Date: 2009-12-10

To begin, open all windows and doors to allow negativity to easily vacate your house. The act of opening up your house at the very least replaces the stale air with fresh. It is also part of the ritual of purification and is symbolic of your intention to clean the house. Fresh air and sunshine also help sweep and burn away negativity. As with most magical deeds, household purification must be...

Date: 2009-07-20

Items needed: Clay Pencil Inscribing instrument Sharp knife Red candle and holder Visualize your home as a safe, protected environment as you charge the red candle. Light the candle, place it in its holder and set it near your work space. Break off a piece of clay about the size of a golf ball. Knead the clay while visualizing your home as a protected refuge. Form the clay into a ball. Roll it...

Date: 2008-09-10

Adept: One who is skilled in the art of magic. Amulet: An object worn or carried to bring luck or to attract certain vibrations or people. Anaphrodisiac: An herb that cools the passions. Aphrodisiac: An herb that acts as a sexual excitant. Athame: The sacred knife of the Witch, black-handled and often engraved with magic symbols. Balefire: An open-air fire, a bonfire lit for magical...

Date: 2008-05-15

(You alone will know when to perform this ritual. It can be done at any phase of the moon, during the day or night, whenever needed.) You'll need one large white or pink bowl; one white candle; water; small, fresh flowers (white blooms are best) and one piece of white cotton cloth. Place the bowl on the altar (or on any table). If desired, cast a circle. Affix the white candle to the center...

Date: 2008-05-07

Plants have long been called upon to provide glimpses of the future. This form of divination, termed botanomancy, uses plants in innumerable ways: they’re placed beneath the pillow to create prophetic dreams; are sown and observed as they grow; are used as pendulums; and are tossed into water, air, or fire. Plants seen unexpectedly are responsible for a wide range of omens, especially...

Date: 2008-04-23

Originally published in Llewellyn's New Times, issue number 921. When I was fifteen years old, I was handed a visa of sorts. This “visa” consisted of an open invitation to explore the byways of human thought and practice that have become known as magic. I eagerly took up this work, for nothing in my life until that time had sparked all three levels (mental, emotional and spiritual)...

Date: 2008-03-28

In honor of the June 26th birthday of one of Llewellyn's most beloved authors, the late Scott Cunningham, we have included two spells from his book Earth Power: Techniques of Natural Magic. A TREE SPELL When you have found a tree to work magic with, take a large leaf, a charcoal-tipped stick, a piece of flexible vine or natural-fiber cord, and a dime to the tree. Sitting beneath it, write or...

Date: 2008-01-28

To be used before and/or during all forms of magical rites. This formula boosts your reserve of personal power. Use at least four cups of water to simmer the following mixture: 4 tablespoons of dried orange peel 4 tablespoons of whole allspice 2 tablespoons ground ginger 2 whole carnations (preferably red) or 1 tablespoon of ground cloves Charge the herbs and spices while mixing them in a...

Date: 2007-11-08

Today, we’ve lost our mystic reverence for our homes; we often fail to see its powers and influences at work in our everyday lives. Fortunately, it isn’t difficult to create a magical household, one patterned after ancient ritual and magical ways. With the focus on giving thanks and reconnecting with self, family, and friends, the fall season is the perfect time to create your...

Date: 2007-06-01

Before the rite, make up a small cloth pouch filled with herbs such as lavender, chamomile, St. John’s wort, vervain, or any of the Midsummer herbs1. Mentally pour all of your troubles, problems, pains, sorrows, and illnesses, if any, into this petition as you construct it. Tie it shut with a red string. Place this on the altar for use during the rite. The cauldron should also be there or...