Keats described each season in his poetic works, referring to winter as a time of "pale misfeature," which refers to winter as a time of death or old age. It is often used in poetry as a metaphor to describe the deterioration that comes at the end of life, which is exactly what winter is. As the sun begins to fade in the sky and darkness strengthens its hold, the temperatures cool, the plants die or go dormant, and many animals hunker down, hiding from sight. To the untrained eye, it appears we are surrounded by death, but hiding under the mask is a sea of life resting and waiting to be rebo ..read more

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Gender: Masculine Planet: Mercury Element: Fire Powers: Lust, Love, Money, Protection Magical Uses and History: Sometimes referred to as "the magician's herb," dill has long been used in magic for a variety of purposes, most often protection. Its speculated its protective properties are due to its strong smell. In Ancient Rome, gladiators would sometimes rub dill over their bodies prior to engaging in mortal combat to ensure the user would make it out alive. It was also often added to their food to inspire courage and valor, as well as for protection against bodil ..read more

We continue our runic study journey today by looking at Algiz (AHL-geez), the Elk rune. Algiz is the rune of protection, independence, and courage, characteristics I think we could all use right now in times of trial and turmoil. As someone deeply involved with spiritual activities, Algiz is a favorite of mine, often gracing my spells and altars for its magical properties. As done in my previous article on Jera, today's post will include a deep dive into the runic poems, Algiz's cultural significance, its correspondences, how to work with it, its meaning in a spread, and its rela ..read more

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. It's been a while since I read an occult book! Lately, I have been focusing on reading fiction as a way to help dissociate from reality. Don't get me wrong, I am still doing the work, but we all need a break and to take time for self-care. Reading is one of the ways I do that. Despite focusing mostly on fiction lately, I finally got around to reading Becomin ..read more

Gender: Masculine Planet: Jupiter Element: Air Powers: Courage, Joy, Happiness, Protection Magical Uses and History: Often referred to as starflower for its bright blue, star-shaped flowers, borage is often viewed as the flower of courage and happiness. Where exactly it gets its name is up for debate, but some suggest it comes from the Celtic borrach meaning "courage" or possibly from the Latin borra meaning "rough-hairy."  While absent from most classical and modern pharmacognosy, borage does appear in some ancient writings from Greece, particularly D ..read more

I don't know about you, but I am feeling very defeated, sacred, and otherwise just not great. Everything just feels...off. I know I am not alone in this feeling, but seeing and hearing from others who feel the same way as I do has been comforting but also stressful. While I do not consider myself to be an empath (in fact, I have some pretty harsh opinions about the whole idea of being an empath) I do feel a weight on my shoulders when exposed to others who are also struggling. There is a palpable thickness of emotion in the air. Because of this, I know it's the perfect time for some energy s ..read more

Winter Nights begins on the first full moon after the Autumn Equinox and lasts three days during which three blots, or sacrifices occurred: Alfablót, Disablót, and Haustblót. Alfablót and Disablót were believed to be celebrated more privately while Haustblót was a community event. There is some suggestion that Disablót was also celebrated publically, and in some parts of the world, it still is. I, however, have chosen to make this a private celebration. Alfablót and Disablót are both celebrations of our ancestors, local spirits, and deities, each focusing on a different group. Alfablót cele ..read more

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