A Day of Thanks and Giving: Understanding the Truth About Thanksgiving and Celebrating it as a Pagan

Posted on November 14, 2018 by E.Massey

Since Samhain I have not had to time to even think about the upcoming holidays. With the opening of the online portion of my store, The Hierophant, setting up my 2019 Salem area tour (yes, I did say Salem, Woohoo!, and finishing up my 2018 classes I have been so consumed. So, I thought I take a moment to talk about what I have come to rename “A day of thanks and giving”. Let’s start with what is commonly taught about Thanksgiving, then what we know as the truth and why I have renamed it and a way we as Witches and Pagans can celebrate it with respect to others who you may be sharing a table with.

Thanksgiving as We Commonly Know It

Thanksgiving is a national American holiday, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. Originally celebrated as a harvest type festival. Since 1789, Thanksgiving has been celebrated nationally but did not become a federal holiday until 1863.

What Americans commonly call the “First Thanksgiving” was celebrated by the Pilgrims after their first harvest in the New World. It was a feast that had lasted for three days and was reported that it was attended by 90 Native Americans (Wampanoag) and 53 Pilgrims. Another reason for this feast was that it was a symbolic gesture of peace and thanks between the settlers and “Indians”, after an English-speaking chief named Squanto, taught the settlers how to survive. At this feast it was said to contain food that had been grown by the Pilgrims by means of “Indian” knowledge. Turkey, goose, duck, corn, squashes were all to have been placed on this recounted table of “gratitude”.

The Thanksgiving Story as We Should Know It

The real story began in 1614 when European explorers returned to Europe with a ship full of Patuxet Indians bound for slavery. In their efforts to capture new slaves from untouched lands, they had left behind smallpox which virtually wiped out those who had escaped capture. When the Pilgrims arrived in the “new world” they found only one living Patuxet Indian, a man named Squanto (who’s real name was Tisquantum) who had survived slavery and knew their language. He taught them to grow corn and to fish, and negotiated a peace treaty between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Nation which was short-lived.

Word had spread in England about the Eden to be found in the “new world” which caused others to arrive by the boat load. They seized land by any means possible, capturing strong young Natives for slaves and killing the rest. However, the Pequot Nation had not agreed to Squanto’s peace treaty and fought back. Making the lesser known Pequot War one of the bloodiest Indian wars ever fought.

Then In 1637 the body of a white man was discovered dead in a boat. Blaming the Pequot tribe who had gathered possibly for their annual Green Corn ceremonies. In the early morning, while the tribe slept, armed settlers invaded and surrounded their camp . Upon ordering them to come outside, those who did were shot or beaten to death and those who remained inside were burned alive. The victory was celebrated with feast as a thank you to their God for winning over the savages and for the newly acquired land.

While many Indigenous people and historians, still debate over what exactly happened to what directly led to the creation of “Thanksgiving Day.”, the truth is it wasn’t all rainbows and unicorns, hell it wasn’t even turkey and buttered corn.

National Day of Mourning

The National Day of Mourning is an annual protest organized since 1970 by Indigenous Americans of New England (although, others have joined in) on the fourth Thursday of November, the same day as Thanksgiving. Participants in the National Day of Mourning honor their ancestors and the struggles to survive today. It is also to educate Americans about the history of Thanksgiving. In an interview, Cedric Cromwell, the chairman and president of the tribal council of the Mashpee Wampanoag, said, “…it was a holocaust, and that holocaust must be shared and communicated so that we ensure that mankind doesn’t do that to each other again”. I found it interesting that he still sits down with his family on the day, but for him it’s meaning is about history and truth rather than the myths we have been feed.

A Day of Thanks and Giving

Although, I grew up under Native influence, we still celebrated Thanksgiving (for my grandfather it was always Turkey Day). For us it wasn’t so much about the “American history” it was more of a way for all of our family to get together, and for football. Not that anyone in family really was a die-hard football fan. It was just the American thing to do, I guess. It wasn’t until I reached high school that I learned the horrible history of Thanksgiving. For me this began the drop of calling it Thanksgiving Day, moving on to what my Grandfather called it “Turkey Day”. I’m still not sure to this day if he used this title because of its history or if that’s how he referred to it. It wasn’t until years later that I used A Day of Thanks and Giving to denote Thanksgiving Day. For me, it means a day to give thanks to the earth and its bounty and to the people in my life by giving the means of food and good cheer. It also has a denotation of respect and honor to many of my ancestors.

Now that I am hours away from my parents, we do not spend this holiday together. However, I do spend it with my cousin, who was is the daughter of my first teacher. Although, she was raised within a Wiccan household, she is primary Christian based. Which means we say a prayer before we eat. There have been times when this has fallen on me to deliver. With respect to all those present I tend to keep the focus on the Harvest and family aspects of the Holiday. After the prayer we always share a round of things we are thankful for. The following is the prayer that I have used, and of course you can always tweak it to your family and situations.

Day of Thanks and Giving Prayer

We are thankful to Mother Earth for the bounty before us,

We are thankful to our Father who shines above us,

We ask for blessings be bestowed upon our friends and family seated here today

And to those that are not with us but are in spirit

We share this meal in love and respect.

So, it is, so shall be

Don’t Forget to check out E. Massey’s Online Store The Hierophant

Familiars vs. Magickal Pets

Posted on October 29, 2018 by E.Massey

Photo by David Bartus on Pexels.com

With the arrival of the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina series on Netflix I am pretty sure that we will see a surge in the black cat and “familiar” craze. Known as Salem, in the original 90’s show Sabrina’s cat companion was a chatty campy fellow who became a fan favorite. This new series based on the comic books of the same name finds Salem’s role to be more feline and in-line with the Witches “familiar”, at least from what I have seen so far. I can honestly say I was not a fan of the original series, but I did give this one a try. I haven’t finished the season yet so my opinions may change and not because how Witches or anything else are portrayed like I’ve seen argued. WHO CARES! IT’S ENTERTAINMENT, WITCHES! Even If you haven’t watched the first season yet, you must have come across the teaser introducing Sabrina’s kitty friend which starts out as a spirit that she called upon. Which is a lot closer to the idea of a “familiar” than a talking cat who wants to take over the world.

Whenever the word “familiar” comes up I always end up cringing at its uses. I find that most people in the community tend to use the word for any household animal and pet. This is not to say that some of these animals couldn’t be considered a familiar. It seems to me that the whole idea has gotten misrepresented and/or misinformed over the years. There is so many meanings to the use of the title of “familiar” that it was hard to track down information. Especially in terms of what has become accepted and adapted within the Pagan and Witch community verses the traditional ideas on the subject. There is so much information I have come across that relates to the Christian theories of the middle ages and the days of the Witch trials. Whereas, “familiars” were “demons” or “Evil” spirits said to be given to Witches by the devil. These spirits took on various animal shapes (in some cases they were described just as non-human forms) that could be sent out to do a Witch’s bidding both magickally and mundanely.

The History in Witchcraft

Familiars, from the Latin “familiaris”, meaning a household servant, were mentioned even in the Bible, depending on which version you read. In the book of Leviticus (20:27) there are referres to the familiar and guardian spirits associated with various spiritual and magickal practitioners: “A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them”. With this punishment, there is no wonder why there was hysteria around Witchcraft.

During the Witch hysteria of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the fascination with a Witch and familiars was mostly found in England and Scotland. Being mentioned in several trial records, especially those related to “The Witch-Finder General” Matthew Hopkins. The Witchcraft Act of 1604 made it a felony to “consult, convene with, entertain, employ, feed, or reward any evil and wicked spirit to or for any intent or purpose.” The Malleus Maleficarum, the main Witch inquisitor’s handbook of the time offered no instructions concerning familiars in the interrogation and trial of Witches. The book does acknowledge that an animal familiar “always works with the Witch in everything.” In the confession of Elizabeth Demdike during the Pendle Witch Trials of 1612 , it was said that her familiar’s name was Tibb. Tibb was a spirit who could take the shape of almost any animal he pleased, and in one piece of her confession he had taken the shape of a black cat. This familiar spirit wanted to aid Elizabeth in the cursing of three local individuals, but when she opposed, he knocked her into a ditch.

In the Salem Trials in 1692, accused John Bradsheet was charged for “inciting a dog to afflict.” The dog was tried and hanged as a Witch. Although there were not as many mentions of familiars in the American Witch trails we can see that over the centuries familiars have taken many forms depending on what was seen as “evil” at the time. These were the cat, mouse/rat, ferret, hare, bat, snake, frog/toad, dog or bird. As time went on and we stepped into the more modern views of the familiar we find that the well-known “King of the Witches”, Alex Sanders, was reported to boast of the creation of a “spiritual baby”, who became one of his familiars.

Modern Views

In modern Witchcraft, wicca, and other Pagan traditions the “familiar” is viewed in an altogether different light. Whereas, a familiar can be any animal with which the individual feels an affinity toward. While these animals are no longer considered demons or even spirits anymore, They are treated with the same respect. Sadly, the consensus seems to also show they have even lost being a partner in one’s practice of magick. Many have adapted the term to mean an actual, living animal companion that they consider a “familiar”. Professing they have an emotional and psychic bond with a particular cat, dog, or whatever pet that have taken into their home. This is all well and good but denotes the traditional concept of the familiar and its potential and might be better suited to be called magickal or spiritual pets.

Another common thought along the “familiar” thread is that they are connected to the indigenous practice of animal spirits, known to many modern practitioners as the cringe-worthy use of the term Totem (read my previous post on this topic). Although, I see the similarities these concepts are completely different. The concept behind “Totem” animals is that they are an animal spirit that has chosen to guard a specific tribe or family and “usually” do not do any type of spiritual bidding for any particular human. Then there is the idea of animal spirit guides that have been chosen or given through ceremony. They can also come to you in a dream or in real life with a message or to teach you a valuable lesson. Shamans and medicine men of various tribal traditions have long honored the spirits of animals for their wisdom and assistance in magickal workings and the mundane. Whereas with the Witch’s familiar, the animal is just the vessel for a spirit and will stay with the Witch for a certain time in order to help him or her magickally, to do his/her bidding, and then they may or may not leave. They can also be called upon or summoned into a Witch’s life just as we see in the Chilling adventures of Sabrina.

Finding and Working with Familiars

One of the best books on the subject I have come across is Raven Grimassi’s “The Witch’s Familiar”. Where he discusses the history and methods on obtaining and working with familiars in a more traditional fashion. He utilizes the concepts of meditation, journeying, and ritual to achieve this goal. He explores the ideas of three different types of familiars: physical, astral, and spiritual in a way that no matter what your take is on the subject, he covers it intelligently.

Whether or not you follow the ways Grimassi points out or your own, the bottom line is that familiars are magick users’ helpers who exist in both the spirit and the mundane. Depending on the Witch’s work, familiars can serve as gatekeeper, messenger and guide. There are many ways for a familiar and a Witch to work together. A Witch may send a familiar to complete a task or serve as guard during magickal work to protect and alert to the presence of spirits that may be harmful. The ways are endless.

Also know that not everyone has, needs, or even wants a familiar. I myself have found no use for them at this time, I just find the whole subject intriguing. If you have an animal companion that you consider a familiar but doesn’t fit the traditional ideas, many suggest working on strengthening your psychic connection with that animal.

If an animal has appeared in your life unexpectedly, such as a stray cat that sticks around, it may have been drawn to you psychically. However, be sure to rule out mundane reasons it has arrived. Do you leave food for them to eat? Is it that time of year? many animals tend to scavenge during the spring and fall. I truly believe that the best way to gain a familiar is through summoning one into your life. Also note that this is completely different from summoning and binding spirits for workings that can be found in many other Witchcraft traditions. Familiars are about connecting with animals that are used as vessels by spirits that are connected to you by other means. Those means are only privy between Witch and familiar and if you are lucky maybe it will be just as campy as the original Salem, and want to take over the world.

Dont forget to check out The Hierophant opening October 31 2018

List of New Classes and Workshops by E. Massey for 2019

Posted on October 23, 2018 by E.Massey

With 2019 just around the corner E. Massey has put together a list of the classes and workshops he will be offering to the community. In the coming year he will offer more intense topics than his previous classes (which will still be available upon request) that will encourage spiritual exploration and personal growth to students. Booking information can be found at www.e-massey.com or by emailing a request for details to Androide Entertainment at entertainment.robots@gmail.com or emx0912@gmail.com

Massey Workshops and Classes 2019

Details of each workshop and class can be found below

Adult Classes and Workshops

Magickal Paint and Sip
Raising Little Witch’s: Developmentally appropriate approaches to spirituality
Pillars of Belief: The Hermetic Principles in Modern Witchcraft
Beyond the Athame: Casting creative magick circles
The Faces of Gods and Goddesses: Understanding the essence of a Deity
Lost Phases of the Moon: Honoring the waning and waxing moons

“Little Witches” Classes and Workshops

Yes, No, Maybe so: An introduction to divination for children (ages 7-11)
You Want a Time Out? Basic meditation for children (ages 4-11)
Who wants Ice Cream? Exploring pantheons and Pagan traditions for children (ages 4-11)
The Wheels on the Bus: Developmentally approaches to understanding the Wheel of the Year (ages 4-11)

Adult Classes and Workshops Details

Magickal Paint and Sip

Massey’s most popular and one of a kind workshop combines art and magick into a relaxed and fun class. Where no artistic or magickal skills needed, everyone is a magickal artist. E. Massey will guide attendees in creating a one of a kind magickal masterpiece. Learning how to incorporate magick and spell work into art with color, herbs, energy, and intention. All painting supplies, canvases, easels, and aprons will be provided. Attendees are to bring beverages or any snacks. Painting subjects and spell work may vary.

Raising Little Witch’s: Developmentally appropriate approaches to spirituality

Parents will learn how to use early childhood education and developmental theories to encourage and foster a child’s spirituality. Explore non-evasive ways to incorporate the fundamentals of Witchcraft and Pagan beliefs into a child’s chosen spirituality. Based on E. Massey’s tentative book, The Little Witch’s Curriculum this workshop takes a new approach to raising spiritually minded children.

Pillars of Belief: The Hermetic Principles in Modern Witchcraft

Discover how the Hermetic philosophies found in The Kybalion can be related to the modern teachings and ideals of today’s Witchcraft. Explore these “universal laws” and why they are the pillars of many belief systems found around the globe. Learn new approaches to incorporating these ancient teachings into today’s spiritual world through activities found in E. Massey’s book, “The Modern Witch’s Curriculum”.

Beyond the Athame: Casting creative magick circles

Based on E. Massey’s first book, “Casting Creative Magickal Circles”, attendees will learn and discuss the history, ways, and alternatives to casting the magick circle. Books will be available to purchase and sign.

The Faces of Gods and Goddesses: Understanding the essence of a Deity

Explore how the Gods and Goddess of the world’s traditions are more than the faces and names we give them. Learn how understanding their essence can break down the confines of how we view our own spirituality. Attendees discover how indigenous teachings and the Hermetic philosophies can reshape the modern spiritual concepts of Deities.

Lost Phases of the Moon: Honoring the waning and waxing moons

Learn how to honor and harness the power of the often-forgotten moon phases. From rituals to tarot spreads this class will give you the tools you need to utilize the waning and waxing moons. Based on E. Massey’s book “The Modern Witch’s Curriculum” you will explore new ways to expand your magickal calendar.

“Little Witches” Classes and Workshops

Yes, No, Maybe so: An introduction to divination for children (ages 7-11)

In this workshop for parents and their children, participants will learn various easy and fun divination methods and ways to foster a child’s intuition.

You Want a Time Out? Basic meditation for children (ages 4-11)

Parents and children will gain a better understanding of age-appropriate meditation techniques. Children will learn basic meditation teachings and explore creative visualization.

Who wants Ice Cream? Exploring pantheons and Pagan traditions for children (ages 4-11)

Introduction to the many pantheons and traditions found in Paganism and modern Witchcraft. Parents will be given the tools to allow children to grow spiritually on their own path. Children will enjoy building an ice cream sundae while exploring different pantheons and the many choices of traditions.

The Wheels on the Bus: Developmentally approaches to understanding the Wheel of the Year (ages 4-11)

Parents will learn how to find teachable moments and celebrate the seasons that create a bond between family and nature. Explore the wheel of the year in a non-evasive way for children to understand the eight seasonal holidays found in Witchcraft, wicca and other earth-based traditions. Children will begin a Wheel of the year project to work on throughout the year on their own.

Don’t forget to check out E. Massey’s new Online store The Hierophant

opening October 31st 2018

Children and Samhain

Posted on October 20, 2018 by E.Massey

Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com

The Halloween season for children and adults alike is a very sensory time of year. With costume parades, haunted hay rides, the thrill of wearing big comfy sweat shirts, the scuffing of feet on the way to school or work, the smell of autumn fires and my favorite the pumpkin spice coffee and treats popping up everywhere: all these things mean autumn and activate our senses in amazing ways. This time of year not only activates our muggle senses but our spiritual ones as well. We all know that this time of the year the veil becomes thinner, and it seems to be thinning earlier and earlier every year. I really believe this is due to ourselves, the Witch and non Witch collectively putting out it into the universe. With the department stores putting out decorations and supplies as early as Labor Day and with more and more emphasis on parties, costumes, and decorations growing each year we are bringing the underworld ever more closer. If you haven’t noticed, this holiday has become enormously popular, and even other related holidays, such as Mexico’s Dios de la Muerte (“The Day of the Dead”) are receiving more notice too. Television networks are showing horror films and Halloween sitcoms all month-long. All this unintentional intent is being put out in to the universe causing us to open the gates earlier for our beloved dead and wandering spirits to cross. If we are as adults experiencing this hyper-activity of spirits and spiritual occurrences, than children are definitely as well.

Since Samhain is the time when our ancestors may find it easiest to visit us, you can have your children ask for dreams about people they know who have passed on. If you think this will frighten your child, by all means don’t do it. But if your child has fond memories of a grandparent or other relative who has died, you can have them ask to be visited in their dreams. Tell them that their relative loves them very much and would like to see them and maybe give them advice. Suggest that they can tell their relative about any accomplishments or big events that have happened recently. As they lie in bed to fall asleep, help them say aloud that they would like to dream about a certain person. Have them focus on their memories of that person as they fall asleep.

If this is something that you or your child is uncomfortable with, there are many ways to celebrate the season. Remember that children often will not fully understand how you view this time of year especially when there is so much going on around them. I have found it best to separate the concepts of Halloween and Samhain. Although they are tied together in history and practice for children Halloween is Halloween; let them dress up and trick-or-treat. However, after they’ve collected all their candy, be sure that they leave a few pieces for the ancestors, as an offering.

Holding a family ritual is another great way for children to understand the spiritual aspects of the holiday. Keep it simple by doing the prep work ahead of time. You might want to create rituals about whatever you and your children might want to lett go of, be that a loved one, warm days, or a beloved summer shirt.

If your family doesn’t have an altar for Samhain, set one up before you begin. Better yet, let the kids help you put things on it. Feel free to raid your Halloween decorations for ghosts, Witches, skulls, and bats. Have fun with it.

One thing I have done in the past for a family Samhain ritual was to create a strand of dried apple slices to decorate an altar. We included a slice for all of our family or friends who have past. This became a great opportunity to talk about offerings.

Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com

Other seasonal activities that can provide “teachable moments:

Make a besom, or Witch’s broom.

Make resolutions, write them on a small piece of paper and bury them. This is similar to New Year’s resolutions; as for many Samhain is seen as the Witches New Year.

Have a family dinner setting a chair and meal for the dead, a less complex dumb supper.

Pumpkin carving is a traditional good activity to do on Samhain with children, as carved gourds originated with our Celtic ancestors.

Samhain is a great time to spend time with our loved ones who are still alive, too. Visiting your elderly relatives is an especially good way to celebrate, as they can probably tell you all sorts of fun stories about their childhood and what their parents and grandparents were like. If you don’t have any family close by, consider visiting a nursing home, perhaps in costume. Most nursing home residents love seeing children, and would probably get a kick out of seeing their Halloween costumes.

Make a Witches’ cord as an expression of what you hope to manifest in the year ahead.

Introduce different forms of divination. Samhain is seen as the beginning of the Pagan year; divination was usually done to see the future of the coming year. One practice that was always done in my family was to give the gift of tarot. I received my first deck on Samhain 30 years ago.

The point is don’t just create seasonal memories but lay the foundation for spiritual growth as well. Happy Samhain!!

Don’t forget to check out The Hierophant – Opening This Samhain.

News: Introducing The Hierophant – A Magickal Thrift & Occult Shoppe, Opening October 2018

Posted on October 10, 2018 by E.Massey

I am so excited and proud to announce that I will be opening The Hierophant this month. Although, It will only be on-line at the moment, a physical storefront should follow in 2019.

What is The Hierophant?

The Hierophant is a magickal thrift and occult shoppe that offers affordable and unique magickal and occult Items. All the products are hand crafted and picked by author, artist and practicing Witch, E. Massey. As a magickal practitioner for over twenty years, E. Massey believes that one’s spiritual practice or need of magick should not take away from one’s pockets. From the time he was a “Little Witch” he has repurposed many items found at thrift stores or yard sales for spiritual purposes and now wants to share this with the community.

What does The Hierophant offer?

The Hierophant offers affordable hand-crafted items such as magickal candles, potions, and incense for any intent and need. All of E. Massey’s magickal items are empowered and fixed to work for your highest good and all repurposed products have been cleaned, both mundanely and magickally. Unlike other “metaphysical” and occult stores many items are one of a kind and uniquely created by hand.

The Hierophant also sells items such as various candles, oils, and incense for the everyday regular practices of any magickal and spiritual tradition. All these products have been hand-picked from suppliers and crafters from all over the world. The Hierophant thrives to not be your normal metaphysical store and puts the “craft” back in Witchcraft.

What spiritual tradition does The Hierophant represent?

The Hierophant does not hold to one tradition or belief system, we support and cater to all of the magickal and spiritual communities.

Where can you find The Hierophant?

Online at www.Hierophant-shoppe.com

Event: South Jersey Pagan Pride 2018

Posted on October 5, 2018 by E.Massey

http://www.southjerseypaganpride.org/

E. Massey will be presenting “That Little Witch” workshop at this years South Jersey’s Pagan Pride on October 6th. He will also be available for private tarot readings throughout the day for only $10. His books and magickal candles will also be available for purchases.

Parents will learn how to use ECE and development theories to encourage and foster a child’s spirituality. Discover non-evasive ways to incorporate the fundamentals of witchcraft and pagan beliefs. Introduce children to the foundations of personal power, magickal theory, and meditation.

A Witch at Home: Awaking the Ancestors of the Land Pt 1

Posted on September 22, 2018 by E.Massey

brown pumpkin halloween decor and gray skull at grass field

Photo by freestocks.org on Pexels.com

As we step into the darker months of the year, I thought it would be fitting to write something relevant to the season. Although, it bothers me to no end how most modern Pagans and Witches only tend to focus on their ancestors and the dead during the Samhain season, I still thought it was a perfect time, especially after some recent events that unfolded at my home.

Since humans have walked this earth we have always had a sacred relationship with our dead. Whether it is because of our belief, fear, or need in the continued existence of the soul or the knowledge that they can and do influence our lives. Despite working with them or not our ancestors are our strongest allies, teachers, and guides. They are our link to the mysteries of the underworld, the land, and even sometimes the gods. Through ceremony, devotion and offerings, we call them back to being part of our lives and brings us back to our true nature. Unfortunately, modern society has put our ancestors on the back burner of tradition. Our dead are pushed aside for our own satisfaction. You die, your disposed of, and then left to a memory. We do this because of the selfish healing thought of out of sight, out of mind. Sadly, this way of thinking can even be found in the modern magickal traditions. Whereas, the only time the dead are honored are during the Samhain season. Although, over the last few years I have seen a larger focus of the dead in new writings and books this once a year reverence of dead is still very common. I wonder how many keep it as a part of their regular practice. With the exception of Hoodoo, Vodou, Santeria, Palo, and other indigenous and cultural traditions where the practice remains strong and the ancestors are regularly honored and called upon throughout the year. One other thing that I often see among modern practices is that the only ancestors given respect are the ones of blood. The ones found in your family tree are not the only ones we should be honoring and working with. The benefits of looking past our selfish lives are immeasurable.

Upon moving into my new house, I not only called to my blood ancestors to be reawakened to the house, but I also called and honored to dead of the land. Asking for protection and acceptance and in return I would honor them and honor their land. I wanted to let them know that they have not been forgotten and that we can coexist on the same land without harm or disrespect. Living in the Pocono mountains of Pennsylvania would mean that the majority of spirits and ancestors of the land are primarily of the indigenous American tribe of the Leni-Lenape. Now, because I have not traveled far from my first landing in Pennsylvania, I already was accustomed to their culture and ways and understand their needs. In fact, I have been working with these tribal spirits for years. However, it is more about honoring those spirits who reside on the property itself rather than the area of residence. When honoring and petitioning those ancestors of another culture and/or tradition, it is best practice to do so in ways they are accustomed to. You would not want to leave an offering of your family’s recipe for baked ziti, especially at first. Take the time to learn and understand their way of life. This act also shows respect.

On the night of the most recent dark moon I set out to not only honor and awaken Hekate to the land, but more importantly the ancestors of the land. I started by collecting all the necessary items I needed for the ceremony, including offerings of tobacco and corn. With everything in hand, I proceeded outside and of course it started to rain once again. However, I wasn’t going to let that stop what needed to be done, despite what rain can do to my rattle and drum. As I walked around beating the drum I could feel them awaking with signs of curiosity. It wasn’t until I gave my offerings that I felt them ease off. After I was done, I sat down to ground and compose myself after the ceremony. This is when I began to see the spirits in full glory walking the property. A sign that I did well with my goal. Fast forward a few days later, I had a housewarming/birthday party planned, which by the end of the night had turned into a spirit fest. Although, this is nothing new when I get together with my spiritual family. However, this time it had tuned into more than just doing some spiritual work with friends. Due to the circumstances and people involved I will not discuss what transpired that night. One thing that I will tell you is about a dream I had after everyone had left. Before falling asleep, I started thinking of one of the gifts my friend had given me and how perfectly it fit into my plans for my bedroom. I was given a carved bear head for my wall. Which coincided with my idea to represent each directional animal on all four walls. At some point I fell asleep thinking of the north wall and having a buffalo skull there. In my dream the skull kept changing to a deer skull. Moving onto the next morning I woke up feeling like I was hit by a spiritual truck and had no plans to do any kind of magickal workings. However, the ancestors had other plans for me. As I was trying to relax, in walked my roommate’s son and asked me why there was a deer skull in the yard. What the hell was he talking about? So, I got up to entertain his antics and low and behold, there was not only a deer skull but its lower jaws as well. It was in the middle of the yard where we had been removing an old fence and had just mowed for the party. We would have seen this; how did it get there? First logical thought was someone from last night placed it there for fun. Upon inspection, I could see that it wasn’t just sitting there, it was partially embedded in the ground. I knew that it had something to do with what had happened the night before, but just didn’t know what. Was it a gift or a warning? I will be honest with you, I did panic a little bit. Even after all the weird and unbelievable things that I’ve seen and experienced over the years, I am still sometimes amazed and taken back. After freaking out and discussing the findings with a person who was involved with the nights previous events, I set out to connect to find the answers. Turns out it was a gift from the ancestors of the land. What a better gift to give a Witch on his birthday, than a skull. I also knew that this was not just an act of kindness from the spirits, but an acknowledgement of my working with them.

The results of working with the ancestors are not always what is expected, but something you can always count on is that as long as you honor them regularly they will be present in your life. It brings a type of wholeness and balance to everyday life that may not be present without that extra guiding hand. Working with them is like working with your own personal army. If you enter a regular practice you can always count on that army for protection, love, and the occasional odd happenings that can blow your mind. As my close friend would say “You can’t make this shit up”.