Welcome to the weekly update about what’s happening in both the forum and the witchy world at large 
Scroll down to read the news for this week 
Please remember that you must be logged into your Spells8 account in order to view content located in A Sacred Space and the Energy Exchange.
Don’t have an account yet? No worries! You can join Spells8 here
Upcoming Events 
Mark your calendars so you don’t miss out on these upcoming events and occasions!
[ Group Healing Session 
] ]
→ Wednesday, August 7 at 1:00 pm ET
Join a group healing circle to support those who are going through hard times this month. Microphones and cameras will be turned off during this one-hour open space, and coven members are welcome to come and go as they please. This is the second of five healing sessions in August.
For more information about the Energy Exchange Circle, please see the section below in Ongoing Activities or visit the Energy Exchange.
[ [ Group Ritual 
] ]
→ Thursday, August 8
You’re invited to a group ritual meditation- this activity and discussion is open to all active Coven members 
The ritual has step-by-step instructions that you can join in on your own schedule at any time during the day.
Group rituals are held on Thursday in A Sacred Space and remain open over the weekend. Feel free to check out last week’s group ritual to get an idea about what to expect.
UPDATE: This week’s group ritual has arrived! Click here to view the full ritual post:
[ [ Weekend Divination - Free Readings 
] ]
→ Friday, August 9
Have a question on your mind? Seeking some guidance on how to best approach a problem? 
This is your chance to find some answers, as the talented @MeganB is kindly offering free readings via tarot and oracle cards! 
Look for the post in the Energy Exchange on Friday- free readings will be available throughout the weekend and will close on Sunday. You can check out the previous Weekend Divination to know what to expect when this week’s post arrives.
[ [ Moon Phase: Waxing Moon 
] ]
Although there is no major moon phase within the next seven days, we will be blessed by the light of a waxing moon throughout the week.
The Spells8 Moon Magick Guide lists this moon phase as a good time for spellwork that deals with increase, growth, and patience.
For more spellwork suggestions and ideas for what to do during the Waxing Cycle, check out the Waxing Moon Spell Page 
The next key moon phase will be a First Quarter Moon on Monday, August 12th.
Ready for More Moon Magick? You can find complementary spells and rituals for tonight’s moon on the Spells8 Lunar Spell Page
[ [ Additional Events of Interest 
] ]
A collection of curious (and perhaps conversation-starting!) events coming up this week:
- Monday, August 5 - Start of the Celtic Tree Month of Hazel
- Thursday, August 8 - International Cat Day
and 8/8: The Lion’s Gate Portal 
- Sunday, August 11 - Last day of the “Dog Days of Summer”
Stay on top of witchy news by printing or downloading the NEW 2024 Pagan Holiday Calendar and adding the Spells8 Forum Events Calendar to your digital calendar
You can also get the free Spells8 Email Newsletter for even more witchy updates (plus magickal freebies!) delivered right to your email inbox three times a week
Ongoing Activities
These activities are open to enjoy whenever you’d like- feel free to participate anytime before their deadlines!
[ [ Weekly Witchy Challenge 
] ]
The current challenge theme is: Incense 
Every week, the forum hosts a challenge exploring a specific area of magick. Challenges are open to everyone and all are warmly encouraged to participate in a way that reflects their unique magickal practice.
This challenge will remain open until tomorrow: Tuesday, August 8 at 7:00 AM EDT (Eastern US Time). After the challenge closes, a “Props and Presents” post will appear to give recognition and prizes to all participants 
Are you ready? Join the current challenge here:
(A brand new challenge will launch on Wednesday in the public Activities category)
[ [ Spells8 Book Club 
] ]
Calling all book lovers! The Spells8 book club is now in session !
For more information about this session of Book Club and to submit your book, please head over to the current thread in Activities :
Spells8 Book Club XXXX (Jul 12 - Aug 9) Please note that this reading period will end on Friday, August 9.
And if you haven’t done so already, please feel free to share and swap your book reviews from last session in the current Reader’s Reviews thread: 
Spells8 Book Club XXXIX - Readers’ Reviews .
Happy Reading!
[ [ Energy Exchange Circle 
] ]
Do you have a little extra love and light to share with fellow Coven members? Or perhaps you’ve fallen on hard times and could use a boost of positive energy yourself?
The Energy Exchange Circle is hosted in the Energy Exchange is the place to connect and share love with fellow Coven members going through hard times. To do a good deed and show that you care, consider leaving a note of support in the current thread:
This month’s Energy Exchange Circle will end on Saturday, August 31 .
Thanks for spreading the love! 
[ [ Coven Member Birthdays 
] ]
Come wish your fellow Coven members well on their special days! You can congratulate those with a birthday this month in the discussion:
If you wish to appear in this list, please set your birthday on your profile. Additionally, please note that the birthday list is housed in the private, Coven members-only A Sacred Space.
This month’s birthday discussion will remain open through Saturday, August 31.
[ [ Your Daily Draw 
] ]
Looking for a bit of higher guidance to help you out today? This collection of daily oracle card (as well as tarot and rune) readings is available for you to access and read thanks to the generosity of the Coven 
To enjoy a daily message or to share your own, visit:
Daily Single Draw for August, September, October 2024 Please note that this divination discussion is housed in A Sacred Space and will remain open until Thursday, October 31.
[ [ Tending the Flame 
] ]
Stop by the fire and tend the flame of the Goddess Brigid with your Coven- this ongoing discussion invites all to come in, relax, and pick up a bit of motivation and support for the day.
Share a picture of your own flames or simply enjoy the lights of the coven! 
Help tend the flame and visit the discussion in:
The Brigid Flametender discussion is hosted in A Sacred Space and will remain open throughout the year- please feel free to enjoy this activity as often as you’d like.
[ [ A Spell A Day 
] ]
Want to add some magick to your day, but not sure what to cast? The Spell-A-Day has you covered!
Over the years, a vast archive of magickal spells, resources, information and more has been collected from around Spells8. Every day, one spell that taps into the energy of the day is brought out of the library and put on display for all to see and enjoy.
There is a new spell post every day. Stop by the Spell-A-Day sub-category of A Sacred Space whenever you visit the forum to see the current recommended spell!
New Members 
Merry meet to the new members who have joined the Spells8 Forum over the past week!
@christie7 - @jael - @anna-marie - @kendra10 - @angelina1 - @adriana3 - @christina24 - @michelle41 - @presley1 - @mark2 - @aneadra - @saba - @angel2 - @stephanie31 - @rebecca20 - @jordan5 - @eva8 - @susan25 - @Paris - @cynethia - @daphne1 - @vanecia - @shelby - @juniper_lynne - @dartez - @jane7 - @precious - @amy24 - @MissLoyal1982 - @ellie5 - @william3 - @yari - @ashley41 - @debbi - @brittany39 - @jo11 - @patti-jo - @shannon23 - @crystal23 - @zavory1 - @kayla22 - @diana4 - @stephanie33 - @tracy12 - @kathy6 - @cortney - @Danielle_Steele - @maureen - @Sunshine749 - @ignas - @chelsea12 - @sarah38 - @dezbah - @ali3 - @ellie6 - @julia8 - @Pigeon - @roni3 - @ashley46 - @cher - @kyndal - @nekkie - @brittany41 - @lisa35 - @andrea8 - @kendrick1
If you haven’t done so already, please get started by creating a new topic in the Introductions category. Feel free to share a bit about who you are and your journey into practicing magick, or simply say a quick hello- we’d love to meet you!
Wishing you a very warm welcome to the forum!
Special Shout-Outs 
Forum Super Stars
Each week, those who share the most posts and give the most hearts receive a shout-out and thank you for their contributions.
Shout-outs from this past week go to:
@john1 - for sharing the most posts
@crystal59 - for giving out the most hearts
Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom through posts and your love through hearts- your time here helping the coven is greatly appreciated 
Click here to learn more about Activity Shout-Out Rewards
Anyone who earns a shout-out for three weeks in a row is awarded the special MMM badge (and will not be counted in Activity shout-outs again for a two-month rest period- this is so that others will have a chance to earn the badge too!) .
The legends who have won the MMM badge 5 times will no longer be counted- they have earned their place in the Forum Hall of Fame !
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W.I.T.C.Hes
Once a month, all those who kindly take the time to welcome all of the new folks in their introduction posts receive a shout-out and a special badge.
Recipients of the July 2024 W.I.T.C.H Award are:
It takes a lot of dedication to help fellow coven members feel at home here every day- thank you so much!
Click here to learn more about W.I.T.C.H Shout-Out Rewards
All those who receive a monthly Community Shout-Out are awarded the W.I.T.C.H (Welcome Into The Coven Helpers) Badge .
This badge is given to those who welcome all new members in their posts in the Introductions category. If you miss one post, don’t worry - everyone gets one freebie!
As this is a difficult badge to earn (it takes a lot of dedication to welcome so many new folks!), there are no limits to how many users can receive this monthly shout-out. This badge is just a small thank you to show appreciation for those who help their fellow coven members feel at home
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And Thank YOU! 
We’d also like to say a very big thank you to all members of Spells8
Your contributions and presence here help to make this a welcoming and supportive place for solitary witches all around the world. Thanks for being a part- Spells8 can’t exist without you! 
Any magick in your plans for the coming days? 
I’m my own worst enemy when it comes to being overwhelmed. I don’t have to go back to work until Wednesday night, so hopefully I can at least knock out a big chunk.
My goal is to get through the week and start preparing for my trip at the month’s end.
and Congratulations to everyone listed 
