Witch Magazine

23/07/2024

Do you do ritual magic involving plants? Take this 10 minute survey for research at the University of Kent.

22/07/2024

LUGHNASADH SUBMISSIONS CLOSE TODAY!

You have until midnight to send over your magical stories, articles, poems, spells, recipes, artwork and photography. We look forward to co-creating the Lughnasadh edition of Witch Magazine with you.

Please send your submissions to: [email protected]

21/07/2024

With thanks to The Fae Wytch 🌕🦌

20/07/2024

🌼ARTWORK SUBMISSIONS OPEN🌼

Would you love to see your artwork on the cover of the next edition of Witch Magazine? Perhaps your photography would look perfect across a two page spread?

Submit your artwork to us via [email protected]

We look forward to showcasing your magical work and sharing it with the Witch community.

20/07/2024

🌸NATURAL DYES FROM FLOWERS 🌸

With the summer holidays coming up, this is a family-friendly activity which can be done out in nature, wherever you are. Let your summer stroll take on aspects of pilgrimage, pathfinding (and fun!) by gathering flowers and leaves as you walk and stopping at various points to print them onto a garment.

To make the prints, simply lay the flower flat, put a piece of material over it, and hammer it to release the natural dyes.

You may choose flowers, plants and herbs with symbolic meaning or simply mindfully map your route by printing flowers in whatever order you encounter them.

The vibrancy of the colours is outstanding and leaves produce a surprising variety of greens. Remember to just pick one or two flowers in any one spot and only pick things which are plentiful.

Happy printing!

15/07/2024

Have you tried Julie Aspinall's watermelon mint salad yet? We included the recipe in our Midsummer magazine and it's sure to bring you the taste of summer, even if it is raining outside!

🍉 WATERMELON MINT SALAD 🍉

Ingredients:
- 1 small watermelon, diced
- 1 cucumber, peeled and diced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- A pinch of salt

Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced watermelon and cucumber.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, chopped mint leaves, honey (if desired), and a pinch of salt.
3. Pour the dressing over the watermelon and cucumber mixture. Gently toss to combine.
4. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together.
5. Serve chilled and enjoy this refreshing salad to celebrate the summer!

13/07/2024

BINDWEED FOLKLORE

Due to it's fast growing nature, bindweed is sometimes associated with the never-ending cycles of life and death. The plant produces lots of pretty white flowers, with the blooms of field bindweed sometimes tinged with pink.

Children call the flowers 'granny pop out of beds' as if you squeeze the base, where the flower meets the stem, the bloom will spring loose as one big nightdess-like petal.

Darker associations with bindweed include the folk belief that if a woman were to pick a bindweed flower, then her male lover would die. This may be linked to the short time that the flowers bloom for, or the fact that bindweed draws so much water from the soil as it grows that it can cause surrounding plants to die.

The stems of bindweed can be used for curses or binding spells. They are particularly suited to this as bindweed grows widdershins, whereas most other climbing plants grow sunwise.

10/07/2024

LUGHNASADH SUBMISSIONS OPEN

The first of the harvest festivals beckons and we invite submissions on ritual in the community, nature connection, water magic, kitchen witchcraft, hedge witchery and sustainable magical practices. Plus anything else which the sabbat inspires within you.

Articles, spells, essays, recipes, rituals, artwork, photography and poetry are all accepted.

The deadline for submissions is Monday the 22nd of July.

Please send your submission in a word document, or in the body of an email, to [email protected].

Submissions should be without formatting, and include a short bio and any links you would like to share when credited. Please also provide a headshot for use on the contents page.

We are so excited to see what the Witch community has to share!

04/07/2024

THE MAGIC OF SOMATIC MOVEMENT

Summer is here! The air feels different as we embrace the longer days and warmer nights. Even those who are not sensitive can feel the changes as the seasons shift gear in preparation for the longest day. But what does this do to us on the inside, physically? This beautiful, witchy community knows energy moves within us intertwined with our bodily processes but how many of us take the time to work that energy through and release blockages? It’s hard around busy schedules to find the time for this kind of energy focused self-care that can help us live more vibrantly but there is a little ‘buzzword’ that has crept onto the wellness scene recently that might just be the answer we have all been looking for.

You many have come across the word ‘somatic’ being thrown around in yoga classes or crop up on social media. It’s the current darling of the wellness industry and seems to mean different things to different people. But what exactly does the word mean? If you are any kind of medical professional, it’s a word you will be very familiar with, if you look it up in the Cambridge Dictionary it will very simply tell you that the word somatic ‘relates to the body as opposed to the mind’. If you have a pain in your wrist because you have a broken bone there, that is somatic pain because it is pain caused by something in the body and is felt physically. We are not talking about all the emotional burdens that may also come with a pain in the wrist here, simply the physical pain.

Read the full article, 'Somatic Solstice' by Nell Shepherdson in the Midsummer magazine.

Read a digital copy here: https://witchzine.co.uk/issues

Order a physical copy here: https://www.peecho.com/configurator?publicationId=1530856

01/07/2024

Here is your Peecho link to buy a physical copy of the Midsummer 2024 issue! (Link also in bio)

https://www.peecho.com/configurator?publicationId=1530856

29/06/2024

✨️ COMPETITION TIME ✨️

Win this gorgeous handmade creation from MjH Leathercraft, who was featured in the Midsummer edition of Witch Magazine. This leaf shaped keyring is a one off design, decorated with the Witch magazine logo, and sure to bring magic to your bag or keys.

MjH leathercraft are an ethical business, inspired by nature and working to create minimal waste.

TO ENTER:
✨️Like this post
🌼Comment with your favourite type of leaf
☀️Share so your friends can join in

The competition closes on Tuesday the 2nd of July.

Please make sure to comment on the original post. Good luck!

The small print: this competition is not affiliated with Meta. There is no alternative or cash prize. UK entrants only (sorry!) This prize is posted out by MjH leatherworks and the winner will need to provide a postage address.

28/06/2024

🪻🌼GARDEN APPRECIATION POST 🌼🪻

With summer finally here, show us pictures of your brightly coloured flowerbeds, ripening vegetable patches and bug friendly wild areas. It's no secret that witches love a magical garden!

26/06/2024

In the Midsummer edition of Witch Magazine we shared reviews of 'Rebel Folklore' and 'Forests of Silver Forests of Gold'.

Fiona Dowson reviews 'Rebel Folklore' and tells us; 'Icy Sedgwick writes with tact and humour about the dark side of the female Folklore characters. There are plenty of them.'

Cherry Doyle reviews 'Forests of Silver Forests of Gold' and tells us; 'Running through these stories like a golden thread (not dissimilar to that which is used by a character in the book), is a wildness, a wind-in-your-hair muddy-boots adventure, a deep appreciation of the cycles of the earth, and, most present of all, a keen sense of ‘otherness’, of not belonging.'

Read the full reviews in the FREE online edition of Witch magazine here: https://witchzine.co.uk/issues

24/06/2024

We were delighted to share an insight into the journey of Kalat Cards and hear from their creator, Dennis Kalat, in the Midsummer edition.

'Dennis Kalat has known about his psychic abilities since he was a kid. In 2000 he met Roel and they married in the Netherlands in 2001. His fascination for beautiful drawings made him buy a Lenormand deck from Ciro Marchetti. The first cards he drew were when asking how the upcoming holiday would be, they were spot on. He started working with cards, followed courses, and noticed that he missed some cards and meanings in the Lenormand system.

Dennis started producing his own cards. The living room in Haldenstein (CH) turned into a small art gallery, cards everywhere. Dennis creativity really has no boundaries, inspired by his love for Scandinavia, he went in the right direction. He felt guided putting it all together, in this certain order, … The shower he calls his download room (Dennis’s Zodiac sign is Pisces, and in Finnish Pisces is Kalat, which explains his last name).

Eventually the first card of the deck is number 51, the moon, Yule, the return of the light and the first season card of winter! Everything just fitted it, and Dennis could not explain how this happened.'

Read the full article here: https://witchzine.co.uk/issues

22/06/2024

Harness the power of the strawberry full moon 🍓 with Witches Tea

🍓Harness the Power of the Strawberry Moon: Making Moon Water During the Summer Solstice Week 🍓

The Strawberry Moon, June’s full moon, graces the night sky on June 21, just a day after the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere. This magical time of year, when daylight stretches the longest, is perfect for creating moon water—a simple yet powerful ritual to capture the moon’s energy.

How to Make Moon Water

Ingredients:

• A clear glass jar or bottle with a lid
• Fresh, clean water (preferably spring or filtered water)

Steps:

1. Cleanse the Jar: Start by cleansing your jar. You can do this by rinsing it with a bit of salt water or sage smoke to clear any lingering energies.

2. Fill the Jar: Fill your jar with water. Spring or filtered water is ideal, but any clean water will do.

3. Set an Intention: Hold the jar in your hands and set your intention. What do you wish to imbue this moon water with? It could be clarity, love, protection, or any other positive energy.

4. Place Under the Moonlight: Leave the jar outside or on a windowsill where it will be bathed in moonlight overnight. Ensure it’s in a place where it won’t be disturbed.

5. Seal and Store: In the morning, seal your jar and store it in a cool, dark place. Your moon water is now ready to use!

Benefits of Moon Water

1. Spiritual Cleansing: Use moon water to cleanse your crystals, sacred objects, or even your living space. It helps to remove negative energies and infuse them with positive lunar energy.
2. Enhance Rituals: Incorporate moon water into your rituals and spells to amplify their potency. The energy of the full moon, especially during the solstice, adds an extra layer of magic.
3. Personal Refreshment: Add a splash of moon water to your bath for a spiritually refreshing soak. This can help you feel rejuvenated and aligned with lunar energy.

4. Plant Care: Water your plants with moon water to promote growth and vitality. The charged water can give an extra boost to your garden.

5. Beauty Routines: Use moon water as a toner or in your skincare routine. The energy can help to enhance your natural glow and promote a sense of well-being.

Why the Summer Solstice Week is Special

The combination of the summer solstice and the Strawberry Moon makes this week particularly powerful. The solstice represents the peak of solar energy, while the full moon brings the lunar cycle to its zenith. This harmonious blend of solar and lunar energies can enhance the effectiveness of moon water, making it a potent tool for transformation and manifestation.

Embrace the magic of the Strawberry Moon and the summer solstice by creating moon water. Capture the promise and potential of this celestial event, and let its energy infuse your life with light and positivity.

Blessed be ###

20/06/2024

Blessed Solstice! May the sun shine bright for you ☀️
Here is the latest issue of Witch - the Midsummer edition - free to download and read wherever you are! (link in bio also)

https://witchzine.co.uk/2024 -9794-4275-9e0a-c4f2e8da23e4

Look out for the Peecho link for physical copies soon!

19/06/2024

We are SO EXCITED! The Midsummer Magazine will be with you on the 20th of June. Blessed Solstice!

✨️🌼✨️

As usual, you will be able to download your copy for free, and we will share the link here.

There will also be a link to order your own print on demand copy from Peecho.

If you can't wait a moment longer, you can find digital versions of all our past magazines here: https://witchzine.co.uk/issues

19/06/2024

Oak Canessa-Pollard of Solstice Storytelling Circle shares her insights on working with herbs in the Midsummer edition of Witch Magazine. Here's just a taster...

LAVENDER
Famously, the scent of lavender aids sleep, peace and relaxation. It is also associated with children and feminine, motherly power and prowess. Linking this into any ritual or spell work regarding mothering (either of children or a creative project) will aid quiet, loving and stoic qualities. Using lavender in magic can also illicit healing, particularly of grief and guilt. Use dried or fresh, as tea, incense or ornamental, lavender can be paramount to soothing a hurting or broken heart, enhancing spells along this vein.

SAGE
Sage grows prolifically in my garden; rather luckily given the amount we use it. This herb is widely known for its purification properties, and sage sticks are available in many shops and websites to cleanse yourself, homes or negative energies. The lesser known magical properties of sage though, include calming anxiety and agitated spirits, protection of the home, wisdom and long life. These themes tie beautifully together, and sage can effectively be incorporated into protection charms, talisman, cleansing incense or buried outside doors for protection. Rituals for wisdom and purification often include sage, whether to cast circles or consumed as tea for clear vision.

17/06/2024

🌳🌿MOSS FOLK🌿🌳

In the Midsummer magazine, Lucy Spirit guides us through the folklore around 'moss people' and some of the rituals designed to befriend or appease them.

✨️🌳✨️

'One lucky group of mortals is said to be able to spot moss-folk with ease. Woodcutters tending and managing the spectacular fir forests of Central Europe had regular interactions with moss-maidens, or ‘wood-wives’. These tiny women would approach those tending the forest to beg for food. This was not solely a plea for charity, but part of a ritual offering/receiving cycle. The moss-maidens would always give in return, in the form of baked goods, or assistance with laundering clothes and kitchen chores, much like the brownies that are more widely known today.

In fact, ancient superstition states that when baking, wood-wives will always be present; they are said to appreciate making use of the fire for their own food preparation. The moss-maidens have few rules for us human folk, but those they do have are strict. Whenever baking, mortals must make an extra loaf especially for them, and never bake on a Friday. By leaving the bread as an offering for the tiny folk, you will receive a gift in return; it is imperative that you accept this gift, as great offence will be taken if one rejects it. And take heed! Moss-folk have a particular hatred of caraway seeds, and will be extremely displeased if caraway bread is offered.'

Read the full article in the Midsummer edition of Witch Magazine

16/06/2024

In the Midsummer magazine we feature Lilith Incenses and meet their magickal maker Paula Wallwork, who creates her blends in the shadow of Glastonbury Tor.

'The incenses I create are birthed through dreams and channelling. The beings are ever present, talking to me throughout the blending process; which gums, resins, herbs, flowers and oils to use, stopping me mid-blend and deciding the best time to resume for most potency.

All the ingredients I use are natural, I spend a great deal of time in nature foraging, either locally or further afield ~ in ancient woodlands or stone circles ~ for flowers, herbs, tree barks and fruits, they are a mixture from Mother Nature’s pantry, she yields her bounty for blending into a fragrant, sacred offering. I do get very creative with which unusual ingredients to use, adding sand, earth or bird feathers, these add to the potency and magick.'

Read the full fascinating article in the Midsummer edition of Witch Magazine.

14/06/2024

WILD ALTARS

As the summer Solstice approaches, and many of us find ourselves spending more time in our gardens and out in nature, it's important to stop for a moment to think about how we move through the sacred Landscape.

We're probably familiar with the 'take only memories and leave only footprints' approach, but how does that translate to ritual activity out in nature? If we want to create a temporary altar space to honour a place we feel connected to, our ancestors or the deities of the land, how do we approach this in a conscious way?

If we find roadkill or an animal that has died naturally in the forest, how do we dress the body if we feel called to honour it?

🌿☀️🌿

Here are some ideas we would love to share with you. Please add your own in the comments!

- Berries and wild fruits make excellent outdoor altar decorations, as animals will come and eat them once you have gone and after the spiritual essence of the fruit has been offered to your chosen deity.

- Fallen leaves can add colour, or be used to mark the boundaries of your altar. These will rot down in time and add to the soil, literally grounding your intentions into the earth after you've set them.

- Flowers are tempting, but we must be mindful of not picking too many, as flowers later become fruit. If you do choose to leave flowers, just take a few that grow in abundance, such as daisies or buttercups. Only take one or two from any one plant. Also, remember there are laws around picking native wildflowers, and bluebells and snowdrops should never be picked.

- Grass seeds make wonderful natural confetti, and actually aid the plant in spreading its seeds!

- A bag of dried native herbs in your pocket can be an invaluable ally, perfect for drawing a circle to mark a sacred place, or for sprinkling on the body of a dead animal you would like to honour.

- Stones provide homes for many tiny bugs and insects, so are often best left where they are. A stone, left in place, however, can provide the perfect natural heart to your altar.

What other tips do you have to share with us?

🌾✨️🌲✨️🌾

11/06/2024

We met the glorious Willow Woman, Grass Boy and the Rewilderbeast at this year's Green Scythe Fair in Langport, Somerset.

This is an amazing eco fair, where all the infrastructure is brought onto site by horse and the main arena events involve competitive speed cutting with scythes.

What festivals have you been at so far this summer? Share your pictures with us 📸

10/06/2024

🌼☀️MIDSUMMER COVER REVEAL☀️🌼

We are delighted to have cover artwork from Haz John Art, who you might remember from the cover of our Yule magazine. She returns for our Midsummer edition with a dreamy summer energy that perfectly captures long summer evenings spent out in nature.

The Midsummer magazine is due out on the 20th of June.

08/06/2024

Here's another sneak peek at some of the books we will be stocking in the The Dancing Goat Bookshop.

-The Curious Life of Ada Baker by Karen Hamilton Viall
-The Time Traveller's Herbal by Amanda Edmiston
-Child of Dawn by Leslie A Lee

07/06/2024

We are always honoured to be able to share such gorgeous and meaningful art!

04/06/2024

Here's a little taster of some of the brilliant books we are preparing to stock in the The Dancing Goat Bookshop! We will be announcing more over the next few days.

-Pregnancy by the Moon by Eva Bay Greenslade
-Heat of the Hunt by Helen JR Bruce
-Nexus: The Connection of Human Consciousness by Richard C Hick

If you're an author, there's still time to get in touch about stocking your book via [email protected].

02/06/2024

What's your favourite book?

It could be a history book, spell book or fiction book. Share a link so that others in the Witch community can discover a new favourite read!

If you love books, don't forget that our Dancing Goat bookshop relaunches TOMORROW. We look forward to stocking some of your most loved titles. Follow The Dancing Goat Bookshop for updates.

01/06/2024

We have a HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT! The Dancing Goat bookshop relaunches on 03.06.24. Our online bookshop specializes in occult books, magical texts and modern spellwork and folklore.

Watch this space for links and your opportunity to explore our full catalogue. If you're the author of a book which you think we should stock, then you can get in touch with us via [email protected].