Rituals for Full Harvest Moon Sept. 29, 2012

Posted on September 25, 2012 by Holly Zurich Comments Off on Rituals for Full Harvest Moon Sept. 29, 2012

The September 29, 2012 full fire moon is in Aries, which is opposite to the sun sign of Libra.  This September moon is also known as Wine Moon or Singing Moon.

Witchcraft Rituals for the Harvest Moon

The Aries full moon is a great time to cast spells for increasing your enthusiasm and to engage in bold, daring deeds. Its high energy will help build confidence for any project you wish to tackle.

Harvest Moon Correspondences

Set your Witches’ altar with asters and morning glories. Stones for this month are blue sapphire and citrine. You can use an orange candle for enthusiasm and angelica oil and incense.

After your ritual, enjoy a feast of sliced cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing and toasted sesame seeds, ginger chicken stew and carrot cake with chocolate glaze.

If you need more information on spells and recipes for the Harvest Moon, you can order a copy of my eBook Simple Wiccan Magick Full Moons Spells & Rituals from Amazon or Smashwords.

Blessed Be!

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Rituals for Autumn Equinox September 22, 2012

Posted on September 6, 2012 by Holly Zurich Comments Off on Rituals for Autumn Equinox September 22, 2012

In 2012, the Autumn Equinox occurs on September 22. This Witches’ Sabbat is one of eight major celebrations on the Wheel of the Year which mark the four quarter days of the seasons – spring, midsummer, fall and midwinter, as well as the cross-quarter days of Beltane, Lammas, Samhain and Yule.

Autumn Equinox (Mabon) Spells and Correspondences

The themes for Autumn or Fall Equinox spellwork are organizational ability, rest after labour, future plans, self-discipline, balance and flow. Choose orange, brown, yellow or gold altar candles and decorate with hollyhocks, asters, milkweed and/or marigold and light some sage incense.

After your spell, feast on cider, herbed chicken and vegetable rice*, corn on the cob and orange-pecan cookies*. (Recipes marked with * appear in my eBook.)

I plan to give thanks for my present prosperity and plan for the future, which will include revising my first eBook Simple Wiccan Magick Spells & Ritual Ceremony, my Wheel of the Year guide.

Blessed be!

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Wiccan Altar Blessing Ritual

Posted on August 25, 2012 by Holly Zurich Comments Off on Wiccan Altar Blessing Ritual

The days leading up to a full or waxing moon are an ideal time to cleanse, charge and bless your altar and witches’ tools. This week is a particularly magickal time to do so, as a blue moon is on its way August 31st.

Traditional herbes for a Wiccan altar blessing ritual are vervain for oil and incense; fennel and flax. Basil can also be used, either in water for cleansing or as a bouquet on the altar.

Bring a small bowl of water and sea salt or basil into your sacred space before you close the circle.  After you have summoned the Goddess and the four elements, sprinkle the salt water around the altar and over your tools, saying, Goddess, cleanse this space and bad energy erase.

Then, raise your blade to touch your altar and tools, saying, Goddess, charge this space and fill it will grace.

Hold the blessing stone and/or herbes you have chosen in your dominant hand and say, Goddess, bless this space, let the magick take place. So mote it be. Then, place the stones and herbes back onto the altar.

Continue with your ritual spellwork as usual.  Remember that your intent is the most important part of the ceremony and to give thanks for all your blessings before opening the circle.

Blessed be!

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NEW Magickal Talismans & Witches’ Tools eBook

Posted on August 15, 2012 by Holly Zurich Comments Off on NEW Magickal Talismans & Witches’ Tools eBook

My newest eBook is now available!

Click here to download your  Smashwords copy. 

Since ancient times, Wiccans have practiced the Craft and created magick using ritual ceremony and correspondences. Crucial to this custom are Witches’ tools and talismans, powerful items that help focus energy around the altar in order to manifest the desired outcome of their spells.

Discover the mysteries behind primary Witches’ tools like the blade or sword, the wand, the cup or chalice and the pentacle. Also included are the cauldron, the witches’ cord or belt and any consecrated or charged jewellery.  Divining tools, such as Tarot cards, pendulums and Runes, as well as stones, herbes, secrets, talismans and the Book of Shadows are also explored, for they aid Wiccans in effectively practicing the many aspects of the Craft.

Learn how to create, cleanse and charge a talisman, weave a Witches’ cord for protection during spellwork and turn your favourite piece of jewellery into a powerful charm for success.

I hope you enjoy my newest eBook.  If you have time to like it, I’d appreciate your thumbs up vote of approval.  If you think it can be improved, please send your suggestions my way.

Also available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, iTunes and Kobo.

Blessed be!

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Spells for Full Blue Moon August 31st 2012

Posted on August 14, 2012 by Holly Zurich 8 Comments

In August 2012, there will be two full moons. The second one falls on August 31st. Though some sources declare that a blue moon is the second full moon in a month, the Farmers’ Almanac definition of a blue moon is the third full moon in a season with four full moons. As each season normally has only three full moons with specific names for each, such as Harvest Moon, Rose Moon or Wolf Moon, an additional full moon could cause confusion, so the third one is called blue.

Others believe a true blue moon only happens once every three or four years, when a full moon occurs twice within the same astrological sign.

While some sources consider the August 31st full moon a blue moon, this suits neither the Farmers’ Almanac definition nor those who say both moons must fall within the same zodiac sign.

Pisces Full Blue Moon Spell for Clairvoyant Powers

Regardless of what you believe, the August 31st full moon is an ideal time for potent spellmaking.  When you are celebrating the blue moon, you may follow the appropriate ritual of the zodiac sign opposite the one in play.  For example, the August 31st full blue moon in sun sign Virgo is a Pisces full water moon. This is an ideal time for spells and rituals to increase your clairvoyant powers and to tell fortunes and interpret dreams.   Continue reading →

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August 2, 2012 Full Moon in Aquarius

Posted on July 26, 2012 by Holly Zurich 4 Comments

The August 2 full moon in Aquarius is an ideal time for networking, resolving disputes and using personal power for the greater good.

This full moon is also called Corn Moon, Barley Moon or Sturgeon Moon. Corresponding flowers are gladiolas, poppies and sunflowers; stones are sardonyx, peridot and cat’s eye.

Set your altar with the above flowers and stones and use jasmine insence and oil.  If you wish, you may reuse your August 1st Lammas altar set up, which also calls for gladiolas and sunflowers.

Charge your Witches’ Tools

The close proximity of a Wheel of the Year festival to the full moon will create super energy and powerful vibrations to help manifest magick. It’s also an ideal time to cleanse and charge your tools and herbes.

Seasonal Full Moon Recipes

Suggested seasonal recipes for your full moon feast include Basil, Spinach, Red Pepper & Pepperoni Pizza, followed by Peach Clafouti. These recipes and complete full moon rituals are available in my eBook Simple Wiccan Magick Spells and Full Moon Rituals.

A second full moon in August 2012 occurs on August 31 in sun sign Virgo, placing the full blue moon in Pisces.

Blessed be!

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Witches’ Ritual for Lammas August 1, 2012

Posted on July 11, 2012 by Holly Zurich Comments Off on Witches’ Ritual for Lammas August 1, 2012

The Wiccan Wheel of the Year Sabbat of Lammas is celebrated on August 1st.  This is the traditional time for spells that focus on riches, prosperity and appreciation for the blessings we have received so far this year.

There will be a full moon on August 2, so you may wish to cleanse and charge your witches’ tools in its waxing light.

At Imbolc, (February 1), we begin to notice the sun coming up and the start of longer days.  Here at Lammas, the opposite is true.  We are now aware of the waning sunlight. Summer is fading and we prepare to gather the first harvest.

Lammas Altar Set Up

Set your altar with gold and yellow candles and frankincense oil and incense. Suitable flowers are gladiolas, nasturtium, yarrow and sunflowers.

Menu for Lammas

After your spell, prepare a feast of ratatouille, (sautéed eggplant, tomatoes, zucchini, red peppers, onions and herbs), cornbread, a salad of mixed greens and edible nasturtium blossoms and serve with a light red wine, like Chianti. End the feast with walnut-zucchini cake.

You can find recipes and a Lammas Spell for Continued Prosperity and Appreciation in my eBook Simple Wiccan Magick Spells & Ritual Ceremony, a celebration of Wiccan Festivals on the Wheel of the Year.

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July 3, 2012 Full Moon in Capricorn Ritual

Posted on June 28, 2012 by Holly Zurich Comments Off on July 3, 2012 Full Moon in Capricorn Ritual

Sun in Cancer ~ Full Moon in Capricorn

The July full moon is known as Thunder Moon, Shallow Moon or Hay Moon. Flowers are honeysuckle and jasmine; stones are ruby and moonstone. As the July 3 full moon is in Sun sign Cancer, (June 22 – July 23), the full moon is in the opposite sign Capricorn.

A full moon in earth-sign Capricorn is ideal for spells related to career advancement, improving social status and planning for the future. It’s also an appropriate time to get rid of the deadwood, the old and extraneous in order to reap the positive rewards of your labours.

Set your altar as usual and use lavender oil and incense to channel the energy of this success-oriented full moon. Remember to give thanks for blessings received from your last ritual.  Gratitude and appreciation always generates more reasons for feeling thankful.

For more information about the Capricorn and other full moons, please sample my newly published ebook for Kindle Simple Wiccan Magick Full Moon Spells & Rituals, also available for Apple iPad, Kobo and Sony eReader and as a PDF download.

Blessed be!

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Summer Solstice Wiccan Altar Set Up

Posted on June 25, 2012 by Holly Zurich Comments Off on Summer Solstice Wiccan Altar Set Up

I hope everyone enjoyed the Wheel of the Year Summer Solstice spell for direction and resolution.  Along with creating a Midsummer philtre with mugwort, vervain and rosemary, (wrapped only in paper rather than fabric), I charged a pair of pearl earrings to act as a personal power talisman.

Pearls are one of the stones for Midsummer and charging a piece of jewellery is an easy and effective way to keep the magick of the festival at hand. Because pearls are time-honoured correspondences, they vibrate in harmony with the energy I want to create. Every time I wear them, I am reminded of my goals and dreams.

Witches’ Altar for Summer Solstice

I’ve included a picture of my altar after the Midsummer ritual.  I’ll dry the roses, lavender and honeysuckle and use them later in a philtre.  Oak is one of the Summer Solstice trees and I am lucky to have a piece from a tree that was struck by lightening.

NOTE: Some of you noticed that the chalice was missing.  Thanks for bringing this to my attention – I had already taken it to be washed as I usually fill it with mead or wine.  I will be sure to include it in my next altar photo.

Blessed be!

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Midsummer Spell for Summer Solstice June 20, 2012

Posted on June 16, 2012 by Holly Zurich 2 Comments

In 2012 Witches will celebrate Midsummer, or the Summer Solstice on June 20.  This is also a festival date on the Wheel of the Year.  Half the year is now over and the steadily increasing hours of daylight will reach their peak before starting the slow descent towards winter.

Midsummer Rituals

Summer Solstice themes include spells celebrating and requesting strength, rewards, confidence and decision making.

Summer Solstice Correspondences

  • colours are yellow, orange, red & gold
  • flowers are honeysuckle, lavender, roses and vervain
  • stones are agate, pearl and moonstone
  • oils include lavender, vervain and cedar

Midsummer Food & Drink

An appropriate menu would include elderflower wine, tomato soup, cucumber salad, pesto pasta and lavender & herb shortbread.

Summer Solstice Spell for Direction

Set up your altar as usual and call to the Great Goddess to help you find direction and a resolution to your most pressing problems.  We need to make a decision now before the long, hot days of summer slow us down and weaken our willpower. Remember to give thanks for the blessings you have received so far this year.

If you need more detailed information, recipes and a complete ritual for a Midsummer Direction and Resolution Spell can be found in my Wheel of the Year guide Simple Wiccan Magick Spells & Ritual Ceremony.

Blessed be!

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Simple Wiccan Full Moon Spells Book

Posted on June 4, 2012 by Holly Zurich Comments Off on Simple Wiccan Full Moon Spells Book

I finally published my new ebook today, just in time for the next full moon.

Simple Wiccan Magick Full Moon Spells & Rituals uses the power of the full moon to focus your intent and guide your manifestations.  Like my two other books, this one is light on lore and heavy on practical ceremony, an ideal reference guide for both novices and experienced practitioners, working alone or in a group.

Moon worship has been part of our history since the earliest days.  The constantly changing cycles of the moon enabled ancient civilizations to plan and chart time.  They also discovered that special energies correspond to the different phases of the moon. Today, these connections are being rediscovered as we seek to fulfil our dreams and align ourselves with the universe. Continue reading →

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June 4 2012 Full Moon Ritual

Posted on June 2, 2012 by Holly Zurich Comments Off on June 4 2012 Full Moon Ritual

Full Moon in Sagittarius ~ Sun in Gemini 

May 22 – June 21

PENDULUM RITUAL FOR NEW BEGINNINGS

A full moon in Sagittarius is an ideal time to do spells for successful beginnings in areas of learning and education and also for long-term travel. Outdoor activities are highlighted as are intuition, independence, healing and forgiveness. Focus on using your intuition to help create successful new beginnings.

Write out your questions ahead of time and add a purple candle and frankincense oil and incense to your usual altar set up. Use a pendulum to help you make a decision on which path you should take. Once your choice is clear, make notes and until the next full moon, take steps to move towards your goal.

Blessed be!

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Full Moon Ritual May 5, 2012

Posted on May 2, 2012 by Holly Zurich Comments Off on Full Moon Ritual May 5, 2012

The full moon on May 5th is known as Flower Moon or Merry Moon. Corresponding flowers are lily of the valley and foxglove; stones are emerald and amber. Sun sign Taurus, (April 21 – May 21), is in force for most of the month, indicating a full water moon in Scorpio.

A Scorpio moon is an ideal time for warrior spells to win battles and increase personal power, courage and charisma.  You can create a personal power talisman or amulet to increase your chances of success in any endeavour. Magickal talismans are usually filled with herbs, but you can substitute a favourite piece of your own jewellery for this purpose.

May 5 Full Moon is a Supermoon

Saturday’s full moon will be closer to the earth than usual and will be bigger and brighter as well. It will seem largest right after sunset, as it rises above the horizon.

See my earlier post about a simple spell to create a personal power talisman using the super energy of the May 5 full supermoon.

I am currently compiling a reference guide for full moon spells,which will include 13 rituals and appropriate recipes. I hope to have it ready for you as an eBook before the next full moon.

Blessed be!

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Beltane Love Magic May 1, 2012

Posted on April 12, 2012 by Holly Zurich Comments Off on Beltane Love Magic May 1, 2012

A Spell for New Love and Companionship

The feast of Beltane is the Witches’ traditional celebration of fertility and creative energy. The Goddess Flora and the Green Man are patrons of this day and Fairies abound in the woods.  Beltane is also an ideal time to cast spells and perform rituals to bring romance into your life, or to get married.

This love spell is an abbreviated version from my book Simple Wiccan Magick Spells for Everyday.

Wiccan Love Spell for Beltane

Before the spell, take a relaxing herbal bath in rose-scented water. When finished, set your altar with the appropriate cleansed and charged tools, including rose petals, mint and lemon peel for your talisman, paper, pen, a 9” x 9” square of red cloth, white ribbon and two red candles. Place the small red notebook on the altar as well.

Use Vervain oil to anoint your altar candles and your forehead. Place a secret – a heart charm or a shell would work well here – in the centre of your altar. Light the altar candles and a stick of Lavender incense. You will dress and light the red candles during the ritual.

Belatane Witchcraft Ritual

When you are ready, walk anticlockwise at least three times around the altar to close the circle. Focus and chant, May the power of the circle bring success to my spell work, or your own special words.

Call to Venus, Goddess of Love, saying: Continue reading →

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Full Moon Ritual April 6, 2012

Posted on March 25, 2012 by Holly Zurich 2 Comments

April’s full moon is in Libra, opposite the sun sign of Aries.  The April full moon is known as Pink Moon, Growing Moon or Hare Moon.

This is an ideal time for Witchcraft spells to promote friendship and working with others.  If there has been a rift with family or friends, the April full moon is perfect for healing spells.

Wiccan Spells for Partnership & Healing

The sun sign Libra is represented by a set of scales, so spells to increase balance in your life are also suitable.  However, if you’ve been following my Wheel of the Year book Simple Wiccan Magick Spells & Ritual Ceremony, you recently completed a meditation for balance at the Spring Equinox on March 20.

Set up your altar as usual and light a stick of Lavender incense.  During ritual, ask for new understanding and tolerance and the ability to see the other person’s point of view.  This simple act may even help you to cultivate more balance in your outlook.

Blessed be!

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New Moon in Aries Ritual March 22, 2012

Posted on March 22, 2012 by Holly Zurich Comments Off on New Moon in Aries Ritual March 22, 2012

The new moon, or dark moon, will be on March 22, 2012 in the sun sign of Aries. This is a good time to perform spells to banish or decrease negative energy.

The sun sign Aries is known for fiery tempers, bluntness and impulsiveness. You may wish to perform a dark moon spell to reduce any of these traits that may degenerate into harmful aspects.

Blessed be!

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Wiccan Ritual for Spring Equinox March 20, 2012

Posted on March 16, 2012 by Holly Zurich 2 Comments

The Witches’ Sabbat of Spring Equinox will take place on March 20, 2012. Eostre or Ostara was the Goddess of Spring and in ancient times, old fires were extinguished, grates cleaned and new fires were lit.  This is the origin of our modern tradition of spring cleaning.

At the Spring or Vernal Equinox, the hours of light and darkness are of equal length.  Now is the perfect time to perform spells to find balance in your life or to cleanse your mind, body and home of old, negative influences and replace them with fresh, positive ideals.

Decorate your altar with spring flowers, like crocus, tulips and daffodils and light pastel-coloured candles, like mauve, pink and pale green. Burn lavender incense and use lily of the valley oil.

Celebrate this Wiccan festival by serving a meal with eggs, fresh greens, lamb and barley stew and hot-crossed buns.

My eBook Simple Wiccan Magick Spells & Ritual Ceremony, is an introduction to the Wheel of the Year and contains correspondences, recipes and a spell to find balance in your life.

Blessed be!

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Full Moon Ritual March 8, 2012

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Holly Zurich Comments Off on Full Moon Ritual March 8, 2012

The full moon of March 8,  also known as Storm Moon, will be in the Earth sign of Virgo.  This is an excellent time to perform magick spells to channel stability, security and health.

Focus your ritual on purification, releasing negative energies and dispelling worry in general, especially that which is connected to your work. Remember that nature always fills a void, so after you have removed any bad vibes, ask that they be replaced by positive energy.

Blessed be!

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Dark Moon Ritual February 21, 2012

Posted on February 8, 2012 by Holly Zurich Comments Off on Dark Moon Ritual February 21, 2012

Now that the full moon has passed and its waning cycle heads towards the Dark Moon on February 21st, we can begin spellwork to remove negative energy.

Your regular calendar will show a new moon on February 21st, so you may find this terminology confusing.  In the past, a new moon was defined by when you could see its first visible crescent. Now, however, a new moon is the phase when the moon is not visible to the naked eye.  If you are planning dark moon spells, this is the time to perform them.

Banish negative energy

My first book, Simple Wiccan Magick Spells & Ritual Ceremony, has been available for almost a year and has been selling very well. A while back, someone used (stole) my copyrighted book cover for their own (horrible, IMHO) work and published it online. The situation was rectified but perhaps my reputation was damaged. My book recently received a scathing review online, which did not reflect the true intent and content of my book.

Dark Moon Spell

I spent several years writing and researching and felt insulted and violated. I now understand how cyber-bullying can harm people.  I will use the waning phase of the February moon to banish this negative energy and return balance to my spirit. Though I don’t know if the reviewer was honestly mistaken or had a hidden agenda (perhaps they want to promote their own book?) I will ask that the correct target be identified.

If you have been the victim of lies or malicious gossip online, print a copy of the offending comments.  During your dark moon ritual, use a mirror to return the negative vibes to the sender and clear your aura.  Feel peace as the bad energy is catapulted away.

Later on, seal the paper in a black envelope and burn it, destroying it forever.

Blessed be!

 

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Full Moon Ritual February 7, 2012

Posted on February 4, 2012 by Holly Zurich Comments Off on Full Moon Ritual February 7, 2012

A full moon is the best time to cleanse and charge your Witches’ tools and to perform any spell work to increase positive energy and move forward.

Full moons are always in the astrological sign opposite to the sun. In other words, the February 7  full moon is in the sign of Leo. Fire sign moons, like Leo, are full of enthusiasm, energy and optimism.  Change and creativity are highlighted.

This full moon is the perfect opportunity  to enhance the positive energy flow initiated through our recent Imbolc celebrations and ritual. We must prepare by cleansing ourselves and our homes, even our office space and our mode of transport, like a car or bicycle, if we have/use one.

Bless the boundaries and create a talisman for creativity, using traditional Wiccan correspondences. As the days grow longer and our energy flow increases, get fired up about the possibility of creativity and ensuring your position at the centre of activity. Good luck and good fortune are part of the Leo full moon.

Blessed be!

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Wiccan Spell for Imbolc February 1, 2012

Posted on January 21, 2012 by Holly Zurich 1 Comment

At the Wiccan Sabbat of Imbolc, we celebrate the return of longer days. Also known as Candlemas, Imbolc literally means “in milk” and corresponds to the time of year when farm animals give birth. It is traditionally a time for Wiccan initiation ceremonies.

Another theme for Imbolc is “energy flowing beneath the surface,” which can take on many symbolic meanings. This spell is designed to help identify any blocked energy – love, creativity, etc. you may be experiencing and free it for your personal use.

On the day before Imbolc, put a crystal and moonwater in a small plastic container and freeze overnight.

The next day, set up your altar as usual and light the incense.  Carve an extra white candle with the Rune symbol for Opening. Anoint it and the other cleansed candles with Imbolc oil and then light them.  Close the Circle and summon the Four Elements and the Goddess Brigit.

During ritual, gaze into the frozen water for any insight or visions and be receptive to any vibrations or feelings you may experience.  There may be more “trapped beneath the surface” than you are aware of!  When you are ready, give thanks and open the Circle.

Return the bowl to the freezer and at night, place it on your bedside table before you go to sleep.  As the ice thaws overnight, so will the energy inside you be released.  Take special note of any dreams and keep the crystal close to you all week for further insight.  You may want to repeat this spell whenever you feel your energies are trapped or blocked.

The complete spell for Imbolc, including the ritual and recipes, is available on my first eBook, Simple Wiccan Magick Spells & Ritual Ceremony – a celebration of the Sabbats on the Witches’ Wheel of the Year.

Blessed be!

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Simple Wiccan Spells for Everyday – my new eBook

Posted on December 28, 2011 by Holly Zurich 2 Comments

I finally published my new eBook, Simple Wiccan Magick Spells for Everyday.  I had been working on these spells for a while and threw myself wholeheartedly into the project in the weeks before Yule.

Though I always research my correspondences carefully, I spent a great deal of time on my spell for Increased Wealth and Prosperity, making a new batch of Prosperity Pentacles and subconsciously  focusing my intent as I wrote the affirmation.  Not so surprisingly, the spell worked for me in several unusual ways.

First, I found money from our last garage sale ($219.00) in an old wallet,  a possibility I mentioned in the ritual; I received a large unexpected cheque from a relative’s estate, and my eBook sales have skyrocketed.

You might say these things could happen anytime, but I believe my hard work and thoughts surrounding my new book are the reason. I am so thankful for every small financial blessing, knowing it can lead the way to larger ones.

Also available at Barnes & Noble, iTunes, Kobo and Smashwords.

Blessed be!

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Ritual for Yule Sabbat December 23, 2011

Posted on December 5, 2011 by Holly Zurich Comments Off on Ritual for Yule Sabbat December 23, 2011

Yule, also known as Midwinter or the Winter Solstice, is one of eight festivals on the Wiccan Wheel of the Year. In the northern hemisphere, the actual date can vary from December 20 to December 23 and brings the longest night of the year.  From now until the Summer Solstice (around June 21) daylight hours will increase.

During our Yule ritual, the oak king, who brings with him the return of longer days, now vanquishes the ancient holly king. We can re-enact this battle symbolically, using a black candle for the holly king and a gold candle for the oak king. Set up your altar as usual, adding red, green, gold and black candles.  Light all but the gold candle, complete your introductions, and close the circle.  Call the four elements and raise energy as usual.  When the spellwork begins, say:

The daylight hours were on the wane

But now they will increase again.

For the holly king is on the run    (extinguish black candle)

The oak king’s reign has now begun.  (light gold candle)

Neo-pagans are free to celebrate this festival close around or on the exact date.  In 2011, Yule falls on December 23 in the northern hemisphere.

Blessed be!

 

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Focus Your Intent Near and Far

Posted on November 23, 2011 by Holly Zurich Comments Off on Focus Your Intent Near and Far

I’ve been busy working on a new book of Wiccan spells, so busy that I haven’t had time to post here lately.  I apologize!  Focusing on goals is a positive thing, but sometimes we get so involved that we miss out on other aspects of our lives, including our families and friends.

The old saying about stopping to smell the roses is true, though in my case, it’s detouring to walk in the leaves.

Outside influences keep pushing us along, like we’re on a conveyor belt.  Are you happy to see Christmas decorations in the stores and hear carols on the radio?  I’m not.  It’s far too early to start thinking about our December festival, no matter how you celebrate it.

I’m getting a few things ready for Yule, like checking my supplies of candles and magickal herbes, but I want to enjoy the time right now – the melancholy of autumn, the sense of life slowing down and the inspiration and energy from my Samhain ritual last month.

Take your time!  And be aware of your focus.  You’ll achieve more when you look both near and far.

Blessed be!

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Ritual for Witches’ New Year October 31st

Posted on October 6, 2011 by Holly Zurich Comments Off on Ritual for Witches’ New Year October 31st

October 31st is the Wiccan New Year.  At Samhain, we give thanks for the past year’s blessings and celebrate new beginnings.  Samhain is also the time for remembrance and release, where we recall our past, including departed loved ones, family and friends and even animal companions. Part of creating a good future is to release the negative energies of the past.

Correspondences for Samhain

Set your altar with black and orange or copper-coloured candles. Use lavender or patchouli oil and cedar incense.  Decorate your surroundings with seasonal flowers, like mums, calendula and cosmos.  Apples, nuts and sage are also appropriate correspondences for Samhain.

After you complete your ritual, celebrate new beginnings and a prosperous future with a feast of apple cider, beef & beer stew and pumpkin spice muffins.  A complete Samhain ritual and these recipes appears in my Simple Wiccan Magick Spells & Ritual Ceremony eBook, which can be safely ordered online and read as a PDF or Word document.

Blessed be and Happy New Year!

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