Witches

Add Some Oomph to Your Spells with Magical Timing

Like herbs, oils, and crystals, you don’t need to work with magical timing for your spell to be successful. You can cast a spell at any time, no matter your intention, and get your desired results. However, working with the energy of the sun, moon, and days of the week can add an extra power boost to your magic.

Think of it this way: certain energies are dominant at certain times. Those energies are easier to connect with because they are closer at hand, so to speak, so you can bring them into your life and your spells more easily and in a more powerful way. That doesn’t mean you can’t call on other energies during these times — it just means that you may not connect to them quite so easily.

If you choose to work with magical timing in your spells, there are several yearly, monthly, weekly, and even daily cycles you can align your spells with.

The Cycle of the Sun: Solstices and Equinoxes

These are the turning points that mark the solar year, and are associated with the relationships between day and night, light and dark, summer and winter. Each solstice or equinox marks the end of one season and the beginning for the next. Because they are so rare and so potent, these days are a great time for your “big picture” spells or for spells that need a big power boost.

Winter Solstice. The winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, and falls between December 20 and December 23, depending on the year. In some pagan traditions the winter solstice, or Yule, marks the beginning of the new year — you may choose to set intentions for the coming year on this solstice. After the winter solstice, the nights start getting shorter and the days start getting longer — so spells related to healing and bringing things into the light are especially effective at this time of year. The winter solstice marks the end of the “dark half” of the year and beginning of the “light half” of the year; at this point, our focus turns from inward reflection to outward manifestation. You may choose to think of the time between the winter solstice and spring equinox as a “planning phase,” where you examine yourself and your desires, decide what you want to work on in the next year, and make plans for manifesting what you want.

Spring Equinox. An equinox occurs when the day and the night are exactly the same length, representing a perfect balance between light and dark. The spring equinox marks the beginning of spring and occurs between March 19 and March 22. The Christian holiday of Easter and the pagan holiday of Ostara are both related to the energy of this equinox. At this time of year, the natural world is coming back to life as winter begins to fade. Plants are beginning to grow, and baby animals are being born. This is a powerful time of year for fertility magic and any magic related to new beginnings. You may choose to think of the time between the spring equinox and the summer solstice as a “planting phase,” where you “plant the seed” of the things you want to manifest and begin doing the work to make it happen.

Summer Solstice. This solstice marks the longest day and shortest night of the year. It occurs between June 19 and June 23. As I am writing this post, we are coming up on the summer solstice (June 20, 2020). Life, fertility, and growth are at their peak during this time of year, which makes this solstice a perfect time for big manifestation spells. At the same time, this marks the end of the “light half” and beginning of the “dark half” of the year, so after the summer solstice our energy shifts from outward manifestation to inward contemplation. You may choose to think of the time between the summer solstice and fall equinox as the “harvest phase,” where you reap the results of your hard work and manifest your desires in the physical world.

Autumn Equinox. This is the other time of year when the day and night are perfectly balanced. The autumn equinox occurs between September 19 and September 23 and marks the beginning of autumn. This is traditionally the time of year when crops are harvested, and many pagan groups celebrate harvest festivals around this time. Nature is beginning to die or go into hibernation in preparation for the coming winter. This is an especially powerful time of year for shadow work or for magic related to endings and transitions. You may choose to think of the time between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice as the “reflection phase,” when you retreat from the outside world to rest, focus on yourself, and do your inner work and self-healing.

Important Note: This post lists dates for the solstices and equinoxes in the Northern hemisphere. In the Southern hemisphere, the seasons are reversed. If you live in the Southern hemisphere, you would observe the winter solstice in June, the spring equinox in September, the summer solstice in December, and the fall equinox in March.

The Cycle of the Moon: Lunar Phases

If you don’t have time to wait for the appropriate solstice or equinox, you can still connect with the cosmos in your magic. One of the biggest pros of the lunar cycle is that it happens roughly every month — so you never have to wait very long for the next full moon. The moon is also associated with magic and spirituality in several traditions, which makes it an especially powerful astral ally for witches.

New Moon. The new moon is when the moon is completely invisible in the night sky, and is the phase opposite the full moon. The new moon is a powerful time for shadow work (because it deals with things that are hidden) and for magic related to new beginnings.

Waxing Moon. The moon is waxing when it appears to be growing in the night sky; this is the phase between the new moon and full moon. This is a powerful time for any magic that deals with drawing something in, building something up, or strengthening something that already exists.

Full Moon. Many witches believe that the full moon is the most powerful time of month for any kind of magic. This is a good time to cast any spell that needs a serious power boost. The full moon is also an especially powerful time to release what no longer serves you or to work healing magic.

Waning Moon. The moon is waning when it appears to be shrinking in the night sky; this is the phase between the full moon and new moon. This is a powerful time for any magic that deals with sending something away, banishing negative energy, or bringing something to an end.

Dark Moon. The dark moon is the three day period immediately before the new moon. In some traditions, it is believed to be bad luck to cast spells during the dark moon. Other traditions hold that the dark moon is the best point in the lunar cycle for destructive magic, such as curses and hexes. Many modern witches don’t recognize the dark moon as a separate moon phase at all. I personally like to use the dark moon as a time for self reflection, and may focus on shadow work during this time.

Magical Correspondences for the Days of the Week

The days of the week also have their own unique magical energies, and each day is linked to a certain planet and to certain deities.

Sunday. Sunday is, of course, connected to the Sun and solar deities. Sunday is the best day of the week for any manifestation magic that needs an extra boost. Its energy is also associated with healing, personal growth, power, and success.

Monday. Monday is associated with the Moon and lunar deities. Monday is a quiet, introspective day, and can feel very ethereal. It’s the best day for magic related to intuition, nurturing, and shadow work.

Tuesday. Tuesday is associated with Mars and with gods and goddesses of war and action. (It is named for the Norse/Germanic god Tyr/Tiw.) Tuesday is a very “active” day, and is good for magic related to action, activism, victory, or finding courage.

Wednesday. Wednesday is associated with Mercury and with gods and goddesses of wisdom, learning, and communication. (It is named for the Norse/Germanic god Odin/Wodan.) Wednesday is all about mental activity. It’s the best day of the week for magic related to thought, travel, communication (written, spoken, or digital), and learning/study.

Thursday. Thursday is associated with Jupiter and with gods and goddesses of prosperity, wealth, and protection. (It is named after the Norse/Germanic god Thor.) Thursday, like Jupiter in astrology, is all about outward expansion. It’s the best day of the week for magic related to career, prosperity, and wealth.

Friday. Friday is associated with Venus and with gods and goddesses of love, fertility, and sensuality. (It is named after the Norse goddess Freyja, or perhaps the goddess Frigg.) The energy of Friday is fun, lighthearted, and sexy. It’s the best day of the week for magic related to love, beauty, and sex/sexuality.

Saturday. Saturday is associated with Saturn and with time and wisdom. (The day and the planet are both named after the Roman god Saturn.) Saturday is practical and wise, but it does have a little bit of a dark side. It’s the best day of the week for magic related to banishing and protection.

Magical Times of Day

Okay, so you’d like to start working with magical timing, but what about emergency magic and last-minute spells? What if you don’t have time to wait for the next full moon, or even the next Sunday? You can still align your spell with magical timing! There are several moments of power each day, and each has its own magical associations.

Sunrise. Sunrise is, of course, the birth of the new day. This makes it the perfect time for spells related to new beginnings or expanded possibilities.

Noon. This is the peak or high point of the day. This is a powerful time for healing magic.

Sunset. Sunset is the end of the day, and forms a gateway between light and dark. This is a great time for spells related to accepting endings, releasing that which does not serve, and moving on from the past.

Midnight. If noon is the peak of the day, then midnight is the peak of the night. Midnight has a very ethereal, transformational energy. Like with the full moon, some witches believe that any spell will be more powerful if cast at midnight. This is a powerful time for both banishing and attraction magic.

Resources:

You Are Magical by Tess Whitehurst

Green Witchcraft by Paige Vanderbeck

Wicca for Beginners by Thea Sabin [specifically the chapter on the sabbats]

Qabalah Made Easy by David Wells [Note: Qabalah is based on an appropriation of Jewish mysticism, and I am NOT endorsing its practice. However, much of the magical timing associations used in modern witchcraft is shared with Qabalah and other forms of ceremonial magic, which is why it’s referenced here.]

They certainly are! 

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MAGICK BUTTER CHICKEN FOR GAINING BALANCE AND CONTROL

I feel like everything that is happening in the world current time, has really thrown everyones energies off balance. Being an empath, this makes it hard for me to ground myself, when overwhelmed by so much draining energy and negativity. In times like this, sometimes, we can’t control everything that is happening around us. With this acceptance, sit back, and cook yourself some butter chicken. Because you ~ really deserve it.

Ingredients:

Fresh Produce:

1 medium-sized onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced 

1 tsp fresh grated ginger 

1 ½ pounds cubed chicken breast

Squeeze of lemon

Dairy:

1 cup half and half

¼ cup plain yogurt 

6 tbsp ghee (Angels tips. Ghee is healthier than butter, reduces heart attack risk, and helps with the absorption of magick herbs!)

Pantry:

2 tsp olive oil 

8 oz can tomato sauce

5 tbsp tomato paste

Pinch of sugar

Magick Spices:

1 ½ tsp chili powder ~ warding, hex breaking, good outcomes, spell booster  

1 tsp paprika ~ healing, increases power, comfort

Pinch of cayenne pepper ~ protection, strength, empowerment 

1 tbsp garam masala ~ healing, protection, strength, comfort

Salt and pepper to taste ~ Warding and protection

Directions

In a large deep pan, heat extra virgin olive oil.  Add in garlic, onions, chicken, and ginger. Mix in with all of your spices.

Now melt in ghee, and cook until it is about ¾ of the way done. Cook on medium heat.

Then pour in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, lemon juice, sugar, yogurt and half and half.  Stir to combine fully.  Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce.

Taste the sauce, and add whatever you feel suits your taste. You can even add more magickal ingredients to this recipe to fit your magick needs!

Serve over white rice, and garlic naan.

okay y’all, take it from a southern queer kitchen witch: biscuits ‘n gravy IS indeed a witch meal (as is any meal you make, not just traditionally “healthy” food)! you’d be surprised what can nourish your body and spirit when you work from scratch and share your energy with your kitchen and ingredients. 

below is my recipe, inspired by the spicy-fennel gravy my Appalachian grandma always seemed to have on her stove when we visited. i use to call it “glop,” xo

*to my weed witches, this is the perfect wake-n-bake w/ friends or lovers on a Sunday morning kindof meal* 

🍴 Easy Biscuits: makes 6-8 

*2c all purpose flour, plus more for dusting   *2 tbsp baking powder

*sugar, 2 large pinches (think thumb + index)  *1 tsp salt   *1c whole milk

*5 tbsp COLD (!!) unsalted butter, cut into small chunks (i cut it then put it back in the fridge until i’m ready to blend) 

-If using food processor, add flour / baking powder / sugar / salt and cut in butter (~7 pulses), until it resembles rough crumbs. otherwise, add the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl and use a fork or dough blade to cut in the chunks of butter. your dough should look like a crumble, with no visible butter. 

-if using food processor, transfer crumble to a mixing bowl. add milk and stir with fork until it resembles a sticky, rough ball. turn-over onto flour surface, sprinkle top with flour and begin patting into a round disc, gently pat it down, and fold over. do this once more. bond with ur dough, it loves you!

-rest a kitchen towel over the dough for 30 minutes. when you return, dust a cup’s rim to cut-out biscuits. return to fridge until ready to bake. 

-preheat a cast iron skillet in the oven at 425°F. when preheated, add cold biscuits and brush with melted butter / oil. bake for 10-15 minutes, until the dough doesn’t give to your finger when you press the tops. if you don’t have a skillet, simple bake on a baking sheet according to the instructions above!

🍳 Grandma Irene’s Gravy: makes plenty for ur biscuits, plus a lil extra!

*peppercorns (lots!) + garlic, 2 cloves (protection, intuition)  *red chili (cleansing)

*fennel seed (confidence, self-love n growth)  *oregano (joy, fulfillment, health)

*1 lb ground sausage (or substitute)  *2+ tbsp AP flour  *3c whole milk

-toast ground peppercorns, fennel seed, garlic, dried red chili, and oregano (preferably fresh from ur plant bb) in a large cast-iron skillet or other deep frying pan. 

-add sausage (or substitute), pinched off into smaller chunks and cook over medium-high heat until brown. sprinkle generous salt.

-add 2 heaping tbsp flour and mix into sausage until combined. add milk and mix well, bring mixture to a boil then return to medium - stir lots during this process. the gravy will begin to thicken, be patient and cook it down for about 10-15 minutes as the biscuits finish.

-serve to your liking, though i enjoy w/ a sunny-side up egg on top!! 

☀️ Midsummer Ritual ☀️

a ritual for midsummer, a ritual that observes the summer solstice, and the new life that has been growing in the earth.

☀️ perform ritual at noon, call open a circle

☀️ build a safe bonfire in a safe area, or alternatively light a yellow candle.

☀️ leave out an offering for the fae near the candle.

☀️ make a solar wheel and burn it. 

☀️ speak a prayer to each of the four cardinal directions. 

☀️ play music and celebrate in the circle

☀️ close and leave the circle.

Simple ways of turning any recipe witchy ✨

🌰 Bless the salt before using it for a protection spell

🌰 Stir clock wise for cleansing, and counter clock wise for banishing

🌰 Rosemary in a stew is yummy and also works great for protection or self love

🌰 Add hot spices to attract love, and warm spices for hearthy spells

🌰 When you bake a cake, when your greasing the tin, draw a sigil in the butter and then cover up with flour. Blessed be!

🌰 Use a toothpick to draw protective rhunes on your biscuits

🌰 Black pepper for hexing! (even on baked goods)

🌰 Use a strong liquor to ward off evil spirits (and have a sip while you cook, we can never be too careful 😉)

September seasonal produce 🍎

Green Witch Healing Tea Blends ☕️🌿✨

Migraine Relief Blend 🍵

Holy Basil

Green Tea

Mint

Lemongrass

Ginger Root

Hibiscus Flowers

Anxiety Calming Blend ☺️

Lemon Balm

Chamomile Flowers

Mint

Catnip

Sore Throat Blend 😷

Mint

Sage

Cinnamon

Lemon Balm

Honey

Upset Stomach Relief Tea 🤢

Ginger

Mint

Lemon Balm

Chamomile Flowers

Fresh Lemon Slice

Immune Boosting Tea Blend ☕️

Elderberries

Calendula Flowers

Echinacea

Orange or Lemon Peel

Honey

Menstrual Relief Blend 👩🏽‍🦱

Raspberries

Chamomile Flowers

Lemon Balm

Mint

Winter Cold Relief Tea Blend 🌲

Pine Needles

Cinnamon

Mint

Fennel Seeds

Allergy Relief Tea 😪

Purple Dead Nettle

Peppermint

Cinnamon Bark

Lemon Peel

Ginger

Honey

Full Moon Dreams Blend 🌕

Black Tea

Chamomile Flowers

Lavender

Mint

Peaceful Sleep Tea Blend 😴

Chamomile Flowers

Spearmint

Lavender

Cinnamon

Passion Flowers

Jasmine Buds

Rose Petals

Psychic Protection Tea 🔮

Black Tea

Rosemary

Chamomile Flowers

Rose Petals

Lavender

Happiness Honey Milk Tea 🌞

Sun Water

Milk

Cinnamon

Honey

Autumn Nostalgia Tea Blend 🍂

Black Tea

Cinnamon

Sage

Orange Peel

Fennel Seeds

Forest Dweller’s Comfort Tea 🍄

Cinnamon Bark

Fennel Seeds

Ginger Root

Licorice Root

Orange Peel

Marshmallow Root

White Oak Bark

Riot magic tip: Coyote bones and coyote powder are the shit for rioters. Get some coyote teeth or claws, maybe powder that stuff, or buy some of the coyote spirit powder from a local botanica and give it to your rioter friends or use yourself if going to riots. The stuff usually wards off the law, makes you unconquerable, and allows you to slip past others. The typical trickster attributes you want.