Dark blue background with the phases of the moon in light blue across the top. Below the moon phases is the following text in light blue font: Order of the White Moon presents Seasons of the Moon.

Volume 21 Issue 2
Imbolc 2024

Seasons of the Moon is a quarterly online magazine published by students and members of The Order of The White Moon, an eclectic international order of women dedicated to The Goddess. The Order provides personal empowerment and priestess training, and operates local groups. All contributions are original material submitted by our students and members. (We do not accept outside contributions.) Please direct comments and questions to the Ezine Editor.

Imbolc 2024

Holy Days
Imbolc Tale: The Wolf Moon, Lady Zephyr

Goddess Work
Celtic Goddess Prayer, Moonwater Ashwood

Ritual Work
Making A Miniature Altar Kit, Peace Whitehorse

Witchy Writings
Candle Magick, Peace Whitehorse

Sacred Sites
Pompeii, Ajna DreamsAwake

OWM Awareness
OWM Happenings, Ajna DreamsAwake

The Bardic Soul: Poetry and Song for the Spirit
Daughter of the Goddess, Mystic Amazon
Rhiannon of the Birds, Mystic Amazon
Ewe's Milk, Moonwater Ashwood
Walking in Springtime, Moonwater Ashwood

Recipes Fit for a Goddess
Imbolc Ritual Cake, Lady Zephyr
Imbolc Apple Dumplings, Lady Zephyr
Potato Muffins, Ajna DreamsAwake
Brie and Blackberry Grilled Cheese, River

Reviews
Review: The Aquarian Holy Book of Women's Mysteries, Emily Beatrice

Just for Fun
Brigid Bouquet Sachets, Lady Zephyr
Apple Head Doll, Peace Whitehorse

Holy Days

Imbolc Tale: The Wolf Moon

Many many Moons ago, one winter's night, the Cherokees were sitting inside the big tepee where the fire's heat warmed all. It was late in the cold season, snow blanketed the ground, and the food supply was running low. The Clan gathered around the fire to talk to Chief Adahy (He Who Lives in the Woods). Their hunters had been going out farther and farther every day returning with barely enough to feed the clan. There had been no sight of the buffalo and very few deer were seen. The dried and preserved summer's bounty was also desperately low.

The Chief glanced to each one there knowing they were looking to him to solve this situation. There had been seasons in the past where the food supply had gotten low but never like this, this long. He knew he needed to meditate, a trance to seek knowledge from the Great Spirit. Before he could go into his trance, there came a great howling of many wolves. The Clan were scared but excited also. They were afraid of being attacked knowing the wolves must be hungry also but some were thinking of killing the wolves for food. They stepped out into the cold dark night, constant freezing wind and saw they were surrounded by a pack of wolves. One hunter jerked his bow up and drew back an arrow prepared to kill one of the wolves. The Old Chief stopped him and told him to go get a chunk of meat. The Clan was angry at the Chief Adahy for giving of their precious little food to an animal.

Taking the meat, the Chief Adahy threw it to the wolves, one which had inched closer to the Clan. Chief Adahy told everyone to make no sudden movements but ease back into the tepee. The fire would protect them. Once inside, Chief Adahy chastised his clan telling them of the wolf's fierce loyalty, what a great hunter he is, wise and spirit guide to many of their ancestors. He would hear no more of killing of the wolves.

He then announced he was going to seek help from the Great Ones by asking for advice. When he started his trance, some started a low drumming, others humming softly. After entering the Other world, Chief Adahy met with the Corn Goddess. He told Her of their plight and asked her for help feeding his people. The Goddess told him to heed the Old Moon. He would get help for his people for they were Her people too. He thanked and blessed The Corn Goddess. Upon coming out of his trance, he told his clan what the Corn Goddess had said to him. Heed the Old Moon.

Not understanding what that meant, they would watch the Moon for signs. The Moon was in her waxing phase now but in 5 days' time She would be Full again, casting her silvery light down upon his tribe. Someone was standing guard all night watching the Moon since his trance, but nothing had happened. His people were beginning to lose faith. Then came the night of the Full Moon, the bravest warrior there stood guard that night watching closely for any signs from the Great Spirit. Sometime near the darkest hour, his eyes grew heavy with sleep and he drifted off. Upon awakening, he jumped to his feet for before him lay a big buck, enough to feed his whole tribe. He ran shouting awakening the whole clan. They all came running and looked at the deer, mystified as how it had got there and they saw where its throat had been ripped making a clean kill… They said blessings over it and prepared it for their meals.

This happened again the next night and on the third night of the Full Moon, they heard the howling of the wolves again and stepped outside the tent. Amazed, for in front of them lay another dead animal. The whole tribe looked around and saw the wolves surrounding them again. This time though the lone wolf who had been given that chunk of meat by the old Chieftain inched forward and bowed down on her front forelegs. Then tossing her head up in the air she let out a howl that starting the others into singing the song of the wolves.

Chief Adahy made a blessing sign and thanked the wolves his animal kin. He knew what the Corn Goddess had meant now. The old moon was gone and a new one had started and from then on out at mid‐winters time they referred to the Moon as the Wolf Moon having been saved by the wolves. They had a great celebration each year at this time of the Wolf Moon, sharing their food with their brethren, the Wolves, giving thanks for what they had received.

Goddess Work

Celtic Goddess Prayer

Brigid, Cerridwen, Morrigan too
Epona, Rhiannon, and Danu
Blessed Goddesses hear my plea
Let your energy flow through me
To help those who've asked now to heal
As we see the approach of the turning Wheel.
Healing energy, light and bright
I ask to send on this dark night.

© Moonwater Ashwood September 20, 2008
HP Moonwater passed away in February, 2020. She was a prolific writer and we are honoured to share her work What is remembered lives on

Ritual Work

Making A Miniature Altar Kit

a collection of small ritual items on a piece of white cloth

You can make a tiny portable altar kit that you can take with you wherever you go. The one I made fits into a small Altoids tin, but you can use any small tin that you might have to contain your miniature altar.

Select a piece of thin cotton fabric as your altar cloth. Cut a piece about 8 inches square. If you cut with pinking shears, there is less likelihood that the fabric edges will fray. You can also use a cloth hanky.

For East/Air, use a small feather that will fit into your tin. Bonus points if this is a feather that you found outside.

For South/Fire, you can use a small sunstone, or even a wooden match.

For West/Water, a small seashell works perfectly. If this is a shell that you found yourself, so much the better!

For North/Earth, a small pentacle charm works well. You can also use a chunk of Himalayan salt, or even water softener salt, but beware as these may crumble over time. I prefer to use the pentacle charm. A tiny geode can also be used.

For Goddess, I used a goddess charm from my craft stash. I got goddess charms on Ebay. But you can also use a dime, since the Goddess' color is silver. A silver button will work, also.

For God, I used a small deer charm from my stash. I got it at a craft store. But you can also use a penny, or anything gold, since that is the God's color. A gold button will work, also.

For Spirit, a small quartz point works well. I used a tiny key charm, since Spirit, or Self, is the key to all. A clear quartz bead, or crystal button, will also work.

I also include a few small gemstones in my kit, stones that I like to have with me. Including a small jingle bell on a string gives you something to clear space with when creating sacred space.

Anything that calls to you, that will fit into your tin, is also good to include. I keep a small piece of kyanite in mine to keep my portable altar cleansed.

Snapping a rubber band around the filled tin will prevent it from accidentally opening and spilling its contents into your pocket or purse.

Click on the link to follow Peace at Witchy Writings

Peace Whitehorse is the author of Witchy Writings. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and her Shetland sheepdogs, and is active in Sheltie Rescue.

Witchy Writings

Candle Magick

a round white candle shaped like a snowball surrounded by pine boughs

Candle magick is very effective and fairly simple. It generally involves having a candle for a specific purpose and lighting it with intent. Sometimes the candle is meant to burn all the way down, and some candles are put out and relit as needed.

There are many types of candles. There are traditional tapers and pillars. There are chime candles that are mini tapers and are available at most metaphysical shops. There are jar candles, tea lights, and even birthday candles can be used.

Chime candles, tea lights and birthday candles are all good choices if a candle is needed that will be lit and allowed to burn all the way out. Pillars and jar candles are best for candles that will be put out and relit as needed.

Often the color of the candle is important. Color correspondences are easy to find in books and online. In some cases, you may want a specific color because that is what feels right to you. Always remember a white candle can be substituted for any other color.

Candles can be inscribed using a sharp tool, such as a nail or other small pointy object. I have an old‐style ink well pen that I often use for candle inscription. The symbols inscribed on the candle would have some correspondence to the intent. For example, for prosperity the symbol of currency could be used, as well as a prosperity rune such as Fehu. There are symbols for protection, for health, for just about any intent you can come up with. You can find these symbols in books or online.

Putting a candle out should be done with respect. Some clap above the flame. Others pinch the flame out. I use a candle snuffer. It is generally considered bad manners to blow out a ritual candle.

Candles should always be used carefully because of the risk of fire. You should not leave a burning candle unattended unless you have taken extreme measures to ensure that it will be safe. If you have pets, be sure they cannot knock your candle over. Tea lights should be placed in fireproof holders. Always be sure that a candle is on a flat surface and will not fall over.

Candles can be dressed. They can be coated with an essential oil that corresponds to the intent, and even rolled in crushed corresponding herbs. To draw something to you dress the candle (chime, pillar or taper is best) starting at the top or bottom and rubbing oil toward the midpoint of the candle. Then do the same thing from the other end to the midpoint. To banish something, start at the midpoint of the candle and draw the oil out to both ends.

Once a candle's purpose is complete, I prefer to bury what is left of the candle, be it a half burned candle or simply a puddle of wax.

Candles are easy to use and used very often in magick. They are plentiful and easily found in most stores. When used alone or in conjunction with herbal magick and essential oils, whether used within ritual or within spellwork, they are very effective. Candles are often the go‐to when something quick and simple is needed.

Click on the link to follow Peace at Witchy Writings

Peace Whitehorse is the author of Witchy Writings. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and her Shetland sheepdogs, and is active in Sheltie Rescue.

Sacred Sites

Pompeii

Under the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, lie the remains of a once thriving city. In one devastating night, in 79 CE, the entire city of Pompeii, and many of its 11,000 inhabitants, were buried under 20 feet of volcanic ash. The perfectly preserved remains have allowed us a glimpse into Roman life of 2 millennia ago.

Originally settled by the Oscans (Samnites) around the 9^th century BCE, the area briefly came under control of both the Greeks and Etruscans. It was eventually conquered by the Romans in 290 BCE and gained "e;associate"e; status, maintaining autonomy while under the rule of Rome. The Samnites would occasionally revolt against their Roman overlords and, in 89 B.C., Pompeii was besieged by General Sulla. It was then renamed Colonia Cornelia Veneria Pompei, after Sulla's patron deity, Venus. The city grew wealthy under Roman rule, as evidenced by the luxurious homes, art works, buildings, and temples. The greatest of which was the temple dedicated to city's protector, Venus Pompeiana.

The Sanctuary of Venus and its Sacred Grove were erected on a raised promontory overlooking the Gulf of Naples. The temple was built in the 1st century BCE. However, an older temple which once stood on the site was likely dedicated to the Samnite Goddess Mephitis, whose attributes were eventually absorbed into those of Venus Pompeiana. It was the largest temple complex in the city until earthquakes and the eruption of Vesuvius led to its destruction.

Venus Physica Pompeiana was the Divine Mother and Protector of Pompeii. She was both the traditional Venus of the Roman pantheon, but at the same time, she was also Venus Pescatrice, a Goddess of the Sea and of Trade. Supplicants would pray to whichever version was required, but, ultimately, the people of Pompeii recognized a Deity who was uniquely their own. She is usually depicted crowned and fully clothed, holding a scepter in one hand, and a ship's rudder. Her sacred month was April, from the Roman word 'aperire', meaning to open.

Isabella Blanton, of the University of Michigan, in collaboration with the University of Missouri‐Columbia and Mount Allison University, have created the Venus Pompeiana Project, which studies the graffiti of the Sanctuary of Venus. Graffiti, much of it written by women, can be found carved into the walls and pillars surrounding the temple. This suggest that women were placed in high regard in Pompeii, in that many were able to read and write, unlike in the rest of the Roman world. Graffiti includes petitions to protect loved ones gone to sea, prayers of thanks, and some are love poems.

One poem, CIL IV 5296, stands out in that it appears to be written by a woman beseeching Venus to protect her female lover.

Oh, if only I could hold your sweet arms around my neck
In an embrace and place kisses on your tender lips.
Go now, entrust your joys to the winds, my darling,…

In 1997, Pompeii was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, providing a glinmpse of ancient Roman life, forever preserved in the ashes of Vesuvius.

https://venuspompeiana.mused.org/en/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pompeii
https://www.archaeology.org/issues/344-1907/features/7715-pompeii-religion-temple-of-venus
http://pompeiisites.org/en/archaeological-site/sanctuary-of-venus/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus_(mythology)
https://camws.org/sites/default/files/meeting2021/images/VenusPompeiana.pdf

Ajna DreamsAwake is a High Priestess and founder of Dark Moon's Heart School. Her personal journey of self‐discovery continues as she supports and guides women along their own healing paths.

OWM Awareness

White Moon Happenings

OWM is thrilled to Jaymie of Moonlit Path has completed Level I to become an Initiate and Lifetime Member of the Order. Please enjoy her wonderful Final Project on Lilith

Once again, OWM Sisters participated in our Annual Yule Gift Exchange. This long‐standing tradition is a favourite for many Sisters, and brings joy in both the gifting and the receiving.

We are always delighted to welcome our new students in Sacred Three, Moonlit Path, Moonflower Ministry and Dark Moon's Heart from all over the world! We are always happy when sisters find their way to OWM!

More About OWM

If you're not an OWM student and you'd like to learn more about the Order of the White Moon, the schools offering Traditional White Moon Studies, or browse the Goddess Gallery, we welcome you to learn about us!

For those who are not currently Sisters of the Order but would like to feel supported, we encourage you to visit OWM's website and submit a Prayer Request. This Public Outreach program is one of the ways that OWM gives back to the community. We offer prayers, distance healing, and loving support to members of public.

You can connect with OWM on social media! Follow us on Twitter at @OrderWhiteMoon for regular updates on Seasons of the Moon, the Weekly Tarot Zodiac and other OWM public outreach programs. Our Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/orderwhitemoon.

Visit and like us! The Twitter feed and Facebook page are available to the public. Feel free to share these links. We appreciate your feedback so please let us know if you have any questions or suggestions.

May the Peaceful, Compassionate, and Healing Presence of the Goddess be with you now and always.
Blessed Be

HP Ajna DreamsAwake

The Bardic Soul: Poetry and Song for the Spirit

Daughter of the Goddess

If the dream ever fades away,
Your rose‐colored glasses may fall off;
Then you would see me for who I really am.
I don't know how you would react then,
Because you have me on a pedestal.

I am no saint, no Helen of Troy;
Only a human woman, albeit with a mind
At times torturously difficult to understand.
I can feel things that you cannot feel,
I can see things that no one else knows
Are there…

How will you feel about me then, when you
Realize how different I am from the bland
And conventional women that surround you?
A human being, yes, with ordinary quirks
And foibles, but… also a witch.

Magic runs in my veins; And despite
My outwardly conventional life, wildness
Is in my very nature. I must have time to myself;
And most of all, I must be able to worship
The Goddess in my own way.

Otherwise, I cannot be with you for long.
I have had the Call, and that runs stronger
Than any human hold on me, ever could.
Seek not to change me. It is hard to tell you
This, but you must know. Otherwise, you will
Be in peril of a broken heart… or from backlash
From my rage.

Rage if you should try to change me, or to
Keep me from the rituals that I do with my
Sister witches. I must learn and study;
And teach when there is something new
To pass on. I must heal when there is an
Opportunity; I must never be arrogant or neglect
My Sisters.

If you still want me when you know this, only
Then can we talk and plan for a future
With each other. I love you, but the wonder
And the magic of a Goddess daughter's life
Is something I will never give up; it comes
First.

Hold me now, while you can. I do wish that
You could join me on the goddess path, even
If by another route. For this is who I am;
Everything good comes from the Goddess,
Every talent, every joyous up‐rise of the heart.
My soul is Hers; understand this, and then
In the human way, I can be yours.

Rhiannon of the Birds

I saw you riding by on your horse
You were wearing flowers in your hair
And white birds flew, singing, overhead;
Your horse was prancing with joy
And you sang along with the birds.

Rhiannon, Rhiannon!
Your laughter rings out like bells
As the animals follow along with you;
Behind you green grass shoots come up,
Bright red apples gleam from the trees.

The young foals and newly‐born animals
Come up to you to be blessed,
And the sounds of fluttering wings
Herald the fairies coming to join you.
Queen of Faeries, Otherworld Queen.

Your eyes shine like the silver Moon.
Lovers lay back against the trees
Watching the faeries dance and sing;
And like us, they await your blessings
Moon Goddess, Rhiannon of the Birds.

© Mystic Amazon September 7, 2008
(Beth Johnson)
Late beloved OWM Sister, HP Mystic Amazon, died February 18, 2021. Mystic Amazon's poetry and rituals keep her memory alive in our hearts.

Ewe's Milk

Little lamb, oh little lamb
New life so soft and white
Would you share some milk
With me on this night?

Young lass, oh young lass
With skin as fresh as cream
You appear to me as if
From a far away dream.

You are far more than you
Wish to appear, aren't you?
Strange young lass, but yes I'll
Share some milk from my ewe.

Little lamb, oh little lamb
How bright you make me
Smile; blessed you shall
Be young one, you'll see!

For Brigit's bright light
Will forever shine on your
Kind through the winter nights.

Walking in Springtime

Watch as the Goddess spreads her
Colourful cloak across your path,
For as she does the first flowers
Will burst forth from waking soil.

The fresh warm breezes you
Fell brush past your cheeks
Are her breath as she continues
On her walk throughout her domain.

The creatures of the forest and
The meadow soon shake off their
Winter slumber, coming out of
Their homes to greet the Lady
As she glides amongst them.

With her magick cast, everything is
Renewed and reborn, fresh and alive,
And so the dance of life goes on.

© Moonwater Ashwood April 2006
(Jennifer Runham‐Stark)
HP Moonwater passed away in February, 2020. She was a prolific writer and we are honoured to share her work What is remembered lives on

Recipes Fit for a Goddess

Imbolc Ritual Cake

Ingredients:

1 ¾ cups self‐rising flour
2 eggs ‐ beaten
¾ cup water
¾ cup sugar
¼ cup vegetable oil
2 tbs. poppyseeds
1 tbs. grated lemon peel
2 tbs. lemon juice
powdered sugar

Directions

This is all done in one pan. Preheat oven to 350°.
Mix flour, sugar and poppyseeds with a fork in an ungreased 9x9x2 baking pan.
Stir in the remaining ingredients, except the powdered sugar.

Bake 35‐40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean, and the top is golden brown.
Remove from oven and cool. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Makes 8 servings.

Imbolc Apple Dumplings

Ingredients:

1 quart dried apples
3 pounds smoked ham
2 tablespoons brown sugar
a pinch of cinnamon
a few cloves
2 cups self‐rising flour
pepper
1 egg ‐ well beaten
3 tablespoons melted butter
½ cup milk

Directions

Cover dried apples with water and soak overnight.
In the morning cover the ham with water and simmer for 2 hours.
Add the apples and water and simmer for about 1 more hour.
Add brown sugar, cinnamon and cloves.

For the dumplings, mix flour and pepper together, stir in the egg, butter and milk until lightly blended.
Drop by tablespoon into the simmering ham and apples.
Cover and cook over medium heat for 20 minutes.

Potato Muffins

Ingredients

4 large potatoes, shredded
1 medium onion, shredded
¼ cup flour
2 large egg whites
½ Shredded cheese
Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions

Place shredded potatoes in a colander and squeeze out excess moisture.
Transfer potatoes to a large bowl. Add remaining ingredients and combine well.
Spoon into a greased muffin tin.

Bake 360° for 25‐30 minutes until golden brown

Ajna DreamsAwake is a High Priestess and founder of Dark Moon's Heart School. Her personal journey of self‐discovery continues as she supports and guides women along their own healing paths.

Brie and Blackberry Grilled Cheese

Ingredients

2 slices bread
1 oz brie
2 tablespoons blackberry jam
1 tablespoon softened butter

Directions

Spread one slide of bread with jam; sprinkle with crumbles of brie. Spread butter on other side, cover the other slice with it. Butter side down, cook in skillet. Butter other side of the sandwich and cook in skillet.

River is a Priestess of the Order. She is currently in the Level IV High Priestess Training Program.

Reviews

Review: The Aquarian Holy Book of Women's Mysteries

Two books next to each other

Many of us consider Zsuzsanna Budapest a founding mother of feminist spirituality in its modern form. Indeed the idea of having a female only sacred space and practice as a haven seems like such a paradise when you have not had the support you need. Z's latest book, The Aquarian Holy Book of Women's Mysteries, is a culmination of her life's work. At 127 pages more than the 2007 edition, the 2022 edition offers the reader a meaty foundation to start (or restart) their journey into feminist spirituality influenced by paganism.

The first time I really sat down and read this book (the 2007 edition) over a decade ago I struggled with how angry it felt. What set the 2022 edition apart from the 2007 edition for me was that it felt less angry. We certainly do not have any less to be angry about, but reading from Z's point of view this round read much more tempered than she has in texts past. It could also be how I, as the reader, am reading it now almost 20 years after the first time I read the 2007 edition.

The structure is similar. The way it is presented is similar. Chapter 1 talks about Feminist Witchcraft. Chapters are roughly 5‐20 pages longer in the 2022 edition. I really liked how the reader can find the page number in each section in the table of contents. That comes in really handy if you are not a big note taker and just want to reference something really fast.

The color prints of art sprinkled throughout the 2022 edition is still just as primal and haunting. It felt like Z did not talk about her mother as much in the latest edition. When I first read the 2007 edition I felt like I got to know Z's mother and her influence on Z through the art she created and Z's stories. I did not feel that way after finishing the 2022 edition.

My favorite chapter in both the 2007 and 2022 editions is Chapter 7: The Politics of Food. Both editions are 4 sections long, and they both start with a statement from Mary Farkas. "Good nutrition is the process of gaining our autonomy; it is the process by which we can take back control of our lives." (Budapest, 313) It is common sense based in fact and observation. It is a simple practice in consistency that can impact our whole lives.

I had a hard time getting into the 2022 edition of this book because a lot of the introduction and forward seemed like a love letter to Z. They are beautifully written, but I did not feel like it told me why I should read this book. They seemed to only sing Z's praises. There were also sections that made me question if the editing was off or ideas presented as fact were even researched. However, if the reader keeps in mind that this book is a starting point and a guide it can be a useful tool to begin exploring their spiritual practice from a female perspective.

Ultimately I am not here as a Z apologist. For a lot of people, Z's writings and philosophies have brought both joy and pain. I also do not consider myself an expert on Z and the viewpoints she has taught and presented over the years. I am nothing more than a reader in search of knowledge on how to make my spiritual practice more in alignment with who I feel at peace with being. Sometimes that means analyzing texts by authors that take us out of our comfort zone, and Z definitely offers readers an interesting perspective.

Resources
Budapest, Z. The Aquarian Holy Book of Women's Mysteries. (2022). Women's Spirituality Forum Press. Lulu.com. (page 313)
Budapest, Z. The Holy Book of Women's Mysteries. (2007). Weiser Books.

Emily Beatrice is a High Priestess of the Order of the White Moon. She is Usui Reiki I & II certified and feels called to support others on their healing journey.

Just for Fun

Brigid Bouquet Sachets

This is a fun and simple project for the entire family.

Materials needed

Imbolc Potpourri (recipe below)
1 yard White Material (silk, netting, organza, sheers…)
Yellow and Pink ⅛ inch width Ribbon
Scissors
Elastics or twist ties

Potpourri

½ cup dried basil
½ cup dried chopped bay leaves
1 cup dried Heather flowers
1 cup dried Violets
1 cup dried white or pink rosebuds

Blend dried flowers and herbs together in non‐metal bowl.
Cut fabric into 4x4 inch squares and lay out on a flat surface.
Place 1 heaping tablespoon of potpourri in the middle of each square.

Gather the excess material until potpourri is caught in a 'bag'.
Twist the top and secure it with an elastic or twist tie
Tie off with yellow or pink ribbon
Use enough ribbon to make a small bow in the front of the sachet. You can tie a blessing or intention into the bow.

Sachets like these were often exchanged as symbols of good luck and fertility.

Apple Head Doll

a doll with a dried apple head, dressed as a witch in black robes with white satin fringe

My great aunt, Aunt 'Re, short for Marie, taught me how to make apple head dolls when I was a child. They are fun to make, and make excellent Witch or Goddess dolls.

You need a medium size apple, some heavy florist wire, and some clay. When I was a child we used air dry clay, but now we have that wonderful polymer clay that is baked to dry it. Your doll, when completed, will be about the size of a Barbie doll, but chunkier.

Peel your apple and remove the stem, but don't core it. Then using a small, sharp knife, carve eyes, mouth, and nose into the apple. Then sit it somewhere that it will dry. If you have a dehumidifier, place it nearby. I hesitate to use a dehydrator, as it may dry too fast. Alternatively, you can put it in a window. Check it daily.

As the apple dries, it will shrink. The face will become wizened and interesting. When it has the feel of leather, you are ready to proceed.

Take a length of wire, a good bit longer than the apple. Push this wire down from the top of the apple head through to the bottom. Attach a bead or something similar to the top end of the wire so it does not pull the whole way through the apple. The wire should be long enough to make a neck.

Attach wire to the neck to make a torso, then attach wire to the torso to make legs and arms. Double wire, in a long loop, works best for making the body/frame of the doll.

You can use strips of fabric to wrap the wire neck, torso, arms and legs to flesh them out a little. Be sure to let the ends of the arms and legs bare to attach the hands and feet to.

Make hands and feet out of the polymer clay. Make sure the feet are big enough so the doll can stand on its own. Press the arm wires into the hands and the leg wires into the feet. Then remove the hands and feet and bake them according to the clay's directions. When baked, the hands and feet can be glued in place.

Next you can make clothing for your doll. You can sew or glue the fabric, or use something like stitch witchery. You can make a long dress, or a skirt and top, or pants and top.

You can be super creative in making clothes for your doll. You can make them permanent, or make them so that you can remove them to put other outfits on for different seasons, occasions or sabbats. If making the clothes removable, you can get little Velcro dots to close the backs of the clothes you make. Opening in the back makes the clothes easy to put on and take off.

Beads can be glued in place for the eyes. A little lipstick can be used to give the face rosy cheeks and lips. Yarn or doll hair can be glued in place to give the doll a head of hair. Small witch hats can be found in craft stores, to complete the outfit if your doll is a witch.

Click on the link to follow Peace at Witchy Writings

Peace Whitehorse is the author of Witchy Writings. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and her Shetland sheepdogs, and is active in Sheltie Rescue.

The articles featured in Seasons of the Moon are written and/or submitted by members of the Order of the White Moon and are their own intellectual property. Please feel free to share this publication but do give credit where credit is due and link back to the source.

Thank you for reading, we hope that you have enjoyed it just as much as we have enjoyed presenting it to you.

Many blessings to you and yours,
Seasons of The Moon Staff

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Seasons of the Moon Home

Volume 21 Issue 2 Imbolc 2024

Imbolc 2024

Holy Days

Goddess Work

Ritual Work

Witchy Writings

Sacred Sites

OWM Awareness

The Bardic Soul: Poetry and Song for the Spirit

Recipes Fit for a Goddess

Reviews

Just for Fun

Volume 21 Issue 2
Imbolc 2024