The Witch's Guide to Ostara (Spring Equinox)

As I was taking my clothes out of the dryer yesterday, the freshly-scented heap woven into a clean bundle in my lime green laundry basket, I noticed a central theme to all my clothing—color, color, and more color. Crouched before my dryer, staring at this clean pile of cotton, I became convinced I will be that crazy old lady who dresses in hot pink pants with purple polka dot shoes and a straw hat with massive neon daisies hot glued to it.

I hot glued them on, of course. You simply haven't entered full-on old lady crazy until you start making your own clothes with dollar store supplies. 

Even now, in present day, I write this post while standing in pink pajama pants with little yellow tulips stamped across the fabric and a tank top in a beautiful shade of dusky lavender.

You didn't know all bloggers write while wearing pajamas? It's actually law— statute 238, section 3, part B. 

Vibrant color and thriving vitality is unquestionably the best part of spring! Flowers bloom, bees are hard at work, and the scent of fertile earth perfumes the air. I'd like to think it's my love for spring that influences my confetti-esque wardrobe, but there's really no way of knowing. At the very least, I'm grateful I can manage to color coordinate my outfits. I am far from a sharp dresser, but most people don't point and stare.

Most.

Ostara is the spring equinox, that glorious day in March (taking place between the 20-22) when sunlight and nighttime are equal. After today, the light overtakes the darkness by roughly one minute a day as winter ebbs and spring takes root.

Haha, horticulturist jokes. They are a feisty bunch, those horticulturists.

Like Mabon (autumn equinox), the vernal equinox is about finding balance, a time to shed the old and embrace the new. Have you always been curious about a new hobby, maybe knitting or wood work? Now is the time to take action and explore a new endeavor. Unlike Mabon, which is more focused on letting go (like the leaves of autumn trees), Ostara is more about embracing the fresh and new—new hopes, aspirations, spells, desires, etc! In other words, it's time to spring clean your life by opening those proverbial windows and letting a little fresh air and sunshine in! ;)

Metaphorically, the Goddess is in her maiden state as the God's virility peaks. We see this in nature as Mother Earth awakens, enlivening the lands with blossoming plants and tender grass. And in the sun (God) as it gains strength and warmth, maturing towards summer. 

Eggs are a common incorporation of Ostara rituals, representing growth, potential, and fertility. Rabbits, a sacred symbol of the Goddess, also represent fertility and birth. It's considered good luck to see a rabbit or hare on Ostara! Though the over-sized fuzzy white mall attraction doesn't count, no matter what shade of pastel bow tie he wears.

I mean, who the hell wears a bow tie without a cummerbund? Seriously! Totally uncouth, mall rabbit. 

If you're planning an Ostara feast, make sure to include lots of fresh, cleansing vegetables and herbs in your dishes. Asparagus, dandelion, nettles, seeds, leafy greens, goat cheese, young meat (such as lamb or cornish hen), and dairy are all appropriate additions to your equinox spread.

Looking to cleanse and renew? Why not cast an energy-cleansing spell you can eat?

Seeking a little love in your life? Use this Simply Sweet Love Spell to get your randy Goddess on. Hey, milkshakes are dairy, okay. They absolutely count as Ostara grub. 

Crafting an altar? Choose the colors of the season to beautify your sacred space. Light/pastel colors are fitting, especially green and yellow (Goddess/God respectively). Treat yourself to some tulips, which represent the fertile womb of the Goddess. Or take a few extra moments to create a natural altar, like my Ostara altar below!

If you're eager to celebrate but short on cash (those chocolate bunnies don't come free!), check out these FIFTEEN ways to celebrate Ostara without spending a dime!

Take a walk, smudge your home, or make some fine sabbat food. Whatever you do, make sure to enjoy your Ostara, my friends!

...and stay out of the dollar store when seeking apparel. No one should ever hot glue their clothes together. =/

Happy Spring, everyone! 🐰🌷🥚

Journal Prompt: What is your favorite thing about spring?

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NOTE: As with any recommendation found on this blog, consult your doctor or naturopath before use.

Some of the above links are affiliate links, which means I make a small percentage AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU. Affiliate links help keep PennilessPagan.com alive and supplied, so thank you!!♥

The Witch's Guide to Yule

Between the holly jolly music and the endless sweets, Yule is a pretty awesome time of year! For me, it's a time to relax, restore, and most definitely indulge. I work hard in October and November to make sure I have a little extra time in December for reading novels, crocheting, and baking.

You know, things 80-year-olds like to do.

Just as nature hibernates in the cold dark months of winter, Yule (the Winter Solstice) is a time for restoration and reflection. It's the shortest day of the year, generally falling between the 20-22. As the days progress from here on out, light will extend by roughly a minute each day, showing us that even in our darkest hours there is hope for a new dawn. 

Representing the God, the sun is reborn during the solstice. Having proverbially died on Samhain, the God's death cycle has now ended and life is restored, which is why Yule is often called The Renewal. 

...If you want to be extraordinarily technical, the sun (God) returns the day after the Winter Solstice, since the solstice itself is the shortest day of the year (with the days following gradually giving in to the returning sunlight). This is why some celebrations begin on the solstice and party hard into the wee hours of the following morning. With my time of all-nighters behind me, I (like most others) celebrate on the solstice itself. Surely our ancestors weren't rigid in their celebration schedule since they didn't have NASA doing the math for them. Plus this sabbat is a time of rest, so there's no need to overcomplicate the darn thing. In case you haven't noticed, I do my best to keep it simple.

=D

You'll notice in the dormant nature around you the Goddess (nature) is resting after giving birth to the God (Don't overthink the familial ties here. It's proverbial). Now is the time to regroup and revitalize as The Wheel slowly turns toward spring. 

If you're looking for foods to help celebrate the return of the sun, think hot and warm! Ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon are all wonderful additions to baking this time of year, honoring the return of the sun. Red/green, gold/silver celebrate the God and Goddess respectively, which is why we so commonly see decorations in these joyful hues. Pine, cedar, and spruce are popular in Yuletide celebrations, representing the eternal nature of our souls. Need some altar inspiration? Check out my simple Yule altar that will brighten your home with the beauty of nature!

If you're in a giving mood but not in a get-trampled-for-a-good-sale kind of mood, I've got you covered! Here are 20 witchy gifts for under $20, all perused from the comfort of your couch! (which means pants are totally optional).

If your credit card is curled up in the corner, whimpering and shaking from being overworked, check out these posts on making Yuletide memorable without spending a dime! 

Above all, remember this isn't a season of stress and overspending but a time we should stop to regroup and replenish. Find peace in the cycles of nature and honor the seasons. Take a few extra moments to indulge in something restorative to the soul, such as meditation or yoga. Find healing in the stillness by disconnecting from electronics. Relish the moments with your family...even if those aren't so quiet. Winter, and Yule specifically, is a time to nourish our bodies and minds, because nothing in nature moves nonstop—not even with a peppermint macchiato!

Wishing you a magical, restorative Yule and a New Year brimming with health and happiness!

Wishing you a restorative, sugary-sweet, cozy-steeped, gingerbread-scented Yule!

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NOTE: As with any recommendation found on this blog, consult your doctor or naturopath before use.

The Witch's Guide to Mabon

Do you have a mug of apple cider? If you don't, I need you to immediately get up and find yourself a cup of apple-y goodness or a pumpkin-spiced treat before you begin this post. Go ahead...I'll wait.

*Sips cider*

Mabon is here, which means it's time for nutmeg, autumn leaves, and some serious sweater weather! And isn't that the best part of autumn—coziness, fall beauty, and scrumptious baked goods?!

Mabon is the first official day of fall, even if Samhain decorations have been in stores for a solid 6 weeks by now.

Seriously, retail industry, we're not going to forget the major holidays. Can you chill out a little bit? Live in the moment, man. Find your zen, dude. 

Anyone else smell patchouli?

Anyway, the autumn equinox (or what we Pagans call Mabon) is when sunlight and nighttime are equal. After today, the darkness will overcome the light by roughly a minute per day as The Wheel churns towards winter. As nature (Goddess) begins to slow down and harvests become less plentiful, the God begins his transition towards physical death, which we acknowledge on Samhain. Mabon is also referred to as the Witches' Thanksgiving, a time when we embrace gratitude for all the bounties in our lives (edible and otherwise!). 

Mabon occurs between September 20-23. Like the vernal equinox, Mabon is about finding balance in your life, which often manifests as a need to balance work and home life in our modern go, go, go era. But take a few moments on this cool autumn morning to reflect on your own personal circumstances. Is there an area that's been overlooked? Now is the time to give that aspect of your life a little love. Not sure where to begin? Why not ask your Guides for some direction by using this Autumn Moon Tarot Spread?

If you're looking to incorporate the colors of Mabon into your home or altar, the supplies are just outside your door! Rich crimson, golden yellow, vibrant orange, and grounding brown are the hues of the season! Fallen leaves, acorns, apples, gourds, maize/corn, and even pine cones are all appropriate equinox decorations. Need some inspiration? Check out this natural Mabon altar!

Interested in celebrating this Mabon with a festive nosh? Whip up the flavors of autumn with earthy pumpkin, roasted nuts, corn, late summer berries, squash, cinnamon, and nutmeg to commemorate this quarter sabbat. Better yet, why not weave some magick into your autumnal meal? Check out these edible spells for some tasty castings!

If dirtying a pile of dishes isn't your thing, don't fret! I've got TEN ways for you to celebrate this hoodie-weather sabbat without spending a dime! 

Lastly, if you're looking for more ways to celebrate the arrival of fall check out Mabon: Spells and Rituals for the Autumn Equinox. Every purchase helps support the site (thank you!), and it's only $2.99! That's less than a salted caramel latte!

Whether you cast and conjure your Mabon away or simply stroll through your neighborhood and enjoy the crisp autumn air, I hope you have a magickally-filled, apple-scented, fallen-leaves kind of Mabon!

🍎🍁 Blessed Mabon, everyone! 🍁🍎

By using this site, you agree you have read the full DISCLAIMER.

NOTE: As with any recommendation found on this blog, consult your doctor or naturopath before use.

Some of the above links are affiliate links, which means I make a small percentage AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU. Affiliate links help keep PennilessPagan.com alive and supplied, so thank you!!♥

The Witch's Guide to Litha

Summer is such a magical time of year. As the days stretch long into the evenings and fireflies light the ebony sky, the warm balmy nights of summer hold a sense that anything is possible, that any dream can be achieved, and that opportunities are limitless. 

Well, that's because they ARE!

The vitality that imbues those sultry afternoons and mild summer nights is not imagined. Litha, the summer solstice, is a peak time of magick and power among nature. The sabbat is literally called the sabbat of "great magickal power." The explanation is simple! Mother Nature (Goddess) is in her prime, bearing fruits with fertility to spare. The sun (God) is exercising his ferocity as well, reaching his peak strength on the solstice—the longest day of the year. Just as nature and sky alike buzz with fortitude and vigor, you too are at a heightened stage of magickal ability. So use that wealth of power, playboy! 

Celebrated between June 20-22, the summer solstice (often called Litha) is the longest day of the year. After today, the sunrise and sunset will occur a bit earlier each day (by about a minute per day) as darkness slowly begins to overtake and the vitality of nature subtly wanes toward fall.

But don't worry, you've still got plenty of time to enjoy that wavy beach hair and flip flops, so don't put those jorts away quite yet!

Litha is seen as a potent time to cast, as well as a time to encourage purification, protection, health (for that coming winter), and love. The colors of this hot sabbat are borrowed from the lush bounty of nature. Bright red, yellow, orange (God) and green (goddess) are all appropriate colors for midsummer festivities. But since any and all flowers are perfect for a Litha altar, I'd dare to say any bright and vibrant color is well suited for celebration! Need some inspiration? Check out this natural Litha altar that uses lemons and oranges to honor the sun! 

Fresh fruits and vegetables, breads and cookies in the shape of the sun, lemons, oranges, and spicy foods are wonderful additions to a Litha feast. Looking to cast a spell and celebrate? Why not try a Simply Sweet Love Spell to put a little romance in your Litha? 

Dreams are more lucid on Litha due to the strong energies coming from earth and sky. Why not use this night to whip up a batch of Dream See Pillow Spray Spell to see what your future holds! 

In need of a little purification? Try this Energy-Cleansing Chicken Piccata to get your energetic housecleaning on! With lemons representing the sun, this is a perfect dish to serve at your Litha feast. Dinner and a clean aura? Who doesn't love a double duty spell?! 

If that electricity bill is leaving the coffers a bit dry (I could kiss whoever invented air conditioning!), then I have good news for you! Save the nickels for the ice cream truck, my friend, because I've got ten simple ways for you to honor the longest day of the year without spending a dime! 

Embrace the carefree, bountiful, sprightly energy of summer, my Pagan compadres! Sip some lemonade by the pool. Have a bonfire. Or simply take a stroll with your favorite someone and collect wildflowers. Whatever you do, enjoy this season of abundant beauty, and don't forget to leave a little offering of gratitude for the maiden Goddess and virile God. 

Happy Litha! ☀️

What's your favorite way to celebrate Litha?

By using this site, you agree you have read the full DISCLAIMER.

NOTE: As with any recommendation found on this blog, consult your doctor or naturopath before use.

Some of the above links are affiliate links, which means I make a small percentage AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU. Affiliate links help keep PennilessPagan.com alive and supplied, so thank you!!♥

5 Ways to Celebrate Ostara (Without Spending a Dime!)

Spring is such a lovely time of year! The earthy scents, bright green buds on the trees, and the sounds of chirping birds are all welcomed indications that nature is awakening from a frosty slumber. Slender grass tendrils poking through melting snow and that first day when mittens are no longer a necessity serve as a promise that those blustery winter days are slowly waning into the warmth and splendor of spring.

I've noticed people who love fall tend to consider spring a close second to their favorite season. It makes sense, really. It's basically fall in reverse, nature yawning to life instead of preparing for slumber, as if someone hit rewind on the DVR.

If you’ve been following the blog for a few years you’ll know spring in the Southwest wasn't nearly as exciting as in other parts of the country, mostly because cacti are pretty stagnant. They'll spear you any time of year, really. They're just so reliable like that. 

Fortunately, I’m back in my beloved New England where I once again get to enjoy the vibrant colors of a bourgeoning earth and the blissful fragrance of revitalized nature. And I’m extremely grateful for such an experience because spring is one of my favorite seasons. Easily in the top four. ;)

If you're looking for detailed information on Ostara, check out this post, which includes more free ways to celebrate! Otherwise, unwrap that chocolate bunny and let's get to celebrating!

Plant something
In many parts of the country the ground is still frozen on Ostara, if not covered in snow. But that doesn’t mean you can’t welcome the (painfully slow?) arrival of spring by planting something indoors! Treat yourself to a pot of tulips, a countertop herb garden, or whatever plant makes you smile and enjoy a little spring essence on your windowsill.

Treat the bunnies
Rabbits are a symbol of the Goddess, particularly during the spring. Seeing them is always a treat in my household, mostly because I live for anything covered in fur, but it’s also considered a blessing to encounter these lovely little lagomorphs.

Ahhh alliteration!

Give a sacrifice to the blossoming Goddess and her fertile earth by leaving some romaine lettuce* or berries for the bunnies.

Prepare your garden
If the weather permits, start clearing out your garden and preparing the soil for spring-time planting. If you're reading this while glancing out your window at a foot of snow on the ground, why not plan on paper? Make a list of what herbs, vegetables, and fruits you'd like to grow once the ground thaws. It's a nice way to tackle the winter blues!

Brew a spring tea
Just as nature refreshes and revitalizes, now is a good time for us to address natural detoxification approaches. 

But, you know, easy. Because that's how this blog rolls.

Brew yourself a warm mug of spring tea to help your body transition from the long nights of winter to the budding days of spring. Choose herbs like nettle, rose petals, lemon peel, cornflower, calendula, or dandelion to aid in detoxification as well as celebrating spring with an herbal brew! Interested in specific herbal purposes? Check out my absolute favorite go-to herbal medicine reference book: The Desktop Guide to Herbal Medicine by Brigitte Mars. 

Make an omelette
You gotta eat, right? Start your Ostara with a simple celebratory omelette (or egg scramble if you haven't mastered your diner skills). Use spring vegetables and herbs, like asparagus or chives, and a little fresh goat cheese to make a tasty—and sabbat specific— Ostara feast.

Bonus—veggies and herbs are detoxifying, so it's kind of a 2-in-1 celebration. Score!

Eggs aren't just treats from everyone's favorite oversized, home-intruding bunny. They also represent growth, fertility, and potential, all important aspects of this vernal sabbat! So whether you like your cackle fruits wrecked, on a raft, or flopped, eggs are the perfect way to celebrate the commencement of spring.

Too much diner talk? A thousand apologies. I've been enjoying myself some Do or Diner. I'm a sucker for a good cozy mystery! In fact, if you also love cozy reads please help a reader out and leave your favorite titles in a comment below!


Hope you all have a flower-picking, chocolate-eating, pastel-colored kind of Ostara!

Happy spring, everyone! 🐰🐣

*Some lettuce varieties, such as iceberg, can be dangerous to rabbits. For more information, check out this list of safe bunny fodder.

What's your favorite part of spring? 

By using this site, you agree you have read the full DISCLAIMER.

NOTE: As with any recommendation found on this blog, consult your doctor or naturopath before use.

Some of the above links are affiliate links, which means I make a small percentage AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU. Affiliate links help keep PennilessPagan.com alive and supplied, so thank you!!♥

5 More Ways to Celebrate Imbolc (Without Spending a Dime)

It's almost Imbolc! And you know what that means—it's time for the purge.

Now hold up. Put down the bat. I'm not talking about The Purge. No, no. It's still illegal to clobber your annoying neighbor. I'm talking about purging as in purification.

...I'm so disappointed that movie was basically just a typical horror flick because that concept could have been so interesting if they truly explored it. Where do the lines of morality vs legality overlap? How far would the average person go if there were no legal consequences? It'd be a very interesting narrative. 

But admittedly a little heavy for a blog, so let's get back to Imbolc. =D

Imbolc is a time of purification and cleansing, a period where we release the heavy emotions churned up during our Yuletide reflections.

Don't panic if you didn't reflect over the Yule season. I'm not going to quiz you or anything. I'm not that teacher. You know the one. That wet blanket that assigns a massive project over the holiday break that's due the moment you return to class. I'm pretty sure every student experiences one of those in their lifetime.

If you'd like to learn more about Imbolc, check out this post here (where you can also discover 5 MORE ways to celebrate without spending a dime!). But if you're ready to hear five fun ways to celebrate without breaking out the AmEx, scroll on, my friend!

Toss Your Cares Away
Cleanse your troubles by releasing them to nature. Standing beside a stream or river, hold a small river rock in your hands and visualize your problem floating down the stream, away from your life. When the image is clear in your mind, toss the rock into the water and watch it carry away your burden.

This ritual is a variation of a water spell shared with me by my lovely friend Gea, so shout out to Gea! ♥

Clean House (of your old crap)
Most of us have been meaning to clean out at least one closet that physically assaults you every time you open the door. Purify your home by clearing out old clothes and household goods and donating them to charity. Not only will this remove blockages that can stagnate your home's energy, but you'll also be helping the less fortunate. The Universe is kind of fond of that! ;)

Some Plants Are Worth Melting For
Snowed in? Take some snow inside and allow it to melt (by the fire is extra special!). Then take the melted snow (sometimes referred to as water) and use it to water indoor plants or cut flowers. This symbolizes The Wheel turning as winter slowly transitions into spring. 

Plus snow just seems extra cleansing compared to regular tap water. Maybe I'm just biased? But then again I've never heard Lorelai Gilmore proclaim, "I smell tap water!"

Take a Ritual Soak
Using herbs such as rosemary, lavender, or chamomile, draw yourself a soothing hot bath to soak away the stresses of chilly winter! When you're ready (but before you get out), envision the weight of your problems being washed away by the water as you emerge, leaving them behind in the tub. As you towel off, visualize a bright white light radiating from your freshly cleansed skin. Savor the buoyant feeling of release! You are now cleansed of any negative energy (which remains in the tub). Let the water drain and picture your concerns rushing down the pipes with the bathwater. You are now physically and energetically oh-so-squeaky clean!

I would advise you use a muslin bag or tea ball to contain your herbs. Otherwise, use essential oils. Trust me, you don't want to end a relaxing bath with a soggy mess of herbs.

....Not that I know this from experience or anything. *Closely examines nails* I mean, I haven't had to pick lavender out of the bathtub bud by bud or anything.  

Try Your Hand at Fire Divination
Considered the Festival of Light, fire is often incorporated with Imbolc rituals. Use this time to try fire divination! While it sounds somewhat complicated, all you really need to do is meditate while looking into the flames, allow your mind to slow and thoughts to clear, and see what information presents itself to you. This may come as a personal revelation or a foretelling. Don't try to force the process; just relax into it. =D

You may find larger fires, such as camp or bonfires, are easier to work with than candles. But if you're a fire sign, this may come to you very easily! 


So remember, while we can't resort to The Purge to rectify our problems, we can purge many nuisances from our life without the hassle of bloodstained carpets.

Too dark? Sorry, my humor is still in winter mode. =/

Have you ever tried fire divination? What's your favorite way to honor Imbolc?

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NOTE: As with any recommendation found on this blog, consult your doctor or naturopath before use.

Rainy Day Manifestation Spell

There's an undeniable power that's carried in on the dark thunderheads of a summer afternoon rain storm. The magick is tangible as foreboding gray seeps across the sky, sultry humidity brings weight to the air, and nature goes quiet in preparation for the downpour that's about to begin. What starts as a gentle hum in the distance, a low grumble of strength, quickly grows into a wild display of energy, making trees dance at its feet and the sky split open with fiery intensity.

I mean, not that I pay that close of attention. I could take them or leave them.

Wait, thunderstorms are like boys, right? You gotta play it cool to reign them in? 

Of course, this spell doesn't have to be sequestered to summer. It can be used anytime you notice the sky sodden with potential, readied to exhale raw magick and manifestation upon the earth below. Just do me a favor and exercise common sense. A fried witch is useful to no one, so don't run outside in the middle of violent lightning. Also, don't play in traffic. 

=D

What You'll Need:
Rain
The earth
A finger (preferably yours) or a stick

How to Conjure:
If you notice a storm brewing and it's safe to be outside, find yourself a nice patch of dirt that will be exposed to the rain. Get creative if needed! A flower pot. A flower bed. Don't overthink it. We're working a spell, not redefining nuclear dynamics. 

Draw a rune, a sigil, or simply write a one-word intention in the soil using your finger or a stick. 

Once your spell is written in the earth, hold your hands over the word/sigil (palms facing the soil) and envision the word/sigil in neon. Now envision the rain that is soon to come pouring upon your spell. Imagine the intention being driven deep into the soil where it will be nourished by the earth, sprouted like a plant, and manifested into reality. Envision your desires brought into reality—use all 5 senses! What will it look like? Smell like? When that bad boy is palpable in your mind, say aloud with conviction:

So Mote it Be!

And you're all set! Now get your ass inside, you silly hippie, and know that the rain is feeding your intentions.

Also, brew yourself some tea, because tea is always best with rain. And a book. And a cat. 

Happy Casting!

Enjoy this spell? Treat yourself to a whole book! Each book is loaded with simple and affordable spells. Plus every purchase helps support this free blog, so thank you! =D

Have you ever casted a spell in the rain? Have you ever casted a spell for rain?

By using this site, you agree you have read the full DISCLAIMER.

NOTE: As with any recommendation found on this blog, consult your doctor or naturopath before use.

Mantra for Magick (AKA Witch Mantra)

Recently, as I watched a friend whip off his sunglasses to access his cell phone via retinal scan as we cruised down the highway at a cool 65 miles an hour, I experienced a moment of melancholy for a simpler time. 

Do you ever find yourself feeling this way? Yearning for a lifetime long ago lived, one you probably didn’t experience in this human body but in another? As if your soul is aching for what is now an echo of a previous existence, a ripple in the DNA of your higher spirit? When did a vibrating cell phone replace the sensation of earth pulsating beneath our bare feet? The singsong melody of a robin drowned out by a constant, distant grumble of engines? 

Have you ever experienced those breathtaking moments when, for just a solitary beat of the heart, humanity goes blissfully silent? No planes, or voices, or auto-tuned cellphone jingles, just the brush of tree branch against sky and a poetic bird chortle as your soul falls into transcendent harmony with the earth? For one singular moment you are submersed in the music of life and you find yourself thinking, “This! This is how it was supposed to be. This is the rhythm my soul yearns for.”

In a world steeped in high tech and high speed, it can be difficult to mine the natural magick from the weighty haze of technology and the ever-growing list of gadgets designed to simplify our life.

Because seriously, who feels like they have oodles of spare time courtesy of washing machines that can receive text messages and thermostats we can yell at from another room? As for me and my house, we shall walk to our thermal controls, by god! 

*Adjusts tinfoil hat*

During a time of imbalance in my own life, heretofore deemed The Desert Years, I found this grounding mantra to be a spiritual life preserver. On days when you’re tired of watching people FaceTime their dishwasher, take a few cleansing breaths, lay your hands over your heart, and say aloud this simple but profound mantra to instill peace in your spirit and magick in your soul. After all, the world is brimming with splendor if we’re willing to slow our minds and open our hearts to the experience! 

And if all else fails, order an Uber to drive you to the forest. ;)

Do you have a mantra that helps you return to center?

By using this site, you agree you have read the full DISCLAIMER.

NOTE: As with any recommendation found on this blog, consult your doctor or naturopath before use.

Some of the above links are affiliate links, which means I make a small percentage AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU. Affiliate links help keep PennilessPagan.com alive and supplied, so thank you!!♥

Sigils (A Simple Way to Cast a Kick-Ass Spell!)

You know how they say every woman needs a little black dress in her arsenal? 

Hm, now I'm beginning to question the veracity of this analogy. I definitely don't own a black dress, little or otherwise. I'm more of a pastel kind of gal. And I'm fairly certain my best friend doesn't have a black dress either. Come to think of it, I've rarely seen her in a dress, which is a bit puzzling. She's one of those annoyingly beautiful women who just exude femininity. Like, leaves-a-glittering-trail-of-womanliness-as-she-saunters-into-a-room kind of dainty. 

So not the case with me. I enter a room like Kramer, knocking over houseplants and what not. I mean, I'm no Bella Swan. That chick needed to get her equilibrium checked. But I have been known to fall off sandals while bumbling through the troublesome task of walking. Not even the wedge kind of sandals. Just your plain 'ol sandal. 

....Oh, the late 90s were a rough one for yours truly. How I managed to avoid a broken ankle in those brick-ish, Spice Girl monstrosities is a question that remains as unanswerable as the quantity of licks required to reach the center of a Tootsie Pop. I had this sweet little pair made out of white canvas that were roughly 892 inches tall.  Because, I mean, *chuffs* who doesn't want white canvas platform sandals?! Just give me a moment to savor the butterfly clips and tattoo chokers before we move on.

...le sigh

Anywho, much like the ubiquitous little black dress that every woman *should* have in her closet, every witch absolutely, unquestionably needs sigils in her cauldron. Why? Because they are insanely easy (when you make your own), ridiculously powerful (especially when you make your own), and extraordinarily versatile. I get almost as excited talking about sigils as I do thinking about jellies.

Almost.

Sigils (pronounced si-jels) are symbols infused with magickal purpose. They are also one of the first spells I learned to cast, but I still use them frequently to this day. And I'm about to show you why!

The simple art of a personalized sigils is this: You take the word you wish to invoke, like "protection" to be used on a front door or "health" to be traced into soup, and you connect the letters to form one interlaced symbol. It's much easier to visually explain, so I created this demonstration for you!

See? Crazy easy, right?! Simple but powerful, just the way I like my magick! And, of course, you don't need to follow my example. If that crooked "A" is driving you bonkers, incorporate it however you please. That's the beauty of personalized sigils, it's entirely in your hands.

Once you've created your sigil you can apply it to your desired medium (such as a candle), take a few moments to visualize your sigil hard at work on your behalf, and you're done!

The best part about personalized sigils is they can be used and created anywhere. Unlike runes or the Celtic Ogham (both of which I love), there's no memorization necessary. Say you just bought a car and you're about to drive it off the lot. You can immediately create a sigil for "safety" or "protection" and trace it on the glass using only your finger, offering you magickal shield until you can whip up a vehicle protection sachet.

And since I adore these wonderful little magick creations, I drafted a list of ten easy ways to use sigils in your everyday life! Hope you enjoy!

— Paint a sigil under a flower pot to bring desired energies to everyone who passes.

— Draw a sigil in the soil under full moon light (or lack thereof on a new moon) to set your intentions for the cycle!

— Use essential oils (such as rosemary or cedar) to inscribe sigils on windows and doors for protection.

— Use chalk to write a sigil under a door mat. Change your sigil with the seasons to invoke new energies depending on your current needs.

— Draw sabbat-appropriate sigils into cookies or pie crusts to celebrate the holidays. For example, you can create a "renewal" sigil for Yule. Or create a sigil with a departed loved one's name for Samhain! Are you a private witch? Carve your sigil into the bottom crust before adding filling. No one will be any wiser! ;)

— Using your finger dipped in moon water, trace a sigil under children's beds for protection or health. Battling the Boogie Man? Conquer nightmares by creating a sigil for happy dreams and involve your child in casting the spell.

— Mark the back of a pet's tag (rabies tags are usually blank on the back) with protective symbols. Because essential oils can be toxic to pets, use a marker or moon water to work your magick!

— Set your intentions for the day by tracing a sigil on your wrist with essential oil. 

— Keep a slip of paper in your wallet with a sigil for abundance or prosperity.

— Draw a sigil in the soil of your garden to encourage growth and fertility.


I could go on for hours, but that would be very Bubba Gump Shrimp of me, so I'll leave it at ten. Here's to hoping you find this enchanting little magickal symbol just as useful as I do!

As for platform sandals, those were never practical. I hang my head in 90s shame...


Enjoy this spell? Check out By the Light of the Moon: 13 Simple & Affordable Pagan Spells & Rituals for a Year of Full Moon Celebrations! Every purchase helps support the blog, so thank you! =)

Do you use sigils? What's your favorite application for sigils?

By using this site, you agree you have read the full DISCLAIMER.

NOTE: As with any recommendation found on this blog, consult your doctor or naturopath before use.

Simple Little Abundance Spell

When I worked in the veterinary field, I washed my hands constantly. Like, cooooonstantly. 

You wash your hands when a patient (the woof-woof kind) enters a room so the owner knows you're not a dirty mo-fo.

You wash your hands before leaving a room, because you just got drooled on (not that I'm complaining!).

You wash your hands before using the restroom (because animal germs and hoo-has are not a good combination).

You wash your hands before leaving the restroom (because if you don't then you are a dirty mo-fo). 

You wash your hands after an owner brings in a stool sample. And after touching ANYTHING near the dreaded fecal counter (a designated counter that exists in every clinic used solely for running fecal samples and, according to this blogger, is among the most germ-infested areas in the country and should really be considered a level 4 hot zone).

....Seriously, if I even looked at the fecal counter I washed my hands. Have you seen other human beings? I don't trust that everyone wiped down the station when they were done running a fecal test. In fact, I witnessed lackadaisical disinfectant practices on many occasions.

You know what? Just to be safe I may burn this laptop and start this post on another computer. I'm fairly certain this is now contaminated from just talking about stool.

Okay, where was I? Poop. Magick. Humans are dirty....oh, right! Handwashing!

Clean People wash their hands quite a bit. Maybe not as often as someone in a healthcare field, but at least several times a day. Why not take that moment of sudsing and rinsing to cast a quick little spell? Think about the power manifesting in your spell if you gave it a mere fifteen seconds of focus several times a day! That's a lot of conjuring juju!

Despite sounding like someone who goes through three gallons of hand soap daily, I assure you I do not have a hand-washing problem. 

Other problems? Certainly. But not hand washing. This I can assure you.

But this spell did come to me while washing my hands one day. I enjoy watching the cleansing water cascade over my hands, especially if said hands are cold and I'm savoring a quick warm-up under the hot tap. As the suds flowed out of my palms, the visualization of money popped into my head and this spell was born! Hope you enjoy it almost as much as I enjoy never having to run a stool sample test ever again. =D

Yay for no poo! 

What You'll Need:

A sink
Soap
Your hands
15 seconds

How to Conjure:

Wash your hands like a decent human being who should do their level best not to spread Ebola.

As you suds up, imagine the bubbles are dollar bills multiplying in your hands, becoming so numerous they overflow, collecting in a large pile in the sink.

As you rinse your hands, imagine the water filling your palms is actually coins, filling up your cupped hands with shiny, sparkly coins so numerous you can't contain them all. (Of course, abundance isn't just money. If you're in need of something else—friendship, health, inspiration— alter this visualization to suit your needs. Get creative!)

Once the desired outcome is clearly shaped in your mind, simply say:

So Mote It Be!

That's it! Now you can dry your hands, change out of your bathroom socks and into your living room socks so you don't track around bathroom germs, and you're done!

Just kidding. Everyone knows bathroom socks need to be bleached and incinerated before exiting the bathroom.

...

.....

........

I bet you really are beginning to wonder if I'm insane. Guess you'll never know. Muahahaha!

Now if you'll please excuse me, there are some nice people here who say they just want to help. I wonder what kind of detergent they use to keep their white jackets so clean...


Enjoy this spell? Check out By the Light of the Moon: 13 Simple & Affordable Pagan Spells & Rituals for a Year of Full Moon Celebrations! Every purchase helps support the blog, so thank you! =)

Do you practice a daily visualization?

The Witch's Guide to Samhain

As the cool air swaddles nature, welcoming the fall with a crisp autumnal embrace, the scent of magick permeates the atmosphere. We sense it in the trees, the way their orange leaves sway upon the branches one last time before taking flight, fluttering to the ground in a ritualistic dance of fall-painted beauty. We can feel it on our skin as the weather turns dry and nature softly exhales, hinting at the impending winter with sacred, frost-laced breath. Above all, we feel it in our souls, the way The Wheel churns around us, humming with life as the veil thins and the world brims with magick just before its winter slumber.

Autumn is undoubtedly a special time of year. It's a cozy cluster of days celebrated with the comfy aspects of life—luscious slices of gooey apple pie, soft woolen blankets clutched across our shoulders on dreary October nights, pumpkin bread and cinnamon coffee and hay rides and corn mazes and haunted houses!

Whew, getting a bit winded over here. Just so darn pumped!

If you're new to Paganism or simply need a brush-up, let's sit down together over a mug of London fog tea and a slice of banana bread while we discuss The Witch's Guide to Samhain!

Samhain (pronounced sow-in) is a cross-quarter sabbat that is celebrated on October 31st. On this sabbat we honor the death of the God, acknowledge death as a necessary stage in the cycle of life, and celebrate our ancestors and those loved ones who have transcended before us. Just as The Wheel turns, demonstrating that nothing in this realm is constant, our lives too will eventually cease, though our souls remain eternal. We acknowledge this unconditional truth on Samhain and address our own discomfort that often accompanies our mortality.  

As Samhain nears, the veil between our plane and then next thins to near transparency, granting us easier communication with those beyond. Now is the time to honor your loved ones, letting them know their life on this earth may have ended but your love for them has not. This post has five meaningful (and cost-free!) ways you can honor your ancestors on this sacred night. In an altar kind of mood? Check out my Natural Samhain Altar and let nature guide you! Or make a super simple Souls' Feast Pumpkin Sacrifice.

Although we are honoring the proverbial death of the God (who will be reborn on Yule, the Winter Solstice), we are also aware every ending is a new beginning. Thus, Samhain is often referred to as the Witches' New Year. And because the veil is thin, gifting us with heightened energies from the other side, Samhain is commonly seen as a time for divination and foretelling. Cast runes, try your hand at scrying, or break out your tarot deck to see what the coming year holds. Looking for some inspiration? Take a peek at the Autumn Moon Pumpkin Tarot Spread!

Just as we observe in nature, life is about balance, which is why this somber sabbat doesn't have to be all melancholia and sorrow. Decorate your home in red, orange, and yellow hues (representing the sun, which represents the God) as well as black and brown, which signifies death and our return to the earth. Seasonal vegetables such as pumpkins, winter squashes, apples, pears, and cranberries are all appropriate treats for your Samhain feast. Feeling sentimental? Treat yourself to the tart red flesh of a pomegranate, which is a Greek mythological symbol for the underworld. Legend says leaving a pomegranate outside your door on Samhain night protects your home and family from evil in the coming year.

If the fresh scents of autumn put you in the mood to conjure, whip up a batch of Samhain Protection Salt, a spell that keeps giving all year long!  And it's pretty. See:

Lastly, I just wouldn't be the Penniless Pagan if I didn't give you a few good tips on how to celebrate without spending a dime. And since I like you, I'll do you one better! Here's ten ways to celebrate without spending a dime!

If you simply can't get your fill of Samhain, make merry with meaning and simplicity by picking up a copy of Samhain Traditions: 13 Simple & Affordable Halloween Spells & Rituals for the Witches' New Year. Available in e-book and paperback! Every sale helps keep the blog stocked-up on free material, so thank you for your support! ♥

Whether you choose to spend your Samhain with candied apples and rowdy children, or you settle in for a quiet evening of deeply spiritual ritual, I hope you have a wonderfully magickal Samhain eve!

Happy Samhain, everyone! 

How do you celebrate Samhain: fun and gleeful, sweet and somber, or a little of both?

By using this site, you agree you have read the full DISCLAIMER.

NOTE: As with any recommendation found on this blog, consult your doctor or naturopath before use.

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