H is for Hearth

From the first proper homes we, as humans, lived in the center of the home became the hearth. In early homes this was the main source of heat for the home, as well as the primary way of cooking food. A truly important thing. Because of this there were many magical uses and many gods and goddesses dedicated to hearths. 

In most modern homes the hearth is mostly for decoration, or a secondary heat source, but it can still serve a magical function. Many people use their hearth, and mantlepiece as family altars, or decorate them for the various holidays. The hearth can still be the heart of the home. 

Goddesses of the hearth: 

Agnayi - Indic

Arani - Hindu

Aspelenie - Lithuania

Brigid - Celtic

Chantico - Aztec

Fuchi or Huchi - Japan

Fuji/ Fujiyama - Japan

Hestia/ Vesta - Greek

A Hearth Goddess Spell 

* from Cottage Witchery - Natural Magick for the Hearth and Home by Ellen Dugan

To invoke the benevolence of the hearth goddesses and invite these deities into your home, try this candle spell. Even if you do not have a fireplace , you can still re-create a miniature hearth. Find a safe, flat surface to set up on and make your own magickal hearth area. Feel free to work this charm at any time throughout the year: at sunrise, the full moon, a new crescent moon, or at one of the major Sabbats. When you light this candle and say these words, you are calling in the goddesses to protect and watch over you. Basically you are welcoming these ladies into your life. See what sort of stability, warmth, and enchantment they bring to your days. 

Gather these supplies: 

     One red pillar candle

     A candleholder or small plate

     Nine white, small, smooth stones

     A Pinch of salt

     A lighter or matches

Arrange the nine white stones around a red pillar candle and its holder. Dust the stones with a pinch of salt to consecrate them. Take a moment to visualize your miniature hearth. See it glowing with warmth, magick, and hospitality. Light the candle and repeat the following charm three times: 

      Goddess of the home and the sacred hearth flame, 

      Brigid, Hestia, and Vesta, I call your names, 

      A candle for fire, a ring of stones becomes your, 

      Bless us with warmth and security from this Witch's art. 

Close the spell:

       By all the powers of the earth and fire, 

       This spell is sealed by my will and desire. 

Allow the candle to burn for a few hours. When you are finished, snuff the candle and relight it whenever you feel the need to the goddesses of the hearth and home. 

My mantle last Ostara. 

Betsy

Growing

Tiniest kernel of life

Dormant

Waiting to become one with the Mother

Awakened and blanketed

Sown

The dark comforts of the Mother surrounding

A cool drink

Nourished

Reaching out tiny seeking fingers

Breaking through the surface

Sunshine

Basking in it Warmth

Stretching skyward

Blooming

Sharing your lovely face

Cycles and changes

Continuing

Returning to the Mother to begin again

Written by Ani

Fertility

  Fertility has long been the center of pagan rituals. With spring comes the onset of mating season as the God and Goddess become one. Last spring I did a pagan craft swap with Jupiter Lunarsoul and my main request was items pertaining to fertility as my husband and I were having issues conceiving. Since then, we have decided to perhaps wait a bit as we are planning a big move, but I thought I'd share some of the wisdom I received from her! Once we decide to start family planning again, I will do an update with the rituals and how they worked out for us (without all the intimate details of course!).
   I found some information awhile back that I put into my BoS. It states that Tuesday is favorable for fertility as well as the color green. It is said to carry a bag of hazel nuts to ensure your own fertility, as well as any other types of nuts. Other items to carry are basil, hazel, poppy, cucumber, apple, pomegranate, acorns, and myrtle. I would think to make a bag of green cloth and make a mixture that suits you of these items. According to Scott Cunningham, green stones are ruled by Venus. Because they were used to promote gardening and crops, they were thought useful for fertility as well. Small egg shaped stones were carried by women to promote fertility. Women used to wear amber carved in the shape of fish, frogs and rabbits and men would wear amber carved into lions, dogs, and dragons to promote and ensure their fertility. Geodes represent The Great Mother and when charged, can be placed in the bedroom for fertility and conception. Moonstone and Pearls are used in fertility spells and charms as well as any stones relating to the moon or the element of earth.
  Here are some Amulets made by Jupiter Lunersoul and their meanings and uses:

Mother Goddess and Fish Amulet

Bull, Goat, Ram, and Unicorn

 

 

 

The Fish Amulet: an amulet shaped like a pair of fish and made of gold and/or mother of pearl will increase fertility and virility, bring prosperity, and offer you  protection from people with evil intentions.

 

The Bull Amulet: to increase fertility in women and men, wear a bull shaped amulet or place under the bed before trying to conceive.

 

The Goat Amulet, the symbol of the goat increases fertility when worn or carried as an amulet, and is especially favorable for those born under the sign of Capricorn.

 

The Ram Amulet: an amulet in the shape of the ram will increase fertility in women.

 

The Unicorn Amulet: The unicorn is an ancient symbol of chastity and protection, and was said to be used in medieval times as an amulet to detect poisons in the foods of noble or clergy. To promote fertility or increase sexual magnetism, wear any type of amulet jewelry.

 

 

  Here in an "Easy Fertility Spell" given to my by Jupiter Lunersoul

 

 

During your most fertile time (usually 2 days before, during, or after ovulation), light 9 white candles in your bedroom. Place them around your bed.

 

Sit or stand nude with your partner facing the North and repeat the following:

 

"With one mind, we call to thee.

With one heart, we long for thee

Childe of Earth, Wind, Fire and Sea,

In our lives, we welcome thee."

 

Turn to the East , then South, then West, repeating this incantation each time you do so. Proceed as nature requires. Let the candles burn out naturally in a firesafe vessel. Repeat this spell each of the 5 nights before copulation using new candles each time.

  

 

  I have also done some reading on natural remedies and treatments for increasing a woman's fertility. I have read a great deal on Red Clover Tea helping in this area. It contains chemicals similar to progesterone and helps even out a woman's cycle. But as always, with any herbal treatment, check with your doctor to be sure it is safe for you. Herbs may interfere with medications and medical conditions.

 As my doctor says, practice, practice, practice hehe! This goes along with magick as well. You must put your plans into motion for them to work. I will update this post when we decide the time is best to try and conceive. Best wishes to those that wish to try these spells and amulets! Blessed Be!