Herb and Candle

Here is my simplified altar after getting rid of some of the clutter. I've felt the need to simplify my life as much

As I step off the porch with bare feet I feel the cool richness of the earth beneath me, the refreshing crisp air of an early December night, and I take notice of the stars shining against the black of night.  With the chalice in my left hand, and cut apple revealing it's sacred star in my right hand; I venture out to leave my offerings that have adorned my altar the previous day.  As I kneel down before the old tree I take a moment of silence as my heart is filled with gratitude.  I place the apple at the base of the tree and know that I'm giving back a gift that already belonged to the earth.  I slowly tip the chalice and let the aromatic wine pour over the fruit.  As I rise, I look up once more and I feel the connection between myself and deity.  Seeing the stars glistening above the branches, I recognize the world tree in the place where I stand.  The old tree becomes the stang which connects this world to the upperworld and the underworld.  ...

As I sit at home this morning, gazing out the window and watching the trees dance in the wind; I'm reminded of my teenage years when I secretly practiced magick in the wooded hills of Kentucky.  I didn't have in my possession a single ritual tool.  The concept of drawing down the moon was foreign to me.  I had never heard of the Wiccan rede, nor did I know the dynamics of setting up a ritual altar.  However, there was such a connection between my spirit and that of the forest.  Instinctively I developed a relationship with the elements.  I felt a connection with the plants and the trees all around me.  I remember being drawn to certain herbs of the woods and intuitively working knot magick.  I would speak ecstatic utterances under my breath and call up the winds and the local spirits of the land.  While I now have more experience and knowledge of the craft, that can never replace the raw, uncompromising communion with nature.  As a paga...

When many people think of witches, the classic image comes to mind of an old crone stirring her potion in a large black cauldron over a rolling fire.  The cauldron holding her magickal brew is met with awe and mystery, as it is the tool of her mystical conjuration.  For those of the craft, the cauldron has come to be a symbol placed upon pagan altars, or a tool placed within the sacred circle.  But what of the cauldron?  What lies beyond its association with hags stirring up malevolent intent? For many modern pagans, the cauldron is associated with the element water when used in rites and spells.  While I agree that the cauldron has a dominate symbolism of water, the versatility of this sacred tool is one it's most endearing features.  The very shape of the cauldron can be symbolic of the womb, feminine power, and the goddess....in whatever capacity she is known to the witch.  (While I use the term witch, I recognize that some aff...

In the quiet of sacred space, before the altar of Dionysus, did I craft this intoxicating blend. With my Lady Hestia observing to the side, I had already quieted my mind and spirit in Her presence. The tarot had been spread and for the third day I had once again been reminded of protection all around me, having drawn the same card speaking this to my spirit. Rather than lighting my white working candle, as is typical for my workings, I chose to light a lovely purple candle charged with purification for this time of crafting. Standing now before the altar dedicated to this god of liberation and ecstasy, I raise my hands and welcome His presence. I pour libation into the chalice and present it as an offering to the Lord Dionysus, the wild god being twice born. As I began to blend a sacred oil, I infuse my intention into the vial. For this will be an anointing oil to bless my lord. My heart is filled with a prayer that this blend be pleasing to Him. It seemed only fitting to start with ...