Article Topic: Pagan

Samhain is a hinge that marks the end of autumn and the beginning of winter. This is a time when the veil between the worlds is most thin, and one can make contact with the spirits of their loved one and their ancestors. The Celts believed that communication with their relatives and friends and animals that had crossed over provided needed love, guidance, and encouragement. For them, this was also a time to give gratitude and count one’s blessings. Sharlyn Hidalgo, author of The Healing Power of Trees, discusses the healing power of the Celtic Tree Calendar, especially at this time when the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest.

Discover the helpful qualities of oak, ash and thorn

Where are the holes in your Witchcraft training? Whether self-taught or coven-trained, many practitioners of Wicca and Witchcraft may find that they are still missing pieces of study, which prevents them from serving both themselves and their communities. Thuri Calafia, teacher and author of Initiate and Dedicant, explains.

Scott Cunningham wrote numerous books sharing his explorations of magic, Wicca, and Paganism, many of which have long been guideposts for others on their journeys. In additional to the books he authored, Scott also contributed articles to Llewellyn's annual Magical Almanac. These decades-old articles have now been collected and published; here, his friend and old roommate Donald Michael Kraig discusses the beauty of Cunningham's Magical Sampler.

As Pagans, we love what is natural, including the burning flame of ritual candles. But, are there times when using a flameless candle can be advantageous? If so, what about the magic of the flameless candle? Ember Grant, author of Magical Candle Crafting, discusses the magic of using flameless candles in ritual.

When the phone in my little magical shop rang on that chilly day in February of 2004, I figured it was someone asking for directions or looking for a certain hard to find item or book. But the voice on the other end said, "Hi, this is Raven ...

Most magickal people work with spells, charms, and rituals on a regular basis. Many of us are perfectly happy to pull out a spellbook and use an already existing spell or formula. Susan Pesznecker, author of Crafting Magick with Pen and Ink, feels that doing so robs us of the magical intention that comes with creating your own spells, and guides us through eight simple steps to creating our own spells.

Christopher Penczak, author of The Mystic Foundation, discusses the greatest spiritual blessing and greatest spiritual curse of our time, and offers a meditation exercise to work with the five elements and find balance in your life.