Walpurgisnacht

 In parts of Germanic Europe, Walpurgisnacht is celebrated each year around April 30 - right around the time of Beltane. The festival is named for Walpurga, a Christian saint, who spent a number of years as a missionary in the Frankish empire. Over time, the celebration of St. Walpurga blended with the Viking celebrations of spring, and Walpurgisnacht was born.

In Norse traditions - and many others - this night is the time when the boundary between our world and that of the spirits is a bit shaky. Much like Samhain, six months later, Walpurgisnacht is a time to communicate with the spirit world and the fae. Bonfires are traditionally lit to keep away malevolent spirits or those who might do us mischief.

Today, some Pagans in central and northern Europe still celebrate Walpurgisnacht as a precursor to Beltane. Although it is named for a martyred saint, many Germanic Pagans try to honor the celebrations of their ancestors by observing this traditional holiday each year. It is typically observed much like May Day celebrations - with lots of dancing, singing, and ritual around the bonfire.

-Reblogged Patti Wigington


-The Crafty Witch

Celtic Tree Month of Reed Begins

Celtic Tree Month of Reed begins -- 

Reed is typically used to make wind instruments, and this time of year, its haunting sounds are sometimes heard when the souls of the dead are being summoned to the Underworld. 

The Reed Moon was called Negetal, pronounced nyettle by the Celts, and is sometimes referred to as the Elm Moon by modern Pagans. 

This is a time for divination and scrying. If you're going to have a seanse  this is a good month to do it. 

This month, do magical workings related to spirit guides, energy work, meditation, celebration of death, and honoring the cycle of life and rebirth.

-The Crafty Witch

DIY Blood Candle

This project I like to call the Blood Candle, so spooky and really ties a room together during your halloween celebrations.

Best of this entire project will only cost $2.00!

What you'll Need:

• White Pillar Candle

• Red Taper Candle 

• Candle Holder

*All items underlined are optional

Easy Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Put the White Pillar Candle on some sort of safe, non flammable surface.

2. Light Red Taper candle and melt over the edges of the white candle to give it the blood effect, (total project time is est 4 min - depends on how "bloody" you want your candle)

3. Set on some sort of candle holder or safe surface. Enjoy

 
 

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-The Crafty Witch