Showing posts with label moon. Show all posts

Making Magic - Moon Water

 

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

Moon water is really as simple as it sounds. Water exposed to a particular phase of the moon. I have a collection of different waters that I use for assorted spell intentions or components.  Filled with positive energy, some believe drinking moon water will help ease symptoms of PCOS and help regulate menstrual cycle.  

Moon water can also be used for ritual bathing before or after magical rites or used to cleanse crystals or stones of the negative energy that have collected. Choose certain phases of the moon or certain astrological settings of the moon is said to enhance the water's properties. If a moon is conjunct with Jupiter, it could bring luck and abundance. 

Alternatively, putting it in a spray bottle with a bit of sage or basil can turn it into a lovely cleansing spray. Adding lemon can brighten up any space.

Cloudly sky with moonshine
Full Moon Storm by Renee Sosanna Olson


I'm sure you're asking.. well what other types of waters can I make? Well, my friends, the options are as endless as the velvety nights sky. Aside for the obvious lunar phase and astrological choices for moon water collection, there are always eclipses, convergences and times of the year. A bottle of water when the moon is in a one house would one type of energy whereas when it is in another, another would be captured. Yule water or Samhain water could be used for different sprays -  Yule with cinnamon as a pray or Samhain with eggshells or tea leaves for communing with the dead.

Now think about the possibilities, Storm water, Hurricane water, Ice water/Winter water. Each one of these having their own magical properties to help enhance your magical efforts. I have put together a short list below.


  • Moon Water - Feminine Energy, Healing, Cleansing
  • Sun Water - Masculine Energy, Strength, Growth
  • Storm Water - Banishing, Cleansing, Protecting
  • Moon in a Fire Sign - Passion
  • Moon in an Earth Sign - Grounding
  • Moon in an Air Sign - Intellect
  • Moon in a Water Sign - Intuition
Storing your various water types can be a challenge. To keep moon water fully charged for example, you'll need to store it in a closed container in a dark space. It can be pulled out and poured into a glass for drinking or in a bowl to add to a bath but the container must be put back in a dark space and exposed to as little sunlight as possible.  Some even create unique bottles to store their ritual water. Here is a bottle I created for my moon water.



Using these types of water in your rituals will enhance your magical energy and the outcomes of your magic. Just be sure to collect the type of water you need, store it properly and the take care with cleansings your crystals or other fragile items. 

Moon water will help you bring the goddess energy into your magical workings and daily life.

What do you think? Leave your comments below!

Renee Sosanna Olson




Posted by at No comments
Labels: , , , ,

The Astrology Dictionary - A Review

Today I'm reviewing The Astrology Dictionary Cosmic Knowledge from A to Z by Donna Woodwell.

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Astrology Dictionary



Author Links - Link
Amazon Book Link
Amazon Author Link
Good Reads Book Link
Good Reads Author Link
My Good Reads Profile
My Facebook Page


Generally I like to start out with a disclaimer. I am identify as a magical Buddhist. I look for the connection between magic and science without the need to search for a creator. I believe in spiritually and holistic wellness.  I find that we can heal the world if we just sit down and and listen to the breath.  I believe that magic, science and nutritional well being are the cornerstone to a well rounded holistic life. I have recently updated my site from Confessions of a Modern Witch to my new page To Live Whole.  I welcome you to come along for my journey of health, wellness and self exploration.

 I receive no compensation for these reviews and all my links are standard Amazon links and not affiliate links. I am a practicing photo reader and have spent the last 16 years honing my craft.  I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts over 438,000 views.


As usual I'll start with a review of the physical book.  This was a small book.  So much so that you could easily lose it in a backpack or large purse. It is rough to the touch but has a very attractive cover. The text is large despite the small stature and the book does not contain an index.

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Astrology Dictionary

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Astrology Dictionary


This book is exactly as it is described.  It is an A-Z book of definitions related to astrology. It does take the definitions a step farther than one would expect and includes a bit of poetic license in its descriptions.

Moon, noun
Mistress of the night, the Moon's gravity stabilizes our climate and allows life to evolve and thrive. So the Moon symbolizes thing that nurture and protect.  Since she sheds on light of her own, the Moon's association with gathering and receiving. Memory and nostalgia are the functions of the moon...

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Astrology Dictionary

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Astrology Dictionary

The author goes on to tell us about the house associated with the moon as well as her colors and metal associations.

She says the following regarding Pisces:

Pisces, noun
Pisces is best when allowed to drift, to float without judgement in everlasting bliss.  Then, this Jupiter ruled sign can commune with the cosmos.  Pisces strive to be in the world, yet not of the world.  The constellation associated with this mutable water sign is the Fish, two fish that are tied together. Pisces may need to work to stay present, to reach for the stars without getting tangled up by their own feet.

As someone who has taken a tumble several times over the last few weeks I an say this is pretty much spot on.  (laughs)


Overall a cute book with some very skillfully written albeit non-scientific definitions of astrology terms.  A great book to have if you want a bit of light reading that can be whimsical and still contain a bit of magic.



Posted by at 1 comment
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Light Magic for Dark Times - A Review

Today I'm reviewing Light Magic for Dark Times by Lisa Marie Basile, founder of Luna Luna Magazine.

Book Cover



Author Web Site
Amazon Book Link
Amazon Author Link
Good Reads Book Link
Good Reads Author Link
My Good Reads Profile
My Facebook Page



Generally I like to start out with a disclaimer. I am an atheist witch.  I look for the connection between magic and science without the need for a deity. I receive no compensation for these reviews and all my links are standard Amazon links and not affiliate links. I am a practicing photo reader and have spent the last 13 years honing my craft.  I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts nearly 400,000 views.

This is a pretty solid book from a binding perspective. Even without a dust jacket the color and printing are vibrant and easy to read.  The cover is great and the author not only added my favorite bit, an index but arranged the chapters by subject.  This makes it a great to use as a reference book, which in my opinion is what all spell/ritual books are.  The only thing that would make this a bit easier would be color tabs on the edges of the pages to allow you to flip directly to a section.  They did however put the chapter numbers on the edges of the pages, which was a great addition. Over all the contents page is fantastic.

By far this is one of the most modern ritual/spell books I have reviewed to date.  On page 82, the author gives us a spell to recharge after attending a protest or doing social justice work.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Light Magic for Dark Times

My only real issue is the relating of magic to colors.  In the recharge spell, the author has the following:

With the face-up palms, begin to envision the universe's energy coming into you.  Feel it charging through you as a pure white light. 

While this may not be the author's intention, using references making the color black bad, or negative is something we see in all sorts of literary sources and in my opinion is something that ingrains racism into our society.  For centuries magic has been practiced by all sorts of people. From those who attended high society Greek/Roman events to those frequenting the cemeteries of the bayou to cast their spells.  Magic is magic. Adding color to it, in my opinion, promotes colonialism.






I really enjoyed the spell on page 90 called "A Spell for Saying Hell No to Labels".  The ritual reads like directions for making yourself a better person. This is what I say everyday to those sending me messages on my Facebook page or clients who are looking for making changes in their lives. You have to say it out.  YOU have to own it.  You must see yourself living the results of the spell. If you don't see it, how will it come to fruition?  It won't.  You have to own it!

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Light Magic for Dark Times


Overall, I really enjoyed this book.  I think that this would make a fine addition to any magical library.  I would encourage my readers however, to take some time to explore the links I have provided at the end of my blog to have a long hard look at what we call white magic and black magic. Intentions are one thing, magic is another.  Think of it this way.  Trucks are neither male nor female. Its a machine with no gender. Yet, we sit and allow marketing teams to convince us that if our little girl wants a truck, it's the end of the world.  Magic too, has no gender.  It has no color.  Magic is magic. No more, no less.


More Reading
The Black is Bad Effect - Scientific America
Can Asatru Be Saved From the Racists - The Atlantic
How Worshiping Thor Turned Racist - Vice
Gray Witchcraft - The Porcelain Pumpkin
20 Years After Midnight - South Magazine


Posted by at No comments
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Moon Magic - A Review

Today I'm reviewing Moon Magic by Diane Ahlquist from a book provided by Adams Media.





Author's Website - https://www.dianeahlquist.com/
Goodreads Page - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/242432.Diane_Ahlquist

Disclaimer: I would like to preface this review with a confession.  I do not practice Wicca. I am a solitary atheist witch. I work in alchemy and dabble in metal work.  I use chants, herbs and metals to cast my spells and do a bit of image reading. I also receive no compensation for the reviews that I do.  I am sent the books at no cost to me and I provide a review to share with you, and sometimes a freebie to use as a giveaway as well.

This is a great book about the moon.  I know this comes as a shock that I would use the word GREAT in describing a book. In fact I have only used that word for two other authors in my history of book reviews.  This author really took some time in looking for a more deeper understanding of the different representations of the moon.

While being sure to include the basics on waxing and waning this author also included references to the uncommon names and the familiar names we're used to seeing in reference to this celestial body. For example we all know about the Hare Moon of May but have you heard of the Milk Moon?  May's moon is referred tot his due to the mother's milk and the life force present and coming forward in May.

An entire section of this book is dedicated to harnessing the moons magic for positive in your life.  From the individual days of the week to the moon phases this book outlines the process for access this natural energy for medical, spiritual and mundane procedures.  You can even document your progress by using a worksheet or create a vision board to help manifest your magical intentions.

Parts 3 and 4 are dedicated directly to magical practices. Everyday magic includes altar prep, meditations and basic spell work for an assortment of desired results. Financial, health and relationship woes are addressed with informative and directed rituals.  The advanced chapter delves deeper into the astrological aspects of the moon as well as adding crystals and herbs to your spell arsenal.

The last part of the book offers recipes for our old favorites such as moon cakes but then takes it a step further to add some lovely black and blue moon burgers and even vegetarian moon tacos. To please the witch in all of us there's a recipe for Moon Margaritas!



Over all I was extremely pleased with this book and highly recommend adding this to your magical library.


Posted by at No comments
Labels: , , , , , , ,

Drawing Down the Moon - Polymer Clay

This is my first time creating a full body statue with the polymer clay of a person.  I call this one "Drawing Down the Moon" - She is just waiting to be painted.

Photographer & Sculptor  - Renee Sosanna Olson

Photographer & Sculptor  - Renee Sosanna Olson

Posted by at No comments
Labels: , , , , , ,

Pagan Blog Project 2013 - Q is for Queen of the Witches – Part II



Last year for the Pagan Blog Project letter Q, I did a blog post on Q is for Queen of the Witches.  I went back to re-read the post to see where I was then and how I may have changed my perspective today. 

I noticed this this week is the week of August 13; a day in which many followers/devotees of the goddess call the Day of Hecate.  This day is often used to make offerings to the Goddess in the form of a Supper prepared for her.  It is then left at temples or crossroads.

I have issue with the use of a particular day being attributed to the goddess Hecate, as she predates our current calendar is very difficult to say which day would be a particular holy day.  Hecate has been called a Greek Goddess, a Titan as well as being the daughter of the goddess Asteria. 

Even following the phases of the moon to worship can be questionable because we are not in the exact same position to see the exact same skies of those in antiquity.  Still to me, I believe that when you feel that need to conduct rites and rituals, those are the times to conduct them.  Don’t wait for a particular day or month.  Some say that full moons are better for this and new moons for that.  Yes, these can indeed be better, better in the sense that your mind is more focused on cleansing when you see a new moon, or ready to channel the moon’s energy when it is full.  But when your mind is ready is the best time to feed it.

A few years ago I had someone message me frantically because they didn't have a blue candle to finish a ritual.  They needed a corresponding candle color immediately.  I gently explained to them, the color of the candle, is there only to remind you of what you’re doing.  It is there to remind you to focus your healing energy by showing you the color blue.  The candle could be any other color you have, as long as you focus on healing, it will always be blue. 

At first I was met with annoyance and was told I couldn't possibly be a “real witch”, but as we continued our dialog I explained that the candle had no power.  The power came from within.  She was the tool, the fire and the force of the magic.  The candle was merely a tool in her box.  Finally she understood and the rites were completed.

So, looking at the 13th of August as “THE DAY” for Hecate, leads me down the same road.  I believe this day was created as a reminder for us to give back to the world, give back to our community and give back to our deity what we have collected.  It’s not so much the day we need to observe but all those aspects of the Queen of the Witches that we want to admire.
Hecate is followed by all types of people, from nontraditional solitaries such as myself, to full on covens who see her as the Crone aspect of the Triple Goddess.  No matter how we celebrate her mysteries we all embrace her.

I think since this time last year my perspective remains the same.  Celebrate the deity not the ritual.



Hecate Mistress of the three ways
Offerings at the crossroads, you find
Hecate, Light bearing Queen
Come forth and enlighten my mind.
Hecate, Queen of the Witches
Give power to my magic this night.
Hecate, Keeper of the Keys
Unlock your power and bless this rite.

Namaste & Blessed Be
Sosanna

)O(
Posted by at No comments
Labels: , , , , , , ,

Pagan Blog Project 2013 - M is for Moon Magic


The moon is one of the most important bodies to me and many witches alike.  She controls the tides on our planet and even the tides within the bodies of women and in my opinion men as well, though less apparent. 

We use the phases of the moon to preform our magic.  Each phase has a different skill set, if you will, allowing us to start new projects, wrap up old one and banish negativity from us.  The magic of the moon has been in my life since I was a small child.  I remember laying outside on the ground looking up that the full moon in all her glory, tracing the craters with my eyes, memorizing her shape and features.  I was look up at her and know that somewhere, out there, somewhere my soul mate was lying on the ground, looking up at her and thinking of me as well.

Over the years my faith changed and like any other organic being I thrived wherever I was planted; always looking to the moon for comfort. 

Today I find myself in the service of the Goddess Hecate.  Her Moon is the Dark Moon.  I find myself doing much of my spell work for spiritual purposes during this time.  However my first love is still that big ole full moon in all her glory. 

When my hubby and I were first dating he came to the door one night to pick me up for a date and grabbed my hand… He said, “Follow me, I have something for you.”   I took his hand and we walked down the steps of the townhouse and out to the road.  There just above the street lights of Scripts Ranch was the biggest moon I had ever seen.  She was amazing.  He said, “Look what I got for you.” 

To this day, when we see the moon we still embrace, surrounded by the energy and that wonderful moon magic.

Recently after one of my rituals I found myself lying in the moonbeams.  My bed is positioned so that when the moon is full, the moon beams come in and dance across my bed sheets.  I rolled over to cuddle closer to my hubby and felt the energy surge through my body.  Softly caressing the buttons across my handmade quilt, I felt it rise and fall. 

My breath quickened and my heart fluttered just a bit as the circles I drew with my fingers round the buttons moved faster and more deliberate.  I pointed my toes and embraced the moon’s energy filling my body completely.  The power was astonishing. 

I've tried to venture back to that spot, where I felt that energy several times over the last year and it escapes me.  Only once have I been able to draw down the energy and have it fill my entire body.  I’m still not completely sure if the energy I felt was of the Goddess’ energy entering me or what.  The deep rhythmic motion sometimes leads me to believe that perhaps it was more like a magical moon masturbation instead.

Either way, on each full moon, you’ll find me there lying in wait for her satisfying return.

Namaste & Blessed Be
Sosanna

)O(
Posted by at No comments
Labels: , , , , ,

Pagan Blog Project 2013 - I is for Invoke



Invoke as defined on dictionary.com is to call with earnest desire; make supplication or pray for or to call on a deity or muse.

When I look at invoking the Goddess however, many books like “Drawing Down the Moon”, refer to this is a form of voluntary possession.  A person is actually calling out to the deity to enter their body and communicate with them directly or with others using the person as a vehicle to share that message. 

In the following video, Sorita E’Este describes how one might invoke the Goddess Hecate.







As part of my research for this post I had a look at evoke, which is sometimes used interchangeably for invoke and found most define it as more of a request to join or a reminder of a particular style for example and less like a demand for presence.   

So if we were to say, this piece evokes Michangleo, we mean that the style reminds us or brings forth the same essence of the artist. 


As part of my rituals and in some of my work on Samhain, I do invoke the Goddess Hecate to come and share her wisdom with me.  I ask that through her the spirits of those who have past come and give their knowledge or share their stories with me.  I never “demand” the presence or summon spirits to participate in my rites.   To mean, invoking is calling out to a deity and inviting them to enter my body.  It’s not a summoning or demeaning thing. 


After I get my space ready and cleanse the area, I use the "Invocation of the Goddess Hekate" from the Rite of her Sacred Fires.





I am always extremely respectful when I work with magic.  In my opinion it’s a bit arrogant to expect Gods and Goddesses to be sitting around waiting to be called into a circle.  I think that they have more important things to do than worry about a football game or to make sure my computer boots in the morning.  I think what many people miss is that we are on auto play.  Our world, our lives play out and unfold each day before us without any big plan from the higher ups.  I think that our goal should be to just be good to each other.  

We call our deities to help us understand a situation or an outcome.  Ask them to give us the wisdom to react to this ride called life in a caring and understanding way.  We are not here to demand anything; instead we are here to learn from those that have gone before us, call upon them for guidance and wisdom and forego the request for a touchdown.

Namaste & Blessed Be
Sosanna
)O(
Posted by at No comments
Labels: , , , , , , ,

Pagan Blog Project 2013 - D is for Drawing Down the Moon

Drawing down the moon is a ritual that is preformed generally by those with Gardnerian or Alexandrian Wicca backgrounds.  In this ceremony the high priestess preforms a ritual to invoke the spirit of the Goddess under a full moon.  Sometimes the ritual requires the priestess to recite a work created by compiling writings by Gerald Gardner and Aleister Crowley called “The Charge of the Goddess”. 


I have a copy of a variation of “The Charge of the Goddess” on my wall over my altar.  It’s been there for years and I usually recite it when I’m doing my full moon ceremonies.  Many years before my dedication to Hecate I would always see her name come out of the spiral as if to say, I am here.  Draw your energy from me. 


My first experience with drawing down came from the book by the same name, Drawing Down the Moon by Margot Adler.  A friend of mine was studying Religions of the World at ODU in Virginia and had this book as recommended reading.  He shared it with me and it was my first real introduction to Paganism, Witchcraft and Wicca. It is certainly worth reading.

~ NOTE I am not trained in any rites of the specific Wiccan Traditions and am a solitary follower of the Goddess Hecate. 


For my ritual I call the guardians and cast a circle in my sacred space.  I have a playlist that I use specifically for these types of rituals. 



Even though I do not practice Wicca, I can feel the connection between myself and the moon.  Being a follower of Hecate the moon is very important to many of the rituals that I hold for her.  I stand in front of my altar with candles blazing and call forth to the Goddess to give me the strength that she herself possesses.  I call to the moon to fill my body with the energy and power that it radiates.  With arms lifted high and moonbeams dancing across my body, I feel at peace with the universe and revitalized with the vivacity of the Goddess.

Namaste & Blessed Be
Sosanna
)O(
Posted by at No comments
Labels: , , , , , , , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)