Open Circle Winter 2019: Hekate's Modern Witchcraft Magazine

Winter 2019 Open Circle Magazine Page |1
Season’s Greetings and Winter Blessings!
Honored Witches,
This season of winter is upon us! Embrace the splendor of the dark nights and the
promise of rebirth. It is here in winter’s cauldron that all things return and from whence
all things come. The cauldron is an ancient symbol of witchcraft, signifying both the
womb and the afterlife. From Cerridwen to Medea, ancient goddesses worked their
magick in them. In this edition of Open Circle Magazine, you’ll find the magick of
rebirth, seasonal witchery, stories and much more.
The holiday season is full of celebration in our family, but I equally love the quiet, dark
nights of contemplation. It is a time to turn inward, to venture into Hekate’s Cave and to
walk with the ghosts of yore. We start things with a special meal on the last day of
school, sometimes going into the city for a special treat at our favorite Japanese
restaurant, the on the solstice I keep vigil on the longest night, followed by a sunrise
celebration with our local pagan and witch community, then presents and partying. We
usually travel to spend New Year’s Eve and day with our family. Nothing says the
holidays more than several hours nestled in the warmth of my SUV, listening to music
and chatting.
January brings with her the new calendar year. This is the time for planning our goals
for the coming months. February is a time to celebrate birth, whether we connect to our
family roots and honor Bridgit or Hekate as Anima Mundi. The storms of the season
often leave us without power for extended periods of time, reminding me that as long as
we are safe and warm, little else is required. Hail March, the month of change with her
winds and hints of warmth. I love winter, from the clear midnights to the nor’easters.
However, you celebrate the season, I wish you happiness, health and wealth. May your
witchery be strong, your spells true, and may your spirits well guide you in 2019!
Yours in Witchery,
Cyndi Brannen, PhD

The content of this magazine is for the personal use of members of the Open Circle
Witchcraft Community, including Keeping Her Keys, Hekate’s Modern Witchcraft, The
Sacred Seven/True Magic: Unleashing Your Inner Witch and The Witches’ Realm. Not
to be distributed via electronic means except for the personal use of the previously
mentioned members of the community. Protected by fair use policy. All content and
images copyright Cyndi Brannen, except for photos from CanStock which are used by
permission. This document in whole or part is not to be shared in any public website or
application without the express consent of Dr. Brannen.
September 2018. All rights reserved. Published by Open Circle Witchcraft, Halifax, Nova
Scotia. B3T 2B2. Contact cyndi@keepingherkeys.com with inquiries regarding group
use and distribution requests.

Into Hekate’s Cauldron ....................................................................................................... 7
The Longest Night of the Year ............................................................................................ 9
Season of the Witch Recap ................................................................................................ 10
End of the Year Evaluation & Looking Ahead ................................................................... 11
Creating a Vision Board .................................................................................................... 12
Modern Hekatean Witchcraft ........................................................................................... 15
The Holy Darkness ............................................................................................................ 15
Holy Darkness Witchery .................................................................................................17
Proceed With Caution.....................................................................................................17
The True Magick of Modern Hekatean Witchcraft ........................................................... 18
The Poison Path................................................................................................................. 18
The Season of the Witch .................................................................................................... 19
The Stations of the Holy Darkness Cycle .......................................................................... 20
Alternative Timeline .................................................................................................. 20
The Christmas Witch ......................................................................................................... 21
Elemental Winter Witchery .............................................................................................. 24
Fundamentals of Applied Modern Witchcraft: Deeper Into The Elements ..................... 29
Cinnamon Spiral Loaf Cake .............................................................................................. 32
Color Magick Winter Witchery ......................................................................................... 34
White .............................................................................................................................. 34
Emotional Healing With White Energy ........................................................................ 35
Silver .............................................................................................................................. 35
Color Magick Chart ........................................................................................................ 36
Preparing for Spell Work .................................................................................................. 37
Sigil Spell ....................................................................................................................... 39
Wheel of the Year .............................................................................................................. 43
Making Your Own Wheel of the Year ............................................................................ 43
Hekate’s Origin Story ........................................................................................................ 44
Hekate’s Companions........................................................................................................ 48
The Witches’ Hour of Power ............................................................................................. 51

Learn With Me................................................................................................................... 70

Into Hekate’s Cauldron
So deep I ventured into Hekate’s Cave

That I came upon her cauldron,
From which the moon rises and sets.
Tended by her closest companions,
Those midwives of witchcraft calling me to this place.
Will I enter the cauldron?
It has already been decided,
When I began this deathwalking journey.
My path of transformation into
The witch I am.
I have sacrificed all that no longer serves,
And reclaimed my missing pieces.
Here is the final destination.
She who is the true me
Emerges,
Taking the hand of my shadow self.
Fear not, beloved.
Healing is found in Hekate’s cauldron.
Through the smoke purified,
Flames burning away all pain.
Washed in the truth of moon essence.
Born anew.
The whispers of Medea and Kirke surround me now,
As does Pale Hekate’s horde.
Persephone silences them.
She knows the work is mine to do.
Artemis protects me with her fierce arrows,
While the Dark Mother watches from her throne,
Here in her sacred chamber.
Yes.
I climb into the cauldron.
Washing the wounds,
Easing off the skin of the past.
Cleansing my aching body,
Until at last all that remains
Is my soul.
Persephone lifts one finger.
The horde take all I have discarded.

Kirke and Medea, countless others
Step forward,
Their magick moves swiftly,
Weaving me back into form
Using my soul thread.
I am reborn from their labors,
Here in Hekate’s Cave.
Out of the cauldron, I rise.
Persephone smiles,
Artemis is watchful.
The witches hold their breath,
And the horde is still.
Behold, I am reborn.
As one of their own,
And as my truth.
Queen Hekate beckons me come,
As I walk towards her,
The moon adorns me,
Casting about my being
A robe of pure light and the darkest night,
My queen anoints me with the red-fire of her torches.
They sear me with power,
And my hands now hold
The keys of magick and mystery,
Wisdom and truth,
Sovereignty,
Peace.
Wholeness.
Hekate hails my rebirth,
As she signals the sun to return.
“Child, forever you shall be one of my chosen.
Witches are of the darkness,
Yet are the soul of the world.
Go forward towards the light,
But be always true to yourself.”
She opens the way for me.
Empowered in my swirling
Robe of black, red and white,
I boldly venture forth into the light.

The Longest Night of the Year
My lovelies are safely in dreamland,

Tucked chin deep in blankets.
Visions of feasts and gifts floating above them,
Along with the spirits of the departed,
Perhaps even a jolly old elf flies on the wind.
There is magic in this night,
The longest one of the year.
Silently, I creep with arms laden
To the candlelit tree,
Placing these tokens of my love with great care,
As if boxes could contain how I feel about my beloveds.
There are no words for them, my heart is too full.
I only have a voice for the moon.
My boots crunch on the fresh snow.
My breath is magick smoke.
Hail Moon!
She brushes aside the clouds
To better see me.
Dear moon, so bright.

Keep us safe on this darkest
night.
Let no sadness find harbor here,
Bring happiness to those I hold
dear.
Now moon, I must take my leave,
My bed awaits, and my eyes are
weary.
Watch over us and remain
forever near me.

Season of the Witch Recap
Autumn was amazing for Open Circle Witchcraft, Keeping Her Keys, and The Witches’
Realm. So much to be grateful for! The highlight of the season for me was the launch of
Hekate’s Modern Witchcraft: The First Key. Creating this course and sharing it with so
many fellow Hekatean Witches is a dream come true. It’s more than that though, I was
compelled to create it by you-kn0w-who. Maybe if I don’t say her name, she’ll give me
some rest! I’m looking forward to taking a break over the holidays. Around here there’s
two things I’ve been saying a lot lately. One is “the holy darkness is nigh.” Apparently,
there is consensus that this is my favorited expression. You can read more about the
Holy Darkness later in this issue and follow the link to the beautiful book I created.
These three stations – rituals – of the Holy Darkness I feel are my greatest
accomplishment to date. I had the vision in March. It took a long time to get them out. I
went through my own journey deep into Hekate’s Cave, uncovering much, reclaiming
missing pieces and ultimately being reborn. I’m delighted to share them with you.
Winter 2019 Open Circle Magazine P a g e | 10

Keeping Her Keys on Patheos continues to be an absolute joy. I hear from so many of
you that my articles touched you. Keep reaching out to me, I love connecting with my
community. We are all in this together!
I wrote some rather controversial articles. This is part of what I call the “7% solution.” I
was struggling with my identity as a public figure last summer. I am, for all my
outspoken ways, I very private person. I didn’t get into this for the attention. Celebrity
has zero interest to me. I wanted to fit in but found that I simply didn’t. I went to
Hekate’s Rock and she said simply to be more me. My message was to do whatever I felt
like and then add 7%! I’ve got a sticky note taped on the front of my printer with “7%”
written in black marker. Since I adopted the 7% solution, my writing has greatly
improved. I think it shows. The blog has really taken off. When I think about the
hundreds of thousands of views of my words it gets overwhelming, so I try not to. Where
are you at with your goals here at the end of the year?
End of the Year Evaluation & Looking Ahead

Constructing a timeline of your life is a great exercise if you want to take your end of the
year evaluation to the next level. For the brand new year, constructing a vision board
that’s magickally activated can really get your goals ramped up. Motivational witchery is
one of my favorite types. In The Sacred Seven students dig deep into transformative
witchcraft, from the Spell of the Seven Fires to the Magickal Life Project. Vision boards
and life reviews are part of the process. The Sacred Seven starts each February, learn
more at https://keepingherkeys.com/true-magick

Creating a Vision Board
A Vision Board is a wonderful manifesting tool. Creating a board brings into clear focus
what your magickal life looks like. You can use photos, quotes, images, etc. For the
board, you can purchase an inexpensive cork board or use a stiff sheet of art board. I
don’t recommend thin poster board because it tends to curl. You want your board to
last.
I’ve adapted this from the Sacred Seven curriculum.
Magickal Life Story Writing Exercise

The process starts by writing a detailed description of your magickal life. This is the
beginning of writing your purpose, your true story. Maybe you want a healthy
relationship with your partner, maybe you want to find a partner, perhaps a career
change is in the wind, or losing an addiction. Whatever you want your story to be, IT
CAN BE. The first step is the VISIONING process. Be super detailed – what you’re your
days be like? Where are you? Who is with you?
Vision Board Instructions
Write the key points of from your magickal life writing exercise on cue cards or
construction paper, using markers/crayons that correspond to the power center color on
the Sacred Seven chart (use the chakras).
Infusing the Board with Intention
As you create the board, infuse each image or word with energy. You can chant
something like, “I am working at my true purpose. Part of my purpose is this______.”
Fill in the blank for the specific intention, such as a new job, improved relationship,
living a healthy lifestyle, etc. Use a cue card to write down at least seven specific steps
that will manifest each goal. Chose goals that you can successfully manifest with all that
is available to you.
When doing intentional work, such as when creating or studying your Vision Board,
ALWAYS:
1. Ensure that you are working for the highest good and out of pure love. Check in
with yourself first to ensure that the Shadow is not at work.
2. Cleanse and protect all your tools. For the Vision Board, a quick smudge or
crystal swipe will work.

3. Use the present tense. Manifesting requires present focus.
4. Be incredibly specific about what you want (this means you have to think
carefully about these things)
5. Use the Sacred Seven to organize your intentions.
Adding Deities and Entities to Your Board
• Feel free to represent Hekate, your guides, Divine Source, etc. on the Board. This
will increase the energy. You can place other objects and symbols that present
themselves to you. Images of animals (for the sort of energy you are manifesting),
sigils, runes, etc.
• When you are finished with your board, thank yourself for your work and thank
your Guides and Divine Source.
• Keep your Vision Board in your sacred space if it is near your bed, if not, make a
space just for the Vision Board near your bed. That way you can meditate using
the Board as a focus each morning and evening.
Correspondences and Considerations

Here are some ideas for different correspondences that can be added to your Vision
Board. You can also do a ritual activating your Vision Board using them.
- Deities: anyone who applies to you, although Hekate is great for working
with when we are actively seeking to change our story.
- Moon: Dark/New Moon
- The direction: All directions working in unity.
- Color: All the rainbow/chakra colors working in unity.
- Individual Tarot Cards: Since your magickal life involves all aspects of the
Sacred Seven, utilize cards that appeal to you as they reflect where you are at
in your personal healing. Refer to the Tarot Spread. Individual cards will
appear as you work through the spread.
- Crystals/Stones: Utilize stones to represent each of the aspects of human
existence (the chakra colors) or have one clear quartz point and a black
obsidian (or other black stone, like jet) for balance of the release and growth.
There are stones that incorporate all seven colors in one or you can buy
manufactured crystals.

- Herbs: Smudging with ceremonial sage is a great way to cleanse and protect,
two vital aspects of moving from a painful story to your purposeful story. For
visioning your purposeful story, a blend of herbs that represent all of the
Sacred Seven works best if that is available to you. I personally like dandelion
(experiences), calendula (others), marshmallow (self), hawthorn berries
(emotions), red clover or licorice root (thoughts), eyebright (behaviors), and
lavender (spirit). Feel free to replace herbs with those that personally make
sense to you. You can blend my recommended herbs into a tea for drinking
prior to intentional work and/or blend them into an incense for burning
during workings.

Modern Hekatean Witchcraft
I’ve been focused on writing and teaching about Hekate’s Underworld roles during the
fall. It’s the time when she descends into her cave, offering us the possibility of healing,
rebirth, and revealing her mysteries to those who dare venture deep inside. Birds are
ideal allies for work in Hekate’s Cave. In my article on Hekate and December, I write
about connecting with avian spirits:
Animal spirit magick of a Hekatean persuasion during December for me turns to

the cries of her aviary. Crow, gull and owl are still with me, while the summer birds have
left for safer locations. Birds are excellent companions for Underworld witchery for they
hold the power of flight, forging ahead of us on our journey and guide us back to the
Middle World of everyday life. Vultures, raptors and other corvids are close allies
to Hekate’s Witches. December is an ideal time to discover your avian companion (or
even that flying mammalian, bat) as an ally. Look for their signs in your waking life and
the dream time.
Read more about Hekate’s Animal Horde here.
The Holy Darkness

The Holy Darkness Cycle was given to me in a vision. Hekate’s instructions to me were
to make the three-part journey available to all who seek their own Holy Darkness. It’s
been an incredible journey – one of several months and much contemplation, research
and petitioning my Dark Mother for further guidance.
Release
Retrieve
Be reborn
The Holy Darkness is the energy of Hekate, The Witch-Mother. She holds court in her
cave, sheltering her witches and her mysteries. Anima Mundi, she is the source of all life
that is born from her dark, web womb. The Holy Darkness refers to our journey through
this life, the difficulties, pain, and our search for true magick. The Holy Darkness lies
deep within Hekatean Witches. The Holy Darkness is the part of the Wheel of the Year
when daylight is scarce. The Holy Darkness is nigh in the world, with great upheaval and
change everywhere. In my course on Modern Hekatean Witchcraft, we spend a great
deal of time contemplating and working with the energy of the Holy Darkness. I’m
sharing these three rituals with you because Hekate directed me to do so.
The Holy Darkness is Nigh: November & Hekate

Holy Darkness Witchery
The witchery of the Holy Darkness cycle is intense and complex. Venturing into Hekate’s
Cave is perhaps the darkest form of magick that can be undertaken. I call this type of
witchcraft deathwalking, for it is in her cave that we walk with all manner of spirits and
let die all that no longer serves us. For the courageous few, missing pieces of ourselves
can be called back and the most intrepid can find rebirth in her innermost chamber.
This is not to be lightly pursued. I’m not one for strict adherence to anything, use these
rituals in the manner that you feel led. However, I am saying that you must be cautious
and sincere. This is not casual witchery. Taking it as such will inevitably result in
increased distress.
Proceed With Caution
I want to add that witchery using the energy of Hekate’s Cave can also be very risky if
the initial process of personal transformation deathwalking isn’t followed. By this I’m
saying that rushing into summon various spirits who reside in her cave without first
walking through it yourself is ill-advised. I think this is why so many who attempt to do
so end up being very troubled. That’s a form of spiritual bypassing, just like not taking
this work seriously. Don’t go too deep, too fast, either.
As I fleshed out Hekate’s message directing me to create the Holy Darkness Cycle, I
carefully constructed each phase to deepen your transformation while unleashing
powerful abilities that are latent in each of us.
The preparation phase is an initial working with spirits, whether they be departed loved
ones or otherwise. This unlocks the initial deathwalking ability in the practitioner. The
first key that focuses on releasing all that no longer serves frees our removal witchery
skills, including banishing. In the Middle Chamber, our skills as a psychopomp, and in
necromancy, mediumship, etc. are revealed as we reclaim missing pieces of ourselves. In
the final journey into the cauldron of rebirth, our abilities of transformative witchery are
greatly enhanced.
Mistress of Death,
Reveal to me all that must die within me,
And what cords need to be severed.
May your torch-light guide me back to myself,
Then shall I be reborn.

The True Magick of Modern Hekatean Witchcraft
Modern Hekatean Witchcraft is centered on calling back our own power. Only through
this can we release the truth of our witchery. Our spells will suffer as long as we remain
trapped in a shroud of falsehood. The way to shred this toxic cloak is through shadow
work.
Learn more about Modern Hekatean Witchcraft:

Hekate’s Modern Witchcraft: A Short Introduction
I’ve been supporting others with their shadow work for over a decade, along with my
ongoing work on myself. Hekatean Witchcraft is about reclaiming our truth. So much of
who we are has been stolen from us from a variety of sources. Our shadow self harbors
all the pain associated with these acts of thievery, from our feelings of being less-than to
supposed psychological disorders. I say “supposed” because so much of what we get
diagnosed with isn’t actually a clinical problem but one of the soul. When our true self
can’t perform the assignment we were born into this incarnation to fulfill, we experience
all manner of difficulties that often appear as anxiety, depression and other diagnoses.
I’m not denying their clinical existence, but, more often than not, the symptoms we
experience are associated with shadow power. Only by healing the shadow will we ever
find relief.
True initiation as a Hekatean Witch is only accomplished after the deep, dark work of
shadow healing. There is no other true initiation than our personal one, no commitment
greater than the one made in private. No work more important than our deathwalking
journey of personal transformation.
Read more about commitment and initiation in:
Hekate and November: Deathwalking, Commitment and Initiation
I recommend starting the process with a commitment ritual. This is where we begin in
my course, Hekate’s Modern Witchcraft: The First Key. A simple version of the
commitment ritual is described in Keeping Her Keys: An Introduction to Hekate’s
Modern Witchcraft.
The Poison Path
“Another thing I want to share, perhaps because the dark makes me more introspective
about all things, is that this is hard work. Releasing what longs to die, retrieving missing
pieces of yourself, reclaiming your truth and the rebirth process is not for the weak. If

you are already in it, know that you are a warrior-witch. Let me tell you that there will be
difficult times when the shadow seems too powerful. Then there will be the other times
that you slip into an awakening that will have you lying in bed, shaken to the core.
Opening the door to the world of spirits can be overwhelming. Walking the poison path
can be noisy once they know you are listening to them. It’s not easy and not often pretty.
But it is only by sinking into the realness of magick can we become what we are here to
be. – from Hekate and December: Witchcraft for the Darkest Month and the Promise
of Rebirth
The Poison Path is central to Modern Hekatean Witchery, whether your work with the
botanicals in Hekate’s Garden or merely follow the spirit of the approach that all things
bring both blessing and bane. Moreover, the energies that have the greatest potential to
wound are also the most healing. Shadow work is of the Poison Path as is deathwalking.
It is the witchery of truth, shunning frivolous toxic positivity.
The Season of the Witch
Hekate’s energy is highest during the autumn. Part of my instructions were to release
this series during the Season of the Witch. Ideally, the Holy Darkness Cycle begins on
Samhain and concludes on the Winter Solstice. The is the most intense energetic part of
the Wheel of the Year for Hekatean Witchcraft. On Samhain, deathwalking with our
spirit guides and ancestors is undertaken in order to prepare us for the work ahead. I
also recommend beginning with a ritual to unleash your Inner Witch, such as this Great
Goddesses working. That’ll get you going in the right direction, fully supported and
minimizing the possible of going too deep, too fast. Take your time with this work. The
alternative timeline for the Holy Darkness Cycle is described below.
Read:
Great Goddesses of Magick & Mystery: Ritual for Unleashing Your Inner
Witch
Deathwalking Oil & Ritual
Hekate & October: Hail The Queen of Witches!
Walking With The Spirits: Tips For Finding And Working With Spirit
Guides
Hekate and Samhain: Suggestions for Witchery, Rituals and More

The Stations of the Holy Darkness Cycle
Think of these stations of the journey as keys. The preparation phase where wisdom is
sought from the spirits is like a key ring. Each journey – station – is another key. The
key ring is complete with rebirth. These are your keys that you will forever keep as one
of Hekate’s chosen witches.
Alternative Timeline
This ideal timeline may not be available to you. If you are planning to do this cycle at a
different time of the year, I recommend following this schedule:
• Preparation: perform an ancestral/spirt ally deathwalking ritual during the Full

Moon.
• Key to the Outer Chamber: Dark Moon
• Key to the Middle Chamber: Full Moon
• Key to the Inner Chamber: Dark Moon
You will have to adapt the texts for the rituals to reflect the change in energy from the
specific events to the part of the lunar cycle. This is an excellent assignment as it will
connect you more deeply with the workings.
Read the Holy Darkness: Release, Reclaim and Be Reborn for the complete rituals:
http://online.fliphtml5.com/hddkm/pjld/

The Christmas Witch
I love folklore, especially the dark and creepy tales. The local lore where I live focuses
on witches, faeries, and the Bog Lady. She’s the nasty spirit out to capture wayward
children. My Bog Lady is most likely descended from Nelly Longarms in certain parts
of Great Britain. Old Nelly is creepy for sure. I went digging for more stories about her
and ended up writing a short story myself.
The boys escaped from the heat of their

homes fueled by the excitement of the day.
Their Christmas feasts were still to come,
and the hours between presents and supper
long. Bundled in their warmest clothes, they
trudged down the path towards the pond.
Chattering about the new treasures of the
day, an orange, a tin soldier, and a wooden
boat just like those nestled against the
village wharf. Ignoring, or perhaps
forgetting the warnings of their mothers,
they rushed towards the promise of sliding on the smooth ice.
The oldest led the way through the fresh snow, his black boots clearing the way for the
younger ones. Ahead on the trail, he noticed what looked like an arrow drawn on top of
the snow. While thinking this a bit odd since there were no footprints to be seen he
nevertheless carried on. Then he came to the next one. And then the next. His nose
began to burn. What was that smell?
The younger boy thought this to be a game. What mystery did they point to? But the
oldest one grew wary. Not wanting to look timid, he joked about the arrows. Arriving at
the pond, they found the surface oddly washed clean of fresh snow. The ice shone black.
Their noses were stinging. Was this merely the cold? What was that smell?
Being brave boys, they slid onto the ice. A shriek from the youngest stopped their game.
Fearing the worst, the oldest slid and ran to his side. He was crying now, pointing down
to the ice surface. Frozen to the spot where he stood. Below the black ice that was clear
as glass, the face of a beautiful young woman.
The oldest scooped up the youngster, fleeing to the shore. Now they remembered their
parents’ warnings. Never go to the pond on Christmas.
Scurrying back home as quickly as the snow would let them. Their mother would know
what to do. They knew her secret ways.

Excitedly, they told their tale. She nodded. As she dressed, she told the boys to go next
door. The older couple there would watch over the boys while she dealt with this
situation. She knew exactly what was going on.
Wrapped in her furs, she rushed to the pond, stopping only once she saw that what they
said was indeed true. The shadow came up behind her suddenly, stretching out arms too
long for any human.
The witch knew who this was. Old Nelly. The evil spirit of the marshlands between the
coast and her home. The children called her the Bog Lady. The witch slid across the
surface, then gained traction on the fresh snow. She turned deeper into the forest,
towards the marsh. Old Nelly slithered through the trees, stretching her arms longer and
longer but the witch was quick. She stopped in the marsh. Fear threatened to render her
immobile, but she resisted.
To the winds she called, “I summon you to surround

this evil spirit.” She stood firm in that marsh,
directing the winds around Old Nelly. Spinning and
spinning her arms until the spirit stood contained
before her. The shrieking creature writhed,
determined to break free. “I will have your soul,
child,” it screamed. Shaken, but determined, the witch
held the spirt fast with one arm while with the other
she commanded the marsh to open. A great crack rose
up as she called the spirits of the water and earth to
heed her. With all her strength, she cast the creature
into the pit. The elementals held Old Nelly tight while the witch tossed in the lantern,
she had brought with her. “By spirits of fire, I burn thee into this place forever more.
You shall n’er escape, creature.” She then instructed the earth, water and wind to bury
Old Nelly and fire to hold the creature fast. The spot she marked with rod of blackest
poplar.
Exhausted, she returned to the pond to find her neighbor waiting. “Did you cast out the
creature?” he queried, for her ways were not the secret she believed them to be.
“Aye. She no more will trouble us on Christmas Day nor any other.”
The villagers laid to rest the young woman who had been the great-great aunt of the
witch. She was buried under a birch tree with no headstone, lest Old Nelly find her if she
managed to free herself. The young woman had been the last one to face her, albeit
unsuccessfully. The witch who jailed the creature became nicknamed “The Christmas
Witch.”

Old Nelly herself had once been a vain young woman who made a deal with the horned
one regarding a certain young man she fancied. When the glamor failed, so heartbroken
was she that she cast herself into the pond on Christmas Day. Each one since she
emerged to claim the souls of the unsuspecting, especially children. Their bodies were
never found, leaving the villagers doubly grieving. Only the wisest among them knew the
truth.
The witches’ spell held true. No more children were taken by the creature. The years
passed. Whispers about Old Nelly, the Bog Lady, became nothing more than words to
keep children away from danger. The witches’ sons left the village to seek their fortune.
She remained, providing healing and witchery to her neighbors. She died when she was
the oldest villager by far.
In the decades since her death, the wards binding Old Nelly to her marshy prison
weakened. Children became afraid of the pond. One vanished from the village. Animals
avoided it. The smell of Sulphur grew stronger.
One day, a witch was drawn to the village. She knew enough to listen to the whispers of
the land. This was to be her home. A run-down house on the very edge had a tiny “for
sale” sign in the window. Arrangements were made to see it. Her magick brought the
necessary funds. The house was in dire need of repairs, but she was certain that this was
her home. After years of wandering, she had arrived where she was meant to be.
The very first day in the house, her son came rushing up from the woods talking of the
strange pond, especially the smell. He was soaked and terrified. The witches’ hands
tingled. There was truth and evil in her sons’ tale. Rushing down to the pond, she felt
called down to the nearby marsh. Here nothing grew save for a gnarled black poplar.
She saw the evil oozing out of this tree. In her ear, a woman’s voice whispered the words
to contain the creature once again. Together they worked their spell until Old Nelly was
once more sealed in her prison. The living and the dead witches formed a close
friendship, with the older pleased to finally have a companion with whom to share her
stories and to help her keep Old Nelly in her marshy jail. She called her the new
Christmas Witch. And on each Christmas since, the pond is filled with much laughter
and joy while the creature remains trapped far below the black poplar with both
Christmas Witches standing guard.
More on Old Nelly: http://dark-stories.com/eng/the_snow_witch.htm

Elemental Winter Witchery
Hail Winter, season of earth! To the darkness from which the light returns. To snow,
ice and water and the emotional depths of the season. To fire, the waxing sun and the
warm of the hearth and good company. To the wintry winds blowing away all that no
longer serves. Connect to the energy of the season through exploring elemental
witchery, including a table of correspondences and a ritual.
There's so much attention paid to the joyous festivities during the holiday season that
the turning of the wheel of the year to winter often gets overlooked. I can't help but
notice when the first snowflakes start to fall. Those magical flakes call me to the woods
where the drastic transition to the winter is well underway. The pond is frozen, the
trees barren, and my animal companions are dressed for the season as they forage for
sustenance. Such is the season of earth in her early days. This peace shall soon be
replaced by raging nor'easters who rage until all is covered in white, bringing with
them much destruction.
The beauty of the first snowfall. Collect snow for all sorts of witchery later on.

The Elemental Magick of Winter
The barren earth holds the secrets of rebirth, what is it that you need to return to her
dark embrace? From the fires that warm and the waxing sun, to the brilliance of The
Starry Road on a winter's night, the element of the south is a cold flame this time of the
year. Turn to your inner spark for introspection. The winds of winter blow fierce,
petition her power to remove barriers and to blow away psychic blockages. Water,
whether ice, snow or slush, offers the promise of cleansing and freezing spells.
Winter's beauty can be as quiet as a frozen pond or as loud as 90 mph wind here on the
Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia. The winter solstice may be the astrological beginning of
the season, but here the meteorological commencement date of December 1 makes more
sense. That places the solstice at midwinter (more or less) which makes more sense for
the place I call home. Wherever you are, I urge you to step away from the business of the
holidays to welcome winter and her elemental energies. I love studying how the
landscape changes with the seasons. It's striking here, but wherever you are there will
also be differences, even if they are subtle. Explore how the elemental forces change
before your eyes during winter. Draw these changes into your spells, rituals and
practice.
Greeting Winter
I greet the seasons with the simplest approach, by calling upon the elements and their
dominant energies in the season. I don't believe that the seasons begin on their
astrological time. They start when they will, whether it's with the first snowfall or the
first taste of arctic temperatures. There's a change in the wheel that varies greatly based
on where we live. The elements to me are the fundamental ingredients in all things
magickal. They remind me that the world is enchanted, that it's up to me to reach out to
their energies as they live in the animals, plants, stones and more that seek out the
witches' touch.
Being disconnected from the energy of the elements leads to blocks in our witchery.
Taking time to perform a simple ritual that's about really reaching out to the energy of
the elements reinvigorates my witchcraft. I've offered a short ritual text below, but the
whole point of me writing this article is to remind you to get out and connect with the
elements as they present themselves in early winter.
Earth is the dominant element of winter. She calls back her plants and creatures into her
darkness. There is much work for them to do during their time of rest. This is the season
of root work, of rebirth and introspection.

Connecting to the Elements of Winter
Greet winter with open arms, drawing unto you all her elemental powers. Whether you
do this with the sun or under the pale moonlight is up to you. I like to practice this
technique at different parts of the day, taking in how the elements vary depending on
the dominant energies far above.
Concentrate on connecting with each of the four elements. Reach down into the stillness
of the earth, stretch up into the winds, expand your inner warmth out to the sun and
The Starry Road, and draw in the snow, ice and water. Feel them combine within you,
creating the fifth element of spirit. Spin this spiral outward pulling in all these forces
from their material manifestations. Release excess energy into a winter talisman, such
as a silver star (one of the dominant colors of the season). Make a simple one from a
disposable baking sheet, add sigils and symbols of the elements.

Earth Air Fire Water
Direction North East South West
Season Winter Spring Summer Fall
Color Green Yellow Red Blue
Pyramid Tacere Noscere Velle Audere
Concept Discipline Awareness Strength Freedom
Botanicals Sage; Bay Laurel Mugwort; Myrrh Chamomile, Orange Yarrow; Oak
Plant Root, dense Stem, fluid, soft Flower, sharp, hot Leaves, thin, light
Morphology
Stones Black obsidian Yellow Citrine Red Jasper Blue Agate
Places Natural spaces; caves; Windy places; cliff tops; Volcanic rock Bodies of water; the
muddy places; basements the coast; tops of outcroppings, fields of fiery bathroom in your home,
buildings; open plants, the sun icy and snowy places in
windows, using a fan winter.
Tools Bowl Feather Blade Chalice
Symbols Soil; gravel; rocks; grass Smoke; fog Ashes; charred wood; Water; mist; ice; steam
charcoal
Techniques Burying; planting Fanning; tossing into the Burning; heating Bathing; pouring;
wind submersing
Practice Grounding Journeying Fire scrying Purification
Abilities Sensing, groundedness Thought, mysticism, Actions, willpower, Emotions, intuition

intellect passion, summoning

Fundamentals of Applied Modern Witchcraft: Deeper
Into The Elements
There’s so much I could write about the Elements! One thing I want to make clear is that
being able to connect with, summon and control the elements will take your witchery to
the next level.
I write a lot about elemental witchcraft. The rituals and spells where the elements are
evoked are simple and pure when we know how to use them at our will.
The circle casting technique using the elements will help you better understand them.
It’s available in the Google classroom.
Elemental Journeying
Once you are comfortable with the Elemental Circle Casting technique, move onto other
ways of working with the Elements. The chant below, so famous, can be used as a
meditation to activate the four elements within us. As you chant it, really feel the four
elements within your body. You can set this as a ritual by creating the four “quarters”
using candles and symbols of each element. As you chant (also listen to it, you can find
several versions on YouTube), lay within your Elemental Grid on a black towel or
blanket. Call up each element within you on one round, then reach out on the next,
merge with each one on the next, then draw it back in. Once you are well connected,
maybe four rounds in, take all this energy out into the natural world to travel to each of
the elements. Journey through the elements, experiencing their colors and sensations,
then come back to your physical body. Release from your symbols. Draw the elemental
energy back within yourself.
Earth my body,
Water my blood,
Air my breath,
Fire my spirit.
Daily Practice & Journaling
Practice summoning one element within you. Notice when you are feeling each element.
Water represents emotions, earth is for action, air is for intellect and fire for intuition,
etc. Consider journaling using the elements as a tool for interpreting your experiences.
Then use the elements to correct areas. If you are being too “Air,” contemplate ways of
balancing it with “Fire,” “Water” or “Earth.” The Tarot is an excellent way to study the
energy of the elements, each suit corresponds to one of them. Wands and Swords can

either be Fire or Air depending on your perspective and the individual deck. Cups are
Water and Pentacles/Disks/Coins are Earth.
Here’s the section on The Elements from True Magic: Unleashing Your Inner Witch.
The Elements
Earth my body,
Water my blood,
Air my breath,
Fire my spirit.
The four compass directions and the elements of air, earth, water and fire are the most
powerful source of external Earth based energy after that of the moon. In every step,
you’ll learn how to connect with the elements and use it to unleash your Inner Witch. I
love working with the elements. If you’re a fan of my blog, you’ll already know this.
Head over to Keeping Her Keys to find loads of examples in addition to everything in
this book.
Characteristics of the Elements

Earth: associated with the north and “earthy” colors like green and brown. Connect to
this element in muddy places, the forest, caves and in basements. A downward facing
triangle with a line bisecting it is the symbol for earth.
Air: associated with the east and yellow, white and grey. Standing on top of a windy
cliff, along the sea-blown shore or at the top of a tall building is where you’ll be able to
feel the power of this element the strongest. To represent air in your sigils and spells,
use an upward triangle with a line through it.
Fire: the direction is south and red, yellow and orange can be used to represent it. The
sun and the stars are the ultimate fiery sources of energy, but when it comes to the
elements we’re sticking to earth-bound fires. Lighting a candle to contemplate the
energy of fire is an accessible way to explore this element. The upward pointing triangle
is the symbol for fire.
Water: to the west for most of us, although some traditions reverse east/air and
west/water. I use water with the west in this book. Ice, snow, lakes, rivers and, of course,
the ocean. A downward pointing triangle is the symbol for water.

Working with the Elements
When you are working with the

elements, it is good to have such a
symbol on hand. For example,
you can have the smoke from
your incense representing air, the
burning incense for fire, a dish of
earth and your chalice with water.
This helps you to connect with
these forces on the macro level.
Building your altar to include
tools that contain the energy of
each of the elements and realms
is another way to evoke and
honor them. We can connect to
these objects as conduits to the
large forces. They can also serve
as a mediator to make the forces
more manageable.
The energy of the elements can
also be worked with in spells.
When using them in this way, it’s
important to really contemplate
what the element’s force is and
how you are using it.
Witch Tip: Start to observe the four elements as part of your daily commute or go for a
walk exploring how they are represented around your home. The more you study the
elements, the easier it will be to make True Magic with them.

Cinnamon Spiral Loaf Cake
Warm up with fiery cinnamon in this spiral cake to celebrate the spinning of the Wheel
of the Year. Much easier than a Yule log cake! I decided this was a Yule tradition after I
couldn’t get the thin cake to roll into a beautiful log. I love the simplicity of this recipe
and that it never fails to delight. You don’t even need a mixer!
Cinnamon is an excellent slow-burning manifester of success in all areas. Spread the

power of this spice into your Yule festivities.
You’ll need a loaf pan, lightly greased. Pre-heat the oven to 350.
Buttermilk is required for this recipe. I usually make my own by adding 1 tbsp white
vinegar to 1 cup full fat milk. Let rest for 10 minutes.
Mix:
2 cups flour (I use Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Gluten Free)

1 cup white sugar
½ tsp salt
1 tsp baking power
1 tsp baking soda
To the milk add ¼ cup vegetable oil, 1 tsp vanilla, and 1 beaten egg. Mix well.
Combine 2 tbsps. cinnamon with ¼ c sugar.

Mix the wet and dry together until well blended.
Pour half the mixture into the prepared pan, then add half the cinnamon sugar. Next
layer the remaining batter. Using a butter knife or skewer make the swirls in the batter.
Here’s where the witchery comes in: as you swirl the cinnamon activate its powers
sending success to all those who eat the cake.
Once I’m happy with my swirling witchery, I top with more of the cinnamon sugar. For
an extra treat, I sprinkle about ½ cup chocolate chips.
Bake for about 25-30 minutes until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Melted butter
can be poured over the top after it’s been released onto a cooling surface.
Hail Yule’s fires and the returning sun with this cake!
The power of the spiral is one of the lessons in The Sacred Seven. Learn how to unfurl
your spells using this figure found throughout nature. The spiral is the motion used to
unleash powerful spells. Practice finger magick by making a clockwise or counter
clockwise with your right and left index fingers. Spiral it clockwise to attract things
and the other way to remove barriers. Everyday micro magicks like finger spiraling
can be very effective in specific situations, like getting a great parking space.

Color Magick Winter Witchery
White and silver are the colors I associate most with winter. Last September in The
Witches’ Realm I led the Self-Love Affirmations Challenge where we harvested the
power of colors to activate our truth. I love color magick, so I hope to repeat the
challenge soon. Here are some correspondences and themes associated with white and
silver.
White
Upper World, Higher Self, mysticism, unity, wholeness, psychic development;
protection (attracting); purification, death, rebirth, white
Element: Air
Numbers: 1,7
Hekatean: Soteira, Keeper of the Keys
Correspondences: yarrow, dandelion, jasmine
The Moon
(also stars)
Stones: moonstone, clear quartz
Tarot: Hierophant/High Priest, Sun, Star
Oh, white…you are such a demanding color! Prone to stains and greying, why would we
ever wear you? All your magickal properties of cleansing and releasing have much to
teach us if we can be brave enough to face our imperfections. Like your stains, they only
speak to imperfection if we choose to see them that way. Here’s to wholeness through
the energy of white, stains and all.
Here’s a bit from True Magic about the concept of wholeness:

“Wholeness is associated with the color white, shamanic work and rebirth. The butterfly
is also associated with unity, transformation and rebirth. Butterfly energy would be a
powerful addition to the content of this lesson if you are interested. The color white is
also associated with psychic activation (white star energy found on The Starry Road),
beginnings (you’ll be reborn), change (obvious), clarity, focus, enlightenment (the stuff
of the Higher Self), higher power, protection and visions.
The number seven is associated with white, moonstone, the clair’s (clairaudience,
clairvoyance, clairsentience, etc.), completion, rebirth, the mind, and the Upper World.
White and seven are also symbolic of the crown chakra, physically located at the top of
the head. This is “beyond the third eye” to the place of higher consciousness, where we
can perceive unity within and without. The crown chakra links us to higher
consciousness and enlightenment. It is the portal to the Upper World.

Emotional Healing With White Energy
https://www.dropbox.com/s/c77tdxclesqgys0/Emotional%20Healing%20Through%20
the%20Power%20of%20a%20Ritual%20Bath.pdf?dl=0
Silver
Mercurial. Strong...valuable. Silver is my preferred metal. The metal of the witch.

Alchemical. Transformation. Mystery. Bend and flow but resist breaking. Eternal. Easily
cleansed. Be silver. Let it flow in your veins. It is the metal we rely on to protect
ourselves. There's so much associated with silver, that I'm leaving it up for you to
explore and contemplate. The moon, the stars...
Planet: The moon

Zodiac: Cancer, Aquarius
Tarot: The Moon
Gender: feminine
Correspondences: opal, mercury, lavender
Deity: Hekate, Persephone, Artemis, Kirke, Medea, and Any God/dess of the Moon
Hekatean: Goddess of the Moon - Thea Selene and Daughter of the Stars -Kore Asteria

Color Magick Chart

Preparing for Spell Work
As witches we often use spells to manifest the changes we want to make. Too often
these spells focus on a desired outcome rather than on the necessary skills required to
bring about change. Our magical suitcase needs to be packed with the right skills for
our desired destination. You’ve got to get ready.
Unprepared Witchcraft is a Waste of Time
The best example of unprepared witchery I can think of is about romantic relationships.
When doing a love spell, there’s often an emphasis on the details about the desired
partner or the nature of the relationship. Manifesting the skills necessary to pick a good
partner and be a good partner are rarely part of the spell in my personal experience.
Another example is my approach to spending time with my family. I’ve written before
about how different I am than most of my extended family. We have little in common,
yet I miss them. I only see them one or twice a year so I want the time I do spend with
them to be quality time. There’s no room for arguments over religion, my appearance or
my suspicious lifestyle. We all know they think I’m a lunatic devil worshiper. There’s no
point in discussing it. It’s also a waste of my energy to want them to take an interest in
things that interest me. So, how do I survive spending time with these people?
Manifesting Lasting Change
If I use my witchery to cast a spell about my family situation, I have tried manifest a
change in their attitude and behavior towards me. Of course that didn’t work. A few
years ago I decided to try to conjure up my desired outcome when it came to spending
time with them. What I wanted was a peaceful experience where I actually enjoyed being
in their company. Realizing that I couldn’t change them, it became clear that I had to
change me. Because my witchcraft is part of any change I do, I worked on a spell to
bring about the happy family time I had envisioned. Then I had to ask myself if I had the
necessary skills to create such a scenario.
Lacking firm boundaries and taking everything too personally, as well as weak
communication skills when it came to them were my big obstacles to manifesting my
goal. I had to turn my attention away from simply conjuring up an outcome and towards
manifesting what I needed to accomplish the goal. Just like needing winter boots, I need
to pack boundaries, effective communication skills, and shield myself from their
hostilities. Now if the boys didn’t have warm boots, I’d get them some. Same thing was
necessary for the skills I lacked. I set out to get them.
Part of getting ready for the trip is to spend a few minutes conjuring a safe and happy
experience. I’m taking time to ensure that my boundaries are sound. I’m getting my
mind prepared for the journey. I very much desire having a good time.

Do I Really Want This?
This leads to the most important point about getting ready for change: we have to really
want to do it. Change is an incredible amount of work and requires a serious amount of
motivation. If you’re thinking about making a change, but you’re lackluster about it (like
my vaguely feeling like I should lose 20 pounds), then success will be difficult.
Moreover, the desire for change has to come from within. In addition for lasting change
to occur, it needs to be driven by your true self rather than your shadow. This is the first
consideration when contemplating change: do I really want to do the necessary work?
I don’t really want to do the work of losing 2o pounds. Unlike my desire to have a better
relationship with my extended family, my heart’s just not into it. I could do a spell to
lose the weight, but it would make more sense to try to conjure up motivation. Except
that in my experience, that is almost impossible to do. It’s the motivation that drives me
to develop a plan for change. I extend that desire into my witchery. But if I’m not clear
about exactly what I need to do to bring about the outcome, then I’m wasting my time.
Sometimes, I need to do a spell to clarify what I need to do to achieve the goal, rather
than focusing on conjuring the goal itself.
Am I Ready to Get What I Want?
The question moves away from “how do I get what I want?” to “Am I ready to get what I
want?” If the answer is “no,” (often “hell no”), then my efforts in all areas of my life,
including my witchery need to go towards getting ready. Are their skills I need to
develop? Are there people I need to help me? What resources do I need?
I can use witchcraft to help me find the answers to these questions, rather than using it
to manifest poorly thought-out wishes.
Tips for Getting Ready for Spell Casting
1. Figure out exactly what it is that you hope to achieve. Be very specific. Spend time
visualizing all the details.
2. Determine if the outcome is something you truly want. Ask yourself if this is your
shadow self talking or if you’re doing this for someone else.
3. Connect with your intuition, guides, deities (whatever you call them) and seek
their guidance before doing anything. They can bring clarity to a situation.
4. Take an inventory of what’s required to achieve the goal. Do this before you cast
any spells. This includes skills and resources. Be honest with yourself.
5. Cast spells that are about what you need to accomplish in order to be ready to
achieve the major outcome. Avoid wishful witchcraft.
6. Don’t be hard on yourself. Change is a lot of work.

7. If you fail, try again. Learn from the mess.
Follow your Heart
One final thought – change is a lot easier when you are pursuing your passion. It can
take a lot of time and effort to get in a position to be able to do this. Sacrifices may need
to be made – not animal ones necessarily, more like learning to live on a tight budget. If
it’s your heart’s desire, the work will be a labor of love. Don’t be afraid to go for it. The
potential rewards are worth the risks. Before you start on your way, ask yourself, “Am I
ready?” Then get to work in all areas of your life, especially your witchcraft.
Sigil Spell
Parchment coated with a potion made from basil, blackberries and vinegar, then
activated with a sigil for banishing barriers. Blackberry, also known as brambles, is an
excellent base for removal magicks. Sigil uses the planets associated with basil to draw
out the plant spirits to connect with the planetary influences.

Corresponding the Tarot to Herbs
The cards can be connected to herbs and other botanicals (plants, trees, etc.)
through their common energies to strengthen a spell or can represent different
energies (ingredients) of a working. I’ve developed tables for each of the parts of
the Minor Arcana (the suits, numbers, court cards) and the Major Arcana that
are on the following pages.
Sticking with the psychic ability example, myrrh is associated with the Three’s and
Pentacles with sage, so both would be added to the spell correspondences to augment
the energy of the card. Wands go with almond and one’s are associated with Lady’s
Mantle (traditional) or mugwort can be used. The Moon also goes with mugwort. A
blend can be made from the four ingredients (using dried ground almonds or almond
bark) and then placed in a bag (a further enhancing through color magick by using an
appropriate color, like blue for communication through dreams can also be added).
Then the bag and cards placed under the pillow. An incantation activating all the
properties involved can be added for more oomph.
A simple way to use the cards is to pick one that best corresponds to your current focus,
then select a botanical and add an additional energy source such as a stone or a symbol.
In the tables below, I’ve included traditional botanical associations as well as my
modern ones. My method for added correspondences was through studying the
properties of the relevant card and then making at least two direct connections between
it and the correspondences using standard interpretations. In plain language, this is all
based on research rather than my opinion. However, there are many different ways to
associate the energies of the cards with plants, so other teachers may offer varying
suggestions. Use what makes sense to you and don’t be afraid to swap out botanicals and
other correspondences after careful research using a reliable correspondence manual,
such as Llewellyn’s Complete Book of Correspondences. Be wary of resources that don’t
discuss their methods for associating correspondences or list their resources. I used the
Llewellyn book with traditional herbals to come up with the tables.

Starting to Work with the Tarot and Botanicals
A significator card is the one that best represents our overall energy at a specific time. It
can be the card that best represents you, the attributes you want to have, or reflect your
dominant energy. You can study the meanings of the cards before choosing one, or let
your intuition guide you. Often, concentrating on having a significator emerge while
shuffling the cards will cause yours to “pop” out of the deck.
I recommend starting by choosing your significator and then looking up the
corresponding botanicals. I’ve put together a guide on merging tarot cards with
botanicals to enhance your understanding of them and to use them in spells. You can
record these in your tarot journal or your Book of Shadows. The modern botanicals I’ve
included are easily accessible so that you can easily include them in your practice
without breaking the bank. After you choose your Significator, get the botanical
associated with it. You can work with the herb, plant or tree in many ways, from making
a potion to infuse a ritual bath to writing a personal statement on a piece of bark. You
can also make a vision board for what you hope to manifest using the card,
correspondences (pictures of them), other correspondences, your personal statement,
pictures of your manifestation, etc.
After you’re completed the significator project, move onto including botanicals in your
daily work. Starting with the plants associated with the four suits is a good idea. You can
remove the Major Arcana from the deck for this. Progress up to the entire deck if you
like. This will help you establish a very well-stocked apothecary.
Email me at Cyndi@keepingherkeys.com to order this guide ($15)

Wheel of the Year
The Wheel of the Year I developed is one of my favorite parts of Modern Hekatean
Witchcraft. I was frustrated with the popular pagan Wheel of the Year, the sabbats
didn’t match how I interpreted the days. Another problem I had with it is that it seemed
so disconnected from my own life and how the seasonal shifts transpired where I lived.
Students in Hekate’s Modern Witchcraft student the meaning and magick of Hekate’s
Wheel in depth. It is her whirring wheel that spins all of creation. As Anima Mundi,
Hekate is the source of all the material world. In HMW, students learn how to work the
magick of kairos and chronos.
In Hekate’s Library later in this issue you’ll find an entire section of articles about
Hekate’s Wheel of the Year.
Making Your Own Wheel of the Year
In Keeping Her Keys: An Introduction to Hekate’s Modern Witchcraft, I dedicated an

entire lesson to Hekate’s Wheel of the Year. This is an excerpt from the section on
constructing your own:
Using Hekate’s Wheel – also known as

the strophalos – you can construct a
representation of the components of
the year discussed in this lesson. I’ve
provided a template of a strophalos
divided into twelve segments below
that you can photocopy and enlarge to
make your Wheel, or you can make
your own from scratch using the
directions from the lesson on Hekate’s
Symbols. If you are photocopying this
Wheel, I recommend that you use a
heavier grade of paper, so it will be
more durable. A better technique is to
trace the Wheel onto a hard surface,
such as a thin piece of wood or an
artist’s canvas. My sister and I painted
the original one on an old window that
she rescued from a dumpster.

Hekate’s Origin Story
(From an article published on the Keeping Her Keys blog on Patheos.)
While her earthly birth place may never

be known, Hekate’s origin story tells of
her creation and powers. Written by
Hesiod almost three thousand years ago,
he enthusiastically details her governance
over land, sea and sky while gushing
about her ability to provide bounty. The
veracity of Hesiod’s claims has often been
debated. Some authors posit that his story
didn’t reflect the common understanding
of the times. Even that his family was
somehow different in their understanding
of Hekate. I like to think that they were.
Then there are those academics who
claim that it may not have even been
Hesiod that wrote Hekate’s origin story
into his Theogeny; that it is an early
example of copying and pasting by a
different writer.
The academics, with their picks and pens,

never seem to tire in their attempts to
figure out Hekate. She remains
mysterious in spite of their efforts to place her neatly into one of their scholarly piles.
This type of goddess goes here. Of course, Hekate doesn’t comply. I’m working on a
novel telling her story from her perspective. I thought to share her origin story as told by
Hesiod along with a bit of my version of it.

I am an only child.
My mother was the stars. My father, the darkness.
I was born of their great love.
The World Soul.
My childhood was a solitary one. Noticing my loneliness, Mother had Father change
one of her stars from fire to earth.
Gaia was never my equal. She resented me from the outset, even though I lent her my
power of creation. Foolishly giving birth to lesser gods who were selfish and cruel. The
humans feared them while they worked diligently to destroy Mother and Father’s
beautiful creation. Gaia, as usual, did little. Preferring to believe that her beloved
creatures would come to their senses. I knew better.
The Earth troubled me. The humans were borne of me whether I liked it or not. I
matched their weakness with strength. Their lies with truth, and their fear I tempered
with love.
Still, they were Gaia’s offspring. I wanted my own children who would understand my
power beyond all gods and goddesses. In my image, the witches were birthed. To them
I gave the ability to use my energy for their own means. From my first daughter was
born the man I called dearest Hesiod. Upon him I bestowed the responsibility of
sharing my story…
From Hekate Speaks: A Novel (work in progress)
Hesiod’s version…
…Asteria, whom Perses once led to his great house to be called his dear wife. And she
became pregnant and bore Hecate, whom Zeus, Cronus’ son, honored above all others:
he gave her splendid gifts-to have a share of the earth and of the barren sea, and from
the starry sky as well she has a share in honor, and is honored most of all by the
immortal gods. For even now, whenever any human on the earth seeks propitiation by
performing fine sacrifices according to custom, he invokes Hecate; and much honor very
easily stays with that man whose prayers the goddess accepts with gladness, and she
bestows happiness upon him, for this power she certainly has.
For of all those who came forth from Earth and Sky and received honor, among all of
these she has her due share; and neither did Cronus’ son use force against her nor did he
deprive her of anything that she had received as her portion among the Titans, the

earlier gods, but she is still in possession according to the division as it was made at first
from the beginning. Nor does the goddess, just because she is an only child, have a
lesser share of honor and privileges on earth and in sky and sea, but instead she has far
more, since Zeus honors her. She stands mightily at the side of whomever she wishes
and helps him.
In the assembly, whoever she wishes is conspicuous among the people; and when men
arm themselves for man-destroying war, the goddess stands there by the side of
whomever she wishes, zealously to grant victory and to stretch forth glory. She sits in
judgment beside reverend kings; and again, she is good whenever men are competing in
an athletic contest-there the goddess stands by their side too and helps them, and when
someone has gained victory by force and supremacy he easily and joyfully carries off a
fine prize and grants glory to his parents; and she is good at standing by the side of
horsemen, whomever she wishes.
And upon those who work the bright, storm-tossed sea and pray to Hecate and the loud
sounding Earth-shaker the illustrious goddess easily bestows a big haul of fish, and
easily she takes it away once it has been seen, if she so wishes in her spirit. And she is
good in the stables at increasing the livestock together with Hermes; and the herds and
droves of cattle, and the broad flocks of goats and the flocks of woolly sheep, if in her
spirit she so wishes, from a few she strengthens them and from many she makes them
fewer. And so, even though she is an only child from her mother, she is honored with
privileges among all the immortals. And Cronus’ son made her the nurse of all the
children who after her see with their eyes the light of much-seeing Dawn. Thus, since the
beginning she is a nurse, and these are her honors.
– From Hesiod’s Theogeny (8th Century BCE)
Feeling inspired to write your own novel? November is National Novel Writing
Month. Learn more
Download Hesiod’s Theogeny

Hekate’s Companions
I’ve written lots about Hekate’s close companions: Artemis, Demeter, Persephone,
Kirke, and Medea. I haven’t written about her fascinating alliance with the winged-
footed god himself, Hermes. They share many similar attributes as chthonic deities and
often were depicted as being “consorts.”

From my article on Hekate as a Goddess of Relationships
Hekate’s Many Ancient Relationships
From her most famous role as Persephone’s guide to

and from the Under World to her maternal bond with
the witch Medea, relationships play a central role in
Hekatean mythology. As for her being the lonely one
wandering the night, while she is often doing this, it’s so
she can guide and protect us humans. Sometimes she’s
the light through the path of our life, but she’s also the
guardian of the unquiet dead.
Then there’s the Hekate that gets evoked in love spells.

She’s available for petitioning for bringing forward the
object of our desires. Hekate is also a guardian of
mothers and children.
When it comes to Hekate’s own relationships, she had a

whole variety of them. Because of the often
contradictory nature of the ancient writings, she is
sometimes partnered (to Zeus Panamerios, for example),
was a mother (of sorts to Medea and perhaps to the very
cool sea monster known as Scylla), often partnered
(Hermes, Helios, Apollo are a few of her male
companions), associated with many other deities both
female (Artemis, Diana, Selene are a few) and male
(Zeus, Mercury, Janus are some). Hekate as Mother of Angels and Demons has well-
documented relationships with these groups of entities. Of course, she has relationships
with each of her human devotees.

Hekate is often depicted in ancient sources as being wrapped in serpents. There are
definitely similarities between her and Medusa beyond having serpentine crowns,
although Hekate did not have the power to turn men to stone. Snakes protect us, are
symbolic of witchcraft, and connect us to the mystical Starry Road. Contemplate the
meaning of feminine serpentine energy as you color this image, whether you see it as
Medusa, Hekate or another snake goddess.

The Witches’ Hour of Power
The heart of the Open Circle approach to Witchcraft training is the Witches’ Hour of
Power. By dedicating one hour per day to witchcraft and spiritually-based personal
development, you can achieve the meaningful life you seek. The seven practices include,
but aren’t limited to:
1. Affirmations
2. Divination Work
3. Energy Work
4. Creativity, including journaling
5. Knowledge Building
6. Meditation
7. Ritual
Watch this video class to learn more:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTDtCm0RKwU&t=5s
Get started with your Witches’ Hour of Power by practicing The Unity Meditation:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/8dgwk3vxm741ar3/The%20Unity%20Meditation.mp3?dl
=0

Articles About Hekate
A list of my articles about Hekate and Modern Hekatean Witchcraft. Click

the blue to access the article.
Understanding Hekate
A Witch’s Understanding of Hekate
Hekate is a complex goddess with a long history. She is the Goddess of the...
Hekate: Guardian, Guide and Gatekeeper
Hekate as a Triple Goddess is one of her most iconic images. Usually including either...
Hekate: Goddess of Our Time
There is a different Hekate for everyone, from the Queen of Hell to the Mother...
Hekate: The Mother of All
Reviewing the existing literature about Hekate reveals that her three-formed nature is
reflected in her...
Hekate: 10 Things Worth Knowing
Hekate is a complex goddess both in her cultural representations and personal

interpretations. I've written...

Hekate’s Name: Origins, Meanings, Pronunciations & More
If there is one type of question about Hekate I get asked more than others...
Hekate’s Origin Story
While her earthly birth place may never be known, Hekate's origin story tells of her...
Hekate: Goddess of Relationships
Hekate's complex history includes a wide variety of relationships, from the epic tale of
her...
Hekate’s Many Controversies
As an ancient goddess, Hekate has weathered many different interpretations and

practices. Because of her...
Hekate: Goddess of the Sea
Hekate's association with the sea stretches from the earliest known descriptions to
contemporary understanding. As...
Hekate’s Wheel of the Year
A Modern Hekatean Witchcraft Wheel of the Year for 2018
This Modern Hekatean Witchcraft Wheel of the Year combines ancient texts, modern
pagan observances and...
Hekate and January: Look Both Ways
January brings a new calendar year, a time of reflection on the past and planning...
February: Honoring Hekate as the World Soul with a Sunrise Ritual
Midwinter is an ideal day to celebrate Hekate as the World Soul. There's the slightest...
Hekate and the Spring Equinox: The Winds of Change and the Balance in
All Things
As the Spring Equinox draws nigh, it is this aspect of Hekate that speaks to...
Beltane, Hekate and Me: Watching Them Burn

I like to think that if Hekate was watching Beltane festivities, she'd be standing off...
Hekate and the Summer Solstice: Suggestions for Themes, Rituals and
Correspondences
The Summer Solstice is the time to acknowledge Hekate as the Keeper of the Keys...
Hekate And September: Beginnings, Endings And The In-Between

(Suggestions for Correspondences, Rituals and More)
September is the month of the final harvest from the land. Labor Day is connected...
Hekate & October: Hail The Queen of Witches!
The glorious Season of The Witch is here. October is the month when the thinning...
Hekate and Samhain: Suggestions for Witchery, Rituals and More
Hekate and Samhain should go together, but most mainstream practices don't include
her. However, three...
Hekate & November: The Underworld, Crossroads, Death Walking &

Initiation
November is Hekate's month. There are two nights honoring her, Night of Hekate of
the...
The Holy Darkness is Nigh: November & Hekate
November is the month for exploring the dark mysteries of Hekate and ourselves.
Oh, Holy Night! Celebrating Hekate of the Underworld
On November 16, Hekate is celebrated as Queen of the Underworld. In this article, I...
Honoring Hekate of the Underworld and Ourselves: A Death Walking Ritual

of Transformation
Night of Hekate of the Underworld is November 16. Celebrate her chthonic side and
honor...
Deeper Into The Darkness: Hekate and Soul Retrieval
The shattered pieces of ourselves find refuge deep in Hekate's cave. Call upon the
Mistress...

Oh, Night Divine! Honoring Hekate of the Crossroads
November 30 is the night to honor Hekate for all the crossroads She's seen you...
Hekate & December: Witchcraft for the Darkest Month & The Promise of
Rebirth
Our Lady and Savior: Hekate and December
As the wheel of the year nears the winter solstice, my thoughts turn to the...
The Winter Solstice: Day of Hekate Soteira
This new story offers a Modern Hekatean Witchcraft interpretation of the winter
solstice. On this...
Deliver Us from Darkness: Hekate and the Winter Solstice
The winter solstice offers the opportunity to honor Hekate as Queen of the Underworld,
Middle...
Hekate’s Moon
Hekate and the Moon
Hekate has been strongly associated with the moon for millennia. From her role as an...
Honoring Hekate on the Dark Moon: Suggestions for Rituals,

Correspondences and Offerings
The Dark Moon, occurring on the astrological new moon, is a time that many followers...
Hekate and the New Moon
The New Moon is an ideal time for seeking Hekate's support for new projects, renewal...
Drawing Down Hekate’s Moon
Drawing down Hekate's Moon is an evocation suitable for any lunar witchery, whether a
ritual...

Hekate And The Harvest Moon
While the Autumn Equinox can be acknowledged with the sun's fiery energy, I prefer
to...
Deeper into the Deipnon: Honoring Hekate on the Dark Moon
Coming at the end of the lunar cycle, the Deipnon is observed as a time...
Hekate’s Symbols
Hekate’s Symbols: Fire – History, Meaning and Uses
Hekate's five different types of fire can be merged with the pentacle to create a...
Hekate’s Symbols: Keys – History, Meaning and Uses
Hekate holds the keys to the universe in her hands. Fortunately, She's willing to share...
Hekate’s Symbols: Wheel – History, Meaning and Uses
The strophalos, or Hekate's Wheel, is one of the most powerful symbols available for
honoring...
Hekate’s Animal Horde
Hekate’s Animals: Ancient Creatures, Modern Menagerie, and Ways to

Include Them in Witchery
Hekate's animal horde is vast and diverse, from her beloved hounds to the witch's cat....
Hekate’s Hounds
Hekate is associated with many members of the animal kingdom, but perhaps her
infamous hounds...
Hekate and Her Companions

Great Goddesses of Magick & Mystery: Ritual for Unleashing Your Inner
Witch
Turn to the Great Goddesses of Magick and Mystery to unleash your inner witch on...
Hekate and Her Four Sovereign Goddesses: Artemis, Medea, Persephone

and Kirke (includes a ritual)
Calling upon Artemis, Medea, Persephone, Kirke and Hekate will help you stand fully in
your...
Persephone, Emotional Warrior Queen: Her Story, Themes,

Correspondences and More
Persephone is often seen only as the maiden taken to the Under World against her...
Re-Imagining Persephone and the Complexities of Women’s Choices
Was Persephone the unwitting victim, trapped in a hellish relationship? Perhaps was a
self-appointed therapist...
Life Lessons from Persephone, Queen of Pain
Contemporary society says, "Pain is bad. Run from it." However, closing our eyes to
our...
Artemis, Wild Goddess: Her Story, Themes, Correspondences and More
Artemis the solitary hunter, stalking her prey and yielding to no man has always been...
Medea: Her Story, Themes, Correspondences, Rituals, Spells and More
Medea represents the eternal witch. She is a figure of both tragedy and triumph, much...
Kirke (Circe) Is A Goddess We Need Right Now: Her Story, Themes,

Correspondences and More
Witches everywhere are feeling drawn to the Original Witch like never before. We are
Kirke...
Demeter: Fertility, Fury and The Fall
Demeter reigns over the life cycle, from the fallow of winter to the bounty of...

Rituals And More
A New Year’s Prayer to Hekate
Between the year that was and the year ahead there is a liminal space. This...
A Witch’s Prayer to Hekate
Mighty Hekate, Queen of the Witches, Blessed am I, To call myself one of your...
Hekate’s Nine Keys Ritual
The powerful symbolism of Hekate as the Keeper of the Keys offers many magical
uses....
Healing with Hekate’s Modern Witchcraft: Concepts, Practices, Techniques,

Spells and Correspondences
Healing is a complex process, with the original trauma interacting with our personalities
and subsequent...
Oh, What a Night: Prayer of Devotion and Petition to Hekate
I've used this petition to evoke Hekate for over a decade during solitary rituals and...
The Workers’ Petition to Hekate: A Ritual For Improving Your Employment

Situation
Since ancient times Hekate's attention has been sought for all matters relating to paid
work....
Hekate’s Nine Keys Ritual
The powerful symbolism of Hekate as the Keeper of the Keys offers many magical
uses....
Healing from Trauma with The Three Keys Ritual
Hekate can help us overcome trauma if we seek Her assistance. The Three Keys Ritual...
Prayer to Hekate, The World Soul
Hekate as The World Soul is the source of all creation, including the virtues of...

Prayer to Hekate for the Dead
Death is but another phase of life, though it is one that can cause us...
An Evocation of Hekate Suitable for Any Rite
"I honor You as the Key Holder, And pray that You’ll open the doors to...
Hekate’s Garden
Hekate’s Garden: Dandelion
While Hekate's connection with dandelion is entirely contemporary, it can be added to

her garden...
Hekate’s Garden: Bay Laurel
Hekate's Garden contains a wide variety of plants that can be used for magickal
purposes....
Hekate’s Tarot
Hekate and Daily Tarot Work
The Hekate Enodia Tarot spread provides insight about things we should approach and
those to...
Hekate and The Shadow Self Tarot Spread
A Tarot spread that calls upon the wisdom of Hekate to help tame your shadow...
Hekate and Personal Development
Exploring Balance Using Modern Hekatean Witchcraft: Dark and Light

Last week I embarked on a nine week journey exploring balance using Modern
Hekatean Witchcraft....
Exploring Balance Using Modern Hekatean Witchcraft
Using Modern Hekatean Witchcraft, I'm embarking on a journey exploring balance that
will end on...
The Charming Serpent of the Past: Hekate, Snakes, and Letting Go
Snakes are a potent symbol for Hekate, especially for personal transformation. On a
recent walk...
Lead Me Not into Temptation: Hekate, Spellcraft and the Virtuous Life
I like to think of Hekate as the Collector of Shadows. By giving them up...
The Crossroads and the Key: Hekate and Beginnings
For me, fall will always be a time of new beginnings. A few weeks ago,...
Lean into it, Witch: A Squid, Hekate Einalian and Magick
There are times when the point of my witchery is to accept things as they...
Stuck in the Liminal with Her: Hekate and the Unwanted In-Between
Beyond any other location, Hekate is associated with in-between places, like a
crossroads or the...
‘Brimo’ it on! Hekate and the Storms of Life
Hekate as Brimo is Her most terrifying aspect. As the Queen of Rage She is...
Oh, What a Night: Prayer of Devotion and Petition to Hekate
I've used this petition to evoke Hekate for over a decade during solitary rituals and...
The Temple of Hekate: A Book Review and Dreams of the Real One
I can't think about the title of this book without dreaming about visiting the ancient...
She’s Called Nova Scotia: Hekate and The Magic of the Place I Call Home
For all my cheeky ways, I have an equally strong sentimental streak, especially about
some...

Hekate and Social Justice
Hekate: Guardian of the Marginalized
Hekate's torches shine bright over those of us who live on the fringe of society,...
Hekate Wants YOU!
The world seems to be spiraling downwards into an abyss of hate and intolerance. As...
Hekate, Guardian of the Children: Ritual of Blessing, Protection and Rescue
Hekate as Kourotrophos is Guardian of the Children. I'm sharing this ritual that I've
done...
Hekate’s Modern Witchcraft
Hekate’s Modern Witchcraft: A Short Introduction
Hekate's Modern Witchcraft is an approach that focuses on better living through

practices, techniques and...
Introducing Modern Hekatean Witchcraft
Modern Hekatean Witchcraft is an emerging tradition of devotion and witchcraft from a

modern perspective....
Using Hekate’s Many Epithets
Hekate's many epithets are rich sources for devotion, witchery and personal
development work. In this...
Altars and Shrines in Modern Hekatean Witchcraft
If you're new to Modern Hekatean Witchcraft, you might be curious about what to put...
Creating Sacred Space for Hekate
Sacred space is a necessary part of witchcraft and devotion to Hekate. I use sacred...
Making Hekate’s Magick on a Budget
Witchery involving Hekate doesn't have to cost a bundle. Here's a bunch of things that...

When Hekate Calls: A Practical Guide for Answering
Sometimes, people are afraid of Hekate’s calling. They’ve heard a bit about Her –
maybe..
Finding Hekate: Suggestions for Seekers
If you are sincere in wanting to find Her, then you must be able to...
When Hekate Doesn’t Call…or Answer…or Seems Angry: What’s Going On

and Ways to Fix It
There are times when we are looking for that blissful Hekatean connection and it is...
Getting Hekate’s Attention
Calling upon Hekate is a vital part of devotion and witchcraft. There are several
considerations...
Should We Fear Hekate?
The August night air was thick enough to cut with a dagger. The clouds were...

Applied Modern Witchcraft: Better Living Through Magick
I believe that all of us have a mission - or multiple ones - that...
My Story
Me, too: The Magick of Breaking the Silence

This past week I watched as Harvey Weinstein was exposed as a serial sexual predator....
Where I Fear to Tread: Angels and Witchcraft?
I've always avoided angels. It seems I can't anymore. In this post, I discuss angels,...
So Long, Uncle Lucky: Saying Goodbye to Spirit Guides
This is my fond farewell to my two beloved spirit guides, Uncle Lucky and Millie....
My Witch’s Heart
You know that moment when you instantly click with someone? I think this happens
because...
When Your Mom is a Witch
With Mother's Day on the horizon, my thoughts are on my own sons. Growing up...
Dealing With Others
Being an Ethical Mentor

In the wake of another scandal involving a pagan leader, it's time to candidly discuss...

13 Types of Toxic Witches: How To Recognize and Deal With Them
Wouldn't it be wonderful if toxic people, including witches, had big scary eyes that
gave...
Witch Wars: A Survival Guide
Witch wars are so ugly. Insults and insinuations are made, sometimes by one but often...
Recognizing & Dealing With Psychopaths In The Pagan, Occult & Witch
Communities
Brilliant at hiding their true evil, psychopaths walk among us in the pagan and witch..
Personal & Spiritual Development
Get Ready, Witch: Manifesting Lasting Change

As witches we often use spells to manifest the changes we want to make. Too...
Burn that Book, Witch: The Balancing Act of Knowledge and Action
I love reading, especially about witchcraft. But, there comes a time when I need to stop
my...
Signs of Magick Addiction
Magick can be an enormously helpful tool in our lives, it can even help us...
Healing The Mother Wound
For many witches, myself included, the mother wound runs deep, borne from an
upbringing characterized...
Elemental Healing Ritual
Pain in all its forms is probably the biggest problem that we all have. Whether...
The Dangers Of Shielding And Ways To Practice Healthy Self Protection
Shielding ourselves from harmful forces is a common practice, but there can be nasty
consequences...
Boundaries Are Your Personal Magic Circle: Ways to Know and Strengthen
Them
We can get so easily sucked dry by energy vampires or give up too much...
Witches Behaving Badly: 13 Things We All Need To Stop Right Now
I go a bit bonkers whenever I see other witches' behaving badly, but the real...

Rage, Healing & Being Triggered By Truth-Telling
I love the power that the #metoo movement is bringing to trauma warriors. The
righteous...
Banishing Shame From Our Witchcraft And Our Lives
Shame as the unmerited experience of deep feelings of unworthiness is an unspoken
problem in...
Strong Opinions & Fierce Love
Don’t Tell Me What to Think: My Beliefs are as Valid as Yours

My beliefs are just as valid as yours. Don't tell me what to think.
Stop Using “Witch” as an Insult!
It's perfectly acceptable to use the word "witch" as an insult in our society. While...
The Use of White Ceremonial Sage: Controversies, Lies and Exploitation
White ceremonial sage is used by thousands to cleanse and protect. While the practice
of...
What It Means To Be A Witch
Witches Are Not Light Workers. We are Death Walkers

Light workers might have their place in the world, but it's not within witchcraft.
There's...
Witchcraft is a Practice, Not a Birthright
While there might be a little witch inside everyone, there are some that claim that...
Confessions of an Outlaw Witch
Being an outlaw witch means that I practice magick that is far from the mainstream....
What’s the Point of Witchcraft?
I've been thinking about the different reasons that I do witchcraft. Then something
happened that...
Where There’s A Witch, There’s A Way

Are you feeling cursed? Pesky neighbors harshing your witch vibe? Maybe that cute guy
won't...
Give Me A Witchcraft That’s Wild and Free
There's part of me that welcomes the current acceptance of witchcraft, but a deeper
part...
You Call Yourself a Witch? Then Own It
You want to call yourself a witch? Own it. Take on the mantle of the past....
What Makes Witchcraft…Witchcraft?
Witchcraft is so many things. A way of life. An outlook. An aesthetic. A practice....
Spells & Other Witchery
Severe Weather Witchery

With the remnants of a tropical storm descending upon my little piece of the world,...
Magickal Travel Tips: Ways To Manifest Your Adventures, Ensure You Have
A Great Time And Ways To Practice Witchery On The Road
Planes. Trains. Automobiles. Whatever your chosen method of travelling, you can take
witchcraft on the...
New Moon Rising: Time to Say ENOUGH
You know that moment when you reach the end of the line? This is where...
Love Spells: Be Careful What You Witch For
Love spells can be a temptation too great to resist. If you're committed to doing...
Prosperity Magick: A Spell and Correspondences
Making your own potion is a sure-fire way to manifest the type of prosperity that...
Hex Appeal: The Power of Cursing
Cursing and hexing have been stigmatized by some practitioners who see them as
violations of...
Three Simple Spells for Personal Development to do During the Waning
Moon
The waning moon is a great time to do removal magick of all sorts. While...

Three Simple Spells for Personal Development: Confidence, Opening Up
and Standing in Your Power
Fern, clover and birch are three great examples of common plants offering a rich
resource...
Three Simple Spells Using The Tarot and Herbs
Here are three simple spells using the Tarot and herbs to clear your personal field...
Waning Moon Magick: Let It Go Energy Grid
The waning moon is a great time for all sorts of removal magick. One type...
Be a Grateful Witch: The Importance of Giving Thanks and Suggestions for
Practice
Giving thanks for all that we already have is an excellent addition to the cauldron...
Enter the Mystical: Deities, Spirits, Dreaming & More
You’ve Got to Believe in Something…So Why Not Believe in Me?

Imagine the goddess of your understanding for a moment. Holding the universe in her
mighty...
Give Me That Old Time Witchcraft
Picture this, if you will. A group of women are dancing skyclad under the blue...
Walking With The Spirits: Tips For Finding And Working With Spirit
Guides
Spirits of all sorts have been my companion since I was a small child. When the...
Intentional Lucid Dreaming
Intentional lucid dreaming is a way to explore the dreamworld with a purpose. I finally...
Wheel of the Year

Tonight We Fly: Journeying to the Witches’ Realm
Journey to the Grand Sabbat in the Witches' Realm. Grab your broom and let's go....
A Simple Beltane Elemental Ritual

This simple ritual uses the tree as the focal point for evoking the spirits of...
The First Harvest (Lammas): Suggestions For Practices And A Simple
Elemental Ritual
Whatever you call the midway point between the Summer Solstice and the Fall Equinox,
it's...
A Simple Elemental Ritual Welcoming Autumn
The season of autumn whispers to me in the mornings, reminding me that the
seasonal...
Welcoming The Witches’ New Year With The Moon
The moon has much to share with her witches if we choose to listen. On...
Samhain: Healing Ancestors of Place
Samhain is a time for remembering the departed, including those who lived in our
homes...
Getting Real About Samhain: Dealing With Zombies
If there was ever a sabbat for realness, it's got to be Samhain. The emotional...
Samhain Death Walking Oil & Ritual
The end of October is the perfect time for necromancy. Whether we seek advice from...
Divination
Binding the Tarot for Yes/No Work

Using the Tarot for guidance for a very specific question can be a very effective...
Reviews
Review of Shaman Pathways: Deathwalking

I was excited to learn about this anthology on a subject that is not discussed...
“The Title of Witch Belongs to Me”: Review of Jump Girl: The Initiation and
Art of a Spirit Speaker
Jump Girl: The Initiation and Art of a Spirit Speaker reveals the intimate details of life...

Learn With Me
The Sacred Seven, a course of transformative witchcraft begins on February 1 of each

year. Learn more: https://keepingherkeys.com/true-magick
Hekate’s Modern Witch: The First Key opens for registration each July and begins on
November 1. Learn more: https://keepingherkeys.com/the-first-key
Note that there is no public registration for the second or third keys.

Learn more about my approach to witchcraft:
http://weirdwebradio.com/

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/matauryn/2018/07/30/keys-to-hekate/
Look for my interview on Witches & Wine
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdv-aJ7fNmryRC8tD2e4qUA
Pre-order Keeping Her Keys: An Introduction to Hekate’s Modern Witchcraft on

Amazon

Coming Summer 2019! True Magic: Unleashing Your Inner Witch. Available for pre-
order soon.

Keeping Her Keys on Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFvMtvLnlyejINnZAKCc0qg?view_as=subscriber

Open Circle Magazine: Season of the Witch Edition (Fall 2018)
Ritual for unleashing your Inner Witch, celebrating the Autumnal Equinox (including
corn witchery), and more. Detailed sections on Hekate, Artemis, Demeter, Kirke,
Persephone and Medea. Tarot, mandala work and other great practices to incorporate
into your Witches’ Hour of Power. Season elemental magick tips, too.
Download here:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ar0ftr8ba5w55gu/Season%20of%20the%20Witch%20Edi
tion.pdf?dl=0
Read online: http://online.fliphtml5.com/hddkm/rsee/

Open Circle Magazine: Summer Solstice Edition 2018
Stand in your power! Reclaiming your sovereignty through rituals and practices,
including the Great Goddesses ritual, tarot and the mid-year reflection exercise using
the Wheel of the Year Mandal. Loads of info about Artemis, Hekate, Kirke, Medea and
Persephone. Seasonal elemental witchery, too.
Download here:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/mp93oi5wncea4jz/summer%20solstice%20special%20edi
tion.pdf?dl=0
Read online: http://online.fliphtml5.com/hddkm/pzvf/


Open Circle Winter 2019: Hekate&#39;s Modern Witchcraft Magazine

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Open Circle Winter 2019: Hekate&#39;s Modern Witchcraft Magazine

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Winter 2019 Open Circle Magazine Page |1

Season’s Greetings and Winter Blessings!

Cyndi Brannen, PhD

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So deep I ventured into Hekate’s Cave

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My lovelies are safely in dreamland,

Dear moon, so bright.

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End of the Year Evaluation & Looking Ahead

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Magickal Life Story Writing Exercise

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Adding Deities and Entities to Your Board

Correspondences and Considerations

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Animal spirit magick of a Hekatean persuasion during December for me turns to

Read more about Hekate’s Animal Horde here.

The Holy Darkness

The Holy Darkness is Nigh: November & Hekate

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Proceed With Caution

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Learn more about Modern Hekatean Witchcraft:

Read more about commitment and initiation in:

Hekate and November: Deathwalking, Commitment and Initiation

The Poison Path

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The Season of the Witch

Deathwalking Oil & Ritual

Hekate & October: Hail The Queen of Witches!

Hekate and Samhain: Suggestions for Witchery, Rituals and More

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• Preparation: perform an ancestral/spirt ally deathwalking ritual during the Full

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The boys escaped from the heat of their

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To the winds she called, “I summon you to surround

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More on Old Nelly: http://dark-stories.com/eng/the_snow_witch.htm

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Direction North East South West

Season Winter Spring Summer Fall

Color Green Yellow Red Blue

Pyramid Tacere Noscere Velle Audere

Concept Discipline Awareness Strength Freedom

Stones Black obsidian Yellow Citrine Red Jasper Blue Agate

Tools Bowl Feather Blade Chalice

Practice Grounding Journeying Fire scrying Purification

Abilities Sensing, groundedness Thought, mysticism, Actions, willpower, Emotions, intuition

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Characteristics of the Elements

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When you are working with the

Open Circle Winter 2019: Hekate's Modern Witchcraft Magazine

Open Circle Winter 2019: Hekate's Modern Witchcraft Magazine