🌞 Weekly Witchy CHALLENGE - Solar Magick

[BryWisteria]

A warm welcome to all!

Thanks again to all of the very brave souls who joined in for last week’s Weekly Witchy Challenge- Freedom in Forgiveness

Last week involved surpassing the shadows to find the light within, so this week get ready for a relaxing break. It’s time to celebrate the season and bask in the soothing light of the sun!

The theme for this week’s challenge- inspired by the upcoming solstice and suggested by the bright @Kasandra- is…

Solar Magick

The solstice is approaching!

For those in the Northern Hemisphere, it is time for Yule and the Winter Solstice- a light in the dark season that promises the return of the sun . Friends in the Southern Hemisphere celebrate Litha and the Summer Solstice- a time to bask in the glow of the sun at its strongest

Regardless of where you are in the world, the time of the solstice marks a very blessed period to cast magick that draws on the sun!

Are you ready to shine?

Because it’s… CHALLENGE TIME!

Art by Karen Whitworth: Winter Solstice- The Light Returns

STEP 1 : Solar Magick

There are many ways to use the sun in your magick practice! To help you get started, here are just a few suggestions you might pursue in the challenge this week:

Learn more about Solar Magic
→ Suggestions for Magick with the Sun

Work with a Sun Deity
→ Such as Brigid, Ra or other Deities of the Sun

Make Sun Salts
→ Magickal Sun Salts

Chant (or write your own!) Sun Prayer, Chant, or Blessing
→ Devotional Prayer for the Sun

Explore spells suited for the Day of the Sun (“Sunday”!)
→ Sunday Magic Spells

Charging by the Sun
→ Sunlight for Charging Your Magickal Tools

Cast Sun Spells or Rituals
→ Sunshine Oil Potion
→ Sunburn Relief Magickal Oil Blend

Kitchen Witchery with Solar Magick
→ Golden Glow Oats
→ Sun Tea

Work with the Solar Plexus Chakra
→ Solar Plexus Chakra Grid
→ Third Chakra Ritual

Sunlight Gratitude Rituals
→ Gratitude for the Sun Spellwork

…And more!

Let your creativity shine brightly this week- feel free to pursue Solar Magick in a way that fits best with your personal magickal practice!

Art by Kim Dreyer: Sun Goddess

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STEP 2 : Share Your Experience

Click here for notes about challenge inclusivity

Everyone is welcome to join the challenge by practicing magick in line with the current theme. For those who don’t feel comfortable sharing, it is absolutely okay to follow along with the challenge but keep your entry personal. Feel free to join in spirit and do what feels most comfortable for you!

That being said, please know that if you would like to receive a prize and a public shout-out, it is required that you share your experience.

To participate in the challenge, please share:

1. How you used solar magick in your magickal practice this week

For your entry to be counted, please write about your experience in the comments below and/or create a new thread in the forums.

Note : If you choose to create a new thread, please tag the challenge by adding a hyperlink back to this post so that I can easily find it- thank you!

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This challenge will close in 6 DAYS

To join in, please share your experience by:

Tuesday, December 21st at 7:00 AM EST (Eastern Standard Time)
( 2021-12-21T12:00:00Z )

For their efforts, all participants will receive a special shout-out and a small prize!

Acknowledgments will be given in a Props and Presents Post that will appear in the forums on Tuesday.

After the challenge closes, you are still very welcome to post but please be aware that no additional prizes will be given.

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Art by Cathy McClelland: Golden Lion

A warm reminder that all challenges are designed to be very open- everyone is encouraged to participate in a way that honors and reflects their unique practice

If you have any doubts about if something is acceptable to post or say, please double-check with the Forum FAQ and/or reach out to your friendly Moderator Team .

And for those new to challenges- welcome! Know that the goal of these activities is to help you further diversify and strengthen your abilities and to bring together the Spells8 forum family to inspire and support one another in creative ways

Art by Pauline Brennen: Tarot (Sun)

Glowing and golden, it chases the night
The rays of the sun- blinding and bright!
A scorching desert or a shimmer on dew-
How you wield solar magick is all up to you!

Blessed be and Happy Solstice!

[Susurrus]

I really like this one, I will admit that I do a lot more solar energy things of all kinds during the end of Spring through the beginning of Fall. However, I have found myself outside a lot more during the cooler parts of both Spring & Fall & working with Fire a lot more too. Lots of changes in the past year for me I hope the weather stays nice & maybe I can do my new meditation that involves sitting at the base of a tree either facing the Sun or not, so I have the perfect tree that involves joining with the light from the sun

[Kasandra]

I can’t decide what to do (I want to do everything), but I’m sure I’ll think of something.

[jem1]

This is going to be a challenge.I’m in England and the sun has ran away

[janis]

@BryWisteria

Work with the Solar Plexus Chakra
→ Solar Plexus Chakra Grid
→ Third Chakra Ritual

Perfect timing for a Solar Plexus Healing!

[MeganB]

Oh cool! I’ve got The perfect thing to do for this!

[Amethyst]

Huh. I got myself a whole book on Sun Magic a few weeks ago. I’ll have to go over it again and see what I can find!

[jessica72]

Thank you @BryWisteria for another amazing challenge and thank you to @Kasandra for a brilliant topic. Hmmmm this one got me thinking….

Ok so charging all of my crystals is a given! I have been meaning to do it for days now as I knew that they were running low, I could just feel it, but have been a slacky malacky.

I was just kind of gazing at my altar and I realised that a lot of my practice is in the shadows; I am obsessed with moonstones, adore moon magic rituals, I have a dark pendulum board and a black tourmaline pendulum and a deck of Dark Grimoire Tarot and Tattoo Tarot cards with a bit darker images which were the very first ones I was drawn to. I know that I’ve always been a bit of a Goth so that all fits my personality.

I have multiple books on moon magic but not one for the sun, and I’ve never even thought about it until now. I’m sure in my endless stash of books I’ll find just what I need. I think this is the perfect timing to take the inspiration shared to me by our beloved @BrightBear and work with my Solar Plexus Chakra to help heal from that weird reaction that I think I had from my emotional healing spell jar.

I really appreciate this challenge how it encourages me to come out of the darkness (especially from last week’s challenge) and come a little bit more into the sunlight. Not be such a magical vampire and stay in the shadows so much.

Thanks everyone, once again this seems to be exactly what I need at exactly the right time.

Oh and if just by luck this was this morning’s card that I drew!

[BryWisteria]

@Susurrus That sounds like a lovely meditation idea, Siofra- it’s that time of year here where every bit of sunlight is really appreciated! I hope the weather continues to be nice and mild and that you find a lovely and warm spot of sunshine to enjoy

@Kasandra So many choices! Thanks again for such a great challenge idea, the possibilities really are endless. Looking forward to seeing what you choose to do!

@Jem1 No worries, Jem- it’s been really cloudy lately here as well! Sometimes solar magick is less about drawing on outside sunlight, and more about fighting the fiery light of life within Good luck and have fun with it!

@Janis Nice choice, Janis! Looking forward to hearing about your Solar Plexus Healing- good luck and enjoy!

@MeganB Ohhhhhh~ can’t wait to hear about it!

@Amethyst That sounds like great timing- I hope the book will have some fun and creative ideas for you to consider!

@Jessica72 You’re very welcome, Jessica- it sounds like you’ve got some great ideas to pursue for solar magick! I don’t think you’re alone about having a focus on moon and night energy- moon magick is definitely one of (if not the) most popular aspects of magick I know you dug very deep through the shadows for last week’s challenge, so I hope this week helps to nurture your beautiful inner light to burn ever brighter And PERFECT card to draw for the challenge- you are really in tune with your deck! Good luck and have fun!

[Garnet]

Sun Magick
Most of the Ancient cultures practiced sun worship in one form or another. The Aboriginal cultures of Australia still do at times.
Many of the Native American peoples practice a “Sun Dance” as a way to honor the sun as the Great Spirit, as well as to bring the dancers visions.
There were many ancient Deities associated with the sun, Ra from Egypt, and Horus. Huitzilopochtli (Aztec) was a warrior god of the sun.
Off the top of my head I don’t remember any more (although I did cheat and look up Huitzilopochtli name because I couldn’t spell it, my bad).
As far as practicing sun magic, I do make Sun Tea and haven’t harmed anybody yet. I never can remember, sugar first or tea, oh well. Good Luck every one.
Much love and many blessings
Garnet

[BryWisteria]

Thank you for sharing your solar magick wisdom , Garnet! And no worries- I think I could study that name for a semester and I’d still struggle to spell it! As for the Sun Tea, sugar or tea whatever works for you- when it’s made with love I’m sure it will always turn out delicious

Many thanks for sharing!

[Garnet]

Wait a minute! Is that a mimosa in that pretty glass? I’ll take 2 please.


:

Garnet

[debra2]

I like this challenge “Solar Magic”, just not too sure how much time I can devote to it though. Between my different families if I will make the deadline, although I will do my best as I can.

Blessed be
Debra

[Susurrus]

Solar Magick Challenge Entry

I know that it sounded like I had this great idea, but then it was like I forgot what I wanted to do until it was in the low 60s-ish today instead of 20 degrees lower, as is normal for this time of year here… anywho

I got myself changed & brought my Palmstones of Clear Quartz & Black Tourmaline with me. I placed my chair in my backyard where the sun was shining the brightest. I got comfortable & slipped off my shoes so my feet were planted in the grass with some, what looked like mini-clover.

I did the guided meditation to Meet Your Tree Spirit Ally. I held the Clear Quartz in my right open hand & the Black Tourmaline in my left open hand. I have had to really work on protecting & cleansing my energies the last few weeks & I have finally gotten to a place where I can feel what works. The sun kept me warm & the only coolness that I felt was at the bottoms of my feet where they were in contact with the land, but that faded in & out depending on where I was at with the meditation. I will have to do it another time also, it’s a really great meditation & really pulled me into it. I don’t know how else to describe it but the feelings, sights, sounds, feelings were there.

I could feel the crystals each with their own qualities settling into my hands in the sunlight. My bare hands were very comfortable. Then when it was time to come back, I did so slower than I usually do & when we got to the part where you open your eyes, it took my eyes a minute to focus on the here & now. Also not sure how to describe it

Once I was finished, I walked around my backyard then back up to the house. When I got into the house, I settled in & have been feeling pretty good ever since.

@debra2 please don’t worry too much about meeting the deadline. Take care of yourself first & there will be another chance to tackle this challenge in a few weeks. We will all be here for you when you are able to return, or whenever you need us to be.

[debra2]

@Susurrus Thank you, I will try and I will be taking some self-love and self-care. I do realize that I’m at a time where I need, to take care of myself, so I will. Thank you all for being so kind and thoughtful at this time,

[jessica72]

Challenge entry:

Part 1:

Oakey dokey artichokey… firstly I wanted to act upon the amazing information shared with me by the beautiful @BrightBear to work with my Solar Plexus Chakra so I followed the link to the Third Chakra Ritual to complete the guided meditaion.

Here’s the link to see the incredible information that was so generously shared with me by our @BrightBear: Physical reaction to healing spell?

Ok, so with all of my Lupus medication I can’t be out in direct sunlight for excessive periods of time, so I decided to utilize my most favourite time of the morning where I feel most at peace to do my meditation and spell work outside in the early hour’s morning sunlight (around 5:30am). (I start work early so I’m always up early on my days off… no rest for the wicked ) No incense, no music, just me, the Sun and Mother Earth.

During the meditation I decided to rest a piece of citrine -I added an affirmation to my citrine crystal “I release myself from the past” (for a boost in self-esteem and to bring about a more vibrant and positive flow of energy throughout the body) in my hands while using the ‘Dyhana’ placement for my hands (for inner peace and tranquillity).

I really felt that my meditation went well. I felt so calm. The citrine was absolutely buzzing with energy. I felt the energy move through me. Coming out of the meditation was slower than usual. It took a little longer than normal. It was just so nice sitting out in the sunshine.

I would also like to share these two… I did these after my meditation…

These came from The Little Book of Earth Magic: Connect to the Magic of the World around You by Sarah Bartlett

Part 2:

‘Ritual to Embrace the Self-Confidence of the Sun’

Self-awareness and self-acceptance help us to acceptance help us to accept and be more aware of others and the whole of the planet in turn. Solar energy magic enables us to be more confident in ourselves whatever our strengths and weaknesses, and to shine in whatever we do, allowing others to shine in their own way too. This Sun salutation will enable to you to connect with the Sun’s empowering energy, so that you can spread sunny joy all around you.

You will need:

• 3 gold ribbons or twine
• 1 piece of Tiger’s Eye - I added an affirmation to my tigers eye crystal “I acknowledge my own self-worth”

1. On a sunny day, walk outside and find a private space where you can perform your Sun salutation. Then bind the three gold ribbons in a plait or a braid, and repeat: ‘Solar light, bring me your grace so that every day I am aligned to your power, and in touch with my true self.’

2. Now place the tigers’ eye on the ground and encircle it with the gold plait.

3. Sit cross-legged before your solar offering and raise your arms above your head and your face to the sky. Make sure to close your eyes and avoid looking directly at the Sun! Bow forward and let your arms touch the ground. Repeat this five times, and then sit in a comfortable position again.

4. Repeat the above incantation and your tiger’s eye will be charged with solar energy. You can now carry it with you as a talisman and it will aid you in creating positive results and joyful times. Place the gold plait in a box for safe keeping. You can repeat this ritual anytime you need a boost of solar self-confidence.

This ritual felt amazing. The bowing felt so natural and peaceful. I do admit it felt so good. I did it twice.

Part 3:

’Sunflower Spell for Self-Esteem’

This practice is best carried out in an outdoor space where the Sun will shine full down on you at midday. (Please wear appropriate Sun protection when working in this way.) If that’s not possible, you can create a special space in your home by attaching an image of the Sun to a wall or ceiling.

You will need:

• 60 centimetre (2-foot) length of golden twine or ribbon
• 12 sunflower seeds

1. If you are working outside, let the Sun shine on you and open yourself to its power. Next, lay the ribbon or twine in a circle and focus on its centre. Imagine it to be the world; then imagine it to be the Sun or a sunflower waiting to burst into bloom.

2. Now place the seeds, one by one, into the middle of the circle to represent the twelve signs of the zodiac through which the Sun passes.

3. Repeat the following charm to bring yourself personal fulfillment and give goodness to the world at the same time: ‘’With this sunflower circle, I bring myself the joy and light of all that is in the universe.’

4. Sit for a moment in gratitude, then unwind the circle, take the sunflower seeds and store them safely away. Keep the seeds in the same place for twenty-four hours to promote all aspects of the Sun’s power for renewed self-esteem.

This spell felt so good. I just sat so quietly with my mind at peace, following the steps. I think that I may plant my little sunflower seeds to add a little brightness and cheer to my garden.

I had such a beautiful morning. Denzel came to join me to enjoy some sunshine. Togther we soaked up the warmth like little lizards.

Thank you everyone for taking the time to read my entry! Hope those spells/rituals are of use to someone else too!

[RyuWyn]

@BryWisteria and @Kasandra thanks a lot for bringing up this challenge. We take the sun for granted sometimes, and even more when you live in a place without seasons. It’s really a good time to be grateful to the God Sun and bring its energy to our lives

I’m thinking of activating my solar plexus by doing the meditation recommended + sun salutation tomorrow

I wish you all good luck with what you’re going to do!

Blessed be !

[RyuWyn]

Hey Garnet!

We indeed have had venerated the God Sun for centuries. For example, in my country (Colombia) one of our ancestors ‘The Muiscas’ used to worship the God Sun called ‘Soacha’, and there’s a whole story behind it. In fact, there’s a town called Soacha and on the other side another town named ‘Chia’, the Moon Goddess for the Muiscas, and in between, you can find Bogotá, the capital city and the place that I was born. I find it interesting now that I think of it, looks like a good place for a witch to be born, haha.

Thank you for your love and blessing, sending the same back to you

[Jeannie1]

I have storming up ideas for this challenge!
Jeannie

[Kasandra]

Shoutout to @phoenix_dawn for the idea of making sun salts!

I haven’t made them yet, but I will for Yule. I changed the ingredients a bit and added my own chant. My best friend collected some herbs (dandelion petals for one) during the fall and gave them to me as part of my Yule/Christmas present.

Yuletide Sun Salts

You will need:
Sea salt
Orange peels (or orange essential oil)
Dandelion petals
Ground Ginger

1. At dawn on the winter solstice, gather your ingredients.

2. First, add orange peels and say:
   The Wheel of the Year turns
   Second, add dandelion petals and say:
   The great solar dragon (or The God or the name of a solar deity that your work with) returns
   Third, add ground ginger and say:
   The days become bright
   Finally, add sea salt and say:
   Spring is in sight

3. Set the salts in the sun and leave them there until sunset.

4. Use them as an offering to the newborn solar dragon (or any solar deity of your choosing) or in spellwork at Yule.