On Sunday I attended a get-to-gather with fellow-witches. It was inspiring and empowering. And bit by bit I am coming more out of the Witches’ (broom) closet. Not that I was ever fully in it as I have not really hidden my interests in the past. But the word ‘witch’ sometimes felt awkward, because it comes with so much baggage and prejudice.

 

Witch

But when I first spoke the word out loud, it felt so right and so powerful, I decided right there and then to share more about my witchy life. More about this in the future, about my path and my feelings around witchcraft.

Hype

The whole hype around witches at the moment is making me cringe and sad as being a witch has nothing to do with clothes and make up. Now I do understand that the ancient power is being harnessed to tackle the patriarchy. But again witchcraft isn’t political and it is not a brand, it is a way of life, a state of being. But if this speaks to a new generation of people tapping into their spirit­uality, then I guess it is a good thing. I hope these people study the meaning behind all the symbols they flash about and really develop a deeper interest and understanding. And hey I am not saying I don’t like fashion, quite the contrary, but there is so much more to it. I’m afraid that mass consumption will cheapen its ethos, or that its symbols will be used by those who lack the esoteric knowledge that grants a deeper understanding. This makes me more adamant to share from my experience and to show that there is more to it than black nail polish and pentacle necklaces. Though the Witch appeal goes further than feminism as there is in this capitalist era there is a great need to connect to nature. So Witchcraft being sold through capitalist means is so counterproductive.

 

Underdog

And yes when I was younger I became interested in witchcraft through pop culture. I have always felt a bit like the underdog, so it really spoke to me. Artists such as Kate Bush and Nicks, and movies and series such as The Craft, Charmed and Anne Rice novels. Who am I to ‘judge’. Yes part of me cringes and part of me rejoices in this witch revival. All in good balance, haha.

 

 

Fads wax and wane like the moon, true witches remain, waiting in the shadows.

It’s the Witching Hour

Rekindle the flame of passion

So for now I want to gift you a spell.

Lately in conversations with friends the theme of sex and passion often arises. I guess now the days are growing darker and colder, we start to seek to ignite the heat source within us and/or look to awaken the flame with a partner.

Alchemy combines magic and science and nowadays, scientists ascribe the aphrodisiac qualities of chocolate, if any, to two chemicals it contains. One, tryptophan, is a building block of serotonin, a brain chemical involved in sexual arousal. The other, phenylethylamine, a stimulant related to amphetamine, is released in the brain when people fall in love.

So here’s a recipe for you (source: Witches Spell-a-Day Almanac/Monica Grosson):

 

Cinnamon-Spiked Hot Chocolate

Half amounts if you are treating yourself (without a partner)

  • 2 cups half and half milk (or milk substitute)
  • 2 teaspoons of (raw local) honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon of espresso powder
  • 8 ounces of grated dark (at least 70%) chocolate
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • Whipped cream (or coconut milk)

Heat the first four ingredients in a sauce pan at a medium to low temperature until small bubbles form. Pour into mugs. Add cinnamon stick to each and top with whipped cream.

 

Anoint two red candles (or one red candle for single people) with cinnamon oil and set on a low table somewhere cozy with the hot chocolate. Invoke the candles and chocolate with your intend by saying:

Love is in the air this dark winter’s night. May the flame of our/my passion burn hot and bright!

EnJOY