It is always busy here at Witch Joseph and we are SO excited about the return of Life with the Spring. Brother Christopher is anxious to get out in the garden and start working and Angelique is looking forward to having her windows open again…so is Witch Joseph.
We are also excited about the new blog and newsletter formatting we are doing. The newsletter will continue to be emailed out to our email subscribers and we are going to put out 4 blogs per year (at least) and we plan on these being available prior to the Equinoxes and Solstices right here on the website. There will be other special blogs periodically and we will announce these in email to our subscribers and on our social media platforms.
We are also pleased to announce that we will be including content from guest authors and artists…we love bringing together creative people from our community and bringing new content to you that will help you in your life and practice.
(Let me know if you have a submission for future blogs or newsletters…if published we will certainly include links to your website, products, social media ect…so that others can find your offerings after reading or viewing your content here. There is a contact button on the website that links right to my email.)
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We tend to be very eclectic in our practices and celebrations…but one of the things I often like to focus on is the story of how Goddess Aset raised Osiris from the dead. (It is one of the precursor mythologies that was appropriated by Christians…Dying and Rising Gods are often found in Vernal Equinox celebrations…and the kemetic myths are among the oldest recorded. They become especially relevant to us since we are devotees of Goddess Bastet and we often create Ostara decorations and ornaments with kemetic themes.
A Simple Spring Ritual
By Witch Joseph
People always ask me what I think is important to include in my practices as a Witch. An essential part of my practice is performing rituals and ceremonies that are linked and aligned with the changing of the seasons and the cycles of the Earth, Sun and Moon. I try to center my practice around days of Power since the more connected with the essence of Nature we become the more we realize how powerful we are and perhaps more importantly…we remember WHO we are.
The Equinoxes and Solstices are certainly some of these days. One of the things I like to do at the Vernal Equinox is to collect seeds that I want to use in my garden for the coming time and I keep them on my altar for the week leading up to the ceremony. On the Equinox, in a Sacred space, I hold the seeds in my hands, breathe on them and project my intentions for blessings and things I want to manifest in my life for the coming season…I bless them and pass them through the sacred flame that I have lit in honor of the day. I keep them until it’s time to place them in the soil of Mother Earth or in pots to get them started before planting them in the garden. When they germinate, I imagine the intentions I have placed in them germinating and growing along with them. Working with seed, soil, water, fire and breath is an ancient magic that has always been a core of various folk magickal traditions for thousands of years.
People often think that rituals, spells and ceremonies have to be very long, intricate and involved but in reality they can be quite simple. I have often found these to be very potent over time.
This Spring, think about what you want to manifest in your Life…and consider linking some of these goals to seeds and them plant them in fertile soil. After doing so, remember to prepare things in your life for the coming of your manifestations…make room for them and help make the process easier for the forces to work with. I think you will be surprised at the results.
Remember, the seeds we plant today…become the Harvest in the Autumn. Blessings.
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(We are SO pleased to include this Spring Equinox excerpt from Wyn Abbot’s book…She is an amazing author and artist and we are so honored to include this here…please check out her website, her amazing books, art and offerings…there is a link below.)
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Spring Equinox
The Sun The Seasons & The Soul.
Wyn Abbot ©2025
The Spring Equinox marks the first day of Spring, also known as the Vernal Equinox, it is generally acknowledged on the 21st or 22nd of the month but can actually fall as early as the 19th.
The Equinox occurs twice in the year, once in the Autumn and once in Spring, it marks the point when the Sun crosses the path of the equator, and day and night are of equal length, and when the sun is exactly above the equator at the equinox. In reality, they are not exactly equal until what is known as the equilux.
Equilux comes from the Latin terms meaning equi – equal and lux – light. The equilux is calculated between the first sign of the Sun appearing until the last second of the Sun before it disappears. This usually takes place a few days before the two equinoxes in the Northern Hemisphere, and the opposite in the Southern Hemisphere. Subsequently the dates are not fixed but vary each year with each successive year appearing later by as much as six hours. However, for all intents and purposes the equinox is considered to be day and night of equal length.
As with the Autumn Equinox and the Winter and Summer Solstice, sunrises and sunsets were celebrated across the world, shown in all their glory through the giant structures and stone circles, symbolising a pinnacle point in the year, and it is a time of balance and equilibrium.
The Spring Equinox is often referred to as Ostara, the name originating from the Germanic Goddess Ostara, allegedly a hare headed Goddess symbolising fertility. The name Ostara comes from Eostre or Eastre, a Germanic Goddess who was associated with Spring. Understandably her name is believed to be the name of the Christian festival of Easter. There is not a great deal of historical or factual information about Eostre, most appearing from the 8th century English monk and historian the Venerable Bede.
It was an American named Aiden Kelly who, when developing the pagan Wheel of the Year, decided to name the Spring Equinox as Ostara as, he felt this was an obvious choice since the Venerable Bede suggested that it ‘may’ have been sacred to the Anglo-Saxon Goddess Ostara / Eostre.
However, in 1835, Jacob Grimm wrote an in-depth study on German and Norse mythology where he links the Anglo-Saxon Goddess Eostre with the German religion. In this she is not connected to the Equinox in any way and her feast month was held in April whereas the equinox takes place in March.
Today whilst many reject the term Ostara, it has gathered popularity over the years particularly for those who are new to the Craft and its terminology and subsequently using the term to represent the Spring Equinox.
Taken from: The Sun The Seasons & The Soul. Wyn Abbot ©2025
Click this link for her website.
-“Wyn is an Author, Artist and Ceramicist story-weaving Ancestral Myths and Legacies through her work.”_______________________________________________________________
Please accept this Ostara gift for you…Use
CODE: SABBATRABBIT25
at checkout on the WitchJoseph.com website to receive 25% off your purchase…discount code is good for 03/17-03/25. Limit one use per customer, discount applied at checkout and cannot be combined with other discounts and excludes gift cards.
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For our dinner sometimes I prepare a Spring salad with ingredients that I know everyone will love…and I like to dye hard boiled eggs (without the shell) in various colors…by immersing them in water with a splash of vinegar (apple cider or white) and regular food dye in various colors. The salad becomes a nest…and I place the egg in the center. I have also put these eggs in a nest of sautéed Kale with lemon zest (sometimes sautéed cabbage) which is delicious (and so good for us). These eggs could also just be arranged on a bed of salad greens and served chilled…perhaps with edible flowers. There are a lot of ways to enhance our Spring meals and celebrations…follow your intuition and imagination.
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We often get together in the Spring with family and loved ones to dye eggs and celebrate…it’s a lot of fun and can facilitate a further level of connection between families and circles.
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This is an article by our dear friend Roberta Pescow…we included in our last Full Moon Newsletter and we loved it so much we decided to include it here as well. Chant has always been something that has been at the core of our practices here at Witch Joseph and it is a powerful tool for magick and devotion. I think Roberta really touches on key factors about it’s spiritual and magickal efficacy.
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-On the Power of Chanting-
By Roberta Pescow
“Voice and rhythm are at the primal root of who we are. They are the first things we’re aware of on this earth. Before we’re even born, the beat of our mothers’ hearts and the sound of our mothers’ voices surround us. Voice and rhythm have been a wonderful that way we humans have reached for something greater than ourselves — and for our own inner magick, since the dawn of humanity.
I can’t remember a time when I didn’t sing. Even as an infant, I supposedly sang and rocked in my crib during the night, causing that crib to scrape across the floor with my movement…and really annoying the downstairs neighbors! Since that time, I’ve kept writing music and have sung in lots of various venues over the years, performing jazz standards, folk and some of my own works.
More recently, I’ve begun exploring the spiritual, magickal art of chant — voice and rhythm in it’s rawest, purest form. Chant is enjoyed in almost all faith traditions — but as a Jewish person, the chants I write are specifically focused in the traditions of Judaism and magick — what some call the Jewitch, or reclaiming movement. The term reclaiming comes from the fact that magick was widely practiced in ancient Judaism — mainly by women — and as part of that faith legacy, we are entitled to reclaim that Jewish magick and bring it into our own modern spiritual experiences.
While the chants I write are Jewish in their themes and symbolism, they’re totally open to everyone, whether a person is Jewish, of any other faith, or of no faith at all. There are endless debates as to whether Judaism is an open or a closed practice, and I certainly respect those who feel their practice is closed. My personal practice of Judaism, however, is open, expansive and friendly (but never proselytizing!). I’m happy to share my chants and traditions with anyone who approaches my faith in a way that is, to quote a dear friend of mine, “appreciative rather than appropriative”.
Chanting connects us to nature, to the divine and to our deepest selves. It definitely has the power to enrich any magickal or spiritual practice. The art of chanting is simple, heartfelt and meant to be accessible to everyone, whether they are musically skilled or not. For this reason, I don’t present my chants as slick studio recordings or complex arrangements. My recordings are unapologetically homegrown, organic and well, imperfect. Sing along, drum along — or just learn them and move beyond the recordings to do your own thing. Feel free to adapt a symbol to something that suits your personal beliefs if my words don’t quite fit your belief frame of reference. As long as you approach this music with love and inclusiveness, it’s all good.
Shalom (peace) to all who read these words. May chanting lift you to the heart of the universe.”
(Image description: Roberta Pescow with Summer)
Roberta Pescow is a freelance writer, fact-checker and editor. She’s also a singer with Narrow Escape Duo, and has been writing songs ever since she can remember. More recently she has begun writing chants in the Jewitch tradition. Roberta is also the author of two books: Paradox Lost (for grownups) and Emma’s Secret (for kids).
Roberta is a proud mother of two, holds a master’s degree in consciousness studies, and has earned a 2nd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. As a long-time vegetarian (almost vegan these days), she has a deep love and respect for all creatures. When she gets some free time, Roberta also enjoys Qigong, yoga, walking in nature, singing, writing songs and stories, drawing, sculpture, photography, reading, swimming, plant-based cooking and quiet time with family, friends and her beloved dog, Summer.
(Also…check out her amazing Seasons & Elements Jewitch chant bundle by Narrow Escape Duo that she offers by clicking the hyperlink below…I have fallen in love with them.)
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Look what the Ostara Bunny left for us here…JK, these are Spring Pastel Selenite stretch bracelets (each sold separately)made by Brother Christopher. We still have a few on the website so be sure to check these out.
We also have these cutie 3-D Rabbit Charm necklaces, also available on the website…what do you think?
Don’t forget to use Code: SABBATRabbit25 at checkout to save 25% off your purchase and a special Ostara gift from us me to thee. (Code is active 03/17/25-03/25/25, limit one use per customer and excludes gift cards of course.)
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Brother Christopher’s Ostara Cookie…these are a wonderful treat for the holiday.
Brother Christopher’s Ostara Cookies
Ingredients:
1/2 cup of butter
1/4 cup of vegetable shortening
1 cup of Sugar
2 Eggs
11/2 tbs Honey
1 tsp salt
1 tsp Baking Powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp white wine
1 tsp cinnamon
21/2 to 3 cups of Flour
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream together butter and shortening…add sugar and continue to cream. Add eggs, honey, wine, cinnamon. Mix separately the Flour, Salt, Baking Powder, Oats. Combine everything and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Roll onto lightly floured surface and cut out cookies with Spring themed cookie cutters (ie. Eggs, rabbits, flowers ect). Place on un greased cookie sheet. Bake 10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to cooling rack and let cool.
Icing
ingredients:
1 cup confectioners sugar
1 tablespoon melted butter
2-3 tablespoons of milk
teaspoon of vanilla
Mix together into a thick consistency. You can separate into different bowls and add food coloring to make Spring colors. Experiment with sprinkles.
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Another “Spring” mythic motif especially relevant to us, being members of the LGBT community, is the myth of the Sun God Apollo and his Lover, Hyacinth…Hyacinth was killed during a discus competition with another deity…and Apollo was grief stricken and gave Him immortality by changing Him into the Hyacinth flower.
These are some of the ones we have in our garden and entrance way here at Witch House. They are my favorite Spring flower…and I adore the scent in the Spring when they bloom.
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(I am SO pleased to include this article by my friend Gregory Hancock on Animals and Familiars (a favorite topic of mine). Gregory is so insightful about these things and I always look forward to his insights and contributions. Check out his social media and metaphysical store by clicking the links below his article here…He really does great things in the greater community and has amazing offerings.)
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The Role of Animals in Witchcraft: Familiars and Their Meanings
For centuries, animals have influenced witchcraft. Many serve as guides, protectors, and sources of magical energy. The concept of the familiar spirit—a supernatural entity that aids a witch—has deep roots in folklore. Different cultures interpret familiars in unique ways. But what exactly is a familiar, and how do they impact magical practices?
The Origins of Familiars
The idea of witches' familiars dates back to medieval Europe. Many believed these spirits assisted witches in their magical work. Often depicted as small creatures—cats, toads, owls, or hares—these beings provided guidance and acted as messengers. They also enhanced the power of spells.
During the witch trials of the 16th and 17th centuries, authorities claimed witches used familiars to perform dark magic. Accused witches often faced execution based on claims of having these companions. Despite historical persecution, modern witchcraft views familiars differently. Many practitioners see them as spirit companions that strengthen their connection to nature and energy. Some believe familiars act as protectors, shielding their witches from negative forces.
Common Animal Familiars and Their Meanings
Different animals bring distinct energies to a witch’s practice. Many witches work with animals that match their personal energy. Here are some of the most common familiars and their symbolic meanings:
Psychic Connection with Familiars
Many witches believe in a deep psychic bond with their familiars. This connection allows for non-verbal communication. Some report receiving messages through dreams or telepathic signals. Others feel their familiar’s emotions and energy as if they were their own.
Ancient cultures also recognized this phenomenon. Shamans worked closely with spirit animals, using their guidance for visions and healing. In some traditions, familiars acted as intermediaries between the physical and spiritual worlds. Many witches today strengthen their bond with familiars through meditation and ritual work. Some even perform joint spellcasting with their familiars, believing it amplifies magical energy.
We have lots of occult books and supplies in our metaphysicalshop, come visit! Connect with us for more on Instagram, Facebook (Meta) or TikTok.
Finding and Working with a Familiar
A familiar doesn’t have to be a physical pet. Some witches connect with spirit animals or energetic entities instead. Many practitioners discover their familiar through meditation, dreams, or repeated encounters with a specific animal. Others naturally bond with pets that match their magical energy.
To work effectively with a familiar, witches must build trust. Many begin by observing their animal’s natural behavior. Learning from their familiar’s instincts and energy strengthens their magical connection. Additionally, rituals and offerings can help deepen the bond. Many witches use visualization techniques to communicate with their familiars on a psychic level. Some also engage in shared magical practices, allowing their familiar to actively participate in spellcasting.
Conclusion
Familiars continue to hold a vital place in witchcraft. They offer guidance, protection, and spiritual insight. Whether physical or spiritual, these companions enhance a witch’s practice. By understanding different animals' energies, witches strengthen their relationships with familiars. This connection deepens their magical abilities and fosters a greater connection with nature. Familiars serve as powerful allies, assisting witches in unlocking their true potential.
Author: Gregory
I am a lifelong witch, active practitioner, metaphysical shop owner and community supporter and head of our coven. I love to blog about metaphysical topics and witchcraft. I love enlightening people to the fact witchcraft is not evil. Be well, be happy and healthy! Blessings.
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Vernal Equinox (Ostara) Ritual Suggestions
Items needed for this ceremony: Spring Candle, Seeds (flowers or herbs), a pot for planting the seeds in with clean soil
Sabbat Colors: Pastels, Greens and White
Altar is decorated with Spring Flowers, Eggs and Rabbits
Circle is cast or Sacred space is established according to your traditions.
Opening declaration: “This is the time of Spring’s return, the seed time, when Life bursts forth from the Earth and the chains of Winter are broken. Day and Night are Equal: It is a time of balance, when all the elements within us must be brought into a new harmony. The God of the Sun stretches out His hand and the Dark Maiden returns from the land of the Dead, cloaked in the fresh rain. Where They step, the wild flowers appear; as They dance, despair turns to Hope, sorrow to Joy and want to Abundance.”
-holding match ready to light the Ostara candle in the cauldron-
“May our hearts open with the Spring!”
-candle is lit-
“Great Goddess, You have freed Yourself from the icy prison of Winter. Now is the greening, when the fragrance of flowers drifts on the breeze. This is the beginning. Life renews itself by Your magick, Earth Goddess. The God stretches and rises, Tiger in His youth, and bursting with the promise of Summer. We walk the Earth in friendship, not in dominance. Mother Goddess and Father God, Instill within us, through the planting of these seeds, a warmth for all living things. Teach us to revere the Earth and all Her treasures. May we never forget.”
-Seeds are passed thru the flames and charged with intentions for the coming season…and then planted in the pot. You can also plant these in hollowed out egg shells filled with soil as an upgrade for the spell…follow your intuition.-
“Lord and Lady, as You dwell in us, make a fit vessel of us; Give us strength and wisdom to do these things we have promised to You.”
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Be sure to share this blog with magic(k)al loved ones…and also tell us in the comments about your Spring celebrations, rituals and ceremonies and what kinds of practices you incorporate in your practices.
We want to thank you for visiting our Ostara 2025 blog…and we wish you and yours the happiest of Seasons. May we be reborn with the Spring…We Are Rising. Love and Blessings xoxox
WJ, Brother Christopher and Angelique
