The Full Moon
Submitted by MoonRaven

The monthly cycle of the Moon and the changing energies that are associated with it are used considerably in witchcraft, as are the annual cycles of the sun (see Sabbats). It should not be underestimated how the planetary bodies affect us on Earth in many ways from our general character at birth through to the energies that affect us day to day and even hour to hour in subtle and often not so subtle ways.

The Moon - or rather 'our' Moon - is so close to the Earth that it drastically affects tides causing a pull that can lift enormous bodies of water. It is no wonder then that those energies also profoundly affect us as well.

A Celtic year is divided into 13 months corresponding to the 13 Full Moons in a year.

Women especially will feel closely associated with the Moon. The Moon with its 29-day progression corresponds with the female menstrual cycle and represents in all pagan belief systems the Goddess. Priestesses of the Craft particularly may find that as they tune into the Moon and work with her energies that their own menstrual cycle begins to match that of this heavenly progression. However, male witches should also seek to balance themselves using the lunar cycle. It is all part of finding the balance within to worship both the solar cycle and the lunar cycle.

In witchcraft, the Celtic tradition in particular, as well as other spiritual paths, the Moon is represented by a triple aspect of Goddesses - maiden, mother and crone - that mark her phases. The waxing moon (the period following the New Moon and leading up to the Full) represents the maiden aspect. The Full Moon represents the Goddess in her mother aspect. The waning Moon (following the Full Moon and up to the Dark Moon) represents the Goddess in her crone aspect.

In magic, the waxing Moon is used for work or spells that involve growth, the Full Moon for fertility and power, the waning Moon for work involving getting rid of negativity and other darker matters. Witches tend to hold their celebrations, and do much of their work, under the Full Moon because the Goddess is seen in her full glory and because the Moon is then offering its strongest pull (its greatest power) at this time.

Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris)
By Magical Panther

Gender: Feminine
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Deities: Artemis, Diana
Tarot Card: Queen of Cups

Powers: Love

Spiritual or Magickal Properties:
Used in Love Sachets
The power of control, espically over the emotions relating to others.

Warnings:
Should not be taking while pregnant.

Affirmation:
I recieve satisfaction and joy in sharing the cup of my beingness with another.

The path of the herbalist is to open ourselves to nature in an innoncent and pur way. She in turn will open her bounty and reward us with many valuable sectets.

May the Earth Bless you.

Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris)

How to Charge Crystals
By The Full Moon

By MoonRaven

First off Crystals are like receptors they absorb energies of all kinds. Before you can charge them you must cleanse them so that you and the crystal can work together well. If you do not cleanse your crystals before using them in your rituals it might make you feel nervous, agitated, fuzzy headed, and confuse your magical purpose. To cleanse your crystals, fill a clean caldron or bowl you use for magick with a little salt (any kind of salt will work) then place your caldron or bowl on top of a pentacle. Next, place your crystals in the caldron or bowl on top of the salt. After that pour more salt over the crystals until they are completely covered. Leave your crystals covered for two to seven days. Two days is for balance, seven is for completion.

Now that your crystals are clean you can now charge them. Charging is quite easy all you need is some spring water (bottled water) and the full moon. First you will want to pour the spring water over your biggest crystal. This crystal will be your generator crystal that you will use to power all the other crystals. Then you will want to place your crystal in the light of the full moon. By doing this your crystal draws down the power of the full moon and stores it in your crystal. Leave the crystal in the light of the full moon for a couple hours. When you want to charge other crystals place them in a circle around your generator crystal and envision a bright light coming out of the generator crystal and going into the other crystals.

Now with your crystals charged you can program them to use in your magical ritual. To program your crystals to must have a set purpose in your mind, an example would be for protection against harm. To program your crystal hold it in your power hand (the one that you write with) and envision a bright beam of light going to your crystal with your set purpose in your mind. Have fun! Crystals are great ways to aid you in you magical workings.



MoonRaven

Cernunnos "The Horned One"
A Celtic god of fertility, life, animals, wealth, and the underworld
Submitted by Alana

He was worshipped all over Gaul, and his cult spread into Britain as well. Cernunnos is depicted with the antlers of a stag and sometimes carries a purse filled with coins. The Horned God is born at the winter solstice, marries the goddess at Beltane, and dies at the summer solstice. He alternates with the goddess of the moon in ruling over life and death, continuing the cycle of death, rebirth and reincarnation. This was the image that was used to symbolize Satan in the Christian religion. To the Celts, Cernunnos (or Herne, as he is also known) was the Lord, the consort of the Lady, and not even remotely a symbol of evil. He is one of the principle Gods worshipped today among Pagans.

Because of his frequent association with beasts he is often referred to as The Lord of the Animals. Because of his association with stags in particular (a particularly hunted beast) he is also known as The Lord of the Hunt.

Changing Negative to Positive
By Demna

Most people don't think about the moon's effect on their daily lives but when contemplating everyday magick it should be taken into account. This month we're talking about Full Moon and this time of the month is full of power. It is a time of psychic energy and giving thanks to the Goddess for the things she has blessed us with. In order to better utilize the
energies of Full Moon to manifest the things in your life that you need or desire it would be a good idea to get a notebook, and starting the day before Full Moon and going to the day after, you should write down any negative things you think about or say, especially about yourself. Take these negative things and decide how you would like them to be different and write it down again three times, but write this new positive change down in the form of a thanks to the Goddess (your deities/the universe/etc.) At the end of each day, just before bed, look at the moon (or visualize your deities) and repeat out loud each new positive thank you as though it has already been changed. Use the notebook to keep a progress check on yourself by dating each entry and leaving space to go back later
and write in how the old negative has changed into a positive in your life.

Blessed be,
Demna Gwynvydd

Make Your Own Elemental Candles
By MoonRaven

All you need is:

Four clear glass votive holders
Tissue paper in the colors you want to represent your elements
Craft glue that dries clear
A small paintbrush
Four tea lights

First off you will need to clean your glass votive holders with rubbing alcohol. After that you need to cut up your tissue paper in smaller pieces so it’s easier to apply to the votive holders. Then you need to apply a coat of glue with the paint brush to the outside of the votives. Do it in sections so your glue doesn’t dry before you get the tissue paper on. Now apply the paper to the votive holders. After that brush on another coat of glue over the top of the paper. Wait about an hour or until completely dry before you use them.

MoonRaven

By Demna

A sigil is defined as a sign, symbol, or image
considered magickal. There are many ways to create sigils, or you may find an already created sigil or symbol to meet your needs. You can even use Runes, Tarot cards, I Ching symbols, etc. Or you can simply use Frater U:.D:.'s method as outlined in his book Practical Sigil Magic which is to write out a statement of desire and then to strike out all repeating letters then form an image out of the letters you have left.

Once you decide on the sigil or symbols needed to manifest your desire ask the Goddess (your deities/the universe/etc.) to bless them and thank her for the desire as though it were already yours. Now arrange to have the sigil or symbols set up somewhere where you will see them when you first wake up in the morning and are not quite awake. Try not to pay any attention to it and if you do find yourself thinking about what it means, just stop yourself and say "Thank you Goddess" and go on about your day.

It is recommended to keep a record of the sigils used in this manner, in order for you to go back later when they have manifested the desire and write down how long it took and any feelings about the magick that you worked.

Be safe and ever mindful of the rule of three.

Blessed be,
Demna Gwynvydd

New: Handmade Runes
Created by Demna

Runes have been used for ages by the Norse traditions for various reasons such as divination, rune spells, and talismans. These runes are handmade, with the runes burned onto the surface. Buy your own set today from our Runes section.