New Moon in Libra 2022

Bang in the middle of Mercury Retrograde and just after the seasonal shift of the seasons, we have a chance for new beginnings and transitions with the New Moon in Libra.

The faintest slither of a golden moon can be seen against a jack black sky
Image by JB from Pixabay

When is the New Moon in Libra?

The New Moon in Libra is on 25th September 2022 and will reach its peak at 10:55am BST.

What is the New Moon?

The New Moon marks the start of the Lunar cycle and is sometimes also knowns as the Dark Moon as during this point the moon isn’t visible to us, but she is still there.

What does the New Moon mean in Witchcraft?

The New Moon is a new chapter, a time for new beginnings and a time for intention setting.

What are the themes of the New Moon in Libra?

Libra is ruled by Venus (the planet of love, romance and relationships) so now’s the time we can review existing relationships or even aim for a new one. This particular moon will also be directly opposite Jupiter (planet of luck, fortune, favour and blessings) so there will be a spark in the air, almost as though the power of the moon and the changes around us have been magnified. It’s going to be fit.

Being Libra, we should also look at the areas of our life that need more balance, can something be lost or gained to help you through the rest of the year in more equilibrium.

What herbs are related to this moon

Rose will be your best friend right now because not only is rose associated with the moon but it’ll also work well with Libra and its ruler, Venus.

Elderberry (which is in season right now if some grows near you) and thyme from your garden or spice rack will also go down a treat.

What can I do during the New Moon?

  1. Intention setting ceremony

    As we reach the New Moon start your intention setting, write down what you desire as though you have already achieved it. Fold the paper three times towards you to welcome these things into your life. Burn the paper in a fire-safe place to release those intentions into the universe and be ready for the next steps in your moon work.
  2. Ritual bath / Shower

    A ritual bath or shower can help cleanse the body, mind and spirit from the cycle before. Set your vibe with incense and candles of your choice (I use rose incense and pink candles for this moon) and add the following either directly to your bath or into a fabric bag and tie it to the shower head if you don’t have a bath:

    – Rose petals / Rose Essential oils to represent the Moon and Venus
    – Salt (I use Pink salt but any kind you have is perfect) to ground yourself
    – Lemon slices to cleanse and purify
    – Thyme for courage to strive for your intention and to protect you during the cycle ahead

    As you bathe, think on your intention and all you hope to achieve during the next cycle. As you wash, picture yourself washing away any hurt, pain or discomfort from the previous cycle, your past mistakes will literally go down the drain.

    Use a sieve to collect the remaining ‘bits’, thank them for their help and dispose of them.
  3. Moon tea latte

    All you need is rose tea and milk of your choice… make the tea almost like an espresso so either steep in a small amount of water from the kettle for 5 mins OR boil in a saucepan. You can add sugar or Agave / Honey to your taste. Strain the water into a glass and top with heated milk (yes, it’ll be a pink latte). Stir three times with your intention for the cycle, seal this moment by tapping the rim of you cup three times with a spoon and relax with a tasty rose latte.
  4. Shadow work

    Use this moment to reflect on the past cycle or even the year so far and find moments you need to change, adapt or improve. Here are some prompts you can use:

    – What is no longer bringing me joy?
    – How can I open myself up to new relationships?
    – Are they any relationships I can give more to?
    – Are there any relationships I give too much to?
    – In what ways have I grown over summer?
    – How can I love myself more?
    – In what ways can I start to rest more during autumn and winter?
    – What was my previous intention and how did I do?

But, even if you just wanted to sit in a comfy cocoon and have an early night, that’s OK too. All practices are different so you don’t need to do all of the above if that’s not for you.

Have a happy New Moon in Libra ❤

Why is 8th August the luckiest day of the year? – What is The Lions Gate Portal

It’s the 8/8 which means it’s the Lions Gate Portal! Here is how to use it to super charge your manifestations.

Top Level: 

  • Key Date: 8th August 2022 is considered the Peak of The Lions Gate Portal.
  • Magick: Is a great time to manifest your goals dreams – if using the moon is the moon phase will be Waxing Gibbous in the sign of Sagittarius. (Also see spells below)
  • Ends:12th August ends. 

What is The Lions Gate Portal? 

Put simply, The Lions Gate Portal is considered one of the strongest magickal periods of the annual astrological calendar. It celebrates the alignment of Earth, The Sun in Leo, Sirius (The dog star, the brightest star in the sky and not the Harry Potter Character but he does have the star as his namesake) and the constellation Orions belt. This alignment happens every year and at the same time, from 28th July to 12th August. 

The activation happens on the 8th of August and is believed to be when the period is at its peak for manifesting and spell work. Yey!

*Featured top image credit: Hubble Peers into the Mouth of Leo A by NASA Goddard Photo and Video

Image: star collage (leo)
by bitmask

Why is The Lions Gate portal important to witches and spiritual practitioners? 

We can use this energy to empower our manifesttaions and spell work. 8th August can often be refered to as the luckiest day of year, so it’s a perfect time to try your luck by going large with your manifestations. Dream house? Go for it. Perfect job change? Make it happen. Want love? Attract that energy to you.

The key to this period is keeping that energy up and truly believe that anything is posible and making sure you’re intent and desires are clearly expressed. Don’t chase, attract, honey!

Astrology:

  • The Sun is the ruler of Leo, therefore when The Sun enters Leo every year to mark Leo season, this creates really positive and powerful energy which is hypercharged during the Lion’s Gate Portal period. 
  • Leo is a sign of ‘self’:  ego, of understanding yourself on the inside and how you present outwardly, self-confidence, confidence and bravery. Basically, it’s a perfect time for manifesting the dreams and desires that are associated with you and your goals.  Go big or go home is certainly an apt phrase for Leos and their approach to life and also this period energetically. Therefore, it’s a great period to manifest career or life goals. 
  • Locate where Leo is in your birth chart and what house it is in, this will guide you in where you should be focusing your attention when it comes to manifesting goals during this period.

Numerology:

  • 8/8 is considered a very powerful number in numerology meaning: Abundance, luck and growth. The number 8 is considered lucky and powerful in cultures throughout the world.

Symbology:

  • The infinity symbol  ∞ equals 8 and is considered the symbol for manifestation. As above, so below.

How can I use it for my magick? 

Some start from the 28th July and build up (like me!) but the peak period is considered to be the 8th of August (8/8) to use this energy in spell work is very simple, so for those just starting out below is a simply but effective way to manifest your desires. 

Perfect for beginners: 

The Everyday Extra Empowerment: 

  • Meditating in the Sun – and visualising what you desire in detail is fabulous way to use that strong the Sun in Leo energy.
  • Journaling – every morning with prompts to help progress you towards your goal. 
  • Affirmations – choose 8 affirmations that present what you wish to achieve over the next year and say them to your self in the mirror. I recommend doing an affirmation in mirror every morning anyway.
Meditation time
by _Hadock_

Simple Manifestaion practice on the day: 

  • The Diary Method: 

What you will need: 

  • Pen or pencil..hey, why not even use a quill, add some drama!
  • Paper (or parchment…you see where I am going here!) 

Method: 

What is your dream life? No really, what is your dream life and if you were to live your dream life what would you be doing in a day of that desired existense, say, in a years time? Really visualise this and do not hold back. This is your absolute dream. Really think about it and visualise the reality of living it for a few minutes. This will help setup your vibration and help you performed the next step: 

  • Get your paper or note book and write the date as a year from now:  8th August 2023 
  • Under the date begin to  write a diary entry as if you were living your dream life on that day in a years time. Be detailed, the more detail the better.
  • Once completed, release the intention of what you have just written into the universe, speak out loud or silently to yourself that you are accepting it as done and thank the universe for sending that desire to you. 
  • Seal up the letter if not in a notebook and store somewhere safe and don’t open/read for a year. 
  • Open in a year and see how much as come true – honestly, I have done this a few times and have aways been surprised! 

If you like this method you can regularly keep up entries in your books of spells, grimore or similar. I personally keep a separate manifestation journal which keep writing in to help me maintain focus on my goals and allow me to look back at my progress. 

diary writing” by freddie boy is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Ritual for those who want a side of ‘ceremony’: 

Some of us love to use ingredients in our spell craft , or we just like a bit of drama, some of us it’s both…I certainly love to make things ceremoinial! The Lions Gate Portal is a perfect time to make to add extra ingredients to your usual manifestation methods such as candle, herb and craft magick. The below if simple but effective way to use fire (Leo’s element family) in your manifestion practices.

You will need: 

  • Bayleaf – you can get this fresh but store brought is fine, and the one we mainy use at Digital Coven (We should invest in stocks the amount we use it to be fair) 
  • A Candle (lighter or matches if you don’t have a candle to hand..all witches run out!) 
  • Fireproof bowl or Cauldron 

How to Manifest on The Lion Gate Portal: 

I personallylike to do these spells in the moon light and outside if posible. I have also lived in a flat and shared houses so rest assured, if you can do either of the things, your magick will be just as potent – this is all about your intent and belief of course…you’re the main ingredient for this spell! 

Bay Leaf, Fresh and Dried” by Clint__Budd is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
  • Get a Bay leaf and hold it close, envision the intention/dream/desire that you wish to attract
  • You have to visualise this as if it has already happened making sure to really envision how you will feel when you receive this desire and all the things that you will do with it. 
  • Write your intention onto the Bay leaf and burn in the fireprool bowl (or cauldron) . You can use any colour pen but if you have Silver or Gold marker I would recommend using this to further highlight your goals.
  • Release your intention into the universe and give thanks to universe for it abundance. Then, wait and trust the process (it works quicker than you think!) 

For more info on using Bayleaf, check out my post on why Baeleaf is Bae and if you’re planning on doing moonwork for these spells then, AJ goes in-depth on her Witchcraft for beginners post here

  • For those working with the moon specifically,  the moon phase will be Waxing Gibbous in the sign of Sagittarius
Waxing moon, North Window
by ArchesNPS

So Coven, hopefully we’ve got you all excited about the Lions Gate Portal? If so,will you be using the Lions Gate Portal to manifest your dreams and goals this year? Let us know below or on our social channels. 

Happy practising, darlings…may your dreams come to pass ❤ 

Love, Emma 

 

Witchcraft Apps for the Digital Witch

The best Witch craft apps for the modern Digital Witch

Hello Digital Coven!

So sorry for the lack of updates over the past few weeks, I am in the middle of some of the most creative professional work I have ever been able to do so I am sure you’ll understand! More on that in another post but top level – I am producing a documentary. In-between the production and on top of my day job (Digital marketing and PR) I wrote this, I’d love to hear your recommendations and feedback on on the apps: 

One of the greatest aspects of the digital age for me is the impact that it has had on the Witchcraft community. Social media has been a fantastic way for Witches and baby Witches to find like minded people and build communities *Ahem* Such as this blog and my social channels *Ahem* 

What it’s also created is the availability of information that is just a Google search away – though I would always recommend researching everything as deeply as possible.There is a lot of bullshit online, especially on Facebook groups and Tiktok – such as that Tarot is a closed practice  *Groans in tired and eyerolls in ‘a quick google search would show this to be false’* Spoiler alert – it isn’t. The best part of Witchcraft is the personal connection that you develop as you learn and manifest through trial and error. Below are some free apps that you can use to help you learn more about specific areas of the craft from the palm of your hand and which I have used myself. 

Apps For Moon Work 

If there is one thing that we can agree on as Witches it’s that we bloody adore that silvery ever changing orb that is the Moon. Sigh. She’s just so beautiful. Now, I am not going to lie to you, I do not have a photographic memory of every phase of the Moon so I like to have an app that helps me keep track of where we are at each phase so I can really super charge my spells and manifestations. Check out NorthLondon Witches article for more info on the phases of the moon and when is best to manifest.

Moonly App logo - Blonde woman

Moonly app 

The Moonly app is great at keeping track of the Moon via its calendar and it also has extra features which educates you on runes and has a fabulous knowledge base on various areas of the craft and spirituality for those starting out. The app is free and most of the features are free as well but you can upgrade for a paid version to block further features if you’d like. 

App Location: 

IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/moonly-moon-calendar-runes/id1489889871

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.moonly.android

Website: https://moonly.app/

Apps For Tarot 

Tarot is a craft where you are always learning and gaining insight into how you relate to the cards. Having an app in your phone to help you log your feelings towards a card and allow you reference their meaning is always useful. I swear by the below two tarot apps below. Check out this article for a beginners guide to Tarot. 

Trusted Tarot Logo Banner

Trusted Tarot is a great app, and their free account allows for a daily tarot card to be pulled, a weekly spread and a celtic cross reading is available every 72 hours – which I think is fabulous. Their insights into the cards is really useful and they also have a library of the card meanings. Nice. My favourite Tarot app for sure!

App Location: 

IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trusted-tarot/id1441553118

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.trustedtarot.app&hl=en

Website: https://www.trustedtarot.com/app/

Golden Thread Tarot logo Banner

Gold Thread Tarot is fantastic for those just starting out and wanting to learn about reading Tarot and the card meanings. You can pull a card a day and they have a great feature where you can record your feeling towards a card when it appears in a reading so that you can go back and see how you have engaged with that card historically. Amazing if you find keeping a paper Tarot diary hard.  

App store location: 

IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/golden-thread-tarot-learn-tarot-for-self-insight/id1063058990

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ionicframework.tarot371308&hl=en_GB&gl=US

Website: https://goldenthreadtarot.com/

Apps For Astrology 

The Pattern Astrology app logo

The Pattern was recommended to me by a Friend as ‘Astrology without the Astrology’ and to be honest, I am finding the insights on myself very useful indeed. It has a great compatibility feature and offers top-level overviews on upcoming ‘patterns’ that may be coming your way as well as allowing you to explore them more in depth. Certainly, an app to recommend to your friend who ‘aren’t into Astrology’ but curious about sites such as 16personalites etc (Which whilst we are here…is based on Astrology..but that is another post…) 

App store location: 

Ios:https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-pattern/id1071085727?ls=1

Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thepattern.app&hl=en

Website:https://thepattern.com/

Sanctuary app logo banner

Sanctuary World Is a new astrology app on my phone but my what a great addition it is. I love how interactive it is and it’s great for beginners to learn about astrology with their 101 guides on all areas of Astrology. It certainly doesn’t take itself too seriously in the chat either, which is always appreciated by myself and I am partial to a good gif. 

It also offers human to human readings for those who wish to delve a little deeper into your birth chart or have questions, but please note that these need to be paid for. 

App store location: 

Ios:https://apps.apple.com/app/id1417411962?mt=8

Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sanctuaryworld.sanctuaryandroid

Website:https://www.sanctuaryworld.co/

Of course, there are plenty more apps out there so make sure to let me know below or on my social channels about some of the best witch apps that you have been using as I always like to discover new ways to practice what I love. I can be found over at: 

Tiktok

Instagram 

So make sure to come say hi and listen to my random videos and appreciate witchy memes with me. 

Until next time, darlings! 

Astrology, ahoy! My Favourite Astrology Influencers

#atsrologyahoy! Let me instroduce you to some of my favourite Astrology influencers

*There are no affiliate links etc in this post, this is  just me being a pure stan*

Well hello there, my Daring Coven,

I do hope that you had a wonderful Halloween? I certainly did, as I got to work on a fabulous Halloween outreach project (Halloween Hub anyone?) and was able to celebrate Halloween as best as one can during a pandemic as I hosted a lovely Tarot event over at the fabulous Soho works in Shoreditch, Nice. Anyone who is reading this who came, thank you so bloody much for being fabulous and do make sure to keep me posted on how things went after the readings…oooh the best part of being a Tarot reader is getting to know peoples stories, it really is….

In this internet age, we all have certain people that we follow who we want to scream about and sometimes even in a positive sense 😉 

This is especially true of me as my job is literally based around the internet…which has just as many downsides as it does perks if I am honest, but that’s a whole other blog post! I often get asked who to follow if you wish to learn more about Astrology so below is a list of my favourite people who I regularly check-in on for their Astrological knowledge and insight or have helped me on my own personal journey and education. 

You ready BBz? Let’s go…

Image From Aliza Kelly Instagram

Aliza Kelly 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alizakelly/

Full disclosure, this Queen is like my Astrology Mama as she has been reading my chart every few months for the past year*. She’s as kind and funny as she is Astrologically smart…we’re talking level 11 astro geek level, Coven! So she’s always the first person that I recommend to anyone wishing to learn more about Magick to check out.

I am also part of her lovely digital coven, The Constellation Club. Check us out if you’re looking for an established community of various level of Witches as we are very Baby Witch and Newbie friendly ❤ 

I’m also including links to her ‘must-listen-to’ podcast below and I recommend anyone just getting into astrology to listen to ‘The Story of the Zodiac’ as the first port of call as it really covers how all the signs work together. 

Shameless plugs: 

Podcast 

Website 

Constellation Club

Published Works 

Image From Jessica Lanyadoo Instagram

Jessica Lanyadoo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessica_lanyadoo/

Oh, Jessica Lanyadoo, not only the owner of Iconic glasses style and hair she also carries this vibe which is just welcoming, woke, warm and just, eurgh…give me another W word…wonderful? Yeah, let’s stick with that..she’s just wonderful. I highly recommend checking out her podcast and written works for some great insights into the world of Astrology and the occult. 

Shameless plugs: 

Website 

Podcast

Published Works 

Image From Annabel Gat Instagram

Annabel Gat

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annabelgat/

Annabel Gat was the first astrologer that I followed on Instagram when I joined and it has been an epic love affair ever since. She is the main Astrologer for Vice and Cosmo as well as written an amazing book (Which all of my friends have taken turns in stealing) called ‘Love, Sex and Astrology’.  I highly recommend checking it out, link below. 

If you are curious about how sex and kink can be used in your magick then she is certainly someone to check out and takes part in events such as ‘Kinkstrology’ where she has talks around this….wait, didn’t know you could use sex and orgasms in your magick work? Well, stick with me kid, we’re gonna cover that eventually, mwahahaha! 

Shameless Plugs: 

Website 

Published Works 

Image from Patrick Arundell.com

Patrick Arundell

Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/patrick.arundell.astrology/

Full disclosure, we used to be drinking buddies at the old salop in Shrewsbury. A little cracking pub in Shropshire and part of CAMRA, if you’re into real ale – which as a wino, I am then you should check it out. . Anyway, I digress….it was lovely to meet a fellow Witchy type in the days before we were as open as we are now about these things and Patrick kindly ‘gifted’ me a personalised birth chart…given this nearly 10 years ago now I’d doubt I’d get done by the ASA but always good to be transparent. I remember being so inspired to see my chart in all it’s glory and I still treasure its little purple bound pages. He now writes for the Metro, which if you live in the UK in a City and commute to work, you’ll know very well indeed. Lovely guy. 

Shameless Plugs: 

Youtube 

Website 

Now, I certainly consider this one post of many as there are so many people that I follow, but I always have room for more, so please make sure to let me know in the comments below or on the digital-coven social channels anyone you think I should check out! I love hearing from you ❤ 

Love, Love, 

Ems x 

*And yes, Aliza has been bang on the money with her forecasts, every. Single. Time.