The Yule Tree

Pagan families would bring a live tree into the home so the wood spirits would have a place to keep warm during the cold winter months. Bells were hung in the limbs so you could tell when a spirit was present.

To consecrate your tree sprinkle it with salted water, passing the smoke of incense (bayberry, pine, spruce, spice, ceder or cinnamon through the brances, and while walking around the tree with a lighted candle saying:

"By fire and water, air and earth, I consecrate you tree of rebirth."

Then decorate your tree and enjoy your Yuletime.

Midwinter Gingerbread

A Yule treat, this spicy-sweet bread is alway on my table. This is what you will need to make some of your own.

1/2 stick butter.
1/2 cup molasses.
1 large free-range egg.
1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour.
2 reasppons cinnamon.
2 teaspoons ginger.
1/4 teaspoon cloves.
1/4 teasppon salt.
1 teasppon baking soda
1/2 cup boiling water.
1/2 cup orange marmalade or good apricot jam.
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (opional)

Preheat over to 350 degrees.

In a small sausepan, gently melt the butter with the molasses and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine the egg and brown sugar and beat well. Pour in the melted butter and molasses mixture and beat with an electric mixer to blend well. Then, (the fun part), by hand, stir in the flour, spices and salt, just enough to blend.
Add the baking soda to the boiling water and stir well. Pour the soda water into the batter and gently mix. Add the marmalade and pecans, again , stirring just until mixed.

Pour the gingerbread batter into a lightly greased 8 x 8 inch or 9 x 9 inch pan. Bake for about 30 minutes. The gingerbread is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean. Let the pan cool for 10 minutes, then insert a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the bread. Gently invert, placing onto a plate.

Serve simply as squares dusted with powdered sugar or topped with a spoonful of shipped cream. ENJOY!

LITHA

May this first day of summer be warm and filled with love for you. May your Litha be blessed.

LISTEN

Listen to your inner soul.
Listen to your heart.
Know that you and I, my friend,
are not so far apart.
Reach out and take my hand.
Know that I am near.
Listen to your inner soul
and tell me what you hear.
Close your eyes and listen
to the sounds that can’t be heard.
Open your mind and understand-
every single word.
Listen to your inner soul.
Can you hear your own heart beat?
The bells of friendship ring out loud
and will not accept defeat!

Sweet Dream Pillows

Make your own sweet dream pillows. At Litha, or Midsummer, you will find an abundance of lavender. Making your lavender pillow will be your own level of creativity. It's as with any spell you cast, you must prepare and you must put your true energies into your sweet dream pillow. Should you have no idea how to make a pillow you can check out:

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Pillow

When you stuff your pillow throw in a handful of dried lavender. As you sew your pillow up you can offer this blessing:

When at night I go to sleep,
sweet dreams will come to me.
Lavender scent bring peaceful rest.
As I will so it shall be.

Litha Garlands

One of the customs of Litha is to place garlands of St. John Wort over doors and windows and a sprig in your car for protection. This is to honor all of the goddesses of love.

The Flicker of My Flame.
By
Father Witch

I sing upon a silent stage
in a voice that can not be heard.
The flicker of my candles flame
is my sacred word..
I dance within my circle,
known by a name unknown.
In the silence of solitude-
a single love has grown.
I sing upon this stage of light
with a vision for a voice.
The flicker of my candles flame
has given me my choice.
I dance within my circle
to an ever changing moon.
The music of my Goddess-
Mother Nature’s tune.
I stand silent on this stage called life
watching my circle grow.
The flicker of my candles flame
is the direction I shall go.
I dance within my circle.
Shall you dance with me.
You are my forever friend
As I will, so mote it be!

Wiccan Cold and Flu Tea Recipe

When you are feeling a cold or flu approaching, here is an excellent recipe for a witchly, wonderful tea!!

Ingredients:
1 oz Blackberry leaves

1 oz Elder flowers

1 oz Linden flowers

1 oz Peppermint leaves

Pour 1 cup boiling water over 2 tbs mixture. Cover & steep 10 minutes; strain.

FRESH BROCCOLI SOUP IN BREAD BOWLS

This is a wonderful Midsummer dish for Litha. Enjoy! FW

Round sour dough bread loaves, halved

1/2 pound Broccoli, fresh
1/4 cup Onion, chopped
1/4 cup Margarine
1/2 cup Flour
3 cups Water
4 teaspoons Chicken Bouillon granules
2 cups Milk
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded

Steam broccoli in small amount of salted water for 10 minutes or until crisp-tender; coarsely chop. In large saucepan, sauté onion in margarine until tender but not brown. Blend in flour. Add water, chicken bouillon, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook and stir until mixture slightly thickens. Add chopped broccoli. Bring to boiling and stir in shredded cheese until melted. Serve soup in individual hollowed out bread loaf halves. Leftover soup freezes well.

Litha

As we continue around the wheel to Litha, the Goddess is pregnant with the God. This is midsummer and will be around June 21rst. The God is at the peak of his strength and this will be a time to celebrate the abundances of our earth.

Beltane Blessing

Blessed be this day of Beltane- wedding day of the Goddess and the God. Holy day of sacred marriages. Holy night of sacred unions. The fertile Goddess of summer walks through the land with the Great Horned God of the forest and the dark time of winter is behind me.

Beltane

Beltane translated means "fire of Bel" or "bright fire" - is known as the bright and shinning one, a Celtic Sun God. Beli is the father, protector, and the husband of the Mother Goddess.

Wiccan Handfasting Cake

Wiccan Handfasting Cake
Recipe by Gerina Dunwich

1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup honey
5 eggs
2 cups flour
2 tablespoons grated lemon rind
2-1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon rose water
pinch of basil
6 fresh rose geranium leaves

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy and light. Add the honey and mix well. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually add the flour and blend thoroughly with a large wooden spoon after each addition. Stir in the lemon rind, lemon juice, rose water and a pinch of basil --- the herb of love. Line the bottom of a greased nine-by-five-by-three-inch loaf pan with the rose geranium leaves and then pour in the batter. Bake the cake in a preheated 350 degree oven for one hour and fifteen minutes. Remove from oven when done and let stand on a rack for twenty minutes before unmolding. Spread icing or sprinkle sugar on top of the Handfasting Cake just before serving.

EARTH DAY

Blessed be your Earth Day and let us never forget that we are alive on a living planet.

Beltane

Beltane is one of our fixed Sabbats. It always falls on May 1, or May Day. This date does not change from year to year. It is the last of the spring, fertility celebrations. It is time to welcome the abundance of our fertile earth. Blessed Be!

Light will soon overtake the darkness with the coming of the spring equinox. Look into these stones, if you wish. Aquamarine, Rose quartz and Moonstones. Look for signs of rebirth all around you. You will see it everywhere. Blessed Be! FW

Declaration of Regret

Declaration of Regret - Salem Jurors

We whose names are underwritten, being in the year 1692 called to serve as jurors in court at Salem, on trial of many who were by some suspected guilty of doing acts of witchcraft upon the bodies of sundry persons, we confess that we ourselves were not capable to understand, nor able to withstand, the mysterious delusions of the powers of darkness and Prince of the air, but were, for want of knowledge in ourselves and better information from others, prevailed with to take with such evidence against the accused, as, on further consideration and better information, we justly fear was insufficient for the touching the lives of any (Deut. xvii) whereby we fear we have been instrumental, with others, though ignorantly and unwittingly, to bring upon ourselves and this people of the Lord the guilt of innocent blood; which sin the Lord saith in Scripture he would not pardon (2 Kings xxiv.4) - that is, we suppose, in regard to his temporal judgments. We do therefore hereby signify to all in general, and to the surviving sufferers in special, our deep sense of, and sorrow for, our errors in acting on such evidence to the condemning of any person; and do hereby declare, that we justly fear that we were sadly deluded and mistaken - for which we are much disquieted and distressed in our minds, and do therefore humbly beg forgiveness, first of God, for Christ's sake, for this our error, and pray that God would impute the guilt of it to ourselves nor others, and we also pray that we may be considered candidly and aright by the living sufferers, as being then under a strong and general delusion, utterly unacquainted with, and not experienced in, matters of that nature.

We do hereby ask forgiveness of you all, whom we have justly offended, and do declare, according to our present minds, we would none of us do such things again, on such grounds, for the whole world - praying you to accept of this in way of satisfaction for our offense, and that you would bless the inheritance of the Lord, that he may be entreated for the land.

Thomas Fisk, Foreman
William Fisk
John Bacheler
Thomas Fisk
John Dane
Joseph Evelith Thomas Pearly, Sr.
John Peabody
Thomas Perkins
Samuel Sayer
Andrew Eliot
Henry Herrick, Sr.

Ostara Candle and Alter Oil

1 part Almond Oil
1 part Violet Oil
1 part Elder Oil
1 part Patchouli Oil
1 part Lavender Oil

Instructions:
1.Blend oils in a glass bottle. Anoint your altar and candles.
2.Store remaining oil in refrigerator.

Ostara

The English and German words for "Easter" derive from the name "Ostara," the Germanic Goddess of Springtime.

GOALS OF A WITCH





I. Know yourself

II. Know your craft

III. Learn

IV. Apply knowledge with wisdom

V. Achieve balance

VI. Keep your words in good order

VII. Keep your thoughts in good order

VIII. Celebrate life

IX. Attune with the cycles of the Earth

X. Breathe and eat correctly

XI. Exercise the body

XII. Meditate

XIII. Honor the Goddess and God

Cerridwen

"You seek renewal? Into the pot with you, then!"

Cerridwen is primarily worshiped in her crone aspect, by and through her cauldren of wisdom, inspiration, rebirth and transformation.

Blessings of Imbolc

Candle Oil

Imbolc Purification Candle Oil

1/8 cup olive oil
3 drops juniper oil
2 drops eucalyptus oil
1 drop pine oil

Instructions:
1. Mix all ingredients together in a glass jar and use to anoint candles.
2. Store any remaining oil in refrigerator.

Song

Song
By
Father Witch

To sing a song without the words
is meaningless to me.
Without the rhythm of my heart
there can be no melody.
To sing a song in silence
that no one else can hear
is to dance within the darkness
embracing only fear.
To create a song from nothing
is to make a single sound.
And to find the joy that it brings
to those who gather ‘round.




Copyright 2010 Father Witch

First Full Moon 2010-Wolf Moon

Tonight, January 29, 2010 is the Wolf Full Moon. It is the biggest and brightest full moon of the year. I hope you get a chance to view it. It is beautiful. Pray to the moon when she is round. Luck with you shall then abound. What you seek for shall be found. In sea or sky or solid ground...

Imbolc Spell

Let the cloth of life be mended.
Let the thread be linked again,
restored, cleansed - the forests growing,
native plants in field and fen.

Let the cloth of life, in beauty,
be restored by will to be.
People with the plants and creatures,
tending earth and sky and sea."

Foods of Imbolc

Pumpkin seeds, Sunflower seeds, Poppyseed Cakes, muffins, scones, and breads, all dairy products, Peppers, Onions, Garlic, Raisins, Spiced Wines and Herbal Teas.

The Imbolc Green Man
By
Father Witch

The Imbolc green man brings the promise of spring.
Rejoice in the new life that it shall bring.
Give praise to the goddess and the god
as we continue 'round the ring.
Blessed be to those that care.
Three fold to those whom share.
The Imbolc green man brings the promise of spring.
Let us all give praise and sing.

Blue Moons

In most months there will be one full moon and one new moon, but occasionally there will be two full moons within the same calendar month and the second full moon of a month is known as a blue moon. Blue moons are times of extra power. You can also make powerful moon water. Know the cycles of the moon. This picture was taken on 01/01/2010. It was a beautiful blue moon. Blessed Be! Father Witch

Imbolc

Learn the days that we give praise.
Know the cycles of the moon.
Watch as the goddess dances
to Mother Natures tune.
Blessed be your Imbolc.
Let us rejoice the day.
Bring you candles to the atler
Dance and sing our way.

There are others, but lavender is a wonderful Imbolc incense.

Listen to the Wisdom of Witches.

Know that we are here to share.

Come close to us that have always known.

Bless those of you that have truly grown.

Seek out the wisdom of our knowledge.

Know that our spells are true.

Bright blessings to your spirit.

A poem from me to you.

Brighid's Day

As Imbolc (or Candlemas) approaches on February 02, 2010, we find ourselves preparing for another celebration. This day is also known as Brighid's Day in celebration of the goddess, Brighid. It is a reminder that winter is coming to an end and that the seed of the earth shall soon spring to life. It is a time of redirection and change. Among others, Brighid is the goddess of childbirth, healing and poets. She is the Cheltic goddess of fire and creativity. If you have additional information on this goddess, please share and comment. Bright blessings, FW

Amaterasu

I have decided to look into the goddesses of wicca. There are many! Amaterasu is a Japanese sun goddess. If you know additional information on this goddess, please comment. Bright blessings. FW

Wiccan Pride

Whisper the Challenge

Whisper The Challenge

By
Father Witch

Whisper the challenge on a day you can’t foresee.
No one can predict the future; be it happiness or misery.
Do not allow one single pleasure to come into your past.
Without savoring the moments while they last.
Inhale all of the life that has been given to you.
Enjoy every single moment of everything you do.
Listen to the wisdom of those who truly know
And try to let your wild spirits grow.
Life is such a fragile thing that we can never say
I think I’ll wait for happiness on another day.
Dream of those dreams that all of us can reach.
Unto your bothers and your sisters- try to teach.
For there are many among us that truly do not know
In which direction, on this day, their very lives will go.
Fear will make them scared, fragile and weak.
Compassion and understanding is what they truly seek.
Whisper the challenge on a day much like today.
Think about every word that you’re going to say.
To a total stranger, attempt to show your heart.
You will find that we are all not so very far apart.
Whisper the challenge as you lay your head to sleep
Dream of the all the happiness within your heart you’ll keep.
Pray for the ones that got lost along the way.
Awake to whisper the challenge for another lovely day.
Ponder at the wonders that you see before your eyes.
Rejoice in the beauty of a majestic sunrise.
Question the mysteries that you fail to understand
Walk with us together- hand in hand.
For when we whisper the challenge we must stand near.
Close enough together so everyone can hear.
That living is a gift we all must bear.
Peace, love and happiness we all must share.