Author: A Solitary Pagan
Lammas: Symbols of the Season
The Wheel of the Year has turned once more, and you may feel like decorating your house accordingly. While you probably can’t find too many items marked as “Lammas decor” in your local discount store, there are a number of items you can use to decorate for lammas (lughansadh).
Lammas: Celebrating Grain in Ancient Cultures
Grain has held a place of importance in civilization back nearly to the beginning of time. Grain became associated with the cycle of death and rebirth. The Sumerian god Tammuz was slain and his lover Ishtar grieved so heartily that nature stopped producing. Ishtar mourned Tammuz, and followed him to the Underworld to bring him back, similar to the story of Demeter and Persephone. In Greek legend, ...
Lammas: A Feast of Bread
In early Ireland, it was a bad idea to harvest your grain any time before Lammas; it meant that the previous year’s harvest had run out early, and that was a serious failing in agricultural communities. However, on August 1, the first sheaves of grain were cut by the farmer, and by nightfall his wife had made the first loaves of bread of the season. The word Lammas derives...
The Witch’s knot
The Witch’s knot is a notable symbol in folk magic, recognized for its intricate and interwoven design. This symbol first appeared during the Middle Ages, a time when belief in both the power and risks of witchcraft was widespread. The knot visually represents knot magic, a practice where cords or threads are tied with the intention to bind, protect, or release energy. Most commonly, the Witch’s k...
Magickal Knots
Knot magick, also known as cord magick, is a traditional practice that uses focus and visualization to help bring about a specific intention. In this practice, cords, strings, or ribbons are used as tools. Each knot that is tied represents a step in focusing the practitioner’s will and energy. Tying a knot is more than just a symbol—it is thought to connect a particular intention to a person, obje...
Knot Magick
Knot Magick is a traditional practice present in many cultures. It involves tying and untying knots to influence the flow of energy, intention, or even fate. This form of magick is both symbolic and practical, making it approachable for those new to witchcraft as well as for experienced practitioners. The knot itself carries significant symbolism. It often represents linking, bonding, and a connec...
Knots
The tying and untying of knots is used to bind and release energy in many folk magic spells and formulas. The ancient Egyptians and Greeks tied knots in cords for love spells. The “knot of Isis,” a red jasper amulet wound in the shroud of royal Egyptian mummies, summoned the protection of Isis and her son Horus for the dead in the next world. The ancient Romans believed knots could cause impotency...
Cord Magick
Cord magick is a straightforward and effective form of folk magic that uses colored cords or ribbons to help manifest intentions. Similar to how candles and colors are thought to carry specific energies, cords and ribbons can also be selected for their symbolic meaning and used with focused intent. The cord, ribbon, or candle itself is simply a tool. The real significance comes from the intention ...
Kitchen Witch: Corn
(Zea mays) Planet: Sun Element: Fire Energies: Protection, spirituality Lore: Corn has played a central role in North and Central American religion for thousands of years. The Quiche Mayas of Guatemala and the Navajo believed that the first humans were created from corn. The Mayas, Incans, Aztecs, and nearly every American Indian tribe ate corn and incorporated it into their religious beliefs and ...
Kitchen Witch: Asparagus
(Asparagus officianlis) Planet: MarsElement: Fire Energies: Sex Magical uses: As you prepare the asparagus to be cooked or steamed. Eat with power.
The Kitchen Witch’s Creed
The Kitchen Witch’s CreedIn this pot, I stir to the sunan’ follow the rule of harming none.Banishment of bane when goin’ widdershins;an’ with water and salt negativity is cleansed.Household duties are more than chores.Magick abounds when mopping floors.With this broom, I do sweepto clean my house and safely keep.Marigold, Basil, Thyme, and Yarrowmy spell is cast for a better tomorrow.Lemons for jo...
Kitchen Witch: Spoons and Spatulas
The spoon is a bowl with a handle. As such, it is related to the moon and to the element of water. Spoons have been used for thousands of years. Until quite recently in Japan, the shamoji, or rice-spatula, was considered a magical object. Small spatulas were nailed over the front door of a house to guard it, and in the hope that its inhabitants would never go hungry for lack of rice.