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Lughnasadh / Lammas is the time of the first major harvest, including that of the first fruits of the year and now is the time when we see nature and our own labours come to fruition. Lughnasadh, or Lúnasa in Modern Irish, is the Celtic Festival named for the God of Light, Lugh. There are several variations of the Lughnasadh legend in which the crops are fought over. In one version Crom Dubh, has caused the crops to grow and considers them his treasure, but brave Lugh seizes these crops from Crom Dubh for mankind to enjoy. In another version the crops are represented by the Goddess Eithne and it is she that the two Gods fight over. Traditionally Lughnasadh is a time of great gatherings, local fetes, religious rites, pilgrimages to sacred sites - especially Holy Wells, matchmaking and various competitions. To the Anglo-Saxons this was Lammas , from hlaf-mas , 'loaf-mass' and marked the start of the wheat harvest. It was traditional to use the first harvest to make ...

Lavender is much beloved by insects, humans and faeries. In high summer lavender bushes are literally humming and thrumming with honeybees, bumblebees and butterflies. Yet it is despised by mosquitoes meaning that its oil and dried bunches of it can be used as a handy mosquito repellent! Its name is said to either come from the French Lavandre which in turn comes from the Latin Lavare meaning 'to wash' or from the Latin Livere meaning 'Blueish'. Lavender is one of the mint family. Lavender comes in a variety of colours; its purples range from silvery blues to royal purple, but it also comes in pinks and even white. Traditionally lavender is considered the Queen of Herbs and is so loved by faeries and elves that one of its old folk names is 'Elf Leaf'. Wherever lavender grows, there you will find faeries so if you are looking to work with faeries, do plant some lavender in your garden/window box. Even the scent of lavender in the form of dried flowers...

  “The horned poppy with the yellow flower... groweth upon the sands and banks of the sea.” John Gerard, Elizabethan Herbalist. Like many others I am participating in the 30 Days Wild Challenge by the UK Wildlife Trusts throughout June to get my butt out into Nature as much as possible, though as  Witch I like to do that anyway, the challenge just helps give me added impetus and to participate in something far bigger. This morning, as I walked along the beach, I was greeted by these bright, happy sun-like flowers and naturally was wonderfully cheered by them. Their pale colour appeared to be particularly glowing and resplendent today perhaps aided by the shimmering white mist that was flowing in from the sea. Sea Poppies are the beaches', and Sea Witch's, version of the red field poppy which have also begun to flower and add colour to the land, but their energies are very different. Traditionally Sea Poppies are solar flowers linked with the power and poten...

There are many and varied superstitions when it comes to those annoying tickly itches that we all get from time to time. When it comes to superstitions the idea is that the itch is a message, it is trying to tell you something, and just what that may be depends on where the itch strikes. Of course, you don't have to believe in superstitions, but the idea of them is quite fascinating. Head - An itchy head is believed to be an omen that you will soon get a great idea or a promotion, as long as your hair doesn't have any visitors. Eyes and Eyebrows - On the right it indicates a meeting with an old friend, on the left with an old enemy or someone you'd really rather not encounter for whatever reason. Ears - If your right ear gets an itch it means that someone is talking well or highly of you, but if the itch is on the left ear it means conversely that someone is speaking ill of you - same as for cheeks. Cheeks - If your right cheek gets an itch it means that someone i...

  Beltane is a time of fertility, fire, fairies and folklore. It is the start of Summer. At this time of year the power of the sun and the fertility abundant in nature is on the rise. Everything is growing, the temperature is becoming warmer and life feels good. Fairies are especially active at Beltane as their favourite flower - the blossom of the hawthorn tree - is in bloom and in Celtic Myth Beltane was an important Spirit Night and a counterbalance to Samhain at the opposite end of the Wheel of the Year. At Beltane bonfires are traditionally lit on hills for cleansing, protection and as a great excuse for a party, May Poles are erected and danced around, Holy Wells are also visited and dressed with the flowers currently in bloom, May Kings and Queens - the personification of the Summer and the Festival - are crowned. It is a busy time of vibrant energies for all creatures and all of nature.   1. Aragonite   Blessed Bee Necklace (with Yellow Aragoni...