Information & Ritual Uses
Cedar is a traditional banishing tool of Old World Witchcraft and has been used for centuries by Siberian Shamans and Eastern European Witches. It can be used to banish energies and entities from the physical world, as well as the spiritual. Cedar Smudges may be utilized to remove residing spirits and eliminate hauntings.
This Cedar Smudge with Coffin Nail may be used by itself, or as part of a Banishing Ritual (see below). Cedar is a hearty smudge that requires a bit of time to thoroughly light. You may choose to hold the Cedar Smudge with your hands or place it in a fireproof bowl and walk clockwise around your private space, allowing the rich Cedar smoke to gently envelop each corner of your home. Pay special attention to mirrors, windows, doors, and all reflective surfaces. When the home is thoroughly smudged, collect the smudge ashes and take them to a very private, undisturbed part of the forest away from your home. Dig a shallow hole in the ground, place the ash inside. Fill the hole back up with the dirt. Take a Wrought Iron Coffin Nail and strike it with a hammer into the ground. Leave in peace, don't look over your shoulder.
If using the Cedar Smudge as part of a Banishing Ritual, mix the Cedar ashes with the ritual remnants (candle wax, statement paper, herbs, etc.) and take to a very private, undisturbed part of the forest, away from your home. Dig a shallow hole in the ground, place the ash and ritual remnants inside. Fill the hole back up with the dirt. Take a Wrought Iron Coffin Nail and strike it with a hammer into the ground. Leave in peace, don't look over your shoulder, your Banishing Ritual is now complete.
When more extreme measures must be taken, a cemetery can be used instead of the forest as the disposal method. When leaving the cemetery, make sure to leave a few coins or pieces of candy at the cemetery gate. This pleases the gatekeeper and the residing spirits, ensuring nothing (and no one) follows you home.
Sold individually. Each Cedar smudge bundle is approximately 4" long and is hand-crafted. Depending on the season when your smudge bundle is harvested, the Cedar will look a little different. Sometimes it is bright green with young growth, other times it is dark-colored and aged. As with all our products and our Old World Witchcraft practice, we work with the seasons and the Earth's local offerings.
The Rusted Iron Coffin Nail emulates hand-forged nails of the late 1700s, this solid-steel 3" version features a three-sided head and rusted iron oxide coating.
Old World Moon Phases
The Moon is of key importance for the Old World Witch. The Moon and its cycle (increase and decrease) impact the potency of rituals and their successes. The Moon amplifies rituals and works in harmony with the energies exerted by the Witch.
As Old World Witches, we utilize elemental forces for magick and mystical significance of the natural world and its fauna and flora: Esoteric knowledge. Lore of healing. Energetic resonance of herbs and roots. And, of course, the Moon.
The Old World Witch does not follow the exact terminology and specifications of modern astrologers and astronomers. We maintain the visual interpretation and energies of the Moon, as explained below.
To view this year's Witch's Moon Calendar, click here.
Dark Moon
When the Moon cannot be seen and is in the dark phase, it is referred to as the Dark Moon in Old World Witchcraft. Modern astronomers and astrologers call this darkness the New Moon because the cycle of the Moon is about to restart.
Old World Witches are not the only ones who follow this Dark Moon terminology. Several ancient cultures (such as Islam) define this period as the end of the month and the very first crescent of the Moon (Witch's New Moon) as the beginning of the month.
The Witch's Dark Moon is a night of stillness, contemplation, and banishment. The only types of rituals that should be done on the Dark Moon are banishment work or curses/hexes. The Dark Moon is also ideal for all kinds of divination and working with the departed.
The Moon is energetically at its lowest point and is more conducive to the mentioned rituals.
Witch's New Moon (first crescent)
The New Moon of the Old World Witch is called the Witch's New Moon. It is when the very first crescent or sliver of the Moon is visible. This is typically 2-3 nights after the Dark Moon.
With some variations, the Witch's New Moon rises in the daytime before noon and becomes visible in the day sky. It will be most visible at sunset and usually sets well before midnight. The Witch's New Moon is the same percentage all over the world - both in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere. However, the tips of the Witch's New Moon point depend on the time, date, and location on Earth.
The Witch's New Moon is the ideal time to begin rituals that draw a life experience, physical possession, or situation to you. This can be for love, money, health, or personal development.
Rituals are best performed for 3-12 consecutive days. This is what leads to powerful, lasting, and most importantly, measurable results. Starting rituals three nights after the Dark Moon will give you exactly 12 days of rituals leading up to the Full Moon.
The Witch's New Moon is also the ideal time to begin a new venture, get married, apply for a job, or embark on a journey.
The same energetic attributes apply throughout the Waxing Moon, all the way up to the Full Moon.
The Full Moon is not only the most magickally potent and powerful time of the month, but it is also the most physically stimulating. As the Moon affects the ocean tides, so too does it affect our bodies. If you pay close attention to your body, you may have noticed that you may feel extra swollen or puffy on the mornings leading up to the full Moon and a couple of days thereafter. These are the days of maxi dresses, undereye concealer, and perhaps an inclination to wear fewer rings on your fingers.
Rituals are best performed for 3-12 consecutive days. This is what leads to powerful, lasting, and most importantly, measurable results. If you have been performing rituals leading up to the Full Moon, consider the night of the Full Moon the climax of your ritual.
The Full Moon signifies the cultivation of goals, the peak of a cycle, and emotional fulfillment. The Full Moon is best used to draw something into your life, such as love, financial prosperity, or self-development.
If, however, you are choosing not to perform any magick on the night of the Full Moon, simply sitting under the moon rays and energetically absorbing the magnetism will reawaken and revitalize your spirit.
Whether you're having a difficult time leaving an unsuitable relationship or are trying to eliminate negative self-talk, the Waning Moon is perfectly capable and willing to help phase out what is no longer needed or wanted.
In addition to removing negative influences from your life, this is also an appropriate time to cast revenge spells (curses).
The Waning Moon reminds us of things yet to be done and that time is slipping away. Anxiety is usually heightened during this time; therefore, self-care is critical.
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