Celtic Tree Month of Reed Tomorrow

            

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 seance, 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
Reeds are associated with the dead and the Underworld.  Image © Comstock/Getty Images; Licensed to About.com

By Patti Wigington

Paganism/Wicca Expert

 

The Twelve Days of Samhain

This silly song is a great way to get your kids (or other adults) in the mood for the Samhain season. Sing it along to the tune of the classic Twelve Days of Christmas!

The Twelve Days of Samhain

 

On the first day of Samhain my true love gave to me
a black cat in a spooky tree.

 

On the second day of Samhain my true love gave to me
two jack o lanterns and
a black cat in a spooky tree.

 

On the third day of Samhain my true love gave to me
three crooked headstones,
two jack o'lanterns and
a black cat in a spooky tree.

 

On the fourth day of Samhain my true love gave to me
four séance spirits,
three crooked headstones,
two jack o'lanterns and
a black cat in a spooky tree.

 

On the fifth day of Samhain my true love gave to me
five pointy hats,
four séance spirits,
three crooked headstones,
two jack o'lanterns and
a black cat in a spooky tree.

 

On the sixth day of Samhain my true love gave to me
six owls a-hooting,
five pointy hats,
four séance spirits,
three crooked headstones,
two jack o'lanterns and
a black cat in a spooky tree.

 

On the seventh day of Samhain my true love gave to me
seven skulls a-grinning,
six owls a-hooting,
five pointy hats,
four séance spirits,
three crooked headstones,
two jack o'lanterns and
a black cat in a spooky tree.

 

On the eighth day of Samhain my true love gave to me
eight ghosts a-haunting,
seven skulls a-grinning,
six owls a-hooting,
five pointy hats,
four séance spirits,
three crooked headstones,
two jack o'lanterns and
a black cat in a spooky tree.

 

On the ninth day of Samhain my true love gave to me
nine dead men dancing,
eight ghosts a-haunting,
seven skulls a-grinning,
six owls a-hooting,
five pointy hats,
four séance spirits,
three crooked headstones,
two jack o'lanterns and
a black cat in a spooky tree.

 

 

On the tenth day of Samhain my true love gave to me
ten bats a-gliding,
nine dead men dancing,
eight ghosts a-haunting,
seven skulls a-grinning,
six owls a-hooting,
five pointy hats,
four séance spirits,
three crooked headstones,
two jack o'lanterns and
a black cat in a spooky tree.

 

On the eleventh day of Samhain my true love gave to me
eleven spiders crawling,
ten bats a-gliding,
nine dead men dancing,
eight ghosts a-haunting,
seven skulls a-grinning,
six owls a-hooting,
five pointy hats,
four séance spirits,
three crooked headstones,
two jack o'lanterns and
a black cat in a spooky tree.

 

On the twelfth day of Samhain my true love gave to me
twelve brooms a-flying,
eleven spiders crawling,
ten bats a-gliding,
nine dead men dancing,
eight ghosts a-haunting,
seven skulls a-grinning,
six owls a-hooting,
five pointy hats,
four séance spirits,
three crooked headstones,
two jack o'lanterns and
a black cat in a spooky tree.

 

 

Celtic Tree Month of Ivy begins

As the year comes to a close and Samhain approaches, the Ivy moon rolls in at the end of the harvest season. Ivy often lives on after its host plant has died -- a reminder to us that life goes on, in the endless cycle of life, death and rebirth. The Celts called this month Gort, pronounced go-ert. This is a time to banish the negative from your life. Do workings related to improving yourself, and placing a barricade between you and the things that are toxic to you. Ivy can be used in magic performed for healing, protection, cooperation, and to bind lovers together.

Celtic Tree Month of Vine Tomorrow

The Vine month is a time of great harvest -- from the grapes of the Mediterranean to the fruits of the northern regions, the Vine produces fruits we can use to make that most wondrous concoction called wine. The Celts called this month Muin. The Vine is a symbol of both happiness and wrath -- passionate emotions, both of them. Do magical workings this month connected to the Autumn Equinox, or Mabon, and celebrate garden magic, joy and exhilaration, wrath and rage, and the darker aspect of the mother goddess. Use the leaves of the Vines to enhance your own ambition and goals. during this month. The month of Vine is also a good time to get balanced, as there are equal hours of darkness and light.

Celtic Tree Month of Oak Begins (Tomorrow June 10)

The Oak moon falls during a time when the trees are beginning to reach their full blooming stages. The mighty Oak is strong, powerful, and typically towering over all of its neighbors. The Oak King rules over the summer months, and this tree was sacred to the Druids.

 

The Celts called this month Duir, which some scholars believe to mean "door", the root word of "Druid". The Oak is connected with spells for protection and strength, fertility, money and success, and good fortune.

 

Carry an acorn in your pocket when you go to an interview or business meeting; it will be bring you good luck. If you catch a falling Oak leaf before it hits the ground, you'll stay healthy the following year.

 

 

-The Crafty Witch

Celtic Tree Month of Hawthorn Begins (Tomorrow)

The Hawthorn is a prickly sort of plant with beautiful blossoms. Called Huath by the ancient Celts, and pronounced Hoh-uh, the Hawthorn month is a time of fertility, masculine energy, and fire. Coming right on the heels of Beltane, this month is a time when male potency is high -- if you're hoping to conceive a child, get busy this month!

The Hawthorn has a raw, phallic sort of energy about it -- use it for magic related to masculine power, business decisions, making professional connections. The Hawthorn is also associated with the realm of Faerie, and when the Hawthorn grows in tandem with an Ash and Oak, it is said to attract the Fae.


-The Crafty Witch

Today begins the Celtic Tree Month Of Willow & The Wind/Blood Moon

The Willow moon was known to the Celts as Saille, pronounced Sahl-yeh. The Willow grows best when there's lots of rain, and in northern Europe there's no shortage of that this time of year. This is a tree associated with healing and growth, for obvious reasons. A Willow planted near your home will help ward away danger, particularly the type that stems from natural disaster such as flooding or storms. They offer protection, and are often found planted near cemeteries. This month, work on rituals involving healing, growth of knowledge, nurturing and women's mysteries.

Also

In April, the thunderstorms of March are beginning to subside, and the wind picks up. Seeds are being blown about on the breezes, spreading life all around from one place to the next. In fact, this lunar cycle is often known as the Seed Moon. Trees have buds on them, spring daffodils and tulips abound, and the birds are nesting once more. Much like March, this is a time of conception and fertility and new growth.

 

Correspondences:
Colors: Bright primary colors -- red, yellow, blue -- and their combinations

Gemstones: Quartz, selenite, angelite

Trees: Hazel, forsythia, lilac, willow

Gods: Ishtar, Tawaret, Venus, Herne, Cernunnos

Herbs: Dandelion, milkweed, dogwood, fennel, dill

Element: Air

This is a good time to work on magic related to new beginnings. Looking to bring new love into your life, or conceive or adopt a child? This is the time to do those workings. It's the time to stop planning, and start doing. Take all those ideas you've had brewing for the past couple of months, and make them come to fruition.

 

Also Known As: Seed Moon

 

Examples:

Willow celebrated the Wind Moon by planting some seeds in small cups of soil.

via about.com


-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

Celtic Tree Month of Ash Begins (tomorrow)

In the Norse eddas, Yggdrasil, the world tree, was an Ash. The spear of Odin was made from the branch of this tree, which is also known by the Celtic name Nion, pronounced knee-un. This is one of three trees sacred to the Druids (Ash, Oak and Thorn), and this is a good month to do magic that focuses on the inner self.

Associated with ocean rituals, magical potency, prophetic dreams and spiritual journeys, the Ash can be used for making magical (and mundane) tools -- these are said to be more productive than tools made from other wood. If you place Ash berries in a cradle, it protects the child from being taken away as a changeling by mischievous Fae.

Celtic Tree Month Of Birch Begins

The Birch Moon is a time of rebirth and regeneration. As the Solstice passes, it is time to look towards the light once more. When a forested area burns, Birch is the first tree to grow back. The Celtic name for this month is Beth, pronounced beh. Workings done in this month add momentum and a bit of extra "oomph" to new endeavors. The Birch is also associated with magic done for creativity and fertility, as well as healing and protection. Tie a red ribbon around the trunk of a Birch tree to ward off negative energy. Hang Birch twigs over a cradle to protect a newborn from psychic harm. Use Birch bark as magical parchment to keep writings safe.

-The Crafty Witch

Adorable Holiday Finds (part 2 of 3)

We are always rushing around for the holidays whether its to see family, partake in festive activities or to get that last minute shopping in. Oh did I even mention the decorations, and the supplies you need to make your home the biggest with "holiday cheer" - one thing on everyone's mind is "How much is this all going to cost me?" Well what if I told you that you could get adorable holiday finds for a fraction of the cost - what if you could get these holiday finds for $1! Im here to save you some money during the holiday, because lets be honest, we could all use the extra dough. All these holiday finds can be found at your local Dollar Tree for yeah you guessed it, $1.

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Christmas Plush Candy Jars

A cute way to deliver sweet treats! Soft felt Santas, reindeer and snowmen top these little plastic jars perfect for jelly beans, candied nuts or other treats! Standing 7" tall, these are excellent stocking stuffers, party favors or at party place settings. Also great for resale in gift shops and toy stores. Case includes 36 Christmas plush and plastic candy jars assorted among snowman, reindeer and Santa styles.



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Christmas House Tinsel Snowman & Santa Wall Decor, 12"


Merry little snowmen and Santas add a jolly sparkle to all your holiday décor! Metal frames are covered in colorful tinsel for simple decorations that make a big statement — a cheery greeting for your front door, walls, office doors, or store entrances. Also great for resale in holiday and gift shops. Case includes 48 Christmas House® 12" tinsel wall decorations assorted between snowmen and Santas.

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Felt Elf Hats with Ears, 13¾"


Play the part of Santa's helper with these fun felt elf hats with ears! Great for putting a smile on the faces of others, these felt hats come in green with a red bottom stripe and star, and red with a green bottom stripe and star, and all have 2 elf ears attached to the sides. A nice departure from the traditional Santa hats. These are fun for holiday parties, Christmas plays, and anyone trying to spread a little Christmas cheer. Case includes 24 – 13½" felt elf hats with ears assorted evenly among the 2 styles shown.

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-The Crafty Witch

Celtic Tree Month of Elder Begins -- YESTERDAY

Let me just start off by saying "sorry" I was super busy yesterday getting everything in order for Thanksgiving that I honestly forgot to post yesterday - my apologies!
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The winter solstice will pass, and the Elder moon is a time of endings. Although the Elder can be damaged easily, it recovers quickly and springs back to life, corresponding to the approaching New Year. Called Ruish by the Celts (pronounced roo-esh), the month of Elder is a good time for workings related to creativity and renewal. It is a time of beginnings and endings, births and deaths, and rejuvenation. Elder is also said to protect against demons and other negative entities. Use in magic connected to Faeries and other nature spirits.



-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

Celtic Tree Month Of Ivy Begins -- Sept 30 - Oct 27

Celtic Tree Month of Ivy begins -- 

As the year comes to a close and Samhain approaches, the Ivy moon rolls in at the end of the harvest season. Ivy often lives on after its host plant has died -- a reminder to us that life goes on, in the endless cycle of life, death and rebirth. The Celts called this month Gort, pronounced go-ert. This is a time to banish the negative from your life. 

Do workings related to improving yourself, and placing a barricade between you and the things that are toxic to you. Ivy can be used in magic performed for healing, protection, cooperation, and to bind lovers together.

via paganwiccan


-The Crafty Witch

DIY Spooky Tree Centerpiece

The Tree Centerpiece really pulls together a room, whether it be spooky for child’s fun, it will definitely have everyone looking twice

Best of this entire project will only cost $3.00!

What you'll Need:

• Black Plastic Cauldron

• Floral/Craft Foam

• Glass Gems, Rocks, or Stones

• Halloween Tinsel Garland

• Plastic Skeleton Garland

• Twigs from Your Yard

• Paint & Paint Brush (Optional)

• Glittery Bat Ornaments (See Directions on Page 2)

*All items italicized are item you probably already have around your own home.

*All items underlined are optional

Easy Step-by-Step Directions:

1. First, gather a few spooky-looking twigs from your yard.

2. Place the floral/craft foam in the center of the cauldron and

fill the empty space around the foam with glass gems, rocks,

or stones. This will anchor your foam and provide stability

for your tree.

3. Stick the twigs from your yard securely into the foam... make

sure you push them far into the foam for stability. Arrange

twigs into your desired tree shape. If you want to paint your

twigs black or another color, do that next. They will be easier

to paint standing upright in the foam. Set the tree aside to dry.

4. Once the twigs are dry, cover the stones at the base of the

tree with Halloween tinsel garland, then place the skeleton

garland on top of the tinsel and position the skeletons

however you wish.

5. Decorate the tree with more skeletons, Halloween creepy

creatures, or handmade glittery bat ornaments (see directions

on page 2).

 

I did mine a little differently but both ways are acceptable. I had bits of gravel from around by house that I was able to anchor mine down with but there are many options available at your local Dollar Tree to find what you would like best. Also I did not line the bottom of my tree centerpiece with tinsel garland and the skeleton garland, I was going for a spookier look to I surrounded mine with Spanish Moss (available at the Dollar Tree)

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Here is also link for those of you how would like to have a print out of the directions - it will take you to the Dollar Tree site where you can print out a PDF!

Go For PDF!

-The Crafty Witch

Celtic Tree Month of Vine begins

Celtic Tree Month of Vine begins -- 

The Vine month is a time of great harvest -- from the grapes of the Mediterranean to the fruits of the northern regions, the Vine produces fruits we can use to make that most wondrous concoction called wine. 

The Celts called this month Muin. The Vine is a symbol of both happiness and wrath -- passionate emotions, both of them. Do magical workings this month connected to the Autumn Equinox, or Mabon, and celebrate garden magic, joy and exhilaration, wrath and rage, and the darker aspect of the mother goddess. 

Use the leaves of the Vines to enhance your own ambition and goals. during this month. The month of Vine is also a good time to get balanced, as there are equal hours of darkness and light.