Happy Winter Solstice!
December
Named for: “Decem”, meaning ‘ten’
Anglo-Saxon: Midwintra-monap
Birthstone: turquoise, zircon
Flower: holly, narcissus, poinsettia
December Moon Magick:
Oak Moon
Herbs: cedar wood, juniper, sage, star anise, carnation
Stones: lapis, smoky quartz, lazulite
Scents: violet, patchouli, frankincense, myrrh, rose geranium
Colors: red, white, black
Trees: pine, fir, holly
Deities: Hathor, Hecate, Athese
Elements: Fire/Water
Astrological Influences for December:
Sagittarius:
ruled by Jupiter, projective/masculine, mutable/fire
Capricorn:
ruled by Saturn, receptive/feminine, cardinal/earth
Pagan Holiday:
Winter Solstice/Yule
December 21
Winter Solstice…the longest day of darkness in the year; and with the darkness comes the promise of light, the rebirth of the Sun. It is no wonder, because of the importance of this date to the ancient pagans and the symbolism involved, that the Roman church chose this date to celebrate the birth of Christ.
This is the time that the brothers battle– the Holly King & the Oak King. The Oak King will win this fight with his brother, and light and warmth will return to the Earth.
Herbs: frankincense, myrrh, sage, bayberry, rosemary
Altar Flowers/Herbs: holly, mistletoe, pine cones, evergreen, thistle, cedar
Feast Foods: fruitcake, gingerbread, cranberries, dried fruit, eggnog, cider/wine
Animals: white buffalo, stag, weasels, owls, squirrels, blue jays, cardinals, doves
Incense: bayberry, cedar, frankincense, myrrh, orange, sage, rosemary
Rituals/Spells: hearth and home magick, lighting the Yule log, hopes and dreams spells, wishes
(The information above is from, “Natural Magick the Gray Witch Way”, by Amythyst Raine)
© Natural Magick the Gray Witch Way, Amythyst Raine, 2011
Magickal Herbs for the Holidays:
Holly
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Powers: Protection, anti-lightening, luck, dream magic
Magical Uses:
Holly is a protective herb used to keep you safe from lightening, poison, and evil spirits. Planted around the home, it keeps the occupants safe from black magic. Holly is said to tame wild animals, and holly water sprinkled on newborn babies will protect them.
This herb is carried to promote good luck– especially when carried by men, because its energy is masculine. At Yule time its hung around the house for good luck.
Its said that holly leaves added to a mojo bag and kept beneath your pillow will make your dreams come true.
Ivy
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Saturn
Element: Water
Powers: Protection, healing
Magical Uses:
Ivy is carried by women for good luck in general, and is traditionally carried by brides for this reason.
Where Ivy is grown or scattered, its suppose to guard against negativity and disaster. Its also used in fidelity and love charms and spells.
Ivy is magically “paired” with holly as a potent charm.
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Magickal Stones for the Holiday Season:
To commemorate the season, we’re going to look at stones that promote “Peace”.
Sapphire
Energy: Receptive (feminine)
Planet: Moon
Element: Water
Powers: Psychism, love, meditaiton, peace, defensive magic, healing, power, money
Magical Uses:
Sapphires are worn to awaken the third eye chakra and increase your psychic powers. This stone is said to be the ‘guardian of love’, promoting positive feelings and fidelity between couples. The sapphire also banishes envy, promotes positive social interaction, and is said to reconcile foes.
Sapphires are worn during meditation to induce a peaceful state.
Sodalite
Energy: Receptive (feminine)
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Powers: Healing, peace, meditation, wisdom
Magical Uses:
Sodalite is a healing stone used for emotionally related diseases, such as those caused by stress, nervousness, anger, or fear. This stone is said to dispel fear and guilt and to calm inner turmoil.
This is also a popular stone for meditation, said to promote wisdom.
