Aurora – Goddess of Dawn

“Dawn with a Torch Scattering Flowers” by Annibale Carracci

At the moment Auroras are illuminating the night sky in both hemispheres. This is due to a severe solar storm which has supercharged this stunning phenomenon with the incredibly inspiring ability to view it.

I have spoken to and seen friends post on social media, who have been in awe whilst viewing this magnificent occurrence all over the world, since Friday (10^th of May 2024).

A comment a friend made to me on the phone said she felt like ancient man whilst looking up to marvel at the lights. This made me think about how ancients would of perceived this occurance and the connection they would have had magically and spiritually.  

In my research I read up on the Indigenous view of the Aurora Australis and the various mythologies connected to the Aurora Borealis.  This lead me to the Goddess Aurora whom I felt drawn to and whom I am going to honour with a rite in her name.

For my working I noted down some information on the Goddess Aurora I would like to share:

Who is Aurora?

Aurora is the Roman Goddess of Dawn whom within her multi coloured chariot traverses across the sky in the hours of the early morning to signal to her siblings that a new day is dawning.  

Her siblings are Sol the Sun (Helios the Sun God) and Luna the Moon (Selene the Moon Goddess).  

Aurora is also known as Eos in Greek mythology.

Her father is Pallas or Hyperion and her mother is Theia, therefore she is the daughter of Titans.

Aurora is the mother of the Anemoi – the four winds whose father is Astraeus, the father of the stars.

Aurora is connected to the Northern Lights which are also named Aurora Borealis (Northerly Light of Dawn) after her.

“The Gates of Dawn” by Herbert James Draper

What does Aurora do?

Aurora is the embodiment of the dawn and each morning she wakes from her home on the banks of the river Oceanus to disperse the darkness of night and deliver light to the land.

Image of Aurora Lights (Northern) by Pexels from Pixabay

Aurora’s Symbols

Chariots

Saffron

Cicada

Aurora’s Sacred Time

Dawn

Offerings to Aurora

Saffron and saffron coloured items such as linen

Ocean Water or Salt Water

Flames in forms of candle, fire pit or lamp.

Crystals such as fluoride.

Hymns to Aurora

Orphic Hymn LXXVII. To Aurora (Eos)
Hear me, O Goddess!
whose emerging ray leads on the broad refulgence of the day;
Blushing Aurora [Eos],
whose celestial light beams on the world with red’ning splendours bright:
Angel of Titan,
whom with constant round, thy orient beams recall from night profound:
Labour of ev’ry kind to lead is thine, of mortal life the minister divine.
Mankind in thee eternally delight,
and none presumes to shun thy beauteous sight.
Soon as thy splendours break the bands of rest,
and eyes unclose with pleasing sleep oppress’d;
Men, reptiles, birds, and beasts, with gen’ral voice,
and all the nations of the deep, rejoice;
For all the culture of our life is thine.
Come, blessed pow’r! and to these rites incline:
Thy holy light increase,
and unconfin’d diffuse its radiance on thy mystic’s mind.

Here is a version in Ancient Greek sung by Melissa of the Bees:

Image of Aurora Australis Lights over my home,
towards the end of the storm’s peak (11th May around 9.30pm)

If you can, I encourage you all to go outside into the night sky and see if you can glimpse the Aurora lights, as right now both hemispheres can see the Aurora Borealis (in the Northern Hemisphere) and Aurora Australis (in the Southern Hemisphere) for the next few days after sunset for a few hours (till Monday 13^th May 2024).  I would suggest to go somewhere where there is less artificial light and where you can take in the horizon without obstruction.  Happy viewing!

Senebty

Setjataset

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(C) T. Georgitsis 2024

Hekate Devotion: Samhain

Samhain also known as All Hallows Eve, Feast of the Dead and Halloween is the historically Gaelic festival and in a literal sense means summer’s end, marking just that – as it signifies the start of winter and the end of the harvest season.  It falls between the Autumn Equinox and the Winter Solstice and is a time when the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest due to it being a liminal/threshold festival. In the 19th century it was suggested to be the “Celtic New Year” and in modern time this became the “Witches New Year”.  This year in the Southern Hemisphere calendar it falls on the 5th of May at 9.00am. Gods such as Hekate, Hades, Persephone, Osiris, Crom Cruach, Cerridwen, Lilith, Kali, Ishtar, Persephone, Oya, Innana, Pamona, Cailleach, The Morrigan, Nephtys, Rhiannon, Herne, Anubis, Odin, Bran and Cernunnos can all be honoured during this time.

I have celebrated Samhain with groups of people in a religious, spiritual and mundane way both here in Australia and overseas.  The one thing which I found resonated with them all was the celebration of what has passed and honouring that which came before us.

One of the first memories I have during this time of year was when we were visiting my mother’s village on a small Aegean island of Greece, Lemnos (where its origins can be traced back to the (Epipaleolithic Period) but its more commonly known for its (Mycenean Period) whose matriarchal line had lived on for centuries.  She took me to her family’s mausoleum which from the outside looked like a mini Parthenon with walls.  Once inside, the marble covered walls were lined and stacked from ceiling to floor with ledges crammed with skulls and bones.  My mother with arms outstretched swept over what I was taking in said in an echoing voice that these were my ancestors and I needed to honour them and that one day she would be amongst them and I needed to remember to pay my respects. 

I personally like to honour my ancestors during this time by leaving offerings for them on their ancestor shrine I have been keeping and tending to for more years than I can count.  My mother was a very spiritual person and taught me to always tend to the ancestor shrine and light incense and leave offerings for them frequently.  During this time since its so close to Greek Easter I make and leave coloured eggs (usually red with patterns of leaves or flowers on them like I was taught using old panty hose and dried leaves/flowers) along with other items my blessed dead liked in life.

I feel that Hekate resonates with this time of the year for various reasons.  This is a liminal time and this is Hekate’s domain as she can traverse the various realms (sky, earth, sea and underworld) as she easily navigates through the thresholds as well as being Goddess of the Underworld, Crossroads and Queen of the Dead and Lost Souls she can help guide.

I personally like to honour Hekate during this time and make offerings of apples, pomegranates, garlic, onions, bay leaves, mead, beer, wine, red meat such as lamb roast, wine, bread, barley, nuts, acorns, pumpkins, gourds, mushrooms, sage, nutmeg, mint, oregano, thyme, marigolds, lilies, chrysanthemums, mugwort, wormwood, dittany of crete, oak leaves, rosemary, corn, gingerbread, chestnuts and apple cider.

Since this tends to be near or after Greek easter I tend to make an apple tea cake and leave a token inside (usually a wrapped up gold coin) which I divide and serve and whomever gets the coin has the token of luck.  I also like to cook items for Hekate which resonate with familial recipes so I like to bake and offer Anastasia’s Spiral Pita and Greek Kourabiethes.

Some things you can do to honour and mark Samhain in your personal practice (or with a group of likeminded individuals) can be:

1. Dumb suppers such as a place for them at your table or food left for them on a ancestor shrine/altar, doorstep, property boundary, gravestone or crossroads to your blessed dead such as ancestors or other loved ones who have passed over.
   
2. Making offerings of appeasement to lost souls.
   
3. Connect and communicate with the spirit world.
   
4. Divination using various methods such as scrying (crystal, fire, mirror, black ink and water), reading such as tarot, runes, dice, I Ching and pendulum.
   
5. Rituals and spells involving protective and cleansing properties for oneself or one’s property.
   
6. Light a hearth fire either in a fire place, outside bonfire style or a simple small fire inside using a proof vessel on a shrine such as a cauldron, lamp or even a candle.
   
7. Collect the last harvest from your garden – be it fruit, vegetables or herbs and flowers.
   
8. Honouring the dual nature of life and death and accepting its beauty.  This includes honouring the darkness and the light as both are equally as important.
   
9. Prepare food for the God/s you honour during this time and thank them for their gifts.
   
10. Personally reflect on the last 12 months and take note of your accomplishments and failures and create a plan to continue with said accomplishments and rectify failures.
    
11. Make a jack-o-lantern from a pumpkin or gourd and place a candle inside it and when lit leave i (in safe) view of a windowsill or outside near your front door.
    
12. Host a feast with family or friends which can include music and dancing.
    
13. Create a shrine with images or items from your blessed dead and recite prayers and leave offerings in their name.
    

As is my style, I like to craft during this time of year making Hekate and ancestor beaded necklaces, anointing oils, and seasonal incense and candles.  With the necklaces, I make them using my mother’s agillete (knot magic or witches ladder) and then I bless and consecrate them in my yearly Samhain ritual which you can find here:

Hekate Magick: Samhain for her Witches

So work your magick this Samhain, honour those who came before you and reflect and contemplate on your journey thus far taking in and celebrating the ebb and flow of the seasons and of life itself.

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© T. Georgitsis 2021, Updated 2023

Magick of the Solar Eclipse: 8th April 2024

What, When and Why

We are having a solar eclipse on the which falls on the 8th of April 2024.

The solar eclipse occurs when the moon falls between the earth and the sun which casts a shadow over the earth.

This will be a total solar eclipse and occurs when the moon and the sun is exactly aligned with the earth but the moon being smaller than the sun enables the sun to surround the moon as a bright ring.

Please Note: A solar eclipse should ONLY be viewed through solar filters like a pair of solar eclipse glasses for safety reasons, as you don’t want to damage your eyes. PLEASE NEVER look at the sun without adequate protection. For more information on what you need to see the eclipse safely which includes what equipment you need please go here for more information:

https://www.space.com/sun-observing-safety-guide

This solar eclipse where the Sun forms a ‘ring of fire’ around the Moon will be visible along a path that crosses the USA.

To see if you can view the eclipse from your area, go here for more information:

https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/where-when

Magick of the Solar Eclipse

Solar eclipse magick is when the energy is amplified due to the moon energies intermingling with the sun energies.  The sun and the moon are in the same star sign and the energies co-mingling this way, emphasis is the energies of that particular sign.  This solar eclipse is in Aries* therefore the energies heightened during this time is the Libra star sign.

The kind of magick you can perform during the solar eclipse:

• Liminal – magick worked between the darkness and the light.
• Transition – use the sun and moon moving through this time to highlight or work with important transitions in your life.
• Transformation – deep within and also that which surrounds us.
• Change – harness this quick moving energy to bring about purposeful change in your life.
• Rebirth – moving from one cycle to the other in the form of a death of the old and and bringing in and welcoming of the new.
• Breaking – down barriers before you which have caused blockages in your life can now be removed.
• Movement – cleanse the stagnant decayed and no longer necessary and embrace the fresh new and potential within problem areas of your life.
• Rituals/Spells – in dedication to Gods who embrace this time and can assist you in manifesting the energies of the liminal, transitional, rebirth, movement, breaking away and change such as Hekate.

Sorcery of the Solar Eclipse

*Aries moon is a good time for renewal of energies, transformation and new beginnings.

Since Aries is a fire sign it’s a great time to work with this element.

This is a good time to rebalance with Hekate’s fire and bring in manifestation of courageous endeavours with the confidence she illuminates.

The element of fire resonates with passion and purpose through drive and determination. I feel that fanning the flames of your personal hearth can be used to manifest the magick of this moon in the form of renewed progression or the sparked beginning of a specific task or goal your want to achieve along with career, travel or health objectives you want to materialise.

Fire magic using incense or flame such as candle, lamp or even torch and fire place/pit is ideal for this moon.

Setjataset’s Bay Leaf Spell

Take a bay leaf (dried) and write your name on one side and then your desire on the other and then burn it after reciting these words:

“Great Hekate bring your illumination

As I come to you in veneration

I request my desires to be fulfilled

Bless my magick to grow and build

Great Hekate bring me my desire

Manifest my wishes with your fire.”

*Aries is an fire sign which is ruled by Mars. It is a sign which can appear confident, fiery, direct and motivated. It is also quite an outgoing energy and builds community with leadership and passion.

In her name

Setjataset

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(C) T. Georgitsis 2024

Isian News: Issue #191, Brigantia 2024

In the latest issue of Isian News by the Fellowship of Isis, features a few pieces by me:

For your FREE copy follow this link:

isis-news-brigantia-2024Download

Special Moons of 2024

Moon magick is a practice I strongly resonate with. I love to create and venerate with the various phases of moon.  I love to engage in the moon’s ebbs and flows where I can move with the energies and enact rites with and for my Gods and Ancestors.  Regardless of what path I practice, regardless of what sorcery I perform, the moon is my guide through it all – a guiding presence for my workings.

This year we have various unique moons coming up where you can practice your full and new moon rituals and spell-work with added punch due to the added significance of these moons.  There are different types of magick you can create during these various significant moon phases which can assist you with your practice.

Listed below I have created various pages explaining the different moons and what magick you can practice in the associated links:

Super New Moon: 10th February 2024 – Super Moon Magick

Micro Full Moon: 24th February 2024 – Micro Moon Magick

Super New Moon: 10th March 2024 – Super Moon Magick

Micro Full Moon: 25th March 2024 – Micro Moon Magick

Super New Moon: 9th April 2024 – Super Moon Magick

Blue Moon: 20th August 2024 – Blue Moon Magick

Super Full Moon: 18th September 2024 – Super Moon Magick

Micro New Moon: 3rd October 2024 – Micro Moon Magick

Super Full Moon: 17th October 2024 – Super Moon Magick

Black Moon: 31st December 2024 – Black Moon Magick

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(C) T. Georgitsis 2024

 

Hekate Devotion: Summer Solstice/Litha

Litha also known as Midsummer , Estival Solstice and the Summer Solstice  is the time in summer which signifies the longest day of the year.  It’s a time which is celebrated as a fertility and light festival as the sun has reached its highest place in the sky with the longest time of daylight.   Traditionally it is a festival celebrated all around the world, some which hold rites which includes dancing, feasting and ritualistic sacrifice. These days the focus of this festival by neo pagans and witches is placed upon the sun and acknowledging its movement within their hemisphere.

This year in the Southern Hemisphere calendar,  it falls on Friday the 22nd^th of December at 1.27pm (AEST). Gods such as Nuit, Hathor, Sekhmet, Ra, Horus, Aten, Apollo, Lugh, Mercury, Hestia, Juno, Lugh, Sulis Minerva, Huitzilopochtil, Sol and Amaterasu, can be honoured during this time of year.

I have celebrated the Summer Solstice with groups of people in various settings and alone, and the one thing which I found linked them, was celebrating the festive season with specially prepared food.  Something which I have experienced often during this festival day, is the acknowledgement of the sun and its power as well as it being the last sabbat of the year which coincides with Christmas and Hanukah.

One of the fondest memories I have during this time of year is celebrating the Summer Solstice with my coven where a member would make an ice wreath which had herbs and flowers placed in layers which she collected by season over the year.   A lit white candle anointed in oils was placed within the wreath and had pride of place in the centre of the circle during our ritual.  

In my coven and magickal groups we would always have fires usually in the form of a firepit or fireplace where we performed rites to celebrate the significance of the day.  We would also exchange gifts and share food which had either been hand-made or which had been specifically acquired for the day.

During this time of year, I notice that my garden is booming with new growth due to the heat and rain.  My sultana grape vine is bursting forth and I collect the excess of leaves for garlands to adorn my shrines.  I also have many fruits and vegetables which are available to pick from my garden to also include in the foods I prepare for feasting or make as offerings to my gods and ancestors.

I like to acknowledge and thank the traditional owners of the land as well my garden and the Devas of the land and its blessings by leaving tokens and offerings throughout my garden.  I ensure the bird bath and feeders are well stocked, as well as encourage any insects or bees which pollinate my garden by leaving them appropriate food such as organic honey water.  I plant or replant herbs and flowers which encourage the local bees and birds and I allow them to partake of my fruit and vegetables without nets or pesticides.

During this time of year I also tend to cook and bake as a way to infuse my personal energies with the offerings I make to my Gods, Ancestors and land spirits.  I use what is in season and usually make roasted vegetables and falafel, fresh salads, baked country bread, Greek and Middle eastern dips, olives, feta, pickled vegetables and pita and serve them with herbal iced tea and juice. I also bake sweets like layered seasonal cakes or cookies and platter various summer fruits for desert. I take some of these offerings and leave them upon Hekate’s, Sekhmet/Hathor’s and my ancestors shrines during my seasonal devotionals.    

Since the summer solstice ends up being around Christmas I also ensure I have baked items which resonate with this holiday such as shortbread and gingerbread and share them with co-workers, neighbours and friends.  I recite prayers to my ancestors in front of their shrines to acknowledge them and also leave various offerings of what I have prepared during the season.

I personally feel that Hekate resonates with this time of the year.  The light is at its peak as is the potential within us to take up her torches and ignite or rekindle the energies we want to fully immerse ourselves in.  The surrounding vibrations swirl with vitality so now is the time for action as the sun is at its absolute pinnacle and available for us to bring down into our lives.  As our days are filled with heat use the flames of Hekate to take that strength which is available to you and use it to feed your projects which need that spark or extra boost.  

Hekate can also be a force of cleansing and movement.  Hekate helps us use the liminal places she inhabits to bury or wash away that which needs purifying and helps us turn our attention towards that which needs planting.  She does this by assisting us to eradicate or remove the negligent things in our lives to make way for the positive things we need.  

I personally like to honour Hekate during this time and make offerings of  wine, bread, eggs, cheese, olive oil, garlic, pomegranate, incense, candles, water, salt and biscuits and also items I have made which I have wildcrafted and resonate with the seasons energies. I also like to create a fire pit with old herbs, plants and tree branches which I can’t upcycle into my Hellenic firepit before my chthonic shrine to Hekate in my garden.  Lastly I tend to create in her name with regards to magic which I conduct in liminal spaces such as the beach or forest with like minders others or on my own during liminal times such as sunset, sunrise as well as the middle of the day. 

Seasonal Planting Guide:

Vegetables such as cucumber, corn, squash, spring onion, silver beet, onion, lettuce, beans, tomato, capsicum, sweet potato, artichoke, beetroot, shallots, cauliflower, celery, radish, okra and eggplant.

Herbs such as basil, coriander, lemongrass, mint, tarragon, thyme, chives, marjoram, oregano, parsley, fennel and rosemary.

Flowers such as sunflowers, carnations, poppies, petunias, nasturtiums, daisies, dahlias, zinnias and celosias.

Some things you can do to honour and mark the summer solstice in your personal practice (or with a group of likeminded individuals) can be:

1. Make food usually consumed during this time and partake or share with loved ones, as well as leave as offerings to your gods or gods of the season, land spirits and ancestors. It’s the perfect time for a BBQ and anything which can be shared and is seasonal.
2. Host a Misfit Christmas which you can host in your home or park/beach for those who don’t have anywhere to go during the festive season.  A good way to do this is by having a pot luck and having everyone bring something to share which can encourage sharing and opens conversations.
3. Dance or drum to raise energy and direct it into the earth.
4. Perform a ritual to celebrate and mark the sun at its peak and its blessings it brings upon the earth.
5. Take a sun bath (ensuring to protect yourself from the UV rays) which can take the form of meditation or yoga.
6. Rituals, spells and magick for fertility, creativity, passion and endeavours which you want to see growth in (especially when held in the middle of the day).
7. Go outside into nature and take in the beauty whether it be a beach, forest, park or garden.  Whilst there wildcraft and acknowledge the bounty of the earth by giving thanks.
8. Dedicate some time to assisting those who are in need, marginalised or alone during this time who need a little help and support.  Volunteer for a charity, collect items (food and personal hygiene items) for a homeless or animal shelter or gifts for those stuck in hospital.  This can also be done on a smaller scale where you can assist a elderly or sick neighbour or friend.
9. Watch the sunset and give thanks to the sun for its light and warmth.
10. Light a fire (bonfire, firepit or fireplace) or candles to celebrate and honour the light of the sun during this time.
11. Declutter and swap, donate or sell that which you no longer need.
12. Leave a candle in a safe place to burn all day in honour of the sun.
13. Craft some items which resonate with the season for you.
14. Revamp your shrine or altar with the colours of the summer solstice (Green, Red, Gold and Copper) and adorn it with candles, bells, ribbons and produce of the season (herbs, fruits, flowers and vegetables).

So work your magick this Solstice, honour and celebrate the sun and ask for what you want to be vitalised and strengthened in your life.

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(c) T. Georgitsis 2021, Updated 2023

Iris – Messenger Goddess

A few months ago I visited the Melbourne Hellenic Museum with a friend and got to revisit the permanent collection and attended a new exhibit called “The Messenger” by Sam Jinks.

This commissioned permanent art exhibit contains a hyper realistic sculpture which has been inspired by the Hellenic Goddess Iris from the west pediment of the Parthenon which is now housed in the British Museum.

I was struck by ethereal yet realistic nature of this sculpture and how beautifully her naked form is placed centrally yet set back within the darkened room so that when you enter you are dazzled by the glow of what you are witnessing whilst your eyes adjust to the sight before you.

The Hellenic museum describes Iris as “the swift messenger goddess with the ability to communicate between the gods and mortals; moving beyond the realm of the living and freely into the Underworld.” 

The museum goes on to describe Jenkins work and the meaning behind it “Iris, a goddess of liminal spaces, is for Jinks a metaphor for the way we can view the Parthenon sculptures. While we are separated by the creators of the Parthenon by over 2400 years, by focusing on the details- the contours of the marble, the subtle movements of the sculptor, the gentle care taken in forming the bodies, and the resistance of the tools over the marble surface, the divide between the contemporary and the ancient recedes. In this way we can attempt to decode the meaning and sentiment left behind by ancient sculptors for whom the works were a testament to the power and magnificence of the gods. By creating a work with its roots in classical sculpture and mythology Jinks seeks to connect with an ancient tradition while guided by contemporary sensibilities and using the tools available to a sculptor today.”

This is a beautiful piece of art which honours a Greek Goddess often looked over. If you have a chance to visit this exhibition I would implore you to do so as for a very reasonable price you can enter the museum and tour all the exhibits including “The Messenger”.

Oinochoe depicting Iris (and Apollo)

Who is Iris?

Iris whose name means “the speaker/the messenger” is a Goddess of the Sea and Sky and a messenger of the Olympian Gods therefore she was known as a Liminal Goddess.  She was also known as the Goddess of the Rainbow, the Handmaiden of the Goddess Hera and a cup bearer of the Gods.  

Iris was depicted in Ancient Greece as an ethereal young beautiful woman with golden wings a kerykeion (Herald’s Key) and an oinochoe (water pitcher).

Iris’s parentage was that her mother was Elektra “the amber” a cloud nymph and her father was Thaumas “the wondrous” a sea god.  This is apt as Ancient Greeks who lived on the coast would view the rainbow (the symbol of Iris) as spanning the distance between cloud and sea.  Iris is also known to be the sister of the Harpies (half human half bird who personifies the storm winds).

Iris was known as a virgin goddess yet later on became wife of Zephyrus (Wind God) and was the mother of Eros.

Iris sculpture on the west pediment of Parthenon in Athens

What does Iris do?

Iris is the replenisher of the rain clouds in which she gathers the water from the sea. 

Iris is also a messenger who runs errands “with the speed of wind” for the Gods and can traverse one side of the world to another as well as one world to the other due to her being able to delve into the depths of the sea, the underworld as well as have access to Olympus.

Due to her abilities she is closely associated with communication, messages, new endeavours and the rainbow.  She is also known as the joiner, conciliator and the messenger of heaven who restores peace in nature.

Kerykeion

Some Myths of Iris

Altough Iris never had any myths of her own she appears as a messenger who runs errands (for the likes of Hera, Zeus and Achiles).

The Iris flower is named after Iris due to its multitudes of variety colours.

Iris’s Symbols

Rainbows, water pitcher and the heralds key.

Iris’s Sacred Places

Psamite aka “Hekate’s Island” near Delos.

Some of Iris Epithets

Golden-Winged (Khrusos Pteron)

Storm Footed (Aella Pous)

Thaumas Daugher

Wondrous One

Hymns to Iris

Hymn #6  To Hekate, Iris and Hermes

“Begin my song, oh Muses, to three who traverse the boundaries,
walking always between the world of the gods on Olympus, man on Earth and the souls dwelling beyond the River Styx, sing of three who travel far and carry messages of gods and mortal man.

Sing first, sweet-voiced Muses of delicate Hekate, whom Asteria bore, bright-coiffed maiden, favored of Zeus who accompanies Persephone. Generous are you, torch-bearing goddess, when men offer rich sacrifices in your name!

And sing, oh Muse of Iris the storm-footed who treads along the rainbow, carrier of the waters of the Styx upon which the gods swear their oaths, mother of desire who fetched Eiliythia to Delos, Great-Winged wondrous one who replenishes the rain clouds from the waters of the sea, privileged are those in your presence to behold a vision of beauty!

And Muses, sing now of the son of Zeus who bears the golden staff, swift and boundless Hermes who hears and carries messages, clever one who stole away the Far-Shooter’s cattle, luck-bringing god of chance who speeds between all realms. Keeper of herds, sweet is the song that sounds from the lyre, your invention and too, from the pipes which you play!

To you, Hekate, Iris and Hermes, hail! Heed our prayers and grant your blessings to this rite!”

(via painandlight) https://hymnstothetheoi.tumblr.com/post/146008157546/hymn-6-to-hekate-iris-and-hermes-begin-my-song

Offerings to Iris

Ancient: Basyniae (cheesecake)which is made from wheat, suet and honey boiled together.

Modern: Rainbow agate, rainbow moonstone, rainbow obsidian, labradorite, sunstone, Iris flowers, feathers, myrrh, frankincense, pure water, wine, honey, olive oil, fruit and milk, kaleidoscopes, prisms, postcards and stamps.

Iris Anointing Oil
by Setjataset © 2023

Recently I have started anointing my snail mail with Iris oil which I make myself from Orris root and olive oil and I say a prayer to Iris to enable the mail to reach its destination swiftly and safely.

To make your own Iris oil simply steep 3 parts extra virgin olive oil and 1 part dried Orris root in a glass jar for up to 3 weeks and succuss the jar daily. After this time it is ready to use by straining the Orris root out and decanting the oil into an essential oil glass drop bottle.  Remember to label the oil with the name, date and the list of ingredients used.

Senebty

Setjataset

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(C) T. Georgitsis 2023

Hekate Devotion: Beltane

Beltane also known as Cetshamhain (and May Day in the Northern Hemisphere) is the halfway point between spring and summer and is celebrated as a fertility and/or fire festival.  Traditionally it is a Gaelic festival which is part of the four seasonal festivals celebrated in Ireland and Scotland. Historically Beltane dew was collected in the morning to promote beauty and youthfulness, as well collecting water from holy wells for the same purpose.  Rites which includes the building of communal bonfires were held to protect and encourage growth of people’s harvest and livestock by going around or over said bonfires whilst being bedecked in flowers, ribbons and shells as representations to invoke protection.  Offerings were made to the sprits and fairies and embers were taken from communal bonfires and taken home where their hearths were ignited, to bring the protection home where feasting would then follow.  These days the focus of this fertility festival by neo pagans and witches is placed upon honouring the union of the God and the Goddess as well as making offerings to the spirits of the land which can involve maypole dancing, bonfire and feasting.

This year in the Southern Hemisphere calendar,  it falls on Wednesday the 8^th of November at 2.18am. Gods such as Artemis, Apollo, Flora, Bacchus, Bes, Kokopelli, Pan, Hera, Herne, Sheela-na-Gig, Eros, Venus, Xochiquetzal, Vesta, Odin, Priapus, Cernunnos, Orien and Mbaba Mwana Waresa can be honoured during this time of year.

I have celebrated Beltane with groups of people in various settings and the one thing which I found linked them, was the coming together to celebrate the quickening of the land with dancing and feasting.  Something which I have experienced often during this festival day, is the acknowledgement of the polarities of the earth and the union of these polarities. 

One of the fondest memories I have during this time of year is celebrating Beltane with bonfires whilst wearing wreaths upon my head which has been handmade from my garden’s flowers, trees and herbs.    In my coven and magickal groups we would always have fires usually in the form of a firepit or fireplace where we performed rites to celebrate the significance of the day, as well as perform various forms of divination using fire such as scrying in the flames of said fire.

As an avid herbalist, during this time of year, I notice that my garden is bursting with new life.  A lot of my herbs are flowering which allows me to take cuttings and transplant them, make pressings for my herb grimoire and also for drying or preserving to be used in magickal workings later.  The flowers are blooming in my garden, most predominately the heirloom roses and lavender which were planted by now deceased family members which makes them even more special. I tend to take the rose petals and lavender flowers and make water essences for beauty products I hand make as well ritual and magical use such as incense blends or candles.  My sultana grape vine is absolutely flourishing and I collect the excess of leaves for rice stuffed vine leaves as well as for garlands I wear whilst conducting my rites.  

I like to acknowledge and thank the traditional owners of the land as well my garden and the Devas of the land and its blessings by leaving tokens and offerings throughout my garden.   I ensure the bird bath and feeders are functioning, as well as encourage any insects or bees which pollinate my garden by leaving them appropriate food such as organic honey water.

During this time of year I also tend to cook and bake as a way to infuse my personal energies with the offerings I make to my Gods, Ancestors and land spirits.  I use what is in season and make a lamb roast, Greek style, but in recent years rosemary infused from my garden and serve it with Greek pine wine and rice stuffed vine leaves which I then offer upon Hekate’s, Dionysus and my ancestors shrines during my seasonal devotionals.  I also bake things like fruit pies and apple tea cakes and leave these offerings on the base of my favourite trees in my garden some of which I have been practising magick with for many years.  

Since Beltane ends up being around Samhain in the Northern Hemisphere I also ensure I have lots of sweets on hand to give out to trick-or-treaters.   Along with this I like to visit my blessed dead at the cemetery where I clean their tombstones and refresh their offerings which consists of various things including flowers, olive oil, water and incense.  I recite prayers to them and also the land devas where the cemetery is located ensuring to always acknowledge the original indigenous custodians.

I personally feel that Hekate resonates with this time of the year.  The light is growing as is the potential within us to take up her torches and flame the fertile energies we want to manifest.  The time is full of possibility as the sun waxes and strengthens towards summer, so now is the time to fully ignite our personal fires.  As our days lengthen use the flames of Hekate to propel and push you towards attaining that which you want to grow.

Hekate can be a guiding force which moves us away from that which is stagnant and decayed and helps us turn our attention towards that which needs fertilising and can bring great growth and future bounty.  She does this by assisting us to burn away the old to make way for the new by clearing and regenerating.  

I personally like to honour Hekate during this time and make offerings of  eggs, apples, meat (lamb/goat), flowering herbs (including lavender, sage, thyme, oregano, lemon balm, mint) pomegranates, mead, wine, grape juice, brandy, puffed wheat, fruit pies or cakes, oat cakes and bread, dandelion tea and fruit punch. 

I also like to throw any old herbs, plants and tree branches which I can’t upcycle into my Hellenic firepit before my chthonic shrine to Hekate in my garden.

Seasonal Planting Guide:

Vegetables such as capsicum, celery, chilli, beetroot, carrot, cucumber, eggplant, lettuce, potato, pumpkins, leeks, silver beet, squash, beans, beetroot, corn and zucchini.

Herbs such as basil, coriander, dill, chamomile, parsley, oregano, rosemary, rue, thyme, mint, lemon balm and sage.

Flowers such as petunias, snapdragons, daisies, carnations, lavender, pansies, foxglove, dahlia and marigold.

Some things you can do to honour and mark Beltane in your personal practice (or with a group of likeminded individuals) can be:

1. Make food usually consumed during this time and partake or share with loved ones, as well as leave as offerings to your gods or gods of the season, land spirits and ancestors: meat (lamb), wine, ale, cakes made from oat and fruit and anything which can be shared and is seasonal.
2. Make floral or herbal wreaths or bouquets to adorn yourself with, decorate your altars, shrines or doorways with, leave as offerings for the spirits, devas and elementals of the earth, seasonal God/dess or your patron/matron.
3. Rituals, spells and magick for fertility and endeavours which you want to see growth in (especially at dawn and dusk).
4. Acknowledge the four cardinal points and make offerings to them consisting of the four elements they encompass – earth, air, fire and water.  You can also recite evocations to them whilst doing this starting from the east.
5. Leave food and drink on your home’s doorstep to appease the fairies and spirits who might be mischievous or wish you harm. Milk, bread or biscuits made from seasonal grains will be well received.
6. Get up at sunrise and visit a holy well and walk the path of the sun (east to west) whilst praying for good health.  
7. Collect the morning dew in a glass jar, leave it out in the full sun of the day, then strain/filter it and wash your face with it before going to bed, to be able to imbue yourself with beauty, health and vitality.
8. Take the day off if you can and spend the time in nature ie a picnic or hike.
9. Light a fire (bonfire, firepit or fireplace) or candles to celebrate and honour the light of the sun during this time.  If it’s a fire as part of a bonfire or firepit, walk around it or jump over it three times.
10. Take a torch, taper or candle and from the flames of the bonfire,  firepit or fire place  you have created, walk around your house whilst invoking protection for all those who live within its boundaries.
11. Craft some items which resonate with the season for you.
12. Revamp your shrine or altar with the colours of Beltane (Green, Red, White and Silver).
13. Make protection talismans for the home such as oak crosses and hanging eggs.

So work your magick this Beltane, honour the land and its spirits, and ask for protection and what you want to make fertile in your life.

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(c) T. Georgitsis 2021, Updated 2023

Magic of the Lunar Eclipse: 29th October 2023

What, When and Why of the Lunar Eclipse

A Partial Lunar Eclipse is happening during the Full Moon on the 29th October at 7.24am EST (Southern Hemisphere) and 1.23pm PT 28th October (Northern Hemisphere).

A partial lunar eclipse happens during a full moon when the earth’s placement falls between the sun and the moon – which casts a shadow across the moon.

This eclipse will be safely visible with the naked eye from everywhere in the night if the sky is clear.  To see when you can view the eclipse from your area, go here for more information:

https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/map/2023-october-28

Magick of the Eclipse

Eclipse magick is when the energy is amplified due to the moon energies intermingling.  The Lunar Eclipse energies transition through the new and full moon phases during the eclipse, which enables the moon to cycle through the various stages of the moon and its magick.

This eclipse is in Taurus therefore the energies heightened during this time is the Taurus star sign.

The kind of magick you can perform during the Lunar Eclipse:

• Liminal – magick worked between the darkness and the light.
• Releasing – let go and relinquish excesses which hold you down.
• Manifestation – setting goals, intentions and affirmations.
• Breaking – curses, bad habits, bad relationships and connections.
• Transformation – self/surroundings, spellwork and health encompassing all aspects of oneself (body/mind/spirit and emotion).
• Devotion – to lunar or liminal Gods and Goddess.
• Focus – personal and spiritual development along with illumination and psychic work (divination and magickal goals).

Sorcery of the Full Moon Eclipse

This full moon falls in the star sign of Taurus which symbolises stability.  This moon would be ideal for creating and manifesting financial stability as well as solid connections in friendships and romantic relationships,

Below is a Hekate Eclipse ritual I personally created which I have reenacted successfully and which I would like to share with you:

Hekate Eclipse Magic by Setjataset

Preparation:

Chose a liminal time and place for the ritual to be set, preferably around the time of the eclipse.

Purify body by showering.

Your working space and offering should be placed on a shrine or working altar and should include: black candle, white candle, purified water, salt, a token or offering you have for Hekate, incense and an image/statue of Hekate.

Welcoming and Opening

Open sacred space or the shrine/altar and welcome Hekate by simply calling to her or reciting a hymn, poem, evocation in her name.

Light your incense and waft over sacred space.

Sprinkle purified water mixed with salt over sacred space.

Magical Working

Write or carve on a black candle what you want to get rid of.

Write or carve on a white candle what you want to bring in.

Light both candles.

Push the black candle away from you and the white candle towards you and then say:

“Hekate Queen of Earth, Sky and Sea

Assist me to straddle this liminal time

Guide me through the Darkness and into the Light

With the power of the moon I bless and release my intentions” 

Let the candles burn down completely in a safe manner.

Thanks and Closing

Thank Hekate and close sacred space or the shrine/altar.

 

In her name

Sejtataset

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© T. Georgitis 2023

Magick of the Solar Eclipse: 14th/15th October

What, When and Why

We are having a solar eclipse on the new moon which falls on the 14th of October in the Northern Hemisphere and the 15th October in the Southern Hemisphere.

The solar eclipse occurs when the moon falls between the earth and the sun which casts a shadow over the earth. A solar eclipse can only occur during the new moon phase.

An annular eclipse is when the moon and the sun is exactly aligned with the earth but the moon being smaller than the sun enables the sun to surround the moon as a bring ring.

Please Note: A solar eclipse should ONLY be viewed through solar filters like a pair of solar eclipse glasses for safety reasons, as you don’t want to damage your eyes. PLEASE NEVER look at the sun without adequate protection. For more information on what you need to see the eclipse safely which includes what equipment you need please go here for more information:

https://www.space.com/sun-observing-safety-guide

This solar eclipse where the Sun forms a ‘ring of fire’ around the Moon will be visible along a path that crosses the USA, Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and Brazil.

To see if you can view the eclipse from your area, go here for more information:

https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/map/2023-october-14

Magick of the Solar Eclipse

Solar eclipse magick is when the energy is amplified due to the moon energies intermingling with the sun energies.  The sun and the moon are in the same star sign and the energies co-mingling this way, emphasises the energies of that particular sign.  This solar eclipse is in Libra* therefore the energies heightened during this time is the Libra star sign.

The kind of magick you can perform during the solar eclipse:

• Liminal – magick worked between the darkness and the light.
• Transition – use the sun and moon moving through this time to highlight or work with important transitions in your life.
• Transformation – deep within and also that which surrounds us.
• Change – harness this quick moving energy to bring about purposeful change in your life.
• Rebirth – moving from one cycle to the other in the form of a death of the old and and bringing in and welcoming of the new.
• Breaking – down barriers before you which have caused blockages in your life can now be removed.
• Movement – cleanse the stagnant decayed and no longer necessary and embrace the fresh new and potential within problem areas of your life.
• Rituals/Spells – in dedication to Gods who embrace this time and can assist you in manifesting the energies of the liminal, transitional, rebirth, movement, breaking away and change such as Hekate.

Sorcery of the Solar Eclipse

*Libra moon is a good time for rebalancing and rejuvenating your life. It’s also an ideal time to bring in new experiences, connections and things which can facilitate this.

Since Libra is an air sign it’s a great time to work with this element.

This is a good time to rebalance with Hekate’s words of power and bring in manifestation of divine justice within and outside of yourself.

The element of air resonates with sacred speech. I feel the chant below would be particularly useful to intone during this time which can be used to manifest the magick of this moon in the form of protection, desire and manifestation of wishes:

“Askei Kataskei Eron Oreon Ior Mega Samnyer Baui Phobantia Semne” (1)

Intone it 3 times after you have made offerings at a crossroads or her shrine or altar.

*Libra is an air sign which is ruled by Venus. It is a sign which can appear intelligent, persuasive, charming, honest and thrives on connectivity. It is also quite outgoing and resonates with attaining balance though peace and justice.

In her name

Setjataset

1 More info on this magical incantation.

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(C) T. Georgitsis 2023