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When I perceive the gods' presence in nature, sometimes I feel that it is a sign as in an omen and sometimes it's just a sign of their presence as in a way that one detects them. When we talk about whether something is a sign, I think a lot of us talk past each other because someone will call something a sign and mean it as in the signs and symptoms of the presence of x thing, and other people will think they are talking about being the chosen one of a novel.

I've heard people say not every thunderstorm is Thor, but to me, every thunderstorm is definitely Thor. Sometimes he's showing up for me and sometimes he's just doing his thing. And either way, thunder is a sign-- of his presence. It's how we detect him. It doesn't necessarily mean anything else, unless there is some context in which his presence would be the answer to a question, but that would be highly unusual to the point of nearly unheard-of. Which is why I think people misunderstand when I say he's in every thunder roll. They misunderstand when I say he will sometimes show up for me. And sometimes he would show up for my mom, even though she was an atheist. 

If you are looking for love, perform this rite and you will soon find a lover to satisfy your needs. On the night of the next new moon, take two pieces of a pink or red crystal—rose quartz will do nicely—and place them on the floor in the center of your bedroom. If you are lucky enough to have two garnets, rough rubies, or pink tourmalines, by all means use two of those heart stones.

Light one pink and one red candle and speak this love and life-affirming chant:

Love magic is one of the most popular and most potent forms of magic there is. The heart is a beautiful and powerful thing which can conquer any obstacle. And yet, love is also one of the aspects of life we get the most strung up on. Just listen to today’s trending pop songs! Music is obsessed with love, with stories of blossoming feelings and decimating heartbreaks in every lyric. We are all caught up in a maze of emotion, trying to find a lasting connection in the midst of an uncertain world. Maybe that’s what makes love magic so desired and so valuable!

Candle magic is a great way to ignite your inner lover and set your passion ablaze. This chapter is your introduction to a breadth of fantastic love spells and charms involving these waxy wonders. 

I take a deep breath
and open my hands.
I am open to clarity.
I am open to ease.
I am open to change.
I take a few steps back
to look carefully at what I've made,
what I'm holding
and where I'm going.
This is my sacred path.
I choose with care,
with intention
and with love.

I find that fall carries twin invitations--one to finish things up, wrap things up, push towards the finish line, and vision for what is to come AND the second, which is to say: "this is good. this is enough" and to look with gratitude upon what you've made, experienced, offered as you accept the opportunity to take a break, a rest, a pause.

How are you feeling this season? What invitations are you sitting with or between?

Equinox Prayer

This candle spell involves creating and consecrating a lovely oil you can use to instill a greater sense of peace within your mind and heart. Into a blue bottle, pour almond, soy, or any other unscented base oil, then add two drops each of neroli, chamomile, and Turkish rose essential oils. Shake the oils together to blend them. Next, take an orange and place it beside a lit lavender candle you have anointed with the potion. Chant aloud:

By my own hand, I made this balm.

With this spell, you can create a week of blissful and composed calm! On a Monday evening during the waning moon, anoint a black or gray candle with violet essential oil. Place the candle on your altar beside a vase of fresh violets or other purple flowers. Sit in front of your altar as twilight begins, and when the sun is completely gone, light the candle and chant:

Care and woe, begone.