🎉 Weekly Witchy CHALLENGE - 13 Days of Holiday Celebrations

Ostara · December 31, 2022, 12:28pm

Challenge Entry

My last week of the New Year didn’t go as planned, but I did get a lot of witchy things done.

This time last year I was a baby witch. I have learned so much in the last year from everyone. I’ve come a long way since then thanks to all of you.

I have read a few witchy Kindle Unlimited books this week.

Yesterday morning I took a bath with sea salt, rose petals, and lavender buds.

I used an herb grinder and ground some bay leaves, clove, and cinnamon into a powder. I took a black candle and anointed it with rose oil and rolled it in my herb powder and released all negative energy.

Today I am going to sage the house, sweep all of my floors and put my protection powder on the front and back thresholds and in the corners of all the rooms.

I am also going to bury an egg outside my front door for abundance (@jessica72 gave me that idea last year).

Tonight I am going to write down everything that I want to let go of from the year and burn it away.

So, out with the old and in with the new. I hope everyone has a blessed new year!

Trixie_Thojrne · December 31, 2022, 5:01pm

CHALLENGE ENTRY

This time of year is usually so focused on preparations for the Christmas holiday that I don’t take time for myself or my practice, but this challenge has been the perfect cure for that. I was inspired by the “planner” concept and virtue themes and looked forward to thinking about what I would do to honor my practice every day. It turned into a very joyful experience and brought me a lot of peace and focus amid all the celebration and family visitors.

1st day of yule 20
Mother’s Eve - I started planning my 12th Night activities, dedicating my celebration to my feminine powers as a witch and a mother, and thinking about the glorious women who raised me and supported me!

2nd day of yule 21
Winter Solstice - ritual house cleaning and incense burning in preparation for the season, for guests, and for a joyful atmosphere. I burned a combination of cinnamon, sage, and star anise.

3rd day of yule 22
Courage - We have a tradition of baking a Yule log each year, so today my kids and I made and decorated our 2022 yule log. I added a blessing later in the day for courage in the coming year. What I love about eating your Yule log is that I feel like I’m nourishing my family with my blessing. It’s a calorie laden way to do it, but no one in my family skips dessert! I forgot to take a picture before serving dessert, but here are the remnants. It was a delicious yellow cake with peppermint buttercream frosting and originally served surrounded by greenery and topped with 3 candles.

4th day of yule 23
Truth - I am turning to the Tarot today for a little insight. Without going into detail, I have a much looked forward to opportunity in the coming year. My interpretation of this reading is a very positive outcome! I’d love to hear your insights forum.

5th day of yule 24
Honor ancestors - I am a genealogist and work to help others discover their ancestral roots, but today, as my family gathers for Christmas, I lit a light blue candle for family unity, for the ice and snow in my area this time of year, and spent some time in meditation focusing on my ancestors and how thankful I am for my life and theirs. It is truly miraculous that we exist when you consider the odds of your conception and those of every ancestor before you. Honor them, honor yourselves.

6th day of yule 25
Fidelity - I interpreted fidelity as loyalty to my practice during this busy time. In a recent episode of “The Witch Wave”, Pam Grossman interviewed Rena Anakwe who is a sound healer. I was intrigued by her musical artistry which she describes as “sound baths”. I decided to make a healing ritual of one of her “sound baths”, pairing it with an actual cleansing and protecting bath after our Christmas festivities were done. It was 20 minutes of utter bliss.

7th day of yule 26
Hospitality- Since I have a house full of guests who need to be entertained and no privacy for spellcasting, I lit all the white candles around the house at the dinner hour and as I did, whispered “bavarignis” (bav-are-ig-ni) the one word spell to strike up good conversation. “Tea And Rosemary” has a wonderful list of one-word spells I’ve bookmarked and find handy in a pinch: 10+ One Word Spells For Instant Results | Tea & Rosemary

8th day of yule 27
Discipline - I’ve been trying to tap into what my subconscious is telling me while I dream. I’ve started keeping a journal to capture some notes when I first wake up. My dreams have been pretty detailed and insightful lately, but this is really new territory for me. I have experiences during meditation, but the feeling of dreaming is different and I find it harder to interpret.

9th day of yule 28
Industriousness - Since I have been non-stop industrious over the last several weeks, I am rewarding myself with a break today.

10th day of yule 29
Self-Reliance - I gifted myself a beautiful bee and citrine necklace that I will use as a talisman. So, I blessed this item and started carrying it to charge it with energy.

11th day of yule 30
Perseverance - I used this day as a moment to reflect and focus on some intentions for the coming year.

12th day of yule 31
Twelfth Night - I am celebrating today with my kids and my husband! Happy Twelfth Night all!

Artemisia · January 1, 2023, 1:58am

My Challenge Entry Pt 1

I am very grateful for the extended deadline as there would have been no way for me to get to it last week!

Tonight I chose to do a Burn Away spell.
Since the spell calls for the candle to burn down completely, I made a shorter candle that would burn out if a few minutes.

(I’ve blurred the writing on my paper for privacy)

I held the paper out of reach of the flame and said:

Here it is written what is holding me back,
I offer it now to the flames,
Burn away these problems and strife,
That I may rise anew again."

Modified it a tiny bit since I had a few things instead of just one on the paper.

I offered the paper to the flame. The paper burned quickly.

As I watched the candle burn down, I saw the paper reignite and burn again, almost with more intensity!

I felt release, hope, and joy at the end of this ritual.

Artemisia · January 1, 2023, 2:06am

I second both of those statements! Thank you and love the verse

Garnet · January 1, 2023, 10:33am

Hey Tink!
Found a YouTube video that shows how to make snowglobes easily and inexpensively

Have fun
Garnet

Solasta_Amore · January 1, 2023, 12:19pm

Oh simply WOW! Such burning rituals always leave behind a little peace and positivity as our presents!! I love the verse you wrote like crazzyy! I know one thing for sure - “You are going to rise like Phoenix!” Blessed be!

Solasta_Amore · January 1, 2023, 12:43pm

My Challenge Entry…

Hey sweet witches!! A very Merry Meet! I want to apologize first of all for the delay in posting my entry, but of course, I also know it’s the 12th Night of Yule tonight soo, yaay! At least I made it in time! I had to rapidly work on setting up my altar and finally, finally it is Done! Though I did it quick, I prayed to the Goddess every second to bless my little sacred space…to adorn it with her sheer presence! Also, I couldn’t place the Horned God on my altar as I have yet to sculpt him (because of studies! ) and it is a very misty weather here which doesn’t suit for drying purposes! So probably it will take another 2-3 days. Anyways, I personally Love Christmas and so, I Heart Yule!! I just kept sitting before my Altar for a few long minutes…it felt so very peaceful and rejuvinating! Here are some lines poured out by my Heart, for this Yule :

"May the light engulf the shadows this Yule,
as the darkness slowly retreats,
May the Goddess be called upon by every Heart,
as our souls reach out to her magickal treats!"

Blessed 12th Night of Yule,
Love & Light

Artemisia · January 1, 2023, 10:57pm

That’s very sweet of you but credit goes to @BryWisteria , I believe. She is credited with the spell recipe. I just changed it from singular to plural :laugh:

BryWisteria · January 2, 2023, 11:45am

It’s time for a friendly reminder:

This challenge will soon close

If you would like to participate and haven’t done so already, please post about your challenge experience(s) by the deadline:

→ January 3, 7:00 AM CET (Central European Time)

Happy New Year, Infinite Roots! Although some may still be celebrating, for many the holidays are now winding down. I’d say I’d hope you all enjoyed it, but I can see from the entries shared that it was a very creative, fun, and magickal season for so many of you! Thank you to everyone who has shared their holiday magick so far

If you haven’t already shared an entry but would like to join in, this is your friendly reminder that you still have a bit of time left to do so!

Blessed Be!

Sarafeena_Sage · January 2, 2023, 9:11pm

WWC Entry 13 Days of Holiday Celebrations

This was the second year I celebrated Yule as a witch. Yule is a much better fit than Christmas for me but the entire season is really magickal no matter what or how you celebrate.
My season did not go as planned but that is ok. I think I did most of the things I wanted to do.
I made a wreath with the pine cones I collected in the fall.
I made 3 simmer pots during yule.
My husband helped me change out my Yule log. He made me one last year with a log he saved from the land fill. This year he found some Birch logs and he made me another one! He is a sweetie
I made some handmade gifts for friends and family
I read alot
Here is a picture of my wreath:

And here is a picture of my new Yule log. I don’t plan on burning this one until I feel the need.

With Real Candles

For the last day on Yule, Oath Day, it was my 17th wedding anniversary and I spent the day with my husband. I bought some red carnations because they go with this anniversary and the white snap dragons were just awesome! Check them out, they did this all on their own! They look like antlers to me

We ate lots of good food and enjoyed watching it snow, ALOT!!!
I wish everyone a wonderfully happy new year!

Bless Be

Artemisia · January 2, 2023, 11:16pm

My Challenge Entry: Parts 2, 3

Since had more time, I opted to do a few things for this challenge (although I didn’t do 12 days of challenges!).

Holiday Crafting
While I was running on Saturday, I spied windblown pine boughs that looked like perfect brooms. On my way home I collected a few to make into brooms to symbolically clean my space. I picked a black cord to bind a couple of boughs together and took inspiration from https://forum.spells8.com/t/a-little-knotty-magick/5326, I thought I’d try my hand at making a Celtic heart knot at the top of the binding.

Magickal Journaling
It was the perfect chance to try out my newly gifted fountain pens with some putting thoughts and memories to paper in my common journal.

Amaris_Bane · January 3, 2023, 2:56am

Happy New Year everyone!

For Yule, I decorated my altar with faux evergreen boughs and red berries. I also had a baby tree (again, faux b/c hubby is allergic).

During the holiday, I journaled on each of the virtues that I mentioned in my post on Nordic Traditions on the appropriate day in my Book of Mirrors. It was enlightening for me to reflect on each of these as they apply to my life.

Solasta_Amore · January 3, 2023, 5:30am

Seriously speaking here…I am captivated by your Yule Celebration!! It’s…just too too beautiful sweetie!! The Wreath caught my breath! And the Yule log was beyond words!! I do love your carnations too!!! Everything is just soo surreal! It is a beautiful entry…thank you for sharing!

Solasta_Amore · January 3, 2023, 5:36am

I am lost in the other world really. This is the effect your Yule Crafting has!! It is just magnificent dear @Artemisia !!! I do journalling all the time as I keep ordering customized journals or diaries! And the celtic knot is just incredibly made with so much sophistication!! I looooove the wind blown pine boughs broom!!! I wish I had one! Sooo much magick in one post, WOW! Amazing entry! Blessed be!

Solasta_Amore · January 3, 2023, 5:39am

Your altar is just BEAUTIFUL!! I love your decorations and specially the evergreen boughs and red berries!!! Soo pretty! Thank you for sharing and blessed be!

BryWisteria · January 3, 2023, 11:20am

This challenge is now CLOSED

The holidays have been winding down, but the energy is always up here in the coven- look at all these amazing crafts, spellwork, decorations, celebrations and more! Fantastic job to the coven and thank you so much to everyone who shared their festive and seasonal spellwork over the holidays!

A Props and Presents post will soon appear with shout-outs and prize details for everyone who submitted an entry. Please keep an eye on the main page of the forums.

Note : To avoid confusion, this discussion will be locked until the Props and Presents post appears. At that time, this thread will reopen for discussion for a few more days- comments are welcome during this time, but please note that no additional prizes will be given.

Thanks again for joining in the challenge!

Blessed be!

BryWisteria · January 3, 2023, 11:20am

The challenge deadline has passed- thank you to everyone who joined in!

BryWisteria · January 3, 2023, 12:16pm

This topic is reopening for any continued discussion and comments (feel free to respond to entries that were shared, chat about the challenge theme, etc!)

BryWisteria · January 3, 2023, 12:16pm

The Props and Presents Post for this challenge is now live in the forum and badges have been sent to all entrants!

→ Props and Presents for the Holiday Celebrations Challenge

Thank you once again to all those who joined the challenge! I hope you enjoy your new badge

This thread has been reopened for discussion- feel free to comment on the theme, ask questions or reply to entries! However, please remember that no additional prizes will be given out now that the challenge has officially closed. Thank you!

MeganB · January 3, 2023, 3:20pm

I missed this challenge but I wanted to make sure I went through and read everyone’s entries If I miss yours, I’m sorry!

Honestly, this is a goal of mine – to have enough decorations, time, and space to make my home cozy and joyous at every holiday You’re an inspiration to me there for sure!

That was such a beautiful ritual Cosmic, thank you for sharing it with us I really love your log and all of your decorations. Your altar looks perfectly suited to you! It’s interesting how you kept part of your tree from last year. I think you’re right – something knew your path was going to be changing and it was preparing ahead of time!

That’s a beautiful practice, Jessica I’m happy to hear that you’ve found someone close by that can teach and guide you! That type of support is invaluable!

It’s always nice to have the encouragement of those close to us, even if they don’t participate fully. I’m really happy that you have that! It sounds like your holiday celebrations were jam-packed and super busy. I hope you enjoyed it! Your pendants are also very pretty. I really like the one on the top left with the blue and gold. Something about it is catching my eye. Great job!

I know I’m a bit late and the Solstice was a few weeks ago but I just wanted to say that I hope you were able to find that balance with your work and your life! I think your plans to focus on self-care are great I hope that as you move into the colder months, you’re able to keep that balance!

You’re absolutely right, Garnet! I really appreciate you taking the time to highlight other Winter/December traditions and holidays around the world. They don’t get near as much time in the light as Christmas does! It sounds like you had a wonderful time as a kid with your mother during the holidays. You reminded me of these paper chain advent calendars we’d used to make at school for the holidays. I’ll have to do that this year with my daughter!

You’re really sweet to make roller bottles for your daughter and her friends I hope they appreciate them as much as I appreciate you doing it! And I’m not even there Ya know, I’m really glad that you’ve come so far in your personal journey that you can now enjoy the holidays. I know it’s really tough when things are different or you have a difficult past in relation to your family. The holidays are supposed to be filled with love, joy, and family – and I’m glad you have that now also, super jealous of that beach picture lol

And I love you, Jeannie!

This is beautiful, Amethyst, thank you for sharing this part of your life with us here

How cute! I love it I hope you enjoy working with your crystals when you get them!

Oh my Gods, can I just tell you how perfect that is?! That’s so clever! You’ve been a busy bee in the kitchen lately it seems. I love to see it!

This is perfect, for sure. I’m glad you were able to put your thoughts into motion so now you can start planning for those things you want – and kicking out the things you don’t want! You’ve come so far and had so much personal growth that I’ve seen I’m so proud of you for recognizing the things in your life that are unhealthy for you and doing what you can to balance out your days. Great job!

It looks like inspiration struck you at the witching hour!

I think that’s a perfect way to begin your Solstice celebrations I hope they went well for you!

I hope your spells and intentions were successful!

I think it’s wonderful that you and your family were able to connect and bond over your holiday celebrations. Here’s cheers to many more years of family traditions!

I loved reading about your advent spiral and the different traditions you and your family have. It’s truly inspirational – we don’t have many traditions as a family here in my house besides decorating the tree and having a pot of chili (which we didn’t even get to do this year…long story lol) I didn’t know A Boy Called Christmas was a book! I watched the movie with my daughter last year, I think? It was really, really good! I hope you enjoy it if you ever get the chance to watch it!

So mote it be!

I can feel the joy, radiance, and dedication you have to both your family and your practice in this post. Reading your entry brought me so much joy and many feelings of… something (good) I can’t quite place. Thank you so much for taking the time to share it with us!

Cheers to that!

I’m so happy to hear that your practice and altar space are bringing you so much peace and joy!

Congratulations on your second successful Yule! Even though it didn’t go as planned, you made the most of it and still counted your blessings. To me, that’s what this is all about!

It looks really good! I’ve never done something like that – was it easy?

Having lived in an RV myself, it’s always so inspiring to see how you make the most of the space you have I love your altar and everything you’ve shared with us!

There are so many wonderful entries shared here, so much tradition and love, that my heart almost can’t contain it! I know I missed this challenge myself – life, ya know? – but I am definitely inspired with some new ideas for the next Winter Solstice!