Aries (March 21 – April 19)
This bold cardinal sign symbolized by the Ram may benefit from a custom Emperor candle this summer, helping to expand your horizons, growth, and confidence. While Jupiter is in Aries until the end of October, it's a good time to take your business to the next level, receive recognition for hard work, or boost any existing creative project –– and the Emperor candle will help with just that, too!

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Pluto is shaking things up for you this year and during the summer months, Taurus, encouraging transformation and rebirth. Focus on your long-term goals, honing your intuition, truth seeking, and even a bit of travel. If travel plans are in the works, try Swallow's Blood oil for protective vibes on the road and a Purple Wisdom candle for Divine insight and acquiring knowledge in the occult arts, like Hermetic Qabalah. 

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
During the summer months, this mutable air sign will love to make new connections, friendships, and relationships that spur growth and intellectual activity. And what's better at sparking up a good conversation than a new book? We recommend Jack Chanek's Tarot for Real Life (summer 2022), Madame Pamita's Baba Yaga's Book of Witchcraft (spring 2022), and Heather Greene's Lights, Camera, Witchcraft (winter 2021, which explores the history of witchcraft and cinema in the U.S.). These new witchy titles will keep the good vibes going as you swap occult stories under the full moon. 

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
This water sign symbolized by the crab may be ready to leave the past behind and establish new friendships (creative, platonic, or otherwise). As with all relationships, boundaries are important, as well as truly healing from the past before jumping right into something new. Try a Love Healing candle or do a weekly Love Healing incense cleansing/meditation to make sure your heart is taken care of all season and beyond. 
​

Leo (July 23 – August 22)
This fiery lion sign may want to reevaluate notions of individual success and look at things from an altruistic or a group perspective this summer. You have both Jupiter and Chiron on your side, contributing to both wisdom, boldness, and good luck. Make the most of it by applying your brightest side to helping others and using your enthusiastic talents for the greater good. As Solar Blast candle or Solar Plexus Chakra (Third Chakra) candle can help to boost your assertiveness, self-esteem, and self-discipline this season, allowing you to make the most of your natural abilities. 

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
This earth sign ruled by the Maiden, or the Earth Goddess, may be thinking about securing financial stability this summer. If you'd like to pave a way towards long-term financial success, you may want to do some magic involving first clearing out anything blocking money flow with a Money Uncrossing Candle and then bringing it to you in abundance with the Money Draw Candle. Be sure to take time for yourself (self-care, ritual baths with our Prosperity formula may be a good idea) and remember that you have the power to not only provide for yourself, but also strategically plan for big future successes at this time. Make the most of it!

Libra (September 23 – October 22)
While Jupiter transits your solar seventh house, work, financial partnerships, and more grounded love partnerships may be on your mind this season (until late October). While you're supported in these arenas and offering much of your energy to others, airy, beauty-loving Libra, may benefit from some solo time, too. Without indulging too much, treat yourself to the beauty of the natural world with long walks this summer, self-care baths (like this Love Goddess bath), and candle magic spells like the Venus Candle to reign in beauty, love, and financial prosperity or Lakshmi Candle to invoke the Hindu Goddess of prosperity, love, abundance, and beauty. 

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
New opportunities, increased energy and creativity, and making new connections are all in the stars for you this summer. This water sign symbolized by the scorpion may benefit from a creative spell candle like Song of the Elder Goddess candle to help channel new inspiration and success in the arts, as well as a Divine Muse bath. Also, try incorporating ritual baths into your weekly routine (learn more about that here from fellow Scorpio and witch Carmen). 

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Adventure-seeking Sagittarius values freedom, creative expression, and living life on their own terms, but all that spontaneity means an active effort must be put on health, well-being, and home life, too. This fire sign ruled by Jupiter gets a cosmic boost to help with home endeavors, comfort, and also long-term business projects, so why not try a House Blessing candle to hone in on the good vibes and make ample room for blessings this summer. The candle will help you put your house in order and keep it blessed with good energy and peace while you continue to enhance your inner self and develop long-term, beneficial routines in your daily life.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
Rediscovery of passions, renewed motivation, and a dreamy summer awaits you Capricorn! This earth sign should make the best of it by planning a fun trip with family or friends to go exploring and discover new things. Neptune and Uranus are on your side to lighten things up and allow for inspiration along the way.  For an extra boost in the arenas of luck, joy, and love (and to keep the good times rolling), try a Love & Happiness candle or the Success Candle to help you achieve your goals and triumph in any situation. 

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
You're all about improvement this season, whether it be in your personal life, family life, financially, or in your friendships. This air sign may receive unexpected blessings, so to help conjure that extra luck, try a Fast Luck candle, the Double Fast Luck incense formula (also good for drawing in money), or a Fortuna Candle to invoke Lady Luck to turn the wheel of fortune in your favor. But keep your intentions practical and grounded during spell work and stay focused on the literal actions/changes necessary to attain all your heart desires, too. 

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
This water sign is ready for expansion, new opportunities, and a touch of adventure this season. An Empress Candle is great for magnifying all that self-love and confidence, while wearing Crown of Success oil can help keep the haters at bay and off your back, so they don't interfere with your success. Keep your enthusiasm high this summer, use your newfound confidence to inspire others and bring about positive change, but also remain grounded in practical matters. 
​

For more star sign stories, check out this on Enchantments. 

As the warm weather approaches (on the east coast at least), it's time to spice things up with new intentions, renewed desires, and of course a little magic. Here are some candles to help!

​Solar Blast
Who doesn't love a good Solar Blast candle? Great for invoking the energy of the sun, with all its potential for positive growth, the Solar Blast can be used all-year round to manifest joy, energy, and happiness. The yellow color is also ideal for chakra work, particularly your Solar Plexus (you can learn more about that in this story), which deals with self-confidence, self-esteem, emotions, and energy levels, as well as welcoming in the upcoming summer months. 

The Solar Blast candle pairs well with our Sun oil and incense, Sun Bath, Talisman of the Sun, or you can try a small Solar Blast Kit (candles burn for around 6-7 hours, instead of 7-10 days). 

Money Draw Candle
Unless you have a full-time job (that you love!), the late spring and summer months can spell money stress for gig workers, teachers, and contractors. Since work tends to taper off for small businesses during this time, try a Money Draw candle spell to reign in the paper. The green coloring of the candle correlates to the Heart chakra, so add extra the intention of finding work that you really love, work that speaks to the soul. The gold glitter throughout the candle helps manifest a kingly/queenly quality that adds the extra "umph" to your daily work and money search.

The candle pairs well with our Money Draw incense and oil and our Money Draw Ouanga. If you prefer to work with herbs, try this list of 10 herbs for prosperity, money, and employment here. 

For more on candle magick, check out our FAQs here. 

​Also known as May Day, Beltane marks the midway point between the spring equinox and summer solstice. Often celebrated on May 1st, the origins of Beltane go back to the ancient Celts, when Pagan rituals dedicated to the marriage of the Goddess and the Green Man were held. It’s a time of fecundity, when the earth is beginning to burst with life, and also when the “veil between worlds” is said to be at its thinnest (similar to Samhain in the Wheel of the Year). 
 
The sacred element of fire, with its powerful capacity to both sustain and destroy life, is honored in Beltane rituals which often consist of couples jumping over roaring bonfires, dancing around the maypole (another symbol for fertility), seeking out the faeries, and generally relishing in Mother Earth’s bounty. The word Beltane actually translates to “bright fire” and also references the Celtic God Bel, so the bonfire was meant to not only honor the God, but also used for purification and protection. 
 
For urban witches, celebrating Beltane like the olden days may look a bit different –– but that doesn’t mean you can’t still harness the power of this time. Here are some tips from color magic specialist and city witch Sarah Potter on how to celebrate this decadent & fecund holiday. 

Interview by Amber C. Snider

Blending Slavic folk magic and the wisdom of Baba Yaga, Madame Pamita’s latest book is a long-awaited homage to the beauty of Ukrainian magical traditions and the legendary crone of the forest. ​

​ACS: Storytelling is such an important part of keeping a culture alive. Can you talk a little bit about how your book pays homage to these sacred Ukrainian traditions?
MP: These really beautiful, unique practices are ancient and are being revived now. We really need to have this information out there. This is the point of [reviving] the culture that is being destroyed right now. It's almost like Voyager that's going out into space with a little bit of our human earth culture. We have to carry this with us. 

Culture gets dispersed when people are dispersed. Imagine you have your friends, your community, your family, your local customs, but now you're all spread out all over the whole world. What happens to your community traditions? They're gone. They get absorbed into the new culture where you're living. But we don't want these things to be lost. This is what has happened throughout history. 

Look what happened to, for example, the Druids. It was oral tradition and we only have what the Romans describe the Druids doing. That's why this is such an important book. We have to write this stuff down. We have to record it. There are so many diaspora Ukrainians who live in English-speaking countries –– Canada and the U.S, there are millions of us here. I have a feeling Ukraine will prevail in this whole thing because they're so strong and they have that Baba Yaga energy. ​

ACS: You talk about Baba Yaga showing up in Poland, Czech Republic, Croatia and other countries. Do you also think that she's universal?
MP: Yes. One of the things people sometimes ask me is, “Is this a closed practice?’ In my opinion, as a person that's a spokesperson for this, this is not a close practice. If this is something you want to experience, you feel called to it, come and participate in it. Everyone is welcome. 
​

ACS: Baba Yaga’s fierce, wise crone energy reminds me a bit of Hecate –– in the sense that she'll tell you exactly how it needs to be, even if it feels a little painful or tedious or frustrating. Would you say there is a crossover with other Goddesses or crone figures?
MP: To me, there's a huge correspondence with Hecate and Baba Yaga. It's not surprising either because there was a trade route going from Greece and into the Slavic Lands. But we don't know which came first: the chicken or the egg. Was Hecate influencing Baba Yaga or was Baba Yaga influencing Hecate? Or was it a melding of those things? They can't really look to a ground zero point where they were meeting, but there's definitely this crossover.

There was a lot of cultural exchange and trade going on at that time: coral coming up from the Mediterranean into Ukraine and amber from the Baltic states going down into the Mediterranean and so on. There was trade in jewels and spices and all kinds of things. And of course, cultural exchange. 

ACS: You also write about how to work with crossroads in the book, which also shows up in several magical practices...
MP: Crossroad magic shows up in Hoodoo, in Celtic Magic, in a lot of different traditions. There’s an example of Hecate there, too. Traditionally Hecate is the Goddess of the three crossroads and that’s where you do divination and magic. 

In the Ukrainian system, different numbers of crossroads have different meanings. A “T” shaped crossroad is a blocked crossroad and you wouldn’t do magic there. An X or plus shaped crossroad would be universally great for everything. If you want to do divination and connect with the spirit world, you go to the Y-shaped crossroad. If you want to do a really powerful working, you go to one with 5 or more roads (the more, the better) and if you take an artifact (like a stone) from a crossroad with 5 or more, you have a really powerful talisman.

One very unique Ukrainian practice is with footpaths and crossroad journeys –– but you wouldn’t do this in a city street. You count the number of crossroads you find on a journey and when you get to a certain number you do that kind of magic at that crossroad. 

ACS: How was your writing experience like? Did Baba Yaga challenge you?
MP: There were many times in the writing process that I was crying because I was so overwhelmed and frustrated and feeling so lost. Sometimes I was overwhelmed with the amount of work and research that I had to do and where I was going to find this information. I had to learn how to read Cyrillic (Russian and Ukrainian letters are in Cyrllic) and learn how to translate things, how to dig and find and learn new terminology. It became a very challenging task, but at the end I birthed this book that I'm so proud of. I think so many people are gonna love. It was really worth all of that challenge. 

I think of Baba Yaga as like a really tough coach. Coaches push you harder because they know you can do it and they believe in you more than you believe in yourself. That was my experience in even writing this book –– I mean, she made me cry. But she knew that I could do it and this book needed to be out there. 
​

Interview by Amber C. Snider

​
Amber C. Snider: Okay, let’s start with the basics. How do you define Hermetic Qabalah?
Jack Chanek: Qabalah has its roots in Jewish mysticism. Hermetic Qabalah is spelled with a “Q,” while Jewish Kabbalah is spelled with a “K.” Jewish Kabbalah emerged in medieval Iberia as a form of mysticism that blended the study of the Torah with various esoteric subjects like alchemy and astrology. 

Qabalah, as a hermetic practice, is a magical system that aims to understand various aspects of the individual soul, the structure of cosmos, and various magical principles. It takes all these disparate things and it lays them out in a handy reference system so that everything connects to everything else. You can explore one thing by further studying other things that are symbolically connected to it. 

ACS: Hermetic Qabalah provide us with a visual framework in which to understand and examine the nature of the universe, especially the different planes of existence, yes?
JC: Yes, the central image in Hermetic Qabalah is the symbol called the Tree of Life. It's composed of ten spheres of energy that represent different kinds of magical power, planes of existence, or different themes you can explore in magical practice. These spheres are connected to each other and map out the magical universe. 

ACS: How does the Tree of Life demonstrate the connection between divine energy and our physical experiences?
JC: One of the beautiful things about this is it shows that divine energy pervades every aspect of existence. It’s not like divine power is something way out there, far away, inaccessible, or impossible to reach. It’s here now in the world. It’s here in all sorts of different ways that overlap and intersect with each other. Divine power can manifest in different ways.

As a very simple example, the ninth sphere Yesod connects to the moon, so in a very literal sense, the moon up in the sky is a manifestation of divine power. But it’s also connected to the way that we intuitively and emotionally process the world around us. Any time you draw on your intuition, divination, or when you have dreams or physic experiences, that’s all a manifestation of this particular divine power of Yesod. Full moon rituals or wearing the color purple with a particular consciousness are ways of accessing that same divine power which is present throughout everything we do. 

You can understand the Tree of Life as exploring separate planes of existence, different psychological factors you have in your being, physical things about the structure of the solar system, literary themes, tropes, mythology, or symbolism. It’s all around you. All the Tree of life is present in everything you do. 

ACS: How can we use the Tree of Life in our individual magical practices?
JC: You can use the Tree of Life as a way of symbolically exploring spell casting, astrology, personal development, psychology…all of those things are encoded into it. I like to talk about it like a card catalog. It has references to all sorts of information, so if you’re trying to understand one thing –– like compassion –– as it manifests in magic, you go to your sphere in the Tree of Life and there are other correspondences that help you explore that. Whether it’s with color, shape symbolism, or a particular deity you want to work with, there is so much is encoded in this handy, visual symbolic medium.

The goal of those correspondences is to take a lot of information and condense it down into a symbolic structure that’s accessible and easy to use. 

ACS: You wrote that the Tree of Life is the central glyph of Qabalah; a symbol that at once serves as a map of the universe and the human soul. How does the Tree of Life reflect this?
JC: For starters, there's a principle you find in magic, “As above, so below.” There's a sense in which what's going on in the universe at-large is also happening on a smaller scale. This is also reflected in the relationship between the individual human soul and the cosmos as a whole. 

Each individual person is a microcosm of the universe itself. A famous quote from Aleister Crowley is that “Every man and every woman is a star." There's a sense in which each of us is a reflection of the entirety of the world, the indescribable vastness of the universe and everything that's in it. So the Tree of Life describes the metaphysical structure of the universe and the various divine energies that are present that help to shape it and bring it into being. But they're also present within us. 

​ACS: What are the Sephiroth?
JC: On the Tree of Life there are ten pools of energy. These are the main flavors of divine power, known individually as Sephirah or collectively as Sephiroth, or in English, spheres. 

At the top of the Tree, you have a Sephirah that is associated with divine unity and transcendence, the ultimate oneness of everything. All the way at the bottom is the sphere associated with the presence of the divine manifest in the world. The actual ‘go out and touch grass, look at the sun’ world that we all live in. 

In between those, you have various spheres that are associated with things like the intellect or compassion. They’re abstract principles that are sometimes personal and psychological, and sometimes more large and cosmic. The Tree of Life arranges all ten of these types of divine energy and that's the way through which we map what that power is like in our magic (or our psychology/ the cosmos as a whole).

ACS: Can you give an example of these spheres?
JC: There are two spheres in the Tree of Life called Chesed and Gevurah. In English they are Mercy and Severity. At the cosmic level, these represent divine energies that have to do with notions of justice. Do we forgive people or demand accountability and enforce the rules? This can exist at the level of human society, at a broader sense, as a governing ethical law that structures the universe, but it's also within the individual human psyche. We have both these impulses within ourselves. 

Part of the work we do with magical Qabalah is not just leveraging [these energies] to get a house or a lover, we're also looking at the balance of divine energies within ourselves and thinking about how to bring those things into harmony. 

Someone who has a lot of anger, who can't let anything go, who can't forgive, has too much Gevurah and can balance that out with some more lenient, compassionate, clement energy. Conversely, someone who's a bit of a doormat, who doesn't know how to stand up for themselves, needs to bring some of that more strident, powerful energy from Gevurah into themselves to find a balance in their soul.

The magical work we do with the Qabalah isn't just the universe at-large, it's additionally about the universe written small –– the universe within us. 

ACS: Is that why you also mention how it's not about polarity, but more about finding this divine balance?
JC: Polarity is such a delicate magical concept. There's a tension with things that appear to be opposite. Mercy and severity, thinking and feeling, the self and the other, various pairs of opposites, seems to be pulling away from each other, but there's also a sense in which they're kind of the same. They combine into each other and produce something new. There's this constant process of division and recombination; where you take a thing, separate it into two parts, and bring them back together to create something new.

That principle of division and recombination is present throughout the Tree of Life.
​

Jack Chanek has been reading tarot since he was eleven years old, and he has been publicly writing about tarot since 2015. He has taught workshops on tarot, Qabalah, and Wicca around the country and is the author of Qabalah for Wiccans. Jack has appeared on Seeking Witchcraft, The Magic Monday Podcast, and The Witching Hour with Patti Negri, as well as teaching at festivals such as Free Spirit Gathering and LlewellynCon. He lives in New Jersey, where he works as an academic philosopher specializing in Immanuel Kant's philosophy of science. He can be found online at his website here. You can purchase his book Qabalah For Wiccans in-store at Enchantments or order online direct from the publisher.

​Begin a new creative project
Fertility and fecundity doesn’t always have to do with procreation –– we’re creative beings by nature and now is a time to “birth” something new. This is a great time to begin an outline for a book, plan out a business idea, begin a painting or photo series, sign up for that pottery or herbalism class, etc.! Or maybe it’s a simple self-care plan for the next couple months. Whatever it may be, fill your notebook or Excel sheets with practical, strategic, and creative ways to achieve your goals during this time. 

These custom-carved candles are also great for spring and can help invoke creativity, renewal, and abundance in your life. 

Love/sex magic
Ever wonder what the Easter bunny and eggs have to do with each other? After all, bunny rabbits don’t lay eggs, so why are they a symbol for the spring season as it leads to Easter? It goes back to the ancient Germanic/Celtic Goddess Ostara (also spelled Ēostre), whose symbol include the hare and represents fertility, renewal, awakening, and spring. To put it simply, bunny rabbits/hares reproduce fairly rapidly, so their abundance and virility has become a symbol of the season, making it a good time for love/sex magic. For an extra boost of this fecund energy, try Enchantments’ Great Sex Formula or Passion’s Torch Formula. 
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For more magical tips, check out our Herbalism Series, Spirituality Around the World Series, and Candle Magic Series. 

By Amber C. Snider

Take a piece of Mother Earth with you on the plane
I love to take stones and crystals with me on the plane to help me feel connected to the Earth. Sure, airport security may give me weird looks when they open up a bag of rocks, but honestly that’s the least of my cares. I love clear quartz, rose quartz, obsidian, onyx, amber, and any blue-green stone (malachite, aventurine, lapis, etc) while traveling. Obsidian absorbs negative energy, rose quartz helps invoke calmness and compassion, amber is healing and grounding, and blue stones help activate the throat chakra (which is particularly great when you’re speaking in a second language!). 

I recommend cleansing your crystals and stones overnight in sea salt before traveling and charging them with a specific intention before your trip (safety, love, peace, protection, joy, communication, etc). 

Trees and branches, too…
I also love to take small branches of natural plants with me and tuck them into my pockets. It could be a simple leaf, twig, or tree bark, but keeping a tiny part of a tree with me has always brought a lot of comfort. I especially love carrying a sprig of rosemary around in my pocket or purse — it smells wonderfully delicious without being overpowering to others. 
​​

By Amber C. Snider

As Imbolc approaches, we chatted with celeb astrologer David Scoroposki for an exclusive "shop your horoscope" guide for February. 

Cancer  
"Cancers will love Florida Water, Holy Water, or Las Aquas Benditas. They’re good for baths, limpias, and cleansings. You can sprinkle some around the house, anoint altars to involve or propitiate deities, or add them as amplifiers for baths," says Scoroposki. "For an uncrossing, use Florida Water and Holy Water. For love and romance baths, use orange blossom (Oshun energy) or rose water (Venus energy)." 

Leo
"Leos are about self-confidence and self-esteem, so metallic gold votive holder with a yellow 120 is great this month," says Scoroposki. "Or just go for a Solar Blast Kit!" Solar Blast Kits, used to invoke happiness, joy, confidence, and all around good vibes, come with two hand-carved solar blast candles, one dram of oil, a packet of sea salt, and a hand-blended sample incense. Use the sea salt for a ritual bath, anoint yourself (and the candles) with the oil, and burn the incense as you work your spell. 

Metallic Gold Candle Holder: $5
120 Candle: $1.20 
Solar Blast Kit: $17.50

Virgo
"Virgo is ruled by Mercury and it's an Earth sign associated with the Earth Goddess. I'd recommend a ouanga bag (any kind) for Virgos this month," says Scoroposki. Since ouanga bags are filled with herbs, you can get any bag depending on your needs. Choose from Love Attraction, Money Draw, Restful Sleep, Luck and Happiness, Uncrossing, Protection and Healing Ouangas. 

Ouanga Bags: $9.95 each

If you're still looking for a last-minute gift, Enchantments is now offering 30% off all large statues, including Freya, Hecate, Oya, Bast, Aya, the Celtic Triple Goddess, Aphrodite, Athena, Mars, Persephone, Thor, and more. 

All statues are unfortunately available for in-store purchase only (apologies to our amazingly loyal customers outside of NYC!). There is limited supply, so be sure to stop by the shop at 424 E 9th Street NY, NY before we close for the holiday season.
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And if you're still looking for gifts (either for your favorite witch or yourself!), check out our new "Shop Your Star Sign" Gift Guide with celeb astrologer David Scoroposki. 

Wishing everyone a Blessed Yule, Merry Christmas, magical Winter Solstice, and wonderful New Year. We can't wait to see you in 2022!

By Amber C. Snider

David Scoroposki, a venerated astrologer in New York City, has been practicing his craft for over 20 years. Here, he offers a unique “shop your star sign” guide for Enchantments –– just in time for the holiday season.​​

Aries
As the first astrological sign in the zodiac and ruled by the planet Mars, Aries are known for their courage, leadership, and action. Since the winter months can bring about a general since lethargy, if Aries wants to amp up their natural strengths and characteristics, Scoroposki recommendations Motivation incense or a Mars talisman. Enchantments' Motivation Incense is made from a wood base, so it doesn't require charcoal, and will help Aries get energized for winter projects and goals. 

Motivation Incense ($10 for hand-blended incense); Mars talisman ($35).

Virgo
"Virgo feels most secure and content when things are organized and planned. It's very important to the Virgo to have something concrete to rely upon. Practicality is also very important," says Scoroposki. 

"Because they are ruled by Mercury, a Witches’ Planner will help them organize and feel in control of their schedules. Virgo is also the Earth Goddess, so the guides like Llewellyn’s can show you how to work better with earth magic. Also since it’s almost the New Year, they're great for calendars and date books," says Scoroposki. 

Various Astrological Pocket Planners, Witches' Almanacs, and Planners available online and in-shop. We recommend the two shown below.
​​

Libra
Libra, an Air sign ruled by the planet Venus, will love something that symbolizes beauty this season. "Peace, marriage, art, music, romance, and beauty are all important to Libras," says Scoroposki. "A statue of Venus, perhaps in bronze, would make a great gift. It's quite beautiful and something to venerate your ruler and bring all the charms of Venus into the home." Also, consider setting up a home altar to propitiate the Goddess of Love and include an array of seashells, sea salt, and the colors pink and green. 

Statues available for in-store purchase only. 

Scorpio
Ruled by Pluto and Mars, Scorpios are passionate Water signs that have no trouble conjuring up sexual energy. But just in case they want to turn things up a notch for the holiday season, Scoroposki recommends the Sexual Attraction Kit. "Not that they’ll have any problem with sexual attraction, but with the kit they’re sure to have lots of fun with whomever they choose to sting," he muses. Kits come with two 120 hand-carved candles, a dram of hand-blended oil, incense, and a sea salt packet. For singles, the kit can help draw in potential lovers, but it can also work as an aphrodisiac for couples. 

Sexual Attraction Kit ($17.50). Available online or in-store. 

Sagittarius
Ruled by Jupiter and the Fire element, Sagittarius is all about adventure and foreign travel. "An ounce of Swallow’s Blood Oil for safe travels is a great gift for the optimistic Sagittarius. Now that we know the proper and safe way to travel, it’s time for the Sagittarius to explore. Plus, the oil has a nice red color, which connects to the Fire element," says Scoroposki. Swallow's Blood Oil (nor any other Enchantment oils/incense) does not actually contain any animal products, just in case you were wondering. 

Swallow's Blood Oil ($27). Available online or in-store. 
​​

Pisces
"Pisces is a Water sign represented by fish. They’re very receptive, so it’s important for Pisces to be around high vibrational people, places, and things," says Scoroposki. "A salt bath mimicking the ocean can alleviate their Pisces attributes and cleanse them of any negative energies they may have picked up over the week. It’s also good idea for Pisces to take a weekly ritual bath in regards to spiritual hygiene and maintenance."
​
The Yemaya Mermaid Bath can help channel the spirit of the ocean, Yemaya, La Siren, and other Deities and spirits that benefit a water sign," he adds. 

Yemaya Mermaid Bath ($4.95). Available online or in-store. Other sea salt bath blends include Uncrossing, Rebirth, Sun, Love Uncrossing, Psyche's Balm, High Conquering, Divine Muse, and more. ​

By Amber C. Snider

Here we uncover the origins and mysteries of cross-pantheon Gods and Goddess from around the world.

Aphrodite (aka Venus in the Roman tradition) has long been the muse of artists, creators, and of course lovers for thousands of years. Her most famous artistic depiction comes from the master sculptor Alexandros of Antioch circa 150 BCE, in the ancient Greek sculpture known around the world as Venus de Milo. The 2170 year old marble statue is currently displayed at the Louvre in Paris and depicts the half-clothed goddess in a sensual form that speaks to the Greeks' ideal of beauty. Perhaps the other most famous depiction of the Goddess comes from Sandro Botticelli's masterpiece The Birth of Venus, which hints at her origin story. The Renaissance painting shows her emerging from the sea with a shell under her feet as her long hair coyly (yet barely) covers her slender body. The wind God Zephyr blows air on her from the left, while the Goddess of Spring stands to her right with a cloak in hand ready to cover her naked form. 

Aphrodite's mythological origins aren't all happiness, joy, and beauty though –– in fact, one origin tale is actually pretty gruesome. In ancient Greek mythology, Gaia and Uranus has a Titan son named Cronus. Cronus, with the help of his mother Gaia, rebelled against his father Uranus and castrated him, flinging his severed testicles into the ocean. His sperm made the sea bubble and froth and from those foamy waters, Aphrodite emerged as a fully-formed Goddess. Another story dated shortly after (commonly attributed to Homer), says the Goddess was born from the ocean nymph Dione and Zeus. 

Aphrodite took on several lovers, although she was married to Hera's lamed son Hephaestus, an Olympian God associated with fire, craftsmanship, metalwork. Talented and strong though he was, he was considered ugly due to his clubfoot, and the Goddess of Love found herself in the arms of Ares (the God of War), with whom she had many children. However, one of her most famous love affairs was with the beautiful yet tragic mortal Adonis. 
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Her passionate love affair with the moral Adonis began somewhat (well, very) strangely. Adonis' mother gave birth to him just moments before she was turned into a myrrh tree by the Gods. Spotting the infant and recognizing him as beautiful, Aphrodite wanted to keep him for herself, so she locked him away in a chest and handed him over to the Queen of the Dead, Persephone, for safe keeping –– or presumably until he became of age. During that time, the Goddess of the Underworld also fell in love with Adonis and refused to give him back. Zeus had to get involved and eventually a deal was struck: Adonis would spent part of the year in the Underworld with Persephone, part of the year with Aphrodite, and he could choose who to be with during the remaining four months of each year. Naturally, he chose the Goddess of Love during his free time and they spent several years wrapped in longing together, hunting, and roaming forests.

However, tragedy soon came lurking. During a hunting expedition, Adonis was killed by a wild boar. Running to her fallen lover, she pricked her foot on a white rose and her blood stained the flower to a crimson, red hue. The red rose, said to be the first of its kind in the world, came to symbolize passionate love and also Aphrodite's grief at the loss of her beautiful lover.  ​
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Today, even thousands of years later, Aphrodite is still revered, worshipped, and called upon in spellwork. She's associated with copper, the dove, pink (sometimes blue), the day Friday, and the number five. Modern witches invoke her energy for love and beauty spells, as well as self-love rituals. At Enchantments, there are several potions and candles dedicated to this Goddess energy, including Aphrodite Love Drawing Oil and Incense, Venus Incense and Oil (a shop favorite), Aphrodite Love Bath, the Goddess of Love Oil and Incense, and the Venus Candle and the Empress candle. Many of the shop's love-oriented candles are dressed with various oils inspired by the Goddess. 

Beauty and self-love rituals are often dedicated to and inspired by Aphrodite. One way to honor the Goddess is to create an altar using a statue or image of her, seashells, blue or pink crystals, rose petals, hand-carved pink, white, or blue candles, and rose-scented oils. Spellwork involving love is best timed on a Friday and Venus also governs two zodiac signs, Libra and Taurus. Ritual baths that invoke sensuality (or simply as part of a self-care routine) can include sea salt, a few drops of Enchantments' love oils, and dried or fresh rose petals. 
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​For more on our God and Goddess series, check out this story on the Goddess of the Crossroads, Sorcery, and the Moon.  ​

By Amber C. Snider

Straight from the mind of tarot reader and Cosmopolitan contributor Sarah Potter, a dreamy new deck for the modern era appears. ​

Are you ready to get cozy with a new book? We've curated a list of our new favorites from Llewellyn, the world's oldest and largest publisher of spiritual books. 

Whiskey Stevens’ Rise of the Witch: Making Magick Happen Your Way (September 2021) explores both the history of the Craft and a personalized approach to magick. Stevens covers witches tools for both the novice and advanced practitioner, ways to harness energy, tarot and meditation tips, sex magick, and shadow work in this 216-page practical book to reveal a magic that is “uniquely yours.”
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By Amber C. Snider

By Amber C. Snider

For 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. ​

*Story originally published 9/20, but updated on 8/21.

Because you can never have too many tarot decks...

Whether you're a practiced divinator wanting to add to your collection or a novice in search of something new, each of these 9 decks offer something unique for the modern witch. Of course we also have a huge collection in-store (with all the classics), but here we bring you a roundup of our end of summer sale tarot decks, available in-store only. 
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​Featuring 78 illustrated cards based on the hit HBO series Game of Thrones, we're thinking this would be an ideal gift for any Westeros fan. It also comes with a hardcover book inside, written by tarot expert Liz Dean with illustrations by Craig Cross. 

​If ravens are your spirit animal, this is definitely the deck for you. On sale for $18, the deck includes a booklet for beginners (and novices, too) and features beautiful images of ravens. Created by Maggie Stiefvater (NYT's bestselling author of the Raven Cycle series), The Raven Prophecy Tarot is great for harnessing your intuitive powers and challenging the wisdom of the raven. 
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​Yes, this price is even cheaper than Amazon (support local NYC businesses!) Featuring archetypal images in a beautifully illustrated deck with roots in the Tree of Life (based on the Kabbalah), creator Elizabeth Josephine Gill offers detailed meanings behind the symbolism of each vibrantly colored, high quality card. 

Ever want to learn Lenormand, which dates back to the 19th century? Well this beginner's deck is a great place to start. Up your fortune telling game with this 36-card deck and guidebook, which includes techniques for building up to the Grand Tableaux spread. Practical, accessible, this deck is great for everyday divination. 
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​Calling all Leos! It's your birthday season, so you might as well treat yourself to a new tarot deck (you know you deserve it). Designed by artist Ciro Marchetti, the Tarot Grand Luxe is loosely based on the Rider-Waite-Smith decks, but incorporates a bold, fiery visuals across 78 cards. Includes a guide booklet. 

​The Silver Luna Witchcraft Tarot Kit comes with a 78-card deck and 160-pager guidebook to help you uncover the ancient magic of the moon. The deck weaves the phases of the moon and holidays into each suit, making it perfect for your Full Moon Ritual or New Moon Ritual. On sale for $15. 

If water magick is part of your practice (or if you're drawn to mermaids), check out the Mermaid Tarot deck by Leeza Robertson. On sale at Enchantments (in-store only) for $18, this deck uses the imagery of mer-folk to guide you on your divination journey. Mystical and ethereal, this deck is great to incorporate into any water rituals, especially for the end of summer. 

​Based on the Rider-Waite deck and published by Llewellyn, this steampunk-themed deck plays on the dichotomy between "man and machine, nature and technology, science and alchemy, and romance and fashion." Created by award-winning tarot expert Barbara Moore, the deck also comes with a book to help guide you through the cards. On sale for $17 (in-store only).

Sure, we just went through a pandemic, but if a zombie apocalypse is still looming in your mind, you may want to check out the Z Tarot deck. Primal, powerful images of the undead are woven throughout this 78-card deck, which is based on the Rider-Waite-Smith system. Great for collectors and on-sale for $16. 

By Amber C. Snider

We've rounded up the best books on spellwork, brujeria, healing arts, candle magic, and more. 

An eclectic mix of new releases, staff favorites, and classics, these summer picks are perfect to pack up for a summer road trip or pore over during those balmy summer nights. They each offer something truly unique in the realm of witchcraft, ranging from ways to harness your candle magic skills, protect your energetic fields, work with the elements, practice sacred symbol magic, or learn more about Indigenous practices. Here, we bring you Enchantments' bestselling books for summer 2021. 

Protection Charms: Harness Your Energy Force to Guard Against Psychic Attack, by Tania Ahsan
A favorite for Enchantments’ customers and staff alike, Tania Ahsan’s Protection Charms focuses on empowerment magic and protection spells. It’s the book for anyone who has “ever gotten involved in a Twitter spat...or worried about walking home late at night” and provides an arsenal against psychic attack to help keep you grounded. Ahsan offers insight in symbols, chakras, and talismans to protect your energetic field and aura, as well as at-home rituals to strengthen your psychic shields. A practicing witch for 25 years, Ahsan’s 160-page hardcover is a must-read for those interested in learning more about energetic charms (which can even be used for candle magic). “Protection Charms breaks down the principles and importance of energetic hygiene through the various ways you can ward you body, aura, and space,” says Victor Castro, an energy worker and professional photographer at Enchantments. 

Candle Magic, by Madame Pamita
This practical, illustrated hardcover by Madame Pamita is also currently a bestseller at Enchantments. “Madame Pamita’s book is currently my favorite on candle magic right now,” says Victor Castro. “It’s not just an introduction, but also goes into the more experienced aspects of ceromancy and pyromancy. It also has several helpful appendices of herbs, crystals, talismans and symbols that are useful in candle magic,” he adds. “It really is a wonderful book. I highly recommend it.” 

Marisabel S. at Enchantments agrees: “Madame Pamita does a really, really good job at walking you through how to charge a candle and which candles are important for different things. It also goes really well with her Parlour of Wonders business, so I now have a better understanding of what that shop is about after reading her book. I’m grateful to add to my own candle experience with this book.” 
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​The Way of the Water Priestess: Entering the World of Water Magic, by Annwyn Avalon
Also new for 2021 but written in her signature enchanted style, Annwyn Avalon’s latest book is a hands-on guide to harnessing the power of water for healing, protection, and self-empowerment. The Way of the Water Priestess is all about reviving ancient practices, making water sacred again, and learning how to embody the sacred vessel of water that you already are. Plus, it’s also a staff favorite: “Despite being a Cancer, I’m not that connected with water. But this book does a good job at telling you the history of women’s connection to water, water magic, water sources, the moon, and intuition. It also has really nice recipes for baths towards the end of the book,” says Marisabel S. 
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American Brujeria, by J. Allen Cross
And last but not least, J. Allen Cross’s American Brujeria is currently one of the most popular books on the market right now. New to 2021, the book explores Modern Mexican-American Folk Magic with an accessible and conversational approach. It’s a great book for anyone interested in Indigenous practices, folk magic, healing, and shamanism. It covers spell casting, healing arts, oil crafting, protective charms, stories on folk saints, and the influence of Catholicism on these ancient traditions. But it sells out quickly (and it’s a staff favorite), so be sure to call ahead for availability. 
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*Note, these new titles are available for in-store purchase at Enchantments. For more great reads, check out our Books section on the website. 

by Amber C. Snider

​Use what you have
Witchcraft has always been about making do with what you have on-hand. You don’t need to go out and buy “fancy” or trending tools. Looking for herbs for a sea salt bath ritual? Use the sea salt that’s (probably) already in your cupboard and add some lavender to the mix. Need to cleanse your home of negative energy? Again, try burning herbs you already have: Bay leaves, cinnamon, or rosemary. Design and personalize your own Book of Shadows, make a wand using found Birch or Cedar wood in your local park, create your own sacred oil blends. Use your hands, don’t be afraid to get a little messy, and have fun with the so-called mistakes. 

Stay curious
Too often in this year of isolation we’ve shut down the world out there, often as a protective or survival measure. But the time has come to open ourselves back up. Inspiration is omnipresent in the natural world (but you knew that), so when’s the last time you ventured out of the house for the sole/soul purpose of seeking beauty?
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Whether you want to spice up those summer nights with a new erotic adventure, surround yourself with an air of mystery, or manifest deep emotional healing, here are our bestselling candles for the season. ​​

​For more stories on candle spellwork, check out our candle magick section here, including Frequently Asked Questions.  

Aries
Aries, the headstrong sign ruled by fiery Mars, is bursting with physical energy after having been cooped up for so long –– it's time for an active, physically engaging getaway such as a hiking trip or outdoor adventure. Having more sex will also do the trick, so express yourself and have fun with your partner to relieve built-up tension.
 
Taurus
Taurus is a luxury-loving earth sign ruled by Venus, enjoying comfort above all else. As long as the house was cozy enough for (sometimes) lazy Taurus, the quarantine and time at home may not have been as difficult as it was for other signs. But now it's time to get moving! Find a fabulous hotel with lots of delicious décor and plan a romantic getaway. You are sure to feel reinvigorated by these indulgences.
 
Gemini
Gemini is ever-changing, ruled by speedy Mercury, so this pandemic has been difficult for them to stay put. Gemini is talkative and a very social sign, so communication is key when it comes to dealing with them.Write a letter to a romantic partner (or prospective romantic partner) because Geminis are natural writers and experts at the art of the "love letter." A train trek with lots of small stops is the ultimate Gemini adventure. 

Cancer
Cancers are very family oriented and can spend much of their time attending to the home or children, so they may be feeling overwhelmed after playing "caretaker" for everyone during the pandemic. Instead of being crabby, take a trip on the water –– perhaps a boat ride to a beautiful beach –– you'll find that love and romance feel new again, after a watery refresher.  
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Click here to read the best times to travel this summer 2021. To book a private reading with Scoroposki, email him at scoroposki.david@gmail.com