Where Moonlight Finds You

. . . enchanting summer nights

Across suburbs and small towns neighborhoods go quiet. The air is still. Porch lights glow like tiny beacons. Somewhere, a lawn sprinkler hisses. Fireflies blink between the hydrangeas. The last warmth of the day still lingers in the wooden porch floor beneath bare feet.

Deep in the urband landscape, the view is different. From a brownstone balcony (or an open window) city lights twinkle as if reflecting the stars. The sound of soft jazz floats on air from another apartment, another open window. The moon hangs just above the rooftops.

Not every witch lives in a vine covered cottage in the woods. Some of us keep our magic on a tiny patio, the front porch, or a balcony where basil and rosemary grow in weathered pots beside the geraniums.

Our cauldrons might be Dutch ovens. Our sacred groves might be climbing roses winding around a porch railing. The soundtrack to our evening rituals may be the distant hum of trains riding the rails, the laughter of neighbors, or the soft creak of a porch swing beneath a rising moon.

The place you call home is the beating heart of your magick.

Your magick isn’t measured in square footage or secluded acres. It lives in the corners you’ve blessed with your attention—the candle you light at dusk, the herbs you pinch between your fingers before adding them to supper, the chair where you greet the moon after a long day.

Every threshold crossed with intention becomes a portal to your magical sanctuary. Every windowsill filled with growing things becomes an altar. Every cup of tea sipped beneath the stars becomes a quiet act of devotion.

Under The Strawberry Moon

The Strawberry moon was named for the ripening of wild strawberries in North American territories of the indiginous Algonquin tribes. Other names for this moon include Honey Moon (mostly in Europe) Mead Moon, Rose Moon and Lover’s Moon.

No matter the name, she rises on July 29 at 6:47 (central DST), skimming the treetops in the southeastern sky as darkness descends, full and ripe like the tiny fruit she is named for.

The strawberry offers much for consideration. It’s shape resembles a heart, perhaps why it is often considered an aphrodisiac and associated with romance. It is sweet to the taste only when it has ripened in its own time. Its season is short, reminding us to enjoy the sweet moments in life, as they too can be fleeting.

Creating Your Moonlight Sanctuary

Warm summer nights are the most pleasureable time for creating a moonlit sanctuary. You don’t need a lot of space, nor elaborate or expensive decor. Think about how you can appeal to all your senses with simple touches:

one candle

tiny string lights

windchimes

a thrifted quilt

bowl of fresh strawberries (or chocolate dipped)

favorite tea or wine

relaxing music

a soft cotton dress

a summer scent (essential oil, perfume or incense)

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A Magical Recipe

Kitchen witchery is one of the oldest forms of spellwork— and while I’m all in for keeping things simple, if you’ve never tasted strawberry shortcake made with real shortcake, you can’t imagine what you’ve been missing.

The way flour, sugar and butter come together in a bisquit soft as a cloud on the inside with a sugary crunch on the outside, can be nothing other than magick. This recipe from Sugar Spun Run guides you through the steps.

Or, try this simpler Strawberry Cobbler for a similar result with less work. Just so you know, every recipe I’ve ever tried from Sugar Spun Run has been, hands down, the best.

If you want to keep it really simple, go with a bowl of ice cream, or Greek yogurt, topped with fresh, ripe strawberries.

Just remember to stir in the magick you desire—love, friendship, sweetness, joy. When you eat it, take the time to ponder over what in your own heart has finally come into season.

• What deserves tending?

• Are you withholding sweetness, and if so, where?

• Are you putting off small pleasures for another time, that might never come?

• What love wants to grow in you?

The Strawberry Moon asks very little of us. It doesn’t require elaborate rituals or lush gardens and perfect altars. It asks only that we take the time to step outside, however briefly, and allow its gentle light to find us.

The Strawberry Moon invites us to pause and notice the sweetness you’ve cultivated.

A Moonlit Blessing

May the Strawberry moon kiss you with sweetness

May the night remind you
that small gestures and quiet things are still powerful

May your magick enchant you

And may your heart ripen in its own perfect time

So mote it be

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Until next time ~

Blessed Be and Journey Well