CONTENTS

MY STORY AND THINGS TO KNOW

1.
Getting Started

2.
The Wheel of the Year

3.
The Moon

4.
Spells

5.
Witchcraft in the Broom Closet

6.
Sigils

7.
Herbs

8.
Divination
CONCLUSION
FURTHER READING
INDEX
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
 MY STORY

or as long as I can remember, I’ve felt a the simple life. I really felt The Witch of the
F strong pull toward nature and Witchcraft. I
loved the magick of the turning of the
Forest perfectly captured the essence of my Craft
at the time, and it still resonates with me so
seasons long before I even knew what The much now.
Wheel of the Year was. But it wasn’t until I was Over the years, my Instagram account has
22 that these interests turned into a practice and helped me to meet so many wonderful people
became my way of life. and make some amazing friends. I truly feel
I began my Witchcraft journey when I began blessed to have them all in my life, as each one
to practise Wicca, where many begin their has had a positive impact upon my Craft and has
journey. At the time, I was very much a ‘witch in helped me grow and evolve. I never thought it
the broom closet,’ where I stayed for nearly ten would one day provide a space that would
years due to family circumstances that are, enable me to share my knowledge and give
thankfully, no longer an issue. I like to call that practical guidance to other Witches. I want to say
my former life, but it really shaped my early thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to
years in the Craft. Like many people in the broom everyone who has helped me along the way, and
closet, I had to get creative, and it’s surprising to you, reading this book right now. I truly am so
how many tricks you pick up over the years that thankful for your presence and for all your
allow you to practise your Craft under the radar. support and help.
Social media played a huge part on my I hope this book helps you along your journey
Witchcraft journey, as it gave me a place to and helps you connect with yourself and the
express myself, talk to like-minded people and natural world on a deeper level. As Witches, we
learn about the Craft in a discreet way. I started
my Instagram account @thewitchoftheforest in
2012 to create a safe, anonymous space for me to all walk very different paths, but my wish is that
explore Witchcraft. I didn’t want to use my real this book will help you discover the path that is
name, so I adopted the name The Witch of the right for you. There is no wrong way or right way
Forest. As an Earth sign (I’m a stubborn Taurus), to practise Witchcraft, just your way. Remember,
I get so much of my grounding and balance from if you are looking for the right way to go in the
being outside and connecting to nature, Craft, we are all our own best teacher.
especially in woods and forests. I could picture I am honored that I can walk with you on
myself as an old woman, living in a little house in your path as you have been there on mine.
the middle of a beautiful pine forest, growing my
own food and herbs, mixing potions and living
 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE you embark on your journey through this book:

EVERYBODY’S PATH & PRACTICE IS DIFFERENT YOU CAN PRACTISE ALONE OR AS PART OF A
When I began my Craft, my practice was COMMUNITY
influenced by East Anglian Witchcraft and later Being a solitary practitioner or a Witch initiated
Cornish traditional Witchcraft. After practising into a coven makes you an equally authentic
Wicca in the broom closet for a few years, my Witch. The kind of Witch you become is
Craft then evolved into the more traditional completely in your own hands and will be
practice it is today, as I felt connected to how it shaped by your commitment to researching,
lent equal value to light/dark, left/right, learning, practising and honouring Witchcraft.
masculine/feminine and the known/unknown. It can feel overwhelming to begin your
Yet when I first started out in the Craft, Witchcraft journey alone. There is so much to
having a label for my Craft felt important to help learn and it’s not always easy to find accurate
me figure out who I was. I felt I needed to have a information or know where to start. But this
specific identity and the order that this identity book will help you navigate and find the right
brought. As I developed though, I started to feel path for you. It can act as your starting point at
that labels were restrictive. I discovered that by the beginning of your journey, or as a place to
focusing more on one area of the Craft in order check in with and re-centre your practice further
to fulfill and embody a specific identity, I down the line. Either way, I have filled it with
neglected a lot of my other skills and it made my resources I wish I had had when I began my own
Craft feel unbalanced. I needed to learn to journey.
embrace the Witch I was, and that meant
accepting that although I didn’t fall into any YOUR CRAFT DOESN’T HAVE TO COST A
specific type of Witchcraft, it didn’t mean I FORTUNE
wasn’t a ‘real’ Witch. An important point all Witches, not just those at
Whoever you are and however you came to the start of their journey, should know is that
the Craft, you don’t need to label your practice. your practice doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Don’t worry about how you categorize your Social media can give the impression that to be a
Craft. It’s more important to find the path that Witch, you must wear all black, have a cauldron,
feels right and is authentic to you. a fully stocked herb cupboard, incense, every
colour of candle and every crystal, all of which
YOU DON’T NEED TO BE A HEREDITARY WITCH can cost a small fortune. But being a Witch is so
TO PRACTISE POWERFULLY much more than the kind of tools you use or
There is often a misconception that being a clothes you wear, and having these things
hereditary Witch somehow makes your Craft doesn’t mean your magick will be any stronger
more valid compared to someone (like me) who or your spells more successful. Whether you
is walking their own path as the first Witch in enjoy collecting and using these items or your
their family. But as beautiful as it is to come from toolkit is more minimalist, your practice will be
a long line of Witches, with all the family history, just as powerful either way. It’s the strength,
traditions and practices associated with it, it is power, and focus of your intention that matters.
not necessary to become a Witch.
WHETHER YOU’RE A WITCH IN THE BROOM what works for you. Feel free to take any spells
CLOSET OR AN OUT-AND-PROUD WITCH IN or recipes in this book as guidelines, and make
PROGRESS, THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU them your own by adding items or substituting
I understand how hard it is to have to hide the ingredients to suit your needs and intentions.
magickal part of yourself from the people around Make this magick your own!
you. This is why, as my Craft has grown, I have
wanted to help other Witches who don’t have the AND REMEMBER, A WITCH NEVER STOPS
option to come out of the broom closet to LEARNING
practise their Craft in a way that is both fulfilling As you discover more about the Craft, you will
and subtle. For example, there are so many ways also discover so much about yourself as you
to celebrate the Sabbats, honour the cycles of the learn to connect with yourself on a deeper level.
Moon and perform magick in a way that isn’t Magick is a grounding form of nourishment that
obvious to the untrained eye. connects us to the natural world, and to be a
Witch is to be aligned and harmonized with the
HAVE FUN & MAKE YOUR OWN MAGICK natural world and the elements.
It’s easy to get caught up in the aesthetic Just like nature, we too are ever-changing
Witchcraft on social media, but Witchcraft is raw and growing. Be dedicated to your own growth
and is not always so neat and tidy. Give yourself and be actively committed to lifelong learning. A
permission to have fun and find your own kind of Witch’s learning is never complete, regardless of
magick and authentic style. Play, adapt and find how long they have been in the Craft!
 1
GETTING STARTED
Starting your Witchcraft journey, however magickal it may feel, can be overwhelming. Where do you start? What tools do you need?
What are the basics you need to know? The list of questions in your mind is probably a long one. And that’s completely normal!
When I began to practice Witchcraft, I remember feeling lost, and in the days before social media, it was hard to find information as
easily as we can now. This chapter will start to answer some of these questions, and sets out some of the central things about the Craft
I wish I had known when I started my journey.
Let’s get started!
 RESEARCH Topics
hen it comes to starting your Witchcraft journey as a Witch is to continue growing,
W practice, the value of undertaking your
own research and spending time reading
evolving, and deepening your connection with
yourself, your intuition, and with the power of
and learning can’t be underestimated. If nature, no matter how knowledgeable or
you are a solitary Witch, using your own advanced you may become.
initiative to learn is how you’ll start to build a
foundation of knowledge on which your Craft
can grow and develop.
I have found in my practice that the only way
to make the beginning of my journey feel less
overwhelming is to start! You must start
somewhere, so pick a topic that really interests
you and go from there. It might be tempting to
think you need to read anything and everything
about Witchcraft at first, but this can add to the
feeling of being overwhelmed, so don’t be afraid
to be selective at first and follow your own
particular interests.
If you read something about a practice you
don’t like or feel comfortable with, move on.
Your studies are there to help you build up a
better sense of the kind of Witch you are and to
help you walk the path that feels right to you.
You will probably find that one topic flows into
another and your studies will start to take on a
life of their own. The hardest part is just starting.
There is no right or wrong way to approach
your own learning in terms of the topics you
choose to study and in what order. The most
important thing is that you are committed to
your own growth not only as a Witch, but on a
personal level too. It doesn’t matter how quickly
your studies progress, as long as you are
committed to them.
Regardless of how long they have been in the
Craft, no Witch knows everything. It is a lifelong
journey. A special kind of magick takes place
when you realize that the purpose of your
 TOPICS TO RESEARCH

The history of Witchcraft Types of Witches and traditions

Methods of divination

Color magick

Herbs and magickal properties

The elements Crystals and their magickal properties

Types of spells Moon phases and cycles

 PAGANISM

Paganism is an umbrella term for all nature-based religions. Pagans honor ancient deities, usually the Goddess as

the Moon and the God as the Sun.

WICCA

Wicca is a brand of Paganism and is called a Neopagan religion. Wicca is also focused on living life in tune with nature and

honoring ancient deities.

WITCHCRAFT

Witchcraft is a practice and not a religion. Witchcraft is an umbrella term for those who practice magickal workings.
 PAGANISM, WICCA & Witchcraft
sed frequently in books and on social different names, they are all considered to be
U media, often interchangeably, Paganism,
Wicca, and Witchcraft are terms that can
branches of Paganism.
A Wiccan is a person who is a Pagan and a
become really confusing. It can also be hard to practitioner of Witchcraft, so is also Witch
gauge where to place yourself and your own (regardless of gender). Wicca is a Neopagan
beliefs and what you identify as. There are so religion, where the Goddess is the Moon and
many “types” of Witches (green, traditional, the God is the Sun; some branches of Wicca
gray, and so on) but they all fall beneath one honor more deities. This is a personal choice
(or often more) of the three main umbrella that allows you to find your own path and do
terms of Paganism, Wicca, and Witchcraft. what feels right for you. All Wiccans follow the
In broad terms, Paganism is any religion, Wheel of the Year (see Chapter 2) and have the
usually in Western Europe, that is not one of Wiccan Rede as a moral system for their
the three Abrahamic religions—Judaism, practices. The Rede is simple and states, “An ye
Christianity, and Islam. More specifically, harm none, do as you will”, (Do as you wish, as
Paganism is the term used to describe those long as it doesn’t harm anyone), which are the
who follow a nature- or Earth-based folk fundamentals of the Wiccan religion.
religion and honor ancient deities. It’s based on Witchcraft is a practice and not a religion,
the rhythms and cycles of the natural world, which is why it’s called a “craft”. It involves the
including the seasons and the phases of the practice of magickal skills (like spell-work and
Moon. Pagans believe in both a God and a rituals) that are guided by your own moral
Goddess (although some Pagans honor more code and ethics. A Witch can follow many paths
than just one of each), with an emphasis on and it is up to the individual to forge their own
balance. Under the umbrella that is Paganism, path. It’s important to note that all Wiccans are
there is a vast number of different traditions Witches and Pagans, but not all Witches are
such as Wicca, Shamanism, Druidry, and Wiccan and Pagan. Not all Witches are religious
Asatru, and although they may be called and believe in any deities, but rather they
follow and honor the rhythms of nature.
 USEFUL WITCHCRAFT TOOLS

CAULDRON
Metal pot used to burn or hold spell ingredients—symbolizes the divine feminine.

CANDLES
Used in spells, rituals, and as a meditation aid, candles are the most common Witchcraft tool.

MORTAR & PESTLE

The traditional way to grind up herbs, spices, and resins.
 BESOM
A broom used for cleansing and sweeping away negative energy.

INCENSE
Represents the four elements. Use for rituals and spells, as energy is released when burned.

BOLINE
HERBS SPICES & RESINS A white-handled knife used to cut herbs and carve
Use for spells, rituals and potions, oils, and infusions. candles.
 USEFUL Witchcraft Tools
hen it comes to tools of the Craft, what grind up herbs, spices, and resins. A good tip is
W you choose to use is a personal choice.
Most of the tools in my Craft are there
to focus your intentions for your working as
you grind your ingredients, to amplify the
to perform a practical use, so I’ve chosen the energy they bring.
items that I use the most as a rough guide. Incense is another inexpensive tool at a
Some of them are inexpensive so are also great Witch’s disposal, whether it be in cone, stick, or
for Witches on a budget. If you opt not to use loose form. It represents the four elements: the
some of them, but use others, remember it is smoke wafts through the air, which is created
your choice and there is no right or wrong way, by fire; it uses materials that have been grown
just your way. Use the tools that feel right to and made by the earth; and is formed by using
you. water. Burning incense helps to create the right
The cauldron will always be synonymous atmosphere for your workings and helps to
with Witchcraft and it’s certainly a useful tool focus your attentions on the purpose of a
to own. Traditionally, a cauldron is a cast spell/ritual.
iron/metal pot with a handle and lid, used for A boline (or bolline) is traditionally a
cooking over a fire. In Witchcraft, it has a single-bladed, white handled ritual knife. It’s
myriad of uses. It can be used to burn items for used for carving things like symbols into
magickal workings and hold spell ingredients. candles during a spell or ritual, as well as for
Filling up a cauldron and adding a drop of black cutting magickal ties. It is useful because not
food coloring makes the perfect surface for only does a boline fulfill a ritualistic role, but it
scrying (see here) too! has many practical uses too. It can also be used
Candle magick is one of the most common for trimming plants and cutting up herbs,
forms of Witchcraft. It’s one of the least string, and ribbons.
expensive items too, as all you need is the A besom is a long-handled broom that can
strength of your intention and something to be made by tying twigs to a thin piece of willow
light them with. When it comes to green wood with string or straw. It is commonly used
Witchcraft, a mortar and pestle is a very useful to sweep away negative energy.
tool to have. Although sometimes a bit heavy
on the hand and wrist, it’s a traditional way to
 HOUSEHOLD Tool Alternatives
s good as it might be to have a cauldron or grinder, using a rolling pin and kitchen cloth
A a mortar and pestle, getting hold of these
items can be difficult, especially if you’re
works too. Place the ingredients in the cloth
and wrap them up, then gently use the rolling
on a budget or are in the broom closet. But pin to break up the ingredients.
there’s good news! You don’t actually need any A wand—a thin, light rod used to channel
of these tools to practice the Craft. They are and direct energy—can be made of any wood.
good to have but not essential. In fact, you Go out and forage for a branch that calls to you,
probably have things in your house that can be then carefully whittle it down and even carve
perfect alternatives to many common meaningful symbols into the wood.
Witchcraft tools! Just make sure that you A besom can be replaced with a vacuum
thoroughly cleanse any items before you use cleaner, or even a dustpan and brush. It’s the
them. You will find more information on action of sweeping away negative energy that
exactly how to cleanse on this page. matters, not the method you chose to do it
A cauldron can be replaced by something with.
like a saucepan, a slow cooker (crockpot) or Divination is a big part of a Witch’s Craft,
any kind of heatproof dish. These can be used but you can easily carve your own sigils (which
for burning spell ingredients, burning candles, you will learn about in Chapter 6) into salt
and even making magickal food. dough instead of wood, chalk, or stone. To
A boline is easily made from any kind of make salt dough, use 2 cups of plain flour, 1
kitchen knife, just as long as the blade is sharp cup of salt and up to 1 cup of water. Knead the
enough to cut things like herbs and carve mixture into a dough and separate into 24
candles. small balls. Make them into disc shapes and
A mortar and pestle is a must for all green bake in the oven at 250°F/120°C/Gas ½ for 3
Witches, but there are a few household hours. Decorate by carving when cool, being
alternatives. A coffee grinder or blender can do sure to focus your attentions on the purpose of
the job just as well, and if you don’t have a a spell/ritual.
HOUSEHOLD TOOL ALTERNATIVES

COFFEE GRINDER
A grinder can often replace a a mortar and pestle.
 COOKING POT
KITCHEN KNIFE
Use a crockpot or suacepan as you would a couldron.
A staple of every kitchen, a kitchen knife can be used
as a boline.

.
TREE BRANCH
Search the ground for a branch of wood to fashion into a
DUST PAN AND BRUSH
wand
Visualise sweeping away negative energy like a besom using a dust
.
pan and brush

SALT DOUGH SIGILS

Make your own set of sigils using salt dough.
ALL THE POWER IS ALREADY INSIDE YOU
 INTENT & Witchcraft
ntent plays a central role in Witchcraft: it’s energy and it works to guide it into the
I what helps to drive your magick forward. An
intent is deciding what you want the
direction of your desired outcome. Intention
strengthens and concentrates the energy you
outcome of your workings to be and then raise, which increases the efficacy and speed of
communicating that to the universe (or your workings. As you practice your Craft, you
whatever power you work with) as clearly and will learn to hone and strengthen your intent,
precisely as possible. and work with raising your energy.
It’s best to be as specific as you can when When you set intentions, it’s also crucial to
telling the higher force you are working with ensure you do your share of the work to drive
(whether that’s the universe, a deity, your the process forward. You must make the
higher self or another power) exactly what you necessary changes to your behavior so you can
want, as being clear helps to ensure that your align your actions with your intentions and
workings don’t manifest any unwanted values, and meet the power you are working
energies. Intention is where a lot of your power with halfway. For example, if you want to
for your works and comes from. This is a skill manifest a new job, you must do your share of
you will develop as you practice more, and the the work to help bring this result about, such as
wonderful thing about intention is that all the keeping your CV up to date and actively looking
power is already inside you: it’s not a tool you for and applying for the jobs you want.
have to purchase to activate and use, but a skill The changes you make to your behavior
you can hone without the use of many should be mundane as well as magickal.
accompanying materials. Learning to balance intent, energy, and action
Intent is not the only important thing you will help you develop a stronger understanding
need to harness to ensure successful spells— of how magick works, and will help you to
you must harness your inner energy and the become completely invested in the process of
energy around you, too. Energy is “raised” as a creating the change you need. The more
result of our magickal workings, the understanding of magick you can acquire
ingredients we use, and our words and actions. through practice, the more effective a Witch
Intention acts as a kind of filter for all this you will grow to become.
 EARTH | NORTHGreen/Brown | Winter Solstice
Capricorn • Taurus • Virgo
Apple, comfrey, cypress, fern, all grains, all grasses,honeysuckle, ivy,
mugwort, oak, primrose, rhubarb, vervain

AIR | EASTYellow | Spring Equinox

Aquarius • Gemini • Libra
Citron peel, frankincense, bergamot, lavender, lemon verbena, lemongrass,
marjoram, mint, star anise, yarrow

FIRE | SOUTHRed/Orange | Summer Solstice

Sagittarius • Leo • Aries
Allspice, basil, bay-laurel, cinnamon, cloves, cilantro, dill, fennel, garlic, nettles,
nutmeg, peppermint, rosemary

WATER | WESTBlue | Autumn Equinox

Cancer • Scorpio • Pisces

Chamomile, cardamom, heather, jasmine, lemon, lilac, lily,

seaweed sandalwood, rose, vanill a
 THE Elements
ature is the foundation of Witchcraft, and elements in your workings. Energy is the
N the four elements play a central role in
this. For thousands of years, alchemists
foundation of all elemental magick and it’s
about tapping into this energy and moving and
have worked with the four elements; the manipulating it toward your own intentions.
building blocks of the universe. Earth, Air, Fire To get in touch with the elements, return to
and Water play an integral part in the cycle of nature. Go outside and feel, observe, or touch
birth, death, and rebirth happening all around the solid earth. Feel its energy surging through
us in natural world. On the opposite page, I you and expand your senses so you take in the
have included a non-exhaustive list of some of whole picture, including its smell, sight, sound
the herbs best associated with each element. and feel.
Elemental magick is about harnessing one Connect with the air by inhaling deeply,
or more of the elements to use their power in filling your lungs with the invisible element
your workings. Each of the elements has a that is fundamental to human life. Feel the
specific kind of spiritual energy and can be relaxing or revitalizing presence of water—
invoked as part of a ritual or spell to harness visit a lake or river, or fill up a bowl with water
these energies. This will add power to your so you can feel its power to purify and cleanse.
workings. It’s a good type of magick to start To connect with the less-present but highly
with as it involves basic ingredients such as soil energetic element of fire, light a candle and
for Earth, a candle for Fire, a feather for Air, focus on the flame, feel the warmth, the power,
and a cup of water. As my own Craft is not deity and the strength of its energy. Or, simply close
or religion based, working with the elements your eyes and take a moment to feel the
feels very natural. Learning to connect with warmth of the Sun on your skin.
them and balance their forces in your life not Nature has the power to bring about a
only enriches your Craft, but helps you to greater sense of balance and wellbeing to our
connect with yourself and nature on a deeper lives and connecting with the elements is a
level. simple way to connect with nature and the
Many Witches, not just Neopagans wider universe. Elemental magick is an
(Wiccans), who work with the rhythms of accessible form of magick for Witches at all
nature, work with the elements in their Craft. levels and abilities, regardless of where you are
Elemental magick is the practice of raising and on your journey.
using the energy of one or more of the
 GRIMOIRES & Book of Shadows
I t’s common practice for Witches to keep a record of their
Craft. How you do this is purely a personal choice, and it’s
Your natal chart
Successful spells you have tried
about finding out what is best for you. In general terms,
Witches keep two main types of magickal records: a Rituals
Grimoire and a Book of Shadows. Recipes
A Grimoire is like a magickal textbook that contains
Crystal meanings
information such as step-by-step instructions for spells and
rituals, as well as entries about herbs and crystals and how Magickal correspondences
to prepare magickal items like a talisman (an object that Tarot meanings
brings good luck). It doesn’t contain any personal information
Whether you keep your Grimoire or Book of Shadows to
about your Craft, just all the magickal research you have
yourself or choose to show it to others, there is no right or
undertaken.
wrong way. Some Witches (myself included) keep a book
A Book of Shadows is a different kind of book. It generally that is a blend of both a Grimoire and a Book of Shadows,
contains all the personal aspects of your workings and Craft, but again, this should be based on what feels right for you.
and many Witches opt to keep this as a personal record not
Witches often pass their Grimoires and Books of
meant to be seen by others.
Shadows on to the next generation of Witches. So whether
Common things to include in a Grimoire or Book of you are the first Witch in your family or part of a hereditary
Shadows include: line, passing on your books helps to keep your magick alive
A lunar diary in order to guide and teach others.
A dream diary
 A Grimoire is a magickal textbook that gives information on spells, rituals, and other workings. It contains general magickal
knowledge and doesn’t often contain personal information. A Book of Shadows contains personal magickal information, generally
for your eyes only. It contains entries about your dreams, your personal thoughts, and experiences.
 SETTING UP Your Altar
ltars can be created for a myriad of piece serves your Craft and spirituality in one
A purposes. Some altars are made to honor
a specific deity, while others are working
way or another. As you evolve on your spiritual
journey, you will probably find that your altar
altars where a Witch performs their spells will develop as you do and will reflect how you
and rituals. Others can be a mixture of the two. are growing as both a Witch and on a personal
Your altar can be as ornate or as plain, as large level. Like your Grimoire and/or Book of
or as small as you desire. It can also be created Shadows, you don’t have to share pictures of
wherever you want, and you can have more your altar with anyone if you feel
than one, if you wanted to have separate altar uncomfortable and want to keep it for your
for workings and, say, an ancestor altar. eyes and Craft only. Equally, if you feel happy
How you create your altar and what it looks and want to share your altar with others, then
like is down to you. There really aren’t any that’s also fine! It’s your personal magickal
rules to follow—your altar is a representation space and it’s completely up to you whether
of your Craft and it should be fit for whatever you choose to share it.
purpose you want it for. Remember that you don’t have to share any
Ancestor altars are not only for Samhain part of your Craft if it makes you feel
(see here). It’s a common practice for many uncomfortable. Many Witches on social media
Witches to have a space put aside somewhere share aspects of their Craft, such as pictures of
to honor their ancestors. This altar could their altars and workings, but this doesn’t
include old pictures, personal items owned by mean you should feel pressured to do the same
the departed as well as offerings of their if it’s not the way you want to go. There is not
favorite food and drinks. one aspect of your Craft you must share,
When choosing what you put on your altar, regardless of the trends on social media, so
a good rule of thumb is to make sure every don’t feel you have to go with the flow.
 1. Candles2. Incense3. Mortar and pestle4. Chalice5. Grimoire/Book of Shadows6. Representations of deities7. Offering bowl8.
Cauldron9. Representations of the elements10. Gifts from nature: crystals, stones, leaves, earth, flowers, shells11. Wand12. Altar
cloth
 ECO WITCHCRAFT

Don’t bury non-biodegradable materials Grow your own herbs Avoid “one use” plastic items and find greener
alternatives

Opt for secondhand books Buy herbs in bulk Buy ethically sourced crsystals and herbs

Re-use and repurpose items like jars and bottles Dispose of spell remnants thoughtfully after your workings
Collect your own water for your craft Forage for spell items but only take what you need
 ECO Witchcraft
hen we practice our Craft, it’s important know the origins of any items you purchase,
W to make sure it doesn’t have a negative
effect on the environment. There are
such as crystals, essential oils, incense, and
herbs. Unfortunately, the global trade for these
lots of little tips and tricks to help make products has got a dark side. Many larger
your practice greener. The actions we take can suppliers spray their herbs with chemicals or
not only protect the planet but help to add add synthetic ingredients to essential oils. The
energy to your magick because it brings you over-harvesting of sandalwood has damaged so
into greater alignment with the forces of much of the ecosystem in Australia and India,
nature. and the crystal-mining industry is also tainted
It’s important we have a good relationship by conflict: crystals are not a renewable
with the natural world if we want to raise and resource and there are big issues surrounding
use its energy; it’s counterproductive to harm sustainability as well issues of underage labour
the very power you want to work with. and exploitation. It’s good to know where the
Through the choices we make in our Craft, we items you buy come from so you can make an
can have a positive impact on our environment, informed choice.
and the more we do so can help us to connect When it comes to herbs, grow some
with nature on a deeper level. yourself! It is the greenest way to get the herbs
There are more obvious ways you can make you want for your workings and rosemary,
your Craft a little greener, such as repurposing thyme, basil, lemongrass, and mint are easy to
and recycling items like glass jars and bottles grow both outside and inside in plant pots.
and avoiding single-use plastics. Other Foraging is another great option and you might
methods include collecting your own rainwater be surprised about which herbs grow naturally
for your workings and being careful not to bury around your area. Just be sure to only take
nonbiodegradable items such as candle wax. what you need rather than plundering what is
One of the big ways you can have a positive available to you. It’s a great way to learn more
impact on the environment is to make sure you about herbs at the same time.
 CONSCIOUS Witchcraft
ust as it’s good to have more awareness about The same can be said for Palo Santo, which is

J environmental issues connected to your Craft, it’s also

important to have an awareness about the origins of our
practices. We all try to have the best intentions but it’s very
considered sacred by Indigenous people and often used in
the smudging ceremony. While its hallowed status among
Indigenous people has become more widely known, there
important to stop and evaluate our practices and have an are also huge issues of sustainability too. Contrary to popular
open mind so we can learn where they first came from and belief, the Palo Santo tree is not endangered, but its natural
how our practices may affect others. habitat is, and overharvesting has decimated the tropical dry
forests where it grows in South America. Ethically sourced
In recent years, it has become a trend to burn white sage.
Palo Santo is only available where the wood naturally falls
This practice has entered the mainstream consciousness
from the tree and is dried. Even so, it should not be used as
and now white sage can be bought easily online and in many
part of a smudging ceremony unless you are an indigenous
New Age shops. This practice, where white sage is burned
person.
and then the smoke is fanned around the room with a
feather, is widely known as ‘Smudging’. The problem is that There are many alternatives to Palo Santo; vervain,
smudging is part of a much larger sacred ceremony, yarrow, and mugwort for example, are great for smoke
performed by Indigenous people. cleansing. But if you decide you still want to use Palo Santo
or white sage, make sure you buy them from an Indigenous,
Terminology is important. Smudging is regularly taken out
sustainable smaller business. Big brands are more likely to
of context to mean just burning white sage to cleanse a
be involved in overharvesting, and if you are going to use
person or room, when this is only a small part of the
these materials, it’s good to be able to support the livelihoods
traditional Indigenous ceremony of purification. Out of
of the Indigenous communities, and understand more about
respect for the Indigenous community, many people refrain
where the spiritual practices we know them for today came
from using the term ‘Smudging’ and the use of white sage,
from.
instead opting for the term ‘smoke cleansing’ and burning
other herbs more native to them like rosemary, lavender, and
juniper.
 CLEANSING HERB ALTERNATIVES

1. Cinnamon - Psychic abilities, adds energy2. Peppermint - Renewal, Rest3. Lemongrass - Energising, Psychic abilites4. Juniper -
Regeneration, Protective5. Lavender - Healing, Calming6. Rosemary - Healing, Protection7. Bay Leaves - Prosperity, Protection8.
Cedar - Protection, Longevity
 CLEANSING
leansing is the act of removing any want to cleanse and visualize a bright white
C negative energies from a person, place, or
object. Many Witches regularly cleanse
light that hovers over the item, then pours into
it, washing away any negative energy on and
their living space so they so they can inside the item.
create a peaceful and balanced environment to Using sound can also clear the energy of a
live and practice their magick in. It’s also very space, as it helps to move away stagnant
useful cleanse yourself and your tools before energy and raise the vibrations of the area that
casting a spell or undertaking a ritual to create the sound is in, helping the energy that isn’t in
a balanced energy and the right environment resonance with the vibrations to move on out.
for your workings. Cleansing your tools also Other methods of cleansing without herbs
ensures there are no unwanted energies include ritual baths, using a besom to ‘sweep’
attached to them which could affect the energy away any negative energy, water cleansing,
and outcome of your workings. burying the object associated with negative
When it comes to burning herbs for energy in the soil for 12 to 24 hours, or putting
cleansing purposes, although white sage is the object into the light of the sun or moon,
often the first herb that comes to mind, with all depending on your intent. Sunlight is
the cultural and sustainability issues, you might associated with action and energy, while
want to opt for other forms of cleansing. There moonlight is connected to cleansing and
are lots of alternative herbs with purifying and charging. The phase of the moon is also
cleansing properties, so you can pick one that is important: be sure to choose the phase that
in line with your intention. aligns with your intentions so you can harness
Cleansing doesn’t just involve herbs. There the exact kind of energy you are trying to raise.
are various other methods, many of which Many Witches regularly cleanse their living
require few or no tools, so are great for the space so they can create a peaceful and
thrifty Witch! Methods include visualization balanced environment to live in.
and the use of the light of a white candle. To
visalize, sit comfortably and hold the item you
 Sound vibrations: sounds are vibratory and purify a space of negativity Visualization: visualizing a white light growing will cleanse
and purify your space Flower water: add petals to hot water. and let the steam cleanse your space

White light: use a white candle’s light to drive away negativity Sprays: fill a spray bottle with charged water and mist your space with
it Essential oils: use a diffuser and a cleansing essential oil like lavender
 2
THE WHEEL OF THE YEAR
This chapter will introduce each of the eight Sabbats—Neopagan religious festivals commemorating phases of the changing
seasons. It will also include a tarot spread for each, and my favorite correspondences to work with during each one
Correspondences are tables of individual tools and items such as crystals, herbs, colors, and deities that are grouped together,
because they share similar magickal properties. They are very useful when planning and constructing any kind of spell or ritual.
Celebrating the Sabbats helps us to align ourselves with Mother Nature as we observe the earthly and celestial cycles. The
Sabbats correspond to the movements of the Sun and stars and the changing of the seasons in the natural world. They are pre-
Christian customs related mostly the Celtic agricultural festivals, which is where they get their names. It’s a way to mark the
passage of time, because the Wheel never stops turning.
Not every Witch celebrates all the Sabbats. To honor the turning of the wheel, some observe Samhain, some only celebrate the
Solstices, while some choose to follow the changing of the seasons as they experience them. There isn’t a right or wrong way to
observe the Sabbats and it’s always best to follow the path that feels right to you.
 THE MEANING OF Samhain & Tarot Spread

SYMBOLIZES: Death, ancestors, honor, the the leaves on the trees to fall as he retreats into
thinning Veil, Witches New Year, spirits and the the shadows before he can be reborn at Yule.
spirit world, change, wisdom Many Pagan religions, including Wicca,
honor the Triple Goddess in her individual
amhain (pronounced “Sow-en”) is a Celtic aspects of Mother/Maiden/Crone. Each aspect
S Sabbat celebrated on October 31 in the
Northern Hemisphere and on May 1 in the
aligns with a different phase of the Moon and
charts the three main life phases of the
Southern Hemisphere. It is the first of the Goddess, which reflect the human experience,
four cross-quarter and fire festivals, which regardless of gender, from birth until death. At
mark the four midpoints on the Wheel of the Samhain, the Goddess transforms into her
Year between the Spring and Autumn Crone phase and mourns deeply for the God for
Equinoxes and the Summer and Winter six weeks until the next Sabbat, Yule. The
Solstices. Samhain marked summer’s end on Goddess entering her Crone phase symbolizes
old Celtic farming calendars. A Greater Sabbat, how we must first let go in order for us to be
it is the start of the Witch’s new year, and the able to move on.
end of the third and final harvest. The veil between the worlds of the living
Each Sabbat is associated with a different and the dead is at it’s very thinnest at Samhain.
phase of life for the God and Goddess. This is Traditionally, it’s the time of year where we try
more of a Neopagan and Pagan belief system to communicate with those on the other side of
and does not need to be part of your Sabbat the veil, which makes Samhain a powerful time
celebrations as a Witch if it doesn’t feel right for any form of divination, whether that is
for you; you can still celebrate the turning of tarot, a pendulum, runes or scrying.
the Wheel through your connection with Enjoy this transformational period when
nature, the way the seasons change around you we hover between the light and the dark, as
and the natural passing of time of the Earth. Samhain marks the midpoint between the
On this Sabbat, the God of summer, Autumn Equinox and the Winter Solstice. Allow
represented by the Sun, dies, signifying the yourself to let go of the things that are no
coming of winter as we enter the dark half of longer serving you, and instead look to the new
the year. The death of the God has a direct year with optimism.
consequence on the natural world, and causes
 SAMHAIN

It marks the start of winter, the end of a year, and the start of a new one.

It is a Sabbat of contrast with endings and beginnings.

Pronounced ‘Sow-en’. Samhain is

the third and final harvest.

It’s a time to remember our

ancestors and honor them.

The veil between worlds thins, making it easier to

communicate with the dead.

This makes it the perfect time for divination.

 1. HONOR
How can I honor my ancestors?
2. CONNECT
How do I need to connect to them better?
3. SHADOW
What shadows do I need to confront?
4. RELEASE
What do my ancestors want me to let go of?
5. GUIDANCE
A message from my ancestors
6. FOCUS
What ancestral gifts do you want me to channel?
 SAMHAIN RITUALS

Leave offerings outside for the dead.

Create an altar with photos of ancestors who have passed.

Make a besom to sweep Hold a Dumb Supper for those who have passed.

away negativity.

Hold a candle ceremony for your ancestors.

Cast a family protection spell and share stories.

Cook family recipes, using the spices below.

Practice divination.
 SAMHAIN CORRESPONDENCES

Cerridwen, Hecate, Lilith, Osiris,

Horned God, Demeter, Persephone

Citrine, Carnelian, Ametrine,

Moonstone, Hematite, Botswana, Agate,

Apples, Nut breads, Pumpkin,

Rosemary, Mugwort, Wormwood, Tarragon,
Gingerbread, Root Vegetables
Bay Leaf, Pine Needles, Nettle

Sandalwood, Dragon’s Blood, Benzoin, Patchouli, Cinnamon

 SAMHAIN RITUALS & Spell Correspondence
amhain rituals don’t have to be long or relative and it can still can be a very symbolic
S complicated, unless that feels right for
you. Sometimes, simple rituals are the
act.
On your ancestor altar, place items such as
most meaningful. There are so many photos, personal items owned by the person
things you can do at Samhain that will help you you want to honor (like a ring), or offerings of
to connect to nature’s seasonal cycle. their favorite food and drink. Water is also
A ritual is about performing an established traditionally placed on an altar for any spirits
action with intent for a particular purpose. A that pass through. If you don’t have any
ritual can be something as simple as lighting a photographs, you can write the person’s name
balefire (a Middle-English term for a large on a piece of paper and put that on your altar.
outdoor fire); carving a pumpkin, using the If you want to leave an offering for the dead
action of working with the pumpkin to connect at Samhain, there are lots of options. You could
yourself to the grounding and balancing force visit a cemetery and place a coin on the grave
of nature; or cooking recipes to help you honor of a loved one to honor them, or leave an
those who have passed. offering of meat, tobacco, dark candles, or coins
At this time of year, it’s common for a for the spirits who are traveling through the
practitioner to make an altar upon which they veil. You can also pour a drink, usually alcohol,
can remember and honor their loved ones who into the earth.
have passed, particularly those who practiced Another traditional ritual is holding a Dumb
the Craft. If you are the first Witch in your Supper: a meal where you set an extra place at
family and don’t have blood relatives who the dinner table and serve an extra plate of
followed the Old Ways, you can still honor our food to represent the spirit of the person or
brothers and sisters in the Craft who have people you want to honor. The meal is then
passed; it’s not necessary to be an actual blood eaten in silence, and the food is traditionally
thrown away as a mark of respect to the dead.
 THE MEANING OF Yule & Tarot Spread
Pagan tradition of lighting candles and
balefires (bonfires) to lure back the Sun and
celebrate the coming of lighter, brighter days.
SYMBOLIZES: Beginnings, cycles, rebirth, rest,
The Winter Solstice is the best day of the
gratitude, light and dark
year for self-reflection. The longest night of the
year provides the darkness we need to look
ule is a Lesser Sabbat that falls between
into ourselves. We can evaluate and reflect on
Y December 21 and 23 in the Northern
Hemisphere and June 20 and 23 in the
the year that has passed, the good and bad
things, the things you have learned and the
Southern Hemisphere. This astrological
things you want to achieve in the future. It’s a
event is also known as the Winter Solstice: the
time to plant seeds and set goals and intentions
time in the year when we have reached the
for the coming year that will give you
depth of darkness with the coming of the
opportunities for growth. Yule is a time of quiet
longest night and the shortest day of the year.
energy which makes it the perfect time for rest,
From this point on, the days get a little longer
recharging our batteries, and self-care.
as we leave the dark half of the year behind. It’s
a time where the Wheel moves from Waning When the Wheel turns to Yule, the God who
(decreasing) to Waxing (increasing) with the died at Samhain is reborn via the Goddess. The
promise of brighter days to come, and Yule Winter Solstice marks the longest day of the
celebrates the eternal cycle of life, death, and year and from this point onward, the days grow
rebirth as well as the triumph of the light over longer as we welcome back the Sun. The
the darkness. returning Sun represents the rebirth of the
God, sometimes known as the Oak King, who
Yule is one of the most celebrated of the
will reign over our longer days and shorter
eight Sabbats as its traditions and customs
nights. Although his power is still in its infancy,
have become so ingrained in popular culture.
shown by the still relatively short days, the
Christmas trees, bright lights, gifts, a divine
God’s power will continue to increase until it
birth, yule logs and many other traditions all
reaches its height again at Litha.
have Pagan origins. The lights they light,
whether electric or candle, originate from the
 YULE

Yule marks the turning of the Wheel from Waning to Waxing, dark to light.

The festival marks the Winter Solstice, the shortest day and the longest night.
It’s time to plant seeds, rest, reflect inwardly, and settle in for the colder months.

It marks the beginning of 12 days when we honor the coming of the Sun.

It celebrates the Goddess giving birth to the God known as the Oak King.

It’s a fire festival of rebirth and the coming of longer days.

 1. What must I let go?
2. What seeds do I need to sow?
3. What needs more of my energy?
4. What needs less of my energy?
5. What does the darkness reveal?
6. What do I need to reflect on?
7. How do I nourish my soul?
 YULE RITUALS & Spell Correspondence
You can burn herbs like rosemary, cloves, frankincense,
Y and nutmeg on the log, but do not burn mistletoe as it
produces toxic smoke.
Evergreens were cut and brought indoors to symbolize
ule is probably the easiest Sabbat to celebrate, particularly in
rebirth and renewal. They were thought to have power over
the broom closet, because so many of the ancient Yule
death because they stayed green all year round. Making an
traditions have found their way into mainstream
evergreen wreath is a great way to celebrate Yule because
consciousness. Many are viewed as “traditional” Christmas
evergreens were thought to defeat winter demons, and even
celebrations so would not raise any suspicions if practiced in
hold back the force of death itself.
the Northern Hemisphere. There are many familiar, yet
meaningful rituals such as decorating a Yule tree, making Another ancient Yule ritual is to make Wassail, an
gingerbread, making a Yule log and drinking mulled wine alcoholic drink of hot mulled cider that is used to toast good
that all have Pagan origins that can be used to celebrate the health. The drink was put in a large cup or chalice (goblet)
Sabbat. They can also help you to connect with the season and was shared among the people present, who would lift
by bringing nature indoors. the cup before drinking to say “waes hael”, to which the
response was “drinc hael”, meaning “drink and be well”.
Making your own Yule log is a great way to celebrate the
Wassail was thought to drive away evil spirits and ensure a
Sabbat. The log is decorated with evergreens, candles,
good crop next year, so a glass would then be poured onto
pinecones, berries and, traditionally, the gifts people wanted
the earth to encourage fertility.
to receive from the Gods. Once you’ve created your log,
there is a simple Yule Log ritual which is a meaningful way of A simple recipe for Wassail is 8 cups of apple cider, 2
welcoming back the Sun. Bring your Yule log into your home cups of orange juice, 2 cups of cranberry juice, 2 cups of
a few weeks before the Winter Solstice to decorate it. On the spiced brandy, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 tablespoon of cloves,
night of the Solstice, have a fire and burn some of the log, allspice, ginger, and nutmeg to taste (usually 1 tablespoon of
Traditionally, a part of the Yule log is burned every evening each). Place the mixture in a saucepan and simmer on a low
until Twelfth Night (the last night of the Twelve Days of heat for two hours.
Christmas).

YULE RITUALS

Make gingerbread.
Watch the Sun rise after the shortest day. Create an evergreen wreath.

Decorate a Yule log and a Yule tree. Make time for reflection.

Drink Wassail, mulled wine, or spiced hot chocolate. Have a balefire (bonfire).

Carve sigils into candles and then light them.

 YULE CORRESPONDENCES

Tanzanite, Onyx, Turquoise, Ametrine, Orange, Calcite, Chrysocolla, Garnet

Mistletoe, Holly, Evergreens, Nutmeg, Clove, Cinnamon, Cardamon, Frankincense

Krampus, Holda, Demeter, Ceres, Oak King, Baldur, Dionysus, Frigga, Horus

Cider, Fruit, Nuts, Vegetables, Plum Pudding

Myrrh, Juniper, Cedar, Pine

 IMBOLC

Imbolc celebrates the early signs of spring and the passing of winter. It’s a cross-quarter Sabbat, one that is the

midpoint between each solstice and equinox.

It’s a time where the Goddess Brigid is often honored as the Goddess of the hearth. The Sun’s rebirth is also honored

along with the recovery of the Goddesses.

It’s a Sabbat of purification, so is a good time to

Imbolc is a time to make space for new

remove things in your life that no longer serve you.

opportunities and beginnings.

1. What areas of my life do I need to grow?
2. How do I nurture this growth?
3. What should I clear from my life?
4. How do I facilitate this clearing?
5. How do I nurture myself?
 THE MEANING OF Imbolc & Tarot Spread

SYMBOLIZES: Rebirth, awakening, cleansing, earth grow. The Goddess, now in her maiden
purifying, seeds, fertility, patience aspect, is recovering from giving birth to the
God at Yule, and Brigid, the Irish Goddess of the
he Gaelic festival of Imbolc (pronounced hearth, fire, childbirth, and midwifery, is
T “ee-molc”) is celebrated from February 1
to Sundown on February 2 in the Northern
honored during Imbolc. She is young and
fertile, which is reflected in the fertility of the
Hemisphere, and August 1 to 2 in the natural world at this time of year, and her
Southern Hemisphere. The second of the four festival was so embedded in Irish culture that
cross-quarter festivals, and a Greater Sabbat the Roman Catholic Church was forced to
also known as St Brigid’s Day, it marks the include Brigid as a saint’s day in their calendar
successful passing of winter and the beginning and rename it St Brigid’s Day.
of a new agricultural cycle. It’s the first fire At Imbolc, the God is still in his child form,
festival and is a celebration of early spring, as but is growing in strength and power, which is
the days continue to grow longer, and the first where the association with this Sabbat and new
signs of growth begin to shoot up from the cold opportunities stems from. Like the Goddess
earth. who shifts throughout the year between her
This cross-quarter Sabbat (between the Maiden/ Mother/Crone aspects, the God
Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox) marks the himself grows and matures from one Sabbat to
midpoint in winter, and even though the earth the next, until he begins to wane and die at
might seem mostly dormant and dead, below Lammas.
the ground the energy of the earth is waking Imbolc serves as a reminder to look at the
up. If we look hard enough, we should be able natural world through the eyes of a child to
to see some signs of life in the natural world rediscover its beauty and wonder. Celebrating
around us. While Yule was a time to rest and the Sabbats really does help us to form a strong
recharge, Imbolc is the time where life begins connection with nature and her cycles in a
to stir from its slumbers. deeper way.
Imbolc celebrates the return of light to the
land, and means “in the belly”, which refers to
the pregnancy of animals like cows and ewes.
The days are getting longer, the nights get
shorter and the battle between light and dark
favors light once more, helping the seeds in the
Make a Brigid Cross and place it on your altar. Make an Imbolc incense using the herbs below.

Make a corn dolly. Spring clean. Use a besom to sweep away negativity.

Plant seeds in the ground. Light a red candle to honor the Sun.
 IMBOLC CORRESPONDENCES

Amethyst, Carnelian, Calcite, Turquoise, Peridot Moonstone, Chrysocolla Cinnamon, Basil, Rosemary, Wormwood,

Chamomile, Blackberry

Brigid, Danu, Vesta, Diana, Athena, Gaia Nuts, Eggs, Dried Fruit, Dairy products, Lamb, Seeds

Myrrh, Lavender, Frankinsence, Jasmine, Camphor

 IMBOLC RITUALS & Spell Correspondence
mbolc celebrates the coming of early spring, opportunities and beginnings associated with
I when nature starts to come alive. Although
Yule is concerned with mentally sewing
Imbolc.
Imbolc is the first of four major fire
seeds, Imbolc is a time for physically sowing festivals, so lighting a balefire is one good way
seeds in the soil. The earth may still look and to honor the season and welcome the light of
feel asleep, but it’s far from dormant! The act of the Sun. If you can’t have a big fire, light a red
sowing seeds helps to put us in touch with candle to symbolize the coming of the lighter
nature and the cycle of life happening all days and shorter nights. A good way to start
around us. We can appreciate this part of the the process of spring cleaning is to write down
Wheel of the Year more because it puts us in all the aspects of your life you want to clear
touch with the growing energy of the earth. away and then burning the list in the fire of the
Imbolc is the first of three spring Sabbats, candle. Imbolc isn’t just about physical
and is associated with cleansing and purifying. cleaning— it’s a good time to clear out mental
You can make a ritual from using a besom or clutter too.
vacuum cleaner to remove any negative or The Goddess Brigid can be honored in
stagnant and unwanted energies from your traditional ways such as making a corn dolly, or
home. It’s not just energies that can be swept making a Brigid’s Cross. This is an ancient Irish
away at Imbolc, but it’s also a good time to do custom where a cross is woven from rushes or
some physical spring cleaning and decluttering straw with a square in the center and the four
around your home of things you don’t use. Use arms tied at the end. Step-by-step instructions
it as an opportunity for clearing everything are easily found with a quick internet search.
from your life that no longer serves you on all It’s sometimes known as a Celtic Sun Wheel,
levels, including people, situations, issues, and which is a reminder that Imbolc is the festival
material belongings. It will allow you to open where the coming of the light from the Sun is
yourself up and makes the most of the new celebrated.
 THE MEANING OF Ostara & Tarot Spread

SYMBOLIZES: Fertility, growth, rebirth, new complete. Signs of spring can be seen
life, purification, balance everywhere, and the fertility of the Earth can
be both seen and felt.
stara (pronounced “oh-star-ah”) is a There’s no doubt that the Christian festival
O Lesser Sabbat that falls between March
20 and 23 in the Northern Hemisphere,
of Easter finds many of its roots and spirituality
from the Sabbat of Ostara—the names
and September 20 and 23 in the themselves reflect the Pagan influence. Easter
Southern Hemisphere. It is the second spring is about rebirth, resurrection, and new life, just
festival on the Wheel of the Year, and is a like Ostara. Another similarity is the role that
celebration of life, growth, fertility, rebirth, and eggs play in both festivals. The egg is easily one
abundance. Ostara is also known as the Spring of the most well-known symbols of Ostara.
Equinox, the time when the hours of light and Eggs are a universal sign of new life and they
dark are at equal length and in perfect were often carried as fertility amulets and
equilibrium. It’s a time of balance, not just light given as gifts.
and dark but also feminine and masculine, the Ostara is also associated with purification
seen and unseen. and removing any negative energies. After the
Ostara is named after the Germanic fertility Spring Equinox, the time where light and dark
goddess and has been celebrated in different are in perfect balance, the Wheel continues to
forms for hundreds of years. It’s a time when turn and light triumphs over the dark. It’s a
the natural world is flourishing, and the good time to remove any unwanted or negative
growing fertility of the Goddess can be seen in energies by continuing the work you began at
nature as it begins to burst into bloom. At Imolc by having another mental and physical
Ostara, the Goddess is honored in her maiden spring clean. The things that need to be cleared
aspect as she comes into her full power, and from your life and your space are essential for
the God moves from infancy to greater balance and will create the perfect
maturity, reflected in the increasingly lighter environment for personal growth and
days. Ostara is the time of year when the development.
eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth is
 OSTARA

Ostara is the celebration of spring, new life, fertility, and growth. Ostara is known as the Spring Equinox, when dark and
light are equal.

The Goddess is coming into her power and the God is moving toward maturity. Winter is over but the heat of summer is yet

to come, creating a balanced energy.

It’s a time of purification, releasing the things that hold us back.

 1. What seeds do I need to plant?
2. What do I need to cultivate?
3. What areas of my life need a spring clean?
4. What parts of my life are out of balance
5. How can I bring balance to my life?
6. When I find balance, what will emerge?
 OSTARA RITUALS & Spell Correspondence
As the second of three spring festivals, planting seeds is
M a great way to honor Ostara. Go out into your garden or use
a plant pot full of soil and sow some seeds. The act of having
physical contact with the earth can have a strong grounding
any Ostara traditions will already be very familiar, like the effect that will help you to make the most of the balancing
role of the egg in celebrations. Eggs are given to celebrate force of the Spring Equinox. You can also practice seed
Easter, the most sacred Christian festival, but the symbol of
magick where you take some seeds and fill them with a
the egg is Pagan in origin. Painting and giving eggs as gifts specific intention. Plant them and watch how, as the seeds
is a very easy but meaningful way to celebrate and connect
grow, so does the strength of your intention.
you with the fertility of the natural world.
Since Ostara is connected to purification, this is the
An egg blessing is a simple ritual to put you in touch with
perfect time to do some spring cleaning. Sweep all the
the abundance of Earth. This is where you can say a simple unwanted energies out of you space with a besom or
blessing over the egg you’ve decorated. The blessing can be
vacuum cleaner and visualize the negative energy leaving as
for abundance, fertility, or growth, and the words can be a you go. Declutter and tidy up your home and look inward and
simple as “I bless this egg, the symbol of the rebirth of nature
be honest about the things or people holding you back.
and the fertility of the earth. May it bring abundance to my
Taking time to get out into nature can really boost the
life.” Depending on the intentions you have for your
feeling of wellbeing. Go outside and try to look for all the
workings, afterward you can either eat it if it’s a fertility
signs of spring in the natural world around you. Stop to
blessing, bury it for workings connected to growth, or use it
notice the buds on the trees, the spring flowers that are in
as a decoration in blessings for abundance.
bloom, the shoots emerging from the ground, and listen for
any animal noises you can hear. Immerse yourself in the
new life shooting forth everywhere as the Earth wakes up.
 OSTARA RITUALS

Purify your home and scatter eggshells around it for protection. Earth focused meditation.

Go for a walk to look for signs of spring. Decorate your home with spring flowers.

Set up an altar with flowers, eggs, and rabbits. Decorate eggs and give them as gifts.

Plant seeds for purifying plants such as rosemary.

 OSTARA CORRESPONDENCES

Amethyst, Bloodstone, Canelian, Onyx, Lapis, Lazuli, Jade, Kynite

Violet, Tulip, Daffodil, Rose, Jasmine, Iris, Cinquefoil, Honeysuckle, Narcissus

Cernunnos, Odin, Athena, Gaia, Osiris, Aphrodite

Cheese, Eggs, Seeds, Nuts, Seasonal Vegetables, Honey

African Violet, Jasmine, Rose, Frankincense, Sandalwood

 BELTANE

Beltane celebrates the start of summer. It’s a fire festival that celebrates new life. Beltane celebrates the sexual union between

the God and Goddess.

It’s a joyful celebration with fire jumping and dancing around the May Pole. The Goddess is pregnant and her fertility can

be seen in nature.

The earth’s energies are strong and life is bursting with abundance.
 1. What do I need to leave in the past?
2. What am I ready to bring forth in my life?
3. What part of my life must be reborn?
4. How can I manifest abundance?
5. How do I facilitate this growth?
 THE MEANING OF Beltane & Tarot Spread

SYMBOLIZES: Fertility, new life, creation, song, sensuality, light, and merriment at the
growth, abundance, passion, union coming of the light half of the year.
Beltane celebrates the divine feminine. In
eltane (pronounced “Bell-tayne” or “Beel- the Northern Hemisphere, the Goddess
B teen”) is a Greater Sabbat that falls on
May 1 in the Northern Hemisphere and
manifests as the May Queen, while the God
emerges as the May King or Jack in the Green.
October 31 in the Southern Hemisphere. At this point in the year, the God and Goddess
The third cross-quarter festival of the year, it are youthful and strong. In both hemispheres,
marks the peak of spring and the beginnings of Beltane celebrates them finally coming
summer, and is the Gaelic May Day Sabbat of together in sexual union to create new life.
fire, creation, and sexuality, as the fertility Their union not only ensures the fertility of the
returns to the Earth. In the Southern Earth as the Goddess becomes pregnant (she
Hemisphere, Beltane falls on Novey Eve. will eventually give birth to the God at Yule)
This Sabbat, which falls midway between but also the coming of light, after the dark
the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice, is depths of winter. Now we honor the Goddess as
the third and final springtime festival, and the she steps into her Mother aspect, and the
third fire festival on the Wheel of the Year. Life never-ending cycle of life, death, and rebirth
itself is celebrated at the time when the Earth’s continues.
energies are at their strongest, and creation is The world “Beltane” originates from the
bursting with abundant potency. Celtic word meaning “Bright Fire”, which
At Beltane, everything in the natural world shows how central fire is to the festivities on
is at the peak of its fertility, and this is the time this Sabbat. It represents the light half of the
when potential has finally transformed into year as well as the passion and vitality of the
actual conception. Nature is literally bursting union between the God and the Goddess.
with energy—blossoms are on the trees, Beltane is about creation and you can channel
flowers are in bloom, and buds are unfurling. this creative energy in all aspects of your life if
This is truly a joyous celebration full of music, you reach out to connect to the creation within
nature.
 BELTANE RITUALS

Decorate with flowers, wreaths and garlands. Make a flower crown with the flowers below.

Wash your face with the dew of dawn. Light a balefire (bonfire).

Create a ritual to honor the Sacred Feminine. Fertility magick.

 BELTANE CORRESPONDENCES

Malachite, Tiger’s Eye, Carnelian, Bloodstone, Rose Quartz, Emerald Woodruff, Mugwort, Cowslip, Dandelions, Tulips,

Rowan

Horned God, Diana, Fraya, Odin, Pan, Flora

Honey, Dairy, Fresh Vegetables, Light Cakes

Frankincense, Citrus, Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang, Pine, Mint

 BELTANE RITUALS & Spell Correspondence
any of the rituals and activities with the natural world is by washing your face
M associated with Beltane are related to
the themes of new life, creation, and
with the dew of the May Day dawn as it was
thought to bring good health, luck, and beauty.
fertility, all of which help us to connect As Beltane is a fire festival, the Sabbat is
to the powerful and potent energy of the Earth. traditionally celebrated by lighting a balefire. If
At Beltane, flowers like lily of the valley, you are able to have a fire, it can be as big or
lilacs, and freesias are all in bloom and play a small as you want. You could even light a small
big part in May Day celebrations. Bring the fire in your cauldron or in a fireproof dish with
outside, inside, and decorate your home or some paper and lemon peel. An old tradition is
space with spring flowers to symbolize the to jump over the fire to cleanse, purify, and
fertility of nature. I recommend including bring fertility.
budding hawthorn branches in your Fertility symbols, as well as flowers, are
decorations as they’re traditionally brought good items for decorating your altar. If, like me,
inside as a symbol of abundance and new life. space is an issue for you, your altar doesn’t
Rowan twigs can also be used for decoration by need to be elaborate. It could be as simple as a
hanging them above your hearth (if you have vase of spring flowers to represent the fertility
one) as a home blessing. Wreaths and garlands of the Earth and a brown, green, or white
can be made from greenwood and brought in to candle for abundance.
attract abundance. Beltane is a time for love and passion,
Making flower crowns at Beltane is another which is why it is the perfect time for
traditional ritual to represent the crown of the Handfastings. This Pagan wedding ceremony
May Queen in all her fertility. It’s a simple way might not be an option, but if not, this is still a
of welcoming nature’s abundance into your time when couples can recommit to one
own life and helping you to connect with another and to their relationship in the spirit of
natural world. Another way to truly connect the Sabbat.
 THE MEANING OF Litha & Tarot Spread

The light and warm summer days are Waning and the
coming of the harvest is celebrated. At Litha, the Goddess is
SYMBOLIZES: Power, warmth, abundance, pregnant from her union with the God at Beltane, and shifts
divination, fire, growth, love to her mother aspect. She takes on the archetype of Mother

L Earth and is blooming. The Sun God (or Oak King), who
prepares to decline over the dark half of the year, reaches
the height of his potency on this, the longest day of the year.
itha, known as Summer Solstice and Midsummer, is a
Lesser Sabbat that falls between June 20 and 23 in the While the God is powerful now, the days begin to shorten
Northern Hemisphere and December 20 and 23 in the from this point as he prepares to die. His powers as the Sun
Southern Hemisphere. It celebrates the longest day of the God will begin to wane as the strength of the Holly King, who
year and the shortest night as the Sun is at the height of its rules over the dark half of the year, increases. This rising of
power. From this point on, the Sun’s energy will wane, days one king causes the death of the other, and serves as a
will get shorter, and the Wheel will turn to the dark half of the further reminder that the Wheel never stops turning, and the
year. cycle of birth, death, and rebirth is never-ending.
Litha is a Sabbat of contrasts. Though it marks the In connection with the agricultural calendar, Litha
longest day, it signals that the days to follow will begin to get celebrates abundance as crops have reached their full
shorter and darker as the Sun begins to wane and the Wheel maturity, and the first of the three harvests begin. It’s a time
keeps moving. The awareness of what is to come helps us to celebrate the growth of the seeds that were planted in the
see and have a greater appreciation for the changing of the in the spring. It’s also time to celebrate the manifestation of
seasons, which can have a strong and grounding affect upon any metaphorical seeds you planted at this time that have
us. since come into being.
 LITHA

Litha, also known as the Summer Solstice, celebrates the longest day of the year. This Lesser Sabbat celebrates crops

reaching their full maturity.

It is a Sabbat of contrast as the dark half of the year begins to loom. The Goddess is pregnant and flourishing. The

God is at the height of his power.

The Oak King weakens as the Holly King strengthens. It’s a time to celebrate the growth of the seeds planted in early spring.
 1. What must I release from the shadows
2. What must I do to release them?
3. Where are my opportunities for growth?
4. What should I focus my attention on to aid growth?
5. Advice for the dark half of the year.
 LITHA RITUALS & Spell Correspondence
here is a vast array of small, meaningful of the Sun’s power and warmth. Another
T rituals that can be performed to celebrate
the Summer Solstice. During this Sabbat,
simple ritual is to place a jar or bowl of water
in the sunlight an hour before midday and
like many others, lighting a fire is at the leave it to charge for a few hours. Sun water is
center of the celebrations, and represents the bursting with energy and is good for removing
Sun at the peak of its power. This fire can be as strong negative and unwanted energies. It also
large or small as you want and you can burn gives a powerful boost to your magick and can
herbs such as yarrow, rose, lavender, and be used in rituals as an offering to any Sun
mugwort. After the fire has been left to go out, deity.
it’s traditional for the cold ashes to be put on At the time when Earth is at the peak of its
the crops to ensure a good harvest. Save your energy, use this time to ground yourself.
own fire ash for any plants you have (inside Grounding is like meditation, but it allows us to
and out) or for use in any abundance and live in the present, re-center ourselves and
fertility magick. reconnect to the earth. There are many
This time of year is a traditional time for grounding techniques, including walking
herb picking, particularly herbs intended for barefoot on the ground to allow the earth’s
magick and medicines. Go out into nature to energy to flow into your body. A technique I’ve
forage for different herbs to use in your used for years when I feel disconnected is to
workings. A beautiful incense blend for the look around and name five things you can see,
Summer Solstice is 1 part thyme, 1 part four things you can hear, three things you can
rosemary, 1 part lavender, 1 part chamomile touch, two things you can smell and one thing
and ½ part rose. you can taste. It’s a good way of bringing you
At Litha, the simple act of watching the Sun back to the present moment by connecting you
rise on the morning of the Solstice is a to the world around you, and doing this
beautiful, simple ritual that doesn’t involve any exercise when you are among nature will boost
special tools or ingredients, and is a reminder its grounding effect.
 LITHA RITUALS

Perform a fire ritual and connect to the element. Light a red/yellow candle to celebrate the Sun.

Forage for herbs for magick and medicine. Go on a nature walk and look for faeries.

Make Sun water. Wear yellow, orange, red, and gold.

Watch the sunrise.

 LITHA CORRESPONDENCES

Carnelian, Citrine, Sunstone, Tigers Eye, Peridot, Amber, Rose Quartz Honeysuckle, Daisy, Mugwort, Vervain, Rosemary,

Fern, Yarrow

Aphrodite, Athena, Brigid, Cerridwen, Thor, Odin, Lugh Citrus fruit, Dairy, Honey, Pine Nuts, Grapes, Seeds

Sandalwood, Rose, Lavender, Citrus, Pine

 LAMMAS

The last fire festival, it marks the end of the summer and the start of fall. It’s time to give thanks for the abundance of the

harvest.

It’s the celebration of the first harvest. The Wheel turns and we move into the dark half of the year.

The God Lugh sacrifices himself for the sake of the harvest.
 1. What seeds have I been sowing lately?
2. Which seeds need more time to mature?
3. What seeds are ready to harvest?
4. What is abundant in my life?
 THE MEANING OF Lammas & Tarot Spread

SYMBOLIZES: First harvest, celebration, still two harvests left and a great deal of hard
reflection, gratitude, sacrifice work to do. This celebration gives us the
opportunity to reflect and be grateful for the
ammas (also known as Lughnasadh or bounty we have in our own lives, but also to
L Lughnasa) is a Greater Sabbat that falls on
August 1 in the Northern Hemisphere and
remember that we must not lose sight of the
larger picture. We are in the dark half of the
February 1 in the Southern Hemisphere. It year, and even though the Sun is still shining
is the final of the four cross-quarter festivals, and warming the Earth, fall (autumn) has
and is also known “Lammas” (pronounced started, and summer is now over. The cycle is
“Lam-mas”), a Celtic name given to this Sabbat Waning again, even though it will take months
in remembrance of Lugh, the God of light (or before the leaves on the trees begin to change.
the Sun God). It’s not just Lugh who is remembered at
At Lammas, Lugh dies when the grain is Lammas. The Goddess is celebrated in her
harvested. Lugh’s sacrifice is honored as he mother aspect and is known as the Grain
shifts his energy into the first grain to ensure a Mother, Harvest Mother, Earth Mother, and
good crop. The power of the Sun ripens the Harvest Queen. For the last time, the God and
grain, and the seeds are saved for next year’s Goddess lie with each other before the God
crop, when the Waning Sun God will have dies. The Goddess is heavily pregnant, and her
enough energy to ripen them in spring. radiance is reflected in the natural world,
Lammas is the first of three harvests and which helps us to appreciate that this is just
the last fire festival of the year. From this point one part on a neverending cycle. The Goddess
onward, the days continue to shorten until the then moves slowly toward her Crone phase as
Autumn Equinox. The word “Lammas” is the Wheel turns closer to Yule. Like every
derived from the Anglo-Saxon word meaning Sabbat on the Wheel, you do not have to honor
“loaf”, and bread is central to this harvest any Gods and Goddesses if that direction feels
festival. Grain was so important to many wrong or doesn’t resonate with the path you
ancient civilizations, as it was thought to be a are walking. It is purely a personal choice and
symbol of the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. you can still celebrate the Sabbats simply by
Lammas is a celebration of the bounty the celebrating and connecting with the changes of
Earth has given, and a reminder that there are the seasons around you.
 LAMMAS RITUALS

Make corn dollies. Decorate an altar with grains, nuts, and yellow candles.

Practice gratitude. Make bread or an apple pie, carving sigils onto the top.

Forage for herbs for future spells. Save seeds to plant next year.
 LAMMAS CORRESPONDENCES

Aventurine, Citrine, Topaz, Obsidian, Moss, Clear Quartz, Carnelian, Onyx Basil, Rosemary, Cornstalks, Frankinsense,

Heather, Myrtle, Sunflower, Wheat

Dana, Diana, Hecate, Apollo, Osari, Demeter, Isis Apples, Wheat, Corn, Barley, Nuts, Carrots

Frankincense, Ecualyptus, Passionflower, Sandalwood

 LAMMAS RITUALS & Spell Correspondence
Making corn dollies, usually from a dried corn husk, is
L another very traditional way to celebrate Lammas since it
was understood that the spirit of the corn moved into the
husks after harvest.
ammas is a time to give thanks for the first harvest, while Getting outside might not sound like a ritual in itself, but
keeping an eye on the future and all that must to be done in going out into nature around the time of the Sabbats truly
the remaining two harvests. As the Wheel keeps turning and helps you to reconnect with the cycles and the natural world.
we move further into the dark half of the year, make some It’s easy today to fall out of touch with nature because our
space for reflection. Think about the seeds you planted in the busy lives can leave us very little free time, but our
spring and if some of them have already manifested. If they connection to nature helps to nourish and balance us, so if
have, they are your first harvest. If there are some that have your connection has weakened, it can have a negative
yet to mature and grow, it’s a good time to reflect about how impact on your wellbeing. Get out into nature and look
you can help them mature and bear fruit. Make sure your intently at the life around you. Feel the warmth of the Sun
intentions are focused and well defined and that you are and reconnect to the everlasting cycle of life, death, and
doing everything, both physically and mentally, to manifest rebirth happening all around you.
your goals.
It’s also a time to practice gratitude. Just as the Celts
celebrated the first harvest, give thanks for the seeds that
have matured and for the good things in your life. These are
metaphorical seeds, but it’s also good to save actual seeds
from flowers and crops to plant and grow next spring.
As this Sabbat celebrates grain, making bread is a
perfect activity as it can help you appreciate how much
energy it takes to make and to reflect therefore on how
precious it was to our ancestors. It’s a traditional way to
connect with the changing of the seasons and where we are
on the cycle. Bringing in seasonal flowers such as
sunflowers, lilies, and lavender into your home or space is
another good way to honor Lammas in a low-key manner.
 THE MEANING OF Mabon & Tarot Spread

SYMBOLIZES: Balance, gratitude, death, dark himself for the sake of the first harvest at
and light, preparation Lammas. The God retreats from the world and
as he departs, he takes the warmth and power
abon (pronounced “May-bon”) falls of the Sun with him, which turns the weather
M between September 20 and 23 in the
Northern Hemisphere and March 20 and
colder. The Goddess, now in her Crone phase, is
growing old, even though she is still pregnant,
23 in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s also but she misses the God so much that she
known as the Autumn Equinox. It’s the time decides to follow him to the Underworld. As
where the length of day and night are equal she departs, she also withdraws her power and
and in perfect balance, and we celebrate the energy, which makes the leaves on the trees die
triumph of the darkness over the light. Mabon off.
is also the second harvest of the cycle, a time There is no historical evidence that this
when the grain has been brought in, and only Sabbat was called anything but the Autumn
winter plants remain in the ground. Equinox until the 1970s when Aidan Kelly, the
It is around now that we start to feel that founder of the Covenant of the Goddess, began
fall (autumn) is finally upon us, as the leaves to use Mabon as a name. Since then, this has
start to tun gold, red, and brown and all the become a popular name for the Sabbat.
fields are nearly empty. The cycle is still Interestingly, the word Mabon does appear in
Waning and there’s a sense of winding down in historical documents, but as a name and not a
the natural world. Harvest time is the busiest festival. The name came from the Welsh God
time in the agricultural year, so Mabon gives us “Mabon ap Madron”, meaning “The Son of the
the opportunity to relax, enjoy ourselves, and Mother”, Welsh stories speak of a divine birth,
be thankful for the fruits of our labors. It’s also and a boy from a divine mother. Sound
a reminder for us to try and work to gain more familiar? We can identify this theme with the
balance in our own lives, particularly our pregnant Goddess carrying the God to be born
work/ rest balance. at Yule.
At Mabon, the God finally dies, and begins
his journey to the Underworld after sacrificing
 MABON

Mabon celebrates the second harvest. The day and night are now equal length. Rest as nature starts winding down and

the cycle continues to wane.

It’s a time to reflect on the blessings in our lives. The Autumn Equinox is a reminder to strive for balance in our own lives.

The Goddess follows the God to the Underworld, causing leaves to die. It’s a time to celebrate the growth of the seeds

planted in early spring.

 1. What needs to be harvested in my life?
2. How do I welcome balance into my life?
3. What areas of my life need balance?
4. What good will emerge from the darkness?
5. How can I continue to grow?
 MABON RITUALS & Spell Correspondence
pple magick is practiced at Mabon and can you burn it, the smoke will carry your gratitude
A be as simple as peeling an apple (the color
doesn’t matter) and burying the peel in
up into the universe. This incense recipe is
perfect for the Mabon: 1 part pine, 1 part
the ground to symbolize the birth, death, juniper, 1 part frankincense, 1 part
and rebirth cycle. Eat the peeled apple to take sandalwood, and 1 part rosemary.
in its wisdom and lessons you need to learn. During Mabon, continue the ritual of going
You can then save the apple seeds for use in outside into nature on each of the Sabbats as a
magick related to love, fertility, wisdom, way to connect with the cycles of the seasons.
beauty, and fidelity. Collect fall (autumn) finds like leaves and
Apples represent the second harvest, and conkers to decorate your home, space, or altar,
many traditions consider them to be symbols and take time to look at the leaves on the trees
of wholeness, wisdom, and guidance. They are in all their fall (autumnal) beauty. Hearing the
also associated with the Goddess as the seeds rustle of leaves on the ground, and completely
form a star, much like a pentagram when cut immersing yourself in the seasonal changes
vertically. Apples can be used in many rituals you can see all around can have a stabilizing
and activities to celebrate Mabon. Apple and grounding effect.
picking is a popular activity, as is getting The Autumn Equinox is a reminder that we
creative in the kitchen and making apple pie or often need to bring more balance into our lives.
crumbles and cobblers. It is an opportunity to reflect on your life and
Mabon is the time we give thanks for all ask yourself what areas of your life are
that Mother Nature has given us, and is a great currently out of balance. Light a black and a
time practice gratitude for the blessings in our white candle to represent this balance as you
lives. One of my favorite ways to practice reflect on practical thoughts of how you can
gratitude is to make your own incense. As you help to bring about the change that will enable
grind and mix the herbs and resins, fill them you to reach an equilibrium.
with thanks for the blessings in your life. When
 MABON RITUALS

Create a spell or ritual using the correspondences below

Practice apple magick. Go on a nature walk. and pick apples.

Decorate an altar with candles and fruits of the harvest Make incense using the herbs below.
 MABON CORRESPONDENCES

Hematite, Amber, Citrine, Ametrine, Rhodonite, Topaz, Lapis Lazuli Bay Leaves, Yarrow, Hyssop, Rue, Rosemary,

Chamonile, Rosehips, Juniper, Pine

Mabon, Thor, Persephone, The Green Man, Demerter, Mineva

Apples, Wheat, Carrots, Corn, Melons Cinnamon, Cedar, Frankincense, Myhhr, Pine, Sandalwood
 3
THE MOON
We are far more connected to the cycles of the Moon than most people appreciate. In our busy lives, it’s easy to get out of sync
with the natural world. The Moon has long been associated with magick and Witchcraft, and each phase is associated with a
different kind of energy. If we can learn to connect with the energies of the Moon during all her phases, she can teach us how to
wait, how to grow, but also how to let go. She can teach us so much about ourselves if we are willing to listen, and aligning with her
phases can help life run more smoothly and feel more balanced, which can have a positive impact on our sense of wellbeing.
Timing your spells to the phases of the Moon is a great way to add power and energy to your workings. In this chapter, we’ll
look at the eight Moon phases in detail, the different kinds of magick associated with them, and the rituals you can perform to help
you connect with the power of the Moon. These rituals don’t need to be elaborate, but they can help you to achieve your goals.
 NEW MOON Day 1
he New Moon is the first phase of the act of removing unwanted energy from your
T lunar cycle. The Moon is not visible in the
sky at this time as the Sun is behind it, so
life. It is seen by some as manipulative magick
as it impacts on the free will of others, while
illuminates the surface facing away from other practitioners are comfortable to use this
Earth. The New Moon is associated with fresh kind of magick. It is a personal choice that
starts, so is a good time to begin new and should be made based on your own feelings. If
creative projects. It’s the point in the lunar banishing is something you are comfortable
cycle where you take the initial steps toward with, the New Moon provides the perfect time
manifesting your goals, so its also the perfect to remove people, mental baggage, negative
time for reflection and for setting new thinking, or indeed anything that no longer
intentions. It’s a time to plan how you will serves your life in the present and stands in the
work toward your goals and the steps you need way of your growth.
to take to support your intentions. Journaling is The New Moon can make some people feel
a good ritual for the New Moon and can help more anxious, agitated, and tired, which is
the planning and reflective process. nature’s way of syncing us with the rhythms of
The association with new starts makes this the Moon as an act of self-care. This is the part
Moon cycle a perfect time for cleansing. Use of the cycle for some down time where you can
this opportunity to cleanse yourself by taking a make some space to recharge your batteries.
ritual salt bath and cleaning your home or altar Rest is a ritual and it is often the one most
space. I like to burn rosemary, juniper, and needed but overlooked. If you are feeling
lavender but there are other methods and drained around this time, don’t push yourself
herbs for cleansing (see here) to start the new to do any workings that will deplete your
lunar cycle with a clean slate. The New Moon is personal energy further. You can’t pour from
also associated with banishing and an empty cup. First, you must take care of
deconstructive magick, which is the magickal yourself.
 WAXING CRESCENT Day 3
s the Sun starts to move closer to the your plans together, so you have a clear
A Moon, it begins to illuminate the right-
hand side of the lunar surface to make a
strategy of what you want to do next.
As the Moon slowly builds up its power and
crescent shape in the sky. The energies of energy, it’s a good time for workings that build
the Moon are starting to grow and are highly up self-confidence and self-worth so you can
magnetic, making it a great time for work on trusting and believing in yourself
constructive magick and for workings that pull more. As this time in the lunar cycle
things toward you such as prosperity, a new encourages you to bring what you want into
job, and abundance. It’s time to refine and your life, visualization is a powerful tool to help
organize the intentions you made at the New the process. Don’t be tempted to try and
Moon, so you can anchor them and do all that’s visualize more than one thing at once but keep
necessary to manifest and actualize them. it simple so you don’t dilute the power of your
The Waxing Crescent Moon is a reminder energy. Visualize the thing you want in as much
that without good, clear plans, our intentions detail as possible, imagine how it would feel to
will never be more than that—just good attain it and how it would change your life in a
intentions. Although intentions are powerful, positive way. Visualize and affirm it every day
intentions alone will not help you manifest the alongside your clear plans to harness the
things you want; you must also do all you can Waxing Moon’s energy to drive you and your
physically and mentally to achieve them. You intentions forward. This Moon phase is also
must be ready to do the mundane work to associated with positive magick and workings
actualize them. This could mean something like that can help you find your focus if you are
changing your negative mindset or any struggling to find yours. It’s a time to be
negative behaviors that inhibit your ability to positive, motivated, and ready to back up your
accomplish your intentions. This Moon phase intentions with action. The Moon will provide
provides the energy you need to make the you with the energy you need to help reel in
necessary changes so you can slowly draw all your intentions.
you want toward you. It helps you to pull all
 FIRST QUARTER Day 7
t this point in the lunar cycle, the whole if you’ve been struggling to do so recently. This
A right-hand side of the Moon is
illuminated. It doesn’t look like a quarter
initial energy is also helpful if you run into any
issues, need to break through old patterns of
Moon at all and is sometimes known as behavior, or find any obstacles standing in your
“the half-Moon”. In this phase, the light and the way, as it gives you the energy you need to
darkness of the Moon are equal, which can help overcome them and keep the momentum
to show how important balance is to our sense going. The First Quarter symbolizes a period of
of wellbeing. Every part of the lunar cycle determination and commitment to action, so
marks a different phase of the journey of your although you might run into problems along
intentions from conception to manifestation, the way, feel encouraged by the knowledge that
and the First Quarter is no different. At the they will not hold you back as long as you keep
New Moon, intentions were made, at the your eyes focused on the intentions you want
Waxing Crescent Moon these intentions were to bring into being.
refined. Now, at the First Quarter, it’s time to The First Quarter is also associated with
take action and start focusing on working pausing for a time. If you face some issues or
toward your goals. There is more energy things aren’t running as smoothly as they could
available at this point in the cycle, so this can be, use this time to reflect on where you are in
offer an energetic boost to help manifest your terms of your intentions. Keep your mind
intentions. This boost can help to bring a sense clearly focused on what you want to manifest
of excitement and enthusiasm that will help but take some time to re-evaluate your plans in
you to keep moving forward. This makes the the light of any issues you come up against.
First Quarter an excellent time for workings This phase is about being receptive to any
associated with strength and the growth of changes you need to make so you can refocus
inner energies and in relationships. your energy on what you want to bring into
With this extra energetic boost, it can also being.
help you to make difficult decisions, especially
 WAXING GIBBOUS Day 11
t this point in the lunar cycle, more than across the finish line. This is why this Moon
A half the Moon is illuminated, and only a
small sliver of dark is left. Now is the time
phase is particularly associated with spells
connected with success in all kinds of projects
to focus on your intentions as you enter and areas of life. The time of manifestation and
the final stages of planning. The Moon is still in the peak of the Moon’s energy is only a few
its constructive phase, which means you have days away and this is your last chance to focus
time to really hone your plans and goals. Focus on the expansion and growth of your plans. It’s
really is the key word for this phase in the a reminder that the manifestation process
lunar cycle, and it’s time to look at your goals to doesn’t give instant results, and often we must
refine them one last time before the Full Moon, wait for our intentions and goals to come to full
the time of manifestation. Review them maturity in their own time. This makes this
honestly and be ready to assess which are Moon phase the perfect time for any workings
realistic and achievable, as this isn’t the time associated with increase, growth, and drawing
for chasing impossible dreams that won’t grow things toward you.
and bear fruit. If some goals are unachievable, Each part of the lunar cycle can have a
don’t waste your energy but instead redirect different effect on us all, and sometimes the
your attentions to the realistic ones that just Waxing Gibbous Moon, rather than giving us a
need that extra little push to reach them. The boost of energy, can make us feel like our plans
Waxing Gibbous Moon provides the are on hold. It’s not necessarily because your
momentum needed for you to accomplish these plans are unachievable, but rather your plans
goals. are still growing and there is a great deal of
There is a good chance that the goals you’ve change happening beneath the surface. When a
been working toward during this lunar cycle seed is planted, it grows significantly in the soil
are starting to feel like they are aligning. The before a shoot is seen above the ground; this
extra energy on offer from the Waxing Gibbous can be the same for the Waxing Gibbous Moon.
Moon provides more momentum to help you
 FULL MOON Days 13-15
he Full Moon is the most celebrated of all workings, for protection, to water plants, and it
T the Moon phases in the lunar cycle due to
its association with power. The Moon is
can even be consumed to give you an extra
boost of energy.
fully illuminated, and at the peak of its The Full Moon may be a time for intuition
energy, so provides the power we need to and creativity, but also for workings associated
overcome any challenges we may face and with banishing and letting go. Once the Moon
gives an energetic boost to our intentions. This reaches the peak of the energy, it slowly begins
is the time to manifest the goals you’ve been to wane. It’s the opportunity to release
working toward as things begin to come to everything that inhibits your personal growth.
fruition. The seeds of intention that were This could be thoughts, people, or emotions—
planted at the New Moon are now in full bloom, anything that doesn’t support or align with
which represents transformation, abundance, your higher self and purpose. This release of
fertility, and completion. Now is the time to lunar energy provides the energetic boost
manifest your goals and harvest the results. needed for spells and rituals and any other
The Full Moon is a time for protection, workings that require a decrease of energy.
healing, and guidance. It’s a good time to for The Full Moon can often make us feel
tarot/oracle readings, scrying, and any other energized, but it’s also common for the
forms of divination (see Chapter 8). You could energies to be very intense and emotionally
even charge your divination tools in the draining. If you are low on personal energy, or
moonlight before you work with them, charge you feel tired, ill, in pain, or just not in the right
and cleanse crystals and jewelry, as well as headspace, consider postponing your workings
making moon water. Take make moon water, until your energy is restored and balanced.
place a covered jar/bottle full of water (from Your workings could be less successful if the
the tap is fine!) in the moonlight for at least two energy you bring is low or off balance. Use this
hours to charge and bring it inside before the phase to listen to your body, nourish yourself,
Sun rises. It can then be used to add power to and recharge your batteries.
 WANING GIBBOUS MOON Day 18
fter the Moon has reached the peak of its of any kind of unwanted energy or force in
A power, its size and energy begin to wane
as the Sun moves away, creating a shadow
your life, like addiction, regret, guilt, and
negative thinking, now is the time. This could
on the right-hand side of the lunar be something as simple as writing down the
surface. The Moon will continue to wane until things you want to release, burning them in the
the New Moon when the cycle beings all over flame of a black candle and then burying the
again. After the time of high and often ashes away from your home or property.
overwhelming power of the Full Moon, the This phase emphasizes the need to reflect
waning phase can come as a welcome energetic on the Full Moon and what was manifested. If
break from the intense lunar energies. This some of your intentions did bear fruit, this
makes the Waning Gibbous Moon a good time phase encourages gratitude for the things that
for magick associated with decrease, banishing, you have achieved. This phase of the Moon is
repelling, cleansing away negativity, and well known as a “disseminating Moon” which
as breaking hexes and curses. Making moon speaks about the importance of sharing the
water is generally associated with the Full fruits of your labor in order to help others. It’s
Moon, but it can also be made at other lunar possible that not all your goals were
phases, giving the water different magickal manifested during the Full Moon, so take the
properties. Moon water made at the Waning Waning Gibbous Moon as an opportunity to re-
Gibbous Moon can be used in the workings evaluate your intentions and assess why they
above which are associated with decrease. did not come into being. The push to look
Thus far, the Moon has encouraged us to inward provides the chance to reflect on the
refine our outward actions to manifest our things that are blocking you from
intentions. Now, the waning half of the lunar accomplishing your goals. Re-adjust and make
cycle provides a time to go inward and reflect the changes you need so you can refocus your
honestly on your feelings and the things in your intentions for the rest of the lunar cycle and
life that no longer support your higher consider how you plan to achieve your goals.
purpose. If you want to undo, destroy, or let go
 LAST QUARTER Day 21
t the Last (or Third) Quarter, the Moon is opportunity to let go of these things, now the
A at half power and only illuminated on the
left-hand side. Light and dark are equal
Last Quarter asks you to look inward again and
release any blockages that remain. It could be
and it’s another reminder of the something like breaking a bad habit, learning
importance of balance within our lives for our not to be a push-over or walking away from
wellbeing. Look inward to the areas of your life any kind of toxic person or situation that drains
that feel out of balance and connect with the and unbalances your personal energy. It’s time
lunar energies to help you assess what you to push aside obstacles to make a clear path
need to do to restore your sense of equilibrium. forward for yourself.
Part of restoring the balance is learning when The lunar cycle is almost complete but
to slow down. At this phase of the cycle, the before the New Moon arrives, the Last Quarter
Moon’s energy is decreasing, so you may feel encourages a time of introspection. It’s a time
your personal energies are lower than usual. to look back on all you’ve achieved and
View this as Mother Nature’s way of trying to accomplished and reflect on the lessons the
slow you down to enable you to complete this Moon has taught you over the last cycle. If you
lunar cycle, but also prepare you for the next are searching for what these lessons might
since, like the Wheel of the Year, the lunar cycle mean, you are more likely to gain a deeper
never stops. level of understanding at this Moon phase. This
The best kind of magick to perform at this makes the Last Quarter the best time for
Moon phase is similar to that of the magick completing any personal developmental work
associated with the Waning Gibbous Moon: such as finally work letting go of any self-
decreasing, banishing, binding, and deep limiting beliefs, or fears that stop you moving
cleansing. Now is time let go and release forward. All the inner work you have been
anything you are still holding on to that stands doing will help you to form your intentions and
in the way of you accomplishing your goals. set your goals for the next lunar cycle.
The Waning Gibbous Moon provided an
 WANING CRESCENT Day 25
his is the final phase of the lunar cycle, surrender to something greater, whether that
T where only a small piece of the left-hand
side of the Moon is illuminated and is most
be a deity, the universe, or the force of nature
itself. This last Moon phase before the New
visible before Sunrise. As the energy of the Moon is the time to prepare yourself for a new
Moon is still decreasing at the Waning Crescent lunar cycle by giving yourself permission to
Moon, your personal energy levels are still wind down and rest for a while. You may find it
likely to be affected. It’s a reminder that in beneficial to use this time to detach from the
order to begin a brand-new lunar cycle at the world for a while so you can truly rest, clear
New Moon, resting is a necessary step to space for what is to come, and find a greater
completing the old cycle. This phase is a time sense of inner balance. This makes meditation
for self-care, self-kindness, and self- and journaling good activities to practice at the
forgiveness. Don’t be tempted to overwork, but Waning Crescent Moon.
instead focus on activities that recharge your The Waning Crescent Moon is our last
batteries and give you a sense of rejuvenation chance to let go of anything that doesn’t align
and peace rather than things that will be a with our higher purpose before we start a new
drain on your energy. Rest is an important lunar cycle. If any of your intentions or goals
ritual in itself and can often be forgotten in the didn’t manifest, don’t be too hard on yourself
busyness of our daily lives. as you can reflect more on why this might have
There is a degree of surrendering to what been so. By the start of the next lunar cycle,
has been at the Waning Crescent Moon. What your intentions are more focused and refined.
has passed during this lunar phase is now Like the other phases of the waning half of the
firmly rooted in the past where nothing can be Moon cycle, this phase is associated with
done to change it. It’s a reminder that we don’t banishing and decrease, particularly if there is
always have control in life, and that’s ok! something you want to cut out of your life
Sometimes the greatest freedom can be found completely.
in those moments where we simply trust and
 4
SPELLS
Casting a spell can help you focus on what you really want from life, whether that is drawing money, protection, happiness or love
toward you, or removing unwanted things from your life such as negative energy or obstacles. Spell-work and magick play a central
role in our Craft, and are ways of deepening our connection to the natural world, because it is from the natural world that we draw
much of our energy and power. When we align our spells with the phase of the Moon or use herbs that best correspond with our
specific intentions, this is natural magick.
The tools provided in this chapter will enable you to cast spells using colors, candles, herbs, and sigils, as well as show you how
to make substitutions in your workings and how to pick the best time of day for your spells to ensure the highest chance of success.
The guidance in this chapter will also help you to make any spell written by another your own.
 SPELL CASTING Common Mistakes
hen it comes to casting spells, the truth Having unrealistic expectations will almost
W is they don’t always work. There are
many reasons why this could be, and it
certainly see your spell fail, as would a lack of
preparation. While Witchcraft allows us to
doesn’t only happen for those at the make changes to our environment, spells that
beginning of their Witchcraft journey. seem too good to be true almost certainly are.
The most common reason why a spell Your goals must be rooted in reality to be
doesn’t work is that the practitioner’s intention successful and you must be committed to
isn’t specific enough. One of the most playing your part too. It is also not enough to
important things when casting a spell is to simply use the right ingredients in a spell—you
focus on a clear and definitive goal. Defining must also have the passion and intention to
your exact intention can be difficult but the make it a success.
secret is to not rush the process. Take your Self-doubt can make the most precise spell
time to develop your intentions before you cast fail. If you have any doubts in your magickal
the spell, so you have the space to keep refining ability or in the spell itself, it’s almost certain
them. The more specific your intentions are, not to work. You must believe in yourself and
the better your chance of success. your power. Just because a spell doesn’t work
If we want our spells to be effective, we instantly, doesn’t mean it isn’t having an effect.
must be ready to put in the mundane work. Our Casting doubt upon the spell afterward can also
magick must always be supported by our have a negative effect on the outcome. Once
actions and thoughts so we can do all that’s you have cast your spell, the best approach is to
possible to achieve our goals. For example, if try your best to forget it. You’ve let your
you were to cast a spell to help you in an desires and goals be known, now let the source
important exam, you wouldn’t just turn up to of power you called upon do its part as you
take the exam without revising beforehand, continue to do the mundane work.
hoping the spell will somehow get you through.
TYPES OF SPELLS
 TYPES OF Spells
pell-work is the action of raising,
S directing, and manipulating energy to
either control or bring about subtle
Jars
Jar/bottle spells are easy to make. They
change to our environment, which allows concentrate the magickal energy of a spell in a
us to achieve our goals. There are many kinds physical container to make it more powerful.
of spells and many ways to perform them. The They can be created by including herbs,
different spells covered here will explain the crystals, and any other items that align with the
basics of what they are and how to make your intention of your spell. I recommend you use
own. All the spells here can be made for any dried ingredients because after the bottle is
purpose, so get creative! filled, it should be fully sealed with wax, so
contents won’t become moldy. With this in
Sprays mind, make sure all herbs are fully dried before
Sprays are a good way to bring a burst of using. When the jar is made up, choose a
magick to life exactly when you need it. You can colored candle that aligns with the intention of
use essential oils in water for a quick and easy your spell, light it, and then drip the hot wax on
spray, or you can add herbs too. One way is to top of the bottle to seal. I use spell jars for
put your herbs in a pan full of water, bring home protection, where I’ve hung one above
them to a boil on the stove and then let them my front and back doors. I use equal parts of
simmer on a medium heat for 3-5 minutes fennel, yarrow, rosemary, cinnamon, and
before letting the water cool. This allows time lavender then seal it with the wax of a black
for the natural oils in the herbs to seep out. candle.
Once the water is completely cool, pour into a
spray bottle, and it is ready to use. Candles
Alternatively, add herbs to water and leave One of the most accesible and simple forms of
them in the bottle to infuse gradually. The magick, you will learn more about candle
spray will last for about 2 weeks before the magick on this page.
herbs become moldy. Use moon water for the
spray to give it extra power.
 Pouches
Oil blends
Pouches and sachets are made in a similar way to jars,
Oil blends can be made in two ways. The first method is to using ingredients dried to prevent mold. Although the pouch
use a carrier oil like grape or vegetable oil for the base, and concentrates the energy of your spell within it like a jar, it’s
then add a blend of essential oils. Using a light oil as a still able to exchange energy with its environment as the bag
carrier, as well as food-grade essential oil, means the mix is porous unlike glass. To finish the sachet, tie it with a
won’t be too concentrated or irritating if used on the skin. ribbon in a corresponding color to the intent of your spell. I
Make sure the essential oils you use have the properties that use them when a spell calls for me to carry the ingredients
support your intentions, and that you avoid ingesting or used with me throughout my day, such as a protection spell,
making skin contact with essential oils if you have sensitive but I have also used them for sleep spells, putting the herbs
skin, any allergies or health conditions, or are pregnant, and crystals I used under my pillow. Generally, after the spell
unless approved by your health practitioner. The second is complete, the pouch is returned to Earth and buried, so if
method is to use a base oil as before, and place fresh or you choose to bury your pouch, try and make the ingredients
dried herbs directly into the oil and leave it for a few weeks you use are biodegradable.
(or a few months if you want a super concentrated oil). Stir
the mix well every few days and as you do, focus on the
intention of the spell. If it’s a spell to increase something, like Potions
protection, stir it clockwise (deosil) and if it’s a spell for Potions are liquid spells made to be consumed internally or
decrease, stir it anti-clockwise (widdershins). When it’s applied externally to the body. A potion could be a tincture,
ready, drain out the herbs and pour it into a rollerball bottle to perfume, or your favorite drink. Tea is a popular potion,
make it easier and less messy to carry and use. which is a good way to benefit from the medicinal properties
of the herbs you use. You can charge your morning cup of
tea (or any drink) by meditating on the cup and sending your
intention to charge it. When you feel you’ve charged it
enough, drink it. You can also trace the shape of a pentacle
over your drink for protection. Tracing around the rim of the
cup clockwise for a potion associated with increase and anti-
clockwise for one associated with decrease is another way to
charge your potions.
TYPES OF SPELLS
 SPELL Crafting
hen it comes to spells, the ones you
W write yourself hold more power,
although using a spell written by
Time
Refer to Spell Timings on this page for more
someone else might work well. When I information.
create my spells, I find it helpful to go through
this practical check list to know I have Casting
everything ready. When you’re ready to cast your spell, go
through your list to make sure you’ve
Intention remembered everything. Use this as a time to
What is your aim for your spell? What actions check in with yourself on both a physical and
do you need to put in place in your wider life to spiritual level to make sure you are ready to
support your goals? Your intentions need to be cast your spell.
as specific and focused as possible.
Disposing of your spells
Who There are different ways to dispose of the
Be clear about who your spell is aimed at—is it remnants of a spell. As a rule, I don’t throw
yourself or someone else? How will it affect away spell ingredients. There are some
them/you? exceptions such as throwing away the
remnants of a banishing spell or one cast to
Location absorb negativity. But in general, leftovers are
Where are you planning to cast your spell? returned to Earth by burying them. Remember
Outside or inside? You need to be able to give not to bury salt as it will kill anything it comes
your spell your full attention, so make sure you into contact with (you can flush or throw it
at ease with your environment. away instead). Avoid burying non-
biodegradable ingredients. Things like wax,
Tools/materials string, cords, paper, or fabric can also be
What materials do you need to cast your spell? disposed of using fire.
For example, do you need candles or herbs?
And if so, which colors or herbs will align with
your overall intention for the spell. List
everything you are likely to need; there’s
nothing more distracting than getting halfway
through your spell and realizing you need to go
and fetch something you’ve forgotten.
 SPELL Timings
SUNSET—FINDING truth, release, letting go, banishing,
I breaking bad habits, closure
NIGHT-TIME—INVENTING, self-development, awareness,
n Witchcraft, if we align our spells to the corresponding time releasing stress/worry, healing old wounds
and day, it can help to increase its chance of success. MIDNIGHT—BANISHING, divination, healing, self-
Correspondences are used in the Craft to enhance the enhancement
efficiency of your working. They are lists of the magickal
properties associated with physical items such as herbs,
flowers, crystals, and incense, and also for things like The days of the week are all dedicated to an ancient Greek
timings, such as the magick associated with the different or Roman deity, each with their corresponding planet. It is
Moon phases. the planet that gives the days of the week their names but
also their magickal properties.
The time of the day and different days of the week are
also connected with different kinds of magick, and aligning
the intentions of your spell with the right times can help to Days of the week:
give your workings a boost of energy. Although timing alone MONDAY—RULED by deities Selene/Luna and the Moon
is not essential to a spell’s efficiency (casting a spell that isn’t
aligned with the most suitable time isn’t enough to cause a TUESDAY—RULED by deities Ares/Mars the planet Mars
spell to fail), it is still an important consideration that can help WEDNESDAY—RULED by deities Hermes/Mercury and the
boost your spell-work.
planet Mercury
THURSDAY—RULED by deities Zeus/Jupiter and the planet
Correspondences associated with the Jupiter
times of the day:
FRIDAY—RULED by deities Aphrodite/Venus and the planet
SUNRISE—NEW beginnings, fresh energies, travel, cleansing, Venus
purifying, healing, study, initiative
SATURDAY—RULED by deities Cronus/Saturn and the planet
DAYTIME—EXPANSION, intelligence, leadership, conscious Saturn
mind
SUNDAY—RULED by deities Apollo/Sol and the Sun
MIDDAY—POWER, health, money, success, strength,
protection, opportunity, vitality
 COLOR Magick
very color on the spectrum vibrates at its Take a ritual bath using a colored bath bomb or
E own specific frequency and represents a
different set of magickal qualities. Color
bubble bath that best aligns with your
intentions.
magick uses the energies and vibrations The correspondences we use in the Craft
in magickal workings to bring about the today (including color but also any other kind
changes you want to see. It can easily be of materials and ingredients you might use
incorporated into your Craft and learning the such as herbs, crystals, and incense) are
basics can help to give your spells and rituals generally influenced by and originate from
an extra boost of power. It can be as simple as ancient occult texts. The magickal properties or
wearing something orange to give you correspondences associated with every color
confidence in a job interview or burning a have in part come from these older sources, but
purple candle when you are practicing they have also been culturally influenced over
divination to help connect with your psychic the centuries too. These are only general
abilities. Color magick is also a subtle way of correspondences but as you grow as a Witch
practicing your Craft, so it’s great for those in and explore more of the Craft, you may come to
the broom closet. You can incorporate color find that you build up your own set of magickal
magick into your life discreetly in many ways: properties associated with every kind of
Wear the color that supports your spell. ingredient and material you use in your rituals
Adapt the color of your make-up or nail polish. and spells.
Write in a colored pen that suits your needs. As you expand your magickal experience
Sew, embroider, or knit using the color thread and knowledge, let your intuition guide you as
that aligns with your intentions. to what you feel works best for you. For
example, orange is the traditional color of
Buy flowers in the color aligned with your
creativity, but over the years, I’ve found that
intention and put them in your home/space.
orange seems to sap my creative abilities, but
Use a colored cup that best suits your needs blue helps me to access my creativity far more
and drink from it. easily.
 WHITE: Purification, cleansing, protection, healing
BLACK: Acceptance, banishing, binding, break curses and hexes
BROWN: Earth, grounding, healing, endurance, stability
PINK: Acceptance, romance, compassion, family, sensuality
RED: Courage, assertiveness, energy, passion, power, action
ORANGE: Abundance, ambition, happiness, confidence, creativity
YELLOW: Action, joy, communication, enthusiasm, abundance
GREEN: Acceptance, action, agriculture, change, harmony, luck
PURPLE: Astrology, intuition, enlightenment, psychic protection
BLUE: Honesty, communication, self-expression, healing, peace
SILVER: Awareness, intuition, Moon, purification, feminine energy
GOLD: Abundance, influence, luxury, masculine energy, Sun magick
 CANDLE Magick
andle magick is one of the easiest ways to all the times, but if you can, it will certainly add
C incorporate magick into your life. If
you’re just starting your Witchcraft
more strength and energy to your workings.
The same is true for herbs and crystals and any
journey, it’s a great introduction to spell- sigils (see Chapter 6) you wish to carve into the
work. It’s also inexpensive, meaning it’s a good wax: choosing the ones that also support your
form of magick for the Witch on budget. Candle intentions will help to give your spell a natural
magick represents all four elements and blends energetic boost. To dress a candle, rub an oil
all them together in a sort of alchemy, which like olive or vegetable over the candle either in
harnesses the very power of nature to bring a clockwise (increase) or anti-clockwise
about the change we want. The flame of the (decrease) direction and then roll it in roughly
candle represents Fire, the melted wax ground up herbs of your choice.
represents Water, the candle needs Air to burn, Candle size is another consideration. Some
and Earth is represented by the solid wax. spells require the candle to burn out to
When performing candle magick there are a complete the spell, so for these spells you
few things to consider before you begin. A might need a smaller candle, so it doesn’t take a
candle spell can be as simple as blessing and long time to burn away. On the other hand, you
lighting a candle with intention, but there are might need your candle to burn for a few hours
other options to give your spell a natural boost every day for a week, so these spells require a
of energy. The first place to start is to choose a larger candle.
colored candle that best aligns with your goals
and intentions for the spell. For example, for a Candle burn time:
protective spell, a black candle would be the BIRTHDAY—2–5 minutes
best choice. CHIME—2–2.5 hours
You can also add power to your workings TEALIGHT—2–2.5 hours
by aligning the intentions of your spell with the
VOTIVE—6–7 hours
right day of the week, the time of day and the
corresponding Moon phase. These things alone TAPER—9–10 hours
will not cause your spell to fail if you can’t align

Remember to never leave candles burning unattended.

 SUBSTITUTIONS In Spell-work
These substitutions are only general and
M while they can be substituted for anything in
their separate categories (herbs, candles,
agickal substitution is the act of replacing one crystals, salt, flowers, and so on,) it doesn’t
ingredient in a spell with another, usually make them the best ingredient for the job. As
because the spell calls for an ingredient we each color has its own set of correspondences,
don’t have. It’s fairly common to come across a so do the ingredients in each category, so to
spell that requires an obscure herb or a candle make the best substitution, it’s a good idea to
on a color we don’t have. This doesn’t have to match the correspondence of the item you
be a problem because there are several general want to use as a substitution with the intention
substitutions you can make within your spell- of your spell. For example, rosemary is a
work which can open up more magickal protective herb so would be a good substitute
possibilities. Many of these substitute for any herb in a protection spell but would be
ingredients are also budget friendly and are less effective to use as a substitute in a money
readily available. spell. Intention-based substitutions are more
likely to yield success as you are making sure
Rosemary, white candles and clear quartz
that all the items you use are in alignment with
are fantastic items to have because they are so
your overall goals and intentions for your spell.
versatile. Respectively, they can replace any
General substitutions are good if you need to
herb, any colored candle and any crystal within
cast a spell and you don’t have another option.
your spells, so are useful items to have in your
store cupboard. The great thing about
rosemary is that it can be used fresh or dried,
and it is a herb that you are likely to already
have in your kitchen cupboard or even grow in
your garden. This is helpful for those in the
broom closet who may not be able to get hold
of specific ingredients but are more likely to
have access to herbs like rosemary. It’s also
easy to grow outdoors—plant rosemary in
spring or autumn in sandy, well-drained soil
where it can get lots of sun.
 SUBSTITUTIONS IN SPELL-WORK

Rosemary replaces any herb White candles replace any colored candles

Rose replaces any flower Clear quartz replaces any crystals

Lemon replaces any citrus Black tea replaces any tea blend
 Tabacco replaces any toxic herb Frankincense replaces any resin

Olive oil replaces any oil/ carrier oil Table salt replaces any salt

Apple replaces any fruit Naga champa (flower) replaces any incense
 REWORKING Spells
A spell may call for you to burn something such as paper
R or herbs, and this might not be a viable option for you. So,
it’s crucial you use alternative actions that have the same
energetic effect as burning such as cutting with scissors,
eworking a spell goes hand in glove with making shredding, or tearing. This will help to increase the spell’s
substitutions. It means taking a prewritten spell and using it chance of success. It’s important that whatever reworking
as a base but making changes to better suit your needs and you do, any changes you make do not change the overall
situation. Reworking is a common process and could include energy of the original spell. Keep all your reworkings
making changes to the words, actions and ingredients of a intention-based so you are sure you are replacing any
spell or any references to a deity. You can rework any part of actions, words, and gestures with those of similar energies.
a spell that either doesn’t align with your intentions or doesn’t There are also alternatives to speaking or chanting and
feel right to you and your own particular practice. ingestion. We may find ourselves in a position where we are
There are many reasons why you would choose to unable to speak the words of a spell out loud, particularly
rework a spell and there are many specific areas within a those in the broom closet, but you could write the spell down
working that might need to be changed. For example, you or speak the words aloud in your head. If a spell calls for you
might choose to make changes to a spell because you are to drink something you would rather not, tipping some onto
unable to light a candle or burn incense in your home so the ground is a good alternative action. Any restrictions that
need alternatives. Luckily, there are things you can still do. are based on your personal circumstances do not place a
Battery or LED candles are a good option, and to bring in the limit on your magick if you look for alternative routes that will
use of color, you can stick washi tape in the color most lead you to the same results.
aligned with the intentions of your spell on them. You could
also include unlit candles in a color that supports the
intention of your spell but use visualization to harness the
energy they contain.
 PROTECTION Spell
After cleansing myself and my space, I call
O upon the elements for extra power. It also
helps me to connect with nature’s energy not
f all the kinds of spells I get asked for, just in this spell, but also in my wider practice. I
protection spells are the most popular, so I don’t often work with deities, but for this spell,
wanted to share this protection spell from my I chose to invoke the Egyptian Goddess of
Grimoire. It’s a simple candle spell that can be Protection, Bastet, but you can work with
used to protect yourself from any kind of whatever deity feels right to you. You don’t
negative energy or force, and can also be cast even have to work with a deity. These are the
on behalf of someone else. As a protection words I used but feel free to rework this spell
spell, it is best cast on the Full or Waxing Moon. using the wording that feels most authentic to
you.
Ingredients The idea for this spell was to create a
Three black candles. protective jar you could keep with you or keep
inside your home. If you don’t have a bottle.
Red candle.
you can put the ingredients in a black pouch. I
Black Tourmaline. use the colored pouches that often come with
Black Obsidian. jewelry as they are the perfect size. The spell
Sea salt. calls for three black candles for protection and
Bay leaves. one red candle to represent Bastet, but if this is
Rosemary. difficult, you could use white for all.
Black pepper. Black tourmaline helps to create a
protective shield, and black obsidian is used for
Vervain.
protection and to reverse curses, hexes and
Olive oil. psychic attacks.
Small bottle/pouch. Fill the bottle/pouch while focusing on your
Catnip, frankincense & myrrh incense, wine intention for the spell. Once the bottle is filled,
(offerings). seal it with the wax of a black candle, or tie the
Mortar & pestle pouch with black ribbon. If it’s for someone
If you don’t have some of these ingredients, see here to see else, give them the bottle/pouch to keep.
what substitutions you can make.
 5
WITCHRAFT IN THE BROOM CLOSET
“In the broom closet” has become a well-used turn of phrase for those Witches who can’t or don’t want to practice their Craft
openly. Witches go and stay in the broom closet for a variety of reasons. Some are there because their living situation doesn’t allow
them to be open, or the people in their lives would react negatively if they were honest. Others are there because they don’t want
people to know their personal business, and sadly, some are in situations where it would be physically dangerous to be a Witch
and practice their Craft, even in this modern day. All these are valid reasons that should be respected, and they certainly don’t
make you any less of a Witch!
For me personally, I began my Witchcraft journey when my family’s Christian beliefs meant I couldn’t be open about who I was.
It wasn’t until my circumstances changed in 2017 that I was able to be open with everyone about my Craft, and I realized how much
keeping that part of me a secret weighed upon my soul. I felt a huge weight was lifted and it felt liberating!
While being in the broom closet does have its disadvantages, it doesn’t mean you can’t practice your Craft! This chapter
contains many tips for celebrating the Sabbats, honoring the Moon phases, subtle morning, and evening rituals and lot of general
Witchy ideas and tricks for practicing your Craft in the broom closet.
 Visit the graves of loved ones.

Core pumpkins and decorate your space. Make a pendulum from a necklance and pendant.

Set intentions and goals for the new year. Do family research
 SUBTLE SABBATS: SAMHAIN

Meditate on your growth over the last year. Decorate a Yule tree with lights.

Go on a nature walk to connect with the Earth. Decorate a Yule log.

Watch the sunrise/sunset on the shortest day.

 SUBTLE SABBATS: YULE

Place a Yule wreath on your front door.

Decorate your home with lights and baubles.

 SUBTLE Sabbats

Samhain Yule
Samhain is the beginning of the Witches new When it comes to practicing the Sabbats in the
year, so is a great time to set your intentions broom closet, I found I had more freedom at
for the year ahead. Make some space for Yule because so many traditions and activities
yourself so you can think about what you have found their way into mainstream
would like to achieve and how you plan to consciousness, and have become part of
work toward your goals, so you are able to set society’s usual Christmas celebrations.
clear intentions. This Sabbat celebrates the Decorating trees with lights as well as
cycles of life and death and is a time to honor decorating our homes with evergreens,
our ancestors. If you’re able, visit the graves of candles, and colored baubles are common
loved ones that have passed and take time to activities around Yuletide, which means these
remember them. Start to research your family practices (which are essentially Pagan in
history or look through old photographs as an origin) can be enjoyed as celebrations of the
act of remembrance and honor. Even buy a shortest day when in the broom closet. It’s a
special frame for your favorite family picture. time to take full advantage of the cultural
In the secular world, Halloween is appropriation of Pagan rites and traditions at
increasingly celebrated, so take advantage and this time of the year!
decorate your space or home! Carve pumpkins Venturing out into nature is an excellent
to celebrate the third and final harvest of the way to celebrate each Sabbat because it’s a
year and even try your hand at preserving food low-key way of honoring the changing of the
for the winter. Samhain is associated with seasons and immersing yourself in the energies
divination as the veil between this world and of the natural world. It’s also a good way of
the next is at its thinnest. You can still practice grounding and balancing our own personal
divination in the broom closet, and although energies too, so works to give our sense of
you may not have tarot cards, you can easily wellbeing a boost at the same time. Watching
make a pendulum from a necklace and pendant the Sun rise or set on the shortest day of the
and a scrying surface with a bowl of water. year is another way to not only celebrate the
Winter Solstice and the passing of time, but
also strengthen our connection with nature.
 SUBTLE SABBATS: IMBOLC

Get a houseplant or re-pot one you already have. Make your own candles to welcome back the Sun.

Cinnamon magic. Honor Brigid: learn more about her or write poetry.

Drink/eat dairy (or a vegan alternative). Cleanse and purify your space.
 SUBTLE SABBATS: OSTARA

Bring spring flowers inside where you can see them. Begin plans for a new project.

Clean your space and sweep away bad energy. Go on a nature walk to look for signs of spring.

Garden or re-pot a house plant. Open your windows to let the spring air in.
 If you are green fingered, get gardening!
Imbolc Planting is a wonderful way to connect with the
As the first fire festival of the year, you can energies of the earth. You could even take off
celebrate Imbolc by lighting a candle (or many your shoes and do some grounding by walking
if you are able) or use battery-operated candles or sitting barefoot on the earth. It can give you
if you are unable to have real candles to a boost of natural energy especially if your own
represent the bonfires traditionally lit on this energy levels are running low. If this isn’t
Sabbat to welcome back the Sun. Imbolc is possible, purchasing, planting, or repotting a
associated with the Goddess Brigid and houseplant is a good way to connect to the
drinking or eating dairy products (or dairy-free Ostara energy of growth and fertility. A nature
vegan substitutes) and writing poetry are walk or just getting out into nature is always an
traditional ways to honor her. Getting a option, especially if you can’t do any gardening,
houseplant or re-potting a plant you already as it gives you the option to immerse yourself
have can help you connect with the fertility of in Earth’s natural energies.
the soil, and is a great subtle activity you can
carry out on Imbolc.
This Sabbat is a great time to get in touch
with your own psychic abilities as the natural Beltane
world begins to wake up. You can use As Beltane is one of the great fire festivals,
cinnamon to help connect you to your senses, celebrating the sabbat can be as simple as
as cinnamon helps us to raise our psychic lighting a red, orange, or yellow candle to
awareness. You can drink it in a tea, put it in represent the color of the balefires that are
food like apple pie, or burn cinnamon incense if traditionally lit at this time of year. You may
this is possible. If none of these is doable, just not be able to light a bonfire yourself but
have a cinnamon stick in your space so it can blessing and lighting a candle can represent the
fragrance the room, to gently cleanse and same meaning. Beltane is essentially about
purify. celebrating life, so having a feast of your
favorite foods or decorating your space with a
simple vase of spring flowers are great ideas to
Ostara celebrate this Sabbat.
Spring cleaning is a fantastic Ostara activity for Since Beltane celebrations usually occur
those in the broom closet. Not only can you outside, take advantage of the warmer weather
physically clear and organize your space or and get out into nature. Go outside or take a
home, but you can also visualize sweeping out small picnic to your favorite natural spot (mine
any negative energy that has accumulated— was always in the local forest) and enjoy some
and you don’t need a besom to do it! Using a springtime food like bread, cakes, honey, and
vacuum cleaner or dustpan and brush will do seasonal vegetables. It gives you a chance to
the same job as you focus your attention on connect with the Earth at the height of her
removing any unwanted energies. As you clean, springtime energies and to appreciate new life
open all your windows to let in the fresh spring in all its beauty. Even spending a short amount
air! Celebrating the Sabbats can be done under of time in nature and hearing the birds sing can
the guise of mundane, everyday activities! help to deepen your connections with all the
seasonal changes happening all around you.
Litha Bringing the outside in is a discreet way to
Litha (or the Summer Solstice) celebrates the honor the Sabbats. At Litha, fill a vase full of
longest day and is the opposite Sabbat to Yule summer flowers and put them in your window
on the Wheel of the Year. Like at Yule, you can to charge under the Sun on the longest day of
celebrate the Solstice by watching the Sun rise the year. Even just one flower for symbolism
either from outside, or if this would raise too helps you to connect with the Sabbat and the
much suspicion, from a window inside. It’s a natural world. Being in the broom closet taught
very traditional way to honor the longest day me that our rituals or activities don’t have to be
and can be done subtly in the broom closet. big or complex to be meaningful. At Litha,
bonfires are lit to celebrate the power of the
Sun, and while this might not be an option for
many, lighting a single candle to represent a
balefire (bonfire) is still a symbolic act filled
with meaning.
Litha is the time where the Sun is at the
peak of its power, so enjoy the summer fruits of
the earth by eating foods like watermelon,
grapes, and plums. You could even go fruit
picking so you can pick your own strawberries.
 Have a picnic outside in your favorite nature spot.

Decorate your space with local spring flowers.

Light a red, orange, or yellow candle to represent a balefire.

Take a ritual bath using spring flowers.

 SUBTLE SABBATS: BELTANE

Plant bulbs and flowers. Cook your seasonal foods for a feast.

Decorate your home with summer flowers. Bake honey cakes.

Light a candle to symbolize the Sun. Honor the longest day by watching the the sunrise.
 SUBTLE SABBATS: LITHA

Go on a nature walk.

Eat summer fruits like strawberries.

 SUBTLE SABBATS: LAMMAS

Do some prosperity workings. Pick sunflowers. The centre represents the Sun and the seeds symbolize fertility.

Try preserving and canning food. Bless your home/space.

Get your garden ready for winter. Meditate on all that you are spiritually harvesting in your life.
 SUBTLE SABBATS: MABON

Bake bread. Go on a nature walk in the woods and observe the falling leaves.

Practice gratitude. Make a gratitude list or photo collage. Give and share food with those who need it.

Make apple pie—or anything with apples. Meditate on balance outside to connect with the seasonal changes.
 Mabon
Lammas (Lughnasadh)
Mabon is the time light and dark are equal in
Lammas is the first of the three harvests of the length before the Wheel moves to the dark half
Wheel of the Year, so it’s a great time to bake of the year. It’s a good time for journaling or
bread or pastries. You could also try your hand meditating on balance, as well as reflecting on
at preserving food like fruits and making jams, the areas of your life that need equilibrium.
both traditional Lammas activities for getting Mabon is also a time of gratitude for the second
ready for the winter ahead. Drink a cup of harvest so is a great opportunity to write a
chamomile or mint tea to attract good fortune gratitude list or make a collage of photographs
and as you drink it, trace your finger around with all the people and memories you’re
the rim of the cup in a clockwise motion to grateful for. The second harvest is when all the
signify increase as you seek to draw abundance grain has been brought in, so baking bread is a
toward you. great way to honor the Sabbat by using the
Lammas is the celebration of the middle of fruits of the harvest. Making anything with
summer, but it’s also a reminder that winter is apples is a good Mabon activity as it’s also the
only just around the corner. The winter months time to eat the last of the summer fruits.
were the hardest times of all so it was Mabon is the Sabbat where its traditional to
traditional for Pagans and Witches to bless share the food with those in need. I remember
their homes before the difficult months began. taking part in harvest festival celebrations
Move from room to room and silently ask for during elementary (primary) school each year
the blessing of whatever higher power you (a traditional celebration for schools in the UK),
work with (whether it’s a God, Goddess, or the where we collected canned and dried food to
universe in general) to fall on each room, your give to local food banks. Look in your kitchen
home in general and those that live within. closets to see what food you could donate to
those who are less fortunate.
 MOON Magick
eing in the broom closet doesn’t have to
B prevent you from honoring and
connecting with each phase of the Moon,
Cleanse with water
The pull of the Moon controls the tides here on
and using it as a powerful tool for change and Earth, so a great way to connect to the energy
manifestation. Moon magick doesn’t have to be of the Moon is through water. Be near a lake or
complicated and there are so many simple river on the day the phase is in alignment with
rituals and activities that can be practiced your needs and any intentions. At home, fill a
subtly and under the radar. You can still follow glass or bowl with water and use it as a
the rhythms of the Moon in the broom closet meditation aid. You can still make moon water
and embrace the power and energy of each while in the broom closet. Placing a glass/jar of
phase. water on a windowsill for a few hours to
absorb the Full Moon’s energy can be done
Moon journal subtly and it doesn’t need to be put outside to
Intentions can still be set at the new Moon and be fully charged. The Full Moon is also a time
the other Moon phases can be used to work for cleansing and purifying, making it the
toward your goals. Starting a Moon journal is a perfect time to have a cleansing ritual salt bath
good way of recording your intentions and how to remove any unwanted or negative energies.
they are manifested gradually over time. A You probably already have salt in your kitchen!
journal is also great for recording your feelings
at each Moon phase and keeping track of how Water divination
the rhythms of the Moon has an impact on your Water can be used to make an easy and
emotions, so over time, you can see any accessible divination tool. Many divination
patterns that emerge. methods are not possible for a lot of Witches in
the broom closet, but water in a bowl makes a
Dream journal perfect surface for scrying. which is also not
A dream journal is another good tool. Record overtly Witchy! Scrying is the act of looking
all you remember from your dreams (feelings, into a reflective surface to make out messages
images, symbols, and colors), particularly and meaning. The word “scrying” comes from
around the Full Moon. Recording your dreams the Old English word “descry” which means “to
at different points of the lunar cycle helps you make out dimly”, meaning scrying is about
to see how the Moon affects your dreams and revealing the unseen and the unknown.
any messages you receive. If there is a specific Look at the surface of the water with a soft
question you would like an answer to, write it gaze so you keep your eyes as relaxed as
in your journal before you go to sleep and it possible. The more you relax and look, the
could help you find answers. more you tune into your second sight and it’s
then that you can receive images and massages.
 Get clarity
Written rituals
Visualization and meditation are useful tools to
There are many rituals that help you connect have, particularly in the broom closet, as not
with the New Moon. Write down on a piece of only will they help you focus during spells and
paper all those things you want to remove or rituals, but they can also help to align you with
banish from your life such as bad habits, any phase of the Moon. It’s a low-key form of
negative thinking, or unhealthy thought Witchcraft and no tools are needed except the
patterns, and then burn the paper to release strength of your mind. Always decide exactly
the spell. If you are unable to burn the paper, what you want to focus on before you begin
then either ripping or cutting it up into small and which Moon phase best corresponds to
pieces and throwing it away will have the same your needs. Sit somewhere comfortable where
energetic effect. You could do a similar ritual the Moon can be seen and visualize the thing
on the Full Moon by burning or tearing a list of you want as if it’s already a reality. See and feel
any regrets you carry that are stopping you with all of your senses as the more detailed and
move forward. Connecting with the Moon in your visualizations, the more precise energy
this way at both these phases can be powerful you are directing at your intentions. Don’t
catalysts for change. Although these rituals worry if at first you find meditation and
seem very simple, they have the potential to visualization difficult and your mind drifts off.
yield powerful results if done right. If this happens, just recenter and refocus
yourself. It’s a skill that gets easier with
practice and perseverance.
 SUBTLE WITCHCRAFT

Make a small portable altar in a box that’s easily hidden. Connect with nature.

Grow your own kitchen herbs. If you are able to use incense, make black salt from the ashes.

Use playing cards as tarot cards. Draw a sigil that aligns with your intentions and

keep it in your phone case.

When you move the clasp on your necklace to the back of your neck, make a wish.

Re-use and repurpose items such as jars and bottles. Dry, press, and keep herbs in the

pages of a book.

Use everyday objects such as a ring or necklace as a charm.

Lights candles when you’bathe to give you a safe place to do

candle magick.

Make the most of technology to learn

and connect with other Witches.

Use the ingredients around you, such as salt from your kitchen and dandelions from your yard.
 SUBTLE Witchcraft Tips
hen in the broom closet, it can be hard to practice divination and you might even
W to build elements of your Craft into your
daily life without being too open and
already have a pack of cards put away
somewhere that you can start using.
obvious with your actions. This can be Connecting with nature is an easy way to
even harder if you’re also at the beginning of practice your Craft and it can be done in many
your Witchcraft journey. I personally found it ways. Going into nature can help ground and
was a balancing act between two opposing center you and help you connect to the rhythm
feelings; wanting my Craft to remain a secret of the seasons. You could make an altar in a
from those around me, but still having the small box or tin containing things like a tea
innate desire to express myself fully and not light, matches, stones or rocks you’ve picked up
hide the Witch I was. But it’s fair to say that along the way, or some salt in a bottle—
telling family and friends about your practice anything you want to use and can fit in a small
isn’t everyone’s goal. Over the years of having space that’s easily put away and hidden.
to hide my magick, it’s surprising how many You may not be able to keep jars full of
ways I found that enabled me to strike a herbs, but you can dry, press, and keep herbs in
balance between honoring who I truly was the pages of a book with a weight on top.
while still allowing me to practice my Craft in Growing your own common kitchen herbs like
ways that wouldn’t create arguments. basil, rosemary, thyme, and mint for use in
If you have a pack of playing cards, you can “cooking” is not only a good way to physically
use them as tarot cards. Tarot reading need not connect with Mother Nature when you plant
be a divination practice out of your reach and tend to them, but it gives you a good
simply because you’re in the broom closet. source of herbs for a variety of magickal
Each playing card in the deck corresponds to a purposes. They can either be grown outside or
different card from the Minor Arcana (see inside in small pots and can even be bought
Chapter 8 for more details) and can be used for from most supermarkets.
a range of readings. This is a very discreet way
 MORNING Rituals
hile in the broom closet, I discovered some let you “pull” daily cards and provide
W the huge value of small rituals,
particularly in the morning and evening,
card meanings. Or, if you have a deck of playing
cards, as already mentioned you can use them
because more complicated activities and as tarot cards; pull one each morning to give
workings were not an option. Actions like you guidance about the day ahead. You can use
drawing a pentacle over your morning drink the mundane act of taking a morning shower
for protection and lighting a tealight to help and turn it into an opportunity for cleansing
you focus and set your intentions for the new and protection. Visualize the water cleansing
day may be very simple and discreet, but they you of any negative or unwelcome energies and
can also be very powerful. Drawing sigils that replacing it with its protection.
align with your goals on the labels of your Making time to ground myself in nature is
clothes you want to wear or put on a piece of something I try to do each morning, usually in
jewelry such as a necklace or ring that you have my back yard with my first cup of coffee if the
charmed are two other simple yet powerful weather is fair. If it’s warm enough, I’ll go out
ways to take your magick with you throughout barefoot. The chance to connect with nature,
the day. even for just for 5 minutes, can bring so many
You can build some time for divination and benefits on a spiritual and emotional level. If
astrology into your morning routine by you usually exercise in the morning, move any
downloading one of the many free apps where exercise from inside to outside. Rather than a
you can read your daily horoscope. Look at the trip to the gym, try a run outside and get some
many free tarot reading apps out there too as fresh air too!
 MORNING RITUALS

Light a candle and set your intentions for the day. Stand on some grass or earth barefoot.

Download a horoscope app and read what the day has in store. Stir your drink clockwise for increase or anti-clockwise

for decrease.

When you shower, visualize the water cleansing and protecting. Draw a sigil that aligns with your intentions on paper

and keep it in your phone case.

 Use playing cards as a tarot deck and pull a card for guidance at the beginning of the day.

Trace a pentagram over your morning drink for protection. Draw sigils on the labels of your clothes.

Take gentle exercise like yoga to stretch out and ground yourself. Meditate for 5–10 minutes on your daily goals and intentions.

Write down your affirmation for the day. Tend to your houseplants.
 EVENING RITUALS

Put a beauty charm on products like face wash, moisturizer, and cleanser. Cleanse yourself from the energies of the day.

Stir your drink clockwise for increase or anti-clockwise for decrease. Light a lavender incense stick. They are increasingly

seen as mainstream.

Start a manifestation journal on the things you’re working on.

 Head outside for a little grounding or open your window to let in some air.

Drink a relazing herbal tea like chamomile. Do some meditation and breath work.

Draw a playing card to get insight on your day.

Have a ritual bath with lavender bubble bath. Practice gratitude for the good things about your day.
 EVENING Rituals
vening rituals tend to be ones that help such as visualizing how my face wash and
E you wind down after the activities of the
day. It’s a chance to relax as well as reflect
cleanser wash away the accumulated energies
of the day, and placing a beauty charm on the
on what has been and look to the day moisturizer and face oil I apply before bed.
that’s to come. There are lots of options open to Drinking a cup of chamomile tea or another
you, but here are just a few of my nightly relaxing herbal blend is part of my nightly
favorites. routine as it helps me to wind down. Herbal tea
Many people like to read before bed, so the bags of all flavors have gradually found their
evening is a great opportunity to download an way into non-specialist shops and
e-book about Witchcraft and do some research supermarkets as the years have progressed,
and reading about an aspect of the Craft that and drinking them isn’t now considered
interests you. Learning is a big aspect of our strange. Make your own herbal teas easily by
practice but being in the broom closet doesn’t cutting open the teabags of your choice and
need to be a barrier between you and learning using the dried herbs within to create your
materials. Many books are even available for own blend. You could also put these herbs in a
free. You may even be reading this book on muslin bag and use them in a ritual bath.
your phone/tablet right now! Technology has Another ritual I like to perform before bed
certainly made it easier to access reliable is to cleanse my whole self to make sure I
sources of information in a private way. remove any undesirable energies that have
Another option is to make time to listen to one accumulated over the course of the day. This is
of the many Witchcraft podcasts available, something you can do in the broom closet as
which can add another level to your research there are more ways to cleanse yourself and
and learning. your space other than burning herbs. Try
I’ve found that morning and evening rituals visualization, light, or sound, all of which can
are easier to build into my routine when they be practiced as subtly as you need them to be
enhance actions and activities I already do, but are all still very effective.
 WITCHCRAFT & Self-Care
elf-care is vital for us all, especially in the world into your day. Having regular breaks
S modern age we live in, and regardless of
who we are, we all need to take care of
away from technology in today’s world is
important for us all, so swap some daily screen
our physical, mental, and spiritual health. time with a walk or read that book you’ve been
Self-care is about more than just facials and wanting to start for months.
bubble baths, and is arguably even more Learning how to ground yourself properly
necessary when you are practicing your Craft is an invaluable skill, one that will help to foster
in the broom closet. Staying in the broom closet a greater sense of wellbeing to help in the
is not an easy path to take, and is one that can practice of your Craft. Sit comfortably and
weigh heavily on your emotional wellbeing, but visualize a white light filling the core of your
the practices of Witchcraft themselves can body. Let it flow down toward the ground to
provide a framework that helps us to look after meet the Earth’s energy. To help, see your own
ourselves. Nature-based practices in particular energy as a different color. Visualize the Earth’s
are vital routes for self-care and building small energy moving to fill your entire body and
rituals into your daily life can help you ground visualize your own energy mingling with it. If
yourself, lowering levels of stress and anxiety. you feel drained, you can pull up more the
Getting out into nature as much as you can Earth’s energy into yourself and use it to
is important, whether that’s going to your recharge and rebalance yourself.
favorite nature spot, getting out into your yard Starting a self-care journal is a good way to
or going to a green space like a public park if record your thoughts and feelings and all the
you are an urban Witch. The more connection acts of self-care. Journaling in itself can be a
you have with the natural world, the greater therapeutic action but keeping a track of how
the positive impact on your wellbeing will be. different methods of caring for yourself made
Try some gentle exercise such as yoga or you feel and how they impacted upon your
meditation outside if you can. If some of these wider sense of wellbeing means you can see
are already part of your daily practice, any patterns that emerge. It can help you to
switching your activities from inside to outside understand yourself better and how to give
(when the weather allows) can be an easy way your body and soul what they most need.
to help you incorporate time in the natural
 WITCHCRAFT AND SELF-CARE

Learn how to ground yourself properly. Listen to your body, rest, and slow down when needed.

Flow with the moon’s cycle. Manifest at the Full Moon, rest in the Waning Crescent. Start a self-care journal

Embrace and feed your creativity. Write down any negativity you’re holding onto. Burn or cut the paper to release.
Cleanse yourself and your space regularly. Have a break away from technology.

Go outside and connect with nature. Meditate or practice yoga outside.

Regularly express gratitude. Eat well, nourish your body.

 6
SIGILS
A sigil is a magickal sign or symbol that has been created to represent a particular intention or goal. Witches and occultists have
used sigils for centuries but symbols for specific purposes such as to honor a deity (in a religious context) have been used by many
ancient civilizations stretching back millennia—examples are the Christian cross and the Jewish Star of David.
In modern-day magick, sigils are often used for personal matters such as attracting wealth, protection, healing, setting stronger
boundaries, and to represent an intention or thought. Sigils are a great way to give a physical shape to a specific thought or goal.
They can be drawn, carved, or burned into any kind of material, but usually they are simply drawn with a pen or pencil on a piece of
paper.
 USING SIGILS In Your Craft
igil magick is based on the philosophy magickally charged symbols help to reprogram
S that we are all the creators of our own
future and we all have the potential to
the subconscious mind and help to replace any
self-limiting beliefs with focused thoughts
bring about the change we want to see in about exactly what you want to manifest.
our lives. They can help you manifest the seeds Although sigils are powerful magickal tools,
of intention you plant as you create and craft they’re not a substitute for action. Sigils can be
the sigil. It is the action of creation itself that used to bring about great inner change, but you
gives a sigil its power. This is one of my favorite must also do the outer work too. Combining
kinds of magick because there isn’t really right your sigil magick with action will help to
or wrong way to make a sigil. They can be as ensure success of your magick.
simple or complex as you want them to be, Sigils can be used in many ways and in
which makes it an accessible form of magick for many different places. Often, a sigil has to be
those just starting their Witchcraft journey. destroyed in some way to release their magick
As you create your sigil, you weave your into the Universe, so it can work on your
creativity, determination, willpower, and ritual subconscious (see here). Here, I’ve included an
into your intentions, which supercharges their example of the kind of magick that aligns well
magickal ability to manifest your desires. Sigil with each specific place, but it is by no means
magick is incredibly empowering as it puts you the only kind of magick connected to each
firmly in the driving seat of your own life. specific physical location.
Intention is a core part of this kind of They can be drawn on yourself with a pen,
magick—it’s the strength of it that encodes then washed off, drawn on a rock and then
your sigils with the things you want to thrown it into the sea or a river to let the water
manifest. wash the sigil off, and they can even be draw on
Sigils act as a key to your subconscious your food. Use a sauce to draw a sigil on a
mind, which enables you to access your full pizza, salad or sandwich, then eat it. One of my
magickal potential. They are able to move past favorites methods is, after a hot bath, to trace a
anything that may be holding you back such as sigil in the condensation on the mirror, then
negative thoughts, doubts, fear, and the self- watch it disappear as the condensation fades.
consciousness of your conscious mind. These
 DRAWING AND REMOVING SIGILS

Draw a sigil to help enforce boundaries on a chalk or dry board and then erase it. Trace a confidence sigil on a flower to

signify your confidence growing. Harvest a petal

or leaf to release the energy.

Draw a purification or banishing sigil on a rock or a piece Trace a protection sigil on your body then wash it off.

of lead, then throw it into a body of water.

Draw a health sigil on your food then eat it. Write a home protection or house blessing in the

condensation of a window or mirror, then watch it fade.

 CREATING YOUR SIGIL

Intention is central to sigil magick. When writing your intentions, make sure they aren’t too vague or complex.

Keep them clear and precise.

Visualize your intentions coming to fruition to help keep them focused. Once you have created and activated your

sigil, try to forget about it.

This helps to commit your sigil to your subconcious, Sigils aren’t a replacement for action. You must

where it can work on what it was created for. do the outer work to support the inner work.
 CREATING Your Sigil
hen crafting your own sigil, there are I welcome . . . “I welcome more love into my
W five important steps that are necessary
to the creation of all kinds of sigil
life.”

magick: Design your sigil

There are many different techniques you can
Consider your Intentions use to design your sigil, such as the the
Before you put pen to paper, it’s good to sentence method (see here). You can also
formulate clear and well-defined intentions. If research and use methods such as the wheel
your intentions are too vague, the energy of the method and the Saturn grid method.
sigil will be unfocused and is less likely to be as
effective. The same is likely to happen if your Charge and activate your sigil
intentions are overly complicated. If you have Choose how you would like to charge and
more than one intention, make a sigil for each activate your sigil (see here). This step is
separate intention to help ensure their aims important, as it gives you the opportunity to
and goals are sharp. pour more power into your sigil, and then
control how this power is released.
Phrase your Intentions
Ways to phrase your intentions could include: Forget about it!
Once you’ve created and activated your sigil,
I need . . . “I need strength to overcome the try your best to forget about. This step is often
challenges in my life.” skipped over, but it’s an essential step to
complete your sigil magick. The act of
I am . . . “I am protected from any negative forgetting the sigil helps to commit your
energies.” symbol to your subconscious where it can
work without being influence and disturbed by
your conscious mind and its limitations.
 THE Sentence Method
s the creation process is central to this
A form of magick, it’s probably unsurprising
to know that the sigils you make yourself
Step Two
Next, remove all the vowels and any repeated
are usually far more powerful than those letters from your sentence. At this point, the
made by others. This doesn’t mean that you aim is to simplify your intentions as much as
can’t use a sigil created by someone else if it possible.
aligns with what you want to manifest, but
because the actual act of creating and crafting Step Three
the sigil yourself is missing, it can make it less Deconstruct the remaining letters into simple
effective. lines and curves that represents the remaining
The sentence method was the first method I letters of your intentions. For example, the
was taught to use to design sigils, and I still use letter “M” could be broken down into the
it as part of my own practice. shapes I V I. The letter “H” can be broken down
into I – I.
Step One
Decide on the purpose of your sigil and Step Four
formulate your intentions. This could be The last step is to use all the simplified lines
anything from attracting prosperity and and curves from step three and construct the
wealth, to better health, or strength to shapes into one complete design. You can flip
reinforce your personal boundaries. Remember the different lines and curves around and
that the longer the sentence you begin with, the change the positions until you find a design
more complicated your sigil will be once it’s you’re happy with—remember it’s completely
finished, and more complex doesn’t necessarily your own choice where you place each
mean more powerful. Once you’re happy, write separate shape. I chose to make the “I am
down your intentions in full as seen on the first protected” sigil in the example based on the
line of writing in the example. basic shape of a cross, but this was purely a
personal choice. It’s a great opportunity to be
creative! Just be sure to use all the simplified
letters from your intentions in the final design
of your sigil.
THE SENTENCE METHOD: EXAMPLE
 CREATING YOUR SIGIL
ACTIVE ACTIVATION

Burning the sigil Let water dissolve the paper Tear the sigil in half

Draw it on your body and wash it off

 PASSIVE ACTIVATION

Carve sigil into a piece of wood Draw a sigil on paper and keep it with you Draw a sigil on your body and let

it rub off gradually

Carve a sigil into a candle and burn when needed

 SIGIL Charging & Activation
nce you have designed your sigil and
O have drawn it out onto your chosen item,
it’s time to charge and activate it. These
Activation
Activation is a way of releasing the energy of
are two crucial parts of any kind of sigil your sigil into the Universe so it can do its
magick so shouldn’t be skipped over. It is work. There are two types of sigil activation:
through the acts of charging and activating active and passive. Active activation is great for
your sigil that you concentrate the energies of quick and powerful manifestations, such as
your intentions and then release them for their banishing something, as the sigil only needs to
magick to work. be used once and will be destroyed in the
activation process. Burning is a traditional way
Charging to actively activate sigils, but drawing your sigil
Charging your sigil is the process by which you on anything you can tear up or dissolve in
pour more of your intentions into the symbol water is a great alternative method.
to create a sigil of power. We project and If you want the magick of your sigil to last
receive energy throughout our bodies, but our and have an effect over a longer period of time,
hands in particular are powerful tools in like a sigil for a project you are working on or a
energy work like this. To find your projective sigil to increase something, passive activation
hand, interlock your fingers together, letting is a more suitable method. Using this method
your hands rest in your lap or on a table. Look means the sigil is not destroyed, but is kept so
at your thumbs and their position to see which it can continue to work its magick, and release
thumb is on top of the other. The thumb on top its energy slowly, helping you to achieve your
is your projective hand. long-term goals. These sigils can be carved into
Hold your sigil in your projective hand and wood or wax, sewed onto material, drawn on
focus on the specific intentions you have set. paper, or even on your body, letting it gradually
Use visualization to see yourself actualizing the fade.Passively activated sigils can last anything
intentions of your sigil and getting to where from days to years.
you want to be. Take your time to feel your
energy flowing from your projective hand and
into the sigil to charge it. When you feel ready,
it’s time to activate it.
 7
HERBS

Herbs have been used for thousands of years in Witchcraft and healing. I have been in love with the magick of herbs since the
early days of my practice and the more I grow as a Witch, the more I find myself using them in my Craft. A herb can be defined as
any type of plant with leaves, seeds, or flowers that are useful to humans, whether they are used for their flavor in cooking, for
healing in the form of medicine, for their fragrance in incense and perfumes, and in our case, for magick.
Herbs embody the four elements. They grow in the soil (Earth), use the light and warmth of the Sun (Fire) to make the nutrients
they need, use moisture from the soil and the rain to grow (Water) and take carbon dioxide from their immediate environment to
make oxygen (Air). Using herbs in your Craft means you are working with the very elements of nature and the power of the earth’s
energy in its strongest form.
Before you begin working with herbs, there are some ground rules that you must follow. Never ingest or touch an
unidentified herb. Always research your herbs before ingesting or making skin contact with them, and seek advice from a medical
herbalist or doctor before before working with any herbs if you are pregnant, suffer from any allergies, or have any health concerns.
If you feel unwell or have any reactions to a herb, seek medical advice immediately.
 HOW TO USE HERBS

1. Burning
Many herbs, once fully dried, can be burned on a hot charcoal to release the smoke. Incense sticks and cones are other good
alternatives.

2. Oils
Use olive, sunflower, or grapeseed oil as a base and add your chosen herb and leave to infuse. Use it to dress candles, anoint
yourself, and your tools.

3. Ritual baths
Sprinkle appropriate herbs in a hot bath or place the herbs in a cloth bag, then add to your bath. Let the herbs infuse your bath
water and bathe with intention.

4. Tincture
Herbs are added, usually to ethyl alcohol but sometimes in glycerin, to preserve and help extract the goodness. Take 2
tablespoons each day or night.
 HOW TO Use Herbs
here are many ways to incorporate herbs You can also use essential oil in place of dried
T into your practice. Below are some of the
different ways to use the magickal and
herbs if you prefer. Oils, made either way,
generally have a shelf life of two to three years.
medicinal power of herbs in your Craft.
Ritual baths
Incense Herbs can be sprinkled directly into a hot bath
Making incense from the dried leaves, stems, or can be placed in a small cloth bag and used
and flowers of herbs is one of my favorite ways like a teabag to infuse your bath water. Using a
to use herbs in my Craft. Before burning your bag means you can still benefit from the
herbs, grind them all together using a mortar magickal properties of the herbs, but the herbs
and pestle. Follow a recipe, usually measured won’t clog up your drain. Prepare and enjoy
in “parts” or create your own blend. your bath with the intention of your magick in
To burn loose incense, light a charcoal disc and mind.
leave it for a few minutes to get hot. Place fully Caution: If you have sensitive skin which is
dried herbs on top of the charcoal to release prone to allergic reactions, always perform a
their fragrant smoke. If you prefer, incense patch test with an infusion or decoction of the
sticks and cones are other good options. herb(s) you want to use in your ritual bath
first.
Oils
Making a magickal oil using herbs or spices is a Pouches/sachets
simple process. Use grapeseed, olive, or Herbs can be placed in a small bag so you can
sunflower oil for the base and then add your carry their magick with you. The colored bags
chosen herbs. Leave for a few weeks to allow jewelry is often packaged in is perfect for this
the herbs to infuse the oil before using to kind of working and these small bags can also
anoint yourself, candles, other people, or your be bought inexpensively online in a variety of
tools, depending on the properties of the herbs. colors. Chose a colored pouch that aligns with
your intentions for a boost of energy.
 HOW TO USE HERBS

1. Decoction
A decoction is a very concentrated infusion made by simmering herbs in water for 20-40 minutes. Tougher parts of herbs and
plants are used like bark, roats and seeds.

2. Pouch/Sachet
Spell pouches are easy to make. Place your chosen herbs (and crystals and other items) in a small cotton or jewlery bag and carry
it with you.

3. Tea
Herbs can be used in tea. Add dried herbs to a tea strainer and leave to brew in hot water for about 5 minutes before drinking.

4. Infusion
An infusion is made by pouring hot water on to herbs to make a tea. Infusions use more herbs and are steeped for longer, usually
overnight.
 Decoction
Tea
A decoction is a very strong infusion. It is made
Also called a tisane, herbal tea has many by boiling herbs in water for an extended
magickal and health benefits. Gently crush the period of time to create a concentrated water.
herbs to help release their flavor and place This method favors using safe bark, roots,
them in teapot or use in a tea infuser. Pour hot seeds, and the tougher parts of herbs and
water over the herbs and leave to steep for plants. Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of herbs for 1
around five minutes before drinking so the cup of cold water, adding more water as
heat of the water can extract their medicinal required to keep the original level in the pan.
and magickal benefits. Place the water and herbs in a pot and bring to
a boil, then simmer for 20-40 minutes. Remove
Infusion from the heat and leave to cool at room
A herbal infusion is made in the same way as temperature before straining the herbs. A
an herbal tea but herbs are steeped for much decoction is best used straight away but you
longer to bring out the fuller, deeper flavor of can refrigerate any left-overs and use within 48
the herbal matter you use. Pour very hot water hours. If you plan to ingest or make skin
on safe herbs, dried fruits, leaves, flowers, or contact with your decocation, you MUST
seeds to release the flavor. Infusions can be ensure you use safe ingredients.
made on the stove by adding your herbs to a
pot of gently simmering water. Keep stirring Tincture
the mixture to release the flavor and the Tinctures are concentrated herbal extracts
magickal and medicinal properties of your made with alcohol or vinegar, taken for their
chosen herbs. Cover the pot and let the infusion magickal and medicinal properties. The alcohol
steep overnight. When making an herbal acts as a solvent that draws out the magickal
infusion, more herbs are used than when and medicinal properties of the herbs.
making an herbal tea. I use roughly 2 to 3
Tinctures can be taken straight or diluted in
tablespoons of herbs for every average mug of water or tea. Place your herbs in a bottle (fill it
water used. This method favors using safe half full of herbs) then fill with vodka that is at
leaves, stems, and flowers and softer parts of least 40% alcohol, or with vinegar. Leave the
herbs. Strain the herbs before serving. mixture to extract for around 8 weeks before
Infusions are best refrigerated and used either use. Herbal tinctures made with alcohol or
as a drink or in your workings within 24 hours. vinegar have a shelf life of 3–5 years as the
alcohol preserves the mixture.
 EVERYDAY HERBS AND SPICES

1. Basil—Protection, home protection, love, lust, psychic abilities, wealth

2. Bay Laurel—Protection, purification, success, psychic abilities, wishes, prosperity

3. Black pepper—Protection, courage, banish negativity or jealousy, stimulate memory
4. Cinnamon—Psychic abilities, power, protection, success, lust, money drawing, stregth, spirituality
5. Chamomile—Healing, happiness, calming, sleep, money, love, purification, protection
6. Clove—Protection, money, love, prosperity, exorcism
 EVERYDAY herbs

BASIL (Ocimum basilicum) CHAMOMILE (Chamaemelum nobile)

Place a sachet of basil in each room of your Chamomile has incredible healing and calming
property to keep away evil or negative powers. Drink in a tea to help relieve stress,
energies. Eating basil can summon clarity and promote inner peace, and aid sleep. Burn the
inner strength, and placing it in your pockets flower as incense for purification, or use for
will help to attract wealth. personal protection by taking a ritual bath with
ground up chamomile. Generally speaking
BAY LAUREL (Laurus nobilis) chamomile is helpful for allergies, but some
Wear a bay leaf as an amulet for protection or people are allergic/sensitive to it. If you have
cook the leaves in a soup to ward off any sensitive, reactive skin, it’s a good idea to try a
negative energy. It is said that if you write a little chamomile infusion on your hands before
wish on a bay leaf then burn it, you wish will taking a full bath in it.
come true. Bay can be used in a ritual bath or in
money spells to attract prosperity. Please see CLOVE (Eugenia carophyllus)
ritual baths caution on this page before When burned as incense it purifies the air and
working with this herb if you are prone to dispels any negative energies. Burning cloves
allergic reactions. as incense or pushing cloves into a red candle
and burning helps to stop gossip and rumors.
BLACK PEPPER (Piper nigrum) It’s a good ingredient in banishing spells and
When mixed with salt, black pepper can be workings to protect against psychic attacks.
sprinkled along the threshold of your home for
protection or to drive away any negative or CLOVER (Trifolium)
unwanted energies. Carrying black The common three-leaved clover is highly
peppercorns as a charm can ward off jealousy. protective, especially if worn as an amulet. The
less common four leaved clover strengthens
CINNAMON (Cinnamomum zeyanicum) psychic abilities. The rare five leaved clover can
Burning cinnamon inside as incense can raise draw money, place one in your wallet to attract
the spiritual vibrations of a room. It can also be wealth.
used in money drawing and prosperity spells
and to increase your natural psychic abilities. CUMIN (Cumimum cyminum)
Cinnamon will also give any spell work an extra Cumin promotes fidelity. When burned with
boost of power. frankincense, cumin’s protective qualities are
enhanced. It’s particularly useful for protection
against theft. Sprinkle seeds around your home
or at the main entrances to your property to
ward off thieves.
DILL (Anethum graveolens) LEMON BALM (Melissa officinalis)
Dill is a great ingredient to use in love spells Known as The Elixir of Life, lemon balm is
and charms. To attract romance and make associated with healing. Soak lemon balm in
yourself irresistible to a lover, place the seeds wine and share it to deepen your bond with
in a muslin pouch and use it in a ritual bath or your partner or to strengthen a friendship,
hang under your showerhead. Use dill leaves Burn as incense with lemon grass to cleanse
and seeds in wealth spells. Remember to check and purify.
your sensitivity to dill before taking a bath in it,
if you are prone to allergies. MINT (Mentha spp)
Associated with the element Air, mint aids
LAVENDER (Lavendula officinale) communication and adds strength and power
Burn lavender as incense (loose, sticks or to your words, particularly if consumed in a
cones) or use in a pouch under your pillow to tea. Burning, carrying, and eating mint helps to
induce calm and aid sleep. Drinking lavender attract love as well as preserve and protect
and chamomile tea before bed combats relationships.
insomnia. To attract love, place lavender
flowers in your closet to fragrance your clothes.
 EVERYDAY HERBS AND SPICES

1. Clover—Protection, money, success, luck, fidelity, love, purification

2. Cumin—Protection, fidelity, prevents theft, peace
3. Dill—Protection, love, lust, money, luck, romance
4. Lavender—Sleep, peace, love, calm, protection, purification, mental clarity
5. Lemon balm—Calm, success, healing, longevity, balance, purification, anxiety
6. Mint—Healing, protection, money, luck, communication, prosperity, cleansing
 ROSEMARY (Rosmarinus officinalis)
NUTMEG (Myristica fragrans) This versatile herb improves mental powers
Use nutmeg oil to anoint a green candle, roll it and memory. Place rosemary in oil and use to
in nutmeg powder and burn it to attract money. anoint a yellow candle. Burn on a Thursday to
Do the same to a purple candle to heighten help academic study and improve grades. Use
psychic abilities. Add nutmeg to food and drink rosemary in a ritual bath for personal cleansing
to enhance divinatory abilities and to or burn for smoke cleansing.
encourage clear sight.
THYME (Thymus vulgaris)
OREGANO (Origanum vulgare) Burning thyme with frankincense before a spell
Oregano can help to strengthen an existing love or ritual is a great space cleanser and purifier.
but also aid the process of letting go of a loved Make thyme oil to use in a ritual bath for
one following a bereavement or relationship personal cleansing and to renew the spirit.
break-up. Dress a candle by rubbing oil into a Placed under your pillow, thyme can aid restful
green candle, then rolling it in dried oregano sleep and promote good dreams.
before burning to attract luck and wealth.
YARROW (Achillea millefolium)
ROSE (Rosa spp) Yarrow is protective when worn in a magickal
The rose is strongly associated with romance pouch/sachet and it also helps to bring the
and is traditionally used in love spells. Burn wearer courage. Hold it in your hand for a few
dried petals as incense or drink a tea to minutes to reduce feelings of fear. Brew as tea
increase feelings of passion. Sprinkle dried red to increase clairvoyant powers or rub yarrow
rose or a few drops of rose oil in a ritual bath to on your eyelids to raise psychic awareness.
attract romance and to foster feelings of self-
love.
 EVERYDAY HERBS AND SPICES

1. Nutmeg—Luck, money, fidelity, psychic abilities, power, success

2. Oregano—Money, health, love, happiness, peace, courage
3. Rose—Love, romance, healing, love divination
4. Rosemary—Protection, mental powers, purification, healing, love, sleep, blocks negative energy
5. Thyme—Good health, purification, love, healing, psychic ability, sleep
6. Yarrow—Love, courage, psychic ability, exorcism
 FORAGING

Foraging is the practice of finding and using tools, food, and medicinal herbs from the natural world.

Foraging knowledge can be applied to Witchcraft and can give a free supply of spell ingredients.

Foraging is a great opportunity to expand your herb knowledge and read about their magickal and medicinal properties.

Foraging regulary is a good way to connect with the changing of seasons and the rhythms and cycles of the earth.
Don’t overlook the plants we know as ‘weeds’. They have a wide range of magickal properties and are just useful in spellwork as
herbs.

You’ll probably be surprised about what’s growning in your local environment, even in urban areas.
 FORAGING

DISCLAIMER: Never ingest or touch an practice that is truly available to every Witch,
unidentified herb. Always wear gloves when even if you are on a tight budget. Even if you
foraging and if in doubt, do not pick it. You live in an urban area, you might be surprised to
must ensure that whatever you are foraging is find what is growing in your local area. Look in
not a protected species or being taken from hedgerows, parks, nature spots, woods, forests,
private property. Always research BEFORE you and even your yard to get an idea about the
begin foraging. kinds of herbs available to you in this way.
There is something very special about using the
Foraging is the skill and practice of finding herbs you have foraged yourself in your spells
food, medicinal herbs, and even tools from the and rituals, particularly if you harvest them
natural world. It’s by no means a modern with intentions that align with their properties.
practice and it’s usually done by hand and Identifying the herbs you find can be tricky
mainly for individual use. Foraging and but if you’re unsure about an herb you find, its
Witchcraft go hand in hand and the practice best to leave it alone until you know more.
can bring so many benefits. It gives us a reason Luckily there are many good apps out there
and an opportunity to get out into nature. This that allow you to take a picture of the
helps us to connect with the changing of the unidentified herb and it will give you its name
seasons and how the passing of time affects the and species. If you prefer a book, then Scott
natural world locally. By actively going out to Cunningham’s Encyclopaedia of Magical Herbs
look for useful and identifiable herbs, you begin is a great foraging companion. The one rule
to find yourself noticing the smaller details of when foraging is to remember to only take
the cycles of the earth at the same time. It can what you need and don’t over harvest—we
help you connect with Mother Nature on a have a responsibility to care for the natural
deeper level as you physically handle her world as we practice our Craft. Always ask for a
bounty. plant’s permission before picking from it.
Foraging also gives us access to a vast array
of spell ingredients, and all for free! It’s a
HIGH-MOISTURE HERBS

LOW-MOISTURE HERBS
 DRYING Herbs Air Drying
rying herbs is a fairly easy process and Air drying herbs can be done in bunches or by

D there are two common methods that are

simple and don’t require any special tools
laying the herbs out flat. If the herbs you want
to dry are delicate and fall apart easily when
handled, it is best to air dry them flat. Discard
or materials. The drying method you use
is usually determined by the moisture content any damaged parts then spread out the healthy
and fragility of the herbs you want to dry. leaves and stems evenly, in a single layer, on a
Those herbs with a high moisture content will baking tray lined with a baking sheet. Place
mold quickly so are best oven dried. Air drying them in a shady spot with low humidity. Turn
is the method better suited to drying out herbs the herbs every 12 hours or so to enable them
with a low moisture content. This is a much to dry evenly and fully. This method dried
longer process than oven drying, but these herbs in about 2-4 days.
kinds of herbs will not mold before they are If your chosen herbs are more robust, you
fully dried out. Dried herbs are often better can dry them by placing them on a drying rack
than using fresh as the drying out process can or by tying them in bunches. Tie 3-4 stems
concentrate the qualities of the dried herb to together with string and hang them upside-
make them 3 to 4 times stronger once the down in a dry place. As the herbs dry and
water inside them evaporates. shrink, you might need to tighten the string.
The process takes 2 to 4 weeks.

Oven Drying
Spread the herbs out evenly, in a single layer,
on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Place
your herbs in a preheated oven, set to the
lowest possible temperature, and leave for 2 to
4 hours. Keep an eye on them as herbs are
burned easily. If you’re worried about your
herbs burning but still want to oven dry them,
there’s the option to leave the door open a little
to allow air to circulate.
 HERBS & The Moon
here’s no doubt that the Moon plays an Don’t worry that this might have a negative
T important part in so many aspects of
Witchcraft, and harvesting herbs is no
impact on your spell work. There’s no doubt
that conscious harvesting adds energy to your
exception. The energy of herbs and plants workings but using herbs that haven’t been
flows with the lunar phases just as the tides are gathered this way will certainly not make your
affected by the gravitational pull of the Moon at spell work ineffective or fail.
different stages of her cycle. Some Witches
choose to follow these cycles to guide them as
to when to harvest the herbs they need to give
their workings a boost on energy.
There is a strong tradition in folklore that
the vitality of all herbs, particularly their
flowers, leaves, and seeds is enhanced and
concentrated by the Waxing or Full Moon as it
draws up energy from the Earth into the tips of
the herbs, much like the pull of the Moon on the
tides. When the Moon is Waning or New, this
energy shrinks back down towards the Earth,
making this the best time to harvest the roots
of herbs or plants for use in magickal workings.
Conscious harvesting uses the Moon as a
guideline for when to harvest herbs, but you
can also align gathering your herbs to the day
of the week and the time of day that best aligns
with the intention of your workings and the
intentions of the herbs themselves. See here for
details about the magickal significance of the
days of the week and the times of the day to
help you choose the right time for harvesting
your herbs.
Using the Moon cycle to determine when to
harvest herbs isn’t a practice you must use in
your Craft if it doesn’t resonate with you. It’s
not something you should feel pressured to
incorporate. I often use this practice when I can
plan my workings well in advance, but
sometimes we can all find ourselves in a pinch
and we don’t have the luxury of time to either
plan or wait for the necessary Moon phase to
come around. Many Witches, myself included,
use herbs that have been harvested and dried
by someone else where there is no way to
know what Moon phase they were gathered on.
 HERBS AND THE MOON

1. This won’t make your workings fail or make the herbs ineffective, they just won’t be as powerful
as they could be

2. The phases of the Moon can be used to know when it’s best to harvest herbs

3. During the Waxing and Full Moon, the moon’s gravitational pull draws the Earth’s energy into the
leaves, flowers and seeds, making it the best time to harvest them

4. If this method doesn’t resonate with your craft, don’t feel pressured to incorporate it into your
practice. Do what feels right for you

5. During the Waning and New Moon, this energy returnes towards the Earth. This a good time to
harvest roots

6. Harvesting herbs based on the day of the week as well as the phase of the Moon gives your
magick a boost of energy
 DIVINATION
Divination is the art of gaining hidden knowledge or foretelling the future through the use of interpretive tools. This knowledge may
come from the divine, from your own intuitive senses, or from your subconscious, but if you can tap into it, you can use it as a key
to access you higher self and provide the answer you are searching for. Usually, divination offers guidance rather than specific
answers and it’s up to us to interpret this guidance by using a divinatory tool such as tarot, a pendulum, or scrying.
Many Witches choose to practice divination as part of their Craft. It’s common for a Witch to practice more than one form of
divination within their Craft, but if you don’t feel attracted to any kind of divination, don’t feel pressured to do so. It certainly doesn’t
make you any less of a Witch!
Divination comes in many different forms and no one method is better or more valid than the others. A method is usually based
on your personal preference and which divination tool speaks to you the most. Take your time to look at the different types of
divination and use your intuition to see which calls to you!
 TAROT (Cartomancy)
his is the first type of divination that I ever
T tried, and it remains my favorite many
years later! Tarot cards are incredible
The Minor Arcana
There are 56 cards in the Minor Arcana and
healing tools—they help us to access our they are arranged into four suits—Wands,
true feelings and understand ourselves on a Swords, Pentacles, and Cups. Where the Major
deeper, soul level. It’s a common Arcana represents long-term influences, the
misconception that tarot cards foretell the cards of the Minor Arcana usually have a short
future, but they don’t work this way. Instead, and temporary effect. They highlight the
they give spiritual guidance and help you energy that’s currently moving through your
connect with your own inner wisdom to give life and they offer insight into your present
you a deeper understanding about your situation. The guidance they give isn’t set in
circumstances. stone and you have the ability to change your
A tarot deck is made up of 78 cards, each situation if you don’t like what the cards show.
with their own meaning and symbolism. Each You are in complete control and the Minor
deck is split into two parts, the Major Arcana Arcana cards can help you find what action to
and the Minor Arcana. take within your current situation in order to
manifest your goals. Within the Minor Arcana
The Major Arcana there are the 16 Court Cards—Kings, Queens,
There are 22 cards in the Major Arcana, and Knights, and Pages. In tarot readings, they
they represent the big life lessons we mostly represent a person (whether that be
experience as we move through life. These yourself or someone else) and the life stages
cards speak about long term, and often karmic from child to highly skilled adult. From this,
and spiritual lessons that influence life. The each card has their own set of characteristics
complete Major Arcana tells the story of a and personality traits. They can help us to
journey, with each card having a deep soul understand others and ourselves on a deeper
meaning of its own. The Fool (the first card in level as the Court Cards can give us an insight
the Major Arcana) is the main figure in this into what the person in question thinks, feels,
journey and the remaining 21 cards tell of his and why they act the way they do.
life at various stages as he grows, learns,
suffers setbacks, and faces challenges. His
journey reflects our own and the big themes in
life that we all experience as we move through
our own life journey so are considered to be
the foundation of each tarot deck.
 1. New beginnings, purity, potential, opportunity
2. Balance, duality, choices, partnership, union
3. Growth, creativity, groups, team building, competition
4. Structure, manifestation, foundations, stability
5. Conflict, change, instability, unforeseen obstacles
6. Relief from conflict, co-operation, communication
7. Reflection, re-evaluation, assessment, self-awareness
8. Action, progress, mastery, accomplishments, growth
9. Fulfilment, pause, fruition, attainment
10. Completion, end of cycle, renewal, rebirth
 READING Tarot Cards
tarting your tarot journey can feel The numerology method can also be
S overwhelming, but you don’t have to
memorize all 78 cards. There’s definitely
applied to the Major Arcana too. Although
there are 22 cards in the Major Arcana, it’s
an easier way! A good method to learn the really easy to apply the numerology method.
basics of the Minor and Major Arcana is by For the cards numbered 1 to 10, use the
using numerology. Using this method, you only meanings for the numbers shown opposite. For
need to remember the general meanings of those cards numbered 11 to 22, simply take the
numbers from 1 to 10. Each of the four suits in two single digits of each card and add them
the Minor Arcana, excluding the Court cards, together to get a number between 1 and 10.
are numbered between 1 and 10, so learning For example, The Hanged Man, card number
the meaning of each number can help you get 12, is 1+2 = 3, and the number three represents
to grips with 40 cards! This can start to build a creativity and growth.
really solid foundation on which you can build Although the numerology method can’t be
up your tarot knowledge. applied to the Court cards, there is still an easy
Once you have mastered the meanings of way to interpret them. Most often, these cards
the cards numbered 1 to 10, it’s also helpful to represent a person—understanding the
know more about the four different suits so different personality traits and characteristics
that you know in what context to place the associated with Kings, Queens, Knights, and
tarot meanings associated with the numbered Pages can help you to interpret their meaning.
cards. See more about Pentacles, Swords, These meanings can then be placed into the
Wands, and Cups on this page. Combine what context of which suit they are to help build up
you know about the numbers with what you’ve an understanding of each card. This method
learnt about the characteristics of each suit and makes learning tarot much more accessible and
this will give you a working knowledge of each less overwhelming. It gives you working
of the 40 Minor Arcana cards. knowledge that you can use as a base that you
can build on as your practice and learn more.
 TAROT & Playing Cards
ou can use an ordinary pack of playing four different suits of the playing cards
Y cards as a tarot deck. This is a great
option if you are in the broom closet and
correspond to the four traditional suits of a
tarot deck:
don’t have the option to own tarot cards.
Many homes have a deck of playing cards SPADES—SWORDS (Air)
laying around in a drawer or they are HEARTS—CUPS (Water)
inexpensive to buy, and can be used as a low- DIAMONDS—PENTACLES (Earth)
key way to practice divination. In this section, I
CLUBS—WANDS (Fire)
will talk about how to do this.
Although the widespread use of tarot cards
Once you know which suit corresponds to
as a form of divination didn’t take off until the
which, you can then apply the numerology
late 1700s, tarot was first designed as a card
method outlined in the last section. Each
game in medieval Europe, particularly in Italy.
playing card is numbered and corresponds to
Known as trionfi, this popular game contained
the same numerological tarot meanings with
cards with four suits and court cards, which we
the Aces being number one. The same can be
now know as the Minor Arcana. The crucial
done for the court cards in the deck of playing
difference is a deck of playing cards is made up
cards, using the same meanings for the Kings
of 52 cards, whereas a tarot deck has 78 cards.
and Queens, but in a deck, the Pages and
A deck of playing cards is therefore missing the
Knights are replaced with a Jack. This card is a
22 cards of the Major Arcana and while this
mixture of the characteristics of the Knight and
could mean the extra depth and meaning these
the Page together—a rebel, risk taker, someone
cards bring will be missing, it doesn’t mean
who falls in love too easily, has hidden depths,
that divination using playing cards can’t
is a hard worker, and is ambitious. This will
provide a detailed reading.
give you the foundations you need to work on
Playing cards can often be a little harder to expanding your knowledge, so you are able to
read because there are no images to guide you interpret the meaning of all the playing cards
and give you hints as to what the cards mean as tarot cards.
like you would with traditional tarot cards. The
 PENDULUM Dowsing
pendulum is a small weight suspended on have an impact on the accuracy of your
A the end of a piece of cord or chain. When
it is held so the pendulum dangles down, a
pendulum. I like to burn rosemary and use
visualization, but use whatever method feels
question can be asked and the way the right to you.
weight moves provides an answer. A pendulum Find somewhere comfortable to sit and rest
is often a crystal on a length of chain, but you your elbow on a solid surface to stabilize your
can make your own if you prefer. I use a hand. Pinch the chain or string of your
pendulum made from a small silver Pentacle pendulum between the thumb and forefinger of
pendant and a necklace my parents bought me your projective hand (see here for how to find
when I first began my Witchcraft journey. A your projective hand). Hover the pendulum
pendulum can even be as simple as a needle over a pendulum board or ask the pendulum
stuck in a cork, hanging from a piece of thread. which movement it wants to use for “yes”, “no”,
Pendulum dowsing helps you to tap into and “maybe”. When you are trying to read
your subconscious mind and it uses your something, like someone’s energy or the
higher guidance to answer your questions. The energy of a specific situation, you might get a
information you receive is coming from you, better response using your receptive hand
and the pendulum acts as transmitter of the (your non-projective hand). This way you can
answers it picks up from your subconscious. receive the energy rather than pushing it away,
The unconscious mind is very receptive and is so you are able to understand it better.
open to receiving intuitive messages. Usually, Now is the time to ask your questions. Take
our conscious mind acts as a filter and makes it your time and give the pendulum chance to
harder for these messages to come through, respond. Don’t worry if you find it difficult to
but pendulum dowsing bypasses the conscious differentiate between the “yes” and “no”
mind and taps into the subconscious, where answers at first. The more practice you get, the
information can come forward. This form of more definite your pendulum movements tend
divination is best suited to questions that have to be. If you’re not sure what the pendulum
a “yes”, “no”, or “maybe” answers. means, rephrase the question until you get a
Before you begin, it’s a good idea to cleanse solid answer. Using a pendulum is an accessible
your pendulum so that any unwanted energies and great discreet form of divination.
attached to it can be removed as they could
 SCRYING
crying is an ancient form of divination visions and signs you see, so try to relax and
S where we gaze into a smooth reflective
surface and use our second sight to
don’t worry that you are doing it wrong!
When scrying, turn off the lights and light a
interpret the messages, guidance or few candles to make the perfect darkened
visions we receive. Our second sight is our atmosphere. Before you begin, it’s good to try
capacity to see and pick up on the things that and relax. Meditation can be helpful as can
can’t usually be perceived through our usual burning incense like frankincense, patchouli, or
five senses. The word “scrying” comes from the mugwort to create the right environment. Make
Old English word descry, which translates as sure your eyes are relaxed, so you are not
“to make out dimly”. Scrying is therefore about concentrating too hard as this will help you be
revealing the unseen and unknown. As with open to the images as they come to you. Don’t
other forms of divination, it’s not about seeing worry if your mind starts to wander, just be
into the future, it is about crossing over to sure to keep your eyes fixed softly on the
another level of consciousness where the reflective surface. Hold the intention you have
scryer can access their higher self to find the chosen as you gaze, which could be anything
answers they are looking for. from achieving a goal, tapping into your
Scrying is often associated with the crystal psychic abilities, or guidance on a certain
ball, but there are many ways to scry. Although situation. Let your eyes soften as you stare and
they all make use of a different reflective let your body and face reach a deeper sense of
surfaces, how to prepare is the same for all. relaxation. You are a passive observer who
When you first begin your scrying practice, watches the images come and go, and as they
you might struggle to “see”. Different things do, you interpret them. It’s common for images
work for different people, so try the scrying to only begin to reveal themselves after 10-15
method that speaks to you the most. It’s minutes of gazing if you are new to the
certainly a learned practice, even if you have a practice. Patience is truly the key, but it will
particular gift for this type of divination. There certainly be worth it!
is no right or wrong way to interpret the
 SCRYING METHODS

CRYSTAL BALL
Crystallomancy
A crystal ball is used as a reflective surface. Light candles to provide shadows and light.

MIRROR
Catoptromancy
A normal mirror or a special black scrying mirror can be used as a reflective surface.

WAX
Carromancy
Fill a bowl with water then drop candle wax onto the surface of the water.
 WATER
Hydromancy
Use a bowl full of water as the reflective surface (black food coloring optional).

FIRE
Pyromancy
Gaze into a flame as the reflective surface. The shapes of the flames can be interpreted.

SMOKE
Capnomancy
Create smoke from fire or incense and interpret the shape it makes.
 TEA LEAF READING (Tasseography)
ea leaf reading is an ancient form of To make your tea, pour hot water into a cup
T divination that first began in China where
tea drinkers would interpret the different
with a spoonful of tea. Don’t add anything else
like milk or sugar. You can make tea in a teapot
shapes that their tea leaves left in the if your prefere, but remember not to use a
bottom of their cups. Tasseography, where strainer. As you drink it, meditate on a question
coffee grounds or wine sediment is used as or general area of inquiry, keeping your
well as tea leaves, also has origins in the Middle intentions at the forefront of your mind. When
East and ancient Greece. The beauty of this you have about half a teaspoon of tea left, swirl
form of divination is it doesn’t require the cup around three times in a clockwise
expensive or unusual tools, so it’s not only a direction then place the saucer upside down on
thrifty form of divination but is also a discreet top of the cup. Next, flip the cup and saucer
one, so could be used in your practice if you are upside down to allow the remaining water to
in the broom closet. drain away into the saucer. Wait for a few
It is better to use coarse, loose-leaf tea with moments and, when you feel the time is right,
a broad leaf as the pieces are bigger and can turn the cup the right way and look at the
stick to the side and bottom of the cup better. patterns the leaves have made.
The tea from a tea bag can be used, but it’s not When it comes to interpreting tea leaves,
ideal as the pieces of tea are too small and tend there are some traditional meanings to the
to clump together rather than make any shapes that form, but this form of divination
discernible shapes. It’s traditional to use a asks you to let your intuition lead the way.
teacup and saucer. Teacups have wider rims Take note of your first impressions and gut
and sides that slant gently toward the bottom. feelings as you look at the shapes of the leaves.
The shape of a teacup makes it easier for the Tea leaves that are close to the rim can be
tea leaves to form a range of different shapes interpreted as relating to events in the near
and lines. Many mugs have vertical sides, so the future, whereas the leaves on the bottom of the
lea leaves tend to run to the bottom rather than cup relate to events in the far future. This form
stick to the sides. of divination is perfect for helping you to get in
touch with and build your intuitive skills.
 CONCLUSION
t is my hope that this book has helped to in a deep and profound way. Nature has the
I inspire your Craft, whether you are just
starting out on your Witchcraft journey or
power to ground and center and I truly hope
this book has inspired you to incorporate more
whether you’ve been traveling on this path natural magick into your practice. Remember
for some time. Magick is an incredible form of your journey is your own and following your
nourishment for our wellbeing as it helps us to sense of intuition is the best guide you can
connect with ourselves and the natural world have.
 FURTHER READING
Margot Adler, Drawing Down the Moon
Diane Ahlquist, Moon Spells
Deborah Blake, Everyday Witchcraft
Raymond Buckland, Complete Books of Witchcraft
Laurie Cabot, Power of the Witch
Scott Cunningham, Wicca: The Guide for the Solitary Practitioner
Scott Cunningham, The Encyclopaedia of Magickal Herbs
Scott Cunningham, Divination for Beginners
Scott Cunningham, Living Wicca
Liz Dean, The Divination Handbook
Gail Duff, The Wheel of the Wiccan Year
Bridget Esselmont, The Ultimate Guide to Tarot Card Meanings
U. D Frater, Practical Sigil Magick
Gemma Gary, A Cornish Book of Ways
Gemma Gary, The Black Toad
Marian Green, A Witch Alone
Elen Hawke, In the Circle; Crafting a Witch‘s Path
Arin Murphy Hiscock, The Green Witch
Arin Murphy Hiscock, The Witch‘s Book of Self-Care
D. E. Luet, A Witch‘s Book of Shadows
Edain McCoy, Sabbats: A Witch‘s Approach to Living the Old Ways
Nigel G. Pearson, Wortcunning: A Folk Magick Herbal
Nigel G. Pearson, Walking the Tides; Seasonal Rhythms and Traditional Core in Natural Craft
Lidia Pradas, The Complete Grimoire
Doreen Valiente, Where Witchcraft Lives
Joanna Martine Woolfolk, The Only Astrology Book You‘ll Ever Need
Acknowledgments
To all who have supported and walked with me along my journey this far, I am thankful beyond
words. You have made this all possible.
First published in 2021 by Leaping Hare Press an imprint of The Quarto Group.
The Old Brewery, 6 Blundell Street
London, N7 9BH,
United Kingdom
T (0)20 7700 6700
www.QuartoKnows.com

Text © 2021 Lindsay Squire

Lindsay Squire has asserted her moral right to be identified as the Author of this Work in accordance with the Copyright Designs and
Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilised in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from Leaping Hare Press.

Every effort has been made to trace the copyright holders of material quoted in this book. If application is made in writing to the
publisher, any omissions will be included in future editions.

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

ISBN 978-0-7112-6683-4
Ebook ISBN 978-0-7112-7173-9

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Commissioning editor Chloe Murphy

Cover and interior illustrations by Viki Lester of Forensics & Flowers
Design by Georgina Hewitt