Gathering in the Shadows
Rituals and messages to strengthen in chaotic times
Hello fellow witches,
We find ourselves in the depths of January, with waning light from the moon leaving us in darkness that feels both protective and vulnerable. In this issue, I’ll share some old family wisdom, offering guidance for navigating modern challenges, share what the runes have to share, and more. Whether you're feeling the weight of the future, or seeking shelter in the shadows, I hope you'll find both comfort and power.
I see that a ton of you have recently discovered this newsletter! I don’t know what happened, but I have over 50 new subscribers this week I would love to know how you discovered this newsletter. I am so glad to see you all here, welcome!
Weekly Affirmation:
"I am woven into the fabric of existence, strong enough to bend without breaking, wise enough to flow with change, and powerful enough to shape my own destiny."
🌙Current Moon Phase🌙
The waning crescent moon joins us as tension pulls our collective threads. Just as the Norns weave at their loom beneath Yggdrasil, we too feel the push and pull of destiny's threads drawing taut around us. This isn't just anxiety about the future - it's the weight of being part of something larger, of feeling the invisible weave of wyrd as it shapes what's to come.
The diminishing moonlight reminds us that even as certain threads of possibility fall away, others strengthen. The Norns (Urðr, Verðandi, and Skuld) weave past, present, and future together in patterns we can't always see. Remember that while they weave the grand design, we still choose how to move within it. Like skilled weavers ourselves, we can work with these tensions rather than against them.
Lunar Look Ahead
As we approach the Dark Moon on January 29th, we enter the time that is perfect for gathering in our communities, sharing our fears and hopes, and remembering that no single thread bears the whole weight of the future alone. Our ancestors understood this deeply - it's why they gathered in the dark times, sharing warmth and wisdom. The dark may offer a shroud of protection, a hidden place to plant future seeds, and a shadowy hug to help us reflect inward and release tensions we have built up. However difficult it may seem right now, you have to remember your health. Practicing calmness in dark moments of stillness is the perfect opportunity to let some of that weight drop off your shoulders.
During this dark moon, consider sitting with your community - whether that's family, friends, or fellow seekers. Share what you see in the weaving, listen to others' visions. Like the Norns at their well, we too can find wisdom in what we pool together. The future may feel heavy with possibility, but remember - every small act of good we weave into the world matters. The pattern grows stronger with each thread we add.
Rune Wisdom
The Rune’s Message for the Week: Resilience in the Face of Power
What We Bring From the Past: Dagaz ᛞ
Dagaz is the rune of transformation, the dawning of a new day, and the culmination of cycles. In this position, it reflects the relative stability and clarity we’ve experienced in the past. While not without its challenges, the past offered a framework that, though imperfect, allowed for some measure of predictability and collective progress.
Dagaz speaks to the period when systems and governance (though flawed) held together enough to allow communities to focus on growth and progress. This stability, however, was not invincible. The light of Dagaz revealed both our strengths and the cracks in our collective structures, setting the stage for the turbulence now unfolding.
It also reminds us that while we may look back on this time with a sense of loss, the transformations of Dagaz always carry lessons. What we learned during this time will serve as a foundation as we navigate the uncertainty ahead.
Where We Stand Now: Fehu ᚠ
Fehu, the rune of wealth, resources, and energy, defines our present moment. Fehu represents abundance, but also the imbalance that arises when resources are hoarded or wielded as instruments of control. Fehu is one of the rune I feel has a strong energetic current, and can become easily imbalanced. Right now, Fehu speaks to a world where wealth and influence shape the rules, often at the expense of equity and collective well-being.
This is a time when those with material power are making decisions that ripple across communities. Policies that favor consolidation of wealth, influence, and authority reflect the energy of Fehu in its shadow form - a hoarding of resources that creates division rather than connection.
Fehu urges us to take stock of what we value and how we collectively allow power to flow (or stagnate). It challenges us to confront the structures that prioritize wealth over justice and asks: What kind of future are we investing in? It is a reminder that wealth, in all its forms, carries responsibility.
The Path Forward: Uruz ᚢ
Uruz, the rune of raw strength and primal energy, rises in the future position with a message of resilience and determination. This rune speaks of untamed potential and the endurance needed to confront the challenges that Fehu’s imbalance has created.
Uruz warns that the road ahead will not be easy. It suggests a time of struggle as communities and individuals push back against systems that have consolidated power at the top. However, it also offers hope: the strength to endure, resist, and create change is within reach. Just remember, resistence is never easy, but is necessary for change.
This is the energy of grassroots movements, of people drawing on their inner reserves to demand balance and justice. Uruz reminds us that transformation often begins in chaos and that raw, untamed strength can lead to renewal. The future will require resilience and courage, but it also holds the promise of a world rebalanced.
Tl,dr: The Story They Weave
The light of Dagaz illuminated a past built on stability and clarity, but it also revealed cracks in the systems we trusted. Now, under the shadow of Fehu, power and wealth dominate, shaping rules that leave many disempowered. The future, promised by Uruz, calls for untamed strength and collective action to restore balance. Together, these runes tell a tale of awakening: where clarity reveals imbalance, resilience must rise to create transformation.
💎 Crystal of the Week: Black Tourmaline 💎
Why I Selected This Stone: During this time of tension and power dynamics revealed by Fehu, Black Tourmaline serves as a powerful protector and grounding force. Like the roots of Yggdrasil itself, this stone helps us remain anchored while navigating the challenging energies around us.
Properties: Black Tourmaline is a shield stone, known for its ability to transmute negative energies into positive ones. It creates a protective field around the bearer while maintaining energetic balance and grounding. This crystal resonates deeply with Earth energy, making it perfect for staying centered during times of uncertainty.
Incorporation:
Place a piece near your front door to create an energetic barrier
Hold during meditation to enhance grounding practices
Keep on your desk while working to protect against electromagnetic stress
Wear as jewelry when dealing with challenging situations or power dynamics
Old Family Magic: The Steady Flame
In my family, we have always turned to a simple ritual during uncertain times. Its origins are unknown, but it carries a clear purpose: to protect, steady, and cleanse - sort of a grounding ritual you can say. This practice reminds us that even in moments of chaos, we can find strength in what endures - stone, water, and flame.
To begin, gather a sturdy stone, a bowl of warm water with a pinch of salt, and a candle. I like to gently warm the stone by placing it near the candle’s flame or letting it sit in a warm place, allowing it to hold both comfort and strength.
Place the stone in the bowl and light the candle. Rest your hands on the edge of the bowl and take a deep breath. When ready, speak these words aloud:
"Salt to protect, stone to ground, water to cleanse.
With the flame, I find my focus.
May I stand firm, strong, and clear."
Next, reach into the bowl and hold the stone in your hands. Feel its weight, its warmth, and its enduring presence. Imagine the steadiness of the stone flowing into you, grounding you in the moment. As you lift it, watch the water running off the surface, carrying away tension and leaving only calm and focus in its place.
Finally, extinguish the candle in the water, letting its energy settle. Place the stone somewhere to dry, and as it dries, let it represent your strength solidifying. You can carry the stone with you or keep it nearby as a quiet reminder of your steadiness.
How are you feeling this week? Any particular rituals or areas you are focusing on that you would like to share?
Felt this in all my depths and light cracks. I placed my black tourmaline on my desk. Thank you for sharing your insights and wisdom. You gave me much to think, feel, and be hopeful for. Sending love and light.