The mysteries of death have called to our attention, alluding to truths sung in songs and dreamt in beds in such variety to have helped birth a great many religious cosmologies. As such, it’s safe to say that there is a great deal discussed on the nature of life and death that is not agreed upon by the different spiritual varieties. However, amongst all the philosophies, debates, gnosis and enticed hubris, there is a calming retort offered in the form of similarity, that those before us offer those amongst the living. One thing we all share in common when exercising our understanding of our existence-we are all results of the actions of those that came before us.

Ancestor veneration has its foundations set by pretty much every culture, the world over. A spiritual practice where one believes that the spirits of the dead live on. With not only the ability, but the interest to continue relationships with the living. This being especially potent when it comes to interactions with the ancestors.

For us, it is a common, familiar link to the mysteries on the other side of the veil of death, with one or many who were part of their culture or bloodline. Ancestor veneration allows for a conscious continued relationship with them on our end through celebration of memory and respect through continued care, while in return they may bring stability, comfort, healing, communication or prosperity to their living relatives. With the emotional difficulties death can bring, It’s no wonder it has become a common thread in many spiritual practices.

In many parts of Asia, namely China, filial piety- the virtue of respect for ones parents, elders and ancestors, is a key component of culture and religion. Confucianism heralded it as a virtue as early as the Qin-Han Dynasty (212BCE-220CE), and remains to this day a key component to the righteous way of life. To support, care, respect, show courtesy to family, and proper conduct of one’s self is to bring honor to your family and this conduct remains apparent in the actions of those seeking connection with those that have crossed over.

In many ancient European and African cultures, their ancestors well-being were the direct responsibility of their living relatives. This responsibility was met by keeping the memories of them alive by providing them with proper offerings, prayers, songs, celebrations, and in Ancient Kemet (Egypt), even letters. As such, the vitality of the link between the ancestors and the people thrived and kept honorable. For it was a common belief that as much as an ancestor could bestow blessings upon their descendants, they could just as easily act unfavorably, by acting as intermediary between their people and the Gods, in favor or against.

To highlight the nature of ancestor veneration in the ancient world, I have included below a letter that had been written in ancient Kemet (Egypt). A mother writing to her deceased son with praise, but also in asking a favor….

Greeting:

O Mereri, born of Merti.

The God Osiris-Khentamenti assures that you shall live for millions of years, by providing for the breath in your nose and by placing bread and beer by the side of Hethert-Lady of the Horizon (Hathor). Your condition is like one who lives millions of times by order of the Gods who are in the sky and on Earth.

Praise:

You make obstacles to enemies who have evil characters and who are against your house, against your brother, and against your mother, who loves her excellent son Mereri. You were excellent on Earth and thou are beneficent in the land of the dead. Invocations and offerings are made for you. The Haker Festival is celebrated for you. Bread and beer are placed upon the altar of the God Khentamenti. You sailed downstream in the night-bark of the sun God. You are justified in front of every God. Make yourself my favorite dead person!

Petition:

You know that he said to me, ” I shall report against you and your children.” You can report against it; you are in the place of justification!

In modern times, ancestor reverence remains strong in certain parts of the world. Particularly in Asia and African tribal communities. With more pockets found scattered throughout Oceania, Europe and the Americas. However as a majority, in North America and places with a similar taboo mentality on death, ancestor veneration is not as culturally apparent, except amongst certain Indigenous  groups, African dispora and many Pagans.

Amongst this lack of mainstream cultural and religious remembrance of ancestors, we have managed to sustain two rather large celebrations in North America, that highlight our blessed dead. Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos – Day of the Dead, which is celebrated on November 1^st   and 2^nd , and our Samhain. Better known as Halloween, celebrated on October 31^st.

November 1st’s Dia de los Inocentes (Day of the Innocents) and November 2nd’s Dia de los Muertos is a celebration with a mix of ancients Pagan beliefs and Catholic practices, as the Day of the Dead coincides with the Catholic All Souls Day and All Saints day.

The Mexican traditional belief is that the gates of heaven open on the night of the 31^st of October. Allowing first the souls of deceased children to spend the next 24 hours with their families. On the day preceding, the people’s beloved departed adults may join the festivities.

(Above: sugar coffins. A popular Dia de los Muertos treat, with little skeletons that pop up out of the casket tops.)

Although I’m sure tears are cried, Dia de los Muertos and Dia de los Inocentes is more joyous than a somber holiday, celebrating their loved ones. Many folks save for months to afford to create a custom Ofrendas (altar) for the Blessed Dead, with adorations of marigolds and Cock’s comb flowers, candles, sugar skulls, a variety of foods, including Pan de Muerto (Day of the Dead bread) and candies and toys for the departed children.

Many people march in parades, dance to music and on November 2^nd, the festivities are often taken to the graveyard where gravesites are cared for while folks reminisce together.

Although Dia de los Muertos holds a more prominent(if not exclusive) focus on ancestors in comparison to the Halloween most of us are familiar with, ancestor veneration still is the main focus for Wiccans and many other Pagans as the primary purpose of Samhain.

Unfortunately, due to the historical demonizing of Pagan practices, Hollywood and commercialism, Samhain’s ancestor veneration takes a complete backseat, if it gets a seat at all, for most non-Pagan people.

As with The Day of the Dead, Wiccans celebrating Samhain believe it is the day where the veil between the world of the living and dead is at its thinnest. As such, altars are dressed, food is prepared for both the living and dead, where a plate of offerings are given to not only our ancestors, but all departed loved ones, and a feast is had, usually with a period of time where silence while eating is observed.

Candles in Jack o Lanterns are lit alongside side the path to the home or doorstep. A symbol of our invitation to our ancestors and other loved ones, so that these welcomed spirits may find their way home.

Much of the mainstream culture we reside in has a strange relationship with death. One where the concept is tolerated or even grotesquely portrayed in pop culture. Perhaps out of not knowing what else to do with such an  uncomfortable notion of inevitability. Where many go through the motions of dealing with the processes imminent of the death transition, meeting them out of responsibility and respect for the individual, without an equally given respect given to the transition itself.

As I see it, this state of stepping on the toes in the dance with death is a notion of seeing is believing, rather than believing is seeing. Where death is often feared rather than embraced when the time comes. A notion of finality rather than continuity of life and our beloved relationships. As such, perhaps focusing on those who came before us has a tendency to bring us closer to our own mortality rather than immortality of familial and cultural lineage.

The journey to a better relationship with death and perhaps life itself begins with a change in this perspective. To really remember that the ones who came before us, the ones who left a grieving hole in our hearts, are a threshold away. An energy- tangible, eternal and ready to awaken the heart with wisdom old and new.

For those that feel drawn to set up a practice to honor your loved ones I’ve included a few simple ways to get started.

1. Create an ancestral shrine

Creating a shrine for your loved ones can be as simple or complicated as you like. A special table can be bought or constructed, or you can use the top of a dresser, wall shelf, book shelf or even a stowaway chest if you think it’ll be disturbed or if you’re lacking space.

When creating sacred space it’s important that you create it in a way where you feel it holds up to your inspiration enough that you can connect. After all, creativity is the bridge between our consciousness and the spirit! In the case of a space to honor ancestors, it is also important to keep in mind what would make it theirs too. Pictures of your loved ones, cultural or religious emblems that pertain to them or other personal items should be considered for the shrine.

Other items that can be included are:

• an altar cloth (black or white depending on your spiritual tradition are common colors, but go with what speaks to you).
• Candles(white are most commonly used, but again, go with your preference).
• incense( raw/loose blend, stick, cone or essential oil/burner).
• Offering cup, plate and/or bowl, for giving offerings of food and beverage.
• Any other items that speak to you: deity figures, angels, religious emblems, poems, flowers.

All items used should be cleansed vibrationally before being dedicated for use, unless it was a personal item of your loved one. All items used should be consecrated with your intent.

2. Create an ancestral essential oil blend that you may use during meditation, ritual or prayer.

The blend may be used in an oil burner, or it may be used to anoint candles specifically lit when connecting with the ancestors, or to anoint oneself. Third eye is a good chakras point to anoint, but because essential oils are the most potent aspect of plant-based material, a few safety precautions should be exercised. Make sure you test for allergy to the blend with a dab on the wrist first. You don’t want an allergic rash to develop on the middle of your forehead ;). Essential oils should be mixed in a carrier oil if being applied to the skin, really only use a dab, and avoid perhaps altogether if you are pregnant.

Ancestral Essential Oil Blend

3 parts Cedarwood oil

2 parts Cinnamon oil

2 parts Clove bud oil

Bloodstone chip, (optional) vibrationally cleansed before use.

Sweet Almond carrier oil (for use if applying to the skin- may add directly to essential oil blend, or mix with a few drops of essential mix, separately).

Add all ingredients into a tinted glass, sealable container. Mix with intent of ancestral connection and respect.

3. Cook an offering with intent.

Food offerings to the ancestors of any kind are generally fine, but to cook an offering while staying present in the moment is especially potent. This is the very soul of kitchen witchery. To remaining mindful to your intent throughout the prep/cooking and offering process connects you with the spirit of sustenance, gratitude and giving.

When your food is ready, it is fine to remove a small portion onto an offering plate and save the rest to be eaten by yourself and others. It is generally considered a sign of respect to present the food as an offering first though and eat after. In Wicca it is considered ethical to inform all you share with too, what intent was put into the food, as this intent may affect all who share in its magic.

Offerings to the ancestors can be given at anytime, but in the spirit of the season, I’ve included below a couple traditional recipes shared during Dia de los Muertos and Samhain. Enjoy and blessed be!

Pan de Muertos (Day of the Dead Bread)

Yields approx.. 20 slices

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups flour

½ cup white sugar

1 teaspoon salt

2 table spoons dry yeast

½ cup milk

½ cup water

½ cup room temp butter

4 eggs

4 ½ cups flour

½ cup white sugar

2 tablespoons orange zest

2 teaspoon anise seeds or extract

1/3 cup orange

Directions:

Mix all dry ingredients except 4 ½ cups flour.

In pan heat, milk, water and butter just before boiling. Do not scald the milk!

Add the pan liquid mixture to the dry mixture and beat well.

Add eggs, and 1 ½ cups flour. Mix

Slowly add rest of flour till well blended and can form a ball of dough.

Knead dough for about 10 mins

Put dough in lightly greased bowl, cover and let rise to twice the size. Takes about an hour

Punch it down, then shape do as preferred, A round loaf with a knob on the top is fairly common.

Let rise, covered for another hour.

Pre-heat oven and bake dough on cookie sheet at 350*F for about 40mins.

Heat ½ cup sugar and orange juice over stove.

Brush mixture over bread while still warm out of the oven.

Copyright: Chrystal Raven Rowanwood/Phoenix Rising School, 2016.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/filial_piety

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/veneration_of_the_dead

www.mexicansugarskull.com

Ancient Egyptian Magic, Author Bob Brier (Ancient Egyptian letter)

Images: morguefile.com, www.mexicansugarskull.com

As the wheel turns through the dark half of the year, we approach the winter solstice. An auspicious energy shrouded as the darkest day of the year, gives way to the peak of our Mother’s birthing pains as she delivers her Star Child. Over the horizon, our God of the sun, now re-birthed from the depths of the void of death and the ultimate creative potential.

As the Goddess rests in recovery of her journey through motherhood, she prepares in darkness to revisit her role as Maiden at the coming spark of spring. In spiritual energy, this darkness upon our land still belongs in many respects, to the Crone. She has relinquished her hold on the sun God as partner in the Summerland, but is soon to gain back the visage of self that acts as mother, until the gates of fertility magic open once more at Beltane.

It was the ancient Germanic people that heralded in the dawn of the sun’s re-birth, atop the hills, bonfires lit, awaiting the days twilight with ceremony and celebration. Thus beginning approx. twelve days of cheer, feasting and good will among all, ending with the feast of Freya on January 1^st. Toasts to the Gods, especially Odin- King of the Gods, were shared. Ritual slaughter was conducted; blessed food to keep the celebrants fed over the course of the Yuletide season. Folks prepared the sacred Yule log cut from Ash, the same wood as Yggdrasil ‘The World Tree’ or Tree of Life. Dressed with sprigs of green, doused with ale or cider and flour for blessings of light, life and triumph. Lit with a piece of the log from the year before. It would burn and smolder-warming families hearths.

The ancient Druidic Celts celebrated Alban Arthuan (the light of Arthur) on the solstice. In honor of the sun and in commemoration of Arthur; king of legends, day of birth. Among the traditions, Evergreens were decorated with offerings for the Gods and ancestors. Mistletoe was harvested off of Oak, with a golden sickle by Druid Priests on day five after the new moon following the winter solstice. These plants were offered to folk as a gesture of goodwill and blessing as the mistletoe was believed to be especially powerful plant for healing, protection and fertility.

The winter solstice held significance to the ancient Egyptians as the feast of Aset (Isis). As well as December 25^th being the birth of their son Heru (Horus).

As we journey through the season of darkness, we light our homes with radiant colors, lit hearths roaring for comfort, while dressing trees of green and feasts being shared and gifts given. Amongst this, let us remember the Pagan significance of the Yuletide season, as giving our thanks for the promise of our suns slow return to strength and our Goddess’ Earthen bounty to again, be manifested.

By encircling our gratitude with a sense of conscious giving, to self, family and community, it serves as a reminder that even amongst the stark reminder of life and bounty amongst the cold, there lives perhaps the greatest light for illuminating the darkness on hope.… one of the heart. For it is here, metaphorically that we too can celebrate the resurrection of light seen in the sun’s power. If needs be, our own sense of rest and renewal can lead us to grow and give throughout the wheel of our year.

Solstice Blessings of Bounty and Joy

H.P. Chrystal Raven Rowanwood

Copyright: 2015, author: Chrystal Raven Rowanwood

As the Sabbat of Samhain is upon us, we give our thanks during the feast of our third harvest. We give our thanks for our bounty, and for our God’s symbolic sacrifice-his death now realized as he moves across the veil to commune with the land of our dead until Yule. As he does so, the time of the Crone Goddess- the keeper of the Under World, casts down her shadows of mystery to consume the light and warmth from the land, so that we may feel compelled to also turn inward in reflection and memory, for that which is no longer illuminated in our lives and dare us to bare the significance, in turn.

With the cross-over, the thinning of the veil is gifted at Samhain, and so we are given opportunity to celebrate our memories, and connect more swiftly with the spirits of our ancestors and other loved ones who have passed over. Light the Jack O’ Lanterns with intent to illuminate the path for them to join us as we break bread for them, and honour them with stories, songs and prayers from our hearts.

Light a candle or bonfire with intent to connect with the Crone aspect of the Goddess. As Hecate, Cerridwen, Morrigan or Grandmother Spiderwoman and many other cultural visages, many of her people have fear as much as respect conjured in their hearts for her presence in our lives and deaths.

In the spider’s web, she weaves an interconnectedness between all souls and their experiences. She holds the mystery, that keeps us searching. Metaphorically, as the spider, she waits, traps and feeds on her prey, not out of survival, spite, or wickedness, but so that as tender of the web, she can continue to mend and build the weaving tapestry of the worlds’ tree through regeneration in the wake of destruction. With her guidance, we are offered opportunity to face our fears of the unknown to understand death and destruction, physical mental or emotional, as transition not oblivion. Call to her if open to understanding the interplay of supposed opposing concepts, in embracing the difficult path of shadow-work, in developing a relationship with the hidden recesses of mind and heart, and in divining the future.

In spirit of her protective nature, conceive of costumes or masks to bode Samhain night, while igniting a variety display of fireworks. These are used to confuse and rid ourselves of malevolent spirits or negative energy from following us into the new year.

Set your dinner table with an offering to your transitioned loved ones, in place. Foods of the squash family are popular this time of year. As are apples, sweet cakes, turnips, parsnips, potatoes, seeds and nuts. Also, game meats, lamb or beef as well.

Samhain offers us a rare encouragement to light up the shadows. To diversely both innact its more aggressive nature through projected protection and its nurturing side, embracing her offered comfort in shedding fear-based judgements, and illusion-based control. Transforming grief and separation into wisdom and unification. So that we may learn to spend less time running from her mysteries and instead celebrate its unbridled potential.

Copyright: 2015, Author: Chrystal Raven Rowanwood

         As the Sun’s power wanes into the background, the wheel of the year turns towards the darkness of the Crone Goddess. The sun God will soon resign his role by the side of our green Mother, who carries the developing star seed of her consorts future self.

Her blossoms have given way to fruits, and so we celebrate her bounty during the second harvest at Mabon.  Much of what will be produced upon the lands has already or soon will mature for reaping. In response to this bounty, the celebration of Mabon is focused on what we are thankful for. Included in our thanks is a sense of gratefulness for our personal bounty as well, and hardship that offers us wisdom and growth.

As the apples ripen and the nuts harden, in preparation for harvest, we are invited to explore the last of the blessings of the Roman Nymph/Goddess Pomona. She and her consort; Vertumnus preside over the cultivation and growth of fruit and nut orchards.

An apple cut width-wise, holds a five-pointed star. As Wiccans, the pentagram is a symbol of balance, protection and the interplay of the five scared elements within our lives. As such, the fruit of the apple tree in considered of high spiritual vibration and steeped in the Mystery of wisdom to be found.

So as the elder God prepares for his journey with the Dark Goddess across the Western ocean, we find the Arthurian legend of Avalon; the Isle of Apples. A mystical island presided over by nine Priestesses, in legend, saw the sword- Excalibur forged, and holds great spiritual wisdom for those open to finding it.

Like the elder God’s journey, Mabon’s symbology is also tied to the Eleusinian mysteries of ancient Greece, with the Goddess; Persephone’s decent into the underworld with Lord Hades, until spring. An exploration of personal sacrifices for balance and growth is a strong theme between the time of Mabon and Yule.

The Autumnal Equinox offers us the opportunity to connect with the waning cycle of the year if we take the time to explore our personal definitions of gratitude, grace, wisdom, bounty and letting go, within us, and what they truly mean.

Walk amongst a trail of fallen leaves, understand that this cull of growth reserves energy for later renewal for its bearer and from which seeds, harbored in the ground, are kept warm over winter and fertilized in spring. Apply these metaphors to your life. Share the bounty of nature with others, cooking with apples, corn, squash, turkey, duck and the drinking of wine or grape juice!

Like the vibrant colors overtaking the leaves of autumn, spirit asks us to show our own spiritual vibrancy through acknowledgment of blessings and the acting upon wisdom gained along the road of personal exploration. Choosing to be mindful of gratitude at this time and throughout the wheel of the year, opens us into alignment with the blessings of grace. Not something simply  bestowed upon us through the God and Goddess, but revealed to be already within us. Allowing this to shine and sharing in its bounty leads to a greater sense of inner fulfillment, a deeper connection with self and our life cycles- yearly and otherwise, so that then we may navigate willingly and with less resistance.

May your bounty be beautiful!

H.P. Chrystal Raven Rowanwood

Copyright: 2015, Author: Chrystal Raven Rowanwood

At Lughnasadh, we’ve come midway between summer and autumn. Sharing in the solar God’s glory, basked upon the land. He makes up in intensity of heat in what he’s given up of light- now waning since the Summer Solstice. Symbolically, he stands at the threshold of poignant projective power feeding the Goddess his yang to her yin while also embracing his receptive nature by allowing the wisdom of elder hood to take hold slowly. Still one with our Mother, but glimpsing over to the companionship of the Crone Goddess aspect- patiently waiting her turn to come later in the year and lead him though death at Samhain, so he may be reborn at Yule. Personifying the beginning of the end of a cycle, with the full manifestation of the earth element risen across the land in the form of our grains, at Lughnasadh we give thanks to the first harvest- the cereal harvest, celebrated on August 1st.

The name Lughnasadh is connected to the modern Gaelic word for the month of August- Lughnasa, which, in turn holds its origin to the name of the Irish solar God named Lugh.

An often intensely hot time of year, the folks whose sweat went into helping produce the first of the main harvests, rejoiced at its maturation. It was during this time that a small patch of grains would be set aside during the harvesting process to honor and protect the spirit of the corn (the term corn used to describe all grains, not literally just corn). These stalks of grain were often fashioned into a bodily effigy or other design, then decorated, and adorned with water and other offerings. Inviting the spirit of the corn a place to reside until the naked fields were turned over the following year in preparation of the next season of growth.

In honor of Lugh’s foster mother -Tailtiu, who in Celtic mythology was said to have died from exhaustion in prepping the peoples land for agriculture. Great athletic contests, similar to the Olympic Games of Ancient Greece, were held in her name. Called the Tailteann Games, those that wished to honor her and the fire within, had their place to show their skills and talent. In athleticism, the courage of courtship and the salesmanship of trade, all had their place amongst the season’s solar festivities.

So it is during this time that we may combine our inner flame with the suns strength to greatly affirm our dreams and challenge our accountability as co-creators of their manifestation. By aligning with the intense power of fire, personified in the deeds and character of your patron solar God or Goddess. We can find the courage and passion within to keep us on track with that in which our highest excitement is presently aligned with. Be cautious however, to balance your findings and pursuits by not forgetting the other elements, who can keep you from becoming burnt out or too rigidly or aggressively focused, which can bring an aloofness to the impact your actions may have on others around you.

The Sabbat of Lughnasadh gives us a timely opportunity to connect with our inner flames desire by courageously acting on our inspirations and facing our fears that hold us back. Use the power of the sun to grow as our Mother’s fields do and to burn away all that which is unuseful at this time. Share in your triumphs thus far with family and friends over a feast of traditional foods such as fresh baked breads, lamb and seasonal berries. Weave Corn Dollies from stalks of grain or husks of corn to capture the spirits blessings for your home. Bask for even a moment under his rays. Palms on ground to feel the vibrant energy tingling from Gaia’s form- taking in all that’s been given. Thus, we may choose to connect with the  warm embrace between Earth and Sky, given to sustain, enlighten, encourage and behold.

Have a Blissful Lughnasadh

Copyright: 2015 Author: H.P Chrystal Raven Rowanwood

(Painting by John William Waterhouse 1886)

Recently, on several occasions, I have been asked by students about the ethics of utilizing healing spell craft or distance energy healing to help others.

First off, I want to highlight the idea that the above mentioned practices are tapping into the same energy frequencies and fundamentally are not different in any way aside from application. The intent is essentially the same and within Wiccan practice, acting on intent is everything.

With the seemingly generous benefit to others when healing, should you act upon this intent or should you not?Should one enact healing upon ones’ self before extending it to another?Provided we’ve come to the conclusion to act, how best can we perform this service and what benefits can it potentially provide? And lastly, should we charge for such a service to others?Indeed, it is a good idea to think on these questions before offering it outwardly to others.

Always there is the risk that the purest intent can have the cruelest outcome. Most of us, at some point in time have experienced doing or saying something seemingly positive to/for another and have it back fire on us because the recipient perceived the act differently than how it was intended. A risk not only valid in the use of spell craft for another, but in everyday life. Knowing this, should we cower and remain silent and inactive? Absolutely not! Exercising the inspiration to be forthright and generous while consciously being aware of our intentions, allows us to better navigate those that we interact with in a meaningful way on a daily basis. Not without fault, but with practice we heighten our intuition in any given situation on how best to reach another, whether through hearing ones words our speaking our thoughts, receiving humbly or giving generously.

This being said, there is a difference in the performance of spell craft, to everyday interactions with others. Amongst practitioners, it is known that with the right timing and ingredients one does not need the recipient to be present to have a healing be successful, at least on a superficial level. But it brings up the point that then perhaps it is also not necessary that the recipient know of what is being done on their behalf.

In Wicca providing a spell crafting service on another’s behalf without their expressed permission is considered a violation of their free will and goes against our Rede of “An it Harm None, Do As Ye Will”. As Wiccan, It is our belief that as children of the God and Goddess, we come into this world with the gift of free will. A notion that even our makers do not manipulate. It isn’t for us to decide what is best for another, and so to blatantly disregard ones free will, can harm ones sense of refrain. Taking the power away from simply allowing. Which can be as powerful as doing when applied appropriately to self and others.Often, the best and humblest of spell crafters understand this fine balance and don’t extend energy that isn’t wanted.

One could question the validity of the healing spell too if it was to come against a recipient who was not open to receiving the energy offered. For various reasons such as: not having a sense of being worthy, not willing to let go of that which has fed the imbalance, or an uncomfortability fed by their perceived notions of the energy you are sourcing for the task, leaving them hostile or fearful, may all  go to work against your efforts. For these reasons, it is best to work honestly and openly with one another to implement positive, long-lasting results.This being said, one can always gift love or healing energy to another by affirming it as an offering rather than something forced upon the other. Ask your God, Goddess or spirit guides to take up your offering and give it provided it would be accepted and for the highest good of all.

Another thing to consider before working healing energy is whether you are fit to be its vessel. Meaning, do you feel that you are of a state of mind, emotional and physical wellness that you’re offering will pass through without giving the recipient a high dose of negative etheric debris or nothing being given at all perhaps, due to you absorbing the healing energy?This does not mean to say you need be perfect or without flaws. We are all works in progress to some degree, but if you yourself are experiencing a similar amount of unwellness, perhaps another would be more capable to perform your seekers request.

Provided you feel you are fit to act as a vessel of healing for others and you have your recipient on board to take what you can offer, than you are free to take advantage of the many ways one can work utilize healing energy for wellness.

Before accepting ones request for assistance the question will likely come up for you on whether it is appropriate to charge for your service.

During the times when our Pagan predecessors; the Cunning Folk utilized their magical and herbal knowledge on a regular basis for such things as healing for others, it was generally no question to the beneficiaries to bring some sort of remuneration to the healer for their time and energy. For someone to give in trade, an item of value, money or service, to receive back in return from the healer was considered a fair trade in energy and in certain groups believed it nullified any further spiritual debt by trading fairly during the initial agreement. Although times have changed in many ways, a fair trade in energy between recipient and giver is still considered a positive balanced equation. Setting aside societies idea that money is the root of all evil, we can see that it is a viable tool sourced from the above mentioned energy, actually devoid of either a ‘good’ or ‘bad’ distinction, but rather completely dependent on pure or corrupt intent and action. Ultimately, it’s a personal choice of the practitioner to accept payment for deeds done. A contract between two consenting parties that then hold the responsibility of their choice, hopefully devoid of outside judgments.

To assist in a persons need for healing, which includes cleansing and balancing, is to provide a much need service within a community. There are many that live unbalanced, stress filled lives or those that have entered a transitional period of their lives that who could benefit from vibrational healers and magical practitioners complimenting the traditional therapies utilized with a more spiritual, holistic approach.To have a seeker agree to spell craft for healing isn’t to have them give up on traditional treatments and hand the power over to the caster. It is to have them more fully embrace new possibilities for wellness by being shown how to align their desire with the energy of our universe to manifest and boost positive change.

To help, It really can be as simple as offering prayer to those in need on a regular basis. Make it part of your regular routine, add in a daily affirmation that works to help another and you by asking to be aligned to the right energy to help ‘so and so’ conquer this or release that. Continue until either you or they start to see a change within a reasonable amount of time, otherwise you might need to go in a bit stronger to hit home, at which time a spell designed for the task could be most beneficial.

Shamanic techniques are sources of powerful healing as well, but should be performed by someone with a trained background in this art. Same goes for Reiki or crystal healing techniques. Provided that you have been trained in these modalities, they can be a wonderful source to turn to for vibrational healing and are complementary to traditional forms of medical treatment.

Spells for healing can be as varied as the clouds in the sky and there are many wonderful examples given in countless Wicca and magick books. A few key ingredients are utilizing the right Moon phase for your work. Waxing for bringing in health, abundance, love, etc. and Waning for releasing illness, blocks, outdated perceptions, etc.

Before bringing in something, it’s important to focus on clearing away. For this reason cleansing yourself before spell craft is important, so that you and/or the intended recipient may more readily take up the incoming blessing of healing, growth and positive change. A cleansing can be as simple as smudging yourself with a stick of Sage and visualizing any blocks or negativity being cast away and grounded below your feet.

Spell Crafting Ingredients Known for Their Cleansing/Clearing Abilities

• Sage bundles (Herb, often burned, sachets, candle making)
• Palo Santo     (Wood, often burned)
• Cedar           (Wood, often burned, sachets, candle making)
• Holy Water. (for sprinkling, anointing, washing, offering)
• Salt               (for sprinkling, holy water, barrier making, soaking)
• Hyssop.       (for sprinkling, holy water, sachets, anointing, candle making)
• Lemon         (eating for internal cleanse, washing, incense)
• Garlic           (eating, sachets, burning)
• Balm of Gilead. (sachets, incense, offering)
• Rosemary. ( sachets, cooking(only herb), incense, washing, candle making)
• Mugwort     (incense, sachets, washing, candle making)
• Black Tourmaline crystals (grids, sachets, compliment to energy healing, meditation, potent at grounding)
• Black Obsidian. (grids, sachets, meditation, very potent for grounding, use sparingly!)
• Smoky Quartz Crystals (grids, sachets, compliment to energy healing, meditations)

Spell Crafting Ingredients for General Health and Wellness

• Rose. (sachets, candle making, incense, washing, garden)
• Frankincense. (sachets, candle making, incense )
• Mandrake. (sachets, grids, incense)
• Geranium (sachets, candle making, gardens, incense, display)
• Holy water (washing, anointing, sprinkling, offering)
• Rose Water (washing, anointing, sprinkling, offering, add in food)
• Flower Blossoms (sachets, incense, candle making, display, grids, baths, meditation, some types in food)
• Fern. (sachets, display, garden, incense, candle making)
• Thyme. (sachets, garden, incense, candle making, food)
• Clear Quartz Crystal. (sachets, grids, display, jewelry, complimentary in energy healing, meditation, gem elixirs)
• Rose Quartz Crystal (sachets, grids, display, jewelry, complimentary in energy healing, meditation, gem elixirs).
• Sodalite (sachets, grids, display, jewelry, complimentary in energy healing, meditation)

In the lists above it’s important to mention these suggestions are not comprehensive. There are many other herbs, oils, crystals, and tools that may be used in bringing health and wellness. Also, the more specific the issue targeted, the more beneficial it would be to use specific ingredients best used in that situation.          All tools must be met with the appropriate amount of intent charged into them in order for them to be adequately affective.

In the case of the herbs noted having essential oil counterparts. The oils should be used sparingly and with caution and never taking internally unless instructed by an expert.

As much as the spirit is associated with our wellness and our beliefs may inspire us to be healthy amongst practices that we resignate with, it’s important to understand that all practices and spiritual understanding stated above are meant to be complimentary to professional medical services and not to be used exclusively as an alternative from the advice of a doctor.

Many Blessings

H.P. Chrystal Raven Rowanwood

Copyright: 2015 Author: Chrystal Raven Rowanwood (Jinjoe)

     Since the winter solstice, when the Goddess re-birthed our Lord-the God of light- he has grown quietly through the subtle lengthening of days and warming of our land. Now at the Sabbat of Ostara, we come together to celebrate the equal parts of light and dark during the spring equinox and the official unsought of spring, the season of birth and growth.

 Ostara; the Germanic Goddess whose name is often associated with the vernal equinox in Wicca, is a maiden Goddess of spring. Beautiful and young, she represents the first manifestations to be found in new beginnings, and the promise of abundance soon to come into fruition during the summer months.

Her symbols, the egg and the hare carry sway in the decorations, meditations and food of the season, as a powerful creation symbol. The golden yolk holds the sun God’s energies, while being encased amongst the white of the egg, representing Goddess/lunar energies, come together to symbolize the fertile womb of creation, foreshadowing the embodiment of the new life soon to hatch forth.

The nocturnal hare was viewed as passing each morning and be born anew at night fall, tying its symbolism to the nightly rise and fall of the Goddess’ lunar energies. As well as an animal that can have new eggs fertilized while pregnant, it became viewed as the epitome of fertility.

Ostara, also meaning to move with the waxing sun, is a time to work with the energies of the rising sun of the east. To rejoice in the new beginnings, now obvious within the budding of new life throughout nature.

Refreshed from their cessation during winter- the trees burst forth with their own sense of celebration, sharing their gift of fragrant blossoms, providing the perfect example of natures’ passion in creating anew.

The Japanese Pagan path of Shintoism saw a Goddess within their cherry blossoms. Konohana Sakuya represents the blossom, but also the volcanoes fire energy, personifying not only the beautiful blessing of spring, but also the ability to gracefully embrace that which is fleeting and fragile, given way to destruction of transformation, by being present in mind and heart of your blessings and allow this passion of a mindful existence to flow freely and protected in the face of change.

 As a sprouting shoot would fail to thrive if the ground be too cold or the air be too hot, the powers of light and dark align to bring balance to aid in this new growth. Take some time to connect to the balance within, represented in the 5 sacred elements, so to allow a push in growth and less personal inhibitions.

Connect with water during this season of rain, Earth in the budding leaves and blossoming flowers, fire in the strengthening of the sun and air represented through the returning pollinators and birds of spring. All working together simultaneously to draw upon and nourish the spirit of Gaia.

What personal growth do you wish to nurture? Connect with the season and claim your intention.

 H.P Chrystal Raven Rowanwood

      With Valentine’s Day here, we are bombarded with its commercialized hype surrounding the idea that gift-giving and loving praise are time-tested ways to express love to those nearest and dearest, and although not untrue, it seems a shame that in all the celebrations we share with loved ones and collectively, within the community throughout the year, none consciously encourage, in contemplation or practice expressing gratitude or love upon ourselves outside of the grace or pride that we may generate through sharing with others.

As I was thinking on this, I felt inspired to speak on the concept of self-love and how by exercising this mindfully we can awaken to a life filled with more gratitude for ourselves and open up to ways in which our reality will shift to mirror this change within.

What Is Self-love

Self-love is a concept that few spend much time with, unless we find ourselves at a life changing crossroads, deadening our pace into retraction of self-reflection.

Loving yourself is not narcissism nor is it selfishness, which are both born based on reflective principles of unbalanced energies and often driven through ego.

True self love is a heart-centered connection in understanding that the truest gift of love that we can ever give away begins with our ability to connect with ALL of what it is we have to share. By doing so, we consciously accept the responsibility of taking great care in what we project upon ourselves.

The Importance of Inner Love Cultivation

Our style of living does not readily encourage by example, a healthy balance of give and take, as we try to avoid tripping over each other’s needs and wants, while simultaneously, effectively trying to navigate our fast paced society, we perhaps feel compelled to covet our energy in response to this sensory overload, or risk exhaustion by giving what we don’t have to give. By cultivating a healthy relationship with self, it can empower us to clearly perceive that our receptivity is as important as what we project outwards.To fully extend our love to others we must be a clear vessel to this receptivity so that this source can be replenished.

Indeed, the quality of our gift is reflective of what is contained within our vessel. And as we begrudgingly give exhausted personal energies to ever increasingly ungrateful people, because we extend it ungratefully, we come to see that those who would drink from your offering willingly, often reflect personal traits of a similar pattern. So be the change you wish to see in your world.

When feeling the need to replenish, it is important to note to be careful in giving over personal power by externalizing your replenishing source. It is good and healthy to be able to accept another’s offer of love, and share in it, but not to depend on it in order to connect and revitalize the heart chakra.

In Conclusion

Self- love invites us to know the power of personal inner manifestation, through wisdom from within, otherwise our giving may give way to nothing more than a conditioned sense of responsibility.By untraining your perception that love is just for giving ‘out’ and acting on the intention to manifest self-love, you begin the process of removing blocks to your receptivity. To give yourself this attention you are telling your higher self that you are listening and that you are deserving of your own love. By mindfully practicing this willingness we attune ourselves to the open potential of self-discovery- shedding old behavior, beliefs, other peoples’ projections of us and fears, so to become more powerful, co- creators in manifesting a more fulfilling life and a decent world.

It is important to understand that the journey to self-discovery never truly ends and living with love for oneself is something that grows with you over time. So although I cannot map the way for you, I can impart a few tools to you that are good starting points for those of you interested in consciously manifesting love.

Visualization: Connecting With Your Heart Center

I suggest using a cleansed crystal for this exercise, such as a rose quartz, as it is closely connected to the heart chakra, but if you feel compelled to use another type, please feel free. The reason for the crystal is to aid in amplifying the energy you are working with, so to better allow you to feel the connection.

Begin by finding a space that is quiet and free from interruption. Sit comfortably and close your eyes. Hold your crystal between both hands. Focus on your breath- slow and steady for a minute or two. Now move your focus to your heart chakra area, in the middle of your chest and listen to the beating of your heart. Continue this until its beat seems to become more prominent.

When you feel a centered calmness, turn your attention to the stone your are holding. Invite its loving energy within and perceive its charge running up your arm and circling your heart center. As it does so, you feel your heart open up like a flower (make note of the type of flower). This vibrant bloom now spills a radiant light out and all around you (note the color of this light). This effect transforms the space in which you find yourself into nothing but light.

You pull your attention inwards, once again to find yourself in the dark space of your inner temple. You are aware of yourself standing, looking down upon a small, deep pond of water. In the water you see your reflection. You tell your reflection that you will learn how to best connect with self. The reflection then shares one word with you or an image (make note of it). You thank your reflection and then offer your illuminated heart chakra flower by gently placing it in the pond of water. It sinks beneath and is taken up by your reflection. The flower then radiates a blinding light outwards that again encompasses your vision. When it fades, you find your attention back at your heart center. Again, focus on your heart beat and allow the beat to push loving energy back into the crystal you are holding while focusing on your intent to connect with self.

After a few moments, ground your energy by taking a few deep breaths, pushing excess energy that had been borrowed, back into the ground with each exhale.When grounded, open your eyes and take a few minutes to recall and record your experience down on paper.

Correspondences to the magical meaning of flowers and colors are available online and remember to jot down the word or symbol that your reflection gave you and what significance  it holds for you.

Many Blessings

H.P Chrystal Raven Rowanwood