Summer Solstice

June 20th - 21st

The summer Solstice is considered the peak of light when the sun is at it's highest point in the sky and a day with the longest period of sunlight. It is important in many cultures around the world and is considered the middle of summer.

Common practices 

This is a time for intense magick work and love spells and charms done on the solstice is said to be most powerful. Herbs collected at midnight on the Eve of the solstice are said to be the most potent. Cleansing things by waving a torch of fire over themselves, cattle and crops is done. People burn the wreaths they made in may, create stone circles around thier sacred place outside and have bonfires to energize the sun. Ashes of a summer solstice fire is said to be lucky. If you can find a fern flower on solstice night at 12:00 its said you can become omniscient. Besoms of oak and birch are commonly made around this time. Healing and self care is at its strongest also spells involving love and relationships. Cleanse the home and properties with Vervain.

Decorations

Oak wreaths symbolize Wisdom, strength and longevity. It offers protection while the tree itself has medical benefits, best collected at night. Birch symbolizes fertility, newbegings, renewal and purification. It also offers protection and exorcism for unwanted spirits while also in some cases Summoning them. Ferns are said to give one second sight, they also symbolize eternal youth. The sun the symbol of summer, strength, life. Dragons a creature of tradition and honour. they also are rulers of the elements and most magic practices. Dragons symbolize fortune, development, authority and primordial nature. Any plants with medical properties are good decor and can lighten the energy of the home. Vervain a flower of both love and medical use would be great for a centerpiece it also has the power to lift curses. Rue despite its poisonous attributes it keeps malevolent spirits away and protects from plague and parasites. Fire a symbol of destruction and creativity candles, sculptures or any manner of depictions are accepted. Klamath weed is a extremely powerful medical herb that is commonly hung near religious depictions and made into wreaths it protects from malevolent spirits. Rowan used for protection and metal diving it is used to also decorate the home or fill the air with its scent as incense.

Observances

In the northern hemisphere the brightest star in the sky Sirius is in view marking a period of really hot weather.

Feast

(Under construction)

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.

Spring Equinox

March 18th - 23rd

 ( or whatever day the Equinox falls on for you)

Spring equinox is when the sun is directly over the equator and night and day are equal.  The Spring Equinox is all about Resurection from the dead of winter, Duality of nature is strong at this time. This also is the point were Satanism and most occult practices lose some of thier dark and gloomy aesthetic to a point. This is a powerful day for there is only two equinoxes in the year, but not as powerful as the solstice in my opinion.

Common Practices 

Spring is a great time to start major workings, Work on your new Garden if you sprouted seeds in February, Clean the home and altar space  physically and spiritually, lovely time for relationship's and life long commitment, handfasting, Earth or Air meditations, Feasting, looking for a Job, foraging, growth rituals, love spells, egg painting, star gazing or Sun rise/set Observances, Oomancy, bake buns, Burn effigies.

Decorations

Painted blow out Eggs Are done in many different cultures including ancient Egypt they represent the cosmos, Goats are a symbol of lusts and fertility, Rams are symbols of renewal and fertility. The shape of their head are reminiscent of the female reproductive system while also being a highly masculine symbol it also has feminine energy within. Rabbit pelts or feet are nice things to have they are the most well known signs of fertility to common folk simply because of their nature to reproduce quick like many other rodents, Snakes which are dormant for most of the winter come out around this time to bask in the warmth, Black, White, Silver, Gold candles, depictions of the sun and moon, Chicken feathers, Chickens, Ouroboros another serpentine symbol represents change and the cycle of death and birth, Orphic Egg or World eggs, Bird nests

Correspondence 

Demons:
Elements: Earth, Air
Planets: Sun
Animals: Snakes, Chicks, Goats, Rams, rabbits, hens, lambs
Herbs: Dandelion, Daffodil, Violet, Bee balm, peonie, dog wood, Crocus, Lemon balm, Red bud, Tulip, Primrose, Iris, Grape hyacinth, Rose, Mint, Lambs quarters, Chick weed, Dead nettle
Stones: Moonstone, Aquamarine
Colors: White, Black, Blue, green, pink, Brown, yellow
Zodiac: Aires
Association: Cleansing, manual labor, planting, growth, relationships, bonds, Artistry, Creativity

Observances 

Sun sets true west around the time of the Equinoxes. Around spring time if you look at the full moon you might see the grey spots on it that might resemble a rabbit, Also the first full Moon of March is also a very special day, It is commonly referred to as the Worm moon and usually on that night you can see the shiney skin of worms crawling out of the ground under the moonlight, might even hear them too.

Feast

Deviled Eggs, Hard boiled Eggs, Lamb, Root beer, Rabbit, Oranges, lemons, Osage Tea, Chicken

Spiritual Baths and Ritualistic Bathing

 Healing bath, 1548. Credit: Wellcome Collection. CC BY

       Ritualistic Bathing is a religious or sometimes magic ceremony involving the element water to anoint or purify one's body and mind.  This has played a part in almost all cultures and religion's and is a very old practice helping fight the spread of diseases before germ theory was even established. In Greek mythology specific natural springs were said to be blessed by the god's to cure disease so they built bathing facilities. Legend in Egypt says that Cleopatra would bathe in donkey milk and honey for her complexion, also Ancient Egyptians would utilize salt from the Dead sea to exfoliate their skin. Both Egyptians and Greeks used the healing properties of Rose water.

Man and woman feasting and tippling in a bath. Credit: Wellcome Collection. CC BY

        In modern times The most common spiritual baths today are seemingly from Hoodoo and Rootwork almost all contain hyssop possibly because of Psalm 51:7 So it has become somewhat Christianized in nature regardless it can still be left out or reworked to fit different pantheon's and cultures for the most part no one seems to know when the modern practice of spiritual baths started with some hinting toward the late 60s - 70s it is no doubt more hoodoo in nature then Egyptian or Roman obviously but it could draw inspiration from that.  Spiritual baths today are done in the comfort of our own home with effortless running water unlike using natural Spring or filling a Iron tub also it is no longer only a thing of royalty because of ingredients like fresh milk, Epsom salt and Rose water being easier to obtain then having to seek a far traveling merchant, Mine or make.

Herbal Love Bath by h.herbal.healing on instagram.com

         Usually spiritual baths cooked with herbs can have a unsightly Tea like color like greyish white, Reddish brown, Gold, Green and dark brown depending on the ingredients used. To make the environment more bright people tend to add dyes and fresh ingredients particularly Flowers which has brought an all new thing people like to call Bath art if you don't wish to do this For whatever reason is perfectly fine.  People use spiritual baths for all kinds of things like money drawing, beauty, cleansing of negative energy, love, empowering the body and much more partaking in this ancient cleansing by the element of water certainly isn't something to miss out on.

Sources

“Wellcome Collection.” Wellcome Collection, 2019, wellcomecollection.org/works/hcyxfsj8. Accessed 20 Jan. 2020.


Contributors to Wikimedia projects. “Milk Bath.” Wikipedia.Org, Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., 3 Apr. 2006, en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milk_bath. Accessed 20 Jan. 2020.


“Ritual Bath | Britannica.” Encyclopædia Britannica, 2020, www.britannica.com/topic/ritual-bath. Accessed 20 Jan. 2020.


---. “Salt Extracted from the Dead Sea.” Wikipedia.Org, Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., 20 Feb. 2008, en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_Sea_salt. Accessed 20 Jan. 2020.


---. Wellcome Collection, 2019, wellcomecollection.org/works/zss5324h. Accessed 20 Jan. 2020.


Coughlin, Sara. “Hear Us Out: Bath Recipes Could Change Your Life.” Google.Com, Refinery29, 9 June 2017, www.google.com/amp/s/www.refinery29.com/amp/en-us/spiritual-cleansing-bath-salt-recipe. Accessed 20 Jan. 2020.


Contributors to Wikimedia projects. “Book of Psalms, Chapter 51.” Wikipedia.Org, Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., 2005, en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psalm_51. Accessed 20 Jan. 2020.


---. “Flavoured Water Made by Steeping Rose Petals in Water.” Wikipedia.Org, Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., 2 Aug. 2002, en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose_water. Accessed 20 Jan. 2020.

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