BoS Prompts 5: Sabbats & Wheel of The Year.

Link to previous prompts: http://ppwwmm.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/cauldroneers-bos-prompts.html

Prompt 5. Sunday 17th December 2017 - The 5th prompt will be...  Sabbats & Wheel of The Year.

At the time this was published, Christmas eve is a week away meaning next Sunday I will not be posting a Prompt because 1. I don't know if people will have time to read this one let alone one the night before Christmas.  2. I don't really want too!!  Hehe..  If I find time there is a video I want to get done which will fall well into these posts..  If I find time.  Seasons Greetings, Happy Hanukkah, Divine Saturnalia, Blessed Yule, Merry Christmas etc..

There's now a dedicated facebook page to support these blog posts @ https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/

Thank you all for the support.  I've now made a dedicated facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/ so if you go there turn on all notifications you won't miss these blog posts!! 

P5A:  Different between Sabbats and Esbats?

Sabbats: 
Sabbats are eight seasonal marks throughout the year.  Some are fixed dates such as Samhain is on the 31st October every year whereas others move slightly like Yule can fall on 19, 20, 21, 22 or 23rd December.  Sabbats mark the changing of the 4 seasons and also the story of the birth, life and death of God and the changing of the Goddess.

THE GODDESS

The Goddess goes through a three part  change each year as part of the yearly cycle.  In the Springtime she is said to be the Maiden aspect as she is reborn and revived full of new life, she is said to be fresh, pure and have that young innocent everything is new excitement..  In the Summer the Goddess becomes the Mother aspect (mother-earth) and as such she is now imbued with new developing life,  she is entering and developing in motherhood and she is glowing and giving life to the world..  In the Winter again she changes to become the Crone aspect as she reaches the end of her cycle.  As she has aged now knowing and being wise.  She dies only to be reborn again in the Springtime when she once again becomes the maiden.

In Paganism this triple aspect or triple Goddess is often shown in pictures as 3 separate Goddesses / Women however we actually we see her as just the one and is therefore called ‘the Goddess’.  – This title of ‘The Goddess’ is a none-specified name covering all female deity forms.  While some will call her by a specific name referring to her different aspects that correspond to them or perhaps their working.

THE GOD

Like the Goddess, the God has a yearly cycle and change for him he is born at Yule and grows into a child, young adult, very fertile young adult, adult, and through to being elderly and through to death where he is then reborn again from the Goddess at Yule. 

Again, like the Goddess, we often use the term and name 'the God' which is a none-specified name and as said more specific God names can be given to speak to a specific aspect of The God. 

Esbats: 
Esbats are celebrations of the full moon; there are 12 (rarely 13) of these a year.  - I will cover this in the next BoS Prompt which is about the moon!

Physical & Book Activity:

Optional - You might want to write that down, or at least remember it, in your book or at least make a note of it.  The next blog installment will be about the moon so you might want to hold off till then..

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P5B:  What are the Sabbats?
As said there are eight.. 

• Yule (Winter Solstice) December 19, 20, 21, 22, or 23
• Imbolc (Brigid, Candlemas, Imbolg, or Brigid’s Day) February 1 or 2
• Ostara (Spring Equinox, Eostar or Oestarra) March 20, 21, 22, or 23
• Beltane (May Eve, Beltaine, Bealtaine, or May Day) April 30 or May 1
• Litha (Summer Solstice, or Midsummer) June 20, 21, 22, or 23
• Lammas (Lughnasad or Lughnasad) August 1
• Mabon (Fall Equinox or Home Harvest) September 20, 21, 22, or 23
• Samhain (All Hallow’s Eve, Hallowmas or Halloween): October 31 (some celebrate November 1)

Yule aka Winter Solstice

Since to most Pagans God is represented by the Sun and the Goddess by the Moon. Yule is a very symbolic time as it not only marks the shortest day of the year.  But it is a time that shows the death and rebirth.  Yule is where The Goddess gives birth to a son, The God.  Following this seasonal time The Sun (God) stays up in the sky for a short time although as the seasons continue to change and God (The Sun) stays up longer and longer, just as the sun literally is in the sky longer and longer, this is a symbolism of how he grows into a boy and then a man and then an elderly man and eventually his death throughout the seasons.

Ways in most Pagans celebrate Yule usually has us look upon the death and darkness of winter but with great hope of new life and fertility in the Spring time.  We often celebrate this by lighting candles, and decorating evergreen trees to welcome back the greenness of our lands and to welcome God as he grows giving us those longer days and shorter nights.

Imbolc (Pronounced Im-ulk)

Imbolc is the sabbat that marks the early beginnings of spring time.  

The longer days and new growth the Goddess is recovering after giving birth to the God.  It is also the sabbat that brings us warmth from the Suns new fertility as he has matured, causing the seeds of life to germinate and sprout.

Imbolc is a celebration of surviving the dark freezing death of winter, and beaming with new life, longer days, new beginnings, growth, and new light.  It is a time when most Pagans literally clean their living spaces and is most powerful to cleansing, cleaning and concentrating workings.

Ostara aka Spring Equinox

(Equinox meaning day and night are the same length.)  The Spring Equinox is the festival that marks the first true day of Spring time. 

It is this part of the year that God has reached his maturity and entering into young adulthood where he is most fertile.

We celebrate Ostara as the light that has taken over the darkness.  It is considered by Pagans and Witches alike to be the best time of year to do workings for future gain.

Beltane aka May Day

Beltane is the Sabbat where the Goddess and God lay together and unite as one. It is also a time for marriage and union.

This is often celebrated with dance, or more specifically the dance of the May Pole – The May Pole is used as a symbol of both the flame of the Sun (God) and also that of the fire of the cauldron (Cauldrons are often a symbol of the womb or goddesses womb).  – And the weaving in and out of the May Pole is a symbol of the the Goddess and God coming together as one.

We also celebrate this Sabbat with a lot of plants.   It’s said to be the best time to do workings of fertility and love.

Litha aka Summer Solstice aka Midsummer

This day marks the longest day of the year and is the sabbat where nature is at its highest peak and absolutely flourishing with life. 

Litha is often celebrated literally from sun rises to the point where the sun sets and this is demonstrated with magic of all kinds - a very powerful day.  Many Pagans celebrate this sabbat around a fire to represent the sun.

Lammas / Lughnasah (Pronounced Loo-na-sad)

Lammas is the marking of the Harvest festifval, it is where the first harvest of the year takes place and we celebrate this as a sign of being thankful to both the God and the Goddess for providing us with such a bountiful crop.

It is the time where God is now reached that elderly adulthood and is slowly fading and is beginning to die, though he live on within the womb of the Goddess don’t forget!!

This sabbat is where we reflect and show how we are thankful and in thought of nature and the world and all that it has given us this year and how each meal is such a gift.  Most Pagans celebrate this sabbat only with food this is often a meal containing and also offering a symbolism of the harvest such as bread as a token of thankfulness and appreciation, it is also to honour.

Mabon aka Autumn Equinox

(Like Spring Equinox, Again the Autumn Equinox is when day and night are the same length)  At this time of the year the Darkness once again takes over our lands and the seasons shy away from the light.

The God gets ready to leave his physical body now until he is reborn, from The Goddess at Yule.

Samhain (Pronounced Sow-Hane)

Samhain is said to be the Pagan / Witches New Year.  It marks the start of winter and of death and darkness.  It is one of the most important times; as it is a time of the year for reflection, not just of ourselves, but to remember those we have lost and pay our respects to them, to our ancestors it is also a time to celebrate what has been accomplished over the year and be thankful for the harvest and all what we have.

We celebrate this Sabbat in may ways which may include setting a dinner place for the dead at your table, visiting the resting places of ancestors past, lighting of candles and more.

As said it is also a time of personal reflection, a lot of shadow workings are done around this time especially entering into the darker months.

Physical Activity:

Optional - There are many different ways in which the Sabbats are celebrated..  Perhaps research them maybe even mock practice them? 

At the time this blog post was released it is the week before Yule..  Also since this is technically the Birth of God it truly would be a good place for you to start your study.

Book Activity:

Journal about each Sabbat.  Like the Elements this could be a page or two pages for each or it could simple be just a list with basic information.  You could make it bright and colourful or have each part represented by its attribute (birth / life / death).  You might want to journal this after your wheel of the year, or before..  Be creative.

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P5C:  What is the wheel of the year?
The wheel of the year is best described as a round calendar.  From it's centre point if you rotate it round so each Sabbat is at the top.  Often these 'wheel of the year' calendars show pictures of symbolism relating to that time, it should incorporate the dates (some dates are fixed whereas others move slightly), The name of the holiday and any other information you deem fit.

Here's some examples I pulled off of the internet...

Purchasable Print from Etsy

Image can be found on this website.

Image can be found on this website.

Physical & Book Activity:

Research more about The Wheel of The Year and then purchase/print your own OR even better I challenge you to make your own Wheel of The Year!!  Simply draw a circle and then divide this into 8 segments and use the information I have given you here to create your own.  I would absolutely love to see these.  Feel free to make it and stick it into your BoS or if you're feeling confident draw it straight in.  You could also be extra creative if you attach it with a brad (paper pin) so you can move it round and have an interactive BoS page! 

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Thank you all for the support.  For anyone wishing to share, ask for help, talk about BoS / their book and relevant content (or for more information, ideas and unmissable blog posts go to new Fb group https://www.facebook.com/groups/BoSPrompts/  Also as previously mentioned you can go on the website version of this blog over on the left there’s a ‘subscribe by email’ so you don’t miss a single post from me.  If you’re on the mobile version scroll right down to the bottom and click ‘view as website’ and that should take you to the website version where you can expand, navigate to the left and subscribe by email :)  I will continue to share this on my Patreon *for free* and also on my Twitter and in various facebook groups..  & Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/

Imogen x

Next week there will be no prompt as it's Christmas but the week ager prompt No.6 - Moon Stuff.

BoS Prompts 4: Tree of Life / Grounding / Meditation / Whiteroom / Prayer

Link to previous prompts: http://ppwwmm.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/cauldroneers-bos-prompts.html

Prompt 4. Sunday 10th December 2017 - The 4th prompt will be...  Tree of Life / Grounding / Meditation / Whiteroom / Prayer

Todays read is based on physical activity; which can be as short or long as you make it!!  I, as a disabled person, will also be including some physically disabled alternatives to the physical activities.  I also encourage everyone/you to do more research and find what works best for them/you!!

There's now a dedicated facebook page to support these blog posts @ https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/

Thank you all for the support.  I've now made a dedicated facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/ so if you go there turn on all notifications you won't miss these blog posts!! 

P4A:  What is The Tree of Life:

The tree of life has both a physical and metaphysical meaning.  The symbol of the tree is rooted in many different religions, cultures and beliefs throughout history.  I thought I would touch on a few of those here..

Credits:  As Above So Below, Four Seasons, Mother Nature, Celtic Knot Tree and Garden of Eden Tree

As a Witch and/or Pagan it is most likely you will have come across the phrase "as above so below" or at least the symbol of the tree and roots which if turned upside down still reflects the tree and its roots.  The concept of this being "That which is Below corresponds to that which is Above, and that which is Above, corresponds to that which is Below, to accomplish the miracles of the One Thing." - European Alchemist Hermes Trismegistus and the Emerald Tablet.  

Trees can also be a rather a strong visual as most don't see roots which are as strong if not stronger than the leafy branches above but a tree needs both in order to grow and survive. (live).  This symbolism could also have associations with 'out of sight out of mind' but still manifests and grows to become what it is to be.

The tree of life can also be a symbol of the four seasons and their respected associated elements - as the tree shows the 4 different annual stages.  - That said I somewhat do enjoy the element associations given here www.universeofsymbolism.com/tree-of-life-meaning.html

Another example is the tree symbolises Mother Earth (is the symbol of) which is not just a symbol of nature but also a connection to ancestors of old, the spirit world and a representation of the journey of spiritual development and growth. 

The Celtic tree, or the Celtic knot Tree of Life, has branches that reach into the sky and roots that dig into the earth and round joining together as a symbol of balance and harmony in all things, particularly when all things are in balance and harmony with nature.

As said trees are a symbol in many religions another example would be in the Bible.  The Bible tells us of the tree in the Garden of Eden.  A tree symbolised as holy divine tree which was shown bearing fruit that was said to give eternal life. This tree, and it's fruit, was/is thought of as sacred.

This is but a few examples of tree of life and tree symbolism.  I encourage you to research other meanings and beliefs. 

Physical Activity:
1.Research other tree meanings, symbolism and beliefs. Optional - types of trees and their magickal properties.

2.Find yourself a tree (any type - preferably a big tree with at least the same circumference as a human adult) and study it. What does it look like? feel? smell? - Hug the tree, take pictures, pastel/graphite rubbings, take a fallen leaf home and dry/flower press it.. - bonus if you opted to do TipToeChick's element days (as mentioned last week) this could be your getting to know Earth Element day!

Book Activity:

Draw and/or write about The Tree of Life and / or tree symbolism and / or any tree research you did.  You may want to add a photo (acid free paper), rubbing, pressed leaf and / or journal about your experience.  - Alternatively you could add this media to your earth element pages from last week!

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P4B:  What is Grounding / Grounding Meditation:
Grounding is an essentially an activity that connects you energetically to the earth. It helps us become balanced and centered while we are firmly planted and connected to the earth.  It is a basic meditation practice and often a requirement after spiritual practice / magickal working that consumes our energies.

"Grounding allows you to be more authentically in your body, in the present moment, and receive nourishing energy" - Marilyn O’Malley   I honestly reccomended you read her Article 'How to Ground Yourself and Why' - https://www.huffingtonpost.com/marilyn-omalley/how-to-ground-yourself-an_b_10200774.html

Physical Activity:

1.Take a trip outside (or inside) into nature this could be a field, woods, forest, beach or even your back-garden!!  Once you have found a peaceful spot where you won't be disturbed sit down cross legged (if able, if not find yourself a comfortable chair/seat or sit with your legs straight out - whatever is most comfortable for yourself) and as you sit imagine your spine extending downward as if it were forming roots which are now growing down your from your spine, down into the ground much like roots of a tree.  As the roots grow down feel the connection between yourself and the earth growing as though the two are now one.  Feel the connection develop and centre yourself over time which will give heightened experiences to your higher self, people, other beings and things.

Additional disabled note – you do not have to be in nature, a comfortable chair or bed with a creative imagination will suffice although if this exercise seems a little harder indoors perhaps play some nature sounds, light outdoor scented incense and open a window to create the ambiance..  

2.Note this is just one way in which we can ground ourselves - Again I encourage you to study further and see what feels right to you.

Book Activity:
Optional - Journal how to ground yourself; what works best for you.. Thoughts.. Feelings..   

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P4C:  What is Meditation:
While many different religions incorporate meditation into their practice meditation itself is not bound to nor is specifically a part of any religion; it is a science, this  means the process of meditation follows a particular order, has definite principles, and produces results that can be verified.

Meditation is a precise technique done to achieve a calm resting of the mind.  This is done to attaining a state of consciousness that is different from the normal state of waking mind.  Meditation is done to reach different levels of ourselves and to experience the center of consciousness within.   This is a calming of the mind and body is often done to help focus / concentration / balance.

There's multiple ways to physically achieve meditation; most often this is done by sitting cross legged upon the floor.  Sometimes sitting is upon a cushion (or a zafu), mat such as a yoga mat, chair or other comfortable surface (as a disabled person I usually sit or lay in bed).  Something the sitting is not always cross legged, something the sitting is replaced by kneeling or lying down. 

(Feel free to skip my personal experience story!) 

My Whiteroom Meditation

In my experience I seriously struggle with meditation.  It often makes me feel physically sick / nauseated, dizzy, very uncomfortable, it can be quite stressful and 9/10 I can't reach the desired goal while meditating in most of the more common ways.  - I don't know if this is because of my physical disabilities, pain etc or illnesses: anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia and what ever else I may have going on!

That said I do seem to achieve my goals with my whiteroom meditation which I have done since I can ever remember - even before my Pagan / Witch days, before I even knew what meditation was and in all honest I didn't even know it was a thing!!  I just thought it was something I do to help me process things before I sleep. 

So let me start by saying it's different for most people.  And for me my whiteroom is just that.

To achieve this I get ready for bed, lay down in bed and clear my mind as best I can. I focus on my whiteroom and the things in it which are certain object in my whiteroom..

• To the immediate left is a table; sometimes there are things on it and sometimes it is empty and sometimes it's decorated based on the season/holiday..
• Past the table is a tall cupboard I use to use to store all my memories I wanted to be able to access later.  Good and bad sorted into bins.
• In front of that cupboard is now a large dead tree - this is now blocking access to the cupboard. - I can't remove the tree.
• Beyond that is just whiteness.
• Back at my starting point to the right is just more vast whiteness.
• Straight ahead from my starting point is more vast whiteness and far in the distance is a large tall oak tree and the silhouette of batman and catwoman.

These are the things always in my white room.  My whiteroom is a place I go to before I sleep I can not wake up from this room I can only leave to go into a literal sleep and then wake from that.  During the time in my whiteroom I am able to achieve varying mediation, I am able to find answers, achieve my higherself and on two occasions something I'm questioning as astral projection.  This room enables me to make decisions, see things more clearly.  Sometimes new things will be in the room and sometimes these things stay until they're dealt with and other times they become a familiar features of my whiteroom.

Physical Activity:

1.Research more about meditation.

2.Practice meditation.

Book Activity:
Optional - Journal about meditation; what works best for you.. Thoughts.. Feelings..   

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P4D:  What is Prayer:
Prayer is actually very subjective to the religion and the individual, while I advise you again research prayer..  I just wanted to touch on some food for thought of this here and how this relates to Pagan Practices and/or Witchcraft.  

When we think of prayer I'm sure most of us have some kind of image of hands together, silently asking God for assistance, help, to make something happen, a wish, a blessing..  Surely that act is exactly what we do when we do when we do a spell, working, ritual etc..  It is putting our intentions out there for some higher being to assist.  Be it God, Goddess, Ancestors, Elements, Divine, Our higherself..  Or some other..  You may even, while studying, come across some different practices and styles of prayer which may including tools such as rosary beads.. (a blog on that later in this series!)

Physical Activity:

1.Research more about prayer and similar practices - how does it relate to you?

2.Optional - Practice.

Book Activity:

Optional - Journal about prayer or concepts and workings; what is your thoughts, are there any practices you like and may now apply to your life, works best for you.. Etc

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Thank you all for the support.  For anyone wishing to share, ask for help, talk about BoS / their book and relevant content (or for more information, ideas and unmissable blog posts go to new Fb group https://www.facebook.com/groups/BoSPrompts/  Also as previously mentioned you can go on the website version of this blog over on the left there’s a ‘subscribe by email’ so you don’t miss a single post from me.  If you’re on the mobile version scroll right down to the bottom and click ‘view as website’ and that should take you to the website version where you can expand, navigate to the left and subscribe by email :)  I will continue to share this on my Patreon *for free* and also on my Twitter and in various facebook groups..  & Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/

Imogen x

Next weeks prompts No.5 - Sabbats & Wheel of The Year.

WW/MM. Manifestation Box - About them!!

Manifestation box also known as a Creation Box, Dream Box, Wish Box, Intentions Box and probably a few other names..

The concept behind it being you have a box/container that closes (made of any material, I chose wood as it's more natural) - decorated if/as you wish.  Usually a power sentiment (see below *) inscribed in the lid (or anywhere on the box..  It's your box!) and then items you feel correspond with your desires put in this box.  That then is you dedicating a physical item to your requirement and in turn sending out your intentions, desires, wishes etc out to the universe to manifest, attract, make happen, achieve, grow, recieve, continue to have, build etc.  Shut those contents away, allow them to be forgotten and allow it to manifest (show, grow, appear, become seen) over time.  These items can be stones, charms, jewellery, materials, hair, something belonging to someone, a photo or simply write it on a piece of paper - words hold a lot of power.

Some of my first things were:

• A silver coloured coin (10p) to attract money/wealth or at least not lose it.
• NUMBER 10: Number ten carries the energies of both the number 1 and the number 0. Number 10 resonates with the vibrations and energies of leadership, optimism, confidence, independence, creative powers, success, energy, originality, adaptability, determination and individuality.
• NUMBER 1: The number one is individualistic and independent, showing leadership and drive. The 1 is masculine, focused, an originator and self-starter; it is also progressive, strong-willed, courageous, self-reliant and rebellious (in a constructive way).
• NUMBER 0: The zero is the infinite perfection of our Divine Creator, and represents a connection with God. The number 0 is symbolized by a perfect circle without beginning and end. It is both nothing and everything, the Alpha and the Omega.
• SILVER: Is healing and also represents The Moon and The Goddess.  Color Meaning: Meaning of The Color Silver is associated with meanings of industrial, sleek, high-tech, and modern, as well as ornate, glamourous, graceful, sophisticated, and elegant. Silver is a precious metal and, like gold, often symbolizes riches and wealth.
• COIN: Symbolises money, wealth, fair, token,value..
  
  
• A piece of rose quartz to attract love or keep being loved.
• Rose Quartz - Love, Self-love, Family, Platonic Love/Friendship, Romance, Heart Chakra, Balances yin and yang, restoring harmony after emotional wounding, lowers Stress and Soothes, Happiness/Joy, Healing, Love Healing. 

• A pentagram charm to keep me on my path..
• The Pentagram is a symbol of a star encased in a circle. Always with 5 points (one pointing upward), each point has its own meaning. The upward point of the star is representative of the spirit. The other four points all represent an element; earth, air, fire, and water. - Typically a Wiccan / Pagan symbol.

That is but a few things I have done!  I love symbolism and putting thought into things but it really doesn't need to be as complex as I make things..  Here's some ideas for YouTuber ' ThatRobynGirl ' of what you could put in your box https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uD2ijZI27bc


Here's my box..

Supplies I used to make my box..

• A small screwdriver set (optional)
• Paint brushes / sponges
• A paintable box
• Some acrylic paint (your choice of colour / colours)
• Hardware spray paint (optional)
• Clear gloss/satin/matte sealer/lacquer (optional but recommended)
• Alphabet stickers & tweezers  (optional)
• A marker
• Drafts pieces / feet (optional)
• Hot glue gun
• Fabric such as crushed velvet (optional) 
  +cardboard/stock 
  +ruler
  +pencil 
  +scissors 
• You may want to add other decorative items.

* Inscribed sentiment..  On the box lid, write, paint, emboss, burn or otherwise place a phrase such as:

• • “Whatever is Contained in This Box.. IS"
• • “That Which is Contained Within: IS”
• • “Thoughts Become Things”
• • “Wishes Come True”

or some other present tense sentiment..

How to Make Your Own Manifestation box, what I did:

1. I go my box in a lot on ebay, but most places that sell craft supplies should stock them.  Some may need sanding!
2. I took one of the small screwdrivers and removed the hardware (optional).
3. I measured the inside rectangle length and width of the box.
4. I used a brush and painted the whole box metallic black to absorb positive energies and repel negative ones.  (2-3 coats!)
5. I spray painted the antique bronze coloured hardware and the white drafts pieces silver and let these dry. (Not the screws).  Once dried I clear satin lacquered to protect them.
6. While the box was drying I used the measurements to cut down a cereal box to size.  Hot glued my crushed velvet around it.  Then hot glued it into the box once the box was dry.
7. I then took the lid and on the inside I chose my sentiment, Alphabet stickers and placement.  Carefully, using tweezers and my nails, I stuck each character down..  (This took longer than everything else put together to do!) ..once happy I clear satin lacquered to protect them.  - Instead of alpha stickers you could use marker and just write the sentiment.
8. I glued on the feet.
9. Reassembled the box with its painted hardware.  I then used a silver sharpie to colour the heads of the screws.
10. Done. 

Imogen x

WW. UK Moon Location Website

Just a quickie tip - Found this website for anyone interested in tracking Luna location based on where they live... (only says London time as I'm from/in England) https://www.timeanddate.com/moon/uk/london

Personal - My Travel Altar & What's in it..

Trying to branch out into different social media with my spiritual / magickal side.

Please go to the video link on youtube and thumbs up this video, perhaps check out my other videos..  and/or subscribe.  Comments and discussion welcome xo 

Blog post wish candles - https://ppwwmm.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/ww-wish-candles-budget-friendly.html
Blog post seaglass magickal properties - https://ppwwmm.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/ww-sea-glass-properties-uses-imo.html

BB Imogen xo

WW. Hedge Witch - What is one?

What is a "Hedge Witch"?

Hedge Witches.

The name 'Hedge Witch' originates from many many many moons ago when villages were separated by the forests.  The edge of these forests, where they met the village, were known a hedge.  You would often find, in most villages, a herbal practitioner who lived in or near the edge of the forest.  - These practitioners of herbal and/or spiritual practice who lived near the hedge became known as Hedge Witches or a Hedge Witch.

Today's Hedge Witch doesn't necessarily live in or even anywhere near a forest, or Village for that matter.  The term still is used based on the practice, though they do still tend to have a great relationship with nature.  Also most commonly known for always having a remedy, lotion, potion, brew or something for every occurring aliment or requirement.

A Hedge Witch is also known for not only herbal practice for medicinal and spiritual purposes but also for having an understanding of nature and is often seen encouraging spiders, wasps and other unwanted bug killers as a natural way to tend to their plants.

A Hedge Witch is a witch who practices a very eclectic path and is the one you would seek if say you were unable to see a Doctor or Dentist for example.  A Hedge Witch has many herbal remedies in his/her cupboard for many an ailment. For they know many medicinal and spiritual properties of many plants and how they can aid and treat many different symptoms.  This knowledge would usually be passed down through generations and each Hedge Witch takes pride in developing their knowledge and these skills through further reading and practice.

That said a Hedge Witch is a solitary practitioner.  She/He doesn't belong to a coven or follow any organised religion.  But she/he does follow their own craft and is very much a free spirit.  Their knowledge, as mentioned, usually handed down to them by their family.  Though intially through word of mouth and practice.  To this day no two Hedge Witches are alike in fact it is said that you can ask a dozen Hedge Witches what they think a Hedge Witch is like and each of them could come up with a dozen different answers themselves!!  That said while they follow the same general rules, ie properties and uses for various herbs and practice, they each follow their own unique paths.

Not all Hedge Witches follow Deity.  Though most do have just a general belief in The God and Goddess as in Nature.

Hedge witches are also known as shamans, charmers, healers, and, priest/esses, Rea Beth coined a great term Hedge Mystic. A person who studies and practices the Great Mysteries of Nature.

BB - Imogen 

Resources & Good Reading:

• http://www.angelfire.com/folk/greenwitch/sacred.html
• http://hedgewitchforest.com
• http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=caon&c=words&id=11899
• http://www.scottishpf.org/hedgewitch.html
• http://www.sallymorningstar.com/hed.htm