WITCH IN THE CITY

The collecting of Morning Dew has been practiced by ancient cultures from all around the world. This simple and ancient ritual is usually conducted at different times from the Spring until late Summer, (most traditionally during the May Day or Summer Solstice Festivities). In many parts of Italy it is a traditional custom to collect Dew on the morning of The Feast of John the Baptist (June 24th). This particular practice has many links to ancient pagan traditions, marking a time of fire, fertility and the waning of the Sun. On the eve of The Feast of John the Baptist, a large bowl or basin is filled half-way with clean water, to which a few drops of Holy Water were added. Fresh Flowers and Herbs where then included and the bowl left in a safe place outdoors to be left overnight to collect the Morning Dew. The next morning, before sunrise, the bowl was retrieved and the water then used as a skin tonic and astringent. Washing the skin with is magickal elixir was believed to promote youth

May Day - Calendimaggio - The Feast of Flowers  Floralia, Beltane, Roodmas, May Eve, April 30th - May 2nd Calendimaggio - The First of May  In many cultures throughout the world the month of May is a time of festivity as well as the observance of the Earth’s Renewal and Waxing Sun. Calendimaggio "Calendi" meaning ‘Day’ and "maggio" means ‘May’. It is traditionally held the first week of May from Thursday to Saturday (lasting a total of three days). In Italy, Calendimaggio includes medieval themes and costumes, theatrical performances, feasting, drum parades, music, singing, and the playing the mandolin and guitar. In our Witches’ Tradition the Calendimaggio Festivity focuses on the Cosmic Union of the Feminine and Masculine Forces of the Universe and celebrates the Cosmic link between Life and Death. It is taught that on May Eve, the Veil between Worlds is at its’ thinnest (similar to Halloween) and the spirits of the dead awaken beneath the ground - desiring the su