My Wicca

Higher forces, Moon & Sun, Bless this book and my work begun, protect my writings in good evermore, Let it be Positive, Gracious & Pure.

Book of Shadows

I am a Solitary Eclectic Witch with strong Celtic influences. Life is my journey and the Craft is my path. Wicca is an Earth Religon, or a way of life that celebrates Nature as a divine image. It is a personal choice, and once one decides to live this way, as long as some fundemental rules are observed, the "Wiccan" path can be followed. The most important Rule to live by is "And it harms no one, do as ye will." The onus is on the individual to know right from wrong, keeping in mind the "3 fold Law" and the "Wiccan Rede." A Witch, by definition is a practitioner of Earth and Nature magic, and a herbal / general healer (Witchcraft). The concepts of Original sin, Sacrifice, Redemption, Confession, Purgatory, the sinfulness of sex, Judgement, Heaven and Hell, degradation of women and bodily ressurection are not part of Wicca. Neither is Satanism, the Black Mass, desecration of Cemeteries or the sacrifice of animals.

Natural Unity

Especially Polar bears, horses, cats and dogs,

All Flora and Fauna, Sun, Stars, Rain, and night time Fogs,

The Wind in the Trees, calm Water in Moonlight,

This affinity with Nature; how precious my touch, my smell, my sight!

This land that surrounds me, a blanket- my shroud,

The gifts that I'm given, I'm humbled -"Make Proud,"

The colours that greet me each day as I wake,

The smell of sweet flowers, the friendships I make, All free my Spirit as natures Orchestra plays on

I smile as I hum and I dance to her song!

By Gina J. 2000

The Wiccan Rede

Bide ye Wiccan Laws ye must, in perfect Love & perfect trust.

Live ye must & let to live, fairly take and fairly give, for the circle thrice about, to keep unwelcome Spirits out.

To bind ye spell well everytime, let the spell be spoke in rhyme. Soft of eye and light of touch, speak ye little, listen much.

Deosil go by the waxing Moon, chanting out ye baleful tune. When ye Lady's Moon is new, kiss ye hand to her times two.

When ye Moon rides at her peak, Then ye hearts desire seek. Head the North Winds mighty gale, lock the door & trim the sail.

When the Wind comes from the South, love will kiss thee on the mouth. When the Wind blows from the East, Expect the new and set the feast.

Nine Woods in the Cauldron go, burn them fast & burn them slow. Elder be ye Ladys Tree, burn it not or cursed ye'll be.

When the Wheel begins to turn, soon ye Beltane fires will burn. When the Wheel has turned to Yule,Light the log, the Horned one rules.

Heed ye flower, bush and tree, by the Lady Blessed Be. Where the rippling waters go, cast a stone the truth ye'll know.

When ye have & hold a need, harken not to others greed. With a fool no season spend, or be counted as his friend.

Merry ye meet and Merry ye part, bright the cheeks, warm the heart.

Ye Three Fold Law ye should- three times bad and three times good. When misfortune is enow, wear the star apon thy brow.

True in Love must ye ever be, lest thy Love be false to thee.

These eight works the Wiccan Rede fulfill: An' harm ye none, do what ye will.

	Law of Power Power shall not be used to bring harm, injure or control others,but if need be- the Power can be used to protect your life or the lives of others.
	The Power is used only as need dictates.
	The Power can be used for your own gain just as long as it harms none.
	Use not the Power for prideful gain as it cheapens the mysteries of Wicca & Magick.
	Ever remember that the Power is a sacred gift, & should never be misused or abused.

	Fundemental Law Keep the Sabbat and Esbats to the best of your abilities.
	Harm none. This is the oldest Law & it's not open to interpratation or change.
	Shed not Blood in Ritual.
	Those of our ways are kind to all creatures- for harmful thoughts are not worth the loss of energy.

	Misery is self created. So too is joy, create joy & distain misery & unhappiness. This is within your Power so harm not.
	Teach only what you know,to the best of your ability, to those students who you choose. Teach not those who would use your instructions for destruction or control. Teach not to boost pride. She who teaches out of Love shall be enfolded in the arms of the Goddess and the God.
	If the need arises ,any Law may be changed or discarded and new Laws written to replace them, so long as new Laws don't break the oldest Law of all: Harm none.

3 Fold Law

What ever you do- Good or Bane, Will return to you Threefold.

Our actions affect us in the Threefold manner: Energy goes throw us as we manifest it. We suffer or benefit accordingly. If energy is intended to harm another, then it harms us as we manifest it.Our actions affects other directly & to the extent that we are one with all so do we suffer again if our intend was harm. As an extention of the Rede; the Threefold Law is an explanation of a Law of nature.For every action there is a corresponding reaction.

	13 Goals of aWitch
	1. Know yourself.
	2. Know your Craft.
	3. Learn.
	4. Apply Knowledge with Wisdom.
	5. Achieve Balance.
	6. Keep your words in good order.
	7. Keep your thoughts in good order.
	8. Celebrate life.
	9. Attune with the Cycles of the Earth.
	10. Breathe and eat correctly.
	11. Excerise the body.
	12. Meditate
	13. Honour the Moon Goddess & the Sun God.

Divination

Divining is the means by which the Seer uses skills, to see the future, no matter what the method or tools. Crystal gazing / Scrying is one form of Divination. Orbs ofRock Crystal or Beryl are popular, also is Black Obsidian. Glass, although processed, may not appeal because it's not "natural." I beg to differ; glass is made of sand- sand is natural. A glass ball is quite alright to use, and some may find it easier as it is just about as flawless as you're going to get! To start off I suggest one practices scrying with a glass of water first, before going to the expense of a crystal ball.

To prepare your sphere, wash in distilled water with salt added. Perform a blessing or ritual, as you would for all new tools. Now you are ready to scry. Personally, I light a candle and burn insense while I scry. The flame of the candle must not reflect off the crystal, which should sit on a table covered with dark cloth. The light in the room should be subdued. When you are not using your crystal, cover it with dark silk, or velvet. Remember, once your tools are blessed, be they cards, stones or anything else, no other person should handle them.

Omen Walks

Omen walks are cost free, save for a note book and pen! It's easy, it just takes a little time to find your own Omens. Before I go, I light a candle, burn insense to relax. In my mind I ask my sight be clear, and I wish my gift to be used in good and gracious ways. As you notice things around you while you walk, take note, take meaning and watch for them when you go for your next walk. This can be done at night or day. If you see a beetle /seven spotted ladybird on your path it is considered a great omen of fortune. A grasshopper fortells travel and news. If you get stung by a wasp, be aware of jealousy towards you. To see a squirrel means happiness to come. If you hear a dog baying at night, he fortells death as does a sleeping dog who cries.To see a Rose in bloom means you'll be given a gift. If you see a pidgeon flying around a particular house, engagement or marriage is inferred on the occupants. You can also learn to read the weather on these walks, by the birds, the animals and the plants, not to mention the clouds! Alot of Omens will have meaning only to you, you will be able to work out the meanings of what you see in time. This maybe thought of as far fetched, or supersticious, but if you think about old sayings you'll find similarities. If you try this and you are totally stuck, mail me to see if I can help!

	Lithomancy
	This is the art of reading stones or crystals; commonly called Talking Stones or The Casting of Lots. (The 13 Talking Stones are not Norse Runes, which involve 24 runes. ) In French, this is known as "sortilage," coming from their words "sorcier" and "sorciere"-meaning male Witch and female Witch. All of these words derive from the Latin word "sors" which means "fate" or "destiny!"
	So, to start: acquire thirteen pebbles from a beach or river, or you can buy thirteen crystals. When deciding to collect pebbles, think about the phases of the moon and choose the phase that promotes creativity:- the new or waxing moon. To make sure you can see the symbols, collect light coloured peebles. Whatever you choose, each stone must be small enough to fit in your cupped hands similtaneously, as you will cast them like dice. If you chose to gather and use pebbles, the symbols are drawn on on side only, Below is a chart of the symbols and colours.However, if you decide to use crystals they will be colour coded so there is no need to put the relevent symbols on them. Check the table below, as this outlines the colour of crystals and what they represent.
Method:	You should have a silk pouch to store your stones in when not in use, a large dark cloth about 3ft. sq. and a chord about 9ft. Cast a cirle in the normal way( described below) and bless your new tools. Now they are ready to use. Arrange the cloth flat on a table, putting the chord on top in the shape of a circle. I like to light a candle and burn some incense in the room as I read. Place the Querent(questioners) stone in the centre of the chord circle. Seat the person requesting the reading opposite you. Follow the chord with your wand or index finger of your dominant hand thrice, concentrate, saying the following: "Talking Stones, telling stones, fashioned by the Mothers' bones, by the power of this spell, speak to me the truth foretell." Then ask the Querent to cast the twelve Stones within the circle. If stones should fall outside the circle, they may be omitted from the reading or they can be cast again. If you use pebbles and some fall symbol down, they are not featured in the reading. The stones that fall nearest the querent stone are the ones with most significance to the querent, and the occurances they represent are nearer in time. When stones fall in clusters their combined meanings alter. Remember, Lithomancy is a method of Divination so your "seeing" gift plays a intuitive part in your readings.

Representation	Pebble Symbol	Crystal colour	Suggested Crystals	Lithomancy Meanings
Querent Stone		Personal choice.	Blood stone	The person asking the question / wanting the reading.
The Sun		Gold / yellow	Tigers' Eye	Success, Honour, reward, happiness. A man.
The Moon		Silver / White	Moonstone	Changes within 28 days, a state of flux, conception, new projects or emloyment. A Woman.
Mercury		Orange	Yellow Jasper	A short trip over a short distance, learning, children, communication.
Venus		Pink	Rose Quartz	An Emotional bond, love, friendship, the questioners marriage, or someone close.
Mars		Red	Red Jasper	Quarrels, strife. Strenuous activity.
Jupiter		Blue	Lapis Lazuli	A Long trip over a far distance. Higher learning, philosophy, Wisdom, a fortunate stone, luck, happiness. Expantion, growth, the culmination ofan event.
Saturn		Black	Onyx	Sorrow, parting of ways, loss, misfortune, death, learning through difficult experiences..
Life		Green	Aventurine	The Querents physical, mental and emotional health. Look to the stones nearest to properly judge.
Home		Purple	Ametyst	Querents home, living, family enviornment.
News		White	Haulite	Unexpected news in the form of a letter of telephone call. To judge good or bad, look to the nearest stones.
Magic		anything unusual	Hematite	The need to use magic, intuition, intervene in a situation when the stone is near. When it is not; don't
Other People		Personal choice	Labradorite	Other people, their opinions which may have a bearing on the topic.

Cartomancy

In this section I shall give an explanation of the Tarot rather than the individual meanings of the cards or the types of spreads. Cartomancy is the art of reading the past present and future from cards. There is so much to learn it could be classed as learning a new language. I can't stress enough the importance of aquiring the corresponding book that compliments your chosen Tarot deck. The Rider Waite or the Marseilles pack are the best decks to start with, their meanings are easier to remember. As your confidence grows intuition plays a great part in the readings you do. Different packs do have different meanings and energy. Once condemned as "The Devils' Picturebook" the Tarot still intrigues and challenges people with it's powerful images. They are not evil, or dangerous; they are a divination tool and like all others, they must be respected. I always cast a circle and bless any new tools I get, including a new Tarot deck. I house my decks in silk pouches which I have made, and then in wooden boxes.

The Tarot Deck consists of 78 cards: 22 Higher Arcana, 56 lower Arcana.

Higher Arcana: 22 Picture cards or "Trumps" numbered 0-21.

Lower/Minor Arcana: 56 suit cards or "Pips" and "Courts" in 4 suits.

It is easy to see the similarity between the lower Arcana and a deck of ordinary cards. Playing cards can be used for Divination, they also come under the "Cartomancy" cloak. One of the differences between Playing cards and Tarot lower Arcana is the extra 4 "court" cards i.e.

Playing cards courts: King, Queen, Jack. Aces can be classed at the top or the bottom of the deck.

Tarot cards courts: King, Queen, Knight, Page. Aces are classed as the lowest number in the lower Arcana.

Suits	Compare	Govern	Majority	General Physical type	Astrological link	Season
Cups:	Hearts.	Love, Success, Happiness, Protection.	State of mind, creativity, love.	Fair hair, Round features, Emotional, Creative, Sensual, Sensitive, Dreamers.	Water Signs	Autumn
Wands:	Diamonds.	Commerce, Labour,Enterprise.	Material world.	Brown/Red hair, Well built ,Sociable, Communicative, firey.	Fire signs	Summer
Pentacles:	Clubs.	Money, Trade, Material fortune.	Finance.	Dark hair, Solid/ Sqaut, Earthy, Practical, Kind, Stubborn.	Earth Signs	Winter
Swords:	Spades.	Strife, Loss, Passion, Worry, Legalities.	Attitude, communication, legalities.	Either Very dark or very fair, Tall, Slim, Piercing eyes, logical, Intellectual, cool on the surface.	Air Signs	Spring

The Table above shows not Asrological seasons, but seasons when an occurance that has been revealed in a reading may occur. Another point that is sometimes over looked is that of the "Majorities" and "Resonance & Dissonance." Before you start your reading look to the spread waiting to be read. One or two of the suits of the minor Arcana will dominate. The suit with the most cards in the reading is the "Primary Majority", and the second suit dominating is the "Secondary Majority". BasicallyThe "Majorities" point the reading in the right direction by showing how the reading is "governed" and the mood of the questioner.

"Resonance" means Strengthening. "Dissonance" means weakening. Some suits are more compatible than others. While the individual meaning of the cards will not be affected, emphasis of an interpretation may shift. when individual suits lie next to each other remember:

Wands and Swords strengthen each other.
Wands and Pentacles strengthen each other.
Swords and Cups strengthen each other.
Cups and Wands weaken each other.
Pentacles and Swords weaken each other.
Pentacles and Cups equal each other. They don't affect each other.

By using the Majorities, Resonance and Dissonance you are less likely to concentrate on individual cards and keep asense of over all perspective. I have not Said anything of the Major Arcana or the many different spreads, as these will be covered in the book that explains your deck. Below is a list of the spreads that I have used, and you are more than welcome to contact me about them, or if you have any other query I'd be glad to help, just mail me!

Horoscope spread. (Good general spread using 12 cards)
Horse Shoe spread. (Quick and easy, using 7 cards. Designed to answer a particular issue)
Timing device. (Minor Arcana). (With a minimum of 13 cards, used to find the time of an occurance mentioned in a previous reading)
The Romany spread. (A 21 card general spread)
Celtic Cross spread. (Well known spread, using 10 cards)
The Rapid spread. (A quick reading to a particular question, using 8 cards: the higher Arcana, and one suit of the Lower Arcana)
Great Figure of Destiny. ( A mammoth reading, not easy at first, using 67 cards)

Rituals, Spells & things	Tools Wand: Used to draw circles in the ground, and as an instrument of invocation. Usually made of Willow, oak, apple, or Cherry branches.
	Censer: Used as an incense burner. Can be a dish or bowl filled with salt, or a metal censer.
	Cauldron: Symbol of the Goddess. Used for cooking, flowers, or containing a fire. Generally made or iron and found in all sizes.
	Athame: The magick knife used to direct energy during spells. Symbols or words can be carved in to the handle.
	White Handled Knife: This is more for working and cutting wands, herbs, carving symbols in candles or wood, and for cutting cords in certain spells.
	Cup: Simply a goblet made of any material used to hold water or a ritual beverage.
	Pentacle: A flat piece of metal inscribed with symbols, mostly the Pentagram. Objects to be consecrated are placed here. Also hung over doors and windows as a protection device.
	Book of Shadows: Wiccan book of spells, rituals, Runes, etc., composed mostly by the individual of things read or created.
	Divinaton Tools: The objects used when wishing to ascertain fure happenings i.e. Tarot cards, Runes, Crystal ball, Black Mirror etc.
Here's a Colour list of the meanings of some candles used in various spells and rituals.

White	Purity, Truth, Sincerity; Color for Monday.
Red	Strength, Health, Vigor, sexual love; Color for Tuesday.
Light Blue	Tranquillity, Understanding, Patience, Health.
Dark Blue	Impulsiveness, Depression, Changeability; Color for Thursday.
Green	Finance, Fertility, Luck; Color for Friday.
Gold or Yellow	Attraction, Persuasion, Charm, confidence; Color for Sunday.
Brown	Hesitation, Uncertainty, Neutrality.
Pink	Honor, Love, Morality.
Black	Loss, Discord, Confusion; Color for Saturday.
Purple	Tension, Ambition, Business progress, Power; Color for Wednesday.
Silver or Grey	Cancellation, Neutrality, Stalemate.
Orange	Encouragement, Adaptability, Stimulation, Attraction.
Insipid Yellow	Sickness, Cowardice, Anger, Jealousy, Discord.

Circle Casting	A circle is cast when rituals are performed. When calling the four quarters, point the wand to each site, and imagine the elements rising. You will need a small dish of salt, to be placed in the North quarter, a bowl of water to be placed in the West, a candle placed in the South of the circle, a small pot of earth with incense set in the East. Any tools to be used are placed in the centre.
Invocation: East:	Celestial Winds, come dance and sing; With you, airs of inspiration bring. Full and rich, to my heart, All your wisdom pray impart.
South:	Cosmic Fires, come dance and sing; With you, sparks of cleansing bring. Full and rich, to my heart, All your strength pray impart.
West:	Astral Waters, come dance and sing; With you, waves of insight bring. Full and rich, to my heart, All your creativity pray impart.
North:	Stellar Earth, come dance and sing; With you, soils of flowering bring. Full and rich, to my heart, All your rooting pray impart.
Centre:	Shining Spirit, come dance ane sing, With you, the magic of harmony bring, Full and rich, to my heart, And your power pray impart.
Now that the circle is opened, rituals are performed.
Closing the Circle North:	Stellar Earth, your blossoms close, But in my heart their fragrance grows.
West:	Astral Waters, your waves subside, Into my heart, to reside.
South:	Cosmic Fires, your sparks wane, But in my heart, they live again.
East:	Celestial Winds, your airs fade, But carry the magick that I bade.
Centre:	Shining Spirit, your song still sings, And with it the magic brings.
Samhain Ritual	Sweep Circle with sage. Cast circle. Say "This circle is cast as in days of old, to welcome the old ways. So mote it be." Light alter candles and incense. Say "I consecrate this place of rite, with salt, water, smoke and firelight. So mote it be."
Blessing chant:	"May the Powers of the source of all creation, All - Pervasive, eternal; The Goddess, Lady of the Moon and the Sun God, Horned hunter; Rulers of the Elemental Realms; the powers of the stars, And the earth below,Bless this place, this time, and I who am with you."
Invoke the Goddess:	"Blessed Lady, Witness this rite and hear my words in Love and in Light."
Invoke the God:	"Ancient Lord, protector of all, may you witness this rite, to help me in Love and in Light."
Call God &Goddess:	"By the powers of the old ones, and the magick of their ways, I embark on my journey, may they bless all my days. Mother and Father of Earth and Sky, Blessed Lady, Ancient Lord, join now in my circle. So mote it be."
Call the Corners:	"Powers of East (North, West, South) Please join me in my rite, do witness my pledge and grant me insight. So mote it be."
Call the Corners:	Raise wand/athame, face altar and say: "On this night of Samhain, I mark your passing, Oh sun king, thought the Sunset into the land of the young. I mark also the passing of all these who have gone before and will go after (you may wish to acknowledge certain people here). Oh gracious Goddess, eternal Mother, You who gives birth to the fallen, teach me to know that in the time of the greatest darkness, there is the greatest light."

	Write on a piece of paper an aspect of your life that you wish to set free. Set the paper alight, using a candle or taper, in you cauldron or on a dish. Look into it's flames and say: "Wish one of the Waxing Moon, Goddess of the Stormy night, I create this fire within you, to transform that which is plaguing me. May the energies be reversed: From darkness to Light! From bad to good! From death to Birth!"
Releasing Negative Energy Spell	Time: During the seven days of the Full of the Moon. When and Where: Outside, Barefoot, facing East. Clothing: white cotton. Bathe and meditate. Visualize the negative energy flowing out through the drain as you let the water out. Go outside and face East. Place the left arm straight down to the side. Palm flat against the body. Right arm straight out and palm side up. Bring up until the Full Moon rests on your. Meditate. When you are still and feeling energy speak the following:
Releasing Negative Energy Spell	"Great Goddess and God, you who are beyond explanation and understanding. I ask thee to grant my request this night. I ask that you take the negativity that was sent to me and send back to the sender three fold. Let the residual energy be sent to me three fold with loving, caring healing positive energy. I ask that you grant this. I thank Thee for your kindness and caring attention, I ask this in the power of three, So Mote it Be!"
Power Spell	Clear your mind. Then say the following three times:
Power Spell	"Power of day, Power of night, give me power beyond my sight."
Protection Charm	Set the white candle alight on the left to represent the Goddess and a red candle to the right to represent the God. Place the materials for the spell between the two candles.
Tools: One red, one white candle. Small piece of paper. Oil. Ink pen. Red ribbon. Oil recipe: 20ml base oil, see my Aromatherapy page. 4 drops primrose. 4 drops lavender. 2 drops sandalwood.	Using the oil, with your right index finger, draw a pentacle in the middle of the white paper, while saying: "With the seal of this pentagram I ask that this charm be used for protection." Using a pen, in the center of the oil-drawn pentagram, draw your own special symbol for protection. Say: "With this rune, I request that this charm be used for protection." When you are ready, roll the paper up with the red ribbon tightly. Hold the charm over the red candle and say: "I consecrate myself in fire so that I can defend myself, and protect myself with the power I have." Continue doing this with the smoke of the white candle, but consecrate it in the name of air. Hold the charm with both hands. Concentrate on the charm's task. Then seal the left end of the charm with white wax, the right with red wax. The charm is now complete.
Protection Charm	Fill a clear wine glass halfway up with water. Stir in some salt and put it in direct sun for 15 minutes. Let the water absorb the light. Along side the glass, place your own talisman and allow it to receive the sun as well. After 15 minutes have passed, take the glass and talisman out of the sun and dip the talisman into the water. Gently swirl it clockwise while you say the following three times:
	"Apollo's light surround me. Poseidon's water protect me. Athena's wisdom guide me."
	As you speak the words, imagine a white light surrounding the water and the talisman. Leave the water with the talisman in it for another 10 minutes, then dry it off and wear it with comfort in knowing that it will protect you.
Pet Protection	This is a protection ritual for a household , including the pets.
To protect a Dog:	Call your dog into the circle and draw a pentagram with the oil, on his forehead. Then say:
	Hecate, Dark Mother, In protecting this home, In your place as is right, Stands one of your own, In defending this house, And all creatures within, Your sacred beast, Is your true loyal friend. Keep him from harm, As he guards all he loves, And watch over him - So below, as above.
To protect a Cat:	Call your cat into the circle and draw a pentagram in Oil (recipe above) on his /her forehead, saying:
	Moon Goddess, I ask that you keep [name] at home, And safe from mischief, And desire to roam. Give him the contentment known to his race, And see that he's happy in this, his / her place.
The Witches Bottle Spell Tools:	This spell can be used to neutralize the power of those who intend to hurt you.Mix the sea salt,
black thread.	orris-root powder, and iron in a bowl. Then cut a peice of parchment to fit inside your bottle and
black ink/ black ballpt pen.	write on it in black ink:
4 tablespoons orris- root/ oak moss.	"I neutralize the power of [name of your adversary] to do me any harm.
Parchment paper.	I ask that this be correct and for the good of all. So mote it be."
1 bottle with a cork or mortar & pestle.	Roll up the parchment, tie it with black thread to bind it, and place it in the bottle. Fill the bottle
1 White candle.	with the dry ingedients. Then take the white candle and, while turning the bottle
4 tablespoons sea salt.	counterclockwise, drip drip wax over the cork to seal it.
4 tablespoons black powdered iron.	Last, secretly bury the bottle in a place where it will not be disturbed and no animal or person will
4 tablespoons frankincense/ myrrh.	dig it up. It should never be opened or the power of the spell is lost.

Calender	The Wheel of the Year
Calender	We have a partnership with Mother Earth and celebrate her turning of the wheel as Sabbats and Esbats. The Wheel of the Year marks the Sun's journey across the sky, the solstices, equinoxes and the seasons. We celebrate the holiday starting the day before until the day after the Sabbat date.Our religious calendar contains 13 Full Moons and 8 Sabbats or days of power. The Sabbats are solar rituals, marking the points of the Sun’s cycle, and are half of the ritual year. The Esbats are the Full Moon celebrations. There are 12-13 Full Moons yearly, or one every 28 1/4 days. The Moon is a symbol of the Goddess as well as a source of energy. Thus, after the religious aspects of the Esbats, we often practice magick, tapping into higher amounts of energy which exist at these times. The eight Sabbats represent Natures birth, death, and rebirth.
Yule-Winter Solstice: December 21st- December 31st:	The shortest day of the year and the longest night. The Goddess gives birth to a son, the God. The festival of the Sun’s rebirth, and a time to honor the God. It is celebrated by fire and the use of the Yule log(Oak). A portion of the Yule log is saved to be used in lighting next year’s log. This piece is kept throughout the year to protect the home. The Yule log is burned to give life and power to the Sun. hang mistletoe over doorways, decorate the Yule tree and exchange gifts. Bayberry candles are also burned to ensure wealth and happiness throughout the following year. The reindeer stag is also a reminder of the horned God.
	- Foods - Roasted turkey, nuts, eggnog and mulled wine, Winter fruits. - Incense - bayberry, cedar, pine and rosemary - Candles - gold, red, green and white - Gemstones - cat’s eye and ruby
Candlemas- Imbolc: February 2nd:	The coming of Spring, Mother Earth rejuvinates once more. The recovery of the Goddess after giving birth to the God. A festival of light and of fertility. A good time for self-dedication rituals. Represents new beginnings and spiritual growth, and the "sweeping out of the old."
Candlemas- Imbolc: February 2nd:	- Foods - Sunflower seeds, poppyseed breads and cakes and herbal Teas. - Incense - basil, myrrh and wisteria. - Candles - brown, pink and red. - Gemstones- turquoise, amethyst, garnet and onyx.
Spring Equinox- Ostara: March 21st:	Marks the 1st day of true spring. The Goddess blankets the Earth with fertility, bursting forth from Her sleep, as the God stretches and grows to maturity. He walks the greening fields and delights in the abundance of Nature. This is a time of beginnings, of action, of planting spells for future gains, and of tending ritual gardens. Eggs are colored and placed on the altar as magickal talismans. The familiar Easter Bunny is a Pagan derivative, as are baskets of flowers. The colors light green, lemon yellow and pale pink are traditional for this holiday.
Spring Equinox- Ostara: March 21st:	- Foods - Boiled eggs, honey cakes and the 1st fruits of the season. - Incense - african violet, jasmine, rose, sage and strawberry. - Candles - gold, green, yellow. - Gemstones - amethyst, aquamarine, bloodstone and red jasper.
Beltane-Mayday: May 1st:	Celebrating the union of the Goddess and God, and thus is also a fertility festival. Also celebrates the returning Sun, or Sun God. The traditional colors for Mayday are red and white. Flower petals can be strewn about the circle and later swept and distributed around the perimeter of the house for protection.
Beltane-Mayday: May 1st:	- Foods - Red fruits, herbal salads, red or pink wine punch, and large, round oatmeal or barley cakes. - Incense - frankincense, lilac and rose. - Candles - dark green. - Gemstones - emerald, orange carnelian, sapphire and rose quartz.
Summer Solstice: Midsummer- June 21st:	The longest day of the year. Midsummer is a classic time for magick of all kinds. A celebration of passion and success.
Summer Solstice: Midsummer- June 21st:	- Foods - Fresh vegetables, summer fruits, pumpernickel bread, ale and mead. - Incense - frankincense, lemon, myrrh, pine, rose and wisteria - Candles - blue, green, gold and red - Gemstones - all green stones (emerald and jade).
Lammas-Lughnasadh: August 2nd:	The time of the first harvest. The God losses His strength as the Sun rises farther in the South each day and the nights grow longer. The God is dying, and yet lives on inside the Goddess as Her child. We are reminded that nothing in the universe is constant.
Lammas-Lughnasadh: August 2nd:	- Foods - homemade bread of wheat, oat & corn, nuts, berries, apples, rice, berry pies, elderberry wine, ale tea. - Incense - aloe, rose, sandlewood - Candles - orange, yellow - Gemstones - aventurine, citrine, peridot, sardonyx.
Autumn Equinox - Mabon: September 21st:	Marks the completion of the harvest. Day and Night are equal. God prepares to leave His physical body toward renewal and rebirth. A time for thanksgiving and meditation. River and stream stones gathered over the summer can be empowered for various purposes.
Autumn Equinox - Mabon: September 21st:	- Foods - corn bread cakes, wheat products, breads, nuts, vegetables, apples, cider, carrots, onions, potatoes and pomegranates. - Incense - benzoin, myrrh and sage. - Candles - brown, green, orange, yellow. - Gemstones - lapis lazuli, sapphire, yellow agate.
Halloween-Samhain: October 31st:	The Wicca say a temporary farewell to the God as waits to be reborn of the Goddess at Yule. At this time the veil between the worlds is very thin, when souls that are leaving this physical plane can pass out and souls that are reincarnating can pass in. Samhain is the Witches’ New Year, representing one full turn of the seasonal year. A time of reflection, of looking back over the last year. Remembering our ancestors and all those who have gone before. It is said that lighting a new orange-colored candle at midnight on Samhain and allowing it to burn until sunrise will bring one good luck; however, bad luck will befall those who bake bread on this day or journey after sunset. Black candles are used to ward off negativity, and represent the old year. Wiccan traditions- Lithomancy, Cartomancy, scrying, making Jack-o-lanterns and for us kitchen Witches lots of seasonal cooking!
Halloween-Samhain: October 31st:	- Foods - apples, pumpkin pie, hazelnuts, corn, cranberry muffins & breads, ale, fruit punch, cider & herbal teas. - Incense - apple, heliotrope, mint, nutmeg and sage - Candles - black, orange - Gemstones - all black gemstones (jet, obsidian and onyx).