Sacrificing

Since I have made a Facebook page to link my web store and blog I was stunned and somewhat overwhelmed by the amount of people that have reached out to me with questions, comments and just overall communication. I’m thrilled you all are so interested in my blog and work, for that I am making March Q&A month, even though I already have posts lined up feel free to keep the questions coming. Some questions may seem a bit silly but I welcome almost all questions, just not any which may be harassment/offensive to some. Keep it clean.


Today’s Q&A
Do you do any sacrifices on animals or anything? –E.B.
Wiccans and Pagans do not sacrifice animals or any of living being, I can not sit here and tell you all people practicing the craft do/don't but I can tell you its not the way of wiccans and pagan "Harm None". Though I do get annoyed when some people say there is no sacrificing within the craft. The only religion I know of that does is Santeria,  but don't get the wrong idea. Where there is a sacrificial ceremony it is not to worship the devil or demons, some religions and cultures believe it is an offering to there gods.

-The Crafty Witch

Conjuring

Since I have made a Facebook page to link my web store and blog I was stunned and somewhat overwhelmed by the amount of people that have reached out to me with questions, comments and just overall communication. I’m thrilled you all are so interested in my blog and work, for that I am making March Q&A month, even though I already have posts lined up feel free to keep the questions coming. Some questions may seem a bit silly but I welcome almost all questions, just not any which may be harassment/offensive to some. Keep it clean.

Today’s Q&A

Dont' you have to conjure things to do magic? -Amber

Sometimes, but most people are mislead to believe it is paranormal being like evil ghosts and demons. Magic can be a part of wicca/pagan/holistic nature, but in fact it is very similar to praying and asking guidance from a spirit guide or invoking a Goddess or God. Not all rituals require your to invoke or call upon a higher being. Most rituals/practices have you use visuals, such as candles, stones etc.


-The Crafty Witch

Ostara Begins Tomorrow

Spring has finally arrived! March has roared in like a lion, and if we're really lucky, it will roll out like a lamb. Meanwhile, on or around the 21st of the month, we have Ostara to celebrate. It's the time of the vernal equinox of you live in the Northern Hemisphere, and it's a true marker that Spring has come. There are many different ways you can celebrate this Sabbat, depending on your tradition.
 
Rituals and Ceremonies
 
Depending on your particular tradition, there are many different ways you can celebrate Ostara, but typically it is observed as a time to mark the coming of Spring and the fertility of the land. By watching agricultural changes -- such as the ground becoming warmer, and the emergence of plants from the ground -- you'll know exactly how you should welcome the season.

Here are a few rituals you may want to think about trying -- and remember, any of them can be adapted for either a solitary practitioner or a small group, with just a little planning ahead.

FOR OSTARA RITUALS CHECK OUT

http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/ostararitesrituals/tp/Ostara-Rites-and-Rituals.htm


-The Crafty Witch

Celtic Tree Month of Alder Begins

At the time of the Spring Equinox, or Ostara, the Alder is flourishing on riverbanks, roots in the water, bridging that magical space between both heaven and earth.

The Alder month, called Fearn by the Celts, and pronounced fairin, is a time for making spiritual decisions, magic relating to prophecy and divination, and getting in touch with your own intuitive processes and abilities.

Alder flowers and twigs are known as charms to be used in Faerie magic. Whistles were once made out of Alder shoots to call upon Air spirits, so it's an ideal wood for making a pipe or flute if you're musically inclined.

reblogged

-The Crafty Witch

March Full Moon - Storm Moon (On March 16)

March rolls in like the proverbial lion, and if we're really lucky, it might go out like a lamb. It's the time of the Storm Moon, the month when Spring finally arrives, around the time of the Equinox, and we see new life begin to spring forth. As the Wheel of the Year turns once more, heavy rains and gray skies abound -- the earth is being showered with the life-giving water it needs to have a fertile and healthy growing season. This is also a time of equal parts light and darkness, and so a time of balance.
Correspondences:

• Colors: Green, yellow, light purple
• Gemstones: Bloodstone, aquamarine
• Trees: Dogwood, honeysuckle
• Gods: Isis, the Morrighan, Artemis, Cybele
• Herbs: High John, pennyroyal, wood betony, apple blossom
• Element: Water

Use this month for magical workings related to rebirth and regrowth. New life is blooming during this phase of the moon, as is prosperity and fertility.

Also Known As: Seed Moon, Lenten Moon, Crow Moon

 

Via about.com

 

-The Crafty Witch

Animals As Equals

Since I have made a Facebook page to link my web store and blog I was stunned and somewhat overwhelmed by the amount of people that have reached out to me with questions, comments and just overall communication. I’m thrilled you all are so interested in my blog and work, for that I am making March Q&A month, even though I already have posts lined up feel free to keep the questions coming. Some questions may seem a bit silly but I welcome almost all questions, just not any which may be harassment/offensive to some. Keep it clean.


Today’s Q&A
Do you treat animals as equals? –S.C.
Absolutely. Every aspect of the craft is that you respect nature and all nature has to offer. Nature is you and me, animals, plants, the stars, etc. These are living things and they have a spirit. Many rituals deal with harmony and the healing of nature. Animals are our equals and for those who believe in reincarnation and spirit animals, those aspects play a huge roll in those views.


-The Crafty Witch

New To The Craft

Since I have made a Facebook page to link my web store and blog I was stunned and somewhat overwhelmed by the amount of people that have reached out to me with questions, comments and just overall communication. I’m thrilled you all are so interested in my blog and work, for that I am making March Q&A month, even though I already have posts lined up feel free to keep the questions coming. Some questions may seem a bit silly but I welcome almost all questions, just not any which may be harassment/offensive to some. Keep it clean.
Today’s Q&A
What should someone new to the craft do? -Robert


Do a little research first and find others that share your passion, read books on Wicca and other pagan religions and see what fits you best. You will find that is a lot of traditional aspects, but don’t let someone tell you there is a certain way you must don’t things. There is no “right” way to be a witch. Create your own path, follow your on journey.


-The Crafty Witch

Do You Need To Be In A Coven?

Since I have made a Facebook page to link my web store and blog I was stunned and somewhat overwhelmed by the amount of people that have reached out to me with questions, comments and just overall communication. I’m thrilled you all are so interested in my blog and work, for that I am making March Q&A month, even though I already have posts lined up feel free to keep the questions coming. Some questions may seem a bit silly but I welcome almost all questions, just not any which may be harassment/offensive to some. Keep it clean.


Today’s Q&A

 Do you have to be in a coven? –Kelsey
Nope. There are plenty of solitary pagans out there. I’m one of them. It’s not necessary to be within a group or coven, but it is fun to have those who share the same values and ideas. You are able to bounce ideas and chants off of each other and have people who you know are going to support you and will always be there when you need someone to talk to. More importantly it’s not the connection with other wiccans or pagans that’s important. It is about the journey that someone has with themselves that is the true purposes.


-The Crafty Witch

Birthday of "official witch of Salem" Laurie Cabot - March 6th

"In the mid nineteen seventies, Governor Michael S. Dukakis of Massachusetts, bestowed upon Laurie Cabot the state's Patriot Award.

This historical award is issued by the Governor to honor citizens of the state for public service which leads to the betterment, enrichment and welfare of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The Patriot's Award is given to Civic leaders, Distinguished Civil Servants, Community Leaders and others who are dedicated in a significant way to improving the lives of their fellow citizens and their community.

This award has been given since the early days of the Commonwealth and the recipient of the Patriot's Award has amongst other things, the privilege of grazing cows on the Boston Common, and wearing a tri-cornered hat. To the best of our knowledge Laurie has not done either thus far.

The proclamation is signed by the Governor and the Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and it reads:


"I proclaim Laurie Cabot the Official Witch of Salem for her work with children with special needs."

Laurie's first official duty as a state Patriot residing in Salem, was to greet a delegation of artists who were visiting the city from China. The artists had been invited to the United States to display their art at the Boston Museum of Science, and were the first such group of artists to be invited to America after relations with China had been established by President Nixon.

While this certainly was a compliment to Laurie Cabot, it was and is today a symbol of hope for all Witches who do good works on behalf of their community and nation. Equally as important, it serves as a testament that Witches have a place in America today and are recognized as practicing a legitimate and honorable religion which shows a path of dedication for the good of all. This was the first time in history that a high standing politician openly recognized a Witch for their good works."


An early Happy Birthday wish for you Laurie! May fate be ever in your favor.

Blessed Be )0(

-The Crafty Witch

Within Witchcraft/Wicca Is Any Of It Satanic?

Since I have made a Facebook page to link my web store and blog I was stunned and somewhat overwhelmed by the amount of people that have reached out to me with questions, comments and just overall communication. I’m thrilled you all are so interested in my blog and work, for that I am making March Q&A month, even though I already have posts lined up feel free to keep the questions coming. Some questions may seem a bit silly but I welcome almost all questions, just not any which may be harassment/offensive to some. Keep it clean.

 

Today’s Q&A

Within Witchcraft/Wicca is any of it satanic? –Amanda

Absolutely NOT!  Satan or satanic rituals are not a part of the witchcraft/Wicca religion at all. I common misconception is that we are succubus, practice infanticide or even as wild as consorting with the devil.  We live by “Do what thou will as long as it harms none” and by the threefold law, “whatever you do comes back to you three times three times three” – If you do see or hear about anyone partaking in satanic rituals, they are Satanists not witches. Witches and Wiccans believe in peace and harmony for all.



-The Crafty Witch