All posts by Kardia

Benefits & Challenges of Casting Spells

Pros & Cons Article from January 2022 Inner Circle Newsletter

Open Spell Book and Candles
Are You Ready to Cast a Spell?

Spells can work magic in your life but there can be challenges too. Below is a quick overview of some of the benefits and challenges you may experience when doing spellwork. The benefits are listed first, followed by common challenges. As you overcome the challenges the benefits will begin to flow into your life automatically!

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Messages from Animals

Communicating with animals in the yard.

The Goddess speaks to us through the natural world. Sometimes it is through the elements and other times it is through the plants and animals around us. To understand the messages that animals bring us, it helps to know a little about the messenger. Learning about the animal you encounter will make it easier to pick up on their message.

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Can I Substitute An Ingredient In a Spell?

A spell is basically a set of directions with a list of ingredients for making or preparing something, It can also be described as a formula or procedure for doing or attaining something. Actually, those are Miriam Webster’s definitions for a recipe, and that’s exactly what a spell is.

When it comes to cooking those who are just learning tend to follow a recipe to the letter. On the other hand, a more experienced cook does not hesitate to exchange, add or remove ingredients based on their personal preferences. I swear my sister has the ability to take a recipe, substitute half the ingredients and end up with something even more delicious than what the original cook made. Most spells can be modified with similar results.

NOTE:  The exception to this would be herbal and plant-based ingredients used for health or healing spells. When you are consuming or using products on your skin it’s best to rely on the knowledge and experience of medical professionals or experienced practitioners.

If you don’t have an ingredient and are not sure what to substitute, simply leave it out. I frequently leave out an herb from a spell or cooking recipe if I don’t care for the taste. When you are just starting out, stick with spells that require fewer ingredients and steps.  As you learn which ingredients and tools you prefer, you can begin to modify your spells with confidence.

Magic can be as simple as rubbing scented oil on a colored candle, setting it in a holder and lighting it as you visualize your magical need. Or it can be more complex, involving several candles, multiple herbs, oils, incense, ritual clothing, chants and more. If you attempt a spell that is too complicated for your skill level, you risk sending out a confused or unclear message to the Universe. Keeping your message clear is vital. The details are up to you. Just enjoy yourself and keep that positive energy flowing!

Lore and Activities for Imbolc & Lammas

NOTE: Imbolc activities are listed first, followed by Lammas

If you live in the northern hemisphere you may be planning to celebrate the upcoming Imbolc sabbat.   Imbolc is a Gaelic festival that is held about halfway between the winter solstice and spring equinox.  It marks the center point of the dark half of the year when the cold weather begins to release its grip on the land and the warmer spring temperatures are just around the corner.   

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What to Write in Your BOS

What is a BOS? A Book of Shadows contains the specific beliefs of an individual or group of individuals who practice the traditions of Wicca or Witchcraft.. Today some choose to purchase a Book of Shadows written by another practitioner, and simply follow the author’s instructions for circle casting, the consecration of tools, religious rituals, coven organization, initiation ceremonies and more. This article is for those who prefer to create their own Book of Shadows and keep the contents private.

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