Hawthorn and the Crossroads

October 1, 2013 By Annwyn Avalon

One of the classes I attended at the Herbal Resurgence was on Hawthorn. Which was hosted by two wonderful teachers (see last blog for more info about them) It was probably the best class I have attended in a while. Not only were medicinal uses talked about, but the magical uses, and how the Hawthorn stands at the center of the crossroads. As many of you know among the billion of things I do, I am a Herbal intern with several lovely ladies under the grand instruction of Melanie Dunlap One thing that she, and the Herbal Resurgence has taught me, is that medicinal herbalism and spirituality are connected, no they are not just connected they are part of each other, there is no separation. So be prepared for future posts to reflect this.

Hawthorn is a Deciduous tree, which boasts beautiful clusters of small white flowers that have five petals much like little pentagrams covering the tree. The berries are incredibly nutritious and when ingested can be relaxing.

Properties: Relaxing nervine, Digestant, astringent, diuretic, antioxidant, reduces inflammation protects the heart from oxidative damage, cardiac, diuretic, blood regulator, reduces anxiety and a heart restorer.

Parts of the plant used: Leaves, Flowers and Berries

Contraindications: Dont ingest if you have low blood pressure. Extended use can lower blood pressure

Spiritual and Magical Use: Shadow work, opening and repairing the “heart”, healing from broken hearts. Working through past issues, decision making, balance, and can be used to prick the finger to give blood offerings.

The Hawthorn stands at the Crossroads. It marks the gateway between this world and the other side. Long known as a tree of the Other world, the Hawthorn is considered a “Fairy” tree. There has been many a song about the Faery and the Hawthorn. Some say falling asleep under the tree can induce dreams of Banshee, Faery, and the like. While others say that they are not dreams at all, the experiences are real and the Hawthorn is a portal. One very famous tale about Thomas the Rhymer can be read here. It speaks of a tale in which Thomas meets the Faery Queen under the Hawthorn tree. He is whisked off to the other world where he receives a gift or maybe a curse! Either way he is never able to tell a lie again. So perhaps the gift is truth.

Not only does the Hawthorn stand at the crossroads and marks the road between this and the other world, but it shows all of the little crossroads in life. If you closely examine each branch and each thorn, notice where they intersect. It shows each of the crossroads we come to in life, some ending in sharp pricks, some in beautiful blossoms, others in nurturing fruit, and still others in broad branches that reach up into the sky. It reminds us that not every decision we make will be a good one, life isn’t about always choosing the right thing. It is about choosing, and moving forwards. It doesn’t matter if its right or wrong. Life isn’t about standing still at the crossroads. One must choose a direction.

Thorn courtesy of Kayla Wilde

Oftentimes fear is what keeps us at the crossroads. It is safe under the shade of the tree why choose a path and risk hurt. Like the hawthorn’s medicinal usage for the heart, so is the hawthorn used for Magical and Spiritual uses in the heart. It speaks to and of the heart. The heart is the thing that becomes torn when we are standing at the crossroads which direction do we choose? Where do we go? Often times our shadow sneaks in and the heart is torn between what it wants, needs, and the fears of the shadow.

“Oh see ye not yon narrow road,
So thick beset wi’ thorns and briers?
That is the Path of Righteousness,

Though after it but few inquires.

“And see ye not yon braid, braid road,
That lies across the lily leven?
That is the Path of Wickedness,

Though some call it the Road to Heaven.

“And see ye not yon bonny road
That winds about the fernie brae?

That is the Road to fair Elfland
Where thou and I this night maun gae.

These are the words from the poem “Thomas the Rhymer and the Queen of Elfland” It speaks of three different paths. When doing your shadow work or when you find yourself at the crossroads it is helpful to split the decisions or problems into different roads. Then spend time analyzing each of the paths. Are they straight roads? Or set with Briers, or even yet will they take you on a grand adventure? Consider each road carefully, will they end in thorns, beautiful blossoms, or grow into strong branches?

When standing at the crossroads beneath the hawthorn tree it is helpful to have magical tools to which decisions can be made. Below are a few goodies I have made, feel free to make your own, or purchase them below. Good luck in your travels

Divination at the Crossroads Tea

Hawthorn
Mugwort
Hibiscus

How to Collect Dew

May 8, 2020 By Annwyn Avalon

Dew, the mysterious morning water that has to power to soak boots and nourish the land. It may be an overlooked type of water, but it has a long history of being used in Folk healing, Magic, and Witchcraft. The dew drops that hang like little diamonds on the spider’s web were thought to be placed there by magic. In Greek mythology it was believed to belong to Ersa, the daughter of Selene and Zeus. It has also been referred to as the “breath of god.”

Dew collected before dawn from a Hawthorn or Oak tree on Beltane morning is considered to be auspicious and have extra strong magical properties. Dew collected from Hawthorn is used in beauty rituals by bathing the face in this dew on May 1^st. It is also is associated with healing. The summer solstice was another auspicious day to collect dew. Here it is linked with solar energy and is believed to be enhanced with the strength of the sun at its peak. Dew collected from a graveyard was believed to have curative properties. Dew collected from ancient stones containing cup marks (small indents) was especially prized. Collecting dew on April 23 (Saint George’s Day) can protect one from the evil eye.

Collecting dew - Image by Annwyn — Collecting dew – Image by Annwyn

An Old Folk Rhyme

The Maiden fair, who on the first day of May

Ventures to the field at the break of day,

There she washes her face in dew from the faery hawthorn tree,

Will forever after extremely beautiful be.

Dew soaked grass was also important and was used in folk charms to heal children. One such example is to pass a child through dew-soaked grass, on 3 consecutive days starting on May 1^st. Sickly children were bathed in dew to increase their strength. Dew was considered to have cleansing properties, one folk belief was that particularly lazy and dirty children (and sometimes women) were taken away from the village, cleansed in dew, and then returned. Dew has an association with eyesight as well. Dew collected from fennel was rubbed on the eyes to strengthen sight, it is also associated with healing eye pain. Bathing in dew was also said to protect one from witches’ enchantments for a whole year.

Here are a few other ideas on how to use Dew in your modern magic practice. Rather than washing your face with the dew, why not anoint a candle for a beauty spell? Or if you wish to use its healing properties in a distance spell try anointing a taglock or a candle that has their picture taped to it. It can also be used to anoint poppets, knots in knot magic, and magical bundles. If you collect enough of it, it can be used to asperge/sain your home or magical space with an herbal bundle.

How to collect dew

The day before you decide to collect dew, pack a basket with a bowl to collect the dew and thin rags or handkerchiefs. White is the preferred color and thought to be of good fortune when collecting dew. The next day, venture out in the early morning when the sky is in the tween place of dawn. Before the sun has risen, but enough light has peeked through you can find your way. Begin by feeling the grass with your hands to see if dew is present. If it is, take your rag and begin to wipe the blades of grass, the leaves of magical plants and trees until your rag is soaking wet. You can leave your rag outside overnight to get it pre-soaked with dew (which will shorten the process) or you can run it through the grass by dragging it behind you as you walk. Once the cloth is completely soaked, wring it out into a bowl and begin wiping leaves again. When you have wrung enough water out you can head back home to your kitchen. Here, pass the dew through a fine strainer, or cheesecloth to remove any plant or insect life that may be lingering in your dew. This is a milky water that will not be clear. Because of this, if you wish to save the dew for later use, you will need to preserve it with alcohol.

Dew in Bottles - Image by Annwyn — Dew in Bottles – Image by Annwyn

Ways To Connect With Water When You Are Stuck At Home

April 30, 2020 By Annwyn Avalon

If you are like me, you love the water, but it’s not always easy to visit, especially when you are sick or stuck at home. Being homebound or a landlocked witch on a magical path can be quite difficult. This week I was considering some simple and easy ways to connect with water during times when we can’t quite make it to the water’s edge.

Take a Sea Salt Bath

Taking a Sea Salt bath is a wonderful way to connect with ocean energy when you are stuck at home. As a Water Witch chances are you have sea salt in your witches stash. If you are out perhaps look in your pantry! Do you cook with sea salt? I personally changed over several years ago and only use Sea Salt in my culinary concoctions. If you have some, try putting a few handfuls of salt into your bathwater and dress your bathroom with blue ocean candles and shells! If you have seaweed, add a bit too! Another culinary herb with a watery connection is Rosemary! A folk name for Rosemary is Dew of the Sea and it often grows near the beach. This is also a lovely addition to your bath and should bring a muscle-relaxing quality to your sea bath! You can also add ocean sounds, whale songs or even rain sounds to really connect you with water in all your senses.

Create a Sea Shell Grid or Mandala

Healing Grids and Mandalas can be used in many ways. They can be energetic gifts of beauty, they can be incorporated with crystals, flowers, and herbs to create healing intentions, to be a focal point for spell work, and incorporated into a ritual. Be sure to treat your shells like your crystals and cleanse them before and after each use. They can be cleansed with holy water, smoke, and moonlight! If you are struggling with creativity, just organizing, cleaning or re-arranging your Shells will draw you closer to the energies you are missing.

Create a protective potion for your house

Now is a great time to practice your protection magic! Protection magic shouldn’t be cast when you need it, or after you have been hit. No, it should be practiced when you have time, it should be practiced in order to keep it strong and ready for when you do need it. So perhaps consider making a protective water blend! A personal favorite of mine combines holy water made with a Hag stone, black tourmaline, thorns, rue, Rowan, and St. Johns Wort. This water can then be sprinkled around the house, windows can be warded with protective symbols drawn in this water. If you want to preserve it add Vodka. Be sure to create your tourmaline gem elixir the indirect way to protect the stone and be sure not to ingest this water!

Make Flower Essences with the flowers in your garden

Its springtime! What a great time to make flower-infused waters! Even if you don’t grow flowers chances are you can find some! Dandelions are a wonderful flower to work with, it can be found just about everywhere. It is an uplifting elixir to work with! Lilacs, Roses, violets, and hydrangea are often easy to locate!

Magical Showers

Make your daily showers magical! Consider stepping up your shower game and create a shower sachet! I recommend using a cotton bag, but unbleached cotton fabric will do. In this case the little sachet bags you can acquire at the craft shop will not work, plus you probably don’t want to run those all over your body. So look for a natural fabric bag or even cheesecloth! Be sure you choose an undyed, cotton, linen, or natural blend. Choose the herbs and salts you wish to add, tie it up and take it to the shower with you. Then, when you are finished washing your hair and body you can give it a magical wash. A few easy suggestions are

Combine Rose petals and Pink Himalayan Salt in a bag to create a Love Wash
Combine Black salts and St. Johns Wort, Hawthorn and Rosemary in a bag to create a protection wash
Add Sea Salts and herbs such as Mint, Chamomile or Basil to create a prosperity wash.

Give daily water blessings to the earth

Connecting to the earth during times of unease is so important, it acts as a way to ground and connect with the earth when you are frustrated. One of the best ways to do this is to give daily water blessings. For some of us, staying home and doing nothing it not possible. We must act, but how can you do that when you are stuck at home? Well you can start in your own home and with the local spirits, by taking a glass of blessed water outside and offering it to the land each morning. This brings healing energies to the world, helps keep you connected and grounded as well as gives back.

Meditate with Mermaids

Perhaps spend time at your water altar or shrine and connect with the Water Spirits and Mermaid. If you aren’t sure where to start, take your favorite mermaid oracle deck, shuffle, pull a card, set the card on your altar, go into meditation and visualize the card. Like Alice through the looking glass, in your mind’s eye step into the card and explore the astral realms that correspond with the card and commune with the mermaids or other water spirits!

Take a Journey with the Queen of Cups

If you prefer to work with Tarot Deck, consider doing the same thing except give it a try with the Queen of Cups from your favorite Tarot deck. Spend time meditating on the archetype and how she shows up in your life. You may wish to try the same as above and step into the card and explore the symbolism up close!

Check out images of water on Instagram

Browse Instagram Hashtags, my favorite are #waterwitch #waterwitchcraft #waterpriestess #watermagic #watergoddess #watermagicpath

If you are still not connecting then check out these 3 amazing Instagram accounts thedreamingspring Talk about your water eye candy! She posts amazing photos and videos of the various beautiful waterways in Florida. If you need a freshwater fix you will find it here! holywellsofthenorth is another freshwater account, this one focuses on Sacred, Holy and Healing Wells and Springs in Northern Britain. If you like to see obscure springs lost to time, or still flowing through ancient stone and structures this is the account for you! Finally, one for the Sea and Ocean Witches Swimming_in_moonlight is another beautiful account featuring the original Whale and Orca art as well as beautiful images and videos of the water under a darkened sky.

I hope some of these ideas inspire you to connect with water even if it is at home and not along the shore.

A Solitary Beltane Ritual

April 22, 2020 By Annwyn Avalon

Beltane is a festival of fire and water. Unfortunately, this will be the 2^nd Sabbat in a row that I will not be able to gather with my witch family. Like the Spring Equinox, I will be hosting an online ritual for my coven. I will deeply miss the time we get to work magic together. Gathering with other witches to preform our seasonal rites is something that is near and dear to my heart and while I am a Coven Witch, I also have a solitary practice.

My own solitary practice is rooted in the Folk magic of my ancestors. I gather plants, visit sacred wells, create charms, and perform spells that draw from ancient Gaelic, Celtic and Roman practices. While my solitary practice pulls on this, it also pulls on modern practices. No matter how much I wish to live the old ways, this is 2020 and well, we live in a modern time. So our magic must be adapted to our modern lives as well. So, I thought it would be a good idea to share my plans for Beltane to hopefully inspire your own practice and keep you busy during these strange times.

This year I will be working with the magic of fire and water to focus on self-love, beauty, and igniting passion where there is stagnation. The main ingredients and tools I will be working with are Hawthorn leaves and flowers, dew, spring water, sacred bowl, and a red candle. This ritual is pretty close to others I have practiced over the years and usually incorporate these elements into my Beltane Rituals and celebrations in one way or another.

Hawthorn is a plant that I associated with both Beltane and Samhain. In the spring when the Hawthorn drips of dew-covered flowers and lovemaking hangs heavy in the air, I seek out these magical plant allies. Each year I spend the early hours of Beltane morning gathering dew. I arise when the sun is in its firsts stages of rising and the mist pours in over the hills keeping the air thick and full of enchantment. I pull my boots on, grab my basket packed with a bowl and white handkerchief, and head to the hawthorn trees. In the years when dew is present I will spend about an hour or so soaking my handkerchief over and over again ringing the dewy hawthorn water into my bowl. When that is done I head back in and begin to prepare my ritual.

Some years dew has not been present, but I still wish to honor these energies. It’s hard to know if you will wake up to a wet or dry morning. To be safe I will gather a few hawthorn flowers and place them in a sacred vessel filled with spring water and leave it outside overnight. This way the water-soaked flowers will absorb the energy of dawn. It’s not a perfect substitution for Beltane dew, but it is a good option if you awake to a dry Beltane morning. If you don’t have access to a Hawthorn Tree this is another way to create your own Beltane Hawthorn Water by adding the dried flowers to the water and allowing it to sit. Again, it’s not the same as dew but it is a decent substitution in a pinch!

The Hawthorn tree is very diverse with over 200 different varieties some boasting long needle thorns, others with red-tipped leaves and my favorite, new to me, a Hawthorn Tree with double pink flowers that look like the tiniest of roses. Just thinking of it makes me swoon. Each year I refresh a protection charm of Hawthorn and Blackberry to hang in the magic room through the year. A hawthorn pentagram is crafted and encircled with a young blackberry vine. I am excited to craft it with traditional white flowers and pops of the double pink hawthorn flowers!

Hawthorn and Blackberry Protection Charm – Image by Annwyn Avalon

The Ritual

More flowers and greenery are gathered and the altar is dressed in hawthorn blooms and juicy red roses along with other items specific to the ritual. The next step is to prepare the candles. I anoint each decorative candle with the dew. In the case of my red spell candle, I will use my fingers to work the dew water around the candle covering it completely. It then air dries, is covered in fire oil blend, and coated in dried hawthorn flowers from the previous year. When this is done I preserve the dew water to use throughout the year by adding water from a sacred spring and a little vodka to preserve it.

The dew and fire oil anointed candle is placed in the center of the altar and more water from the sacred spring is flung across the space with incantations of clearing energy and blessing the space and ritual. The circle is cast, spirits are called, and I begin my rite by closing my eyes, and focusing on my intent. I remove a single strand of hair and coil it around the candle adding a taglock to the working. I then charge the candle by holding my hands around it and visualizing the energy pouring from my body and into the candle. I finish by using my breath to give the spell candle life. I then light the candle and as it burns I close my eyes and sway until trance is induced and my ritual is complete.

*Please note that Hawthorn is considered a tree of the Fairy Folk. If you have never worked with a Hawthorn tree before it is best to establish a relationship prior to harvesting the plant. I have relationships with the land spirits here and am freely able to harvest from these magical trees responsibly. Offerings of Cream, Cakes and Honey are appropriate to leave at the foot of the tree. If you get the feeling you shouldn’t harvest from the tree, don’t.

3 ways to use Water in Protection Magic

January 21, 2020 By Annwyn Avalon

Water is a diverse element embodying both light and dark, death and birth. It is an element of fluidity, but also solid and unmoving. It is also a great shapeshifter. While water is usually associated with healing, it is a fierce element to work with in protection magic as well. You might be wondering how to even begin. Really there are many ways to work with water in protection magic. Some include using the water itself, calling on the energy of the element or the spirits that dwell within the water. Another way is through visualization to protect your energetic space. Below are 3 simple and easy ways to begin working with water in protection magic.

Protection Magical Bath

If you have followed my blog for a while you have probably noticed that I post about sacred bathing quite often. I really love floating in the water and soaking up its healing qualities. However, bathing can be taken from a magical point of view as well. Magical and Sacred bathing are actually two different things, but that is a topic for another blog. In this case, taking a Magical Bath with herbs and salt can bring the energies of protection to you. There are numerous herbs that can be combined with water in protection magic. As long as you are familiar with them and know they are safe to bathe in you can pick your own. I recommend Rose, Rosemary, Basil, St. Johns wort, Angelica, Bay or Hawthorn. Other herbs that you may find useful, especially if the thing you need protecting from has already entered your magical space and/or aura, are Rue and Hyssop. You will begin by filling your tub with water to your desired requirements. Add a few pinches of Sea Salt. Then you will call upon the spirit of the plant you are working with and employ it to aid in your protection. Then sink in, and enjoy the water! However, while you are enjoying it you should also run through a visualization and create a protective bubble around your energetic space as you are enjoying the water. When you are finished, pull the plug and see all the bane flow down the drain!

Protection with Saltwater

Salt is used by many witches for a variety of reasons one of the most popular is for protection. As a watery natured person, I most often tend to select sea salt. I even got to make a little when I was living in Okinawa many years ago. It’s a powerful little jar of handmade sea salt that packs a punch! You can add sea salt to a protection bath, you can use it to protect your space and you can make saltwater to use in warding on windows and in ritual! All you do is take 3 pinches of salt, stir the water in a sunwise direction and say a little blessing. You can then take the water and draw pentagrams or protective bindrune on the windows of your home, your doors, or doorstep etc. You can also use it to bless ritual tools, circle space and coveners that you are working with.

Protection using Waterfall visualization

The final way to work with water that I will be discussing today is to use the energies of water in a visualization. If you have water that you have previously collected from a waterfall you can begin by connecting with it at your altar space. Perhaps you can begin by anointing your forehead, heart center and palms. If you don’t, no worries! You don’t need the water to make this work. Truth be told you may need to whip this out in a pinch, and won’t have time for the ritual anointing. However, if this is part of your daily practice give the anointing a try! Once you have done that, or find that you are in need of energy protection immediately, begin to visualize the energies of a waterfall. See the waterfall as if you are standing behind it and it is protecting you from what is on the other side. See the energies of the falling water constantly cleansing your own energies. If you need a bit more, visualize yourself standing under the water and being cleansed from head to toe. Now do be careful and don’t stand under a waterfall in the mundane physical world. Not all waterfalls are safe and some may be so powerful it can hurt you or bring rocks crashing down. Not all waterfalls have a soft elegant flow, some are powerful and can throw you off balance so always be careful. Working with the visualization though won’t hurt you, in fact, it can help shield your energy from unwanted energetic intruders. Try this visualization next time you are near a waterfall or pull it out in an emergency.

Ritual at the White Spring

January 30, 2019 By Annwyn Avalon

The final event of my Pilgrimage took place at the White Spring and was the last ritual for our pilgrimage. While the other ladies did take an adventure the following day to Wales I chose to spend an additional day in Glastonbury visiting the White Spring and Chalice Well one last time before loading on the bus for the long trip back to London.

I started the day by hiking the Tor, and then writing in my journal while sitting under the Hawthorn in the Chalice Well Garden. Later in the afternoon, around the time we were supposed to report to the White Spring I headed over early to fill up on water. I ended up being quite early and had time to visit the Temple before it was closed for our private event. This was not the first time I had visited this place, but it was during a different season and so I was not as cold, and the hot weather made me appreciate the cool dark water temple even more.

The last time I had been to the White Spring Temple the well house had blue doors. After a terrible event that damaged the doors beautiful gates were added, bringing more magic and symbolism to the old well house. So I decided to venture into the temple early, even though I would have private access with my group soon after. I was very eager to visit the candle lit temple during their regular opening hours. Stepping barefoot into the temple with the cold wet floors was like coming home. I was glad for a little extra time in the temple before the ritual began. It gave me time to explore the shrines and take in the strong energy that radiates through the stone walls and water pools. When the Temple closed I left and found my Avalonian sisters to enter into ritual space.

We all walked into the Temple together and explored each of the little shrine spaces and areas. We then began to circle together in the central basin. Which is a circle shape. Some of us stood on the basin while others were inside. We began to chant then we began to move around and around the basin churning and stirring the water as if it was a great cauldron. After sometime a few of us broke away to take a dip into the submerging pools. While it was a very hot day in the middle of summer the water was very cold. I wasn’t going to miss this opportunity though and climbed up the three tired pool basin in the back corner and dipped completely into the water covering every inch of my body. I came up feeling cool and brisk, but I was in ritual mindset and nothing could pull me out of the trance I was in.

I then gave space for others to partake in the magical waters and went over to Brighid’s shrine and sat on my knees on the stone floor under the hazel arch with the large image of her in the back. I prayed, meditated and spoke with her. The details of which will remain hidden in my journal. I headed over to Gwyn’s shrine after Brighid’s. I enjoyed seeing the new additions of the Red and White Dragons carved on tree trunks forming an archway to his shrine space. I also spoke with Gwyn and made my way back over to my Avalonian Sisters and chanted till the ritual was over and it was time to leave.

The White Spring is probably one of my favorite places in the UK coming in a close second to Sulis’ Temple in Bath it is the only other water temple that is still active and functioning today in England (that I know of). Though there are other water temples in the UK they are just ruins among the sheep and fields. I feel we are so blessed to have this mysterious magical place available for those of us who enjoy the dark . We are so lucky to have a place where we can come to connect with the spirits of the land and for all those that volunteer to keep this space open and sacred for pilgrims such as myself. I truly cannot wait to visit this place again. While the Chalice Well holds a piece of my heart, the White Spring holds much of my soul.

Stoney Littleton Long Barrow

November 19, 2018 By Annwyn Avalon

Stoney Litteton Long Barrow – Image by Annwyn

The next portion of my Pilgrimage brought me closer to the Ancestors, this day started out with a hike to Stoney Litteton Long Barrow and ended late in the evening at Bath. While I said in my last post that this particular blog would contain the details of Healing with Sulis. I found that I needed to split these two posts up. So this blog details what happened earlier in the day before we ended up at Bath.

We took the bus down narrow country roads to arrive at the drop off location for Stoney Littleton Long Barrow. It took a little while for us to find this 5000+ year old tomb, We first hiked across a creek, through thistle covered fields, edged with hawthorn hedges until we finally found the obscure location of the barrow. We got lost once and had to turn around and head the other direction, but it was worth the hike! We had visited two Barrows on the trip and this one happened to be my favorite! I don’t know if it was because this one required that it be crawled into, the ammonite stone at the entrance or the experience I was about to have!

Thistle in Somerset - Image by Annwyn — Thistle in Somerset – Image by Annwyn

I broke my glasses on the bus ride and had taken my repair kit and glasses on the hike with us. When we had first arrived at the Barrow there was a family already inside and investigating. We were all pretty tired from the hike and this was the perfect opportunity to both rest and fix my glasses. As I sat in the grass and fixed my glasses the small screwdriver I was working with slipped and I accidentally jammed it into my finger, a little blood pooled up on my finger. I had left everything except my water bottle and what could fit in the small pockets on my sun dress on the bus. The water bottle was filled with sacred water and so I decided to put it to good use. I walked over the entrance of the Barrow and gave the blood as an offering washed off with just a little water from the red spring.

After we had rested for a little while we crawled into the tomb, I sat in one of the back chambers on the right side and tucked myself in for a ritual of chanting. One of the things that I love about The Sisterhood of Avalon is their incredible ability to facilitate amazing chants. While I have always known that chanting was an important part of witchcraft, and I have used it often in my practice, it is not a skill that I am particularly good at. However just being able to experience the chants, with others, in such an ancient place, with the vibrations reverberating off the wall and the entire shift of energy it produced was beyond amazing.

Ammonite at Stoney Litteton Long Barrow – Image by Annwyn

After a while of chanting I had a clear channel of communication with the ancestors, and while I have worked with the ancestors and ancestral practice since I was a baby witch, I had never experienced working with them in this way. At this point in the chanting ritual everyone was chanting, and very loud. Then I heard the Ancestors speak, I could hear them speaking audibly and very clear. While it was loud the message was personal and wont be shared. However I will say that they were pleased with the gift of life force and requested more, so of course I gave! When the chanting was over we all crawled out and headed back to the bus. We stopped by the creek on our way back and I couldn’t resist getting in! So I played in the calf deep water for a few minutes, before crossing the bridge and heading back to the bus.

There was a farm near the bridge and creek. They had a little stand and were selling ice-cream and so I grabbed a little lemon sorbet, it was a hot day so I was very thankful for the refreshing treat! While we were eating our ice-cream I looked down and found a hagstone! While it is true I am always looking at the ground, poking in the dirt, and that I am always on the lookout for a hagstone I was really surprised to find one and felt that it was a very good omen and perhaps gift from the ancestors. We headed back to the bus and onto Bath!

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Seeking the Sacred Pilgrimage

August 27, 2018 By Annwyn Avalon

Several weeks have now passed since I stepped foot in Glastonbury. I had intended on writing about my pilgrimage much sooner, but upon arrival home I was whisked away into a furious scramble of performance preparation and drilling choreography. I will be blogging about that as soon as I can catch up!

The last time I was in the UK, I was there with family and while I was able to visit some of the sacred places I had wanted to visit, it didn’t have the impact of a week-long sacred pilgrimage. This year I was incredibly lucky to be able to travel to the sacred isle with several amazing women. Many who I had never met before. It was hard to prepare for this trip and besides packing and being sure I had all my ritual items packed I was ready to go!

The flight was long and uncomfortable, but I arrived in London quite safe. I chose a hotel that was not close to the airport and really regretted that! I was tired and unfamiliar with the London underground but after asking about 20 different people I found my way to the hotel and flopped down and took a nap. I arrived a day early to spend time with family and had intended on spending much more time than I was able but unfortunately I had to switch my hotel at the last minute on the way home forcing me to forgo other family visits. I guess there is always next time!

I was very happy to arrive a day early as the extra sleep was much needed, and it gave me time to adjust to the time difference. This extra sleep came in very handy as I was going to need it the following day. I woke up on Friday morning very excited and frantic that I wouldn’t get out to the bus in time. I made it and was greeted by familiar faces and friendly new ones! The ride to Glastonbury started off with lots of excitement and enthusiasm. Unfortunately, not long into our trip the bus broke and we ended up on the side of the road stranded for a few hours. Lucky there were a few apple and hawthorn trees to stand under and there was plenty of time to get to know everyone. Soon the new bus came and we transferred to it and off we went again!

We arrived in Glastonbury several hours later than we had hoped, however there was still time to venture out to the Chalice Well garden and say a quick hello to the Chalice Well. After there was some quick unpacking and then out to the field by the Tor for an opening ritual. After the ritual we went back to our rooms and quickly packed lunch and then made dinner. By the time it was all finished it was close to 11pm. I was so glad that I had arrived the day before and had that extra sleep because we were to be up and on the bus by 3am the next morning!

The next morning was frantic as we all rushed out and onto our bus. We all made it on time and headed to Stonehenge for our Sunrise ritual! Now I have been to Stonehenge many times, we have also had private access to Stonehenge however, nothing beats having private access at sunrise on a cool misty morning with other magical women. We began ritual and processed into the stones. I kicked off my shoes and dug my toes into the ground as we circled around and chanted. I wouldn’t say that anything particularly profound happened however it was a powerful experience and I can say that being barefoot while in the stones with others chanting was amazing. It was the perfect start to the trip and it really drove the energy for the rest of the pilgrimage.

Stonehenge in the Mist – Image by Annwyn

After Stonehenge we visited West Kennet Long Barrow and Salisbury Hill. I will admit by the time we reached this part of the trip I was exhausted but enjoyed exploring the Barrow and chanting with the other ladies. I am not a big chanter in my own practice and it seemed as if this was going to be the core of much of the work we were doing on the pilgrimage. I attribute chanting with air and it is the element I am least connected with. So this was an interesting twist and I felt that it could open up areas that had been blocked and drew me close to the element of air in general. It was a nice change to work with an element that I am not naturally drawn to! After visiting the Barrow we headed to Avebury. This was the first time I remember visiting these stones and I marveled at how large the stone circle was and enjoyed the little town that was built in the center of the circle. At this point we were all pretty exhausted but we headed back to Stonehenge to visit the museum as it was closed when we had first visited. After that we all headed back to Glastonbury and I went right to sleep!

This is all I have time to write for now, but there is so much more to tell! In the next few days or possibly weeks I will continue the tale for there are profound moments and divine bliss to write about and express so stay tuned!

If you would like to know more about Annwyn visit her website at www.WaterWitchcraft.com

West Kennet Long Barrow – Image by Annwyn

Clootie and the Sacred Well

April 24, 2018 By Annwyn Avalon

Water is sacred and a wonderful and an endangered resource. We are made of 70% water and we rely on it for our very existence. The ancients knew this, and thus many wells and springs have been considered sacred, magical and holy throughout space and time. Sacred Wells are places of healing, magic, wisdom, liminal space, threshold, and the otherworld. They are said to be associated with nymphs, faery, spirits, saints and witches! Archeology shows us that water and specifically wells and springs were a place where items both simple and extravagant have been deposited as offerings, sacrifices and often to strike a bargain with the local water spirit; some of these included coins, pins, gold and rags called Clootie.

In Europe, specifically the United Kingdom, sacred wells and founts are holy ground for both Pagans and Christians. Many of the practices there are considered to be dual faith and many wells hold egregore that is both Christian and Pagan. It is widely believed that sacred wells originally were associated with otherworldly beings such as faery, spirits and Water Goddess. Sulis’ temple at Bath and Brigid’s well in Ireland are perfect examples. During Pre-Christian times wells were often dedicated to a spirit or goddess. With the rise of Christianity there was no place in the new religion for these beings and for female deity or spirits. The cult of the Holy Mother or Virgin Mary gave rise to a new goddess in these sacred lands and with it an entire pantheon of saints that began to replace the pagan spirits and gods at many sacred wells. The faery women began to disappear and young Christian women who could perform miracles such as St. Keynes, St. Sidwell and St. Hilda began to replace them. Often time’s sacred wells and founts would have slight changes in their associations some being faery women to young Christian women saints, other times they would be converted to a male saint who would be associated instead.

Long have Sacred wells been associated with miraculous acts, dreaming, prophecy and even cursing, however one of the most well known things that a sacred well is associated with is healing. While there are a vast number of customs and spells associated with sacred wells one of the most famous folk practices is healing with Clootie. Clootie or Cloutie are torn rags, dipped in holy water and hung in a tree. Clootie comes from the Scottish word Cloot which means “Strips of fabric”. Clootie as related to Sacred wells and healing rites are strips of fabric that are torn from the clothing in various manner, then dipped in water from the sacred well or spring and finally tied in a near by sacred tree.

Traditionally someone who was hurt or needed healing would approach a healing well, tear a piece of fabric from the clothing they were wearing close to or on the area that needed healing. They would then dip the rag into the holy water and then hang it in a hazel, thorn or other sacred tree. A variation of this includes the inflicted person dipping themselves in the sacred waters, then they would tear a clootie from the injured location or body and hang it in a tree. Another variation still would be to dip the clootie in the water and then tie it on the injured area for a while and then place it in the tree. Here the spirit of both the water and tree are being used in healing magic, through transference of the disease or problem to the tree.

One practice at a well included going to the well and performing a clootie rite in secret and then returning home a different way than you left. Some clootie are greased and placed under rocks near or at the entrance of the well, while others are hung. It is said that a rag or Clootie should never be removed from the well once it has been deposited there. Never remove someones Clootie as you risk taking on the problem yourself!

It is important to note that it is believed the energy of the well in addition to the curative properties of the waters which often were saturated with minerals such as iron, bicarbonates, magnesium and calcium would bring about the healing. Many believe that the curative properties of the water along with charms and prayers are essential parts to these rites. Other rites include circling wells, most often in a sun wise direction which is believed to be lucky, though other rites in other regions call for circumambulating around the well counter clock wise for different results.

Most sacred wells have some type of tree associated with them. There are many trees that are often associated with sacred water sites or holy wells; they include Hawthorn, Hazel, Blackthorn, Yew, Rowan, Elder, Ash, Holly and Oak. Hawthorn is particularly important because it is a faery tree and the thorns are often used to pierce the clootie on. Hazel is a sacred tree to the Druids and is associated with wisdom, protection and the otherworld and is associated with sacred wells and the Well of Wisdom. Famous wells such as Sancreed well are in a pine and holly grove while others such as Madron’s well is surrounded by blackthorn and hawthorn. The chalice well is guarded by two majestic yew trees and the White Well flows from beneath the Glastonbury Tor which is associated with apple trees and the Holy Thorn. St. Keynes well is associated with Oak, Ash, Elm and willow however by the late 1800s only the ash and elm remain.

From Ireland to Cornwall many wells have been adorned with healing rags. Would you like to perform a clootie rite or spell at a local sacred water source? Is there a tree close to your sacred water source? Can a clootie ritual be performed here? If so give it a try and begin to work with these energies! Perhaps you would like to start working with a sacred tree at a sacred local water source, or one in your own backyard by blessing it and beginning to tie rags as offerings and healing spells.

Play with different sacred and holy waters or visit a water fall or sacred water site near your home. Don’t forget to be creative and follow your intuition! When performing your clootie rite if you don’t wish to tear your clothing, select a piece of natural fabric and tie it over the area that needs healing. After nine days dip the rag in the holy water or well and then tie it in a tree or impale it upon a hawthorn thorn. Perhaps use an old rag or current piece of clothing to create the fabric strip.

It is important to note that the old practice would have used a biodegradable cloth or ribbon which over time would decay and it was believed that as it did so would the illness. Much of our modern fabric is synthetic and great care should be taken to perform your clootie rite with fabric that is healthy for the environment and bio degradable. Do be careful not to insult the water spirit or well guardian that dwells there by contaminating their sacred and precious water and it is always good etiquette to give an environmentally friendly offerings when you perform a rite at a sacred site. It is also important to note that it is believed the energy of the well in addition to the curative properties of the waters that bring about the healing, so be sure to connect with the local spirit and ask for their blessing on your clootie rite.

There are thousands of sacred water sites in the UK and Europe; many featuring a rich esoteric history of spells, rituals and customs. From Ireland to Cornwall many wells have been adorned with healing rags which bring each well a rich egregore of esoteric practices. Throughout history, mythology and folklore we know that otherworldly creatures like faery women and saints performed miraculous rites at these sites, however wells are not limited to just these magical women. Many notorious witches such as Mother Shipton were known to live near wells. Today many sacred wells are visited in England, Cornwall and Ireland such as The Chalice Well, The White Well, St. Madrons Well, Sancreed Well, and Brigid’s well just to name a few. Healing rites and working with the local water spirits at sacred wells have become popular once again and we as witches, pagans and magical folk have an opportunity to deepen the egregore and strengthen the magic surrounding Sacred and Holy water sites worldwide.

Learn more about Annwyn and Water Magic by clicking here

The Magic of Self-Care

December 14, 2017 By Annwyn Avalon

For me in the past I have struggled with self-care, self-care can be anything from regularly brushing your hair and getting dressed to things like painting your toes, doing your nails, hiking, working out or sleeping.

Lapis and Lavender - Image by Annwyn — Lapis and Lavender – Image by Annwyn

To me, self-care is being kind to myself, not allowing myself to fall into the abyss of my own thoughts, I use the mantra “I don’t have to fall into the abyss” quite regularly, and for those moments when I’m hanging on the edge it becomes an energizing chant. While this does work for me quite often, there are times when I do fall into the abyss, and no amount of self-care can really get me out. That is why there is sleep, and why I have a therapist. Self-care should not be a treatment form trauma and abuse, rather it is essential to maintaining a healthy emotional state within, so that I’m not at my therapist each day.

Self-care helps me keep my thoughts and actions moving the way I want them to, it helps me to maintain balance, I am responsible for my thoughts and actions, no one else is, and in this world of social media, no amount of culling my Facebook can keep me from spiraling if and when that dreaded article, meme or photo that I don’t want to see comes across my feed. There is no possible way for each and every person to be responsible for what might trigger a stranger, and even things like “trigger warning” can’t undo a headline title that makes me feel like crap or sends me back to a place that I don’t want to be. This is why self-care is so important.

Self-care is incredibly individual and should be tailored to the persons needs and wants, not what a commercial tells you, what your friends do, or even what the self-help books say. It should consist of only that which fills you. Magic and Witchcraft is best practiced from a place of “The Full Chalice” because you can’t give with an empty cup, just as you can’t cast with an empty energy body.

For me self-care is the key to balancing my emotions, when I’m grumpy, a bubble bath with meditation can calm me and give me perspective so that I’m not out in the world being an ass hole to random strangers. Sometimes self-care is getting angry and burning paper or throwing stuffed animals at a wall. Sometimes self-care is watching a movie when I’m particularly depressed that I know will help me feel much much better.

Self-care is doing what is best for me, and any particular moment. As someone who regularly put every other person, animal and thing over myself on a regular basis, self-care is essential. It is a pause, a break in the “must do for others” and reminds me that I need time to sleep, paint my nails, brush my hair, put on a nice dress, or take a bath. It is about maintaining a healthy spiritual and mental state so that I can continue to give to others, with a full vessel.

All my life I was taught that I was second, or less than, and that others were more important. Also, having a serving nature and loving to teach others often leaves me in a state of depletion. Without regular self-care I remain depleted and on the verge of burnout. Practicing regular self-care, helps me stay balanced, and reminds me that I matter, and if I matter to me, then I can give so much more to others. Can you imagine the power of a spell that has the energy of “I matter to me” behind it?

Bleeding Heart - Image by Annwyn — Bleeding Heart – Image by Annwyn

Self-care Is important for everyone, but it is going to be very different for each person. What might be comforting for someone might be a trigger or stressful for another person. The need to take a quick self-care bath Self- care is essential to our happiness, our wellbeing and helps to fill the chalice or energy body so that we are the best and most powerful Witches we can be, all the time. Self-care should be something that is part of your regular magical and mundane routines. As you might have guessed magical self-care and mundane self -care can be different! How do you self-care in a magical way? What about a mundane way? How do they co-mingle in your own practice? And when was the last time you engaged in some delicious self-care?

One of my favorite ways to self-care is to sink down into a relaxing bath and to let the magic of the water and plants swirl around and heal me. If don’t know where to start try a bath! You can enhance baths in many magical ways, with salts, herbs, oils and crystals. For a simple yet effective bath try the recipe below!

Try this Recipe!

1 Cup Epsom Salts
3 drops Peppermint Oil
A pinch of Rosemary
A Pinch of Eucalyptus
Fill the bath, charge with rejuvenation and jump in!

**** In no way is self-care an acceptable replacement or treatment from real trauma, scars and abuses. As a survivor of sexual assault and abuse, someone who lives with depression, is not nuro-typical and has an autoimmune that regularly kicks my ass, self-care is essential to my health, but is not suffient nor should be considered treatment for such struggles.

If you would like to learn more about Annwyn click here

***ETA- My blog posts are my musings, they are not an invitation for you to get on your psychological soap box and tell me how I can improve myself and what I am doing wrong. Please feel free to share your own stories, but unless I am paying you for medical and/or psychological services do NOT give unsolicited advice…