Meet your inner witch

Our coven of gurus have just the ritual for you during this transitional time

We love this witchy time of year. Celebrated as summer’s end and a new year by some witches, Samhain, pronounced sow-en, marks the end of the harvest months and the beginning of winter. Traditionally celebrated with feasting and costumes to welcome spirit in, here’s a trio of rituals from three of our experts.

Go on a herbal journey

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The Seed Sistas, Fiona Heckels and Kazz Goodweather are herbalists,eco-activists, speakers, modern plant folklorists and authors of The Sensory Herbal Handbook. Find out more at seedsistas.co.uk.

Poison Prescriptions by the Seed Sistas is a practical guide to plant magic, medicine and ritual, offering advice to professional and home herbalists, to those interested in forgotten lore, and to all those who wish to reclaim control of their wellbeing. With a foreword by Neneh Cherry, who was said to be cured of her chronic bronchitis by one of their witchy remedies, this book urges the resurrection of the ancient tradition of using these witching herbs in ritual and medicine. Now is the time to relink magic and medicine in the context of modern herbalism and contemporary witchcraft. In Poison Prescriptions, discover safe ways of interacting with the witching herbs to usher in wellbeing and healing, practical activities and history (ranging from meditations and folklore writing to wreath-making and beer brewing). Discover a recipe for the powerful witches’ Flying Ointment and its use in ritual, sex magic and lucid dreaming. The book has been stunningly illustrated by Silva De Majo, a ceramic artist and illustrator who embarked on a plant-led artistic journey to capture the essence of the witching herbs.

Get witchy treats straight to your door

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Every single Subscription Box from Freya’s Cauldron is a perfect way for any newcomer to learn about the craft. Just sign up via freyascauldron.co.uk or follow @freyascauldron

Each month you’ll receive a mystery box of witchy goodies which can include crystals, oils, candles, altar items, herbs, herb blends, jewellery pieces, Book of Shadow pages, moon magic, spell kits, ritual kits and stationary, plus there are video guides on You Tube to help the novice witch. Whether you are just starting out or already on your path, the box will help to inspire and guide you to find your way in the magical world of witchcraft. The October box is full of Halloween goodies and is only £25, including postage. Are you ready to join in the fun and have a little bit of Christmas delivered to your door each month?

Build a crystal altar

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Annie Wilkinson-Gill recommends a special rock ritual. Find more from The Crystal Buddha at thecrystalbuddha.com

By placing crystals on your altar, you infuse it with the energies of the stones, thus making it whole. Here are a few must-have crystals for any witch:

Quartz: This is a master healer crystal, and it embodies your connection to the Divine. It’s an important amplifier; one which you can use to amplify the energies of other crystals, your intent, and of course, your altar as a whole.

Rose quartz: Placed on your altar, this can bring a nurturing heart-based vibration, and it enhances all types of love: self-love, love for others, and unconditional love.

Smoky quartz: For me, this is a wonderful altar tool as it has an incredibly grounding vibration. It’s very useful, as it alters negative energy by changing or deactivating the negativity. Therefore it’s a protective stone, as well as a grounding one. 

Citrine: This is a brilliant stone for self-confidence, and is an important aid in asserting yourself and bringing about your personal power. It’s perfect for manifesting abundance and joy.

Lapis lazuli: A stone for communicating your intent and desires with your manifestations. 
It’s known as a promoter of wisdom, harmony and enlightenment and is another stone which helps you tap into your personal power.