After almost a year hiatus, (Damn, kinda feel like streaming networks now, lol) your favorite witchy show is back.

Huge season planned...lots of amazing guests, new segments, and more.

Up until now, the topics have been beginner friendly, and they still will be...but we dive into more advanced methods as well.

In this first episode of season 4, I cover what's been happening behind the scenes at SOAW studios, new things on the way, and we talk about something not often mentioned...magickal potion/brew making. Extremely effective, powerful, and fun!

So light those cauldron fires witches, and enjoy.

So you think you know what Yule is all about...but do you?

While often viewed as a time of merriment and pure joy, there are some darker aspects of this holiday/Sabbatt as well.

Listen as I discuss the lore and origins of how it began...the dark and terrifying counterpart to St. Nick, Krampus...Yule themed recipes, a holiday divination oil recipe, yule logs, and much much more.

Season 3 is about to be under way, so I wanted to drop a little teaser to let you all know what to expect and look forward to.

Guests, new segments, guest co host, and more.

Founder of parlourofwonders.com, author of The Book of Candle Magic as well as Madame Pamitas Magical Tarot.

This is someone that was on the dream list of people to have on the show since day 1.

We dig deep, asking about her origin story, how she came up with her name, what her inspiration is and lots more.

We also discuss her ties to Ukraine, and of course her new book, Baba Yagas Book Of Witchcraft.

We also feature the Cosmic Majick Unlocked segment this week with our resident astrologist Michele.

This episode totaled over 2 hours in length, so this is Part 2...when we left off in Part 1, we were discussing the benefits of quick majick, vs rituals and spellwork that requires more time and intention,

Thanks for listening.

Enjoy.

Founder of parlourofwonders.com, author of The Book of Candle Magic as well as Madame Pamitas Magical Tarot.

This is someone that was on the dream list of people to have on the show since day 1.

We dig deep, asking about her origin story, how she came up with her name, what her inspiration is and lots more.

We also discuss her ties to Ukraine, and of course her new book, Baba Yagas Book Of Witchcraft.

This episode totaled over 2 hours in length, so this is Part 1, and Part 2 will be hours behind.

Enjoy.

He lets us take a deep dive into a topic and area of majick that he was called to do...philtres/spell bottles.

Rev. Paul is the creator and founder of "The Celtic Cork" which can be found on Etsy.

We get an inside peek at his process, what goes into these creations from start to finish, he gives advice on how you too can practice this at home, and we also dive into the artistic appeal itself of these amazing bottles.

This is part 1 of this 2 part episode.

You can find Rev. Paul here:

IG: @thecelticcork

https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheCelticCork

He lets us take a deep dive into a topic and area of majick that he was called to do...philtres/spell bottles.

Rev. Paul is the creator and founder of "The Celtic Cork" which can be found on Etsy.

We get an inside peek at his process, what goes into these creations from start to finish, he gives advice on how you too can practice this at home, and we also dive into the artistic appeal itself of these amazing bottles.

This is part 1 of this 2 part episode.

You can find Rev. Paul here:

IG: @thecelticcork

https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheCelticCork

Wow listeners, this episode was so much fun to record.

We started out intending to record a 1 hour episode, and by the time we finished we had recorded over 2 hours!!!

This episode is all about speaking with and receiving messages from Deities and Spirit, having visions psychic and otherwise, and insane synchronicities between people. Oh, and we talk about asking for a sign, and almost instantaneously got my answer, albeit nearly taking a conch to the head. Lol

Rania and I have known from the day we met in class that we shared something, and we found out what that was...so we also dive into past life regressions and how they can mirror others experiences as well.

Wanna hear about finding people you knew in past lives, or how Deities seem to love keeping us guessing, or maybe what happens when you ignore signs from Spirit???

then sit back, push play, and listen in as Rania and I share some of the wildest experiences we have had as witches.

Thanks for listening, stay tuned for Part 2 next week!!!

www.sonofawitchpod.com

We started out intending to record a 1 hour episode, and by the time we finished we had recorded over 2 hours!!!

This episode is all about speaking with and receiving messages from Deities and Spirit, having visions psychic and otherwise, and insane synchronicities between people. Oh, and we talk about asking for a sign, and almost instantaneously got my answer, albeit nearly taking a conch to the head. Lol

Rania and I have known from the day we met in class that we shared something, and we found out what that was...so we also dive into past life regressions and how they can mirror others experiences as well.

Wanna hear about finding people you knew in past lives, or how Deities seem to love keeping us guessing, or maybe what happens when you ignore signs from Spirit???

then sit back, push play, and listen in as Rania and I share some of the wildest experiences we have had as witches.

Thanks for listening, stay tuned for Part 2 next week!!!

So sorry about the unintended hiatus, but so glad you are here.

In this episode I introduce you to a dear friend, bestie, Cabot sister and your new co host, Rania.

She gives you some background on her journey, what led her to this path, stories about her homeland of Greece, and lots more.

Welcome back to the show!!!

That's right, I am back. So happy to be back too.

This episode is catching everyone up on all that has transpired in recent months with the show, myself, and more.

I talk about Lenormand, a relative of Cartomancy, debut new segments, talk about upcoming episodes and lots of things to be on the lookout for.

This begins my comeback after a longer than desired hiatus. Starting now, SON OF A WITCH PODCAST is back weekly.

I want to thank everyone for your patience and support...this season is gonna blow your mind!!!

Author of over 30 books, co founder of The Temple of Witchcraft and so much more, I chat with Christopher about his beginnings with witchcraft, his start as a published author, new projects like his newest book "The Witches Hut" and more.

www.christopherpenczak.com

www.templeofwitchcraft.org

www.coppercauldronpublishing.com

*video interview also available on the Son Of A Witch Podcast Youtube channel

www.sonofawitchpod.com

In this, the premiere episode of season 2, I dive into the origins of one of my top 3 favorite Sabbats...Beltane.

It will soon be upon us, so I wanted to give some lore and background, as well as ways you can celebrate.

I also go over a Beltane themed majickal item of the week, recipe, and spell.

So welcome back, or welcome for the first time, let's get started.

www.sonofawitchpod.com

IG: @sonofawitchpod

Twitter: @sonofawitchp

Sources:

theseasonalsoul.com

groveandgrotto.com

I explain what held me up, what's coming in season 2, and more!!!

Season 2 starts now!!!

IN THIS EPISODE I RETURN FROM AN UNINTENDED HIATUS, WITH A TOPIC I HAVE LONG WANTED TO COVER...AKASHIC RECORDS.

THE STUDIO IS STILL BEING REFURBISHED AFTER THE ROOF ISSUE, BUT JUST COULDN'T WAIT TO RECORD AGAIN, LOL.

I ALSO GO OVER THE MAGICKAL ITEM OF THE WEEK, PINK TOURMALINE...GIVE YOU A SPELL FOR THE WEEK, DISCUSS WHAT'S FLICKING MY WAND, AND MORE!

NEW YEAR, BETTER SHOW...LET'S GET TO IT.

PATHWAY PRAYER AVAILABLE ON WWW.SONOFAWITCHPOD.COM UNDER "MENTIONED IN RECENT EPISODES".

IG: @SONOFAWITCHPOD

TWITTER: @SONOFAWITCHP

www.gaia.com

TAROT PULL OF THE DAY, A SPELL, AND MORE.

I also have a new mic (old one started cutting in/out) which I LOVE, I give you a spell for the day, the Magickal Item of the Week, discuss What's Flicking My Wand and Boiling My Cauldron...and talk about one of my favorite practitioners of old, Marie Laveau!!!

Lots of other goodies too, thanks for listening.

www.sonofawitchpod.com

IG: @sonofawitchpod

This episode was a lot of fun to record.

I go over the origins of many of the traditions celebrated today began, and why Yule and Christmas are so similar.

Also cover my fav xmas movie monsters, and there is a lot of cursing in this one...sorry not sorry. lol

Star of AGT, Fuse networks "Hip Hop Houdini", magician to the stars, and Las Vegas magician.

We chat about his background, how he got started in magic, his time as a Marine, upcoming projects and more.

This is one not to be missed.

King of Cups

Meaning: A mature, wise man who is well versed in the Craft. This card represents an individual who is artistic, intuitive, creative, and passionate. Physically he has dark blond to light brown hair with a touch of gray, and blue or green eyes. He is a good friend, a loving and attentive husband, and a devoted father. The King of Cups gives good, solid advice when asked. This card can represent a quiet man who keeps his emotions to himself but who can be moody. He is, however, deeply emotional, and he has a tough outer shell to disguise a very soft and loving interior. He often sees what most people would prefer to keep hidden. This card represents an individual who is an excellent mediator, psychically talented, and strong and fair.

The lesson from the King of Cups is that wisdom comes from looking within. Temper your counsel of others with compassion and affection..

Spell: Spell: Snow Writing

Color of the Day

WHITE

Incense of the Day

HONEYSUCKLE

Do you need a creative boost? This is a great time to harness the energy of the season. The weather has usually turned cold by now, and snow is often in abundance.

If you are able to stand or sit outside, do so. See if you can differentiate between the individual flakes of snow. Each one is unique and has its own structure. Find a spot that has been previously undisturbed. If there isn’t one or if you don’t have any snow, you can shave some ice to achieve the same effect.

What kind of creative boost do you need? Write it in the snow and say:

Ideas come to me so that I can

manifest them into being.

Leave the message in the snow and let it slowly dissipate.

Magical Correspondences forThursday

Thursdays are the luckiest days of the week, want to know why witches? It’s because Thursdays are ruled by Jupiter and Jupiter is the planet of luck, abundance, and power. It’s not fast cash this planet rules, either. Jupiter rules the long-term accumulation of wealth and long-term success.

Thursdays are days for signing contracts, blessings, health and wellness spells, career spells, prosperity, protection, justice, and leadership. If there’s a tough legal situation you’ve found yourself in, Thursday is the perfect day to perform spells to smooth it out.

 is associated with the planet Jupiter, the planet that rules over expansion and optimism, amplifying attraction work of any kind. However, Prosperity and Road Opening spells are two of the most commonly associated with this day. The corresponding zodiac signs are Capricorn and Pisces. Using the same line of thought as I did with Wednesday’s associations, I also add Sagittarius to the list of signs corresponding with Thursday, because that is the zodiac sign analogous with Jupiter. Elements that are associated with Thursday include Air and Fire, but arguably Earth could be mentioned as well due to Capricorn being an earth sign. Although finances are typically associated with Thursday, all spell work relating to matters of success will be fortuitous. Luck, overcoming obstacles (block busting or road opening), legal matters and personal success are all spells with enhanced effectiveness on this day of the week. Gods/Goddesses: Hera, Juno, Jupiter, Thor, Zeus. If you work with the Ancient Greek or Ancient Roman pantheon, this would be a good day to pay homage to the Queen and King counterparts of both respective systems: Juno and Jupiter (Roman) and Hera and Zeus (Greek). Angel: Selaphiel

Tap into Jupiter’s lucky energy by wearing royal blues, carrying turquoise, and incorporating oak into any spellwork today and, of course, since Thursday is named after Thor, try working with this wonderfully magnanimous God for strength, courage, and...]]>DAILY TAROT CARD

King of Cups

Meaning: A mature, wise man who is well versed in the Craft. This card represents an individual who is artistic, intuitive, creative, and passionate. Physically he has dark blond to light brown hair with a touch of gray, and blue or green eyes. He is a good friend, a loving and attentive husband, and a devoted father. The King of Cups gives good, solid advice when asked. This card can represent a quiet man who keeps his emotions to himself but who can be moody. He is, however, deeply emotional, and he has a tough outer shell to disguise a very soft and loving interior. He often sees what most people would prefer to keep hidden. This card represents an individual who is an excellent mediator, psychically talented, and strong and fair.

The lesson from the King of Cups is that wisdom comes from looking within. Temper your counsel of others with compassion and affection..

Spell: Spell: Snow Writing

Color of the Day

WHITE

Incense of the Day

HONEYSUCKLE

Do you need a creative boost? This is a great time to harness the energy of the season. The weather has usually turned cold by now, and snow is often in abundance.

If you are able to stand or sit outside, do so. See if you can differentiate between the individual flakes of snow. Each one is unique and has its own structure. Find a spot that has been previously undisturbed. If there isn’t one or if you don’t have any snow, you can shave some ice to achieve the same effect.

What kind of creative boost do you need? Write it in the snow and say:

Ideas come to me so that I can

manifest them into being.

Leave the message in the snow and let it slowly dissipate.

Magical Correspondences forThursday

Thursdays are the luckiest days of the week, want to know why witches? It’s because Thursdays are ruled by Jupiter and Jupiter is the planet of luck, abundance, and power. It’s not fast cash this planet rules, either. Jupiter rules the long-term accumulation of wealth and long-term success.

Thursdays are days for signing contracts, blessings, health and wellness spells, career spells, prosperity, protection, justice, and leadership. If there’s a tough legal situation you’ve found yourself in, Thursday is the perfect day to perform spells to smooth it out.

 is associated with the planet Jupiter, the planet that rules over expansion and optimism, amplifying attraction work of any kind. However, Prosperity and Road Opening spells are two of the most commonly associated with this day. The corresponding zodiac signs are Capricorn and Pisces. Using the same line of thought as I did with Wednesday’s associations, I also add Sagittarius to the list of signs corresponding with Thursday, because that is the zodiac sign analogous with Jupiter. Elements that are associated with Thursday include Air and Fire, but arguably Earth could be mentioned as well due to Capricorn being an earth sign. Although finances are typically associated with Thursday, all spell work relating to matters of success will be fortuitous. Luck, overcoming obstacles (block busting or road opening), legal matters and personal success are all spells with enhanced effectiveness on this day of the week. Gods/Goddesses: Hera, Juno, Jupiter, Thor, Zeus. If you work with the Ancient Greek or Ancient Roman pantheon, this would be a good day to pay homage to the Queen and King counterparts of both respective systems: Juno and Jupiter (Roman) and Hera and Zeus (Greek). Angel: Selaphiel

Tap into Jupiter’s lucky energy by wearing royal blues, carrying turquoise, and incorporating oak into any spellwork today and, of course, since Thursday is named after Thor, try working with this wonderfully magnanimous God for strength, courage, and protection.

WITCHES BALL

Witch Ball Folklore

Witch Balls have been very popular since the 18th century. First in England, then in New England, but their actual origin is considered to be much older. For well over 3 centuries hollow glass spheres have been hung in windows to ward off witch's spells, evil spirits and ill fortune. Hanging these decorative glass balls in the window or on the porch is thought to tantalize mischievous spirits which may be threatening a home's tranquillity. The wayward spirit is mesmerized by the ball's reflective beauty. When the spirit touches the sphere it is absorbed and trapped in the web-like strands of the glass inside the ball.

A witch ball or speculum was a device used for scrying or divining things. Sometimes the speculum was a magic mirror, a polished stone, or a crystal ball. Some witches fashioned specula from black bowls filled with water. By gazing into the reflective depths, a witch could find answers to urgent questions, predict future events, or see faraway places. In maritime villages, witches sent out the glass globes fishermen use to hold their nets afloat. The globes were usually made of dark blue or green glass and appeared quite innocuous. Biddy Early, a well-known Irish witch, had a favorite blue glass bottle with which she used to view the future.

Witch Balls measure up to 10 inches in diameter, and are occasionally decorated in enamelled stripes and swirls or varying colors. Some are mirrored for use as convex mirrors. Crystal gazers sometimes claimed they used balls in which the spirits of dead souls had been banished. Therefore, the seer was thought to be dealing with spirits. Hollow glass balls have been suspended in the windows of homes for centuries to ward off evil spirits. Legends say that evil spirits are attracted to the beauty of the ball, and upon touching its surface they are pulled inside and become forever trapped within the glittering web, thus protecting the home from any harm.

Now commonly known as "Witch Balls", these colorful glass balls originated in England during the 18th century, as people hung them in their windows to ward off demons and their evil spells. Witch Balls were originally glass balls used to protect various pieces of glass as they shipped around the world. A glass ball was blown and used as a means to protect the edges of a vase of cup as it was transported. Along the way, collectors began using these leftover pieces of glass as art and the history of the Witch Ball was developed.

Over time the philosophy of what a Witch Ball is and should be has changed and number artists over the years have altered the Witch Ball to include vibrant colors, strands inside, twisting patterns and shape.

We here at Iron Art Glass Designs have been creating Witch Balls for the past 15 years originally starting off by producing designs in six inch diameter and eventually producing our current selection of various shapes and sizes. We currently offer almost a half dozen different Witch Ball shapes and sizes and over 150 different color combinations. We currently offer the largest selection of Witch Balls and colored glass balls anywhere.

Our selection of Witch Balls currently include almost 100 different designs of six inch Witch Balls in various color combinations. We have also expanded our selection of four inch Witch Balls to include almost 50 different color designs. Please browse our inventory often because we are always adding new designs. Our latest Medusa Spirit Balls use a solid color from the bottom that is pulled up to the top to create a mesmerizing sensation that protects your home like ancient times.

Our Witch Balls are blown spherically round and include numerous colors. All of our Witch Balls include blown glass strands that protrude through the bottom of the ball and meet near the top. The majority of our Witch Balls are approximately colored 66% of the glass and include at least three strands. Some designs may vary. All of our Witch Balls are hand blown from recycled glass one at a time. We use a special glass produced only in Germany that provides for vibrant colors that can not be replicated anyone where else.

We offer a 100% buy back guarantee* on all of our Witch Balls. We offer the best selection, price and service when it comes to Witch Balls and we promise you won't be disappointed.

Let the magic of our Witch Balls protect your home.

DAILY TAROT CARD

Nine of Wands

Meaning: When the Nine of Wands turns up in a reading, it is a notice to be on guard against trouble, mischief, gossip, and baneful magicks. Now is the time to be alert to trouble and be vigilant with protecting yourself and your professional or magickal reputation. You may need to defend yourself, so be alert and stay on guard. Stamina, courage, and conviction is needed at this time. Magickal protection work may be required. You may not feel like you have the fortitude for any more dramas, but stand firm and be strong. Defend your turf and your reputation skillfully and vigorously. The suit of wands is all about creativity and ambition; you can do this. Draw some boundaries, call upon your inner resources, and stand strong.

.

Spell: Peace Be With You

Color of the Day

SCARLET

Incense of the Day

BAYBERRY

 Say cheese

Name spellings

The holidays are so stressful for some folks. Maybe there’s a lot to do and not enough time to do it. Perhaps you’re alone, or maybe you’ve got a large and argumentative family. Whatever the situation, this spell will help you keep your cool and find a way to stay peaceful and centered. You’ll need a pen and some unlined paper, a candle in a holder, and something to light it with.

Write down the names of the people who stress you out—or, if it’s a situation and not a person, write that down. Draw a circle around what you wrote, and place it under the candle. Light the candle, and as you do so, say:

Peace around me,

Peace before me,

Peace between me and thee,

So mote it be.

If you can let the candle burn down on its own safely, do that. If not, pinch it out.

Magical Correspondences for Monday

Deities: Ezili Danto, Kali, Mars, Lilith (Lilith being one of my favorites...even though she's not considered a traditional deity for this day I absolutely associate her with Tuesday, as she is considered a patroness of witches and a goddess of sexuality, equality, wisdom, willpower, independence and power).

Herbal Tea: Ginseng with ginger root added: Ginseng is an excellent tonic. It encourages vitality ans stimulates your psyche and physical body to feel capable and strong. Ginger is strengthening and in a magical sense, protective. Lemon, ginger, cayenne pepper and maple syrup is strengthening as well and it boosts the immune system.

Anointing Oil: Three drops of Bergamot, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Orange or Pine oil in carrier base.

Herbs & Plants: Snapdragon, Thistle, Patchouli, Rue, Holly, Allspice, Peppers, Garlic, Ginger, Cinnamon

Incense: Dragon's Blood, Frankincense, Cinnamon, Patchouli and Sandalwood

Colors: Red, black, scarlet & orange

Crystals: Blood-stone, Garnet, Ruby, Red Jasper, and Tiger's Eye

Metal: Iron

Yule Traditions and Symbols

Wassail derives from the Old English words waes hael, which means “be well”, “be hale” or “good health”. It is a strong drink, usually a mixture of ale, honey and spices or mulled apple cider. When pagans went into the forest to fell the great oak for the Yule log, they would anoint the tree with wassail and bedeck them with wassail-soaked cakes, thus the ritual of wassailing was born. At home, the wassail would be poured into a large bowl during feast time and the host, when greeting his or her guests, would lift a drink and wish them “waes hael”, to which they would reply “drinc hael”, which meant “drink and be well”.

Carolling was also a popular Yule tradition when young children honoured the Winter Solstice with song. They would go...]]>SHOW NOTES:

DAILY TAROT CARD

Nine of Wands

Meaning: When the Nine of Wands turns up in a reading, it is a notice to be on guard against trouble, mischief, gossip, and baneful magicks. Now is the time to be alert to trouble and be vigilant with protecting yourself and your professional or magickal reputation. You may need to defend yourself, so be alert and stay on guard. Stamina, courage, and conviction is needed at this time. Magickal protection work may be required. You may not feel like you have the fortitude for any more dramas, but stand firm and be strong. Defend your turf and your reputation skillfully and vigorously. The suit of wands is all about creativity and ambition; you can do this. Draw some boundaries, call upon your inner resources, and stand strong.

.

Spell: Peace Be With You

Color of the Day

SCARLET

Incense of the Day

BAYBERRY

 Say cheese

Name spellings

The holidays are so stressful for some folks. Maybe there’s a lot to do and not enough time to do it. Perhaps you’re alone, or maybe you’ve got a large and argumentative family. Whatever the situation, this spell will help you keep your cool and find a way to stay peaceful and centered. You’ll need a pen and some unlined paper, a candle in a holder, and something to light it with.

Write down the names of the people who stress you out—or, if it’s a situation and not a person, write that down. Draw a circle around what you wrote, and place it under the candle. Light the candle, and as you do so, say:

Peace around me,

Peace before me,

Peace between me and thee,

So mote it be.

If you can let the candle burn down on its own safely, do that. If not, pinch it out.

Magical Correspondences for Monday

Deities: Ezili Danto, Kali, Mars, Lilith (Lilith being one of my favorites...even though she's not considered a traditional deity for this day I absolutely associate her with Tuesday, as she is considered a patroness of witches and a goddess of sexuality, equality, wisdom, willpower, independence and power).

Herbal Tea: Ginseng with ginger root added: Ginseng is an excellent tonic. It encourages vitality ans stimulates your psyche and physical body to feel capable and strong. Ginger is strengthening and in a magical sense, protective. Lemon, ginger, cayenne pepper and maple syrup is strengthening as well and it boosts the immune system.

Anointing Oil: Three drops of Bergamot, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Orange or Pine oil in carrier base.

Herbs & Plants: Snapdragon, Thistle, Patchouli, Rue, Holly, Allspice, Peppers, Garlic, Ginger, Cinnamon

Incense: Dragon's Blood, Frankincense, Cinnamon, Patchouli and Sandalwood

Colors: Red, black, scarlet & orange

Crystals: Blood-stone, Garnet, Ruby, Red Jasper, and Tiger's Eye

Metal: Iron

Yule Traditions and Symbols

Wassail derives from the Old English words waes hael, which means “be well”, “be hale” or “good health”. It is a strong drink, usually a mixture of ale, honey and spices or mulled apple cider. When pagans went into the forest to fell the great oak for the Yule log, they would anoint the tree with wassail and bedeck them with wassail-soaked cakes, thus the ritual of wassailing was born. At home, the wassail would be poured into a large bowl during feast time and the host, when greeting his or her guests, would lift a drink and wish them “waes hael”, to which they would reply “drinc hael”, which meant “drink and be well”.

Carolling was also a popular Yule tradition when young children honoured the Winter Solstice with song. They would go through the villages, singing door to door. The villagers, in return, would reward them with tokens and sweets and small gifts which symbolized the food and prosperity given by the Mother Goddess to all her Earthly children.

Food and Drink of Yule: Yule Log Cake, Gingerbread, Fruits, Berries, Nuts, Pork dishes, Turkey, Eggnog, Ginger Tea, Spiced Cider, Wassail

Colours of Yule: Red, Green, White, Silver, Gold

Red represents the waning Holly King. Green represents the waxing Oak King. White represents the purity and hope of new Light. Silver represents the Moon. 

Gold represents the Sun/Son.

How to celebrate Yule like a Viking

Although the exact Yule traditions are lost in time, there are many that have been adopted by Christianity and remain up to this day, especially in Scandinavian countries. Apart from the copious amounts of drinks and food with friends and family, here are a few:

Adorning the Yule tree with natural elements and sacred symbols.

Receiving gifts from Odin, whom it is thought to be the predecessor of Santa Claus.

Hanging Mistletoe and other evergreens around the house, such as holly and pine branches.

Burning the Yule Log for good luck and prosperity.

Eating the Christmas ham, which could come from the tradition of sacrificing a boar to Frey and eating it.

As you can see, it isn’t very difficult to celebrate the Winter Solstice without anyone noticing anything different from the usual Christmas celebrations.

CREATE YOUR OWN TUB TEA

Another great, but more modern ritual for Yule is to take a much-needed self-care day. With the cold temperatures and the short days, is there anything better than taking a hot bath?

Making a festive mix for a Tub Tea is much easier than you think and it also makes a great gift for your loved ones.

These are the ingredients we recommend for a festive scent:

Cinnamon sticks

Dry orange peel

Coarse sea salt or Epsom salt

Cloves

Pine needles

Essential oils of your choice (optional)

First of all, use a pestle and mortar or your own hands to grind the cinnamon sticks. Don’t overdo it though, we still want it to have a coarse grind.

Add one equal part of all of the dry ingredients. The amount depends on how much you want to make, so for example, if you want to create a big batch, add 1 cup of the coarsely ground cinnamon sticks, 1 cup of dry orange peel, 1 cup of coarse sea salt, 1 cup of cloves and 1 cup of pine needles.

If you want a more powerful scent, add some drops of the essential oils of your choice at this point and mix everything thoroughly. Put the mix in a nice glass jar and include a small cotton or jute bag.

Whenever you need to unwind, simply fill 3 or 4 tablespoons of the mix into the cotton bag and let it sit in the hot bath water for a couple of minutes.

DAILY TAROT CARD

Eight of Pentacles

Meaning: When the Eight of Pentacles turns up in a reading, it tells of a time for practical knowledge, determination, and skill. This is a moment of hands-on training or of intense study with your career or the magickal arts. Here is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a creative project such as art or writing.

Being focused, disciplined, and diligent with your project, you will put all of your skills to good use. By combining all of your gifts with hard work, there will be success. This is not a card of fame; this is a card that reminds you of how effort, focus, and creativity often bring growth, gain, and a sense of accomplishment. This card can also show up in a reading when there is a long, involved project nearing a successful completion.

Spell: Deep Sleep

Color of the Day

SILVER

Incense of the Day

CLARY SAGE

Winter’s long, dark nights can support our sleep, which benefits every aspect of our mental and physical health. Like flower bulbs beneath the cold winter soil, winter rest helps us replenish our energy before the more expansive months of spring and summer.

To support deep and restful sleep, cleanse a black tourmaline in bright sunlight, sage smoke, or running water. At bedtime, hold it in your right hand and sense its calming, grounding vibrations moving through your entire physical body, all the way to your toes, your fingers, and the crown of your head. Feel your muscles release and notice that you are safely cocooned in the crystal’s protective energy.

Continue to hold the crystal in your hand (or otherwise close to your body) as you sleep, tonight and any other night that you’d like to support your sleep. During the day, set the crystal on a bright windowsill to cleanse and recharge it in the sun.

Magical Correspondences for Monday

Anointing Oil: One drop each of lavender, geranium and Bergamot essential oil in one teaspoon of base oil. Or just three drops of geranium if there are budget constraints. Ylang Ylang is lovely all by itself.

Herbal Tea: Jasmine: Night-blooming jasmine is sacred to the moon. 

Mugwort is a magickal tonic that heightens psychic awareness and inner vision. 

Three tablespoons of the dried leaf to a good size pot should be kept warm on the stove. Don't brew it too strongly, sweeten with honey. Chamomile is a substitute.

Herbs & Plants: Chamomile, mugwort, lavender, honeysuckle, white flower pedals, gardenia, white poppy.

Incense: Sandalwood, Nag Champa, Jasmine, Amber and Rose

Colors: Pale blue, lavender, silver and white

Crystals: Moonstone, Pearl

Yule Traditions and Symbols

Wassail derives from the Old English words waes hael, which means “be well”, “be hale” or “good health”. It is a strong drink, usually a mixture of ale, honey and spices or mulled apple cider. When pagans went into the forest to fell the great oak for the Yule log, they would anoint the tree with wassail and bedeck them with wassail-soaked cakes, thus the ritual of wassailing was born. At home, the wassail would be poured into a large bowl during feast time and the host, when greeting his or her guests, would lift a drink and wish them “waes hael”, to which they would reply “drinc hael”, which meant “drink and be well”.

Carolling was also a popular Yule tradition when young children honoured the Winter Solstice with song. They would go through the villages, singing door to door. The villagers, in return, would reward them with tokens and...]]>SHOW NOTES:

DAILY TAROT CARD

Eight of Pentacles

Meaning: When the Eight of Pentacles turns up in a reading, it tells of a time for practical knowledge, determination, and skill. This is a moment of hands-on training or of intense study with your career or the magickal arts. Here is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a creative project such as art or writing.

Being focused, disciplined, and diligent with your project, you will put all of your skills to good use. By combining all of your gifts with hard work, there will be success. This is not a card of fame; this is a card that reminds you of how effort, focus, and creativity often bring growth, gain, and a sense of accomplishment. This card can also show up in a reading when there is a long, involved project nearing a successful completion.

Spell: Deep Sleep

Color of the Day

SILVER

Incense of the Day

CLARY SAGE

Winter’s long, dark nights can support our sleep, which benefits every aspect of our mental and physical health. Like flower bulbs beneath the cold winter soil, winter rest helps us replenish our energy before the more expansive months of spring and summer.

To support deep and restful sleep, cleanse a black tourmaline in bright sunlight, sage smoke, or running water. At bedtime, hold it in your right hand and sense its calming, grounding vibrations moving through your entire physical body, all the way to your toes, your fingers, and the crown of your head. Feel your muscles release and notice that you are safely cocooned in the crystal’s protective energy.

Continue to hold the crystal in your hand (or otherwise close to your body) as you sleep, tonight and any other night that you’d like to support your sleep. During the day, set the crystal on a bright windowsill to cleanse and recharge it in the sun.

Magical Correspondences for Monday

Anointing Oil: One drop each of lavender, geranium and Bergamot essential oil in one teaspoon of base oil. Or just three drops of geranium if there are budget constraints. Ylang Ylang is lovely all by itself.

Herbal Tea: Jasmine: Night-blooming jasmine is sacred to the moon. 

Mugwort is a magickal tonic that heightens psychic awareness and inner vision. 

Three tablespoons of the dried leaf to a good size pot should be kept warm on the stove. Don't brew it too strongly, sweeten with honey. Chamomile is a substitute.

Herbs & Plants: Chamomile, mugwort, lavender, honeysuckle, white flower pedals, gardenia, white poppy.

Incense: Sandalwood, Nag Champa, Jasmine, Amber and Rose

Colors: Pale blue, lavender, silver and white

Crystals: Moonstone, Pearl

Yule Traditions and Symbols

Wassail derives from the Old English words waes hael, which means “be well”, “be hale” or “good health”. It is a strong drink, usually a mixture of ale, honey and spices or mulled apple cider. When pagans went into the forest to fell the great oak for the Yule log, they would anoint the tree with wassail and bedeck them with wassail-soaked cakes, thus the ritual of wassailing was born. At home, the wassail would be poured into a large bowl during feast time and the host, when greeting his or her guests, would lift a drink and wish them “waes hael”, to which they would reply “drinc hael”, which meant “drink and be well”.

Carolling was also a popular Yule tradition when young children honoured the Winter Solstice with song. They would go through the villages, singing door to door. The villagers, in return, would reward them with tokens and sweets and small gifts which symbolized the food and prosperity given by the Mother Goddess to all her Earthly children.

Food and Drink of Yule: Yule Log Cake, Gingerbread, Fruits, Berries, Nuts, Pork dishes, Turkey, Eggnog, Ginger Tea, Spiced Cider, Wassail

Colours of Yule: Red, Green, White, Silver, Gold

Red represents the waning Holly King. Green represents the waxing Oak King. White represents the purity and hope of new Light. Silver represents the Moon. 

Gold represents the Sun/Son.

YULE LOG CAKE 

This classic Yule Log Cake is a tender chocolate sponge cake filled with mascarpone whipped cream and covered with whipped chocolate ganache! It’s delicious, festive and made completely from scratch!

 Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes Cook Time: 12 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 42 minutes Yield: 8-10 servings 1x Category: Dessert Method: Oven Cuisine: American

INGREDIENTS

CHOCOLATE CAKE

3/4 cup (98g) all-purpose flour

1/3 cup (38g) Hershey’s Special Dark cocoa powder

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

4 large eggs, divided

3/4 cup (155g) granulated sugar

5 tbsp (72g) sour cream

1/4 cup butter, melted

1 tsp vanilla extract

MASCARPONE WHIPPED CREAM FILLING

1 1/4 cups (300ml) heavy whipping cream, cold

3/4 cups (86g) powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/8 tsp salt

8 oz (226g) mascarpone cheese, softened but still chilled*

WHIPPED CHOCOLATE GANACHE

8 ounces semi sweet chocolate, finely chopped

1 cup heavy whipping cream

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 17×12 inch jelly roll sheet pan with parchment paper. Make sure the parchment paper sticks up at least an inch above the sides of the pan on all sides. You’ll use the parchment paper later to lift the cake out of the pan and roll it up.

2. Whisk the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt together in a medium bowl and set aside.

3. In a large bowl, combine the egg yolks and sugar and whisk together until well combined.

4. Add the sour cream, melted butter and vanilla extract and whisk together until well combined.

5. Add the dry ingredients and gently whisk together until well combined, then set aside.

6. Add the egg whites to a large mixer bowl and whip of high speed until stiff peaks form.

7. Gently fold about 1/3 of the whipped egg whites into the chocolate mixture to loosen up the batter.

8. Add the remaining egg whites and gently fold together until well combined.

9. Spread the cake batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the top of the cake springs back when toughed and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

10. Remove the cake from the oven and immediately lift the cake out of the pan using the parchment paper and place it on the counter.

11. While the cake is hot, use the parchment paper the cake was baked in and start at the shorter end of the cake to slowly roll the cake up. Set the cake aside to cool completely.

12. When the cake has cooled and is ready to be filled, make the filling. Add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract and salt to a large mixer bowl and whip on high speed until soft peaks form.

13. Add the mascarpone cheese to the whipped cream and whip until stiff peaks form. It will happen fairly quickly.

14. Unroll the cake roll very carefully, looking out for areas where it may be sticking to release it. You can use an offset spatula or something similar and run it along the parchment paper as you unroll the cake to help release it as it unrolls.

15. Spread the filling evenly onto the unrolled cake, then roll it back up without the parchment paper.

16. Wrap it up in plastic wrap with the seam side down and refrigerate for at least an hour to firm up.

17. When you’re read to decorate the cake, make the chocolate ganache. Add the chocolate to a medium sized bowl and set aside. Heat the cream in the microwave just until it begins to boil, then pour it over the chocolate.

18. Allow the chocolate and cream to sit for a few minutes, then whisk until smooth. Let the ganache cool to about room temperature, then transfer to a large mixer bowl.

19. Whip on high speed until lightened in color and thick enough to spread.

20. To decorate the cake, use a large serrated knife to gently cut off a piece of the log about 3 inches in length. Make the cut with a slight diagonal.

21. Use some of the chocolate ganache to attache the small log to the side of the larger log.

22. Spread the remaining chocolate ganache all over the cake, then use a fork to create bark-like lines all over it. Decorate with sugared cranberries and rosemary (instructions in notes), if desired.

23. Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve.

I also go over a magickal herb of the week, something some have been missing "What's Flicking My Wand/Boiling My Cauldron, the Lunar Weekly Forecast, and more!!!

Don't forget to like/subscribe/follow on IG, FB, Twitter, and Youtube to keep up with all the content from Son Of A Witch.

Thanks for listening

DAILY TAROT CARD

The Star

Meaning: The Star is a card of hope, inner peace, creativity, and healing. When this beautiful, tranquil card turns up in a reading, it is a sign that physical and emotional healing is on the way. Have hope, follow your dreams, and your wishes will be granted. This card speaks of inspiration; your creativity will flow better than ever before. Let it fill you up, and see where it leads you. The Star illustrates a softer, gentler magick and indicates that you will be working successfully with your intuitive gifts. Also, astrological timing is imperative to any magick performed at this time.

Keywords: Healing, inspiration, intuition, renewal. Hope, peace, wishes granted. Astrological magick. Wisdom. Creativity is flowing.

SPELL OF THE DAY

Spell: Candle Prosperity Spell

Color of the Day

PURPLE

Incense of the Day

ALDER

Inscribe your wishes onto a green or gold candle. Be as specific as possible, and clearly visualize your dreams as you do this. Anoint the entire candle with jasmine oil, feeling the energy of prosperity seep into the wax with the oil. Sprinkle some nutmeg over the oil. Light the candle, seeing the flame and its light releasing brilliant green and gold energies. Clearly visualize the wishes and dreams you inscribed on the candle being released to the universe, then, for as long a period as you can, hold the image of your dreams coming to fruition in your mind. When you can no longer hold the image, release it to the flame and allow the candle to burn itself out.

DAILY WITCH TIP

3 places/ways to use sigils...

PERMANENT SIGILS

A sigil made to last a long time so that it is constantly working. can be recharged if needed...best for protection, creativity, etc

TEMPORARY SIGILS

Created in a way that will wear away over time or a form that is removable. Best for creativity, luck, or workings that will last a short time.

DESTRUCTIBLE SIGILS

This sigil is destroyed in some way in order to activate it. The act of destroying is the burst of energy it needs to work. Best for spells for a certain event to take place, with energy and action.

Dirty Santa Sabbat Game

The rules of the Dirty Santa game are that each attendee brings a wrapped gift with a value no more than $15. We aim to make these witchy gifts that our covenmates would potentially fight over. They can be hand-made, hand-me-down, nature found, or store bought. Hand-blended incense for various intentions, or prepared candles are always a hit. Anointing Oils, potions, and rare crystals never go wrong. Perhaps the passing down of a Deity statue you’ve decommissioned, or some raw material you’ve sustainably collected like an animal pelt, or bone. This year I prepared hurricane water for justice magick, that I could doll up in a witchy glass bottle.

Once we have a heap of gifts assembled in the middle of our circle of friends, we each draw a number – one for each player – so there will be the same number as there are gifts. For the sake of instructions, let’s say there are 13 players.

Number 1 gets to choose the first gift, which they open in front of everyone and we oooo and ahhhh over whatever magickal wonders lie within. But Number 1 doesn’t yet get to “keep” the gift yet, it must be left plainly visible.

Number 2 then chooses a gift, unwraps, ooos and ahhs, and then they can either keep what they are holding, or trade it for whatever Number 1 is holding.

It goes on from there, Numbers 3 through 13 have the choice to keep their own gift, or anything already open. EXCEPT a single gift can only change...]]>SHOW NOTES:

DAILY TAROT CARD

The Star

Meaning: The Star is a card of hope, inner peace, creativity, and healing. When this beautiful, tranquil card turns up in a reading, it is a sign that physical and emotional healing is on the way. Have hope, follow your dreams, and your wishes will be granted. This card speaks of inspiration; your creativity will flow better than ever before. Let it fill you up, and see where it leads you. The Star illustrates a softer, gentler magick and indicates that you will be working successfully with your intuitive gifts. Also, astrological timing is imperative to any magick performed at this time.

Keywords: Healing, inspiration, intuition, renewal. Hope, peace, wishes granted. Astrological magick. Wisdom. Creativity is flowing.

SPELL OF THE DAY

Spell: Candle Prosperity Spell

Color of the Day

PURPLE

Incense of the Day

ALDER

Inscribe your wishes onto a green or gold candle. Be as specific as possible, and clearly visualize your dreams as you do this. Anoint the entire candle with jasmine oil, feeling the energy of prosperity seep into the wax with the oil. Sprinkle some nutmeg over the oil. Light the candle, seeing the flame and its light releasing brilliant green and gold energies. Clearly visualize the wishes and dreams you inscribed on the candle being released to the universe, then, for as long a period as you can, hold the image of your dreams coming to fruition in your mind. When you can no longer hold the image, release it to the flame and allow the candle to burn itself out.

DAILY WITCH TIP

3 places/ways to use sigils...

PERMANENT SIGILS

A sigil made to last a long time so that it is constantly working. can be recharged if needed...best for protection, creativity, etc

TEMPORARY SIGILS

Created in a way that will wear away over time or a form that is removable. Best for creativity, luck, or workings that will last a short time.

DESTRUCTIBLE SIGILS

This sigil is destroyed in some way in order to activate it. The act of destroying is the burst of energy it needs to work. Best for spells for a certain event to take place, with energy and action.

Dirty Santa Sabbat Game

The rules of the Dirty Santa game are that each attendee brings a wrapped gift with a value no more than $15. We aim to make these witchy gifts that our covenmates would potentially fight over. They can be hand-made, hand-me-down, nature found, or store bought. Hand-blended incense for various intentions, or prepared candles are always a hit. Anointing Oils, potions, and rare crystals never go wrong. Perhaps the passing down of a Deity statue you’ve decommissioned, or some raw material you’ve sustainably collected like an animal pelt, or bone. This year I prepared hurricane water for justice magick, that I could doll up in a witchy glass bottle.

Once we have a heap of gifts assembled in the middle of our circle of friends, we each draw a number – one for each player – so there will be the same number as there are gifts. For the sake of instructions, let’s say there are 13 players.

Number 1 gets to choose the first gift, which they open in front of everyone and we oooo and ahhhh over whatever magickal wonders lie within. But Number 1 doesn’t yet get to “keep” the gift yet, it must be left plainly visible.

Number 2 then chooses a gift, unwraps, ooos and ahhs, and then they can either keep what they are holding, or trade it for whatever Number 1 is holding.

It goes on from there, Numbers 3 through 13 have the choice to keep their own gift, or anything already open. EXCEPT a single gift can only change hands 3 times. If you’re the third person to hold the gift, you are safe.

Number 13 has the happy choice of everything else in the room, and once they’ve chosen, you’re stuck with whatever you’re holding. It can get pretty hilarious, so long as everyone goes into the game with the right attitude, and doesn’t take it too seriously.

Yule Log Ritual for Winter Solstice Magick

Witches celebrate the Sabbat of Yule at the Winter Solstice, when the Sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn. Typically, this occurs around December 20-23 in the northern hemisphere, and is the longest night of the year. 

Capricorn is the cardinal sign, meaning it begins the season of Winter, it also begins the light half of the wheel of the year, because the days will lengthen, and the sun will rise just a little bit higher in the sky every day until its peak at summer solstice.

Preparing a Yule Log

Folk magick tells us that a Yule log was typically of Ash wood, sacred for its associations with the Norse tree of life, Yggdrasil. However, I think any wood log that is native to your land, or auspicious to your own pagan path, is magick enough. I like the idea of harvesting the fattest part of my Yule Tree stump from the previous year for use as my Yule log the next year. This way it has a whole turning of the wheel to dry out and be perfect for burning. To get started, any log you like will do.

The yule log may be prepared early in the season as a centerpiece to your household altar, or perhaps as decoration on the mantel, until winter solstice night when you will burn it. To prepare a yule log, flatten one side enough so that it sits stably upright on a table. Drill three holes in the top, centered on the log, and about 3-4 inches apart. Make the holes with a diameter wide enough to securely hold three 6-12″ taper candles. Personally, I like to have a white one in the center for Spirit, Green for the eternal Earth Mother, and Red for the Solar God, born anew.

I love the smells of the winter holidays, so I craft an oil blend to anoint the log and candles. Before beginning the ritual, I will also offer to anoint each celebrant with it on their Crown Chakra – the top of their head. Just be careful to ask if anyone has a cinnamon sensitivity, as it can sometimes irritate the skin.

Yule Anointing Oil

1/2 oz. glass vial, darker in color the better

6 drops Pine essential oil: protection, purification

6 drops Cinnamon essential oil: Fire, sun,

2 drops Clove essential oil: Fire, divination

one frankincense tear: Fire, courage.

one dried Rosemary needle: purification, sun, fire

one tiny stone chip of bloodstone, garnet, or emerald

Fill to the top of the vial with Jojoba or another carrier oil for dilution.

Add each ingredient as you awaken it to it’s power, and charge the whole bottle as an awakening to inner fires and hopefulness.

Festoon the log with boughs of holly, branches trimmed from your Yule tree, or juniper, pine cones, rosemary, etc. Any evergreen plants, or herbs associated with Saturn, the Sun or Capricorn are appropriate additions. Fabric ribbons can be used to secure the decorations artfully to the log. Just make sure everything is natural and flammable. DO NOT add mistletoe to burn – the smoke is toxic to breathe.

Herbs of Yule:

Holly, Mistletoe, Pine, Oak, Birch, Cinnamon, Myrrh, Frankincense, Nutmeg, Clove, Blessed Thistle, Hyssop, Rosemary, Ginger, Bayberry.

Yule Log Burning Ritual

On winter solstice night, you can begin as the sun sets into the full darkness of evening. Light your hearth fire. Open your sacred space and create your temple in your usual manner. Evoke the Great Mother Goddess, and the new baby solar god, reborn into the new year, and light their candles.

As part of this ritual of renewal and hopefulness for the New Year, charge a chalice of wassail with solar powers, (recipe here) then take turns toasting your wishes for the coming Turning of the Wheel. Pour a bit of Wassail on the log. The term “wassail” itself is said to originally mean a toast to “good health!” It is also tradition to then sprinkle a bit of flour over the log. All these acts are in sympathy with the calling of the Wild God of nature back to the earth, with boughs of evergreen, grain (the flour) and the fruits of last year’s harvest (the apple cider in the wassail.)

We appreciate our bounty by sharing holiday treats, lavishly decorated and sparkling with surety that the spring growth will return once more. Generosity of Spirit is key to the lessons of winter’s cold, dark retreat, which is why folks tend to do lots of baking to give as gifts around this time.

If your family enjoys the rite of the simple feast, now is a great time to pass around the gingerbread men, a perfect altar cake, with a blessing of “May you never hunger.” Pass the chalice with a blessing of “May you never thirst.” The spices of gingerbread (and wassail) have solar associations, so the figures are in sympathy with vitality and happiness.

Yule Loose Incense Blend

I like to craft a loose herbal incense blend with Fire and Solar associations and burn that in a censor, as well as sprinkling some on the log itself.

1 T. Powdered Pine or Cedar wood

1 T. Powdered Frankincense tears: Fire, purification

2 t. Cinnamon: Fire, sun, protection

1 t. Clove: Fire

1 t. Juniper berries: Fire, sun

1 t. Rosemary: fire

Awaken each ingredient to its power, blend together charging with power to align us with Highest Divine Will. Store in an air tight jar until ready to burn.

Wheel of the Year Divination at Yule Photo by Heron

Wheel of the Year Divination at Yule Photo by Heron

As the Yule log candles burn, sit in its light with the children and friends, telling stories, drinking wassail punch, singing the old carols, and jingling bells. The candles are a vehicle for imbuing all these intention into the log itself. While they burn, its a great time for a “holiday party” vibe, sharing gifts, and being merry together. Our coven does a group divination with the tarot, pulling a card for each zodiac sign of the coming year. We will then use the message of that card as the inspiration for each Full Moon Esbat working we hold during the next Great Work.

At Midnight, (or thereabouts) once the taper candles have burned all the way down into the log, conclude your ritual by placing the entire log – ribbons and evergreen boughs, and candle stumps and all – directly onto the hearth fire (or in a firepit outside, if you don’t have a fireplace.) Pour in the rest of the Yule loose incense blend. Then spend that time in silent meditation, scrying into the flames, praying and visualizing your wishes coming true over the coming year.

To conclude the ritual, close your sacred space in your usual manner, and allow the fire to burn all night, as it entices the sun back to earth at dawn. Make sure to save the ashes from the Yule fire for your Imbolc Sabbat workings, to enrich the earth in preparation for the next Great Work.

U.S. states plan to sue Facebook next week, sources say

A group of U.S. states led by New York is investigating Facebook for possible antitrust violations and plans to file a lawsuit against the social media giant next week, four sources familiar with the matter said on Wednesday.

The complaint would be the second major lawsuit filed against a Big Tech company this year. The Justice Department sued Alphabet’s Google in October.

More than 40 states plan to sign on to the lawsuit, one source said, without naming them.

Facebook declined to comment.

The Federal Trade Commission, whose commissioners met on Wednesday, could file a related complaint with an administrative law judge or in district court.

It is not known what the states plan to include in their complaint. One allegation often made against Facebook is that it has strategically sought to buy small potential rivals, often at a big premium. These include Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014.

A 3rd metal monolith has appeared in California — it's almost an exact match to the 2 monoliths that disappeared in Utah and 

Romania

Metal monolith mania has swept the world in the past two weeks.

Now, a third metal slab has appeared atop Pine Mountain in Atascadero, California.

Hikers stumbled across the 10-foot-tall, stainless-steel monolith on Wednesday morning. It's almost an exact match to two other metal monoliths that were discovered in Utah and Romania in the past two weeks.

According to the local outlet Atascadero News, the California monolith was three-sided, just like the one in Utah. But unlike the one in the Utah desert, this 200-pound structure wasn't firmly attached to the ground and could be knocked over with a firm push.

It's unclear where this new monolith came from and when it was put up. But the local hiker Ray Johnson told Atascadero News the structure was not there Tuesday.

Triplet monoliths

2020 Pine Mountain monolith

The monolith found in California. Courtesy of Nic Mattson/Atascadero News

Utah state officials discovered a monolith November 18 while combing the desert south of Moab for bighorn sheep.

The structure mysteriously vanished nine days later.

That same day, November 27, the Romanian news outlet Ziar Piatra Neamt reported another monolith appeared atop Batcas Doamnei Hill in the northeastern city of Piatra Neamt.

The Romanian monolith — which was covered in interconnected circles — lasted only four days before it disappeared Tuesday.

The next day, hikers found the California monolith.

Insider examined Google Earth data and found that the Utah monolith first appeared sometime between August 2015 and October 2016. Equivalent satellite imagery to establish whether the Romanian and California monoliths were around before their recent discoveries was not available.

Mysterious origins

There was no obvious indication of who erected these monoliths. Utah state officials poked fun at the idea that aliens left behind the structure.

"It is illegal to install structures or art without authorization on federally managed public lands, no matter what planet you're from," the division said in a statement.

A still from a video from Romanian news outlet Ziar Piatra Neamt showing a monolith discovered on November 27, 2020.

The monoliths discovered in Utah, left, and Romania. Utah highway patrol/Ziar Piatra Neamt

All three seem akin to the giant slab from an iconic scene in Stanley Kubrick's 1968 film, "2001: A Space Odyssey."

The origin and subsequent disappearance of both monoliths remain a mystery, though a leading theory reported by The New York Times suggests the Utah structure is a work by the US artist John McCracken.

McCracken died in 2011.

CONTEST

POD VCOMM CONVENTION

Four of Swords

Meaning: When the Four of Swords is dealt in a reading, it is a sign that you need to take some personal downtime-a retreat or a day off so you can recoup lost energy and find your strength again. The querent may be feeling overwhelmed by demands and stress. They may feel the need to get away and to withdraw from the hectic and daily grind of life. This card symbolizes that you need to allow yourself time to recover from an illness. It may also represent a need to step away from group magick for a bit. You may need to practice solitarily for a time. You will find the solutions to your magickal problems quietly and on your own.

Keywords: Taking some downtime for yourself. Resting and allowing yourself to fully recover from an illness. Recouping lost energy. Working magick as a solitary for a while, and finding your focus.

Spell: Krampus Holiday Fun Spell

Color of the Day

WHITE

Incense of the Day

APRICOT

Krampus is the original “wild man” of the Yuletide season. Though he has a reputation for being a rather stern figure, he’s usually the life of the party.

If the holidays have you depressed, place a small piece of mistletoe in a bag (mistletoe is poisonous, so keep it wrapped up!) and say the following words over it:

May I be merry,

May I be bright,

Never contrary,

A Yuletide delight.

Krampus, hear my plea.

This is my will, let it be!

The powers of Krampus and the mistletoe will help you overcome any holiday malaise and make you the center of attention at any office Christmas party.

coffee magick 

coffee has strong grounding properties and effectively boosts confidence, energy, and mental strength/clarity!

coffee boosters; optional add-ins to give your coffee an extra witchy kick

cinnamon [x]

vanilla; kindness, purity

coconut (creamer/sugar); cleansing, peace, prosperity, luck

moon water; purity, healing, love, energy

rose-infused milk (or ‘milk’); love, healing, diety work, calming, comfort

thyme; fae work, kindness, communication, success, peace

lavender-infused milk/‘milk’; tranquility, love, healing, calming, purity

chocolate; divination, love, comfort, happiness, luck

rosemary; mental clarity, memory, calming, strength

WITCH TIPS

•collect salt packets from restaurants/cafes. you can do so much with these things

•set up a cleansing and charging station. arrange crystals in a pattern that draws energy out of an object, put out a bowl of salt & various herbs, have a bottle of (moon) water at the ready, or whatever cleansing method you prefer. this way if you ever need to get clogged up or negative energy out of a crystal, pendulum, or any object, you can quickly cleanse it and charge it with positive energy.

•if you practice astrology, have a folder in your notes app with friends & families star signs or birth charts for easy access

•for those who wear bra’s or bralettes, put a salt packet in the left of your bra and switch it out at the end of the day. having the salt close to your heart all day will aid in emotional cleansing, so its great for a witch with mental illness or anxiety, or getting over someone....]]>SHOW NOTES:

CONTEST

POD VCOMM CONVENTION

Four of Swords

Meaning: When the Four of Swords is dealt in a reading, it is a sign that you need to take some personal downtime-a retreat or a day off so you can recoup lost energy and find your strength again. The querent may be feeling overwhelmed by demands and stress. They may feel the need to get away and to withdraw from the hectic and daily grind of life. This card symbolizes that you need to allow yourself time to recover from an illness. It may also represent a need to step away from group magick for a bit. You may need to practice solitarily for a time. You will find the solutions to your magickal problems quietly and on your own.

Keywords: Taking some downtime for yourself. Resting and allowing yourself to fully recover from an illness. Recouping lost energy. Working magick as a solitary for a while, and finding your focus.

Spell: Krampus Holiday Fun Spell

Color of the Day

WHITE

Incense of the Day

APRICOT

Krampus is the original “wild man” of the Yuletide season. Though he has a reputation for being a rather stern figure, he’s usually the life of the party.

If the holidays have you depressed, place a small piece of mistletoe in a bag (mistletoe is poisonous, so keep it wrapped up!) and say the following words over it:

May I be merry,

May I be bright,

Never contrary,

A Yuletide delight.

Krampus, hear my plea.

This is my will, let it be!

The powers of Krampus and the mistletoe will help you overcome any holiday malaise and make you the center of attention at any office Christmas party.

coffee magick 

coffee has strong grounding properties and effectively boosts confidence, energy, and mental strength/clarity!

coffee boosters; optional add-ins to give your coffee an extra witchy kick

cinnamon [x]

vanilla; kindness, purity

coconut (creamer/sugar); cleansing, peace, prosperity, luck

moon water; purity, healing, love, energy

rose-infused milk (or ‘milk’); love, healing, diety work, calming, comfort

thyme; fae work, kindness, communication, success, peace

lavender-infused milk/‘milk’; tranquility, love, healing, calming, purity

chocolate; divination, love, comfort, happiness, luck

rosemary; mental clarity, memory, calming, strength

WITCH TIPS

•collect salt packets from restaurants/cafes. you can do so much with these things

•set up a cleansing and charging station. arrange crystals in a pattern that draws energy out of an object, put out a bowl of salt & various herbs, have a bottle of (moon) water at the ready, or whatever cleansing method you prefer. this way if you ever need to get clogged up or negative energy out of a crystal, pendulum, or any object, you can quickly cleanse it and charge it with positive energy.

•if you practice astrology, have a folder in your notes app with friends & families star signs or birth charts for easy access

•for those who wear bra’s or bralettes, put a salt packet in the left of your bra and switch it out at the end of the day. having the salt close to your heart all day will aid in emotional cleansing, so its great for a witch with mental illness or anxiety, or getting over someone. doing this everyday has helped me SO much. its so clever.

•draw or paint any sigils/ruins/witchy symbols on the soles of your shoes or anywhere else on your shoe (or draw sigils onto tape if u don’t want to draw on your shoe). the dirt & water coming into contact with your shoe will charge the sigils and send the energy out into the world and into the wearer, and the kinetic energy from walking and running will charge the sigil aswell. grounding sigils will work particularly well for this tip.

•save binural beats, meditation music, or chakra balancing music onto your phone and use it as an aid to meditate on the bus, train, school, or work.•collect salt packets from restaurants/cafes. you can do so much with these things

•set up a cleansing and charging station. arrange crystals in a pattern that draws energy out of an object, put out a bowl of salt & various herbs, have a bottle of (moon) water at the ready, or whatever cleansing method you prefer. this way if you ever need to get clogged up or negative energy out of a crystal, pendulum, or any object, you can quickly cleanse it and charge it with positive energy.

•if you practice astrology, have a folder in your notes app with friends & families star signs or birth charts for easy access

•for those who wear bra’s or bralettes, put a salt packet in the left of your bra and switch it out at the end of the day. having the salt close to your heart all day will aid in emotional cleansing, so its great for a witch with mental illness or anxiety, or getting over someone. doing this everyday has helped me SO much. its so clever.

•draw or paint any sigils/ruins/witchy symbols on the soles of your shoes or anywhere else on your shoe (or draw sigils onto tape if u don’t want to draw on your shoe). the dirt & water coming into contact with your shoe will charge the sigils and send the energy out into the world and into the wearer, and the kinetic energy from walking and running will charge the sigil aswell. grounding sigils will work particularly well for this tip.

INCREDIBLE RESCUE

2 MEN SAVE TURTLE FROM JAWS!!!

This sea turtle deserves to live after amazingly fighting off a hungry tiger shark -- captured on video -- just long enough for a couple of dudes to save his shell.

The 2 men were fishing in the waters around the Bahamas when they noticed the turtle desperately trying to escape the jaws of the shark ... in fact, it looks like it was about to lose the battle. The razor-sharp teeth were biting into the back end of the shell, but the turtle was still trying to swim away.

The turtle then made a serious power move ... trying to swim up onto the back of the boat. When the shark fell back for a moment, the fishermen sprung into action -- they had just enough time to pick up the turtle.

It's unclear if the guys waited for the shark to disappear ... but they eventually released it back into the water. One helluva save, for sure!!!

BTW ... tiger sharks are considered "the garbage cans of the sea" because they eat just about anything and especially sea turtles. Except this one.

Anthony Davis finalizing five-year, $190 million maximum contract to stay with Los Angeles Lakers

All-NBA forward Anthony Davis is finalizing a five-year, $190 million maximum contract to stay with the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers, Klutch Sports CEO and founder Rich Paul told ESPN.

The deal includes an early-termination option prior to the fifth year of the deal in 2024-25, Paul said.

Davis, a free agent, is expected to sign the contract as soon as Thursday. He considered several short- and long-term contract scenarios before accepting a full five-year, maximum offer, sources said.

According to ESPN's Bobby Marks, Davis would make $32,742,000 this season, $35,361,360 in 2021-22, $37,980,720 in 2022-23, $40,600,080 in 2023-24 and $43,219,440 in the fifth year of the deal.

How LeBron, AD deals shape the Lakers' future

Agent: LeBron, Lakers agree to $85M extension

LeBron: 'Younger' Lakers can repeat as champs

At 27 years old, Davis is the co-star of the Lakers with LeBron James -- and the centerpiece of the franchise's long-term future. Davis' arrival in a trade with New Orleans to join James elevated the Lakers out of six straight seasons in the draft lottery and hurtled them toward an eventual 2019-20 NBA championship.