🏆 Weekly Witchy CHALLENGE - Catch-Up! [Challenge #200]

[starborn]

Challenge Entry #6

Cat Magick

Weekly Witchy CHALLENGE - Cat Magick

Greetings to all! Many thanks again to those who joined in for last week’s Weekly Witchy Challenge- Wickedly Delicious With bellies full of food both blessed and delicious, you may be feeling like it’s time for a cat nap Which is purrrrfect timing, as the theme for this week’s challenge (suggested by the fan-cat-astic @Kasandra) is… [witch-5635692_1920] Cat Magick As mentioned in the latest Merry Meet Monday post, there is a very …

I have two cats, so I have to do this challenge at some point, or my two cats will never let me live it down.

I already have a spell jar to protect my cats and help them get along. It contains some whiskers, hair, claws, and a couple of gems that I’d spelled for protection and harmony. So, I started this challenge off by refreshing the power in that by lighting some incense to cleanse away any collected negativity and lighting a candle to replenish its energy with that from the universe.

Then, I made a playlist of music for our cats, who actually seem to enjoy them.

Then, it was time to work with Sekhmet. For some backstory on her and her energy, especially from a demonolater’s perspective, I wrote this post here:

@starborn

Hathor assumed various forms, most of which exuded benevolence and safeguarded the Egyptian populace. Nonetheless, when consumed by wrath, Hathor transformed into Sekhmet, the Bloodthirsty, a fearsome lioness who feasted upon the blood and terror of her adversaries.

(There are some similarities between her and the Hindu goddess Kali. Like Shiva once did, Ra had to resort to trickery to calm Sekhmet’s anger and bring her out of her killing spree.)

@starborn

Sekhmet derives her name from the adjective “sekhem,” signifying “powerful” or “mighty,” while the suffix “-t” designates a female appellation. Her numerous epithets, all equally dread-inspiring, include “She Before Whom Evil Trembles,” “Mistress of Dread,” “The Mauler,” and “Lady of Slaughter.”

https://forum.spells8.com/t/the-demonolatry-club-please-read-content-warning-part-1/44580/233?u=starborn

I started by making a playlist of music dedicated to her various aspects, including some invoking Hathor’s energy. Music is a really nice and easy way to help me immerse myself in a desired mood or state, hence why I use playlists a lot.

I don’t have anything specific dedicated to Sekhmet, so I worked up some images with the help of DALL·E. I don’t like them that much, but they inspire me to create more of my own works.

And knowing me, I can’t resist writing up something to say, so here we go:

Sekhmet, Lioness of the Sun, whose roar shakes the earth, grant me your strength in times of darkness; shield me when I stand at the precipice of fear.

You who hold the power of destruction and the grace of healing, teach me the wisdom to embrace change, guide my hands to wield force with purpose, and my heart to love with compassion.

Sekhmet, Mother of Transformation, as you once ravaged the land to purify it, purge from me all that is weak and faltering, and fortify my spirit with your indomitable might.

In your duality, I find my balance. In your fire, I find my courage. In your care, I find my solace. Bless me with your unwavering presence, and let your strength flow through me.

Ankh wedja seneb.

[starborn]

@MeganB

While reading more about these dragons, something odd struck me – most of the dragons mentioned are said to be female, even mothers…

I felt the same realising that, too. I guess I’d been used to the dragon being a masculine energy in Chinese beliefs. (Where the phoenix has taken up the feminine side, even though the phoenix itself has both a masculine and a feminine version. But things change. It’s just hard to keep up sometimes. )

[celineelise]

Challenge Entry #3
Arts Witch
Since i made my own runes last weekend. I needed to have a pouch to put them in so I got to sewing today. Since two wolves hang out with Odin. I decided to ise rhe wolf material that i scored at goodwill about a year ago in a fabric grab bag… I then used the black ribbon I havr in my crafting/ art supplies stash. I have a problem with hoarding art supplies but in times like these. I don’t regret holding onto them…
I though about the magic and clarity I wanted to bring into my life from using this bag. And then it see if my runes approved of my choice. I shuffled the runes and grabbed one. I got

So i think that means they approve?!

What do you think @tracyS ?

[tracyS]

I like it, it’s great. And is a great rune. They’ll be a guiding light to you.

[bj1]

Challenge Entry - Of Spells and String - Weavemaster

Infinity Knot Bracelet

I decided to try making the Infininty knot bracelet. Thank goodness for the pause button on the video provided in this weekly challenge. I used a silky cord I had on hand. I will try again with real parachute cord because it is stiffer and will hold its shape better and be easier to do the initial knotting. Here is my attempt:

The infinity knot can represent an unbreakable bond, enduring connections, and enduring love.
I chose dark brown cord for Virgo, my Zodiac sign.
Some of the intentions for the colour brown include: balance, courage, energy, grounding, healing, and truth.

When I redo the bracelet with real parachute cord I will use Berta’s knot prayer, shared in Knotty Magick, to give the bracelet extra power.

Lord and Lady hear me now
Your blessed will I humbly bow
I pray your power gracious be
To give this intention unto me
These knots I tie your will enable
To seal and bind let all prevail
So as its spoke so mote it be
Thank you both and blessed be.

[BryWisteria]

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 by the deadline:

→ Tuesday, June 18 at 7:00 AM ET (Eastern US Time)

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A big bravo to all those who have brought out their creativity and their talents for the Catch-Up this week so far! It has been so much fun seeing who chose which challenges and how you decided to take on the different themes. A bravo to all entrants, and a double (or triple, or quadruple, etc) bravo to all those who championed through multiple challenges - way to go!

The deadline to share an entry is fast approaching, but for those who are trying to keep up with the abundance of amazing entries- no worries! After the entry deadline passes, the challenge and all magick shared here will remain visible. Everyone is welcome to come back in and explore the crafts, wisdom, spellwork, etc of their coven members at any time.

May the creativity and talents of the coven continue to inspire and guide fellow witches for many years to come!

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

Blessed Be!

[bj1]

Challenge Entry - Solstice: Festivities of Light - Solstice Celebrant
The Summer Solstice
The summer solstice is a time for divination, healing rituals, cutting of divination rods and wands, & making witches ladders, solar discs and bonfires.
I am planning my altar for Litha. So far I have yellow, gold, and silver candles, yellow flowers, a bee, a hawk, butterflies, a dragonfly, a rowan cross, yellow ribbon, and a yellow coat hanger that may become a solar cross.

I found this cross stitch pattern for a sun symbol by Willow Polson and I may make it if I have the time.

Her pinwheels are another possibility.

On the day I will add buttercups, clover, roses, and birch leaves and boughs.
I will celebrate at noon and will ask for luck and health with this chant by Patricia Telesco:
The Sun dances,
the wind prances
within my soul,
to make me whole.
The Earth flowers
the rain showers
with magick, free,
grant fortuity.

Sources:
Wheel of the year: living the magical life. Pauline Campenelli.
A women’s book of rituals & celebrations. Barbara Ardinger.
Seasons of the sun: celebrations for the world’s spiritual traditions. Patricia Telesco.
Sabbat entertaining: celebrating the Wiccan holidays with style. Willow Polson.

[starborn]

Challenge Entry #7

Your Magickal Muse

This entry is for the Muses challenge:

Weekly Witchy CHALLENGE - Your Magickal Muse

Welcome one, welcome all! And bravo once again to everyone who joined in for last week’s Weekly Witchy Challenge - Sacred Trees and Wood After sinking our roots into Tree Magick, it’s time to plant ourselves in the spotlight for what is sure to be a truly inspirational show The challenge this week was inspired by @Garnet, is timed to a historical event happening over the next few days, and is… [Spells8 Witch Challenge Magickal Muse Creativity] …

And here is the entry:

Mnemosyne & a Journey Through Memory With the Nine Muses

Continuing the discussion from Weekly Witchy CHALLENGE - Catch-Up! [Challenge #200]: Curiously, when I embarked on this challenge, I found myself drawn to Mnemosyne, the Titaness. She is thought to be the daughter of Uranus and Gaia and became the mother of the nine Muses, who were fathered by her nephew, Zeus. (Ancient mythology can be creepy af.) Calliope Clio Polyhymnia Euterpe Terpsichore Erato Melpomene Thalia Urania Through her, I’ll go on a journey of my memories, using each …

I’m still working through the Muses, but figured I’d hit send while I have over half of them done. The rest are in a draft and waiting for me to finish them up, but I need some sleep first.

[stavroula]

@starborn

Stavroula has been doing a wonderful series on “Dress for your Venus star sign,” which has helped me understand astrology more.

Thank you
Now I am cooking up the cancer one

[celineelise]

Beautiful work my friend with all of your challenges. I especially love the parachute knot bracelet!!!

[bj1]

Challenge Entry - Sacred Trees and Wood - Custos Arborum

Ash and Birch Broom

Ash was the traditional choice for the handle of a witch’s broom. It is associated with protection, strength, healing and prosperity. The ash was referred to as Yggdrasil, the world tree, in Northern Europe. In the Ogham tree alphabet the ash stands for connection, wisdom, and surrender.
Birch twigs were used for the sweeping end of the besom, and gave it its name of “besom” and its traditional round irregular shape. The birch symbolizes purity, healing, banishing, purification, and light. In the Ogham alphabet, it stands for beginning, renewal, and youth.
There is a theory that wrapping a wand with birch twigs could disguise the wand as a common household object, thereby protecting the witch’s most important tool.
Willow was the traditional material used to bind the bristles to the shaft. Willow is sacred to the goddess. It is strongly protective and is used in love magick.
Deborah Blake says: “The broom represents the power of the witch to traverse the spirit world… The broom draws together the power of the ash, birch, and willow. The ash is the bridge tree connecting material reality with nonmaterial reality. The willow is sacred to Hecate, and as its bark strips bind the sweep to the hand of the broom, it is a reminder of what binds the witch to the Night Queen.”

I made my broom with an ash handle and birch twigs. I used twine to bind it because willow strips must be soaked overnight to be pliable. I found the birch twigs to be very brittle and too fragile for sweeping; so my besom will have to be purely decorative.
Source: The witch’s broom: the craft, lore & magic of broomsticks. Deborah Blake.

[Amaris_Bane]

Challenge Entry #9: Enchanting Chants – Chant Witch

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For this entry, I decided to create a chant I can say each morning to bring positivity to my day:

Morning Chant for Positivity

"Sunrise bright, I greet the day,
With joy and light, come what may.
Bless this home and those within,
With love and peace, let it begin.
Guide my steps, protect my path,
Grant me strength in every task.
With gratitude, my heart does sing,
I embrace the gifts this day will bring.

[Jaxblueflash]

Challenge Entry

I decided to do the Challenge: Weekly Witchy CHALLENGE- The Thrifty Witch!

Embrace the Magic of Simplicity: Cost-Free Magickal Practices

This week’s challenge really spoke to me: to engage in a magickal practice that costs very little, or even nothing at all. In a world where everything seems to come with a price tag, the idea of enhancing my magickal journey using resources already available to me felt both refreshing and empowering. Here’s how I explored the myriad ways to make magick without spending a dime.

Nature’s Bounty: Harnessing Earth’s Free Gifts

One of the most profound ways I’ve found to connect with magick is through nature. The earth provides us with an abundance of materials perfect for rituals, spells, and everyday practices.

1. Stones and Crystals: Instead of buying polished crystals, I decided to go for a walk and collect stones that resonated with me. Each stone has its own energy and can be used in various ways, from creating a sacred space to holding during meditation.
2. Herbs and Plants: I realized that many herbs and plants I use daily in cooking have powerful magickal properties. Rosemary for protection, basil for prosperity, and lavender for peace – the possibilities are endless. My garden has become my personal magickal apothecary.
3. Elements of Nature: Collecting fallen leaves, feathers, shells, or pinecones has become a new passion. These items are perfect for altars, spell work, or as symbols in rituals. Each carries the energy of the natural world and can amplify my intentions.

The Power of Words: Incantations and Affirmations

Words hold immense power. Crafting my own spells and incantations costs nothing but can have profound effects on my magickal practice.

1. Writing Spells: I’ve started using a journal to write my own spells and incantations. Personalizing them makes them more powerful as they come directly from my heart and intention.
2. Affirmations: Creating daily affirmations that align with my goals and desires has become a new habit. Repeating these affirmations shifts my mindset and attracts positive energy into my life.

Meditation and Visualization: Tools of the Mind

Our minds are our greatest magickal tools. Meditation and visualization practices require no material objects, just focus and intention.

1. Guided Meditations: I found countless free guided meditations online that resonate with my intentions, whether it’s grounding, manifesting, or connecting with my higher self.
2. Visualization Techniques: I spend a few minutes each day visualizing my goals and desires. Imagining them in vivid detail as if they are already happening helps bring my intentions into reality.

Creative Crafting: Homemade Magick

I’ve been utilizing what I already have at home to create magickal tools and items.

1. DIY Tools: Making my own wands, talismans, or charms using materials I find around my home has been incredibly fulfilling. A stick from my favorite tree has become a powerful wand when imbued with my energy and intention.
2. Sigils: Drawing or carving sigils on paper, stones, or other objects has become a fun and powerful practice. Sigils are a form of magickal art that are incredibly personal and effective.

Rituals and Ceremonies: Sacred Space and Time

Creating sacred space and engaging in rituals doesn’t require elaborate setups or expensive items.

1. Sacred Space: I dedicated a small area in my home as a sacred space. Cleansing it with intention and using it for my practices has been transformative. This space is as simple as a corner with a few meaningful objects.
2. Daily Rituals: Incorporating simple rituals into my daily routine has become second nature. Lighting a candle with intention, saying a prayer, or spending a few moments in silent reflection has built powerful magickal habits.

Conclusion

Magick is not about the materials we possess but the intention and energy we bring to our practices. This week, I embraced the challenge to do something magickal that costs little to no money. By doing so, I discovered the immense power and beauty in simplicity, reminding myself that true magick comes from within. Happy casting!

[Kiara_Astra]

Ive kinda been working on challenges all week and forgot to post until now lol.

[Kiara_Astra]

Challenge entry #1 Dealing with the divine:

Artemis recently reached out during a meditation so I have purchased this book to learn more of her history and what she likes so that I may start working with her and create an altar to her liking. I am honestly so excited to explore working with a deity! But want to take my time and make sure I do it right, I would hate to insult a deity my first time working with them.

[Kiara_Astra]

Challenge entry #2 Kitchen witchery:

I made these cookies last night and while stirring clockwise chanted “stir and stir, from left to right. Bless this home with love and light.” (Best chewing chocolate chip cookies ever!) I forgot to take a pic of the cookies before they all got devoured . To be honest I do this out of habit with any food I make that requires being stirred. I look forward to doing more magic with my cooking!

Best Chocolate Chip Cookies (Popular Recipe!) - Sally's Baking Addiction

[Kiara_Astra]

Challenge Entry #3 Nordic magic:

I hand carved these runes out of cherry wood and used some pretty gold paint to make the runes stand out. These were made as a teenager, forgotten about, almost gifted away, lost, and found again. I made them a bag in my wedding colors and we used them in a runic blessing for our handfasting out of Handfasting and Wedding Rituals. Since both my husband who is a norse practitioner and I have been working with them as part of our regular practice.

[Kiara_Astra]

Challenge Entry #4 A Witches cauldron:

This is my cauldron! I can’t remember where I got this one from, I think my mom may have got it for me when I told her I wanted to practice witchcraft? I’ve had it for years! It’s a little tarnished (my daughter used it to make potions in the garden), but it’s made of copper.

[Kiara_Astra]

Challenge Entry #5 Finding your witchy talents:

What drew me to the craft? I grew up as an only child in a gay community when being gay wasn’t acceptable, but the gay rights movement was happening. My extended family is mostly catholic, they tried to push it on me but I rebeled. I still wanted some kind of belief system but not one so restricting. That’s what drew me to wicca and paganism, the freedom to believe what one wants without judgement. The more I learned the more I fell in love with the ability to choose how I practice, and the consept that everything has magic! What matters is your prospective❤️

[Kiara_Astra]

Challenge Entry #6 Magical names:

I’m glad I spotted this one! I’ve been concidering this for awhile. I wasn’t sure if I really wanted a Magik name or not. But there is one name that keeps appearing around me, maybe it’s a sign?

Kiara
The meaning of Kiara is “bright and shining.” The name is symbolic of inner strength, wisdom and a radiant spirit. Based on its Italian origins, but it also has a celtic meaning. Kiara is also a variation of the Irish name Ciara, which means “dark-haired” or "dark-one."It really resonates with me. I love that it has both a light and a dark meaning, I am definitely not all light, but I strive to be❤️.

Another name that has been on my mind for years is Astra. Astra means star or a celestial body. Ive always been fascinated by the night sky and the beauty it holds.

Kiara Astra is what I have decided on . Next question is can I change my user name?