Hexennacht

 

April 30th - May 1st

    Hexennacht or witches night Begins at sundown of April 30th to sundown of may 1st.  This Sabbath occurs opposite of The festival of the Dead which is a  festival of reaping this holiday is a festival of Growing but while it is opposite it also shares the same thinning Vail to the spirit world. 

Common Practices 

On this night a bonfire is made of Adler, Ash, Birch, Hawthorne, Hazel, Holly, Oak, Rowen and willow. If one or two of these woods can not be found they can be replaced with Apple, Fir, Grape vine, Sandalwood, juniper or Palo santo they should be placed in a grid pattern criss crossed stacks of threes unless you have bought a "beltane incense mix" you can just burn it in a bowl or Calderon.  Black masses are performed at night, Acts of  Blasphemy, walking the boundaries of ones property, Archery, Sword practice, Dancing, Feasting, Drinking, Orgies, Pyromancy, Protection spells, Fire meditations, gardening, Love spells and potions are said to be powerful on this night, beauty spells, Fire cleansing, Tanning, Shapeshifting, Dream work, collecting dew on May first for beauty potions, Divination.

Decorations 

The Bull rules the month of April to May and Symbolise Renewal, Wealth, Potency, Modesty being connected to both the sun and moon, Goats, candles, Sun, Besom, Baphomet, Peppers, colored tapestries, Flags or Shrouds, Cherry blossoms, Grain bundles, Black dogs were usually a sign of Satan in medieval times and on this same night many Christians celebrate St. Walpurgis who protects people from Dog bites and general dog related injuries especially while people were busy hunting witches, The black dog as a whole represent change, death Also protection and Guardianship, Fertility and phallic symbolism, Greenery of ash, Hawthorne, Juniper and Alder are hung around the home, Bells and chimes which sound cleanses the atmosphere, Male and female figure which ever you would like to display, Flowers ruled by the sun.

Demons: Baal, Moloch
Elements: Fire
Planets: Venus
Animals: Bull, Goat, Dogs
Herbs: Adler, Ash, Birch, Hawthorne, Hazel, Holly, Oak, Rowan, Willow, Apple, Fir, Grape vine, Juniper, Sandlewood, peppers, Cherry blossom, grains, Primrose, Gorse, Marsh marigolds, iris, Phlox, peonie, grape hyacinth, rhubarb, lemon
Stones: bloodstone, sapphire, Rose quartz, Emerald,
Colors: Black, Red, Gold
Zodiac: Taurus
Association: Witchcraft, Blasphemy, Battle, Sex, Love, Beauty, Divination, Cleansing

 Observances 

The Lyrid Meteor shower happens every April usually between the days of the 16th to 25th, The Sun enters Taurus on April 21st.

Feast

(Under construction)

Four Thieves Vinager

    Four Thieves Vinegar is a concoction of Vinegar and select herbs said to protect from the plague. It use used topically to prevent disease, fleas, ticks, bacteria Or spread in salads and meats to add extra flavor, Kill plaque causing bacteria, boost immune system, Heal your insides. Magically it can protect you from danger, Protection from magical attacks, Drive away enemies, Break up relationships.

  This remedy was used during medieval times to prevent catching the plague.  The story of its discovery is believed to be from four European looters that robbed items from the dead or sick which the public associated them with supernatural powers considering they never died themselves once they were caught they offered their secret recipe for mercy which had kept them from contracting the plague.

Due to this herbal remedy being so old there are several different variations but each are effective as the last. This recipe is to serve as a guideline and you are not limited to other possibilities that are not listed. 

 Pour wine vinegar or White wine Vinegar into a mason jar and add a cup of minced garlic. Then if you want to go with the traditional form of the recipe Choose 4 of the herbs down below  (one for each thief) or you can choose to pick seven which would make Seven thieves vinegar.

Lavender, Rosemary, Peppermint, Sage, Ginger, Black pepper, Oregano, Basil, Fennel, Lemon Balm, Echinacea, Sambucas, Licorice, Astragalus, Ginseng, Dandelion, Coriander, Rue, Thyme, Wormwood

Keep in mind that some of these herbs are not for consumption so if your looking to use it as a meat rub I would do some research on the toxicity of each you choose to use.

Place the jar in a Sunny window for Four days making sure to shake violently at the beginning of each.