MAY 31, 2013

VOL 1 ISSUE 1

The Frugal Witch: Walking the Path without the Cash

Page Owner's Editorial
Hello, to all our lovely fans have we got a special treat for you. One of our admins had a great idea to do a monthly newsletter with all of the admins pitching in to help. We want you to know that without you there would be no us so we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. This month in our newsletter there will be birthdays, spells, do it yourself homemade deodorant, family altar cloth project, book reviews, an article on getting altar items from a thrift store, some herbal gardening tips and an oil recipe. We hope that you all enjoy it the way we enjoyed making it. Happy June!!! Thrift Store Altars When I first had the courage to set up an altar, I was in college, I was broke and couldnt afford expensive altar set ups. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out how I could worship at an altar if I couldn't afford the nice tools. During one of my many trips to a used furniture outlet in my town I stumbled across two lovely taper holders. One had the symbol of a moon and the other the sun. Instantly I thought, Wow these would be perfect for my altar. I know that not everyone can find holder with a sun and moon on them. That's OK; you can still find an altar tool sitting in your local thrift shop. You just have to look. On a day that I took my husband to work, I got a feeling that I had to go to the thrift shop so I stopped and went inside. Sitting in the section with the dishes and knick-knacks were two wooden bowls in the shape of leaves,
which were perfect to hold water and earth during rituals. I also found a bell, a shell, a crystal goblet, a plate, and various tea light holders. With the blankets, I found various cloths to use for an altar cloth. Within an hour I had enough stuff for a tea light for the Lord and Lady a representative of all 4 elements, a bell, altar cloths, and vessels to offer gifts on. Now a normal set up like that bought in an occult store would normally cost one hundred dollars or more and I spent less than thirty dollars. What about somewhere to store your tools? You may get lucky and find a nice box at the thrift store but a shoe box you decorated yourself is just as good. Or if you have spare wood lying around boxes are not hard to make. Although, not all tools can be bought secondhand, we are not required to have wands, cauldrons, or expensive censers. For a few years, I never used a wand and still barely use one today. Those are tools I saved to buy myself when I could afford it. So remembers our path doesn't have to be expensive. You don't need the expensive tools. Even a trip to the thrift shop, with an open mind can create beautiful altars that are more original and personal.

)O( Kitsa

MAY, 31 2013

VOL 1 ISSUE 1

Book Review (4 out of 5 Wands)

Title: Herb Magic for Beginners Down-to-Earth Enchantments Author: Ellen Dugan Review by: Melissa From the back cover: "A friendly field guide to herb magic. Stir up passion with violet or nab a new job with honeysuckle. From parsley to periwinkle, people enjoy herbs for their aromas, tastes and healing abilities, but few are aware of the magical secrets hidden within these marvelous multipurpose plants. 'Herb Magic for Beginners' takes a fresh look at herbal folklore, wisdom, and spell work. Ellen Dugan, the popular author of 'Garden Witchery', describes the magical traits of flowers, roots, trees, vines, spices, and other familiar herbs. Under her guidance, you'll learn the basics of magic and spell working so that you may explore herbal magic on your own. This introductory guide features a chapter on writing new spells that includes an herbal spell worksheet. It also offers charts with magical correspondences for each day of the week-symbols, colors, planetary influences, herbs, themes and more. With the help of this friendly field guide, you can begin to practice herb magic for health, luck, prosperity, romance and protection." My Review: This book was the first book that I ever purchased on the subject of herb magick. I was very interested in the subject but had no hopes of actually being able to do it. I have never had much of a green thumb! Still, the book called to me so I purchased it and dove right in. Ellen Dugan's writing style is one that is very fluid, funny and easy to understand. It is almost as if you are having tea with her and discussing herb magick. She packs a lot of information in right along with telling you a bit about herself and her practice. The book features easy to do spells and enchantments that are not time consuming and the ingredients and tools are few. You will find ways to use fresh herbs, dried herbs and herbs from your spice rack. Some spells in the book include: Spicy Candle Spell, Sachet Bag for Protection and Pleasant Dreams, Mace and Nutmeg Spell to Increase Energy, and an All-Purpose Herbalist's Spell. This is a very down to Earth book with simple instructions that even someone like me, with no green thumb, can master. My copy of this book is worn now. I use it a lot. It really should be on your list of books to buy if you are at all interested in herb magick.

Homemade deodorant
cup baking soda 1/3 cup coconut oil cup arrowroot 3-5 oz beeswax Essential oils

Melt beeswax and coconut oil together. Add in the dry ingredients. Remove from heat and add in the Essential oils. Place into container and let cool. )0( Kitsa

MAY 31, 2013

VOL 1 ISSUE 1

The Circle Within, by Dianne Sylvan

This book is not your usual Wicca 101 book. This book delves deeper into the practices of the everyday. I first heard of The Circle Within when I checked it out at the local library. They have an okay Wicca section. This one was a gem. I was tired of reading the same old stuff about casting circles, what Wicca is and what it isnt, and all the other things in my beloved Cunningham collection. Like many people who practice the Craft, I wanted something MORE. I wanted something beyond what most books offer. I found that in this book. Section 1 is about Stepping into the Circle: An introduction to personal spiritual practice. Its more about how to build your own practice based on yourself rather than straight out of a book. Section 2 is about Our relationship with Deity. It delves deeply into our relationship with the God and Goddess. Rather than invocations, it gives amazing quotes like, We dont believe in our gods, we know them. We are them. Belief isnt necessary when you have direct knowledge (25). Section 3 is called, Living the Path: Ethics and standards of behavior. Graces, karma, treatment of others, its all covered here. Section 4 is called, The Temple Hearth: Concepts of sacred space and goes into detail about just that. It goes into cleansing the home, magical tools, devotional sacred space. It certainly is invaluable. Section 5, called Building a Practice: Elements of a daily practice is just what I had been looking for. This section deals with how to LIVE Wiccan, rather than just being Wiccan on Sabbats and other festival days.

Section 6, The Turning Wheel: The Wheel of the Year and the elements, offers a meditation on the Wheel, goes into why tradition isnt always necessary, and even goes into detail about the Wheels holidays. Section 7, The Dance of Life: Creating personal rituals, is also a great section. They all are. This one helps you to make reciting out of a book. The idea, the action, the stuff, reasons to rite, and even a small part on initiation are covered here. Part Two has The Book of Moonlight: Rituals, prayers, et cetera. This is a section of Diannes prayers and devotions that I recorded onto my phone as I spoke them aloud. I listen to them off and on when I like. Like most Wicca books, it has a section on recommended reading, too. I enjoyed this book immensely. I really think more own rituals, rather than just people should have it and embrace living Wicca every day. Cunningham is amazing for what he writes, but Sylvan has given me something that helped me go further into my faith rather than just another beginners book. There may be some things that others dont agree with in this volume, but thats to be expected. Thats how people are. Personally, I was able to take more away from it than what I left behind. Mama Willow

Family altar clothes

You will need: -length of fabric in the color of the Sabbats or black stencils* -fabric paint -paint brushes * Stencils can be made with cardboard and a knife. Trace the shape you would like and cut it out. 1. Spread length of fabric out flat 2. Use stencils to add decorations to your cloth. Use Sabbat related stencils for example holly for Yule, bunny for Ostara, pumpkin for Samhain etc. 3. Let dry and enjoy. )0( Kitsa

Blessing Spell
Take a white candle - either tapered or a figure candle to represent the person. Carve the person's full name onto the candle and anoint with suitable oil. Place the candle in the holder, and place the holder on top of a photograph of the person. (If you cannot obtain a photograph then a personal item will suffice)

Light the candle and say: Name - may you be blessed May all good things come to you May nothing cause you harm May your heart be light May your travels be safe May your health be good May your mind be sound May your friendships be fruitful May you be blessed in every way. Allow to burn for a period of time before extinguishing.

Repeat for 7 days.

MONTH DAY YEAR

Jessica's Tarot of the Month for June The Emperor

The Emperor is the ruler of not just a nation but of an empire. He is the supreme commander at the top of the tree who decides the structure and rules of the game and fully expects everyone to play by them. He is neither a tyrant nor a compassionate leader; he

Important Dates
6/8- New moon 6/21- Litha/ Yule 6/23- Full Moon Please remember these are for the Northern Hemisphere. So if you are in the Southern Hemisphere the dates might be off a little. )0( Kitsa

simply believes in getting things done and feels the best way to do this is to have someone in a position of authority making sure everything is done correctly. One message the Emperor card has for us is that we all have our own 'empire' to rule over and should act as he does, firmly taking charge of our lives.

INSERT HEADLINE HERE

Ask Ourania
At this time we do not have any questions for Ourania. Why not send some in. You can message the newsletter at Frugalwitch2013@gmail.com
The presence of the Emperor indicates that you will feel a greater sense of control and mastery. It may be that problems you have faced with another person or situation will suddenly transform and you will feel in control of this situation rather than it being in control of you. This will be a time in which you can display your leadership abilities and take command of your life. Your newfound masterful approach may surprise you and those around you, making you feel strong and proud of yourself.

The presence of the Emperor may indicate that you felt a little out of control. Perhaps you allowed another person or fate to decide what happened to you and did not feel able to make decisions or be in charge yourself. You may have felt the need for the Emperor's qualities or behaviors at this time: exerting self control and taking command of your life. This may have left you feeling a bit down about yourself or left you feeling that your self-esteem had been wounded.

The Emperor advises you to adopt his attitudes, behaviors and beliefs. See how you can improve your life by taking greater charge of your situation. The card is a good sign that you have leadership potential, so this is a good time to practice being more commanding and decisive. You may be surprised at just how easy it is for you to do this and how effective you can be.

Blessings! - Jessica )O(

OL 1 ISSUE 1