“By the Elements, I purify this home and all doorways. May love and light, prosperity and joy enter. May these passages allow friends and love ones to enter, and prevent those who wish ill or harm.”

— Ellen Dugan, Cottage Witchery: Natural Magick for Hearth and Home

The Hearth of Memories

She sat by the hearth, watching the flames dance and crackle. The fire was warm and comforting, like an old friend. She smiled as she remembered the many times she had sat here, in this very spot, throughout her life.

She remembered when she was a small child, and her mother taught her how to light the fire with a spark of magic. She remembered the excitement and wonder she felt as she saw the first flicker of flame, and the pride and joy in her mother’s eyes. She remembered how they would sit together by the fire, telling stories and singing songs, while her father played his flute.

She remembered when she was a young girl, and her father took her to the forest to gather herbs and mushrooms. She remembered how he showed her how to identify the plants and animals, and how to use them for healing and spells. She remembered how they would bring their harvest back to the hearth, and cook a delicious stew or pie, while her mother praised their skills.

She remembered when she was a teenager, and her first love came to visit her. She remembered how they would sneak out of their rooms at night, and meet by the fire. She remembered how they would kiss and cuddle, whispering sweet nothings in each other’s ears. She remembered how they would make plans for their future, dreaming of traveling the world together.

She remembered when she was a young woman, and her love left her for another. She remembered how she cried and raged by the fire, cursing his name and wishing him ill. She remembered how her parents comforted her, telling her that he was not worthy of her, and that she would find someone better. She remembered how they helped her heal her broken heart, with hugs and tea and spells.

She remembered when she was a mature woman, and she met her true love. She remembered how he came to her door one day, with a bouquet of wildflowers and a smile. She remembered how he charmed her with his wit and kindness, and how he asked her to marry him by the fire. She remembered how they celebrated their wedding with their family and friends, dancing and laughing around the hearth.

She remembered when she was an older woman, and she gave birth to her daughter. She remembered how she held her in her arms for the first time, feeling her warmth and heartbeat. She remembered how she brought her to the hearth, and introduced her to the fire spirit. She remembered how she blessed her with love and light, and named her after the goddess of the hearth.

She remembered when she was an elderly woman, and she lost her husband. She remembered how he died peacefully in his sleep, holding her hand. She remembered how she buried him in the garden, under his favorite tree. She remembered how she mourned him by the fire, remembering their happy times together. She remembered how her daughter comforted her, telling her that he was still with her in spirit.

She looked around the room, seeing the pictures and objects that told the story of her life. She saw the flute that belonged to her father, the necklace that belonged to her mother, the ring that belonged to her husband, the doll that belonged to her daughter. She saw the books and tools that belonged to her craft, the herbs and candles that belonged to her magic.

She felt a pang of sadness, knowing that soon she would leave this place behind. She knew that death was inevitable, and that she had lived a full and rich life. But she also felt a surge of gratitude, knowing that she had been blessed with so much love and joy.

She closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of the fire on her face. She whispered a prayer of thanks to the fire spirit, who had been with her since birth. She asked for its guidance and protection in her final journey.

She opened her eyes again, seeing a familiar figure standing before her. He was tall and handsome, with dark hair and bright eyes. He wore a simple tunic and trousers, with a cloak over his shoulders. He smiled at her with love and tenderness.

He reached out his hand to her, inviting her to join him.

“Hello, my love,” he said softly.

“Hello,” she said back.

She took his hand, feeling his warmth and strength.

She stood up from the hearth, leaving behind all that she had known.

She walked with him into the light.

“The outside world is a dream. Inside, the fireplace is brightly lit, and the Yule log crackles with orange and crimson sparks. There’s a steaming mug in your hands, warming your fingers. There’s a friend seated across from you in the cozy chair, warming your heart. There is mystery unfolding.”

– Vera Nazarian

“Willows at the waterside stand
Ready to help us to the Summerland.”

— Unknown

The Nine Sacred Woods of the Bonfire

These 9 woods are considered sacred because they are based on the first nine trees in the Celtic tree calendar, and are listed in a long-form version of the Wiccan Rede. They are used in ritual fires, especially at Beltane, to honor the Goddess and the God, to purify and draw magick, and to connect with the life force, the ancestors, and the faerie. The nine woods are:

• Birch: represents the Goddess’s wisdom and inspiration
• Oak: represents the God’s insight and strength
• Rowan: represents the life force and power
• Willow: represents the ancestors and remembrance
• Hawthorn: represents purification and clear sight
• Hazel: represents wisdom and learning
• Apple: represents love and healing
• Grapevine: represents joy and fertility
• Fir: represents rebirth and immortality

The Wiccan Sacred Forest

A Short Story

Once upon a time, there was a young witch named Hazel who wanted to celebrate Beltane with her coven. She had heard of a sacred forest where the nine sacred woods grew, a forest that was blessed by the Horned God and the Goddess. She decided to go on a quest to find the sacred forest and gather some wood for the ritual fire.

She packed her bag with some essentials: a cloak, a compass, a knife, some bread and cheese, and a book of spells. She also wore a necklace with a pendant of the Horned God, which she had received from her grandfather. She set off on her journey, following her intuition and the signs of nature.

She traveled through many lands and faced many challenges. She met friendly animals and helpful spirits, but also encountered hostile creatures and dark forces. She used her magick and her wits to overcome the obstacles and protect herself. She also learned many lessons along the way, such as courage, compassion, patience, and balance.

After many days and nights, she finally reached the sacred forest where the nine sacred woods grew. It was a magnificent sight: a lush and green forest with trees of different shapes and sizes. She could smell the fragrance of the flowers and hear the song of the birds. She felt a warm and gentle energy that filled her with awe and joy.

She entered the forest with reverence and gratitude. She looked for the nine sacred woods that she needed for the ritual fire: birch, oak, rowan, willow, hawthorn, hazel, apple, grapevine, and fir. She found them all in different parts of the forest. She thanked each tree for its gift and cut a small branch with her knife. She also left an offering of some bread and cheese for the spirits of the forest.

She gathered all the branches in her bag and made her way back to the edge of the forest. She was about to leave when she heard a voice behind her:

“Who are you and what are you doing in my forest?”

She turned around and saw a man standing before her. He was tall and handsome, with long brown hair and a beard. He wore a green cloak and a horned crown. He had piercing green eyes that looked at her with curiosity and kindness.

She recognized him as the Horned God, the ancient god of fertility, life, death, and resurrection. She bowed before him and said:

“I am Hazel, a witch of the Clan of the American Eagle. I came to your forest to gather some wood for the Beltane fire. I hope I have not offended you or your consort, the Goddess.”

The Horned God smiled and said:

“You have not offended me or my consort, Hazel. You have shown respect and gratitude to the trees and the spirits of this forest. You have proven yourself to be a true witch, a true servant of the divine.”

He then reached into his cloak and took out a pendant of the Goddess. He handed it to her and said:

“Take this as a gift from me and my consort. It is a symbol of our love and blessing for you and your coven. Wear it with pride and honor.”

Hazel thanked him for his gift. She put it on her necklace next to the pendant of the Horned God. She felt a surge of power and joy in her heart.

She hugged him and said goodbye. She left the sacred forest with a smile on her face and a song in her heart.

She returned to her home with new knowledge and new power. She shared what she had learned with others who wanted to know. She practiced what she had been taught with love and respect. She celebrated Beltane with her coven in a glorious ritual fire.

She never forgot the sacred forest, the Horned God, or the Goddess.

And they never forgot her.

“Magic, indeed, is all around us, in stones, flowers, stars, the dawn wind and the sunset cloud; all we need is the ability to see and understand.”

— Doreen Valiente

“Death is not the end. Death can never be the end. Death is the road. Life is the traveller. The soul is the guide.”

Sri Chinmoy

On Death

Death is a natural and inevitable part of life for Wiccans and Pagans. It is not something to be scared or ashamed of. It is a change from one form of being to another, a passage to a new world of opportunities. Death is also a part of the cycle of nature, which Wiccans and Pagans honor and observe. The seasons change, the moon grows and shrinks, plants sprout and wither, and animals are born and die. All these are expressions of the Goddess and the God, the divine powers that give and sustain life in all its diversity.

Wiccans and Pagans believe that there is an afterlife, where the soul or spirit lives on after leaving the physical body. The afterlife may have different names and features depending on the tradition or individual belief system. Some common terms are the Summerland, Valhalla, Tir na nOg, or Hades . The afterlife is not a place of judgment or retribution, but a place of peace and regeneration. Some Wiccans and Pagans believe that the soul can decide to reincarnate into another body after spending some time in the afterlife, while others believe that the soul can stay in the afterlife forever or move on to a higher level of existence.

We value and revere the dead, especially our ancestors. They believe that the dead are still with us in spirit, and that they can talk to us through dreams, visions, symbols, or rituals. The dead can give us their wisdom, guidance, love, and protection. They can also help us with our spiritual growth and evolution. A few small examples of rituals to honor the dead; setting up dedicated altars, offering food and drink, lighting candles, burning incense, saying prayers, or singing songs. Celebrate your ancestors during festivals that honor the dead, such as Samhain (October 31), Yule (December 21), or Beltane (May 1).

“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience.”

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin