The dark Goddess of Transformation

Posted on by A Solitary Pagan

Listen to the words of The dark Goddess of Transformation; She who of old was also called among men Kali, Hecate, Cerridwen, Lilith, Persephone, Fata, Morgana, Ereshkigal, Arianhrod, Durga, Inanna, Tiamat, and by countless other names:

“Hear me child, and know Me for I am. I have been with you since you were born, and I will stay with you until you return to Me at the final dusk. I am the passionate and seductive lover who inspires the poet to dream. I am the One who calls to you at the end of your journey. After the day is done, My children find their blessed rest in my embrace. I am the womb from which all things are born. I am the shadowy, still tomb; all things must come to Me and bare their breast to die and be reborn to the Whole.”

“I am the Sorceress that will not be ruled, the Weaver of Time, the Teacher of Mysteries. I snip the threads that bring my children home to me. I slit the throats of the cruel and drink the blood of the heartless. Swallow your fear and come to me, and you will discover true beauty, strength, and courage. I am the fury which rips the flesh from injustice. I am the glowing forge that transforms your inner demons into tools of power. Open yourself to my embrace and overcome.”

“I am the glinting sword that protects you from harm. I am the crucible in which all the aspects of yourself merge together in a rainbow of union. I am the velvet depths of the night sky, the swirling mists of midnight, shrouded in mystery. I am the chrysalis in which you will face that which terrifies you and from which you will blossom forth, vibrant and renewed. Seek me at The crossroads, and you shall be transformed, for once you look upon my face, there is no return.”

“I am the fire that kisses the shackles away. I am the cauldron in which all opposites grow to know each other in Truth. I am the web which connects all things. I am the Healer of all wounds, the Warrior who rights all wrongs in their Time. I make weak strong. I make the arrogant humble. I raise up the oppressed and empower the disenfranchised. I am Justice tempered with Mercy”.

“Most importantly, child, I am you. I am part of you, and I am within you. Seek me within and without, and you will be strong. Know me. Venture into the dark so that you may awaken to Balance, Illumination, and Wholeness. Take my Love with you everywhere and find Power within to be who you wish.”

Hekates Night 13th August

Posted on by A Solitary Pagan

August 13th is listed in modern Pagan calendars as being Hekates Night, a night sacred to Hekate. This purportedly ancient Greek festival is for propitiation, where we ask Hekate Lady of the Storms to not send any of those nasty storms among us. We are meant to leave an offering at the crossroads to Hekate and ask Her to keep us safe from storms, or even better, just keep the damaging and dangerous storms away completely.

So we will begin at the end, this is not an ancient festival and yet it also kind of is. Kind of. The struggle we have with this festival is that it is kind of based on an ancient festival, or two or three. It is also maybe based on ancient ideas, that have little to do with those ancient festivals. And it almost certainly exists as it does because of confusion over various things.

Or maybe it is completely made up and modern and we have all been finding coincidental connections that don’t actually exist. That is the problem right there, we can’t be entirely sure of who first said this festival existed in modern times. We can’t be entirely sure of why they said it existed. We can’t be sure who added the extra bits and pieces, nor why they did so.

The Modern Line

Hekates Night is mentioned in several modern Pagan books, by that name and sometimes not by any name, simply listed as a night sacred to Hekate. When these books cite other modern, but still older, books this makes the festival seem a touch more legitimate. Then you get a book by reputable or at least popular Pagan authors, they don’t even need to cite a source. They say it, it must be true.

“Her annual festival on August 13 (also that of the Roman Diana) was a propitiary one, to avert harvest-destroying storms.

The source was likely to be a book I do not have and haven’t read, Witchcraft Out of the Shadows by Leo Ruickbie. According to those who have read this book Leo notes in a side box that August 13th is a day the ancient Greeks would propitiate Hekate so She wouldn’t send crop destroying storms. He does cite a source and it’s one I was able to access through Open Library.

“[August] The 13th. Celebration of Diana and Hecate of the Moon in The Goddess Book of Days, Diana Stein (first published 1988).

The piece from Goddess Book of Days about August 13th

So here we can see the progression quite clearly. Going backwards we have numerous internet sites stating we must offer to Hekate at a crossroads to prevent storms from destroying our crops. Farrar and Bone, and Ruickbie seemingly don’t mention anything about crossroads offerings, but they do mention storms and crops/harvests and propitiation. Steins book on the other hand doesn’t mention storms at all, just protection for the harvest.

It’s like Chinese whispers.

Offering at the Crossroads

The crossroads offering is seemingly a later addition and it’s pretty obvious where it comes from – the Deipnon. Every lunar month, on the dark moon, we offer to Hekate at the crossroads to honour Her of course, but it is also a propitiation offering that in some ways asks for protection. On the dark moon She wanders the world as leader of the host of the Restless Dead. So we offer at the crossroads to feed Her and the dead and Her hounds I suppose, but also to give us some protection from the dead.

As a protective sort of offering it stands to reason that this would become part of a protection festival that has little to no details about what one should do for that festival.

The most interesting part of this festival, and actually kind of makes me really like the whole thing, is the part where it is about Hekate as a storm Goddess. As we can see, the storm part of the festival appears to have originated with Leo Ruickbie. Given that the source he cites doesn’t mention storms at all, we have to assume that even if this did somehow originate in an ancient festival, the storm part of it is a modern addition.

I suppose it makes some logical sense though, a festival to ask Hekate to protect the harvest… why? Others who have searched before me often show confusion over why Hekate of all the deities is the one being asked to protect the crops/harvests. She’s not generally noted as an agricultural deity, so why Her? I suppose the addition of protection from storms makes it seem a little more palatable to those who know Her as the Lady of Storms.

Her storm aspect isn’t mentioned very often – but it is actually a slightly popular one. Fact is we don’t have a lot of information about Her as a storm Goddess, nor much about any cultus that revolved around that aspect. But some fragments of history do exist.

The main tangible piece of historical evidence we have of Hekate being a storm Goddess – at least to some of the Greeks is from my favourite place in ancient Greece, Samothrace.

“In Samothrace there were certain initiation-rites, which they supposed efficacious as a charm against certain dangers. In that place were also the mysteries of the Corybantes and those of Hecate. The initiates supposed that these things save [them] from terrors and from storms.

So, She was given offerings, or sacrifices, in Samothrace, asking for protection from the storms – and from terror. But we can also go further. Though it isn’t generally outright stated, as an Oceanic deity, Hekate would have province over stormy weather – especially on the ocean and the shore. Add to the fact that She is also a Ouranic deity, this would seem to give Her even more rule over the weather. As Brimo, the angry one, we can also hazard a guess that She again holds sway over angry storms or any natural disaster really.

The storm aspect holds firm in reference to Hekate, but whether it should be part of this festival is another matter. As a note, I actually did check the climate and weather patterns for Samothrace – they have really nice weather during August, with rare showers and storms. But for the most part, August is not a stormy season, any storm propitiation would likely not have happened at this time of year.

Protection and Harvest or Crops

As noted above, one of the things people find issue with when it comes to this festival, is the idea of Hekate protecting the harvest/crops. Many people find the idea of Hekate and agriculture to be, well, just wrong. Some also find it difficult to understand why Hekate would be called on for protection. So we need to look at these aspects of the festival as well – do they fit Hekate or not?

“Hecate, the symbol of her varying phases and of her power dependent on the phases. Wherefore her power appears in three forms, having as symbol of the new moon the figure in the white robe and golden sandals, and torches lighted: the basket, which she bears when she has mounted high, is the symbol of the cultivation of the crops, which she makes to grow up according to the increase of her light: and again the symbol of the full moon is the goddess of the brazen sandals.

Or even from the branch of olive one might infer her fiery nature, and from the poppy her productiveness, and the multitude of the souls who find an abode in her as in a city, for the poppy is an emblem of a city. She bears a bow, like Artemis, because of the sharpness of the pangs of labour.

And, again, the Fates are referred to her powers, Clotho to the generative, and Lachesis to the nutritive, and Atropos to the inexorable will of the deity.

Also, the power productive of corn-crops, which is Demeter, they associate with her, as producing power in her.

In this one reference we can see that She is indeed linked to agriculture, as the waxing moon, “symbol of the cultivation of the crops” and also in Her association with Demeter, “the power productive of corn-crops”. This is only one reference, but sometimes that is all you need.

Protection is actually a more common thing when it comes to Hekate. The offerings given on the Deipnon are all about asking Her for protection – as well as being just offerings to Her, the dead and Her hounds. One of Her epithets is Apotropaios, which means “averter” and is in reference to Her being a protector, averting evil. She is also named Medousa, Protector and Pylake, Guard, Who Keeps Watch.

1Nemoralia – August 13th

There is an ancient Roman festival called the Nemoralia which was held on either the 13th-15th of August or over the full moon of August. This festival is in honour of Diana Nemorensis. Women would hold a torch procession to Lake Nemi, they would leave Diana various offerings as well as tokens of gratitude and requests for various help especially healing.

Diana was often heavily conflated with Hekate, both being named Trivia – indeed one can see in Diana the beginnings of the modern triple goddess. Hekate is of course a torch bearing Goddess, making this festival peculiarly suited to Her, even without the Diana conflation. Some, including Wikipedia, state that during the festival Hekate is also given offerings of garlic – but I can’t find the source of that.

This festival seems to have little to nothing to do with storms, harvests or propitiation and so doesn’t really match up with the modern festival very well in that way. But the date is quite significant and cannot be ignored.

It is worth noting too that James Frazer (Golden Bough) notes that Nemoralia is the festival that was eventually turned into the Feast of the Assumption, this doesn’t seem important at all until we look at the above quote from our oldest modern reference, the Goddess Book of Days. “The 13th. Celebration of Diana and Hecate of the Moon in pre-Hellenic Greece, to protect the harvest. Origin of the Assumption Day in the Church Mary cycle. “

Kourotrophos

The ancient Greek calendars were luni-solar. The years were marked by the solstices or equinoxes (region dependent), for example the first day of the year in Athens was the first new waxing moon after the summer solstice. The months thereafter were purely lunar, beginning on the first waxing moon, ending on the dark moon. This means that no matter how we spin it, the calendars back then can never match our calendar today. There was no August 13th, because there was no August. And even if there was an August, it would not be the same time as it is now, but instead would be based on the solstices and lunar months.

August generally coincides with the month of Metageitnion in the Attic calendar, this year Metageitnion began on July 25th and will end on August 22nd. On the 16th day of Metageitnion, this year August the 9th, the festival of Kourotrophos was (and is) held. Kourotrophos is the name of the Goddess who protects children and is also an epithet of numerous Goddesses, including Artemis and Hekate. Thus, for this particular festival Hekate and Artemis, as Kourotrophos, were and are honoured, offered to and sacrificed to.

Though this festival has nothing in common with the modern 13th festival, we can see something else that could match up. The date. Since the calendars don’t match up, the 16th of Metageitnion is on a different day in August (perhaps rarely July and/or September) each year. This means it isn’t impossible for the Kourotrophos festival to land on August 13th, in fact it is highly likely to have happened.

Whether this could have contributed to the date of Hekates Night is impossible to know. But fact is it wouldn’t be the first time a festival is given a static annual date based on a confusion over a yearly changeable date. I suspect this is what happened with one (or both) of the November festivals to Hekate, but with the Deipnon instead of an annual festival.

If we look back to the years before our first modern link was published in 1988, we can see that the full moon was on August 11th in 1984, and two days later would have been the Kourotrophos festival – the 13th.

Further Dating

There are two more possibilities or connections to the 13th and Hekate. The first is the possibility, though I call it the least likely, that the date is simply because one year the Deipnon fell on the 13th of August and people got confused thinking the festival always happened on the 13th.

The other is this interesting statement,

“The time was at hand when smoke fills Diana’s grove, Her sanctuary at Nemi, for a runaway slave made king, Hippolytus’ hidden lake glowing. Diana herself crowns Her ancient hounds, polishes up her arrows, and allows The wild creatures to pass in safety: all the land of Italy Celebrating the Ides of Hecate, and every hearth purified.” – Silvae, by Statius.

This is obviously in reference to the time of the Nemoralia, which happens over the 13th of August (or the full moon of August) in ancient Rome. But the interesting part here is how that particular time of the month of August is not called the Ides of August (or whatever name the month had back then) but is instead called the Ides of Hekate.

There are also two more curiosities that also coincide with this time of the year, though I don’t think they mean anything for this festival I find them interesting nonetheless. The first is that August 12 is usually during the period referenced as the dog days of summer, named for the dog star Sirius. According to Wikipedia (ever so trustworthy) the ancient Greeks associated this time with, among other things, sudden thunderstorms. Why is this of note, other than the thunderstorms mention? Because of the connection between Sirius and the Titan Perses – father of Hekate.

The second curiosity is the Perseid meteor shower which is during August and, this year at least, happens to peak on the 12th. The shower is named for the constellation they appear to come from, Perseus. Not that special, until you again consider the father of Hekate. He is not Perseus of course – but they do share a similar name. As I said, it means nothing but it is interesting anyway.

Hekates Night Conclusion

After this super long post, what have we discovered?

The middle of August coincides with many things that relate to Hekate. The Nemoralia festival, the Kourotrophos festival, possibly a Deipnon one year, the Ides of Hekate, and loosely the dog days of summer. Nemoralia is however the most likely originator for the modern festivals date.

The things observed in the festival all match with Hekate to some degree – She is associated with storms and protection from storms. She is associated with harvests. She is associated with protection and propitiation. She is associated with crossroads and is often offered to on them.

This festival is based on the dating of an ancient festival (or several of them). It contains aspects that definitely relate to Hekate. But the dates of the ancient festivals do not match those aspects celebrated in the modern festival. So, it’s not an ancient festival, even if it is based on ancient things.

The sheer number of ways that Hekate is connected to this time of year is notable. This may not be an ancient festival, this may be a bit of a mixed bag of a modern festival – but any festival named Hekates Night is definitely on the correct date, whatever its origins and meanings.

Hekate…

Posted on by A Solitary Pagan

Epithets:
Aidônaia (Lady of the Underworld)
Anassa eneroi (Queen of those Below, Queen of the Dead)
Angelos (Messenger)
Antaia (the One in Front)
Antania (Enemy of mankind or Sender of Nocturnal Dreams)
Atalos (Tender, Delicate)
Brimo (Angry One)
Dadophoros (Torch bearer)
Despoina (Lady)
Epiphanestate Thea (Most Manifest Goddess)
Enodia (Of the Roads, Of the Paths)
Erodia (Gatekeeper)
Khthonia/Chthonian (Underworld, Of The Earth)
Kleidouchos (Keeper of the Keys)
Kleidophoros (Key Bearer)
Koure mounogenes (Only Begotten Maiden)
Krataiis (Strong One)
Kurotrophos (Protector of Children)
Liparokrêdemnos (Bright-coiffed, With Bright Headband)
Megiste(Greatest)
Monogenes (Only Child)
Nyktipolos (Night Wandering)
Nykipolos Khthonie (Night Wanderer of the Underworld
Perseis (Destroyer)
Phosphoros (the light-bringer)
Propolos (Guide, Attendant Who Leads)
Propylaia (the Guardian, The One Before the Gate)
Prothuraea (Before the Door)
Skylakagetis (Leader of the Dogs)
Soteira (Saviour),
Trevia/Trivia/Trioditis (Of The Three Ways, Of the Three Roads),
Tricephalus (The Three-Headed),
Trimorphis (Three Formed, Three Bodied),
Trioditis (Of the Crossroads),
Zerynthia (Of Mt Zerynthia)

Other Epithets
The Distant One
Queen of Night
Night Mother
Queen of the Ghosts
Queen of the Witches
Mother of Witches
Mistress of Magic
Most Lovely One
Prytania The Invincible Queen Of The Dead

Symbols:
torches, keys, rope, knife, dogs, snakes

Animal(s):
dogs, owls, crows, snakes, frogs, the toad (conception), snakes (guardian and underworld), dogs (guarding and hunting)

Offerings/Sacrifices:
yew, cypress, hazel, black poplar, willow, black dogs, black
bulls, black lambs, myrrh, civet, camphor, aloe, menstrual blood, red
mullet, bread, eggs, cheese, honey, garlic, apples, figs, pomegranate

Primary Cult Center(s):
Lagina, Miletus, Argos, Eleusis, Aigina

Festivals:
Hecatesia or Hekate’s Night (celebrated on different dates – August 13 or 16, November 16)
Dark Moon – last day of the lunar month (Deipnon)
Day of Hekate at the Crossroads (October 31 or November 30)
The last day of the calendar month
December 31 – Roman

Ways to honor:
Keep sacred the Deipnon and Her festivals.
Study Her history, search for the truth of Her origins.
Study magic and prophecy, particularly theurgy, as she is the
patron of that art.
Go for walks at night, or among strange places.
Aid fellow travelers and strangers, especially if they have dogs. (Or
are wild dogs!)
Appreciate the weird and uncanny.

Rituals:
A Simple Way to Honor Hekate by Pythia Hecateira
(copyright E A Kaufman 2010)

In whatever guise Hekate presents Herself to you, regular devotions are an important part of spiritual practice. A simple, basic way to do this is offered here for you.

You may perform your rite indoors or outside; if working indoors, take and leave the offerings and libation outside. Offerings of any of the following or combination thereof are suggested: garlic, eggs, almonds, barley, pomegranate and/or seeds, figs, dates, apples and olives as well as the wood and/or leaves of willow and yew. A libation can also made to Hekate. Prepare wine, cider or even tea, laced with honey, spices and herbs. I am drawn to use dark sweet spices such as cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and, for some reason, oregano. Prepare the offering plate and libation in advance.

Begin by sitting in some quiet place, lighting a candle and incense. I suggest calling out Hekate’s various titles as listed above under appellations – choose those that most resonate with your experience of Her; She presents Herself to each of us differently. Invocations, poetry and/or song may be offered as well as quiet contemplation. Petitions can be made and meditative or other workings done, including divination. When you have finished, take the offerings outside after making a blessing over them. The libation should be placed in an offering cup or chalice, placed on the ground and gently tipped over to flow into the earth. The offerings should be placed directly on the ground as well. These offerings and libation can be left at a place you find sacred. A crossroads is an especially powerful place to leave the offerings for Hekate; a quiet intersection, where you can place them safely, would be appropriate. A entranceway, opening in a fence or gate, as well outside your door would also be appropriate. When you have placed the offerings and made your libation, walk away and do not look back, especially if you have made some petition.

Give thanks, snuff your candles and have something to eat to ground the energy you have raised. As Dion Fortune said and I paraphrase, there is nothing like food to ground the magic and bring one back to the mundane.

Invocations, Prayers & Poetry:

I have included some invocations if you would like to include them.

The Orphic Hymn To Hekate
I invoke you, beloved Hekate of the Crossroads and the Three Ways
Saffron-cloaked Goddess of the Heavens, the Underworld and the Sea
Tomb-frequenter, mystery-raving with the souls of the dead
Daughter of Perses, Lover of the Wilderness who exults among the deer
Nightgoing One, Protectress of dogs, Unconquerable Queen
Beast-roarer, Dishevelled One of compelling countenance
Tauropolos, Keyholding Mistress of the whole world
Ruler, Nymph, Mountain-wandering Nurturer of youth.
Maiden, I beg you to be present at these sacred rites
Ever with a gladsome heart and ever gracious to the Oxherd.

Hymn to Hekate
Hail, many-named Mother of the Gods, whose children are fair.
Hail, mighty Hekate of the Threshold.
Shape the course of my life with luminous Light
And make it laden with good things,
Drive sickness and evil from my limbs.
And when my soul rages about worldly things,
Deliver me purified by Your soul-stirring rituals.
Yes, give me Your hand I pray
And reveal to me the pathways of divine guidance that I long for,
Then shall I gaze upon that precious Light
Whence I can flee the evil of our dark origin.
Yes, give me Your hand I pray,
And when I am weary bring me to the haven of piety with your winds.
Hail, many-named Mother of the Gods, whose children are fair.
Hail, mighty Hekate of the Threshold.
Proclus Diadochus (410-485 AD)
Hymn VI: To Hekate and Janus adapted by E A Kaufman 2008

Invocation to Hekate
Hekate of the Three Ways, I invoke You,
Maiden of the Land, the Underworld & the Seas as well,
Chthonia, Enodia, Phosphoros,
Propylaia, Atropaios, Propolos,
Kourotrophos,
She of the Saffron Robe & beautiful hair,
Nocturnal One, Keeper of the Keys,
Hekate, hear me.
Upon this night, the path is open.
Approach the Crossroads of the Worlds and be with me.
Keeper of Ancient Wisdom,
She who guides the Souls of the Dead across the River.
You who are
Black as Night, Red as Blood, Wise as time everlasting,
You who are the Pale Mother,
Be present at this my Hallowed Rite.
I bow to You, Lady.
With scent & flame I make offerings to You.
With honey & cider I pour a libation to You.
I have given my blood that You may know me,
Keep me,
For I am one of Your especial breed.
I bow before You, Hekate,
Come, Hear me, Know my Name,
Be with Me.

6 Witch Goddesses to Invoke For Magic, Empowerment, and More

Posted on by A Solitary Pagan

In ancient times, there was a god or goddess for everything: war, love, fertility, protection, abundance, hunting, writing and healing. And yes, there were even gods and goddesses that presided over magic.

Here we discuss different witch goddesses from different countries.

1. Baba Yaga: The Slavic Witch Goddess

Perhaps one of the most well-known pieces of Slavic folklore is the story of the witch goddess Baba Yaga. Baba Yaga was once a well-respected and revered witch goddess in Eastern Europe and Western Asia. As Christianity spread, Baba Yaga was diminished from a goddess to an ugly old hag that lived out in the woods and ate little children. It is possible that Baba Yaga was originally a triple-goddess. Invoke Baba Yaga to tap into your wild side and connect with ancestors.
Baba Yaga: Slavic Witch GoddessBaba Yaga in her mortar and pestle vehicle.

2. Cailleach: The Winter Witch Goddess

Cailleach is a witch goddess from Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man. She is the Old Woman, the Winter Crone, the Veiled One, the Old Hag, and the Old Crone. Cailleach is the epitome of the “old hag” archetype and has long been honored for her rule over winter weather. When it snows, people say the Cailleach has unleashed her magic on the land. The mountains are the winter witch’s domain, as legend says The Winter Crone made the mountains her stepping stones. Cailleach is seen as an ancestor to many people in Ireland and Scotland as well as a sister to some of the most ancient goddesses of Irish and Scottish lore. She is the embodiment of Winter and all that it brings: snow, ice, cold, death and then eventually rebirth.

3. Hecate: Goddess of the Crossroads

Hecate is a well-known witch goddess of Ancient Greece still worshiped by modern-day pagans. She is the lady of the crossroads with three heads or, alternatively, guarded by a three-headed white dog. Her dominion is the moon, menstruation, intuition, dreams, the cycles of life-death-rebirth and witchcraft. In Kala Trobe’s Invoke the Goddess, she writes Hecate is the “patroness of prostitutes, thieves, and beggars not to mention witches…and protects those on the outskirts of society. She represents the objective eye searing through the façade of mainstream society. She is the original socialist.” Invoke Hecate during periods of great transition in your life: pregnancy, new parenthood, new career, death in the family, etc.
Hecate: Goddess at the CrossroadsHecate, Witch Goddess at the Crossroads

4. Isis: Egyptian Goddess of Magic

While not referred to as a “witch goddess”, Isis was indeed an Egyptian goddess of magic, in particular ritual magic. She is as ancient as time itself, and henceforth is the embodiment of the Feminine Divine. In Egyptian mythology, Isis gains her magical knowledge by tricking Ra into telling her his many names. She gave birth to the god Horus by taking in the seed of her dead husband, Osiris. That’s how powerful Isis’ magic is. She knows how to shapeshift and is depicted with the wings of a large bird. Invoke Isis when learning Egyptian magic, to birth something anew from destruction, and to learn the secrets of motherhood and life.

5. Morgan Le Fay: Fairy Witch Goddess

Shrouded in legendary mystery, Morgan Le Fay has been a prominent character in the Arthurian legends. She was the sister and aid to King Arthur himself. In some of the legends, Morgan Le Fay saves King Arthur by whisking him off to Avalon after a fatal battle. In her witch goddess form, Morgan Le Fay is an elemental master and herbalist. Part fairy, she was a priestess of Avalon and consort to the Lady of the Lake. Moreover, she possessed the ability to cross into other worlds and realms. Invoke Morgan Le Fay, fairy witch goddess, when working with fairies and elementals, parting the veil, and casting magic with herbs.
Circe: Witch Goddess of Aeaea; transformation, sorcery, potions and herbs.Circe, Witch Goddess of Aeaea

6. Circe: Witch Goddess of Aeaea

A name that’s come to be popular in modern times, Circe is a nymph and goddess of Ancient Greece. Her father, Helios, sends her to exile on an island called Aeaea. Circe is a goddess of transformation and is best known for her skill with potions, herbs, and animals. She is a kind goddess if you treat her right, but if wronged, she will transform you into a pig or other animal. Read about her in Homer’s Odyssey or in the new fictional novel Circe by Madeline Miller. Invoke Circe for justice against abusers, to learn the art of transformation, and to work with herbs and potions.

More Witch Goddesses

I did not go into full detail on every witch goddess in mythology. Suffice it to say there are many witch goddesses to learn from and invoke. Here are others I did not discuss: Diana, Aradia, Artemis, Minona, Nephthys, The Badbh, Irodessa, Freya, Maria Padilha, Cerridwen, Jezibaba, Lilith, Befana, Kybele, Herodias, Leto, and Medea. Some are hated and some loved. It is a theme that dates back centuries—do we love and revere the powerful woman or do we hate and exile her?

6 Witch Goddesses to Invoke For Magic, Empowerment, and More

In ancient times, there was a god or goddess for everything: war, love, fertility, protection, abundance, hunting, writing and healing. And yes, there were even gods and goddesses that presided over magic.

Here we discuss different witch goddesses from different countries.

1. Baba Yaga: The Slavic Witch Goddess

Perhaps one of the most well-known pieces of Slavic folklore is the story of the witch goddess Baba Yaga. Baba Yaga was once a well-respected and revered witch goddess in Eastern Europe and Western Asia. As Christianity spread, Baba Yaga was diminished from a goddess to an ugly old hag that lived out in the woods and ate little children. It is possible that Baba Yaga was originally a triple-goddess. Invoke Baba Yaga to tap into your wild side and connect with ancestors.
Baba Yaga: Slavic Witch GoddessBaba Yaga in her mortar and pestle vehicle.

2. Cailleach: The Winter Witch Goddess

Cailleach is a witch goddess from Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man. She is the Old Woman, the Winter Crone, the Veiled One, the Old Hag, and the Old Crone. Cailleach is the epitome of the “old hag” archetype and has long been honored for her rule over winter weather. When it snows, people say the Cailleach has unleashed her magic on the land. The mountains are the winter witch’s domain, as legend says The Winter Crone made the mountains her stepping stones. Cailleach is seen as an ancestor to many people in Ireland and Scotland as well as a sister to some of the most ancient goddesses of Irish and Scottish lore. She is the embodiment of Winter and all that it brings: snow, ice, cold, death and then eventually rebirth.

3. Hecate: Goddess of the Crossroads

Hecate is a well-known witch goddess of Ancient Greece still worshiped by modern-day pagans. She is the lady of the crossroads with three heads or, alternatively, guarded by a three-headed white dog. Her dominion is the moon, menstruation, intuition, dreams, the cycles of life-death-rebirth and witchcraft. In Kala Trobe’s Invoke the Goddess, she writes Hecate is the “patroness of prostitutes, thieves, and beggars not to mention witches…and protects those on the outskirts of society. She represents the objective eye searing through the façade of mainstream society. She is the original socialist.” Invoke Hecate during periods of great transition in your life: pregnancy, new parenthood, new career, death in the family, etc.
Hecate: Goddess at the CrossroadsHecate, Witch Goddess at the Crossroads

4. Isis: Egyptian Goddess of Magic

While not referred to as a “witch goddess”, Isis was indeed an Egyptian goddess of magic, in particular ritual magic. She is as ancient as time itself, and henceforth is the embodiment of the Feminine Divine. In Egyptian mythology, Isis gains her magical knowledge by tricking Ra into telling her his many names. She gave birth to the god Horus by taking in the seed of her dead husband, Osiris. That’s how powerful Isis’ magic is. She knows how to shapeshift and is depicted with the wings of a large bird. Invoke Isis when learning Egyptian magic, to birth something anew from destruction, and to learn the secrets of motherhood and life.

5. Morgan Le Fay: Fairy Witch Goddess

Shrouded in legendary mystery, Morgan Le Fay has been a prominent character in the Arthurian legends. She was the sister and aid to King Arthur himself. In some of the legends, Morgan Le Fay saves King Arthur by whisking him off to Avalon after a fatal battle. In her witch goddess form, Morgan Le Fay is an elemental master and herbalist. Part fairy, she was a priestess of Avalon and consort to the Lady of the Lake. Moreover, she possessed the ability to cross into other worlds and realms. Invoke Morgan Le Fay, fairy witch goddess, when working with fairies and elementals, parting the veil, and casting magic with herbs.
Circe: Witch Goddess of Aeaea; transformation, sorcery, potions and herbs.Circe, Witch Goddess of Aeaea

6. Circe: Witch Goddess of Aeaea

A name that’s come to be popular in modern times, Circe is a nymph and goddess of Ancient Greece. Her father, Helios, sends her to exile on an island called Aeaea. Circe is a goddess of transformation and is best known for her skill with potions, herbs, and animals. She is a kind goddess if you treat her right, but if wronged, she will transform you into a pig or other animal. Read about her in Homer’s Odyssey or in the new fictional novel Circe by Madeline Miller. Invoke Circe for justice against abusers, to learn the art of transformation, and to work with herbs and potions.

More Witch Goddesses

I did not go into full detail on every witch goddess in mythology. Suffice it to say there are many witch goddesses to learn from and invoke. Here are others I did not discuss: Diana, Aradia, Artemis, Minona, Nephthys, The Badbh, Irodessa, Freya, Maria Padilha, Cerridwen, Jezibaba, Lilith, Befana, Kybele, Herodias, Leto, and Medea. Some are hated and some loved.

It is a theme that dates back centuries—do we love and revere the powerful woman or do we hate and exile her?

The Descent of the Goddess

Posted on by A Solitary Pagan

In this world, the Goddess is seen in the moon, the light that shines in darkness, the rain bringer, mover of the tides, Mistress of mysteries. And as the moon waxes and wanes, and walks three nights of its cycle in darkness, so, it is said, the Goddess once spent three nights in the Kingdom of Death.

For in love She ever seeks Her other Self, and once, in the winter of the year, when He had disappeared from the green earth, She followed Him and came at last to the gates beyond which the living do not go.

The Guardian of the Gate challenged Her, and She stripped Herself of Her clothing and jewels, for nothing may be brought into that land. For love, She was bound as all who enter there must be and brought before Death Himself

He loved Her, and knelt at Her feet, laying before Her His sword and crown, and gave Her the fivefold kiss, and said, “Do not return to the living world, but stay here with Me, and have peace and rest and comfort.”

But She answered, “Why do you cause all things I love and delight in to die and wither away?”

“Lady,” He said, “It is the fate of all that lives to die. Everything passes; all fades away. I bring comfort and consolation to those who pass the gates, that they may grow young again. But You are My heart’s desire — return not, but stay here with Me.”

And She remained with Him three days and three nights, and at the end of the third night She took up His crown, and it became a circlet that She placed around Her neck, saying:

“Here is the circle of rebirth. Through You all passes out of life, but through Me all may be born again. Everything passess; everything changes. Even death is not eternal. Mine is the mystery of the womb, that is the cauldron of rebirth. Enter into Me and know Me, and You will be free of all fear. For as life is but a journey into death, so death is but a passage back to life, and in Me the circle is ever turning.”

God/Goddess Spell’

Posted on by A Solitary Pagan

You will need the following items for this spell:

Your voice and alone time
Say this 4x

Gods and Goddesses hear my plea
its my greatest wish so i hope to be
A god of nature,life and fury
Blood and war may stay indoors
Drama may come to me
i will deal and delete these horrible feats
So let me be a god and mote it be 

Signs Hekate is Reaching Out

Posted on by A Solitary Pagan

Are you looking into working with a deity? Do you feel particularly drawn to Hekate’s figure? If you are approaching a big breakthrough, she might be calling you.

Get to know Hekate
Hecate is one of the lesser-known Greek goddesses. The abilities attributed to her in Greek mythology are many, and they are mysterious. That is why, even nowadays, some myths around her present her as an evil goddess. Certainly, some of her powers and characteristics can be associated with the Underworld. However, some of her domains undoubtedly belong to the realm of life. She has extensive powers and many divine duties. She is considered to be the goddess of the night, light, crossroads, liminal spaces, childbirth, ghosts, necromancy, and the moon. Today, we know her mainly for being the goddess of magic and witchcraft.

According to mythology, her divine duties include ushering souls from the physical world to the underworld and vice-versa. She is, therefore, a liminal goddess. As such, she was given the title of goddess of gateways and borders. In this aspect, those “in-between” spaces are under her domain. She is also called the goddess of crossroads. To represent this, she is frequently represented as a triple goddess. For example, she is most commonly seen as a triple feminine figure, or as a woman holding a three-headed dog.

Hecate’s calling
Hecate is known to call people even when, more often than not, some witches are afraid of working with her. she may call you despite you knowing very little about her -or even if you do not know her at all. This goddess tends to be persistent and does not care about the resistance or inexperience of those she wants to call.

As we know, Hecate’s domains include crossroads. Not unexpectedly, she often calls people who are going through major life changes. This is why she is believed to call pregnant and dying people predominantly. She also likes calling young witches, as she likes to teach her craft using old-school methods. This is, of course, not true for everyone. You might be invited to work with her at any age.

However, if you are standing at any kind of turning point, she might lend a hand to help you. It might come across as an inconvenient time to embark on something new. But she will empower you to burn bridges leading back to those things that no longer serve you.

This is a deep, internal process. When something inside you starts breaking, her power seeps through the cracks and starts lighting up your soul. But Hekate is loud about what she wants. The work might be inward, but she will not leave room for doubt. If she wants to call you, you will notice subtle, yet unmistakable signs from her. You just have to pay attention.

6 signs Hekate is trying to get your attention

Black dogs
Dogs are sacred to Hecate. They are her animal companion and she is frequently depicted with one. Repeatedly coming across large, black dogs can be a signal from her. However, this sign can manifest in different ways. For example, you might hear dogs howling or barking a bit too frequently. If these sounds seem to come out of nowhere, they might be her hounds calling you.

Keys
Hekate is the goddess of gateways, and keys are one of her symbols. Of course, we handle keys on a daily basis. But if you unexpectedly come across keys while running errands, or find a long-lost bunch of keys, it might be a sign.

Torches
In most representations, Hecate is holding torches. This is related to her soul-guiding and gate-keeping duties. Unlike keys, torches are not frequently seen in our daily life, so spotting one without actively seeking it could be a sign.

The number 3
Hecate is often represented as a triple female figure. This is the representation of crossroads, one of her domains. In Greek mythology, she is also connected to the three realms of the Cosmos: earth, sea, and sky. Therefore, 3 is a sacred number when it comes to Hecate. If you notice it around you often, take note. It could be a message from this goddess.

Crossroads
Hecate will likely call you when you are standing at a crossroads. But not only metaphorically! If you have a strange experience while standing at a crossroads, especially in a forest, pay attention. A symbol, a vision, a channeled message… that could be her calling.

Symbols
Sometimes, the calling is even more obvious. If straightforward symbols, like Hecate’s wheel or triple moon imagery, appear around you repeatedly, she might be trying to call you.

What to do when you are called by Hecate
Receiving these signs from Hecate herself might be overwhelming. Maybe you sense that she’s trying to get through, but you are not completely sure. That is normal, especially if you have never worked with deities before.

At this point, being open to signs is more effective than actively looking for them. If you suspect that Hekate wants to work with you, taking notes might be useful. Keeping a detailed log of these signs will make them tangible and can help you understand them better. Write down if they are present in dreams or real life. Mention every symbol you notice. If you have a vision, jot down any other elements present. If you are undergoing any kind of change in your life, explain that, too.

Of course, it is difficult to discern what is really a sign. However, this is when faith comes into play. Remember that Hecate works from the inside out. If you have an unexplainable gut feeling, you are most probably correct. Trust her guidance and she will show you the right direction.

First steps working with Hecate

If you are ready to start working with Hecate, you can start small and work up progressively. Here are some ideas to start your journey.

Include her in your altar
Having her picture on your altar or lighting a candle for her is a good place to start. You can add elements as your confidence grows.

Work with Moon cycles
You can start by cleaning your home during a Full Moon as a cleansing ritual. Make sure to intention your actions.

Help animals
Hecate is deeply related to Nature and animals in general. Even when she is mostly seen around dogs, other animals like snakes and polecats (similar to ferrets) are also included among her symbols. Working in your local shelter or with strays is a nice way to connect with her.

Take care of your plants
This is a rather easy way to start understanding Hecate’s work. She is an herbalist and honors medicinal herbs and plants in her craft. Learning to work with these elements can take long study sessions. However, bonding with your houseplants is an easy starting point.

Do shadow work
Hecate is the connection between light and darkness. She walks in life, death, and anything in between. Working with your shadow will spark a close connection between you and this wise, mysterious goddess.

Practice green witchcraft
Devote time to including herbs and elements from Nature in your practice. Not only will you feel closer to Hekate. You will also learn a new craft.

The Ancient Midwinter Deer-Mother Goddess.

Posted on by A Solitary Pagan

Female reindeer are unique with regard to other deer species in that they grow and shed antlers. This attribute is part of the mythology and spirituality of the shamanistic Sámi people who tell a story of how at the winter solstice the Deer Mother Goddess flew through the sky in order to help the dying midwinter sun find its way back and begin the process of the returning light.

Male reindeer shed their antlers before midwinter so the association between rebirth and antlers is very much a feminine trait in these traditions.
While some stories remind us of the connection between the world tree, Yggdrasil, and the branched horns of the deer, an often overlooked symbolic connection is the shape of the antlered head of the female deer and the uterus.
Another place we see this depicted in ancient goddess cultures is in the relief’s of the Goddess Hathor and the horned cow.
Incidentally, within Nepalese shamanism, the world tree of immortality is called Kalpa Vriksha, and it looks even more like antlers because the roots of the tree face upwards.
The reason for the roots touching the sky is to show how growth comes from, and returns to, the upper realms.
Many ancient standing stones and carvings depict the deer goddess holding the moon and stars within her antlers.

Although Cernunnos might be a more familiar horned figure, there is much less evidence for his historical worship than there is for the various horned Goddesses of ancient Europe and Asia.
The anthropologist, Karl Schleiser, noted that the deer shaman was one who could traverse all three worlds associated with ancestors and spirits.
So, not only did the reindeer fly to the upper and lower worlds, but it was also seen as a spirit animal which might help those in the middle world. Perhaps,(and this is a personal observation), this is why the deer goddess was so important to people at the time of the year when life was so full of hardship?

The ability of the Deer Mother Goddess to both nurture and sustain life, and the weakened sun until it regained its strength, is a motif which recurs in all of the animistic doctrines, if we can call them that.
This instinctual knowledge was also notice by James George Frazer when he studied ancient native traditions and beliefs.
Although his work, The Golden Bough, certainly shows its age, (and Frazer’s colonialist mindset!), he understood the connection between ancient totemism and inner wisdom very well when he wrote that indigenous peoples, “…conceive of life as an indestructible kind of energy, which when it disappears in one form must necessarily reappear in another, though in the new form it need not be immediately perceptible by us; in other words, he infers that death does not destroy the vital principle nor even the conscious personality, but that it merely transforms them into other shapes, which are not the less real because they commonly elude the evidence of our senses.”

The reason why this is important is because, in her many incarnations, the Deer Mother Goddess was a symbol of much more than the hope of a new spring and the rescue of the winter sun; she was a reminder of the belief that the soul itself was eternal and that even after death there awaited a new rebirth.
When the Scythians moved into Northern Europe and mixed and traded with those already living there, they brought with them their knowledge and practices related to Asian shamanism, as well as the Gods and Goddesses associated with the land, sky and constellations, including the Deer Mother Goddess who incarnated in various forms, depending upon the people who recognised her eternal aspects and nature.
Professor Richard Seaford also reminds us that following Alexander the Great’s conquest of Western Asia, there followed a further syncretism of shamanistic beliefs within the various philosophical and spiritual traditions already existing in Europe.
This resulted in the incorporation of shamanistic ideas within the mystery schools, of which the greatest was the secret knowledge of the invincibility of the soul and the life that awaits following the trials of the afterlife.

The main sun goddess of the indigenous Sámi people is Beaivi, a deity strongly associated with a white female reindeer. At midwinter, a white deer is sacrificed to her in order to ensure the health of the land and herds.
She is also associated with healing mental illnesses which were believed to occur when the sun disappeared from the sky during the winter. For the Sámi, this might be as long as 40 days, so this is interesting in terms of our own knowledge regarding daylight, mental health and vitamin D.

Beaivi shares other characteristics with horned goddesses associated with midwinter in that she flew through the sky as a deer, but also pulled a sleigh, sometimes made of antlers and bone. The goddess Saule of the indigenous Lithuanian people was also said to traverse the sky in this same manner and leave gifts by dropping amber down into homes as she passed overhead.
We have come across other ancient goddesses with similar attributes in previous posts, such as La Befana, for example.

So, we have various ancient Goddesses who flew through the sky at midwinter leaving gifts for households and bringing new light and life.
We know today that the earliest evidence for shaman indicates that they were female, and that the practices and iconography moved into Northern Europe and the Mediterranean regions following the various migrations of the Scythians, and the conquests of Alexander the Great.
Although it might seem as though these beliefs and traditions have been forgotten, in fact they have survived in ways not always apparent.
But, also in ways very familiar, as we shall see in the next post in this short series.

Funeral Herbs

Posted on by A Solitary Pagan

Since ancient times herbs have played a part in funerals. They’ve been used to
scent graves and cremation fires, to fill amulet bags and in making wreaths to
decorate burial places.

BASIL: Protection, Love
BAY LAUREL: – Communication with the dead, protection, triumph, used in
funeral wreaths.
BIRCH: Rebirth.
CEDAR: Prosperity, Purification.
COMFREY: Healing.
CYPRESS: Endings.
ELDER: Transformation
FRANKINCENSE: Purification, Spiritual Transformation.
GARLIC: Protection.
HOLLY: Renewal, Resurrection.
IVY: Rebirth, Celebration.
LAVENDER: Memories, Peace.
LEMON BALM: – Immortality, happiness; used in a tea for emotional cleansing
and uplifting.
LILY: Resurrection.
MINT: Joy, a stewing herb.
MISTLETOE: Protection.
MUGWORT: Inner Sight
MULLEN: Cleansing.
MYRRH: Healing, Purification, Protection, Used in Mummifying.
OAK: Strength.
PARSLEY: – Good luck in here after; decorating tombs.
PERIWINKLE: Immortality, ” Flower of the Dead, ” Placed on graves.
POMEGRANATE: Rebirth.
POPPY: Restfulness.
ROSEMARY: – Friendship, purification, happiness; thrown into graves ” for
remembrance, ” burned as incense, sprigs carried in funeral
processions.
ROSES: Love Purification.
ROWAN WOOD AND BERRIES: Protection.
RUE: Karmic Completion.
SAGE: Wisdom, Purification.
SANDALWOOD: Purification.
THYME: Purification.
WILLOW: Releases, Cleansing.
WORMWOOD: Transformation.
YARROW: Protection, Healing.
YEW: Immortality, endings; once planted in graveyards to protect bodies of the
departed.

Willow Herb Epilobium

Posted on by A Solitary Pagan

Epilobium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, containing about 197 species.

The genus has a worldwide distribution.

It is most prevalent in the subarctic, temperate and subantarctic regions, whereas in the subtropics and tropics Epilobium species are restricted to the cool montane biomes, such as the New Guinea Highlands.

The taxonomy of the genus has varied between different botanists, but the modern trend is to include the previously recognised genera Boisduvalia, Pyrogennema and Zauschneria within Epilobium. Chamaenerion, (previously Chamerion), is considered distinct, however,[2] according to Peter H. Raven, who has extensively studied the willowherbs and merges the other segregate genera into Epilobium.

Fringed willowherb (Epilobium ciliatum) is likely a cryptic species complex; apparently these plants also commonly hybridize with their congeners.

Most species are known by the common name willowherbs for their willow-like leaves.

Those that were once separated in Boisduvalia are called spike-primroses or boisduvalias.

Those Epilobium species previously placed in the Chamaenerion group and known as fireweeds are now segregated into the genus Chamaenerion.

Herbal Oils

Posted on by A Solitary Pagan

Though extracting oils by steam distillation and other methods is almost prohibitively expensive, we are spared this cost by the wide availability of essential oils and synthetics on the market today.

Many so-called “essential oils” are actually synthetic; this does not negate their use in magic, however.

If they smell good, use them.

Essential oils are used in numerous ways. They are worn on the body, rubbed onto candles, dabbed onto sachets and poppets, added to baths, burned on charcoal blocks, and smeared onto roots.

Lavender

Posted on by A Solitary Pagan

(Lavendula officinale orL. vera) Flower: G

Folk Names:

Elf Leaf, Nard, Nardus, Spike

Gender:

Masculine

Planet:

Mercury

Element:

Air

Powers:

Love, Protection, Sleep, Chastity, Longevity, Purification, Happiness, Peace

Magical Uses:

Lavender has long been used in love spells and sachets.

Clothing nabbed with fragrant flowers (or lavender placed in drawers with clothes) attracts love.

A piece of paper on which you’ve rubbed lavender is excellent for writing love notes.

The scent of lavender particularly attracts men, and lavender water or the essential oil was worn by prostitutes

Cherry

Posted on by A Solitary Pagan

(Prunus avium) Seed and wilted leaf: X

Folk Names:

Sweet Cherry, Mazzard Cherry

Gender:

Feminine

Planet:

Venus

Element:

Water

Powers:

Love, Divination

Magical Uses:

The cherry has long been used to stimulate or attract love.

A beautiful Japanese spell to find love is simple: tie a single strand of your hair to a blossoming cherry tree.

More complex is the following love spell.

This is the type of complicated spell which can be simplified if desired.

Collect as many cherry stones as years you are old.

Drill a hole through no more than one stone each night, beginning on the night of the New Moon.

Do not drill any holes during the waning Moon.

This means that the most you can drill in one month is fourteen stones.

When you have finished drilling, wait until the next New Moon.

Thread them on a piece of red or pink thread and tie this around the left knee each night for fourteen nights.

Sleep with it on and remove each morning.

This will bring you a husband or wife.

To find out how many years you will live, run around a tree full of ripe cherries, then shake it.

The number of cherries that fall represents the number of years left.

(Be
sure to shake the tree hard!)

Cherry juice is also used as a blood substitute where called for in old recipes.

Ratio of Fresh Herbs to Dry Herbs

Posted on by A Solitary Pagan

When cooking with fresh and dry herbs, there is a general rule when it comes to the ratio of fresh to dry. Because dried herbs are generally more potent and concentrated than fresh herbs.

1 tablespoon fresh herbs = 1 teaspoon dried herbs

If you are working with dried ground herbs like ground ginger which is going to be even more potent than the dried flaky herbs, the general ratio is 4 to 1 or four parts fresh to one part dried.

Another general rule:

1 teaspoon dried leaf herb = 1/2 teaspoon ground dried herb

Why These Ratios?

If you’re wondering why you need so much more fresh herbs compared to dried herbs, you have to remember that fresh herbs like basil and parsley are 80% to 90% water. In the drying process, the water gets evaporated leaving extremely potent essential oils with more concentrated flavors than their fresh counterparts.

When you talk about herbs like rosemary and thyme with even harder leaves than something like a basil, the intensity of flavor can be even greater so be careful when adding these dried spices to a dish.

Herbs Used in Hair Care

Posted on by A Solitary Pagan

Herbs for Dry Hair:
Burdock root, comfrey, elderflowers, Lavender , marsh mallow, parsley, sage, stinging nettle.

Herbs for Damaged Hair:
sage, rose, calendula, chamomile, burdock, thyme, rosemary

Herbs for Oily Hair:
Calendula, horsetail, lemon juice, lemon balm, lemongrass, lavender, mints, rosemary, southernwood, witch hazel and yarrow.

Herbs to Prevent and Treat Dandruff:
burdock root, chamomile, garlic and onion bulbs (powerful but unpleasantly scented), goosegrass, parsley, rosemary, southernwood, stinging nettle and thyme.

Herbs that Soothe the Scalp:
Catmint (leaves and flowering tops), chamomile, comfrey, lavender, thyme, Yarrow

Herbs for Fine Hair:
chamomile, clary sage, rose, lime blossom, birch
Herbs for Curly Hair:
lemon, burdock, lavender

Herbs to Provide Luster and Body for Thin Hair:
Calendula, goosergrass, horsetail, Licorice, lime flowers, nasturtium, parsley, rosemary, sage, southernwood, stinging nettles and watercress.

Herbs for Hair Shine:
Horsetail, Parsley, Nettles, Rosemary, Sage, Calendula

Herbs for Hair Growth:
Aloe, Arnica, Birch, Burdock, Catmint, catnip, Chamomile, Horsetail, Licorice, Marigold, Nettles, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Southernwood and Stinging nettle

Herbs for Thinning Hair:
Burdock, Catnip, Nettle, Chamomile, Lavender, Rosemary, Saw Palmetto, Thyme, Yucca

Simple Ways How To Make An Herbal Infusion:

Method 1
Place herbs in a glass container. Pour 2 cups boiled water over the herbs to cover. Cover glass container with a tight fitting lid or a saucer to keep steam from escaping. Allow to cool then strain the herbs.
To use an Herbal Infusion:
Use as a final hair rinse after shampooing and conditioning.
Can be added to homemade shampoo

Method 2
1.)Place about 1/2 -1 cup roots, herbs or flowers in a teabag or tea ball before adding to 43 cups water.
2.)Simmer or steep in water for 20 minutes. Allow to cool. Drain herbs.
3.) Apply as a final rinse, AFTER shampoo and conditioner.
For a stronger tea, place herbs in a glass jar. Pour boiling water over herbs, cover and let sit for anywhere between 24 hours to a week

Plant and Herb Magick

Posted on by A Solitary Pagan

Plant magic is an age old tradition dating back to ancient Egyptian times,

it has been used for many purposes, such as healing, self empowerment, love spells and protection.

Each plant has its own magical properties and strengths and can be used to add power to any kind of spell.

Plant magic will have the desired result regardless of the strength of the caster,

due to the fact the plants themselves have high levels of magical properties contained within.

With its multiple uses, the speed and effectiveness of its power, plant magic is one of the most popular arts used today.

Witches are not the only ones who have been using herbs and plants for healing,

nowadays it is common practice in most alternative medicines to use a variety of herbs and plants for healing,

most dietary products or heath food supplements used today are based around certain plants and herbs, eucalyptus for a sore throat, coffee beans for a headache.

A simple method to enhance any spell is to sprinkle specific herbs into the flame of a candle during your ritual, this will add extra power to your spells.

Other magic that can be done with herbs is to leave small amounts of herbs around your home,

this can remove negative energies,

offer protection, bring happiness, promote good heath and bring a peaceful energy.

It was a common practice to carry a charm bag with a variety of herbs to bring about many things, such as a protection or to attract love.

The best time to perform plant magic or collect herbs is at night, especially under the full moon,

it said the plants and herbs are at their most powerful at these times.

All herbs have a particular vibration and are mixed in such a way that when they are used they bring the body into balance,

as all ailments occur when your body is out of balance,

the possibilities when using herbal magic is unlimited, or only limited by your imagination.

It is also important when using herbs to use your intuition, to be guided by what is right for you,

much like the crystal chooses you, so there are certain herbs that will work well with your biological makeup.

If you are ingesting herbs such as in herbal tea, make sure that you know that the herb you are using is actually edible.

Create a magical, spiritual garden for yourself and practice the witches traditional magic, using the plants and herbs from your garden,

write in your “Book of Shadows” and create recipes for healing, love, happiness and abundance.

Learn to understand how each plant and herb and how it is used.

You will begin to feel the energy of each flower and plant that you use and be able to understand the alchemy of each one,

you will gain hours of pleasure from your magical garden.

The lore of each herb and plant must be understood to create your powerful magic.

The power of plants and herbs enhance the power of your spells and rituals,

you will be able to make love potions, money spells, happiness spells, luck spells and healing spells.

The mere act of keeping a living plant helps to increase your energy.

The main methods of using plants and herbs for protection are, carrying a small amount of the plant or herb in a small container,

it can be carried in a handbag, pocket, or in a locket or pouch, t

he herb or plant can also be boiled, and with the help of a small watering can, may be be sprinkled around the home.

A sprig when placed under your pillow or bed can offer protection and induce restful sleep.

Plant and herb magic has been used for decades and it is again enjoying a resurgence as people want to use more natural therapies, you will attune to the herb that is right for you at any particular time.

Your plant and herb magic practices will become more powerful and potent as you begin to understand the frequency of each plan and herb you use.

You need to learn and understand the smell, texture and properties of all the ingredients you will be using.

Don’t ever use anything until you have first got the go ahead from a medical practitioner, as plants and herbs can also be used in conjunction with more mainstream medicinal practices.

You can also use plant and herb magic with crystal

Herbal Cures for anxiety: Passionflower

Posted on by A Solitary Pagan

Similar to valerian, passionflower is recognized for its calming and sedative actions which are effective in helping to combat anxiety, fatigue, and sleep issues. It contains alkaloids, glycosides, and steroids, with alkaloids being the main active ingredient.

What you need to know before taking passionflower:

• It should not be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

• It can be combined with valerian and/or hops.

A Witch’s Glossary of Herbs

Posted on by A Solitary Pagan

A handy key to the herbs of witchcraft. Each of the herbs listed has its own character and magickal properties. They are revealed to the Witch through study, meditation, and practice.

For this glossary, we’ve limited the description of each herb to a few words. Many herbs have their own articles with more in-depth information, in case you wish to learn more.

Here are the suggested meanings and uses of some popular ritual herbs:

Agrimony – ancient herb of healing, restoration, and benevolent protection

Alfalfa – good fortune, money magick, healing and cleansing infusions

Angelica – warding and banishing, angelic magick, summoning strength

Astragalus – vital energy, protection (shielding), promoting health, mental clarity, concentration

Basil – blessings, love, money, and happiness

Bay Leaf – confers wisdom, strength, and visions, sacred herb of Apollo

Bearberry – psychic awareness, dreams, courage, smudging and offerings

Birch Bark – new beginnings, psychic protection, strength, devotion, the Goddess

Blessed Thistle – consecration, protection, healing and cleansing by fire

Blue Sage – smudging, meditation, relaxation, ancestral wisdom, peace

Blue Vervain – spells of love and advancement, astral travel, initiation

Burdock Root – warding, cleansing, uncrossing and counter-magick

Calendula – solar rites, divination, remembrance, honoring the dead

Catnip – love-drawing, relaxation, trance work, feline magick

Cedar – ancient wisdom, protection, maturity, strength and power

Cinnamon – passion, shielding, quick success, spirit evocation, fire magick

Cinquefoil (Five Finger Grass) – for the five blessings: health, money, love, power, and wisdom

Coltsfoot – divination, visions, love magick, healing from within

Comfrey – healing, restoration, lucky herb of travelers and gamblers

Damiana – lust, sex magick, psychic abilities, energy work, spirit quests

Dandelion – wishes, divination, calling spirits, charisma and success

Devil’s Claw – protection, exorcism, banishing spells, keeping away evil, confounding enemies

Dill – sexual love, luck, protection against sorcery and disease

Dittany of Crete – rare herb from Greece, renowned for love magick, manifestation, spirit contact

Elderberry – hidden wisdom, Crone magick, banishing, Faery offerings

Eucalyptus – cleansing, healing, ritual baths, rites of Mercury and Air

Fennel Seed – psychic protection, counter-magick, confidence and adaptability

Feverfew – humble flower renowned for its curative properties, a magickal “fix-all”

Galangal – strength and power, victory, luck, hex-breaking, male potency

Ginger – fiery herb of passion, success, and personal power

Hawthorn Berry – fidelity, shielding, clarity, ancestor and Faery magick

Hibiscus – love and passion, independence, confidence

Horehound – mental clarity, dispelling illusion, quick action, healing

Hyssop – purification, innocence, blessings, sacred baths and washes

Irish Moss – financial luck, folk remedies, safety during travel, sea magick

Jasmine – love, dreams, divination, sensuality, luxury and kindness

Juniper Berry – good luck, prosperity, masculine energy, protection at home

Juniper Leaf – purification, protection, bringing luck, exposing truth

Lavender – love and attraction, purification, relaxation, restful sleep

Lemon Balm – tranquility, attraction, fidelity, teamwork, harmonious home

Lemon Peel – cleansing, purifying, boosting energy, sweetness and charm

Licorice Root – domination, advantage over others, passion, power, persuasion

Lobelia – spirit communication, love and weather magick, trance, blessings and curses

Mandrake – legendary magickal herb for love magick, protection, and curses

Marjoram – protection, married love, calming the mind, easing grief

Marshmallow Root – love charms, psychic powers, protection, drawing good spirits

Meadowsweet – sacred flower of Spring, the Maiden, and the Underworld

Mistletoe – good luck, love and money spells, many traditional charms

Mugwort – scrying, divination, psychic ability, lucid dreaming, Lunar magick

Mullein – protection, illumination, courage, hedge-crossing, Crone magick

Nettle – courage, consecration, protection, healing, deterring evil

Orange Peel – uplifiting and centering Solar herb of joy, blessings, and good luck

Orris Root – charms of love, persuasion, popularity, charisma and success

Patchouli – love and sex magick, attraction, fertility, rites of Earth

Pennyroyal – calmness, endurance, patience, dispelling anger, warding

Peppermint – healing, purification, psychic awareness, love and energy

Pine – persistence, moderation, prosperity, and good health

Raspberry Leaf – love and enjoyment, tempting others, divination

Red Sandalwood – used in incenses for meditation, healing, and trance work

Rose – charms of love and beauty, harmony, divination, Goddess rites

Rosemary – cleansing, purification, vitality, wisdom, protection

Rue – warding, exorcism, cleansing, love-drawing and protective charms

Spearmint – love, psychic ability, cleansing, renewal, house blessing

Star Anise – clairvoyance, good luck, psychic dreams, travel charms

Thyme – beauty, strength, courage, a favorite herb of Faeries

Valerian – warding, enemy spells, transmuting negativity, feline magick

Vervain – Old World herb of wisdom, healing, and second sight

White Sage – cleansing, house blessing, meditation, healing

White Willow Bark – solace, wisdom, long-lasting love, divination, Lunar magick

Wild Lettuce – visions, trance, dream magick, enthrallment and sleep

Witch Hazel – comfort and healing, wisdom, protection, soothing of anger

Wood Betony – herb of St. Bride, used in charms against ill luck, anxiety, and despair

Wormwood – psychic vision, spirit evocation, hexes and curses, reversal magick

Yarrow – ancient medicinal flower used for courage, divination, good fortune

Some Reasons Herbs May Not Work

Posted on by A Solitary Pagan

More and more people are turning to herbs because there is a growing disappointment with using pharmaceuticals for chronic illness.

Many people are getting fed up with taking a pill that never really cures their illness and gives them awful side effects. Maybe they are concerned about acetaminophen giving their young child asthma (1) or they see the growing evidence about the risks associated with statins (2) and they say enough is enough!

From this moment forward they vow to never resort to drugs again and instead try a more natural and holistic approach thus leading them to the world of herbs and herbalism.

But sometimes their love affair with herbalism is stopped short.

They reach for the closest herb book, try a few remedies and then declare that the herbs don’t work! They tried using horehound for coughing with no relief. They tried meadowsweet for their headache to no avail.

They begin to wonder, “Are herbalists a bunch of delusional wood fairies touting the miracles of something that never works?”

As much as I would love to be considered a wood fairy, I’ll have to say no, this is not the case. I’ve seen herbs work hundreds of times. I’ve seen them work for serious infections as well as serious chronic diseases. I’ve seen them work when modern medicine failed.

Yes, herbs work!

I want to share a handful of reasons why herbs might not work in a given situation.

1. Improper dosing (either too little or too much)

When buying over the counter drugs like NyQuil or Tylenol, they come in a package that is clearly marked with the dosage instructions. Generally these are very simple instructions. “Adults take 2 tablets, three times daily.”

Herbs don’t always come with directions. If you buy bulk herbs the dosing instructions are absent entirely. If you buy a tincture or a bottle of capsules the dosage listed on the bottle has most likely been chosen by the FDA’s labeling mandates and not by an herbalist.

I am not going to lie to you. Dosage in the herbal world is confusing.

In herbalism dosage varies from person to person, from plant to plant and from preparation to preparation.

A 15 minute infusion of a teaspoon of nettle leaf will not extract the same vitamins and minerals as a four-hour infusion of an ounce of nettle leaf in a quart of water.

A few drops of lobelia tincture can promote relaxation. A strong cup of lobelia tea could make you vomit.

One way I commonly see dosages being flubbed in herbalism is people using small amounts of tonic/adaptogen herbs in tincture, versus the traditional use of large amount of tonic/adaptogen herbs as decoctions or powders. (As always go with what works, but if you aren’t getting the results you’d expect after taking 5 drops of ashwanganda tincture twice a day, consider your dose!)

Frequency of dosing can also be an issue. During acute illnesses we generally use slightly smaller amounts but with more frequency. I may take elderberry elixir 1-2 times each hour at the onset of an illness for example. General recommendations are to take herbs 3 times a day, but that won’t cut it for acute illness.

2. Low quality plant material

Herbs often don’t come with an expiration date. Quality can also vary significantly and will suffer greatly if the herbs have been improperly harvested or improperly processed.

Plants decay. They simply go bad. The rate at which they do this varies significantly from plant to plant. If you’ve just pulled a bag of herbs from your back shelf and had to blow off an inch of dust… well, they are probably not at their prime.

Powdered herbs that are exposed to light and oxygen lose their potency fast.

Tinctures and capsules last significantly longer, but again, storage methods and the particular plants can vary widely.

Our senses can reveal a lot about the quality of herbal material. Does it still look vibrant? Dried plants should retain most of the color of the living plant. If your red clover flowers are brown instead of red/purple, toss ‘em. If your chickweed looks like light colored straw instead of vibrant green, too ’em. (By toss ’em, of course I mean compost responsibly.)

Taste can also be a big indicator. I recently compared two year old cayenne powder with freshly powdered cayenne. That taste experiment didn’t take a genius to figure out which one was dramatically more intense.

Know what your herbs taste like when they are at their best (tinctures, teas, powders, bulk herbs, you name it!). This will serve you a thousand times over!

3. Using the incorrect preparation

A tincture is different than a syrup which is different from a tea which is very different from a decoction and on and on and on. Extracting a plant with vinegar or glycerin is dramatically different than using alcohol. This all plays an important role in whether or not a plant will work as well as the dosage!

Example: Milky oats tincture is very different than milky oats dried and made into a tea. Or highly resinous herbs being extracted in too low of alcohol percentage. Or highly mucilaginous herbs being extracted in high alcohol percentage.

4. Ignoring the art of herbalism

The art of herbalism, not herbs alone, is really the keystone of what determines success when using herbs for chronic illness.

Simply put there is no ONE herb for fibromyalgia. There is no ONE herb for eczema.

Instead we want to fully assess a person constitutionally, understand the energetics of their symptoms and use herbs to match the herbs to the person.

Whether you study traditional Western Herbalism, Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine or the countless other herbal modalities out there each of them has a specialized way of approaching illness. Looking up eczema in an article index and then determining burdock will work (which it sometimes does) is not practicing the art of herbalism. This is more the art of index retrieval.

People are complex, diseases are complex. If a solution seems too simple (particularly for chronic disease), it probably is.

5. Poor herbal formulation

Have you seen kitchen sink herbalism?

This method takes every herb known for X disease and tosses it in a formula. This works sometimes. More often, it doesn’t.

I love studying classic Chinese formulas. At first glance they can seem like a random bunch of herbs thrown into a pot, but upon deeper study the brilliance of the formulas is revealed. There are lots of different ways to formulate. Most have merit. It’s not about the ONE way, but it is about understanding the methods you choose to use.

When I create herbal formulas I have a broad guideline I follow in choosing the main acting herbs, assisting herbs, and guiding herbs.

6. Attempting to use herbs like a silver bullet cure

Herbs are most effective with dietary support, proper rest and exercise, spiritual connection, support of community and other modalities such as massage, acupuncture (and many more).

7. Attempting to suppress symptoms rather than get to the root cause

The most obvious example of this is attempting to treat skin issues using only a topical treatment. In general, symptoms that show up on the skin, eczema, acne, psoriasis, hives, etc are all caused by internal imbalances.

Spreading the latest and greatest cream on eczema, may give some temporary relief (great!) but will most like not solve the underlying issue.

Another way I commonly see this mistake is using cathartic laxatives to evacuate the bowels instead of identifying and addressing the cause of the constipation.

Modern western medicine most often suppresses symptoms rather than cures disease. We are better than that! Make the effort.

8. Healing takes time

Especially in chronic disease. It is not realistic to expect a complete turn around from chronic disease just days after starting an herbal plan. Working with a mentor can help you have realistic expectations about what it is going to take to see a person fully recover. Over time you develop your own sense of how long it will take.

I commonly tell people with chronic disease that full recovery may take 6 months and longer. Healing takes time.

This is how I often visually explain the progression of regaining health after a long illness.

9. There are many avenues of healing

Herbalism is not 100% effective, 100% of the time. No healing modality is. A person’s path to wellness is their own and ethical practitioners don’t make promises they can’t keep.

Granted an experienced practitioner can expect to help most people, most of the time. The more you practice herbalism, the more effective you’ll be.

Cherokee Herbology: A Beginning of Understanding

Posted on by A Solitary Pagan
  • Agrimony (Agrimonia Gyposepala). Drink tea of burs to check bowels, and for fevers; root tea to build up blood.
  • Alder, red/smooth/tag (Alnus Serrulata). For pains related to birth, ingredient in tea for menstrual period – acts as an emetic and a true purgative.
  • Alder, white (Clethra Acuminata). Decoction of bark and wild cherry is drunk to break a high fever.
  • Aloe, false Aloe (Agave Virginica). Chew root for obstinant problems with diarrhea. Also good for treating animals for worms.
  • Alum-root, American Sanicle (Heuchera Americana). Root – An astringent; root tea for bowel complaints or dysentery (usually made with honey to improve the taste).
  • Angelica (Angelica Atropurpurea). Root – tonic for fevers and colds. Gargle for sore throats and mouth pains/cold sores.
  • Bastard Toadflax (Comandra Umbellataa). Steep with roots of pink lady’s slipper for kidneys; put juice on open cuts or sores.
  • Beardtongue, hairy (Penstemon Laevigatus). Tea – for cramps.
  • Birch, cherry/mountain/red/river/sweet (Betula Lenta). Chew leaves or drink tea for dysentery; tea for colds.
  • Bittersweet (Celastrus Scandens). Bark – tea to settle stomach; strong tea combined with red raspberry leaves for pains of childbirth.
  • Blood leather/rock tripe (Gyrophora Dillenii). Stop bleeding from open wounds.
  • Bluebells\lungwort\virginia cowslip (Mertensia Virginica). For whooping cough; consumption.
  • Bluets (Houstonia Caerulea). Tea to stop bedwetting.
  • Branch lettuce/saxifrage (Saxifraga Pensylvanica). Root – poultice for sore swollen muscles.
  • Buckeye, red (Aesculus Pavia). Pounded nuts are poultice for swelling, sprains and infected wounds. bark tea drank for facilitating woman’s delivery in childbirth.
  • Buffalo nut/oilnut (Pyrularia Pubera). Salve for old sores.
  • Butterfly weed/Witch weed (Asclepias Tuberosa). Seeds or root are a gentle laxative; boil seeds in new milk for diarrhea; also for pleurisy, pains in breast, stomache and lungs.
  • Cinnamon tree (Cinnamomum Zeylanicum). Bark -tea for flu.
  • Coneflower/Black-eyed susan (Rudbeckia Fulgida). Root – Ooze for earache. Wash for snakebites and swelling caused by worms.
  • Fern, bracken (Pteridium Aquilinum). Root – tonic used as antiseptic.
  • Fern, rattlesnake (Botrychium Virginianum). Boil root down to syrup and rub on snake bites.
  • Feverfew (Chrysanthemum Parthenium). Bathe swollen feet in a tea.
  • Geranium, wild (Geranium Maculatum). Used for open wounds; astringent.
  • Goosegrass (Galium Aparine). Tea to move bowels.
  • Indian Pipe/Fit root/ice plant (Monotropa Uniflora). Root – pulverized and given for epilepsy and convulsions.
  • Laurel, Mountain (Kalmia Latifola). Ingredient in liniments.
  • New jersey tea/Red root (Ceanothus Americanus). Hold root tea on an aching tooth; hot root tea for bowel complaints.