Articles

It's easy to get Pagan news online these days, but some of us still love to curl up with a dead-tree copy of a favorite periodical.  Here's a short guide for readers (and writers) looking for the best magazines on Earth-based spirituality, Paganism, and witchcraft.  Much has been said about the death of traditional publishing, and indeed, many well-loved titles have folded in recent years.   However, there are still a number of excellent Pagan magazines in print.  All the titles on this list are currently published, (i.e., they produced an issue for the Spring or Summer of 2015). Some...

Magickal oils have a long, long history. Long ago, oils were a precious source of food and fuel, and the finest were reserved for sacred applications. Oils were offered to the Gods and used to anoint the newly born and dying. Mages scoured the globe for rare flowers, spices, and resins to create special oils for magic, some of which are still in use today. The popularity of oils in contemporary witchcraft is due to the legacy of medieval magic, the influence of New Orleans-style Voodoo, and the works of the late, great green witch Scott Cunningham—among other sources. The...

Bright and cheery Citrine is a member of the Quartz family. Citrine comes in shades of honey, amber, and deep gold--sometimes with tiny rainbows inside.  It's one of the best stones for attracting positivity, dispelling stale energy, and lifting the mood.  History Some say that Citrine is mentioned in the Bible, but the "golden stone" in Genesis was probably Topaz.  The Romans likely acquired Citrine in trade with the East.  Their jewelers were among the first to regard it as as a precious stone.  Medieval Celts prized Citrine as a health-bringing amulet, and it was thought to ward off poison...

From late Spring to Fall, Pagan camping season is in full swing. It's a time to meet up with old friends, share music and ritual, and enjoy some time with Nature. If you're like us, annual campouts with kindred souls may just be the highlight of the year! Any gathering is better when you're well-prepared. Once you've made your list of basic camping gear (bedding, sunscreen, etc.), here's a few more ideas to make your trip a memorable one: Food or drink to share.  Nothing breaks the ice like breaking bread! The ancient ritual of sharing with strangers is dear...

The seven-pointed Faery Star is an emerging symbol in contemporary magick.  Also known as a Fairy Star or Elven Star, it is most often used to represent the world(s) of Faery.  It can be displayed as a protective shield, a focal point for meditation, or a symbol of the Shining Realms.  Learn more about the star's meanings and use in this short article. The Septagram The seven-pointed star is called a heptagram, septagram, or septegram. (In a Fae-worthy fluke of language, all three versions are correct.) This glyph has had mystical associations for centuries--probably longer, since the number seven is...