🌑 Veiled Wisdom: A Dark Moon Special Edition
Ancient practices for modern witches
Hey all!
As we approach the darkest phase of the lunar cycle, I can taste the magic in the air. This week's newsletter provides you with some accessible, yet ancient Norse traditions, and practical magic for the season of the ancestors.
Also, don’t miss out on the announcements, including a free workshop!
💫 Weekly Affirmation
"I honor the wisdom of those who came before, walking confidently between worlds as I embrace both shadow and light."
Lunar Forecast
Our current moon phase, as of Oct 31, 2024 is in its teeny Crescent phase (real scientific term), as we approach the New Moon. When the moon is in it’s very last days before the new moon begins, you can use this as a time of deep introspection and release. The dark moon energy creates perfect conditions for banishing work and inner reflection.
🕯️Reminder, don’t miss your chance.
I use the dark moon energy of this time of year for Oracular Seiðr readings. Newsletter subscribers get one free question. Submit your question here. The deadline for question submissions is the morning of Nov 1st CEST.
If you're unfamiliar with Oracular Seidr, it's an ancient Norse divination practice where a seer enters a trance-like state to connect with spirits or deities, and receive answers or prophetic visions. This traditional form of Nordic shamanism was historically practiced by völvas (female seers), requiring extensive training and spiritual preparation due to its inherent risks traveling between spiritual realms.
On the day of my session I undergo a period of fasting as a way of showing my spiritual devotion at the task at hand. I then drink a homemade brew that includes mugwort to help me be in a more relaxed state for the shamanic trance work ahead.
During this trance, please note that spirits may choose not to answer all questions posed, and when they answer it may not be the answer you’re looking for. It may also not be in the form of an answer but sometimes comes through visions, smells, riddles or other methods.
Lunar Look Ahead
We'll experience the New Moon on November 2nd, 2024, followed by the beginning of the Waxing Crescent phase. The new moon creates perfect conditions for:
Release work
Ancestor connection
Deep introspection
Preparation for new beginnings
A traditional Norse cleansing ritual particularly suited for this dark moon phase involves the use of juniper smoke, a practice documented in many Scandinavian folk magic traditions. As the moon decreases, clear your space while speaking this charm 3 x in each room:
“Med månens mörka kraft jag renar,
Mitt hem och alla dess gränser”
(With the moon's dark power I cleanse,
My home and all its boundaries)
Traditional Trolldom spells would often rhyme, so you can alter this to rhyme in your native language if you wish to use it.
On the Calendar:
Upcoming holidays
Samhain as well as Vetrnætr (Winter Nights) falls on October 31st, marking one of the three major blót festivals in the Norse calendar. This ancient celebration traditionally honored both the disir (female ancestors) and the alfar (land spirits), marking the beginning of winter in the Norse calendar. This differs from álfablót in that these celebrations are public gatherings.
🐺Free Workshop: Finding your Fylgja🐺
Find and connect with your Norse spirit guardian, known as your Fylgja in this free workshop November 23rd.
Limited spaces available due to the nature of the workshop
We will cover:
What Fylgja are
Ways to identify your Fylgja
Working with your Fylgja
Weekly Reading
I switch between runes and tarot each week. This week, we are doing tarot. Let’s shuffle the cards and see what guidance they have to offer us. I love to hear how this resonated with you or aligned with your week. Please feel free to comment or leave me a message!
First Position - Four of Swords (Reversed)
The time for rest and contemplation is shifting into a period of renewed activity. Have you been feeling any subtle shifts of energy lately? Your mind has been processing information behind the scenes, and your body resting for a new surge of energy you will need to tackle any new goals or projects you set out for yourself. For now, appreciate the returning energy and watch for signs you’re on the right track. Signs may be hearing conversations around thoughts you have been mulling over quietly to yourself.
Second Position - Queen of Cups
The emotional mastery of the Queen appears at a crucial moment. There is a lot in the air right now. Pay close attention to it. Have you been picking up on others' feelings more intensely lately? Maybe your dreams have taken on a particularly vivid quality - this could be showing you something important about your current path.
Third Position - Three of Pentacles
In your material world, collaboration and recognition are highlighted. Let’s cicle back to that reversed Four of Swords - have you been considering a project? This may be a sign that collaboration, networking, or seeking the experience of others is helpful to you right now. The timing is perfect for reaching out to others. You might have already noticed certain people crossing your path who seem to have exactly the skills or knowledge you need.
Weekly Guidance
Navigate Each Day:
Monday-Wednesday: Turn those recent insights into concrete plans
Thursday-Friday: Trust your emotional intelligence in group situations
Weekend: Focus on building connections that support your goals
Quick channeled energy for the related signs
Libras: That Four of Swords reversed is calling you out - Have you been stuck, trying to think your way through everything? This is an urging to move (yes, even before you've weighed all the options).
Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces): The Queen of Cups is your energy personified right now. Those intense feelings you're picking up aren't just imagination. I have my eye on you, Pisces, over there trying to rationalize your intuitive hits.
Capricorns: The Three of Pentacles is your signature energy, but I sense that you’re over there trying to do everything alone again. Consider help from others, they (probably) aren't going to mess up your careful plans - they might actually enhance them
💎 Crystal of the Week: Citrine
Why I Selected This Stone: As we move past Samhain into November's energy, Citrine's warm, golden energy helps us maintain light and positivity as the days grow shorter. This merchant's stone is perfect for manifesting abundance during the pre-Yule season.
Properties:
Attracts wealth and prosperity
Promotes positivity and optimism
Enhances creativity and self-expression
Balances emotions and dispels negative energy
Incorporation:
Place in your wallet or any money bowls you have going on to attract abundance
Use during meditations for clarity and motivation
Carry as a pocket stone for daily positivity
Incorporate into your workspace for creative endeavors
⚡ Norse Inspired Witchy Tip of the Week ⚡
Disablot Offering
As we enter the darker months, honor the Disir (female ancestors and protective spirits) by leaving out a small offering of mead, bread, or honey. Place it at your doorstep or in your garden at dusk, speaking words of gratitude for their protection and guidance.
🌟 Monthly Feature: Acts of Kindness 🌟
On the last Thursday of the month, I add a suggestion to help spread positive energy through simple acts of kindness in our community.
Spirit of Giving
This Month's Act of Kindness: Create and distribute small protection sachets for friends or neighbors
Why I Selected This Act: The energy is pretty intense right now, sharing protective energy helps build community bonds and spreads positive energy when the veil is thin.
Materials:
Small fabric squares or pouches
Dried rosemary
Black salt
Small protective stones
Ribbon or string
Small cards with explanations
Instructions:
Cleanse your materials (whatever way you feel is best)
Place all ingredients in the sachets while focusing on your intention of offering protection.
Add small notes explaining their purpose and what to do with them.
Distribute to neighbors or friends who might appreciate them
Include a note about passing the kindness forward
Other Ideas:
Share any extra harvest bounties with elderly neighbors or those who may be under privileged this season.
Organize a community cleanup to honor the land spirits
Start a blessing box in your neighborhood