The legend of the Yule Cat is intertwined with the concept of Christmas attire. According to the tradition, those who finish their chores and work on time before Christmas are rewarded with new clothes. However, those who are lazy or do not complete their tasks risk facing the wrath of the Yule Cat. As the story goes, this feline has a keen eye for fashion and prowls the Icelandic countryside, seeking out individuals without new clothing as a sign of their laziness.

The Yule Cat is said to be enormous, often depicted as towering over houses. Its eyes glow with an otherworldly light, and its intimidating presence strikes fear into the hearts of those who encounter it. The cat’s main criterion for its potential victims is whether they wear new clothes received explicitly as a Christmas gift. In Icelandic tradition, this motivates people to complete their work and household chores, ensuring they are appropriately dressed to avoid the Yule Cat’s attention.

While the legend of the Yule Cat may be seen as a playful and cautionary tale, it also carries a more profound message about the importance of hard work, responsibility, and generosity during the tough days of winter. The emphasis on receiving new clothes as a reward for diligence reflects the cultural significance of contributing to the community and caring for one another.

In modern times, the Yule Cat has become a symbol in Icelandic Christmas celebrations. It is often mentioned in stories, poems, and songs, adding a touch of folklore to the holiday season. The Yule Cat is a unique and captivating figure that contributes to the rich tapestry of Icelandic traditions, reminding everyone of the values of industriousness and compassion during this festive time of the year.

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The festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in) in Irish and Scottish Gaelic; Calan Gaeaf in Wales; Kalan Gwav in Cornwall; and All Hallows in Old English, marks the beginning of the darker part of the year. Vetrnætr, “Winter Nights,” in the Norse, marks the start of the winter season through the Festival of Flowers. The harvest has finished, and the cold, darker nights are beginning to come to the fore. This is a time of contemplation when the veils between the worlds are at their thinnest. 

In modern practice, the time also marks the transition of the holy year, though the historical underpinnings of this being the pagan “new year” are not so clear cut and quite suspect. It seems almost universally held within modern pagan circles that October 31/November 1 was the end and beginning of the Celtic year. This concept rests on dubious and mostly modern rationality. It likely stems from John Rhys’s 1901 work Celtic Folklore. The idea was then further popularized by John Frazer. Samhain is first on the list of cross-quarter days contained in the “Tochmarc Emire,” one of the stories in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology. Though no doubt dating back farther, the oldest extant manuscript of the tale dates to the fifteenth or early sixteenth-centuries. However, the tale has no internal evidence that the ordering holds any particular significance. The order of the list may be no more than coincidence.

This is a period on the threshold between light and dark. It is a time when the dead, spirits, and fairies more easily walk abroad in the land of humankind. It is a time of reflection, introspection, and divination. Once again, we can be with our ancestors and brothers who have passed to the Summerlands. Even at the beginning of the modern era, divining one’s future husband was a common pastime among young girls during this season. We celebrate the goddess of the underworld realms, Hel.

It is uncertain if the ancient peoples had a concept of a beginning and end to the year. I lean toward the thought they viewed the seasons as more a continuous spiral than a closed circle. The seed of the year begins if we can say it does, at sunrise on the Winter Solstice. The importance of this date is borne out in the particular alignment of many sacred Stone Age monuments. The period between All Hallows and Midwinter is a dark, gestational period, when the seed of spirit lies in the womb of the Great Mother. It is a time of contraction, reflection, and calm. The time between All Hallows and the winter solstice is truly interstitial.

In The Stations of the Sun, Ronald Hutton observes that, unlike Beltaine, there is scant obvious historical evidence that Samhain was a ubiquitous festival period across all the Celtic regions. We can, however, tell from the antiquity of superstitions and the commonly held ancient folk customs that the time was viewed as a period of the year where supernatural forces, the dead, and entities from the otherworld were of utmost concern. Folklore and the modern vestiges of ancient custom that lingered into the modern era demonstrate the period was also a time for divination and looking toward the future. 

Like Bealtaine, Samhain was historically a time of bonfires (now in England moved to November 5, Guy Fawkes Day). The time has long been a special period of observance and a marker for the end of the harvest/beginning of winter. It is an appropriate balance and counterpart to Spring’s Beltaine celebration.

In Scotland, November 1 begins the time of the Cailleach or Hag Mother. She rules over the stormy winter months until she is replaced at Beltaine by Brìghde. The actual transition between these two seasonal goddesses differs by local climate. In Scotland, the corn dolly made from the last of the harvest is a representation of the Cailleach. She is known for herding deer and is credited with creating Scotland’s mountains and lochs. The famous mountain of Ben Nevis is known as her throne. She is said to wash her plaid in the Gulf of Corryvreckan on the west coast. After three days, the plaid is white, symbolic of the snow covering the land.

In Cornwall, on October 31, local tradition celebrates the Feast of St. Allan, also known as Allantide. Apples, especially those known as Allan apples, feature prominently. Apple markets were held throughout the area. Polished red apples were given as gifts to loved ones. Games have long been associated with the festival. One wonders if the modern tradition of kids bobbing for apples echoes these folk associations. Here again, love divination is an element. Women would throw walnuts into fires to predict the faithfulness of lovers.

November Eve Solitary Rite

Decorate your altar with dried leaves, pine cones, winter vegetables, pomegranates. Stand before the altar with phallic wand in hand, chant: 

Eko, eko, Azarak Eko, eko, Zomelak Bazabi lacha bachabe Lamac cahi achababe Karrellyos Lamac lamac Bachalyas cabahagy sabalyos Baryolos Lagoz atha cabyolas Samahac atha famolas Hurrahya!

Addresses the representation of the Goddess or Divine Spirit.

As went enter winter’s icy embrace,
The mother remains in her grace.
Her breath may bring frost, her touch may bring cold,
Yet by her dark presence, secrets unfold.

She walks the night with silent tread,
A crown of stars upon her head.
In her shadow, we confront our fear,
But also gain strength to face the coming year.

Dark goddess of winter, hear my plea,
Grant me wisdom and set my spirit free.
In your realm of shadows and chill,
Teach me to find peace and be still.

Place the wand on the altar and raise the dagger above the altar. Invoke the god: 

Dear Lord of the shadows, 
God of birth, life, and return.
Open wide thy gates through which all must pass.
Let our dear ones return this night,
To make merry with us once more.

And when our time comes, as it must,
O comforter, consoler, giver of peace and rest,
We will enter thy realms gladly and unafraid.
Rested and refreshed among our dear ones,
We shall be born again by thy grace 
and the grace of the Great Mother.
In the same place, at the same time,

May we meet, know, and love them again
And embrace us in the shadows of this night.

Raise a toast to the divine spirits, then close the circle.

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The Simple Magick of Wild Things by Dave Gaddy

Meet Dave Gaddy, a Southern male witch of the realms of magic and spirituality that has captured the imagination of many. Originally from North Carolina and now residing in Atlanta, Gaddy combines his deep-seated roots with the ancient craft, infusing his practice with a distinctive Southern allure. With a profound affinity for nature, he delves into folklore, spellwork, and a fervent dedication to ancestral magic, offering his perspectives in a manner that deeply resonates. Embark on a journey with Gaddy as he recounts his experiences, unveiling the wisdom of a Southern male witch treading a path marked by winding roads, mountain lore, and a spirit brimming with humor and zeal. If you have ever attended one of Dave’s classes, you know his style is rich in personal history and highly approachable.

Breeding Devils in Chaos by Sven Davisson

Sven Davisson’s Breeding Devils in Chaos takes readers on a journey through the history of witchcraft and its connections to queer identities. The book delves into the concept of the Craft and its potential for empowering queer men on their spiritual paths. Davisson describes his work as a “re-queering” as the Crooked Path has been a little bit bent, a little queer, right from the start.

Awakening the Witch Blood: Embodying the Arte Magical by Nathan King

In Awakening the Witch Blood King draws on the myriad of beliefs from European witch traditions. He has created an impressive guidebook, combining mythology and folklore with operative rituals designed to enliven and quicken the metaphorical Witch Blood that courses through our veins. Amazon tells me that customers frequently buy this book with Breeding Devils above. I think this is a superb pairing–though I will leave it to you, dear reader, to make out which is the filet and which the rich Bourdeaux.

The Green Man by Michael Thomas Ford

The Green Man delves into the concept of the Green Man, a symbol of rebirth and the cycle of growth each spring. The book explores how the Green Man archetype can be integrated into modern queer witchcraft practices, offering insights and rituals for those interested in connecting with this powerful symbol.

Outside the Charmed Circle by Misha Magdalene —Reader Suggestion

Discover your true self with Outside the Charmed Circle by Misha Magdalene. This empowering book is your guide to embracing your gender, sexuality, and spirituality. Through hands-on meditations, prompts, and magical exercises, you’ll explore the intersection of your identity and your spiritual journey. Gain valuable insights on embodiment, consent, and self-esteem, and learn to navigate the Pagan world with confidence. Whether you’re part of the LGBTQIA+ community or an ally, this book offers an inclusive and empowering approach to self-discovery in a magical context.

Satyr’s Kiss by Storm Faerywolf

Satyr’s Kiss offers a unique perspective on queer witchcraft, drawing inspiration from the figure of the satyr in mythology. Storm Faerywolf explores the intersection of sensuality, magic, and queerness, providing rituals and practices to embrace one’s unique identity and desires. I know from my circle of friends that reactions to this book have been mixed–some appreciate it, and others do not. You may be the judge.

Gay Witchcraft by Christopher Penczak

Christopher Penczak’s Gay Witchcraft has become a foundational text in the realm of queer magic. The book delves into the author’s personal journey as a gay man practicing witchcraft, offering insights, rituals, and meditations tailored to LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Queer Qabala by Enfys J. Book

Queer Qabala delves into the mystical tradition of Qabala and reimagines it through a queer lens. Enfys J. Book provides a fresh perspective on this ancient spiritual practice, offering insights and meditations that resonate with the experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Bending the Binary by Deborah Lipp

Deborah Lipp’s Bending the Binary challenges conventional notions of gender and sexuality within the context of witchcraft. The book provides a thought-provoking exploration of non-binary and genderqueer identities, offering practical guidance for incorporating these perspectives into magical practice.

Queer Magic by Tomas Prower

Queer Magic by Tomas Prower offers a comprehensive overview of LGBTQIA+ spirituality and magic across different cultures and traditions. The book celebrates the diversity of queer magical practices and provides a wealth of resources for those interested in exploring this rich and multifaceted landscape.

Queer Rites by Enfys J. Book

In Queer Rites, Enfys J. Book explores the significance of ritual and ceremony within queer magical traditions. The book offers a range of rituals, spells, and celebrations tailored to LGBTQIA+ individuals, inviting readers to engage with their spirituality in meaningful and empowering ways.

Queering the Tarot by Cassandra Snow

Cassandra Snow’s Queering the Tarot offers a radical reimagining of tarot through a queer and inclusive lens. The book explores how traditional tarot archetypes can be interpreted in ways that resonate with diverse queer experiences, offering new possibilities for self-reflection and empowerment.

And a classic…

Witchcraft and the Gay Counterculture by Arthur Evans

Witchcraft and the Gay Counterculture is a seminal work by Arthur Evans, published in 1978, that explores the intersection of witchcraft, paganism, and LGBTQ+ identity during the tumultuous era of the 1960s and 70s, comparing, contrasting, and drawing historical antecedent from the late medieval and early modern persecution of witches and heretics.

In Witchcraft and the Gay Counterculture, Evans presents a compelling argument that modern witchcraft and neopagan practices are not merely spiritual movements but also acts of cultural rebellion against societal norms. He delves into the historical roots of witchcraft, drawing parallels between the persecution of witches and the marginalization of LGBTQ+ individuals throughout history. The book offers insights into how these two communities have shared common experiences of oppression and resilience.

Now available in combination with its unfinished sequel Moon Lady Rising in The Evans Symposium.

The realm of queer magick is rich and diverse, and these books offer valuable perspectives and resources for LGBTQIA+ individuals seeking to explore their spirituality through the lens of magic and witchcraft. Whether you are new to the intersection of queerness and witchcraft or have been practicing for years, these books provide a wealth of inspiration and insight to enrich your magical journey.

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The September full moon marks the feast day of what the Anglo-Saxons referred to as Hāliġmōnaþ or “Holy Month.” It coincides with the end of harvest and the festival celebrating its bounty.

The time around the longest day of the year is a period for honoring the sun goddess Sunne as she rises in all her glory. The Old English word Litha means “calm.” June and July have some of the best weather in Britain. In Louisiana, we also know this is the beginning of hurricane season, a reminder that the Mother can be both pleasant and destructive.

Bonfires are traditionally lit throughout Britain at this time. In the Orkney, the fires are kindled with a mixture of peat and twigs. An animal bone is thrown in when they are lit—hence the term bon(e)fire. Each farmer takes a light from the fire to bless their farm.

Like other high festivals of the year, this is when the magical realms are closer to those of humans. The veil between our world and the Elfamme is again thinner at midsummer. The Feast of St. John is widely celebrated in Britain on June 24th. In New Orleans, St. John’s Eve, the evening of June 23rd, has traditionally been celebrated as a Voodoo holiday. The practice is said to date back to Marie Laveau. Sally Ann Glassman continues this tradition today and conducts a public ceremony near Bayou St. John each year.

Harvest Home Meditation

Decorate your shrine with fall colors and the final fruits of the harvest, such as pumpkins, squash, turnips, and fall leaves. Carving the turnip (as above) or pumpkins and light from the inside is appropriate. Have an incense burner or small cauldron with lit charcoal and a small bowl of grain on hand as well as an unlit candle.

Light the candle saying:

Farewell, O Mother Sun, 

even in thy departure 

Is the promise of thy return.

Sleep well, dear lady.

Symbolically sacrifice the God by dropping a pinch of wheat onto the charcoal.

He departs to the land of youth.

To dwell crowned as the king of the year.

He is ever the Horned Leader,

Who rules over the green of the wood.

As we stand unseen within the circle,

The forms of the Mighty Spirits

Of the other realms surrounding us.

Likewise, he is the Lord within ourselves.

He dwelleth within as the sacred seed,

The seed of new reaped grain,

The seed of flesh, hidden within the earth

And the mysterious ancient starseed.

Thee are that which is never born and never dies,

Therefore, we weep not and rejoice!

Meditate on the journey of the God from this world to the Underworld and the coming time of darkness. 

Adapted from Breeding Devils in Chaos: The United Rite.

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Creating the Talisman

To begin, inscribe the design above on two sides of a silver disk or draw the design in ink on a piece of parchment. It’s important to perform this inscription or drawing on a Wednesday, between the new and full moons, and preferably when Mercury is favorably disposed in conjunction with Jupiter, the Sun, or the Moon.

Empowering the Talisman

Once the design is in place, pass the talisman through the smoke of a specific type of incense. After this initial step, bury the talisman at a crossroads for seven days. Then, on the following Wednesday, retrieve the talisman and pass it through the same incense three times. You can continue to strengthen the talisman periodically by fumigating it with incense on subsequent Wednesdays.

By following these steps and aligning your actions with the planetary forces, you can create a potent and personalized talisman that resonates with your intentions and goals. Experiment with different designs and timings to see which combinations yield the most impactful results for you.

Harnessing the power of planetary forces to create and empower talismans is a fascinating practice that connects us with ancient wisdom and the energies of the cosmos. I encourage you to explore this method and see how it can enhance your spiritual and magical practice. Remember, the key to success lies in intention, focus, and alignment with the celestial influences.

I hope you find this method as inspiring and rewarding. May your talismans be imbued with the potent energies of the planets, guiding you toward your desired outcomes and aspirations.

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Have you ever wished for a magical formula to help you manifest your desires and goals? Look no further, because the powerful SATOR spell is here to light up your path to manifestation.

The SATOR spell is an ancient incantation used for centuries as a tool for manifestation and creating positive change. Its origins can be traced back to the Roman Empire, where it was carved into the walls of the city of Pompeii, but its power and relevance have transcended time and space.

The SATOR spell is composed of five simple words arranged in a specific grid-like formation:

This arrangement forms a powerful symmetrical square, and when used with focused intent and clarity, it is believed to unlock the forces of manifestation and transformation.

How to use the SATOR spell for manifesting your desire:

1. Meditate on your desires: Before using the SATOR spell, take some time to quiet your mind and clearly visualize your desires and goals. The spell works best when aligned with your true intentions.
2. Write down the spell: Take a piece of paper and carefully write out the SATOR spell in its grid-like formation. As you write each letter, take a moment to imbue it with your intentions and desires.
3. Focus your energy: Once the SATOR spell is written, place your hands over it and focus your energy and intention into the words. Visualize your desires coming to fruition as you do this.
4. Display or carry the spell: Some practitioners choose to keep the SATOR spell in a visible place as a daily reminder of their intentions, while others prefer to keep it close to them, such as in a wallet or pocket.
5. Trust in the process: The SATOR spell may work quickly for some, while for others, the results may manifest over time. Trust in the process and remain open to unexpected opportunities and synchronicities that may arise.

It’s important to note that while the SATOR spell can be a powerful tool for manifestation, it should be used with respect and the best intentions for all. Like any tool for manifestation, it is not a substitute for hard work and action, but rather a catalyst for aligning your energy with your goals.

Incorporating the SATOR spell into your manifestation practice may just be the magical boost you need to turn your dreams into reality. Give it a try and see where its ancient power takes you on your journey to manifestation!

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“I can’t put it down. It’s exactly what I was hoping for.”

“It’s like traditional witchcraft had sex with postmodernism and had a gay witch baby.”

“Sven has a deep knowledge of the mystical and weaves history, magic and promise for a new generation of gay witchcraft. Highly Recommend!”

“Honestly one of the most fascinating, informative books I read in a long time.”

Breeding Devils in Chaos: The United Rite

In Breeding Devils in Chaos, Sven Davisson delves into the enigmatic realms of traditional witchcraft, infusing them with a postmodern and re-queered perspective. The book navigates the intricate landscapes of male mysteries, offering a provocative exploration that challenges heteronormative notions. Through Davisson’s lens, ancient practices are reimagined, inviting readers into a world where tradition intersects with contemporary understanding, enriching the discourse on witchcraft and masculinity.

Divided into three distinct sections, Breeding Devils explores the rich tapestry of heathen praxis in “Plowing the Field,” lays the foundations for a post-modern interpretation of Wicca in “Sowing the Seeds,” and unveils a queer Book of Ways in “The Goodman’s Croft.” Praised as “expansive” by an early reader, Davisson’s work intricately intertwines British pre-history with contemporary themes like chaos magic and the emergence of queer activism, offering a comprehensive reference for queer male witches that spans across time and tradition.

“A real tour de force of sorcerous art. This book reveals a deep history of the roots of chaos magic, whilst also drawing on the author’s practical experience in the rich environs of New Orleans. It weaves together a breathtaking array of occult philosophy, and is close to a call to arms for a revolutionary, artistic-history, and practice of queer magic.” —Lee Morgan, author of A Deed Without a Name

“The bastard lovechild of William Burroughs and Aleister Crowley—or was he spawned of an orgy involving Rajneesh, Pan, Ginsberg, Foucault, and a dozen or so of Burroughs’s North African wild boys?  Davisson’s vision is a rich distillation of subversive thought.  Tribal, mythic, punk and anarchic, Davisson is a serious thinker with the spirit of a mischievous sprite.” —Trebor Healey author of Sweet Son of Pan

“An incredibly versatile religious scholar with a unique mind and equally complex personality…” —Raul Canizares author of Cuban Santeria: Walking with the Night

Read More

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Honoring the First Fruits of the Harvest

Oh, flame of inspiration, burn bright within us

Ignite our minds with thy sacred fire

Illuminate the path of wisdom ahead

Guide us out of the darkness.

As we enter this time of harvest,

Grant us the gift of understanding.

May we reap the fruits of our labor

And gain insight into the mysteries of life.

With thy fiery energy, inspire us.

To continue the work before us.

May we be moved through thy benevolence

to create and to grow in the light of knowledge.

Oh, flame of inspiration, we honor thee

And we welcome thy presence into our circle

May thine light guide us always

And may we continue to grow in thine wisdom.*

*Except from Breeding Devils in Chaos: The United Rite
by Sven Davisson (Rebel Satori Press)

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The time around the longest day of the year is a period for honoring the sun goddess Sunne as she rises in all her glory. The Old English word Litha means “calm.” June and July have some of the best weather in Britain. In Louisiana, we also know this is the beginning of hurricane season, a reminder that the Mother can be both pleasant and destructive.

Bonfires are traditionally lit throughout Britain at this time. In the Orkney, the fires are kindled with a mixture of peat and twigs. An animal bone is thrown in when they are lit—hence the term bon(e)fire. Each farmer takes a light from the fire to bless their farm.

Like other high festivals of the year, this is when the magical realms are closer to those of humans. The veil between our world and the Elfamme is again thinner at midsummer. The Feast of St. John is widely celebrated in Britain on June 24th. In New Orleans, St. John’s Eve, the evening of June 23rd, has traditionally been celebrated as a Voodoo holiday. The practice is said to date back to Marie Laveau. Sally Ann Glassman continues this tradition today and conducts a public ceremony near Bayou St. John each year.

Midsummer Rite

The full moon of June is sometimes called the faery moon in British Craft. Because of this, folks eschew iron items in the Midsummer circle. Instead of the cauldron, you may use a large pottery bowl. It should be filled with spring water. Similar to All Hallows and the spirits of the departed, the time around the summer solstice is when the spirits of the land, the genus loci, are thought to be close to hand. Surround the bowl and decorate the altar with summer flowers. On the altar, place the pine cone-tipped wand or a sturdy sprig of rosemary. Fresh herbs such as basil, thyme, and rosemary all make fitting decorations at this time. The candles should be yellow or gold. The altar cloth may be yellow or a summery shade enhanced by gold embellishments.

Form the circle in the usual way. After the coven enters, the Magister stands before the altar, wand or rosemary in his right hand, saying:

We call upon the divine spirits of the land by the ancient names — Michael, Balin, Arthur, Lugh, and Herne. We ask for your presence and guidance in this land once again. Illuminate the darkness with your powerful light and protect us with your shining spear. Bless us with abundant orchards, green fields, and ripening corn. Lead us to your hill of vision and show us the way to the beautiful realms of the gods.

The Magister draws the invoking pentagram over the water. He then places the tip of the wand into the water’s surface, saying:

Spirt to flesh, sun to earth.

The Server lifts the bowl and holds it before the magister. The coven then progresses before them. The Magister dips the wand or rosemary into the water and sprinkles it onto each member as they pass.

Follow with the libations.

Close the circle.

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Foreword by Jake Richards, author of Backwoods Witchcraft

“I am a southern male wytch, deep fried and dirt grown. Growing up in this unique blend of culture and magick has made me who I am today. Just as the South is known for its rich flavors and hospitality, I’ve found a deep richness in the world of wytchcraft, where intuition, nature, and spirituality intertwine. Like the secret recipe for a beloved dish, my path as a wytch is my own personal journey, filled with family traditions and the magick of the land. So, I embrace who I am, rooted in my heritage and the legacy of those before me.” —Dave Gaddy

Embark on a mystical journey with The Simple Magick of Wild Things. Discover the untamed wisdom of nature and harness its mystical energies to bring a touch of wild magick into your everyday life. Uncover the secrets of the wildlings and the elements as author Dave Gaddy takes you on an exploration of the natural world’s potent spellcraft and delves into the lives of his ancestors. You’ll experience the stories and history of a southern male wytch and follow him along his daily path.  Put on your most comfortable walking shoes and allow yourself to be captivated by old dirt roads, homey stories, and a whole lot of laughter along the way.  Embrace the simplicity of the life of a country wytch and connect with the enchantment that surrounds us, awakening the wild magick within.

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