One of the things that makes the Druid Journal 2008 Almanac unique is the section on weather magic — theory and practice. I am no weather magician myself; I got my information from Esmerelda, a witch who has had great success with it. In fact, she sometimes finds that she can’t avoid affecting the weather! Esmerelda contributed a large section of the introduction, as well as weather maps and average temperatures and precipitation for the US throughout the year, all of it essential for the responsible practice of weather magic.

This is the first of a two-part interview with Esmerelda. In this part, she discusses what weather magic is, how you know you might have a talent for it, and the limits of its influence. In the second part, she’ll go over her personal history with it, its ethical considerations (which are very important, as you can imagine), including its potential to influence global warming, and other tips on effective practice.

What is Weather Witchcraft?

In general, weather witching is the practice of changing the weather for a specific place and time. Once you are good at it, the only limit you have is your own imagination. It’s a lot like what Yoda said about the Force: “Size matters not.” Making a strengthening hurricane 1000 miles away fall apart is no more difficult than making the local temperature drop 3 degrees.

If I am relaxed and centered, and make a positive, well-formed request, I generally see results within 48 hours. How do I reach my relaxed state? Rolling my shoulders and closing my eyes, then taking a deep breath, can work just about anywhere. But more effective for me is a nice hot shower (with more shoulder-rolling and deep breathing). Or a candle and a cup of herbal tea.

Let me give an example. Read the rest of this entry »

Einstein didn’t believe in quantum mechanics for a number of reasons; he once asked, “Is it enough that a mouse observes that the moon exists?” In other words, according to quantum mechanics, a mouse can create the universe simply by observing it. This sounds pretty ludicrous, but quantum mechanics is an extremely successful theory — the most successful in history, by some measures. Most physicists today simply ignore these issues (at least until they’ve had a few drinks), because the answers are not things you can work out in the laboratory. That doesn’t mean that they’re unresolvable in principle, though. Read the rest of this entry »

The New Year is coming! Here in Massachusetts we’re in the midst of our first major snowstorm, and while it’s too cold for the big white fluffy flakes, the fall of the tiny ice crystals is like the tinkling of fairy bells. The acres of grass surrounding our new home (in Avallonia, on the east side of the Connecticut River!) have transformed into a field of swirled cream, and the apple tree standing guard alone in their midst seems to be laughing as it lifts its branches up to the sky and catches the snowflakes. (The tree has been much more communicative and friendly since we gave offerings to it at Samhain…)

So it’s my very great pleasure to offer to you the 2008 Almanac and Planner of Nature and the Ancient World, put together by my wife and myself over the last few months when we probably should have been unpacking or something. This has been a labor of love for us — for me, because there is a “Word of the Week”, landscapes, and quotes from the Druid Journal for every week — plus it was tremendous fun putting in the holidays, because I got to learn about so many celebrations from all over the world (did you know that Dec. 3 is International Basque Language Day??) — and for my friend Esmerelda, because she got to indulge her new love of weather wiccecraeft: she contributed a long essay about the theory and practice of weather control, and added tips for helping to alleviate global warming throughout.

I probably can’t do better than to quote from the introduction:

In this volume I have tried to bring together the most useful and interesting information – weather, astrological influences, holidays, passages to invite thought and spiritual reflection, and landscape art inspired by nature and the ancient world — in a simple format that allows you to plan and weave your life according to the rhythms of the earth and sky.

Each week you’ll find expected temperatures and rainfall, moon phases, important astrological events, and holidays from a multitude of traditions. You’ll also find an inspirational quotation – usually, but not always, from my site, the Druid Journal – and a “Word of the Week”, an in-depth exploration of a single word’s history and spiritual energy. Finally, the week is capped off with artwork created by myself in the style of my web site.

On top of all this, the quarter and cross-quarter holidays of modern paganism, which mark the grand turnings of the ancient year, are given special note, with history, etymology, and notes on climate. And last – but certainly not least! – Esmerelda, a local witch, has kindly provided an in-depth essay on weather magic, with particular attention to global warming – and what you can do about it! Read the rest of this entry »