Deck published by Rockpool and distributed by Red Wheel/ Weiser. Deck debuts on October 26, 2020 in North America only. Photos republished with permission from Red Wheel/Weiser. To purchase Seasons of the Witch: Samhain Oracle click here. ​

By Amber C. Snider

Sometimes it’s all too easy to blame it on the Moon – or, in this case, the planets. When Mercury appears to begin his backwards journey in the cosmos, witches everywhere begin to tense up and brace themselves for a bit of chaos. It’s time to backup your files, think before signing that big contract, and watch your tongue (aka communication, since Mercury is the messenger god after all). But it doesn’t have to be a “bad” or negative period, rather a time to slow down, take stock, and reflect. 

“Mercury is typically in retrograde three or four times a year, for about three weeks each time. During this period, it’s best to avoid astrologers who talk too much about Mercury retrograde, and also, all those perpetually late people who love to place the blame on this much maligned planet,” says astrologer David Scoroposki. And he would know: He’s been offering astrological readings for over 15 years, including dishing out planetary advice to the “Crowned Heads of Europe."  ​

“Mercury rules communication, technology, transportation, short trips, games, trickery, and places of business such as marketplaces and offices. Mercury retrograde is an excellent time to rework and revisit things, to spruce up a resume or reorganize a crowded space, for example,” Scoroposki continues. So if you’re thinking about revamping your bookshelves, clearing out desk space, going through work inventory, or decluttering your email inbox, now is the time. 

“It’s also time when people show up from the past; and this can obviously be a good or a bad thing,” he says. That’s right, expect old exes to creep up and clamor for your attention, which may or may not be welcomed. Sometimes unexpectedly hearing from someone in your past can be triggering, especially if it opens old wounds that haven’t been fully healed. Mercury retrograde is actually a great time to confront that emotion in order to process it fully. 

It’s like the universe giving you another chance to learn from your past situations, and since you already know that it’s part of this transit, you can have a game plan in place ahead of time. That way, you’re unbothered and chill when you see their name pop up across your phone screen and can decide whether you truly want them in your life or not. 

“Mercury is genderless and both 'good and evil' depending upon the sign in which it resides and the transits it makes—it’s color is the rainbow, or all colors, because Mercury is ever changing," says Scoroposki. "If you must sign an important document during Mercury Retrograde, be sure to ‘read the fine print’ and pay attention to details—you may have to revisit this project soon." 

Scoroposki also recommends watching your travel times and to expect minor delays. “Leave extra time for public transit—and reread emails and written correspondence. Be tactful. Mercury retrograde can work with you if you work with it—it’s a time to revise and reorganize—not to fear or to pander to astrological stereotypes that make excuses for bad behavior." 

Here are 7 witchy tools to help you stay grounded during Mercury Retrograde:

––Take a cleansing sea salt bath. Here are Enchantments' hand-blended options. 

––Burn Motivation oil or incense while you clean up and declutter your space.

––Burn Relaxation oil or incense before bedtime. Meditate on healing, tranquility, and inner peace.

––Add a quick journal exercise to your morning routine. Simply taking 5 minutes a day to log your emotions and track feelings can help offer inner clarity. You can also begin to see patterns emerge over time in order to see where you’re going and what you’d like to change or shift.

––Do a small Uncrossing candle (kit here) to clear out negativity or anything that’s no longer serving your higher power.

––Burn Palo Santo or Frankincense resin in the home to raise your spiritual vibrations. 

––Try a Heart Chakra 7-day candle or Crystal Healing candle to help heal old wounds in regards to love and open up new space for understanding & compassion. 
​
To contact David Scoroposki for a personalized astrological reading, email him at Scoroposki.david@gmail.com.  For more stories on how to clear out negative energy, click here or to learn more about chakra candles, click here. 

By Amber C. Snider​

By Amber C. Snider

​As spiritual beings living in a physical form, maintaining our sense of balance in the midst of all the chaos “out there” (COVID, school, work, finances, politics, fear, anxiety) can feel extra tough. That’s why the ancient Eastern spiritual idea, philosophy, and sacred practice of chakra work can be particularly powerful right now. 

This tradition (or sacred knowledge) was first mentioned over 3500 years ago in the ancient Sanskrit texts known as the Vedas. In the Vedic texts, written between 1500-1200 BCE, the chakra system consists of 7 centers (or layers). There’s a “circular” nature to each chakra and sometimes these energy points can become blocked or stagnant. These physical and spiritual energetic centers are always in spinning motion (think of the spiral) and can be likened to the structure of the universe itself, with it’s planets and galaxies bristling and pulsating with energy. In these first scriptures of Hinduism, the “Chakra is also used to denote the energy centers in the spinal region of the body and the mystic diagrams (yantras) which are used in ritual worship.” In contemporary times, the concept of chakras has continued to evolve to embrace color associations and symbolism, especially in color magick. 
​
The 7 chakras are as follows: 

––The Root Chakra: Associated with the color red and symbolized by a lotus flower. It’s located at the base of the spine/pelvic floor and helps with feeling secure and grounded.

––The Sacral Chakra: Associated with the color orange, it governs our sexual organs, emotional stability, sensuality and creativity.

––The Solar Plexus Chakra: Associated with the color yellow, it’s located in the abdomen and governs our self-confidence, identity, ego.

––The Heart Chakra: Associated with the color green or pink, the Heart Chakra is located in the heart area/chest center and governs our sense of love, compassion, and understanding.

––The Throat Chakra: Associated with the color blue, it’s located in the neck area and governs communication.

––The Third Eye Chakra: Associated with a deep purple color, it’s located on the forehead and governs the all-seeing eye, including inspiration, intuition, and clairvoyant knowledge.

––And finally, the Crown Chakra: Associated with purple or pure white, the Crown Chakra governs spiritual awareness and our connection to the Divine.

By Amber C. Snider

Parents/Teachers/Educators... 
Try a 7-day Success Candle (or the kit here) or the Peace & Protection 7-day candle (or kit here). The Success candle promotes success in all areas, but as with any magick, you have to add/focus on your specific intention. Perhaps you want a successful school year in general, success with navigating virtual learning, or success in overcoming a specific difficulty or new challenge. 

The Peace & Protection 7-day candle (or kit or bath) is great for reigning in a sense of calm during challenging times, as well as preventing physical or psychic attack. But remember folks, magick does not and cannot create some invisible shield to make you invincible from a disease like COVID-19 – so in addition to your spellwork, be smart: keep your hands clean, wear a mask, and practice safe social distancing. It should go without saying, but it's a good reminder. 

For anyone in academia...
Stress Relief & Relaxation Kit can help bring serenity and peace of mind. All Enchantments kits come with two 120 candles (which burn for about 7-12 hours), a dram of oil, and a sample hand-blended incense. You can use the contents of this kit for short ritual and also keep the dram of oil to use (as you would perfume) throughout the month when you need a dose of calm. 

You can also add magickal oils to your daily routine by diffusing them in your work/study space, anointing yourself with them (as you would perfume), or adding a few drops to your bath. Some great ones to try are Concentration oil, High Conquering oil, Crown of Success oil, Jupiter Oil, Motivation Oil, and Star oil. ​

By Carmen Pouerie

Not every situation needs a silver lining. Sometimes the hard truth is required. Realizing that we can get through something and also have a support system that will let you ‘cry it out’ is more healing than just denying or dismissing the reality of a situation. Sometimes it’s okay to vent. It’s okay to not feel light and love and airy and magickal all the time. It’s okay to accept that sometimes you just feel like shit and that’s where you’re at in the moment. It doesn’t make you less spiritual. It doesn’t make you less of a witch or less woke  – it just makes you human. 

Instead, let us validate each other with love and kindness, no matter where we are on our path. Let’s allow ourselves and our loved ones to experience negative thoughts without judgment, without any added guilt or shame. By acknowledging our Shadow self, maybe we can get through the rough patches with new understanding – instead of dismissing it and covering it up. And if we’re truly acknowledging feelings like pain, anger, and fear (and those feelings in others), maybe those issues won’t come back to haunt us later on. ​

For more stories on shadow work, check out this interview with tarot experts Shaheen Miro and Theresa Reed.  

By Amber C. Snider

​As with all candle magick, we recommend taking a sea salt or epsom salt bath before you begin. Then write out a list: "You don’t want to focus on what’s going wrong, you want to focus on how you want it to go. You want to bring in the energy as if there’s nothing in its way,” adds Pouerie. “If money was no object, what would you want? If options and choices and human biology weren’t in the mix, what would you choose?” Same goes for manifesting new love or clearing the way for love. 

Get comfortable, focus on your intention, write out your list (if that’s in your practice), do whatever helps you raise energy (listen to music, dance, sing, pray, etc.), and then light the candle. Leave it burning until the candle is completely finished. If you’re uncomfortable with it burning when you’re not at home, simply put out the flame and refocus on your intention when you relight it again. A 7-day candle burns for (you guessed it) roughly 7 days, while the small kit version burns for 7-12 hours. If the glass gets hot towards the bottom, keep it in a small dish of cool water to prevent cracking. 

Follow-up your Love Uncrossing spell with something empowering, like an Empress candle, Solar Blast candle, Love and Happiness candle, Crystal Healing candle, Bad Ass oil, Self-Love/Empowerment Kit, Love Attraction Kit, or a Sexual Attraction Kit. 

Here are some oils, incense blends, and baths to assist in your Love Uncrossing Spell:

Love Uncrossing incense, bath, and oil: Clears negativity and blocks surrounding love in individuals or in relationships. Works to reveal the truth about a relationship - can clear the way for two people to be together or can indicate that it is time to move on.

Erzuli La Flambeau Oil: Good for love uncrossing

Erzuli Femme Blanche Oil: Invokes the Loa in her purest form to help heal love issues on a higher plane. 

Love Clarity oil: Helps one sort through emotional issues.

Goona Goona oil and incense: Creates an atmosphere of trust & understanding; facilitates communication between people. 

*Descriptions taken from Enchantmentsincnyc.com store here. 

Like what you just read? For more tips on general candle magick, check out this section of the site here.

By Amber C. Snider

Many of you have asked about money spells and ways to draw in more prosperity, especially during the ongoing pandemic. Here are ways to usher in those dollar bills and change your mindset to one of abundance using a touch of money magick.
​

Money Uncrossing Spell
So you wanna do a spell, huh? Okay, well that’s what we’re here for. At Enchantments, we like to remind everyone who comes for candle spells that you already have the power to create and make your own magick – we just give you the tools. But since we can’t remind you of that in-person (for a while, ‘cause...COVID-19 and all), we’ll say it again here. 

Sometimes before we can attract and draw in money, we have to begin with removing financial blocks. You’re probably already familiar with Uncrossing spells from being in the shop and/or the articles you’ve read on here. (Oh, no? Well here ya go.) 

A Money Uncrossing spell serves to remove any blocks in your path and open up the doors to prosperity. Sometimes those doors are already present in your life and they're just waiting for you to acknowledge them, but everything can seem a bit murky and confusing so you're not sure how to go about obtaining it. The result of a Money Uncrossing spell can be as simple as recognizing a few bad habits that you’ve been ignoring (don’t worry, we all have ‘em) or an employment option you never previously considered.

A Money Uncrossing Candle Spell works by releasing old, bad habits that are no longer serving your path to abundance and also collecting debts. Before you light the candle, ask for guidance and clarity on ways to tackle financial problems, collect debts, and clear the way in order to bring in prosperity and steady income. This candle is also good for bringing in money owed and getting a raise – so if that's your intention, go for it! We also recommend following a Money Uncrossing Spell with some kind of attraction/prosperity spell (as with any uncrossing, you want to clear out before you attract in – which we cover in the next tip).  

Here are some tools you can try: Money Uncrossing 7-Day Custom Candle, Money Uncrossing Kit, Lush Life Oil, Jupiter Oil, Horn of Plenty Oil. 

Money Draw Spells
If you don’t feel particularly “blocked” in money, but want to draw it to you, a Money Draw spell is a great choice. You can perform a simple ritual of writing your desired sum of money on a bay leaf and burning it with intention or trying a 7-day custom candle spell. There are several custom candles to help with this, so we’ll cover a few here:

​Money Draw 7-day custom carved candle: To create a flow of abundance. Works well to attract money for specific purposes.

Collect Debts 7-day custom carved candle: Helps you get paid money that you are owed.

Emperor 7-day custom carved candle: Jupiterian in nature, this candle brings recognition, builds confidence and helps to present opportunities. Calls on divine guidance and intervention to lead you in the right direction.

Money Pyramid 7-day custom carved candle: For long-term financial growth. Helps build a solid financial foundation and promotes responsibility and good choices regarding money.

Successful Business 7-day custom carved candle: A prosperity candle for businesses. Also useful for selling real estate.

Fortuna Candle 7-day custom carved candle: Invokes Lady Luck to turn the wheel of fortune in your favor. Brings a whirlwind of luck.

Employment Pyramid Candle: To help in your search for a new job or employment opportunity; can also help to secure a promotion. But remember - you have to go out and actually look for a job.
​
*Descriptions taken from Enchantmentsincnyc.com website here.

Wear oils with intention
Oooo, who doesn’t love our hand-blended oils! You can wear them (as you would perfume), use to anoint candles, add them to baths, bath salts, scrubs, oil diffusers, and more. Here are some oil recommendations to draw in prosperity, money, and financial success:
 
Double Fast Luck Oil: Increases luck in all areas. Also for money drawing.
High Conquering Oil:  (Also known as High John the Conqueror) Attracts luck in all areas, great for building strength and overcoming obstacles.
Horn of Plenty Oil: Brings in wealth and forces a change in luck.
Luck Around Business Oil:  Increases business and draws in new customers to your business.
Oshun Oil: Devotional blend for the Orisha of the river. Attracts beauty, love, luck, prosperity and positive attention. 
Prosperity Oil: Attracts money and success.
Money Draw Oil: Draws in money quickly. Protects against financial losses.
Millionaire’s Dream Oil: Use with money draw to attract wealth.
Shi Shi Oil: Draws wealth and luxury. Overcomes poverty.
Sun Oil: Solar blend for energy, positivity, vitality, inner strength, and self-confidence.

Description of products from store website here. 

Make an intention and then put yourself out there
“Sit down and figure out how much money you actually need. With money magick, the more specific you can be, the better. Figure your budget, what are your expenses, what expenses can you cut and come up with a plan,” says Enchantments’ owner Stacy Rapp. 

Don’t wait for a job to come to you
“The more specific about the job you’re looking for, the better luck you'll have,” adds Rapp. “Also, if you’re trying to figure out the specifics, you’re taking the emotion out of it,” she says. Finance doesn’t have to be “emotional” but rather practical – the more strategic you get in your planning (and magickal workings), the better off you’ll be. 

When you're working an employment spell and manifesting your dream gig, think of the kind of co-workers you want, the work you'd like to be doing, the job title, the desired income, the location, the benefits – get specific! 

Unconscious blocks
“Be aware of panicking about money, which can be the biggest obstacle to bringing it in. A lot of people are stressing about it, but when you’re freaking out about money or jobs, panicking and having anxiety blocks the flow,” says Enchantments’ owner Stacy Rapp. 

Practical...magic?
So you've done your money uncrossing and money draw spells and now what? Now you have to act. Update your Linkedin, let your friends and former colleagues know that you’re on the job market, tweak your CV and resume, contact old professors, bosses, family friends  – literally let the world know you’re ready, willing, and able to share your talents with the world. Magick is about manifesting your intentions and seeing them come into fruition. You can’t expect to do an employment spell and then...not go out and look for a job, right? 

To paraphrase the old humorous cliché/story: An old man prays to God every day, begging “Please, please let me win the lottery!” Every day he prays, begs to win millions, and gets nothing. Finally, after months of prayer, he gets angry and says “God, why haven’t you answered my prayer?” He then hears a loud voice from the heavens: “Maybe it’d help if you bought a lotto ticket first!”

The moral of the story is simple: You can do all the praying, begging, and money magick you want – but if you’re not willing to take action as well, it’s pointless. 

Photos © Victor Castro/ Enchantments

Meditate on wealth
Meditate on what “wealth” to you feels like, what it looks like, and what it means to you. Success comes in all different packages. You can also work with Jupiter and Venus energies to help you achieve your desired goal. “Venus rules the home, but it’s also self-love and abundance,” says Stacy Rapp. So if you’re looking to draw in money for the home, Venus candles and oils, as well as an Emperor candle or Jupiter oil can help. 

Monitor your consumption
That means literally and also figuratively. Yes, you know you can save money by cooking at home, but did you know that you’re “consuming” other things throughout the day that take up your valuable time and energy? Endless scrolling through social media (I know it’s hard, believe me), engaging with negative internet trolls (bye boy, bye), and consuming too much news can drain us of our vital, spiritual energy and lower our vibrations.

Censor your intake, practice daily or weekly spiritual cleansings,  and you’ll see a change in your energetic output. If you already monitor what you put in your body, be strict about what you’re putting in your mind everyday, too. 

Develop a gratitude practice
Sometimes the greatest riches come from the realization that you already are and have enough. It’s more than a shift in perspective, it can completely transform your life to think in terms of gratitude. Simply think about where you were 10 years ago, 5 years ago: Most likely, you’ve grown stronger, wiser, more resilient, and “richer” from the hardships of your past. You may not “be” exactly where you expected to be, but undoubtedly you’ve grown.

Take 5 minutes every day (preferably in the morning) to write down 5 things you’re grateful for. Don’t write down abstract things like “Friends” or “My house” – get super specific. Make it recent (something in the last 48 hours). “I’m grateful I got to walk in the park yesterday and feel the sunshine.” or “I’m grateful for the beautiful fresh vegetables that were in last night’s Thai curry dish.” or “I’m grateful that my friend texted yesterday to ask how I’m doing.” Concentrating on the “little big blessings” can make a huge impact in your life and center your focus to the things that actually count. 

Want more stories on ways to manifest positive energy in your life? Check out our water rituals here. 

By Ana Vice

​Alfalfa (Medicago saliva) 
Alfalfa (aka Buffalo Herb, Lucerne, and Purple Medic) is associated with the planet Venus, earth element, prosperity, money, and luck. Money drawing spells sometimes include alfalfa and it can be kept in the home to protect against poverty and hunger. Some believe scattering the ashes of burnt alfalfa around your home’s property aids in maintaining prosperity and wealth. 

Alfalfa originated from the Middle East and was known as al-fac-facah, which means "Father of all Foods." It contains many vitamins and minerals and was brought from Persia to China by General Chang Chien of the Han dynasty (around 2000 ACE) and called Mu-su in Chinese medicine. It eventually made its way to England and South Africa, where it was called Buffalo Herb. 

Alfalfa is believed to have the spiritual power to bring prosperity, draw money and good fortune in business matters. It is said that alfalfa can bring good luck in gambling, as well. This symbolism may come from its use as a food to keep farm animals fed in times of need. Often found on foothills and mountainous areas, Alfalfa leaf tea is said to improve appetite, alleviate peptic ulcers due to its diuretic properties. 

Witchy Tip: Fill a small mason jar with alfalfa and put it in your kitchen cabinet to welcome prosperity, money, and protect against hunger. Add a bit to a sachet and keep it at your place of business to bring good fortune.

Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum; A. spp.) Poison
Horse Chestnut (aka Buckeye) is linked to the planet Jupiter, fire element, and used for money drawing and healing. It can be carried to ward off aches and pains. If three horse chestnuts are carried at the same time, it’s said they can ward off giddiness. Alternatively, if you wrap a dollar bill around a horse chestnut and put it in a sachet to carry around with you, money will come. Carrying a horse chestnut is thought to bring for success in everything you do.

The horse chestnut tree produces fruit encased in a burr (similar to a chestnut) but the fruit is not edible. The nuts contain aesculin which can be toxic to humans and animals. Native Americans used the horse chestnut's toxic ability to stun fish by grinding it into a powder. 

In England horse chestnuts are called conkers and were used in a game by the same name. Kinger, a version played in parts of North Dakota in the United States, is played with Ohio Buckeye nuts. In America, traditionally, carrying a buckeye brings good luck. 

Witchy Tip: Obtain a Horse Chestnut and polish it. Carry it with you for good luck.
​

By Amber C. Snider

By Ana Vice

Lavender (Lavendula officinale or L. vera) 
Lavender (also known as elf leaf, nard, nardus, and spike) is associated with the planet Mercury and air element. Its spiritual attributes are protection, purification, sleep, chastity, love, happiness, and peace. Lavender is often used in sachets, pillows, baths, soaps, perfume, oils, poppets, and/or added to incense. 

Its fragrant flowers can be put into dresser drawers to scent clothing (especially to attract love) or the flowers can be burned to promote calm and restful sleep. A piece of paper on which you’ve rubbed lavender is excellent for writing love letters. It has also been used as a substitution for rice as wedding confetti. Lavender used to be worn by “ladies of the night” to attract customers and let people know they were available. Despite love associations with lavender, during the Renaissance it was thought that the combination of rosemary and lavender could keep a woman’s chastity. 
​
Ancient Egyptians, Phoenicians and Arabians used lavender as a perfume to attract love, too. While the Egyptians mummified their dead in lavender-dipped shrouds, Cleopatra apparently used lavender in her to seduce her lovers. Some say the energy of this plant is so strong that it can lift melancholy at the mere sight of it and bring in happiness. It’s often used in healing blends and purification baths. Some believe if you carry it with you to a place where there are ghosts or spirits that you’ll have the ability to see them. It can also be protective and ward off the evil eye. 
​
Witchy Tip: Make a small pillow and stuff it with lavender. Place it under your pillow at night. Before falling into a peaceful sleep free of bad dreams make a wish or set an intention for one or more of the following: love, happiness, protection, longevity, or peace. 

Morning Glory (Ipomoea spp.) Poison 
Often associated with the planet Saturn and water element, morning glory (aka bindweed) can promote happiness and peace. Try placing its seeds beneath your pillow or within a sachet to prevent bad dreams. You can make blended oils with it or add essential oil to incense blends and baths. 

Morning glory flowers bloom and die within one day. The Japanese were the first to cultivate morning glory (Asagao) as decorative flowers in the 800s AD. Asa means morning and kao is face, and the flowers were often used at japanese weddings. Most morning glory species bloom in the morning and start curling up a few hours before nighttime. They require full sun exposure and mesic soils to grow well. 

Morning glory flowers have a short lifespan, so sometimes it can be associated with the fleeting nature of love. But since it also gives birth to new flowers in the morning, it can signify the renewable nature of affection. In the Victorian symbolism of flowers, morning glory represents love in vain, and morning glory vines were often placed on headstones to symbolize mourning, a short life span, or even resurrection.

According to the Chinese folklore, the star-shape of the flower signifies the day when the Chinese lovers Chien Niu and Chih Neu are permitted to meet for a single day each year. According to this story, the young boy Chien Niu was given the responsibility to take care of the water buffalos and the girl, Chih Neu, was entrusted with the task of sewing dresses. They fell deeply in love and eventually started ignoring their duties. This angered their God so much that they were separated on opposite sides of a silent river. Only once a year they were allowed to meet. Since the morning glory has such a short lifespan and ephemeral nature, it is befitting to symbolize the short-lived union between these young lovers.

During the Aztec civilization, people utilized the juice of some morning glory species to form a rubber-like substance. They also mixed the seeds with tobacco and insects to slather on their bodies before performing ritualistic human sacrifice in order to dull the pain. It was believed that morning glory would help the victim to travel to the afterlife and be reborn. Aztec shamans are also said to have used the seeds in order to have visions and communicate with their gods.
Morning glories inspired Louisa May Allcott to write Morning Glories and Other Stories and later Georgia O’Keeffe to paint Blue Morning Glories and Ram's Head, Blue Morning Glory in 1938.

Witchy Tip: Make a small pillow out of blue cloth and stuff with morning glories to place under your head or pillow at night to get rid of nightmares and maintain a happy, peaceful slumber. 

​Saffron (Crocus saliva) 
Also known as autumn crocus, krokos, kunkuma (Sanskrit), and saffer (Arabic), saffron is associated with the Sun, the fire element, love, lust, happiness, and strength.

The Phoenecians baked saffron into crescent-shaped cakes, which they ate in honor of the Moon and fertility Goddess, Ashtoreth. Saffron can be added to love sachets, as well as lusty or happiness potions. Saffron crocuses were sometimes worn at the girdle and believed to relieve menstrual cramps, while saffron spice was used medicinally for this very purpose. It was also believed to induce a higher level of sexual potency in men who took saffron. 

According to Greek mythology, Medea apparently used saffron to create the Promethean salve, which she smeared on Jason's body and then prayed to Hekate for her help. It was hoped that this ointment and blessing would render him invulnerable. The Promethean salve contained some of the sacred crocus (saffron). 

A tale of the two lovers Hermes and Krokos is a different origin myth for saffron. Krokos was a mortal and one time, while rough housing together, he was wounded by Hermes. Wherever Krokos’s blood fell, a saffron flower grew there. Another myth tells the story of how the saffron crocus arose from the blood of Prometheus, who was crucified in Caucasus; the toxic autumn crocus (sometimes known as meadow saffron) became known as the Promethean herb. In the East, right down to the present day, saffron robes are associated with dyes used for Buddhist and Hindu garments. Saffron spice is also often used in cuisines around the world, including Spanish paella and East Indian Biryani. 

Witchy Tip: Make a small sachet from golden orange or red fabric and stuff it with saffron. Wear this on your person to attract love and happiness or to heighten lustful feelings between you and your lover.
​
Strawberry (Fragaria vesca) 
Also known as poziomki, tchilek, and jordboer, strawberries are associated with the planet Venus, the water element, love and luck. The delicious berry is considered a “love food” and the leaves can be carried for luck. Some believe that carrying a small packet of strawberry leaves eases pregnancy pains.

Strawberries often appear in European myths and folklore as the fertility and love fruit of various love Goddesses, such as Aphrodite and Freyja. Aphrodite was said to have created the strawberry when she wept heart-shaped tears of sorrow for her love, Adonis (Aphrodite’s mortal lover) after he was run through by a wild boar. 

The strawberry holds both spiritual and medicinal importance to a number of Native American tribes, such as the Pomo, Iroquois, Cherokee, and Navajo. The Native American Pomo tribe of what is now called California had special Strawberry Festivals representing springtime and new life. The Kashaya band of Pomo still holds Strawberry Festivals to this day. Among the Iroquois, strawberries were symbols of blessings and used to give thanks, while the Cherokee associated strawberries with love and happiness. 

One Cherokee story involves the very first strawberry and it goes something like this: At the beginning of time, the very first man and woman set up their home next to a big river as a newly married couple. They had everything they needed for a joyful life and lived very well until their first argument – which began small, but got bigger over time. The man asked why the woman did not cook what he enjoyed to eat. The woman asked him why he had not brought in firewood, and so after a while they began to insult each other and throw things. The woman was so upset she took off towards the rising Sun whilst the man lay sleeping. When the man awoke he noticed the woman was gone and so he found her tracks and followed them. 

The Sun could see what was happening and asked the husband if he was still angry with his wife. He confessed that he was not angry at his wife. Then the Sun asked if he would like to have her back. The man said that he would and so the Sun decided to help him. The Sun’s gentle rays reached the ground along the woman’s path. First, a huckleberry bush sprang up. But she kept walking. Next, blackberries grew on her path. She kept walking. Then the Sun decided to create something so striking, fragrant, and delicious that the woman could not help but notice it, despite her melancholy mood. 

This “something” was the very first patch of strawberries ever to exist. Their sweet scent filled the air and took hold of the woman’s senses. She felt her sadness lift. She immediately saw the heart-shaped, red strawberries and tried one. By tasting its sweetness on her tongue, she started to remember the joy she knew when she and her husband first met. She sat down on the ground and wondered what to do. 

Her husband caught up to her and sat down quietly beside her and smiled. She gave him strawberries to eat, too. They realized how much they loved one another and walked back home together taking a few strawberry plants with them to plant at their garden so they would never forget this lesson. The moral of this story is to do nothing in haste, consider all things thoroughly, and be able to forgive others for their faults.

Witchy Tip: Prepare some freshly cleaned strawberries as an offering to the Goddess Freya appealing to her Love aspect. Light pink (love) and red (desire and sensuality) votive candles anointed with Freya oil. Set your intention to welcome a robust love into your life or take the opportunity to empower yourself and set the intention for self love.

​Want to read more about herbs? Check out this story on the best herbs for purification and protection or review our entire herbal series here. 

By Amber C. Snider

By Ana Vice

The vision of witches flying on broomsticks beneath a moonlit sky is an enchanting one. Besom brooms (aka witch’s besom or witch’s broom) come in various shapes and sizes, and often are synonymous with female liberation and the witch archetype. But both masculine and feminine qualities are apparent within the besom: The masculine aspect is attributed to the handle, while the feminine is attributed to the bristles. 
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A besom is said to be linked with the elements air (flight and spirits) and water (cleansing and purification) making it a great uncrossing tool to clear negative energies and bad juju from the home. It can be utilized for sweeping a ceremonial or sacred space before or after a ritual and also for opening or closing a magical circle. Bristles in an upward orientation ward off evil and bring good luck.

Besoms have been used for centuries and were even mentioned in the Old Testament (Isaiah 14:23). Celtic peoples associated the besom broom with the Fae (Faeries); Some believed that the Fae would direct a witch to a good tree in order to obtain wood for their besom. Besoms are also commonplace during handfasting rituals. 

There are different ways of making besoms if you don't want to purchase one. One way is to use birch twigs (or brush corn), ash (alternatively use cedar, hazel, or oak) wood for the handle, and a binding made from willow or heavy twine. According to the Chicago Botanic Garden, Benjamin Franklin is “credited with first bringing broomcorn to the United States,” which became a useful alternative to twigs when making besom bristles. In the 1700s non-magickal besoms were used regularly and even written about in popular culture. In Scotland, Robert Burns wrote a poem that was made into the song “Broom Besoms” and William Purvis wrote “Buy Broom Buzzems” which became popular in the late 18th century. In England, broom making was done by besom squires, but people made their own brooms, too. 

The first documented person to use a besom broom was Guillaume Edelin in 1453 AD (CE). It was rumored that Guillaume called himself a witch. Artwork from 15th century Europe depicts witches flying on brooms and later woodcuts in A History of Witches and Wizards 1720 AD (CE), as well. Since witches have long endured persecution, the besom became a way of keeping treasures and secrets hidden. Wands, herbs, and vials containing potions could be put safely in the besom’s bristles. It has been reported that some larger besoms even had hidden compartments. Others believe that spirits could be temporarily kept in a witch’s besom. 
 
The use of flying ointments and brooms led to the concept of a “witch in flight.” Flying ointments often had ingredients that were hallucinogenic, so a witch could use visualization techniques to imagine flight and go on a spiritual journey or change their state of awareness. Johannes Hartlieb, a 15th century Bavarian physician, wrote a compendium on herbs called the Puch Aller Verpoten Kunst, Ungelaubens und der Zaubrey that contains the oldest known description of witches' flying ointment. 
 
One of the most feared, yet respected witches found in Slavic and Russian folklore is the crone Baba Yaga. She is well-known and is said to hold Goddess attributes and power over the elements: earth, fire, water, and air. As she flies through the air inside her mortar, she wields a pestle in one hand and a broom to sweep the path behind her in the other. Crows and owls fly by her side. She appears as a crone and has been said to eat children, but also act as a spiritual guide to those who were courageous and clever enough to ask her in the correct way. Powerful and wise, she has been said to guard the doorway to the Otherworld and control the passage of the dead back and forth across its borders. Some believe she has power over life and death. 
 
These days the besom broom has been revived in films like Bedknobs and Broomsticks with Angela Lansbury and stories like the Harry Potter book series (where the Nimbus 2000 was all the rage). Today besoms are sold at gardening supply stores, occult shops, and markets. Cinnamon besoms can be bought from Trader Joe’s and other kinds from Amazon or Etsy.

Here’s What You Need To Create Your Own…

By Kristi Klein

By Ana Vice

​The mandrake is a notorious (albeit highly poisonous) plant of ancient origins with distinct features. Mandrakes commonly have a short stem bearing a tuft of oval leaves and these leaves form a rosette at the base of each plant. The flowers are bell-shaped and consist of five petals, usually purple or yellow in color, and its fruit is a fleshy orange berry. Mandrake roots are long, thick, and forked – which is often why they are described as human-like. This human resemblance ties back to the idea that when uprooted, the mandrake will "scream." 

Some of the earliest accounts of the mandrake date back to ancient Mesopotamia circa 2000 BC (BCE). Long ago in the Middle East, the mandrake was used for both medicinal and magickal purposes. Some surgeons were said to have sedated their patients prior to surgery using the mandrake root. Ancient Arabs called mandrake the Beid el Jinn, or the Eggs of the Jinn (Jinn are dangerous spirits in Islamic mythology and not to be messed with). The mandrake is also mentioned in the Bible (Genesis 30:14, Genesis 30:16, and Songs of Solomon 7:13). 

It’s important to note that mandrake is a member of the nightshades, as well as a hallucinogenic and narcotic alkaloid. Nightshades are in the Solanaceae family and there are over 2000 species (herbs, fruits, roots, or vegetables). They contain the alkaloid solanine, which is toxic in high concentrations. Some have been used medicinally for centuries, such as Black Nightshade or Bittersweet Nightshade and some are used in cooking (like tomatoes, potatoes, bell peppers, goji berries, tomatillos, and eggplants, just to name a few). However, nightshades such as mandrake, henbane, and belladonna are poisonous and can be deadly if ingested by humans or animals. 
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Mandrake is connected to Circe, as depicted in Homer’s Odyssey. Circe was the daughter of Helios (The Sun God) and Perse (a sea nymph) and she was skilled in both herbalism and transformation. As an enchantress on the Isle of Aeaea, Circe used her talents to transform people who offended her or meant her harm into animals. Mandrake is associated with Circe because of its soporific qualities and Odysseus used mullein to protect himself from her.

Mandrake is also one of the sacred plants growing in the Goddess Hekate’s garden in the Orphic Argonautica. In this myth, Medea (a priestess of Hekate) makes an ointment from the Plant of Prometheus (Mandrake) and rubs onto Jason’s armor to make him invincible in search of the golden fleece. Furthermore, mandrake has been a traditional ingredient in the flying ointment magickal formula of witches.

The European mandrake (often written about during the Medieval and Renaissance periods) originates from the genus Mandragora. Mandragora grows in Europe, the Mediterranean region, and China. Ever popular in Slavic folklore, mandrake is said to have the ability to open any door, promote good luck, and attract money, in addition to aiding in protection. On the mountain Rtanj, mandrake can be found by the aid of a hedgehog or tortoise. Soldiers would stitch a piece of the lower part of the root into the lining of their military uniforms for protection against their enemies. Mandrake (or Raskovnik in Serbian) has the power to collect negative energy and some believe the upper part of the mandrake root can be put into a red bag and kept hidden in the home to keep a family safe from harm.
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To read more about sacred, magickal herbs, check out our new herbal section here. 

By Ana Vice

By Ana Vice

​Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) 
Frankincense (aka Olibanum and Olibanus) is often associated with the Sun and the Element of Fire. Its spiritual attributes include protection, purification, consecration, and exorcism. It’s burned as a resin to release powerful and positive vibrations, in addition to having the ability to drive away evil and remove negativity. This makes it useful for uncrossing rituals. 

Frankincense can be burned to induce visions and to aid in meditation. It’s often added to sachets for luck, protection and spiritual growth. Frankincense essential oil is also a good all purpose anointing oil.

Along the Incense Road, Frankincense has been used and traded for over 3000 years. The Ancient Egyptians burned frankincense at sunrise to honor Ra the Sun God (Creator and God of Light). They believed that Ra’s role was to sail across the heavens during the day in his barque (boat) called the Barque of Millions of Years in order to bring the sun across the sky. 

Everyday Ra emerges from the East riding in his barque and during his journey he must fight the evil serpent named Apep (The Lord of Chaos). Apep is a personification of the very darkest hour of the night. If Ra were to lose this fight, the Sun would not rise. In some versions of this story, Ra (in the form of the great and divine cat Mau) defeats the evil serpent Apep. At the end of the day, Ra is swallowed by Nut (Goddess of Night and Moon). Upon his nightly death, Ra sailed down into the Underworld and the Moon took his place in the night sky, illuminating the heavens. 

To the Egyptians, the tears and sweat of the gods could be collected from trees like the Boswellia (where Frankincense resin comes from). This resin could be burned itself or used in incense. There was a level of secrecy about the exact process for making incense, but it is known that it required a certain number of days, symbolic ingredients, and magickal formulas. It has been said that the Egyptian priests believed that they could create the bodies of the Gods by combining resins with herbs, honey, wine, or raisins. Incense was considered a Fragrance of the Gods and often burnt before statues of the Gods at their temples in order to honor them. This is why Frankincense was used as an offering to Ra. 

Frankincense was also burnt in honor of Baal (Ba’al), God of Fertility, Sun and Storms to the Phoenicians and the Canaanites. Baal’s parents were the deities El (Supreme God) and Asherah (Goddess of Motherhood and Earth), and he was associated with lightning bolts and bull horns. Frankincense also played a big part in honoring kings, Roman Emperors, and biblical Magis. To this day frankincense is included in incense recipes used by the Catholic Church.

Witchy Tip: Anoint a petition (written intention) and white candle with Frankincense oil for an uplifting purification ritual.
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Juniper (Juniperus communes) 
Juniper (also known by the folk names Enebro, Gemeiner Wachholder, and Gin Berry) is associated with the Sun and element of fire. Its spiritual attributes are protection, anti-theft, exorcism, health and love. Juniper wood is used to make talismans and amulets, while the berries are good for sachets, incense, oil blends, perfumes, or to fill poppets. Juniper essential oil is often blended with other ingredients for use in protection. 

Juniper is used by cultures all over the world for spiritual protection. With its unique aromatic profile –– fresh, woodsy, earthy, with a hint of balsamic –– it was traditionally used throughout Europe as an herb of protection and to keep thieves away. 

Mediterranean Witches used juniper to break hexes. It can be hung at the door to keep evil away or burned during exorcism rites. A sprig of the plant can protect its wearer against accidents and attacks by wild animals, ghosts, and illness. Juniper can also be added to love mixtures – particularly the berries – which can be carried to increase male sexual potency. 

When burning juniper, the smoke is said to aid in clairvoyance. It also burned for purification when attempting to make contact with the Otherworld at Samhain fire festivals (which mark the beginning of the Celtic Year). 

Further away in Central Europe, juniper smoke was commonly burned for springtime cleansing. It was also burned during outbreaks of the dreaded Black Death (aka The Pestilence or The Plague, which peaked approximately around 1347 to 1351 in Europe) and used to smudge households. In Medieval times, juniper berries were used to flavor whisky in Scotland. Meanwhile, in other parts of Europe, some people kept Juniper berries in their mouths to create a “protective aura.” 

Witchy Tip: Create a protection incense blend using ground up juniper berries and frankincense resin in order to create a safe and sacred space in your home. Self-igniting charcoal and a fire-safe vessel (such as a witch’s cauldron or porcelain dish) works nicely. A coffee grinder used only for magical workings is a good investment.
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Curated by Enchantments' Staff

We celebrated Beltane (the festival of fertility, sexuality, and the return of passion and vitality) earlier this month on May 1st. It's a time that marks the midway period between spring and summer, and the blessed union between God and Goddess. Fire is the primary element associated with this festival/holiday, so it's apropos that our new mixtape should follow suit.

Here, we curated a Spotify playlist to keep the flames going all month –– perhaps all throughout the year. Because why let that fiery energy simmer down throughout the month of May? It's a time to celebration new life, the coming of joy, and the abundance of warm summer months. Highlight artists on the playlist include DYAN's "Looking For Knives," The Velvet Underground's "Venus in Furs," Chromatics' "Cherry," The Weeknd's "Wicked Games," Natalia Lafourcade's "Lo Que Construimos," and more.
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Want to learn more about the sacred Fire Element? Click here to read The Dance of the Flame, Part I. ​

By Veronica Boscia

​Try a water-based Love Oracle. 
Fill a basin with rose water. Write the name of a potential suitor on a bay leaf and add to the rose water. The bay leaf that remains floating is your answer. (Spell taken from Divination for Beginners)

“Yes or No” answer rose spell.
Gather three fresh roses and place each one in its own vase. Label the vases (left to right) with “Yes,” “No”, and “No Answer.” Your question should be about a specific situation or person. The “No Answer” means that it’s not the right time to ask or that you’re asking the wrong question or for the wrong reason. The flower that remains – and lives the longest – is your answer. 

“A life filled with love, must have some thorns, but a life empty of love will have no roses.” -Heinz Duthel

For practical rituals to invoke self-love during hard times, check out this story. 

By Coleman Drew

The more you practice the art of magick, the more energetic correspondences you’ll be able to incorporate into your craft. I’m a firm believer in making my magick work for me; if my will is time-sensitive, I find a way to work it right away. But more often than not, I’m able to choose the optimal time & day to aid and assist my magickal wishes. 

The more advanced & studied magician considers the very best day of week, season, astrological configuration, planetary hour, and more to assist their practice. For those just beginning their magickal journeys and even for seasoned alchemists, working your spells with the phases of the Moon can prove to be powerfully beneficial. 

Our next Full Moon (and last Supermoon of 2020) is May 7th at 6:45am EST. This Moon in the sign of Scorpio – known as the Flower Moon, Corn Planting Moon, Milk Moon, or the Vesak Festival Moon (the festival that commemorates the birth of enlightenment.) –  is all about transformation and seeing things clearly. Are you currently lacking clarity? Ending a cycle of some kind? It’s a juicy time to plant new intentions or finish what you haven’t gotten around to. As a Supermoon, the moon's orbit is extremely close to the earth, making it an energetically potent time. 

Here are the best times to work your Moon Magick...
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