Constant Motion
© gif by riverwindphotography, July 2021
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Carol Duvall
nothing but peace
To begin, let me start by saying this is the 3rd time I have to write this because Tumblr decided to refresh on me when I didn’t ask it to and so everything I wrote DISAPPEARED (fix your bugs, tumblr!) Because of that, this version my original post is going to be so half-assed now! I hate tumblr sometimes!
An equinox is a day of the year when there is equal parts day and night - light and darkness. Many people have a tendency to view this as a “versus” thing, but it’s not! It’s a day to acknowledge balance and harmony.
The fall equinox is an important day of power for many Neo-Pagans and Witches. It’s a day that some even call, “Witches’ Thanksgiving” because it’s a day where witches “reap what they sow” - literally and figuratively. That means, giving thanks to Mother Earth for providing us with the sustenance we need to survive and also acknowledging the people in our lives by expressing our gratitude and asking for forgiveness for our past transgressions (and also for forgiving others).
There are many mundane ways someone who is a witch, or Pagan, can celebrate Mabon! Here are a few examples that I can think of:
- Throw a “barnyard” party with dancing, singing/karaoke, and chanting
- Have a bonfire! (please be responsible!)
- Host a potluck or a dinner party
- Apple picking
- Go camping or take a hike
- Crochet, quilt, or knit
- Make wines, ciders, beers or butters, jams, jellies, featuring the fruits of the season
- Bake pies!
- Give back to the community and maybe volunteer at an animal shelter or food bank or host a food drive
There are also many things a witch can do to celebrate this day of power:
~ This is a good time for divination (apparently there’s something called apple divination and it sound perfect for this time of year!)
~ Protection magic also gets a boost during this time (maybe try warding?)
~ Because this day is a day of thanks, avoid asking for things on this holiday
~ Have a “Gratitude Ritual”
~ Meditation and grounding are great on this day (it’s all about finding balance and harmony)
~ Set up an altar that showcases the fall of Summer, the start of Autumn, and the soon to be here Winter; be sure to include things that you’re grateful for!
~ Have a mock sacrifice
~ This is a great day to practice and hone your kitchen magic, so take this time to learn more about sigils in baking, herbs and their medicinal and magical properties, etc.
- If you’re Neo-Pagan, take this time to talk to some different deities (focus on harvest, wine, earth and sun deities)
> The colors gold, yellow, red, and orange
> Oak, ivy, Hazel, Cedar, Hops and Vines are important trees/plants to acknowledge during this time
> Scarecrows, scales, ying-yang, scythes, & haystacks are common symbols
> Wolves, dogs, foxes, and birds of prey are important symbols of this time
> Amethys, yellow topaz, and citrine are stones/ctystas associated with this holiday
> Drinks and Foods include wine, grapes, most nuts, apples, all berries, and black pepper
As always, please feel free to share your knowledge and wisdom - and feel free to ask questions - so that we can all continue to grow and prosper!
So, you love astrology but have just realised that you are no longer just your sun sign. It’s a confusing and intimidating thing for a beginner astro-witch to see. That’s why I have decided to create a little guide to help anyone out. This will be the very basics but will be added to over time. Baby steps for baby-witches.
Sun Sign = The controller. This is your main sign. The sign you have known your whole life thinking that’s where it ended.
Moon Sign = Your inner-self. Your emotions, inner-thoughts, wants and needs are all controlled by your moon sign.
Ascendant/Rising = Acceptably called either, the Ascendant/Rising is your natural mask in the face of society. So basically, this is how people view you.
Mercury = A very important sign, it rules your decision making mind. It is how you communicate and can be easy to spot in a person.
Venus = This sign rules love and finances.
Mars = Most represent Mars with anger, and this is true. But it is so much more than that. This sign rules our animal instincts, energy, action and sexual desires.
Jupiter = This sign covers rules both generosity, tolerance and wisdom.
Saturn = This sign represents fears, our limitations and responsibility
Uranus = This sign is all about individuality. Progressiveness, forward-thinking and fresh-starts.
Neptune = This sign rules the subconscious. Dreams, psychic-sensitivity and inspiration.
Pluto = This sign represents rebirth. New-beginnings and growth.
AFRICAN DAISY
Divine Alignment, Energy Healing, Energetic Fine-Tuning, Magical Power, Mystique, Psychic Abilities, Protection
AGAPANTHUS
Authority, Confidence, Elegance, Excellence, Intelligence, Intuition and Inner Knowing, Knowledge of Our Own Divinity, Self-Mastery
ALYSSUM
Comfort, Gentleness, Grounding, Healing and Immunity, Keeping the Peace, Staying True to Oneself
AMARYLLIDACEAE
Creativity and Playfulness, Crown Chakra Opening, Joy, Self-Acceptance
ASTER
Astrological Wisdom, Beginnings, Cleansing and Detoxifying, Connection to the Divine or Cosmic Realm, Doorways and Transitions, Gentleness, Psychic Abilities, Protection, Romantic Love with Spiritual Overtones, Support for Teen Girls and Newly Menstruating Maidens
BABY BLUE EYES
Freedom from Past Hurts, Gentleness with Oneself, Healing the Inner Child, Letting Go, Natural Beauty and Wildness, Relationship Healing, Trust
BIRD OF PARADISE
Awareness of the Interconnectedness of Life, Awareness of Invisible Reality, Intuition and Insight, Mathematical Prowess, Protection, Sacred Geometry, Walking Between the Worlds
BLACK-EYED SUSAN
Cleansing and Releasing, Grounding, Integration, Mediumship, Connecting with Transitioned Loved Ones
BLEEDING HEART
Beauty in Pain, Emotional Availability, Healing Depression, Attracting Love
BOUGAINVILLEA
Beauty, Cleansing, Radiance, Passion
CALLA LILLY
Divine Connection, Opening the Crown Chakra, Peace, Peaceful Transitions, Saintliness, Sleep, Soothing Grief, True Innocence
CAMELLIA
Alignment with the Divine Feminine, Authenticity and Decision Making, Energy, Friendship, Humility and True Confidence, Receptivity, True Prosperity
CARNATION
Beauty, Heart Healing, Love, Perspective, Rebirth, Vigor and Longevity
CHAMOMILE
Animal Support, Breaking Curses and Spells, Healing and Protecting Children, Peace and Harmony, Positivity, Prosperity, Sleep, Soothing
CHERRY BLOSSOM
Divine Love, Forgiveness, Gentleness, Remembering One’s Primal Innocence, Romance
CHERRY PLUM
Agelessness, Timeless Beauty, Chakra Healing and Clearing, Circulation, Digestion, Physical Healing, Courage, Determination and Following Through, Inspiration, Passion, Joy, Removing Energetic Blocks, Strength, Success
CHRYSANTHEMUM
Longevity, Mental Clarity, Optimism, Protection, Solving Mysteries, Soothing Grief
CINQUEFOIL
Creativity and Playfulness, Freedom and Liberation, Healing, Luck, Magic, Prophetic Dreams, Wild Joy
CITRUS BLOSSOM (& NEROLI)
Heavenly Assistance, Beauty, Clarity, Comfort and Luxury, Emotional Balance and Stress Relief, Happy Children, Happy Home, Marital Bliss, Positive Thinking, Sensuality, Trust
CLOVER
Abundance, Beauty, Faery Communication, Gentle Strength, Health and Healing, Protection, Purification, Simplicity
CRABAPPLE
Healing from Abuse, Freshness and Purity, Self-Acceptance, Self-Love, Self-Worth
CREPE MYRTLE
Enduring Partnerships, Graceful Change, Inspiration, Stillness, Youthfulness
CROCUS
Banishing Nightmares, Cooling Violent Emotions, Happiness, Wealth
DAHLIA
Dreams, Mystique, Occult Wisdom, The Sweetness of Shadows, Transmutation of Emotions
DAISY
Health, Simplicity, Purification, Wealth
DANDELION
Animal Protection, Divination, Happiness, Healing, Wishes
DATURA
Astral Travel, Concealment and Invisibility, Discernment, Divination, Enchantment, Magical Power
ECHINACEA
Health and Healing, Fortification and Heartiness, Simplification, Support for Healers and Health Care Professionals, Success through Service and Joyful Work
FORGET-ME-NOT
Clarity and Focus, Health, Love, Memory, Organization and Efficiency, Perspective, Success
FOXGLOVE
Courage, Faery Connection, Heart Healing, Protection
FREESIA
Clarity, Courage to Make Necessary Changes, Healing Depression, Self-Love, Removing Blocks, Transmutation, Womb Healing
GERANIUM
Exorcism, Goddess Energy and Feminine Healing, Happy Home, Health and Healing, Heart Healing, Love, Positive Energy, Protection, Purification, Strength, Courage, Resilience, Support for Children, Truth
HEATHER
Connecting with Ancestors and Ancestral Wisdom, Healing Deep Issues, Luck, Memory, Physical Healing, Protection, Transmutation
HIBISCUS
Freedom, Harmony and Relaxation, Independence, Passion, Romance, Sexual Desire, Swift Assistance and Activation
HOLLY
Divine Connection, Protection, Purification, Sacred Space
HOLLYHOCK
Healing from the Past, Healing Land, Reclaiming and Realigning with Heritage, Reconnecting with Old Ways, Remembering Past Lives, Strengthening Confidence and Spiritual Energy, Strengthening Memory
HONEYSUCKLE
Activating Intuition, Awakening Sexuality and Releasing Sexual Blocks, Good Luck, Letting Go/Endings and Beginnings, Prosperity
HYACINTH
Abundance and Luxury, Attracting Gifts, Charm and Irresistibility, Glamour, Influence
HYDRANGEA
Boundaries, Deconstructing Challenging Karmic Patterns, Hex Breaking, Protection, Redirecting Curses and Psychic Attacks, Restructuring Energy Field
IMPATIENS
Aligning with Divine Timing, Being Present, Grounding
IRIS
Alignment with Inner Truth, Creativity, Energetic Balance and Calibration, Intuition and Divine Messages, Love-Drawing, Purification and Protection, Walking Between the Worlds
JASMINE
Abundance, Joy, Sensuality and Attractiveness, Sexual Healing, Relaxation
KALANCHOE
Grounding, Inner Fortification, Harmony, Protection, Resilience
LANTANA (SHRUB VERBENA)
Breaking Old Patterns, Exorcism, Getting Energy Moving, Healing Depression, Space Clearing, Speaking Your Truth, Coming Out of the Closet, Strengthening Boundaries, Strengthening Will
LAVENDER
Clarity, Cleansing, Divine Alignment, Harmony and Balance, Healing, Joy, Protection, Relaxation and Stress Relief, Relationship Healing, Releasing Guilt and Shame, Releasing Pain Associated with Unrequited Love
LILAC
Chakra Balancing, Magical Power, Passage Between the Worlds, Peace, Psychic Abilities, Romance, Sweet Spirit Summoning
LILY
Angel Invocation, Divine Assistance, Divine Love, Divine Beauty, Entity Clearing and Protection, Goddess Alignment, Harmony and Ease, Legal Success, Safe and Harmonious Travel
LUPINE
Dog Healing and Balancing, Faeries, Imagination, Otherworld Communication
MAGNOLIA
Awakening Ancient Wisdom, Fidelity, Goddess Energy, Independence and Personal Power, Wonderment and Awe
MANUKA (NEW ZEALAND TEA TREE)
Body Chemistry, Emerging from “Desert Periods,” Emotional Detoxification, Holistic Balance
MARIGOLD (CALENDULA)
Cleansing and Detoxification, Happiness, Health and Healing, Healing Depression, Skin Healing
MARIGOLD (TAGETES)
Death and Rebirth, Happiness, Heart Healing, Protection, Success, Vitality, Walking Between the Worlds
MORNING GLORY
Awakening to the Magic of Life, Clarity and Simplicity, Happiness and Harmony, Intuition and Divine Guidance, Receptivity, Relaxation
NARCISSUS (DAFFODIL)
Connection to the Otherworld, Freedom from the Past, Present-Moment Awareness, Reclaiming Personal Power, Self-Love, Spiritual Refreshment, Romantic Love
NASTURTIUM
Banishing Prejudice and Supporting Tolerance, Choosing to Create Your Own Reality, Creativity, Freedom, Independence and Creating Your Own Archetype, Protection, Releasing Fear of New Situations
OAK
Abundance, Creating Your Own Luck, Abundance, Focus and Long-Term Determination, Success in School or Work, Tapping Your Own Divine Energy Source
OLEANDER
Emotional Healing, Strength, Protection, Transmutation
ORCHID
Beauty and Elegance, Expressing Uniqueness, Goddess Energy and Queenliness, Ecstasy and Sexual Pleasure, Fertility, Harmony, Romantic Love, Spirituality and Intuition, Wealth and Luxury
PANSY
Calming Stress Relief, Clarity, Gentleness, Ideas, Love, Love Divination, Purity, Self-Exploration
PEONY
Cleansing, Healing, Prosperity and Luxury, Protection and Exorcism, Success and Confidence
PETUNIA
Beauty, Carefree Joy, Domestic Bliss and a Happy Home, Inspiration, Fresh Perspective
PITTOSPORUM
Abundance, Balance, Falling in Love, Sensuality, Sexual Healing, Body Positivity
PLUMERIA
Creativity, Freedom, Healing Adolescents and Inner Adolescents, Long-Distance Relationships, Love, Youthfulness
POPPY
Calm Energy, Communion with the Infinite, Invisibility, Overcoming Addiction, Making Peace with Death, Perspective, Relaxation and Sleep, Surrender and Release
PRIMROSE
Admitting Feelings, Healing Grief and Heartache, Home Amidst Despair, Relationship Healing, Transforming Karma
RHODODENDRON
Balance of Extroversion and Introversion, Balance of Gentleness and Greatness, Embracing Personal Power, Mystique
ROSE
Abundance, Beauty, Clearing and Blessings, Dreams, Emotional Healing, Friendship, Protection, Purification, Romantic Love, Secrecy, Self-Love, Spirituality
SAGE BLOSSOM
Clarity, Connecting with Inner Silence and Space Consciousness, Deep Cleansing, Emotional Detoxification, Emotional Disentanglement and Energetic Cord-Cutting, Exorcism, Meditation, Reclaiming Personal Space and Boundaries, Removing Blocks, Self-Respect
SNAPDRAGON
Hex Reversal, Owning Your Power, Protection, Truth
SUNFLOWER
Happiness, Health and Vitality, Potency, Power, Radiance, Sustenance, Strength, Truth
SWEET PEA
Comfort with Luxury, Irresistibility, Feminine Friendships, Femininity and Personal Power
TUBEROSE
Intuition, Funerals, Peace, Protection and Purification, Sensuality, Wealth
TULIP
Beauty, Desire, Gratitude, Grounding, Heart Strengthening, Love Goddess Alignment, Love, Relationship Healing, Simplicity
VALERIAN
Dream Magic, Healing Depression, Heart-Opening, Influence, Peace and Harmony, Relaxation and Stress Relief, Sleep, Soothing Grief, Wealth, Wisdom
VERVAIN (VERBENA)
Connection with the Faery Realm, Eternal Love, Good Luck, Healthy Balance of Work and Play, Heart Healing, Joy, Lightening Up, Magic, Physical Healing
VIOLA AND VIOLET
See “Pansy”
WATER LILY
Clarity of Desire and Direction, Cooling Passions, Creative Flow, Healing Depression, Heart Healing, Purification, Spiritual Nourishment, Transmutation
WISTERIA
Beauty That Increases with Age, Divine Blessings, Comfort, Love, Healing Grief, Softness, Soothing, Stress-Relief, Wisdom
YARROW
Banishing and Exorcism, Divination, Healing, Releasing Negative Emotions, Protection
YLANG YLANG
Joy, Healing, Love, Peace and Relaxation, Sex and Sexuality, Body Positivity
Shadow Work
Origins, Meaning and Utility
Carl Jung theorized the existence of three levels/spheres in the human psyche: the Ego, representing the conscious mind, the Personal Unconscious where memories are contained and the Collective Unconscious, where all knowledge and experiences of the species are shared.
Each Sphere has in it a certain number of Archetypes, used to better describe the components of those structures, and the Shadow is one of them.
The shadow can be seen as a instinctual or primitive part of ourselves, it exists as part of the unconscious mind and is composed of repressed ideas, weaknesses, desires, instincts, and shortcomings.
It is this archetype that contains all of the things that are unacceptable not only to society, but also to one's own personal morals and values, normally going against social norms and rules as well as what we personally consider right.
The Shadow is often described as the darker side of the psyche, representing wildness, chaos, and the unknown, and it is common for people to deny this element of their own psyche and instead project it on to others.
Art: Unknown
The Shadow, in witchcraft, can represent The Unknown, hidden depth of ourselves. Speaking in terms of energy, this is an area that can be a deep source of energetic issues, because it’s locked up in the dark and always striving to reach the light.
To not work with one’s Shadow is to make it greedy and aggressive, as well as denying a big part of oneself, making everything a half of a whole.
Through that brief explanation, we can already establish the importance and role of the Shadow in witchcraft, and with that in mind, comes the concept of Shadow Work.
Shadow Work can be seen in a number of practices, meditation, trances, inner journey’s, lucid dreaming, astral travels, spells and divination.
The method can change, but the principle is simple: Centering your intent to self discovery, self knowledge and self acceptance.
Working with one’s Shadow is not only beneficial to one’s craft, as it allows one to get in touch with their intuition as well as allows for easier connection with one’s guide/guides, but it also allows for healing and acceptance of one’s feelings and needs.
Think of all aspects of life as a wheel. If there is one part bent, the wheel can turn, but with more effort. If the owner spends time fixing that bent part, the wheel will turn in a much more smooth manner.
That is what happens when you take the time to do Shadow Work, you have to put in effort, and most of the time it’s not easy, but once done, all other components on the wheel of your life will be relieved to move on without that obstacle that makes their job harder.
The Shadow is not evil, as evil is just a moral compass invented by humans. It is a part of one’s nature, and to deny it is to supress a connection with yourself.
Take the time to know and accept your shadow, and you’ll see that life will be a little easier.
References:
A Natureza da psique (Structure & Dynamics of the Psyche) by C.G. Jung
The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious by C.G. Jung
Lily of the valley looks so magical ♥
★ And therefore, makes me magickal ★
she/hereclectic witchcrafttaurus sun / aquarius moon / aquarius risingmother of two
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