THE SOBER WITCH BLOG

When I share a spell or ritual that I did not create myself, I try to give credit to the original creator whenever possible. However, it is difficult to find the origin for this spell. Some say it goes back centuries within the Celtic culture. Whatever the origin, it is a very popular spell for the Yule season and one I always look forward to performing every year.

Items that are Needed are as follows:

If you are using a real pinecone you’ll of course need a real pinecone (the bigger and more spread out the scales are the better)

& 13 Small pieces of paper

OR

If you prefer to use a paper pinecone template you’ll need your template (there are many online, the one I like to use is on a site called PaperLuv.co)  

You’ll also need:

A Writing utensil

A Candle

Glue or candle wax

A Fireproof dish

Matches

And a piece of paper to write all your goals or wishes on along with an envelope to seal it in with the intention of reading it next year

Please note, that we will eventually be burning this pinecone, so if a firepit or fireplace is not available to you, the paper pinecone may be more suitable as it is easier to burn in a fire safe container and, of course, preferable outside for safety.

If using a paper pinecone template, be sure there are at least 13 different components so that you can write all your wishes down on each component before assembling it.

If using a real pinecone, you’ll write your 13 wishes on the 13 slips of paper and then roll them up.

It helps me to divide my 13 wishes by the 4 rooms described in the Ancient Indian Proverb that goes, “Everyone is a house with Four Rooms, a physical, a mental , an emotional, and a spiritual. Most of us tend to live in one room most of the time, but unless we go into every room, every day, even if only to keep it aired, we are not complete.”

So typically, I have 3 wishes each for the physical, mental, and emotional, and then 4 wishes for spiritual. But of course, do what thou wilt. Just remember that these wishes or goals can be as big or a small as you want. As big as “I wish to go back to school to finish my degree,” or as small as “I wish for it to snow in January.”

Remember to write all your goals/wishes onto a single piece of paper and place it in an envelope that reads, “DO NOT OPEN UNTIL UNTIL 12/21/0000!” Seal it and place it somewhere safe. I like to keep mine in the back of my primary Book of Shadows. This is probably my most favorite part of this little spell and the thing I look forward to the most: when I finally get to open the envelope and see what I have accomplished and what needs more work!

If you’re using a paper pinecone template assemble the pinecone per the template instructions. While assembling it, visualize deeply what each goal will look like once achieved.

If you’re using a real pinecone, roll or fold up your 13 pieces of paper small enough so that they will fit between the scales of your pinecone. Figure out where each piece of paper will go on the pinecone and then dip each piece into hot candle wax or glue and set it in it’s place. Again while doing this, think of what each goal or wish will look like when it comes true.

Once done, whether you used a real or paper pinecone, hold it in your hands, and say a chant or pledge that you hold dear. The one that I have written and use, and that I welcome you to use if called to is:

“Great Patron, Mighty Matron,

I bring you this Yule

An offering that is done in full.

I’ve made friends with my shadow

Made use of this fallow.

From pine’s mighty seed

Bring the wishes I need.

I pledge my effort will be steady

And my gratitude of course plenty.

I will strive towards my goal

As you kindle my soul.

So shall it be.”

Place your pinecone where it will be undisturbed. And then on the 12^th night after Yule (December 31^st) hold it in your hands and repeat your chant again. Then throw it into your outdoor fire pit or burn it in a fireproof container outside. Watch as the smoke from it rises and the universe receives your intent.