Seasons of the Witch

Honey, Deity doesn't care how you interact, so long as you do so. So no, working with voodoo loa, devas or any other non-prescribed beings at Yule or any other time won't hurt you. I have the deepest respect for traditions, but you won't get good results if you work with a god or goddess there is tension with. Not all witches or pagans get along with the European deities.

Take for example, Pan. Some folks love him, and some folks banish him, or at least try to. Forcing people who fear or dislike him to work with him is cruel and unusual punishment. I figure you get enough of that from hateful relatives.

Beloved by lovers everywhere, this groovy party day comes every February. It was originally a pagan love festival, hence all the Cupid's roses, and love gifts. Chocolates go a long way today, so does champagne, caviar, and diamonds.

OK stop giggling. How about a nice massage oil instead? And a nice meal out to set the mood. Of course for younger folks they exchange cards at school (or used to before it was banned) and get a lot of candy.

Make sure you don't leave out anything those ninos can hurt themselves with. Oils and creams are often yummy in scent, but can be deadly.

Take this time to bond or work with a sensual God or Goddess. Cupid of course, but also Eros, Bastet, or Freya would love to work with you on this holy day.

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What holiday is more American? We honor our founders, looking past what a bad bunch of frat boys they acted like. Think of Ben's nekkid air baths and many lady loves. We explode a small arsenal of fireworks, and somebody always ends up in the emergency room. Now that's a holiday!

Here's some ideas for a magical fourth.

Embuded Fireworks: The day before hold them and see your wishes, needs or even dislikes going into them. The pretty show can carry your prayers with power, or destroy the woes in your life. Do this the day before. I don't want you zoning out around explosives, OK?

Blessed food: You can be the sassy kitchen with that you are. Bless that food and drink. You may call on your favorite or opt for a native American god, goddess, or holy ancestor. They were here first and are the only true native Americans. Hint: Say a blessing for them as well.

Magical clothing: Just do a simple blessing or wishing for safety, fun and happiness. No need to drag the altar out for this one.

Who would love Fourth of July? Any dragon god or goddess would delight in being regaled with a show of fireworks, sparklers, noise makers, music, and food. A simple ceremony the day before can let them know it will be a special treat in their honor.

Remember to keep all animals, magical and mundane, inside. Fireworks can frigten a pet into fleeing. Plus evil people just love to tease animals with them.

Oh remember, we got a goddess in our harbor! This is also a great time for those of Native American paths to connect to totems and power animals like Eagle. This stellar photography is the work of Jerolim Vidic.

This used to be one of the scariest times of the year. Ancient Germanic tribes held this was the time when Odin flew through the sky, deciding who would live or die in the next year. Women had a leg up on the guys of course Odin loving all things female. Hmm, there's another guy who flies through the air and judges people. Wears red, goes ho ho ho.

The Romans gave us the traditions of dragging in boughs of living greens, which they took to celebrate the birth of the Persian sun god.

Trees are either from the World Tree myth, a symbol of the God, or a sacred objects. Convincing arguments also holds that brining in trees for the Yule season warded off evil as evergreens hold great powers.

FYI: Evergreen or other pine scents fight depression, nightmares, and break evil.

The modern Yule can be and is almost identical to the modern Christmas. The circle for the holy day can have a Yule-themed altar and thanks is given in feasting, worship, and song.

Gifts are still given, and Santa is welcome in most households if Befana or the ancestors don't beat him there. Befana's day is traditionally in January, but traditions can be changed and kept at the same time.

You can honor any God/Goddess at this time, honor both for balance or lament the death of the God as seen in nature going to sleep. But those stags and reindeer show us He isn't really dead, but sleeping and regenerating for the new year.

What if you don't worship them? Then include the God or Goddess of your path. Nobody can hurt you for wanting to praise and love deities from outside the European systems. Example: I love Bastet and wouldn't think of leaving her out.

Yes, Yule was also a celebration and time to reconnect with one's dead, so a lot of the candles and feasts left out helped feed the family dead and lead them home. All the noise of horn blowing, music, and wild parties helped ward off the evil dead. (Hint: Serial killers don't improve after death.)

Witches by the way give out the same mundane presents as everyone else. Of course we are actually happy to get candles as gifts. But please don't assume your Wiccan, pagan or witchy pals need religious or magical gifts.

Just like Christians and everyone else, some would much rather see a DVD set underneath that tree. Oh Yule is also known as the winter equinox. But for various reasons you can celebrate it on Christmas Day itself. This works for people new to the holiday and is the only way some folks will keep it.

PLEASE NOTE: Honoring the male and female in Divinity in no way means you can't celebrate the birth of Christ. Considering He was charged with witchcraft and killed for it, He should have the respects of pagans everywhere.

Don't forget that magical helper this Yule.

Snowman Wallpapers

Yes you heard me right, sports magic. If you can pray for a team taking part in the magical traditions is just as fine. Of course we of the witchy bent know why these traditions work, so here you go.

Air Horns: Rally an entire stadium of like-minded devotees with a single blast. May work on the same principle of the bagpipes and call the banshees and other spirits to fight on your side.

Beads Like holy beads. The greater your devotion, the greater the power of the beads. Add a medallion for a power boost.

Candles: Lighting a candle draws power to your target, here your team. It also heats up things, giving the players a magical boost. You can say a simple chant like: "As I light this candle, may our team be hotter than they can handle."

Clothing: Covers costumes as well. The more energy you put into it, the more that comes out at game time.

Food: Bless that feast. Try eating foods you know help your team win historically.

Music Do your dance and raise good vibes for the home team.

Paint: Whether theatrical or other putting on the war paint gets you and the team in a warrior's frame of mind. You will feel more powerful and send more good vibes to your team.

Signs: Nothing makes a player smile like seeing his or her own sign. Just being happier will help sharpen their game. Being an inscribed item you can seal them with totemic powers.

Superstitions: If wearing the same tee, missing a game, or being asleep seems to help your team win, do it.

Terrible Towels: In team colors of black and gold, the waving action stirs up energy. Also good for gripping after a fumble or turnover. Some say twisting the towel will take away the opponent's good fortune. This covers team flags as well.

Although rivalry is fine never raise negative energy. You'll end up dragging those down around you, and more than likely shoot your team in the foot.

Note: As literally millions of others are practicing this magic (whether they know it or not) at the same time, results will vary wildy.