Happy Halloween

Hello all! I apologize for the lack of posts about Samhain/Halloween. This is my favorite time of year and I am very busy with friends and family.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful and safe Halloween weekend, and I promise to have a Samhain post or two up soon!
In the mean time, Enjoy, and Happy Witches New Year!!!!
Love:

Your Favorite Witch
Kat

Jack-O-Lanterns

 

 

The origin of the Jack-o-lantern is debated over, and there are many legends and stories on how the Jack-o-lantern first came to be. I am going to share the most believed stories on how the Jack-o-lantern originated.

First I am going to tell you the one that I believe the most. Halloween/Samhain is the time where the veil between the living and the dead is at it's thinnest, and that gives spirits the opportunity to walk the earth (visit families etc.). Anyway, the Jack-o-lantern custom originated from the lighting of candles for the dead to follow as they walked the earth. These candles were placed in hallowed out gourds and put on the ground to light the way. 

 Another story comes from an Irish Myth about a man named 'Stingy Jack'.

Stingy Jack and the Devil enter a pub to have a drink. Jack convinces the Devil to turn himself into a coin to pay for the drinks. But instead of using the coin, Jack slipped it into his pocket and next to a silver cross. The cross prevented the Devil from changing back into his original form. But Jack eventually freed the Devil, under the condition that he would not bother Jack for one year. And if Jack should die during that year, the Devil would not claim his soul. And the Devil agreed to these terms.

 

Jack again tricked the Devil. This time, the Devil climbed into a tree to pick a piece of fruit. While he was up in the tree, Jack carved a sign of the cross into the tree's bark so that the Devil could not come down. Once again, Jacked struck a bargain with the Devil. He would free the Devil from the tree if he promised not to bother Jack for ten more years. And if Jack died during those years, the Devil would not claim his soul. And the Devil again agreed to these terms.

 

Not long after this, Jack did indeed died. But because of his trickery, God would not allow him into heaven. In keeping his word not to take his soul, the Devil also would not allow Jack into hell. Instead, the Devil sent Jack out into the darkness of the world between worlds with nothing but a burning piece of coal. Jack placed the coal into a carved out turnip and has been roaming the Earth ever since. The Irish began to refer to Jack's ghostly figure as "Jack of the Lantern," and then, simply as "Jack O'Lantern."

 

The Irish and Scottish people began making lanterns by carving scary faces into turnips or potatoes and placing them into windows or near doors to frighten away the wandering evil spirits. In England, large beets were used. Immigrants from these countries brought the tradition to America where they found the pumpkin, a fruit native to America, that made the perfect jack o'lanterns. 

 Pretty cute story, but it doesn't give us the history of the Jack-o-lantern. Oh well, besides the history, carving pumpkins ia one of my favorite traditions. The past few years I carved cats into the pumpkins, but this year I wanted to do something a bit different.

First I hollowed out my pumpkin.

I drew the face I wanted to carve, and started to carve it out.

I did the same with a little gourd. I call them baby pumpkins.

And here it is, my big pumpkin is eating my little pumpkin.

Oh No!!!

My fiance carved a cat.

And a little lantern

Jack-o-lanterns on the front stairs.

Meow!

Giveaway of Marie Segal's Art from My Heart!

I read about this giveaway on Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom's blog, and I just had to post it here as well. the Halloween cupcake pedant is just too cute for words, and there are tons of beautiful pedants, broaches and more on Marie Segal's Etsy Shop.

Isn't is just adorable?
If you want to enter this giveaway, go to Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom's Blog and follow the directions. I hope I win one of her giveaways!
Good Luck!

The Witches Book of the Dead -Giveaway

I came across another book giveaway on Confession of a Pagan Soccer Mom's Blog. She is giving away one copy of The Witches Book of the Dead

This book is filled with information about necromancy, spirit contact, getting rid of unwanted entities, ancestral worship, mediumship, etc. and it is definitely not for a beginner!

There are many ways to enter this giveaway. If you'd like to enter for a free copy of The Witches Book of the Dead then please click on this link and follow the directions on Confession of a Pagan Soccer Mom's Blog page.
Good Luck!

We Need Your Help

Attention anyone who practices a Pagan religion or cares about someone who does;

Courts and lawmakers are trying to make religions like Wicca and Neopaganism into a 'second class' status... meaning jobs can fire or refuse to hire you if you practice one of these religions. And you can be stopped from practicing your religion, and otherwise discriminated against.
We need your help, so please sign this petition.
You will need to sign up and make a White House account, but it is worth it.
Please read more and sign the petition to stop this from happening.
Please read more and sign the petition

Thank you so much!

The Element of Fire

Fire

The element of Fire:

Affirmation:  

Direction: South

Season: Summer

Zodiac Signs: Leo, Sagittarius, Aries

Planets: Sun, Mars

Time of Life:  Youth and Adolescence

Time of Day: Noon

Days of the Week:  Sunday, Tuesday

Associations: Action, The Will, Passion, Sex, Anger, Desire, Energy, Work, Purification, Destruction, Strength, Protection, Consuming, Motivation, Sexuality, Health, Will Power, Change, Courage, Love

Goddesses:  Brigid, Chantico, Fornax, Gabija, Hestia, Nantosuelta, Oynyena, Pele, Vesta,

Gods: Adranus, Agni, Gerra, Gibil, Grannus, Hephaestus, Kagutsuchi, Kōjin, Kresnik, Nusku, Sethlans, Tatewari, Verbti, Vulcan, Xiuhtecuhtli, Zhu Rong

Magical Power: To will

Magical Tools: Athame, Sword, Candle, Flame, Scourge, Wand, Staff

Types of Magic: Banishing, Exorcism, Purification, Tantra, Sex, Empowering, Protection, Success, Fire Divination, Candle Magic, Rituals to the Sun, Fire Scrying, Candle Gazing

Colors: Deep Yellows, Reds, Oranges, Golds

Musical Instruments: Violins, Guitars, Lyres, Harps,

Animals: Lizards, Snakes, Lions

Mythological: Salamanders, Dragons, Phoenix

Trees: Thorn, Holly, Oak

Herbs: Basil, Cinnamon, Garlic

Native Plants: Spanish Dagger, Oaks, Juniper, Sunflower, Chiletepin 

Stones: Amber, Bloodstone, Carnelian, Citrine, Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Tiger's Eye

Metals: Brass, Gold, Steel

Chakras: Solar Plexus

 The Alchemy Symbol for Fire

Positive Characteristics of the Fire Element:

Energetic, Enthusiastic, Courageous, Daring, Faithful, Passionate, Lust, Sexual Frenzy, Virility, Initiates Action, Provides Motivation, Drives Completion, Fast Acting, Transformation.

Negative Characteristics of the Fire Element:

Stubborn, Greedy, Jealous, Angry, Resentful, Aggression, Reckless Behavior, Lack of Interest, Egotistic, Excessive Self-Centeredness, Self- Importance, Stress, Nervous, Tension,  Violence, Burn-out, Dominating, Apathy, Boredom, Inferiority, Laziness, Lack of Energy.

       Fire is a very fast acting and sometime all-consuming element. Fire element's nature is to change the 

structure of whatever it touches into new state of being. With the element of fire one must take precautions 

when working with its very nature. 

       It represents the life force glowing within us. This element projects self-expression, creativity, courage 

and enthusiasm. Feel the comforting warmth of a fire, or heat when you come in from the cold. We need fire 

to meet the basic need of cooking our food. Fire provides a sense of security, warmth and t inspiration that 

is shared with those around. Fire strengthens self-confidence to tackle problems without hesitation.   

Without fire, there is no radiance, no conviction, no expression.

Witchcraft Book Giveaway

I came across this giveaway on one of the blogs I follow, and so I thought I'd share it so my readers could have a chance to enter the giveaway as well.

You can enter this giveaway on Confessions of a Pagan Soccor Mom's Blog Page.
Can't wait for the drawing!

Cats and Familiars

      

       History describes familiars as low-ranking demons in constant attention to Witches for the purpose of carrying out spells and bewitchments. Familiars usually assumed animal forms - cats, toads, owls, mice and dogs seem to have been the most common - though virtually any animal or insect could be suspected. In the Witchcraft Trials, if so much as a fly buzzed in the window while someone suspected of being a witch was being questioned or tried, it was said to be her (or his) familiar. 

       According to Legend, Familiars were given to Witches by the Devil. Although any animal could be a familiar, Black Cats were the favored form. And unfortunately, Cats were massacred in the hundreds during medieval times because of fear that the cat was a witch's familiar and were evil. Luckily most people now do not believe such nonsense, and cats have become one of the top pets in the world.

       But that is not to say that cats are not witch's familiars.... because some still are. But they are not evil in any sense of the word. And of course familiars are not given to witches by the Devil... since there is no such thing as the Devil in witchcraft. (The Devil is part of the Christian religion) But unfortunately a lot of people are still afraid of Black Cats, and they still hold to the superstition that black cats are bad luck.
       In fact, cats can be a wonderful addition to almost any family. They are very adaptable, and can live happily both indoors and outside. Also they can live happily with other animals and with children as well. Cats tend to need less attention then dogs, and they are much more independent. But if you do have a cat, it is important to give it as much love and attention as you can, because a loved and happy cat will make a wonderful addition to your family.... but a neglected/abused/or sickly cat will not be a very good pet.
       Cats are smart, and it is often said that 'You do not own your cat, your cat owns you.' and many cat lovers can attest to that.
       But getting back to the topic of familiars, cats make wonderful familiars. They are filled with their own type of magic, and many are happy to tag along with you, or even lend you their power when you perform spells. And many cats are very protective to their human, and can tell when there is something wrong.
       For example: Many cats can tell when their human is upset or sick, and will curl up and purr in order to help calm and sooth their human.
       If you have this type of cat then you may have a familiar.
       Maybe I should try to explain a bit more. Not just any cat can be a familiar... you can not go to a shelter and pick out a cat and then say that the cat is your familiar. The cat has to CHOOSE YOU, in order for it to be your familiar.
       Some ways you can tell if your cat is your familiar is:

• If s/he follows you around the house, but doesn't follow the other family members around.
• If s/he sits with you, or tries to get involved when you are performing magic.
• If s/he can tell when you are upset or sick, and tries to sooth you.
• If s/he has a special relationship with you, but not the other members of the family.
• If s/he can communicate to you easily/ You understand what she wants better then other people in your family. 
• If s/he grooms you. 
• If s/he feels like your familiar.
• etc.

        I'm sure there are other criteria besides those that I listed, but those are the ones that I have seen more often with familiars.

       I am now going to tell you a story that you may not believe, but I believe fully. 
       I had two cats when I was younger. Mittens and Ditto. Mittens was the mother of Ditto, and I loved them both very much. Mittens was a wonderful cat, and I had a special relationship with her, but she chose my brother as hers. She followed him around, groomed his hair, could tell when something was wrong, and she even got between my brother and my mom once when my mom was angry. Mittens hissed at my mother that time, and that was very unusual behavior for her. 
       Ditto was also very special, and was actually born underneath my sister's bed on a pile of American Girl Magazines. I was very young when he was born, and I feel like we grew up together. He used to follow me around when I got home from school, and he would lay down with me if I wanted to take a nap, and he would play hide and seek with me. 
       One day, when I was in 8th grade, I came home to find Ditto acting very weird. He had been sick all over the house, and his eyes weren't working right. I was very frightened and called my mom at work to tell her. I cleaned up him mess and I brought him outside in case he was sick again. He staggered over to a bush and laid under it while I cried and waited for my sister and my mom to come home. When they finally came home and realized the situation was a lot worse then they thought we brought him to the emergency pet hospital. I held him in the car, wrapped up in a blanket and meowing in fear. When we go to the vet we found out he had a blood clot that got to his brain, and he had a stroke. We had to put him down. I held him and pet him as he slowly drifted to sleep. It was a very traumatic experience, and I find myself crying as I write this, even though this happened over 10 years ago.
       Now I'm going to tell you the unbelievable part. After Ditto passed on I started seeing glimpses of him around the house, and at night I would feel a cat jump onto my bed, walk a few steps, curl up the same place Ditto always curled up with me, and purr. The first time I felt it I thought it was Mittens, but I turned on the light to find that there was no cat in my room, and the spot that felt like a cat was there was indented, but there was no sign of a cat.
This happened a lot, and I would even hear him walking around. We had hard wood floors and I could hear his nails clicking on the floor just like always.
       In collage I moved in with my fiance, and she had a cat named Todd. He was an Orange and White Tabby just like Diddo.... except he was a lot smaller and skinnier them my giant kitty was. Anyway, I would see glimpses of ditto at my fiance's house, and I would write it off as it being Todd.... except most of the time it couldn't have been Todd, because he was always in a different room, or I'd be able to see them both at the same time. And my fiance had also saw Ditto a few times as well... Once we both saw him at the same time in the same place.
       Anyway, Todd was the runt of the litter, and he had a lot of medical problems, including being blind in one eye and partly deaf.  One day I noticed I hadn't seen Ditto around much, and I wondered why. But Todd started getting much more friendly with me, and would start to follow me around the house and sleep with me, and lay in my lap purring... It wasn't until after Todd died that I realized Ditto's spirit must have gone into Todd to help keep him alive a bit longer. Todd started acting a lot like Ditto used to, and it felt like he was there, but I didn't think about it much until after Todd passed away earlier this year.

       Now I know many of you will not hold much stock in my story, but I believe it with all my heart. It's hard not to believe it when I felt it and saw it and lived it... but the reason why I told you this story was to show you my experience with familiars. I believe that Ditto was my familiar, and he was staying with me even after death. I believe he helped Todd stay alive as long as he could, and I was happy to have that extra time with him. Unfortunately I have not felt or heard Ditto or Todd at all. Maybe that is fortunate though, because that means they have moved on. But I miss them both.

       Recently My fiance and I adopted a little kitten together. He just turned 8 weeks old today, and we named him Sage. He is a mostly Black kitten with some wispy White hairs on his back, ears, and legs. I really hope that he will become my familiar, but I will love him and take care of him no matter what.

       We have had him for a week, and he's been a handful. It has been so long since I've been around a kitten, and I am not used to their constant need for play. I'm also a worrier so I have been a little unbearable myself trying to make sure he doesn't get into anything dangerous, or hurt himself, or claw the furniture, etc. But I am looking forward to raising him and taking care of him, and training him on the harness and leash so that we can go for walks together. I hope he will like going for walks with me, but right now I'm in the very first phase of training... Getting him used to the sight and smell of the harness. Luckily he got used to his collar pretty quickly. He still chews on it once and a while, but I think that is just him being playful and teething instead of him trying to take it off. 

       Anyway, I am hoping Sage will be my familiar, but I am not going to start calling him that until I know for sure. It's impossible to get an animal companion and have it be your familiar unless that animal chooses to be your familiar.


I will probably write more later on letting you know if Sage starts to exhibit signs that he is my familiar.