New Worlds of Body, Mind & Spirit Since 1901
Juneteenth, celebrated today, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. This year the holiday falls on the same day as Father’s Day, which is celebrated every third Sunday of June. On the conjunction of these two holidays, we can’t help but think of all the fathers who were taken from their children as a result of racial injustices such as slavery, lynchings, and police brutality. Set up a small candle on your altar (or wherever you do your magickal work) and say: I ...
May Day is a highly significant day on many pagan paths, including Hoodoo. One of Hoodoo’s original informants reported on a washing ritual that has come to be known as Edward Marshall’s May Day Wash. His rite was designed for the Mississippi River, but a river (or other natural body of water) near you will do, if you have strong intentions. In Hoodoo, it is believed that running water, as in a river, can cleanse, protect, and banish ill health and the problems that cause them. ...
Today, take stock of what really recharges you. As much as possible, limit your usage of electricity and devices. Whenever I do this, I imagine I’m in a witch’s cottage in the woods, with no electricity or internet. It really connects me with my body and the energy at hand. When you’re ready to begin, put your devices away and say: Here and now, disconnected,I find myself better than expected.Without a phone or any wattage,I’m peaceful in my witch’s ...
One of the plot lines in Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice concerns how Portia is to be married. Suitors are to pick a casket of gold, silver, or lead. The gold casket bears this inscription: “He who chooses me will get what many men want.” The silver casket says, “He who chooses me will get what he deserves.” The lead casket bears a blunt warning: “He who chooses me must give and risk all he has.” Like Bassanio in the play, choose lead today. Cast your ...
