Author: A Solitary Pagan
Slavic Spirit: Leshi
Leshi has been known and honored as a woodland spirit or even Deity for centuries. Eastern Slavs call Him “Leshi”, “Lesovik” or “Lisovyk” (although the term Lesovik sometimes may refer to a slightly different woodland spirit), “Lyasun”, “Polisun”, “Visel”, “Blud”, “Lesun”, and sometimes even simply “Les” (Forest). Some also call Him Master of the Woods, Forest Father, Forest Uncle, Wild Man, Woodl...
Sabbat Herbs
SamhainChrysanthemum, wormwood, apples, pears, hazel, thistle, pomegranates, all grains, harvested fruits and nuts, the pumpkin, corn. YuleHolly, mistletoe, ivy, cedar, bay, juniper, rosemary, pine. Place offerings of apples, oranges, nutmegs, lemons and whole cinnamon sticks on the Yule tree. ImbolcSnowdrop, rowan, the first flowers of the year. EostaraDaffodil, woodruff, violet, gorse, olive, pe...
What are Magickal Oils?
Magickal oils and essential oils are not the same, though they are sometimes confused. Let’s look at what makes each one unique, step by step. First, essential oils are highly concentrated extracts from plants. They are made by distilling leaves, flowers, or roots, which means a lot of plant material is needed for just a small amount of oil. Because of this, essential oils are often expensive. The...
Kitchen Herbal Flowers
Most people will have at least the basic kitchen herbs in their cabinet. Remember the term “herb” does not exclude flowers and trees. You may be surprised to know how many different flowers and woods fall into the magickal category. Roses are traditionally aligned with water. They can be used for psychic powers, love divination, luck, protection, and healing. Use a single rose in a vase on the alt...
Mother Crone
Mother, we knew the caress of your deep currentsbefore we grew feathers and took wing.We knew the rock and lullaby of your wavesbefore we grew legs and tottered out frombetween your sunkissed limbs onto the shore. Mother, we knew the salty sustenance of your body,the irresistible pull of your tidesnudging us ever forward, until—incredibly—we walked on two legs, shaky at first. Mother, we grew and ...
Herbal Labeling
It may be a good idea to always label your herbs. Even the most adept herbalist can get confused once in awhile. The labeling method is another matter of choice. As I use my herbs for many purposes, I generally just label by herb name. However, you could also add a few lines stating elemental properties, basic uses, etc. As you learn more you may want to store herbal blends. Label these with the t...
Nature
Nature is the great teacher, in her are all things revealed. Nature reflects the higher ways of the spirit. The creators established the law of nature so that through them we might come to know the laws of the Great Ones. Therefore, observe the ways of nature around you, both great and small. Everything has a purpose and reason. Be not confused by its seeming cruelty, for there s a duality in all ...
Herbal Magick for Strength
Have you ever felt the need for just a little extra strength? Take out the Bay Leaf. Bay lends strength to you or your purpose. Use bay in workings involving purification and protection. Bay is also used for wisdom blends. Burn bay in incense for help in solving a problem, or use it in a ritual bath when you’ll be facing a situation where you’ll really need your wits about you. Basil has been call...
Signs You’re An Old Soul
(You’ve Lived Many Times Before) You have that longing for home. And yet you’re more than familiar with this existence. There’s that knowing deep inside that you’ve been here before. Why? Because you have. You’re an old soul and you’ve been told time and time again. But, just for confirmation and a little fun, here’s 50+ signs you’re an old soul living in a modern world. First, What is an Old Soul...
A Halloween Caricature
Each year they parade her about, the traditional Halloween witch. Misshapen green face, stringy scraps of hair, a toothless mouth beneath her disfigured nose. Gnarled knobby fingers twisted into a claw protracting form. A bent and twisted torso that lurches about on wobbly legs. Most think this is abject image to be the creation of a prejudiced mind or merely a Halloween caricature. I disagree, I ...
The Remanifestation of the Ego
Bear in mind that the consciousness of the naked Self has already been awakened. This point — when the Eye of the Void opens — is the Ordeal of the Abyss often spoken of by Crowley; it is the experience of ZAX, The Tenth Aethyr”. The choice that now lies before the Initiate is whether to ultimately follow the Left-Hand Path or the Right-Hand Path. Let’s take time to consider what this ...
A History Of The Wheel Of The Year
The Wheel of the Year is an ancient concept that has been used by many cultures throughout history to mark the changing seasons and cycles of nature. Its origins can be traced back to prehistoric times when people relied on the cycles of the sun, moon, and stars to measure the passing of time. The ancient Celts, who inhabited much of Europe from the 8th century BCE to the 3rd century CE, were amon...