Blake, Deborah - A Witch's Dozen

About the Author
Deborah Blake is the author of Circle, Coven and Grove: A

Year of Magickal Practice (2007), Everyday Witch A to Z: An
Amusing, Inspiring & Informative Guide to the Wonderful
World of Witchcraft (2008), The Goddess Is in the Details:
Wisdom for the Everyday Witch (2009), Witchcraft on a
Shoestring (2010), and Everyday Witch A to Z Spellbook
(2010). She has published numerous articles in Pagan
publications, including Llewellyn annuals.
Her award-winning short story “Dead and (Mostly)
Gone” is included in the Pagan Anthology of Short Fiction:
13 Prize Winning Tales (Llewellyn, 2008). Deborah has been
interviewed on television, radio, and podcast, and can be
found online at Facebook, Twitter, and
www.myspace.com/deborahblakehps.
When not writing, Deborah runs the Artisans’ Guild, a
cooperative shop she founded with a friend in 1999, and also
works as a jewelry maker. She lives in a 100-year-old
farmhouse in rural upstate New York with five cats who
supervise all her activities, both magickal and mundane.
A Witch’s Dozen
13 Practical Rituals for the Everyday Witch

Deborah Blake
Llewellyn Publications
Woodbury, Minnesota
Copyright Information
A Witch’s Dozen: 13 Practical Rituals for the Everyday

Witch © 2012 by Deborah Blake
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First e-book edition © 2012

E-book ISBN: 9780738735450
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Edited by Becky Zins
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Contents
Introduction
Rituals
Banishing
Divination
Focus and Clarity
Gratitude
Healing
Love
Luck
Peace
Pet or Familiar Blessing
Prosperity
Protection
Strength
“Fill in the Blank” Ritual for Whatever You Need,
Whenever You Need It
In Conclusion
Recommended Reading
Additional Resources
Excerpt from Everyday Witch: Book of Rituals
Introduction
One of the things that sets Witches apart from other folks is
our belief in the force of magick and its power to create
positive change in our lives. By applying focus and will to a
magickal task and sending our intent out into the universe,
we can work wonders. I know; I have seen it happen.
Because of the many books I already have out, I have an
active online presence and interact with my readers on a
regular basis. It’s not unusual for me to receive a note that
says, “I’m having an issue with ________. Do you have a
ritual for that?”
Here are rituals for the twelve magickal workings I am
asked for the most.
Of course, life is full of the unexpected, and no matter
how many spell and ritual books you own, sooner or later
you may need a ritual for something that isn’t covered in
any of them. Which is why, like the baker’s dozen that
contains one extra goody, this Witch’s dozen of rituals has a
bonus “fill in the blank” ritual. I have endeavored to make
this ritual something that can be used for almost any
occasion, depending on your need at the time. Simply add
the tools and spell of your choice (or use the spell I’ve
provided with the addition of a few words that will work the
best for you).
Because people are likely to be using these kinds of
rituals on their own, these are written for solitary use, but
they easily can be converted for group practice if desired.
I hope you have as much fun using them as I had writing
them. Blessed be!
[contents]
Rituals
Banishing
Most of the issues that darken our lives can and should be
dealt with using mundane means, but sometimes that’s not
enough. If you’ve tried everything that is practical and
nothing has worked, you may have to turn to a magickal
solution.
Banishing rituals are serious and never to be done
lightly. Be absolutely sure that you really want to banish
whatever you are aiming your ritual at since it is likely to
stay banished, even if you change your mind. I wouldn’t, for
instance, use a banishing ritual on your boyfriend after a big
fight, unless you actually want him to go and stay gone. In
fact, I don’t recommend using them with people at all.
On the other hand, a banishing ritual is a great way to get
rid of bad habits, negative thought patterns, or anything
else that might be holding you back. Debt, extra weight,
loneliness, fear…who doesn’t want to banish those? As
always, you have to be willing to do the hard work that is
necessary to achieve your goals. But if you need an extra
boost, sometimes a magickal banishing ritual can help you
along the way.
Tools needed:
• Black votive or taper candle
• Small pieces of paper and a pen
• A small fire-safe cauldron or bowl OR a bonfire OR a
bowl filled with sand or salt
• Sage smudge stick
• 4 quarter candles (1 each yellow, red, blue, and green, or
4 white)
• 1 each God and Goddess candles (cream/white,
gold/silver, or 2 white)
• Table for use as an altar and a cloth to cover it (or you
can do this standing at your regular altar, if you have
one)
• Matches and a candle snuffer
• Optional: bonfire
• Optional: cakes and ale
Before starting:
Remember that the power of this ritual comes from your
focused will and your intent to be rid of whatever it is that is
holding you back. Take as long as you need to think about
what you need to banish and how you want it to happen.
(For instance, if you want to lose weight, make sure you
visualize it happening in a healthy way—not from illness or
an accident.) If you are unsure of what you need to banish
but know that something is standing in your way, you can
always ask the gods for help, too.
• Cleanse the area you will be using with sage, moving in
a circular fashion around the space.
• Use the sage smudge stick to cleanse yourself, starting
at your feet and wafting the smoke upward.
• Cast the circle by visualizing a white light and turning
around in a clockwise direction, pointing with an athame
or your finger to direct the energy.
• Call the quarters. Say: “I ask the spirits of Earth, Air,
Fire, and Water to join me in my sacred circle tonight and
guard me as I do my magickal work.” (Light candles,
starting with yellow in the east, then red in the south,
blue in the west, and green in the north, turning to face
each direction as you do so.) If calling individually, say:
* “I summon the power of Air, guardian of the east:
breath and mind, wind and mist; with this ritual,
please assist.” (light yellow candle)
* “I summon the power of Fire, guardian of the south:
blood and passion, sun and flame; for this ritual, your
aid I claim.” (light red candle)
* “I summon the power of Water, guardian of the
west: intuition and emotion, river and lake; for this
ritual, your help I will take.” (light blue candle)
* “I summon the power of Earth, guardian of the
north: body and bone, soil and stone; for this ritual, I
stand not alone.” (light green candle)
• Invoke the Goddess: “Great Goddess, I invite you to
join me in my ritual space and ask that you help me with
my magickal work. Welcome, and blessed be.” (light
candle)
• Invoke the God: “Great God, Lord of the Sun and
protector of the beasts, I invite you to join me in my ritual
space and ask that you help me with my magickal work.
Welcome, and blessed be.” (light candle)
• Sit for a minute and think about what you want to
banish. Does it serve any purpose in your life? Have you
learned any lessons you need from it? Are you certain
you want it gone? Write anything you have determined
as negative or getting the way of forward movement on a
slip of paper in big, bold letters.
• Close your eyes and visualize yourself free of whatever
it is you are banishing. If you want, you can see yourself
packing it up and sending it off, or throwing it out and
closing the door behind it. Feel how much better your life
will be without it.
• Then light the black candle and say the spell while
walking around the circle widdershins, or
counterclockwise.
Banish stress and banish sorrow
Banish pain and banish woe
Banish illness, banish fear
As widdershins around I go
Banish tears and loneliness
Banish doubts about my worth
Banish all that’s negative
As widdershins I pace the earth
Banish troubles from all others
Banish habits that do harm
Banish lack and banish need
As widdershins I speak this charm
• If it is safe to do so, burn your slips of paper in the
cauldron, bowl, or bonfire. Otherwise, bury them in the
sand or salt.
(Optional) Have cakes and ale.
• Dismiss the quarters by turning to each direction,
starting with north, and saying: “Power of Earth, I thank
you for your presence in my circle today. Blessed be.”
(snuff out candle, then do west/Water, south/Fire, and
east/Air—the reverse of the order you cast in)
• Thank the Goddess and the God by raising your arms in
the air and saying: “Great Goddess, great God, I thank
you for your assistance with my magickal work and for
your presence in my life always. Blessed be.” (snuff out
candles)
• Open the circle by turning counterclockwise and
pointing with your finger or athame, or simply visualizing
the energy opening up and returning you to the
mundane world.
Divination
As Witches, we believe in many things that the average
person may not. Among those beliefs is the option of
looking into the future, predicting possible events using
tools such as rune stones, tarot decks, scrying mirrors, and
crystal balls.
This is not magick as much as it is opening up to abilities
and potential that already exist (in varying amounts) in all of
us. And we use this gift to help guide us as we walk our
paths or steer us away from difficulties or bad decisions.
This divination ritual is intended to focus those abilities
and potential, and maybe give them a little boost. It is a great
one to do around Samhain or Midsummer, or on the nights
of the New Moons or Full Moons, though it will work just
fine anytime.
Tools needed:
• Whatever divination tool you want to use: tarot cards,
rune stones, scrying mirror, or a crystal ball are the most
typical, but if you don’t have any of those, a dark bowl
filled with water will do, or even a pad and a piece of
paper (to write down anything that comes to you). You
can bring any number of tools into the circle to bless, but
pick only one to use during the actual ritual.
• Paper and pen
• Black candle
• Salt in a small bowl
• Water in a small bowl
• Stick of incense (herbs that are good for divination
include the following: lavender, chamomile, frankincense,
myrrh, patchouli, rosemary, sage, and vervain)
4 white)
one)
• Optional: bonfire
• Optional: a crystal gemstone (best choices are crystal
quartz, amethyst, blue lace agate, lapis, and moonstone)
• Optional: tealights in containers around the circle or the
room
Before starting:
If you are going to be outside, you may want to have a
small bonfire for atmosphere, although it won’t be used in
the actual ritual. If you are going to be inside, the room
should be dim, with just enough light for you to read and
see what you are doing. It is okay to have some kind of
mystical-sounding background music playing if you have
something that will put you in the right state of mind;
otherwise, the room should be quiet. If possible, do this
ritual after dark.
candle)
• Invoke the God: “Great God, I invite you to join me in
my ritual space and ask that you help me with my
magickal work. Welcome, and blessed be.” (light candle)
• Place your divination tool or tools in front of you, and
sprinkle a little salt over it or them. Say: “I bless these
tools with the element of Earth and ask that they be
cleansed of negativity and gifted with the power to help
me see clearly and truly. So mote it be.”
• Sprinkle a little water over the tools, and say: “I bless
these tools with the element of Water and ask that they
be cleansed of negativity and gifted with the power to
help me see clearly and truly. So mote it be.”
• Light the incense and wave it over the tools (the sage
smudge stick will also work if you don’t have incense),
and say: “I bless these tools with the element of Air and
ask that they be cleansed of negativity and gifted with
the power to help me see clearly and truly. So mote it be.”
• Light the black candle, and say: “I bless these tools
with the element of Fire and ask that they be cleansed of
negativity and gifted with the power to help me see
clearly and truly. So mote it be.”
• Dip your fingers in the water and touch your forehead,
your lips, your heart, and your core (near belly button),
and say: “I bless myself with the element of Water and
ask that I be cleansed of negativity and doubt. May I see
clearly, speak wisely, know truly, and be able to tap into
my own abilities with ease. So mote it be.”
• Dab a little salt in the same places, and say: “I bless
myself with the element of Earth and ask that I be
cleansed of negativity and doubt. May I see clearly,
speak wisely, know truly, and be able to tap into my own
abilities with ease. So mote it be.”
• Waft the smoke from the incense over the same places
(or use sage), and say: “I bless myself with the element
of Air and ask that I be cleansed of negativity and doubt.
May I see clearly, speak wisely, know truly, and be able
to tap into my own abilities with ease. So mote it be.”
• Place your hands a safe distance over the candle, and
say: “I bless myself with the element of Fire and ask that
I be cleansed of negativity and doubt. May I see clearly,
speak wisely, know truly, and be able to tap into my own
abilities with ease. So mote it be.”
• Pick up the tool you have chosen to use for this ritual,
and hold it in your hands for a minute. Visualize your
third eye (the middle of your forehead) opening up to
wisdom and information from the universe, and feel your
energy connecting with the tool in your hands and
turning both outward and inward.
• If you are using tarot cards, shuffle them now. If you are
using rune stones, run your hands over the stones and
either move them around in their container or place them
all out facedown on the altar, table, or ground.
• Proceed with your tool as you normally would (read the
cards or runes, or look into the mirror, etc.). Write down
anything that comes to you, so you can look it over later.
Don’t worry if nothing comes to you—sometimes the
time isn’t right or there isn’t anything you need to know.
And divination doesn’t work equally well for all people.
If it doesn’t work this time, just try it again some other
day, possibly using a different tool.
• When you are done, say: “I thank the gods for clear
sight and an open mind, and for all the knowledge they
have chosen to send me.”
• Take a moment to sit with your eyes closed and your
mind open, just in case there is more information waiting
to come to you.
• (Optional) Have cakes and ale.
east/Earth—the reverse of the order you cast in)
• Thank the Goddess and God by raising your arms in the
air and saying: “Great Goddess, great God, I thank you
for your assistance with my magickal work and for your
presence in my life always. Blessed be.” (snuff out
candles)
mundane world.
Focus and Clarity
Despite all we have to do—or perhaps because of it—it can
be hard to stay focused. Much of the time, I think we get so
overwhelmed by the magnitude of what needs to be
achieved (and the limited amount of time and energy we
have to do it in) that we end up spinning our wheels instead.
This ritual uses a spell I wrote before I even started
writing books for Llewellyn, and Blue Moon Circle and I
have used it many times with good results. (If you have or
get a copy of Circle, Coven & Grove: A Year of Magickal
Practice, you will see that there is a Part Two.)
Remember that, whether in our magickal work or our
everyday lives, maintaining strong, directed focus and a
clear vision can make all the difference between success and
failure. This focus and clarity ritual should help you direct
your energy more efficiently so you can get more done—
and who doesn’t need to do that?
Tools needed:
• Rosemary in some form (fresh, dried, or essential oil)
• Sage in some form (fresh, dried, or essential oil—you
can always crumble a little bit off of your sage smudge
stick)
• A piece of clear quartz crystal (a tumbled stone or a
piece of jewelry that has a crystal in it will do; if you
don’t have clear quartz, amethyst or lapis will work)
• An empty decorative bowl (preferably one that is kept
for magickal work, although any will do)
• A yellow candle (white is fine if you don’t have yellow)
4 white)
one)
• Optional: white glue
Before starting:
If you are using fresh or dried herbs instead of essential
oil, this may get a little messy. You might want to put down a
small cloth to catch any bits of herbs that go astray. To start,
you can lay the herbs out on the cloth or have them in their
own bowls.
at your feet and wafting the smoke upward. Take special
care with this step during this particular ritual, and focus
on any area of your body that might be holding you back
from focusing or getting things done. (For example, with
mental issues, your head; with emotional issues, your
heart.)
candle)
• Hold the piece of crystal in your hand and feel its
energy start to clear your head and focus your own
energy. After a few minutes, place it in the empty bowl.
• Hold the rosemary in your hands and let its sharp smell
focus your mind and energy. Then crumble up the herb
and put it in the bowl with the stone. (If using essential
oil, put a few drops on the stone in the bowl.)
• Hold the sage in your hands and do the same. Feel it
clearing away the fog and any obstacles that stand in the
way of you working efficiently and well on those things
most important to you or most in need of getting done.
Crumble the sage over the stone in the bowl. (If using
essential oil, put a few drops on the stone.)
• If you want to, you can rub a few drops of essential oil
on the candle, starting from the bottom and working up
the sides, or you can spread a little white glue on the
bottom inch or so of the candle and roll it in some of the
fresh or dried herbs.
• Close your eyes and visualize yourself working with
focus and efficiency to get things done and seeing
clearly what is important and what isn’t. Then light the
candle and say the following spell with determination:
Goddess great, please shine your light
Bring more clarity to my sight
Help focus mind and heart and will
And with achievement hours fill
So I might rise above the rest
To do those things that I do best
Help me move with ease and grace
Through this life of frantic pace
Achieving more with every day
As I walk the blessed way
So mote it be
• Sit quietly for a few minutes, cupping the bowl in your
hands and breathing in the scent of the herbs. Feel your
energy start to shift.
• If you can safely do so, leave the candle burning for a
while. If things are really dire, you might also want to
light it every day for a week or a moon cycle. You can say
the spell each time without repeating the entire ritual. If
you can’t leave it burning, snuff out the candle.
candles)
mundane world.
• Place the bowl with the stone and the herbs on your
altar or any place where you will see it often. You may
want to pick up the stone and smell the herbs at least
once a day for a while or carry the stone and a few of the
herbs with you in a little pouch.
Gratitude
A lot of our magickal work is spent asking for something—
and that’s fine, since we are using it as a tool to improve our
lives. But sometimes it is good to pause and concentrate on
everything we do have instead of those things we are
lacking. It is my belief that, like any good parents, the God
and Goddess are a lot more likely to give you what you ask
for if you remember to say thank you from time to time.
To integrate gratitude into my personal daily practice, I
take a moment at the close of every day to say thank you for
my life in general (friends, family, cats, job, home, health) as
well as any specific blessings of the day (something
particularly nice that happened or a difficult task that went
well). Because many of the challenges that come our way are
actually opportunities for learning and growth, I even make
sure to say thank you for some of the stuff I don’t feel all
that grateful for.
You don’t have to do this every day, of course. But it is a
good practice to periodically look at your life with gratitude
in your heart, and then say thank you out loud. No matter
what challenges you face or how difficult things may be,
there is always someone who is worse off than you. And
even the small blessings—the purr of a cat, a good book, a
supportive friend, or a delicious meal—are worth
appreciating. What are you grateful for, and when is the last
time you said thank you to the universe?
Tools needed:
• White candle
4 white)
one)
• Optional: paper and pencil or pen
Before starting:
This is an extremely simple ritual that truly requires
nothing more than speaking from the heart. I suggest doing
it not only when you are feeling especially thankful for
something, but also when you are feeling least thankful for
your life. Sometimes that is when we need this ritual the
most.
join me in my ritual space and accept my words of
gratitude. Welcome, and blessed be.” (light candle)
• Invoke God: “Great God, I invite you to join me in my
ritual space and ask that you accept my words of
gratitude. Welcome, and blessed be.” (light candle)
• Sit for a few minutes and really think about all the
blessings of your life, both large and small. If you want,
you can write them down on the piece of paper and/or
speak them aloud.
• Light the white candle and say the following spell with
as much sincerity and thankfulness as you can muster:
Great Goddess, great God
O beloved ones
I thank you for the many blessings of my life
For Earth and Air, Fire and Water
For home and hearth
Food on the table and clear water to drink
I thank you for the mountains and the sky
For the oceans and the rivers
For the moon and the stars that light the night
And all those gifts that light my life
Help me to appreciate my blessings
Large and small and sometimes challenging
And know that I am grateful for all that you have
given me
In perfect love and perfect trust
I thank you
• Sit quietly for as long as you want to, then snuff out the
candle.
candles)
mundane world.
Healing
There are many different kinds of healing we might need:
healing for the physical, mental, or even spiritual ills that
beset us as we walk through our lives. In general, healing
rituals are done for ourselves. If you wish to do a healing
spell for someone else, you must have his or her permission
first. The only exceptions to this rule are small children (who
cannot make such decisions) and animals (who may or may
not be able to communicate their willingness).
This may seem like a harsh rule, but keep in mind that we
don’t know what purpose an illness might serve in
someone’s life. Perhaps they have some subconscious need
to be sick, or perhaps there is a lesson they are supposed to
be learning from the illness that they haven’t mastered yet. It
is not up to us to make these choices for others. If someone
else asks you for magickal help, by all means give it to them
if you can, but never assume just because you think they
need healing that they actually do, and respect the beliefs of
those who do not wish to have magick done for them
because it makes them uncomfortable; again, that is their
choice.
On the other hand, doing magickal healing work for
yourself is a wonderful thing. Not only is it helpful and
comforting, but it also gives you a chance to say out loud to
the universe: “I want to be well, I want to feel better, I wish
to be healed.”
As with all other magickal work, be sure to follow up with
concrete actions in the real world.
Tools needed:
• Blue candle
• Healing herbs and/or oils (good choices include
rosemary, eucalyptus, lemon balm, calendula, lavender, or
mint; if you are using oils, make sure that they are
essential oils, made from the plant itself, and not perfume
oils, which are a manmade imitation)
• Small bowl of water and a washcloth
• Small bowl of salt
4 white)
gold/silver, or 2 white) or 1 for the Goddess if not
invoking the God
• Optional: meditative background music or a drum
• Optional: cakes and ale (for a healing ritual, you may
want an herbal tea like peppermint or lemon balm and
some kind of bread or cake with herbs in it, such as the
lavender cookies in my book Witchcraft on a Shoestring)
one)
Before starting:
If using background music, start it before you cast the
circle. Put everything on the altar or table. You may also
want to dim the lights to add to the meditative feel. For this
ritual, you will want to get as close to a calm, meditative
state as possible to help your mind and body open to the
suggestion of healing. In terms of timing, healing magick is
often done on a Sunday or Monday. (Note: a variation of the
spell used here was first printed in The Goddess is in the
Details: Wisdom for the Everyday Witch. It is another one of
my favorite spells that Blue Moon Circle and I have been
using for years.)
• Invoke the Goddess: “Great Goddess, Lady of the
Moon and mother of us all, I invite you to join me in my
ritual space and ask that you help me with my magickal
work. Welcome, and blessed be.” (light candle)
• Take a minute to focus on the issue, whether it is
physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual (or any
combination of those). Think about how it makes you
feel, then think about how you would like to feel.
Visualize yourself healed—feeling better, enjoying life. If
you are doing this healing ritual for someone else (with
their permission, of course), visualize that person as
healthy and healed.
• Crush some of the herbs between your fingers and
breathe in the essence of the plant, which contains the
plant’s healing energy. If using an essential oil, dab a
little on the blue candle and put a drop in the bowl of
water if you wish.
• Take the water and place a bit on your third eye (middle
of the forehead), your lips, your heart, your core
(bellybutton area), and any other area that is problematic.
Say out loud: “I cleanse myself of all that no longer
works for my health and well-being.” (use washcloth to
clean up, if necessary) If you are doing the spell for
someone else, say: “_________ is cleansed of all that no
longer works for his/her health and well-being.”
• Take the salt and sprinkle a little on your right palm.
Rub the salt together between your palms and then over
the same spots, saying: “I cleanse myself of all that no
longer works for my health and well-being.” If you are
doing the spell for someone else, say: “________ is
cleansed of all that no longer works for his/her health
and well-being.”
• Sit for a moment and feel the negative, unhealthy
energy leaving your body (or visualize it leaving the
other person). If you like, you can drum for a few minutes
or just listen to the music. Then light the blue candle and
say the spell three times, getting louder and more
assertive with each repetition.
I call upon the gods above
In perfect trust, in perfect love
I ask for health and energy
Balanced and in synergy
Healthy body, mind, and soul
A perfect balanced, healthy whole
I pledge that I will do my part
(For another, say: ______ will do his/her part)
For healthy body, healthy heart
Every day let health increase
Until all signs of illness cease
(after the last repetition, say: “So mote it be!”)
• Let the candle burn for a while if it is safe to do so, or
simply sit for a few moments and then snuff it out. If you
like, you can light the candle and say the spell each night
for a week, without having to repeat the entire ritual.
candles)
mundane world.
Love
I am not a big fan of love spells. It is too hard to do them
without interfering with another person’s free will or
accidentally phrasing something incorrectly and ending up
with someone who is not at all what you were hoping for.
And when a love spell goes wrong, it can wreak havoc in
two lives and cause hurt in two hearts (or more).
On the other hand, who doesn’t want to love and be
loved? And sometimes love doesn’t conveniently find us all
on its own. So what’s a Witch to do?
For me, the answer is a love spell that doesn’t directly
affect anyone but the person who casts it. This ritual is
aimed at opening up possibilities and making room in your
heart for the right person, and then asking the universe to
send him or her along at the best possible time for you both.
Tools needed:
• Pink or red candle (pink is for romantic love, red is for
more passionate love; if you can’t make up your mind or
you want both, you can use two candles)
• A fresh rose (you can find these at grocery stores,
florists, and sometimes even convenience stores—but if
you can’t find one, you can use dried rose petals or
rosebuds instead)
4 white)
one)
• Optional: rose or lavender incense
• Optional: cakes and ale (you can use the lavender
cookies from Witchcraft on a Shoestring or something
chocolate—chocolate-covered strawberries are my
favorite for this ritual—and wine or mead are also nice, or
pomegranate or grape juice)
Before starting:
You may want to dress in something that makes you feel
attractive; you can put on makeup or decorate yourself with
body art, jewelry, or even stick a flower in your hair. Do
whatever makes you feel sexy, desirable, and appealing.
• (Optional) Light the incense.
• Pick up the rose and smell it. Close your eyes and think
of the kind of person you are looking for. (This should
not be any specific person, even if there is someone you
are interested in. Try to keep it general, and trust that if
the person you want is right for you, he or she is the one
the universe will send along.) Visualize yourself holding
someone and being held in return (or any other activity
you choose to focus on). Feel your heart chakra opening
wide, and send that loving feeling out into the world.
• When you are ready, open your eyes, light the candle,
and say the following spell:
God and Goddess, lovers true
I would like to love like you
Hear me now as I request
Send to me the person best
Help me find the one for me
Help me seek and help me see
Send to me the love who’s mine
With your wisdom so divine
Love that’s healthy, love that’s true
This is what I ask of you
So mote it be
• Let the candle burn for a while if it is safe to do so, or sit
for a few minutes and then snuff it out. You can burn the
candle later without repeating the entire ritual, although
you may wish to say the spell again. You can do the spell
every night for a week or every Friday in a month,
starting with the one that is on or following the full
moon.
candles)
mundane world.
Luck
Hard work and dedication are important to achieving
success, no matter what the goal. But sometimes it all comes
down to being in the right place at the right time. Who
hasn’t had the perfect circumstance just open up for them
out of the blue? There are a lot of names for that:
serendipity, kismet, karma, or just plain luck. Personally, I
believe that there are times when the gods give us a little
boost—a gift to help us on our way.
The trick to these moments is to be open and aware
enough to take advantage of them when they arrive. The
more you pay attention to what most would call
“coincidence,” the more you come to realize that luck is one
part happenstance, one part blessing, and a whole lot of that
attitude that says, “I’m ready for something good to
happen!”
This ritual invites the gods to send you luck but also
prepares you to grab onto it with both hands when it shows
up. Good luck with that!
Tools needed:
• Any symbols of luck you happen to have around or
want to pick up: dice, a four-leaf clover, a lucky coin or
other talisman, a lottery ticket (not one you’ve scratched
off that has already lost—although if you have one that
won you a buck or two that you are willing to hang on to,
that will work). It should be something you can carry
around with you easily. If you see a penny or any found
money lying faceup on the ground, use that.
• A green votive candle
• A toothpick or some other pointed object you can use
to write on the candle
4 white)
one)
Before starting:
This is a very simple ritual, and once you have cast it the
first time, you can repeat it without the entire ritual (quarter
calls, etc.). But I wouldn’t use it all the time; save it for those
moments when you really need things to go your way—
before embarking on job interviews, for instance, or going to
the race track…
candle)
• Take the green candle and carve the Norse rune
thurisaz into it (this is the rune symbol for luck)
• Pick up your talisman or lucky object and think about
having lucky and wonderful things happen to you. Light
the green candle, hold the luck talisman in one hand, and
say the following spell:
Lady Goddess, send my way
Good karma that will work for me
Lord so wise, I ask for help
With chance and serendipity
Luck in love and luck in life
Luck in all I do
Send me happy happenstance
And luck to see me through
• Hold the talisman carefully over the candle for a
moment; it can then be carried with you or placed on
your altar. Leave the green candle burning for a while if
you can safely do so, or snuff it out.
candles)
mundane world.
Peace
Most of us lead hectic and busy lives. We rush from place to
place, frantically trying to accomplish all the things on our
to-do list while simultaneously juggling the needs of all the
other people who depend on us. Mothers of small children
rarely get a moment to themselves, and many of us would
give a lot to have a moment or two of peace in the midst of
all the craziness.
To some extent, of course, you have to make those
moments for yourself, carving out a precious space in the
middle of all the running around to stop and breathe deeply.
But when life’s demands make such a thing seem impossible,
do this ritual to ask the gods to help you find your way to a
calm center in the eye of the storm.
Tools needed:
• Fresh or dried lavender (or lavender essential oil) in a
small bowl
• Fresh or dried lemon balm (or lemon balm essential oil)
in a small bowl
• Fresh or dried chamomile (or chamomile essential oil) in
a small bowl (try to use at least one of these herbs if you
can’t get all three)
• An empty decorative bowl (something you can leave
the herbs in for a while)
• A white candle
• Comfortable clothing (this can be your pajamas, yoga
clothes, or anything you would wear when you are
relaxing)
• A bowl of water
• A white or blue candle
• Calming background music (chanting or flutes or quiet
drumming, meditation music, etc.)
4 white)
one)
• Optional: lavender incense
Before starting:
Do this ritual either outside at night (if you need
additional light to read by, a tiny book light works well),
outside during the day if you can find someplace quiet (in
the woods or in your back yard, if you have privacy), or
inside in a quiet room with the lights dimmed. You want as
quiet and peaceful a space as you can find, although if you
have to make do, that’s fine. You may want to light some
extra candles around the circle or around various surfaces
around the room if it is safe to do so. Start your music
playing before you cast the circle, making sure it is loud
enough that you can hear it but not so loud it disturbs your
concentration. Dress in your comfy clothes. If you have
time, you may even want to take a nice relaxing bath first. (Of
course, if you could find the time for a nice relaxing bath,
you probably wouldn’t need to do the spell!)
candle)
• (Optional) Light the lavender incense.
• Dab a couple of fingers in the bowl of water and touch
it to your forehead, saying: “I clear my mind to make
room for peace.”
• Dab your fingers in the water again and touch it to your
chest, saying: “I clear my heart to make room for peace.”
• Dab your fingers in the water one more time and touch
it to your core (near the bellybutton), saying: “I clear my
center to make room for peace.”
• Take a moment to sit, listen to the music, and feel
yourself relax a little from the cares of your life.
• Crumble the herbs over the empty bowl, inhaling their
calming scent as you do so. (If using essential oils, put a
few drops into the bowl, then pour some of the water on
top of it and swirl it around with your fingers or the tip of
your athame.) Mix the herbs together with your fingers,
absorbing some of their magickal energy as you do so.
Hold the bowl up, breathe deep of these calming herbs,
and feel yourself becoming even calmer.
• Take three slow, deep breaths and light the white or
blue candle, then say the spell in a low, calm voice.
God and Goddess, grant me peace
Clear body, spirit, and mind
Let calm and quiet lend me ease
And help me serenity find
So mote it be
• Sit for a moment and let it all sink in. Visualize yourself
finding the space and time to feel this way whenever you
need it. Stare at the candle flame, listen to the music, and
let the peace sink into your very bones.
candles)
mundane world.
• Place the bowl of herbs (or water and essential oils) on
your altar or someplace you will pass by often. When
you pass it, swirl the herbs around with your fingers, and
let the smell carry you back to that moment of peace and
centered calm.
Pet or Familiar Blessing

Magic the Cat (aka Queen of the Universe) insisted that we
dedicate a ritual to the animals that are such an important
part of our lives. This ritual can be used for familiars or for
animals that are pets, friends, and companions. Use it to
welcome a new pet, bless a familiar, or ask for help for an
animal that is sick. Use your intent to focus the spell’s
energy exactly the way you want it to be directed, or change
the words slightly if necessary.
Like people, animals have the right to refuse to take part
in any magickal working. If you bring your pet into the circle
and it insists on leaving, it may be uncomfortable with the
energy raised or just be unwilling to sit still. You can always
use a picture of the animal or something that belongs to him
or her (a collar, food bowl, or favorite toy or blanket) to
stand in for your pet. Don’t make an animal stay if it doesn’t
want to. On the other hand, many animals, including
familiars, are attracted to the energy of magickal work and
may show up even when you don’t want them there—in
which case, by all means include them in the ritual!
Remember that if you are doing magickal work with an
animal, you want to make sure there is nothing in the circle
that could hurt them. Be especially careful to keep them
away from candles and other hot items. Magic the Cat is
very attracted to sage smudge sticks and will shred them if
allowed, so keep in mind that you may have to safeguard
some of your tools, too!
Tools needed:
• The animal being blessed or a representation of the
animal (I know, not a tool, strictly speaking)
• A small bowl of salt
• A small bowl of water (it is okay if the animal drinks
some of the water—it won’t hurt anything)
• A brown candle (white is okay if you don’t have brown)
• A treat for the animal
4 white)
one)
• Optional: a piece of paper with the animal’s name
written on it, which should be placed on the altar near or
under the brown candle
Before starting:
Bring the animal into the circle before you begin the ritual
if he or she is willing to sit with you there. Otherwise, put the
item(s) that will represent the animal on the altar or table,
along with the piece of paper with the animal’s name on it, if
using. (It is easier to have everything set up and ready to go
before trying to fetch the animal, unless it is something like a
snake or a rodent in a cage.) If necessary, you can cast the
circle, call the quarters, invoke the gods, and then cut
yourself out of the circle and briefly leave to get the animal.
You do this by using your finger or an athame to draw the
shape of a door at the edge of the circle (this cuts a hole in
the energy without disrupting the circle you have built so
carefully). Once you return to the circle, you close the door
by drawing it in reverse. Don’t worry if the animal goes in or
out of the circle—their energy is so in tune with nature, it
usually doesn’t disturb the circle at all.
candle)
• Say: “God and Goddess, please bless name of animal,
who is dear to my heart. I thank you for sending this kind
of animal (cat, dog, etc.) to me to be my companion.”
• Sprinkle a tiny amount of salt on or near the animal (or
its representation), and say: “With Earth, I bless this
animal.”
• Sprinkle a tiny amount of water on or near the animal (or
its representation), and say: “With Water, I bless this
animal.”
• Waft a small amount of sage smoke on or near the
animal (or its representation), and say: “With Air, I bless
this animal.”
• Light the brown candle, and say: “With Fire, I bless this
animal.”
• Kiss or pat the animal (or hold your hands above the
cage if it is in one), and say: “Name of pet, you are
blessed by the God and Goddess and the four elements,
and you are blessed by spirit in the form of the love I
have for you. I too am blessed by your presence in my
life.”
• IF RITUAL IS TO WELCOME A NEW ANIMAL, SAY:
“Name of pet, I welcome you to this home and to my life.
Thank you for choosing me. I pledge to care for you and
always treat you well. Welcome, and blessed be.” (Give
new animal a treat, and allow him or her to leave the circle
if growing restless.)
• IF RITUAL IS FOR A FAMILIAR, SAY: “Name of pet, I
thank you for your partnership in my magickal work; I am
stronger with you by my side. Thank you for choosing
me and for helping me with my magick. I pledge to care
for you and always treat you well. Blessed be.” (Give
familiar a treat, and allow him or her to leave the circle if
growing restless.)
• IF RITUAL IS FOR A SICK ANIMAL, SAY: “Name of
pet, together we will work to keep you healthy and
strong. I ask the God and Goddess to watch over you
and, if it is possible, to heal you. I pledge to care for you
and always treat you well. Blessed be.” (Give animal a
treat, and allow him or her to leave the circle if growing
restless.)
• Say the spell (with one hand on the pet, if possible):
Blessed be this one so dear
Companion, friend, and pet
Who stands by me through grief and fear
And never does forget
Blessed be this one I love
This one with whom I dwell
I ask a blessing from up above
To keep him (her) safe and well
So mote it be
• Kiss or pet your animal one more time (if it is in the
circle), and send all the love you feel in his or her
direction.
candles)
mundane world.
Prosperity
Prosperity means different things to different people. To
some, it means having enough money to pay the bills, with a
little bit left over. To others, it may mean money to follow a
dream or send a child through college or buy a new car
before the old one dies by the side of the road. And for
some, it means being able to travel or get a home of their
own or even buy that snazzy new red convertible.
I use prosperity spells under a number of different
circumstances. As a jewelry maker, I usually do a spell the
night before a major craft fair. I may also do a prosperity
ritual if I have an unusually large expense coming up or am
feeling a monetary pinch for some other reason. My point is,
I think such things work best if you save them for when you
really need them. And remember to follow up your
prosperity ritual with real-life actions. After all, the Goddess
helps those who help themselves.
The prosperity spell in this ritual is one I have been
using since I wrote it over fifteen years ago. (It was
originally published in my first book, Circle, Coven &
Grove: A Year of Magickal Practice.) It has worked for me,
and for many of my friends, ever since. I hope it works for
you as well.
Tools needed:
• Green votive or pillar candle
• Toothpick or something else pointed (use this to write
on the candle)
• Fresh basil leaves and/or a cinnamon stick and/or a few
springs of peppermint or some peppermint oil
• A dollar coin (I like to use a dollar coin or a two-dollar
coin as a symbol of prosperity, and I keep one on the
altar that is only used for that, but you can use other
coins or bills if you choose)
4 white)
• 1 each God and Goddess candles, or 1 for Goddess if
not invoking the God (cream/white, gold/silver, or 2
white)
one)
• Optional: green ribbon or piece of paper and pen with
list of specific things you need money for if you are
working on something in particular
• Optional: any other symbols of prosperity (these can
include things like a piggy bank or a checkbook, or
pictures of the thing you need or want—a brochure for
the trip you want to take, a picture of the car you are
hoping to get, the bills you need to have paid, etc.)
• Optional: cakes and ale (for a prosperity ritual, it is nice
to have something rich and decadent, like a piece of
good chocolate or a yummy pastry)
Before starting:
In theory, the best time to do prosperity work is during
the waxing moon (for increase) and on a Thursday; if you
need prosperity for a long-range issue, I would wait until
then. If, however, you need the magickal working right away,
just go ahead and do it. Put all your items on your altar or
table, if using one, and then cast your circle.
or your finger to direct the energy if desired.
• If using, take green ribbon or a piece of paper and write
on it what you need. Be sure to focus on your desire and
visualize it as strongly as possible as you do this.
• Using the toothpick, the tip of your athame, or another
pointed object, write your name on the green candle.
(This can be your mundane name or your magickal name,
if you use one.) Then scratch into the candle any
prosperity symbols you like: these can be things like
dollar signs or lottery numbers; I like to use some of the
Norse runes, including Gifu (gifts), Othel (abundance),
Ing (success and relief), Fehu (money, material gain,
fulfillment), Sigel (power, success), Uraz (strength, will,
and change for the better), and Jera (rewards,
fruitfulness). There are also Witch’s runes you can use.
Again, focus on your desire for prosperity as you write
on the candle.
• Tie the ribbon, if using, around the base of the candle. If

using peppermint oil, dab a little on the candle, or else
place your herbs near or around the candle base. If using
the piece of paper, write your list on it and place it under
the candle holder (where it can’t catch fire).
• Close your eyes for a minute and visualize yourself
getting everything you need and want in the best way
possible. Then say the following spell and light the
candle:
God and Goddess, hear my plea
Rain prosperity down on me
Bring in monies large and small
To pay my bills, one and all
Money earned and gifts for free
As I will, so mote it be
(You may also want to add: “I cast this spell for the
good of all and according to the free will of all, with
harm to none.”)
• Leave the candle burning if it is safe to do so, or sit for
a few minutes and put it out. You can continue burning
the candle over the days ahead without repeating the
entire ritual.
candles)
mundane world.
Protection
We live in a dangerous world. At times it can seem as
though threats lurk around every corner—fire, car accidents,
illness…and that’s just the stuff without human intent to
harm behind it. Add in a few thieves and a terrorist or two,
and most of us don’t feel safe leaving our houses—or
staying home, for that matter.
Luckily, as Witches, we have an extra trick or two up our
sleeves to keep ourselves and the ones we love safe. No
magick is infallible, of course, but in this treacherous world
we live in, we can use all the help we can get.
This ritual can be used at times when we feel particularly
vulnerable or under threat, or anytime we want a little bit of
extra shielding just in case.
Tools needed:
• Piece of black onyx, red jasper, or turquoise. (If you
don’t have any of these, a plain rock will do, but these
stones are particularly good for protection work.) A piece
of jewelry containing one of these stones will work, too.
• A black candle
• Rosemary (fresh, dried, essential oil, or incense, or any
combination of these)
• Small bowl with salt (sea salt is best if you have it)
4 white)
one)
• Optional: A cloak, dark blanket, or piece of fabric
• Optional: a number of tealights in fire-safe holders (6 to
14, depending on the size of your circle and how many
you can safely use)
Before starting:
It is ideal to bathe or shower before this ritual to start out
clean and clear. If you want extra oomph for the spell and
can safely do so, you may put the tealights in a circle around
you before starting; add a drop of rosemary oil on each one
if you really need a boost.
• (Optional) Light the incense.
• Crumble up the rosemary (if fresh or dried) or dab a bit
of rosemary oil on the candle. Inhale the sharp smell and
take the energy of the herb deep inside of you.
• Close your eyes, and visualize yourself building a
psychic barrier like an invisible wall you stack higher,
brick by brick. See this energetic wall going up around
you, forming a protective layer between you and
anything that might wish to harm you.
• (Optional) Pull the cloak or blanket up around your
shoulders so you feel safe and enclosed.
• Rub the salt on the candle and sprinkle a little on
yourself.
• Hold the stone in your hands. Feel how solid it is, filled
with the protective energy of the earth. The light the
candle, and, while holding the stone in one hand, say the
following spell:
Blessed God, so wise and strong
Keep me safe the whole day long
Blessed Goddess, bright and true
Keep me safe through nighttime too
Power of Air, blow away danger
That comes from outside or a stranger
Power of Fire, burn away threats
That one I know aids and abets
Power of Water, wash away disease
And help me live with health and ease
Power of Earth, keep me grounded and strong
Safe all day and all night long
With these powers to safeguard me
Protected I am and blessed I be
• Take a moment to feel a new sense of safety and well-
being. Let the candle burn for a while if you can do so
safely, or snuff it out. Burn it anytime you feel the need
for protection, and carry the rock with you or put it on
your altar.
candles)
mundane world.
Strength
Life can be challenging, and we could all use a little more
strength to help us cope—both with everyday ups and
downs and with crisis or difficulty. Physical strength would
be useful, of course, but for most of us, mental, emotional,
and spiritual strength is what we could really use in greater
abundance.
This ritual can be used whenever you need a boost or
feel like you just can’t deal with one more thing. It may give
you that extra strength you need to muscle through the
situation, whatever it is, and come out on the other side.
Tools needed:
• A green or brown candle
• A stone (I like gemstones like tiger-eye, black onyx, or
red jasper, but any rock will do as long as it is small and
portable)
• A small pouch (you can make one from a scrap of cloth
and a piece of ribbon or cord tied around it or buy one
made of leather, silk, velvet, or cotton)
• A piece of paper and a pen
4 white)
one)
Before starting:
This ritual does two things; it grants you strength right
away and also provides you with a charm bag you can carry
with you for strength later. Pick your stone carefully—it
should feel strong and grounded to you. The ritual calls
primarily on the power of Earth, so if there are other items
that particularly symbolize that element to you, add them to
your altar or table before you begin.
candle)
• Hold the stone in your hands and feel the strength
within it that comes from the element of Earth. Reach
down through your feet (if standing) or your tailbone (if
sitting) and feel yourself connecting with the Earth below
you. Draw that energy up through your spine to the top
of your head and then down your arms and into your
hands. Feel the stone’s joy at reconnecting with the
Earth it came from and fill it up with Earth energy as if it
were a battery.
• When you feel that the stone has absorbed as much
energy as it can hold, place it in the pouch.
• Hold the bowl of salt in one hand and place your other
hand in the salt. Feel the individual grains, like tiny
pieces of Earth energy and potential, and fill them up the
same way you did the stone.
• When the bowl feels filled to the brim with energy, place
some of the salt in the pouch along with the stone.
• On the piece of paper, write the word strength on one
side and your name on the other (you can use your
mundane name or your magickal name, if you have one).
If you like, you can also draw the rune symbol Uraz,
which stands for strength. Put the piece of paper inside
the pouch and close it.
• Light the green or brown candle, hold the pouch in one
hand, and say the following spell:
Element of Earth
Powerful and strong
That holds up the world
We stand upon
Lend me your strength
Today and all days
Help me be strong
In positive ways
Earth of the stone
And Earth of the land
Please give me the strength
That is at your command
Help me stand firm
Steady and tall
I ask this for me
And the good of us all
So mote it be
• Hold the pouch in your hands and feel it pulse with life
and strength. You can leave the candle burning if it is
safe to do so, or snuff it out.
candles)
mundane world.
• Place the pouch on your altar, if you have one, or in
some safe place. Carry it with you on the days when you
feel you need extra strength. You can recharge it as
needed by repeating the ritual but skipping the steps
where you use a new stone, salt, and piece of paper.
“Fill in the Blank” Ritual for Whatever You Need,

Whenever You Need It
Sometimes you need to do a ritual to deal with an
unexpected crisis, ponder a difficult question, or find the
path you need. If you don’t have just the right ritual for the
issue at hand, try using the basic ritual outline here and
filling in the blanks as you see fit.
Tools needed:
• A _________ candle (coordinate the color with the
issue, like green for money issues, or simply use a white
candle)
• A _________ stone (such as amethyst for emotional or
psychic problems) or _________ (something that
symbolizes the problem)
• A small bowl of water
• An empty bowl to mix them in
4 white)
one)
Before starting:
Think about the problem or issue you are dealing with.
Find something simple to symbolize it: for instance, if you
are trying to decide between two paths, find or draw pictures
to stand for each one, or if you are dealing with a crisis, you
can use a picture or even the Tower tarot card. Spend a little
time thinking about what you want to achieve with the ritual
—if necessary, read the other rituals in the book to get ideas
—then follow your heart.
• Cleanse the area you will be using with sage, going in a
circular fashion around the space.
candle)
• Mix the salt and water in a small bowl and either
sprinkle or dab a bit of the mixture on your third eye (for
clarity), your heart (for strength), and your
core/bellybutton (for grounding).
• If using a stone, hold it in your hands and feel the
strength within it that comes from the element of Earth.
Feel the stone’s association with your issue (such as
lapis for healing). If using a symbol, focus on that for a
minute.
• Light the candle, focus on the issue, and say the
following spell:
God and Goddess, I ask for your help
Elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water
I ask for your help
I am troubled and seek aid with
_________ (problem or issue)
And come before you with my faith and an open heart
Seeking a solution
Please _________
(desired solution, such as “guide me to the right
path” or
“help me to be strong” or whatever you need or want)
So mote it be
• Sit for as long as feels right to you, staying open to any
messages the gods might have to send.
candles)
mundane world.
[contents]
In Conclusion
One of the most powerful things you can do when practicing

magick is the one you might be least likely to consider: let go
of expectations. Obviously it is normal to have some
particular outcome in mind when you do a ritual; there’s
nothing wrong with that. But it is always a good idea to
have an open mind and leave room for the possibility that
events may play out in ways you never anticipated—maybe
even better than you could have hoped.
This book is a perfect example of just such an
occurrence. (Yes, the world of publishing has its own
magick…and it rarely works out exactly the way you expect
it to.)
Originally, these rituals were a part of my sixth book for
Llewellyn: Everyday Witch Book of Rituals. But when I
wrote the book, it turned out to be too long, so we turned
the material that had to be cut into this inexpensive e-book
instead!
And here they are—just like magick! I had a great time
putting together the other elements that went into making
this little creation a book in its own right, and I hope you’ve
had a great time using it. I also hope you keep your own
doors open for the wonderful and unexpected gifts that
come from practicing everyday Witchcraft and using these
rituals.
As a bonus, we’ve even attached a sneak peek at
Everyday Witch Book of Rituals—the place it all started.
Enjoy!
[contents]
Recommended Reading
Here are a few other books on spells and rituals I think you
might find helpful, interesting, or just plain fun.
My books (in order of publication):
Circle, Coven & Grove: A Year of Magickal Practice.
Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn, 2007.

Everyday Witch A to Z: An Amusing, Inspiring &
Informative Guide to the Wonderful World of Witchcraft.

The Goddess is in the Details: Wisdom for the Everyday
Witch. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn, 2009.

Everyday Witch A to Z Spellbook: Wonderfully Witchy
Blessings, Charms, and Spells. Woodbury, MN:

Llewellyn, 2010.
Witchcraft on a Shoestring: Practicing the Craft without
Breaking Your Budget. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn, 2010.

Everyday Witch Book of Rituals: All You Need for a
Magickal Year. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn, 2012.
Other fabulous books:

Barrette, Elizabeth. Composing Magic: How to Create
Magical Spells, Rituals, Blessings, Chants, and Prayers.

Franklin Lakes, NJ: New Page, 2007.
Connor, Kerri. Spells for Tough Times: Crafting Hope When
Faced with Life’s Thorniest Challenges. Woodbury, MN:

Llewellyn, 2012.
———. The Pocket Spell Creator: Magickal References at

Your Fingertips. Franklin Lakes, NJ: New Page Books,
2003.
Cunningham, Scott. Wicca for the Solitary Practitioner. St.
Paul, MN: Llewellyn, 1988.

Digitalis, Raven. Shadow Magick Compendium.

Dugan, Ellen. The Enchanted Cat: Feline Fascinations,
Spells & Magick. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn, 2006.

Galenorn, Yasmine. Embracing the Moon: A Witch’s Guide
to Ritual Spellcraft and Shadow Work. St. Paul, MN:

Llewellyn, 1998.
Hardie, Titania. Titania’s Magical Compendium: Spells and
Rituals to Bring a Little Magic into Your Life. San

Diego, CA: Thunder Bay Press, 2003.
Illes, Judika. The Element Encyclopedia of 5,000 Spells.
London: Element, 2004.

Johnstone, Michael. The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Spells.
New York: Gramercy Books, 2003.

Kynes, Sandra. A Year of Ritual: Sabbats & Esbats for
Solitaries & Covens. St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn, 2004.
Morrison, Dorothy. Everyday Moon Magic. St. Paul, MN:
Llewellyn, 2003.
Nahmad, Claire. Catspells: A Collection of Enchantments
for You and Your Feline Companion. Philadelphia, PA:

Running Press, 1993.
Renee, Janina. By Candlelight: Rites for Celebration,

Blessing & Prayer. St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn, 2004.
Telesco, Patricia. Your Book of Shadows: How to Write
Your Own Magickal Spells. New York: Citadel Press,

1999.
West, Kate. The Real Witches’ Year: Spells, Rituals, and
Meditations for Every Day of the Year. London: Element,

2004.
Wood, Gail. Rituals of the Dark Moon: 13 Lunar Rites for

a Magical Path. St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn, 2001.
[contents]
If you enjoyed reading A Witch’s Dozen, you might enjoy
these other titles available in print and e-book from
Llewellyn.
Witchcraft on a Shoestring
Practicing the Craft Without Breaking Your Budget
Deborah Blake
ISBN: 978-0-7387-2136-1
Practicing Witchcraft doesn’t have to cost an arm, a leg,

and a broomstick!
From homemade tools to frugal feasts to thrifty home
decoration, Deborah Blake offers economical tips and
suggestions for stretching your dollar. Try making your own
magickal oils, runes, tarot cards, candles, jewelry, and
wands. Choose from over fifty ways to practice Witchcraft
that cost little or no money. Whip up tasty sabbat dishes
that cost ten dollars or less. Best of all, Blake reminds us of
the essentials of Witchcraft spirituality—all of which are
free.
Everyday Witch A to Z
An Amusing, Inspiring & Informative Guide to the
Wonderful World of Witchcraft
Deborah Blake
ISBN: 978-0-7387-1275-8
Break out your broomstick and get ready to set your

magical powers free with this fun and inspiring guide for the
everyday witch! Whether you’re curious about the art of
witchcraft and just setting out on your path or looking to
add more spellcrafting skills to your repertoire, this must-
have book is meant for you. From altars to the zodiac, all
things witchy are presented alphabetically in quick and easy
bites for fast reference. Get the low-down on everything you
ever wondered about witchcraft—herbs, gems and stones,
deities, gods and goddesses, magical tools,
correspondences, and much more.
Discover how to jumpstart and add extra zest to your
practice with tips and tricks for crafting quick and effective
spells, along with helpful hints for incorporating witchcraft
into your daily life. The author’s cat, Magic, even offers
spells and wise words of her own!
Everyday Witch A to Z Spellbook
Wonderfully Witchy Blessings, Charms & Spells
Deborah Blake
ISBN: 978-0-7387-1970-2
Today’s Witch deals with everything from family drama
to weight loss to fertility—well beyond love and protection
concerns. Chock-full of practical everyday magick, this is the
perfect companion for your multifaceted life.
Arranged alphabetically, each spell has an associated
goal to help you manifest your exact intention, whether it’s
blessing your pet or aging gracefully. Fun and easy to use,
this book is a must-have resource for the magnificently
modern Witch.
Everyday Witch Book of Rituals
All You Need for a Magickal Year
Deborah Blake
ISBN: 978-0-7387-3343-2
Amplify your wishes and manifest positive change all
year long with Deborah Blake’s inspiring collection of simple
rituals. These empowering ceremonies—for New Moons,
Full Moons, sabbats, and rites of passage—will help you
find love, build courage, boost creativity, achieve balance,
and deepen your faith.
Witches of all levels will appreciate these easy-to-
perform rituals that require only common tools and
ingredients. With down-to-earth sensibility and warmth,
Deborah Blake explains basic ritual elements, timing for
success, and the importance of each ritual step. You’ll also
learn how to customize rituals, adapt them for solitary or
group work, and work with a familiar.
The Goddess is in the Details
Wisdom for the Everyday Witch
Deborah Blake
ISBN: 978-0-7387-1486-8
Being a Witch isn’t limited to casting a spell under the
full moon or consecrating a ritual circle. Whether you’re
calling the Goddess or doing the dishes, your wonderfully
witchy ways are woven into everything you do.
With her signature down-to-earth wisdom and warmth,
Deborah Blake takes you into the heart of what it means to
be a Witch all day, every day. Filled with practical
suggestions and useful advice, this essential book covers all
aspects of the modern Witch’s life: the seven core beliefs of
Witches, mindful eating and health, creating sacred space at
home, relationships with non-Pagans, sex and the single
Witch, raising Pagan children, solitary and coven practice,
and green living.
For additional resources and related titles, visit us online at

Llewellyn.com
or find us on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/LlewellynBooks
Read on for a sneak peek at Deborah’s upcoming title
Everyday Witch: Book of Rituals,
available October, 2012 in both e-book and trade paperback
formats
from your favorite bookstores.
ISBN: 978-0-7387-3343-2
BEGIN EXCERPT
New Moon
Rituals
I STRONGLY RECOMMEND reading a ritual through
completely before performing it. To take the ritual to the
next level, add in one or more of Magic the Cat’s
suggestions at the end of each rite.
The new moon rituals in this book are written for solitary
use, but with a few minor changes, most of these will work
just as well for a group. Also, none of these rituals has to be
done in the specific month I have indicated. For instance,
the February divination ritual can just as easily be performed
in April if that is when you need it. I have chosen these
particular rituals because they best match the energy of the
month I have them listed under, but Witchcraft is nothing if
not flexible.
JANUARY
GRIM OIRE’S GRACE
Although the Witches’ New Year is technically celebrated at
Samhain, for most of us, January still marks the start of a
new year. Some folks begin each year with resolutions, most
of which are forgotten by March. I prefer to do something
more concrete, and I like to start my magickal life fresh. This
last January, the members of Blue Moon Circle each got a
tiny book to write our magickal and mundane goals in, with
the intention of using it to check in at each new moon. You
can do something like that or you can create and consecrate
a new grimoire that you will then use for your magickal work
for the rest of the year.
A grimoire, or Book of Shadows, is a book in which you
will keep track of all your magickal workings; rituals you
have done, for instance, and anything that happened
afterward. Herbal notes, recipes, pictures, bits of ribbon from
a spell … all those things that are important to your magickal
and spiritual life can be tucked within the pages of your
grimoire. Obviously, this can add up to a lot of power and
information, so you don’t want to use just any book for this
purpose. Hence our ritual for this, the January new moon.
In this ritual, you will create a special book for use as a
grimoire, or Book of Shadows; by doing so (rather than just
buying one ready-made), you will put more of your own
personal energy into it, which will make it more solidly
yours. If you are totally non-crafty, you can, of course, buy
a nice book and simply use this ritual to consecrate and
bless it for your magickal use. The materials you include are
completely up to you, and the book itself can be anything
from a basic composition notebook or blank book to a fancy
leather-bound, handcrafted work of art. Just keep in mind
that the finished grimoire should reflect your personality and
your practice.
Tools Needed
Some kind of blank book: this can be something

that is intended for magickal use (there are some
nice books in different sizes that have black covers
and various symbols on the front such as
pentacles, Goddess figures, fairies, Celtic patterns,
etc.) or something completely mundane that you
will adapt for your magickal needs. You can even
create one completely from scratch by taking blank
paper, putting holes in it, and making a cover and
back out of fabric, wood, cardboard, sturdy paper,
or anything else that will keep it safe, and then
binding the entire thing along the edges with a
leather thong, ribbons, or yarn. If doing this, the
basic book should be completed before the ritual.
Pens, crayons, markers, or any other writing
implement. Depending on the material you are
using for your grimoire cover, you may want fabric
paints, a wood-burning tool, or anything else that
will work best.
Cut-out pictures, drawings, photos, stickers,
glitter, ribbon, leaves, shells, etc.: in other words,
anything you want to use to decorate your book.
Glue, scissors, tape, etc. as necessary
Salt (preferably sea salt, if you have it) to represent
Earth
Water (in a small bowl) to represent Water
A pillar or tealight candle in a fire-safe container to
represent Fire
Incense or a feather to represent Air
If calling quarters, four quarter candles—one each
of red, blue, green, and yellow, or four white ones
Candle for the Goddess and, if using, the God (you
can use white or cream for both, or silver for the
Goddess and gold for the God)
Matches and a candle snuffer
Optional: Athame or wand

Optional: Cakes and ale
Before Starting
Gather all your materials on or near a surface you can spread
them out on—an altar, a portable table, or the floor will work
fine. Cleanse the area with sage if necessary.
Cast a circle by visualizing white light and

turning in a clockwise motion, using an athame
to point if desired.
Call the quarters. This can be done quite simply,
since this is a simple ritual. For instance:
I call the power of Air to join me in
this sacred space.
Then call Fire, Water, and Earth, lighting a candle

for each quarter in turn.
Invoke the Goddess. Say:

Great Goddess, I ask that you join me
here in sacred space
and help me start off the new year
right. I welcome your
guidance and shining energy into my
circle.
Light candle. (If desired, say “Goddess and God”

and light two candles instead of one.)
Take a few minutes to think about your magickal

practice and what it means to you. Visualize
yourself working on spells and rituals
throughout the year to come and writing all
your experiences down in your grimoire so that
you can accumulate knowledge and memories.
Then start working on your book. You can do
this in any way you desire: draw symbols, glue
pictures or objects to the cover, or simply write
your goals and dreams for the new year inside
on the first page. The important thing is to be
as completely present as possible while
creating your book: focus on your magickal
desires, your intent to be as wise and powerful
a Witch as possible, and your plan to use your
grimoire as a tool for growth and magickal
progress. If you are doing this project as a
group, you can talk out loud about these
things if you so desire.
Once your grimoire is finished, you will

consecrate it with the four elements and bless
it for magickal work.
Hold the book in front of you and sprinkle it with

a bit of salt. Say:
With Earth, I consecrate you.
Then sprinkle it with a spritz of water (dip your
fingertips in a bowl). Say:
With Water, I consecrate you.
Hold the book carefully over a candle flame. Say:

With Fire, I consecrate you.
Waft incense or a feather over the book. Say:

With Air, I consecrate you.
Then hold the book carefully over your Goddess

(and God) candle. Say:
I ask the gods to bless this book, the
grimoire of (your name). Let me use it
only for good, let it be a shining
beacon for my magickal work, and
may the wisdom I gather within its
pages lead me along the path to you.
So mote it be.
Sit for a moment with your new grimoire, and

then have cakes and ale if desired. If not doing
cakes and ale, you may want to place your
hands on the floor/ground and send any extra
energy into the earth.
Dismiss the quarters. Say:

I thank the element of Earth for
joining me in my circle today.
Then repeat with Water, Fire, and Air. Snuff out

candles.
Thank the Goddess:

I thank the Goddess for her presence
here in my circle today
and in my life always. Guide and
bless me, O Lady of the Moon. So
mote it be.
(snuff out candle)
If you invoked the God, thank him too:

I thank the God for his strength and
wisdom.
Be with me always. So mote it be.
(snuff out candle)
Open your circle by turning counterclockwise
and visualizing the light vanishing.
Keep your book someplace sacred and safe!
To create a truly unique and powerful

grimoire, you can start by making
your own paper from scratch. You can
find easy instructions to do this online
or in Deborah’s previous book
Witchcraft on a Shoestring. You
already own a copy, right? It is easy to
make your own paper using simple
tools like a blender, an old window
frame, and some screening. And you
can add herbs (catnip is good) for
their magickal power, tiny bits of old
letters, or even fabric that has a
special meaning. You will probably
have to start the project a few days
before you intend to consecrate the
book so you have plenty of time for
the paper to dry. Then you can sew or
glue it together before using it for the
most magickal grimoire evah.
And don’t forget: no book is ever
truly consecrated until a cat’s butt has
sat on it!
FEBRUARY
P LANNING THE P ATH
For many of us, February is the depth of winter—dark and
cold, with short days and long nights. Even if you live in a
warmer climate, the energy in February is still muted and dull
compared to the heat and vibrancy of summer. But this isn’t
necessarily a bad thing. After all, you can’t keep running at
full speed all year, although many of us try. February is a
good time to slow down and take stock of what we have and
what we want.
It is also a good time to start making plans for the future.
You don’t necessarily want to begin to implement them;
spring is better for that (energetically speaking, anyway).
But February is when those of us who have gardens start to
look at our catalogs and figure out which seeds we will plant
when the weather gets warmer. Likewise, it is time to plant
the seeds for our magickal and mundane growth.
During the February full moon, I like to do something more
active—setting the Wheel turning, albeit slowly and
tentatively. The February new moon is the perfect time to
ask the universe for guidance before I set anything in
motion. Now is the time to ask “What is my path?” and
“How can I best achieve my goals?”
The easiest way to do this is with some form of divination,
so that’s what our new moon ritual is all about.
Tools Needed
Any form of divination tool: tarot cards are my

favorite but rune stones will also work, as will most
other divination tools you are comfortable with
(scrying mirrors, pendulums, etc.)
The grimoire you made in January (if you did that)
or paper and pen to write down your results and
any impressions or intuitions that come up
Large white or black candle
Quarter candles (one each of red, blue, green, and
yellow, or four white)
Goddess candle (you can use one large white
candle for both the Goddess candle and your
divination candle if you don’t want to have two
separate ones)
Sage smudge stick
Matches and a candle snuffer
Optional: Quiet background music

Optional: Cakes and ale
Optional: Athame or wand
Before Starting
This is a simple ritual, best performed at night in a quiet,
mostly darkened room. You may want to turn out all but one
or two lights and put a few candles around to increase the
meditative atmosphere; quiet background music like
drumming or flute is nice too. If you are doing this as a
group, go around the circle and take turns using the
divination tools.
Cleanse the area you will be using with sage if

necessary, and dim the lights.
Use the sage smudge stick to cleanse yourself,

starting at your feet and wafting the smoke
upward. (Because you are trying to achieve a
meditative state and be open to messages from
the universe, it is a good idea to clear your
mind and spirit as much as possible
beforehand.)
Cast the circle by visualizing a white light and

turning around in a clockwise direction,
pointing with an athame or your finger to direct
the energy if desired. Make sure you feel the
security of the circle close around you, since
you will be opening up on a psychic level.
Call the quarters individually or say:

I ask the spirits of Earth, Air, Fire,
and Water to join me in my sacred
circle tonight and guard me as I do
my magickal work.
(light candles)
Invoke the Goddess:

Great Goddess, you who are the light
of the stars and the dark of the moon,
I ask that you join me in my circle
tonight and help me find my way to
the path you have laid out for me.
Welcome, and blessed be.
(light candle)
Sit with your divination tools in front of you. You

may want to hold them—if you are using tarot
cards, you can shuffle them; if you are using
rune stones, left them slip through your fingers
in their bag or container. Concentrate on your
desire to achieve your goals for the year and
on your wish to find the path that will best
help you to do that. Really focus your will on
your intention to find out what you need to
know. Spend some time in silence
(or listening to music if you are using it).
Light the white or black candle (or focus on the

Goddess candle if not using an extra one) and
say the following spell:
Goddess wise, please guide me now
Show my mind which way to go
Show my heart the path that’s right
As I look with mystic sight.
Pull three tarot cards or rune stones (one for

past, one for present, and one for future, or
else three different clues to your path,
whichever you prefer) or look in your scrying
mirror for hints to the year to come. Listen to
whatever your internal wisdom tells you about
the information you have received, and write it
down so you can review it later.
If you are doing cakes and ale, take a bite of food

and a sip of your drink now, and let them
ground you back to reality. (Probably a good
idea with this kind of ritual, since divination
work tends to leave you a little spacey.)
Dismiss the quarters individually or say:

I thank the powers of Earth, Air, Fire,
and Water for coming to my circle
tonight and guarding me as I
wandered the mystic paths. Farewell,
and blessed be.
(snuff out candles)
Thank the Goddess:

Great Goddess, I thank you for
guiding my steps as I walked the
path of mystery. I hope that you will
continue to guide and aid me in the
days that lie ahead. Thank you, and
blessed be.
(snuff out candle)
If you used an extra candle, you can either snuff

it out now or leave it burning in a fire-safe
container on your altar for a little while.
Open the circle by turning in a counterclockwise

direction and visualizing the white light sinking
back into the earth or vanishing into the sky.
Some of the best divination tools are
the ones you make yourself.
Deborah’s group, Blue Moon Circle—
they all adore me—made their own
rune stones out of clay. Since one of
the Blue Mooners is a potter, they
fired the runes in a kiln, but you can
get clay that bakes in an oven and
use that instead. Just shape the clay
into little squares or rectangles and
scratch the rune symbols onto them
with the tip of a claw (or a toothpick if
you aren’t lucky enough to have
claws). You can glaze them, paint
them, or leave them plain. Be sure to
concentrate on putting your energy
and intent into them while you’re
making the runes, to give them that
extra grrrrr …
Another way to take this ritual to
the next level is to add a meditation
to encourage your mind to enter a
trance state before asking for
guidance. You can use a prerecorded
meditation or trance CD, or repeat a
simple mantra, like “I am sinking
below the surface; I am rising above
the noise.”
Of course, if you are lucky enough

to have a cat familiar, try just listening
to the purrrrr …

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About the Author

Deborah Blake is the author of Circle, Coven and Grove: A

13 Practical Rituals for the Everyday Witch

A Witch’s Dozen: 13 Practical Rituals for the Everyday

As the purchaser of this e-book, you are granted the non-

Any unauthorized usage of the text without express written

First e-book edition © 2012

Cover image by Ellen Lawson

Llewellyn Publications is an imprint of Llewellyn Worldwide

Any Internet references contained in this work are current at

Manufactured in the United States of America

Pet or Familiar Blessing

• Tie the ribbon, if using, around the base of the candle. If

“Fill in the Blank” Ritual for Whatever You Need,

One of the most powerful things you can do when practicing

Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn, 2007.

Informative Guide to the Wonderful World of Witchcraft.

Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn, 2008.

Witch. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn, 2009.

Blessings, Charms, and Spells. Woodbury, MN:

Witchcraft on a Shoestring: Practicing the Craft without

Breaking Your Budget. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn, 2010.

Magickal Year. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn, 2012.

Other fabulous books:

Magical Spells, Rituals, Blessings, Chants, and Prayers.

Faced with Life’s Thorniest Challenges. Woodbury, MN:

———. The Pocket Spell Creator: Magickal References at

Cunningham, Scott. Wicca for the Solitary Practitioner. St.

Paul, MN: Llewellyn, 1988.

Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn, 2008.

Spells & Magick. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn, 2006.

to Ritual Spellcraft and Shadow Work. St. Paul, MN:

Rituals to Bring a Little Magic into Your Life. San

Illes, Judika. The Element Encyclopedia of 5,000 Spells.

London: Element, 2004.

New York: Gramercy Books, 2003.

Morrison, Dorothy. Everyday Moon Magic. St. Paul, MN:

for You and Your Feline Companion. Philadelphia, PA:

Renee, Janina. By Candlelight: Rites for Celebration,

Your Own Magickal Spells. New York: Citadel Press,

West, Kate. The Real Witches’ Year: Spells, Rituals, and

Meditations for Every Day of the Year. London: Element,

Wood, Gail. Rituals of the Dark Moon: 13 Lunar Rites for

Practicing Witchcraft doesn’t have to cost an arm, a leg,

Break out your broomstick and get ready to set your

For additional resources and related titles, visit us online at

Some kind of blank book: this can be something

Optional: Athame or wand

Cast a circle by visualizing white light and

Then call Fire, Water, and Earth, lighting a candle

Invoke the Goddess. Say:

Light candle. (If desired, say “Goddess and God”

Take a few minutes to think about your magickal

Once your grimoire is finished, you will

Hold the book in front of you and sprinkle it with

Hold the book carefully over a candle flame. Say:

Waft incense or a feather over the book. Say:

Then hold the book carefully over your Goddess

Sit for a moment with your new grimoire, and

Dismiss the quarters. Say:

Then repeat with Water, Fire, and Air. Snuff out

Thank the Goddess:

If you invoked the God, thank him too:

Keep your book someplace sacred and safe!

Blake, Deborah - A Witch's Dozen

Blake, Deborah - A Witch's Dozen