Samhain (pronounced Sah-wen) is possibly the biggest festival/sabbat of the Wiccan/Pagan year. It is a time to remember our loved ones who have passed on to the spirit world (Summerland) and celebrate their lives. (The Summerland is the name given by Wiccans and some earth-based pagan religions for a place where our honorable lost loved ones reside in the afterlife). At Samhain, it is believed that the veil between the physical world and the spirit world (Summerland) is at its thinnest. This means spirits of our passed loved ones can easily cross between realms and enter our world. Originally known as the "Feast of the Dead” this sabbat was celebrated in Celtic countries by leaving food offerings on altars and doorsteps for the "wandering dead". Today a lot of practitioners still carry out that tradition. Single candles were lit and left in a window to help guide the spirits of ancestors and loved ones home. Extra chairs were set to the table and around the hearth for the unseen guest. Apples were buried along roadsides and paths for spirits who were lost or had no descendants to provide for them. It is also now Summers end and time to prepare for Winter months ahead, it is the 3rd and final harvest of the year and it's time to celebrate all that has been accomplished over the year. Earth falls into slumber, as the nights lengthen and winter begins. Activities/ways to celebrate: Make an Ancestors Altar Honor your departed loved ones with this ceremony. Gather photographs, heirlooms and other mementos of passed loved ones, family, friends, or even pets. Arrange them on a table, dresser, or other surfaces, along with several small candles. Light the candles in their memory; while you do so, speak their names out loud and express well wishes and thank them for being part of your life or lineage. We also offer a hand made, coconut wax Memorial Candle, to light in memory of your lost loved ones, For more information on this product, please click the image. Samhain Feast No sabbat is complete without a feast! Lay a place or two at your table and some food for those that you are remembering and place a photograph of your passed loved one nearby to invite them to join you on this day. Nature Walk Take a meditative walk in a natural area near your home. Observe and contemplate the colors, aromas, sounds, and other sensations of the season. Gather some natural objects and upon your return use them to adorn your home. Carve Pumpkins and turnips This was originally a pagan tradition; they were carved with spooky faces and left outside houses to scare away negative spirits and discouraged them from entering your home. Set Up A Samhain Altar If you’re new to the pagan tradition and don’t have a permanent altar in place, you can easily set up a table to leave in place for the three days prior to Samhain. Decorate the altar with symbols of late autumn, such as: • Harvest food such as pumpkins, squash, root vegetables • Nuts and berries, dark breads • Dried leaves and acorns • A cornucopia filled with an abundance of fruit and veggies • Mulled cider, wine, or mead Visit a Cemetery Another way to honor the passing of family and friends is to visit and tend their gravesite at a cemetery. Call to mind memories and consider ways the loved one continues to live on within you. Place an offering there such as fresh flowers, dried herbs (rosemary is one great choice), or fresh water. Bonfire Magick Kindle a bonfire outdoors when possible or kindle flames in a fireplace or a small cauldron. Write down a habit that you wish to end and cast it into the Samhain flames as you imagine release. Imagine yourself adopting a new, healthier way of being. Meditation This is a good night for deep reflection and inner work. Meditation themes include: changes, transition, endings and beginnings. Food and drink: Roasted foods such as seasonal vegetables, potatoes and parsnips Corn - sweetcorn, popcorn, cornbread Apples - apple cake, apple pie, apple juice, apple cider Spiced wine, cider, and mulled wine/cider Crystals for this sabbat: Black tourmaline - Black Tourmaline purifies your mind, body and spirit and absorbs anything you need to release. In this way, it is different from the usual energy clearing stone which uplifts your energy and fills you with positive vibrations. Smoky quartz - Smoky Quartz helps one ground themselves to Earth, in addition to opening up the root chakra and solar plexus. It’s the perfect stone for people who constantly find themselves with a wandering mind and an inability to focus. This stone is here to assist in not only clearing your mind but to allow you to be more level headed. Smoky Quartz can also help you find the drive and determination that sometimes feels lost in our daily lives. Obsidian - Black Obsidian gets rid of all the junk and cleanses all negativity out of your auric field and environment. This stone has powerful grounding frequencies and will heavily assist in psychic protection when needed. Obsidian also brings out all of our creative energies so that they may be intertwined and influence our every action. Clear quartz - Clear Quartz is known as the "master healer" and will amplify energy and thought, as well as the effect of other crystals and brings the body into balance. Granite - Granite has meaning and properties of making your life rich. This gemstone would reduce negative energy that can be a trigger of misfortunes. It will reduce negative factors in your life and adjust to become positive at the end. It is a good gemstone to have when you want to prevent pessimistic and negative feelings Amber - Amber is worn for good luck and protection from evil. The orange and gold colors of Amber are known to stabalise stronger and higher energies in the body and can influence them by offering balance and protection. People use Amber to eliminate negative energies, eliminate fears, acquire patience and wisdom. It is a great antidote for the nervous or anxious individual, delivering a great sense of calm while enlivening the energy. (I like to carry the relevant crystals around with me, meditate with them or place them at my altar). Seed Scattering Charm for the Ancestors This simple charm is designed to honour the Spirit of those who have passed onto the Summerland. The seeds you scatter will grow in memory, a gift of remembrance to the Earth. You will need: A packet of seeds of your choice A small dish A small white tealight candle in a suitable holder (4 hour tealight) A pouch or bag for the seeds The night before you scatter the seeds, pop the seeds into the dish and light the tealight candle. Think about the person or people you wish to honour and remember, and as you do so say 'gone from sight but not from the heart. Merry Meet, Merry Part.' Or you can use your own words. Leave the seeds in the dish overnight and let the tealight candle burn down completely - always taking safety precautions. When you are ready, place the seeds in your pouch and hold the pouch in your right hand on the way to a place of your choosing. On arrival take the seeds and scatter them, saying 'You are remembered and held in my heart'. Where to do this? You can go to a favourite special place of your choice, a place that holds fond memories of the people you are honouring, or even your own garden - the idea of watching the seeds germinating and growing in honour of people you love is very special. The charm works just as well if you plant the seeds in a small pot. *All information offered is checked to the best of our ability, and whilst every effort has been made to make it accurate, no responsibility will be accepted for errors and omissions. Any information displayed on our website is not regarded to be authoritative or certified as the best practice and is only considered to be useful supplementary advice to other certified codes of practice. All information on our website is updated regularly.

Mabon is the time of year when the leaves will begin to change and the days will begin to get cooler. Often overlooked by many pagans/wiccans, this mid-harvest festival is where we honor the changing of the seasons from Summer to the beginning of Autumn and give gratitude for the abundance of Mother Earth - both literally and spiritually. Mabon is a celebration of balance - the days and the nights are now in equilibrium once again. It's time to give thanks for all that the Summer has brought us and the warmer days that have passed. This is the second harvest Sabbat; (Lughnasadh being the first and Samhain being the third) the harvest is coming to an end soon. It's the time to harvest hearty foods like gourds, pumpkins, grapes and apples and the last of our herb gardens. During the Autumn Equinox, this is a time when the hours of light and dark are equal. The earth reminds us to flow with the energy, to seek balance, as we let go of the summer and gently flow towards the cooler seasons. The earth is changing and as we look around, our animal companions are doing the same, as they gather seeds and prepare for the darker days to come. Just as the leaves are beginning to fall from the trees, we are reminded to release anything that may be weighing us down. Activities/Ways to celebrate: Go walking in Nature Get wrapped up and go to your favorite place for a walk. Take a flask with your hot drink of choice inside. Take deep breaths of the fresh, crisp air and allow yourself to be at peace with the dark and cooler days coming - look for signs of Autumn. Collect as much of nature's wild abundance for your Alter as you can; leaves, twigs, mossy rocks and stones - while respecting the need to leave enough for everyone else. Make a Gratitude Tree After going for an Autumnal walk use the twigs and and fallen leaves you have gathered and put them somewhere warm to dry out, once they are dry arrange your sticks in a jar/vase and you can use the different leaves to write down all the different things you are grateful for and tie the leaves onto the twigs to make your tree! They make a lovely focal point for the kitchen table or for your sacred space and they are a reminder of everything you have to be thankful for. Creating a Gratitude Tree is a great activity you can do with your children and to add a little Magick into your Mabon sabbat celebration. Have a clear out Clear your house or room of any unwanted clutter and prepare your alter too. Clear out any unused items and also clear your mind, get rid of any negative situations or negative energies that you may be carrying with you. Cleanse your house at this time. Plant Bulbs This is an excellent time to plant tree seeds and shrubs. They have all of winter in the darkness to establish and germinate. Plant bulbs which will hide in the earth until early Spring beckons and Imbolc returns. Make each one a hope, idea or aspiration for Spring and wait until their little green shoots show above ground - to remind you of your intentions. Meditation - Fire gazing/flame meditation. The Mabon Sabbat is celebrated around the time of the Autumn Equinox, where the hours of light and dark are equal. This is a time to go within and to seek balance within ourselves. Begin by placing your Enchanted Wicks candle on your altar or at your sacred space or an area within your home where you feel calm. Spend some time watching the flame of the candle. Or alternatively watch the flames of a fire dance back and forth. Stare into the flame and visualise your life coming into a state of balance. For some people this type of meditation is quite easy, as they find it easier to let go of thoughts when they are concentrating on a physical “thing” rather than on a mantra. Food and drink: Home-made grain breads made from rye, wheat, oats and corn Potatoes, boiled, mashed, roasted etc. Home-grown or local vegetables, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, corn, carrots, onions, and courgette Nuts and nut roast Apples, apple juice, spiced apple cakes, apple cider Grapes and wine Pomegranates Crystals for this sabbat: Amber - Amber is worn for good luck and protection from evil. The orange and gold colors of Amber are known to stabalise stronger and higher energies in the body and can influence them by offering balance and protection. People use Amber to eliminate negative energies, eliminate fears, acquire patience and wisdom. It is a great antidote for the nervous or anxious individual, delivering a great sense of calm while enlivening the energy. Yellow Agate - Yellow Agate is a stone that strengthens courage, confidence, and happiness in your life. It is believed to improve mental clarity. It attracts prosperity and success, while also encouraging creativity and optimism. Sapphire - Sapphire is an enhancer of insight and an activation stone of mental and psychic abilities. It quickens the mind and allows for one to speak with the voice of their inner wisdom from deep within. Quartz - Quartz are known as the "master healer" crystals and will amplify energy and thought, as well as the effect of other crystals and brings the body into balance. Citrine - Citrine promotes motivation, activates creativity and encourages self-expression. Enhances concentration and revitalises the mind. It releases negative traits, depression, fears and phobias. Emotionally balancing. (I like to carry the relevant crystals around with me, meditate with them or place them at my alter). Alter Ideas: Light green, brown, orange and red candles or wax melts this autumn coloured wax represents the earth and the changes all around during this season. Decorate your alter with acorns, pine, autumn leaves, corn, twigs. Create an autumnal wreath with the items you have collected and place it at your alter. Simmer Pot: Apple, Cinnamon, Sage, Pine, Rosemary, Citrus I hope you enjoy Mabon however you spend it! :) *All information offered is checked to the best of our ability, and whilst every effort has been made to make it accurate, no responsibility will be accepted for errors and omissions. Any information displayed on our website is not regarded to be authoritative or certified as the best practice and is only considered to be useful supplementary advice to other certified codes of practice. All information on our website is updated regularly. Sources: Wicca - Harmony Nice The Crystal Council

Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe. Everyone has feelings of anxiety at some point in their life. For example, you may feel worried and anxious about sitting an exam, having a medical test, a job interview, or going to a new place for the first time. The term anxiety refers to the feeling we get, but this can affect our mind and bodies in a number of different ways, depending on our disposition and the situation. There can be a few ways anxiety can affect us, such as; Tension: Bodily tension, muscle pain, aches, sore body. Apprehension: Unease, worrying, brooding, overanxiousness, paranoia, sense of foreboding. Restlessness: Overactivity, sweating, palpitations, dizziness, lump in throat, frequent urination or diarrhoea (overactivity of the autonomic nervous system) During times like these, feeling anxious can be perfectly normal. When your anxiety is mild, there are a few ways to “self-help” when you’re struck by it, such as; Getting outside in the fresh air/walking Mindfulness (check previous blog posts for more information on this). Using essential oils targeted at symptoms of anxiety, (it has long been known that certain essential oils have properties that that can aid in anxious times - blog post to follow). Meditation Talking to a family member or friend about how you are feeling Playing some music and dancing, getting your body moving is a great way to release endorphins, which is the happy hormone! But if you are finding it hard to control your worries, and your feelings of anxiety are more constant, and it’s affecting your daily life, please speak to a medical professional and get some help, you deserve to be listened to. If you're in crisis and need to talk right now, there are many helplines staffed by trained people ready to listen. They won't judge you, and could help you make sense of what you're feeling. Samaritans. To talk about anything that is upsetting you, you can contact Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call 116 123 (free from any phone), email jo@samaritans.org or visit some branches in person. You can also call the Samaritans Welsh Language Line on 0808 164 0123 (7pm–11pm every day). SANEline. If you're experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else, you can call SANEline on 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10.30pm every day). National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK - 0800 689 5652 (6pm to midnight every day). Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight every day) Or if you prefer not to speak on the phone, you could try the CALM webchat service. Shout. If you would prefer not to talk but want some mental health support, you could text SHOUT to 85258. Shout offers a confidential 24/7 text service providing support if you are in crisis and need immediate help. The Mix. If you're under 25, you can call The Mix on 0808 808 4994 (3pm–midnight every day), request support by email using this form on The Mix website or use their crisis text messenger service. Papyrus HOPELINEUK. If you're under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings, or concerned about a young person who might be struggling, you can call Papyrus HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141 (weekdays 10am-10pm, weekends 2pm-10pm and bank holidays 2pm–10pm), email pat@papyrus-uk.org or text 07786 209 697. Nightline. For students check the Nightline website to see if your university or college offers a night-time listening service. Nightline phone opehttp://nightline.ac.uk/want-to-talk/rators are all students too. Switchboard. If you identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, you can call Switchboard on 0300 330 0630 (10am–10pm every day), email chris@switchboard.lgbt or use their webchat service. Phone operators all identify as LGBT+. C.A.L.L. If you live in Wales, you can call the Community Advice and Listening Line (C.A.L.L.) on 0800 132 737 (open 24/7) or you can text 'help' followed by a question to 81066. Helplines Partnership. For more options, visit the Helplines Partnership website for a directory of UK helplines. Mind's Infoline can also help you find services that can support you. If you're outside the UK, the Befrienders Worldwide website has a tool to search by country for emotional support helplines around the world. © Mind. This information is published in full at mind.org.uk Please follow this link if you wish to visit Mind's website - www.mind.org.uk Disclaimer The information I (Enchanted Wicks) share is for the purpose of general interest, and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment by a licensed medical practitioner. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and up to date information, no expressed or implied guarantee as to the effects of the suggestion can be given, either now or in the future. Source: NHS website & Mind website.

What does being Mindful Mean? Well Mindfulness involves paying attention to what’s going on inside and outside ourselves, moment by moment. It's easy to stop noticing the world around us. It's also easy to lose touch with the way our bodies are feeling and to end up living "in our heads" – caught up in our thoughts without stopping to notice how those thoughts are driving our emotions and behaviour. An important part of mindfulness is reconnecting with our bodies and the sensations they experience. This means paying attention to the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the present moment. That might be something as simple as noticing the feeling of the fresh air on your face when you go outside. Becoming more aware of the present moment can help us enjoy the world around us more and understand ourselves better. When we become more aware of the present moment, we begin to experience afresh things that we have been taking for granted. Mindfulness also allows us to become more aware of the stream of thoughts and feelings that we experience, and to see how we can become entangled in that stream in ways that are not helpful. This lets us stand back from our thoughts and start to see their patterns. Gradually, we can train ourselves to notice when our thoughts are taking over and realise that thoughts are simply "mental events" that do not have to control us. Mindfulness can help us deal with issues more productively. We can ask: "Is trying to solve this by brooding about it helpful, or am I just getting caught up in my thoughts?" Awareness of this kind may also help us notice signs of stress or anxiety earlier and deal with them better Reminding yourself to be in the present moment and to take notice of your thoughts, feelings, body sensations and the world around you is the first step to mindfulness. Disclaimer The information I (Enchanted Wicks) share is for the purpose of general interest, and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment by a licensed medical practitioner. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and up to date information, no expressed or implied guarantee as to the effects of the suggestion can be given, either now or in the future.

Aromatherapy (also known as essential oil therapy) is the practice of using essential oils (natural plant extracts), to enhance physical and mental wellbeing. The aromas of essential oils have been known to have a positive impact on our mood by reducing stress, easing anxiety and promoting better sleep. Aromatherapy has been used for thousands of years. Ancient cultures in Egypt, China, India and elsewhere incorporated aromatic plant components in resins, balms and oils. These natural substances were known to have both physical and psychological benefits. A range of essential oils have been found to have various degrees of antimicrobial activity and are believed to have antiviral, nematicidal, antifungal, insecticidal, and antioxidant properties. Aromatherapy applications include massage, topical application, and inhalation. When the aromas from essential oils are inhaled, olfactory nerves (our sense of smell) send messages to a section of the brain known as the olfactory cortex. This section in the brain is a part of a system known as the limbic system, which has sections for processing emotions, survival instincts and memory formation (amygdala, hypothalamus and hippocampus). The olfactory cortex (where aromas are received in the brain) being linked into system means that the sense of smell is connected to our memories and emotions, and survival instincts such as fear and the fight or flight response to trauma. When we study the connected nerves (neurones) within the brain, what they do and how to activate them, we can begin to see why essential oils can have such a powerful and profound effect on our mental state and wellbeing. Not all products made with plant essence are essential oils. True essential oils aren't blended with other chemicals or fragrances. They're extracted using a specific process that doesn't change the chemistry of the plant (distillation or cold press). They will state on the packaging that they are - 100% pure, the botanical name and the place of origin. The information I (Enchanted Wicks) share is for the purpose of general interest, and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment by a licensed medical practitioner. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and up to date information, no expressed or implied guarantee as to the effects of the suggestion can be given, either now or in the future.

Essential oils are liquid extracts that come from various plants, flowers, bark and roots. The oils capture the plant's essence. Unique aromatic compounds give each essential oil its characteristic and positive benefit. Inhaling the aromas from essential oils can stimulate areas of your limbic system, (which is a part of your brain that plays a role in emotions, behaviours, sense of smell and long term memory). There are various ways to extract the useful compounds from these plants, such as: Steam or water distillation This process passes water or hot steam through the plants, pulling the essential compounds away from the plant matter. The benefit of steam distillation is that it yields oils that are exceptionally clean and pure. Cold Pressing Cold pressing is the oldest extraction method, and is used almost exclusively for the production of citrus essential oil. This process works by mechanically pressing (or squeezing) plant matter in order for the oil to be released. After extracting the active compounds from the plant matter, the essential oils can be used in many different ways; one of the most beneficial is to dilute them so they become safe to apply to our skin. (Essential oils are far too potent to apply directly to our skin and can actually cause issues such as sensitivity, irritation or allergic reaction if used neat). This is where Carrier Oils come in... Carrier Oils Carrier oils (which have their own beneficial properties for our skin), also known as "base oils", are taken from a plant's kernels, seeds, or nuts such as Almond, Jojoba, Coconut and Sunflower etc. (the same oils that are used in cooking, but these are extracted differently, and not beneficial for skin in the same way). When carrier and essential oils are blended, a product with multiple properties is created! (What is Aromatherapy? blog post to follow).

Lughnasadh (pronounced Loo-nasa) 29th July - 1st August is the celebration of harvest; it's the realisation that the green earth's energies and bustling growth are beginning to slow down, darker and colder days will arrive soon and the summer is coming to an end. The warm days are still lingering but the Sun is slowly losing its strength, marking the beginning of the harvest season. The seeds fall from the crops into the earth where they will now rest all through the winter, until they return at Imbolc. The main theme of Lughnasadh is fulfilment: the earth is producing a harvest and providing us with food. Celebrations reflect the achievements of the physical, mental, emotional and creative labours of the last few months. Activities/ways to celebrate: - Bake Bread - the harvest of grains is happening during Lughnasadh, so bake bread made from wheat, corn, rye and oats. - Feasting - A large part of the harvest is of course, eating! Create a meal for your loved ones with all the home-grown or food you may have produced in your garden and herb garden (If you don't grown your own food then maybe food purchased at a local farmers market) it is a great way to honor the land and give thanks for all it has brought this year. - This is the last opportunity to enjoy the warmth outdoors before the colder months approach, so if you haven't already done, now is a great time to go on picnics, walks, bike rides and visits to the beach or forest. - Foraging - Go outside in your local area and see what you can find. Focus on the energy of the wild grains, plants or flowers to decorate your altar. (*DO NOT eat anything from nature unless you’re absolutely sure you know what it is*). - Plant any seeds now so they are ready for Imbolc - Meditation Food and drink: Home-made bread Fresh berries and fruit Fruit berry juice or wine Home-grown vegetables Sweetcorn, popcorn, corn on the cob, any corn related produce. Apples, apple cider and apple cake Crystals for this Sabbat: Citrine - Citrine promotes motivation, activates creativity and encourages self-expression. Enhances concentration and revitalises the mind. It releases negative traits, depression, fears and phobias. Emotionally balancing. Clear Quartz - Clear Quartz is known as the "master healer" and will amplify energy and thought, as well as the effect of other crystals and brings the body into balance. Aventurine - The Aventurine crystal stone meaning is linked with the heart plexus chakra, which makes it a powerful gem for calming negative emotions that often gets stuck in the heart center. Working with this stone allows the gentle and supportive Aventurine crystal healing properties to flow through your chakras, which helps promote harmony and balance while clearing away toxic emotions. Yellow Topaz - Yellow Topaz is a gemstone that redirects all the powers to bring positivity and the right things in your life. It is also known as luck stone because it brings lucky charm in your life. It reinforces all your good deeds and negates all the negative thoughts. Yellow Topaz strengthens your faith and beliefs. Its the golden light of spirituality because of its colour associated with the Sun. Alter Ideas: - Light gold, yellow, brown, orange candles to represent the earth changing from green to brown, autumnal colours, and black candles for the darker days arriving. - Scatter relevant grains from the harvest to honour the fulfilment you feel at this time of year: wheat, corn, onion, oats, barley and rye. - Use bright autumn leaves, nuts, acorns, and other natural found goodies to accent your altar space. Scents: - Sandalwood - Rose - Camomile - Mint *All information offered is checked to the best of our ability, and whilst every effort has been made to make it accurate, no responsibility will be accepted for errors and omissions. Any information displayed on our website is not regarded to be authoritative or certified as the best practice and is only considered to be useful supplementary advice to other certified codes of practice. All information on our website is updated regularly. Sources: Wicca - Harmony Nice goddessandgreenman.co.uk

We have arrived at the longest day and the shortest night of the year - 21st June. This is the peak of the Solar year and the Sun is at the height of its life-giving power. The Earth is awash with fertility and fulfillment and this is a time of joy and celebration, of expansiveness and the celebration of achievements. (Though it’s typically celebrated on June 21st, the exact moment of the Summer Solstice varies from year to year. This is due to a slight misalignment between the Gregorian calendar and the actual rate of the Earth’s rotation around the Sun. The Solstice also occurs at differing local times, so depending on where you live, it may fall the day before or after the date listed on any given calendar. For this reason, a date range of June 20-22 is often cited in sources on the Wheel of the Year). As the Light reaches its peak so this is also the moment when the power of the Sun begins to wane. From now on the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer and we are drawn back into the Dark to complete the Wheel of the Year. Fire plays a very prominent role in this festival. Traditionally people stayed up all night on Midsummer's Eve to welcome and watch the sunrise. Bonfires were lit on tops of hills, by holy wells, at places held sacred, to honour the fullness of the Sun. At Litha the bonfire really represents a reflection of the Sun at the peak of its strength. The chosen wood would often be Oak and aromatic herbs were scattered into the fire. (If you chose to have a bonfire - please be safe, make sure the bonfire is always supervised – do not leave the bonfire unattended at any time). Another tradition found among European cultures was centered on the need for balance between the Elements of Fire and Water—large wheels were set on fire and rolled downhill into creeks, rivers or lakes, as a charm against summertime drought! Litha is also considered a good time to practice love magick or get married. The pagan version of this ceremony is called handfasting, and it includes many of the same practices you might find at a wedding. The crops are reaching their full maturity and the forests are bursting with lush growth. In just a few short weeks, the harvest season will begin, but for now we pause to celebrate the manifestation of what was planted in the early weeks of Spring. The warm sunlight is a welcome contrast to the cold and dark of Winter, and we bask in its comforts. This is also the traditional time for foraging and gathering wild herbs for magick, as most are fully grown by Midsummer and the power of this particular day will add to their benefits. For this reason, Litha is known as Gathering Day in Wales. Our lovely bees are a representation of Litha. The Midsummer full moon is known as the 'Honey Moon' for the mead made from honey now available. This is often part of handfasting ceremony performed at the Summer Solstice. Mead is regarded as the divine solar drink,(or Brew of the Divine) with magickal and life-restoring properties. Activites/Ways to celebrate - Go for a walk and enjoy the peak of summer! Collect things from the natural world that you need for your magickal workings and to place at your alter. - Have a picnic or a barbeque - the heat represents the suns energy - Have a midsummer bonfire - Have a feast! - No Pagan celebration is complete without a meal to go along with it! For Litha, celebrate with foods that honor the fire and energy of the sun, and a tasty batch of Midsummer mead Food and drink examples to have at your Litha feast: Warm coloured vegetables such as, butternut squash, sweet potato, tomatoes. Home-grown or locally produced leafy green vegetables, curries, spicy foods, honey (or golden/maple syrup as a vegan alternative) Ice cream - not only is it cooling in the summer months but is also a representation of the cooler months to come. Crystals: Emerald - Called the “Stone of Successful Love,” Emerald opens and nurtures the heart and the Heart Chakra. Its soothing energy provides healing to all levels of the being, bringing freshness and vitality to the spirit. A stone of inspiration and infinite patience, it embodies unity, compassion and unconditional love. Sunstone - Sunstone is linked to luck and good fortune. It clears and energises all the chakras. Sunstone instills good nature, heightens intuition and allows the real self to shine through happily. It dissipates fearfulness, alleviates stress and increases vitality. Citrine - Citrine promotes motivation, activates creativity and encourages self-expression. Enhances concentration and revitalises the mind. It releases negative traits, depression, fears and phobias. Emotionally balancing. Yellow Tourmaline - Yellow Tourmaline affects your emotional life by neutralizing anger, resentment, jealousy, insecurity. It promotes altruism and social commitment; generates confidence in one's abilities, brings joy, optimism, enthusiasm for life. Yellow Topaz - Yellow Topaz is a gemstone that redirects all the powers to bring positivity and the right things in your life. It is also known as luck stone because it brings lucky charm in your life. It reinforces all your good deeds and negates all the negative thoughts. Yellow Topaz strengthens your faith and beliefs Calcite - Calcite is a spiritual stone that facilitates the opening of higher consciousness and psychic abilities. It helps mind and body to remember soul experiences. It calms the mind, teaches discernment, stimulates insights, and boosts memory Ideas for Your Altar - Oak leaves, oak leaves and more oak leaves. All the abundance of all the herbs, flowers and grasses that are so very available at this time. - Candles in Sun colours and summer scents - Sunflowers! or other summer flowers such as; Honeysuckle, Carnations, poppies, hydrangeas - Light green, yellow, green and red candles to represent the sun at it's peak and the green earth at its fullest. - Gold, yellow and orange ribbons and cloth can be draped at your alter. I hope you enjoy celebrating Litha how ever you may chose to do so :) *All information offered is checked to the best of our ability, and whilst every effort has been made to make it accurate, no responsibility will be accepted for errors and omissions. Any information displayed on our website is not regarded to be authoritative or certified as the best practice and is only considered to be useful supplementary advice to other certified codes of practice. All information on our web site is updated regularly.

Beltane marks half-way between Ostara (The Spring Equinox) and Litha (The Summer Solstice) it honours the reunion of male and female energy, love, life, fertility and the returning of Summer. All of the Earth's energies are at their strongest and most active; fertility, sexuality, passion. Energy and new life are at their peak at this time. Beltane is a good time for bringing hopes, dreams and aspirations to life. The word 'Beltane' originates from the Celtic God 'Bel', meaning 'bright one' and the Gaelic word 'teine' meaning fire. Together they make 'Bright Fire', or 'Godly Fire' and traditionally bonfires were lit to honour the Sun and encourage the support of Bel and the Sun's light to nurture the emerging future harvest and protect the community. Traditionally all fires in the community were put out and a special fire was kindled for Beltane. People jumped the fire to purify, cleanse and to bring fertility. Couples jumped the fire together to pledge themselves to each other. Handfasting Beltane is a popular time for pagan weddings or Handfastings, a traditional betrothal for 'a year and a day' after which the couple would either choose to stay together or part without recrimination. Today, the length of commitment is a matter of choice for the couple, and can often be for life. Handfasting ceremonies are often unique to the couple, but include common elements, most importantly the exchange of vows and rings (or a token of their choice). The act of handfasting always involves tying the hands Handfasting ('tying the knot') of the two people involved, in a figure of eight, at some point in the ceremony and later unbinding. This is done with a red cord or ribbon. Tying the hands together symbolises that the two people have come together and the untying means that they remain together of their own free will. Another common element is 'jumping the broomstick' - this goes back to a time when two people who could not afford a church ceremony, or want one, would be accepted in the community as a married couple if they literally jumped over a broom laid on the floor. The broom marked a 'threshold', moving from an old life to a new one. Mead and cakes are often shared in communion as part of the ceremony. Mead is known as the Brew of the Divine, made from honey which is appropriate for a love ceremony (and is the oldest alcoholic drink known to humankind). Activites/ways to celebrate: - Light a Beltane fire - Gifting Rose Quartz to your loved one as this is the crystal of universal love. (It restores trust and harmony in relationships, encouraging unconditional love. Rose Quartz purifies and opens the heart at all levels to promote love, self-love, friendship, deep inner healing and feelings of peace). - Create flower crowns - Create daisy chains - Wear flowers on your body - Take a walk in nature, have a picnic with your loved one - As this is the day of love (the original valentines day if you will...) if you are of an appropriate age, comfortable and have a partner you would like to take part in this with; being sexually active is part of the celebration! Crystals: Rose Quartz - Rose Quartz is the stone of universal love. It restores trust and harmony in relationships, encouraging unconditional love. Rose Quartz purifies and opens the heart at all levels to promote love, self-love, friendship, deep inner healing and feelings of peace. Emerald - Called the “Stone of Successful Love,” Emerald opens and nurtures the heart and the Heart Chakra. Its soothing energy provides healing to all levels of the being, bringing freshness and vitality to the spirit. A stone of inspiration and infinite patience, it embodies unity, compassion and unconditional love. Sunstone - Sunstone is linked to luck and good fortune. It clears and energises all the chakras. Sunstone instills good nature, heightens intuition and allows the real self to shine through happily. It dissipates fearfulness, alleviates stress and increases vitality. Pink Tourmaline - Pink Tourmaline is a stone of love, compassion, emotional healing and self love. It helps calm ones emotions in times of distress, and is the perfect stone to carry if you suffer from daily bouts of anxiety. This stone is such a strong healing stone due to it commonly being formed within Quartz masses Beryl - Beryl has been said to promote happiness and marital love, increase sincerity, cure laziness, protect travelers from danger, and maintain youthfulness. Pink angel aura quartz - This treated stone works well with the heart chakra as well as other upper chakras including the soul star chakra. By infusing the body and energy field with pure love, Pink Aura Quartz offers an ability to manifest and accept pure love in the physical, emotional, mental and etheric bodies Alter ideas: - Decorate with seasonal spring flowers - Drape it with green cloth and ribbons to represent the green earth as it is now here - Light red, pink and green candles - Red and pink represent passion, love and fertility, which suit the theme of Beltane I hope you enjoy Beltane how ever you will be spending it! :) *All information offered is checked to the best of our ability, and whilst every effort has been made to make it accurate, no responsibility will be accepted for errors and omissions. Any information displayed on our website is not regarded to be authoritative or certified as the best practice and is only considered to be useful supplementary advice to other certified codes of practice. All information on our web site is updated regularly. Sources: Wicca - Harmony Nice, https://www.goddessandgreenman.co.uk/beltane

Ostara is a celebration of the start of spring, when day and night have become at perfect balance with each other once again on the journey through the Wheel of the Year. At this time the light begins to take over the darkness and signs of spring are starting to show - new life and growth are appearing all around us. It's a time for fertility, new growth and the birth of animals and insects too. The sun is slowly awakening with it's light becoming warmer and stronger to its full potential. Ostara often takes the form of a hare or a rabbit as they are known for their energetic breeding, symbolizing fertility. Motivation is high now and it is a great time to get started on any goals that you would like to complete this year! Easter, the traditional Christian holiday that is widely celebrated, has been adapted from the Pagan sabbat Ostara. As you may know, Easter is named after the female hormone Oestrogen, necessary for fertility, which is one of the main aspects of the celebration for Ostara. As Easter has evolved from Ostara, there are actually quite a few similarities between the two holidays. If you are familiar with Hot Cross Buns, this might be interesting to you; the pagan Saxons would bake cross buns at the beginning of spring in honour of the goddess Eostre – which is widely believed to be the origin of the name Easter. Hot cross buns are linked to paganism because the cross is a symbol of the rebirth of the world after winter. Two Equinoxes crossed by the two Solstices, the four seasons, the four directions of North, East, South and West and the five elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water with Spirit at the Centre! Activities/ways to celebrate: - Plant seeds. - Start a magickal herb garden - Small pots and plants in appropriate places can work just as well! ☽ Take a walk in nature, notice all the sights and sounds of nature and what's around you. -Open windows while you spring clean your home to cleanse any negativity and allow fresh energy to flow through. - Burn candles to represent the returning of the light. - Place seeds on bird feeders outside. - Collect wild flowers and press them (be sure not to take too many, as pollinators, insects & wild animals need them more than we do) - Bless an egg with a property of your choice and eat it. - Have an Ostara egg hunt (if you are doing this with children, have coloured eggs with a basket match so they can hunt for their own colour and will all get an equal amount) Food/Drink: Green vegetables Seeds Eggs Dairy such as cow's, sheep's and goat's cheese and milk, or dairy substitutes Meat such as lamb, ham or rabbit, or meat substitutes Edible flowers on salads, etc. Light breads Fresh juices Crystals: Agate - Agate is an excellent stone for rebalancing and harmonising body, mind and spirit Amazonite - Amazonite known as the "peacemaker" stone, is a crystal of peace, truth, harmony, and communication. It gently soothes the nerves, and it’s energies can be felt to the touch. Any environment that Amazonite is placed in will fill the air with positive energies. Clear quartz - Clear Quartz is known as the "master healer" and will amplify energy and thought, as well as the effect of other crystals and brings the body into balance. Rose Quartz - Rose Quartz is the stone of universal love. It restores trust and harmony in relationships, encouraging unconditional love. Rose Quartz purifies and opens the heart at all levels to promote love, self-love, friendship, deep inner healing and feelings of peace. Jasper - Jasper is known as the supreme nurturer. It sustains and supports through times of stress, and brings tranquility and wholeness. Jasper provides protection and absorbs negative energy. Jade - Jade has been used for centuries to increase vitality, enhance sensuality and improve the overall health of the sexual organs. It helps balance negative emotional states and aids in fertility and childbirth. It's the ideal stone for pregnancy or when trying to conceive. Moonstone - Moonstone is said to be directly connected with the moon and has a reflective, feminine and calming energy. Moonstone is often used for fertility as it is boosts female energy and is used to aid the regulation of a womans menstrual cycle. Alter Ideas: - Eggs - Rabbits/Hares - Candles with floral fragrance - One side light (beginnings) one side dark (setting sun gestation) - Light colored crystals on left side - Dark colored crystals on right side - Tulips or any Spring Flowers - Put a plant at your alter, care for it, watch it grow and flourish throughout the year - Meditation Meditation is an excellent way to give the mind – and body – conscious rest. If meditation seems intimidating, simply watch the breath. The mind fatigues from focusing on one type of activity for too long, so a few minutes of simple breath awareness is a welcome break. Make sure you also refresh yourself with exercise or time outdoors, in order to keep the mind and body in happy harmony. Shifting from the internal focus of winter, let yourself explore outwardly again – step into nature, take a hike, go for a jog out into the country, up to the mountains, or down to the ocean. Breathe in the crisp, fresh air, feel the warm sun on your face, and let every cell be revitalised. ____________________________________________________________ * DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ailments of any sort - All crystal properties are based on metaphysical beliefs, and should not be used as a substitute for medical care, please always seek the help of a medical professional for any health concerns. * All information offered is checked to the best of our ability, and whilst every effort has been made to make it accurate, no responsibility will be accepted for errors and omissions. - Any information displayed on our website is not regarded to be authoritative or certified as the best practice and is only considered to be useful supplementary advice to other certified codes of practice. All information on our website is updated regularly. Sources: Wicca - Harmony Nice, https://www.goddessandgreenman.co.uk/ostara/

Yule also known as the Winter Solstice usually falls on the 21st December (celebrated between 20th -24th December), is the celebration of the shortest day and longest night of the year. The sun reaches its southernmost point in the sky in the Wheel of the Year's cycle. Yule is the celebration of the abundance of light, we are celebrating even though the darkness has taken over our green earth; we are aware that from this day forward the days will become lighter. It is a time for renewal in all aspects and makes us aware that the brighter and longer days are near. At this time, fires were traditionally burnt by the Celts in order to frighten off the wintery cold and welcome the sun. Symbols of Yule: Yule log Traditionally a log is set on fire on the evening of the 21st and kept burning until the early hours of the next morning to welcome the return of the light. The Evergreen Evergreens represent everlasting life and were traditionally hung around doorways and windows. Each has a symbolism of its own. Mistletoe Greatly revered by the Druids, this is the healer and protector. It is carefully cut to ensure it never touches the earth. It's magical properties are believed to be connected to the fact that it lives between the worlds, between sky/Summerland ("heaven") and earth. Holly Another evergreen of protection, holly's spiky bristles are believed to repel unwanted spirits. Newborn babies used to be sprinkled with 'holly water', water in which holly had been soaked, especially potent if left under a full moon overnight. Holly is sacred to Holle, the Germanic underworld goddess, and symbolizes everlasting life, goodwill and potent life energy. Its red berries represent feminine blood. Together, mistletoe and holly represent the Sacred Marriage at this time of year with the re-birth of the Sun. Yew Tree of regeneration and rebirth as no other - it sends up new trees from its roots and grows to a very great age. It is deeply connected with the spirit realms and the ancestors. Often used as the central 'world tree' in ritual spaces and was often planted in graveyards. (It's very poisonous). Pine Its branches bring healing and joy to the home, burning it will purify. The Wreath It was traditional to make wreaths from evergreen - the Wheel of Life as evergreen. These were hung on doors or laid horizontally and decorated with candles. The Yule Tree In ancient Rome, pine trees were an essential part of Goddess groves. On the eve of the Midwinter Solstice, Roman priests would cut down a pine tree, decorate it and carry it ceremonially to the temple celebrations. People decked their homes with boughs of evergreen trees and bushes in pots. Pines and firs were cherished as a symbol of rebirth and life in the depth of winter. Pagan families would bring a live tree into the home so the wood spirits would have a place to keep warm in the cold winter months - food and treats were hung on the branches for the spirits to eat. Orange Slices Slices of orange are hung on the Yule trees to represent the sun. Gift Giving This is the Birthday of the Sun (re-birth/returning of the light etc.) From ancient times the giving and exchanging of gifts has been a vibrant tradition of this festival. Candles This is the festival of light out of darkness and the tradition of lighting candles is ever popular. Red, green and the gold of the Returning Sun are the colours of Yule. Deck your home and altar with evergreens and festive candles. Activites/ways to celebrate: If you are not aware, Christmas as we know it, was traditionally the pagan holiday Yule. Many ways that you can celebrate Yule are similar to ways Christmas is celebrated now. So, you can decorate pine trees and yule logs etc, as many of these things are meaningful to both holidays. - Decorate a Yule Tree; (As mentioned above) around this time of year it's a tradition for pagans to bring pine trees into their homes and hang food on them for wandering spirits, so that on the coldest day of the year the spirits have somewhere to reside and have food for this day and night. - Make plans for herb garden. - Write your goals for the next year. - Burn small pieces of pine in your cauldron for good luck in the new year. - Create an Evergreen/Pine wreath to hang on your front door. - Create decorations for the Yule tree from pine cones, acorns, berries or sticks - any natural materials you can find. - Light candles - Craft a dried orange slice garland -Celebrate the Sabbat with a meal with Yule related food for your loved ones. Food/drink: Cinnamon-flavoured or spiced cakes Ginger tea Hot apple cider Spiced mulled wine Seasoned soups Spiced buttermilk bread Nuts Crystals: Bloodstone - Bloodstone is also an effective mood stabilizer in the world of crystal healing. Bloodstone boosts the innate healing power inside you by quieting a preoccupied mind and refocusing your energy on repair and renewal of wounds you've collected over the years. Clear Quartz - Clear Quartz is known as the "master healer" and will amplify energy and thought, as well as the effect of other crystals and brings the body into balance. Emerald - Called the “Stone of Successful Love,” Emerald opens and nurtures the heart and the Heart Chakra. Its soothing energy provides healing to all levels of the being, bringing freshness and vitality to the spirit. A stone of inspiration and infinite patience, it embodies unity, compassion and unconditional love. Garnet - Garnet awakens our inner-fire and helps produce some of the strongest life force energy in the entire mineral kingdom. Pure strength and fortitude is activated within and the confidence in one’s self will raise to an all-time high. Once we are comfortable with ourselves, we are then capable of transmuting the most negative vibrations into positive ones. Your everyday focus should start pertaining more to yourself and your personal growth. Understanding who you truly are in this world is a lifelong struggle, but Garnet will nudge you into the right mindset. Citrine - Citrine promotes motivation, activates creativity and encourages self-expression. Enhances concentration and revitalises the mind. It releases negative traits, depression, fears and phobias. Emotionally balancing. (I like to carry the relevant crystals around with me, meditate with them or place them at my altar). How will you be spending Yule? ____________________________________________________________ * DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ailments of any sort - All crystal properties are based on metaphysical beliefs, and should not be used as a substitute for medical care, please always seek the help of a medical professional for any health concerns. * All information offered is checked to the best of our ability, and whilst every effort has been made to make it accurate, no responsibility will be accepted for errors and omissions. - Any information displayed on our website is not regarded to be authoritative or certified as the best practice and is only considered to be useful supplementary advice to other certified codes of practice. All information on our website is updated regularly.

The word Chakra means disk/wheel, by definition they are energy centres within the human body that help to regulate all its processes, from organ function to to the immune system and emotions. Seven chakras are positioned throughout your body, from the base of your spine to the crown of your head. Each chakra has its own vibrational frequency and colour, and governs specific functions in our body. They are a complex and ancient energy system that originated in India. They were first mentioned in the Vedas, ancient sacred texts of spiritual knowledge dating from 1500 to 1000 BC. The belief is held that human life simultaneously exists in two parallel dimensions, the "physical body" and the other "psychological, emotional, mind, non-physical" called the "subtle body". Everyone has a subtle body — it is the subtle body that perceives sensation. This subtle body is energy, while the physical body is mass. The psyche or mind plane corresponds to and interacts with the body plane, and the belief holds that the body and the mind mutually affect each other. The subtle body consists of nadi (energy channels) connected by nodes of psychic energy called chakra. "In different traditions, one can find wheels, flowers, angels, animals, animal parts, geometric shapes, children, the seven dwarves, deities, buddhas, yantras, or mandalas. But in fact, across the board, believing in any judgements which give rise to emotional reactivity is the one sure way to ‘block’ the performance of a chakra". 1. Root Chakra - Muladhara Our 1st chakra is located at the base of the spine and the coccyx. The Root chakra is represented by the colour Red and associated with security, survival and not just financial but emotional stability and balance. It's also about everything solid in our life (our home, our body and the ground we walk on, etc). It is related to our connection with the Earth, prosperity and how we attract it into our life. When the root chakra is balanced, you feel grounded and have an inner sense of security. You feel supported and are able to manifest opportunities and abundance. When it is unbalanced, you will have a tendency to feel excessively fearful, insecure, unsafe, and stuck in life and feeling like you don't belong, which can all manifest as anger. On a physical level, elimination problems and foot issues are associated with the root chakra. 2. Sacral Chakra - Svadhisthana Our 2nd chakra is located two inches below the navel and into the pelvis. The sacral chakra is represented by the colour Orange. Svadhisthana translates to 'where your being is established' This chakra is where we form ideas around self-worth and deservedness. It is also associated with balancing work and play, effort and ease, dreaming and manifestation, desires, sexuality and gratitude. It’s important to take time to indulge in the simple pleasures of life. Not doing less of what brings us stress, but doing more of what makes us feel alive. Once we have our basic needs met (Root chakra) we’re able to explore what it is that brings us joy. It is said that the sacral chakra is the birthplace of creativity, which shows up as our ability to see the life that we want — and that we know we deserve — and to implement the steps necessary to achieve that life. When this chakra is unbalanced, it can lead to lack of fulfilment, depression, stressful relationships, or menstrual problems. 3. Solar Plexus Chakra - Manipura Our 3rd chakra is located just below the diaphragm The solar plexus chakra is represented by the colour Yellow. Manipura translates as “city of jewels”. The jewels are power, authenticity, instinct, and courage. The solar plexus is our power center, where we get our grit and gumption and get-up-and-go. Action. This is the center of our true Self. When unbalanced, it can lead to feeling unworthy, stressed, along with various digestion problems. 4. Heart Chakra - Anahata Our 4th Chakra is Heart is located in the center of the chest. The heart chakra is represented by the colour Green it is associated with love, joy & compassion. Love, by nature is unconditional, unlimited and free. It surrounds us and is ours to give and receive. Anahata translates as ‘unstruck.’ It refers to the cosmic vibration of the universe, a constant energetic hum that has no beginning, no middle and no end. It is within this fourth chakra, within our own heart center, that we connect with the heartbeat of the universe. When this chakra is unbalanced, it can result in sadness, lack of self-love, jealousy, as well as lung or upper back issues. 5. Throat Chakra - Vishuddha Our 5th chakra is located (as it would suggest) in our throat. It is represented by the colour Blue. It is associated with Truth. Hearing your truth, speaking your truth, living your truth, and connecting to the truth of others. Vishuddha translates as ‘pure’ or ‘purification.’ It relates to living a clean and healthy life, so that we can better connect to our fifth chakra. They say that lies, gossip, negative self-talk and any sort of substance abuse that enters through the throat are ways of blocking this chakra. When unbalanced, it can lead to loss of your voice, being afraid of public speaking or throat issues. 6. Third Eye Chakra - Ajna Our 6th chakra is located in center of the forehead. It is represented by the colour Indigo. It is associated with intuition, wisdom and knowledge. Ajna translates as the ‘command center.’ It is linked to your pituitary gland, which is your master gland and this chakra influences the five chakras below it. It deals with psychic development and mental communication. We are now in the realm of image, idea, imagination, and spirit. A balanced sixth chakra is linked to a steady, balanced mind. When this chakra is unbalanced, it can result in overthinking, sinus or eye problems. 7. Crown Chakra - Sahasrara Our 7th chakra, is located at the top of the head (crown) and inches above the head. It is represented by the colour Violet. Sahasrara means, ‘thousand-fold.’ It is associated with consciousness, being connected to the element of light and a sense of pure bliss. This chakra is represented by a thousand-petal lotus at the top of the head. The lotus can be thought of as sitting up-right, with our energy emanating out from within. Or it can be thought of as facing down, with the petals dripping divine light and cosmic consciousness into our being. We start to process this connection through our thoughts, words, and actions. We begin to understand that we are contributing to the energetic field and that we have access to the wisdom and knowledge that have come before us, and that will come after us. When this chakra is unbalanced, it can lead to confusion, ego-driven thought processes, narrow-mindedness, closed-mindedness. We are energy. We are made up of cells and atoms. Atoms are the most basic unit of matter and form, and an atom is made up of waves of energy. So we are made up of many waves of energy/frequencies – examples of which include electricity, sound, light (colour) and vibration; materialised into the physical. There are many ways to balance each of our chakras individually. But one of my favorite ways as it can be done for all of them, is to meditate. Specifically Focused Attention meditation. (I find this easy because it is something for the mind to focus on, such as a sound, an image, or an object). I like to use candles and crystals. This gave me the idea to create a Chakra Candle collection. I wanted to create a candle range designed to enhance meditation. They have been created based on our chakras, combining aromatherapy & crystal energy to help cleanse the mind, so we can focus on bringing our energies into balance. Each handcrafted crystal infused soy candle has a specific fragrance blend and selected set of crystals, the healing energies of which have been chosen to enhance each specific chakra. They have been designed to add spiritual and magickal healing qualities to your safe space. Click here to view our range. (Coming soon) Candle Gazing Trataka is a form of meditation also known as ‘concentrated gazing’. It is most commonly referred to as ‘candle gazing’. This meditation technique was first used to cleanse the mind of distractions and promote focused concentration, as well as strengthening the muscles of the eyes. Crystal meditation Using meditation crystals is a powerful way to deepen your meditation it can also help with Chakra healing. On a spiritual level, learning how to meditate with crystals can help to raise your consciousness and awareness, deepening your intuition and bringing insight. Even carrying or wearing a crystal corresponding to a particular chakra can help with alignment. Using healing crystals increases the energy regardless of the type of healing session. Crystals are used based on their colour and vibrational frequencies that match the chakras. Clear crystal quartz is a Master crystal and can be helpful to all seven chakras. By holding the crystals in your hand while doing chakra meditation, or in your lap with the intention that the increased energy be channeled through you, could align the chakras. Whether you’re a frequent meditator or you’re just getting started, and regardless of how long you’ve been working with crystals, bringing these two energetic practices together unlocks a new way to take care of yourself. And with so many different meditation stones available, there’s truly a crystal for every kind of meditative experience you could wish for.