🕒 WITCH CHALLENGE ~ Catch-Up!

Merry meet,

Thank you once again to everyone who joined in for the previous Witch Challenge - Your Traditions :book_heart:. We’re off to the next challenge, and look at that! It’s time to mark another milestone in witchy challenge history. This is the 270th witchy challenge here in the forum :tada:

As with every ten challenges, the clock has come to a brief halt and previous challenges of all shapes, sizes, and sorts are open to explore and earn badges for once again.

:spiral_calendar: :raised_hand: Challenge Catch-Up! :raised_back_of_hand: :timer_clock:

To celebrate the 270th Weekly Challenge something special is happening…

Was there a busy period where you missed a challenge? Did an interesting theme happen before you joined the forum? Maybe there was a topic you were hesitant to try but now feel ready for. Well, now is your chance!

This week is a Catch-Up Challenge where all previously closed challenges will be re-opened for a short time.

So are you ready? It’s a blast from the past!

On your mark, get set:

CHALLENGE TIME! :bell:

catch-up challenge

Choose From Previous Challenges :mag_right:

From moon magick to potion crafting, past lives, magickal names and much more- there are 244 previous challenge themes to choose from (not including the past Catch-Up challenges).

All the previous challenges and the titles they grant are listed below. Please click the link to visit that challenge page to view details including guidelines, entry suggestions, and inspiration from past coven member entries.

Note that the old discussions for past challenges will remain locked - please share your entries/comments as a reply below or create a new topic

Past Challenges:

CLICK HERE to view all past challenges

:clock3: Catch-Up XXVI [this challenge!]
:book_heart: Traditions of You - Heritage Witch
:sunset: Evening Magick - Twilight Witch
:dog_face: Magick with Animals - Witch of the Wild
:third_eye_open: Memory Magick - Keeper of the Past
:heart_on_fire: Passion in Your Practice - Passionate Practitioner
:raccoon: Trash into Treasure - Scavenger Witch
:medical_symbol: Healing Magick - Witch Doctor
:shushing_face: Discreet Witchcraft - Undercover Witch
:castle: Witch Wards: Protective Barriers - Ward Witch
:clock2: Catch-Up XXV
:butterfly: Transformation Magick - Transformative Witch
:pagan_altar: Altar Design - Altar Keeper
:clap: Instant Magick - Mystic in the Moment
:locked_with_pen: Witch Codes & Ciphers - Secretly Sorcerous
:tickets: Freebie - Everyday Witch
:dream_cloud: Sleepy Spellwork - Dream Weaver
:snowflake: Snow Spells & Icy Magick - Chill Witch
:sun_moon_star: Sun, Moon & Stars: Exploring Your Signs - Celestially Guided
:fireworks: New Beginnings - Spiritually Refreshed
:trophy: Catch-Up XXIV
:yule_wreath: Holiday Crafting
:grimoires: A Witch’s Library – Bookwyrm
:green_candle: Colorful Candle Magick - A Witch of Many Colors
:the_veil: The Thinning Veil – Veil Worker
:basket: Foraging Fun – Forager Witch
:hot_beverage: Hot Brews & Magickal Stews - Warm Witch
:moon_water: Moon, Sun, and Other Magickal Waters – Crafter of Magickal Waters
:family_adult_child: Your Inner Child - Child at Heart
:sunrise: Morning Magick - Witch of the Dawn
:clock1: Catch-Up XXIII
:fork_and_knife_with_plate: Fantastical Food – Food Wizard
:black_mirror: Mirror Magick – Mirror Magician
:aether_spirit: Spirit & Aether Magick - ✱ Spirit Witch
:earth_element: Earth Magick – :earth_element: Blessed by the Earth
:water_element: Water Magick - :water_element: Witch of the Water
:air_element: Air Magick - :air_element: Air Witch
:fire_element: Fire Magick - :fire_element: Fire Witch
:dagger: Sacred Blades: Athames & Bolines – Sacred Blade Wielder
:hyacinth: Powerful Plants - Plant Lover
:clock12: Catch-Up XXII
:divination_crystal_ball: A Witch’s Divination – Diviner
:raised_hands: Creative Magick – Creative Witch
:sacred_flame: Purify & Cleanse – Crafty Cleanser
:offering_bowl: Who’s Your Deity? – Divine Love
:heart_badge: Your Favorite Magick – Specialized Witch
:lantern: Light the Way: Solstice & New Year’s Magick – Light Bringer
:scarf: Cozy Magick – Cozy Caster
:framed_picture: Coven Show & Tell – Proud Witch
:peace_symbol: Practicing Peace – Peaceful Witch
:clock7: Catch-Up XXI
:skull: Spooky Season Spellwork – Spooktastic Witch
:witch_moon: Witch Aesthetics – Witch Aestheticist
:stew: Simmer Pots – Simmer Potter
:ghost_cat: Spirit Animals – Guided by Spirit
:black_spell_candle: Casting with Candles - Candle Caster
:adhesive_bandage: Cures & Remedies – Magickal Mender
:national_park: Practicing With Nature – Nature Witch
:coin: Metal Magick - Metal Worker
:ringer_planet: Power of the Planets – Planetarist
:clock6: Catch-Up XX
:black_joker: Card Magick - Card Witch
:arrows_counterclockwise: The Art of Substitutions – Magickal Substitutor
:incense: A Witch’s Incense – Incense Enthusiast
:spirit_element: The Fifth Element: Spirit – Spirit Elemental
:white_circle: Full Moon Magick – Witch of the Full Moon
:witch_wisdom: Wisdom of the Witches – Wisdom Keeper
:nesting_dolls: Taglocks & Tokens – Spell Director
:stonehenge: Sacred Places, Sacred Spaces – Sacred One
:triple_moon_goddess: Wiccan Magick – Wiccan
:trophy: Catch-Up XIX: The Two Hundredth Challenge
:drinking_horn: Nordic Magick – Nordic Practitioner
:classical_building: Greek & Roman Magick – Greek Practitioner (or) Roman Practitioner
:eye_of_horus: Egyptian Magick – Egyptian Practitioner
:triskele: Celtic Magick – Celtic Practitioner
:mag: Interpreting Magickal Signs & Messages – Magickal Interpreter
:potted_plant: Enchanting Herbs – Herbal Witch
:spell_pouch: Spell Bags & Pouches – Spell Bag Builder
:rock: Rock Magick – Rockin’ Witch
:waxing_crescent_moon: Waxing Moon Magick – Witch of the Waxing Moon
:clock5: Catch-Up XVIII
:magic_shield: Magickal Guardians – Protected with Love
:exclamation: A Witch’s Intuition – Intuitive Witch
:phoenix: Magickal Creatures – Favored by the Fantastical
:heavy_plus_sign: Bind Runes – Rune Binder
:waning_gibbous_moon: Waning Moon Magick – Witch of the Waning Moon
:droplet: Splish Splash Spellwork – Water Witch
:scientist: Science & Witchcraft – Scientific Witch
:dotted_line_face: Empaths & Empathic Abilities – Empath
:man_dancing: The Magick of Movement – Witch on the Move
:clock4: Catch-Up XVII
:four_leaf_clover: Luck Magick – Lucky Witch
:fairy: Fairies & Fae – Friend of Fairies
:genie_lamp: Manifestation – Manifestor
:bulb: Light Magick – Lightworker
:purple_spell_candle: Candle Divination – Candle Diviner
:witch_pentacle: Finding Your Witchy Talents – Magickally Skilled
:silver_heart: Witch Ethics: The Morals of Magick – Honorable Witch
:witch_cauldron: A Witch’s Cauldron – Cauldron Keeper
:eye_in_speech_bubble: Your Magickal Senses – Sensational Witch
:clock3: Catch-Up XVI
:witch_broom: Blessed Besoms – Broom Keeper
:ghost: Spirits & Ghosts – Spiritworker
:link: Magickal Correspondences – Keeper of Correspondences
:house: Of Hearth & Home – Hearthtender
:triple_moon_goddess: Deities & Deity Worship – Blessed by the Divine
:consecrate_spell: Consecration – Consecrator
:balance_scale: Magickal Equilibrium: Balance – Equalibralizer
:pagan_book: Magickal Traditions & Pagan Paths – Proud of My Path
:wand_tarot: Wonderful Wands – Wand Wielder
:clock2: Catch-Up XV
:ear: The Magick of Sound - Sound Worker
:dolls: A Witch’s Collection – Collector
:wheel: Wheel of the Year: Pagan Holidays – Year-Round Witch
:ring_buoy: Magickal Safety – Warden
:eye: Visualizations – Visualizer
:notebook_with_decorative_cover: Sacred Books – Book Keeper
:thinking: Witch-conceptions: Stereotypes – The One and Only
:dressed_candle: Anointing Candles – Anointer
:witch_hat: Witch Fashion – Stylish Witch
:trophy: Catch-Up XIV
:thread: Knot Magick – Stitch Witch
:woman_cook: Culinary Magick – Crafty Chef
:red_gift_envelope: Amulets and Talismans – Charming Witch
:raven: A Witch’s Companions – Among Friends
:mirror: The Art of Scrying – Scryer
:green_heart: Natural Health & Healing – Healed by the Earth
:female_sign: The Divine Feminine – Divinely Feminine
:male_sign: The Divine Masculine – Divinely Masculine
:tree_of_life: Grounding & Centering – Composed Caster
:clock1: Catch-Up XIII
:tv: Witchy Media – Magickal Maestro
:sleeping_bed: Sleep & Dream Magick – Witch of the Night
:sunrise_over_mountains: Magick of the Sun – Sun Witch
:bubbles: Cleansing in the Craft – Powerful Purifier
:slot_machine: The Fortune Teller’s Game – Blessed by Fortune
:knot: Eclectic Witch: Interdisciplinary Magick – Eclectic Witch
:sake: Magickal Inks & Oils – Craftswitch
:headstone: Ancestor Work – A Living Legacy
:o: Circles in Magick – Magister Circulorum
:clock12: Catch-Up XII
:jar: Spell Jars & Witch Bottles – Spell Jar Specialist
:technologist: Technologic & Modern Magick – Technomancer
:name_badge: Magickal Names – One Who Knows Thyself
:watch: Time Magick – Tempus Mage
:tada: 13 Days of Holiday Celebrations – Festive Witch
:chakras: The Chakras – Chakra Worker
:sun_behind_rain_cloud: Weather Witchery – Weather Witch
:herb: Green & Herbal Magick – Green Witch
:hammer_and_wrench: Troubleshooting Spellwork – Spell Mechanic
:clock11: Catch-Up XI
:dart: Tactical Magick – Magickal Strategist
:fehu: All About Runes – Rune Reader
:cloud: Hedge Magick: Into Other Realms – Hedge Witch
:fallen_leaf: Seasonal Magick – Witch of the Season
:raised_hand: Palmistry – Palm Reader
:cauldron: Witch Brews & Potions – Potion Brewer
:fountain_pen: Handwritten Magick – With Hand and Heart
:white_check_mark: Conditional Magick – Master of Circumstances
:1234: Numerology – Numerologist
:clock5: Catch-Up X
:globe_with_meridians: Liminal Magick – Liminal Witch
:game_die: Divining Differently – Divination Explorer
:speaking_head: Multilingual Magick – Polyglot Practicioner
:mending_heart: Wholesome Healers – Healer
:moneybag: Money Magick – Prosperous Witch
:sunglasses: Casual Casting – Casual Caster
:heart_hands: HandCrafting – Handy Witch
:railway_track: A Journey of Change – Doctrina et crescente
:mountain_snow: Mountain Magick: Land Beneath Our Feet – Mountain Witch
:100: Catch-Up IX : The Hundredth Challenge
:sun: Solstice: Festivities of Light – Solstice Celebrant
:shell: Ocean Magick – Sea Witch
:people_hugging: As Above, So Below – One Who Is Connected
:nose: Smells Like Magick – Osmic Occultist
:person_in_lotus_position: Meditation Magick – Magickal Meditator
:hibiscus: Blooming with the Moon - Virent anima
:unicorn: The Bestiary - Cryptozoologist
:couch_and_lamp: Let a Witch Unwind! – Caster of Calm
:hotsprings: Energy Work – Energy Channeler
:clock4: Catch-Up VIII
:diya_lamp: Candle Magick: Light 'Em Up! – Holder of Light
:tornado: Chaos Magick – Master of Chaos
:magic_wand: Tools of the Witch Trade – Well-Equipped Witch
:sunflower: Flower Power – Athrophile Witch
:tea: Teas & Infusions – Tea Witch
:teacher: Teachers of Magick – Student of Magick
:pentagram: Symbols & Sigils – Wielder of Symbols
:broom: Everyday Magick – Carpe diem
:heart: Love Magick – Lovely Witch
:clock3: Catch-Up VII
:tiger: Lunisolar Calendar and Chinese New Year – Favored by Fortune
:performing_arts: Your Magickal Muse – Beloved by the Muses
:deciduous_tree: Sacred Trees and Wood – Custos Arborum
:open_hands: Making Magickal Offerings – Blessed Bestower
:door: Passage Into the New Year – Trailblazer
:blush: The Magick of Happiness – Beholder of Happiness
:sun_with_face: Solar Magick – Solar Mage
:busts_in_silhouette: Freedom in Forgiveness – Magnanimous
:crossed_swords: Dual Wielding Opposite Forces – Unus qui est libratum
:clock2: Catch-Up VI
:sparkler: Spell Swap Meet – Coven Contributor
:angel: Working With Higher Powers - In manibus numinum
:candy: Trick-or-Treat! - Sweet 'n Spooky
:purse: Making Objects Magickal – Enchanter
:sparkles: A Magickal Blessing – Blessed One
:mag_right: Peering into Past Lives – Witch of the Ages
:books: History of Magick – History’s Heir
:shield: Powerful Protection – Powerful Protector
:dancer: The Magick of Music – Bard Witch
:clock1: Catch-Up V
:map: Magick on the Go – Wandering Witch
:handshake: One Witch to Another – Keeper of Knowledge
:salt: Salty Spellwork – Imperium salis
:cyclone: Reading Auras – Aura Reader
:black_cat: Cat Magick – Amicus felium
:yum: Wickedly Delicious – Connoisseur Witch
:bride_with_veil: Deities of the Moon – Blessed by the Moon
:rose: Beauty Magick – Pulchra magicae
:flower_playing_cards: A Touch of Tarot – Tarot Reader
:trophy: The Challenger [50th Challenge] – Challenge Champion
:dragon_face: Dragon Magick – Blessed by Dragons
:prayer_beads: A Healthy Dose of Crystals – Crystal Healer
:notes: Enchanting Chants – Chant Witch
:rainbow: The Many Colors of Magick – Colorful Witch
:timer_clock: Catch-Up IV
:milky_way: Astrology: Reading the Skies - Astrologer
:white_heart: Into the Light - Witch of Love and Light
:black_heart: From the Shadows - Shadow Survivor
:confetti_ball: Congrats to the Coven - Coven Celebrant
:place_of_worship: All About Altars - Reverent Witch
:toolbox: Holistic Magick: A Witch’s Apothecary - Apothecarist
:writing_hand: The Wizardry of Words - Word Witch
:paw_prints: Claws, Paws, Tails and Scales - Animalis magum
:full_moon_with_face: Strength of the Full Moon - Lunar Witch
:running_woman: Catch-Up III
:art: Magick in the Arts - Art Witch
:star: Star Magick - Shining Bright
:footprints: Your Magickal Roots - Peritus viatorem
:small_blue_diamond: Elemental Mastery - Master of All Elements
:mountain: Of the Element Earth - Earth Elemental
:fire: Of the Element Fire - Fire Elemental
:seedling: From Seed to Sprout - Ceiliúradh an tséasúir
:wind_face: Of the Element Air - Air Elemental
:ocean: Of the Element Water - Water Elemental
:alarm_clock: Catch Up II
:scroll: Of Goals and Intent - Finis patrator
:partying_face: Holiday Cheer - Merrily Magickal
:new_moon: Magick in the Dark - Tenebris Lucem
:yarn: Of Spells and String - Weavemaster
:bathtub: Scrub-a-dub, Magick in the Tub - Bubbly Witch
:gem: Heed the Call of Crystals - Crystal Collector
:hocho: Creative Crafting - Creatively Crafty
:candle: Of Candles and Flame - Witch of the Flame
:skull: The Veil Between Worlds - Witch of the Veil
:spiral_calendar: Catch-Up I
:honeybee: The Spell-ing Bee - Spell Master
:crystal_ball: Foretelling the Future - Seer Apprentice
:alembic: Potion Making - Potion Master
:open_book: Books, Tomes, and Tales - Book Lover
:sparkling_heart: Giving Gratitude - Blessed and Grateful
:ear_of_rice: Inviting Abundance - Blessed by Abundance
:full_moon: Moon Magick - Moon Witch
:pray: Dealing in the Divine - Deific Witch
:cupcake: Kitchen Witchery - Kitchen Witch
:sleeping: Dream Magick - Oneiric Witch
:dove: Earth-Friendly Witchcraft - Earth Witch
:money_with_wings: The Thrifty Witch - Thrifty Witch
:compass: Celestial Exploration - Cosmic Witch
:star2: Trying Something New - Experimenter

(The full list of challenges can be viewed at any time by visiting: Weekly Witchy Challenges :sparkles: A Complete History)

catch up challenge

How many challenges can I do during the Catch-Up period? :thinking:

If you are feeling particularly adventurous and want to do more than just the usual one challenge, you can do:

→ Up to FIVE CHALLENGES ←

This limit exists to encourage mindfulness on each challenge- please remember that, although some challenges have similar themes, every challenge requires its own unique entry in order to receive the corresponding badge :medal_sports:

But I want to earn all of the badges!

That is awesome- I am so happy that you enjoy the badges so much! :blush:

At the end of the day, badges are just a small token- the challenges are really here to help you improve and enhance your magickal practice. So please try to take your time with your exploration of the theme(s) you choose- they are here to help you help yourself! :sparkles:

(On an administrative note, the limit also exists to save your challenge moderator from a potential ocean of badge-giving for all the various challenges at once! :ocean:)

But for challenge enthusiasts and badge collectors- no fear! You can rest assured that another chance to join in on any additional missed challenges will come again soon. You can expect another Catch-Up Challenge and a chance to earn old badges every ten challenges :+1:

Not sure which challenges you already participated in? :ballot_box_with_check:

Click here to learn how to check which badges you already have

If you can’t remember if you completed a challenge or not, no worries! You can go to the challenge page by clicking the challenge name listed above and check the entries to see if you submitted.

Alternatively, you can go to your Badges page to see a collection of all the titles you previously earned.

Here is how to check your badges:

  1. Click on your avatar/picture icon at the top right-hand side of any page in the forum.
  2. Click on the person icon and select “Summary”.
  3. Next, click on “Badges”

Here you can see all the badges you have earned during your time exploring the forums!



challenge

How to Join the Challenge :trophy:

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. Labeling helps let me know which posts among the many replies, general conversation, and other comments are intended as entries.

:exclamation: Because there are a lot of possible challenges, please don’t forget to include the name of the chosen challenge(s) and/or the badge(s) you want somewhere in your post.

If you do not include a challenge or badge name with your entry, I will have to use my best guess and you may not get the badge you were hoping for - so please be sure to mention it!

Where Do I Share My Entry? :thinking:

Click here to learn where to share your challenge entry

You are welcome to post it right here- just click “reply” :repeat: 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! :bowing_woman:

Click here for a note for our lovely lurkers

Everyone is welcome to join the challenge. For those who would like the challenge prizes, please know that you will need to share your experience if you want to receive a prize and a public shout-out.

Don’t feel comfortable sharing? No fear! For lurkers and those who are shy, it is absolutely okay to follow along with the challenge on the sidelines. At the end of the day, these challenges are here to help you help yourself by expanding and enhancing your personal magickal practice. I hope they can be helpful for you!


Deadline :spiral_calendar:

:exclamation: This challenge will close in 13 DAYS :exclamation:

To join in, please share your experience by:

Tuesday, October 13 at 7:00 AM ET (Eastern US Time)
2026-10-13T11:00:00Z

(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!)


Prizes :gift:

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

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.

:gift_heart: :gift: :gift_heart:

catch up challenge

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 :open_book:

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! :heart: Know that the goal of these activities is to help you further diversify and strengthen your abilities. The challenges hope to bring together the Spells8 forum family in ways that inspire and support one another. I hope you have fun with them!

The clock has stopped so the door of missed opportunities can open once again- spread your wings and don’t be afraid to delve into a previously unexplored of magick!

:mage: :infinite_roots: :trophy:

Blessed Be!

15 Likes

Yay! Now I gotta figure out what to do!

11 Likes

Oh, awesome sauce!!! :purple_heart: I know I´ve missed the “Passion in your practice” challenge - I´m going to catch up on that and I´m sure I´ll find more inspiring challenge themes. :sparkles:

11 Likes

Challenge accepted :mage::raising_hands::clap::hugs:

12 Likes

Wonderful! Now I have to try and choose!

10 Likes

Yay! I have a lot of catching up to do!:magic_wand:

10 Likes

OK, I was the person who asked @BryWisteria to make the challenge of “Magic with Animals (witch of the wild)” and it was specifically geared to my absolute love for candle magic. I have never been one to simply use a candle and nothing else as my mind needs to focus on a picture instead of just my own mind. When I get that picture: I can move it through my vision and it inspires me to focus harder and create what I need/want in my life. So the art of creating a candle is my cheat sheet for witchcraft. :rofl:

But thing thing that I love most about the candles that I make is potentially a very dangerous thing for me, so playing with the fire of a dangerous situation also brings me more energy.

So the candle creates the vision, and the thing I fear so deeply creates the focus.

I am terribly allergic to bees. When I was 4 years old, I was stung by multiple Bumblebees and the doctors will never know if I had that allergy or if the amount of bee stings I received created that allergy. What I have been told is that I had to carry 2 EPI pens where-ever I went and that in order to be allowed to go to school, the school had to create a protocol for my specific situation, otherwise: I would not have been allowed to attend. They did, I was: and I have always been so grateful that the teachers and staff all supported me.

Which brings us to my arch nemesis that I really want closer contact with, but I don’t dare seek them out.

BEES!

Sounds silly right? But they scare the heck out of me. And I love them for everything they do. I want to like them: but being unable to share space with them makes it hard.

So I continue to share space with them from behind the window, and I love them far afar. Why am I so passionate about sharing this now? Because I finally opened my own ETSY store and I have always used bees wax when making my candles and I still do.

I’m trying to use it as an opportunity to educate people about bees as well so I will paste what was going to be my first challenge entry (that I missed out on) and is literally the about section on my page (I’m including the pre-cursor to keep it in context,).

I hope this helps show you how very dear to me bees are, and how important bees are to us.

ANDPLUSALSO: beeswax is amazing for skin care, just not if it’s too hot. :wink:

**I focus my craft on candle work because the art of a candle is as beautiful and magical to me as the spellwork that is manifested to make it work.

Each candle is cleansed throughout the working and hand poured and dressed with intention. While I create spells with candles, feel free to use your own intention to use the candles as your personal spells. The candles are not just candles, they are a spell in a tin created to order. Each candle is going to be different. The crystals are hand placed as are the herbs and flowers. After you burn the candle, you can keep the charm and crystals to remind you of your work and reinforce the candles magic.

My candles are created with ethically sourced bees wax combined with soy wax to keep the price as low as possbile. Because the bees wax I use is local, it is filtered one time. This can leave residue in your candle holder. I use 25% bees wax because the honey scent can overpower the infusion scent and that is part of the magic. If you want a spell candle made with 100% bees wax the candle will have to be custom ordered in a limited quantity and the price will be adjusted accordingly.

Bees have been known as magical in many cultures going back centuries. It’s important not to waste bees wax as the population in shrinking in many areas in the world. I am blessed enough to have a neighbor who is a beekeeper and sells me his bees wax after he filters it for a reasonable price.

While I am allergic to bees, I respect them very much and I try to make the best choices for them in my yard and gardens. We (as human beings) would likely not have survived without bees and other pollinators.

The Celts believed bees and butterflies could move between the natural world and the spiritual world. They saw bees as messengers and used honey in meaningful ways. One of their most well-known traditions was “telling the bees.” People would tell the hive about major life events, such as births, marriages, and deaths. The belief was that bees could carry those messages beyond the everyday world. This made bees symbols of communication, transition, and spiritual connection.

Honey is mentioned many times in the Bible and is often connected with sweetness, virtue, purity, and abundance. Because bees create honey, they are naturally tied to these ideas. Their symbolism reflects nourishment, goodness, and the promise of something sweet.

In Mayan tradition, bees were connected with sacredness, offerings, and deep respect for nature. The Mesoamericans are thought to be the first beekeepers, and the Mayan gods were given the bee’s honey as a sacred gift.

Bees have long been associated with goodness, purity, and abundance. Yet, since the folklore hails from Lincolnshire, England, they’ve also been associated with black magic (witchcraft). Legend explains the witch of Lincolnshire, England, had a honeybee as her pet and that she would use the bee to help guide and project other witches. Similar to Celtic belief, she would use the bees to communicate with others, but in her case, she was communicating with witches instead of gods.

Ancient Egyptians valued the bees so deeply that the honeybee was used as the symbol of the benefactor of life, birth, death, and resurrection. Egyptians used honey and honored bees for the role they played in daily life and spiritual meaning.

Bees are a wonderful reminder that hard work pays off. Their prosperity is often represented by honey: golden, delicious, and carefully made over time. In many cultures, honey has symbolized sweetness, reward, and the good things that come from patience.

Bees are closely linked with fertility because of pollination. When bees move from flower to flower, they help plants reproduce. This supports gardens, forests, crops, and entire ecosystems. Where bees are active, there is often a sense of growth and natural balance. This is why bees have long symbolized life, renewal, and fertility.

Bees represent dedication because each bee serves a role within the hive. For example, worker bees are dedicated to their jobs virtually year-round collecting nectar. This is why bees are often linked with steady effort and responsibility. Their symbolism is not about rushing or doing more but showing up consistently for the work that supports the whole community.

Spiritually, bees are often linked with new beginnings, guidance, renewal, and a close connection with nature. Some traditions also see them as messengers between the physical and spiritual worlds.**

So - you can see the many facets of bees, and honey and how much power it can bring to magic (Your’s and Mine) and I hope that all of you will continue to treat them with the utmost respect that they deserve. I can get a hazmat suit to protect myself :rofl: But the bees are more vulnerable than most people think.

Keep being the amazing witches you are!

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Challenge entry: Discreet witchcraft

i have a friend who wants to be a Christian witch but her parents aren’t supportive, and she still lives with them. she wanted to do a spell to move on from some people, so we did them but made it into a small jar with the candles we used, and put everything into a bag for her

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Thank you @BryWisteria for sharing the Witch Challenge, Catch-Up.

Blessed be :sparkles:

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Oh I already got mine posted already :laughing:

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Challenge Entry 1 One Witch to Another

I was wondering if this could work as a challenge entry:

https://forum.spells8.com/t/ack-help-with-tarot-interpretation-and-life-tea/68810/4?u=georgia

Thanks.

Thank you for sharing your depth of affection and knowledge!

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Challenge entry for Celtic Magic

for this challenge I will be learning about the triskelion symbol :triskele: I have been feeling drawn to it lately though Im not sure why yet. I do have a bit of Welsh and Irish heritage so that maybe part of it. I will update my entry later on after learning

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@Amethyst, @markzen304, @Greenbriar, @Ostara - Choosing one (or more) challenges is the first part of the challenge, I think! :joy: Good luck and have fun! :two_hearts:

There certainly are a lot to choose from! I hope you find some themes that resonate with you and spark your creativity, Katharina. Have fun! :heart:

As someone who loves our fluffy pollinators (and prefers beeswax candles), I really enjoyed this deep dive! Lovely work, Water. And congrats on overcoming (hopefully at least some) of your fear and facing your “arch nemesis” :grin: :+1: :heart:

Using a small jar and keeping it discreet was both clever and kind of you. I’m wishing your friend all the best with her path! She is lucky to have you nearby to help :blush:

You’re welcome, Moonstruck! :grinning_face:

So fast - you’re amazing! :tada:

It looks like it was posted during the active challenge period and addressing the theme you choose, so I’d say a big yes! :blush: That’s some lovely advice and wisdom you’ve shared with Aster. Thank you, Georgia!

Yay! The triskelion is a fascinating symbol. I’m looking forward to hearing what you discover, @c11. Happy researching! :open_book:

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LOVING READING THE ENTRIES SO FAR

Challenge Entry 1 - Elemental Master - Master of the Elements

For my first challenge I choose The Elements as I use them daily and it an important part of my craft. There was fresh morning dew and it was prefect time to cast.

I also added a Sea Witch Three Knot Wind Spell, a few items from my Sea Witch Collection as this closely aligns with a Hedge Witch as they both use the Old Ways and Forkore Magic.

:dotted_six_pointed_star: I have 5 Handmade Clay Pebbles filled with herbs and crystals that correspond to each Element :fire::wind_face::ocean::deciduous_tree::wheel_of_dharma:

:dotted_six_pointed_star: Sea Witch Three Knot - i only use natural cotton as it very smooth to create the Knots and to untie.

:dotted_six_pointed_star: Dorset Hagstone which represents my Devon Heritage (my Nana)

:dotted_six_pointed_star: Selentite Crystal Bowl with Sea Salt Bottle, Mini Hagstone, Shells

:dotted_six_pointed_star: Cairn Crystal Balance & Harmony Tower which represents my Scottish Heritage (my Grandad)

:dotted_six_pointed_star: Bottle with saltwater and sea shells

:dotted_six_pointed_star: An Olive Wood Boat - Tree Spirt I purchased from Zakynthos

:dotted_six_pointed_star: I used my Wand to evoke and call the Watchtowers

:dotted_six_pointed_star: White Sage Incense Stick in a Agate Crystal Holder

Sea Witch Three Wind Knot Spell

:dotted_six_pointed_star: I cleansed the natural cotton with sea salt water

With this water I wash you

With this salt I cleanse you

All negativity energy now be gone

Let there be only good energy from now on

As I wish so mote it be

Knot Spell

:dotted_six_pointed_star: Wait for the wind to blow take a deep breath of wind until your lungs are full as you breathe out remind yourself that your breath will reach to other parts of the world. Listen to wind in the trees, water in the ocean, rivers and streams, the fire in your intention.

Now you are ready to tie the knots

:dotted_six_pointed_star: Wait for the next breeze then start tying the First Knot and say this

Affirmation

I call forth the power of the Elements to be placed into this Knot for safe-keeping.

Repeat the same for Knot two and Knot three

Thank each Element Watchtower and then release.

That is it.

Blessed Be :waxing_gibbous_moon::dotted_six_pointed_star::jack_o_lantern:

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Challenge Entry 2 - The Thinning Veil - Veil Worker

I chose this entry as I have been deepening my connections to my Mum, Nana, Uncle and Grandad (whom I have never met and others)

I used to cast answers to questions for “Yes or No or Maybe” using an ordinary needle and thread from my early childhood and have always been successful, counted how many children someone has gender and even children who were unfortunately not born

I thought it was the right time to invest in a Pendulum Board and Crystal. It has took a while to find the right Pendulum for me as this is the most important element as I needed to feel that it would be as good as my needle and thread.. There are so many different crystals and shapes. I found a made to order one and chose a Moonstone Sephoroton which is highly sensitive has excellent balance for reliable energy reading and which is associated with psychic abilities, lunar cycles and spiritual protection.

My Altar Items are

:dotted_six_pointed_star: Moonstone Sephoronton Pendulum and Board

:dotted_six_pointed_star: Selentine Crystal Sphere - known as “The Heavenly Key”

:dotted_six_pointed_star: My bespoke Spirt Element Clay Filled Pebble

:dotted_six_pointed_star: My bespoke Ancestor Clay Filled Pebble for connection, honouring and guidance when shaken it omits a Asmir sound and is filled with herbs, crystals both inside and out and sigil to help connect to my spirt guide

:dotted_six_pointed_star: My bespoke Aura and Soul Clay Filled Pebble

:dotted_six_pointed_star: My handmade Spellbound Witches Key and red thread from a Gilmore Vault in Denmark

:dotted_six_pointed_star: Various items on my Welsh Oracle Rune Dish - acorn amethyst heart, my Nana’s Owl Brooch

:dotted_six_pointed_star: Altar Broom with Witches Knot and Aventurine Crystals handmade.

:dotted_six_pointed_star: White Sage Incense Stick with Agate Crystal Holder

:dotted_six_pointed_star: My bespoke made Wand which found me

Blessed Be :waning_gibbous_moon::dotted_six_pointed_star::jack_o_lantern:

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Challenge Entry 3 - Sleep & Dream Magick - Witch of the Night

My last one for today I will need to get some fresh ingredients for my other two - watch this space!

Following on from Challenge 2 I chose Witch of the Night. I waited until Twlight to cast this spell.

Soul-Flight Scent Vial

This Vial Bottle has a removable cork to protect your spirt during soul flight and astral projection, filled with herbs, crystals, essential oils and two feathers the inhaled scent helps to reach the spirt realm and return safety.

Items you need are and Affirmation

Sage the Bottle with Incense I used Lavender.

As you add each ingredient blow into unto bottle say the following Affirmation

“Through to shadowlands I roam,

Let my Ancestors bring me home”

:dotted_six_pointed_star: A glass bottle with a cork lid

Herbs & Crystals & Essential Oils

Dried Basil - Repeal Negative Energy, Protection,

Dried Angelic Root - Protection and Warding, Spiritual Cleansing, Devine and Ancestral Connection, Elemental Associations

Dried Peppermint- Energy Cleansing, Aura, Protection

Black Peppercorns - Courage , Repeal Negative Energy, Protection

Black Obsidian Crystal Chips - Blocks Negative Energies, Warding

Dried Lavender Flowers - Peace, Relaxation, Love, Protection, Sleep, Cleaning and Purification

Amethyst Crystal Chips - Crown and Third Eye Chakras- a bridge to your higher self, spiritual awareness and Devine

Essential Oils - Cedarwood, Lavender, and Peppermint

Two Feathers which I found in my home whilst cleaning somewhere not expected on the 26th September (Full :new_moon:)which would have been my Mum’s 91 Birthday I was blessed to receive them and I knew that she would send me a message of some sort. The Feathers were a white and the other a grey with irredentist green and purple tip. The essential oils were added before these.

Moonstone Crystal glued to the cork stopper

Other items on my Altar was

:dotted_six_pointed_star: Two Moonstones and Silver Obsidian spheres

:dotted_six_pointed_star: Moon & Hare Wish Pebble

:dotted_six_pointed_star: One Black Candle in Pentagon Holder and One White Candle in Moon Holder

:dotted_six_pointed_star: Spirt Handmade Clay Filled Pebble and Ancestor Pebble

:dotted_six_pointed_star: Aura and Sagittarius Bespoke Clay Filled Pebble incorporating my the signs at my time of Birth - Sun, Moon, Rising

:dotted_six_pointed_star: Wooden Phases of the Box, Raven Chest, Bag with herbs (same as Bottle

:dotted_six_pointed_star: Moon and Pentagon Crystal Slices

:dotted_six_pointed_star: My Wand

:dotted_six_pointed_star: My Witches Spellbond Key and red thread

:dotted_six_pointed_star: Selenite Crystal Wand

:dotted_six_pointed_star: Various items, acorn, my Nana’s Owl Brooch, Sleep Amulet

:dotted_six_pointed_star: Bell with Pentagon

Blessed Be :waning_gibbous_moon::dotted_six_pointed_star::jack_o_lantern:

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That is such a great idea!

I love all of your entries @Moonbeam ! You have been a busy witch today. If I had your beautiful yard I would be outside all day casting spells too. It’s paradise on earth!

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Ooh. I like this. It may be a great chant for my mopping to close out the process of cleansing with enzymes and to set the apartment’s spirit free to be itself again.

Challenge Entry 2 Wickedly Delicious

I intend on making these for the holiday pot luck, but I don’t have a date for the party as yet, and I don’t want them to get stale, so no pics. These are fun and easy to do.

Items needed

Pretzel rods

Fruit Roll-Ups

A pair of clean scissors for cooking only.

Unwrap a Fruit Roll-Up. Cut a thin strip from one end to use as a tie. Cut the fruit leather 3/4 of the way through the thin side to create bristles or a fringe. Wrap the uncut end of the fruit fringe around one end of the pretzel rod and tie with the set aside strip. Voila! One witch’s broom ready for a party!

I’m also considering making eyeballs for a witch’s brew.

Base Brew:

Sherbet- any color is fine

7-Up or Sprite- 2 liter bottle

Clean plastic cauldron

Eyeballs:

Lychee fruit in a can

Blueberries

Take each lychee and put a blueberry in the hole where the seed came from. Keep in the freezer until ready to use.

Just before the party starts, put the sherbet into the cauldron. Scatter eyeballs over the top. Pour in the clear soda so it fizzes. The eyeballs will sink to the bottom, so stir while cackling to dish out a pair with each cup of brew. Here’s lookin’ at you, kid!

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@Ostara

Thank you for your lovely comments about my entries. I needed to get them done before returning to work today as my time will be a little more limited. I love to cast outside it just feels right. Winter is more difficult but if dry that is ok, I am getting things together for my other two.

@georgia

i do love wind knots It is very old magic. Your Challenge Entry 2 fits beautifully with the Month of October :last_quarter_moon::dotted_six_pointed_star::jack_o_lantern:

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Challenge entry 2. food wizard

I will be making Traditional Welsh cakes :wales: Traditional Welsh cakes What’s for tea youtube

Ingredients

226g (Half a pound) Self raiding flour (1 & 3/4 cups)
or Plain/All purpose flour with 1 teaspoon baking powder added
3oz (85g) Butter or margarine (6 Tablespoons)
20g (0.7 oz) Olive oil or lard (1& 1/2 tablespoon)

60g (2.1 oz) Caster sugar, use white granulated sugar if you don’t have Caster sugar (4 & 3/4 tablespoon)
80g (2.8 oz) sultanas or currants (or both!) I just tossed in a good hand full of raisins
1 Large egg, beaten really well

I added each ingredient with intention. I used Wheat for wealth and abundance, Sugar for luck and love, Egg for protection, Butter and Lard for peace and nourishment, Raisins for prosperity.

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