Happy Spring/Ostara!

Apologies, I meant to make this post earlier in the day but I got caught up doing a few other things instead. 

It's the first day of spring! Which, granted, would be more exciting if there were not snow on the ground. I'm not going to lie, I really dislike New England winters. They go on too long and there is hardly a year where the first day of spring isn't one filled with snow and below 40 degrees. Today has been mostly cloudy, cold, and wet.

But still, with it being officially spring I am looking forward to the inevitably soon REAL arrival of warmer weather. Fingers crossed that the next few weeks show some actual signs of life and warmth.

Source.

If you're the witchy type, then today is more of a big deal for you then it is for most people. Because were as most just say "Hurrah! It's spring!", witches see today as a time for real celebration. The wheel of the year is turning and Ostara is a time to holding celebratory rites, give offerings to the gods, and rejoice in the return of life to the Earth.

So if you're the last minute kind of witch (I definitely am) then here as some last minute ideas for altar decorations and rituals. This is assuming you are also the kind of witch who celebrates at night. Again, that's the type I am.

Decorations:

Fresh flowers, moss, fruit, glitter, eggs, seeds, yellow and pink candles, rose quartz, citrine, and symbols of deities such as Brigid, Eostre, Freya, Osiris, Persephone, etc.

Source.

Ritual Ideas:

1. A simple cleansing ceremony is always a nice idea. Spring is a time of rebirth, not just for plants, but for the soul. 

2. A ritual for creative birth is always a good idea as well. Now is the perfect time to ask the gods to give blessings to any new projects you are starting.

3. A ritual for celebration! Your rite does not always have to have a purpose like "please bless this" or "now I am going to make this change" etc, it can be just for pure celebration of the fact that is is spring! Eat fruit, drink wine, give offerings to the gods and the faeries, and enjoy yourself. There is no need to be serious all the time, especially not during the playful time of spring.

Happy Ostara everyone!

Lady Unlaced

Read More About Ostara:

• History of Ostara 
• Ostara
• Ostara Rituals

Setting Up An Altar/Devotional Space

You don't have to identify as a witch to have your own altar and/or devotional space. And if you do identify as "witch" then you may be surprised to know that your altar does not have to follow any kind of format. I spent a long time thinking that it did. That I had to place candles at the right sides to line up with their corresponding directions and have certain colours for certain things, etc.

But then I learned something new. There are no rules when it comes to personal spirituality. What an incredibly freeing realization!

Spirituality is a free-form thing; an energy creature that moves through us and embodies all that we love and the passions that stir our blood. There is no format, no rules, no initiation. It is not the same as religion. It is the expression of our innermost soul. And an altar/devotional space should reflect that.

This is my altar. It is a collection of stones, candles, shells, statuettes, and other odds and ends. It hold my handmade wand, a curiousity jar by ForestFernCreations, my soul journal, and a small fox pelvis from DesertRoseTaxidermy. I also keep art pieces and metal pentacles with bells hanging on the wall above it.

I keep things that mean a lot to me or symbolize something that is special to me on my altar. Rose quartz for love and friendship, a cat statuette as a nod to Bastet, a piece of birch bark and twigs for my love of the forest, salt to keep away negative energy, and lots of candles that all have different purposes. My altar is personal and doesn't follow any guidelines. It is constructed in the way that I feel is right and vibrates with my energy harmoniously. To me that is what an altar should be.

So if you are thinking of creating your own sacred space I am here to reassure you that it doesn't have to be as intimidating as some books or websites would have you believe. Just collect things you resonate with -statuettes of patron gods, stones, candles, sticks, shells, symbols, art, etc. Remember, no rules.

Does anyone else have a scared devotional space like this? I would love if you shared!

Lady Unlaced

A Little About Samhain

Samhain ("Sow-in") is the witchy term (meaning summer's end) for Halloween and is the beginning of the new year on a witch's calendar. During this Sabbat the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead is the thinnest. It is a time to celebrate life and give offerings to those who have passed on before us. 

Traditionally lit candles are put in the windows on Samhain night to guide home the spirits of deceased loved ones. Food they may have liked in life can be left on the altar or front steps as offerings. Pumpkins were carved into jack-o-lanterns to ward off evil spirits. Because as much as Samhain is a time to honour the dead and to feel your own mortality, the thin veil allows all sorts of spirits to become more prominent in the physical world.

If you plan to do any spirit workings on Samhain, you must be extra careful. Jack-o-lanterns should be kept outside your house, you should cleanse your space and well as yourself before any magickal workings, and you should spend a great deal of time making your protective circle. Salt is a must.

This image seemed appropriate, haha. Source?

If you keep an altar you should definitely dress it up for the Sabbat. Mini pumpkins and gourds are an obvious choice, as well as autumn leaves. Black candles are a good choice, as well as bones and stone skulls. Pomegranates are also great -recall the Persephone and Hades myth. I currently have the "Death" tarot card on my altar, perfect for Samhain energy.



Samhain is a great time to do rituals or spells for change and spiritual communications. And with the thin barrier between the physical and astral plains, it's also the perfect time for connecting with your spirit animal.

Ritual Ideas:
Celebrate the Cycle of Life and Death
A Samhain Ritual
Evoking Hecate

History & Lore:
The History of Halloween or Samhain
Samhain Lore

Happy Samhain/Halloween everyone! I hope you have a spook-tacular day!

Lady Unlaced

The Magickal Properties of Moonstone

I already told you about why I love quartz so much so today I thought I would share with you one of my other favourite stones -Moonstone. As a MoonChild (cancer!) this stone is one I like to keep on me at almost all times. I have a necklace with a moonstone pendant that I made and wear several times a week. It's very calming stone for me.

There are a few different kinds of moonstone -Regular moonstone, Black, Peach, and Rainbow. Sometimes they go by different names but those are the ones I know them as.

Regular, Peach & Black Moonstone: Buy here.

As you can imagine, this stone has a lot as far as lunar correspondences, which of course then links it to the night as well as water. It it used and worn for luck and health as well as helping to discover and unfold a psychic or spiritual journey. 

I use it for its soothing purposes as well as helping me balance all the ups and downs in my life. It's energy helps give reassurance and a sense of stability, especially when paired with another stone such as hematite. It is a great stone to keep in times of self reflection.

Rainbow Moonstone: Buy here.

It is also a very feminine stone (as the Moon is very feminine) so is great when trying to balance out more male energies. If you are someone looking to become a mother you might want to carry it around with your or place a piece on your altar to help send the universe a signal that you're ready for a child. Or just use it to help bring out a more nurturing side of yourself.

Note: If you are interested in a Moonstone pendant, shoot me a message and I can custom make one for you!

Lady Unlaced

Read More on Moonstone:

• Magical Moonstone
• Moonstone Healing & Metaphysical Properties
• Moonstone Healing Properties

Finding Your Spirit Animal & Channeling Their Power

What is a spirit animal? A spirit animal can also be referred to as a power animal or animal guide. The concept of a spirit animal has roots in Shamanistic traditions with the belief that every person has an animal that they have a connection with. That animal embodies their connection to life and their personality.

Finding your spirit animal is not usually very hard. If you already feel a strong connection to a certain animal then there's a good chance that is your spirit animal. Mine is a white tiger -I never had to go searching to figure that out though. I have known from a young age, having always felt a connection to their feline power and grace. When I was introduced to the concept of having an spirit animal I knew right away that a tiger was mine, and specifically a white tiger. I have had the companionship of the tiger spirit and energy for years and it has never steered me wrong. 

Source?

If you don't already feel a connection to an animal then there a few simple ways you can go about uncovering  what your guide is. Meditation is the most straight forward way. If you're not familiar with how to meditate then I recommend this article although you should remember that the process can be different for everyone. What works for someone else may not work for you so it's best to experiment. The most important part is that you be relaxed and undisturbed. You can light incense, play music, or whatever else helps you get into the right state of mind.

Start your meditation, slipping into a calm state of being. Keep your breathing even. Once you have blocked out the physical plain you can start exploring the metaphysical one. Try to focus on discovering your animal -will them to show themself to you. It may not happen immediately, but you have to be patient. 

When you do come across your guide you may be surprised at what it is. No animal is ruled out and it could even be some sort of insect or bug, like a butterfly or spider. Try to interact with them. What does that animal represent to you? Are they powerful? Adaptive? Protective? Feel free to ask them questions or ask them to help strengthen you in certain  ways. Whatever feels liked the right thing to do.

Source?

I know it's not a very guided meditation, but finding your spirit animal this way is not going to be the same for every person who tries it. The metaphysical plain is a fluid and ever-changing thing and everyone experiences it in a different way. I believe in letting the energy flow and seeing where it takes you, but if you would like a more guided meditative approach then check out this one on Mookychick. At the bottom of the article there is also a short but helpful list of some common guides and what they represent.

Once you have discovered your spirit animal you can start building a relationship with them. Get figurines or statues of them to put up around your house, infusing them with the energy and wisdom of your animal. Hang up pictures of them as well as research about their characteristics, where they live, and what they eat. Get a pendant shaped like them. Whatever you feel like doing that will make you feel more connected.

As you build your bond with them you can also call on them to help you in your magickal endeavors as well. A lion can add strength, an owl can lend wisdom, a dolphin can increase happiness. If you think your animal can aid you in a spell then call on them during your rite and ask for their help. Chances are they are more than willing to be of service and can give your spell an extra power boost.

Protection is also another thing your spirit animal can help you with. If you keep a close bond to them then you can ask for their protection, over you and your home. Just make sure to thank them often and show your gratitude. Remember that your spirit animal is their to help you but that you are not entitled to that service. 

Good luck finding your animal!

Lady Unlaced

Other Useful Links:

• Power Animals
• How to Find Your Animal Totem

The Autumnal Equinox

Today is the fall equinox -the first day of Autumn. I couldn't be happier. I love summer -the shorts, sunshine, beach trips, and flip flops- but autumn is my favourite season. It's the most beautiful month, especially in New England. It would be nice if it lasted longer but I'll take what I can get. And with the autumn season going into full swing that means the rise of Halloween decorations in stores and getting into the spooky spirit. I realize Halloween is still over a month away but it's my favourite holiday and I can't help but get anxious for it.

Anyways, the Autumn Equinox is a lovely holiday for me and my fellow witches. It's not as huge an event as Yule or Samhain (Halloween) but the change of seasons are always a thing to be celebrated. This change of season from summer to fall is called Mabon in the witchy world. It is a harvest holiday and in the Wiccan tradition (keep in mind I am not Wiccan) it marks the deterioration and death of the Horned God who will eventually be reborn again of the Goddess in the spring. 

Mabon is a time of being grateful and giving thanks and is often celebrated with a feast of some sorts.

Buy this print here.

Good altar decorations for witches on Mabon include things like a pomegranate (remember the Persephone and Hades myth? -this would be the time of year she would return to the Underworld), autumn leaves, acorns, and pine cones. Anything that reminds you of Autumn is usually a good idea. Mini pumpkins are a personal favourite of mine, I like to keep them on my altar as well as around the house.

Check out this page for more info on Mabon and a list of links for history, traditions, crafts, and food.

Lady Unlaced

Why I Love Quartz

I love crystals and stones. I enjoy exploring my local New Age shop for beautiful pieces that radiate good energy and collecting them on my altar or making them into jewelry. I believe in the energy and properties that stones hold. One of my favourites by far is quartz.

Buy here.

It's a simple crystal that's not hard to find or particularly expensive. It's popular to be seen on jewelry right now and every witch, pagan, or other new age-inclined person has at least one but probably more. So why do I love it so much?

• It's easy to find, either in nature or in shop or online. Quartz is not a rare stone so it's easy to get whenever you need it. There are lots of different types of quartz and chances are you can go in your backyard and manage to find a piece. I own a bunch of found quartz that I collected from my yard, driveways, the woods, and the beach. My local New Age shop sells Tibetan quartz points for 50 cents each! That's a pretty great deal and they usually have a huge tray of them. Etsy is also a great place to search for it if there's nowhere near you that sells what you're looking for.
• They're versatile. Quartz is probably the most useful stone to have for magickal purposes. It works as an amplifier for other stones or magickal ingredients, giving them a power-boost. It can also help amp up your own personal energy. So if you're a mostly positive person and you want to stay that way, carrying a quartz crystal around will definitely help. It also works as a sponge. Weird terminology for a stone, I know, but it's true! You can imbue quartz with energy energy you want and it will hold it. very handy if you're doing a spell that needs a stone you don't have. 
• It looks great as jewelry. I see tons of quartz jewelry on Etsy (and sell some of it myself!) and am blown away by some of the beautiful stuff people make! Pendants, earrings, rings, bracelets, everything under the sun! Tangerine quartz looks great for sunny jewelry. But regular clear quartz looks great with everything because you don't have to worry about colours clashing!

Buy here.

Best stone ever, right? I have a bunch of other favourits, but quartz is something I like to collect and keep in abundance just because of how useful and easily attainable it is. 

Buy here.

Anyone else love quartz? Or any other stone or crystals? Please share!

Lady Unlaced

Wands in Magick + My Handmade Wand

No, not like a Harry Potter wand, although having one of those would be pretty awesome as well. Note to self: Make wand fit to attend Hogwarts with. I'm talking about the kind of wand that is used in many magickal paths. 

I've stated before that I follow no set tradition. My introduction to magick was through studying Wicca, but I take from so many other traditions and mesh them all together that calling myself Wiccan does not feel right. Anyways, the use of a wand was something I first read about in my Wicca books. The one I made recently is the first one I've ever had and I'm glad I created it with my own hands rather than buy one of the pretty ones I always see on etsy. I love the feeling of accomplishment that comes along with creating something yourself, especially when it's something so meaningful and personal.

Buy here.

Wands are used for directing energy. Many witches use them to cast circles, finding it to be a good vessel to direct the flow of energy to create a protective ring around them and their rite. A wand can be made out of anything -wood, metal, clay, stone, etc. The most important thing is that it resonates with the user. Quartz is common to see on wands because it is great for storing and releasing energy. 

My wand is made from a stick I found outside (wood unknown but the energy was great) with a quartz point  and a small tiger eye chip at the top. I painted most of it gold (a colour of power and the sun) with a silver (colour for divinity and the moon) wire accent. I painted an ankh on it and attached a feather I found on my doorstep, an evil eye bead and an amethyst bead. I feel that it truly encompasses who I am as a witch.

The pictures really don't do it justice. It's so incredibly pretty, I'm impressed with myself for making it to be honest. A lot of the times things I want to make always look really great in my head and then not so great in reality. But for this I just did what felt right and I couldn't be happier with the results.

Share your own witchy crafts with me?

Magickal Tips for Financial Luck

I don't post too much on here about my witchy-tendencies, but every now and then I like to do something related to my craft. I'm a solitary eclectic practitioner who does not belong to any tradition, so my beliefs and practices fall all over the board. I use a lot of stones and crystals in my work, as well as herbs, meditation, and energy working.

Today I thought I'd share some quick magickal tips and items that are good for attracting prosperity and luck in the financial areas of your life. If magick isn't your thing, feel free to ignore my rambling, haha.

Stones to Keep Around:

Buy here.

Emeralds

Whether you have a fancy polished and cut emerald or just a hunk of a raw one (see above), emeralds are great for attracting luck, especially when it comes to money. I bought mine at a local New Age shop for just under a dollar and glued it to a ring base so that I can easily wear it whenever I feel like I need the extra boost.

Buy here.

Malachite

This beautiful stone is great for attracting good business deals and repelling things that may lead to bad financial decisions. My other half has one of these stones that she carries around frequently and she absolutely loves it. And can be kind of pricey as far as tumbled stones go, but it's totally worth it.

Helpful Herbs:

Buy here.

Basil

As well as being awesome for cooking, basil is also a handy herb for helping attract money and wealth to your home. If you have an altar, keep some on there. Or add it to some kind of charm bag you carry with you. Or tie it up by the doorways of your house. 

Buy here.

Pine Needles

Such an easy thing to find if you live up North. We have tons of pine trees here in Massachusetts so collecting these is a piece of cake for me. Pine needles are supposed to be great for keeping a steady flow on money coming into your house. Keep a bundle on your altar or over your doors.

Others Tips & Tricks:

If you identify as a witch than I suggest just going through your books and notes and seeing what you can find as far as spellwork goes. I did my own personal spell that has been helping me out a lot. I'd share it but I didn't write it down -most of my magickal work doesn't have much of a structure. I just do what feels right.

Buy here.

If you're newer to this kind of stuff, try simple things such as lighting orange candles in your home. Orange is a great colour for financial success and attracting money. Also just try to keep your thoughts positive, especially when in relation to money matters. Our thoughts have much more influence on our lives than we realize. If you don't think you are going to a get the job and focus negative energy on the outcome, chances are you won't get it. Stay positive, think about all the reasons why you deserve the job and how great it will be when you get it. I'm not saying you will always find success this way, but it's more likely. And even if something doesn't go your way, staying positive will keep you from getting depressed about it.

I hope this was helpful for some of my magickally-inclined readers. Good luck with all your financial ventures!

Exploring the Tarot: The Hierophant

The Hierophant

Keywords: enlightenment, spiritual quest

The Hierophant is a card concerning spirituality and enlightenment. The card usually depicts a pope with a a triple tiered crown -this represents the unity between mind, body, and soul. He wears a necklace of crossed keys (one gold, one silver) which represents a balance between masculinity and femininity. He holds a book or scroll for knowledge and is seen sitting between two pillars. The pillars are opposites -night and day, good and evil, life and death. The Hierophant sits between these things, representing and understanding and balance between them. 

This card is a symbol for those looking to find meaning in life or embark on a quest of the spirit. It represents the search for truth and there is no religious restriction. 

In a spread, this card may indicate it is time for you to use your mind to find answers and solutions. Wisdom will get you far, as will balance.

Lady Unlaced

Modern Witchery: A Quick Blog Spotlight

As you all know, I am a witch! I cast spells, honour the Earth and the gods, read tarot cards, tote around crystals, and believe in the magick and energy of the universe. I am always on the lookout for new text to read that relate to this aspect of my life, be it a book, magazine, informational site, or blog.

Recently my best friend/other half started just that kind of blog and I am pretty much in love with it. It's perfect for the modern witch looking to add magick into their everyday. Check it out!

Magick 365: Witchcraft for Everyday Life

It's a fairly new blog so there's not a ton of posts to sift through yet, but what is there is definitely helpful and worth reading over. So far my favourite is the post on ways to stay focused for finals and end of the school year work, Final Fixes. Fluorite is always my go-to stone for studying and paper writing and there's a great bit on charm bags for staying motivated.

You should all go leave this pretty lady a comment or two on her stuff. She deserves it and I know it will make her smile :)

Lady Unlaced

Full Moon Tonight

That's right lovelies, tonight is the Full Moon! I missed the eclipse unfortunately, but that doesn't mean I'm going to let that get me down. And if you're witchy like me, then you know that this is the perfect time for spellcrafting. The mother Moon is shining bright in the sky, and all magickal acts are sure to be aided and watched over by the Goddess.

Need some ideas on how to celebrate and honour the Full Moon tonight? I am here to help! :D


*Cast a circle outside under the moon. Have with you a candle (white or black preferably) and a slip of paper with something you want to release written on it. This can be anything -a bad habit, negative thoughts, etc. Call on the energy of the Moon and ask for its aid to help you to banish this from your life. Burn the paper over the candle flame. Take the time to ground your energy and then bask in the glow of the moon.

*Spend some time by the water. Water and the Moon are very closely associated. Find a beach and appreciate the waves of the ocean, or if you’re at a lake or pond just admire the water’s serenity and beauty. Walk along the shore and soak up the moonlight.

*Go for a walk! It can be through the woods or just down the road. Take the time to reflect on yourself and enjoy the night.

*Howl at the moon! Let your primal side take over and be a wolf! Be a creature of the night!

*Take this time to lay out crystals, water, divination tools, and anything you’d like to cleanse and give a lunar charge under the moonlight.

*Spend time in your garden, frolicking with the fae. Leave them gifts of moon-shaped treats and sugary delights!

Lady Unlaced