Magic for Change E-Book

Cerridwen Greenleaf

• Herausgeber: CICO Books
• Kategorie: Ratgeber
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 170

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023

Beschreibung

Be inspired and make a better world through witchy wisdom, magical intentions, spell-casting, powerful potions and rituals for positive personal and social change. The essence of witchcraft is making things better, both personally and collectively. Witches have been taking actions for the good of all for centuries and that great tradition is gathering steam and positive energy as covens gather together to help create social justice, fight climate change, reject racism and inequality, and plant and grow community gardens to feed the hungry. Join best-selling author Cerridwen Greenleaf and be an agent of positive change. From solo spells and group rituals addressing special causes to creating power potions, using sacred stones, crystals and evolutionary rocks, social justice smudges and many more enchantments for equality, Cerridwen shares inspired rites for the right causes.

Leseprobe

MAGIC

for

change

MAGIC

for

change

spells and rituals for social transformation

Cerridwen Greenleaf

Published in 2023 by CICO Books

An imprint of Ryland Peters & Small Ltd

20–21 Jockey’s Fields

341 E 116th St

London WC1R 4BW

New York, NY 10029

www.rylandpeters.com

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Text © Cerridwen Greenleaf, 2023

Design © CICO Books, 2023

The author’s moral rights have been asserted. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher.

A CIP catalog record for this book is available from the Library of Congress and the British Library.

ISBN: 978-1-80065-262-0

E-ISBN: 978-1-80065-288-0

Printed in China

Illustrator: Barbara Tamilin

For other picture credits, see page 144

Commissioning editor: Kristine Pidkameny

Editor: Kristy Richardson

Senior designer: Emily Breen

Art director: Sally Powell

Creative director: Leslie Harrington

Production manager: Gordana Simakovic

Publishing manager: Penny Craig

Contents

Introduction

Warrior Witches and Covens

CHAPTER 1

Altar-Ations

Creating a Home Altar for Positive Change

CHAPTER 2

Saving Mother Earth

Facing Climate Change to Protect the Source of All Life

CHAPTER 3

Peace, Love, and Healing

Rituals to End Conflict, Gun Violence, and War

CHAPTER 4

May All Be Fed

Conjuring Abundance to Help End Hunger

CHAPTER 5

Feminist Witchcraft

Enchantments for Equality and Power Potions

CHAPTER 6

Manifesting Magic

Prosperity Spells and Money Charms for the Greater Good

CHAPTER 7

Rituals for Reclaiming

Witches as Activists for Social Justice

CHAPTER 8

Co-creating Blessings

Rituals for Groups and Solo Spellcasters

Resources

Index

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Warrior Witches and Covens

Witchcraft is communal by nature. Pagans have a deep connection to the Earth, and maintain a close community with friends, family, and neighbors— essentially, their tribe. At the very core of their craft is the coven—a group of practitioners working together for the good of their tribe or community.

In earlier times, high holidays and seasonal celebrations were all about community, making sure there was prosperity and good health, and ensuring good weather and plentiful crops so there would be enough food for everyone. This has been a part of witchcraft from the beginning and, I daresay, is more important now than ever before. Today, witches continually advocate for positive change with every spell and ritual—they set magical intentions to create better outcomes in their own lives, as well as those of their loved ones, their community—and the world.

While it may not always be obvious, witches are optimists. Setting intentions and magical workings are acts of positivity—the belief that the future can be made better with the tools and rituals of the craft. From solo spells and calming crystals through protection magic, energy-raising enchantments, and money manifestation, these are the tools needed to quell contention, support peaceful protest, replace conflict with loving compatibility, and even help those fleeing war zones or natural disaster. To stem the tide of global warning, improve the land, and encourage less planet-harming meat consumption and more plant-based living, there are plenty of planet-positive rites featured in this guide, including tree-planting charms, guerilla gardening, and green witchery, which are good for both Mother Earth and her people.

This book stems from my years of activism and is based on the magical intention to provide practitioners with the tools, ideas, and inspiration to make this a better world. What speaks to you? What gets you fired up to make a difference? I hope this book provides you with the rituals and spells to support your personal causes, along with inspired ideas to help you be— and create—the change you want to see in the world.

CHAPTER 1

Altar-Ations

Creating a Home Altar for Positive Change

The Energy Center for Your Change Magic

The urge toward activism comes from deep within the heart, mind, and spirit. Put simply, it comes from love. Be guided by this positive energy—your love of others and of our beautiful planet—to effect positive change in the world.

A great way to create positive energy every day is to make yourself an altar for change. It will emanate positive energy 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every week of the year. You can, of course, refresh it regularly with offerings of fresh flowers, herbs, crystals, and candles. The love energy you put into your altar will come back to you tenfold.

I have altars or shrines in many of the rooms in my house and my altar for change is in the front room. Every time I walk into my home, simply seeing it fills me with a sense of peace and progress. Visitors and loved ones comment on it, ask about the deities or the properties of the various crystals, and often mention that they would like to create something similar in their own homes. As you might imagine, I am full of advice and keep a store of candles, herbs, and crystals to get them started.

Creating an Altar for Change

Select a small table or shelf to be the foundation of your altar. In the interests of living sustainably, I like to use previously owned furnishings from small, independent stores, thrift stores, and even yard sales. Unlike newly manufactured goods, they are much higher quality and often have uniquely charming designs.

You will need to clean the energy of your antique-store treasures by wiping them with a clean, damp cloth and freshly drawn water. If the weather is cooperative and it is not raining, set the table out in the sun for a full day. When you bring the table into your home, place it where you want to station your altar and leave a bowl of salt on top of it for a full 24 hours.

WITCH CRAFT

Soy Joy Altar Candles

If, like me, you have candles burning nearly all your waking hours, you will need plenty of them. Get crafty to ensure you always have candles that are easy on your budget and good for the Earth. Where possible, I recycle leftover wax and reuse unburned candle stubs for the most sustainable approach to making and using candles. Otherwise, I use soy wax: soy candles burn clean, are free of any toxins or pollutants, and are much healthier for both people and the planet.

Pour the soy wax flakes into the microwaveable container, cover it with the lid to avoid splattering, and heat the wax in the microwave at medium heat for 1 minute, or until the wax has fully melted. If you don’t have a microwave, place the bowl over a saucepan with warm water covering the bottom, and put the pan over a low heat for about 4–5 minutes.

While you wait for the wax to melt, thread the wick through the candlewick base, and secure to the bottom of the container. Wrap the other end of the wick around a pencil or craft stick. Rest the pencil or craft stick on top of the jar to keep the waxed thread standing upright in the container.

Once the wax has melted, thoroughly stir in the essential oil with the metal spoon. Now, carefully pour the scented wax into the containers or jars, keeping the wick in the center.

Leave the candle on a cooling rack to cool for 24 hours, with the top of the wick wrapped around the pencil. To imbue your candles with even more positive power, recite this waxing poetic candle blessing spell while they are cooling and firming:

When times are dark,

Be the brightest candle.

Carry the light of love,

Carry blessing to the world.

Blessed be all.

Once cooled, unwrap and cut the excess wick, leaving roughly ½ in (1cm) of wick above the top of the candle.

Gather Together

4 cups (1kg) of soy wax flakes (available at most craft stores)

1 microwaveable container with a lid

2 lengths of candle-making wick for soy waxes

2 candlewick bases

2 x 6–8fl oz (175–235ml) thick glass containers, such as a jelly jar or Mason jar

2 wooden pencils or craft sticks

9 drops of an essential oil of your choice (see pages 12–13)

Large metal spoon

Cooling rack

Essential Oils for Love, Light, and Harmony

Blue tansy oil: This sweet-smelling oil is believed to be a great agent against fighting nervous disorders and emotional impulses. It is also sacred to Gaia, the Earth goddess, and brings deep understanding of life. If you are looking for new beginnings, tansy is ideal.

Cardamom oil: This oil has a rich and spicy scent and is ideal for anyone who wants to deepen their spirituality in magical workings. Its strong, feminine energy brings out generosity and open-hearted love. Try cardamom oil in peace rituals, or for greater happiness in love.

Carnation oil: The carnation flower is small and sweet, but its oil extract offers steadiness, strength, and the energy of a guardian. It can improve communication and open your mind and heart to new experiences. Carnation oil will uproot buried emotions and help you process them so you can renew and reset. If someone has been ill, it can abet stamina, release the weakness and sadness of sickness, and guide you in your return to joy.

Carrot seed oil: Warm and deeply comforting, this oil soothes the soul by keeping anxiety and stress at bay. Carrot seed oil enhances empathy, is pleasingly grounding, and removes spiritual blocks so users become more spiritually evolved.

Cistus oil: Extracted from the flowers of the rockrose, this essential oil’s aroma mimics sun-ripened fruit in the summertime—sweet, fragrant, and with hints of warm honey. Cistus oil can help you handle fear, sorrow, and worry. If you feel disconnected from yourself on a spiritual level, cistus oil will restore and rebalance you.

Lemongrass oil: Calming and balancing with a protective energy. Native to Asia, lemongrass has long been used to deter negative spirits from entering the home. The sharp and bright citrus scent can lift those who are feeling blue and in a rut. It is also a love attractor. Lemongrass oil can help with a fresh start in life.

Oakmoss oil: This oil has an earthy energy that matches its name—it can ground you and remind you of what you are supposed to accomplish during your life. It is uplifting and brings inspiration. Oakmoss oil is an attractor of abundance and highly recommended for money spells. It is also associated with older women; any rituals of cronehood and elderwoman’s wisdom should include oakmoss oil.

Palo santo oil: A resinous and richly scented essence. Palo santo oil contains the benefits of protection and purification and, for this reason, has been used by Native Americans and shamans for millennia to connect to the divine. It is also useful for abetting breath, overcoming headaches, and lifting depression. It is commonly utilized in aromatherapy or during soothing massages. Choose palo santo when you need to replace negative energy with positive.

Spikenard oil: A wonderful tried-and-true stress reducer. With an earthy and woodsy aroma, this oil is great for spiritually calming its user and alleviating insomnia. Perhaps the finest quality of spikenard oil is its ability to help you forgive, let go, and make peace with those who have hurt you, allowing you to clear the way for a fresh start.

Tuberose oil: An intensely rich oil, whose sweet scent can reach all the way to the heavens and contact the realm of angels. It is transporting and can quickly raise low spirits. Tuberose oil will reconnect you to your purpose here on Earth, bringing comfort and helping you to rise above depression, hardship, and suffering. If you are carrying out magical rites in which you need to connect with the spirit realm, use tuberose oil.

Western red cedar oil: This oil has a woody, strong, and refreshing aroma and is powerful for grounding. It can be used in nature spells and works well with forest and plant deities or energies. This essential oil promotes longevity and retains youthful looks and energy. If you want to connect with Mother Earth, choose western red cedar oil.

Simple and Sacred

A FOUR-ELEMENTS ALTAR FOR A BETTER WORLD

When visualizing positive change, the elements help me to stay grounded. I keep to what I call “simple and sacred” by honoring the four elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Make a list of what represents positive change to you—and let the elements keep you grounded with this four-element altar.

Choose items for your altar that represent each of the four elements. Plants, rocks, fossils, or stones can signify Earth, while a candle can represent Fire. Fallen feathers from a passing bird or long grasses that sway in the breeze can all work nicely for Air and can be easily found during a walk in the park. Water can be represented by a bowl of freshly drawn water, while a beautiful vase of flowers can encompass both Earth and Water elements. The only limitation when selecting elemental items is your imagination!

Place the green cloth over the center of an energetically cleansed table (see page 11 for more information on cleansing). Then place each of the four element offerings in the four corners of the altar (if your table is round, you can approximate). Your Earth element goes in the north, Fire element in the south, Air to the east, and Water to the west. Once these offerings are in place, set the green candle near the center of the altar. Place the incense in the center and light the incense, the candle, and, if you are using a candle in the south corner to represent the Fire element, you can light this now. Speak the following aloud:

Powers of the North, bring the cool clarity of reason in your wind,

May it bring fresh energy.

Powers of the South, bring the cleansing influence of Fire,

May it burn clean.

Powers of the East, bring your fresh wind of change,

May it blow anew.

Powers of the West, bring your refreshing rain,

May it wash clean.

Wind and water of transformation, thank you for your blessings.

Fire and grounding of Earth, thank you for your sanction.

Stand in front of your four-elements altar and absorb the sense of newness and possibility. Allow yourself to feel the breeze of change, the warmth of the candle, and the flow of water, and breathe in the scented perfume of incense. When the incense burns out, your spell is done. Extinguish the candles and take the blessings with you!

Gather Together

A green cloth, large enough to fully cover the table

An Earth element item, such as a crystal, rock, fossil, soil, or herb

An Air element item, such as a bird feather, flower, or air plant

A Fire element item, such as a candle in a glass votive or incense

A Water element item, such as a cup of water, or a flower suspended in a bowl of water

A green candle in a glass votive

Incense in a fireproof dish

Revolutionary Rocks

When choosing crystals for your altar, select a stone that resonates with positivity. I like to switch up my touchstones frequently, but a regular go-to for me is a pretty purple amethyst. I have also used many of the Revolutionary Rocks mentioned here (see box, right) to good effect.

Mantra for a Touchstone Meditation

Mantras have a special kind of manifestation power—the more you say them, the more they will come true. I also see the mantra as a kind of mindfulness where you constantly keep in mind the possibility of creating opportunities for good.

If you carry a touchstone with you in a pocket, on a necklace, or tucked in a bag, you can perform this meditation anywhere, and whenever you like, because the mantra takes very little time.

Pick the calming crystal with which you have a particulate affinity, chant the below mantra aloud while holding your touchstone in both hands, and you’re done!

Grandmothers and Grandfathers and all the Helpers on the Other Side,

I call upon you to pour forth your blessings from above.

Our planet and her people need your wisdom to be our guide.

I now see your blessings raining down with more peace in the world.

I now see your blessings growing so all will be fed far and wide.

I now see your blessings flowing to our Mother Earth like a tide.

May all be well, may all be loved, may all be at peace.

So mote it be with gratitude unending to you on the Other Side.

Key Crystals for Your Altar

Amazonite: An aspirational stone of hope, which also enhances achievement.

Apophyllite: A supportive crystal offering encouragement and self-esteem, which can help smooth your way through changes.

Chrysocolla: This heart stone can bring courage and will empower you in your endeavors.

Citrine: Brings joy and keen-minded clarity to help you envision a brighter future.

Clear quartz: For cleansing your aura and mindset; it will amplify your energy and aims.

Kyanite: A letting-go stone that will engender honesty, in your intentions for yourself and toward others.

Labradorite: Like the lovely shifting colors on its surface, this is a true stone of transformation.

Malachite: Absorbs and removes negativity from your surroundings and yourself.

Moonstone: Imparts gentle calm and provides a strong sense of purpose and inner strength.

Moss agate: Leads you toward your true purpose and also away from distraction.

Selenite: A sacred stone of peace that can help you hone your spiritual purpose.

Altar Plants for Turning Over a New Leaf

We often see plants, herbs, and spices such as pine or cinnamon during end-of-year celebrations and festivities, and that is no coincidence, because these natural elements are very helpful for embracing the new. Highly scented woody herbs and tree essences make wonderful additions to an altar because their bracing fragrance awakens the mind and clears the senses. They can bring about new awareness, encourage openness to transformation, and help you to embrace fresh starts.

Conjure calm with lavender: The sweet scent of this beloved fragrant plant has been proven to conjure calm and abet sleep. If you are tense or your mind is racing, it can help you to relax in myriad ways—a cup of freshly brewed lavender tea, inhaling the scent from a sachet or cloth dabbed with essential oil, burning lavender incense, or even lighting a lavender candle. We should all have a pot or three of lavender growing on the kitchen windowsill, or the deck outside, or in our backyard. When you walk by, you can touch the flowering leaves and they will immediately release a soothing scent. Why not treat yourself to a warm bath with some Epsom salts and lavender essential oil to begin a new year. Soak in all that goodness and relax into some new routines!

Hedgewitch Household Hint

Whether you buy a large pot of lavender at the garden center or harvest it from your backyard, you can cut a bunch near the root and let it dry in a sunny spot for a week. Take one of the leaves, tie it around the middle of the bundle, and you will have a stick of lavender for smudging. Use it anytime you need to clear energy, de-stress, and improve the vibes in your home space.

Basil for a blessed home: Basil is widely known as a savory herb prized by cooks worldwide, but it is also a very powerful herb for protection. In the past, basil was said to ward off evil spirits when placed at the entrance of a home and was hung in doorways to protect the people inside. Nowadays, people are more likely to grow some in a herb garden near their front porch or have a small pot sitting in their window. Basil is also a powerhouse to use in meditation or any kind of intention-setting. It’s beautiful and has a delightful aroma— who wouldn’t want to use basil in their intention-setting for future endeavors?

Cinnamon for sweeter shifts: Visitors, friends, and loved ones often comment that they can detect a hint of cinnamon in my home and workspace. They are correct! Not because I am baking a batch of cookies (though that does happen if you time your visit just right), but because I have found it to be so beneficial and reliable in my magical workings. Cinnamon will boost confidence— which we all need when we are launching new ventures such as activism for positive change—and bring success to you in your career, in your finances, and in your relationships. This herb will help you reach your goals. It smells delightful and is truly effective, whether as an essential oil, in your tea, or as an incense or candle—use it liberally in your magical workings and your life will literally be sweeter!

Pine for processing change: