Hex Education

Follow this link and Hear the podcast

Christian and Lori are proud to welcome Lexa Rosean, author of "The Encyclopedia of Magickal Ingredients," "Power Spells," and "The Supermarket Sorceress," among many other powerful titles that bring help make magic easy! We'll talk about how some of the regular ingredients in your kitchen can make some of the most powerful spells and also discuss some of the more arcane items that Witches employ in their magic!

Power of the Pentacle

What effect does drawing the Pentacle in the air with the Athame or hand have on the magick you do?
-Raymond

Dear Raymond
the drawing of the Pentacle is one of the most powerful aspects of the Witche's rites and part of drawing the circle to create sacred space. By drawing the Pentacle in the air with Athame or middle and pointer finger of right hand, you are invoking the God, Goddess, and Elemental forces to protect, empower, and witness your rite. The effect - providing the Divine Elements approve of your magick - would be to get a Spiritual Seal of Approval upon your work.
Good luck and good magick
blessed be
Lexa

MAY DAY MAY DAY

That's right, Beltane is TOMORROW! For those of you who celebrated this past weekend in Central Park (and elsewhere) - I hope you had a blessed event. And for those of you who haven't celebrated yet...
Please join Nancy Venus and I at Wantagh Park for the
14th Annual Maypole Event

Saturday, May 5th, 2007, 11 AM to 6 PM,

Wantagh Park, NY, 2007 Raindate: Sunday, May 6th

Lexa will be giving a lecture on the Sacred Tarot. There will be other workshops on the magickal arts and wonderful craftspeople selling god/dess and wiccan wares. We will dance the Maypole and jump the joyous Beltane fires. Who will be crowned as new May King and Queen?
Come and join in the celebration of this ancient and sacred fertility rite which brings prosperity to all who participate.

for more info about this blessed event check out this link:
Beltane Magick

Beltane Magick is Just Around the Corner!

Gather ye Faires large and small Come ladies and lords one and all!

That's right - it's almost time for the...

14th Annual Maypole Event

Saturday, May 5th, 2007, 11 AM to 6 PM,

Wantagh Park, NY, 2007 Raindate: Sunday, May 6th

Lexa will be giving a lecture on the Sacred Tarot. There will be other workshops on the magickal arts and wonderful craftspeople selling god/dess and wiccan wares. We will dance the Maypole and jump the joyous Beltane fires. Who will be crowned as new May King and Queen?
Come and join in the celebration of this ancient and sacred fertility rite which brings prosperity to all who participate.

for more info about this blessed event check out this link:
Beltane Magick


this is a family friendly event!

blessed be
Lexa

Terrific Tuesdays

Tuesday is the day of Mars. This is more easily revealed in the Spanish name of this day of the week: Martes. It is a day of energy and accomplishment. Mars rules action, aggression, war, sexuality, and strength. Although it is possible that this day of the week can cause strife and arguments, it is more likely to be the day that lifts us up and out of the floating feeling of Monday and propels us energetically into the week with enthusiasm. Tuesday is the day to get things done! Magick for success in battles, strength, victory, sexual stamina, and all male related issues are favored. Tuesday is also the BEST day of the week to move into a new residence. I have a selection of spells to perform for each day of the week in my book Enchanted Evenings. Have a terrific Tuesday!

Magickal Monday #2

Palm Springs Savant asks...

Hi Lexa...wanted to ask your thoughts if there is a time of day or day or week more magickal than others. Also...how about planning a web moment of magick sometime...when multiple bloggers all synch up and do something some day....could plan something sometime~

Greetings Palm Springs

thanks for leaving this comment on the blog. It was so great, I wanted to make an entire post of it instead of just giving a quick answer in the comment section. Your suggestion of having a web moment of magick is terrific! I have also been gearing up to present some spells for web masters and bloggers as well. I'll check out the stars and get back to everyone about coordinating a magickal moment in real time online. So far, the closest I've come to this is with the casting of the magick full moon circles. The next full moon circle I will cast on the blog will be May 16. It's a full moon in Taurus, so if any of you need help with financial or emotional security - please check back and enter the circle to make your wish (by leaving a comment on the full moon blog post)! All these wishes will be blessed and charged by the Priestess (moi) and sent out with my own magickal prayers for each and every one of you.

Now I'd like to address your question about the days and times of the week. The most magickal times of the day are sunrise and moonrise closely followed by sunset and midnight (more fondly known as the witching hour). These times are considered vortexes of power and any magick done at these hours will be more effective. You will need to check online for your local area to find out when they occur in your timezone.

All the days of the week are magickal. Not one more than another although certainly each of us may have our favorite day and each day is sacred for a different reason as well. And that brings me to today which is MAGICKAL MONDAY! Some of you may have noticed that I am no longer participating in Mo's Manic Monday. Although I think Morgen and his blog are amazing, I just can't bring myself to go with the manic vibe on Mondays. I'm having the same problem with Wordless Wednesdays. Wednesday is ruled by Mercury, the god of communication and his day should be anything but wordless. I'll still be throwing in my 13 for Thursday and I'll look around for some other memes that fit my magickal sensibility as I love participating with the group. Ah, Ok. Back to MONDAY. Ruled by the moon. Yes, of course it can be a day of lunacy and Mo is right on track with his mania but it is also a day to focus on either waxing or waning elements of our lives. Today the moon is waxing or going towards full so we can do spells, magick, say prayers, or take actions to make something we love WAX FULLER into our lives. When the moon is WANING (this occurs one day after the full moon and continues until the new moon) we can take actions or work magick to wane or GET RID OF a negative element in our world. Since Monday is ruled by the moon, this waxing and waning system works best on this day of the week no matter what kind of issue we are dealing with. Traditionally Mondays are best for working with family, household, children, emotions, romance, psychic ability, finances, and getting rid of fear. I have a selection of spells to perform for each day of the week in my book Enchanted Evenings. Have a magickal Monday and stay tuned tomorrow for some tricks for Tuesday!

Which religion is the right one for you?

You scored as Paganism. Your beliefs are most closely aligned with those of paganism, Wicca, or a similar earth-based religion. You may also follow a Native American religion.

Paganism 88% Judaism 79% Islam 75% Hinduism 71% Buddhism 67% Satanism 46% Christianity 29% agnosticism 29% atheism 21% Which religion is the right one for you? (new version) created with QuizFarm.com

13 Weird Witchy Moments in the Occult World #8

1. Psychic reading performed for a woman whose mother had recently died. Woman wanted to know about her boyfriend (not her mother) but the spirit of her dead mother entered the room. After the reading, this spirit decided to leave with me and stuck to my trail for 2 years incessantly throwing in her 2 cents on MY love life. It was very distracting and difficult to get laid during this period as Mama was very picky about who I should date. Finally the daughter contacted me again and expressed a great interest in what her mother had to say concerning men. After I gave her this information, la Mama departed from my life and the earthly realms. Daughter now happily married and Witch Dr. also in love. :) Of course, in hindsight, I realize Mother Ghost was always correct in her assessments of both of our love lives but to this day, I no longer make HOUSE CALLS!

2. In the 80's when I worked at Enchantments, Lord Hermes and I used to prepare a dozen protection candles a week for a certain Colombian drug lord. She tipped up with huge rocks of pure cocaine. After awhile, the quality decreased and one time, the coke was cut with some awful shit that gave Hermes a nose bleed. He insisted that we carve all the seals upside down on her candles that week. Immediately after, she was apprehended at the airport, her drugs confiscated, and she went off to serve a very long prison term. (Goddess nose, you should NEVER cross a witch!)

3. Madonna once visited the shop and ordered a candle to get good reviews in a play she was in. I didn't recognize her as I was busy with my managerial duties. One of the apprentices asked me how to prepare the magick and I quickly and efficiently uttered off some oils, herbs, incantations, and seals. The following week, I attended my creative writing class at Columbia with Arthur Kopit. He began the class with a tirade about the horrible David Mamet play (Speed the Plow) with Madonna in it. He was in an uproar because he thought that the play and Madonna were so incredibly awful yet both had gotten good reviews. He thought the reviewers must have been under some kind of MAGICK SPELL! I had a good laugh over that one.

4. Carolyn Bessette and a gaggle of superchic girls were downtown slumming and wandered into the shop. CB and another woman both asked for a magick candle spell to marry JFK Jr. Earlier that day, seven black girls and three white chics had come in for candlespells to marry Michael Jackson. (this was in the Scream and You are Not Alone years.)I just thought it was a weird day with Venus retrograde. While we were preparing the candles, the women got in a catfight and one said to CB, "If you marry him, I hope you die!" Whoah...spooky!!!

5. It was Father's Day and we were closing early. Some guy was banging at the door and pleading for us to let him in. He said it was an emergency. I asked him through the door what he wanted and he kept yelling: "Dad Dad. An oil for Dad." Well, contrary to the popular saying, "colder than a witches' tit", I actually felt a soft spot in my heart for the guy and opened the door. "Oh that's so sweet," I said, "you want to buy some magickal oil for your Dad." "No no" the man insisted. "DAD DEAD oil." O, dear, how sad. His father has died and perhaps he wants some oil to commemorate his passing with a ritual on Father's Day. I opened the door all the way and let him in. "Here, you are Sir, a vial of holy Lotus oil for honoring departed spirits. The man knocked the dram of oil away and yelled: "No Dad - no no I want DEAD DEAD oil! To KILL someone!" I threw him out immediately. No good deed goes unpunished.

6. My book PowerSpells was released in September of 2001. My booksigning at the Borders in the World Trade Center was cancelled along with all my press coverage. One of the news stations called to say they would promote the book if I did a spell to kill Osama Bin Laden. I refused. I offered to do a spell (from the book) on economic recovery but they weren't interested.

7. Jalup was the shop cat at Enchantments for over 9 years. When he became sick with Cancer and riddled with pain, Dr Sally Haddock thought it was time to send him to the Summerlands. She agreed to hold off the procedure for an hour so that his loved ones could come and say goodbye. It took the entire afternoon. Word spread around the East Village and a line of people formed two blocks long to say goodbye to this most magickal cat. No one at the Vets office had ever witnessed anything like it.

8. I dreamt I went on a date with Joan Rivers. She was wearing a red dress and when we kissed, she went "ooo oooo oooo" and then an alarm went off. A week later, her people called to invite me on her show. I demonstrated how to work a love spell using red figure candles. The other guest on the show had written a book called The 60 Minute Orgasm. Joan had an egg timer on the set. It went off every 20 minutes and each time she would say "ooo ooo ooooo - I'm still coming!" Pretty funny stuff!

9. A very dissatisfied customer walked in with a weight loss candle she wanted to return. She claimed it did not work. After questioning her, she revealed that she had lit the candle and placed it on the mantle and then not paid it much mind. In the 7 days of burning time, she had gained 7 lbs. In the meanwhile, her room mate had come home from work every night and sat in front of the candle. The room mate lost 10.5 lbs. Ahem, the candle DID WORK! We did not refund her money but suggested that perhaps her room mate come in and buy the next round:)

10. One summer we held meditations in the Enchanted Garden. Each night focused on a different tarot card and kabbalistic and ceremonial meditations were done on that card. On the 15th night, the card was of course, the Devil. Bondage, restriction, enslavement, and loss of freedom and rights were meditated upon. A huge posterboard of the card sat in the center of the altar. Someone in the neighborhood called the cops who broke in on our ceremony. (Ah, this did not look so good for us. ) I imagine they were a bit spooked, and of course they busted up the meeting and told us all to go home. There was not one among us who did not have a direct understanding of the devil and his restrictions of personal freedoms after that night. Also interesting and fitting that the police arrived on this night only. We were quite raucous witches on the night of the Fool, yet we were left alone to be completely wild and free in our abandon.

11. Called upon to banish a ghost from an Upper East Side apartment. After a long and arduous ritual, a mist appeared in the room and a woman in a grey dress walked out of a mirror. As more and more smoke appeared, the woman produced a bottle of Chanel #5 perfume from thin air. She sprayed a mist around herself and then evaporated. The smoke lifted and we felt the job was done. After some research it was revealed that the apartment building had once been a perfume factory and a woman had died in a fire there.

12. Killer spell done for Manhattan apartment petitioning the goddess Oshun. Impossible and luxurious elements requested. Apartment found. Three stories, a garden, a fireplace, kitchen with two ovens...going over the check list, it occurred to me that Oshun had left out one important demand. Pondering this, I found myself walking over to one of the bedroom windows. It was almost as if I was being led by some supernatural force. The window opened on its own, and I felt my head being pushed out and turned to the right with a gentle but firm hand. I was perhaps on the verge of freaking out as I felt my body being pushed a bit further. At that moment dusk was approaching and my bugged out eyes found themselves staring right into the Empire State Building as it lit up in a magnificent orange. There it was. THE VIEW!

13. On a book tour in Boston. Arrived on a cold and rainy night. A collision on the freeway. My publicist and the driver in the front seat and wearing seatbelts. They were both injured badly from the airbags. I was in the back, very tired, and without a belt. I should have gone through the windshield from the impact but I felt the arms and hands of an angel shield me as if they were a safety belt protecting my chest and neck. I was not harmed at all. Only the talisman for protection in travel fell from my neck. This accident occurred a year after my brother was killed in a car accident and I am quite sure he was the angel that came to my rescue!

thursday 13Thursday Thirteen Participants

1. Crystal 2. Janet 3. LastMinuteLyn 4. Red

5. Tink 6. Robin 7. Jennifer 8. Joely

9. Susan Helene Gottfried 10. Marcia 11. It\'s A Blog Eat Blog World

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Powered by... Mister Linky's Magical Widgets.

13 of my favorite books on Wicca TT#5

1. The Spiral Dance by Starhawk
Starhawk gives a great overview on workings of a coven, rituals, politics, and history of the craft.

2. 777 by Aleister Crowley
for the kabbalist and ceremonialist among the Wicca.

3. The Bull from the Sea by Mary Renault
a great insight into the Minoan myths

4. Grimoire of Lady Sheba by Lady Sheba
the real deal and she was BLACKLISTED for writing it.

5. Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft by Raymond Buckland
I have to include my grand dad in the craft.

6. The Meaning of Witchcraft by Gerald B. Gardner
I have to include my great grand daddy as well.

7. Rebirth of Witchcraft or anything by Doreen Valiente
Witch Queen Extraordinaire and author of the Charge of the Goddess!

8. The Secret Doctrine by H.P. Blavatsky
theosophy but chock full of magick

9. Secret Teachings of All Ages by Manly P. Hall
This book is huge and beautiful. A bit of everything but quite in depth.

10. Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs or anything by dear Scott Cunningham
Llewellyn literally worked him to DEATH but he was quite prolific during his too short life.

11. A Book of Pagan Rituals ed. by Herman Slater
this is the Book of Shadows for the Pagan Grove of the Magickal Childe. Includes solitary and group rituals.

12. The Women's Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets or anything by Barbara Walker
She takes you to places you've NEVER been before. Well researched and well channeled to fill in the gaps.

13. Witches' Goddess and Witches' God by Janet & Stewart Farrar
Both are a must. Very in depth on selected gods and goddesses including their history and rituals for them but also includes a great index with 100's of deities and key information.

please add your favorites to the list in the comments and happy t13!
Thursday Thirteen Participants

1. JHS 2. Nathalitanis 3. Heather

4. Marcia 5. Sanni 6. Jill

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Powered by... Mister Linky's Magical Widgets.

Technorati Tag: thursday 13

Interview with Lexa in Metro today!

Click on image to enlarge or click here to gain access to PDF file of Metro The World's Largest Global Newspaper to read the rest of the interview (It's on PAGE 16) and see Lexa Roséan’s ‘Find a Soul Mate’ spell! You can also find a free hardcopy of Metro at a street corner near you!!!

13 things about Imbolc TT#4

1 Imbolc is celebrated on Feb 1 and 2
2 It is one of the great Sabbats of the Witches
3 Imbolc heralds the lactating of the ewes in preparation for the birth of the spring lambs.
4 It also marks the budding of the trees and the first signs of spring

5 Also called Candlemas

6 and sacred to the Celtic goddess Bridgid

6 Also known by Christians as St. Bridgid's Day.

7 Bridgid is the goddess of poetry and inspiration.

8 She is also the protectress of virgins

9 and rules the light half of the year ushering out the dark half on Feb 1.

10 It is customary to lit bonfires on Imbolc

11 or light red candles for Bridgid and make a wish to be inspired and filled with light, inspiration and creativity.

12 It is also traditional to initiate new witches on Imbolc and all who receive initiation on this day are triply blessed.

13 It is of course a sacred duty on this night to perform the GREAT RITE.

Blessed Imbolc!

Technorati Tag:thursday thirteen

Life After Death

LiterallyPours Asks the Witch Dr

There must be others in the same need, that can be helped by this, originally I was part of a small coven that meet twice a month and we had an online group too...the group kept getting smaller, the online group stayed open, but doesn't really do much and I have gone to the Wiccan Newsgroups with this too. My soulmate of ten yrs died, in all the other faiths there are ways of grieving, no matter where I ask no one seems to know of one from Wiccans.

While Rick wasn't Wiccan he had great respect for it and for Buddhism. I had a Memorial for him because he donated his body to Science. A Wiccan Priestess to Officiate, I had so many people tell me how beautiful the ceremony was. It is now 7 months later and I am still in so much much pain, not a day goes by without crying over him. I belong to a grief support group, but I'm the only non Christian there and it's made well known by the Priest running, also when I bring up reincarnation (Rick believed in it, too) I get snickers.

Is there a way, a spell, anything I can do to ease my pain....I never believed in soul mates until he came along, it's like someone ripped a part my body, we were so connected I knew the minute he had to go in the hospital.

There's beauty in the silver singing river, There's beauty in the sunrise in the sky, But none of these and nothing else can match the beauty, That I remember in my true love's eyes ~Bob Dylan

Dear LP

I am sorry for your loss and sorry to hear that your coven or online group is no longer there to offer you support. The first thing that comes to my mind is that perhaps you should seek out another grieving group that is not religious but more spiritual and less judgemental.

Wicca and Buddhism share some similarities in their views on death and both believe in reincarnation. In the traditional Wiccan burial prayers the High Priest lays boughs of evergreen on the casket and says: As the evergreen does grow and thrive, in summer and winter, year after year, So also does the soul continue from life to life to life... We believe that when we die, we will be greeted by the gods and taken to the Summerlands to rest and rejuvenate until it is time to be reborn. In fact, the original Hel was one of the names of the Great Mother Goddess. When one died, s/he went into the womb of Hel (the earth) to rest until it was time to be reborn. We believe that we will see our loved ones once again when it is our time to cross over and we also believe that we will meet again in other lives. This is nothing to "snicker" about but one day there will be tears of joy and laughter as we are reunited with our loved ones!

There are also 3 initial stages of mourning, 7 days, 3 months, and one year. You are still in the midst of the last phase and you will feel something shift once you reach the one year anniversary mark. As far as spells or rituals are concerned, the Samhain (Oct 31/Nov 1) is our time to honor the Dead and connect with the dearly departed. Unfortunately you are still a long ways away from celebrating that Sabbat. There are certain foods that the mourner is instructed to eat and I will list them here:

• Eggs for they bring cleansing, renewal, and hope. Eat them on the new moon.
• Fish must be eaten as it prolongs life and often mourners may feel they want to die in order to join the one who has passed.
• Eggplant is sacred to the cemetery goddess. Eat it and ask for her help to come to terms with his death.
  
• Zucchini is ruled by the moon and is a comfort food that puts you in touch with the principles of rebirth.

You may also want to light a white candle for Rick and speak to his spirit and ask him to move on. If you feel as though your limbs are being torn from you, that is an indication that he is still near. Too Near! It is important for the soul to ascend. If you let him go, you will feel him close to you in another way that will be soothing and even joyful. You do not have to lose the memory of him or the hope of being reunited in the next world but it would be wise to light the candle and send him to the light along with letting the dark corners of your heart be filled with that light. Remember, there is LIFE AFTER DEATH - especially for the living! That is the Wiccan Way. May the angels comfort you in your loss and may good companions journey with you through this life until you are once again joined with your beloved!

*ingredients mentioned above are from The Supermarket Sorceress,
where a more extensive Mourners Ritual can be found.

13 Names for Witches Familiars TT#3

The Witches' Familiar is more than just a pet. It is a sacred animal spirit that has formed a powerful and magickal bond with the witch. The familiar serves as intimate companion, guardian, and often helps the witch to carry out her magickal operations. It is also traditional for the familiar to don a magickal name just as the witch does.

Here are some traditional Wiccan choices
but you may choose one of your own to name your familiar.

1 Cat - Pywackette or Pyewacket, Greymalkin, Bast
2 Dog - Cerberus, Artemis, Anubus, Hel, Madra
3 Bird - Pandora, Odin, Venus
4 Pig - Jalup, Attis, Demeter
5 Horse - Epona, Pegasus
6 Snake - Lilith , Asclepios
7 Lizard - Sebek, Tipa
8 Rat - Piper
9 Toad - King, Prince, Hecate
10 Hare - Luna, Cottontail
11 Goat - Pan, Amalthea
12 Fish – Aphrodite, Neptune,
13 Spider – Arachne, Arianrhod, Teotihuacan

Technorati tag: thursday 13

Soul Dish

Have you guys seen Soul Dish? It's a high frequency culture webzine with lots of articles on spirituality, sex, politics, yoga, meditation, and tons of other interesting topics. They've got great interviews and information on astrology, food, holistic health, and just about any cool new age thing you can name. Rebecca White did a great interview with yours truly. Check out Lexa's interview in Souldish!

New Year Wishes Granted in the Magick Circle

Hi Lexa Aka The Witch Doctor,

With 2007 coming up are there any new year rituals you can suggest to bring more spice to life? I had a pretty dull year last year minus a few things and I want to make this one shine. I'm sure alot of people feel this way. How can one give life a kick the pants romantically, socially, and career wise? Anything you can recommend or are there any basic new year spells you could think of. Thanks and have a great 2007!

- Chic_Geek81

Happy New Year Chic Geek

The actual Witches' New Year is celebrated on Oct 31/Nov 1, so there aren't any official spells in the Book of Shadows for the Secular New Year although it is said that wearing yellow or burning a yellow candle on New Years' Day brings lots of good luck. If you want to spice up your life this year, add cinnamon and/or curry to your diet. These two work quickly to bring excitement and energy into life. Now, I have done something rather unusual here for the New Year because it is also going to be a Full Moon (and the first one of the year) on Jan 3.

All witches know that on the Full Moon
the Goddess will grant us each a boon.

I have cast a circle on this post. It has been blessed and consecrated as a magickal space of power and all who leave their comments here shall be empowered in the New Year with strength and energy to help their dreams come true. By the power invested in me as priestess and witch I have hereby summoned stirred and called up the mighty ones of north, east, south, and west to bless and protect this circle post. I have invoked the power of the mighty oak to give those who enter here strength, endurance, and resolve. I have summoned the power of the willow for those seeking flexibility and change. Hail, the power of the green earth for those in need of healing, grounding, and material well being. Also the power of the mountains for those who seek protection, power, wisdom, and insight. Feel the power of the winds for those who seek intellect, inspiration, success, communication, friendship, and creativity. Behold, the power of fire to fulfill your strong desires, to excite and fan the flames of passion, and create more energy, ambition, and drive. Here is the power of the oceans for those seeking peace, a better flow, treasure, fertility, abundance, and love. Post your magickal wishes and goals for 2007 in the comments section before Jan 4 2007 and they will be granted by the Goddess. So mote it be and

A Solstice Spread

Dear Lexa
I know you are a great psychic and priestess of the wicca. I am wondering if you know of any special readings that can be done for the Yule or Winter Solstice. With the cold months coming, I am wishing for some insight and wisdom to see me through until the spring. Any guidance you can offer will be quite appreciated.
blessed be
a friend and fan in Great Britain

Dear F&F
thank you for your inquiry. Below is a wonderful tarot spread
that I would love to give you as a gift for the season.
Have a cool Yule!
blessed be
Lexa

A SOLSTICE SPREAD
by Lady Venus

At the Solstice we greet the new born Sun King; the wheel turns and the days begin to wax full. The sun is the central life force of our solar system. This tarot spread combines the sun and planetary energies with the 78 sacred symbols of the Tarot.

Shuffle and cut the cards as usual. Place four cards in a vertical line, beginning at the bottom of the line. Place the fifth card across the fourth card. Then add six cards above the fourth card. You should have ten cards in a vertical line and one card crossing over the card in the fourth position.

• The first or bottom card represents the Sun. Its' meaning will connect to and shed light on all the other cards. It represents the self or what is central to you at this time.

• The second card is the Mercury position, the planet closest to the Sun. This card reveals your creative and communication skills, as well as what others are saying about you.

• The third card is Venus and shows the love energy around you. (what you are giving out as well as receiving.)

• The fourth card is the Earth position and represents your health, wealth, and material well being.

• The fifth card (card crossing the Earth) is the Moon and symbolizes the emotional life and feelings connected to the Earth card. The moon position can also reveal psychic awareness.

• The sixth position is Mars. This card reveals your ambition and/or sexual energy. If the card is negative it may mean you have sexual blocks (the Devil),trouble releasing your anger (eight of swords), or perhaps you are too combative (five of wands).

• Jupiter is the seventh card and shows your potential growth (spiritual and financial), and the strength or weakness of your physical and psychic protection fields.

• The eighth position, Saturn, shows the lessons you are learning and the restrictions placed upon you at this time.

• Uranus in the ninth position informs you of unexpected events (positive or negative). It also reveals how much raw untapped creative energy you have at this time. Compare this card to the Mercury card. If they compliment each other, you are receiving Divine guidance and utilizing it properly.

• Neptune in the tenth placement represents your dreams or fantasies. Compare it to the Venus card to understand whether you are expressing your love energy or suppressing your true desires.

• The eleventh and final card is Pluto and unveils the darker issues in your life. It shows your spiritual power as well as the demons you must face and conquer. If the card is positive it means you are on the regenerative side of a disturbing issue in your life. If the card is negative it may mean you are spiraling downward and letting your inner demons have the upper hand.

This spread can be used to ask a question or to examine an issue, but I recommend it more as a general checkup to look at your planetary aura. If you want the reading to be of the highest spiritual or meditative order, use only the 22 Major Trump cards. If you are asking a question of a more earthly nature, use all 78 cards. Look for similar suits and which positions they fall in as that will indicate a relationship between those planets. Here are some examples:

• Ace of Wands in the Mars position, Seven of Wands in the Mercury position, and Ten of Wands in the Saturn position indicate a relationship between these three planets. Perhaps your Mercury energy is moving in many different directions or people are offering you many different opportunities. Mars is saying to single out a particular goal and move on it. Saturn tells you the lesson is to be responsible and carry that goal out to its conclusion.
  
• Two of pentacles in the Earth position, Three of Pentacles in the Moon position and Four of Pentacles in the Jupiter position. You are debating whether or not you should make a change. You feel good about your work, yet the Jupiter card is telling you to wait before making any kind of expansion, especially if it's financial.
  
• Seven of cups in the Venus position and Three of Cups in the Neptune position. Looking at the seven alone, you might conclude that there is disillusionment in love. However the three and seven together mean that wishes will come true and inner needs and desires will be fulfilled. You are definitely on the right track in love, and probably overwhelmed that your inner needs are finally being met.

This spread uses eleven cards in all. Eleven is the number of Nuit, the Egyptian sky goddess. Her body encompasses all the stars in the heavens. The Solstice is also a time to honor the Goddess; Great Mother of the Lord of Light. Blessed Yule.

Bewitched!

Happy Halloween and Blessed Samhain dear Readers! Today I am combining two letters which somehow seem to go together:

Dear Lexa:

Although I've considered myself a practicing witch for about 12 years now, I actually don't do many spells. However, I notice that certain times of the year-like now-call to me so strongly I just feel alive with magic. Its definitely a power surge that I greatly enjoy, but often I have no real needs to cast spells for. Could you shed some light on this experience of internal magic just lighting up like a bonfire and suggest some ways to indulge in the experience?

Thanks so much!
Wise Woman
Its enough for me to think that angels, or for that matter,
any form of goodness functions like water; they run into any opening they are given.
-Martha Beck

Dear Lexa –
I'm a young witchlet without a coven yet and I really want to celebrate Samhain (not just Halloween)! What can I do to make it special?
Blessed Be
Sorceress's Aprentice

Dear W.W. and S.A.

I can appreciate where both of you are coming from. I remember ye days of old when I was a young solitary practitioner without a coven or a clue. I also look back fondly at my days of working with a coven and then coupling with a Priest. After 25 + years, I have come full circle and find myself quite happy to once again be working as a Solitary.

Ok, here are some pointers I have to offer: Like you Wise Woman, I rarely have need to work spells (for myself) although much of my life is infused with ritual intention. The internal magick (as you put it) must be honored because it is so powerful. It always makes me think of the opening scene of the 1963 film THE RAVEN. Peter Lorre and Vincent Price are having a magickal battle. Lorre is desperately trying to set up an elaborate ceremonial altar and frantically looking for his "magickal equipment". Price in the meantime, just waves his hand and works wonders. Certainly an unfair fight but funny as hell! This teaches us that sometimes the smallest gesture can produce grand results whilst the greatest efforts may end up ineffectual.

I think the best way to honor your magick is to be in touch with the season. Connect with the Crone and find your inner wisdom. Whether your bonfire is actual or in spirit, let it fuel your every moment so that even the mundane becomes magickal. And young witchlet, don't knock Halloween just because you don't have a coven. You know what, Muggle parties can be a heck of a lot of fun! After years of Witches' Balls, I find them kind a "old witches' hat" and I prefer to tango and ballroom dance the night away with the 'regular folk'. So that's where I'll be tonight. I enjoy being the only witch among them and standing proud and out of the broom closet. Will I wear a costume? Nope, I prefer to go as myself this year because there's no one else I'd rather be! (Wise Woman, I'm sure you can appreciate that sentiment.)

Now don't get me wrong - after going out on the town, I'll be home by midnight to do my witchy thing. I'll be casting a spell to raise creative energy. And how will I do that? I'll begin writing my NaNoWriMo novel. Sure I'll probably light a candle and burn some incense, but the REAL MAGICK is in beginning this work. Remember - this is the Witches' New Year, so you can handle your ritual in the same way you would on Jan 1.

What is it you want to invoke for the new year?

On Nov 1, I'll take some time to remember my loved ones who have passed over. This is really what this holiday is about. There on the right is Jalup. Our old cat at Ye Old Occult shop where I used to work. Jalup was the best cat a witch could ever have and I'll put out some Beef Jerky for him (his favorite) in case he decides to stop by.


























I'll also honor and remember (with a mixture of sorrow and joy) my darling brother Jory who passed over 7 years ago in a car accident. He was one of the most special people in my life and I miss him dearly. One of the great things about this time of year is that the departed are close by. The veil is lifted and communication can be stronger than at any other time of the year. The Goddess also brings comfort at this time. Remember, it is the season of death and change. Honor these themes in your life (in your own way) and you are guarranteed to feel the Magick!

For more ritual on Samhain see Sacred Harvest Fruits

Quarter Calling

Hi Lexa –

We will be doing a ritual for a class next Sunday, and I have been informed that I may be asked to call a quarter. I’ve never done that before. Help!!!

Thanks!

*´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ Love, Rose

A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men..

Dear Rose

First let's make sure all our other readers understand what "to call a quarter" means. When witches meet, first they purify salt, incense, a candle flame, and water symbolizing the four elements. They pass these four elements around themselves and the space for purification. They also anoint with sacred oil for purification. Now they are ready to cast a magick circle and call or invoke the four quarters of East, South, West, and North to guard and protect their sacred space. You must stand facing the direction of your quarter and draw an invoking pentagram in the air. Begin at the top point and draw down to the left corner, then go up to the right arm of the

↙
✭
pentagram, across to the left arm of the pentagram, down to the right leg, and up again to the top point to complete the five pointed star. Here is the invocation:

I summon, stir, and call ye forth of ye mighty ones
of the (east powers of sweet air/
south power of fire and desire/
west power of foam and ocean mist and wave/
north power of mountains and vast earth)
to witness our rite and guard and protect our circle.
In the Names of God and Goddess,
I bid ye Welcome.

BBBlessed BBBe

Where should I start?!

Sunrunner said...

I am interested in learning more about Wicca. I have tried going to different bookstores to find a good book, but am lost at where to start. Could you give me a few good places/books to start with? Thank you!

Dear Sunrunner

Checking out your profile, I see you live in the Rocky Mountains. Well, that's an awful big area but I would guess that the closest interesting hands on bookstore would be in Boulder. Lot of magic there. But for the sake of my other readers, let's talk Amazon.com or B&N to which most of us will have access. A true classic is Starhawk's The Spiral Dance and there is a new 20th anniversary edition out. I like this book because it gives you a close up look at what it's like to work with a coven as well as explain the politics, psychology, and her/history behind Wicca. If you are working alone, Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner is wonderful. Scott Cunningham was an amazing guy and I had the privilege to work and study with him. I would also suggest anything by Doreen Valiente or Gerald Gardner but this might be more advanced reading. Drawing Down the Moon is an extensive and well researched book by Margot Adler, who traveled around the country interviewing pagans and witches and describing their traditions. If you are looking for something more hands on, I humbly suggest my own works. Well, that's enough to get you started. The Witches' Voice is also a great website to look for reviews of new arrivals as well as the classics on Wicca.

blessed be
Lexa