The Inverted Cross

       

 
               Possibly one of the oldest known symbols associated with Satanism, many people believe it to be the cross of the anti-Christ.  Specifically, that is not true, but it does hold very misunderstood and forgotten history of blood, heresy and ritual.

Starting at the assumed conception St. Peter... The impulsive. 

               He, specifically, is one of the Apostles that I like to call the troublemaker. I would go into detail, but it is unrelated to this subject, so I'll start with his death.  Legend has it a crowd of people hurled rocks and spit as Peter was taken to his death, and then he refused to be crucified right-side-up like Jesus, preferring to be upside-down. Supposedly this was intended to say he was unequal to Christ.

But where does this come from?

               The first record of St. Peter being crucified upside-down is written in "The Act's Of Peter". But St. Peter's death is between 64-68 AD,  "The Act's Of Peter" was written 180-190 AD. So the possibility for credible accounts is not likely. On top of that, in "The Act's Of Peter", the humility in the request of Peter is not shown clearly. In Sean McDowell's book, "The Fate Of the Apostles", the cross is in that position as to say "The world  has been turned upside-down by sin", and  being upside-down lets him see the world for what it is. Additionally, the "upside-down state symbolizes that fallen humanity has now been restored through the cross." The real meaning of the downward position is a imitation of Adam, who entered the world "headlong". It represented a skewed human perspective asserting a flawed human nature, most of which is described in his extremely long speech given while hanging upside-down and dying.  To add insult to injury, there is only one piece of verified archaeological evidence that gives any proof that Romans crucified people at all, and it doesn't conclude whether it was a cross, post or X.  Some sources say that Romans commonly hung people upside-down, and that the position means "death to the traitors of Rome," but I can find no real documentation on this besides hearsay.

So How Did It Become Associated With Evil And Satanism?

Eugène Vintras wearing white robes with a red inverted cross coming down from the collar.

                  Eugène Vintras was a Criminal for most of his life, up until November 1839, when he declared that St. Joseph, Arch Angel Michael, Jesus and the Virgin Mary spoke to him on multiple occasions. He also began to claim he was a reincarnation of the prophet Elijah, and went on to found two cults, the Work of Marcy and Eliate Church Of Carmel, both of which sported the inverted cross as a symbol of new dispensation. It was said to be inverted because the reign of the suffering Christ had been replaced with the reign of the Holy spirit of love.  Occultist Eliphas Levi conversed with a follower of Vintras, who told an intriguing story recounted in a 1886 The Mysteries of Magic: A Digest of the Writings of Eliphas Levi: “Thousands of Hosts appear on altars where there were none; wine rises in empty chalices, and there is no delusion, it is wine, a delicious wine; celestial music is heard; the fragrance of another world diffuses itself, and, finally, blood – truly human blood which doctors have examined – oozes and sometimes flows copiously from the Hosts.” Levi also considered the inverted cross that Vintras wore as "indicative of Satanic influences". So after all of this, it's not hard to imagine that rumors of Satanic rites spread about, which lead to condemnation by the Pope. Two of his followers accused him of homosexuality, conducting Black Masses in the nude and masturbating at the altar.  Instead of being convicted for that, he was sent to prison for fraud charges.

           Skipping a few years to his death, Abbé Joseph-Antoine Boullan, once a correspondent turned rival, became a successor to Vintras. With this obvious power grab, many of the followers refused to follow him, but he took what he could and plunged the church into a pit of sexual magic, telling his members that having sex with angels was the quickest way to redemption, but anything else could help too.  This led to more accusations from former members once more, notably De Giatia, who, with a partner, accused Boullan of incest, bestiality, and adultery.

             De Giatia, feeling attacked by Spells and Curses went public with a Book called  The Temple Of Satan 1891 (linked here in original French writing)
An account of Boullan's Black Mass is told in a 1891 Novel The Damned which depicted De Guaita a Satanist wearing the inverted cross Vintras once wore.

Guibourg performing his Black Mass with the naked Madame de Montespan for an altar, depicted in The Guibourg Mass by Henry de Malvost, 1903.

            So during these time periods and all the years after the inverted cross became a common factor in Black Masses and all manner of supposed demonic rites.

The Inverted Cross in Amarica 

Photo by Dale Ernsberger / The Tennessean

           1896, The architecture of the Brushy Mountain Tennessee State Penitentiary was designed into a Inverted cross as to say all prisoners that came there are not worthy of heaven. The prison having been constructed by the prisoners themselves.

         1968, Rosmary's baby possibly the godmother of all Demonic horror films cemented lots of specific imagery for future film's.

             1960, On the Original release of Black Sabbath debut Album in the inner gatefold sleeve designed by Keith McMillan (credited as Marcus Keef) featured an Inverted cross with a Poem inside it.

In Conclusion 

               The Inverted cross meaning has traveled through history much like the swastika in the sense that it once had a sincere meaning that later became deluded in Sex, Sacrifice and Gnostic cults.  Given the information I personally associate the Inverted cross with humanity it's head pointing toward the earth as to say it's one of it there is a duality with it the Cross of Christ being the spirit reaching from the earth into the skies arms out streached somewhat resembling shoulders and The Cross of St. Peter falling from the sky and being driven into the ground the shape could symbolize the spine attached to the hips, But most importantly to me it represents Sin the nature of mankind that makes us all unworthy of Heaven and Christ. When it adorns me or my altar it represents my "flaw of Sin" that makes me human of the world.  When it comes to an anti-Christ or satanic meaning none is present unless the Inverted Possesses a corpus which is real blasphemy However  Inverted cross is a symbol for anyone who resonates with it. 

Side note 

      Lets also mention as a side note the cross is not originally a Christian symbol and that according to Exodus 20:4-6  (NKJV)  “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; 5 you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6 but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments"  meaning the cross is a symbol or likeness of Christ even more so if there is a corpus present And I see the cross associated with nothing but a instrument of death much like a Iron maiden or guillotine.

Sources 


“Sex, Satanism & the 19th Century ‘War of the Magicians'.” Https://Www.historyanswers.co.uk/, 29 May 2015, https://www.historyanswers.co.uk/people-politics/prophets-black-masses-the-magic-war-of-19th-century-france/.

McDowell , Sean. “Was Peter Crucified Upside down?” Https://Seanmcdowell.org/Blog/, 22 Oct. 2015, https://seanmcdowell.org/blog/was-peter-crucified-upside-down.

“Crucifixion .” Https://En.m.wikipedia.org/, https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crucifixion.

“Eugène Vintras.” Https://Fr.m.wikipedia.org/, https://fr.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugène_Vintras.

“Étinne Guibourg.” Https://En.m.wikipedia.org/, https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Étienne_Guibourg.

Dilley, Paul. “Peter.” Https://Www.bibleodyssey.org/, https://www.bibleodyssey.org/en/people/main-articles/peter.

“Black Sabbath (Album).”Https://En.m.wikipedia.org/, https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Sabbath_(album).

Sargent, Clarence F. “The Cross :The TRUE HISTORY of a Very PAGAN Symbol! THE INVERTED CROSS SYMBOL…It’s NOT WHAT THEY SAY IT IS!”Https://Ministerofblog.com/, https://ministerofblog.com/which-witch-is-which-testimonies-of-deliverance-from-the-darkest-pit/the-cross-the-true-history-of-a-very-pagan-symbol-the-inverted-cross-symbol-its-not-what-they-say-it-is/.

Animal products used in witchcraft

      The association's listed are based off of popular opinion or folklore involving said materials and are in no way set in stone but are to act as guidelines for you.  Also everything listed is just for information and I don't expect you to obtain specific materials.

Cat skull

Gender: Feminine
Planet: Moon
Zodiac: Virgo
Element: Fire
Stone: Cats eye
Tarot: Queen of wands
Healing attributes: None
Usage: good luck charm, rituals to protect from disease and infestations, memento mori, fetish vessel, justice rituals, protection charm, protection rituals
Association: Luck, Protection, Justice, Power, Wealth, death, darkness, witches, independence, transformation

Cicada shell

Gender: Feminine
Planet: Pluto
Zodiac: Scorpio or Gemini
Element: Earth
Stone: Lapis lazuli, jade
Tarot: Death
Healing attributes: Molt in Chinese herb formulas
Usage: Amulets, Vessels, Altar Decor, Medicine, Gambling talisman, Spell jars, Mojo bags
Association: Personal change, communication, renewal, rebirth, transformation, life, summer, growth, good luck, protection, reincarnation, immortality, music, resurrection, wealth,

Cowrie shell

Gender: Feminine
Planet: Venus
Zodiac: Pisces
Element: Water
Stone: Ametrine, Aquamarine
Tarot: High Priestess
Healing attributes: None
Usage: help in conception, Divination, mojo bag ingredient, jewelry, offering, spell jar, ritual bath, help with long distance relationships, Curse a womans pregnancy or genitals, home decor, altar decor
Association: Wealth, Luck, Protection, Fertility, The Ocean, Health, Prosperity, Love, sexuality, menstruation, beauty, evil eye, travel

Sea urchin spines

Gender: Masculine 

Planet: Mars

Zodiac: Leo

Element: Water

Stone: Calcite

Usage: grounding, stimulating heart chakra, warding away evil, writing with magical inks, water themed staff decoration, protection from lightening, deadly use on poppets, cause suffering in a curse jar, luck charm, directing energy, altar decor, ground into a powder with salt for protection, ground into a powder for hot foot powder, phallic symbolism

Association: protection, luck, lightening, poison, male potency, Bleeding, Art, beauty

 Porcupine Quills 

Gender: Masculine
Planet: Moon
Zodiac: Aries
Element: Air or Fire
Stone:  Turquoise or Bloodstone
Tarot: The chariot
Healing attributes: quills have antibiotic qualities
Usage: incribing candles, love spell, use in poppets, causing pain, directing energy, weapon heads, writing with magical inks, phallic symbolism, alter decor, Hunting luck charm, protection amulet
Association: warriors, love, fearlessness, strength, solar energy, self defense

Boars tusk

Gender: Masculine
Planet: Venus
Zodiac:
Element: Earth
Usage: love spells, attraction ritual, enhancing, hypnotism, protection against black magic, Shukar Dant, war helmets, offering, altar decor, harming spells or rituals,
Association: communication, strength, courage, power, leadership, fertility, protection, life and death, clans, love

Snakes shed

Gender: Feminine
Planet: Venus
Zodiac: Scorpio
Element: Water
Stone: Copper
Usage: Hexing, Spell jar, Amulet, poppet stuffing, Goofers Dust, Mojo bag
Association: Messenger, Wisdom, poison, guardian, Protection, Rebirth, Sexuality, Pain, good and evil,  Fertility, Wealth

Raccoon Baculum

Gender: Masculine
Planet: Moon
Zodiac: Sagittarius
Element: Water or Fire
Usage: Love amulets, Gambling amulets, Mojo bag, spell jar, stuffed under a mattress for fertility and male potency
Association: Luck, love, Male potency, wealth,

Rabbits Foot

Gender: Feminine
Planet: Moon
Zodiac: Pisces
Stone: Calcium
Element: Earth
Usage: Shapeshifting, Gambling luck, Mojo bag, Pregnancy spells
Association: Luck, fertility, transformation

Black cat bone

Gender: feminine
Planet: Saturn
Zodiac: Scorpio
Stone: Tourmaline
Element: Water
Usage: With a 20 wrapped around it becomes a gambling tool, powdered, candle dressings, made into oils, Luck charm, Curse jar, Fetish, keep a lover from roaming
Association: Invisibility, Luck, Love, Death, wealth, Crossing, Hexing

Mummified Cat

Gender: Feminine
Planet: Moon
Zodiac: Virgo
Element: Fire
Stone: cats eye
Tarot: queen of wands
Healing attributes: None
Usage: sealed into the wall of a house for luck and protection
Association: Luck, Protection, Justice, Power, wealth 

Alligator tooth

Gender: masculine
Planet: Saturn
Zodiac: Capricorn
Element: water, Earth
Usage: win at gambling, throwing kit, mojo bag, offering, luck charm, spell bottle
Association: luck, ancient power, instinct, strength, stealth, protection, duality, fertility 

a Feast Fit For the dead

Recipes for the festival of the dead 

Used for offerings, magic or just plain feasting.

Common food item's: Rosemary, Turkey, Apples, Thyme, Cape goosebarries, Sage, Cilantro, Carrots, Parsley, Coriander, Chicken, peppermint, Beetroot, Chillies and peppers, Cranberries, Grapes, Pears, Duck, Plums, Pumpkins, Goose, Winter Squash, Raspberries, Spinach, Strawberries, Sweet potatoes, Salt, Turnips, Tomatoes, Cinnamon, Deer, Possum

Soul Cake

Left for the Spirits as a offering

1 stick of butter, softened
½ teaspoon Rosemary
1/2 teaspoon sage
Pitch of salt
1 1/2 C flour

Cream salt and butter in a bowl and use a sifter to add flower and mix until it's smooth. Add rosmary and sage. Divide the dough into two parts, and shape each half into a flat circle about half an inch thick. Put them on an ungreased baking sheet and poke lines with the tines of a fork, making eight separate wedges in each cake. Bake for 25 minutes or until light brown at 350 degrees

Fairy Cakes

 left in gardens or thicket's for elemental spirits.

• 2/3 cup flour 
• 1/2 teaspoon of poppy seeds
• 1/8 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg 
• 1/8 teaspoon of salt
•  2 tablespoons of fine brown sugar 
• 1/2 Cups of sweet Muscato wine
• 1 large egg
• Honey

Sunflower or Canola oil for frying

Mix together flour, poppy, cinnamon, sugar and salt and in a separate larger bowl Mix the egg and Muscato wine together. Stir dry ingredients into the mixed egg and Muscato let stand for 1/2 hour.
Combine nutmeg and honey in a small bowl then heat some oil in a frying pan (1/2 inch in the bottom) until it's hot. Drop the batter into the oil one generous spoonful each time and fry until gold. Place on paper towels to drain and then drizzle honey mix on.

Great Aunt Gladys Amazing Pumpkin bread

3 1/3 cups flour

3 cups sugar

1 Teaspoon Cinnamon

1 Teaspoon Nutmeg

Pinch powdered Cloves

1 1/2 Teaspoons Salt

2 Teaspoons Baking powder

4 Eggs 

1 cup Vegetable oil 

2/3 cup Water (Moon water or Solar water)

1 15 oz Can of Pumpkin 

Or you can roast or boil fresh pumpkin 15 oz

1 cup walnuts or Pecans (optional)

Beat eggs and pumpkin then add oil and water In another bowl. Mix dry ingredients, flour, sugar, salt and spices.gradually add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients.Mix and pour into greased loaf pans (pound cake size)Preheated oven at 350 for 1 hour.

Yields 2 -3 breads 

Witch cakes

(Definitely not for human consumption) but is a old throw back to the story of  Tituba, the slave in Salem Massachusetts that preformed the practice of making a cake out of the afflicted's Urine to feed to a dog which in turn would point out the witch who afflicts them. 

1 cup sifted rye flour 
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
1/4 tsp saltPinch 
Few drops of the afflicted's Urine  (optional)
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for greasing 2 sticks 
5 large eggs separated and at room temperature 



Preheat oven to 325°F. Butter a 9x5 inch loaf pan and line the bottom with parchment. Sift flour before measuring, then sift together into a bowl with cream of tartar and salt then Set aside.

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter on medium speed until smooth and glossy. Add egg yolks one at a time, waiting until completely incorporated before adding the next. Turn mixer to the lowest speed and slowly add flour mixing until just incorporated. (Add the optional drops of urine.) Transfer batter to a bowl and clean mixer bowl thoroughly. Whip egg whites on high until they hold stiff but shiny peaks. Working with about 1/4 of the egg whites at a time, fold into batter until no streaks remain. Fill prepared loaf pan and bake for about 60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Remembrance Cookies

Cookies that are left for your ancestors  Sometimes shaped as people.

1 1/2 c. powdered sugar 
1 c. butter (softened) 
1 egg 
2 t. vanilla 
1 t. almond extract 
2 1/2 c. all purpose flour 
1 t. baking soda 
1 t. cream of tartar 
1 1/2 T. chopped rosemary 


Heat oven 375 degrees. In a large bowl, beat sugar, butter, egg, vanilla, almond extract, and rosemary until creamy. In a separate bowl, sift flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Fold flour mixture into sugar mixture. Beat until dough forms and refrigerate for three hours. Divide dough into halves. Roll out one portion to 3/16 of an inch on a floured surface. Cut out with gingerbread women or men cutters and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Repeat rolling and cutting with second portion. Bake for 5-7 minutes.

Simple Shortbread Soul Cakes

 Left for the Spirits as a offering 

1 stick of butter, softened
4 Tbs sugar
1 1/2 C flour

Cream together the butter and sugar. Use a flour sifter to add the flour to the bowl, and mix until it's smooth. Divide the dough into two parts, and shape each half into a flat circle about half an inch thick. Put them on an ungreased baking sheet and poke lines with the tines of a fork, making eight separate wedges in each cake. Bake for 25 minutes or until light brown at 350 degrees

Bearing Light

February 1st - February 27th

 Generally started based on cycles of herd animals and specific patterns of weather to be more exact you could begin when the sun is 15 degrees of Aquarius. This holiday has a little bit to do with the procreation of life from the dead of winter.  Through this month winter and spring seem to almost be fighting in some cases. The length of night decreases as we shift from darkness to light, this sabbath is not associated with the element fire but pure light like a glow.

 Common Practices 

This is a time of Purification of the body, home and Altar, Spring cleaning and sweeping things out the front door to let in luck leave open the back door, great time to use floor washes and do ritual baths in either natural springs or in the comfort of your home or cleansing things or yourself in running water. On a night between January 31st to 20th Your clothing may be hung outside to collect the healing dew of the season. Each garment you lay out will heal according to its attributes here. The hat will heal the mind and ease negative thoughts and opinions and improve confidence. A shirt will improve luck and self image. Pants will give you strength, endurance and good fortune. Some socks will give you protection and good travels. some underwear will bring you love, increased sexuality and performance. These are regardless of gender and it would be a good idea to put out your ritual clothes also. Self reflection, collecting Moon water, collecting Solar water, Making blessed water, Starting healthy diets, Light candles (ritual candles, 7 day magic candles, incense) Divination especially Aeromancy and Hydromancy. Fine weather on the 1st or second of February means more winter ahead usually. Feasting, Brewing potions, Blood magic, Preparing the garden, great time for water offerings, swimming, Sailing or boating, Fishing, shapeshifting rituals or spells, carving stone or wood, pottery, Rock stacking rituals, smithing, visiting natural bodies of water, spending time in the rain, Fertility and healing rituals.

Decorations 

The moon, candles, fountains, hearts and blood, wreaths, Silver, clay, glass water jugs, bowls and cups, mirrors, shells, fish, stone carvings or monoliths, snowflakes and melting snow. Wolves usually symbolize loyalty but they also represent creation, Death, Rebirth and chaos similar to what many cultures describe as the primordial "waters" of the cosmos which life was born. They also share a lot of our personality and ritual, werewolves are symbolic of change from the darkness in the light of the moon they represent Lust, Sexual deviance and the internal struggle of nature and what makes us unique from it. During this time ancient people would hold rituals to prevent young people from turning into what would be considered a werewolf it also was partly a fertility rite, Depictions of dragons in reference to the Sea serpent leviathan. Dragon's are symbolic of mystery, tradition, mastery, the elements, secrets and much more. Baphomet and Goats while Baphomet is a little more complex symbol both represent fertility and goats were popular symbols to ancient people during this time they symbolize virility, lust, abundance, harmony, wealth also patsy. 

Correspondence 

Demons: Leviathan, Asmodeus
Elements: Water
Planets: Uranus
Animals: Wolf, Dragon, Goat, lamb, fish, Ewe, Robin, Owl, Bees, Cardinal
Herbs: Rosemary, Olive, Black Thorne, Bay leaf laurel, Moss, Angelica, Basil, Black Berry, Chamomile, Heather, Rowan, Dill, Myrrh, willow, jasmine, Frankincense, wisteria, Carnation, Clover, Crocus, camellia, holly fern, leeks, kale, benzoin, coltsfoot, Iris, Apple, Dandelion, Lavender, Snow drops, Violet, Red clover, Hellbore, birch, Magnolia
Metals: Silver
Stones: Bloodstone, Ruby, Turquoise, Garnet, Moon stone, Camelian, Chrysocolla, pearl, coral
Colors: Black, Blue, White, Silver, red
Zodiac: Aquarius or eventually Capricorn due to the shifting of space.
Association: Change, Lust, Love, fertility, creation, Rebirth, Chaos, Darkness, Light, Sexual deviance, Struggle, strength, Creativity and artistry, rain, springs, fog, lakes, rivers and streams, healing, purification 

The feast

Oranges, biscuits, pancakes, crepes, sun themed cookies, lamb, beef, tomato, red onion, Purple kohlrabi, green cabbage, romaine, bay leaf, Rosemary, mint, sage, olives, Turkey, chicken, duck, goose, soups, teas

The laws of witchcraft

The Laws of witchcraft

Law of Contagion 

Once two or more people or objects have been in contact with each other a magical link is created between them until a formal cleansing, consecration, exorcism or act of banishment breaks the non material bond.

Law of Sympathy 

Things which are similar or treated the same establish a sympathetic link and can affect each other.

law of Correspondence 

Things look like what they are. "As above so below and all are the same but opposite."

Law of Equivalent Exchange 

Everything has a price. Everything anyone does will be paid for even if they are not aware of it. And you can't gain anything without first giving something. If you give the seed you will get the harvest but if you roast the seeds and eat them you will get nothing.

Law of Reversal 

What ever magic does magic can undo.

The Law of Balance 

In the end everything balances out.

Law of backlash 

(Related to a working of the harmful sort)

If the caster fails to do a spell right thier intention or worse may come back at them.

Law of karma 

You create harm where none existed you get harm back where none existed although Karma is not always instant and might be deflected.

Law of choice 

You do not owe anyone anything it is ultimately your choice to do a working in someone's favor  whether you like it or not.

Law of Truths 

There is no absolute truth for everything. 

There are many more rules and laws of magic but this specific few I only pay heavy amount of attention too but if you would like further reading of more I suggest this link right here

laws of magic

About Grimoires

What is a grimoire?

A grimoire is a textbook of spells and incantations that detail ways to summon entities, make magical objects and preform rituals etc... They are usually intended for others to read but not always. You can make as many Grimoires as you want and decide if you want them to be public knowledge or not. Choose wisely private Grimoires will be burned or buried with the maker when said person has died to keep knowledge that the writer has discovered lost forever or just hidden until further notice similar to a time capsule.

I do encourage you to read the whole wiki article.

Reference:

“Grimoire.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 24 June 2019, en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grimoire.

Why do you need a Grimoire?

Almost  all Satanist that practice any form of magic will have a grimoire.  They are tools for you to record the omens you see in day to day life to reflect back on them later, write down methods and correspondences that will help make your craft stronger and your own rituals, spells and remedies with how strong or effective they were.  I like call these the black Grimoire's. You may wonder why does it have to be black?  Well.... technically it doesn't it could be whatever color you resonate with or represents your work such as if you were only doing magic influenced by nature and the natural world you might want a green one and that's ok. But there is a specific reason we use black.

In nature there is this subtle duality like dark and light. The color Black is an extremely ancient color in fact it was the first color ever used in art by primitive people's etching on cave walls with ash and charcoal from a fire 12,000 years ago.  It is a formal and mysterious color associated with the Earth, night-time and femininity.  It is important to know black is not a bad color the idea of black being evil or unlucky came way later by shepherds who placed less value on black sheep because of their wool could not be dyed Black sheep being rare and undesirable were considered a bad omen.

So in conclusion the true nature of the color is neutral, absolute, ancient and largely misunderstood.  Our black books represent the divergent, the Earth and female energy on the outside and its masculine white solar energy on the inside as both work together to hold your most sacred incantations.

References: “Black.” Wikipedia, en.m.Wikipedia.org/wiki/black

Time of the dead

October 24th - October 31st

 When the Sun enters Scorpio on October 24th is when I consider the beginning of the holiday ending on 31st. Scorpio is the one zodiac that death is mostly associated which marks the beginning of death of the old year. At this time the vail is thinner and makes it easier for communication. You will have a strong connection to the other worlds that is connected to thousands of different spirits and entities but remember festival of the dead is that for the dead more specifically your relatives, pets and friends who have past.  It is also a special time unofficially associated with LGBTQ+.

Common Practices

Set out food offerings for the wandering souls near leave offerings on graves of those close to you even pets or around and in the home. Bonfires, guising, divination And any party games, romantic gestures. Self expression, Art necromancy, Osteomancy, Shapeshifting, ghost photography, Ghost "hunting". Curses, The direction west is important because west is the point that the sun dies (sets) and brings night until it is born again in the East.

Decoration’s

depicting devils or such is frowned upon unless it is the symbol of Baphomet not saying you can’t do that but a majority of religious Satanist find it a little disrespectful because to be honest a red and horned man is a Christian device to induce fear of "sin".  The regular is skulls of all sorts, skeletons, ghosts, black and white shrouds hang them on tree branches and furniture, Mirrors, Tomb stones, black and white candles, Jack o lanterns, harvest things like wheat, Indian corn, gourds, associated animals, Rosmary branches, marigolds, apples and branches, lavender,  Rowan. So really all the usual Halloween decor is normal for the most part just remember it’s a time for the dead and harvest. Don't be afraid to get creative.  

Correspondences 

Demons: Babeal, Baalberith, Eurynomous
Elements: Earth, Air
Planets: Saturn
Animals: Crow, Raven, Bat, Possum, black cat, spider, scorpion, Rat

Herbs: lavender, marigold, Apple, Rosemary, Rowan, Mugwort, Wormwood, Yew, Mandrake, deadly nightshade
Metals: Mercury, Silver, Lead
Stones: Bloodstone, Onyx, Smoky Quartz, Obsidian, Labradorite,
Colors: Black, Red, white
Zodiac: Scorpio
Association: Death, Change, mourning, coming winter, end of the year, Ancestors, communication, Guidance, afterlife, the void, darkness, Emptiness, Earthly world, crossroad, Transformation, hunger, Magic, creativity, Self Defense

Real Meaning of Halloween

If you don't understand so far what the real meaning is then here it is spelled out… Halloween or in our case "time of death" is in no way about fear… In Satanism we do not fear and we are not here for people to fear us. Fear is a tool that been used for a long time to hide, convince and direct people into doing something they have no reason to do. By all means go to “haunted” houses (or real ones if you like) let your kids trick or treat but just know it's not really about fear that came later of course you still had people back then in fear of evil spirits and such but that didn’t make Samhain a time of fear. It is the time of death don’t be afraid of death it's not a loss but more like a transition.

Harvest  Season Observances

The point between the autumn equinox and winter solstice The sun enters Scorpio on Oct 24th. The scorpion is One of the few animals that represent or symbolise Azazel also is more associated with death than any other sign. Look to the South horizon and find the constellation Phoenix raising. The bright star Fomalhaut from the constellation Piscis Austrinus Will guide you Folmalhaut will be above and to the right of the Phoenix wings. The Phoenix you probably know is a symbol of rebirth,reincarnation,immortality. The mythical creature’s old body explodes in a violent flame and out of the ashes the Phoenix is born again it’s a very powerful symbol of the season you can apply it to how the old year is becoming cold and dying to than once again be born in the spring not only is the festival of the Dead about death it’s also about rebirth

winter solstice

December 21st - January 1st

Winter solstice is the darkest night in the year, The sun stays still not moving toward or away from either of the earth's poles for two days. The Ancients during this time would consider it dead. This holiday symbolizes the decomposition process of the old year that died October 31st and the yearning for rebirth. Like October this month is still very deeply connected to spirits of the dead and other worlds and it is a great time for connection with them.

Common Practices 

One of the most powerful traditions of winter solstice would be doing acts or rituals that showcase the death of the season or birth of the new one. The burning of Yule log in the ashes of the old Is what I do because it is a part of my ancestral culture but anyone can do this. You can think of the log representing the year your currently in and you burn it in the ashes of last years log symbolizing the death and rebirth, while also providing warmth in the winter.  Of course today not a lot of people have fireplaces or any kind of fire pit so it is completely ok to have a decorated tree or have a log of cedar, pine, fir etc. and have three white Brown or green candles on it and burn them every year this way you don't destroy the log and you can decorate it also every year it will look different due to the melting wax. Other traditions That I practice are the hiding of the yule goat or wassailing, But It is very important to find your own tradition and to know why you do it and the history of, if it's something already established and if it's really appropriate.

 Decorations 

Green, White, Brown candles which are also Belials color correspondences Buy Fir tree or spruce (optional) Mistletoe hung over door ways. Deer are a representation of nature the earth and Furfur also their antlers are objects of sexual attraction and war similarly going through a bloody cycle of rebirth, anything natural and relating to winter Pine garlands, Holly, Ivy leaves and Cloved oranges. Things that could represent the Sun, moon or the Dark of night.

Correspondences 

Demons: Satan, Furfur, Belial

Elements: Earth, Fire

Planets: Saturn, Sun, Moon

Animals: Goat, Hart 

Herbs: Pine, Cedar, Fir, Red Cedar, Yew, Holly, Oak, Ivy, Elderberry, Cypress, Yaupon, Dogwood, Sandalwood, Vanilla, Clove Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Allspice, Frankincense, Myrrh, Ginger, Oats, Orange, Apple, Cranberry, Peppermint, Birch, Witch hazel, Mistletoe, Comfrey, Poinsettia, Chestnut, Pecan, Walnut 

Metals: Gold, Silver 

Stones: Clear quartz, snowflake Obsidian, Ruby, Garnet, Snow quartz, Blue calcite, Moss Agate, Emerald 

Colors: Black, Red, Green, White, Brown, Silver, Gold

Zodiac: Capricorn 

Association: Decay, Cold, Survival, Change, Darkness, baring no fruit, Family, Returning light, Yearning for Birth, Hope, Prosperity, Wealth, Giving, Warmth, Storage, Barren, hibernation, Starvation, Peace, kindness, Home, Comfort, Drinking, Spirits

Winter Observances 

During the 23rd the sun is directly over the tropic of Capricorn. Celebrating the return of light. Stars during the winter solstice are brighter you can Observe Orion, Taurus and many more.

The Feast

In 1644 Oliver Cromwell banned pie, calling it a pagan pleasure, he was most definitely right here are some of the many different pies that can be served on this sabbath

Mixed fruit pie, Cherry pie, Apple pie, Pumpkin pie, Pumpkin pie with pumkin crust, Pecan pie, Pork pie, Rye crust and goat cheese honey pie, Chicken pie, Cranberry pie, Black berry pie

Other foods include
Sweet potato casserole, Gingerbread, Biscuits, Dried fruits, Seeds and Nuts, Chicken, Beef, Ham Oranges, Apples, Celtic yule cakes, Fried honey cakes, Lemon poppy seed melts, Regular and Spicy Peanut brittle, Stuffing, Apple crisp with oats, Oatmeal, Taco soup, Pork roast, Snickerdoodle pinwheels, Sun king soup, Elderberry jam, mixed Wheat loaf, Wassail, Gin, Ginger Ale, Root beer, Cider, Peppermint tea, Corn, Peppermint jam, Peppermint bark, Black drink, Chamomile tea, Pine nettle syrup, Egg nog