Color in the Leaves on a Festive Mabon Morning.

Summer is finally over, and the leaves are turning their crisp gold, red, and brown colors. The Second Harvest is upon us, and there’s plenty of things to do in preparation for the long cold winter. First thing I did today was walk out my door into the cool weather, and put my bare feet in the wet grasses for one last time before it all freezes. Then I set and decorated my Altar in preparation of the ritual this evening. Tonight we celebrate the Goddess as she passes between the Mother to her time of solemn wisdom as the Crone.  Day and night are equal in power, and we honor the Green Man, the lord of the forests as he prepares for his death in the winter till his rebirth in next year’s spring.

Now is the time to plant the seeds for next year, and gather the last of the harvest while leaving the final cuts as an offering to the spirits in honor of their bountiful gifts that we have been granted this year. The seeds we sow will collect the sleeping energies of the winter in preparation of their new life come spring. Those who have gone before us are now remembered, and honored in their spirit for their tribute to this world. Mabon is a time of thankfulness, remembrance, preparation, and bounty. A time to share our gifts, tip our glasses, and make offerings for the blessing of a kind, and generous winter to wrap us in its cool blanket of snow.

Depending on your path you might have plenty of traditions you already follow with each Autumn like cleaning, canning, baking, spending time with loved ones, but there are plenty of more things we can do to show our gratefulness for the turn of the wheel into a new season, and our desire for a comfortable winter.

The name Mabon is fairly new. There’s no supporting evidence that the Wheel of the Year was celebrated as a set of eight Sabbats till it was adopted by Wicca. Though people have been celebrating the Autumn Equinox for centuries in many faiths, and traditions. Some believe the name comes from an old Welsh God who was known as the Son of Light. In this time the Sun is darkening, and we are moving further away from its warmth. Though this interpretation is still disputed by those who believe Mabon is attributed to the mother, and not the son. Either way it is celebrated much the same.

Autumn Equinox Activities:

* Make offerings to the spirits – Things that are harvested in this time make great offerings like acorns, hazelnuts, corn, apples, and fruit.

* Honor the dead – Placing apples on burial cairns is the traditional method, but other way we can honor them is by simply taking a moment to remember them. Tip a glass of wine to the Earth as a symbol of wetting their lips.

* Festive Decorations – Wreaths, solar wheels, rowan crosses, and festive bouquets are all great ways of bringing the spirit of Mabon into your home. Apples being a largely celebrated symbol for this time of year would make a great wreath when cut into circles, and sprinkled with salt, and cinnamon to dry.

* Gathering, and Planting seeds – By gathering the seeds we show gratefulness for all the year has brought us, and by planting them we honor the roots of life that will bring us next year’s bounty.

* Wine making – With all the fruits being harvested now is the time to start making the wines that will warm our blood in the winter, and add to our tribute of the celebrations come spring.

* Doll crafting – Corn dollies, wheat dolls, bean bag dolls, and apple dolls are all colonial traditions for this time of year. These dolls embody the spirit of the season, and bring their own unique blessings to your home depending on which ones you choose to create.

* Decorating the Altar – Autumn leaves, fruits, grains, and nuts are all very festive decorations that splash a bit of the seasonal color in your home.

* Meditation – With the balance of the day and night a great way to celebrate is to take a moment to find your own inner harmony, and balance the energies in yourself as well as around you, and in your home. Meditation is a great tool for beginning this process.

How ever you choose to practice this season I hope it be blessed by the God and Goddess with plenty of light, life, love, and laughter as we turn the wheel again this year. Brightest of Wishes for this festive season, and may we be granted with wonder, and comfort for the long winter through.

God and Goddess Bless!

CVK

The Error of What We Know and Trust.

You Are What You Believe The Moment You First Believe.

In the quest to become more spiritual, and connected to who we are on the inside we sometimes get hindered by our doubts. Even if those doubts are miniscule they can have the greatest power in preventing us from truly believing in something. To quote a favorite, “Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” Building that belief can be extremely hard, especially as a grown adult. As children we’re innocently more open minded to the possibilities that surround us. Our minds haven’t been tainted with the foundations of what we know, and trust to be real. We wouldn’t think it strange to see something like a Fairy, or a talking toadstool, but as an adult we’ve lived so long without those things in our lives that our minds won’t allow us to recognize them even if we saw them.

This reminds me of an outing I had when I was about 13 years old. I saw something then, and the only part my mind would allow me to actually see was the wings. Those I knew, and trusted, but the body between the wings was a blur. My mind blocked it out, and I couldn’t bring myself to accept it as real.. even in the moment. To this day I still question the existence of what I saw, but I have no doubt that if I were placed on a polygraph I could tell the story with flying colors. I’ve even wondered at times if after taking a polygraph would my mind allow me to truly believe in it, but that day has yet to come.

If you spent the beginnings of your life growing up in a different faith like I did then believing in Magic can seem like fantasy. Like a concept out of a fairytale that can never be truly real. This is how our minds allow us to perceive it, but to believe in it most of us need to see it with our own eyes, and experience it first hand before we can release ourselves from the perceptions, and foundations of our mind that hinder us from accepting it as real. The moment we let go of what we know and trust is the moment we really become open minded. Its not exactly a matter of forgetting that we have those doubts, but remembering that anything is possible.

No matter the faith, or the spiritual path you choose to follow we all find ourselves searching for those reasons that will build the foundation to allow us to know in our hearts that this is our given faith. I started practicing Paganism when I was 12, but it wasn’t until that moment at 13 years old that I was able to believe in it. That moment I first believed is when I truly became a Practitioner of Magic… not when I started, but when I felt in my heart, and mind that it was real. Before then my practices, spells, and information I had gathered were filled with nothing but doubt. I wasn’t able to connect to anyone emphatically, and the spells I did had no validity in my heart. Therefore, they didn’t work. After that moment I knew there were things in this world that are hidden from us by our minds, and my faith grew relentlessly into who it has influenced me to be to this day.

There are many things we can do to allow ourselves to become open minded like we were as children. So here’s a few suggestions to help everyone out…

*Meditation – Emptying your mind during a meditation is one of the toughest things to do. To release ourselves from all thoughts, beliefs, and emotions. If you can bring yourself to believe its possible then it can be achieved. Think of an infant who is new to the world. Who has no judgments on what they see, and hear because nothing has influenced their perception of these things. They are born open-minded and ready to interpret the possibilities.

*Affirmations – Reminding yourself that anything is possible even if you don’t believe it can be a truly powerful tool. The more you say it out loud, or think it in your head; the more your mind opens up to the idea that anything can be accomplished, and anything can be real.

*Remove all Prejudice – If someone were to walk up to you and say they saw a Fairy I would be willing to bet that most people’s initial reaction would be a mix of confusion, and disbelief. Try to avoid these feelings, and instead take the idea of that person seeing a Fairy to heart. Give it a seed of possibility in your mind, and allow that seed to grow.

*Study – As adults we constantly find ourselves needing a reason, or something to validate what we believe in, or what others may believe in, in order for ourselves to accept it. Studying old folk lore, and traditions can help to give you that much needed information that may spark a bit of truth in your heart. What you accept from that information to be real is completely up to you, and your willingness to believe it.

With all these things in mind.. no matter your faith, and no matter your path.. I hope that your quest to become more spiritual has been provided with new opportunities to explore, and always remember that it is our own mind that hinders us from attaining spiritual enlightenment.

God and Goddess Bless!

CVK

Lughnasadh the First Harvest, and the Corn Moon.

In just a couple more sleeps we’ll be celebrating the first Harvest of the seasons this year. As well as a Full Moon Esbat at the same time! How exciting is that! Lughnasadh is a Sabbat dedicated to Lugh’s Foster mother, Tailtui. Who died in a field from the heat during her endeavors to clear it for planting. It is also a time to remember Ethniu, the mother of Lugh who was imprisoned by Balor for a vision he had that made him believe he would be killed by his grandson. Upon giving birth to triplets the babies were sent off to be drowned, but Lugh survived, and grew up to fulfill the vision in murdering Balor for what he did to Lugh’s mother.

For the First Harvest we pluck the fruits, and vegetables from our fields, and prepare them for the coming change in the season. Lots of canning, bread making, and drying happens at this time of year. Reaping the benefits of all our hard work, and reflecting on all we’ve accomplished. With the Corn Moon happening at the same time some people might be a bit confused on how to celebrate the two in perfect balance. The conjunction of an Esbat and Sabbat happens occasionally, and usually when it does the Esbat rituals of observation, and offerings are traditionally done first. Then follows the celebration of the Sabbat. Plus, not only are we having this great conjunction, but August will have two Full Moon occurrences marking the Lunar month of the Blue Moon.

The Corn Moon Esbat this year will be peaking right on August 1st at 8:30 pm. Which leaves plenty of time in the evening for your Sabbat celebrations. The Corn Moon is a time of focusing your energies on the gathering, and harvest in preparation for the Autumn. A time to bring balance to our energies, and reflect upon our vitality, health, and sacrifices we’ve made so far this year to reap the benefits of this bountiful time. With the moon carrying a fiery energy this Esbat its a great time to harness those warm, and powerful magics. Here’s a few ideas to help inspire your Full Moon activities.

* Burn some Fire Incense like, Acacia, Angelica, Bay Leaves, Bee Balm, Chamomile, Cloves, Dandelion, Frankincense, Lemon Peel, Lemon Grass, Locust, Marigold, Myrrh, Orange Peel, Rosemary, Safflower, St. Johnswort, and Sunflower.

*Make some Corn Husk Crafts like, Corn Dolls, Corn Husk Besom, Corn Husk Wreath, and even wrap some votives in dry husks with leaves or flowers to decorate it.

*Implement a spell or two for Friendship, Health, Vitality, Wisdom, Reflection, Appreciation, and Energy.

*Draw down the energy of the moon into yourself or into some tools, and crystals for using in future projects.

* Try the Old English ritual for the Corn Moon of gathering certain items to place under your pillow for visions in your sleep by gathering – A key, ring, flower, sprig of willow, small piece of cake, crust off some bread, a handkerchief, and a few cards from a playing deck which would be the 10 of clubs, 9 of hearts, ace of spades, and ace of diamonds. Wrap them all in the handkerchief before placing under your pillow.

Lughnasadh is a time of honoring Lugh, and his mother. Honoring the Sun, and the spirits who are most powerful at this time like Frey. Its also a time for cutting the first Corn, and climbing the hills to pick berries. Some historical celebrations involve playing Celtic games, making wishes upon the water wells, feasting, and handfasting. Lughnasadh is considered a major Sabbat marking the beginning of Autumn. The Goddess has fully entered her phase of the Crone at this time which makes magics of insight, wisdom, and knowledge quite appropriate. Here’s a few ideas to inspire your Lughnasadh activities.

*Baking Lammas Loaves, or Bonnach Lunastain which is a traditional bread for Lughnasadh. Gifting these breads to others, and offering some up to the Gods.

*Walk through the fields, and Orchards while meditating on the energies of the harvest. Climb some hills, and search for wild berries.

*Aside from burning wheels, and sending them down a hill try making a brightly colored pinwheel to place in your garden as a symbol of the Sun instead.

*Implement a spell or two for the things you wish to manifest in your life, or detach from. For releasing energies, blessings, and strengthening relationships.

*Craft some Garlands with easily removable ribbons for friends to pull off as a token of good luck.

However you choose to celebrate this great conjunction of our Sabbat, and Esbat holidays I do hope it is blessed with light, love, and laughter as we turn the wheel into the next season of this year.

God and Goddess Bless!

CVK

Grateful for the Mead Moon!

Well now.. Its been a little while since my last blog. Litha has come and passed, and the Mead Moon is here! So much to catch up on. This last month has been super busy with plans for a wedding in the family, and crafting products for the new Etsy store. Been thinking of moving the Art shop over to Etsy as well, but not too sure on that yet.

However, with the Mead Moon almost full in sky its another great time to celebrate! This is a time for reaping the benefits of the first harvest coming up. Reflecting on all the goals we’ve set thus far this year, and all that we’ve accomplished. For showing gratitude to our friends, family, everything we have given, and all that we’ve received. Its almost like a Pagan Thanksgiving!

This last month has been very crafty times for me. I was inspired by a muse to design some small invocations for each Sabbat, Esbat, and Eclipse in the style of mini booklets. As a symbolic Witch this really tickled me, cause now I’ll be able to lay the invocations out on my Altar at the appropriate times in a way of symbolically invoking them. Saving the trouble of writing them out, and burning them with every turn of the wheel.

They were fun to craft, and I still have many more to complete, but so far this idea has brought much more comfort to my practice. The easy part was creating the covers. The hard part is preparing the invocations that go on the inside. No matter how many years I’ve practiced I always seem to be doing further research on each festival as a reminder to the correspondences, and meanings.

The Full Moon of July has many different names. Buck Moon, Mead Moon, Hay Moon, and a few others. Personally after much comparison of the various names, and their traditional relations I found that calling this one the Mead Moon suited my practice the best, but whatever you might call it this is a grateful time. A time of accomplishment and preparation for our transition through the seasonal changes.

As a last minute planner I’ve been trying to figure out some activities, and ideas to do for tomorrow, and these are a few I came up with.

*Cooking bread products – Considering Lammas is coming up, bread making is very traditional at this time of year. From loaves, to cakes, to bite size snacks. As long as it involves dough then I’ll be on the right track.

*Finishing old projects – With tons of things planned, and much more already half finished this is a great time to get working on those things we’ve had planned and set aside.

*Connecting with friends, and family – What would we do without those certain people in our lives who have helped us out through out the year, and likewise. Simply calling them up, and saying thank you is a great gesture to strengthening those relationships. Especially when they don’t expect it. Even if they haven’t done anything this year we can always give thanks for them simply being a part of our lives.

*Decorating the Altar – Time to change it up again, and put out the seasonal decorations. For the Mead Moon you might have regular items you use all year round, but a few that can be added to fit this time is Wheat, Sunflowers, Marigold, Yarrow, and Fruits.

*Enjoy a toast – What would the Mead Moon be without a little bit of Mead. There’s plenty of recipes for brewing it from scratch, and also making a honey concoction at the last minute. I have some from scratch that I made a few months ago. Though its a bit too sweet so I’ll be mixing it with pomegranate juice, and woodruff to sour it up a bit.

*..and finally cleansing, and energizing – After all the hard work accomplished so far this is a great time to rid ourselves of unwanted energies, and recharge under the light of the Full Moon. To prepare ourselves for the coming months of harvesting, and gathering.

Those are just a few things I’ll be up to, but I hope its inspired a few ideas in everyone else as well.

Till next time, God and Goddess Bless!

CVK

Gathering Witching Supplies!

A common rule of thumb when collecting herbs, trimming gardens, using supplies, and even gathering information is that, “Its better to take too little than to take too much… ” Even the Wiccan Rede has a rule on this where you should fairly take, and fairly give. If you harvest from a plant in the wild then be prepared to make an offering for the supplies you gather, and be sure you know how much you need before you begin harvesting.

When it comes to getting your herb cupboard ready there’s so many things to take in mind. First off, what are your intentions? Do you have any plans on what it is you wish to craft? Nothing should be wasted. If you end up harvesting a plant right down to the roots then you should have a plan for every piece of that plant to be put to use. Even if it involves turning the leftovers into fertilizer. Nature is precious, generous, and giving. It should be given respect, and honor for its role in all your witchcrafting.

One way to decide which items you’ll use is to make a list of the things you know you’ll eventually craft. Do you wish to make potions, charms, and tools? Remedies, spells, and offerings? How accessible are the items you need? Are you able to get everything fresh, and wild or perhaps from a local store? If your just beginning to practice then I suggest you study first. Read, read, and read some more. In my personal opinion I don’t find it wise to just pick up a Tarot deck, and start using it without knowledge of the cards. Likewise with using herbs. If you haven’t truly gotten to know the herb then you may not know all its aspects. How to pair it with other elements to bring out the magical qualities you desire.

Its quite common for practitioners to learn through trial and error, but as innocent as that may seem it is possible to craft things that shouldn’t be crafted in development of your charms, and spells. All that magic will eventually return to you, hence the saying, “Be careful what you wish for.” So to start off I will describe the basic tools. Assuming that those who are reading this are merely beginning in their practices.

The most important Witching supplies are the things you’ll use on a regular basis. These things are best when hand-crafted yourself, or gifted to you by someone else. However, it is possible to buy each tool from a store.

First off the Cauldron. This is a very important feminine symbol. Representing the Womb, where magic is created, and brought into being. The circular shape of the cauldron also symbolizes life, death, and rebirth. Traditionally a cauldron would have 3 legs to represent the triple aspect of the Goddess. Things may be burnt, brewed, and even banished by use of a cauldron, and in my opinion it is the first tool acquired.

The Chalice, a symbol of the Spirit. The waters of Life. Another strong feminine symbol due to its shape that allows it to hold something within it. Many practitioners will use the chalice for holding potions, or ceremonial drinks. Often it will be made of either wood, brass, or glass. I use my own a bit differently than this. With the glass always full of salted water for the Spirits to take a sip whenever they choose. Over time this water disappears from the chalice, and I need to fill it back up.

The Athame, a ceremonial knife that is often made of wood, and with a black handle for absorbing energy. This is used to mark a magical circle, but never to cut or pierce an object. The long phallic shape of this tool makes it a strong masculine symbol, and many of them will have markings on it to represent God with either a full moon horned by a crescent moon, or a mixture of that and the Mars symbol representing man.

The Boline, traditionally in the shape of a crescent moon with a white bone handle. It represents the Moon, and is used for harvesting herbs, or even cutting them for cooking.

The Bell, a tool with much power that is used for calling attention to your rituals. The sound represents the voice of that which can be heard but not harnessed. It can even be used to drive away malicious entities. Some bells will have markings on it to symbolize a certain function. I prefer my bell unmarked so it may used for a wide variety of purposes.

The Pentacle, a symbol of protection, power, and wisdom. Often made of wood or silver. Sometimes this tool will be marked in the points of the pentacle for drawing a certain energy. I use my own pentacle as a seal. To contain energies in a mirror, or to seal the charge of magic put into the creation of my crafting.

The Sphere, often used for scrying.  However, I use my own sphere as a symbol to represent the Goddess, and the Moon. Considering she has so many names I find that this use of the sphere helps greatly in leaving her symbolically unnamed, and able to manifest herself in my magic in whichever ways may be appropriate.

The Besom, traditionally made with an Elm handle, Birch brush, and Willow to bind the Birch twigs to the Elm wood handle. This is a tool used before, and after a ritual for sweeping the area clean of all energies. Its considered to cleanse the work space by purifying it with the Birch, empowering it with the Elm, and protecting it with the Willow.

The Censer, used for burning incense, and herbs. The smoke is believed to please the spirits, and conduct your magic, and prayers towards the Gods. It is a symbol of purity, and can even be used to cast a spell, or drive away unwanted spirits. Commonly the censer will be a disk, or bowl. However I prefer to use my cauldron as my censer. To burn incense that may be loose, coned, or made into a stick. I find this to be very fire-safe, and make it easy to dispose of any ashes.

The Wand, another strong phallic symbol representing God. Traditionally a wand is made to be the length of your forearm. Measuring from the tip of your pointer finger to your elbow. The wood you choose for your wand will affect its abilities, so choose wisely. It is used to draw, collect, store, empower, and direct energy wherever you may choose.

The Vessels, one for water, and one for salt. Water to represent the Goddess, and salt for God. Usually these vessels will be a bowl or bottle. I prefer to use two old urns to symbolize our ancestors. To keep the contents fresh I keep a cover on them. Water, and salt is used in most rituals for purifying a space, object, or even people.

…and here’s a tool that is not commonly mentioned the Cord, a great tool for binding, charging, wielding, and containing. I always keep a cord on hand. Usually made of red silk wool with 9 knots placed across its length. Sometimes a spell may call for this cord to be burnt along with the spell, but you can always craft a new one. I hold this tool with as much importance as any other.

Gathering these tools may take some time, and its best not to rush yourself into getting them. Allow them to come to you naturally. Either as a gift from someone, or perhaps you may see one you like in your wanderings, but best not start unless you intend to finish. You open the door to the world of magic and practice, and it will forever be a part of your life wither you acknowledge it or not.

Herbs on the other hand are a bit of an easier concept for gathering. Over the years I’ve come to know which herbs I use on a regular basis, and so I tend to keep a supply of those herbs around. Anything else I might use is harvested when it is needed, and if its unavailable at that time of year then I learn of a suitable substitute.

If your unsure about what you’ll often use then you still need to get to know yourself, and what it is you believe in. Are you a charmer, a seer, a wood weaver?.. Learn these things and you’ll know what you need. What is your passion? Do you have any hobbies? All of this needs to be considered when deciding your supplies.

Once you’ve decided, and gathered your herbs then you’ll need to find a way of drying, and storing them for future use. Most herbs can be hung by the stems in a dry, cool area till they’re ready to be stored, but be sure to let them hang long enough to get all the moisture out of them or you might end up with rotten herbs in a jar. If you’ve seen instructions stating to let the herb dry for 3 weeks then make it 4 just to be safe. Then place the herbs in either a cloth wrapping or a glass jar to keep them protected till you need them.

With all this in mind I hope I’ve provided some ideas to get you started in gathering your witching supplies. Make sure it feels comfortable, and natural. If you have any doubts at all in what you need then it may not be the right item, or even the right time. Best of luck in all your endeavors.

God and Goddess Bless!

CVK

The Dyad Moon!

Such a beautiful moon phase. Just before Midsummer, and also known as the Strawberry Moon. Some celebrate the Dyad moon in May and some in June, but if you look into history on Esbat celebrations the name, and dates tend to change with the diversity in traditions. Personally I have always found it be more comfortable to celebrate this moon in June, and I certainly don’t plan on changing that.

Sabbats tend to be more popular than Esbats, and I’ve never understood why that is, but if you practice a bit of both you’ll find that the celebrations go on and on, all throughout the year. That the year is full of joy, and spirituality without much room for any more of those “regular” days.

The Dyad Moon is an Esbat of fertility, peace, balance, and prosperity. The name Dyad refers to a pair of entities. Socially that would usually be a couple, or partnership. Symbolically it can represent the unity of the God, and Goddess; Their marriage, and the consummation of it on Earth. This year the Dyad Moon will be on June, 4th so there’s only a few days left to prepare your celebrations. With it also falling on the Moon’s Day (Monday) it makes this Esbat just a bit more exciting. Monday is considered to be the Master day of the week. In some calendars it signifies the beginning of the week, and all the hard plans, and work being put into action. Its a day for creating ideas, and doing them.

Here’s a list of activity ideas you might like to do for this Full Moon:

•  Dress in bright colors, with flowers, and vines adorning your clothes.
• Burn a full moon incense, and decorate your space with brightly colored candles.
• Cast your circle with flowers, rather than a wand. Tie them with ribbons, and place them in a spot of honor.
• Enhance passion with incense, sachets, and charms. Ask the God, and Goddess to empower these enhancers with their love.
• Have a full moon cleansing bath.
• Have a Handfasting! Its believed that a union made under the Moon of June will last a lifetime.
• Plan a ritual to balance your spiritual and physical desires.
• Leave some gifts for the Fairies in your garden, and make a Fairy Altar.
• Share your joy, and warmth with others.
• Encourage the attraction of opposites.
• Work with the Moon’s energy for continued growth and success.

Another idea you can indulge in is some Kitchen Witchery. Make some Moon cakes, and Drinks to share, and offer. Placing crumbs in your garden for the birds, and Fairies is a very thoughtful offering. It can bring some great blessings from the spirits your way. Here’s a great recipe that I absolutely love for some simple cornmeal honey cakes.

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup corn meal
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/2 cup milk

Preheat oven to 375 degrees fahrenheit. Mix flour, corn meal, baking powder, cinnamon and salt together in a bowl. Beat eggs in a small bowl. Stir honey and milk into beaten eggs. Add liquid ingredients to dry ingredients, mixing just enough to moisten. Do not over mix. Pour dough into a 9-inch round cake, greased and lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 25 minutes or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Last thing to remember for this Moon phase is don’t forget your ritual! Take advantage of the strong balance in energy, and enhance your magical workings. I’ll be busy doing a naming ritual for a Kitchen Witch doll I crafted in re-incarnation of my old one. The magic of this Moon will provide a great opportunity to give her a strong name. I wish everyone to have a Brightly Blessed Full Moon with lots of light, life, love, and laughter!

God and Goddess Bless!

CVK

Crafting a Magic Mandragora, Mandrake Doll!

A very old folk lore belief revolving around the Mandrake plant is that they have the ability to host the spirit of a demon, or spirit who can in times of need give you consultation, or advice. The plant however is highly toxic, and the act of harvesting these plants also has a lot of superstitions revolving around it as well. For one it’s believed that when a Mandrake is plucked from the ground it gives off a deafening scream that can kill anyone who hears it, but that a dog can drown out the sound of the screams with its barking, and die in place of protecting everyone else.

The traditional way of creating a Mandragora is by plucking mandrake from the ground, and chopping off most of its roots leaving only the shape of a man attached. It is then buried in a graveyard and fed with spoiled cows milk for 31 days when it is harvested again, and dried out while being wrapped in Verbena. By this point the spirit has been caught, and it can be carried with you wherever you go.

Personally I found this method to be rather grim, and I love Mandrakes, but I’m not a fan of working with dead things. Skulls, bones, grave dirt, and blood are not in my list of ingredients. So I decided to craft a doll instead. Here’s a tutorial on the Mandragora I crafted, and a picture that I give permission for anyone to print out and use the template to make their own.

What you’ll need:

Threading needle, and a Darning needle. (Hand stitched is best, but you can use a sewing machine) Brown Thread, and Yarn. Black Buttons. Brown Material. Stuffing. Herbs: Dandelion leaves, Red Clover, Moss, Spruce Bark, and Sage. Amber shards. Scissors. Fake leaves. Pins.

First I cut out the template, and traced it onto the brown fabric twice. Then I cut out the design from the fabric.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then I pinned the two sides together so I could stitch them together with the threading needle, and brown thread leaving the space between the legs open.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First I used a straight stitch all the way around, and then I used a looped stitch around the edge of the fabric to ensure that it would hold tight. After completing the stitching I carefully turned the fabric out so the seams were on the inside of the doll. This was a bit tough, and I ended up having to take a lot of time to make sure I didn’t rip it. I also had to use something to push the arms, and crown out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then I prepared some herbs in the mortar and pestle. You can stuff them in without crushing the herbs, but I find it much easier after they’ve been crushed. I used Dandelion for protection, and because a Mandragora feeds off the milk. Clover for luck, Spruce for controlling the magic, Sage for purification, and Moss for power. After stuffing the head, and arms with stuffing I placed the herbs in the belly of the doll with the Amber shards to give it life, and continued to stuff the rest of it before closing the seam between the legs.

 

 

 

 

 

Once the doll was closed I proceeded to add the details. Using the darning needle and brown yarn I went through the tips of the arms and legs leaving some string hanging as a root with a knot to secure it. Then I put random stitches around the dolls body to define the creases already present, and attach the buttons for eyes. I also used the yarn to stitch a mouth, and attach the leaves to the head of the Mandragora. Every time I needed more yarn I started from the limbs of the doll to create another root before continuing to stitch. This got a bit tough on the fingers, and I found that using a pair of pliers to push, and pull the needle through helped a lot. After all that work this is how my Mandragora Doll turned out!

Pretty cute huh?.. Now to continue to bring the doll to life it will be planted in a flower pot, and fed dandelion milk once a day for 31 days by dabbing it to the lips of the doll. The day it is born from the flower pot is when I’ll name the doll, and put it to magical use. If you have any questions about crafting this doll then feel free to ask. I will also make a second one to put up in the Craft shop soon.

Here is the template for the Doll!

God, and Goddess Bless!

CVK