Home is where the Heart is

Home is where the heart is, they say. And keep in mind that the most
powerful magic always comes from the heart. That makes a modern
Witch's home a powerful magical place. to be sure. There is actually

a spiritual connection between ourselves and our homes. When the

energies of nature are welcomed within and our homes are blessed

with magical purpose, they do become sacred spaces. Within your

magical sanctuary you'll always feel a bit of serenity, no matter where

you live, how rotten your day at work was, or how much your kids drive

you crazy if you warn to start running your place into a magical sanctuary,

you can begin by cleaning house.

Think of this as cleaning not only on the physical level but also on
the astral plane. The astral level is where magic lives. The astral cant
always be seen but it can, with practice, be sensed. So we should not
overlook this important aspect while we prepare to clean house. If you

approach this task with magical intention, then it becomes an act of magic.

Lets send those dust bunnies and old negativity on their way! Haul out the

vacuum and the broom, and get out the dust rag. Visualize that you are

capturing old hurt feelings and unpleasant emotions while you sweep. As you

dust and polish, imagine that you arc wiping away grime and bad luck.

Here's a cottage witchery tip:
If you use a lemon-scented furniture polish, the scent of lemons
will help dispel bad vibes and negativity.

How about those curtains—when was the last time they were washed?
What about the shades or blinds, could they stand to be wiped down? Add

a drop or two of lavender oil to your cleaning water and cleanse those blinds
or shades while you freshen things up.

Clean your house from top to bottom, get rid of the clutter, and
then take out the garbage. Take a hard look at what's lying around and

see what you can dispose of recycle old magazines, old newspapers and

aluminum cans, donate old clothes or kids outgrown ones to a shelter, and

clear all of that junk out of your home.

Try burning a little incense while you clean. Sandalwood's a good
choice, this scent is used to promote spirituality and to remove negative

or weather permitting__ open the windows and let the fresh air in.
Finally, go take a look at your magical bookshelf or cabinet. Could it stand

to be reorganized and straightened out as well? Yup, I thought so.
Mine always manages to become untidy too. I don't know how it happens but

I always seem to be straightening it back up. How it manages to get so
messy in the first place is a constant mystery to me.
Author; Ellen Dugan
Book; Cottage Witchery

Once you've gotten the clutter and the mess under control, we can
begin to work our cottage witchery. By taking control of your surroundings
you can begin to trigger the natural magic of your hearth and home. Those
elemental energies are all around you anyway, why not direct them toward
creating harmony in your life? Now that your place is clean and sparkling on
both the physical and astral planes we are ready to begin. Where do we start,
you may wonder? We start by blessing the heart of your home.

A NATURAL MAGICK BLESSING FOR THE HEART OF THE HOME

Here is a natural magic blessing to try out. Why am I diving into
this so quickly? Because I am a hands-on type of Witch. I want to give

you some magic to perform right away. You are going to be very busy for

a while getting your magical home in order... so, let's get to it! pick the
room or rooms that you feel are the heart of your home and gather these
simple and elemental supplies.

�?A small dish of salt to represent the earth and prosperity
�?A stick of incense (your choice of scent) and a holder, the
scented smoke represents air and knowledge
* A red candle and a coordinating candleholder for fire and courage
�?A small bowl of water for water and love
�?Matches or a lighter

Straighten and clean room or rooms to be blessed. Then light the
candle and the incense. Place the candle in the center of the room.

Beginning in the east, and moving in a deosil (clockwise) motion, work

your way slowly around the room. First sprinkle a bit of salt in each corner.

Then carry the incense around, waving a little of the smoke to help it flow

Next sprinkle a bit of the water around the perimeter of the room. Then settle

in front of the candle and visualize the blessings from each of the four
elements.

There is the gift of prosperity from deep In the earth. Knowledge is
sent along a fragrant breeze from the air. Courage is rewarded to you
from the bright, dancing flames of fire, and love embraces you from the
emotional element of water. Picture these elemental gifts in your mind and

then visualize both you and the people or pets who live with you receiving

an equal share of these offerings. When you are ready, center yourself
and repeat this blessing

Elements four I call, release now your power,
As I bless my home in this magical hour.
No negativity can enter, no spirits shall roam,
As I consecrate and protect the heart of my home.

As you finish the charm, draw a circle in the air above the candle
flame with your finger. Spiral it up faster and faster, higher and higher,
until you fling the energy off and out into the room. Then close up the
spell by saying,

This home is now blessed by my will and desire,
I close this spell by earth, air, water, and fire.
You may allow the candle and the incense to burn themselves out.

Afterward make sure to tidy up all of your supplies. Does the house
feel better? I bet if you pay attention, you'll notice a subtle change in
people's reactions as they enter the heart of your home. Now that
your home is on track and has a nice magical sparkle, it will radiate out to
the rest of the place.

Author; Ellen Dugan
Book; Cottage Witchery