Witchcraft is a topic that has fascinated people for centuries. Often misunderstood and seen as dark, witchcraft actually has a rich history and diverse practices. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in witchcraft and the occult, with many people seeking out practitioners and communities in their local area. If you are interested in finding witchcraft near you, there are several resources available. One option is to search online for local pagan or witchcraft groups in your area. These groups often hold meetups, classes, and events where you can learn more about witchcraft and meet others who share your interest.
Trees would be left outside for the time being but were still decorated with hanging bells, chimes and ‘clooties’. Beautiful wreaths of grape vines, ivy, and autumn leaves would be attached to doors. In Cornwall, Elder leaves were incorporated for protection, with Rowan wreaths placed over the doorways to cattle pens to keep them safe through winter.
But there are those such as Arwen, Welsh God of stags, dogs, and hunting or Cernunnos, the horned Celtic God of hunting, fertility and wild things, wwhoseimportance increased at this time, particularly before people had livestock to sustain them through winter. What the Welsh God of mythology has to do with the autumnal equinox isn t clear, especially when we consider that the holiday in question wasn t even recognised as a pagan-Celtic celebration by the Welsh.
These groups often hold meetups, classes, and events where you can learn more about witchcraft and meet others who share your interest. Social media platforms like Facebook and Meetup can be helpful for finding these groups. Another option is to visit metaphysical or occult shops in your area.
Mabon: The pagan festival that marks the autumn equinox
As with all things that claim to be pagan, separating fact from myth can be problematic, largely because the pagans didn’t write anything down. Our understanding of ancient practices was born largely from conjecture. These myths were treated to a degree of re-invention during the Age of Enlightenment and were romanticised by the Victorians. However, in the case of Mabon, it’s noted (even by even staunch pagans/neo-pagans) that the word wasn’t applied to the autumnal equinox until the 1970s. And besides, Mabon is the God of Welsh mythology.
Read more about: Popular Culture
When is the autumn equinox in 2023?
by Jamie Dwelly
What the Welsh God of mythology has to do with the autumnal equinox isn’t clear, especially when we consider that the holiday in question wasn’t even recognised as a pagan-Celtic celebration by the Welsh. However, it is now, though a purely pagan/neo-pagan holiday, and one of the eight Wiccan sabbats celebrated during the year. Mabon occurs between the 21st and 24th of September, the exact opposite of the Vernal Equinox, to mark the beginning of spring, though in Wiccan parlance it’s better known as Ostara. The pagan, eight-spoked, wheel of the year denotes winter (Yule), spring (Ostara), summer (Litha) and autumn (Mabon), with each season split by what is commonly referred to as ‘cross-quarter days. For example, Mabon is equidistant between the start of ‘Lughnasadh’ on the 1st of August and Samhain on the 1st of November.
Read more about: Popular Culture
Ancient rituals that mark the start of autumn
While ‘Mabon’ and ‘Autumn Equinox’ have been conflated to create an event without any solid provenance, both elements are authentic in their own right. Mabon derives from the Mabinogion (pronounced Mabin-OGion), a collection of 14th-century stories written in Middle Welsh. The Mabinogion was compiled from texts found in two late-medieval manuscripts. The Red Book of Hergest and The White Book of Rhydderch, that date from the eleventh and the fourteenth centuries. These texts were edited and translated by antiquarians, William Pughe and Lady Charlotte Guest in the early 19th century. However, if the contents may be subject to the fashionable whims of the day, the gist of the narrative prose that defines the publication is genuine.
Read more about: Ancient History
5 pagan traditions for celebrating the autumn equinox
by Rachel Littlewood
Similarly, harvest festivals have always been celebrated in some form or another throughout history. It was customary to use the early/mid-September harvest (full) moon to gather as many of the few remaining crops before the autumnal rains made the task increasingly more arduous. And after the grain, fruit and crops have been safely stored away, why not celebrate the fact that you have a chance of making it through winter with, at the very least, the odd bonfire and a merry tune?
Read more about: Seasonal
The pagan roots of Pancake Day and Shrove Tuesday
Over the years these celebrations have been variously ritualised, for example, one of the (many) traditions associated with pagan-Celtic harvest festivals involves dressing the last remaining corn sheaf in fine clothes before releasing the spirit of the corn by setting the effigy alight. But it would seem that Mabon celebrations are more subtle, symbolised by the horn of plenty (the cornucopia) and the humble apple.
Read more about: Popular Culture
Samhain and the pagan roots of Halloween
The Cornucopia acts as a metaphor for a healthy harvest, while its shape imbues the fundamental characteristics of male and female. The Apple symbolises the fruit of the harvest for one fairly obvious reason (it’s in season) but above and beyond that it’s believed to represent healing, renewal, regeneration, and even immortality, with one little trick up its sleeve.
Cut an apple width way and it reveals a little pentagram. The pentagram represents the elements of Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Spirit on each of its five points. It makes a perfect motif on the Mabon altar, alongside other seasonal fruits, to celebrate the gifts from the earth and give hope to the dark months ahead.
But! Before you cut the apple in half, how about a round of apple magic, one of the ‘traditional’ games played during Mabon.
The name Mabon comes from the Welsh God, who was the son of the Earth Mother Goddess. However, there is evidence that the name was adopted in the 1970s, and the holiday was not originally a Celtic celebration.
These shops often have knowledgeable staff who can provide recommendations for local events or groups. They may also offer classes or workshops on various aspects of witchcraft. Additionally, attending pagan or witchcraft festivals can be a great way to connect with others in the community. These events often feature workshops, rituals, and vendors selling witchcraft supplies. Researching and attending these festivals can provide a wealth of information and opportunities for networking. Remember that witchcraft is a personal and diverse practice, and not all witches will practice in the same way. It's essential to approach any new group or practitioner with an open mind and respect for their beliefs and practices. It's also important to research and educate yourself on the basics of witchcraft before diving into any specific group or practice. By exploring these resources and connecting with local witchcraft communities, you can find support, guidance, and a sense of community in your witchcraft journey. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, the world of witchcraft near you has much to offer..
Reviews for "Witchcraft Near Me: Discovering Local Covens and Groups"
1. Lily - 2 stars - I was highly disappointed with my experience at "Witchcraft near me." The whole place had a gloomy and uninviting atmosphere, which did not match my expectations of a mystical and enchanting witchcraft store. The staff seemed disinterested and unfriendly, making it difficult for me to ask any questions or seek guidance. The selection of products was also quite limited, and the prices were unreasonable for the quality offered. Overall, I left feeling let down and would not recommend this place to any aspiring witches.
2. John - 1 star - "Witchcraft near me" was a complete waste of time and money. The store was poorly organized, making it difficult to find what I was looking for. The staff seemed oblivious and unhelpful, and I could barely get any assistance even when I managed to locate someone. The prices were exorbitant for the mediocre quality of the items available. I expected a magical and immersive experience, but instead, I was met with disappointment and frustration. I would advise anyone interested in witchcraft to look elsewhere for a better experience.
3. Rachel - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Witchcraft near me," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The store was small and cramped, making it uncomfortable to browse through the merchandise. The staff seemed more interested in chatting with each other than assisting customers. I also found the prices to be extremely steep, especially for items that I could easily find elsewhere at a lower cost. Overall, I didn't feel welcomed or valued as a customer and left feeling dissatisfied with my visit.