Let's chat!
Welcome, dear visitor, to my little corner of the internet where we lovingly talk in circles. Consider this your invitation to settle in with a cup of tea (or your potion of choice!) and enjoy the cozy, slightly unhinged ramblings. My rare talent? Writing about absolutely nothing while somehow making it entertaining. One moment it’s a point, the next it’s a detour, and before you know it you’re still reading, nodding along, wondering how we got here… but enjoying the journey nonetheless. You'll have fun, I promise.
Wandering thoughts and winding words
Grab some tea and lets chat
Hey Witches, and Welcome to The Crones Corner
Thanks for stopping by! Go grab a cup of tea—or something stronger, no judgment—pull up a chair, and let’s chat.
I’m Anita: Momma of two, Nana to five, a wife, a small-business owner… and yes, officially a Crone (cue the dramatic cackle). I run The Crones Cave Metaphysical Shop, where I make and sell all things witchy and magical. I also plan events, because apparently I like chaos sprinkled with a little glitter.
My witchy journey? Let’s just say it started with a lot of confusion, a dash of panic, and me hiding in the broom closet. Seriously, finding reliable info and community as a new broom was like trying to catch a cat with a crystal wand—messy and mostly unsuccessful. So I decided to fix it. I started The Witches of London Ontario on Facebook with 11 brave souls. Now it’s nearly 1,000 witches strong, which is basically like hosting a never-ending coven party, but without the clean-up.
From there, The Crones Cave was born. A year in, I’m still making magical goodies, supporting our local witchy community, and now, here I am with a blog. Why? Because apparently I enjoy talking to myself online… except now you all get to join in!
Here, we’re all students and teachers. I’ll share spells, tips, stories, and maybe a few confessions of my magical mishaps. I’ll also be promoting small businesses run by amazing women because let’s be real: it takes a village to keep a witch from accidentally hexing her own cat.
So, welcome! Pull up your broom, brew your favorite potion, and let’s wander down this magical, slightly chaotic, always enchanting path together.
Blessed Be… and try not to trip over your own broomstick
Yule
As the longest night of the year blankets the world in darkness, Yule invites us to pause, honor, and celebrate the quiet magic of the winter solstice. Falling around December 21st or 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere, Yule marks the rebirth of the sun—a promise that light will return, and with it, hope, growth, and renewal.
The Ancient Magic of Yule
Yule’s roots reach deep into the forests and villages of ancient Europe, where our ancestors honored the cycles of the earth and the turning of the seasons. Fires blazed to call back the sun, evergreens adorned homes to symbolize eternal life, and the Yule log burned brightly to protect families and bring blessings. Even today, these ancient symbols pulse with magical energy, inviting us to connect with nature, our ancestors, and the unseen forces of the world.
Symbols That Whisper Magic
Evergreens: Sprigs of pine, holly, and fir carry protection and vitality, reminding us that life endures even in the coldest nights.
Candles & Fires: Tiny flames and glowing hearths mirror the returning sun and illuminate intentions and dreams.
Mistletoe & Holly: Sacred guardians of harmony, love, and fertility.
Yule Log: A vessel of ancient power, burned to release the old and welcome blessings anew.
Seasonal Treasures: Pinecones, nuts, and fruits offer gifts from the earth and whispers of abundance.
Modern Yule Magic
Today, witches, pagans, and kindred spirits celebrate Yule in ways both sacred and personal:
Light candles or a Yule log to call the sun’s energy back into your life.
Decorate with boughs, wreaths, and natural elements to honor the spirit of the season.
Craft an altar of light, nature, and intention to connect with your inner magic.
Perform simple spells or meditations for protection, clarity, and renewal.
Reflect on the past year and set your intentions for the new cycle, planting seeds of hope that will bloom with the sun.
Your Magical Yule
Yule is a season of enchantment, reflection, and connection. Whether you celebrate quietly by candlelight or weave a full ritual in harmony with nature, remember that the darkness is a sacred space—a womb for new beginnings. Light your candles, honor the sun’s return, and embrace the magic that flows through you.
Blessed Yule from The Crones Cave
May your heart shine brightly this season, may your home be filled with warmth, and may the returning sun illuminate your path with wonder and possibility.
The 12 Magical Nights of Yule
The winter solstice ushers in more than just the return of the sun—it opens the doorway to the 12 Magical Nights of Yule, a sacred period between Yule (around December 21st) and January 1st. Each night carries its own energy, symbolism, and opportunity for reflection, spell work, and celebration. Traditionally, these nights are considered a liminal time when the veil between worlds is thin, making it perfect for connecting with ancestors, spirits, and the divine.
Night 1 (Yule Night): December 21/22
The longest night of the year. A time for stillness, meditation, and setting intentions for the year ahead. Light candles to honor the returning sun.
Night 2: December 22/23
A night of protection and home blessings. Use herbs like rosemary, pine, or sage to cleanse your space.
Night 3: December 23/24
Abundance and gratitude. Reflect on the gifts of the past year and offer thanks to the earth and ancestors.
Night 4: December 24/25
Love and connection. Focus on relationships, kindness, and heart-centered intentions.
Night 5: December 25/26
Healing and restoration. This is a night for self-care, energy cleansing, and magical remedies.
Night 6: December 26/27
Divination and insight. Tarot, runes, or scrying can reveal guidance for the coming year.
Night 7: December 27/28
Manifestation. Plant seeds for goals, dreams, and personal growth. Consider creating a small vision board or sigil.
Night 8: December 28/29
Balance and harmony. Meditate on relationships, internal conflicts, or decisions needing clarity.
Night 9: December 29/30
Creativity and inspiration. Explore crafts, art, writing, or rituals that ignite your imagination.
Night 10: December 30/31
Release and transformation. Let go of fears, habits, or situations that no longer serve you. A fire ritual or journaling can help.
Night 11: December 31/January 1
Celebration and joy. Welcome the new year with ritual, song, feasting, or a toast to the future.
Night 12: January 1/2
Integration and reflection. Review the lessons, blessings, and intentions of the 12 nights. Close the cycle with gratitude and a renewed connection to your path.
Working Magic During the 12 Nights
Light a candle each night with your intention.
Journal reflections, dreams, or messages from guides.
Use crystals, herbs, and charms aligned with each night’s theme.
Perform small, mindful rituals or meditations, even if only for a few minutes.
These 12 nights are a sacred portal to reset, reflect, and recharge your magical energy for the new year. Each night invites you to work with nature, intention, and ritual, creating a continuous flow of magical energy from the solstice to the start of a fresh cycle.
Blessed Yule and a Magical New Year from The Crones Cave
Ways To Celebrate Yule
Yule Home Ritual – December 21 A Solstice Rite for Renewal, Light, and Intention
On December 21, we celebrate Yule, the Winter Solstice—the longest night of the year and the sacred turning point where the Sun is reborn. From this night forward, the light slowly returns. This is a powerful time for reflection, release, and planting intentions for the year ahead.
Below is a simple yet meaningful Yule ritual that can be performed at home, alone or with loved ones.
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What You’ll Need • One candle (gold, white, red, or green) • A fire-safe bowl • A small piece of paper and a pen • Optional: pine, cedar, cinnamon, orange peel, cloves, crystals, bells, or incense
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Step 1: Prepare Your Space
Cleanse your space in a way that feels right to you—smoke, sound, breath, or intention. Dim the lights and take a few grounding breaths. This is your sacred time.
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Step 2: Light the Candle
As you light your candle, say (or adapt in your own words):
“On this longest night, I welcome the return of the light.May warmth, hope, and renewal be reborn within me.”
Visualize the Sun’s energy returning to the Earth and into your life.
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Step 3: Release the Old
On your paper, write down what you are ready to release from the past year—habits, fears, doubts, or burdens.
Carefully burn the paper in the fire-safe bowl, saying:
“I release what no longer serves me.With gratitude, I let it go.”
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Step 4: Set Your Intentions
Now reflect on what you wish to grow as the light returns—peace, abundance, creativity, protection, love, or clarity.
Hold your hands near the candle flame and speak your intentions aloud or silently, imagining them taking root and strengthening each day.
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Step 5: Honor the Turning Wheel
Ring a bell, clap your hands, or simply sit quietly for a moment. Acknowledge the turning of the Wheel of the Year and the balance between dark and light.
Close with:
“The light returns, the Wheel turns, and I walk forward renewed.Blessed Yule.”
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After the Ritual
Allow the candle to burn safely for a while, or snuff it out with gratitude. You may keep the candle and relight it over the next few days to continue honoring the growing light.
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Blessed Yule to all who walk the old paths and the new.May the returning Sun bring warmth to your home and magic to your days.