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It’s time to celebrate the midway point between the Summer Solstice and Fall Equinox –– the sacred time of Lammas.  Photo by Wesual Click on Unsplash Part of the eight sabbats in the Wheel of the Year, Lammas is a time to give thanks for all the blessings in your life and honor the abundance of the natural world. Historically, this time of year is a pivotal point in the calendar for harvesting the first grain and fruits of the season, which helps ensure survival over the coming winter months. In Celtic Ireland, Lammas (also known as Lughnasadh) honors the Sun God Lugh, who is also known for his craftsmanship. The holiday was traditionally celebrated by cutting the grain, grinding it into flour, and baking the first bread of the season (in Old English, lammas means “loaf mass") and offering it to the God. It takes place on August 1st or 2nd, and it's a time to celebrate all the hard work you’ve put in up until this point. For modern witches, Wiccans, and pagans this can also involve doing spellwork and rituals around prosperity, abundance, growth, and gratitude. Here, Enchantments’ staff member Marisabel Santiago discusses eight ways to celebrate Lammas, with links to purchase magical tools associated with the sabbat. Making corn husk dolls “Corn is abundant this time of year and in the olden days, people would make corn husk dolls from the harvest. They can be used as a form of sympathetic magic, too,” says Marisabel. “These are old traditions representing the Goddess or Lugh’s mother, because [in some stories] she would die this time of year. As a result, some people would use the corn husk dolls for sympathetic magic to symbolize the pieces of themselves that no longer serve them. They would put [aspects of] themselves that no longer served them inside the corn husk dolls and burn them in a ritual, thus, letting go and also giving birth to their own harvest.” A ritual with Rose of Jericho “Lammas is such a prosperous time. It’s good for money magick, prosperity, and [invoking] solar energy. I highly recommend working with the Rose of Jericho. It’s that miraculous plant that comes back to life. It’s typically left in water bowls and as it opens it brings prosperity. You can add dimes to the water to reign in more prosperity,” says Marisabel. Baking Bread “I like to make simple, white bread for Lammas. Because it was the first harvest of the season, people would make the first cut of wheat, grind it up to make flour, and make bread from it. The first bread was offered to the God Lugh and people would take a trip up the mountain (because the mountains are closest to the sun) and bury it there. Then they’d have their celebrations there on the mountain,” says Marisabel. “My favorite bread to make is herb pull-apart bread with mozzarella cheese (here’s a recipe). If you don’t want to use the corn husk for sympathetic magick, you can also make little breadmen and fill it with intentions. If you were trying to lose weight, mold yourself into that image. If you want to represent the Goddess, shape it into a nice Venus of Willendorf…it’s just a really fun way to celebrate,” she adds. Lammas Incense “Lammas incense is excellent when you’re trying to work with air elemental magick. All you have to do is light some incense and make your intentions heard. As the incense blows up to the heavens, so your prayers get brought up,” says Marisabel. “Lammas has this whole history of going up the mountain to get in contact with the solar deity, but the fact that the incense carries up to the heavens saves you the trip of going up that hill,” she adds. #RunningUpThatHill. Nine Fruits incense, which brings luck and blessings, is also great this time of year.  Image by Myléne from Pixabay Making a really nice meal “I love to make a really nice meal as a ‘thank you’ for all the blessings in my life during Lammas. It’s another great way of celebrating the harvest: You put in the hard work throughout the entire year to get to this point and you can take a moment to enjoy it all,” says Marisabel. “People nowadays really do have to take a moment to reflect on all the good, especially with all the bad stuff going around. Lammas is a great way to stop and just be. It’s also in the middle of Leo season, which is one of the happiest seasons!” Candle Magick “A Solar Blast candle is great for this time of year. We’re still in summer, but we’re heading into the darker half of the year, so I love a Solar Blast to try to get that last bit of the sun into our prosperity rituals,” says Marisabel. “I also love a Success Candle, because it’s Leo season, and it’s all about that 5th House of being the inner child, showing up, and having that strength and vitality. Adding that [Leo] energy to your Success Candles can be a really big blessing, especially this time of year,” she says. Frankincense & Myrrh “Frankincense and myrrh are solar resins, so they tend to bring a lot of prosperity,” says Marisabel. You can purchase Frankincense resin here, which is used for cleansing and protection, and often burned with Myrrh, which is good for cleansing and protection. Money related candles & spells “Money-related candles are great because it’s time to reap that harvest and get that money!” she says. You can opt for a custom Money Drawing Candle, Money Draw incense or oil, a Money Pyramid Candle (good for long-term financial growth and promotes responsibility and good choices regarding money), a Money Draw spell kit, (which comes with a small incense and dram of oil), or a picture candle like this Mr. Money Candle.
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By Amber C. Snider Learn how to respectfully petition water spirits, make moon water, and perform beach rituals.  Photo by Anastasia Taioglou on Unsplash The four elements are present in all of us: earth in our bones, air in our lungs, fire in our spirits, and water that continuously moves through our blood. Many of us are especially attracted to that last element: the call of the ocean is contained within us, the shoreline beckons us, and the sound of rain, waves, and streams is akin to holy music. We seek out water every day, whether it’s a cup of tap water to nourish our physical bodies or sinking into a daily ritual bath. And it’s no surprise that we’re so drawn to the power of water, since the human body is made of 60% of the stuff. Like fire, water has the power to both cleanse and destroy. Think of how salt water from the ocean can heal wounds and also wipe out entire coastal towns. It’s an element that deserves the highest respect, for we are no match for the fertile, engulfing power of the ocean. For witches and spiritual practitioners, performing spells and rituals by the seaside is also important: It brings us closer to our spiritual roots, grants us interior reprieve and rest, and recenters us. Here are ways you can work with the power of water in your rituals: No two streams are alike Each body of water, whether it’s the ocean, a river, cenote, or mountain stream, has a different energy and ‘presence’. For sensitive folks, this change in essence is palpable and every water source very much alive. Sit at the water’s edge and listen. Pray for insight to a question or problem and then wait for your answer. Like a slow breeze, the answer may come in a hushed whisper or an internal “knowing.” Respect your surroundings It’s good to get to know the energies of a place before you petition the spirits there, but the main common thread between them all is respect. If you bring things to the water, be sure to take it back with you. I personally do not believe in leaving ritual offerings at water sites – if it didn’t come from the ocean/river, etc. (and you brought it with you), take it back with you when you leave. It’s a quick way to anger the spirits of the land when you leave trash and/or foreign objects in their home. Tip from Enchantments’ witch Carmen “When making offerings to water deities, be aware of the signs that they send you. If your offering is not enough or it is not the right time, you may feel anxiety or discomfort while you set up or before you leave. Honor your intuition and reset your intentions, or come back at a later time when you feel compelled to continue. Remember, to leave these sacred spaces just as you found them. Make sure there are no plastics or non-biodegradable items in your offering. Clean up and take your trash with you.” Get to know the Goddesses associated with water ...and honor them accordingly (especially before working with them). Yemaya, the Great Ocean Mother and a powerful orisha, is both nurturing, protective, healing, and fierce. (Read more about her here). You can honor her by lighting blue and white candles, building an altar with cowrie shells, watermelon, and white flowers. You can also honor her by simply picking up trash at the beach whenever you see it. Venus, the Goddess of Love and Fertility, was “conceived” in the ocean, so the water’s edge is a great place to petition her for love. You can light green or pink candles to honor her, carry white roses with you (or use them in a bath) with offerings of copper. But again, as with all water rituals, I highly recommend you take all your ritual supplies with you when you leave. Ancient power of Cenotes Cenotes, primarily found in the Yucatan region in modern day Mexico, are highly charged spiritual sites dating back to the Ancient Mayans. Locals say that each cenote is “guarded” by a protective spirit, as well as aluxes (playful yet mischievous guardian spirits at the cenote’s entrance). With over 7,000 present in Yucatan, cenotes have become popular swimming sites for tourists – but don’t let that fool you into thinking that dulls their spiritual power in any way. Most cenotes were the site of Mayan rituals (including human sacrifice), so it’s extremely important for folks to be respectful when visiting. I also recommend doing a “light meditation” (envision a powerful white light around you with an outlining blue edge) when entering the cenote water or cave in order to protect your spirit, especially because not all the entities and spirits who live there are necessarily “friendly.”  A cenote in Mexico | Image by Darren Lawrence from Pixabay Making Moon Water Water and the moon are inextricably linked. Just think of the moon’s power on the tide – of course it has an effect on the human body. You can harness the power of the moon in many ways, but one practical way is to create moon water. Simply take spring water and put it into a clean mason jar to “charge” under the full moon for up to three nights. Speak to the water, say a prayer, or recite a specific intention over it. You can think of it as “collecting” positive energetic power to enhance your spellwork over the month. Add cupfuls at a time to your bath water over the month or drink it with intention. Some full moons are more chaotic than others, so be sure to check the influence of the planets before you make your moon water to ensure the energies you are harnessing are conducive to what you want manifest in your life. Ritual Baths Ritual baths are another practical way to work your water magick. Try adding sea salt baths (or try these with blended essential oils and herbs), essential oils (lavender for peace and protection, rose for love, musk for sensuality, citrus for invigoration, or any intention-based oil), herbs or flowers, and even teas to your baths. Keep your bath rituals technology-free (unless you’re playing music, then keep the phone on airplane mode) and try to be as ‘present’ as possible in the water. As you dunk your head under, ask for purification and imagine any spiritual impurities and negative energies washing away from you. As you watch the water drain from the tub, visualize a pure, radiant light around you – cleansing you entirely. One tip is to add your herbs to a cheesecloth sachet or tea bag for easy clean up. Beach Rituals Collect a few shells and natural ornaments that you find at the water’s edge. Place them in front of you and light a small white candle. If you brought offerings with you, place them alongside the candle. Create a sacred circle by calling upon the elements (earth, wind, fire, water), your ancestors, or spirits for protection and draw a circle around you in the sand. Sit in the space you’ve created and write out a petition or spell on a very small piece of paper. Meditate on the intention of the spell, try to envision its positive effects in your life and others around you. When you’re ready, burn the paper and say “So mote it be” or “Amen.” Collect everything you brought with you (but leave the natural shells and ornaments) and don’t look back. Continue to light the candle at home over the next few days until it’s completely burned out. Pay attention to the sign over the next few weeks. Once your prayer or spell has been answered, I always recommend following it up with a separate gratitude ritual to give thanks for the new blessings. Want more stories on water magick? Check out this amazing book from Weiser or this story on how to perform a bath ritual. By Amber C. Snider Smoke cleansing has been around for thousands of years. It’s used in nearly every spiritual tradition, religion, and magical practice around the world to cleanse, purify, and invoke good spirits. Here are some of our favorite hand-made formulas at Enchantments.  Image by Vasilijus Bortnikas from Pixabay While some herbs and resins need charcoal to ignite, most of the incense listed here are self-igniting since they’re handmade using a colored wood base. All you need to do is simply add a teaspoon or less to a fireproof dish (like a small or medium cast iron cauldron) and touch fire to it. There’s an old debate about whether to use a match or a lighter when lighting magical objects like candles or incense, but we’re of the mindset that you should use whatever is in your practice. For more on smoke cleansing, we have several articles on the subject! Check out this article on how to clear away negative energies, purify your space, and relax your mind using sage alternatives, ways to incense your spell work with incense here, and ten herbs for purification and protection here. Sun Formula The summer months are here, so it’s time to harness the life-giving power of the sun. The Solar Blend can be purchased in one ounce sizes (for $10 each) and helps increase energy, positivity, and vitality. Since it’s used to invoke the energy of the largest star in our solar system, it’s also good for solar plexus chakra work (read more about that here), which can help with self-confidence and emotional issues. When you light the incense, focus on increase positive attention and vibes all around and imagine your inner light shining through, like the radiant star you already are. Goona Goona For those of you who may be struggling with communication effectively, whether it be your emotions, intentions, ideas, or needs, try the Goona Goona incense. It helps create an atmosphere of trust and understanding between partners, whether it’s work-related, friendship, or love, while facilitating communication. Since communication is associated with the throat chakra, you can also try a Fifth Chakra Candle to help with self-expression and incorporate more blue (stones, crystals, clothes, etc) in your practice. Goona Goona incense can be purchased for $10 for one ounce and it also comes in an oil. Silk Love In the wise words of TLC, “I don’t want no scrubs” –– and the Silk Love Formula may just help with that. An attraction blend used to beckon a sophisticated, classy lover to your side. If you’re looking to add some luxury and a little refinement to your love life, burn the incense during a ritual, meditation, or while you’re getting ready for the day. It helps if you fully visualize the person you wish to bring in your life, too. Don’t focus on a specific individual, but rather visualize the qualities you’re looking for in your lover in order to bring them to you. Stay open to what the Universe has to offer! Since this hand-blended formula is made-to-order, the minimum purchase is $20 for two ounces.  Image by Michael Kleinsasser from Pixabay Success Formula All of magic is about intention. Magical tools do not work without you –– that means, your specific intention, your energy, your will. Success Formula helps in all areas of success, whether you’re looking to up your work game, create better conditions in your love life, increase positive recognition for a job well done, or simply add a bit more luck in your life. You can purchase Success Formula through the main shop website for $10 for one ounce. Siren’s Seduction Formula If someone has caught your eye or you’re looking to amp up a little lust in a lover, try the Siren’s Seduction Formula incense. You can burn the incense as you’re getting ready to meet them or smudge the room before they enter. Of course, no magical tool will bring on true love, but you can still add a little enticement to the mix. Siren’s Seduction is a sexual attraction formula for both men and women, and can be purchased on the main shop website here. House Blessing You may have already deep cleaned your house for spring, but regular spiritual cleansing in the home is important. We’ve said it before, so we’ll say it again: You take a regular shower to purify your body, so why would you not give the same attention to your spirit? House Blessing is a beautiful formula that attracts good spirits in the home, releases negative energy, and fills your space with positive energy. You can purchase the handmade blend for $10 per ounce on the main shop website here and consider adding either a custom House Blessing Candle or small House Blessing kit for $17.50 to your order. Copal Although it’s not an incense, but rather a sacred tree resin, copal is one of the most beautiful tools used in smoke cleansing. Used in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica in sacred rituals, copal is great for clearing, cleansing, and invoking positive/good spirits. Enchantments sells South American white copal for $7 per ounce or black copal, which has a slightly sweeter smell than the white version, for $8 per ounce. Similar to frankincense, this holy, sacred resin is great for ceremonial work, house clearings, or aura cleanses. Since it’s a resin, you must use instant light charcoal to burn it. Love Healing Formula Let’s face it, we’ve all endured heartbreak before, but the last two years have been particularly tough on everyone, and it’s not always romantic love that we have to heal from. To help heal heartbreak, whether it’s romantic or the weight of the world pressing in, try the Love Healing Formula. Associated with the heart chakra, this blend helps to heal old wounds, emotional issues, and recover from loss and grief. Try burning it while taking a salt bath for an extra soothing ritual or combine the incense with a large, custom Love Healing Candle. Rebirth Formula Healing is a process, no doubt. And many of us still have a lot of work to do on our shadow selves to heal old traumas, wounds, and betrayals. Rebirth helps you let go of past troubles, release pain, and cleanse your spirit. Sometimes it’s time to move on and step into the powerfully radiant spirit you’re meant to be. Letting go of old habits, expectations, and even some friends/old lovers can be the catalyst we need to invite new opportunities and growth. If you want to release the past, here’s a calling to do so. The formula also comes in an oil or salt bath for ritual work.  Image by Engin Akyurt from Pixabay Ocean Mother Associated with Ocean Goddess, this formula helps bring about psychic dreams and visions. Since the ocean is our lifeblood and water is necessary for creation, the Ocean Mother formula can also be used in fertility magic. If you’re actively trying to get pregnant, be sure to add that intention to your spell when you burn the incense –– and pray to the great Ocean Mother herself for support. Since it’s made-to-order, minimum purchase for this incense is $20 for two ounces, but you can also try the ½ or one ounce oils. Peace and Protection Formula If things have been extra rough lately and you need more peace in your life (as well as protection), this incense formula may help. It promotes a feeling of security through tough times and can also help with protection against physical and psychic attack. If you work in a particularly emotionally-draining profession, such as a therapist, nurse, or teacher, burning the Peace and Protection incense before or after you start work is a good idea. It also comes in an oil form (½ or one ounces) so you can wear it just as you would a perfume. All Saints This airy, sacred formula helps attract good spirits and increases psychic power. It’s great for ritual work or meditation, as well. If you’re invoking or praying to your Spirit Guides, ancestors, Saints, or deities, All Saints is also protective and helps facilitate communication. You can burn it during a ritual or wear it as an oil, too. Since this incense formula is made-to-order for each purchase, the minimum is $20 for two ounces. You can purchase the oils in either ½ or one ounces to wear as you would a perfume, dress your spell candles, or add to a bath. Mojo Wishing Formula This “wish granting” formula can be burned, used for smudging, or added to a ouanga bag. Before you use it, energetically “charge it” with your intention and wear it on your person as you go about your day. If you burn it as an incense, add a ritual along with it where you focus on your specific wish. But always remember the rule of three when it comes to magic: whatever you put out there will come back to you 3 fold. This incense is made-to-order on-site, so the minimum amount is $20 for two ounces. For more stories on smoke cleansing and tools, check out this article on how to clear away negative energies, purify your space, and relax your mind using sage alternatives, ways to incense your spell work with incense here, and ten herbs for purification and protection here. |
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