* A Witch and Her Broom*

A Witch without her broom is like a police officer without handcuffs - their sense of power becomes diminished.

Witches have long been associated with flying - whether its on a broom, or on the backs of animals or birds such as ravens, crows, or owls.
There are known Goddesses or Deities if you prefer, that are associated with broomsticks. As part of my own magickal development, just last month I worked with Baba Yaga who flew through the skies in a mortar and pestle whilst using her broom for spell work by sweeping the path behind her. Interestingly, a Chinese Goddess called Sao Ch'ing Niang also known as Lady of the Broom is thought to be in charge of the good weather (I'm suspecting a lot of research in to this Goddess will now commence as we all want good weather instead of the floods, fires and smog we've been having the world over or late). Farmer's used to call upon her to ensure healthy crops.

 

 



My last sample of Broomstick Goddesses is an Aztec Goddess, Tiazolteotl. She is involved in sweeping away the wrongdoings when called upon. Although she inspires sin, she is also actively involved in sweeping it away. So you see, the world over, despite cultural differences; A Witch and Her Broom are symbols of power, change and abundance.

So how can we use the broom in our craft?

So glad you asked. Brooms are most known for sweeping away negativity and also guarding your home by being placed upright thus invoking protection. But did you know that you can anoint the handle of your broom using oil and perhaps sprinkling a few drops on the bristles to add some extra witchy substance to your magickal broom workings?

You can use; Rosemary and/or Lemon for protection, Rose and/or Geranuim for Love, Peppermint and/or Cinnamon for prosperity - the list is endless. Follow your witchy senses and all the natural witch within to guide you.

It is bad luck to loan your broom to anyone, even a friend

As well as oils, you can perhaps weave and tie on herbs for added power to. And why not try decorating your broom a little more elaborately if you feel guided to and placement of the broom permits it. You could try hanging empty egg shells for Ostara perhaps with the blessing you wish to invoke written on them, butterflies and faeries for Midsummer, Holly for Yule, etc. go wild and decorate your broom in a way that feels empowering to you.

This is my broom that I decorated with Ivy that was growing in my garden. Also, there is lots of coloured ribbons invoking certain aspects of magick that I desired and a handmade twigged pentacle at the top of the handle.


 

 If you like the idea of working with a broom to enhance your witchcraft practice and would like more information including; wood selection, the making and buying of a broom, broomstick meditation, spell, rituals and charms, along with so much more valuable and practical information, then I can't recommend "The Witch's Broom" by Deborah Blake highly enough.

Published by Llewellyn, in paperback and kindle, it really is a witch's companion on working more deeply in your witchy practice, to develop the level you currently work at. Head to AMAZON UK or LLEWELLYN to order yours. I absolutely LOVE mine :)

What Makes A Witch Authentic?

Hello my Witchlings,

I've been gone for far too long. You could say that I've been off zooming on my broom but the truth is, that broom has been standing in the corner gathering dust. Bad Witchy. No cookie for me. I truly hope to make more of an effort with this blog by posting at least once a week - although the book reviews will be little rather than often.

I realised I've been spending far too much of my precious witchy time reviewing books, and as enjoyable as it once was, we all know that we head to amazon to check out previous buyers opinions rather than trawling blogs. So I asked my friends what they would like me to do; book review or blog authentically with creations. It was a resounding BLOG AUTHENTICALLY WITH CREATION along with the sweetest "We miss YOU" message. It touched my heart very deeply. I have listened and here I am with a rather brilliant topic and question I think. (Please do let me know your opinions).

 

The other night I dreamt of having animals outside of my bedroom door, I'm still deciphering what this dream actually means based on the animals that were there, but I really believe that there is a deep and meaningful message to it. I have always believed in the power of my dreamtime, and have over the quarter of a century of my existence (goddess that makes me sound old - I'm only 25), had a great many of prophetic dreams that many have scoffed at. The thing is, I never asked for anyone's permission or validation of these dreams, I simply shared them with whom I thought were like minded folk. I know my self, I know my own inner mechanical workings, I have all the validation within. Which, going back to the subject I am discussing with you here means that when it comes to me and my dreamtime - I am authentically assured.

 

But what makes a witch authentic?

 

 

This is a question that I began my day with this morning when my darling little Mr Magick Man woke me up at 5:15am and we snuggled and purred (You do know I'm talking about my Cat here don't you? ;) ) and I grabbed a witchy book from the side and began reading. I began to wonder exactly what does make an authentic witch, and I knew from that moment it would make an excellent discussion here amongst us.

 

So what does make a witch authentic in her/him self, in her/his practice, and perhaps in her/his teachings? Is it the clothes they wear, the jewellery they display, the ritualistic photos that are splashed across social media, or is it even the branch of the craft that they practice? I don't think it is at all. Before, when I was just starting out on my path I thought it was so super important for me to have the elaborate altar in my home, because that would make me a witch, and I thought that if I had witchy items displayed in my bedroom and home and even garden that would make me a witch for sure. I was young, naive, and a beginner. Who hasn't got some "Oppsy" to share about their beginnings in the craft. 

 



Over time I have come to realise that it really doesn't matter how often you miss a lunar cycle ritual, or even that you forget to cast a spell on the full moon, and you don't always have a witchy altar on display, heck you may not even pick up a book on the craft for months. Your pentacle is in your jewellery box, the candles are low on stock, you may even have forgotten some of the theory you once learnt. But NONE of that matters. Not one tiny bit. Not to the Goddess, Not to the God, and it certainly shouldn't matter to You.

What does matter however is the intention and purity within your heart. Do you always try to be grateful? Do you smile at passers by? Do you try to help whenever you can, in whatever way you can? Do you feel fondness for Mother Nature; the trees, flowers, plants, grass? Do you feel the love for the animal kingdom and realise just how blessed you are to share your existence with all of them and the beauty of this world? Then I believe within my heart that all of that is what makes you an Authentic Witch. When you feel a calling to the craft path, and you honour that calling AS and WHEN you can with or without the extras, then you are being authentic in your craft practice, your life as a follower of the craft, and as a teacher of the craft as you go about your day to day living setting an example to those around you. All the other stuff is just glitter. And we can sparkle with or without the physical glitter.

I'd love to hear your thoughts about what you think makes an authentic witch, and how you remain authentic in your craft practice. If you have time, please stop by my lovely friend Lyn Thurman's blog where she's posted a blog of a sister theme to this one on how you can feel more witchy. It really is a most excellent read. Just click on the picture below and don't forget to mention who sent you :)

 

 

Until Next Time, May the Goddess Guard and Guide you Safely

 

Dawn

xXx

 

All written content on this blog belongs to © Dawn Brierley, Life Coach, Love Your Money Coach ©, Intuitive Angel Therapist, Tarot Lover & Hedgewitch.

PLEASE DO NOT COPY ANYTHING WITHOUT WRITTEN CONSENT FROM DAWN BRIERLEY

Amber ~ Pagan Blog Project 2014

The Pagan Blog Project is back! And this year I am attempting to take part as I re-dedicated myself in Samhain to take my pagan practice up a notch or two. I want to find that inner closeness I have had snatches of over the past few years. So this is my personal journey, and I will be posting about topics I haven't done before or that I haven't done in much detail. This week's post is the letter "A" and I chose to write about AMBER.

Amber is one of the most prettiest stones I have ever seen. I have to admit that it was my Mum who brought my attention to this amazing stone. Mum has always had a close affinity with Merlin, Alchemy and Nature. She still remains in awe at how this beautiful crystal is formed from tree resin which is what gives it that plastic feeling when you rub it between your thumb and forefinger.

Amber is a stone of courage, personal power and harmony - traits every practicing pagan and witch would benefit from and understand just how important they are to have. It's also a great crystal to work with as we approach Imbolc, as we each grow out of the dark and begin to emerge into the lightness of the earths cycle. Amber is also especially brilliant to work with when in our practices, wiccan or shamanic, we are aiming to connect between the realms, amber acts as the gateway.

It's long been associated with the Mother Goddess as it is believed to contain the essence of life - possibly down to the fact that some tree resin Amber's contain insects and the like.

Ways To Use Amber:

On a Healing level, Amber is good to wear upon you for self-healing, and relieving anxiety and depression. It's brilliant for increasing your self confidence and inner radiance. If you are a healer and work with many clients either physically or spiritually at a distance, wearing amber can help prevent you absorbing negative energies. It's a wonderful crystal to aid digestion, and speech problems, it strengthens the spine and encourages cell regeneration.

With Children and Animals, Amber is particularly self healing for animals who are older. I find my Cat like to lie on this crystal which is gentle and comfy and seems to ease her arthritis. For children, you may find it helpful for them if they are prone to being bullied, it creates a barrier against spite (sometimes us adults could benefit from Amber for this reason too).

Protection is what Amber is probably best known for, it gives you the courage to face your enemies be they people, situations, fears, etc. Roman Gladiators used amber for this too! If you place a piece on your altar it will offer power and protection in your rituals.

Money, Money, Money! Amber is a stone of prosperity and success. So it's great to keep some in your purse/wallet, on your desk at work, in your safe at home with your money and valuables, you can even pop a small piece in a money box. I like to keep a piece near my vision board and have even attached it to a vision board.

Spiritually Speaking - Amber is great to use for past life work. Burn an orange candle and hold this crystal whilst gazing into the flame with half closed eyes.

My experiences with Amber

My mum bought me a gorgeous Amber pendant for my birthday one year and it looks truly like a family heirloom. Many people have even asked me if it was my Grandmothers or Great-Grandmothers - yet it is totally brand new. It is just a very experienced stone - at least I like to think of it that way. I've always associated amber with High Priestesses and I tend to work with Jet too when doing magickal work. The deep richness of the colour, I cant help but be transformed to autumnal thoughts of cosiness, and warmth, which is important for self security and inner reflection.

All written content on this blog is the work of © Dawn Brierley, Life Coach, Consultant, Intuitive Angel Therapist, Tarot Lover & Mentor

New Moon? Same Old Story - Re Written!

Merry Meet everyone,

 

It was my birthday on Saturday which also happened to be the New Moon, I had a lovely day, spent the weekend with my Handsome Paramedic who spoilt me rotten. He cooked me a gorgeous meal, bought me Nexus 4 Mobile phone however the speakers didn't work so it's been sent back for them to send me one that actually works! I was spoilt by my Mum who bought me lovely gifts such as fitness equipment (I am working out more these days, and being kept on track by my health & fitness coach), books, DVD Box Sets such as Ghost Whisperer, new hair straighteners, clothes etc. I am one lucky girly!

But the New Moon really brought up some energies that I have personally been feeling for a while, especially in relation to my spiritual pathway. Many of you have been here with me on this blog since it's birth when it was "The Witch Inside", then it changed to Living a Life of Blessings, then to The Faerie Whisperer, then more recently to Finding the Goddess Within and now it has come full circle and returned to "Witch Inside". This blog has ALWAYS been a reflection of me and my spiritual pathway.

I feel that I began to lose my way a little when I felt the urge to change it the first time, and I have to say that I am particularly pleased that it has returned to all it's glorious witchiness! There is a saying that "Once a Witch, Always a Witch!", now I truly believe that with all my soul. I can try and ignore it and maybe for a year or so it will die down and bury itself deep within me, but sooner or later it will resurface and it will ultimately win!

 

Now what does this mean for me? Well personally it means a whole load of exciting things for me, it means that I get to post about my witchy ponderings once again that many of you first began to follow this blog for, it means that I get to really share my soul with you all once more without fear of upsetting my readers, it means that I get to incorporate my coaching that I've studied, trained, and am qualified in with all my new age, metaphysical, spiritual and witchy ways. I wonder sometimes how they will blend together, but that is the beauty of life. They all blend into making my life MINE naturally, and I am sure that the Goddess, my angels and my loved ones on the other side will undoubtedly help me blend them here on the wonderful world wide web.

I spoke to some fellow light-workers on facebook today about these changes and a lot of people have felt the energy and even thanked me for posting about my personal feelings towards this. it seems that the New Moon certainly brought about a new beginning by bringing back some old ways of our own personal pathways.

I would love to hear about how the New Moon on the 5th October 2013 affected you, please share in the comments as I am deeply intrigued to hear your story and I'd also love it if you came and "friended" me on Facebook - I really am a Friendly Witch!

All written content on this blog is the work of © Dawn Brierley, Life Coach, Consultant, Intuitive Angel Therapist, Tarot Lover & Mentor

Happy October

Ok, so it's a day late but still, "Happy October!" 

I realised yesterday just how long it has been since I wrote on this blog about anything connected with my Witchiness. 

Many of you may remember just how my blog journey began, this blog was in fact called ~ "The Witch Inside" before recently changing it to "The Faerie Whisperer". It was a special lady who became my sister, (Pixie Allen) who encouraged me to blog way back in 2009 (I think that was the year I began blogging) and who also encouraged me to follow my Witchy pathway. I wasn't always loud and proud! Recently I've been reminded that I shouldn't hide who I am and what I believe in to conform to others ideas of me. 

I do miss my Witchy Writings, I actually miss the interaction I had with a lot of my readers who were themselves walking a similar pathway. 

So, as you can see the famous Witchy Background and layout for the blog has returned, and I will try to post more Witchy themed blogs for you all to read and hopefully enjoy. 

***

On Friday it's my 24th Birthday and as a special present to myself I've ordered myself a copy of Silja's Green Wiccan Book of Shadows. 

I hadn't intended on reviewing this book on my blog but after mentioning it on a post on my Facebook wall, I had a few emails from my friends asking me if I would be reviewing it - alas, I have decided that I will post a review of the book, so you might want to keep an eye out for that. 

Thank you for stopping by, and I hope we can spend more time together soon! 

Bright Blessings, 

Aurora 

Pagan Blog Project 2012 -Wk 5 ~ CRAFT NAME

Merry Meet,

Week 5 greets us not only with the energy of a wonderfully blessed Imbolc but of the Pagan Blog Project – C part 1.

I had initially thought of blogging about the Magickal circle we Pagan folk use when conducting a ritual and spell casting, but the Goddess came to me late last night just as I was about to drift off to Fairyland for a meeting with Queen Mab, and told me to write about the Magickal Names we sometimes chose or have given to us as we walk a moonlit pathway of the Goddess. So I will honour the goddesses’ guidance and write about “CRAFT NAMES”.

When I first read about the art of having a craft name I must have been about 14 years old when I read it in Silver RavenWolf’s book (Love or loathe her – I appreciate her writing style).  I felt excited at the prospect of having a name that I chose all for myself. I had always fancied myself as a Crystal MirrorWind or Amethyst RavenMoon, but however lovely those names sounded, it wasn’t for me. I began to think about things and aspects of myself that were true to me. A long soul search later I was dedicated to the Lord and Lady as; Opal AutumnWynd. Let me explain;

Opal ~ my birthstone, Autumn ~ my favourite time of year along with also being the Season of my Birth, and Wynd ~ A spin off of ‘wind’  the element I belong to being of the Sylphs and being a Libran.

However as I grew in both age and craft knowledge I received a visit from the Moon Goddess Artemis one night as we experienced a Waxing moon and she told me that my new craft name was *Aurora MoonMaiden*. She explained the reasoning behind this and it resonated within me. So I have transitioned from Opal AutumnWynd to Aurora MoonMaiden.

I use my craft name sometimes when signing articles or writing blog entries, or emails/letters to fellow Craft friends but mainly use them when speaking with the Goddess or performing a ritual.

I do have a secret craft name that only the Goddess, God and I know, and I like it that way. Sometimes it really is nice to have that little corner of sanctuary in your own life where only you and the Gods know. I know I value the secret of my Craft name and I assume many more of us out there also value it for perhaps the same reasons, or perhaps a more varied reasoning applies. That’s fine.

If there is one thing that I have learnt on my pagan pathway, it is that you absolutely follow your heart in all you do. You do what feels right to you and you honour the God & Goddess within, by doing so, you truly are being the Witch Inside.

Blessed Be,
Aurora MoonMaiden  

All written content on this blog is the work of © Aurora Brierley, The Faerie Whisperer & The Witch Inside. No written contents of this blog may be reproduced in any way (in part or in entirety) without the express written permission of the author, © Aurora Brierley, The Faerie Whisperer & The Witch Inside.

Vintage Witchery

Merry Meet,

It's that time of year when I start to think about the changes I'd like to make in my home and garden this year. I also think about what I'd like to keep, or enhance. Around February, especially Imbolc onwards I get the decorating bug and am considering the re-decoration of my kitchen and bathroom to make them more country vintage witch.

So the kitchen I am thinking *pale pink* on the walls so that it goes to something like this;

I love the thought of having a pink kitchen again. I grew up with a pink kitchen as a young girl. We have some fabulous vintage floral patterned items already for the kitchen and I just know the pink will only enhance this.

Now my bathroom, well, I have been browsing catalogues and seen some fabulous wallpaper that would really bring out the tiles we have in the bathroom, and have decided that I simply must have it. I've calculated that I'd only need 3 rolls (as the rest is tiles) so for a fabulous £45 I can have this all over my bathroom.

I have decided against wooden flooring or infact tiles or lino in the bathroom purely because I've "been there done that - and fell on my witchy bum far too many times". So I'm opting either for a nice plush gentle blue or soft pink carpet. I want to walk into my Vintage Mermaid Cove on something that resembles soft pink/blue sand.



***

Now, my bedroom has been a modern floral deal for about a year or so now, yet as I grow and move into the costume of 'homemaker' that was awaiting me laid on the chenille chair I feel more grown up and the need to actually start making a home now. So I am opting still for florals yet soft and gentle ones now. Yet I cannot decide whether to opt for soft lilac, soft pink or indeed a more floral yet gentle red? :/ It has me in somewhat of a predicament.

Because I have this image within my vintage witchy mind of having blinds (for privacy) with white muslin voiles browly easily in the gentle breeze, the smell of fresh lavender and rose in the bedroom as you walk in, White linen bedding with floral lace draping down the sides,

Over my bed will be a canopy draped with floral lights to really light the faerie *princess* priestess to bed.

  A dainty armchair in the corner draped with comfy cushions and throws with a side table with a vase of pink roses on the side with a tablecloth and doile, just waiting for me to come home and sit to read a fabulous book.  On the walls will be vintage photos of cottage gardens, faeires, mermaids and flowers along with wall lights to soften the main light at night.

*

Whilst writing this blog I have decided that I would love a pink bedroom... very soft and delicate as I can really add lots of gentle candy colours to the room at different times to bring out the life of the pink.

As for the garden I really would love to create this... as you'll see from the picture this is actually all ons omeones patio.... AMAZING!!

Perhaps more realistically I can add some vintage witchery charm to the front of my home in my front garden by planting strong scented lavender and rosemary, adding a tub of marigolds by the front door to welcome prosperity, lots of scented roses and wild flowers to add to the already existing butterfly (buddleja davidii) bush that I have there. It's lovely mowing the lawn with the faeries permission and dancing with the butterflies at the same time. I may plant some snapdragons/foxgloves, along the front mixed in with my ivy.  

I thought about adding a few wall plaques and hanging baskets on the front either side of the window to add colour and life. I may even go for a window box this year. I shall of course have to do a charm to protect all these lovely things being stolen (not that it's a rough neighbourhood...just that one neighbour whom I have very strong suspicions is a Witch!!! Yes... she has gargoyles on the front garden, ivy trailing over the wall - same as myself - lavender, rosemary, and marigolds next to her door -  well i have sadly caught her ripping my planting from my garden and then planting them in her own :(   ) so that they can grow in the garden and thrive.

It sounds perfectly enchanting don't you think?

I've also decided that I would really love to start a new hobby ... **Scrapbooking**, I feel I can create my own vintage world of love in a scrapbook which can also act as a source of inspiration. I am so fabulously excited now. I even have my Mum eager to begin the home changes now. yay!!

So this Vintage Witch Inside is off to create her scrapbook of ideas for her wonderfully witchy home.

Aurora )O(

xxxxx

Ooo Before I go, just a gentle reminder that the IMBOLC issue of FAE Magazine for 2012 will be available from February 1st YAY!!! Make sure you get it as there is a fabulous coumn this time from me conencted to a special type of faerie .... Shhhhhh!! Subscribe at www.FAEMagazine.com

All written content on this blog is the work of © Aurora Brierley, The Faerie Whisperer & The Witch Inside. The pictures are from various sources found on a google search "Vintage Home Style".  No written contents of this blog may be reproduced in any way (in part or in entirety) without the express written permission of the author, © Aurora Brierley, The Faerie Whisperer & The Witch Inside.

The Priestess Within

Merry Meet my lovely fellow witchlets,

How are we all today? What have you been upto? Here, let me pour you a cup of Dandelion Tea, take a seat on the toadstool or cushioned dandelion seeds.

Wow, you've had a magickal day!

Im watching Harry Potter & the Philosopher's Stone right now and it's made me feel all magickal and witchy inside again. (it doesn't take a lot these days). Im really feeling that I know exactly where Im going, and what I am all about. Im a witch 100%, a faery hedgewitch at that! Im also a teacher both spiritual and to the dear little *muggles*. And i'm a psychic! On top of that I'm a writer and I need to embrace all that I am, all that I was in previous lives, and all that I will be!

I've been thinking recently how I can move forward with my writing and initially decided that I would stop working with and writing about the angels, as my life and work very much revolve around faeries and wicca right now. But it has dawned on me that I shouldn't stop teaching, working with and writing about angels as they are all a part of my spiritual journey, they are all a part of me! I needed to be reminded to embrace ALL that I am. I needed to be reminded to BE the Priestess within me, throughout my life! So I will be embracing all of these spiritual energies that I work with and have worked with! Its the way forward for me. I know with all my heart that the Goddess with guide me through each step.

An update on my weight loss, I have used a magickal measuring tape today and discovered that whilst in the past two weeks I havent lost weight, in the past week I have lost half an inch from each arm, an inch from my thigh, half an inch from my other thigh, an inch from my bust and another inch from my hips. Thats a total Inch-loss of 4 1/2 inches!!! So I'm a trimmer Faery Hedgewitch!

Guiding Goddess

Merry Meet,





I have had a wonderful morning and i'm feeling full of positivity. I feel that I have truly begun to find myself now, and also I'm embracing my true self.





I have been to the local garden centre and have found a plant that I am going to buy to place in the area of my garden altar (which I shall be making soon). It's Artemisia : Silver Queen. Sacred to the Goddess Artemis who happens to be a deity I work with. I took this plant as a sign from Artemis, that I am on the right pathway and to keep going, she'll guide me along my journey.









I came home and googled it to find that it is in fact MUGWORT, something else I've been after. So I feel truly guided today. next week I'm going to be popping back to the garden centre and getting a new set of herbs to develop my herb garden. Ill share the photos of it in progress and the completion of it. Im very excited at how i'm going to do it all.

Blessed Be,

Aurora MoonMaiden )O(

Onwards and Upwards.....Broomstick Style!

Of late there has been a lot of cleansing energy around me. Painfully and emotionally draining, but cleansing all the same.
Now it's onwards and upwards....broomstick style.

I'm beginning to get back to my old self again, getting out my broomstick, dusting my hat off, and placed the wand on show! Figuratively speaking of course.

Throughout this year I will be taking a more active role within my solitary hedgewitchery, researching other branches of wicca. Im going to learn all I can, if it's no use to me, then hey, I've got the knowledge if someone ever needs advice.

I feel full of excitement today, I really do! I can't wait to get back in the garden, planting, tending to my herbs, and embracing nature and ME!

I'm reading The Real Witches Handbook....again! Should really read Hedgewitch by Rae Beth..... Think I will.

I've decided that Im going to do the odd couple of articles...but really focus on what I do best and enjoy best.....HELPING OTHERS through my psychic readings. But I do want to try and bring the Fae, Unicorns, Mermaids and benefits of paganism into people's lives. I'm also going to continue with the Indian Head Massage, and Im going to try and learn Crystal Healing. I'm also going to use my Celtic Reiki more. SO at some point I will re-read my Manuals and go for my Celtic Reiki Masters!

This really feels like the REAL me now! I feel that as much as I love angels. Faeries are for Me.

Faerie Blessings to you all

Aurora.