Article

by Erica Sittler

Let’s talk about Instant Magick for a moment, which for this Level 1 Witch is one of the most powerful tools in my day-to-day life. Yes, yes, I use it for red lights and parking spots and not being seen by the police as I drive a little too fast down the Natchez Trace. It is also useful to secure the house when I just might have left the front door open and again it can turn off the oven which I actually am prone to do regularly. But there is so much more to instant magick than that!

Yesterday, a fierce, sudden storm blew in while we were driving home. Winds gusted upwards of 70 mph. Suddenly, we found ourselves in what felt like an isolated tornado.

Swirling, blinding sheets of rain blew against my husband’s old truck. Pine cones or hail pelting us. Suddenly, I could feel the trees snapping, though I could not see or hear them, due to the raging of the wind and rain.

I barked out a cry of alarm while my husband drove and immediately started doing instant magick with breath, words, and hands.

Breathe. I started using my breath to fill a protective sphere around the truck.

Speak. I began talking to the swirling wind and the trees as we were now enfolded in the yellow-green cast that is the hallmark of a tornado.

Hands. Trigger symbols firmly locked, I began moving in a pattern while I and breathed and spoke, enforcing the shield: front, sides, top, below, and back… over and over and over… filling that shield till it was the equivalent of a steel dirigible. Breath, command, hand gestures.

Commanding calmly and firmly for the wind to go over and not through us. Mentally and with my hand gestures, hoisting it up and over our vehicle. Fearlessly facing the wind where I knew the storm was originating, while simultaneously enforcing the truck’s protective shield, I repeatedly told it what it would do. For a little over a mile, I did this, while my husband drove us to safety and our 13-year-old son sat in utter silence in the back.

Understand, there was no place to pull over. Further, I do not advise or encourage you to ever put yourself willingly in harm’s way as a lark, but the only path for us in that moment was to go through the storm.

Later that night, we drove back down the roads we had traversed as well as others to see what damage had been done. Snapped trees and fences were everywhere, but on the road we had travelled none of those fallen objects had turned into projectiles. The road itself was eerily clear of everything save leaves and twigs. Other nearby roads had snapped power lines and downed trees flung across them. The nearby park looks as though a bomb went off, with massive oaks tumbled about and upended like toy blocks.

Later that night, under the guidance of my high priestess, I lay on the ground in the backyard in as little clothing as possible with dark stones placed on my 3rd eye, my chest, and a strand of jet beads (that I’ve owned seemingly forever) wrapped around my neck. The purpose, as you may know, was to let the excess energy drain out of me. For hours later you see, I still had ringing in my ears, felt like I was on the verge of vomiting, and walking was more like a drunken stumble best not attempted, even after eating “grounding” foods.

That laying on the cool, damp, leaf-strewn soil, feeling the curious bugs crawling over my skin, looking up through the leaf canopy into the dark, stormy sky, while letting that excess energy go back into the earth was perhaps the best bath I’ve ever had. As I lay there, all I could say over and over again to earth, sky, stones, and trees was “thank you”, “thank you”, “thank you”.

This, I believe, makes magick different from prayer, though a magickal practice can certainly incorporate prayers and hymns. This experience was using a magickal skill I had been taught and applying it in a real situation in which I felt danger and needed actual protection. Because of this skill, instant magick, I had a form of power. I was not helpless. Unlike prayer, I was not requesting we not get hurt by the storm. I was not making a petition. Rather, both physically and psychically, I was using my will and my magick to both command the elements and to move the harm away. Furthermore, because of my lessons, I knew enough to bid those elements not to harm others in their now rerouted path I had created through instant magick.

More than 24 hours later, we still do not have electrical power, and yet the storm, from the local news media accounting at least, was a “non-event”. Tree wreckage, true. Power lines down? A couple. A few roofs damaged. No fatalities. No hospitalizations. Nothing actually to report here. Perhaps that, my friends, is one of the biggest side benefits of instant magick in action. “Nothing happened.”

It was “only” a F0 tornado (winds under 70 mph). Most folks will simply shrug it off. However, for me, it was a seminal moment in my practice. My son will not likely forget it either. “I knew you were doing magick, Mom, and I wasn’t afraid of the storm anymore.” Even my skeptical husband, who would like to chalk it up to his good driving skills, in seeing the aftermath of those various roads, knows that something peculiar happened on that particular patch of road that wasn’t quite ordinary.

So, consider practicing your instant magick regularly. Sure, use it for parking spaces, avoiding tickets, and winning door prizes. Just remember, it just might become a more powerful form of magick in your mundane life, if you work with it.

Erica Sittler is a Witch practicing her craft in Mississippi where she is a local, active member of the Temple of Witchcraft. Her magick is in the mundane and in bringing honor and attention to those small things that build a sustainable and adventurous life. She is a Witchcraft I Mystery School student under the instruction of High Priestess Sellena Dear.

July is here and we are moving into a summer with intensive energies. Plenty of opportunities to socialize and have a good time, but also a somewhat wild energy that can get out of hand. These are not quiet times as a parent to small children or teenagers. Nor is it for taking care of your elders or being the neighbourhood witch. So, let´s take a walk together among the stars and look closer at when and how it is wise to be on alert.

Party all night — but who’s paying the bill?

Right now we have Venus (love, relationships) and Mars (passion, power) together in the sign of Leo (romance, sex, party, entertainment). This is a very life-affirming energy with passion and romance. Venus is also right next to Lilith Black Moon and that can make it hard to really see who you’re hanging out with. Venus and Mars are also right next to Pallas Athena (strategy, calculations). Together they all make a challenging aspect to Uranus (rebellion) in the sign of Taurus (resources, money).

If you have teenagers or young adults at home it may be wise to check-in more often than usual, making sure everything is all right when they go out or start to hang out with a new circle of friends. For all ages there´s a danger of hanging out with the wrong kind of people, being scammed or taken advantage of.

Leo is by nature an entertainer and a charmer. It is good to follow the old saying: “If something seems to good to be true, it probably is.”

• Mars is in Leo until the 11th of July
• Venus and Mars are in conjunction with each other until the 19th of July
• Venus is in Leo until the 10th of October

Relationship Healing

Venus makes a good aspect to Chiron in Aries. That can create healing from old relationship wounds and hurtful experiences. One good thing about having experienced being hurt, wounded, or hanging out with the wrong people is that you (hopefully) have the ability to spot when it happens to other people close to you. Sometimes being seen by another person is the only thing it takes to make a decision to leave a bad situation. This is a time when speaking your truth and telling others about your own personal (Leo, Aries) experiences can create significant healing (Chiron).

• Venus is in aspect to Chiron until the 11th of July

The Joys of Family and Friends

Juno (relationships), the Sun, and Mercury (communication) are in the sign of Cancer (family, close relationships. This makes family and friends extra important right now. However, there is a little bump in the road. Ceres (nourishment) in Libra (relationships, harmony) is in a challenging aspect. That means at the same time we enjoy family and friendships more, spending time with them can exhaust us. How to fix that? Well, one thing could be to decide to hang out, but not as long as usual. Another thing could be to share responsibilities. If everyone helps out it doesn’t have to become too much. If you are the one who usually checks in with your parents, siblings, or relatives, this is the time to think about doing things differently and sharing those responsibilities.

• Ceres is in challenging aspect to Juno until 11th of July

Covens and Midnight Margaritas

Covens can sometimes fall under the umbrella of family and friends. If it does, I recommend the same advice as above – make sure you share the responsibilities between you. But a coven and magickal work can also fall under the influence of Vesta (spirituality, service).

Right now we have Vesta in Gemini (communication) in a big trine (good aspect) to both Ceres (nourishment) in Libra (balance) and Pluto (transformation) at the end of Capricorn. This can create a wonderful, transformative, and happy energy. Practical Magic is a classic ‘90s witchy movie with Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock. One of the most famous scenes in the move is when they make Midnight Margaritas with their magical aunts and dance around in the kitchen.

Sometimes you just need to let go of your everyday problems and hang out with your magickal friends. This summer, is absolutely a time when such gatherings are not just good, but could be the difference between being able to cope or not. The gathering will probably be most successful if everyone decides to focus on the magickal work and leave the mundane at home for a while.

• Vesta trines Pluto until 6th of July
• Ceres trines Pluto until 11th of July
• Ceres and Vesta is in trine in Air until the middle of September.

Ancestral and Shamanic Work About to Change

This month the nodes will change sign. The north node moves from Taurus into the sign of Aries and the south node from Scorpio into the sign of Libra. They are also in square to Pluto in the last degree of Capricorn.

At first glance, this is challenging. But there is another side to it. Taurus and Scorpio are often strong in the charts of shamans and people doing deep transformational work in their magickal practice. The presence of the nodes in the sign of Taurus and Scorpio has helped us to get deep and connected. This has also become stronger with the aspect to Pluto in Capricorn. Challenging at times, yes, but also rewarding for those who have dared to dig deep and become transformed. If this is you, if you do this kind of work in your magickal practice, or if you have done this kind of transformation, I recommend doing the best you can to honor the ancestors and give thanks to the work, knowledge, and wisdom received. Use this time to contemplate and finish your deeper workings.

Of course, the contact will not completely disappear, but it will not be the same as the nodes change position and later on when Pluto moves into Aquarius in the beginning of 2024. Pluto moves from being in the underworld (very useful in shamanic work) to the sky with Aquarius.

As humans it is easy to believe that connections with allies always will be the same, or last forever. But they, like us, move in cycles and seasons and connections are also influenced by the movements happening in the sky above us.

The north node moved into the sign of Taurus and the south node into Scorpio in January 2022.

The north node moves into the sign of Aries and the south node into the sign of Libra the 18th of July 2023.

Unexpected Help Connected to Water

Juno in Cancer (relationships) is in a good aspect to the South node (past lives, karma) in Scorpio making a big trine in water to Saturn (karma, manifestation) in Pisces (friendly energy). This could give you unexpected help or a flow of good things coming your way. Water is known for many things, some of them is to bring gifts from the ocean and that could also be gifts from the past or past lives.

To make this stronger you could work with water magick and use stones or things connected to water: Shells, stones pricked up from a river or the beach, aquamarine, moonstone, seashells.

Summary: The Summer of 2023 will probably be a summer that most people will remember. We have all the ingredients for a good and engaging drama. Passion, romance, changes and challenges pushing us out of our comfort zones. Like in any good adventure, friends and allies are important. Perhaps the most important key is that “to have good allies you must learn how to be one.”

I wish you a most magickal Summer with warm-hearted people and cold midnight margaritas underneath the Moon!

The Temple Astrolog will be back in the beginning of September!

Blessed Be!
Karin • Spirit Talker Turtle Red

Recommended Reading for Water Magick

• Water Magic by Lilith Dorsey
• Water Witchcraft by Annwyn Avalon
• Sea Magic by Sandra Kynes

Karin Ugander (Spirit Talker Turtle Red) is a spiritual channeler living in the south of Sweden. In Scandinavia she is known for the AstroNumerology and psychic readings she’s been doing for over 20 years. Together with her husband Niklas, she runs KaniSkolan, a school of astrology, numerology, tarot, StarCode Healing, and natural medicine. They are also the founders of Alven Inner Ring tradition, a Scandinavian mystery school with roots in shamanism and magick. Karin loves to create magickal oils, flower essences and sigils she combines in her “Karin Victoria” sigil candles and flower sprays. In her spare time she likes to travel, walk in the forest with her dog, and spend time by the ocean. Karin is an ordained high priestess and graduate of the Temple of Witchcraft’s seminary program. Her work can be found on Instagram @flowerpowerwitch and @karinuganderofficial and she can be reached at [email protected].

Photo by Mikhail Nilov from Pexels

by Christopher Penczak, Edited by Tina Whittle

The shape of the world is not what we are told. Our known history is incomplete. Much of our occult tradition is about seeking the hidden history, the true shape of what was and what is, to understand what we can be. We realize there is more going on than we are taught, but in exploring that hidden something, we can go off into wild territories filled with as much illness as those in the mainstream we are seeking to leave. Yet that quest for the truth is part of the occultist’s journey to know and understand.

As a species we have a collective memory loss, an amnesia stemming from collective inherited trauma that has us recreating trauma for ourselves and each other repeatedly, at best quelling it to an underlying pervasive functional anxiety. We carry with us—in our bodies and souls, in our karma and consciousness—the wounds of the world’s past, be it the decline of empires, global cataclysm, or all the big and little injustices that add up over time. If you do any healing work, it is easy to see the traits of the trauma survivor pervasive throughout our country and much of the world. It’s obvious. Survivors cling together, but can often operate at such a base level of survival, they will harm themselves and each other, refusing to see what is possible. Individually, we seek therapy and healing. Yet how we get a whole society willingly into therapy and healing is less obvious. We have to realize the need for it, and that everyone is in a different stage of their healing. There is no single panacea that will fit us all at the same time, despite our mythologies of the Rapture of some Christians, the New Aeon of the magicians, and the end of sacred calendars like the Mayan calendar adopted in the New Age community.

We have all the tools, technology, and resources to create new models where everyone is cared for, yet we lack the collective will to implement it, fearing real change so much we cling to the old, dying world. On some level we know something is very wrong, so we mistrust any voice of authority or confidence and then are susceptible to crazy conspiracies. We are seeking meaning to explain why the world does not make sense. Something is missing in our understanding, so we let anti-establishment thinking fill in our blanks because we perceive the establishment as withholding the true story, keeping us sick and stuck, but they don’t have the true story either. Blaming the other, the alien, is the easy and fast route humanity often takes. Us versus Them. Yet the transformation can only happen when we realize there is really not even an “us” or a “them” but a collective “we.” Those clinging to the old paradigm are the sickest and the least likely to change. Those rushing forward into the new without deeper thought can lead us off a collective cliff. We must find a center and then act from it.

Conspiracies are just stories we tell ourselves. We need to seek new stories, write new collective stories, and create new possibilities that engage as much as the conspiracy to answer our questions and concerns. We have to engage in the healing on multiple levels simultaneously—personal, interpersonal, and societal.

Contemporary science ignores the things ancient scientists (whom we otherwise respect) felt were important, dismissing them as superstitious. Astrology, alchemy, and theurgy are lost among the other intellectuals. Basic meditation has only recently been deemed worthy of investigation. We look forward to the time where the laboratory again will mean work and prayer.

Today, sit in stillness and ask yourself, what is the next chapter of my story? What do I want it to be? What must I do to make that happen?

What is the next chapter of my family or community story? How do we get to that part from where we are today? Who should I talk to in order to make that happen?

What is the next chapter in the story of the world? What are three tangible things I do to enact the story, to move it from fantasy into reality?

You won’t find the full story out there because it’s your job to write your part of it. Let’s craft a story worthy of our deepest potential, as individuals, within our groups, and for the world.

Welcome back, Broom Closet Witches! As the Wheel of the Year makes another turn, and we find ourselves warming up under the Litha Sun at the Summer Solstice, thoughts turn to a new season and ways to celebrate the return of the warmth and light, without which life would not be possible on our planet Earth – something worth celebrating! Claire du Nord here, High Priestess in the Temple of Witchcraft tradition, with the tenth article in our “For Broom Closet Witches” column.

For me, in my little apartment, and because of my Broom Closet Witch “status”, I typically find myself thinking on a “micro” rather than a “macro” scale when it comes to Wheel of the Year celebrations, especially at Litha. Customarily, the highlight at Litha is a big bonfire, along with various other activities associated with it, but there is no way I am going to achieve a Litha celebration on such a grand scale as that, especially with video surveillance cameras stationed everywhere outside. So, I go micro. Depending on your situation, the following may need to be “rethunk” to make it work for you.

All year long, I save my used matches and the toothpicks that I have used for cleaning tiny crevices here and there, (not for picking my teeth, I assure you – I’m actually more of a “flosser” than a “picker” – TMI!). I have a special jar dedicated to saving these until Litha time.

Also, I have a tiny glass saltshaker (or pepper, I can’t remember which) whose lid is long gone that I use as a chime candle holder. For Litha, I put these all together in a small cauldron, using an orange chime candle to represent the Sun and the Litha energies:

Here is the candle placed inside the cauldron:

And here are the matches and toothpicks placed around the candle inside the cauldron:

For my Litha celebration, only the candle is lit, even though, technically, the matches and toothpicks represent the wood for the bonfire. I’m pretty sure I would set off the smoke alarms if I was to create a miniature “bonfire”, so I play it safe and enjoy the candle flame and do a bit of visualization practice with that. If one chooses to go ahead and light the matches and toothpicks (outside, I’m assuming) it might be a good idea to rethink the glass “candleholder” part, as I can see how it could potentially shatter from the heat. The candle might also become an orange blob in the process.

For a Litha altar, (or just a bouquet on a table, depending on your situation), sunflowers are always a good choice:

I hope this article has been helpful, and until next time –

Merry Meet, Merry Part and Merry Meet again!

Litha Blessings,
Claire du Nord

The Temple of Witchcraft marching group at Boston Pride for the People 2023

by Christopher Penczak

“Yes Witches!!!” Or perhaps “YASSSS Witches!!!” was my favorite response to our Temple of Witchcraft group marching in the Boston Pride parade! It was amazing to see people light up in our presence, and at the very end of the parade route was someone with the T shirt “Be Gay! Do Witchcraft!” which summed up our experience there so well.

At various points, I think one group of spectators said “Best Witches” like “Best Wishes” and I thought of it like an invocation of blessing for us all to be our very best self, as many of us were chanting “blessed be” to those attending. The work of the Witch is often the blessing of the world, each other, and ourselves. The magick we cast upon ourselves is often the most powerful. We didn’t do much other chanting or slogans, as we were between Manray and the new Rocky Horror Picture Show group, with the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus nearby, singing up a storm. We got many “blessed be”s back, and various signs of the goat horns, or in some cases, ASL “I love you” whether they knew it or not. It’s a rare thing to be a group of Witches in public so embraced and welcomed, and I cherished it.

I think I’ve been attending Boston Pride since 1996, with the exception of the few years around COVID where it was not happening. First it was taking kids from Nashua Outright, the nonprofit youth support group my husband and Temple co-founder Steve Kenson helped create in the ‘9os with his roommate. Later, I supported the New England Independent Witches and Pagans, led by Hermes and Ursa. When the Temple incorporated we were able to march as a nonprofit religious group in 2010 or so and since then, Steve, Adam Sartwell (our partner and fellow Temple co-founder) and I have been marching ever since. Adam was well-known for glitter-bombing of the crowd, and we joke the parades’s “no glitter or confetti” rule was made for him. The new event group Boston Pride for the People did an amazing job on such a huge task. I was nervous about a new group taking it on, but it was so well-organized, and spirits were high. Erica Baron, Temple High Priestess and Gemini Deputy Minister for Queer Spirit was our main liaison and the organizing force of our participation this year.

As we marched, I saw friends, current members of our Temple, and past clients and students, as I taught in the Boston area for many years, mostly at Unicorn Books (and for a time through Boston Continuing Education). The crowd was diverse. While smaller, it was so joyful. I had heard from a few people who said they were concerned for their safety to attend, and I understand. I can’t say the thought never crossed my mind as well, so we kept the protection magick for all going. And the fuel for that magick was our joy.

Steve often talks about how Pride is a spiritual experience, a ritual in itself, no matter where or how you attend or celebrate. I think of the parade and festival atmosphere and can’t help but be reminded of Mardi Gras and the whole Carnival season in New Orleans, and Carnaval of Brazil. While most think of it as a party-time, it has its roots in Christian folk tradition preceding Lent. Yet it has expanded beyond its religious setting, as many who participate have no thought in mind to Ash Wednesday just after Fat Tuesday, declining participation formally in Lent despite celebrating. Pride started primarily as a  remembrance of the Stonewall Riots, or Christopher Street Liberation Day. Though perhaps not its overt intention, it has become a magickal act of invoking and supporting the Queer Spirit of our community. LGBTQIA+ Magickal practitioners often invoke the Queer Spirit as an entity. I know I first was exposed to the concept attending Between the Worlds, a Queer Pagan Brotherhood. My experiences there have deeply influenced me.

The various Pride parades are like the religious processions of the saints, but rather than carry an icon upon a wooden barge, we are the enfleshed icons. There is the magick of darshan happening. Darshan is a Hindu term for the reciprocal process of gazing upon an icon, statue, art, or even a guru. Honor is offered and a blessing received. In this case, those on parade are not elevated above or beyond the spectators. There is mutual blessing and honor occurring, for one cannot occur without the other. The parade path is the Via Sacra, the sacred ritual path and container of the experience. The journey through a city, a symbol for our journey of life, our coming out, the stops and starts, cheers and protests we all experience in life. Like life itself, simply watching and walking, we find magick. We express our spirit by our divine presence and come together as something greater in a wholeness.

By the time we reached the Boston Common, we were greeted by a wonderful woman who simply said, “Witches, get it done!” Most of us took it as that we have a job to do in this world, and we have to get it done. Marching is simply one way to do the work and get it done, and the work continues.

Deep thanks to our little enclave of marchers gathered together this year, and to our fellows marching and watching wherever they might be! Happy Pride! Blessed Pride!

Photo by Melissa Mayes from Pexels

by Christopher Penczak, Edited by Tina Whittle

I am an occultist. I practice an occult form of Witchcraft. Once upon a time that word was scary to much of the world and perhaps it still is. My sense of alleviation could be an illusion created by the various social media bubbles we create, as I see the term “Occult Twitter” frequently bandied about, though I see less of an Occult Twitter and more of an Overt Twitter filled with a lot of opinion but little mystery beyond the new and old art, or classic philosopher quotes. Being a student and practitioner of the occult is to engage in not what was traditionally hidden from sight, but things that cannot be revealed.

They are not the things that should not be revealed or forbidden to be revealed. The occult leads to the numinous, the things that cannot be put into words. They can be obliquely pointed to in art and found through the door of magickal technique and practice. It is the experiences, insights, perceptions, and connections that must be ultimately experienced firsthand. I subscribe to the motto “Preserve the Mysteries. Reveal them often!” But the revelation is in leaving markers out that point the way for those who have the eyes to see and the ears to hear. That doesn’t mean you need superhuman perception or some elitist physical prowess, only the ability to observe by seeing rather than just looking, to truly listen rather than hear, and the willingness to put those abilities into use. Those who look and hear but not see and listen will pass those markers by, and this preserves the mystery’s secrecy while leaving the door open for others. Traditions are preserved through the trusted techniques and symbols that can guide the way.

Witchcraft was defined to me by Laurie Cabot as a science, art, and religion and that was one of the most helpful, of many helpful teachings, she shared. Occultism is also all three. The quest is both study and application into everything! While we may have areas of interest like any scientist, our paradigm is holistic. Ultimately we are looking for a mode of the unified everything, how it all works, and what our place in it is. The experience is the science, and the application of magickal technology leads to art and culture. Myth, music, painting, poetry, and dance create the expression of that which cannot be truly expressed. But it points the way. Our religion is the perennial tradition, the timeless wisdom of the experience of humanity interfacing with the divine here on planet Earth that has a multitude of diverse expressions, but universal core mysteries.

With that universal core, there is a kinship that is created. When one has found wisdom through knowledge, there is recognition of that in others, no matter their tradition, practice, or identity. When you find knowledge alone, you can either recognize fellow seekers of knowledge and find kinship there or try to pass the voice of knowledge as the voice of wisdom. That is when we have the greatest problems.

I have found few deeply engaged occultists fighting. They may disagree—and I think we have a history full of examples of them doing so, which may indicate various initiatory stages on the path handled less gracefully than possible—but in my day-to-day experience, traveling the world and engaging, there is genuine camaraderie and kinship. We may disagree with each other, but it doesn’t lead to anger or ridicule, just the result of different roads to get there. Usually there is respect for other experiences and points of view within the perennial tradition.

True occult sharing is subtle. It points the way to something. It may present technique or share experience, but it doesn’t declare. Work is the necessary process. The whole experience cannot be given to you. Teachers may share, teach, and facilitate experiences by setting proper conditions, but if you do not engage directly, nothing will happen. I’d say typing on social media is not the engagement I’m talking about, and while the mysteries are found in everything, and I do not doubt the possibility of revelation and insight from engaging with a Twitter post, it requires a level of self-awareness and reflection to see a pattern within rather than project outward.

The occultists seek to know everything about everything and how it relates. No book is banned. No idea is too crazy to contemplate. Nothing is really off limits to discuss if it could lead to attainment. Occultism is inclusive as its paradigms have to include everything and everything, but the practice of occultism is not for everyone, so there is no proselytizing as there is no belief to convert to, but a mystery to experience. If you experience a mystery, there is no need to convince you. Anyone trying to convince you they are right and you are wrong is revealing their lack of confidence in their own experience, and rather than exploring that internally, they are projecting it externally to get agreement from others to quell their doubts and solidify certainty. Ideally working in semi-secret, alone, with mentors or in a group, the occultist doesn’t need approval from the majority. In fact much of the research should take them into territory that is deemed socially unacceptable by the mainstream, even the mainstream occult world. New grounds and new insights will disturb held assumptions, but the occultist knows that they cannot return to declare their truths the truths for all. As more venture further into the same territory, a new baseline develops, and a new frontier for exploration is established. Raven Grimassi referred to this as the Well Worn Path and the Hidden Path. The occultist seeks the next hidden path.

by Erica Sittler

On my latest road trip across Mississippi, a gorgeous elder tree in full bloom called out to me. It was off a little side road, near an abandoned shed. As I was headed to an evening meeting, I thanked the tree for showing itself to me (I have been on the hunt to gather elder flowers which are in full bloom now) and made a note of where it was so that so could return.

The next morning, at sunrise, I did indeed return to the elder tree and asked permission to pick some blooms. It was interesting that all were easily plucked with my bare hands, giving way easily. One cluster very clearly said ”no” to which I nodded and moved on. When the tree had had enough of my gathering, it sent an intuitive “enough” which I honored and stopped in my foraging. I then thanked the tree and gathered some nearby red clover, which I had also been hoping to find more of.

Once home, I stripped the minuscule star-shaped creamy flowers off their stems, thanking them for their gifts and then proceeded to make a batch of flower essence and a simple elder flower syrup. Both are easy to make with recipes readily accessible on the ‘web.

Like other areas of our practice, with any of these recipes, it should be important to note that if you (like me) do not have a certain ingredient on hand, you can often “make do” with a substitute. For example, the syrup base recipe called for lemons. Whoops: no lemons! Clementines; however, are always readily found in my home. Those work just fine. No citric acid? More lemon juice will do. Just boil a minute or two longer.

And so, we craft. If we as witches believe that there is life and magick in everything: the pot, the spoon, the boiling liquid… it all will commune with you. It becomes a mutual offering and gift of reciprocity. A much more powerful finished product when all the parts are acknowledged with gratitude for their participation in the process.

Tonight, under the mystical full moon, the essence, syrup, and remaining flowers themselves will rest, charge and be blessed. Then “officially” ready for  magickal use. I smile as I type those words, for much, much magick has been happening in every part of this process. From the search for elderflowers to my anticipation of tonight’s Full Moon ritual, to the joy of sharing these elderflower gifts with family, friends, and my local Temple of Witchcraft community. Magick, magick everywhere.

Here’s to the magick in the mundane aspects of our day-to-day lives! The pleasure in noticing more. The loving shift in attuning ourselves with the land and the spirits of the world around us. If you are looking for Elder, simply make your request known and start looking. She will reveal herself to you. It may be via her flowers, berries, leaves or twig. All parts of the Elder Tree are beneficial to our craft.

It’s now the beginning of June and I am happy to tell you that we have some good energies from the Stars that we can work with for manifestation, peace, and magick. Around the 21st of June when we celebrate Litha, or Midsummer as we say in Sweden, things are heating up. So, grab a cup of coffee or tea with me and let´s take it from the beginning.

Big Downloads of Energy

Right now we have Neptune in Pisces (intuition, psychic energy, art) in opposition to Ceres (nourishment, food, caring) in Virgo (earth, body, manifestation). The good thing about this aspect is that it helps to manifest spiritual energy in our physical world and into our bodies. The challenge may be that you can feel overwhelmed by all the energy. You may also crave special food and feel that your body has a mind and will of its own. Your ordinary rhythm of eating and sleeping (Virgo) may become disturbed. If you have a history of allergy of some kind, especially food allergy (Ceres) this could flare up. As an adult it is easier to cope with these changes, for children, teenagers, and animals it is more difficult.

The Asteroid Isis (magick, high frequency, healing) is also in Virgo (goddess, earth magick) at 5 degrees and in opposition to Saturn (manifestation, time) in Pisces (intuition). This aspect is about downloading healing, magick, and upgrading your psychic power. This aspect may also disturb your ordinary rhythm. You may even have a hard time staying awake at work because of all the energy coming through. If great ideas, music, art, or solutions comes to you in the middle of the night, go and write them down! You may not get another chance.

Ceres is in Virgo until the 24th of June. After that she enters into the sign of Libra

Ceres is in opposition to Neptune until the 5th of July

The Magickal Power Nap

My advice to manage these intense downloads of energy is to take “Magickal Power Naps” when you can: 10 to 30 minutes of sleep in the afternoon could do the trick and save your day. It is also wise to be more flexible with the routines for your family. Do what works for the family right now. If a child moves back into your bedroom for a few weeks it´s not the end of the world. Or, if your teenager looks more dead than alive, it may not just be because of late night gaming with friends. Everyone is bombarded with energy right now. Sometimes a flexible Witch is a wise Witch.

Goddess Magick and Opening the Door

Isis is the Egyptian goddess of magick, healing, and many other things. She is sometimes called “The Goddess with 10 000 names”. The asteroid Isis is not just doing what I mentioned above, she is also in a good aspect (trine) to Jupiter (expansion, growth) in Taurus (earth, manifestation, growth) and making good aspects to the moon nodes connected to our past (south node) and our potential future (north node). This could make past-life memories and talents surface. This is a great time for Goddess Magick and working with the divine Feminine. It is also good for deepening your magickal practice. Be aware of new or old interests showing up. They may be of importance and hold important keys to your future. Remember that even if Spirit gives you the Keys, it is up to you to use them and open the door.

Isis in Virgo is making a trine to Jupiter in Taurus until around the 16th of July.

Truce, Peace, or Just Biding Time?

Right now we have the Sun in Gemini (communication, understanding) joining Juno (relationships, partnerships). This can bring peace and understanding in your relationships. Someone or something that has been stressful may find some peace. It could be your relationship with a co-worker, relative, friend, partner or something bigger. This energy is strengthened by Juno making a good aspect to Chiron (healing) in Aries.

A word of warning though: If this is a bigger or more complicated situation, something that has been going on for a long time, it could be wise to not be naïve. The Sun and Juno are making a good aspect to Pallas Athena and Lilith Black Moon in Leo. Even if it is a good aspect, we know by experience that when Lilith Black Moon is involved, the whole story is not visible or out in the open yet. There´s more to come.

My recommendation is to enjoy the peace that is in the moment, accept the truce, but sleep with one eye open. At Midsummer, the 21st of June, Mars (activation) will squeeze in right between Pallas Athena and Lilith Black Moon in Leo (a fiery sign). Together they make a challenging square to Uranus and Vesta (turbulence, fire, eruption) in Taurus. At the same time the Sun (just entered Cancer) and Juno squares and challenges Ceres (relationships ) that has just entered Libra (balance, justice, relationships).

This could indicate the complicated situation becoming active again. A good thing to remember is that even if it seems and feels like the same situation all over again, good things could still have happened during the truce or pause. Good healing could have done great things, it might just not have found its conclusion yet and before that happens it is wise to use caution.

On the collective plane we may see this in the tension between countries, political parties, or in dealing with the economic situation.

If you are celebrating Midsummer, it is wise to be careful and to not forget to think about security around water, boats, fire, and so on. With many placements in Leo (Moon, Venus, Lilith Black Moon, Mars, Pallas Athena) people can easily become overconfident and accidents may occur. This is extra-strong with some of them squaring Vesta and Uranus in Taurus, mentioned above.

Other Dates to Consider

3rd of June – Full Moon in Sagittarius

4th of June – Mercury conjuncts Uranus, great for thinking. Because they meet in Taurus it is a good idea to anchor your ideas before acting on them. Especially looking at finances (Taurus) and if you have the stamina needed to finish the project. The stone fluorite may be helpful in decision-making.

5th of June – Venus enters Leo, great for romance and attraction. Venus is also making an opposition to Pluto, which can create drama and desire. The stone red jasper can help to balance the energy and to make wise decisions in life and in relationships.

11th of June – Pluto moves back into Capricorn again. Great time for working with ancestors and doing deep work. Also great for protection magick. People doing ancestor work may feel this strongly. Pluto leaves Capricorn January 21 in 2024

15th of June – Mercury squares Saturn. Get your great ideas down on paper or they may create stress. Especially if they are of a spiritual nature. Write down those recipes, formulas, and spells. Buy or start a new magickal diary or notebook (BOS)

17th of June – Saturn goes retrograde in Pisces. Finish the projects you started this Spring. Saturn goes direct again on the 4th of November.

18th of June – New Moon in Gemini. Good for working with communication, community, friends, and siblings. Start a new magickal discipline. Start reading a new magickal book.

21st of June – Midsummer, Summer Solstice. Sun enters Cancer. Longest day of the year.

26th of June – Mercury enters Cancer. Communication about family. Good for protection work around family and safe travels. Mars squares Uranus, drive carefully!

30th of June – Neptune goes retrograde. May not be felt by everyone. But people connected strongly with water beings and water magick may feel this strongly. Go to the ocean. Perform water blessings and water magick. Neptune goes direct again on December 6.

Summary

We have a lot of energy shifts this month, both high and low. As magickal people, healers, and Witches we have the power to neutralize harmful energies. We can also ground energies that are overloaded and causing turbulence and stress. This is a period when radiating peace, calmness, love, and magick can literally change the world around you. Because so much energy will pass not only through our little place in the universe, but also through ourselves, it is essential to clean, clear, and bless more than usual. This may not be the calmest of month as a Witch, but surely one of the more interesting and magickal.

Blessed Be!
Karin • Spirit Talker Turtle Red

Karin Ugander (Spirit Talker Turtle Red) is a spiritual channeler living in the south of Sweden. In Scandinavia she is known for the AstroNumerology and psychic readings she’s been doing for over 20 years. Together with her husband Niklas, she runs KaniSkolan, a school of astrology, numerology, tarot, StarCode Healing, and natural medicine. They are also the founders of Alven Inner Ring tradition, a Scandinavian mystery school with roots in shamanism and magick. Karin loves to create magickal oils, flower essences and sigils she combines in her “Karin Victoria” sigil candles and flower sprays. In her spare time she likes to travel, walk in the forest with her dog, and spend time by the ocean. Karin is an ordained high priestess and graduate of the Temple of Witchcraft’s seminary program. Her work can be found on Instagram @flowerpowerwitch and @karinuganderofficial and she can be reached at [email protected].

In May, we have lived through an intensive full moon with a Lunar eclipse (5th of May) and before that a Sun eclipse (20th of April). Despite that, many are feeling a rush of new energy moving forward onto a new chapter in life. Part of that energy is that Pluto moved into the sign of Aquarius earlier in the year. On May 1st Pluto started its retrograde phase. You may feel that as a welcoming energy, slowing things down a bit and giving you time to integrate the changes that has occurred from the beginning of the year up until now.

Pluto’s retrograde phase will last until October 11th. It moves back into Capricorn in June and will not re-enter to Aquarius until January 2024.

Personal Flaws

We all have flaws and imperfections. Things that we do that aren´t great. But somehow the people that love us put up with them. Some of the things that we do, might even be missed when we have moved on to the Summerland’s or Heaven. Like always leaving the shoes in the middle of the hallway or forgetting to turn out the lights. But, there may be other things that people signal to us that we either don´t understand or ignore. Now with Lilith Black Moon in the sign of Leo we may need to look a little closer at ourselves, who we are and how we behave in the world around us.

Lillith Black Moon in Leo

Where Lilith Black Moon is we have difficulties to see things clearly. Now we have Lilith Black Moon in Leo and Leo is ruled by the Sun (me, I, ego). That means that right now we have a hard time seeing ourselves, and seeing how what we do and how we act creates an impact in the world and with the people around us. People that are born with this placement may feel like they are giving and giving to others, at the same time the people around them feel the opposite, that they are taking and taking. The sign of Leo is very charming and entertaining and with Lilith Black Moon in Leo you can overestimate your own good looks and charm. A bit like living in your own dreamworld when everything is perfect and everybody loves you, no matter what.

When Charm Is Not Enough

One of my clients with Lilith Black Moon in Leo had a really great job where he could work very independently. He saw himself as the great salesman and the great charmer at the office,as quite a ladies man as well. Things changed at the company and he found himself without a job. When he searched for a new jobs he got to the interviews but after they talked to his references he didn’t get any further. He couldn’t figure out why? The people he had as references were people that he really liked and he felt that it was mutual. So what was going on?

Finally he took the courage to call his references and ask them what they really felt about working with him? It turned out that all of his references said that he had difficulties taking instructions from others, always questioned them and often ignored the instructions that everyone else followed. It came over him like a cold shower. Sure, people had hinted that to him, but he had taken it more like a joke. Or rather, when he was true to himself, he had ignored it because in his leader position (Leo) he could. Until now.

Another, younger client of mine with Lilith Black Moon transiting her 5th house (ruled by Leo), worked at a restaurant that is very popular in the summer months. She loved her job, her co-workers and being at the centre of attention in the bar. She was very charming and chatty with the customers and got a lot of extra tips from that.

After the summer season was over she was not asked to stay further and that came as a shock to her. Why was she not asked to stay? After all she was the most charming and fun girl in the bar according to herself. It turned out that it was because she hadn’t learned the cash register well enough. The whole summer her co-workers had tried to teach her over and over again. They also had to fix and cover up for her mistakes. At the end of the summer the restaurant’s owners decided that it wasn’t reason enough that they really liked her and that she was charming and entertaining. They needed someone who could do the job.

With Lilith Black Moon in Leo things that we have been ignoring, things we are trying to get away with by using our charm and uniqueness, could be catching up on us.

Right now we also have Pluto (transformation, shadow work) in Aquarius (communication) in a challenging square to the South Node (dragons’ tail, karma) in Scorpio. That is also making a challenging square to Pallas Athena (communication, truth, strategy) in the sign of Leo (me, ego).

If people around you are hinting something about your habits or behaviours it is a good idea to stop, listen, and not ignore it. Could it be that they are right about you? It may be that your charm (Leos are always charming) is not covering up for it. Your ego (the sun, ego) may be hurt by taking it all in, but what you may lose by ignoring it could be much more. This theme, behaviour or pattern may run deeper than it first looks like. The connection between Pluto and the South Node indicates that it may be a theme or habit that you carry with you from past incarnations.

On the other hand this is a good time to let go of past fears, crossings, patterns and all things that does not serve your highest good. Seen from this perspective deep soul work can create miracles and a really strong movement forward in life and your spirituality.

This intensifies as the planet Mars (intensity, abruptions) comes close and joins Pallas Athena around the 10th of May. It is most intense around the 20th of May when Mars is also in opposition to Pluto.

Old Wine in New Bottles

Mars, Ceres, Neptune, and Pluto are making a mystic rectangle together. A mystic rectangle is a very good aspect, but it is not always used because it is taken for granted\. People born with a mystic rectangle often have a great talent that they may not use to the fullest, because they believe that everyone else can do what they can do, which many times is not the case.

If you are getting an offer or chance to do something that you are very good at that you haven´t done in a long time, don´t ignore it. Think about it. It can be going back to school to teach, teaching about a subject that you haven´t taught in many years, a job offer, a set of gigs, or the like. Neptune in Pisces is very creative and with this trine to Pallas Athena in Leo it may be your time to shine. Perhaps you can do this in a way that no other can? Perhaps your talent is needed at this time and moment?

With Ceres (nurturing, caring) involved it indicates that it can also give you nourishment for the soul and a sense of giving to others in a satisfying way (Ceres in Virgo). Instead of thinking about it like “good old times” I recommend thinking about it like “Old wine in new Bottles”. The old wine being the wisdom and experience that you have and the new bottles serving it to others in an updated version.

Lilith Black Moon and New Visions

At the moment Lilith Black Moon is involved in many things and that can be a bit complicated. Lilith Black Moon is like the hidden angle, something that we can not see. Right now she is in a challenging aspect to the Sun (me, ego), Uranus (change, revolution) and Vesta (high priest, high priestess, devotion). This makes visions and patterns change in unexpected ways.

In the most practical sense it can give new meanings to certain tarot cards in your layouts. Omens that mean new and different things. Your dream landscape may change and the way in which the spirits talk to you. I recommend taking good notes and record what is happening. Lilith Black Moon triggers maturity and growth. Sometimes that can be uncomfortable, but if you pay her respect in the sense that you take your time and take in her energy she can also be welcoming and embracing. When she is in Leo like she is right now, it is important to not be spiritual arrogant letting your ego (Leo) running the show. Lilith Black Moon does not like that, at all. On the other side, you may through this transit learn to carry your personal spiritual power with more grace and gratitude.

Vesta, Service and Spiritual Work

Right now we have Vesta (service, high priest, high priestess) in Taurus right next to Mercury (communication) also in a challenging aspect to Lilith Black Moon. If you are in a position of giving service to others, running a coven, holding a healing or meditation circle or the like, you may feel a bit tired right now by all the obligations that comes with the job. Look around you, can you delegate more? Is there someone around you ready for more responsibilities?

What people attending a ceremony or meeting may not realize is all the work that is before and after the event. It is not as glamorous as it may look. Every part is important, from preparing the space and teachings to taking out the trash and clearing the space afterwards.

People that become part of the inner circle of a coven are usually not the ones checking in just before start and checking out as soon as the official part is over, but rather those who volunteer to be of service assisting in also the more mundane and less glamorous things like taking out the trash, doing the dishes and moving furniture. If you ever have played in a band or been part of a theatre group you know it is the same there. A lot of work before and after the show. With Lilith Black Moon, Mercury and Vesta in aspect these themes are very active.

If you want to become more involved in a group, ask what you can do to be of service? If the answer is doing the dishes it is not because they don´t see your spirituality, it is because that too is part of being part of a coven or a temple. Before you know it you may be asked to call in the elements of the circle or preparing the space.

Other dates of importance:

9th of May: Sun conjuncts Uranus in Taurus. A very electric energy (Uranus) seeking to be grounded (Taurus). Be extra careful with your back and bones as your kundalini and fire in the body may be activated. The stone Serpentine may be of help and assistance.

14th of May: Mercury goes direct again. Lesser troubles with communication and transports. But also the end of working undisturbed in your little cave. May take some time to adjust to the outer world again.

16th of May: Jupiter moves into the sign of Taurus. This could be felt like a change in the field. Jupiter is ruling heaven and now he is down in earth with the earth sign Taurus. A small action can bring big consequences. Take it slow and easy, do not take to big risks. Good for earth magick and blessing your plants and your garden.

17th of May: Jupiter squares Pluto. Power and tension in the air. Grounding is extra important. Stones like onyx, hematite or smoke quarts may be helpful.

19th of May: New Moon in Taurus at 28 degrees. In numerology the number 28 is about initiation and deep change.

20th of May: Mars (fire willpower) moves into Leo (fire, ego) and is making an opposition, challenging aspect to Pluto (transformation). Be careful in traffic, don´t take any risks. Think before you act.

21st of May: Sun enters Gemini and is making a trine to Pluto. Good for communication and problem solving. Stones like Citrine and Aquamarine can be good allies.

23rd of May: Mars squares Jupiter. Could bring restlessness. Have patience. The colour blue and blue stones may help to calm things down.

28th of May: Sun in Gemini Squares Saturn in Pisces. Could be a challenge to make ideas and communication into reality. Write it down and follow up.

Summary

We have a lot of power moving around us and within us. With the sign of Leo and the planet Pluto being activated by many aspects we need to keep an eye on our own ego and how we move in the world. How we have behaved in the past may catch up with us, and if we don´t like what is happening, this is the time to be humble about it and do some soul searching to make changes. This is also a period when we can grow a lot, like a seed planted in the deep and rich soil. The Question is, do you dare to change?

Blessed Be!
Karin Spirit Talker Turtle Red

Karin Ugander (Spirit Talker Turtle Red) is a spiritual channeler living in the south of Sweden. In Scandinavia she is known for the AstroNumerology and psychic readings she’s been doing for over 20 years. Together with her husband Niklas, she runs KaniSkolan, a school of astrology, numerology, tarot, StarCode Healing, and natural medicine. They are also the founders of Alven Inner Ring tradition, a Scandinavian mystery school with roots in shamanism and magick. Karin loves to create magickal oils, flower essences and sigils she combines in her “Karin Victoria” sigil candles and flower sprays. In her spare time she likes to travel, walk in the forest with her dog, and spend time by the ocean. Karin is an ordained high priestess and graduate of the Temple of Witchcraft’s seminary program. Her work can be found on Instagram @flowerpowerwitch and @karinuganderofficial and she can be reached at [email protected].