales, movies, poems, and even in children’s books. Some books written from a modern witchcraft perspective include Madame Pamita’s Book of Witchcraft, Baba Yaga by Natalia Clarke, and a fun read called Ask Baba Yaga: Otherworldly Advice for Everyday Trouble by Taisia Kitaiskaia.
Some common myths to look into about her will be Maria Morevna, where she makes a deal to help Prince Ivan find his bride, only to sabotage his effort to keep his end of the bargain, which would have resulted in his death. And The Black Geese, where her only goal is to capture and eat children.
2. Set Up An Altar for Baba Yaga
Every deity and spirit appreciates their own space. Baba is no different. If you have a mantle or space near a wood stove, this is the perfect spot for her as she’s highly linked to the hearth in Russian lore.
When working with Baba Yaga, offerings of thanks should be made each time after making a connection with Baba Yaga or asking for her advice, guidance or help.
If you know some poetry or words in Ukrainian, Russian, Polish or any Slavic language, you can give thanks to Baba Yaga in these languages.
At your altar, you can leave tokens of appreciation and thanks to Baba Yaga such as:
Include objects that make her feel at home: a cauldron, broom, or mortar and pestle for example.
Decoration: wheat, traditional embroidery or rushnyky (traditional embroidered towels/rugs), matroshka (nesting dolls), pysanky (decorated Ukrainian eggs), skull decorations, bones (ethically gathered or sourced), images or statues of Baba Yaga and/or her house.
These offerings can also be left in forests at the foot of a tree or a special area that you dedicated outside for Baba Yaga.
3. Initiation Process
Baba will take you on a road to initiation deep in her forest. This process will be different for every devotee. You may be required to perform acts of service in her name, perhaps by aiding in preservation of the earth, forest, or wildlife. Perhaps through herbal studies. And she may even quiz you with riddles. Be open to learning, being patient, and working hard. Ask Baba Yaga how you can learn from her.
4. Work with herbs
Baba yaga is a master with herbs and plants as she is so at home in the forest. She has so much knowledge on herbal remedies and usages for alignments. Working with herbs and studying them especially the more dangerous one like Nightshade are a great way to connect to her and learn from her.
5. Shadow work
Since Baba yaga resides in the Liminal space, and is so connected to the primordial wisdom of the earth and our ancestors she makes one of the perfect goddesses to call on for shadow work. She is intense though one of the most intense goddesses I have ever called in during a shadow work session. When you enter her hut for a shadow work session you will go deep in the liminal space and be pushed further than have before to really get the answers the forest and your ancestors from the beginning of time have to offer you. So, be prepared for this journey with her she will push you and she will show you everywhere you made a mistake and caused your own suffering to get worse.
6. Call to her for discipline
Something I don’t see often from other witches is using her for discipline and structure. Baba Yaga is that overbearing, strict, I will slap your hand away grandmother type energy. Due to this attitude of strictness she has she is perfect to call on for situations where you need a little more discipline like quitting a bad habit or maintaining your schedule. You can do this by calling to her in spells and invocations when setting intentions for discipline and even calling to her while binding or banishing a habit you wish to stop. She suggests that when doing this you spin in a circle to signify and understand the difficulty it takes to break free of a cycle.
7. Work with her as the triple goddess
It is said that Baba Yaga has two other sisters, who are also Baba Yagas who live in Her hut. Baba Yaga becomes a Triple Goddess in this fashion, embodying the Virgin, Mother, and Crone. The “Keeper of the Water of Life and Death” is another name for Baba Yaga. So, if you work the triple goddess archetype you can use her as the crone representation alone or as all three. I have seen and done both myself.
8. Guided meditation to meet her
The purpose is to meet Baba Yaga so you my get to know the true Goddess. This meditation is best done during the dark moon. It is a solitary medition best done alone. Cast a circle if you like or just get comfortable in you favorite meditation position. Make sure the room is dark and you will not be disturbed
. Now let us begin.
You have entered a thick forest, but some how you know your way. You reach an opening in the trees. There before you is the home of the Goddess Baba Yaga. The fence is made of bones topped with human skulls. The house dances on chicken legs. It is a fearsome sight, yet you know there is nothing to fear. You reach the gate and ring the bell for her. In a harsh voice she asks what you want. With a pure heart you tell her why you wished to meet her. She flies out of her house in her mortar to greet you. How are you feeling? What are your impressions? Baba Yaga approaches and asks you to come with her for a ride. Do you hesitate? Go with her. Fly through the air in the mortar with Baba Yaga. Take note to where she takes you and what she tells you. Enjoy the feeling of flying! Baba Yaga will know when it is time to come back. When you return to her home, thank her and give her a gift. Does she give you a gift? If so, what is it? You know your way back through the woods.
Now you know the way and can visit Baba Yaga when needed.
Note: When I rode with Baba Yaga in her mortar the first time she ground me up into little pieces with her pestle. She then sprinkled the waters of life on me and I was back to myself. I felt refreshed, as if the unneeded traits were ground away. Baba Yaga came to me as a healer. She taught me all healers must be intimately familiar with the cycles of life and death. She remains guardian of both the underworld and the fountain of the waters of life
No matter how you choose to work with her if you even do just remember to show her respect, understanding and to express gratitude for all the wisdom she brings to you no matter how harsh of way she does it in. I will leave you with this poem written about her to help you connect and decide if she is a goddess you would like to work with.
Baba Yaga
Wild Woman
I walk in the forest
and speak intimately with the animals
I dance barefoot in the rain
without any clothes
I travel on pathways
that I make myself
and in ways that suit me
my instincts are alive and razor sharp
my intuition and sense of smell are keen
I freely express my vitality
my sheer exuberant joyfulness
to please myself
because it is natural
it is what needs to be
I am the wild joyous life force
Come and meet me
By Amy Sophia Marashinsky
To expand your knowledge about her and meet her in guided meditation or if you’d rather listen than read; you can watch my free class with Divination Academy on YouTube below!
We have entered a new lunar phase today, the full moon and this full moon in February is bringing us into the practical, productive and nurturing energy of Virgo. This Virgo full moon arrives to bring a balance of order, logic, and grounding. The Virgo Full Moon makes you aware of the state of your mental, emotional and physical health, thus may lead to changes in your lifestyle and getting the support you need to release old hurts.
This sign gets a lot of crap in the zodiac and many do not like to work with it and we see often people talking about how this is their most hated sign and energy to work with. For me this moon is one of my favorites every time it comes around. Maybe, it’s because I not only am a Virgo moon and rising, but I have Virgo in 9 of my houses so, when this moon comes around I personally am amplified.
Or, maybe it’s because this energy is so dense and steeped in duality and movement that I just simply can not wait to see what I can accomplish and get done in it.
Let me show you in this post the many reasons the Virgo energy should be your favorite energy to embrace instead of one of the most hated in the zodiac.
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.
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.
So, who is Virgo?
Who is Virgo in the Zodiac? Virgo is represented by the virgin or maiden archetype and is deeply connected to the element of earth and a mutable sign. Virgo is an Earth sign so it’s practical, but it’s also related to Mercury which means it has an active mind and related to communication as well. Virgo reminds us of the importance of maintaining a solid connection with the Earth and encourages us to connect with sparks of divine order amidst the vast universal chaos.
Virgo is also the sign of health, so we may focus on trying to work on health issues. This can be a good time to eliminate a bad habit, to quit something that is causing us harm, and we can be more dedicated to this.
Virgo can also be seen across many pantheons as a key representation to the seasons, duality, and a key part to the divine feminine energy we all are connected to. Virgo representing the maiden and virgin energy makes her vital to the triple goddess representation of the divine feminine energy.
She represents and connects us to the first pivotal transformation and shift we go thru in our lives moving from child to a maiden before the next phase into the mother energy of our lives. You see this energy and representation with goddesses like Persephone and her story of transformation to power thru duality.
Virgo the Practical and analytical mind
Virgo is deeply connected to our practical and analytical side of our mind and it is heightened with it’s connection to mercury as well. With it being so analytical this energy can cause us to go deep into our minds and reflect. The Virgo Full Moon highlights the invitation to notice in what areas of our lives we need more discernment, better boundaries, and a stronger connection with the Earth.
Virgo likes to cut through the noise and get to the good stuff — constantly sorting out thoughts, feelings, and everything around them. Leave it to Virgo to figure out what’s useful or useless, what’s true or not true, what’s right or wrong. It’s not surprising that this sign’s motto is “I analyze.”
The Virgo Full Moon offers us chances to see where better standards may be needed, where we may be ungrounded or excessively idealistic, and what needs to be differently structured or organized for the sake of better functionality or health. This lunation also invites us to refine our capacity to discern between the whispers of our intuition and the voice of our fears and insecurities. Take the time to really focus on differentiating between those voices especially in this energy and don’t allow the analytical energy of Virgo to turn into ruminating thoughts which it can very easily do.
Virgo the sign of the working mind and heightened productivity
The Virgo Full Moon is often a time of heightened productivity. Virgo is the sign of work, and Full Moons rule endings, so we’re working hard to get things done. The urge to finish your to do lists is going to be overwhelming and you may become very hyper focused on them. We can tackle projects, tasks, and chores at home or at a job, and we want to feel we’re getting all of the little things out of the way.
Virgo is very detailed orientated, and thrives in order and cleanliness. So, when we are in this energy we can be focused and pay close attention to detail, and end up getting many things off of our list of things to do. We can get hyper focused on tidying things up in our physical space by spring cleaning or reorganizing our home.
With the extra attention to detail we can take a look at all areas of our life to see where it can use some more structure and order to lead to the productivity. I know for me I end up redoing my bullet journal, my family binder, my schedule, my sons schedule, the list could go on. I end up endlessly planning and rearranging things but, in a very reflective way with purpose and drive for long term goals.
This is also an excellent time to work on any projects as this diligent sign has an uncanny ability to analyze the critical details most of us would miss!
Virgo always being of service to others
Virgo is the sign of service to others and is overflowing with nurturing energy that simply wants to help anyone and everyone they see that needs it. Virgo is literally the healing energy of the cosmos and the energy that will help you with anything you need help with. Virgo takes deep happiness from helping others as well. You see this with many of your nurses, doctors, lawyers and social workers being from this sign.
Since, Virgo loves to lend a helping hand, so don’t be surprised if you are the first person to volunteer when a friend asks for a favor right now. But, don’t be mistaken — you won’t feel obligated in the least bit. Because Virgo loves to pitch in, you’ll not only want to come to someone’s aid, but you’ll also get extreme satisfaction from it.
Things to look out for with Virgo
So, let’s talk about the reasons why this sign tends to be so hated and what to look our for yourself with the Virgo energy. Since Virgo is so attached to your analytical side and so detail orientated it can come off as and be very critical at times of others. So, try and slow down and be clear with your communication with others during this time. Let them know you are coming from a place of caring, and simply wanting to help.
With it being critical one thing this energy may do is cause your reflection and analysis to get very critical and harsh with yourself and cause some perfectionism to take over. So, remember to harness in on the part of the Virgo energy that is nurturing and helping to others and extend it to yourself. And remember Virgo is the sign of health so physical self care can really build self compassion and help keep your critical thoughts at a productive level and not a harmful one.
Remember how Virgo brings heightened productivity and a push to get stuff done? That can sometimes go into overdrive with the Virgo energy. It can become so strong you simply want to go, go, and go. You may feel the need to get so much done you push yourself to burn out.
During this time remember that the only way you can continue to be productive is by taking those breaks now and than when you need them. So take them! Set yourself some reminders in your phone even if you have to. Nothing, feels worse than doing a massive amount of work to watch it all backslide because you burn yourself put and can’t follow through.
Use Virgo to release perfectionism
Full Moon in Virgo highlights the need to resolve imbalances, connect with a deeper sense of harmony, and gain a better understanding of how, where, and when we tend to get polarized or tempted to adopt a “one size fits all” approach. This energy helps us create a balance between the emotional and the practical.
Virgo reminds us of the dangers of idealization, it reminds us that perfection is a trap, and also that remaining stuck in fantasy doesn’t allow us to appreciate and be present with what is already available to us.
The Virgo Full Moon is a powerful time to release our attachment to ideas of how something should be, unfold, or look like, making sure we keep our feet on the ground, practicing self-compassion, and learning to love both ourselves and others in our humanness.
How to Connect to the Virgo Full Moon
Now, that we have talked about the themes of this Virgo 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.
With this moon there are certain spells and rituals that will help connect you this moon in the most effective way. Remember these are just some of the many ideas follow your intuition and the energy of this moon.
Reflect on your daily routine
clean and cleanse your physical space
Grounding
Earth/green magic
Create an earth altar
Worship Persephone or any goddess that represents the maiden energy
Reorganize your home
Cast a spell for personal growth
Create a sacred safe space in your home
service to others
Do shadow work to release unrealistic expectations and perfectionsim
Cast any physical health spells
Do binding, banishing, or chord cutting for any unwanted habits
Start a bullet journal for planning and routine
divination
Create a self care routine
Create a self care altar or spell jar
Correspondences for the Virgo 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.
planet-Mercury
Element- Earth
Sex- Feminine
Modality- mutable
Symbol- the maiden/virgin
colors- green, light blue, black
Phrase/motto- I Analyze
Chakra- Throat and root
Herbs- poppy, rosemary, vine, fennel
Stones/ crystals- amethyst, citrine, fluorite, lapis lazuli, green aventurine
tarot- the hermit
Reflection topics and questions for Virgo Full Moon
Every full moon is a great time to 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 Virgo full moon.
What physical and mental spaces can I clean up and declutter?
Where in my life needs to be more organized?
What areas in my life am I being too self critical and why?
How can I care for my physical health better?
Where can I let go of unrealistic expectations in my life?
What areas of my life do I need to be more productive in?
How can I balance my emotion mind and logic mind?
Who in my life have I been too critical of and why?
How can I show others in my life more compassion?
How in my life can I be of more service to others around me?
What does self care look like for me and how will I make it a priority in my routine?
How do I feel when I make a mistake and why?
What did I accomplish this lunar cycle I can be proud of?
Ritual to Declutter and Reorganize your life with the Virgo full moon
I use this ritual all the time to help me declutter my to do list, refocus my priorities and to help me realize my expectations may be a little unrealistic and cause burn out and lower self esteem by setting myself up to fail. This ritual I created with a combination of therapy skills I learned to help manage my OCD which if you think about it, is very much the essence of Virgo energy as well.
All you will need is something to write with, a white candle and some post it notes.
How to perform
Get into sacred space. Light your candle and use the flame to focus your breath and your attention. As you are breathing in and out you want to focus on calming energy filling your space in a bright yellow color. Once you feel surrounded in that calming yellow energy you are going to let your mind focus on the things you have been avoiding or procrastinating getting done. Once you have things coming to your mind you will than take your pen and on one post it note at a time you will write a task out. Do this until no more tasks come to your mind. Once you feel all tasks have been emptied from your mind. Take a few minutes in sacred space to reflect on what you have written on your post its and decided if the amount may be too overwhelming to work with. If the answer is yes stay in sacred space and reflect until you know which tasks to eliminate now. Once you feel grounded in your number of tasks you can blow out the flame of your candle and release your calming yellow energy.
Now, take your post it’s and place them on your fridge or somewhere front and center in your home to remind you to complete them. And every time you complete one take the post it and burn it in gratitude and leave the ashes on your altar or release them to the Earth.
Bay Leaf Release Ritual for Virgo Full Moon
I love this simple release ritual especially during the Virgo moon. The items I usually always have on hand and it just fits well with the energy of Virgo. You get to have the element of earth represented in the bay leaves and with it being so simple it really pulls you out of the analytical energy of Virgo and simply let’s you release based on intuition.
All you will need are as many bay leaves as you want, a white candle and a pen.
How to perform
With your bay leaf, pen, and candle ready. Get into sacred space, light your candle and visualize what or who it is you want to release. How does it feel to completely release the thing, event, or person? Once you feel that vision is grounded in your mind’s eye take your pen and write 1 word or a sentence of what you want to release Once written burn the bay leaf in the candle flame while visualizing the energy completely releasing to the universe and the energetic chord dissipating
Over the centuries, the Moon has played a significant role in different cultures and traditions. The Moon moves quickly through the Zodiac, spending about two and a half days in each sign. It passes through all twelve signs in about 28 days. Some nights, at the time of the Full Moon, we admire its beauty and grandeur. Other nights, when it starts to fade, it becomes thin and inconspicuous, so different from the peak of its fullness and magical glory. Ever-changing lunar cycles remind us of the cyclical nature of life itself.
The Moon’s physical power is demonstrated by the phenomenon of ocean tides, which are generated by the moon’s gravitational pull. It’s a well-known fact that the human body consists of nearly 60% of water on average. It only proves that the moon has the power to influence our physical and mental states, just as it influences ocean tides. The profound connection between Moon cycles and human states of being has been observed throughout the centuries.
What is the Full moon?
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.
The full moon is your time to harvest.
This phase is all about enjoying the full expression of life; being fully engaged. Let the light of the moon energize you. This is your time to harvest the seeds and intentions you had planted during the new moon phase. This is the time to also harvest new internal realizations. Take note of your epiphanies during this time. Harvest your external success. Enjoy the life you are creating. Celebrate your wins and successes as well.
The full moon is a time to emotionally release.
The full moon is also the perfect time for releasing things and letting go, truly letting go and radically accepting things. With the illumination of the full moon at its brightest it is the perfect time to shed light internally on the things no longer serving and obstacles that need to be fully released to the power of the full moon as she begins to shed after this phase.
Full moons are related to endings, culminations, and emotional energy.
Full Moon Release Ritual
Full moon release ritual:
Set up altar or sacred space
Light an orange or white candle. If you work with oils I recommend to anoint it as well
Write down the 3 biggest stressors, elements, habits, or people in your life you wish to let go of
Place list under candle and light, let it finish burning completely while you meditate on the list
Full Moon Release Invocation
Full moon release invocation:
Full moon release invocation: With this bright white moon I choose to cleanse myself and release all the no longer serves me. I release limiting beliefs I release pain and suffering I release fears, doubts and insecurities I release obstacles on my path. I release those relationships that no longer server my highest good I release situations and energy that no longer serve me I now choose to release it all and ask for it to be transmuted to healing
Full moon Release Spell
Items: black candle and smoky quartz Actions: light candle and hold crystal
“ This full moon, I release that which no longer serves me. I release all pain and any blocks that keep me from my connection to the divine. I also cut al chords connecting me to traumas I endured in this life and in past lives. I start new today. Free of guilt, hurt, and self bondage that keeps me from manifesting the life I desire”
The full moon symbolizes manifestation.
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.
Consider the Sign, Month, and Name of the Moon
Whatever ritual you decide upon, I also encourage you to look at the sign the moon will be in, as well as the month and season. All of these things can astrologically affect the moon’s energy and how YOU might feel it in your life and magical practice.
If you want some ideas on how to work with a full moon specifically check out some of my free moon ceremonies I have hosted thru Divination Academy at the link below.
Foundations for working with the full moon
There are so many ways to work with the full moon, below I will go through the basics of full moon workings 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.
Themes: gratitude, results, fruition, shedding, illumination, harvest, releasing, Associated with the Yang energy.
Aligned activities
Below is a list of some of the many activities that you can do to make sure you are mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and magically aligned with the most potent moon phase to connect to in the lunar cycle.
Working with the Full Moon has many benefits and will enhance your spiritual practice in many ways.
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.
Reflect
Release
Celebrate
Unwind
Desire
Expression
Forgive
Reveal
Connect
Illuminate
Full moon correspondences
What is a correspondence? It is an item, or representation of an energy, deity, archetype, planetary body or anything that you are connecting to or venerating. It is the thing you use to create your energetic link to whatever it is you are trying to connect to and harness.
We use affirmations to ground us in our desires and what we want to manifest. To connect us the divine energy of the universe and speak our vibrational energies into it and our soul to create alignment and bring our manifestation desires to fruition. Here are some to help connect you to the full moon manifestation energy daily.
I release what is no longer serving me
I open up to receive my highest goals
I surrender all fears and doubts
I release all lower vibrational frequencies
I allow life to flow through me and to me freely
All obstacles on my path are effortlessly removed with ease and grace
I release pain and suffering as a means to grow
I am open to receiving the abundance of opportunities that are flowing to me
I release all beliefs and relationships and people that no longer serve my highest goals
I let go off all that is not in alignment with my purpose
I allow myself to receive all that I desire
I activate the river joy that flows through me
I let go of toxic thoughts, feelings, and emotions that are not of service to my highest good
Full moon Gratitude Ritual
Since the full moon is brimming with energy and a time to harvest, it’s the perfect time to make sure you are showing gratitude for the things you have already harvested this lunar cycle and the things that have helped you get to the point you are at now. Gratitude is an act of celebration which is one theme the full moon is all about. Below you will find a simple gratitude ritual for the full moon in any sign.
Full moon gratitude ritual
Write 3 things you are grateful for on paper
Fill bowl with water and a piece of rose quartz
Add paper to water
Let it sit under full moon overnight
The next morning allow paper to dry and either store on altar or return to the earth
Full moon and protection
The full moon has a veil thinning effect on the astral realms which can leaves us vulnerable to entities that may be unwanted or we simply are not used to being around. This makes the full moon a very potent time for protection and warding especially for your home, yourself, and your family members. For more information on basic protection check out my classes I previously taught with Divination Academy on the topic.
Full Moon Protection Ritual
1. get grounded
2 shield yourself. Expand your aura outwards
3. affirm: I am shielded from all harm, danger and attacks. I am protected by a luminous
impenetrable shield. So mote it be.
4. write and reflect on what to let go
5. self care and restore energy
Wrap up
However you choose to connect to the full moon just remember these few things, Check the sign the moon is in and tailor your rituals, spells, and manifestations to align with that energy. This time is all about harvesting your intentions you planted during the new moon, and celebrating all that life has to bring us including our successes through gratitude and releasing all that no longer serves us and our sacred contracts.
