💀 Weekly Witchy CHALLENGE - Spooky Season Spellwork

[BryWisteria]

Please be aware that some of the seasonal topics explored in this space may be difficult for some (CW: death, bones, etc). Please be mindful if you choose to proceed.

Merry meet!

Thank you once again to all those who joined in for last week’s Weekly Witchy Challenge - Witch Aesthetics

After honoring our personal witchy style last week, we’re going full-on spooky season. Bring out your best for this haunted time of year!

The theme for this week’s challenge is inspired by the season and is…

Spooky Season Spellwork

Spirit summonings, potion brewing, pumpkin magick and more-
We’re celebrating the spookiest time of the year!

“Spooky season” is that bone-tingling time of year leading up to Halloween. In the Northern Hemisphere, it is a time of growing darkness and transformative energies when the Viel is at its thinnest. In the Southern Hemisphere, Beltane is also a time of shifting and metamorphosis. And no matter where in the world you call home, Halloween falls at the end of October - it is, perhaps, the witchiest holiday of all!

This week we’re honoring the spooky season with “spooky” magick. What does that mean? Well, it’s largely up to you - what kind of magickal or pagan activities do you associate with Halloween/Samhain? From spirit summonings, ancestor altars, and working with Ouija boards to transformative magick of change and setting Witches’ New Year Goals to carving pumpkins or decorating for Halloween - the choice is yours this week

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This week’s challenge is all about spooky magick - how you choose to take on this theme is up to you.

So are you ready? Because it’s…

CHALLENGE TIME!

Picture from Spells8: Bone Magick

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STEP 1 : Spooky Magick

This challenge is all about magick of the spooky season - but as always, feel free to explore the theme in a way that aligns with you and your unique practice.

Still not sure where to begin? To help you get started, here are a few ways in which a witch might approach this challenge.

Please make sure you are logged into your Spells8 Account so you can view all of the resources shared!

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Spirit Work

How to Talk to Spirits

What is the Veil? Spiritual Connection Between Life and Death

Summerland: Beauty of the Afterlife

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Deities of Death and Darkness

Dark Goddesses

Hades, King of the Underworld

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Ancestor Work

How to Make an Ancestor Altar

How to Connect with Ancestors

Create a Candle for Ancestor Worship

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Potion Brewing

A Witch’s Guide to Brewing Teas and Potions

Protection Potion Recipe

15 Simple Potion Recipes for Beginners

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Samhain / Beltane Prep

Samhain Rituals for the Witches’ Sabbat

Beltane Rituals

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Seasonal Crafts

i
Witch Lore: Pumpkin Carvings

Making Brooms/Besoms

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… And More!

The suggestions above are just a few ideas to help kickstart your creativity- if you feel called to explore spooky magick in another way, you are welcome to do so!

As always, all witches are encouraged to embrace their own unique practice with how they explore the challenge theme

Witchy Music For Samhain 🎃 Moody, Dark, Instrumental Music [NO MID ADS]

Witchy Music for Samhain from Samhain Symbols for a Pagan Holiday

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STEP 2 : Share Your Experience

Click here for a note about challenge inclusivity

Everyone is welcome to join the challenge by practicing magick in line with the current theme. For lurkers and 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.

Getting Your Credit

In order for your entry to be counted, all you have to do is write/share about your experience and label it as your challenge entry. There is a lot of chatting here (which is awesome- chatting and discussion are very welcome!) so please clearly write that it is your entry so I know to count it!

Where Should I Share My Entry?

Click here to learn where to share your challenge entry

You are welcome to post it right here- just click “reply” to this post and write your experience in the text box that pops up!

Alternatively, you could create a new post in the forum (this is good for when you have a lot to share and/or would like to discuss aspects of your entry not related to the current theme)

Note : If you do choose to create a new thread, please add the “challenge-entry” tag and/or add a hyperlink back to this post so that it can be easily found- thank you!

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Deadline

This challenge will close in 6 DAYS

To join in, please share your experience by:

Tuesday, October 29 at 7:00 AM EDT (Eastern US Time)
2024-10-29T11:00:00Z

(Note that the time zone is ET- if you don’t see your time displayed above, you can use this time zone calculator to check for your time zone!)

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Prizes

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. This discussion will remain open for about a week after the challenge finishes.

Pictures by @Satans_Helper, shared in Using a Ouija Board Safely

A warm reminder that the 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

Pictures by @MeganB, shared in Cemetary Magick

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Spooky season is in full swing
So c’mon, witches, and do your thing!
'Tis the season of ghosts and ghouls,
Of hauntings, brews, and magickal tools
A thinning Veil and worlds between,
The sacred season of Halloween!

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Blessed Be

[john1]

This is my entry:
I do pendulum readings and connected my spirits in my house doing a yes and no questions love doing it

Another thing was I was told : the under world is challenging me now I say being it on . I know I will pass my trials

[tracyS]

Challenge Entry

This is a gorgeous 25 minute vlog on celebrating the October season. If you live near Massachusetts, lucky you, I’m miles away , because she features Salem and it’s amazing this time of year.

So I thought I’d borrow some of her ideas and modify for this challenge.

1 Make a spell pouch as a gift to bring happy vibes through the dark months, fill it with pumpkin smells, darker crystals like tourmaline and obsidian, a garlic, and give it a demons blessing, I was thinking Malphas.

2 Treat yourself to a new spell book or spirit book, you’re worth it.

3 Carve out your pumpkin, put a tea-light in it, and put a little plate next to it with a nice Halloween styled cupcake, and do a nice little thankyou ritual to one of the death demons for watching over any drifting souls, for me that would be Eurynomous

4 Make a spirit board, take a large piece of card, pick a design you like, create it yourself imbuing it with your energy, make a planchette out of a box and cut a hole in it, decorate it. And when you’re ready, protect yourself with any gods/crystals, however you practice, and have a chat with ancestors.

5 Take a drive or walk, and look at other people’s Halloween decorations, be inspired, decorate your own home, and re- do/bless any wards you have. Thank the gods/demons, or whoever watches over you for their protection this year. Maybe give them a sweet treat too.

Enjoy the video

ROMANTICIZING OCTOBER: A GUIDE 👻🎃 trip to salem, boo baskets, pumpkin spice breakfast & fall outfits

[Ostara]

Beautiful ideas and I really enjoyed the video. Thanks for sharing Tracy.

[tracyS]

Aww thankyou lovely

[Artemisia]

I’m not sure what I’ll end up doing, but for now, I’m thinking of finishing my bone casting set. Once it’s complete (at least for now), I plan to consecrate and charge the pieces, make a couple of casting mats, and then try the full set out.

[tracyS]

“Sounds marvellous” to quote Hocus Pocus

I’m curious what book your using for reference on how to bone cast, I haven’t found much good stuff.

[Ostara]

I have to work the next 6 nights and I didn’t want the callenge to get away from me.

Challenge Entry

Last month on a candle challenge, I made an anscestor candle. It’s almost time for Novembers candle, so this worked out perfect! Instead of melting the wax, I used beeswax and rolled in in the herbs and crystals. I also wrote a little note in oil on the flat beeswax sheet before rolling it. The whole time I was working on this candle, Booger was running back and forth through the house like something was chasing her.

[tracyS]

@john1 You will pass your trials, then enjoy cake cheering you on.
@Ostara That’s so pretty

[john1]

@tracyS thank you for the support boost I need smile

[georgia]

Challenge Entry

Forgive my use of the other name of this sacred holiday. It refers to the popular holiday rather than the religious one.

Halloween has always been a bit different for me. No one asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up- probably a left over from expectations of children inheriting their parents’ careers or the old fashioned idea that women were worthless unless they had children. Anyway, I learned to ask myself what I wanted and to consider the answer sacred.

Halloween was not just the candy for me. It was the social event of the year. At the same time, it wasn’t all about the fear and gore it has become. I guess I was more attuned to the “new year” idea from my earliest days. I looked forward into my life and made wishes for my future.

This Samhain, I seem to be ready to turn things around a bit. I’ve been focused on memory more than usual. So I choose to run with it.

I’ve been noticing my belief system has changed. It’s a bit unnerving to see such a thing. I’m beginning to question everything- a throwback to my favorite part of philosophy.

A couple weeks ago, I noticed the desire to review my initial wishes for my beliefs, just to see more clearly how the beliefs have changed over time, whether I want to continue the path I find myself upon, and how to continue from here. It has been tricky to remember what definitions I used to live by. I watched movies from my childhood to remind me what I’d thought and wanted and believed.

What I wanted of Magic:

Bring happiness to all. True happiness, not the cheap thrills of having cash in hand or roller coaster rides. The short forms of happiness are necessary to help rebuild after trauma or illness, but the longer forms carry us through better.

To be able to use a summoning charm if I forgot something or had too much to carry.

To help with basic chores when sick or in pain.

To escape from abuse.

To assist in survival during hard times.

To learn secrets, forgotten wisdom, and disguised Truth.

To make favorite things come to life for comfort and companionship when lonely.

Miniaturizing and growth spells for packing so I didn’t have to leave so much behind whenever I moved.

To give care to the rejected.

Others have made rules against many of these. I can see how the spells could be used by the young to create laziness. Yet sometimes they are needed by the elders and disabled to continue, to survive.

I have enjoyed my path so far, despite the changes from learning the expectations and definitions of others. The philosophy of shadow work has been enjoyable and enlightening, though difficult at times. I’ve always enjoyed learning. Best of all, I appreciate the acceptance I’ve found, allowing me to be more myself so I didn’t have to follow the expectations of others in my life.

[tracyS]

This was a lovely read.

@georgia

I’ve been noticing my belief system has changed. It’s a bit unnerving to see such a thing.

I feel you on this, I wonder if it’s an expansion of the mind and soul as we experience life

[georgia]

That’s part of it. Another part is the learning process in general. We start out with our own ideas, fostered in a protective family atmosphere. As we learn about and experience life and meet new people, others have their own ideas. Then we learn to adapt to their definitions or create combinations with our own. Eventually, we don’t recognize the path or forget the original patterns. I’m not saying it’s bad, just unnerving to those who were raised in a strict environment. Attitudes about things that change are usually the last to be healed.

[Cosmic_Curiosity]

Challenge Entry

This is an important period for me as it is when I commemorate the death and rebirth of my deity Osiris. The timing changes each year but it falls between mid Oct and mid Nov. I have outlined my plans for this year. The Kemetic dates are shown with our calender dates in brackets. IV represents the 4th month Akhet is the season and the end number is the day of the month so IV Akher 12 means it’s the 12 day of the 4 month of the season of Akhet.

IV Akhet 12 (Nov. 14th) - Forming the earth

On this day, I will create a mound of earth which is formed into the shape of Osiris. Seeds will be scattered on top and it will be watered. This will be created on a solid surface and kept covered in my greenhouse until it is required. Water it each day as required.

IV Akhet 14 (Nov. 16th) - Ritual marking the death of Osiris

1. Purify the ritual space and myself. Visualise negative or stagnant energies being cleared.

2. Prayer of Gratitude for Osiris:

Mighty Osiris,
I kneel here to express my deepest gratitude,
For the blessings you bring and the wisdom you bestow.
Thank you for your eternal guidance and protection,
As I navigate the cycles of life, death, and rebirth.
I honour your role as the bringer of fertility and abundance,
For the fertile lands and bountiful harvests you provide.
Osiris, I am grateful for your presence in my life,
And I express my heartfelt thanks for all that you do.

3. Light candles to symbolise the divine presence.

4. Invoke the presence of Osiris by reciting his name and titles. Call upon his transformative power and ask for his continued guidance and protection. Visualise his energy surrounding you and filling the room.

Osiris, mighty god of the underworld,
I invoke your presence in this sacred space.
With each word spoken and each candle lit,
I call upon your transformative power.
Fill this space with your divine energy,
As I seek your guidance and blessings.
Osiris, I honour your eternal spirit,
And welcome you into my midst.

5. Recite the story of Osiris’ murder and resurrection.

In ancient times, a tale unfolds,
Of Osiris, his story holds,
A chant of sorrow, reverence deep,
His murder’s mark, forever steep.
Osiris, god of fertile lands,
Betrayed by Set, with wicked hands,
Ensnared in darkness, deceit’s embrace,
His life cut short, a sacred space.
His body torn, his spirit shattered,
In scattered fragments, hope was tattered,
Isis, his beloved, wept in despair,
To piece him back, her solemn prayer.
Chant with reverence, voices rise,
Recall the pain, the mournful cries,
Osiris’ sacrifice, a cosmic dance,
A journey through death, a second chance.
From every corner, Isis sought,
His scattered limbs, no love forgot,
With magic words, she wove her might,
And breathed new life into the night.
Anubis, with his wisdom’s grace,
Nephthys, gentle in her embrace,
They stood beside, their strength bestowed,
Guiding Isis through the shadowed road.
Chant the verses, let them flow,
Echoes of loss, our voices show,
In sacred rhythm, honor their aid,
Anubis and Nephthys, never to fade.
Reflect on cycles, life and death,
The lessons learned with every breath,
In darkness, seeds of hope take root,
Osiris’ story, a resounding truth.
Chant the tale of Osiris’ plight,
The murder, the mourning, the eternal fight,
Through ancient words, invoke their power,
In this ritual’s sacred hour.
As voices blend and spirits soar,
I honour Osiris evermore,
With each chant, their legacy we reclaim,
In reverence, I invoke his name.

6. Prepare the statue by wrapping it in a clean cloth. As you wrap the statue, visualise it as a symbol of Osiris’ body being restored and prepared for resurrection. Place the wrapped statue in a prominent position within the ritual space. Place a statue of Anubis in front as protection.

7. Offer a prayer for the return of Osiris. Call upon his strength and resilience to overcome darkness and bring forth renewal.

O Osiris, whose light was dimmed by the hands of betrayal,
I beseech you to hear our fervent plea.
As I stand in this sacred space, I yearn for your return,
To bring forth renewal, restoration, and divine justice.
I call upon your strength and resilience,
To overcome the darkness that shrouds our world.
May your divine energy ignite the flame of rebirth,
And guide me towards a future filled with hope and light.
Osiris, I pray for your triumphant resurrection,
And eagerly await the return of your divine presence

8. Prepare an offering to Osiris to assist in his resurrection. This could be a small piece of food, a libation, or a heartfelt written message. Place the offering near the statue.

Oh Osiris, beloved and revered,
Accept this offering, with hopes endeared.
With utmost devotion, I bring to your side,
A gift to assist in your revival’s stride.

9. Offer a closing prayer or affirmation.

Osiris, I thank you for your presence here,
With deep gratitude, my heart sincere.
With gratitude and reverence, my spirit aligns,
Embracing blessings, as Osiris’ light shines.

Each day, I will place a green stone next to the wrapped statue to represent Isis finding each body part.

IV Akhet 16 (Nov. 18th) - Opening of the House

The doors and windows of the house will be opened to cleanse it. It will also be cleansed using incense.

Meditation - Reflect on the story of Osiris’ death and the time when his body was scattered and lost. Consider the emotions and experiences associated with this period, such as grief, darkness, and the longing for his return. Also think about your own experiences of loss, challenges, or times when you have felt disconnected from a source of guidance or support. Envision the return of Osiris and the restoration of balance and harmony.

After an appropriate amount of time, gently bring your awareness back to the present moment. Take a few deep breaths and gradually open your eyes, grounding yourself in the ritual space once again.

IV Akhet 18 (Nov. 20th) - God on the 34 Boats

In ancient times, 34 boats, each with the name of a God were sailed on the sacred lake of the temples. This represented the Gods joining in the search fornOsiris’ body. I will make in oragamini boat, writing the name of the 34 Gods. I will place it next to the wrapped statue of Osiris on my altar, representing their desire to search for him.

IV Akhet 19 (Nov. 21st) - Mummy Presented to Daylight

The earth mummy will be removed from my green house and placed outdoors, where it will be exposed to the daylight for 5 days as a symbol of the power of light to promote growth and renewal.

IV Akhet 22 (Nov. 24th) - Interment of the Boats

In ancient times, the 34 boats of the Gods would be paraded for all to see before being interned. I will remove the boat from my altar, walk it to the earth mummy in the garden and bury it within to symbolise the assistance of the Gods in Osiris’ resurrection.

IV Akhet 24 (Nov. 26th) - Burial of the Earth Mummy

The earth mummy will then be buried under the surface of the Earth in my garden but the spot will continue to be waters to promote growth of the seeds. Their appearance through the ground acts as the symbol of Osiris rebirth.

IV Akhet 25 - 29 (Nov. 26th - Dec. 1st)- Mourning of Osiris

Daily prayer asking for Osiris return:

O Osiris, whose light was dimmed by the hands of betrayal,
I beseech you to hear our fervent plea.
As I stand in this sacred space, I yearn for your return,
To bring forth renewal, restoration, and divine justice.
I call upon your strength and resilience,
To overcome the darkness that shrouds our world.
May your divine energy ignite the flame of rebirth,
And guide me towards a future filled with hope and light.
Osiris, I pray for your triumphant resurrection,
And eagerly await the return of your divine presence.

IV Akhet 30 (Dec. 2nd) - Raising the Djed

The djed represent the backbone of Osiris, it is a symbol of his rebirth and of stability. A djed image is placed on my altar as well as on the area outside where the mummy is buried. Green candles are lit on the altar and the statue is unwrapped as a symbol of the resurrection. I end the celebration with an Egyptian style stew and flatbread.

When the time comes, I plan to create a running post with updates on my progress of commemorating the festival.

Blessed be

Alan

[Mystique]

Challenge Entry

I will be doing a voodoo spell to contact my ancestors.

Items needed:

Glass of rum

Incense sticks
Black cloth
Red candle
Ivory candle
Bowl of water
Parchment paper
Manuka oil

Set up the altar:
Places the incense sticks on the black cloth in a triangle shape. Place the red candle inside the triangle shape. Set the ivory candle, rum, bowl of water outside the triangle.

Ceremony
Light the Ivory candle
Ask Papa Legba to open the doors and allow only my ancestors to pass.
Light the red candle with the flame from the ivory candle
Write the word ancestors (or names if you know exactly who you wish to speak with) on the paper.
Place the bowl of water inside the triangle.
Rub the manuka oil onto the paper.
Burn the paper with the ivory candle. You can do this by either holding the paper and letting the ashes fall into the water or putting the paper into a fire proof dish or cauldron.
Mix the paper ashes into the water reciting an incantation wherein you ask the ancestors to come forward, speaking through the water. The exact words are not important as long as your basic concept is communicated.
Once the incantation is said, the spirit should appear like a reflection in the water. The water may shake at first, this is ok, it’s the spirit coming through. You may need to repeat the incantation several times before they hear you.
Once they appear talk to them as if they are standing next to you.

When finished speaking to the spirits, release them back to where they came from.
Ask papa Legba to close the gates and let him know you have left him an offering of [spoiler]rum/spoiler].
Extinguish the red candle by pinching out the flame, then extinguish the ivory candle in the same manner

[Medea]

Hi, my Witch family.
Well, My life has finally taken a screeching halt, and it is allowing me a break so maybe I can finally get a challenge in on time.
I am leaning towards
15 Simple Potion Recipes for Beginners

Since I have not done very much in the way of Potion Recipes, I thought this might be a good way to begin.

Mote It Be
Medea

[georgia]

@Medea

screeching halt

May you find peace and rest!

[john1]

You don’t mind if I try this one ? I love how this one sounds

[Mystique]

Go right ahead! I’d love to hear your results!

[Amethyst]

Weekly Witchy Challenge for Amethyst:

Well, I was looking at some prayers online trying to find some inspiration. I was going to write one but I found one that’s so perfect I’m going to use it on Samhain with a black candle to honor the dead. Here it is:

Prayer to the Deities of Death

The harvest has ended, and the fields are bare.
The earth has grown cold, and the land is empty.
The gods of the death are lingering over us,
keeping a watchful eye upon the living.
They wait, patiently, for eternity is theirs.

Hail to you, Anubis! O jackal headed one,
guardian of the realm of the dead.
When my time comes, I hope
you may deem me worthy.

Hail to you, Demeter! O mother of darkness,
May your grief be abated
when your daughter returns once more.

Hail to you, Hecate! O keeper of the gate,
between this world and the underworld.
I ask that when I cross over,
you may guide me with wisdom.

Hail to you, Freya! O mistress of Folkvangr,
guardian of those who fall in battle.
Keep the souls of my ancestors with you.

Hail to you, O gods and goddesses,
those of you who guard the underworld
and guide the dead on their final journey.
At this time of cold and dark,
I honor you, and ask that you watch over me,
and protect me when the day arrives
that I take my final journey.

Prayer courtesy of: The Pagan Journey