Witch of The Wood with Raven Wood - A blog about the magickal folklore, and practices of a traditional witch.

John Barleycorn Must Die! An Old English Folktale

September 6, 2019 By Raven Wood

From a pagan point of view John Barleycorn represents the cycles of nature, spirits of both plant and drink, entwined together within the fall harvest. A time to reap what one has sown, and a time to celebrate John Barleycorn’s death, by the brewing of barley into beer, and whiskey. Read more

The Witch and the Toad

June 28, 2019 By Raven Wood

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Toads and frogs are amphibians of the “Anura” sector, meaning they are tailless. These enchanting little creatures have a long history in magickal folklore, being associated with the witch… and of course the devil. Read more

The Witch and the Bee

May 20, 2019 By Raven Wood

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The witch and the bee, a more magickal union there could not be! Witches have enjoyed a long and enchanting relationship with the bee, sharing many rituals, as well as other magickal traits they have in common. Read more

The Wyrd of a Witch…

April 9, 2019 By Raven Wood

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The word “Wyrd” is an interesting word indeed. For I have found both in research, and my own personal experiences, that this word has many a meaning… especially to a witch. Read more

Bewitching Birch… A Tree of Many Magicks, and the Devil

February 22, 2019 By Raven Wood

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The Paper Birch is often one of the first species to reestablish itself after a forest fire, which is kinda ironic knowing some of the darker folklore of this magickal tree. Read more

The children all know that it’s time to dread, when in place of “sugarplums” it’s Krampus instead.

December 5, 2018 By Raven Wood

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Krampus is traditionally seen in folklore pictured with chains or bells he lashes about, birch branches to swat naughty kids, and a basket strapped to his back to carry the wicked little children away, for the purpose of drowning, eating, or transporting them to Hell…… Read more

Spirit Conjuring for Samhain

October 31, 2018 By Raven Wood

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Spirits as we know have not faded away into the grave yards, in it’s stead is quite the opposite. There are numerous sightings and interest paid to spirits, especially during this time of Samhain. And so is the way in which to conjure them… This then be a witches way ~ Read more

Horns and Antlers and All Hallows Eve…..

October 28, 2018 By Raven Wood

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The season of the Dark One’s decent to the Underworld at Samhain brings us visions of antlers, bones, and horns, being more prevalent now in our artwork, and pictures of the season. Antlers and horns have become symbolic to pagans and shaman alike, their ancient artwork revealing spiritual guides and entities…. Read more

How a Wood Witch Prepares for Samhain

October 9, 2018 By Raven Wood

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Samhain, or All Hallows Eve, will soon be upon us. Bringing with it all it’s rituals, spell work, and celebrations. This be the time then, to prepare for the dark season holiday, and end to the Pagan year. For me there is much to do… Read more