CoffeeTable Coven Issue 03

CoffeeTable CovenIssue 03/October 2018

Spotlight on: Azura DragonFaether Our Spotlight Feature with everyone's favourite Draconic Finding Light Through Your Shadow Welcoming The Darkness Of Shutting the door to the spirit realm

Cursing 101

& many more articles inside! 1 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 03

Featured Artist: IG: @angeldelisiart

Email: [email protected]

Shop: etsy.com/shop/AngelDeLisiArt

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[email protected] 4 5 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 03 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Astrological Forecast Page 8 Finding Light Through Your Shadow Page 36

Astronomy Reference Guide Page 12 Crystals and Stones for Page 40

Editorial Letter Page 14 Spotlight On: Azura DragonFaether Page 46 InstaFeature: @witchingmama Page 18 So, You Want to Curse Someone? Page 54

Working with Negative and Positive A Modern Analysis of Energy Page 22 The : Book Review Page 60

Welcoming The Darkness Of Death Page 24 October's Tarot Spread Page 62

Shutting The Door To The Daily Express: The Spirit Realm Page 32 A Short Story Page 68

6 7 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 03 AQUARIUS Stay in your lane PISCES Trial and error is the key this month. Going to learning and gaining October's Astrological against the grain won’t work out this time. experience. Everything is a lesson to make Sometimes what you think you want isn’t you more skillful. October will tempt you into buying things you don’t necessarily need. Forecast what you need at the moment. October will Halloween decorations are hard to resist, but By Carina Lizette bring a huge shift in your life; it may seem try to me more frugal. There is something overwhelming at first, but it’s for your from your past that you’re still bound to. This Things will remain the same greater good. What you fear won’t work is causing a blockage of energy for you. Tie Things aren’t as bad as they may GEMINI until there is forgiveness. A will actually work for you; trust in it. A mini up those loose ends, so that you can move LEO seem. Remove yourself from a grudge is a thorn at your side that won’t let conflict will work in your favor. You may on with peace in your heart. Happy news will situation that isn’t for your greatest good. you be at peace. Don’t allow insecurities get have lost the battle, but you will win the be a secret you keep. The end of the month The ultimate method to resist temptation is the best of you. Be careful with neck or back war by instinct alone. Unexpected travels will bring back a spark in your life. Light the to stay as far away from it as possible. Your pains, insomnia, or restlessness. Keep your fire, enjoy your secret desire. will is stronger than you know. Keep your faith will keep you busy. Extra money is in your mind calm to avoid physical ails; as within, so through the rough times. Take measures to cards; you can make a profit off your skills without. Remove the anchor around your neck. prevent any unwanted dilemmas. Be prepared and talent or you will get a promotion. Now Set yourself free by being kind to yourself. for some changes or cutbacks at work. Late is the time to build your savings account. Just because things don’t Pay attention to the deleterious patterns in October will bring a change of fortune for the Legal business will work in your favor. You CANCER turn out the way you your life. Learn the lesson to break the cycle. better. are most compatible with a water sign this planned doesn’t mean it won’t work. October It seems you’ve been knocking at the wrong promises to be a great month for you. It will door. Don’t worry, by the end of the month month. be a celebratory time; enjoy every minute of Now is a good time to you will be given the key to the door that is it. You will receive some good news. You’ve TAURUS move your money to get for you. October will find you learned a lot this past year, and now it’s time the energy flowing again. Nostalgia may SCORPIO somewhat emotional. to put your knowledge to the test. You’re creep up on you this month. There will be an Unexpected news will be You long for a deeper connection in your prepared to tackle any challenge. Things imbalance with what you’re thinking and how ARIES difficult to accept; don’t shoot relationships. The walls you’ve built around have been cleared, the foundation has been you’re feeling. Give it time to resolve itself out. the messenger. Turn in your résumé, show off yourself will come tumbling down at your own laid. Start building. Be grateful for everything Drink green tea to help with spiritual balance. your skills; the job you want will be yours in no will. There is someone in your life that needs that works in your favor. Your lucky numbers For some Taurus, there may be issues with time. Walk with confidence; this October moon your support and leadership. Face your soul are 10, 04, 07, 16 & 09. hormonal imbalance; get that checked. Take is your spotlight. This month will be filled with purpose in life and chase after it. Don’t run care of yourself before you try to take care social events. If a story is not yours to share, away from your heart’s desire. There is no of others. Take your vitamin C, keep your keep it to yourself. You are most compatible point in looking back. It’s best to let go and Be careful not to immune system strong. By mid-month you with a Pisces this month. look ahead. SAGITTARIUS cut any corners will be celebrating something you’ve always this month. Do your tasks thoroughly and wanted to do. A door will open for your soul Try not to share responsibly so that it doesn’t backfire on you purpose in life. It’s a time for exhibition. You CAPRICORN too much about October is a fresh start VIRGO later. Finish what you started. Though you are most compatible with Pisces and Virgo this yourself at work. It could backfire on you for you. Change up your may face some challenges, it’s important that month. where someone could use it against you or style in some say to renew your energies. you see it through. This is a good time to quit you may have a stalker around. Someone may Something you’ve been working on will any unhealthy habits; remember, everything be competing for your job position. Be careful finally be completed or ready for the next Listen to your own intuition. in moderation. This will help relieve some LIBRA who you trust. Don’t fight fire with fire or step. Financial matters look real good this Don’t ignore your gut feeling; anxiety and stress. Be honest with yourself you’ll get burned. Instead, be 10 steps ahead you’re not wrong. This month, people will month. Your subconscious is trying to get and with others. Handle everything in a of the game. Something you’ve been waiting test your faith and principles. Stand your your attention. Pay close attention to your mature manner. Practice some form of for will take a bit longer than expected. People ground and stay true to your beliefs. You will dreams or what triggers certain emotions. meditation. Spend some time alone. It’s may approach you in an aggressive manner be surrounded by a lot of people. This can be Volunteer your time or donate to your quite possible other people’s problems may this month; don’t take it personal. There is a overwhelming for you. Take a time-out and favorite charities. Help those you can. Be be causing you stress and mental anxiety. decision you’ve been putting off. By now, the isolate yourself, at least for a day. Drown out careful not to make any hasty decision Avoid gossip or watch what you say to others. answer should be clear to you. You are already the noise. When it comes to making decisions, Be more private with your personal matters. making a subconscious choice. Avoid getting that could affect you later. You will be most you cannot please everyone. Do what’s best compatible with a water sign this month. The end of month takes a turn for the better. for you. involved in any forbidden affairs. 8 9 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 03

IG: @thxvvxtchx 10 11 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 03

October’s Astronomy Reference Guide http://www.seasky.org/astronomy/astronomy-calendar-current.html

October 8 - Draconids Meteor Shower. The Draconids is a minor meteor shower producing only about 10 meteors per hour. It is produced will block some of the fainter meteors this year, but by dust grains left behind by comet 21P Giacobini-Zinner, which the Orionids tend to be fairly bright so it could still was first discovered in 1900. The Draconids is an unusual be a good show. Best viewing will be from a dark shower in that the best viewing is in the early evening instead location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from of early morning like most other showers. The shower runs the constellation Orion, but can appear anywhere annually from October 6-10 and peaks this year on the the in the sky. night of the 8th. This will be an excellent year to observe the Draconids because there will be no moonlight to spoil October 23 - Uranus at Opposition. The blue- the show. Best viewing will be in the early evening from a green planet will be at its closest approach to dark location far away from city lights. Meteors will radiate Earth and its face will be fully illuminated by the from the constellation Draco, but can appear anywhere in Sun. It will be brighter than any other time of the sky. the year and will be visible all night long. This is the best time to view Uranus. Due to its distance, October 9 - New Moon. The Moon will located on the same it will only appear as a tiny blue-green dot in all but side of the Earth as the Sun and will not be visible in the night the most powerful telescopes. sky. This phase occurs at 03:47 UTC. This is the best time of the month to observe faint objects such as galaxies and star clusters October 24 - Full Moon. The Moon will be located on because there is no moonlight to interfere. the opposite side of the Earth as the Sun and its face will be will be fully illuminated. This phase occurs at 16:46 UTC. This October 21, 22 - Orionids Meteor Shower. The Orionids is an average shower full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Full Hunters producing up to 20 meteors per hour at its peak. It is produced by dust grains left Moon because at this time of year the leaves are falling and the game is fat and behind by comet Halley, which has been known and observed since ancient times. ready to hunt. This moon has also been known as the Travel Moon and the Blood The shower runs annually from October 2 to November 7. It peaks this year on the Moon. night of October 21 and the morning of October 22. The nearly full moon 13 12 13 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 03 the Universe has been telling me to slow down Letter From The Editor for a long time, but I just haven’t been listening. She finally decided to stop me dead and hit me Hey babes! My name is Ashley Michele over the head with some things and so I’ll be @ashleyaduitng and I hope you guys have been licking my wounds and hopefully embrace the enjoying CoffeeTable Coven so far! If you’re new changes coming with grace. If you’re looking new to us, welcome, we hope you’ll check out for such an opportunity, Lag, a friend and Patron, Issue 02, September 2018 the previous months’ issues. You guys probably CoffeeTable Coven @synapse_sorceress shares a bit about shadow haven’t heard much from me as I like to be a work. We could all use some from time to time, behind the scenes connector more than I like to right? Personally shadow work is a part of my Julie Mango be front and center but today I’ll be your guide daily practice but it’s a good idea to spruce up if Our Patrons: through our Spoopiest edition of CTC! you’re not incorporating it on the daily, during Lagertha Scarlet Sandy Garcia Senior Content Manager Autumn, like for most witches, is my these times of letting go. And with that said, Jenny Leslie Young Ashley Michele Garcia favorite season. Being from Florida we don’t get Dru, lovely Dru @creationshallow whom we’re Katt Carpenter Rachel Elliott much in the ways of season changes but there’s glad made it unscathed through Florence’s reign Taylor Nicole Shannon Hinojos Lead Developer always that tiny shift in the air when the has provided us with some food for thought on Mersea Lopez Kris Sankar is near. A year ago I decided to start incorporating the perspectives of good and bad/negative and seasons into my practice and I don’t think my positive. I’ve been actively trying to “reprogram” personal path will ever be quite the same again. I Contributing Writers Visual Consultant my thoughts on the good, the bad and the did this in order to help with my own mental ups @taylornicolesgarden Richard Taylor negative and I found this to be a helpful edition and downs, hoping that, in appreciating nature’s @theangryalchemist to my direction. cycles I would better get in touch with my own, @xandrasun Contact us: Here at CTC we are gaining new faces instead of struggling with them like . @synapse_sorceress Editorial: everyday! We would like to take a moment to The articles lined up in this month’s magazine @creationshallow [email protected] recognize Anya, Taylor, and Xandra, our newest correlate to a lot of my own personal practices @mellieyumi Content: members and content creators for CTC. Anya and for that it’s probably going to be my favorite Kristy Khem [email protected] will be doing some of our Tarot work while the issue (I lied, I love all my children equally, don’t I lovely Jessica @thestorywitch works on some Advertisements: Julie-Bae?). For those of you celebrating the more new projects of her own, so we hope you enjoy Contributing Photographers [email protected] life giving sabbats around this time, we hope you her debut into CTC. Taylor has been a long-time @ thxvvxtchx Tech Help: can still enjoy and take some note for your next supporter and we love her work. If you’re looking @fuelledbysunshine [email protected] autumnal journey. Some of our favorite babes are for a new form of divination, you’ll want to try @_enchantedwhispers packed into this edition of CoffeeTable Coven, this one out! Xandra is a more recent member of @witchofwinter Connect With Us: talking about their favorite subjects (and mine) the family and has been already so well recevied @luna.morrigan IG: @coffeetable.coven so we hope everyone can take a moment to enjoy by our readers. Her article this month is all @melissa.and.the.moon FB: coffeetable.coven and let go of the things that don’t serve us. about spirit work and self care, which is totally Website: coffeetablecoven.com At CTC we like to showcase all paths, and necessary! Cover & Bakground Stock Photos: Patreon: patreon.com/coffeetablecoven all practices, and of course what better time of This month on the CTC blog we’ll be year to showcase some heavier themes but during www.pexels.com talking about shadow work and divination. If Spooptober? Nikki from @theangryalchemist has Editor In Chief you have any good ideas, or know of any good set up a quick and easy basis for those interested posts send them our way! We love to promote our in learning a new skill in cursing and Rachel supporters and if you’d like to help find content, All editorial content, graphics, illustrations, and photos are protected @vale_witch walks us through the natural process or create content check out the link in our by copywrite and may not be copied or reproduced without the express of Mother Nature. For this second one though, description or contact us by email: permission of CoffeeTable Coven or the intellectual property holders. we recommend you save your snacks for another The credited writers, artists, and photographers maintain the rights to [email protected] or time, you’ll thank us later. These past few weeks their own intellectual property as printed in this publication. [email protected] have been a major hitter for me personally and Copywrite © 2018 CoffeeTable Coven 14 15 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 03

IG: @_enchantedwhispers 16 17 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 03 ach month the CoffeeTable Coven : Emagazine interviews one Instagram InstaFeature @witchingmama witch about their craft. This month, we focus to fully understand so I do most on @witchingmama. Eileen is a passionate CTC: Tell us about your practice, what are some of teachings to my daughter while and creative soul, who constantly advocates your specialties? my son just participates. for body postivity and incorporates her Everyday before school she practice into her family life where My practice mostly involves energy work lights a candle or incense of her it intertwines with her parenting. Here's what and bath and cleansing rituals. I am not an choosing and does her before she has to say about her craft: empath but I constantly need to be cleansed school ritual where she sets her because I get tainted very easy from energies intentions for the day so pretty CTC: How long you've been practicing? How did all around me. When it comes to bath rituals much positive affirmations and you come to your path? (Whatever you're comfy with I would get really creative with it depending she thinks and concentrates on sharing) on what Intentionsi needed to set, what tools them and when she is done she'll I wanted to use and any element wanted to close the ritual by speaking “So My craft has been an on and off journey. I incorporate. mote it be" and blows out the started dabbling a researching around grade 5 candle and then she is off to after I was seriously drawn to the clear quartz CTC: Being a mom and a witch, how do you school. crystal necklace at a street side garage sale incorporate your kids into your practice, if you do? We love foraging together and festival. From then on its it's been on and off doing wax water readings. She is until around a year and a half ago where I Being a witching mama of course my kids such a water witch so most of the started picking it back up but consistently and are curious creatures and want to know what time you will find us at the lake really going on a journey to self discovery. I am doing and why. My son is still too young cleansing and charging tools as well as ourselves. She loves the crystal Amethyst and Instagram. I think it is a great tool that and has quite the collection. Crystal and connects the community and share our crystal meditations has helped her in school practices that we choose to with others. It's a to concentrate better and stay on task while great way to inspire and get Inspired. having a clear mind. I personally don't think it plays apart with They constantly beg me to whip them up a how I identify as a witch but I know there bath ritual and then can spend hours in the are alot of modern technology witches and I tub. am all for it!

CTC: How has technology affected the way you CTC: Your journey and advocacy for body acceptance practice? Or become a part of your practice/identity and love is inspiring to us! Do you incorporate these as a witch? ideas into your craft?

When I was a stay at home witching mama I do, I perform a lot of self love rituals I had lots of spare time to really make good because it is something I lack in. With me content for communities on Amino/ Tumblr pushing my boundaries I get to not only grow 18 19 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 03 as a person I get or crystals can IG: @melissa.and.the.moon to inspire others be so much along the way. I when you are try to be as open in this slump and transparent mindset and as possible. The then you'll beat easiest way I yourself up incorporate my for it because body to my craft is you're slacking crystal healing and on the moon bath rituals. phases and I really rely on just your craft crystal healing in general and meditation for one thing I when Mother Nature calls and arrives to realized is …it's okay. You're valid. What cleanse my body. To show love to my body. you're feeling is valid. You are still a witch. And why not be vulnerable as well in the mix. Crystals are what help me in these times as Sure aesthetic pictures are nice for the gram well as intentions because you don't need to but for me they are raw. I see beauty but if you do much but you can still be productive when read my words and look deep you can maybe you are struggling. But I do feel like it does see the pain I'm trying to heal or subside with need to be more of an open discussion to talk the aid of my crystal babies and their energy. about where witches feel safe and not judged. And I truly believe that cleansing your body if It shouldn't be a competition but more so just you can at least once a day improves your self uplifting one another in our times of need. love and self care routine. You feel better and you see clearer, you are more so TEAM YOU and progressing with good thoughts where CTC: What would you say to those struggling with law of attraction will come into play and help their bodies? How can one use their spirituality to you out to as a helping hand saying “You can better connect to their physical bodies? do this, see?!”. I feel like if you slowly make baby steps towards CTC: What do you do to decompress? As a mental loving yourself physically and mentally it's health advocate what's your advice on those struggling brightens up your craft. You have a brighter to connect to their spirituality because of mental illness? mindset. Your aura and vibes are lighter. It truly makes you so powerful, to me when you I feel like one of the main things to remember love yourself you grow more into your inner is that it's okay to take a break. You don't need goddess and it will show and shine bright to to do a spell or ritual everyday or week or others which will draw them to you. month for that matter if you just feel like you can't. Sometimes just preparing moon water 20 21 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 03 to drive away “bad” energy. This literally the energy of the outer realm and action. A Witch’s Pet Peeve makes my skin crawl. It doesn’t bother In this context it is obvious that negative me in the least when the words negative energy is the furthest thing from “bad”. and bad are used interchangeably for the I would push it even further than that. I Working with Negative most part. I have had negative experiences don’t believe any energy in existence to and Positive Energy and I’ve known people whose influence be either good or bad, it just is. It seems was negative, but I do not agree that to me that it’s actually our experience of negative energy is a bad thing. I believe it that is either good or bad. I often use My pet peeve is an issue that is that the vast majority of people who talk moldavite as an example when making pervasive in many, if not all, communities about negative energy as a bad thing are this point. For those who don’t know, that work with energy. I have to admit not making a conscious connection to moldavite is a powerful crystal that is that I find it bothers me most when I what negative energy really is. Not only billions of years old and believed to have come across it in the witchy community is negative energy not bad, but neither is been formed as a result of a meteoric though. Of course there is a debate within positive energy good. impact. People who are sensitive to crystal the community about white and black energy tend to have extreme reactions to , it I am not going to weigh in on Negative energy is receptive energy. moldavite. These reactions can be either that today. This is purely a discussion of It is feminine and associated with the positive or negative, it depends on the positive and negative energy. moon and the Goddess. It is the energy individual. Moldavite is just a crystal, it’s You can often hear people talking of the inner realm and passivity. Positive neither good nor bad. about dispelling negative energy. In this energy is active energy. It is masculine and statement negative means bad. They want associated with the sun and the God. It is Having said all that, I understand that we need words to describe energies About The Author: that we have a negative or positive I am a 40 year old wife, mother, vlogger and small reaction to. When I sat and thought about business owner. My path is Shamanic, but my what these words should be I thought passion is witchcraft. I've been an eclectic, solitary about how these energies made me feel. I practitioner for 12 years. I am strongly drawn to am of the opinion that energy either feels crystals and herb craft and while I consider myself harmonious or disharmonious. So this is an eternal student and an expert of nothing I feel how I choose to describe them. called to share what I know and love. If you like what you've read and want more you can find me on I’m not the type of person to run my YouTube channel “She who walks between the around telling other people what to Worlds”. think, feel or believe, but I truly feel that we do the Goddess as well as feminine and receptive energy a disservice when we describe energy that feels bad or uncomfortable as negative. 22 23 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 03

24 25 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 03 hroughout the world, the dates is to come, and the more we understand it Palor Mortis in the next few hours after the circulation surrounding are seen the more it becomes just another spoke in The first of seven stages post mortem occurs stops, the body will begin to cool to the Tas a significant time of year. Be the wheel of ever turning life. Whatever in the first few minutes. The cessation of temperature of the surroundings. Of course, that through celebrations such as the awaits our spirits and our souls, what we can blood pumping turns the skin pale, as the if the body is somewhere warmer, it won’t Mexican Day of the Dead, or the more be sure of is how our bodies return to the capillaries and vessels near the surface empty cool so quickly, and if it’s somewhere very recent emergence of commercially cultural earth, delivering our physical components and leave the skin with a much less warm chilly then it will cool down at a much faster Halloween parties, it’s hard to escape the back to the soil we came from to help fuel tone. This is where the expression “pale as rate. spooky, scary feeling that creeps in as the end and promote new, burgeoning life (if you’re death” comes from. of October approaches and the nights draw buried of course. If you’re cremated, or your shorter (my apologies to those of you in the remains undergo some other treatment like Algor Mortis The third stage is rather well known. Rigor southern hemisphere - as a British witch I do or alkaline hydrolysis, then this The second stage can be considerably mortis is a process that instigates after tend to write from this perspective). process won’t be completed the same). dependant on environment, but typically breathing stops. A chemical called ATP that is responsible for muscle relaxation needs In my practice, Samhain is signified by oxygen from our lungs to be produced, the final harvest of the year, the closing in and the lack of ATP causes the muscles to of the darkness and (and this might be just stiffen and contract. This is usually twelve to me) and abundance of eight legged demons twenty-four hours post mortem though it is descending from the trees to build an assault dependent on individual differences, as these course of silvery webs across my garden, things so often are, and the speed at which or stampeding through my house in search the ATP production in your cells slows of a mate. Somehow, it makes the arachnid down. infestation so much worse to know that they’re all horny. The leaves start to turn, and conversations turn towards just how dark it is The fourth stage is an interesting stage in the mornings or whether or not there was for medical examiners and forensic frost on the car. The summer is dying, and anthropologists when encountering a body, so thoughts are naturally drawn towards the which I know is a grim thing to consider. macabre. However, the livor mortis stage is yet another important part of the process. In the twelve But what is death? Differing cultures hours following death, the blood and fluids and religions have their own interpretations in the body begin to settle at the lowest on what happens to us beyond the veil, but gravitational point, leaving bruise-like marks one thing is for certain - it happens to us all on the parts that touch the floor. This is and there is no escape from it. Bit morbid? really important for people who need to Sorry… but it doesn’t have to be a scary, establish whether or not someone has been looming dementor standing in wait for us to moved following their death. rattle our final breath. It’s sheer inevitability is the reason we shouldn’t be afraid of what 26 27 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 03 The above four processes are rather called autolysis, where they break down fuelling the environment around us. swift, and concern themselves mostly with and “self-destruct”. This gives off some the shutting down and loss of function of particularly nasty smelling chemicals such as Skeletonisation the body. As we stop working like a well cadaverine, skatole and putrescine, that have This is the final stage. Bone is solid and engineered machine, and all of our chemical that horrible rotten smell you’ll be substantial and very difficult to degrade and pathways and primary functions come to with if you’ve ever had a mouse or rat die so this point is often seen as the end, when rest. The next parts take a little longer and under your floorboards. These chemicals only the solid matter remains. The rest of involve advancement of the breakdown and are really important, however, as they serve the body is wholly given back to nature. In decay of the body as a whole. I know this as something of a messenger to nature to certain environments, or given enough time, can be a difficult thing to consider, but as a begin what’s hers. Insect life will the bones will decay themselves into calcium witch with a keen and ever present interest find these scents irresistible, and they will and phosphate which, again, is a potent in the cycles of nature, the circle of life if begin to degrade the body. The skin typically fertiliser to help life grow anew. you will, I find it incredible how ecological tends to turn black, purple or green. This is a the process can be... Perhaps put down that result of the breakdown of the red coloured You can watch liquefaction and sandwich you’re eating before you read on. chemical in our blood called haemoglobin, advanced decay in fruit left out too long, which is what makes us fundamentally or in the compost heap at the bottom of pinkish creatures at our core, no matter what the garden. Though it may seem morbid Not a pleasant word that, putrefaction. Cell colour our skin might be. and, to many people, a very scary thing, structures of skin tissue, blood vessels, it’s something that brings us back into the muscles and organs go into a process Active Decay natural world. Everything will decay, and Mother nature takes the reins. The insects from it we get new, brilliant life. drawn in by the chemicals find warm places to lay their eggs. Maggots are born with Samhain brings in the dying. The a plentiful food supply and quickly strip thinning of the veil, and a time to focus on away the soft tissues. Liquefactive this cycle of life and what it means to us. About The Author: occurs at this stage too, which again isn’t Think about loved ones who are no longer My name’s Rachel, I’m 28 and I have been a practicing hedge witch for almost 15 years. I live in the South a particularly nice thing to smell. The lack around, and think of them always with West of the UK with my fiancé and our beautiful of integrity of the broken down cells turns fond memories. Without this time of the cat baby, Wednesday. I graduated with a degree in them from a solid, stable form to a gooey year, without the fall of the leaves and the biomedical science in 2013 and have been working for liquid. Not nice for the body, heaven for chilling of the air, we wouldn’t be able to the NHS ever since. I believe in the coexistence and collaboration of science and magic, and have a keen the insects. They are able to grow and feast welcome in the new growth of spring once fascination with evidence-based herbal medicine. I love upon what’s left to create an abundance of the winter months are over. The leaves fall swing music and afternoon tea. new life. The nitrates and other substances from the trees, they rot on the ground, their leech into the soil below and become a rich components seep into the soil and fertilise fertiliser for plant and fungal life. We are the new growth to come. Don’t be afraid to transformed into the natural world, to fly welcome in the darkness of autumn, because free as buzzing bugs, to grow tall as trees and from it there will always be light. grasses. What we were becomes essential to 28 29 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 03

IG: witchofwinter 30 31 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 03

Knowing When and How to Take a Break from the Spirit Realm

32 33 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 03 no secret that a lot of witches also girlfriend moment at this point). intentions to have the choice to open or we approach Samhain and the Day of the It’spossess the ability to communicate I decided to do the same. I took deep close your door, practicing more kinetic Dead, it’s important to set those boundaries. with the dead – or at least have some kind of breaths and closed my eyes, visualizing a activity (especially yoga) then do it. Commit If you’re even in question of how you feel, developed sixth sense. We are often feelers, door. While at first the door in my mind to these practices if it means giving yourself take a step back. If you’re in tune with the listeners, and intuitives. We are in touch with was revolving; anyone could go in our out, more personal power in who you let in your other side, that ability doesn’t just disappear. every day magic like seeing signs from our I changed the door to something I could psychic circle. Taking time to strengthen and take care of deities or auras or animal symbolism – you shut and lock. As I pictured this, I also gave 2. Visualize. Your ability to your personal well being will only enhance name it, we experience it on the day to day. myself affirmations such as “I can return to visualize is at the root of your power to your skills over time. So what happens when our lack of a filter this when I want to or need to” and “I am in manifest. Picture it and so mote it be, am I of the world on the other side of the veil control of what I receive and react to.” right? Take the power back, relax, and have a firm is a problem? What happens when we are Simultaneously, I put my right hand 3. Have a talk with the spirits grip on that door. Happy haunting, witches! overwhelmed with signs and voices and even (my hand of action, my left hand is my around you. Sometimes I just tell the peanut sightings of the paranormal? psychic or receiving hand, meaning I will gallery that I need a break. Overall, they are I recently was in a town called Julian use my left hand to touch objects that hold more like us than not, and they listen. in San Diego County. Julian is old – like, meaning or may give me psychic/intuitive, 4. Cleanse your space (but be sure 1800s old – and it’s FULL of ghostly activity. mental images) on my thigh and visualized to recharge it with something that represents While I am not unaccustomed to dealings a thread traveling down my leg, out of my or transforms the energy into something with the dead, I found myself trying to foot, into the earth – connecting me with the favorable for you! enjoy an Italian lunch at a restaurant while earth, grounding me. The relief I felt was 5. Meditate. The more you the spirit of a woman that used to own the instantaneous – I could hear myself think, I meditate, the more control of your mind you house was screaming at me to get off of her didn’t have voices or screams crowding me. have, and the more control you have over property. My partner (even though he doesn’t I am not afraid of listening or talking to your responses and reactions to the world consider himself psychic or a witch) was the average spirit. I often find this kind of around you (and the world without you!). even disturbed by the amount of energy in experience more enriching than not – but 6. Leave it behind you. If you feel the room. You know that feeling of a white- I also like to think that I am in control something present and you don’t want to hot chill racing up your spine? We had that of what I receive in some ways. Allowing drag it home; just don’t. Tell the presence to feeling all over our bodies. We were on edge, myself to be wide open to any and all stay put where you found it. Wipe off your uneasy, uncomfortable. spiritual air traffic is like allowing myself to shoes before you carry on and again before About Something that my boyfriend did in listen in on every thought of every person you walk in the house. Visualize that astral The that moment that astounded me (and, in in a hot, crowded room. There has to be muck being kicked off of your shoes. You Author: retrospect, really shouldn’t have been so some autonomy, there has to be a sense of are clean, you are singular, you are in control. revolutionary) was take time to breathe. He personal control. Not sure if you should shut the door? Xandra Sun is an eclectic witch based out of Southern put down his food, he sat up straight in his So, what can you do to turn your revolving If you are overwhelmed, that is a clear California. She is a writer and artist as well as an chair, he closed his eyes and focused on door into a two-way door? sign that you need to shut the door. That associate teacher at a California State University. deep breathing – engaging his diaphragm, in doesn’t mean you’re shutting it forever, but it You can find Xandra giving tarot readings to friends, through the nose, out through the mouth, 1. Ground in any way you can. If does mean that you have created boundaries. working in her art grimoire, burning sandalwood, or etc. He was grounding, and he didn’t even this means being outside more, connecting Just like in life, boundaries are important mixing magickal bath soak concoctions under any given realize it. (I definitely had a proud witchy with the earth elements, writing down your on the other side of the veil. Especially as moon. You can follow her on Instragram @xandrasun. 34 35 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 03

36 37 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 03 ith Mabon having recently passed, and limiting. You may begin to feel a collecting input, we are the being of light, thoughts, opinions, or an experience about Wmuch of the magickal community is sense of duality - like there are “good” the soul, inside it. Instead, we often identify this topic, please feel free to submit them still reflecting on bringing balance to their and “bad” parts of yourself. Like there is as our feelings (such as “I am angry, rather to: [email protected] lives and expressing gratitude for what a monster chained in your consciousness than “I am experiencing anger”). We has manifested this past year. As we move that you must control. Impulses you must don’t realize that we are the one feeling the closer to Samhain, many find themselves deny. Traits and characteristics that are feelings…not just a collection of responses transitioning to inner reflection, specifically “undesirable.” Approaching shadow work to outer stimuli. Shadow Work. Shadow Work involves from this perspective is dangerous. A list of connecting with your “shadow” and using “negative” traits about yourself may lead Defining the shadow in this way the insight from this connection in healing to a poor self-image or negative self-talk. shifts the tone of shadow work. Rather or self-improvement. Working with your You can become discouraged if you aren’t than viewing the shadow as the darker part shadow is one of the most powerful ways changing or working through things at the of ourselves, we view ourselves as souls, to release the light of your higher self. pace you set for yourself. You may begin to beings of light. We then see the shadow identify yourself more as the shadow image as a distinct separate entity that provides Shadow Work is the process of you have created. us the raw information of experience. turning inward. Reflecting on who you The focus of shadow work then becomes are. Identifying inner barriers to happiness We are made of the same materials as observing what signals the shadow sends and peace. The idea is to better know your stars. Science has shown that consciousness in response to certain stimuli and how the shadow, and to use this information to is not localized in our brains. We are more higher self-processes that information. This improve upon yourself. than our biology. We are more than our allows the higher-self to begin to dismantle physical body. Inside each of us, is a higher the automatic conditioned responses that What is your shadow? I often hear self, a being of light and energy. However, are often the cause of anxiety, fear, and shadows described as the “darker” side as souls and beings of light, we must have self-limiting behavior. This also continually of one’s personality. This includes fears, a way to experience and interact with this reminds us that we are not our thoughts, resentments, anxieties, and unhealed world. Our bodies are the vehicle through but are rather the thinker of the thoughts. traumas. This definition of shadow also which we take in and interpret information Which is critical to remember, especially if refers to “negative” characteristics such as from the physical plane on which we you feel overwhelmed by worries and the having a temper or issues with jealousy and currently reside. spinning of your mind. If you choose to envy. It could also include unresolved guilt try and view the shadow in this way, you or shame. I view the Shadow as personification can still use shadow work journal prompts, of this vehicle. The collection of impulses, spells, and materials designed with a About The Author: This definition of shadow is chemical signals, and physical reactions that different definition of shadow in mine. I am an eclectic witch and believe the mind- problematic. The characteristics of the result from our interaction with the world. body connection and the brain are our most shadow become framed as inherently This chemical feedback then affects our I invite you to examine your current important magickal tools. I consider magick a negative. Something to be cured. Qualities thoughts and feelings. This information is perspective on shadows and shadow way to transcend our realities and expand our that should be defeated or conquered. a way for us to process the experiences of work. Are you satisfied with your current consciousness. Approaching shadow work with this our lives. However, we forget that we are definition of shadow? Are you open to YouTube: LagerthaScarlet perception of the shadow can be harmful not the impulses. We are not the vehicle challenging that definition? If you have Instagram: @Synapse_Sorceress 38 39 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 03

40 41 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 03 ivination fuels my passion for the Clear Quartz choice. It isn’t connected with any specific negativity, promote a positive divination Dunknown. What lies beyond ourselves Balancing and recharging are the two chakra, but the grounding, clearing energy experience, and to focus your mind. Picking intrigued me to begin my journey with most powerful aspects of this stone. Clear about the stone is extremely useful in separate intentions for each crystal creates divination a long time ago. Quartz is connected to all 12 chakras, aiding every form of divination, especially spirit a broad spectrum of high energy for you Tarot cards, pendulum work, spirit you to remain focused, empower the other communication. I use this stone to aid in to work with as you practice divination. communication, candle gazing, and crystal crystals you work with, and balancing out all forms of divination practices, specifically Keeping yourself mindful and protected, gazing are my favourite types of divination. the energies around you. I use this stone to with clearing negativity before a session. especially when you're feeling scared, is aid in all forms of my divination practice. crucial to divination work. I hope these crystals serve you well. Blessed be. There are many ways to use divination Selenite in your own craft. I prefer to incorporate Black Onyx Psychic communication and spacial crystals into it, programming them to aid in Divine protection and dispelling negativity awareness are the two most powerful all types of my divination practices. In this are the two most powerful aspects of this aspects of this stone. Selenite is connected article, I'll discuss what each stone means to stone. Black Onyx isn't connected to the to all 12 chakras, as well as the body’s aura. me, their most powerful aspects for use in chakras, however, it is connected to the Selenite creates a barrier of protection from divination, and how I use them in my own earth and is the most powerful shielding negativity, connects with divine energy, divination practices. stone I own. It protects from all forms of and shields from negativity. I use selenite negative energies, aids in spiritual guidance, to aid in all forms of divination practices, Amethyst self-reflection, grounding, and creates a specifically for ancestral connection. Protection and healing are the two most strong shield from negative energies. I use powerful aspects of this stone. Amethyst is this stone for , spirit communication, Labradorite connected with the crown chakra, aiding you tarot and pendulum practices. Revealing your inner truths and awakening specifically with positive spirit interaction, spiritual energy are the two most powerful divine energy, and intuition. It heals the Lapis Lazuli aspects of this stone. It works with your mind, body, and soul, and is a great stone Increasing psychic awareness and awakening inner energy to open your crown chakra, to use before practice. I use this stone to aid the third eye are the two most powerful spark spiritual changes in your life, and in my spirit communication practices and to aspects of this stone. Lapis Lazuli is protect from the negative. Labradorite is keep my own energy high while practicing connected with the third eye chakra, aiding connected best with the upper chakras: the divination. you with inner guidance, interpretation, throat, third eye, and crown making it perfect psychic ability, and for divination that uses your subconscious quick judgement. I mind. I use labradorite when I read tarot and to connect with past lives. use this stone for tarot About the Author reading and pendulum work specifically. Setting Intention My name is Taylor-Nicole and I’m a solitary Working with divination can be extremely herbal witch, indoor gardener, and pranic healer. intimidating. Working with crystals keeps me Smoky Quartz I’ve been practicing paganism for eleven years, and calm, relaxed, and focused, even during the Clearing energy each day is a reflection of my practice. My beliefs stressful parts of this complicated process. and absorbing follow paganism and druidry closely. I’m a true A simple way to incorporate these crystals negativity are the naturopath who loves using herbs, crystals, and into your divination is by programming. two most powerful rituals. My Meyers-Briggs personality is INFJ. I’m You can program these crystals with intent aspects of this stone. most active on my Instagram @taylornicolesgarden before you begin your divination method of Smoky quartz is my and the Pagans and Witches Amino Blog as Taylor choice to maximize and extend your energy, grounding stone of Nicole. create a protective barrier between you and 42 43 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 03

IG: @luna.morrigan 44 45 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 03

SPOTL IGHT ON:

Azura DragonFaether

46 47 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 03 zura DragonFaether is a seasoned to say I discovered magick was real and Dark Moon. Sometimes my craft consists need to sometime takes countless, sleepless pro in the YouTube game. Her no longer skeptical, but rather I surrender of simple meditation and visualization to hours of grinding work to make it happen. Achannel boasts a following of over myself to the magick all around me. Now elaborate rituals held outside under the moon My days, weeks and months have themes so 50,000 subscribers and keeps climbing. as my channel continues to grow I want to and starlight. My craft is always evolving just I stay in alignment with my purpose each day. On her channel you’ll find no shortage share more of myself with the Hatchlings as I do so something I do today may or may I am nowhere near perfect but it is a daily of content be it Look Books, music or besides witchcraft. While magick is woven not be different tomorrow. balancing act I happily embrace to help our Shenanigans with mythical creatures or into everything I do I also share my love community bask in the sunshine once more. educational videos on witchcraft in general. for music, fashion, makeup, DIYs, life help, CTC: You're a musician, a WitchyTuber, a business She enjoys teaching about her path, and ASMR and much more. No matter what owner, and the leader of multiple aminos: how do CTC: You've been on YouTube for a long time, what expanding the minds of her viewers as video I post you can always expect a little you balance it all? tips do you have for witches who want to jump in? well as participating in community tags pinch of and topics! What once started as an online magick. I’ll be the I have been on YouTube since 2012 and has transformed into a first to tell everytime someone wants to start a channel multifaceted community. She’s always got a CTC: Tell us a you that I the biggest reason why they stop, it falls million projects and heavily invests herself in little about your am a very though or they give up is because they don’t the world of witchcraft and social media. path! ambitious believe in themselves. Avoid incanting/saying You can join any of her multiple Aminos person. As things like “i have no time to make videos” and find a community of excited, passionate I currently an Aquarius or “there is nowhere for me to film” or “I witches willing to learn and share their identify as I love doing don’t have good enough equipment”. All of knowledge with others. When she’s not a Draconic as much as I these statements I’ve heard again and again sharing her knowledge, she’s sharing Witch. I am can for the when all you need is within you. You don’t her creations from her shop which she a Draconic people and need fancy equipment to be good, what incorporates from her own practice. All that Apprentice community makes you successful on YouTube is your said let’s jump right in and see what she has of the First for the personality, authenticity and unique features/ to say! Inner Ring betterment perspective. However remain practical, watch along The of humanity. your favorite creators and ask why you love CTC: Why did you start your channel? How has it Draconic My purpose their content so much. No matter who you evolved? Path. Even in this are, you always have something to offer that though my lifetime is no one else does, even if that means you When I first started my channel I was only practice is more eclectic in nature, with to bring Love, Light, Healing and Magick might have to dig a little to discover what a baby Witchling. I was truly skeptical about a heavy focus on Mythical Creatures, I back to this world. It is time for the healers, your special something is. magick and started my channel to document dabble in many forms of the craft. Some witches, crafter, shamans and star seeds to my journey, much like an online Book Of other practices I have include, but are not shine like stars in the age of Aquarius and CTC: Your aesthetic has certainly changed Shadows. I wanted to experience and explore limited to: Crystal Craft, Divination, Lucid I am just one being here to help make it throughout the years, have you ever questioned your the realm of magick, but didn’t have anyone Dreaming, Spellcasting, Cannabis Craft, happen. However we have a lot of work to direction? For witches who may be questioning, what to talk to about it so I decided to share Protection Magick, Elemental Magick and do and I do the best I can to help the world advice would you give them? online via YouTube videos. Since doing so more! I hold rituals on Sabbats of the open itself up to Magick again as best I can. it has completely changed my life. Needless as well as ever Full and To get all the things done that I want to/ It’s no secret that I am always shapeshifting. 48 49 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 03 Since I started my channel when I was only am overwhelmed with joy, admiration and 13 I have truly grown up with the Hatchlings, pride at my ability to manifest a one of or my viewers. My aesthetic grows and a kind book to hold the magick, secrets changes as I do and this is a unique ad experiences of those who they call to. perspective I can offer. For those who feel Custom making books is especially my they need to fit into a certain box, style or favorite thing because while binding the aesthetic within their craft, social media or book I learn some much about the individual within life in general. I am here to tell you it is handcrafted for. Especially when making that you are mistaken. Our style and aesthetic or working in my own personal books it is a form of creative expression and the only is my favorite part of my craft. So many true limit to that of your imagination and secrets, whispers, experiences and wisdom belief. wove with magick lives within and that inspires me everyday to keep creating no CTC: As a draconic witch, have you found any matter what. favorite resources? Have you thought about writing Week, seven days of informational content lack for handmade, personal and genuinely your own draconic craft book? about various Mythical Creatures. In addition authentic creations. Crafting is my passion, CTC: Where can our readers find you? we have some e-books I am working on that with binding books being my speciality. At will be available to purchase for a complete first I was very conflicted about selling my I am so honored to be a part of the October It can certainly be a struggle to find materials beginner’s guide to witchcraft! There crafts, feeling it was disrespectful to the CoffeeTable Coven Magazine. You can find on The Draconic Path, however my greatest will be a Book Of Shadows, Spell Book, sacred nature of my magick. However now I me on YouTube where I post new videos teachers have been my guardians. Some of Grimoire and more! As always I am looking see it much differently. With my passion of every week. You can purchase handmade my favorite books include: Dancing With to collaborate with more Magickal Content creating, need for financial stability and the books, items and crystals from my Etsy store Dragons plus Mystical Dragon Magick by DJ Creators so expect some awesome collabs! purpose of sharing magick with the world, DragonFaeryCrafts. If you love my videos, Conway; Sea, Land, Sky by Parker J Torrence There will be more wonder, magick and selling my crafts, art and magickal creations craft and creations you can gain access to as well as some other online resources. With mysticism in this coming year, but the rest is the perfect way for me to support myself, exclusive content on my Patreon. Catch the lack of reliable resources I have my own you will just have to wait and see chase my dreams and fulfill my purpose. For my live Crafting Q&As on Instagram each book about The Draconic Path in the works. those who walk a similar path to mine Etsy is week as well as some enchanting inspiration, Since this path was predominantly passed CTC: You have an Etsy! How does it feel to mix an invaluable resource to help others and in photography and more I cannot show on on my word of mouth I want to share my your spirituality with business? return myself. my main media. If you want to hang out, truths about the practice for anyone to read connect with the Hatchlings, like minded and take from what they will. Everything else I created my Etsy store DragonFaeryCrafts CTC: What's your current magical obsession? individuals or make new friends you can find though is a super, secret, special surprise! to share my magick with those who wish me within The Hatchling Clan, Unicoven, to experience it. Inspired by the magick of My current magickal obsession always The WitchyTube and GRL GANG on CTC: Any big projects for the upcoming year? my handbound books, I wanted to make has and always will be bookbinding. The Amino. I offer something a bit different on magickal items, wares and objects for those act of infusing every part of a book with each Social Media platform so make sure to I have some exciting new projects planned who wanted a little slice of magick within magickal intentions, spells and materials follow and subscribe to all so you don’t miss for this new year to come. Some of the their world. When it comes to Witchcraft is surely proof that magick is real. When any of the magick. things I can share is a Mythical Creature and Metaphysical shops I have noticed a true I hold a finished book within my hands I 50 51 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 03

[email protected] 52 53 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 03

54 55 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 03 Hey everyone, it is time to talk about one might just decide to go shave their head caused and sending it to them. I am still • Fruit Spells- These involve fruit of my favorite subjects: Curses. (this happened to me). Say “Fall Out!” confused as how that it is someone’s place or food that mold (see molding above) and mean it. Set timeframes, time it on to tell you that is wrong. but also in and abandon (see ***Disclaimer- not all witches are Wiccan, not the right moon if you want, if it is for As Bri Luna of The Hood Witch said both above) to encourage devouring and all believe in the three fold law or and nightmares do it when you know they are on The Serpent Cast Podcast “You can’t decay. Fruit is typically used in genital / honestly, Karma is much, much bigger than the sleeping, etc. tell someone cursing isn’t a part of their reproductive curses. golden rule. So if this isn’t your thing. That’s ok! healing journey.” *Note these are a few of my personal Not all witches need to curse. *** The Why & The Feels methods* Witches are beings of justice. It’s this very Some Methods So, what is a Curse? thing that’s left our taste ringing badly • Bury by your back door for The Dreaded “Backfire” Well a curse is best summed up as baneful in “puritan” ears. We (typically if we are decrease in things such as attention, Anti-curse people will tell you curses magic. Hexes tend to cause misfortune, honest with ourselves) do not want divine relationships. “backfire”. Yes, and no? They don’t come Jinxes slight inconveniences or minor mercy without justice. Justice is for the • Burning- , cleansing. back to hurt you, but you just sent out a bad luck and a Curse is the “big baddie”. opposed, the abused, wronged, assaulted, • Breaking – endings, pain, suffering. huge chunk of negative energy and the Curses are sacred to a lot of paths as ways betrayed, targeted and subverted. At some • Poppets, Corn Dolls and Voodoo law of attraction states- well, you might to protect, discipline and heal. point, isn’t that all of us? The reasons Dolls- Substitute for the person. Please run into some bad stuff. Also curses are the Witch archetype has been feared for note this is a more advanced method and the most energetically consuming type of Before You Curse centuries is heavily tied to the fact we can they will need to be consecrated, inflicted magick besides . Feeling sick/ • Think- Think about it long and bring our own justice when those things then disposed of properly. *Also if you tired and worn thin afterwards is normal. hard. Much like a right hook, a curse is an are done to us. And how dare little old haven’t studied Voudon, or the Eat good, plant based higher vibration action and if you don’t mean it full force Witches make the people in power live in like, swerve on the Voodoo until you are meals, meditate with cleansing and high then you are just fumbling around. fear? Especially when justice always feels thoroughly educated and be mindful of vibration stones and rest, rest! • Center and Ground- Own that like a curse to the perpetrator. appropriation.* When I was performing a genital based energy! Root yourself and be stable. The This is why, when you are planning, • Molding- Disease, slow suffering, curse last year I used clippings from my law of attraction still stands and this is mediating and performing these works mental illness infliction. cat’s nails and fur as well as my dogs fur. key to the next step. A lot of people think feel free to feel. Cry, scream, curse, shake • Scratching / Stabbing- Returning (These correspondences later) and as feeling drained or the manifestation of the with rage- all of it is valid. This is where pain, targeted pain and revenge. I blew the last of the candle out- they law of attraction means it has “backfired.” the healing of cursing comes in. Tip- at • Abandoning- Cord cutting, makes began fighting like well, cats and dogs. This helps cut that down. this point I like to enchant my emotions the target feel lost, anxious, abandoned Straight up attacking each other. Did I • Protect yourself- However that and energy so that if they are returned and if done right (with food stuffed in it freak out? No. I wanted negativity and I means to you. Cast a circle, call your to me through reflective magic they are to say) can cause misfortune and pain or got it. I separated them, took it as a sign it ancestors and familiar spirits, sage spritz harmless and just coming home to mama. (if at a cross roads) confusions and regrets was working and moved on with my little your zone. Ritual bathing beforehand When it comes to baneful magic what you with their choices. life. Let me tell you, that curse was super helps me, and while I’m in I meditate and are feeling, what has happened to you and • Jar Spells- These are great for effective and manifested overnight. set my intent. Whatever works for you! that trauma and baggage is for once your beginners. They can be undone easily, These small occurrences are just • Plan- Having a plan is key. Plan friend. You are taking the energy someone maintain control over a target and can be validation you raised and emitted enough every single detail. Want their hair to fall else’s energy they poured into hurting used to bind or banish easily with burying energy for the universe to hear you. But out? Don’t say “lose their hair” They you, combining it with the emotions that / locking away. the side of it that heard you is dark and 56 57 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 03 brings small troubles. You aren’t wrong or being punished. Expecting to curse without feeling drained of attracting small negativities is like pulling out an Ouija board and expecting not to contact spirits. They go hand in hand.

Cursing Correspondences I will leave you with some cursing correspondences from Witchtips on Tumblr (link in sources at the end of the article). Curse when you feel like you need to. Use your power. If it isn’t all yoga, citrine, lavender and positivity in your craft that is fine and you are in very, very good company. You are valid and you don’t need to justify yourself to anyone. You can check out any of Miss Aida’s books (link in sources) for great info. Research, About The Author learn, feel to your greatest capacity and I’m Witchy, I’m pissed and I talk to dead people. don’t fear your power. Take these methods That would be quite the Tinder profile, huh? Of and correspondences and throw together course there is more to it but the general gist is that some baneful beautify if that is your thing. I am a 27 year old hereditary Witch living in the Georgia. Sources & Recommended Resources: I am a mother of one, lover to a great partner and Witch Tips on Tumblr: http://witchtips. a feminist. Bones, crystals and plants decorate just about every surface I own. I make YouTube videos, tumblr.com/post/157437503441/curse- which have most of my content on them and can be correspondences found @theangryalchemist. If you want to stay in Miss Aida’s Books on Amazon: https:// the loop follow my instagram (you guessed it) www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ @theangryalchemist for witchy posts, stories and noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field- lunar ritual live streams. keywords=miss+aida The Hood Witch: http://www. thehoodwitch.com/ The Serpent Cast: https://podtail.com/ en/podcast/the-serpent-cast/ 58 59 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 03 The Millennial Witch: wrote in this classic. for us. Science, in the different forms of one way and see the history of witchcraft as A Modern Analysis of The Spiral I am around the age was technology, fast-acting herbal bath bombs, a whole; tilt it the other way to see the future Dance when she published this book. I hope to and even electric tea candles, have made their of what witchcraft will become. It is all find a publisher and/or agent one day to dominating effects known in my witchcraft interwoven and interchangeable, depending If you are just starting out in become as influential as she, holding tightly practice. I honestly feel like the vision on each other to survive. I will continue my Paganism/Witchcraft, any one person you to all the basics and expanding on them. She Starhawk wanted for witchcraft is coming, research with the books of old in my right come across states, “Do research. Grab knew the future was growing fast, and here during my lifetime. We are always connected hand, and the books of new in my left. as many books as you can!” You type I am, almost 20 years later from her earliest now, through our smartphones, televisions, Drawing my own conclusions, designing “paganism/witchcraft books” into Google, edition. In the Introduction to the 20th and computers. At the press of a button, my own faith, I see the future that Starhawk the results are for Gardner, Adler, Hutton, Edition, Starhawk notes, “ I wrote the book I can search videos online, read through envisioned as it is now. Leland, and someone named Starhawk. on an electric typewriter when my favorite novels, and host In short, read those classic novelists and Then, you notice, that most of these books Whiteout was the leading-edge online rituals with people authors from the late century. We have were written between the 1970s and 1999. word-processing technology. I from all around the world. moved passed them, yes, but we must still “Well, where are the modern books?” you wrote the ten year notes on an When reading through books learn from them. They have every bit to ask, changing your results to “modern early model home computer like The Spiral Dance, you can teach from us as we do with them. It is a paganism/witchcraft authors”. “Ah, there with a minuscule screen and feel the 1970s vibe within the constant reminder that our religion, though is the stuff written for modern people like no hard drive, and I’m writing words. We witchy millennials rooted in ancient ideals, is very modern and me”, you state proudly, instantly adding these notes on a Mac laptop are taking tips from our 1970s is constantly changing. anything written after 2000 to your cart. My that, at five years old, is predecessors, becoming “To will is to reclaim our power, our power ghostly presence arrives, slapping you over already outdated.” The future activists by creating protests, to reclaim the future.”- Starhawk, The Spiral the head, and dumping all those books back isn’t written in stone, as the demanding equal rights, and Dance, 20th Anniversary Edition. 1999 out into the net. old saying goes. Paganism/ developing a new way of You might be wondering, rubbing Witchcraft/ has grown looking at things. Social media your head bump, why are earth would I do to the point of it becoming is our weapon of choice, in something like that? Aren’t I The Millennial a nationally recognized faith, the fight to express ourselves About The Author: Witch?! Doesn’t modern books appeal to temples are being built once and our opinions. Though Melissa, or as she is known in the magickal me more than anyone? Unless we learn more in Iceland, and you can aspects of Eastern Religions community, Moonstar Silversky, has been an from history, we are doomed to repeat it; I actually take “The History of and cultures are just as eclectic Wiccan for over 13 years and loves studying state, placing a copy of the 20th Anniversary ” courses at expressive and predominant religions. She has a bachelor's degree in Religious Edition of The Spiral Dance: A Rebirth of universities. as they were in the 1970s; Studies marking her triumph. She loves to write, the Ancient Religion of the Great Goddess Within the last chapter of The Spiral Starhawk does negatively talk about these having published a book of poetry, loves to draw in your cart. Though it is outdated, as Dance, “Creating Religion: Towards the a bit, but apologizes in the 20th Edition and paint, and enjoys making YouTube videos. She Starhawk explains in the Introduction to the Future,” Starhawk wished to see science Introduction. Things like yoga, tai chi, and has a patreon to help support her. She takes art 20th Edition, it is the fundamentals of what becoming more involved and interwoven the influence of anime has become a staple commissions, is happily married, and has a black Witchcraft was, is, and what it will be. I may within Witchcraft. Well, I believe the roots of millennial principles. I read these classic cat. be more eccentric and nontraditional than are now large enough, the flowers turning words with the sense that I am the “witch Instagram- @mellieyumi Starhawk might want me to be, but I respect into fruits, and some are taking bites out with the acrostic eye” that Starhawk talks Twitter- @mellie711 and acknowledge all the information she of the witchcraft she and others laid forth about in the last chapter. I can tilt my head Email- [email protected] 60 61 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 03 limiting beliefs. Gaining clarity allows Welcome to the us to move into a place of stability. And Tarot Corner of what better time to reflect on stability than the Taurus Full Moon on October The Coffeetable Coven! 24th? Taking your stabilizing, powerful role within a collective is an echo of the “Whispers of the Forest” Tarot Spread Taurus Full Moon that awaits us. This October, we want to encourage Of course, the metaphysical plays a you to traverse the borders between the big role as well. Your spiritual collective - physical and the metaphysical - and the spirit guides, deities, ancestors - whatever self and the other. As us witches like to say you feel are the most significant guiding around Samhain: “The veil is thinning”. and guarding forces in your life: Now So let’s take a good look at the energies is the time to engage with the. Use the surrounding us: remainder of the Libra season (September Samhain, the Libra New Moon, the 23rd - October 23rd) to communicate fully Taurus Full Moon and awakening Scorpio with people, spirits and other spheres that energies - this October, everything is are calling to you. whirling about. In this highly transformative time, we are called to go beyond what we This spread is meant to forge a know and delve into other physical and deeper bond with your guides, reconnect metaphysical realms that are now opening you to your lifepath and support you in up. bravely encountering the lessons that this time of transformation can hold. Some people only interpret the “thinning veil” as the veil between the Whether the veil is thinning as living and the dead, but it can also be seen autumn takes root in the Northern as the boundaries between the self and the Hemisphere or the first hunches of collective. And there’s even more: October Summer are awakening in the Southern is also a great time to bridge the perceived Hemisphere: Go on a metaphorical (or gap between our darkest corners and our real!) walk through the woods with this brightest moments. The unconscious and Taro Spread. the conscious can communicate in this mystical month. Each step you take on your path through the Misty Forest, listening to The renewing energy of Sun in the whispers of energy around you, is Scorpio (starting October 23rd) calls you represented by one card: IG: @fuelledbysunshine to release any lingering doubts, fears or 62 63 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 03

1. The Fireflies - How can you effectively tap into the guiding energies that surround you? 2. The Thicket - See clearly: What needs to go if you want to grow, connect & move fully into your power? 3. The Fireplace - How can you give back to the community - be it physical or metaphysical? If you feel disconnected from the community, read this card as a pointer to how can you find “your people”. 4. The Lake of Mirrors - What trait do you love in others? How can you cultivate that trait in yourself? 5. The Sound of Darkness - What messages are your guiding forces whispering to you? This card represents where you can take action right now!

You can use this spread in the beginning of the month or close to Samhain in order to reconnect yourself to the guiding energies that surround you. Anya Esma’s witching journey weaves Bust out your Tarot cards, Oracle cards many paths together: As a pondering witch or just a pen and paper - write down your who combines psychology and magical theory, thoughts and summon the wisdom from she loves summoning Tarot and video game within! archetypes to light up her power. Sharing her path as a creatrix on YouTube and Instagram, her goal is to inspire others with fiery passion and help them explore their own mindscapes in numinous moments. With videos, blog- esque Instagram posts and custom Tarot readings, Anya Esma is spreading the word in the cyberspace. The best place to catch her is on YouTube at youtube.com/anyaesma or on Instagram as @anya.esma. 64 65 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 03

[email protected] 66 67 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 03 the shop. It was still early, about 6:45 am, but insisted) hobbled to the rickety counter. I talents? Could she read my mind and know what clouds lingered over Couva that day, threatening motioned for Bathilda to go first but she waved I suspected about her? On my way to work, I The Daily Express rain. The mango tree stood like a green sentinel me forward with knobbly fingers. Even more wondered if Bathilda was also a soucouyant. A Short Story over the shop, shutting out the faint slivers of tingles ran up my spine as Bathilda drew back Were there more of them living in Couva? Did morning light from the entrance. behind me. I was now sandwiched between the they congregate at the shop to talk about blood Have you ever seen the largest mango As I entered the shop to buy a copy of bloodsucker and a snake-woman with only a drinking strategies? I shivered. I was incredibly tree in Couva? It towers over a fragile, sign-less, The Daily Express, I realized there was another wooden counter between us. grateful that I didn’t actually live in Couva. It wooden shop on a narrow street which is full customer there, her back to me. I came up Nervously, I glanced back past Bathilda must be a terrible place at night. of old houses and stray animals. The shop is behind the tiny, old woman. She had a brown to my dad in the van but he was not paying I did not mention my encounter to joined to an old, unpainted house. Sometimes I hat over wispy white hair and wrinkled skin; I attention to me; he was fiddling with the radio anyone, but that evening it suddenly dawned on think that places like this have been left behind could see it thickly draping her elbows. I had a and the window was rolled up. As I turned me that I had never told the shopkeeper which as the world changes and things become more fleeting remembrance of Bathilda Bagshot, the around once more, the shopkeeper handed newspaper I wanted to buy that day, but she modern. I like to think that the ancient mango snake-possessed woman from Harry Potter. I me a Daily Express without question, her long knowingly gave me the Daily Express, almost as tree somehow shielded this strange shop and it shuddered involuntarily. Bathilda was bent over red nails scraping against the dry newspaper if she had indeed read my mind… somehow got left behind with the times. a glass jar of pickled red plums on the counter as I took it from her and placed the bills on It is at this little shop that my dad and I and as I approached, I drew back a little, half the counter. I observed her once more. Long The End. get the newspaper. Sometimes it’s the Newsday, expecting her to turn around and strike out me bleached hair, wrinkly skin, large nostrils perfect sometimes it’s The Guardian, and other times, with her fangs. Fortunately that did not happen, for sniffing out victims, a bloodthirsty look in we get The Daily Express. The shop always but she did turn around and if I had not been her yellow eyes, her disgusted glances at the thin, smells like disinfectant and according to my mentally prepared for a frightening encounter gold crucifix I wore around my neck…could she mother, the shopkeeper always disinfects the then I surely would have screamed. really be a bloodsucker? shop to mask the scent of blood. One time, Unblinking grotesque eyes stared out at Here, the locals call blood drinkers my mother came with us and went in to get the me from a skeletal face. One eye was perfectly “soucoyants”. The legend goes that these old newspaper. Since then, she adamantly believed round and brown and the other was perched witches peel off their skin at night, store it in that the shopkeeper was a vicious blood drinker. almost on her forehead and a white milky a mortar, and then become balls of fire. The Of course, I scoffed at my mother. Those things covering coated it, like serpents do when they fireballs visit homes and feeds off the blood did not exist anymore. Such creatures ceased to are asleep. I gasped, clutching my collar and from sleeping humans. To expose a soucouyant exist when the age of electricity begun, as they managed a weak smile and a “Good morning.” one must heap rice or beans at a crossroads as About were afraid of lights. How on earth would they She said nothing but smiled at me unblinking. she is compelled to pick up each grain one at a the get past those vigilance systems and cameras The shopkeeper was nowhere to be seen. I time. If one can find her skin when she sheds Author: anyway? pretended to be interested in the assortment of it, he/she must rub it through with salt. When Kristy Khem is a Trinidadian artist and freelance writer. I changed my mind, however, when I musty jars containing fruit pickles and snacks on she slips into her skin after a night of blood She is an old soul who strongly believes in and went to get the newspaper a few days ago… the other side of the counter, but I could feel drinking, the salt will burn her alive. Only then angels. She loves the supernatural and many of her stories it was a morning like any other and I was on her eyes on me. A tingle ran up my spine. I just can this fearsome creature be defeated. feature elements of magic and folklore. She has a passion my way to work. We stopped outside the blue wanted my Daily Express and then I could leave My mind buzzed with questions as I for astrology, energy work, and healing gemstones. If you wooden shack and I jumped out of the van, my before Bathilda ate me. quickly left the shop and hopped into the van. I are a fan of her stories on the CoffeeTable Coven Magazine, high heels making clicking noises on the dry It seemed like forever when the old wondered whether the shopkeeper was indeed a feel free to send her an email at [email protected]. road. I made my way down the slight incline to bloodsucker (as my mother had previously soucoyant. Did she have any other supernatural You can also view her art on Facebook 68 69 Would you like to submit articles and photography? Email us today at [email protected] or [email protected]

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