I am Lady Althaea and this site is home to my ramblings and musings in regards to my experiences as a Pagan Witch, Priestess, and mother of four adorable monsters that my husband and I are attempting to raise within our belief system. Our practice is based upon the Pagan aspects of the double-faith that I was raised in, a smattering of Neo-Paganism, a healthy dose of Witchcraft, and that which makes sense to us and comes naturally. What can I say? A big part of our Family Values is pragmatism and common sense. 

Directly below this little intro bit, you'll find a few articles; these are updated every Dark and Full Moon. You can find previous articles under Articles, as well as previous articles contributed by your's truly to the Tarot Witch website.

Beneath the current articles there are links to my blog, every day is magickal, as well as a list of various topics that I'm prone to discuss and ponder.

As always, feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, puns, or crazy stories about your kids.

Namaste!
Lady Althaea

aka Purification Day, Lady Day, Brighid’s Day, and Candlemas

The Earth held firm in icy Winter’s grasp, but the Sun grows stronger in power. Each morning, since the Solstice, He rises a little earlier; each evening He sets a little later. But now, this day, the Lady feels His presence and begins to stir.  

The Sun climbs higher, shining stronger, and at last the ice breaks, melts, and water flows, washing away the debris that has collected since the Fall. The Earth, purified, now awakens fully; the Lady opens Her eyes. As testament to this fact a few brave creatures also awaken and so, too, do the trees and a few adventurous plants.


Imbolc is a Fire festival, held in honor of the growing strength of the Sun and the awakening of the Earth from Her Winter’s slumber. On this day, candles will be lit, to both mimic and encourage the Sun, and snow will be ritually melted to both mimic and encourage the Earth. This day marks the start of Spring, a changing season, whose focus is upon beginnings and renewal. For this fact, Imbolc is also a day of purification and beginnings. 
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Many religions feature an altar as part of their worship and Wicca is no different. But, despite what many would have you believe, an altar is more than just a place to store your magickal tools.

An altar is a dedicated space to your interaction with your Gods, that is why when you are not actively using your altar it is more precisely called a *shrine. An altar is a sacred place where you call your Gods and sing Their praises, where you leave offerings for Them and ask for assistance.  It is also a place where you do your magickal work , where you keep long-term spell items or charms worked at a distance for someone. 

Outside of specific Traditions of Wicca and other Neo-Pagan religions, there is no standard altar set up. That means if you are a solitary practitioner your altar can look however you desire -with whatever tools you want on it,   There are, however, some general guidelines to the layout of an altar.
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Element of Earth. The Pentacle is a flat disc and may be made out of metal, stone, wood, or even wax. It sits flat upon the altar, usually at center, and will have various symbols inscribed upon it, varying from Tradition to Tradition. The term “pentacle” has come to commonly mean a pentagram (5 pointed star) within a circle, however the tool Pentacle need not have this symbol upon it and often does not. It is used as a representation of Earth on the altar and is a tool used for charging, consecrating, and blessing items. As such, it is where the ritual Cakes will be placed, as they are always consecrated as part of that Rite. The Pentacle can also be used for protection, as it is a sort of magickal shield. Experimentation is fully recommended to better understand this use for while protecting with a Pentacle is rather simple, it is also quite effective.

Want more on information on tools? Check out the rest of The Tools of Wicca & Witchcraft article series, The Importance of Making your own Tools, and A Witch's Book of Shadows. And also, Witchcraft on a Budget and The Joys of a Found Stone. 

The only distinction there is between magick and living is that which we make in our own minds. Thoughts on the importance of recognizing this fact, experiences with walking a magickal path, witchcraft as a spiritual practice, and ideas for having a consciously magickal existence. And, because it only makes sense, a bit of actual magick you can put to use in your own life.

Recognizing and acknowledging not just the sacred days of one's beliefs but of one's community, as well, can help to foster a sense of balance and completeness in one's life. Celebrating the Holidays with family, passing on traditions to children, and general musings and reflections on the Holy Days. 

In a belief system that seems to prize and embrace the concept of community so fully, there are still too many Pagans who follow the trend of shying away from family that has become so prevalent in our culture. Thoughts on the importance of the family unit and the dire need for community, as well as reflections on family and my childhood, attempts to save a Family Tradition on the brink of extinction, passing on values and practices to the next generation, and overall thoughts on and experiences with Pagan Parenting and teaching children magick.

Sometimes cohesion, eloquence, and an appropriate topic are hard to come by. And sometimes, I'm just really happy and have to share.

It's not just about cooking! The practice of Kitchen Witchery embraces the use of magick, as expressed through the art of witchcraft, in every day life for every day tasks. As there is no distinction between magick and living, this practice comes easily. The Kitchen Witch is a witch who knows the importance of practicality, simplicity, and creativity. Thoughts on practicality and magick and the importance of trusting your gut and using what you got. Oh, and of course there are some recipes and cooking info, too... 

A modern symbol of the Feminine Divine, the Moon has long been a powerful ally to witches and a governing force in women's lives. Throughout time, She has continued to be a source of inspiration and awe. Recognizing the effects of the Moon in my own life, as well as thoughts and observations. 

Covering a wide variety of aspects, such as Crystals, Energy Healing, Herbalism, Nutrition, and Pregnancy, as well as the spiritual implications of each. And, of course, expect to find a few recipes, too. 

These are ways in which we consciously and formally acknowledge the sacredness of our lives and strengthen the bonds of family and community through the shared recognitions of the commonalities we all share and the trials we must all endure.