Mindful Magic

For centuries, there has been an idea that magic is divided into four schools, governed by the four traditional elements of the ancient world – earth, air, fire, and water. This ancient idea was popularised again in the 16th century by a doctor called Paracelsus. Back when he was practising medicine, astrology and alchemy were a big part of the discipline, and Paracelsus drew his healing philosophies from stars and spells as much as he did from science. While we know today that physical and mental illnesses should always be treated by a healthcare professional, many of us find that complementary therapies, such as meditation to connect with the four traditional elements, can help us to feel grounded, blow away our cares, energise our passions, and soothe our troubles. But…

The modern world can sometimes seem chaotic and confusing, and it’s all too easy to get swept along in the maelstrom of noise and activity. Before we know it, we’ve lost sight of anything but the here and now, reacting to the moment as it happens, and letting ourselves be overwhelmed by the sheer tumult of daily life. Luckily, the earth element is always there, waiting for us to reconnect to it and regain a little balance and control in what can be a confusing world. Appropriately enough, the earth element and its rituals are all about grounding and balance, where the most simple action can carry its very own magic. The element of earth nurtures us and enfolds us, inviting us to remember all that is simple and natural…

Study after study has shown that spending time in nature is good for our mental health. Just a few hours among plants reduces anxiety and stress, as well as improving your mood. One of the easiest ways you get a natural boost is to kick off your shoes and socks and stand barefoot on the grass. As well as the proven benefits of being in nature, you will be transported back to your childhood, when running about with bare feet was a mark of your freedom from worry. Going barefoot offers wonderful new vistas for mindfulness. The nerves on our feet are incredibly sensitive and wearing shoes can dull us to a whole world beneath us. Allowing ourselves to feel the grass, earth, or sand creates a feeling of connection…

YOU'LL NEED… ■ A small stone One thing lucky people seem to have is the confidence that good things will happen to them. Think of Julie Andrews singing, “I have confidence in me!” in The Sound of Music. To bring good luck for a job interview, an audition, promotion, or exam, you want to radiate confidence both inside and out. Part of confidence is preparation, such as studying hard. For this spell, you will create a talisman to wear on your person. All you need is a small stone of your choosing, though any of the following crystals are especially well suited: malachite, labradorite, or green aventurine. Three days before your interview or exam, begin and end each day by saying to the stone, “I have the skills and confidence…

Crystals and stones have enchanted and intrigued mankind for millennia, their beauty revered and their magic put to use as jewels, charms and protective talismans. They’ve been used to form monuments like stone circles and temples, carved into relics and employed for meditation, magic and soothsaying. The act of divination with stones, precious, semi-precious or otherwise, is known as lithomancy. There are three common types of lithomancy: stone casting or throwing, crystallomancy and dowsing. Casting or throwing stones is a form of sortilege and the method most commonly associated with the term lithomancy. This process involves the caster tossing tumbled stones like dice and interpreting where they fall in relation to each other, as well as the patterns they form. “There are three common types of lithomancy: stone casting or…

WHY NOT TRY… There are many different shades of green; which one means prosperity to you? It could be the deep green of the countryside or the pale hue of dollar bills! YOU'LL NEED… ■ Green candle ■ Three coins ■ Pouch ■ Cinnamon ■ Bay leaf Many people dream of great riches, but this spell is aimed at increasing prosperity to assure stability. Money issues often cause feelings of stress and shame, and this spell also addresses these feelings. For this spell you need a green candle, three coins, a small pouch, some cinnamon, and one bay leaf. Gather your materials before you begin. Place the candle on your altar or a table, and light it. Pass each coin through the candle flame carefully, saying, “Light my way to…