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The Original Paganlore.com Site
in e-Book format
converted by Chronos 2011
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Introduction
The following information was taken from the orginal pagalore.com with designed and
created by Bayowolf & Erzsebet. For years after Chronos took over the site, I kept a sub
section of the site for the page. But the Time has come to optimize the site and it's
contents. The information was always useful to others, so I would hate to see it disappear
into the dark reaches of cyber space. So to help keep the information alive, I have
converted it into an eBook format for everyone to download, read, and use. It is more or
less a copy of the html file so some of the link might not work.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Home Page
What’s New
Authors We Know and their books
Pagan Musicians & their music
Wicca 101
How do I Find a Teacher?
What is your Witch Potential?
What do you put in a Book of Shadows?
Tools of The Craft (Alter Tools)
Principles of Wiccan/Pagan Beliefs
Magical Elements
Familiars
Festivals (Holidays)
Sabbats (Major & Minor)
Wiccan/Pagan Paths
The 13 Basic Wiccan Principles
The Wiccan Rede
The 4 Directions & Their Meanings
Circles, Why Use Them?
Casting the Circle
Casting the Circle II
Erecting the Temple
Herbal Danger List
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12
14
16
18
19
21
23
26
62
64
67
71
74
77
81
84
85
88
92
94
96
101
Advanced Wicca
Preparing for Magick
Wiccan Faith & Skepticism
Gods in Magickal Workings
Basic Meditation & Chakra's
Advanced Chakra's & Meditation
102
103
106
110
114
118
Book of Shadows
Divination
Crystal & Stone Magick
Rune Magick
Rune Stone Introduction
The Rune Stones
Rune Guide
Rune Making
Magical References
Rune Gods/Goddess Association
Rune Rituals
Change Runes
131
266
267
275
276
279
330
335
343
348
349
359
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Fact & Fiction
But what about Satan?
How Christianity Became
366
367
368
Reference Desk
Craft Names (humor)
Telling Your Friends & Family That
You Are a Pagan
Links to our Wiccan Friends
Wiccan/Pagan Learning Links
Wiccan Pagan Supplies
Pagan Awareness Links
Our Book Shelf
Boycott MW Dictionary!
Witches Rede of Chivalry
Rites of Passage
Pentagram Meanings
A Little About Us (Bayowolf & Erzsebet)
Amergin's Invocation to Ireland
Simple Meditations
Deep Relaxation
Mantra Meditation
Passive Meditation
Active Meditation
Light Meditation
The Giveaway Journey
Truth Meditation
372
373
377
Gardnerianism
Glossary of Wiccan
PaganTerms
Grimoire vs. Book of Shadows
What is a Hedgewitch?
Rites of Passage: Initiation vs.
Self-Initiation
The Lycian Tradition of Wicca
Guardians vs. Watchtowers
The Real Origin of Wicca
420
380
382
384
386
387
391
393
395
399
400
403
404
405
406
407
408
410
418
424
449
451
454
455
459
460
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Paganlore.com (Formally
Bayowolf & Erzsebet's Wiccan
Page
"Still owned and maintained by Bayowolf & Erzsebet"
NOTE: This mainpage contains alot of information as well
Since 12/20/97
Site Last Updated May 20th, 2002
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you think."
Margot Adler "Drawing Down The Moon" Pg.453
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And It Harm None, Do as Thou Wilt
Wicca is a joyous religion springing from our kinship with
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universal energies which created all in existence. It is a
personal, positive celebration of life.
Welcome to our Wiccan / Pagan page!
This page is here to help in the better understanding of
Wicca & the Craft.
There are so many misconceptions of what Wicca & Wiccans are and are
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What’s New
Paganlore.com
What's New?
Latest Updates
November 16th, 2001
We have added 2 new sections. We have added "Authors we know and their
books" & "Pagan musicians & their music" We personally know everyone of
the Authors and Musicians, and there are all outstanding people! Please give
it a look! You can purchase most of the Authors books right here online!
July 1st, 2001
We have added quite a bit today. Sorry we have been very busy with other
ventures and have not had alot of time to devote to updates. Today we have
added a new "Add your own links section" a new and improved "Message
board and Forum" a Wonderful "Pagan/Wiccan Classified Ads Section" that
will allow visitors to buy, sell or post wanted ads for anything, for the whole
world to see! Hopefully we can use this alot for Magikal items such as Robes,
Insence, Oils, Alter Tools etc.., But really anything of value to someone!
There is also a new box on the main page to refer a friend that has been
giving us some trouble temporarily, but it should be working fine very soon
(don't be afraid to try it). We will be trying to keep the page updated a
13
little more with some new and interesting things. If anyone has suggestions
of things you would like to see added, or have submissions of your own for
our site, please feel free to e-mail us with them!
Thanks as always, and Blessings!
Bayowolf &
Erzsebet
August 13th, 2000
Added to the "Advanced Wicca" section is "Gods in Magickal Workings"
this is a list of all of the Gods & Goddesses, their Pathoens
and which ones to use for different divinations.
Also added in the "Advanced Wicca" section "Understanding The Chakra's"
& "Chakra's & Meditation"
August 7th, 2000
We've been busy again today! We have added new items to
"Wicca 101" section, "Reference" section & "Advanced Wicca"
Check it out!
August 6th, 2000
As you might have seen, we have changed our look!
Hope you all like the new & improved web site. We will be working
hard to add alot of new things to the site in the next few weeks.
Let us know what you think of the new site!
Also...FINALLY HERE! After over 2 years of work
Erzsebet has gotten her Rune Magick page up!
Click here to see it or go to the "Divination" section.
webmaster@paganlore.com
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Authors We Know and their books
Paganlore.com
"Pagan Authors that we know"
& where to find their books!
Authors:
(click on their names for more info)
Trish Telesco
(has written over 40 books)
Dottie Gilmore Anderson
(has written 2 books, new very talented author)
Maya Heath
(has written many books a must look)
More to come soon!
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Pagan Musicians & their music
Paganlore.com
Pagan Musicians & their music
(all good friends of ours!)
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Dreamtrybe Click here for info & cd's
Dana Davis
17
Click here for bio and cd purchase
18
Wicca 101
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How do I Find a Teacher?
Paganlore.com
"How Do I Find a Teacher?"
"The teacher will find the student when both are ready." Kind
of a foggy concept, but it is a very true one. What have you
done to prepare yourself? Are you reading books? Do you have
questions about the books or are you simply reading and
believing them? No good teacher will encourage you to read and
believe. They will encourage you to read and to question.
Guidelines for finding teachers are:
1. Don't look on the Internet except to look for people in
your area. Though asking questions is always accepted.
2. Don't believe someone is a teacher just because they say
they are.
3. Ask about the teacher within the community. Good
character references are important, along with questions
about whether or not they attend gatherings, festivals,
or any community functions. Any knowledge is good
knowledge. Do not try to dig into the past of other
20
students. Some do not want to be known. It is all about
respect.
4. You do NOT have to sleep with anyone in order to join a
coven or receive magickal training.
5. See #4 and read it over and over again until you know it
by rote.
6. Honor your teacher by respecting what they have to
offer you. Courtesy goes a long long way when first
approaching someone.
7. Do not begin unless you are serious. If you do not want to
work hard, do not waste a persons time by playing.
There are several places to find people in your area:
http://www.paganprofiles.com
http://www.hue.org/paganww
http://www.witchvox.com/xwotw.html
And remember that everyone is a teacher just as everyone is a
student. We all have something to bring or to take. If it is not a
two-way street, then get out the road map and find another
street!
21
What is your Witch Potential?
Paganlore.com
"What is Your Witch Potential? "
from the Witchs Almanac
Read the following questions and see how you react to them:
1. Have you always been intrigued by the occult?
2. Do you love the Earth and everything about it?
3. Does a storm stir in you an inexplicable sense of
excitement?
4. Are you a sensualist?
5. Have you always felt different from most of those
around you, set apart?
6. Do you instinctively respond to animals?
7. Are you comfortable alone?
8. Are you relatively indifferent to material possessions?
9. Have you had fleeting glimpses of former lives?
Should you find you can answer most of these questions in the
affirmative your witch potential is probably high and should be
encouraged.
There is no church to join, no tribute to pay and no hierarchy to
employ. You, and you alone, must concentrate on the
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development of your own other-consciousness. Go to nature and
observe. Attune your inner-mechanism to the quiet pace of the
seasons and the procession of the constellations across the sky.
Go alone, or with that person closest to you. Watch the moon
rise, walk in the forests. Feel the earth, drink the water,
breathe the air...then light the sacred candles and begin the
life you were meant to live.
(* The Witches' Almanac Spring 1995 - Spring 1996 pg. 94 **
Originally appeared in the first public edition of The Witches'
Almanac, 1971)
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What do you put in a Book of Shadows?
Paganlore.com
"Book of Shadows"
(c) 1998-1999 Spirit Online
The most valuable and essential tool to the witch is a BoS (Book
of Shadows). This is a collection of all your learnings, memories,
rituals, etc. in one place. Most modern Wiccans use a three-ring
binder to make it easy to arrange documents and add in other
papers. This can, of course, be hand-written or printed from a
computer.
The following is a listing of some common things people keep in
their BoS. Don't limit yourself- just because these are the
most ordinary things to keep, it doesn't mean they are the only
things you can keep. Creativity will make your BoS more special.
The Wiccan Rede
Include a copy of the rede. You may also want to have an
evaluation of the rede- that is, "dissect" the rede and consider
each statement, and write about its meaning and value to your
practices. Our copy of the rede can be found here.
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The Sabbats
Have a copy of the eight major sabbats and include information
on the importance of each one. Our online list of the sabbats
can be found here.
Calendar
Make sure that you mark things you are documenting with the
time of the month and the moon phases. This assists in what
works for you and when is the best time for certain workings.
Magickal Correspondences
A list of what each god and goddess represents, and a list of
the meanings of herbs in magick, and the symbolism of
different candle colors. Maybe include a list of the significance
of different scented incences.
Rituals and Spells
Have a section of rituals and spells you find practical and
useful, or you may need for future occasions. Here
Chants and Poems
Chants or prayers you find especially nice are good for your BoS
collection. Also, personal poetry and your own hand-written
chants would be a great addition to your book.
Daily Journal/ Dream Journal
A journal of daily events and occurences is always a good idea. A
dream journal is also an excellent suggestion- recording and
analyzing dreams can help you to become more in touch with
your "third eye", or psychic awareness. There are some outlines
for dream journals, which you can find at spiritonline.com's
dreams and lucidity page. My thoughts are to have a seperate
dream journal.
Insights
Your path to learning can help you more in the future if you are
able to look back on it. Ask yourself questions, and write your
responses in a section of personal insights. As opposed to a
daily journal, this will not record actual events, but instead, will
25
help you to reflect on theories and thoughts. Think about how
you began on this path, reconsider your ways of life, think about
the wonders of reality, write a little on what Wicca means to
you and how it's changed your outlook on life. Anything goes.
And you can always return to a previous insight, and add what
new views you've stumbled upon! Don't forget to write the
time/date on each entry!
Remember, don't just stick a bunch of stuff into your BoS. Only
include what you consider to be of value, and always make your
own alterations. If you put a ritual in there, write side-notes on
what you decided to change for your purpose. If you put an
inspirational article in there, add your own thoughts and ideas in
the margins.
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Tools of The Craft (Alter Tools)
Paganlore.com
Tools of The Craft
The use of tools in ritual and magic has been documented since the ice age.
Neopagans, ceremonial magicians, and even Christians still use various tools in
ritual today. In these pages, we will discuss commonly used tools in Wicca and
what they symbolize.
Tools are an important part of any religion or magickal practice. It is
often thought that religion inspires art, and tools are an art form in their
own right. The tools of religion inspire us and help us channel the energies
raised in ritual.
First, I want to mention a few things. Tools are nice to have, however, don't run
out and buy a cauldron because you need one to work magic or use in ritual. If you
don't want to work with a tool, or can't find/afford/make it, don't worry. The
power is inside you. Tools just help to focus and store energy. Also, feel free to add
or create tools that work for you if the traditional set leave a gap.
When collecting tools, consider a few things. It is always best to try to make or
customize a purchased tool yourself. No one expects you to forge a knife blade, but
why not inscribe in the blade with an engraver or acid? Tools that are handmade or
customized have part of your energy stored in them from the creation process, and
make them "in tune" to you. Most Wiccans prefer natural materials like clay and
wood and natural cloths.
27
You can buy tools from mail order, thrift shops, and anyplace else you can think
of. When buying a tool, please wait until you feel you have found "the one"; just
don't grab the first thing you see because you "need it". Look around your house! A
cooking pot is a great cauldron; if you notice most of the tools are household
objects, helpful when trying to hide them during the burning times! One more point,
just because some of the below descriptions state certain specifications doesn't
mean your tool can't be different.
A magickal or ri tual tool is any item that has been cleansed, consecrated
and empowered for ritual purposes. At first, tools were simple, natural
items that were used by primitive wo/man to provide a sense of identity
and connection with unseen spirits. Often, these objects were small fetishes
or totems, and were usually made of materials associated with the spirit(s)
with which they wished to commune. As the concept of priesthood
solidified, tools became highly specialized. These tools were elaborate
works of beauty and power which were often passed down through the
ages. Ritual tools are found in almost all religions and magickal practices.
They range in size from small hand held items and pieces of jewelry, to
immovable objects such as idols and stone megaliths. Although the
appearances of tools may differ culturally, their functions are basically the
same. As the student examines the tools of several different cultures, they
will notice that these ritual items are each associated with the different
elements.
Back To Index
Paganlore.com
The Alter
The Altar is the center of your place to worship.
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The Altar is the center of your place to worship. It will be your table for your
supplies during rituals, holding your candles, Book of Shadows, Bells, and
whatever else you may need.
Your altar can be made from just about anything, and can either be permanent or
temporary, indoor or outdoor. In my personal preference, I much prefer an
outdoors altar. In our coven rituals and rites, we have found a beautiful grove of
trees in a forest in the hills. in the center of this grove is the trunk of a tree
someone had cut down, and after blessing the area and thanking the god and
goddess, we have been using the trunk as an altar. For myself and the other
members, this is one of the best places and kinds of altar we have ever used. The
feeling is indescribable.
Whenever you are indoors, or even outdoors, you can consruct a simple altar
from just about anything. if you are short on space in your home, and cannot
leave your altar set up at all time, feel free to clear off a coffee table and use this.
If you can though, find something to use as an altar (coffee table, flat desk, etc)
that you can leave set up at all times.
Another thing to think about when you find your altar, is what kind of altar cloth
will you use? or will you use an altar cloth at all? Some Wiccan traditions
prescribe a certain color for use on the altar, and others do not. Some traditions
require a special symbol to be embroidered or painted on the cloth. The decision
is up to you.
Some general guidelines for selecting an altar are listed below. These are just a
few questions you can ask yourself to help choose your altar....
What type of altar do you prefer? Will you make it, buy it, or
use something you already have?
Where will you place your altar? Inside the house, outside, what
room, which corner, etc.?
What will you use for altar cloths?
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What type of illumination will you work by?
What tools & representations of the deities would you like to put
on your altar?
Back To Index
Paganlore.com
The Athame
The athame is the tool over all elements
Intro & History of The Athame
Consecration of The Athame How To Make An Athame
by Wyn Summerhawk L.C.W. PhD. & Talisman Winterhawk L.C.W. U.L.C. PhD.
The Athame is the Black Handled Knife use to cut the necessary things for the
circle such as the pentagrams in the quarters and the circle. It should be
mentioned herein that the Athame need not be a black handled knife. It is the
opinion of the authors that it suit the person who uses it. It is also used to invoke
and banish things that are unwanted or needed in the circle. It is considered to
be an extension of the users "self". This includes will, spirit, thought, emotion
and manifestation as well. It should be mentioned here that the Athame is never
used for cutting things like meat, thread, plants or anything else considered a solid
object on this plane. (Use of this blade for self defense will make it null and
void for any magickal use again.)
30
The written history of the Athame as a magickal tool comes to us from the
Lansdowne Manuscript dated 1202 and the Sloane Manuscript dated 1307.
Before we go further it must be stated that the manuscripts above were great
magickal works and this information was evidently known and practiced well
before these manuscripts we re written. These are considered to be the
only survivors of the book and Witch burnings of the inquisitions. The material
contained in these manuscripts is Quabalistic in nature. In the book The Key
Of Solomon, L.W.deLaurence's 1914 translation of the manuscripts states that
the Black Handled Knife,"...is for making the Circle wherewith to strike terror
and fear into the Spirits. It should be made on the day of Mercury, the Hour of
Saturn, tempered "thrice" by fire and dipped into the blood of a black cat and
juice of hemlock." Not something I want to do with my Athame today.
In Israel Regardie's book, "The Golden Dawn", 1984 the method of "making"
the Air Dagger is a very long ceremonial ritual. The Air Dagger is considered
to be the equivalent of the Wiccan Athame. This is where so many get confused
as to what direction the Athame should correspond to. The Athame my be used
as an Air Dagger but it is NOT an Air Dagger. Considering the age of the
manuscripts that deLaurence translated and the initial printing of "The Golden
Dawn" in 1937 there was a change of attitude as to the Athame, i.e., no more
blood used in consecration. Further history shows a Greek vases with women
commanding Spirits with a short bladed knife. "The Clavicle Of Solomon"
published 1572, mentions the knife as a "Arthana" which Athame may be a
subverted form of the word. For more information on the history of the Athame
I would suggest reading The A.B.C.'s of Witchcraft by Doreen Valiente.
The Athame is nothing like it used to be . It is the considered opinion that the
Athame is of the Center and of the other four quarters as well, not just the East.
It is the controlling factor and extension of Self in magick that leads us to that
conclusion. We consider the Athame to be a tool of center, of self, of evocation
and banishing. The Athame is the tool wielded of one's own will, thoughts,
emotions, and intuition, over all of the Elements and over ALL. We use it to
command, even, the spirits that we evoke, invoke, and banish. The moment one
strikes a relationship with the blade is the beginning of it's consecration. The
purpose of consecration is to embedd in one's own mind and in the very metal
of the blade, the focus of it's purpose. Cleansing a clearing is the symbolic
refinement of the blade. Binding makes the blade truly one's own, and extension
of self in the center of the Universe. Charging is the energy from within the self
projected through the blade and outward in the direction of ones intent.
Back To Index
The Consecration of the Athame...
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Required for the ritual:
The intended blade wrapped in a black cloth (symbolically still unmined metal)
Juice of pimpernell (in lieu of sacrifice) in a cup of water
A basin of water large enough to wash the blade with salt
Solomon's Seal incense
A feather
A needle and candle to sterilize, to take a drop of own blood (optional)
Container of earth large enough to bury the blade
Brazier, Hibachi, or a torch and fuel to temper the blade (preferably a flame)
Lodestone or magnet
Beginning in the center of the consecrated alter in the center of a sacred space
(In the center of the Universe) three days beforethe new Moon;
1. Take the intended blade out of the black cloth as if mining the metal. Wash
the blade as if washing new metal from the Earth (optional brushing as well).
Thank the Earth for the metal.
2. Carry the blade to the East and smudge with smoke of incense and the feather.
Meditate upon the blade's purpose-extension of self with fine tuned intellectual
process behind it's use, consciously driven. Anoint the blade with oils from the
skin rubbing it from haft to point, visualizing it being formed into the shape it
should be in idea or design.
3. Carry the blade to the South. Heat in the brazier and temper in the cup with
juice of pimpernell three times. Meditating on the forging of the metal as per
the design, thinking it made as "mine" (A drop of blood from one's own finger
intensifies this concept at this time) then chant:
Blade of steel I conjure thee,
To ban all things as named by me,
And as my words, SO MOTE IT BE.
Say it until it sticks.
4. Carry the blade to the West. Bathe the blade lovingly in the basin of water
and anoint with own bodily fluids such as a tear, or saliva. Meditate upon the
emotional bond one chooses to build with the blade.
5. Carry to the North. Rub the blade gently from the point to haft with the magnet
or lodestone chanting:
Blade of steel I conjure thee,
To attract all things as named by me,
And as my words, SO MOTE IT BE.
Say it until it sticks.
Ceremoniously bury the blade in the earth filled basin to rest as dead to be reborn
seven days later. Speaking over the new grave something like (it is suggested
it be one's own poem):
Thee of Air, Fire, Water, and Earth
Made as mine,
My will through thee,
Mastering all Elements,
My Servant
6. Seven days later recast the circle around the undisturbed blade in it's basin
32
of earth. This would be a good time to have a name ready for the 'newborn'
Athame.
7. Carry the Athame to each quarter. Introduce it to the Guardians by the name
that has been chosen.
8. The name of the blade, one's own name, and/or words of power in secret symbols
of one's own choice can now be embedded, painted, or engraved upon blade and
handle as one chooses.
Back To Index
Making Your Athame
Written By Raymond Buckland from his book, Complete Book of Witchcraft
If you can't buy a suitable piece of steel, use an old file or chisel and work with
that. Whatever steel you have, it is going to be hard so your first job will be to
soften it for working. Heat the steel till it is a dull red. If you have no other way
of doing it, lay it on the burner of a gas or electric stove. You may have to leave
it there, with the control turned fully on, for several hours but it will eventually
heat up to a dull red. Once it has reached that color, turn off the heat and let it
cool down naturally. That's all there is to it. It will now be softened and easier to
work.
Figure 3.1
Mark on the metal, with a pencil, the shape you want
it to be (see figure 3.1). With a power handsaw (if you
have one), or a simple hacksaw, cut out the profile
and file off any rough edges Then start shaping the
blade for sharpness. A grinding wheel could come in
handy here, though you can work with rough and
smooth files. The blade is going to be double-edged,
so you are aiming for a diamond shaped cross-section
(see figure 3.2). Finish off the blade with 2 grades of
wet and dry paper.
Now your blade will need to be hardened and
tempered. Heat it up again, this time until it is red hot.
Then take hold of it with a pair of pliers and plunge it
into a bowl of tepid (not cold, or the blade will crack)
water or oil. Allow it to cool off then clean it with wet
and dry paper.
33
Figure 3.1
Figure 3.2
Figure 3.3 and 3.4
Next, to temper it, reheat the blade to a dull red. Again, plunge it, point
downwards, into tepid water or oil, moving it up and down in the liquid. Clean it
with wet and dry paper, then heat it again. Watch the blade carefully this time as
it changes color. It will go to a bright, light, straw color, then to a me dium straw
color. Immediately plunge the blade into the water and let it cool off (don't let it
get past the straw color; it would go to blue, then purple and green.) Watch the
point as that will change color first, At the first sign of "blueing" on the point,
plunge the blade into the water. NOTE: The colors appear quickly. Keep the
point the farthest from the heat.
Once the blade is cold take it outside and plunge it into the ground a couple of
times. Now you have
Moved the blade through the Air,
Heated it with Fire,
34
Plunged it into Water,
and Showed it to the Earth.
For the handle, take 2 pieces of wood. Draw around the tang (the handle part of
the blade) on each of the pieces of wood. (see figure 3.3 and 3.4). Then chisel
out the marked sections, each one to ~21 the thickness of the tang. When
finished, the 2 pieces of wood should lay together perfectly with the tang inserted
between them. When you are satisfied they fit well, slightly roughen the inside
wood and then spread a good epoxy resin glue all over. Put the tang in place,
press the 2 wooden handle halves together and clamp. When clamping, put on the
pressure slowly so as to give a better "spread" to the glue. Leave clamped for at
least 3 days.
When removed from the clamp, draw a profile of the handle you want on the
wood and start cutting/carving it to shape.
Some traditions call for certain signs to be carved on the handle. Even if your
does not, you may wish to add some decoration. I would certainly recommend at
least putting your Craft Name or monogram on it. You might also like to etch
something on the blade, this isn't difficult to do.
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Paganlore.com
Incense
Incense are a tool of the element Air.
I have scanned a chapter from Complete Book of Incenses,
Oils and Brews for this section. And added a incense chart myself.
Cunningham's Intro to Incense
INCENSE HAS SMOLDERED on magicians' altars for at least 5,000 years. It was
burned in antiquity to mask the odors of sacrificial animals, to carry prayers to the
Gods, and to create a pleasing environment for humans to meet with Deity.
35
Today, when the age of animal sacrifices among most Western magicians is long past,
the reasons for incense use are varied. It is burned during magic to promote ritual
consciousness, the state of mind necessary to rouse and direct personal energy.
This is also achieved through the use of magical tools, by standing before the candlebewitched altar, and by intoning chants and symbolic words.
When burned prior to magical workings, fragrant smoke also purifies the altar and the
surrounding area of ne gative, disturbing vibrations. Though such a purification isn't
usually
necessary, it, once again, helps create the appropriate mental state necessary for the
successful practice of magic.
Specially formulated incenses are burned to attract specific energies to the magician
and to aid her or him in charging personal power with the ritual's goal, eventually
creating the necessary change.
Incense, in common with all things, possesses specific vibrations. The magician chooses
the incense for magical use with these vibrations in mind. If performing a healing ritual,
she
or he burns a mixture composed of herbs that promote healing. When the incense is
smoldered in a ritual setting it undergoes a transformation. The vibrations, no longer
trapped in their physical form, are released into the environment. Their energies, mixing
with those of the magician, speed out to effect the changes necessary to the manifestation
of the magical goal. Not all incense formulas included in this book are strictly for magical
use. Some are smoldered in thanks or offering to various aspects of Deity, just as juniper
was burned to Inanna 5,000 years ago in Summer. Other blends are designed to enhance
Wiccan rituals.
You needn't limit incense use to ritual, but avoid burning healing incense just for the
smell, or to freshen up your stale house. Burning magically constructed and empowered
incenses when they're not needed is a waste of energy. If you wish to burn a pleasantsmelling incense, compound a household mixture for this purpose.
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Incense Chart
Blueberry - Burn to keep unwanted influences away from your home
and property
Blue Roses - Specially crafted to honor the Goddess in all her aspects
Carnation - A sweet floral scent traditionally used for healing
Cherry - Sacred to Venus, this blend will attract and stimulate love
36
Cinnamon - Use to gain wealth and success
Coconut - Burn for protection and purification
Copal - Sacred to the Mayan and Aztecs, this blend is suitable for honoring the Gods
Frangiapani - Burn to brighten your home with friendship and love
Frankincense - Draw upon the energy of the sun to create sacred space, consecrate
objects, and stimulate positive vibrations
Honeysuckle - Burn for good health, luck, and psychic power
Jasmine - For luck in general, especially in matters relating to love
Lotus - For inner peace and outer harmony, to aid in meditation and open the
mind's eye
Musk - Burn for courage and vitality, or to heighten sensual passion
Myrrh - An ancient incense for protection, healing, purification and spirituality
Passionflower - For peace of mind, this sweet scent will soothe troubles and aid in sleep
Patchouli - An earthy scent used in money and attraction spells
Pine - Burn for strength, and to reverse negative energies
Rose - For love Magick, and to return calm energies to the home
Sandalwood - A delicious all purpose scent used to heal and protect
Spice - A fiery scent to be charged for any Magick
Spirit - Raise your personal vibration, attract spirit guides and honor your
personal deity
Strawberry - For love, luck and friendship
Tangerine - A solar aroma used to attract prosperity
Temple - A devotional incense for the altar during ritual
Vanilla - Stimulate amorous appetites and enhance memory
37
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Incense: The Materials
Incenses are composed of a variety of leaves, flowers, roots, barks, woods, resins,
gums and oils. Semiprecious stones may also be added to incenses to lend their
energies to the mixture, much as emeralds were once burned in fires by ancient
Meso-American peoples.
Out of the literally hundreds of potential incense ingredients perhaps 14 are most
frequently used. Keep a stock of these herbs on hand if you plan to make several
incenses. These might include:
Frankincense
Pine needles or resin (pitch)
Myrrh
Juniper
Benzoin
Sandalwood
Copal
Cedar
Rose petals
Thyme
Bay
Basil
Cinnamon
Rosemary
Be aware that many plants (if not all!) smell quite different when being smoldered.
Sweet scents turn sour fast.
If you wish, take a large number of dried and finely ground plant substances
(flowers, leaves, bark, roots) and drop a small portion of each herb onto a hot
charcoal block; then decide whether the scent is pleasing or not. You might make a
notation of each botanical and its scent in a special notebook reserved for this purpose
or on three-by five-inch cards. Also note any psychic or other sensations you notice
with each burning herb. In this way you'll eventually build up a thorough knowledge of
incense materials, which will aid you in your herbal magic.
Do remember that, as surprising as it sounds, scent isn't a factor in magical incense,
except very generally: sweet odors are usually used for positive magical goals, while
foul scents are used for banishing rituals. Scent is power. It allows us to slip into ritual
consciousness, thereby allowing us to raise power, infuse it with the proper energies,
and send it forth toward the magical goal. However, not all magical incenses smell sweet.
Some have strong, resinous odors; others, intensely bitter scents. Incenses intended for
ritual use are blended to provide the proper energies during magical operations - not to
smell pleasing to the human nose.
Don't let this scare you away from incense, however. Most of our associations with
38
"pleasant" and "foul" odors are learned, and our noses aren't as capable of determining
various scents as they should be. Retrain your nose to accept exotic scents, and the art
of incense burning will become a joy, not something to be tolerated for the sake of magic.
Occult supply stores stock incense intended for use in magic. Many rare blends can
be purchased for a few dollars. While these are magically effective, you may wish to
make some of your own.
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The Two Forms of Incense
Incense is virtually a necessity in magical practice, but there seems to be a great
mystery surrounding its composition. Fortunately with practice, it's surprisingly
easy to make incense.
Two types of incense are used in magic: the combustible and the noncombustible.
The former contains potassium nitrate (saltpeter) to aid in burning, while the latter
does not. Therefore combustible incense can be burned in the form of bricks, cones,
sticks and other shapes, whereas noncombustible incense must be sprinkled onto
glowing charcoal blocks to release its fragrance. Ninety- five percent of the incense
used in magic is the non-combustible, raw or granular type. Why? Perhaps because it's
easier to make. Herbal magicians are notoriously practical people. Also, some spells
(particularly divinatory or evocational rites; see the Glossary for unfamiliar words) call
for
billowing clouds of smoke. Since cone, stick and block incense burn at steady rates, such
effects are impossible with their use.
The advantages of combustible incense can outweigh its drawbacks, depending on
circumstance. Need to burn some money drawing incense for an unexpected ritual?
You could take out the censer, a charcoal block and the incense, light the charcoal,
place it in the censer and sprinkle incense onto it. Or you could pull out a cone of
money-drawing incense, light it, set it in the censer and get on with your ritual.
Different magicians prefer different types of incense. I'm partial to raw or
noncombustible
incenses, but the wise magical herbalist stocks both types. Hence, instructions for the
preparation of both forms appear here
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Noncombustible Incense
Be sure you have all necessary ingredients. If you lack any, decide on substitutions
(see Chapter 5 or Part III for ideas).
Each ingredient must be finely ground, preferably to a powder, using either a mortar
39
and pestle or an electric grinder. Some resins won't powder easily, but with practice
you'll find the right touch. When I first worked with herbs I couldn't powder
frankincense.
It kept on gumming to the sides of the mortar and to the tip of the pestle. After a while I
stopped fighting it (and cursing it, I'll admit- not a good thing to do with herbs used in
incenses) and got into the flow of the work. The frankincense came out just fine.
When all is ready, fix your mind on the incense's goal-protection, love, health. In a
large wooden or ceramic bowl, mix the resins and gums together with your hands.
While mingling these fragrant substances, also mix their energies. Visualize your
personal power- vibrating with your magical goal-exiting your hands and entering
the incense. It is this that makes homemade incense more effective than its commercial
counterparts. Next, mix in all the powdered leaves, barks, flowers and roots. As you
mix, continue to visualize or concentrate on the incense's goal.
Now add any oils or liquids (wine, honey, etc.) that are included in the recipe. Just a
few drops are usually sufficient. On the subject of oils: If there's a sufficient amount of
dry ingredients in the recipe, you can substitute an oil for an herb you lack. Simply
ensure that the oil an essential oil, for synthetics smell like burning plastic when
smoldered.
Once all has been thoroughly mixed, add any powdered gem-stones or other power
boosters. A few-not many-of the recipes in this book call for a pinch of powdered stone.
To produce this, simply take a small stone of the required type and pound it in a metal
mortar and pestle (or simply smash it with a hammer against a hard surface). Grind the
resulting pieces into a powder and add no more than the scantest pinch to the incense.
One general power-boosting "stone" is amber. A pinch of this fossilized resin added
to any mixture will increase its effectiveness, but this can be rather expensive.
The incense is now fully compounded. Empower the incense (see Chapter 2) and it
is done. Store in a tightly capped jar. Label carefully, including the name of the incense
and date of composition. It is ready for use when needed
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Combustible Incense
Combustible incense (in the form of cones, blocks and sticks) is fairly complex in
its composition, but many feel the results are worth the extra work.
To be blunt, this aspect of incense composition isn't easy. Some of the ingredients
are difficult to obtain, the procedure tends to be messy and frustrating, and some
even question whether combustible incense is as magically effective as its
noncombustible counterpart. For years I hesitated making or using sticks, cones or
blocks because they contain potassium nitrate. This substance is magically related
40
to Mars, and I felt this might add unneeded aggressive energies to the I incense.
But when I considered that the charcoal blocks I use to burn I noncombustible incense
also contain saltpeter, I relented and experimented. However, to this day I prefer the
raw form. To each their I own.
At first, making combustible incense may seem impossible to accomplish. But
persevere and you'll be rewarded with the satisfaction of lighting incense cones
you've made yourself.
Gum tragacanth glue or mucilage is the basic ingredient of all molded incenses. Gum
tragacanth is available at some herb stores; at one time in the past every drugstore
carried it. It is rather expensive ($3.00 an ounce as of this writing), but a little will
last for months.
To make tragacanth glue, place a teaspoon of the ground herb in a glass of warm
water. Mix thoroughly until all particles are dispersed. To facilitate this, place in a bowl
and whisk or beat with an egg beater. This will cause foam to rise, but it can be easily
skimmed off or allowed to disperse. The gum tragacanth has enormous absorption
qualities; an ounce will absorb up to one gallon of water in a week. Let the tragacanth
absorb the water until it becomes a thick bitter-smelling paste. The consistency of the
mixture depends on the form of incense desired. For sticks (the most difficult kind to
make) the mixture should be relatively thin. For blocks and cones a thicker mucilage
should be made. This is where practice comes in handy after a session or two you will
automatically know when the mucilage is at the correct consistency. If you can't find
tragacanth, try using gum Arabic in its place. This, too, absorbs water. I haven't tried
using it for incense yet, but all reports say it works as well as tragacanth.
When you have made the trag glue, cover with a wet cloth and set aside. It will continue
to thicken as it sits, so if it becomes to thick add a bit of water and stir thoroughly.
Next, make up the incense base. Not all formulas in this hook can be used for
combustible incense; in fact, most of them were designed to be used as noncombustible
incenses. Fortunately, by adding the incense to a base it should work well.
Here's one standard formula for an incense base:
CONE INCENSE BASE
6 parts ground Charcoal (not self- igniting)
1 part ground Benzoin
2 parts ground Sandalwood
1 part ground Orris root (this "fixes" the scent)
6 drops essential oil (use the oil form of one of the ingredients in the incense)
2 to 4 parts mixed, empowered incense
Mix the first four ingredients until all are well blended. Add the drops of essential
oil and mix again with your hands. The goal is to create a powdered mixture with a
fine texture. If you wish, run the mixture through a grinder or the mortar again until
41
it is satisfactory.
Add two to four parts of the completed and empowered incense mixture (created
according to the instructions for Noncombustible Incense above). Combine this well
with your hands.
Then using a small kitchen scale, weigh the completed incense and add ten percent
potassium nitrate. If you've made ten ounces of incense, add one ounce potassium
nitrate. Mix this until the white powder is thoroughly blended.
Saltpeter should constitute no mo re than ten percent of the completed bulk of the
incense. If any more is added, it will burn too fast; less and it might not burn at all.
Potassium nitrate isn't difficult to obtain. I buy mine at drug stores, so check these
(it isn't usually on the shelf; ask for it at the pharmacy). If you have no luck, try
chemical supply stores.
Next, add the tragacanth glue. Do this a teaspoon at a time, mixing with your hands
in a large bowl until all ingredients are wetted. For cone incense you'll need a very stiff,
dough- like texture. If it is too thick it won't properly form into cones and will take forever
to dry. The mixture should mold easily and hold its shape. On a piece of waxed paper,
shape the mixture into basic cone shapes' exactly like the ones you've probably bought.
If this form isn't used, the incense might not properly burn.
When you've made up your cone incense, let it dry for two to seven days in a warm
place. Your incense is finished. For block incense make a 1/3 inch-thick square of the
stiff dough on waxed paper. Cut with a knife into one- inch cubes as if you were cutting
small brownies. Separately slightly and let dry. Stick incense can be attempted as well.
Add more tragacanth glue to the mixed incense and base until the mixture is wet but
still rather thick. The trick here is in determining the proper thickness of the incense/
tragacanth mixture and in finding appropriate materials to use. Professional incense
manufacturers use thin bamboo splints, which aren't available. So try homemade
wooden or bamboo splints, broom straws, very thin twigs, or those long wooden
cocktail skewers that are available at some grocery and oriental food stores.
Dip the sticks into the mixture, let them sit upright and then dip again. Several dippings
are usually necessary, this is a most difficult process. When the sticks have accumulated
a sufficient amount of the incense, poke them into a slab of clay or some other
substance so that they stand upright. Allow them to dry.
One variation on stick incense making uses a stiffer incense dough. Pat down the
dough on waxed paper until it is very thin. Place the stick on the dough. Roll a thin
coating of dough around the stick. The incense shouldn't be more than twice the
thickness of the stick. Squeeze or press it onto the stick so that it will stay put, let dry.
Personally, I find the inclusion of charcoal in this recipe to be distasteful and
42
unnecessary. It makes it imperative that you wash your hands numerous times
throughout this process. Although traditional, charcoal also lends a peculiar odor to
the incense. So here's another recipe I've used with good results:
CONE INCENSE BASE #2
6 parts powdered Sandalwood (or Cedar, Pine, Juniper)
2 parts powdered Benzoin (or Frankincense, Myrrh, etc.)
l part ground Orris root
6 drops essential oil (use the oil form of one of the incense ingredients)
3 to 5 parts empowered incense mixture
In this recipe, powdered wood is used in place of the charcoal. Use sandalwood if
it's included in the incense recipe. If not, use cedar, pine or juniper, depending on the
type of incense to be made. Try to match the wood base of this incense to the incense's
recipe. If you can't, simply use sandalwood.
Mix the first three ingredients until combined. Add the oil and mix again. Then add three
to five parts of the completed incense to this. Again, this should be a powder. Weigh and
add ten percent potassium nitrate. Mix, add the gum tragacanth glue, combine again and
mold in the methods described above.
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Rules of Combustible Incense Composition
Here are some guidelines to follow when compounding combustible incense.
These are for use with the Cone Incense Base #2 recipe above. If they aren't
followed, the incense won't properly burn. There's less room for experimentation
here than with noncombustible incenses.
First off, never use more than ten percent saltpeter. Ever!
Also, keep woods (such as sandalwood, wood aloe, cedar, juniper and pine) and
gum resins (frankincense, myrrh, benzoin, copal) in the proper proportions: at least
twice as much powdered wood as resins. If there's more resinous matter, the mixture
won't burn.
Naturally, depending on the type of incense you're adding to the base, you may have
to juggle some proportions accordingly. Simply ensure that frankincense and its kin
never constitute more than one-third of the final mixture, and all should be well.
Though this hasn't covered all aspects of combustible incense making (that could be a
book in itself), it should provide you with enough guidelines to make your own.
Experiment, but keep these rules in mind.
Back To Index
Incense Papers
Incense papers are a delightful variation of combustible incense. Here, rather than
43
using charcoal and gum tragacanth, tinctures and paper are the basic ingredients.
When finished you'll have produced several strips of richly scented paper that can be
smoldered with a minimum of fuss.
To make incense papers, take a piece of white blotter paper and cut it into six- inch
strips about an inch wide. Next, add one and one-half teaspoons potassium nitrate to
one half cup very warm water. Stir until the saltpeter is completely dissolved.
Soak the paper strips in the saltpeter solution until thoroughly saturated. Hang them up
to dry. You now have paper versions of the charcoal blocks used to burn incense.
The obstacle in scenting them is to overcome the normal smell of burning paper. For
this reason, heavy fragrances should be used, such as tinctures. Tinctures compounded
from gums and resins seem to produce the best results. I've tried using true essential
oils with incense papers but without much success.
Empower the tincture(s) with your magical need, then pour a few drops of the tincture
onto one strip of paper. Smear this over the paper and add more drops until it is
completely coated on one side. Hang the strip up to dry and store in labeled, airtight
containers until needed. To speed drying, turn on the oven to a low temperature, leave
the door open, and place the soaked incense papers on the rack. Remove them
when dry.
Generally speaking, incense papers should be made with one tincture rather than
mixtures. But, once again, try various formulas until you come up with positive results.
To use incense papers, simply remove one paper and hold it above your censer.
Light one tip with a match, and after it is completely involved in flame, quickly blow it
out. Place the glowing paper in your censer and let it smolder, visualizing or working
your magical ritual. Incense papers should burn slowly and emit a pleasant scent, but
again your results will vary according to the strength of the the tincture and the type of
paper used.
Plain unscented incense papers can be used in place of charcoal blocks. For this
purpose soak the papers in the potassium nitrate solution and let dry, then set one
alight in the censer. Sprinkle a thin layer of the incense over the paper. As it burns the
paper will also smolder your incense.
You may have difficulty in keeping incense paper lit. The secret here is to allow air to
circulate below the papers. You can ensure this by either placing the paper on some
heat-proof object in the censer, or by filling the censer with salt or sand and thrusting
one end of the paper into this, much as you might with incense sticks. The paper should
burn all the way to its end. Incense papers are a simple and enjoyable alternative to
normal combustible incense. Try them!
Back To Index
The Censer
44
Whether yo u use raw incense, blocks or incense papers, you'll need an incense
burner. The censer can be anything from a gilt, chain equipped, church-type affair to
a bowl of sand or salt. It truly doesn't matter. I know occultists who have used the bowland-salt method for years, long after they could have afforded to purchase other censers.
Although I have several, perhaps my favorite censer is actually a mortar from Mexico.
It is carved from lava, stands on three legs and is perfect for use as a censer.
Your own taste should determine which censer is right for you. If nothing else is
available,
use a bowl half- filled with sand or salt and get on with it The sand protects the bowl
and the surface on which it sits against heat. It also provides a handy place on which
to prop up stick incense.
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Using Combustible Incense
Simply light it, blow out the flame after the tip is glowing, and set it in the censer.
As it burns visualize your magical goal manifesting in your life. It's that simple. You
may wish to also burn candles of the appropriate color, perhaps anointed with a
scented oil that is also aligned with your goal. Naturally, incense may also be
smoldered as a part of a larger ritual.
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Using Noncombustible Incense
Light a self- igniting charcoal block (see below) and place it in a censer. Once the
block is glowing and saltpeter within it has stopped sparkling, sprinkle a half- teaspoon
or so of the incense on the block. Use a small spoon if you wish. It will immediately
begin to burn, and in doing so, release fragrant smoke.* Remember: Use just a small
amount of incense at first. When the smoke begins to thin out, add more. If you dump
on a spoonful of incense it will probably extinguish the charcoal block, so use small
amounts. Incenses containing large amounts of resins and gums (frankincense, myrrh
and so on) burn longer than those mainly composed of woods and leaves.
Don't knock off the ash that forms on top of the charcoal unless the incense starts to
smell foul. In such a case, scrape off the burning incense and the ash with a spoon and
add a fresh batch. Frankincense does tend to smell odd after smoldering for some time.
Incense can be burned as part of a magical ritual, to honor higher forces, or as a direct
act of magic, such as to clear a house of negativity and to smooth peaceful vibrations
throughout it.
___________________ * There's a difference between burning and smoldering;
though I use such terms as "burn this incense" several times in this book, I really
mean "smolder."
45
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Charcoal Blocks
These are necessities for burning noncombustible incense. They're available in a
wide range of sizes, from over an inch in diameter (they're usually round) to about a
half- inch size. Most religious and occult supply stores stock them, and they can be
obtained from mail-order suppliers.
Potassium nitrate is added to these charcoal blocks during their manufacture to help
them ignite. When touched with a lit match, fresh charcoal blocks erupt into a sparkling
fire which quickly spreads across the block. If you wish, hold the block. It may light
easily. If so, quickly place it in the censer to avoid burning your fingers. Or, light the
block in the censer itself, thereby preventing burns. This is some what harder to do.
Unfortunately, some charcoal blocks aren't fresh, have been exposed to moisture, or
haven't been properly saturated with the potassium nitrate solution and so don't light
well. If this is the case relight the block until it is evenly glowing and red.
Then pour on the incense.
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Paganlore.com
Candles
Candles are a tool of the element Fire
Candles are one the most universal things in the Wiccan religion.
Throughtout all of its traditions, each at some point or another uses
candles. Candles, as you know, come in all shapes, sizes, and colors.
They are used for all purposes from representing the god and goddess on
your altar, to storing and releasing energy, for focal points during
meditations, healing, and many many many other uses.
Different colored candles are used for different purposes, in different
kinds of rituals. If you follow this page down you will see information
46
about the meanings of the different colored candles, and give you some
candle magick you can use.
Candle Colors
The following is a list of candle colors and their assocations. These are
not the only things that these colors can stand for. Below that, table 2,
is a list of the days of the week, and the colors and associations for each.
Table 1
Candle Color
Candle Symbolism
white
red
spirituality and peace
health,energy,strength,courage, sexual
potency
pink
love affection and romance
intellectualism, immagination,
memory and creativity
yellow
fertility, abundance, good luck and
harmony
green
blue
inspiration, occult wisdom, protection
and devotion
purple
Material wealth, higher psychic
ability, spiritual power and idealism
silver
clairvoyance, inspiration, astral
energy and intuition
orange
ambition. carrer matters and the law
Table 2
Day of the Week
MONDAY
Color Association
WHITE
Symbolism
purification, protection,
peace
47
protection, strength, health,
passion, courage
TUESDAY
RED
TUESDAY
ORANGE
TUESDAY
GREEN
money, fertility, growth,
employment
WEDNESDAY
PURPLE
power, healing, spirituation,
meditation
THURSDAY
LIGHT BLUE
healing, patience, happiness
THURSDAY
BROWN
healing animals
PINK
love, friendship
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
stimulation, energy
DARK BLUE
YELLOW
change, psychic ability
intellect, attraction, study,
divination
Thanks goes to Lord Talows For The Candle Tables
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The Bell
The bell is a feminine symbol.
It is often used to invoke the Goddess in ritual.
A consecrated brass or crystal bell is often used by Witches to
signal the beginning and/or close of a ritual or Sabbat, to
summon a particular spirit or deity, and to awaken meditating
coven members. Bells are also rung at many Wiccan funeral rites
to bless the soul of the Witch who has crossed over to the realm
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of the dead.
The bell is used in many traditions. In some, it is used only on
seldom occasions, while in others, it is used quite extensively. First
and foremost, the bell should have a clear tone and good pitch. It
may be of any size or shape, and made of almost any materials.
Covens and solitaries use bells made of evertything from crystal,
to ceramics, to brass. The size, material, and shape is left solely
up to you.
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Figurines
Representations of the Goddess & God.
Many traditions place them on the altar. The nature of these images are of
great variety. Some simply use candles; others natural objects representative
of the Goddess & God. Still other Wiccans use hand-crafted sculptors or
drawings. Genuine clay is available that, when dried in a normal oven, becomes
quite hard. It can be used to create your own interpretations of the Goddess
& God.
You can find many images of the God and/or Goddess in Occult/Pagan shops.
They Come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and made from many different
materials. Some of which are, candles, clay, stone, silver, and much more.
We personally like to use things we find either in nature that we stumble
upon or if we see something that really "calls" to us.
Whatever you choose, as long as it feels right to you...go for it!
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The Chalice
The chalice represents the Female principle of Water.
THE CHALICE:
The chalice or cup is used on the altar to represent the Female principle
of Water. Another chalice or cauldron is sometimes placed in the West
as well. The chalice along with the athame, sword or wand are the modern
tools which are used in the enactment of the "Great Rite"-the union of
the male and female principle from which Life will spring.
Chalices may be of any material. Many use silver or pewter (be careful
with untreated metals when serving wine), but ceramic ones are now quite
popular and readily obtainable. Some Witches have many different kinds
for different types of rituals. Many a practitioner will avoid real "lead"
crystal because of the Saturn energy influence.
The chalice is sometimes passed around the circle so each participant
may take a sip from the cup. This is a bonding experience and often the
words "May you never thirst!" are passed throughout the circle with
the chalice.
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Libations of wine or water are often then poured outside to honor the
Old Ones and "sabbat" cakes are also offered back to the Source in
a similar manner.
The chalice is symbolic of the womb of the Goddess, and is associated with
fertility. It is used for drinking and for the offering of libations to the gods.
It is believed that to drink from the cup is to drink of life;
similar to the mythical Holy Grail of King Arthur.
The Cup, Chalice or Cauldron is a representation of one of the four most
important (sacred) things to a Witch. It represents the feminine principal.
The Cup, Chalice or Cauldron represents the subconscious, the psychic
and hidden part of life, and the emotions. In the Tarot it is representative
of all emotions both good and bad. This tool has a multitude of
correspondences. With out these vessels there would be NO "Great Rite".
In the Magickal Circle the Cup, e.t., a.l., is representative of water. In
Joseph Campbell's book, "The Masks Of God", he states that , "All
cultures have rituals and myths regarding water. It is found to be in some
of the earliest myths". To our ancient brothers and sisters when a
woman's water broke it was the signal that life was about to come forth.
When asked Grolier's 4ed Multi Media Compact Disk Encyclopedia
about creation myths and water it came up with, "Water is the symbol
of the uncreated universe, a kind of pregnant chaos".In ancient Greece
it was Thales of Miletus who argued that, "The world is made up of only
one element....water". Furthermore, in the transcripts of The Power Of
Myth with Joseph Campbell it states that, "...some religions use water
as a sacrament of The Goddess".
The traditional uses of the Cup and the Chalice are to hold such things
as the blessed water, wine and most other fluids. They can also be used
in divination. The Cauldron however, has uses in each quarter. For
example: In the North it can hold soil as a representation of the Womb
Of The Earth. In the East it can hold energy of thought. In the South it
can hold the Fire Of The Gods and in the West it holds The Water of
Birth and Rebirth.
The Celts have a long history of making beautiful vessels such as the
"Ardagh Chalice" and of cauldron lore. They have a legend of a cauldron
that never runs out of food at great feasts. The best know cauldron lore is
The Cauldron of Cerridwen that provides the mead of wisdom.
The Xians have the "holy grail". Legends from the 4th Century suggest
that the grail romances are believed to be the fragmentary records of the
secret rituals of a Goddess religion. Later in Autherian legends, be it
Parsifal or Galahad, were said to have found the secret of the "holy grail".
Did they only know that the quest for the grail was the quest for the
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Goddess? An interesting corollary here is that most myths about the grail
see the grail as silver, a metal of the Moon and the Goddess.
Surprisingly Raymond Buckland makes no mention of it in his book,
"Complete Book Of Witchcraft" under the chapter on tools. L.W.
deLaurence only mentions the use of a "vessel" and has no entry for
it's consecration. For further study read "The Crafted Cup", by
Shadwynn , "A Witches Bible Complete by Janet and Stewart Farrar
and "The Encyclopedia Of Witches And Witchcraft" by Rosemary Ellen
Guiley, "The Masks Of God", by Joseph Campbell and "Joseph
Campbell - The Power Of Myth", by Doubleday.
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The Two Bowls
Sea Salt symbolizes water and earth
Upon nearly every single altar, you will find two small bowls. The
bowls themselves can be of any size shape or color, their appearance
is not the point here. What is important however is their contents.
In the first bowl is usually found a small amount of the sacred salt.
Salt is generally used for casting the circle, consecration of tools, and many other
purposes. Rock salt symbolizes Earth, and is mixed with water and sprinkled over
things to purify them. Sea Salt symbolizes water and earth, and is more
commonly used.
In the second bowl is usually found a small amount of water. The water is for
cleansing, and is used during rites and rituals to cleanse the tools and area.
Used in conjunc tion, this is a powerful way to cleanse, purify,
and bless ritual tools and to cast the circle.
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The Broom
The broom is a purifier, and is an Element of Water
The broom is used in ritual and magick. This tool is sacred to both the Goddess
and God. The broom is a powerful tool against curses and practitioners of evil
magick. The area to be used for ritual is swept clean with the broom, getting rid
of all the negativity in the area. This clears the way for more effective magick.
The broom is a purifier that is linked the the Element of Water, which is also a
purifier. It is used in all types of water spells including those of love and
psychic workings.
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The Wand
The tool of the South and is associated with Fire.
The wand is one of the most renown of the tools and one of the most
versatile. Traditionally, the wand is made from the wood of many different
kinds of trees including willow, elder, oak, hazel, and fruit trees. The length
of the wand varies from tradition to tradition, but it is safe to say that the
wand should be fairly straight, comfortable in your hand and is not so long
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as to be unwieldy. When searching for wood for your wand, even wood
from a building supply store will work. If you take your wood from a living
tree, remember to ask the tree first, then thank it for its sacrifice. Wands
can also be made of crystals and metal. Make the wand your own by
carving or painting symbols on it, adorning it with ribbons, whatever
makes the wand special to you.
For thousands of years the wand has been used in both Magick and rituals.
The wand is used mostly to invoke the God and Goddess, direct energy,
and to charge other objects. It is used to draw symbols on the ground and
even to stir the cauldron. The wand is the tool of the South and is associated
with Fire. In some traditions it is the tool of Air. The wand is phallic in
nature, is a masculine tool and is sacred to the Gods.
The wand is used to bind the energy of the spell together. The wand has
been used for thousands of years in religious and magickal rites. The
Goddess and God are invoked with the wa nd. The wand is also used to
direct energy, to draw magical symbols during ritual. The wand represents
the Element of Air and evokes the energy of the spell. The energy is sent
in the direction the wand is pointing.
The wand represents the element of Air and the Male East. You can
purchase a ready made one or collect one from your friendly neighborhood
tree. (Ask first, if you want to harvest one from a living tree and leave a
small token of thanks.) Even dowels, such as those sold in hardware stores,
can be painted and decorated quite beautifully.
The wand can be used to cast the circle or direct energy in other magickal
ways, such as in spells and incantations. There are wands of glass, copper,
silver and other metals, but the "classic" material is still wood. Various
woods have different magickal associations and uses. It is very common
for a "Wand Witch" to have many wands of various types in his/her
magickal closet. Witches who do not use athames often use a
wand instead.
Starwood's Making Your First Wand
by Susan Baxter
Some feel the tools of Magick must be made by some powerful person
with more knowledge than yourself. This just isn't true. Making your
own wand is the most powerful thing you can do. making your own tools
invests then with your personal power and therefore will work better for
you as from its' conception it is imbued with your vibrations, your energy,
it is a part of you - a familiar, if you will.
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Choose a length of wood - I use tree branches that must be pruned anyway.
I like a 12 inch length about the thickness of my finger. When selecting
the wood I refer to the magickal vibrations of the different woods. I use
apple for love Magick, seven barks for money Magick, Elder for fairie
Magick, oak for nature Magick, willow for general Magick.
You will want a quartz crystal point for the tip - you could use rose quartz
on the love wand or amethyst on a wand for spiritual contact and guidance.
Gouge a bit of wood out of the tip of the wand to help hold the crystal glue with high te mp hot glue gun or a strong hold glue - let set.
Now use glue on bottom sides of crystal and top inch or so of wood, wrap
with leather strips or cord or embroidery thread in a color that goes with
the purpose of the wand. That helps to secure the crystal. Now wrap the
base end of the wand by gluing wood and wrapping with leather or yarn to
make a hand hold. Use the same color as on top and cover about 4 inches.
You may decorate the shaft of the wand with symbols that relate to the
purpose of the wand, suc h as runes and other symbols that have meaning
for you. You can use a knife, water proof marker, paint, wood burning
tool, etc. You could decorate the end of the top yarn with gemstone beads,
metal beads, wood beads and tip it with feathers if you like. Cleanse and
consecrate as with any tool.
This above article may not be reprinted
without written permission from Witch's Brew
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The Pentacle
Representing Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Spirit.
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A circle surrounding a five-pointed, upright star (known as a pentagram). Worn
as a symbol of a Witch's belief and used in magickal workings and ceremonies.
Each point on the star has a specific meaning: Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Spirit.
Pentacles are never worn inverted in the Craft. Witches consider this blasphemy
of their faith. However, an inverted pentagram is used in some second degree
initiations, not to indicate evil, but to fulfill a function of growth.
Yet Another Definition:
A flat disk or plate bearing, at the least, the symbol of a five pointed star, which
most traditions say is to remain 1 point up, never being inverted.
To consecrate, Place on bare Earth. Lay upon dried Parsley, Patchouli, Mistletoe,
or fresh Jasmine or Honeysuckle flowers. Sit before it, facing the North for several
seconds, visualize the pentacle absorbing the earth's energies, then pick it up &
scatter the herbs or flowers to the 4 Quarters, Beginning and ending in the North.
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56
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The Robes
"Magikal Clothing"
Many covens - and certainly the vast majority of Solitary Witches - work
naked... referred to, in the Craft, as skyclad - "clad only by the sky". This
certainly seems a preferred and recommended practice. But there are times
when, perhaps due to temperature, you may wish to be robed. It may even
be that you just prefer to be robed most of the time anyway...that's all right.
Robes can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. Here are instructions for
making a simple one. Any type of material will do, the choice is up to you polyester (if you must!), silk, cotton, wool. Consider, tho ugh, its weight: will it
he too heavy and hot, or too light and cool? Also consider how easily it creases
and wrinkles. Wil1 it stretch too much? Is it washable? Will it itch? Since
Witches wear nothing under their robes, this last is a serious consideration!
Measure yourself from wrist to wrist, with arms outstretched, then from the
nape of the neck to the ground. You will need to buy material of A width by
twice B length. Take the material and fold it in half. If th material has an
"outside" and an "ins ide", fold it inside out. Now cut out a piece from each
side. You will be left with a more -or-less T shape.
The exact dimensions of the cuts will depend on you. Leave enough for a full
sleeve at "X" but don't take it up to make it too tight under the arm at "Y".
At "Z" cut an opening for your head.
Sew where indicated: along the bottom of the sleeves and down the sides.
All that remains is to turn it right side out again, try it on and hem it at a
convenient length (e.g. an inch or so above the ground). It you wish to add
a cowl-hood there will he plenty of material available from that initially cut
off. Either a pointed or a rounded hood is appropriate.
Think carefully about the color of your robe. It used to be that most Witches
wore white robes, but more colors are appearing at festivals. In Saxon
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Witchcraft, the priestess wears either white, purple or deep green and the
others wear greens, browns, yellows and blues. Though this is not a hard and
fast rule. Combinations of colors can be attractive, of course, as can a basic
trimmed with silver or gold, or with a second color. Some few Witches do wear
black but, while acknowledging it to be a very "powerful" color (in fact noncolor).
Buckland personally thinks that it plays up to the misconception of equating
Witchcraft with Satanisn and, if only for that reason, should be avoided. We
are a reliqion of Nature, so let's use the colors of Nature.. the bright and the
somber earth colors (there is actually very little black to be found in nature).
But again, in the last instance it is your choice.
Robe Colors
YELLOW is an excellent color for those involved with divination.
PURPLE is favored for those who work with pure divine power (magician's)
or who wish to deepen their spiritual awareness of the Goddess & God.
BLUE suited for healers & those who work with their psychic awareness or
for attuning with the Goddess in Her Oceanic aspect.
GREEN empowers herbalists & maqickal ecologists.
BROWN worn by those who attune with animals or who casts spells for them.
WHITE symbolizes purification & pure spirituality, & also is perfect for
meditation and cleansing rituals. It is warn for Full Moon celebrations or
to attune with the Goddess.
ORANGE or RED robes can be worn to Sabbats, for protective rites or
when attuning with the God in his fiery solar aspect.
BLACK robes are quiet popular. Contrary to popular misconceptions,
black doesn't symbolize evil. It is the absence of color. It is a protective
hue & symbolizes the night - the universe & a lack of falsehood. When
a Wiccan wears a black robe, she or he is donning the blackness of
outer space - symbolically, the ultimate source of divine energy.
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The Censer
The censer is a tool of the element Air.
The censer is used to burn the incense that are often offered to the
Deities, as well as being used to invoke the spirits of the Air, the
Sylphs and Faery.
A container used to contain a hot coal for burning incense. This is best
made from a fire resistant or fire proof material. The most common are
the "mini-cauldrons' of iron and the various brass types which come
in wonderful shapes and sizes. Some even ha ng on a chain. The incense
itself represents the element of Air while the fire (charcoal) represents
Fire. The combination of these two elements are used to purify ritual
areas, other tools or the circle itself.
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Charcoal Blocks
Charcoal is an element of Fire
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Charcoal Blocks
These are necessities for burning noncombustible incense. They're available
in a wide range of sizes, from over an inch in diameter (they're usually
round) to about a half-inch size. Most religious and occult supply stores
stock them, and they can be obtained from mail-order suppliers.
Potassium nitrate is added to these charcoal blocks during their
manufacture to help them ignite. When touched with a lit match, fresh
charcoal blocks erupt into a sparkling fire which quickly spreads across
the block. If you wish, hold the block. It may light easily. If so, quickly
place it in the censer to avoid burning your fingers. Or, light the
block in the censer itself, thereby preventing burns. This is some what
harder to do. Unfortunately, some charcoal blocks aren't fresh, have been
exposed to moisture, or haven't been properly saturated with the
potassium nitrate solution and so don't light we ll. If this is the case relight
the block until it is evenly glowing and red. Then pour on the incense.
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The Cauldron
The cauldron is a symbol of the Goddess,
the essence of femininity and fertility.
Some Wiccans utilize cauldrons as symbols of the Goddess, and they can
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be the center of religious rites. Fires are sometimes lit within them.
WARNING: SALT corrodes METAL!!!
ALWAYS thoroughly was the cauldron after using.
The cauldron is an ancient vessel of cooking, full of magical tradition and
mystery. It is often the focal point of rituals.. The cauldron may be used for
scrying (gazing) by filling it with water. They come in many sizes. This is
usually the hardest tool to find, but is sold at many home decorating stores. The
cauldron is a symbol of the Goddess, the essence of femininity and fertility. It
is a symbol of the Element of Water, reincarnation, immortality and inspiration.
In pre-historic Europe, the cremated remains of the deceased were often
placed within a cauldron and buried. The cauldron is a symbol of the womb of
the Goddess and is associated with the process of transformation. It is also
used for more mundane chores such as brewing mead and ale, cooking food, or
even making teas and potions. The things which are made within the cauldron
are believed to be imbued with magical properties. The physical appearance
if a cauldron varies in size and material, but they are often made of bronze,
copper, or iron.
Numerous legends surround the lore of the cauldron. In Celtic mythology, the
Dagda is said to have possessed the Undry cauldron which issued out food
according to a man's merit, and Bran the Blessed was given the Cauldron of
Rebirth which had the ability to resurrect slain warriors. The Celtic god
Cernunnos was reborn after having been torn apart and boiled in a cauldron.
The Babylonian goddess Siris stirred the mead of regeneration in the cauldron
of the heavens. In Norse mythology, Odhin drank magical blood from a
cauldron to obtain wisdom; and according to Greek mythos, Medea had the
ability to restore a person's youth by using a cauldron.
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The Sword
The sword like the athame is over all elements
The sword is not essential; the knife can always substitute for it. But while
every individual Witch has an athame, many covens like to have a coven
sword - one for the whole group. The sword is usually used for marking the
Circle at the start of the meeting; being used by the Priest/ess or whoever
casts the Circle. It can be made in the same way that the knife is, or you
can purchase one. There are certainly many companies that offer replicas
of ancient swords, these days. If you decide to get a ready-made one, again
do some work on it yourself. In fact, since it is a coven tool, it is nice if the
whole coven either get together to make one or join in engraving and
decorating it. To Consecrate, Rub blade with fresh rosemary or Oak leaves,
at sunrise, outdoors where you will be alone. Lay the sword on the ground
with it's point to the South. Walk clockwise around it thrice, scattering bay
leaves over it. Take up the sword, stand facing East & holding it upward but
with arms lowered, invoke the God to infuse your knife or sword with His
strength. Point it to the sky, invoking the Goddess to charge your blade
with Her love & power. Wrap in Red cloth and take it home. It may be
stored in the cloth, If desired.
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Principles of Wiccan/Pagan Beliefs
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Principles of Wiccan/
PaganBeliefs
A: We practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life forces
marked by the phases of the MOON and the seasonal quarters and cross-quarters.
B: We recognize that our intelligence gives us the unique responsibility toward
our environment and each other. We seek to live in harmony with NATURE, in
ecological balance offering fulfilment to life and consciousness within an
evolutionary concept.
C: We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than is apparent to the average
person. Because it is far greater than the ordinary, it is sometimes called
"supernatural" but we see it as laying within that which is a naturally potential to
all.
D: We believe in the Creative Power in the Universe as manifesting through
polarity...as masculine and feminine...and that this same creative Power lives in all
people, and the functions through the interaction of the masculine and feminine.
We value neither one above the other, knowing each to be supportive of the other.
We value sexuality as pleasure; the symbol and embodiment of life, and as one of
the sources of energies used in magickal practice and religious worship.
1: Ones sexuality should not be used for coercion to gain power, fame or friends.
E: We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but do honour those who
teach,
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respect those who sha re their knowledge and wisdom, and acknowledge those who
actually courageously give of themselves in leadership for the "CRAFT" not one
out to impress others or gain followers or fakes.
F: We acknowledge that it is the affirmation and fulfilment of life, in a continuation
of evolution and development of consciousness, (some in this community don't have
and don't even try, but like to take credit in things unworked for themselves.) That
gives meaning to the Universe we know, and to our personal role within it.
G: We see religion, magick, and wisdom-in-living as being united in the wa y one
views the world and lives within it--a world view and philosophy of life, which we
identify as Witchcraft or the Wiccan Way.
H: Calling oneself "WITCH" does not make a Witch-but neither does heredity
itself, or the collecting of titles, degrees, initiations and nest/group co-ordinators.
A Witch seeks to control the forces within him/herself that make life possible in
order
to live wisely and well. Without harm to others, and in harmony with nature. Our
only
animosity towards Christianity, or toward any other philosophy of life, is to the
extent
that its institutions have claimed to be "the one and true way" and have sought to
deny freedom to others and to suppress other ways of religious practices and beliefs.
I: As American Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the history of the
Craft, origins of various terms, the legitimacy of various aspects of different
traditions.
We are concerned with our present, and future.
1: We in the Wiccan Community must police ourselves and protect ourselves
from those who exploit from within and only follow our Rede when its convenient!
J: We do not accept the concept of "absolute evil", nor do we worship any entity
known as"SATAN" or the "DEVIL" as defined by Christian tradition. We do not
seek power through the suffering of others, nor do we make those suffer by race,
appearance, how their income is made, or sexual orientation.
K: We work within Nature for that which is contributory to our health and well
being.
L: We acknowledge that reading one book or others doesn't make one an expert,
only time/age/experience can do that. So take notes when studying...
By Rev. High Priest Hawk Brown
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Magical Elements
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Magickal Elements
To a magician, all magic is based on four Elements:
Air, Fire, Water and Earth Ancient occult philosophers and the Druids
stated that all life is made of these four Elements; without them life could
not exist. Tan or Teine (Fire in the old Celtic language) was con-sidered
the most sacred as it is the closest to pure energy.
These four Elements correspond to the four directions of our physical
world, the four quarters of the universe, the four winds, and most
importantly to the four quarters of the magical circle. Water and
Earth are considered female energies; Fire and Air
are male.
The Old Gaelic term for the four points of the compass was the Four Airts
or Airs. The general definitions of these Elements were originally based
on the prevailing winds in Britain. In Scotland, the Gaelic words for the
cardinal points were aiet, east; deas, south; iar, west; and tuath, north.
The four Elements are forces and energies that make up the universe and
everything in it. They influence our personalities and magic. They also
possess form as well as force. Each Element is known for having certain
qualities, natures, moods and magical purposes; each has positive and
negative traits. Magical ritual calls to each Elemental kingdom and its
ruler to protect its quarter of the circle. Because of this, it is very
important to completely understand what each Element is and does.
In Wiccan and ceremonial magic, each Element is associated with a color:
east, yellow; south, red; west, blue; north, green. Although the ancient
Celts correctly knew the forces and energies of the Elements,
the colors for them were different: east, red; south, white; west, gray;
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north, black. To the Celts, red symbolized the rising Sun; \white, noonday;
gray, twilight; black, midnight.
The Element of Air governs the eastern quarter of the circle. Its ruler is
Paralda who oversees the Sylphs, Zephyrs, and Nature spirits or fairies. Its
color is pure yellow; it is considered warm and moist. The positive
associations of Air are: sunrise, Spring, incense, the wand, clouds, breezes,
breath, optimism, joy, intelligence, mental quickness, any kind of helpful
air. Negative associations are: frivolity, gossip, fickleness, inattention,
bragging, forgetfulness, wind storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, destructive
air in any form.
The Element of Fire governs the southern quarter of the circle. Its ruler is
Djin (dee-yin) who oversees the Salamanders, Firedrakes, and the little
ones of the sunbeams. Its color is pure red; it is considered warm and dry.
The positive associations of Fire are: noon, Summer,the dagger and sword,
candles, any kind of helpful fire, the Sun, the stars, the blood, enthusiasm
activity, co urage, daring, willpower, leadsship. Negative associations are:
hate, jealousy, fear, anger, war, ego, conflicts, lightning, volcanoes, harmful fire of any kind.
The Element of Water governs the western quarter of the circle. Its ruler is
Niksa who oversees the Nymphs, Undines, Mer-people, and the little ones
of the springs, lakes, ponds, and rivers. Its color is pure blue; it is cold and
moist. The positive associations of Water are: sunset, Pall, the chalice and
cauldron, any form of helpful water, compassion, peacefulness,
forgiveness, love, intuition. Negative associations are:
floods, rain storms, whirlpools, any kind of harmful water, laziness,
indifference, instability, lack of emotional control, insecurity.
The Element of Earth rules the northern quarter of the circle. Its ruler is
Ghob, sometimes called Ghom, Who oversees the gnomes and dwarfs and
the little ones of the moonbeams. Its color is clear dark green; it
is cold and dry. Positive associations are: midnight, Winter, the pentacle,
ritual salt, gemstones, mountains, caves, soil, respect, endurance,
esponsibility, stability, thoroughness, purpose in life. Negative
associations are: rigidity, unwillingness to change or see another side to a
problem, stubbornness, lack of conscience, vacillation, earthquakes, slides.
The fifth Element, Spirit (or nyu to the Druids),
dominates the center of the circle, thus balancing all the other Elements.
Through invocation of the gods, or Spirit, we are able to blend Elements
bringing forth the desired manifestation. The spirits or beings of the
Elements have been known to many cultures, particularly the Greeks and
Romans from whom we get our names for them. In Greek gnoma (gnomes)
meant knowledge or the knowing ones. Unda (undine) in Latin meant
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wave, creatures of the waves. The Greek word silphe (sylph) was a
butterfly or being with gauzy wings. Salambe (salamander) in Greek
described a fireplace; however, the actual being was more like a very small
dragon.
The Elemental kingdoms and their rulers are represented in their
appropriate quarter of the magical circle by a symbol and/or candle of the
correct color. The magician always draws the magical circle sunwise,
beginning and ending in the east. When welcoming the Elements, he or she
begins with Air in the east. When he or she ends the ritual and dismisses
the kingdoms, he or she again begins with the eastern position. Before
opening the circle, the magician returns to the center and dismisses the
Element of Spirit. Become familiar with the traits of the Elemental
kingdoms and their rulers for they will play a very important part in all
your magical activities.
Taken from "Celtic Magic" by D.J. Conway
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Familiars
Paganlore.com
Familiars
Deva Bluewing
Non-Pagan history describes familiars as low-ranking demons in constant
attention
to Witches for the purpose of carrying out spells and bewitchments. Familiars
usually assumed animal forms - cats, toads, owls, mice and dogs seem to have been
the most common - though virtually any animal or insect could be suspected. In the
Witchcraft Trials, if so much as a fly buzzed in the window while someone suspected
of being a witch was being questioned or tried, it was said to be her (or his) familiar.
The inquisitors took the Bile to heart: those who had familiars were "an
abomination unto the Lord" and should be "Put to death: they shall stone them
with
stones: Their blood shall be upon them" (Lev. 20:27).
Familiars - also called imps - were said to be given to Witches by the Devil or
bought
or inherited from other Witches. A Witch could have several of them. Cats were the
favored forms, especially black ones. The fear that all cats were Witches' familiars
was one of the primary reasons for the famous cat massacres that swept through
medieval Europe.
Familiars were given names like any household pet, which most of them
undoubtedly
were. Perhaps the best known familiar name is Pyewackett, the monicker the
Witch's
cat in the movie Bell, Book and Candle, and a name that dates back to Renaissance
England. Pyewackett, Matthew Hopkins (the famous Witch hunter) stated, was a
name "no mortal could invent."
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During the Witch hysteria of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the obsession with
familiars was confined mostly to England and Scotland, where they are mentioned
in
numerous trial records, especially those related to Hopkins. The Witchcraft Act of
1604 made it a felony to "consult, convenant with, entertain, employ, feed, or
reward
any evil and wicked spirit to or for any intent or purpose." But the Malleus
Maleficarum (1486),the major Witch inquisitor's handbook, offers no instructions
concerning familiars in the interrogation and trial of Witches. The book does
acknowledge that an animal familiar "always works with the Witch in everything."
There is a scant evidence of familiars in early American Witch trials. In the Salem
Trials in 1692, John Bradsheet was indicted for "inciting a dog to afflict." The dog
was tried and hanged as a Witch.
Outside of Witch trials, more benevolent familiars were believed to exist, serving
wizards and wise men (and women) who were magicians or village healers. The
familiars helped diagnose illnesses and the sources of bewitchment and were used
for divining and finding lost objects and treasures. M agicians conjured them in
rituals, then locked then in bottles, rings and stones. They sometimes sold them as
charms, claiming the spirits would ensure success in gambling, love, business or
whatever the customer wanted. This sort of familiar was technically not illegal;
England's Witchcraft Act of 1604 prohibited only evil and wicked spirits. Some
familiars were said to be Faeries. Oberon was a popular name for fairy familiars in
15th and 16th century England.
Many modern Witches have animal familiars, usually cats, which are their magical
helpers. Some also have dogs, birds, snakes or toads. Witches do not believe the
familiars are "demons" or spirits in animal form but simply animals whose psychic
attunement makes them ideal partners in magical workings. Some Witches say that
it is possible to endow pets with magical powers and turn them into familiars,
though
others don't believe it should be done. Still others believe familiars are never "pets"
(and should never be treated as such) but are animals who volunteer to work as
familiars and are Karmically attracted to Witches. Witches who do not have
familiars
send out psychic "calls" to draw the right animal.
Familiars reputedly are sensitive to psychic vibrations and power and are
welcomed
partners inside the magic circle and other magical work. They also serve as psychic
radar, reacting visibly to the presence of any negative or evil energy, whether it be
an unseen force or a person who dabbles in the wrong kind of magic. Familiars are
also given psychic protection by their Witches. Some Witches it seems also use the
term familiar to describe thought-forms created magically and empowered to carry
out a certain task on the astral plane.
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Sorcerers and shamans in cultures around the world also have helpers in the form
of
spirits. Dispatching them on errands to heal, harm or kill - called sending. The
physical
shape of a familiar varies. New Guinea sorcerers rely on snakes and crocodiles,
while in Malaya, the familiar is usually an owl or badger passed down from
generation
to generation.
Throughout Africa, the wild creatures of the bush are said to be Witches'
familiars:
for the Lugbara, they are said to be the toad, snake, lizard, water frog, bat, owl,
leopard, jackal and a type of monkey that screeches in the night; for the Dinka, they
are black cobras and hyenas. The Zulus' familiars are said to be corpses dug up and
re-animated with magic; they are sent out at on night errands to scare travelers with
their shrieking and pranks. In Shamanism, a novice shaman acquires his familiar
spirits, usually manifesting in animal, reptile or bird shapes, when he completes his
initiation. He or she may send them out to do battle in his or her place, but if they
die, so does the shaman. Familiars usually stay with their shaman until death, then
disappear. Among certain Eskimos, the familiar is embodied in an artificial seal, not
a live animal.
In closing, what I usually instruct in this area is that the student of magic who feels
that
they have found a familiar is that they should practice an exercise called "Trading
Places" by Keith Harry. This exercise is simple enough to memorize and to practice,
and though it was not written specifically for bonding with an animal familiar it was
designed for becoming familiar with an animal, and inducing a mystical experience.
I think you will readily discern its value in the acquiring of a familiar.
Trading Places Exercise
Objective:
To trade places (mentally) with a dog or cat, or other animal.
Setting:
Home, Zoo, Wilderness, etc.
Instructions:
1. Relax your body as completely as you can. Calm your mind, eliminating all
thoughts which do not relate to your intent and purpose. Sit so that you are
comfortable, and as nearly as possible on the same level with the animal you will
be working with. Lie down if you like. The important thing is that you are able to
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comfortably make eye contact with your animal partner in this exercise. It is also
important to satisfy yourself that the animal is like wise comfortable and secure
with you.
2. Take a deep breath. As you slowly exhale, look into the animal's eyes, and
imagine
that a part of your awareness is being trans mitted through your breath into the
animal's
mind. Watch the animal breathe, and imagine that a part of its awareness is being
transmitted into your mind.
3. Continue looking directly into the animal's eyes until you fell your consciousness
merge with the animal's consciousness.
Benefits:
As the boundaries between you and the animal dissolve, you may feel as if you've
really traded places with a member of another species, as though a part of you has
become the animal - this is the height of subjective merging. You may begin to feel
compassion for another species. You'll also probably recognize some of the artificial
differences between the human and animal worlds. You may be able to feel or sense
the actual flow of the animals emotions and mental imagery. Should you accomplish
this then it should be no trouble for you to contract with the animal to serve as your
magical partner. Asking another to become such a partner also places upon you the
responsibility of becoming its partner. I would not recommend contracting an
animal
to become your familiar and then treating the animal as a pet. A pet is something
you
possess, own. A Familiar, to my way of thinking, is an individual who has entered
into
a mutually beneficial relationship (partnership) with you, and therefore should be
afforded the respect and consideration due a partner.
Sources:
The Encyclopedia of Witches and Witchcraft - Rosemary Ellen Guiley
Twelve Exercises For Inducing Mystical Experiences (Omni Dec. 1988) - Keith
Harary
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Paganlore.com
Information
on the Holidays
October 31
November Eve/Samhain
The night lengthens and we work with the positive aspects of darkness in
the increasing star- and moonlight. Many Craft traditions, following the
ancient Celts, consider this the eve of the New Year (as day begins with
sundown, so the year begins with the first day of Winter). It is one night
when the barriers between the worlds of life and death are uncertain,
allowing the ancestors to walk among the living, welcomed and feasted
by their kin, bestowing the Otherworld's blessings. We may focus within
ourselves to look "through the glass darkly", developing our divination
and psychic skills.
December 21
Winter Solstice/Yule
The sun is at its nadir, the year's longest night. We internalize and
synthesize the outward-directed activities of the previous summer
months. Some covens hold a Festival of Light to commemorate the
Goddess as Mother giving birth to the Sun God. Others celebrate the
victory of the Lord of Light over the Lord of Darkness as the turning point
from which the days will lengthen. The name "Yule" derives from the
Norse word for "wheel", and many of our customs (like those of the
Christian holiday) derive from Norse and Celtic Pagan practices (the Yule
log, the tree, the custom of Wassailing, et al).
January 31
February Eve/Imbolc
As the days' lengthening becomes perceptible, many candles are lit to
hasten the warming of the earth and emphasize the reviving of life.
"Imbolc" is from Old Irish, and may mean "in the belly", and Oimelc,
"ewe's milk", as this is the lambing time. It is the holiday of the Celtic
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Fire Goddess Brigid, whose threefold nature rules smithcraft,
poetry/inspiration, and healing. Brigid's fire is a symbolic transformation
offering healing, visions, and tempering. Februum is a Latin word
meaning purification -- naming the month of cleansing. The thaw
releases waters (Brigid is also a goddess of holy wells) -- all that was
hindered is let flow at this season.
March 21
Vernal Equinox/Ostara
Day and night are equal as Spring begins to enliven the environment
with new growth and more newborn animals. Many people feel "reborn"
after the long nights and coldness of winter. The Germanic Goddess
Ostara or Eostre (Goddess of the Dawn), after whom Easter is named, is
the tutelary deity of this holiday. It is she, as herald of the sun, who
announces the triumphal return of life to the earth. Witches in the Greek
tradition celebrate the return from Hades of Demeter's daughter
Persephone; Witches in the Celtic tradition see in the blossoms the
passing of Olwen, in whose footprints flowers bloom. The enigmatic egg,
laid by the regenerating snake or the heavenly bird, is a powerful symbol
of the emergence of life out of apparent death or absence of life.
April 30
May Eve/Beltaine
As the weather heats up and the plant world burgeons, an exuberant
mood prevails. Folk dance around the Maypole, emblem of fertility (the
name "May" comes from a Norse word meaning "to shoot out new
growth"). May 1st was the midpoint of a five -day Roman festival to Flora,
Goddess of Flowers. The name "Beltaine" means "Bel's Fires"; in Celtic
lands, cattle were driven between bonfires to bless them, and people
leaped the fires for luck. The association in Germany of May Eve with
Witches' gatherings is a memory of pre-Christian tradition. "Wild" water
(dew, flowing streams or ocean water) is collected as a basis for healing
drinks and potions for the year to come.
June 21
Summer Solstice/Litha
On this day, the noon of the year and the longest day, light and life are
abundant. We focus outward, experiencing the joys of plenty, tasting the
first fruits of the season. In some traditions the sacred marriage of the
Goddess and God is celebrated (in others, this is attributed to the
springtime holidays). Rhea, the Mountain Mother of Crete, has breathed
out all creation. It is also the festival of the Chinese Goddess of Light, Li.
July 31
August Eve/Lughnasadh
This festival has two aspects. First, it is one of the Celtic fire festivals,
honoring the Celtic culture-bringer and Solar God Lugh (Lleu to the
Welsh, Lugus to the Gauls). In Ireland, races and games were held in his
name and that of his mother, Tailtiu (these may have been funeral
games). The second aspect is Lammas, the Saxon Feast of Bread, at
which the first of the grain harvest is consumed in ritual loaves. These
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aspects are not too dissimilar, as the shamanic death and transformation
of Lleu can be compared to that of the Barley God, known from the folk
song "John Barleycorn". This time is also sacred to the Greek Goddess of
the Moon and the Hunt, Artemis.
September 21
Autumnal Equinox/Mabon
This day sees light and dark in balance again, before the descent to the
dark times. A harvest festival is held, thanking the Goddess for giving us
enough sustenance to feed us through the winter. Harvest festivals of
many types still occur today in farming country, and Thanksgiving is an
echo of these.
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Paganlore.com
The Sabbats
Major & Minor
MAJOR SABBATS & MINOR SABBATS
By Corresponding Colors
The Celtic pagan year was based on thirteen
lunar months which were named after trees and plants.
According to the Brehon Law of Ireland, these trees
corresponded to the Ogam alphabet and had three
categories: chieftains, peasants and shrubs. The rankings were based on the symbolic importance of each
to the Druids. The tree alphabet will be discussed
fully in the chapter on the Ogam Alphabet.
The Celtic new year began on November 1, after
Samhain. This month was called Beith or Birch.
Following this were: Luis or Rowan for December;
Fearn or Alder for January; Saille or Willow for February; Nuin or Ash for March; Huathe or Hawthorn
for April; Duir or Oak for May; Tinne or Holly for
June; Cell or Hazel for July; Muin or Vine for August;
Gort or Ivy for September; and Ngetal or Reed for
October. The thirteenth month was Ruis or Elder.
This was a very short period to wrap up the year.
Celebration of the solstices and equinoxes is done
on a particular day when the Sun changes into particular signs. These are listed on astrological calendars and vary from year to year. The remaining six
pagan holy days are honored by many on specific
days also. However, there are two ways to determine
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these remaining holy days: one, on a definite date;
two, on the closest Full Moon. I will list both options
at the beginning of each festival ritual.
The ancient pagan world counted nights rather
than days. All their festivals were celebrated on the
Eve, or night before. Their day began at sundown.
Samhain, pronounced sow-en and called Halloween today, was the ending of the Celtic year, The
new year actually began with sunset on October 31.
The ritual was known as Ancestor Night or Feast of
the Dead. Because the veil between the worlds is
thinnest on this night, it was and is considered an
excellent time for divinations. Feasts are made in
remembrance of dead ancestors and as an affirmation of continuing life. A time for settling problems,
throwing out old ideas and influences. This is either
celebrated October 31, or the first Full Moon in
Scorpio.
Winter Solstice occurs about December 21. This
is the time of death and rebirth of the Sun God. The
days are shortest, the Sun at its lowest point. The Full
Moon after Yule is considered the most powerful of
the whole year. This ritual is a light festival, with as
many candles as possible on or near the altar in welcome
of the Sun Child.
Imbolc, February 1 or the first Full Moon in
Aquarius, is a time of cleansing and newborn lambs.
The name Imbole comes from the word 'oimelc' or
sheep's milk. It is a festival of the Maiden in preparation for growth and renewal.
Spring Equinox, about March 21, is when light
and darkness are in balance but the light is growing
stronger.
Beltane is May 1 or the first Full Moon in Taurus.
Other names for it are May Day or Lady Day. It is
primarily a fertility festival with nature enchantments
and offerings to wildlings and Elementals. The powers
of elves and fairies are growing and will reach their
height at Summer Solstice. A time of great magic, it is
good for all divinations and for establishing a wood-
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land or garden shrine. The house guardians should be
honored at this time.
Summer Solstice, about June 21, is when the
hours of daylight are longest. The Sun is at the highest
before beginning its slide into darkness. Traditionally,
herbs gathered on this day are extremely powerful.
On this night elves and fairies abound in great
numbers.
Lughnassadh is August 1 or the first Full Moon in
Leo. It is a preharvest festival, the turning point in
Mother Earth's year. The last herbs are gathered. It is
a celebration in honor of the god Lugh's wedding to
Mother Earth.
Autumn Equinox, about September 21, was a
time of rest after labor, completion of the harvest.
Again the hours of day and night are in balance, with
the darkness increasing. All preparations for the dark
of the year and the year's ending were made, thus
bringing us back to Samhain.
Taken from "Celtic Magic" by D.J. Conway
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Paganlore.com
Wiccan/Pagan Paths
& Denominations
Alexandrian Tradition
Founded and based upon the teachings of Alex Sanders, in England. Ceremonial
Magick and the Kabbalah have been included with the rituals of Gardnerian Wicca.
Skyclad is a common practice in ritual. As with other Wicca religions, the duality of
Goddess and God is recognized as and the Sabbats and Esbats celebrated.
American Celtic Wicca
"The American Order of the Brotherhood of the Wicca" covens stem from Jessica
Bell ("Lady Sheba"), a self-styled Witch Queen. The tradition's rites are virtually
the same as Gardnerian, though covens work robed. They follow the same practice
of Gardnerian in preferring couples; preferably husband and wife. "Ceremonial
Magick is the primary work of the American Celtic tradition and it is conceived as
being the most powerful and ancient means of psychological and occult therapy by
which normal. healthy people can undertake a program of initiation and
development."
Asatru Tradition
Asatru is a Norse word meaning 'belief in the Gods'. This tradition is very ancient
with its roots in the historical agricultural Vanir and warrior Aesir tribes of
Scandinavia and northern Germany. The main deities are the Goddesses Freya,
Frigg, and the Norns while the main Gods are Odin, Thor, and Frey.
British Traditional
Influenced heavily by Gardnerian Wicca and Celtic traditions. Covens are co-ed
and members train through a degree process. Janet and Stewart Farrar are British
Traditionalist witches. The International Red Garters is British Traditionalist.
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Celtic Wicca
Based upon old Celtic/Druidic practices, and ritual Gardnerian design. The
emphasis
is placed heavily upon Celtic deities, the elements, nature and the magic of trees.
Dianic Tradition
A tradition that worships the Goddess as Diana, as the central deity. Female
leadership is encouraged, though male members are allowed into covens. Rituals
are either skyclad or robed. There are also some covens which are female
exclusive and follow a Dianic Feminist Wicce.
Eclectic Wicca
Basically a loosely based tradition which uses any practices of other paths and
incorporates them into their own path. It is now quite a common and popular form
of Wicca, as the followers use what works best for them regardless of its source.
Erisian Tradition (Discordia)
A philosophy which believes that the universe is uncertain and that natural laws
are not everywhere and constant. Eris is the Goddess of chaos. Discordia was
rediscovered in 1960's by Californians Kerry Thornley and Gregory Hill, who
published a book called Principia Discordia on their experiences. The tradition
also involves humor in its rituals. Similarly Englishman, Austin Osman Spare,
often called the father of chaos magic, took chaos to a more scientific plateau.
Gardnerian Tradition
One of the first traditions in witchcraft to emerge into the public eye during the
1950's. The teachings are based upon the works of Dr. Gerald Brosseau Gardner,
who researched much of the history of the Craft and added them to his famous
Book of Shadows. Many traditions use his Book of Shadows, in a modified form,
as a basis for ritual practice.
Georgian Wicca
An eclectic Wicca tradition founded by George E. Patterson in 1970. This tradition
is influenced mostly by Alexandrian and Gardnerian teachings and leans towards
Goddess and God worship at an eclectic level. Individuals work either skyclad or
robed and are encouraged to write their own rituals.
Kitchen Witch
Witches who practice around the home and hearth, and incorporate Magick and
religion into daily life around cooking, weaving, etc.
Pictish Witchcraft
Witchcraft developed in Scotland. It's followers are solitaries and worship involves
animal, vegetable, and minerals, as aspects of nature.
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Satanic Witchcraft
There is NO worship of "Satan" or "Lucifer" in Witchcraft. These deities were
created by the Christian religion. A Satanic Witch is an oxymoron and anyone who
tells you otherwise, knows nothing about the Craft.
Seax-Wica Tradition
Founded in 1973 by Raymond Buckland, this tradition incorporates Saxon lore.
Covens have co-ed open rituals and are either performed robed or skyclad.
Buckland
developed this tradition without breaking his Gardnerian oath.
Strega Witches
A tradition founded by a witch called Aradia around 1353 CE. Strega can lay claim
to being one of the oldest unchanged forms of witchcraft. This tradition preceded
Garderian or Celtic based religions and developed in Italy during Roman times.
Other Paths and Denominations not yet described here
include....
Australian Wicca
Church of Y Tylwyth Teg
Church of the Cresent Moon
Circle Wicca
Coven of the Forest, Far and Forever
Deboran Witchdom
Dianic Feminist Wicce
Faery Wicca
Frost's Wicca
Maidenhill Wicca
Northern Way
Nova Wicca
Pecta-Wita
There are some that are not even mentioned here.
We wish you the best of luck in discovering which
path is right for you. Or if you have already found
your way, Blessed Be!
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Paganlore.com
The 13 Basic
Wiccan Principles
In Minneapolis, Minnesota, during the spring of 1974, the newly formed Council
of American Witches decided to create a definition of what it means to practice
modern WitchCraft. As Witches around the world respect all life and Wiccan
traditions, the American experience also has new meaning and gives additional
value to the Craft. As such, the Council created this set of bi-laws for their
members to practice and reconfirm their commitment to the God/Goddess and
Wiccan traditions.
Unfortunately the Council disbanded later that same year, but their gatherings
were definitely not in vain. The Principles have been welcomed, celebrated and
accepted as the Principles of Wiccan Belief all over the world. There are some who
believe that this was the sole mission of the council as determined by the Divine
forces. If that is indeed the case, then their efforts can be harolded as a great
success.
Take time to read these bi-laws and choose a special holiday to recommit and
reaffirm your relationship to the God & Goddess within yourself. As well as, your
relationship to the Divine forces around you.
Principles of Wiccan Belief - Spring Witchmeet of 1974
The Council of American Witches finds it necessary to define modern Witchcraft
in
terms of the American experience and needs. We are not bound by traditions from
other
times and other cultures, and owe no allegiance to any person or power greater than
the Divinity manifest through our own being.
As American Witches, we welcome and respect all life-affirming teachings and
traditions, and seek to learn from all and to share our learning within our council.
It is this spirit of welcome and cooperation that we adopt these few principles of
Wiccan belief. In seeking to be inclusive, we do not wish to open ourselves to the
destruction of our group by those on self-serving power trips, or to philosophies and
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practices contradictory to these principles. In seeking to exclude those whose ways
are contradictory to ours, we do not want to deny participation with us to any who
are sincerely interested in our knowledge and beliefs, regardless of race, color, sex,
age, national or cultural origins or sexual preference.
We therefore ask only that those who seek to identify with us accept these
few basic principles:
1.We practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life
forces marked by the phases of the Moon and the seasonal quarters and
cross-quarters.
2.We recognize that our intelligence gives us a unique responsibility
toward our environment. We seek to live in harmony with Nature, in
ecological balance offering fulfillment to life and consciousness within
an evolutionary concept.
3.We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than is apparent to the
average person. Because it is far greater than ordinary, it is sometimes
called "supernatural," but we see it as lying within that which is naturally
potential to all.
4.We conceive of the Creative Power in the Universe as manifesting
through polarity - as masculine and feminine - and that this same
creative Power lives in all people, and functions through the interaction
of the masculine and feminine. We value neither above the other knowing
each to be supportive of the other. We value sexuality as pleasure, as the
symbol and embodiement of Life and as one of the sources of energies
used in magickal practice and religious worship.
5.We recognize both outer worlds and inner, or psychological worlds sometimes known as the Spiritual World, the Collective Unconscious,
the Inner Planes, etc. - and we see in the interaction of these two
dimensions the basis for paranormal phenomena and magickal exercises.
We neglect neither dimension for the other, seeing both as necessary for
our fulfillment.
6.We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but do honor those
who teach, respect those who share their greater knowledge and wisdom,
and acknowledge those who have courageously given to themselves in
leadership.
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7.We see religion, Magick, and wisdom-in-living as being united in the
way one views the world and lives within it - a world view and philosophy
of life, which we identify as Witchcraft or the Wiccan Way.
8.Calling oneself "Witch" does not make a Witch - but neither does
heredity itself, or the collecting of titles, degrees and initiations. A Witch
seeks to control the forces within him/herself that make life possible in
order to live wisely and well, without harm to others, and in harmony
with Nature.
9.We acknowledge that it is the affirmation and fulfillment of life, in a
continuation of evolution and development of consciousness, that gives
meaning to the Universe we know and to our personal role within it.
10.Our only animosity toward Christianity, or toward any other religion
or philosophy-of-life, is to the extent that its institutions have claimed to
be "the one true right and only way" and have sought to deny freedom
to others and to suppress other ways of religious practices and belief.
11.As American Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the
history of the Craft, the origins of various terms, the legitimacy of
various aspects of different traditions. We are concerned with our
present and our future.
12.We do not accept the concept of "absolute evil", nor do we worship
any entity known as "Satan" or "the Devil" as defined by Christian
Tradition. We do not seek power through the suffering of others, nor
do we accept the concept that personal benefits can only be derived by
denial to another.
13.We work within Nature for that which is contributory to our health
and well-being.
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Paganlore.com
Thw Wiccan Rede
Bide ye Wiccan laws ye must in perfect love and perfect trust.
Live and let live, fairly take and fairly give.
Form the circle thrice about, to keep all ye spirits out.
Soft of eye, light of touch, speak ye little, listen much.
Deosil go by the waxing moon, singing out ye Witches' Rune.
Widdershins go by the waning moon, chanting out the baneful rune.
When the Lady's moon is new, kiss your hand to her times two.
When the rippling waters flow, cast a stone and truth ye'll know.
When ye have and hold a need, harken not with others' greed.
With a fool no seasons spend, nor be counted as his friend.
Merry meet and merry part, bright the cheeks and warm the heart.
Mind ye threefold law ye should, three times bad and three times good.
When misfortune is anow, wear the star upon thy brow.
True in Love ye must ever be, lest thy love be false to thee.
In these eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill: An ye harm none, do what ye
will.
.
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Paganlore.com
Direction & Their
Meanings
North
This is the direction of the Element Earth and the Power of Body. Its
Nature forms are rocks, clay, sand, and soil. In human life, this is the
physical dimension and the sensing realm. In connecting with this direction,
pay attention to your physiological processes, to the sensations in your
body, to your biological needs, and to your physical health. Healing
modalities include good nutrition, hygiene, body language awareness and
change, relaxation, and rest.
East
This is the direction of the Element Air and the Power of Mind. Its Nature
forms are the winds, the atmosphere, and the breath. In human life, this is the
mental dimension and the thinking realm. In connecting with this direction,
pay attention to your thought processes, to your ability to reason, to your
attitudes, and to your mental health. Healing modalities include self-talk
analysis, affirmations, journal writing, cognitive restructuring, and education.
South
This is the direction of the Element Fire and the Power of Action. Its Nature
forms are flames, lightning, and electricity. In human life, this is the
behavioral dimension and the doing realm. In connecting with this direction,
pay attention to your repertoire of activities, to the amount of time you allot
to work and to play, to the quality of your alone time, to the nature of your
interactions with others, and to your behavioral health. Healing modalities
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include play, exercise, time management, life restructuring, breaking
destructive or outmoded habits, career development, positive behavioral
change, and goal setting and achievement.
West
This is the direction of the Element Water and the Power of Emotions. Its
Nature forms are oceans, lakes, streams, rivers, wells, springs, dew,
precipitation, and fluids in the body. In human life, this is the emotional
dimension and the feeling realm. In connecting with this direction, pay
attention to your moods, to your feelings about yourself and about others,
to the levels of intimacy and trust in your relationships, and to your emotional
health. Healing modalities include guided imagery, active listening,
expressing feelings, sharing feelings, giving comfort and being comforted,
singing, dancing, drawing, and other forms of artistic expression.
Up
This is the direction of Sky and Cosmos. Its Nature forms are the sun, moon,
planets, stars, meteors, galaxies, and deep space. In human life, this is the
realm of cosmic consciousness. In connecting with this direction, pay
attention to your being part of the community of life in the universe. As you
contemplate the heavens, use your imagination to reach out into mysteries
of outer space and other worlds. Experience yourself as an inhabitant of a
planet moving through space. Reflect on creation legends and on stories of
humans that have venture d forth into space from our planet.
Down
This is the direction of Planet and Sacred Place. Its Nature forms are the
biosphere of Planet Earth and the community of life forms (such as creatures
and plants as well as other humans) in your own home enviro nment. In human
life, this is the realm of planetary consciousness. In connecting with this
direction, pay attention to your being part of the tapestry of life in your local
area as well as being part of the greater community of life on the Planet. As
you contemplate this, use your imagination to feel connected with the web of
life that includes trees, herbs, creatures, microbes, and the Elements as well
as other humans. Experience yourself as a part of the biosphere, also known
as Planet spirit or Mother Earth.
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Center
This is the direction of Spirit. Its Nature form is the Divine Soul stuff that
links all life together. It is the synthesis of the Elements and the directions.
In human life, this is the spiritual realm and the dimension of the Divine in
its many forms. In connecting with this direction, pay attention to the core
of your being -- your inner Self. Honor the Divine as you know it -Goddesses, Gods, Nature Spirits, Ancestors, Spiritual Guides, Love, Unity
in Diversity. Connect with balance, harmony, beauty, wholeness, integrity,
and bliss. Healing modalities include dream work, inner journeys, understanding inner guidance worship, ecstatic dance, drumming, chanting,
invocations, vision quests, and spiritual service.
Axes
There are three axes in this map: North-South, East-West, and Up-Down.
Each axis contains a balance. The North-South axis is a balance between the
reflective sensing and the active doing. The East-West axis is a balance
between thinking and feeling, or in other words, analysis and intuition. The
Up-Down axis is a balance between attunement to the home Planet and
attunement to the beyond. In the central Spirit point, the axes converge.
Together the axes form a Sacred Sphere around the Spirit point. In working
with this map of consciousness, it is important to note some distinctions. With
this map, a clear distinction is made between Earth as an Element and Earth
as the Planet. The Element Earth refers specifically to the rocks and soil that
comprise the land mass of the Planet, while the Planet itself embodies all the
Elements in its domain and therefore is on the central axis. This map also
makes a distinction between the Element Fire and the unifying Element Spirit.
While in some systems Fire and Spirit are one, in this map they are separate,
since Spirit is viewed as a synthesis of all Four Elements. The inclusion of
Sky/Cosmos, or Up, direction in this map underlies my preference for
referring to Contemporary Pagan philosophy as "Nature Spirituality" instead
of as "Earth Spirituality," "Gaean Religion," or "Green Spirituality." I view
the term Nature Spirituality as a broader term that reflects communion with
Nature not only on this Planet, but beyond it. The terms "Earth," "Gaean,"
and "Green" are specific to Divine communion with Nature on this Planet.
While descriptive of paths that where Mother Earth honoring is central,
Paganism also includes paths that are more Star focused. Nature Spirituality
is an appropriate umbrella terms for these diverse forms and provides more
flexibility for the Pagan future. As Pagans journey off this Planet into space
in the centuries to come, it will be interesting to note how ritual communion
with Nature in other realms develops and what non-Planet Earth based
Nature religions will emerge.
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"Circles, Why Use
Them?"
(A discourse on the psychology of magick circles by Mel White)
They say that the longest journey begins with a single step. So,
too, the exploration of Magickal studies begins with a single
step. Though the first step in a physical journey is often selfevident, the First Step on a Magickal journey is often not quite
so clear. While formally organized groups often have a path of
lessons to instruct newcomers, the solitary or isolated student
is often left standing in perplexity on this broad plain of
knowledge, wondering just where in the heck to begin. And
wondering, too, if it's "okay" to start just anywhere.
While it's true that studies can begin in a direction that
attracts you, the necessary first step must be learning to make
psychic shields. There are "Things of the Dark" out there.
There are any number of explanations for what these thi ngs
might be-- ghosts, demons, or simply uncontrolled urges of the
subconscious mind. In truth, it doesn't matter what they are.
What does matter is that their effect is very real and unless
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they are put under your control, they will drag you over the
borders of sanity into psychosis. You are most vulnerable to
them while you're in an "open" trance or meditative state.
That's why the wise practitioner always begins by taking steps
to define exactly what will be permitted through the portals of
their "psychi c shields" -- no matter how simple the ritual. And
this, in a nutshell, is what "protective magic" is about.
There are a number of ways to do this. The most common is to
begin by drawing a circle (around a group or yourself) and
invoking the one or more protective powers. Generally, this is
done by candlelight, in front of an altar that holds certain
magical objects. The circle may be further "secured" and
"cleared" by using salt, salt water, rum, incense, or some other
method. You may be wearing a special robe and will have taken a
bath (or performed a cleansing ritual) earlier. The powers that
protect you will be called on and then you will begin your ritual.
Is it psychological? Absolutely! Is there a reason why
protection rituals always take this form? Positively! Let's take a
step back and see what you're actually doing and how the
process works-- from a psychological standpoint-- and how to
use this knowledge to help you refine your circles to enhance
your rituals.
Psychologists and psychics alike view the mind's structure as a
three-part entity: The ego (that which you think of as
yourself), the superego (the "higher self") and the Id (the child
within). The Id is, in a sense, a computer. Like most computers,
it operates on the "garbage in-garbage out" principle. There's
an old superstition "as you name something, so will it become."
Tell yourself that you're very unlucky and your id will obligingly
give you bad days by enhancing any negatives in your
environment. Tell yourself that you are clumsy, and your idcomputer will obligingly arrange for you to break a leg while
stepping off the sidewalk. The bad news is that the Id can't
make a judgment as to whether or not this is a good idea. It
only knows that it's received these "instructions" and must
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carry them out. The good news is that you can actually
program/reprogram this portion of your mind.
You begin programming this Internal Servant of yours by first
drawing its attention to what you want done and then explaining
what you need done in a simple and clear manner. Repeating the
instructions in a chant help fix the goals for the Id-- rhymed
chants seem to be easier for it to process. Each time you
perform the ritual and repeat the chant, the programming is
strengthened. Never mind that your ego and superego
understand that you're going to program the child-like Id. It
works just the same.
To direct the Id's attention to the process, you first have to
impress it. Using special tools and clothing alert it that
something unusual is going on and that it must pay attention.
Acquiring hard-to-obtain items, drawing symbols, performing a
symbolic sacrifice (donating money, say, to a good cause) are all
ways of reinforcing the Id's impression that this ceremony is
very special and that the result will be very powerful.
Organized, meaningful symbols, speak to your subconscious mind
in ways it understands, reinforcing the goals you have set.
Drawing the circle itself establishes boundaries within your
environment ("The rest of the world can do what it likes Out
There. All within this circle is in MY control!"). Purifying the
circle and consecrating it (sprinkling water which has been
blessed and salt added) further enforce your territory,
defining the borders where you are "safe". Nothing can enter
this area except what you invite inside. You further tighten
these borders by calling on certain powers.
You can call on any powers you like. Some use traditional
Christian images. Others call up deities from the religion they
are most comfortable with. And many people use the
thought/image of a beam of light that represents either
God/Goddess (whichever one they like) OR The power of light
and life and goodness in the Universe.
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The number of powers called as guardians varies. You may
choose to invoke one powerful being to protect your circle. Or
you might call on the Universal Being/Light AND four guardians
(one for each quarter of the compass). A third approach is to
use a guardian for the four quarters of the compass and no
higher being. There is no "absolutely correct" system; the
correct system is the one that YOU are comfortable with.
Take time to choose the guardians of your circle carefully. You
should select guardians (gods or animals or some form of life)
which have a deeper meaning to you and whose qualities are in
harmony with your goals. For the new student, it's best to have
all your Powers and Guardians from the same belief
system/religion/mythic universe so that the symbols will be
consistent and not confuse the Id.
You CAN use people-- saints, movie actors, figures from
favorite books as guardians. DO, however, pick someone who's
dead or non-existent. The dead can't argue with your
interpretation of them, whereas the living may be highly
offended to be approached as gods/ guardians).
As your studies continue, you will find that your totems or
guardians change. This is to be expected; as you explore new
realms in your studies, you may find you need guardians who
deal with very specific areas to strengthen and guide you in
these new fields.
But don't make the mistake of assuming that you'll become so
powerful that you will never need the protection of the psychic
shielding circle in some form. And don't assume that you will not
need a circle for "positive" magick such as healing. Open is
open-- and open is vulnerable. And circles strengthen and
protect you by defining what psychological influences will be
allowed to work with you.
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Casting the Circle
Some Basic History First
A Roman ambassador in a foreign country would
draw a circle around himself with his staff, to show he
should be safe from attack; the Babylonians drew a circle of flour on the floor round the bed of a sick man, to
keep demons away; German Jews, in the Middle Ages,
would draw a circle round the bed of a woman in
labor, to Protect her from evil spirits. The use of a circle
to mark the boundary of an area which is sacred, is
very ancient (e.g. Stonehenge). But the circle not only
keeps the unwanted out, it also keeps the wanted-the raised power; the magickal energy--in.
Circle Dimensions & Details
The dimensions of the circle depend entirely on
who is drawing it and for what purpose. In Ceremonial
Magick, where the Magician is conjuring entities, the
exactness of the circle (and everything within it) is
critical. But there is the other end of the scale, as it
were. In the old days, when the villagers would get
together to give thanks to their gods, they would simply
mark a rough circle on the ground, usually very crudely
drawn, and use it whether accurate or not. Its purpose
was merely to designate a space to be hallowed for the
rites; a place "special" for that purpose. Your circle
does not have to be as painstakingly accurate as the
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Ceremonial Magician's (though more on this in Lesson
Eleven--Magick), yet it is drawn with a certain amount
of care and exactness. The Coven Circle is nine feet in
diameter; the Individual's Circle is five feet. The drawing of the Circle starts, and finishes, in the East and is
always drawn clockwise, or deosil. If you are meeting
outdoors, then the Circle is actually marked on the
ground with the sword, as the Priest/ess walks around.
Indoors the Circle should first be marked on the floor
with a length of white cord, with chalk, or--if you have
a permanent temple--it can be painted in white paint.
But the Priest/ess will still walk around with the sword,
starting and finishing in the east, "marking" it and
directing power into it through the point of the sword.
On the line of the Circle stand four white, unlit
candles; one in the north, one in the east, one in the
south and one in the west. If you wish, there may be
additional candles, already lit, between these four.
They should stand around the Circle but outside the
line. They would be there purely for extra illumination, if required.
O.K. I Know How To Make A Circle
Now What?
The first ritual performed, always, is what, in
Saxon Witchcraft, is called EREC TING THE TEMPLE.
Other traditions call it, variously, OPENING THE CIRCLE, CASTING THE CIRCLE, or similar. In this ritual
the Circle and all within it is properly purified and
consecrated. For now I will just deal with casting a Circle sufficient for your Self-Dedication/Initiation. Presuming that you have not yet even made your athame,
this casting is of the most basic. You will need your
altar furniture: candle, censer, goblet or drinkinghorn, salt and water, libation dish and (if you wish)
figures representing the deities. There should be wine
in the goblet.
Taken from Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft
With Minor Modifications
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Casting the Circle
The Call to Worship is an essential part of worship in many religions all over
the world. In Judaism the shofar is blown, in Protestant and Catholic churches
the church bells are rung. In Pagan rituals we also begin with some type of Call
to Worship, some way to let everyone know that ritual is about to begin. Some
traditions sing a song, some read from their Book of Shadows. This is a way to
focus everyone's attention on ritual and all that it entails. In doing ritual we are
connecting with everyone who has ever done ritual before. Every ritual action
connects us with every time that ritual action has been performed.
Sweeping the circle is a way to clear unwanted emotional baggage, "vibes" and
to prepare the circle space for casting. The handmaiden literally sweeps the
ritual area with a broom, often called a besom.
Ritual space is defined by walls in churches, by casting a circle in Pagan rituals.
Circles are cast using the sword, the athame, or in some traditions, the wand.
Usually the Priestess casts the circle. Holding her tool, the Priestess walks about
the ritual space, defining the sacred area with that tool.
At this point often the elements are blessed or asked for their blessing by
bringing the symbol of each element around the circle. Air - incense, Fire - red
candle, Water - water in a cup, Earth - salt in a cup. Sometimes this is called
censing and aspurging. Watchtowers or the quarters are called. These are the
elements. Each element; air, fire, water and earth, correspond to a different
direction. East, south, west and north respectively in most traditions. We
believe that we and the planet we live on is made up of the elements. We invite
or ask the elements into ritual so that they may share in the worship of the
Gods.
The Gods and Goddesses, or the guests of honor, are invited and candles lit in
their honor.
Now comes the work of the circle. In many traditions power is raised by
chanting, singing, dancing or other methods of raising energy. This energy
should be raised for a specific purpose and with a specific intent such as peace,
health or success in a particular venture. Remember that the Threefold Law
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prohibits things that would harm someone. (see the Definitions link) If the
group does invocation, now would be the time for this.
After the work of the circle is done, the circle is dismantled in the reverse
order. The Gods and Goddesses are thanked, their candles extinguished. The
elements are dismissed and the circle is banished. The circle is often ended with
the words "Merry Meet, Merry Part, Merry Meet Again". This is a common
goodbye phrase in Paganism.
This is a *very* rough outline of a ritual. Rituals vary from tradition to tradition
and often from group to group within any particular tradition. Some groups
work in robes, others work skyclad, which means nude (clothed in the sky).
Some rituals are outdoors, others inside. Sabbat rituals may be more involved
and complex than Esbat (or Minor Sabbat) rituals.
There are many variations on this theme. If you are interested in joining a
group or even seeing some rituals, check out several so you can be sure to get a
feel for what's out there.
.
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Erecting The Temple
The Circle is marked out on the floor. There is a candle
at each of the four quarters; yellow to the east, red to
the south, blue to the west, green to the north. The
altar is set up in the center of the Circle so that, when
facing it, you are facing east. On the altar are one or
two white altar candles, thurible, dishes of salt and of
water, bell, deity figures (optional), bowl of anointing
oil, goblet of wine (or fruit juice), libation dish, sword
(if you have one) and/or priests' athames.
CENSERER lights the incense and the altar candles
(not the Circle candles) and then leaves the area to
wait, with the rest of the coven, in the northeastern
quarter.
PRIEST and PRIESTESS enter the Circle, from the
east (just on the northern side of the east candle)-as will all, when they come in--and move to stand
before the altar, facing east. PRIEST rings bell three
times.
Priest/ess: "Be it known the Temple is about to be erected; the Circle is about to be cast. Let those
who desire attendance gather in the east
and await the summons. Let none be here
but of their own free will."
PRIEST and PRIESTESS each take an altar candle and
move around the altar, deosil, and across to the east.
PRIESTESS lights the East Candle from the one she
carries.
Priestess:
"Here do I bring light and air in at the east, to
illuminate our temple and bring it the breath
of life."
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They move on round to the south, where the PRIEST
lights the South Candle.
Priest:
"Here do I bring light and fire in at the
south, to illuminate our temple and bring
it warmth."
They move to the west, where the PRIESTESS lights
the West Candle.
Priestess: "Here do I bring light and water in at the west,
to illumi nate our temple and wash it clean."
They move to the north, where the PRIEST lights the
North Candle.
Priest:
"Here do I bring light and earth in at the
north, to illuminate our temple and to
build it in strength."
They move on around to the east, then back to the altar
and replace their candles. PRIEST/ESS, takes up the
sword (or athame) and, returning to the east, now
walks slowly around the Circle with sword-point
following the marked line. As s/he walks, s/he concentrates power into the Circle line. When completed,
s/he returns to the altar. The bell is rung three times.
PRIEST places the point of his athame in the salt
and says:
Priest: "As Salt is Life, let it purify us in all ways we
may use it. Let it cleanse our bodies and
spirits as we dedicate ourselves in these rites,
to the glory of the God and the Goddess."
PRIESTESS takes up the Salt dish and uses the point of
her athame to drop three portions of salt into the
water. She stirs the now-salted water with the athame
and says:
Priestess: "Let the Sacred Salt drive out any impurities
in this Water, that we may use it throughout these rites."
PRIEST takes up Thurible; PRIESTESS takes up Salted Water. They again
move round the altar to the east. Starting there, they slowly walk clockwise around the Circle, PRIESTESS sprinkling the salted water along the
line of the circle and PRIEST passing censer along its line, till they return
to their starting point. They then return to the altar and replace the tools.
PRIEST drops a pinch of salt into the oil and stirs it with his finger. He
then anoints the Priestess (Note: if robed, the Keltic Cross in Circle alone
is used. If skyclad, the Pentagram and Inverted Triangle follow).
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Priest: "I consecrate thee in the names of the God and the Goddess,
bidding you welcome to this their Temple."
They salute, then PRIESTESS anoints Priest, with the same words and
salute. They then both move, together, round to the east, PRIESTESS
carrying the oil and PRIEST his athame. There he makes two "cuts"
across the line of the Circle, thus opening it (see Figures A-B).
One by one the coveners enter. As they do so they are anointed-the males by the Priestess and the females by the Priest--and greeted
with the words:
Priest/ess: "I consecrate thee in the names of the God and of the Goddess, bidding you welcome to this their Temple. Merry
Meet."
The COVENERS move around to stand all about the altar, as far as possible
alternating male and female. When the last has been admitted, the
PRIEST closes the Circle by drawing his athame across the line again,
connecting the two "broken" ends. PRIESTESS sprinkles a little of the oil
there and PRIEST raises his athame and draws a pentagram to seal it (see
illustration). They then return to the altar. The bell is rung three times.
Priest/ess: "May you all be here in peace and in love. We bid you welcome.
Let now the Quarters be saluted and the gods invited."
The COVENER closest to the east turns outward and moves to stand
facing the East Candle, with her/his athame raised. S/he draws an
invoking pentagram (see diagram) and says:
Covener: "All hail to the element of Air; Watchtower of the East. May it
stand in strength, ever watching over our Circle."
S/he kisses the blade of her/his athame and returns to the Circle. The
Covener closest to the south then turns to face the South Candle. With
athame raised, s/he draws an invoking pentagram and says:
Covener: "All hail to the element of Fire; Watchtower of the south. May
it stand in strength, ever watching over our Circle."
S/he kisses the blade of her/his athame and returns to the Circle.
The Covener closest to the west then turns to face the
West Candle. With athame raised, s/he draws an invoking pentagram and says:
Covener: "All hail to the element of Water; Watchtower
of the West. May it stand in strength, ever
watching over our Circle."
S/he kisses the blade of her/his athame and returns to
the Circle. The Covener closest to the north then turns
to face the North Candle. With athame raised, s/he
draws an invoking pentagram and says:
Covener: "All hail to the element of Earth; Watchtower
of the North. May it stand in strength, ever
watching over our Circle."
S/he kisses the blade of her/his athame and returns to
the Circle. PRIEST/ESS raises athame and draws a
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pentagram, saying:
All:
Priest:
Priestess:
"All hail the four Quarters and all hail the
Gods! We bid the Lord and Lady welcome
and invite that they join with us, witnessing
these rites we hold in their honor. All hail!"
"All hail!"
"Let us share the Cup of Friendship."
Priestess:
PRIEST takes the goblet and pours a little of the wine
onto the ground, or into the libation dish, saying the
names of the gods. He then takes a drink and passes
the goblet to the Priestess. She drinks and passes it to
the nearest Covener on her left, who drinks and passes it
on to the next. The goblet goes all around the Circle
until all have drunk and it is returned to the altar
(Note: it is not necessary for everyone to pour libations;
just the first person--in this case, the Priest). Bell is
rung three times.
"Now are we all here and is the Temple
erected. Let none leave but with good reason,
till the Temple is cleared. So Mote It Be."
"So Mote It Be!"
Erecting the Temple is done at the start of every
meeting. It is, basically, the consecration of both the
meeting place and of the participants. The meeting-be it Esbat, Sabbat, or whatever--continues from this
Point. Then, at the end of every meeting~g, there is the
Clearing the Temple
CLEARING THE TEMPLE
Priest/ess,: " We came together in love and friends hip;
let us Part the same way Let us spread the
love we have known in this Circle outward
to all; sharing it with those we meet."
athame, in salute. ALL
PRIEST/ESS raises sword, or
COVENERS raise their athames·
Priest/ess: "Lord and Lady, our thanks to you for sharing
this time together Our thanks for watching
over us; guarding and guiding us in all
things. Love is the Law and Love is the
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Bond. Merry did we meet; merry do we
part; merry may we meet again."
All: ~~Merry meet; merry part; merry meet again."
Priest/ess: " The Temple is now cleared So Mote It
Be."
All: "So Mote It Be!"
ALL kiss their athame blades They then move about
the Temple to kiss one another in farewell.
Taken from Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft
.
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"Herbal Danger List"
If you are pregnant, DO NOT USE any of the following herbs
for any reason. Many can cause early contractions, birth
defects, and even miscarriage. Make sure you check and see
what herbs food and drinks contain before ingesting them.
Check with your doctor or an herbalist if possible as well.
Angelica
• Belladonna
• Burdock
• Cinnamon essential oil
• Cow Parsnip
• Hyssop
• Immortal
• Mistletoe
• Motherwort
• Oshá
• Pennyroyal
• Peony
• Rue
• San qi
• Shepherd's Purse
•
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Thyme oil
• Vervain
• Wood Betony
• Wormwood
• Yarrow
• Yerba
•
And now, herbs that EVERYONE should be leary of. Some can
be used in small doses. Note that if you are allergic to any herb
regardless of whether it is on this list, avoid it.
Angelica
• Belladonna
• Chaparral
• Comfrey
• Datura
• Germander
• Hellebore
• Hemlock
• Henbane
• Jin Bu Huan
• Lobelia
• Ma huang
•
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Advanced
Wicca
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Preparing For Magick
Preparation for ritual magic of any kind requires
the self-discipline and techniques learned from concentration, focusing, visualization and meditation. If
you desire to obtain physical manifestation from
your efforts, it is essential that you actually do and
practice these exercises.
Concentration is holding an image or idea in your
mind without interruption. It is of great importance
during rituals when you must exclude everything not
directly related to what you are doing. No thoughts of
the day's happenings, no extraneous noise, must be
allowed to dominate your attention for any length of
time. If such things do intrude, they must be immediately dismissed as unimportant at the moment.
To strengthen your powers of concentration, you
will need to practice two exercises. The first exercise
is done with a minimum of supplies. Light a candle
and set it on a table before you. Sit comfortably and
look at the flame. It is easiest on the eyes to look at the
blue around the lower part of the wick instead of the
bright upper flame. Do not stare; blink your eyes
whenever you need to. After a few minutes, close
your eyes and look for the flame. You will see it
against your closed eyelids. Keep your thoughts on
that flame image, and see how long you can maintain
the mental picture before your conscious mind begins
to intrude.
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The second exercise is much the same, but uses a
picture instead of a candle. Choose a picture that
pleases you. Tarot cards are especially good for this.
Stand or hang the picture at a comfortable level and
look at it for some time. Close your eyes and see if you
can discern a mental image against your eyelids. Hold
that image as long as you can.
Focusing is important to ritual magic as it is the
process of adjusting your "inner eye" or attention on
a particular object or goal. You must have a clear idea
or picture of what you wish to produce while doing
magic. This is very similar to concentration but more
refined. An idea is harder to hold in the mental realms
than a reflected picture.
It is not necessary to visualize a goal in absolute
detail. Too much detail tends to limit the manifestation, especially if you could have had something better.
Know what you want, but never restrict yourself.
The gods may be more generous to you than you are
to yourself.
Focusing and concentrating on performance during ritual will channel your mental powers, thereby
clarifying and strengthening the function. The act of
casting and consecrating a magical circle (explained
later) must have focus and concentration if it is to be
done properly. If you fail to do this, the circle will not
provide you with the neutral area in which to perform magic, and most certainly will not give you
protection.
Again, using the picture or card, this time elicit
all associated images. See if you can create movement
within the picture.
Go through the same exercise with the candle
flame, this time changing~ the size, height and color of
the flame. Summon up associated images and follow
them through. Some startling ideas have co me out of
such exercises.
Meditation is a great aid in centering yourself,
controlling destructive emotions and gaining insight.
But it should also bring a greater sense of awareness
and increase your ability to visualize. All of these
105
skills are necessary in the practice of ma~S especially
if you want feasible results.
Meditation is really not a complicated exercise,
unless you lack self-control. If you do, you need
meditation more than ever. Relaxing, smooth music
is an excellent background to help mask minor noises
and help you relax. Turn off the telephone, hang a "do
not disturb" sign on the door, and choose a comfortable chair.
Listen to the music while taking a few deep
breaths. Relax and let yourself unwind. Next mentally surround yourself with white light for protection. Imagine yourself standing on a wooden bridge
over a calm pond. Drop all your problems into the
water, and watch it close over them. This is a symbolic release that tells your subconscious mind that
you need an answer to solve these troubles. Then
visualize yourself walking on across the bridge, leaving everything behind.
To continue the meditation, project yourself into
a meadow on the other side of the bridge. A small
stream runs through the grass and flowers. Shady
trees surround it. Wander through this meadow, soaking up the peacefulness and healing. You may see peo ple or nature spirits. Talk with them if you like.
As long as you remain objective and do not push
to hear what you want to hear, you can receive very
accurate guidance while in meditation. If you strain
to hear what you want, you will get only messages
from your conscious mind, which does not believe in
what you are doing.
When in meditation, you are in an astral state.
Therefore, it is always possible that at some time you
will meet a being that makes you fearful or uncomfortable. If this should happen, recall the white light
and leave.
You will be able to escape the meditation any
time you choose. Simply become aware of your body
and open your eyes. As during ritual, time in meditation is non-existent. Time is a limited idea belonging
to the left brain and conscious mind. When working
106
with the right brain and subconscious mind, time has
no meaning at all.
The symbolism of dropping your problems into
the pond is essential. It is never a good idea to go into
meditation without doing this, just as it is imprudent
not to use the white light. Both are protective measures
to eliminate taking negative vibrations into an otherwise productive exercise.
Taken from "Celtic Magic" by D.J. Conway
.
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Paganlore.com
"Wiccan Faith and Skepticism"
(Article about mental blocks of skepticism in advanced
ritualism, written by Estara.)
It happens to everyone every so often, myself included. You'll
be going along, keeping your Sabbats and doing your everyday
spiritual and magical workings, and everything seems to be fine,
when suddenly, everything just seems to go dull. Your intuitions
are off, or your spells go haywire, or the thought creeps into
your head, So, I'm sitting during ritual work, talking to a dragon
in my head. What, am I out of my mind?
It may help you to know that several occult authors consider
this to be progress.
Let me digress for a moment into the balance of faith and
skepticism that is important for the effectiveness and sanity
of any worker of magic. On one hand, faith must play a role in
the spiritual and magical realms, since they are usually
imperceptible and essentially unprovable by physical science or
the physical senses. Too much doubt only eats away at your
ability to trust your abilities and perceptions, and eventually at
those abilities and perceptions themselves.
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On the other hand, if you are going to deal with the Otherworld
on a regular basis, you must learn to measure how "true" your
perceptions are, and how reliable are your otherworldly
companions--otherwise you will stop growing or be sold a bridge
by a spirit looking for laughs at your expense.
And so, in normal workings, it pays to keep a certain mindset.
Assume, for your own sanity, that your experiences are
essentially genuine. (In fact it often doesn't matter ultimately
whether a particular journey is into another realm or into your
own head, as long as you use the information to improve
yourself. The growth will be genuine either way.) However, do
compare notes with others who take the same journey if you
work in a group. You will probably find that over time, with
practice, you will more and more be sharing the same
experience, and this is an extremely gratifying thing to
discover. It also allows for things like a group journey to find a
single totem or guide who is willing to help an entire coven. You
will be able to compare the quirks of how you perceive the
other worlds and energy, and learn where you may be strong or
weak in your skills.
Another good idea is to research any teachings you receive
from astral guides, or any past life memories. You may find
confirmation of what you have been taught or have
remembered, which is again very gratifying. You may also find
clarification of what was meant that will encourage even more
development for you. Or you may find no such confirmation, and
know that you need more clarification--and possibly some
revisions--before you can trust and use the information
But we were talking about the other kind of doubt--the one
that comes and sits on your head when you're about to do
something important and whispers unpleasant nothings in your
ear. If you were raised Christian, it may whisper about delusion
and devil worship. If you were raised agnostic or atheist, it may
deride your work as superstitious nonsense. If you have trouble
with your self-esteem, it will poke fun at the "specialness" of
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being able to do magic. It will find your weakness and poke at it
with a pointed stick.
It's you. And as I mentioned, it is by several accounts a sign
that you are getting somewhere.
Aleister Crowley defines this as an "Apophis stage." He defines
the study of magic as a continuing three-part cycle, and names
the stages Isis, Apophis, and Osiris, after Egyptian gods. (By
the way, the initials are IAO, a divine name from Hermeticism
that has several other applications in ceremonial magic.) In the
Isis stage, we have just begun a certain phase of development.
Everything comes easily, and we feel quite good about ourselves
and our studies. But then, Apophis comes. Our abilities seem to
dry up, or at least become very difficult to use, and we are
plagued by dark thoughts of failure.
We can give up here: many people do. We can leave the occult
entirely, or move into another Isis stage in another discipline.
But to deepen, we have to keep working through Apophis to get
to Osiris. In the Osiris stage, our abilities return, different
than before, in the light of our new understanding. We have
gained wisdom and depth that will enrich all of our future
cycles.
For Wiccans, it will not take much imagination to compare this
cycle to that of Life, Death, and Rebirth that we celebrate, or
to the initiation in which we are tried, and symbolically die and
are reborn. For followers of the Northern paths, a comparison
might be made to Odin's willingness, time and again, to sacrifice
of himself to gain more magic and wisdom.
Of course, not every passing this is silly thought develops into a
dark night of the soul, but even the smaller ones can serve as
signposts. Marian Green, in her book A Witch Alone, discusses
the momentary doubts that plague each of us at some point.
(Excerpt follows.)
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"If you commit yourself to the Hidden Paths or walking the Old
Ways you will certainly be in for some surprises. The most
common of these are the feelings, which never entirely go away,
of `Why on Earth am I doing this? Why am I wearing this
strange robe, talking to trees or invisible beings, thinking that
"spells" can possibly work in the twentieth century?' You will
often find, right in the middle of a meditation or ritual, such
thoughts creeping into your head, making you feel a fool. This is
a sure sign that your magic is working, for you have so certainly
stepped out of your normal role in life or set aside, just for the
moment, the very ordinary self to adopt that magical inner
personality, that it is trying to reassert what it considers
normality."
"It never entirely goes away, as any adepts you come across will
tell you, and even after decades of participating in celebrations,
speaking directly with the Old Ones, venturing into the
wilderness, both without and within, this sense of amusement,
of fun and wonder, never really dies. It is a recollection that
you are indeed straying from the ordinary world and it should
never trouble you, just provide a moment's humour when the
power is coming through."
Keep on with guarding, with faith, a sense of humor, and a single
grain of salt, and blessed may you be.
.
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Paganlore.com
Gods in Magickal Workings
Communication
Gods
Pantheon
Goddess'
Fides
Pantheon
Amergin
Irish
Roman
Mercury
Roman
Iris
Greek
Hermes
Greek
Tashmit
Chaldean
Pantheon
Goddess'
Pantheon
Greek/Roman
Athene
Greek
Bragi
Norse
Brighid
Irish
Odin
Scandinavian
Maya
Hindu
Creativity
Gods
Apollo
Destiny, Fate
Gods
Pantheon
Goddess'
Pantheon
Fa
Beninese
Arachne
Greek
Nabu
Babylonian
Fortuna
Roman
Shai
Egyptian
Meri
Chaldean
Dedication, Devotion
112
Gods
Pantheon
Goddess'
Pantheon
Ebisu
Japanese
Aramati
Hindu
Fides
Roman
Gaia
Greek
Ida
Hindu
Divination, Oracles, Prophesy
Gods
Pantheon
Goddess'
Pantheon
Apollo
Roman
Dione
Phonecian
Evander
Roman
Gaia
Greek
Odin
Norse
Gwendydd
Welsh
Apollo
Greek
Hecate
Greek
Shamash
Babylonian
Ida
Hindu
Inanna
Sumerian
Ishtar
Babylonian
Fertility, Fruitfulness, Productivity
Gods
Pantheon
Goddess'
Pantheon
Apollo
Greek/Roman
Althea
Greek
Baal
Phonecian
Astarte
Canaanite
Bacchus
Greek
Bona Dea
Roman
Dionysus
Greek
Freya
Teutonic
Isis
Egypt
Friendship
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Gods
Pantheon
Goddess'
Pantheon
Mithras
Persian
Maitri
Hindu
Happiness, Joy
Gods
Pantheon
Goddess'
Pantheon
Baldur
Scandinavian
Hathor
Egyptian
Omacatl
Aztec
Samkat
Babylonian
Health, Well Being
Gods
Pantheon
Goddess'
Pantheon
Asclepius
Greek
Brighid
Irish
Apollo
Greek/Roman
Gula
Babylonian
Eshmun
Phoenician
Hygeia
Greek
Home Matters
Gods
Pantheon
Goddess'
Pantheon
Bannik
Slavonic
Cardea
Roman
Da-Bog
Slavonic
Hestia
Greek
Penates
Roman
Vesta
Roman
Knowledge, Insight
Gods
Pantheon
Goddess'
Pantheon
Gwion
Welsh
Buddhi
Tibetan
Hermes
Greek
Cerridwen
Welsh
Sia
Egyptian
Toma
Tibetan
Goddess'
Pantheon
Love, Romance
Gods
Pantheon
114
Angus
Irish
Aphrodite
Greek
Cupid
Roman
Belili
Sumerian
Kama
Hindu
Ishtar
Middle Eastern
Venus
Roman
,.
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Paganlore.com
Basic Meditations &
Understanding The Chakra's
This information was sent as a contribution from Leia. These skills and knowledge
will be useful to those of you who are just beginning your journey along this path.
The ability to center and ground yourself easily is crucial to being effective in your
Magickal workings as well as in achieving balance and harmony with Nature and
Universal energy flows. These exercises will also help in developing your ability
clearly visualize and focus which will also be of great importance to your future
success within the Craft.
I urge you to join me in thanking her for taking the time, energy and effort to
compile this information. Drop her a note of appreciation if you find it helpful. :)
Her e-mail address is given at the bottom of this page.
A Centering Meditation
Sit any way that you feel comfy, so long as your spine is straight.
Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Take very long and very deep breaths
through your nose.
Each time you breathe in, hold it for 2 or 3 seconds and then slowly exhale.
Continue this breathing until you feel very calm and peaceful. This usually takes 3-5
minutes
( but that is just me).
Take as long as you need. It is different for everyone. Just go at your own pace.
116
You can also use sound to center yourself. Just sit quietly and ring a small bell or
chimes. Focus on the soft sound and breathe deeply. Keep making the noise until
you feel centered.
A Grounding Technique
This works great for those times in school or at work when you just can't seem to
keep your feet still or relax.
Place your feet flat on the floor and breathe in deeply. On the exhale, picture the
excess energy flowing out of your feet and into the Earth.
Keep doing this until you feel calm. Usually my feet feel very heavy after doing this.
My friends have gotten the same feeling too when doing this, so I guess it is just a
normal sensation.
How To Find A Mantra That Fits You
Sit in a comfy position. Picture yourself leaving your body and travel up to the
cosmos.
See yourself sitting calmly in the center of the Universe. Concentrate on the stars,
then after a few minutes of gazing at them, a few of the stars will glow a bright baby
blue.
Concentrate on one bright blue star at a time. As you gaze at that particular star,
you may hear a phrase or word whispered in your head. Repeat what you hear and
focus inward. If the mantra is right for you, you will know it within. If it is not right
for you, simply gaze at another blue star and repeat this until you find a mantra
that fits you.
After you find a mantra, thank the Universe and feel yourself slowly descending
from the sky, back into your body.
When you open your eyes, you might feel a little tired or drained. I find that
drinking a nice cold cup of juice re -energizes my body. You might also wish to have
a small snack. Milk and juice are ideal for recharging yourself.
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Meditating On Your Mantra
Sit in a comfy position and center yourself. During this meditation, you can sing,
say, whisper, or think your mantra.
All that matters is that you focus on your mantra and nothing else. That's it. You
can do this for as long as you like.
A Chakra Meditation
You can do this meditation either standing or lying down, however it is important to
not cross your legs or arms since this will close your energy loop.
Center yourself. Hold your right hand a few inches above your Root Chakra. Focus
on this spot and hold this focus for a moment. Picture energy coming down from the
Universe and flowing through your hand, into the chakra.
Each time you inhale, feel more energy being drawn into the chakra. When you feel
a comfy warmness in this area, move onto the next chakra and keep doing so until
you have charged all of your chakras.
This exercise is very helpful for when you are feeling out of balance. It also helps
during times of physical illness. YOU SHOULD STILL SEE A DOCTOR IF YOUR
CONDITION IS SERIOUS. This is not a substitute for a doctor's care, it is an aid to
help strengthen the healing process.
If you wish, you can hold crystals/stones in your hands while doing this or place the
appropriate stone on the appropriate chakra. The corresponding stones are:
Red Jasper--Root Chakra
Carnelian--Sexual Chakra
Tiger's Eye--Solar Plexus Chakra
Aventurine --Heart Chakra
Sodalite--Throat Chakra
Lapis Lazuli--Third Eye Chakra
Amethyst--Crown Chakra
Balancing And Clarifying Your Chakras
118
Here are some chakra color treatments to put you back in balance. They were given
to me by a good friend and Shaman.
For the following, visualize each specific color penetrating and cleansing that
chakra. This is a good way to balance yourself in the morning before getting up and
starting your day.
Root Chakra:
A very bright shade of red. You can also chant "oohm" in tone C while doing this.
Sexual Chakra:
A clear shade of orange. You can chant "ohm" in tone D for this one.
Solar Plexus Chakra:
A bright and sunny yellow. You can chant "ahm" in tone E for this one.
Heart Chakra:
You can visualize a bright green or a bright pink. Both are seen as the color of this
chakra. You can chant "ah" in tone F for this one.
Throat Chakra:
A light shade of blue. You can chant "ehm" in tone G for this one.
Third Eye Chakra:
A transparent indigo. You can chant "eem" in tone A for this one.
Crown Chakra:
Violet or white are both seen as the color of this chakra. You can chant "om" in
tone H for this one.
Well, that's all for now in the meditation area. The above centering technique and
grounding technique are needed in some of the divination exorcizes I will provide
later on. So if you have an interest in Divination and Scrying, you may wish to
practice and become proficient with them until you become comfortable with them.
Copyright © 1997 Leia. This text may not be reprinted or used without the express
written consent of the author who may be contacted via e-mail Leia
Chakras & Meditation Chakra & Meditation Index
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Paganlore.com
Chakra's & Meditation
According to East Indian philosophy, man possesses seven major *Chakras* or
psychic centers on his body. Each
of these forms a bridge, link, or energy transformer; changing pure (higher) energy
into various forms, and
connecting the four bodies (ie. spiritual, mental, astral, and physical) together. The
chakras are located along the
nadies (a network of psychic nerves or channels) and follow the autonomic nervous
system along the spinal cord.
Chakras correlate with major acupuncture points along the 'governing vessel
meridian' (acupuncture term). The
seven major chakras are connected together by three major nadies which are
parallel and near each other. The
middle nadi is called *sushumna* and it has neutral characteristics. The nadi on the
left (ie. nearest your left hand)
is the *ida* nadi which has yin characteristics. On the other side of sushumna
(nearest your right hand) is the
*pingala* nadi, having yang qualities.
Chakras are visible to clairvoyant sight as varously colored rotating circles or
funnels. In the East they are
described as petaled flowers or lotuses. Sources disagree on the colors.
Chakra Locations
The first chakra, located at the base of the spine at the perineum is the *root
chakra*, muladhara. It primarily
relates to the element of earth and to ps ychic smell.
The second chakra, known as the *sacral center, or sexual chakra*, svadhisthana, is
located above and behind the
genitals. Its dominant element is water, and it is related to psychic taste.
Third of the chakras is the *solar plexus*, manipura, located at the navel and
corresponding with the emotions and
with the element of fire; also with psychic sight (clairvoyance).
The *heart chakra*, anahata, is the fourth chakra, located over the heart and
corresponding with the element of
air, and also with psychic touch.
120
The fifth chakra is the *throat chakra*, vishuddha, located at the base of the throat
(thyroid) and corresponding
with psychic hearing (clairaudience).
The remaining two chakras are very important. They relate mostly to elevated
states of consciousness.
The *frontal chakra*, (or 'third eye') Ajna, the sixth chakra, is located between, and
slightly above, the eyebrows.
Ajna is the center of psychic powers and can produce many psychic effects.
Meditation on ajna is said to cure
nervousness.
Finally, the *crown chakra*, sahasrara, located atop the head, (pineal gland) is the
seventh chakra. It is referred to
as the thousand-petaled lotus and corresponds with astral projection and
enlightenment.
There are also many minor chakras throughout the body. Each chakra has a sound
(letter) and a pitch which is
sometimes used to invoke it.
THE TATTVAS
Some occultists prefer to describe the magical elements as tattvas according to the
Eastern system. Notice that
these symbols and colors are generally different than the western symbols and
colors for the elements.
Element
Earth
Water
Fire
Air
Spirit
Tattva
Prithivi
Apas
Tejas
Vayu
Akasa
Tattvic Symbol
Yellow Square
Silver Crescent
Red Triangle
Blue Circle
Black Oval
YOGA
Yoga originated in India. It is a physical or mental discipline designed to condition
and invigorate the mind and
121
body. There are many kinds of yoga, but they may be generally divided into three
main types...
Hatha yoga -- affect the mind through the body using physical exercises; improve
physical health and endurance.
Raja yoga -- affect the mind through mental training; improve concentration.
Mantra yoga -- affect the mind through chanting and affirmation; achieve
relaxation.
MEDITATION
This is a much touted area of the occult. There are many meditation techniques, and
many claims made for the
benefits of meditation. Basicly, meditation has two functions -- relaxation, and
perhaps, improved concentration.
There are two main types...
1) concentration meditation (focusing),
2) insight meditation (mindfullness).
Most kinds of meditation are the concentrative type. One simply focuses his
attention upon a single physical object
(such as a candle flame); upon a sensation (such as that felt while walking or
breathing); upon an emotion (such as
reverence or love); upon a mantra spoken aloud or even silently; or upon a
visualization (as in chakra meditation,
see below)...Concentration meditation is, simply put, a form of self-hypnosis.
A mantra (or mantrum) is one or more words or syllables which are repeated -often chanted -- aloud...A simple yet
powerful mantra is to vibrate the mystical word 'OM'. This mantra has long been
associated in India with the
godhead/unity. Use it to aid in tuning into universal vibrations which promote
feelings of harmony, peace, and
well-being. Use it before magick ritual to 'get into the mood' and afterward to
'dismiss the forces'. You vibrate a
mantra by saying it slowly aloud in a lower-pitched voice than your normal speech,
and a more or less constant
pitch as well. Let the sound fade at the end of the mantra. A powerful one such as
'OM' will seem to vibrate the air
around you. It should be vocalized for 5-10 seconds and repeated a number of times
with a few seconds rest
between each vocalization. Chanting of mantras may cause slight dizziness from
hyperventilation.
The other main type of meditaiton -- insight meditation -- is the analysis of thoughts
and feelings in such a way as to
cause realization of the subjectivity and illusion of experience. This is done in a
effort to attain trancendental
awareness. Such statements as, 'This body is not me', fall under this category.
Buddhist meditations are usually of
this type.
CHAKRA MEDITATION
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There is a special type of concentrative meditation which we will call 'Chakra
meditation'. This is basicly Kundalini
yoga -- the practice of causing psychic energy (kundalini) to flow up sushumna,
energizing the various chakras
along the way. The practice, considered dangerous by some, will produce deffinite
physiological sensations and
psychological effects if continued long enough. It should not be attempted by
epileptics or persons with an unstable
mental or physical condition, or with heart disease. Certain drugs and medications,
such as those used to treat
epilepsy may retard progress. Although the technique is very simple, it may
eventually produce powerful results.
Results may at first appear hours after the practice during sleep. As each chakra is
energized by this practice, it is
said to add occult powers (sidhis), until at last the crown chakra is reached, and
with it, full enlightenment is
attained. Sometimes kundalini awakens all by itself.
To practice this chakra meditation, you simply concentrate on the chakras,
beginning with the root chakra, and
moving progressively up, as you visualize psychic energy from the root chakra
traveling up shushumna and
vivifying each higher chakra. As we mentioned the chakras have certain properties
associated with them, so that
this type of visualization may 'raise consciousness', promote astral projection, and
other things -- once you have
reached ajna and eventually the crown chakra. You might typically meditate in this
fashion for 15 minutes to a half
hour a day. It might help to practice some hatha yoga or other physical exercise in
an effort to make the spinal cord
'more flexible'. Diet may also affect the process. The technique is also similar to the
Tibetan 'Tummo' meditation.
The rise of kundalini is sometimes experienced as a 'vibration' or buzzing, as light,
or as heat.
HEALTH AND DIET
Certainly the way you treat your physical body will affect your mind. In magick you
want an alert mind. Therefore,
your body must be as healthy as you can keep it. Take care of your body. Exercise
regularly. eat a good diet (with
vitamin supplements), and do not consume anything which will have a negative
effect upon the mind. Drugs,
smoking,, and alcohol should be restricted, or eliminated. (The mind can create any
condition which a drug can
create.) A good rule here is moderation in what and how much you consume. (Most
of this stuff is pretty obvious
isn't it.) You may also want to cut down on sugar and processed foods. Many
occultists advise dietary changes,
123
expecially the non-eating of meat. We cannot deny the physical, psychological, and
spiritual effect which all foods
have. This effect may be described as the 'heaviness' factor of foods. Various foods
are so ranked in the chart,
lighter to heavier...
1. lettuce and other greens.
2. fruits and most vegetables.
3. wheat, rice, and other grains.
4. nuts, beans, and other legumes.
5. cheese, dairy products, including eggs.
6. fish, seafood.
7. chicken, poultry.
8. beef, pork, other red meats.
Note that meats, especially red meats are the 'heaviest' foods. Generally, foods
which are harder to digest, or
which are higher in protein are 'heavier' than those which are not. Animal products
are heavier than plants. Foods
high in carbohydrate (candy, bread, starch) are heavy. However, the 'heaviness' of
foods is not directly related to
the amount of caleries.
What this means is that for various reasons, the heaviness of food in your diet will
affect your magical experiences.
You may be able to increase your psychic receptivity ('energy level') by eating
lighter foods, or by eating less.
Conversely, emphasizing heavy foods in your diet, or eating larger helpings, may
help to 'bring you down to earth'
should you 'rent the veil' too much. These are generalizations, of course, and it may
take a number of days of
dietary change before you notice much effect. I do not advocate radical dietary
changes, excessive fasting, or
malnutrition. Your good health is far more important in magick than any
temporary effect you get from prolonged
starvation. A change in diet will sometimes only produce a temporary effect, until
the physical body adapts to the
change. Healthy natural foods and lifestyle make it easier for us to be healthy, but
ultimately, good health is a
mentual quality (attitude).
THE FOUR-FOLD BREATH
With physical exercise too, moderation is advised. (You should be cautious, or not
attempt it if you have a
respiratory or heart condition. Check with your physician if in doubt, and don't
overdo.) One of the most useful
physical exercises is pranayama, or controlled breathing (actually a type of hatha
yoga exercise). For this and any
other calesthentics or hatha yoga which you might choose to do a 'kitchen timer' is
124
suggested (many of these aren't
accurate for under three minutes, but are helpful for longer periods).
The main purpose of pranayama is to relax the body and mind. There are many
kinds of pranayama, but a simple
one called the 'four-fold breath' will suffice. This consists of four short quick
inhallations, then four short quick
exhallations; then repeat, continuing until the allotted time is used up. It will take
about 1 1/2 seconds for the four
inhallations, and about 1 1/2 seconds for the four exhallations; or about 3 seconds
for the complete in-out cycle
('rep' for repetition). There should be no strain of any kind during your pranayama.
You will probably notice a slight
dizziness, particularly at first, since the effect of pranayama is to hyperventilate.
Try sitting back in a chair with
your eyes closed when you do your pranayama. Begin a minute a day for the first
week and gradually increase up
to about five minutes a day. If you do the pranayama befor your magical activity, it
will help you to get 'into the
mood'. It is also an excellent aid to relaxation and tension release. Pranayama
should not be done during heavy air
pollution. Other exercises you might consider are hatha yoga, calesthentics, walking
or jogging.
REVIEW QUESTIONS:
1) What is a chakra? List them.
2) Name the three major nadies. Which nadi is hot?
3) What is pranayama?
BOOK LIST:
Arthur Diekman, The Observing Self. W.Y.
Evans -Wentz, Tibetan Yoga and Secret Doctrines. Sandra Gibson,
Beyond the Mind. King and Skinner, Techniques of High Magic.
Swami Sivananda, Kundalini Yoga. John Woodroffe (pseud. for Arthur Avalon),
The Serpent Power.
Copyright (c) 1988 by Phil Hansford. This article is is licenced for free noncommercial distribution only.
Formatting and conversion into HTML Code by Herne at The Celtic Connection. A
link and acknowledgement for
the time and effort expended would be appreciated if you use this document.
.
125
Paganlore.com
Chakra's & Meditation
According to East Indian philosophy, man possesses seven major *Chakras* or
psychic centers on his body. Each of these forms a bridge, link, or energy
transformer; changing pure (higher) energy into various forms, and connecting the
four bodies (ie. spiritual, mental, astral, and physical) together. The chakras are
located along the nadies (a network of psychic nerves or channels) and follow the
autono mic nervous system along the spinal cord. Chakras correlate with major
acupuncture points along the 'governing vessel meridian' (acupuncture term). The
seven major chakras are connected together by three major nadies which are
parallel and near each other. The middle nadi is called *sushumna* and it has
neutral characteristics. The nadi on the left (ie. nearest your left hand) is the *ida*
nadi which has yin characteristics. On the other side of sushumna (nearest your
right hand) is the *pingala* nadi, having yang qualities.
Chakras are visible to clairvoyant sight as varously colored rotating circles or
funnels. In the East they are described as petaled flowers or lotuses. Sources
disagree on the colors.
Chakra Locations
The first chakra, located at the base of the spine at the perineum is the *root
chakra*, muladhara. It primarily relates to the element of earth and to psychic
smell.
The second chakra, known as the *sacral center, or sexual chakra*, svadhisthana, is
located above and behind the genitals. Its dominant element is water, and it is
related to psychic taste.
Third of the chakras is the *solar plexus*, manipura, located at the navel and
corresponding with the emotions and with the element of fire; also with psychic
sight (clairvoyance).
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The *heart chakra*, anahata, is the fourth chakra, located over the heart and
corresponding with the element of air, and also with psychic touch.
The fifth chakra is the *throat chakra*, vishuddha, located at the base of the throat
(thyroid) and corresponding with psychic hearing (clairaudience).
The remaining two chakras are very important. They relate mostly to elevated
states of consciousness.
The *frontal chakra*, (or 'third eye') Ajna, the sixth chakra, is located between, and
slightly above, the eye brows. Ajna is the center of psychic powers and can produce
many psychic effects. Meditation on ajna is said to cure nervousness.
Finally, the *crown chakra*, sahasrara, located atop the head, (pineal gland) is the
seventh chakra. It is referred to as the thousand-petaled lotus and corresponds with
astral projection and enlightenment.
There are also many minor chakras throughout the body. Each chakra has a sound
(letter) and a pitch which is sometimes used to invoke it.
THE TATTVAS
Some occultists prefer to describe the magical elements as tattvas according to the
Eastern system. Notice that these symbols and colors are generally different than
the western symbols and colors for the elements.
Element
Earth
Water
Fire
Air
Spirit
Tattva
Prithivi
Apas
Tejas
Vayu
Akasa
Tattvic Symbol
Yellow Square
Silver Crescent
Red Triangle
Blue Circle
Black Oval
YOGA
Yoga originated in India. It is a physical or mental discipline designed to condition
and invigorate the mind and body. There are many kinds of yoga, but they may be
generally divided into three main types...
Hatha yoga -- affect the mind through the body using physical exercises; improve
physical health and endurance.
Raja yoga -- affect the mind through mental training; improve concentration.
Mantra yoga -- affect the mind through chanting and affirmation; achieve
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relaxation.
MEDITATION
This is a much touted area of the occult. There are many meditation techniques, and
many claims made for the benefits of meditation. Basicly, meditation has two
functions -- relaxation, and perhaps, improved concentration. There are two main
types...
1) concentration meditation (focusing),
2) insight meditation (mindfullness).
Most kinds of meditation are the concentrative type. One simply focuses his
attention upon a single physical object (such as a candle flame); upon a sensation
(such as that felt while walking or breathing); upon an emotion (such as reverence
or love); upon a mantra spoken aloud or even silently; or upon a visualization (as in
chakra meditation, see below)...Concentration meditation is, simply put, a form of
self-hypnosis.
A mantra (or mantrum) is one or more words or syllables which are repeated -often chanted -- aloud...A simple yet powerful mantra is to vibrate the mystical
word 'OM'. This mantra has long been associated in India with the godhead/unity.
Use it to aid in tuning into universal vibrations which promote feelings of harmony,
peace, and well-being. Use it before magick ritual to 'get into the mood' and
afterward to 'dismiss the forces'. You vibrate a mantra by saying it slowly aloud in a
lower-pitched voice than your normal speech, and a more or less constant pitch as
well. Let the sound fade at the end of the mantra. A powerful one such as 'OM' will
seem to vibrate the air around you. It should be vocalized for 5-10 seconds and
repeated a number of times with a few seconds rest between each vocalization.
Chanting of mantras may cause slight dizziness from hyperventilation.
The other main type of meditaiton -- insight meditation -- is the analysis of thoughts
and feelings in such a way as to cause realization of the subjectivity and illusion of
experience. This is done in a effort to attain trancendental awareness. Such
statements as, 'This body is not me', fall under this category. Buddhist meditations
are usually of this type.
CHAKRA MEDITATION
There is a special type of concentrative meditation which we will call 'Chakra
meditation'. This is basicly Kundalini yoga -- the practice of causing psychic energy
(kundalini) to flow up sushumna, energizing the various chakras along the way. The
practice, considered dangerous by some, will produce deffinite physiological
sensations and psychological effects if continued long enough. It should not be
attempted by epileptics or persons with an unstable mental or physical condition, or
128
with heart disease. Certain drugs and medications, such as those used to treat
epilepsy may retard progress. Although the technique is very simple, it may
eventually produce powerful results. Results may at first appear hours after the
practice during sleep. As each chakra is energized by this practice, it is said to add
occult powers (sidhis), until at last the crown chakra is reached, and with it, full
enlightenment is attained. Sometimes kundalini awakens all by itself.
To practice this chakra meditation, you simply concentrate on the chakras,
beginning with the root chakra, and moving progressively up, as you visualize
psychic energy from the root chakra traveling up shushumna and vivifying each
higher chakra. As we mentioned the chakras have certain properties associated with
them, so that this type of visualization may 'raise consciousness', promote astral
projection, and other things -- once you have reached ajna and eventually the crown
chakra. You might typically meditate in this fashion for 15 minutes to a half hour a
day. It might help to practice some hatha yoga or other physical exercise in an effort
to make the spinal cord 'more flexible'. Diet may also affect the process. The
technique is also similar to the Tibetan 'Tummo' meditation. The rise of kundalini is
sometimes experienced as a 'vibration' or buzzing, as light, or as heat.
HEALTH AND DIET
Certainly the way you treat your physical body will affect your mind. In magick you
want an alert mind. Therefore, your body must be as healthy as you can keep it.
Take care of your body. Exercise regularly. eat a good diet (with vitamin
supplements), and do not consume anything which will have a negative effect upon
the mind. Drugs, smoking,, and alcohol should be restricted, or eliminated. (The
mind can create any condition which a drug can create.) A good rule here is
moderation in what and how much you consume. (Most of this stuff is pretty
obvious isn't it.) You may also want to cut down on sugar and processed foods.
Many occultists advise dietary changes, expecially the non-eating of meat. We
cannot deny the physical, psychological, and spiritual effect which all foods have.
This effect may be described as the 'heaviness' factor of foods. Various foods are so
ranked in the chart, lighter to heavier...
1. lettuce and other greens.
2. fruits and most vegetables.
3. wheat, rice, and other grains.
4. nuts, beans, and other legumes.
5. cheese, dairy products, including eggs.
6. fish, seafood.
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7. chicken, poultry.
8. beef, pork, other red meats.
Note that meats, especially red meats are the 'heaviest' foods. Generally, foods
which are harder to digest, or which are higher in protein are 'heavier' than those
which are not. Animal products are heavier than plants. Foods high in carbohydrate
(candy, bread, starch) are heavy. However, the 'heaviness' of foods is not directly
related to the amount of caleries.
What this means is that for various reasons, the heaviness of food in your diet will
affect your magical experiences. You may be able to increase your psychic
receptivity ('energy level') by eating lighter foods, or by eating less. Conversely,
emphasizing heavy foods in your diet, or eating larger helpings, may help to 'bring
you down to earth' should you 'rent the veil' too much. These are generalizations, of
course, and it may take a number of days of dietary change before you notice much
effect. I do not advocate radical dietary changes, excessive fasting, or malnutrition.
Your good health is far more important in magick than any temporary effect you
get from prolonged starvation. A change in diet will sometimes only produce a
temporary effect, until the physical body adapts to the change. Healthy natural
foods and lifestyle make it easier for us to be healthy, but ultimately, good health is a
mentual quality (attitude).
THE FOUR-FOLD BREATH
With physical exercise too, moderation is advised. (You should be cautious, or not
attempt it if you have a respiratory or heart condition. Check with your physician if
in doubt, and don't overdo.) One of the most useful physical exercises is pranayama,
or controlled breathing (actually a type of hatha yoga exercise). For this and any
other calesthentics or hatha yoga which you might choose to do a 'kitchen timer' is
suggested (many of these aren't accurate for under three minutes, but are helpful
for longer periods).
The main purpose of pranayama is to relax the body and mind. There are many
kinds of pranayama, but a simple one called the 'four-fold breath' will suffice. This
consists of four short quick inhallations, then four short quick exhallations; then
repeat, continuing until the allotted time is used up. It will take about 1 1/2 seconds
for the four inhallations, and about 1 1/2 seconds for the four exhallations; or about
3 seconds for the complete in-out cycle ('rep' for repetition). There should be no
strain of any kind during your pranayama. You will probably notice a slight
dizziness, particularly at first, since the effect of pranayama is to hyperventilate.
Try sitting back in a chair with your eyes closed when you do your pranayama.
Begin a minute a day for the first week and gradually increase up to about five
minutes a day. If you do the pranayama befor your magical activity, it will help you
to get 'into the mood'. It is also an excellent aid to relaxation and tension release.
Pranayama should not be done during heavy air pollution. Other exercises you
130
might consider are hatha yoga, calesthentics, walking or jogging.
REVIEW QUESTIONS:
1) What is a chakra? List them.
2) Name the three major nadies. Which nadi is hot?
3) What is pranayama?
BOOK LIST:
Arthur Diekman, The Observing Self. W.Y.
Evans -Wentz, Tibetan Yoga and Secret Doctrines. Sandra Gibson,
Beyond the Mind. King and Skinner, Techniques of High Magic.
Swami Sivananda, Kundalini Yoga. John Woodroffe (pseud. for Arthur Avalon),
The Serpent Power.
Copyright (c) 1988 by Phil Hansford. This article is is licenced for free noncommercial distribution only.
Formatting and conversion into HTML Code by Herne at The Celtic Connection. A
link and acknowledgement for the time and effort expended would be appreciated if
you use this document.
131
Book of
Shadows
132
Spells & Rituals
Ok. This is the section everyone has been waiting for. For some reason, its
the most popular one on the site.. I wonder why.. hehe.. Anyways, use the menu
below to select the type of ritual you want. Some of the sections are still growing
and may contain only one or two rites. If you have a ritual that you would like to see
published here, please feel free to email it to us.
Some of these rituals will be elaborate, and some will be very basic.
The idea is to take and modify them to suit Your needs. A ritual works best
when it comes from the heart, and not something you just read off a sheet of paper.
I hope you enjoy these, and We will continue to add more to them.
NOTE: All spells unless Authour otherwise noted, belong to Rev. Lord Talows at
"The Wiccans Home"
After you read these here are another 399 spells!
Paganlore.com
Spells & Rituals
To Bring Love
.
Reproduced with Permission from - Ilana, Alternative Healing, Herbal Healing, and Wiccan Pages
Note: This spell is not intended to be used on someone. It is a general spell to be sent
out to the universe, so you can find your mate. It will not make someone love you.
133
Preparations
Create an oil consisting of 1/8 cup unscented oil (safflowe r or sunflower),mixed with
enough rose geranium and lavender to create a pleasant scent. Blend these in a clear
glass jar. Empower the oil to the cause of finding love. Rub well onto a Pink candle.
The Ritual
To empower the oil, focus on the jar, and think of the feelings of love. Contentment,
commitment, joy, etc. Allow this love energy to flow into the oil.
At a quiet moment, when you know you will be around long enough for the candle
to burn fully, say the following prayer, and light the candle.
Oh Lady who loves us,
Oh Lord who loves us well,
Please bring my true love to me,
the one of whom my dreams do tell.
Bright Lady of the Heavens,
Strong Lord of the Earth,
Please aid me in finding this love.
Let this harm none, let none be coerced.
Thank-you.
Paganlore.com
Spells & Rituals
A Love Sachel
Reproduced with Permission from - Ashera's Wiccan Pages
1 tbls hibiscus flowers
1 tbls passion flower
1 tbls strawberry leaves
1 tbls poppy flowers
10 drops or more of rose oil
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10 drops of strawberry oil
8 drops of musk oil
Mix all the ingredients together.
Say out loud while visualizing on the person you wish to attract or the kind of
person you wish to seek.
" I ask that a lover be attracted to me and that there be love between us. I ask that this
be correct and for the good of all people. So mote it be. "
Carry in a red or pink bag.
Paganlore.com
Spells & Rituals
To Break The Bonds of Love
Reproduced with Permission from - Ashera's Wiccan Pages
(Name) Hear:
the bond is broken
eye to eye
the bond is broken
(Name) Hear:
the bond is broken
mouth to mouth
the bond is broken
(Name) hear:
the bond is broken
ear to ear
the bond is broken
And so on. It should conclude
...you ease and comfort, bless your ways
This is my will
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and so must be.
Paganlore.com
Spells & Rituals
A Fiery Love Spell
Create or find a charred stick. You will also need a few dried rose petals & a piece
of paper.
Using the charred part of the stick as you would a pencil, draw two inter-linked
hearts on paper as you visualize yourself enjoying a satisfying relationship. Draw
with power.
Hold the rose petals in your projective hand & send fiery, loving energies into them.
Sprinkle the petals over the linked hearts. Do this with power.
Wrap the package around the petals. Still visualizing, throw the package into a fire.
(Or, light it in the flame of a red candle & throw into a heat proof container.)
As it burns, the power is released.
Paganlore.com
Spells & Rituals
To Gain Love
136
Best Time: Waxing Moon
The cauldron should be on your altar between 2 pink candles. Inside the cauldron
itself, place a magenta candle. Light a love incense and the Pink candles. Tap the
cauldron three times with your wand. Say:
" One to seek him, one to find him.
One to bring him, one to bind him.
Heart to heart, Forever one
So say I, this spell is done. "
Tap the cauldron three more times
Light the magenta candle to speed the spell on its way.
Paganlore.com
Spells & Rituals
The Path of Love
Note: This spell is not intended to be used on someone. It is a general spell to be sent
out to the universe, so you can find your mate. It will not make someone love you.
You will need 5 red roses.
Walk about one block from your home and drop one rose. Begin to walk back to
your home and drop three more roses along the way. Drop the fifth rose at your
door. During this entire act, chant:
"This is a path of Love. My true love will find me."
But don't just repeat empty words. You must put all of your will and desire to find
love into your words... concentrate on what you are saying and let yourself be filled
with the feelings of love that you have to offer someone.
137
Paganlore.com
Spells & Rituals
To Bring Love
Note: This spell is not intended to be used on someone. It is a general spell to be sent
out to the universe, so you can find your mate. It will not make someone love you.
Preparation - Create an oil consisting of one eighth cup of unscented oil, mixed with
enough rose geranium and lavender to create a pleasant scent. Blend these in a clear
glass jar. Empower the oil to the cause of finding love, and then rub well into a pink
candle.
The Spell - To empower the oil, focus on the jar, and think of the feelings of love.
Contentment, commitment, joy, etc. Allow this love energy to flow into the oil. At a
quiet moment, when you know you will be around long enough for the candle to
burn fully, say the following prayer and light the candle.
" Oh Lady who loves us,
oh Lord who loves us well,
Please bring my true love to me,
the one of whom my dreams do tell.
Bright Lady of the heavens,
Strong Lord of the earth,
Please aid me in finding this love.
Let this harm none, let none be coerced,
Thank you. "
Paganlore.com
138
Spells & Rituals
To Attract A Lover
Brought to you by: Alexcia's Web
Ideas for this spell were taken from Raymond Buckland's Complete Book of
Witchcraft.
Warning: I've had many qualms about putting this spell on the web due to the
controversy of it. It is a very powerful spell and absolutely Should Not be directed at
a specific individual. This spell should only be used to attract a lover with the
qualities of a person you are looking for. I will even go so far to say that it can be
disasterous if you use this spell on a specific person. Matters of love are very
complicated and can be dangerous if not used properly.
Tools you will need are:
Protection Incense (herbs or oils work fine also)
Red 8" Taper Candle
This is a 3 day spell, and it is best to find a work area that you can leave untouched
for three days. If you must put away your tools, try to at least keep your spell candle
out in the open. This spell can be used for the type of the person you want to attract.
It is never recommended to direct a love spell towards a specific individual. You
may choose a ficticious name for the type of person you want to attract to make this
spell easier.
Read over this spell and customize it prior to use-the work will go much smoother.
Prepare your work area by setting up any tools you may use in addition to your
spell candle. Love or protection incense is recommended (herbs or oils can also be
used). While setting up your area, Concentrate on the purpose of your work. Do not
let negative thoughts enter your mind!
Just prior to your wo rk, bathe in purification herbs. While you are bathing,
concentrate again on the purpose of your spell. Again, do not let negative thoughts
enter your mind.
After bathing, go to your work area. Light some incense and cast your circle.
Envision a large, pink ball of light surrounding you and your work area.
Hold the candle between the palms of your hands and direct all of your energy into
the candle.
Place the candle in its candle holder. Prior to lighting the candle, say (either aloud,
or to yourself):
“This candle represents the love between (your name) and (ficticious name of
intended lover).”
Light the candle and say (either aloud or to yourself):
“As I light this candle, the love between my intended lover and me grows strong.
Our love is such, that all feels the attraction. As this candle burns, it draws us ever
near. Powerful is the persuasion! (Intended lovers name)‘s days are long and filled
with yearning for me. (Intended lovers name)’s nights are long and filled with desire
139
for me. To be as one, together, is all that (name) would wish. To be as one, forever is
(name)’s immediate need.For no rest shall she/he find, until she/he is by my side!”
Sit and meditate and concentrate on your intended lover and the desire that person
has for you. Concentrate on your desire for your lover.
When the candle has burned 1/3 of the way, say
“My lover will come to me” and blow out the candle.
Repeat this for two more nights.
Your desire will come to you.
Paganlore.com
Spells & Rituals
Enemy to a Friend
If you wish to stop your little fight
between you and another,
here are the things you will need:
1piece from a rosemary bush
3 rose petals
The person's picture or a belonging
You must put these under or inside your
pillow
140
and keep it there for a week. Before going
to
bed, you must say these words:
(Name), end this war
between us,
And put it in our past.
Or a friendship you will lust,
And this torment will last.
The person should stop bothering you for
awhile,
or might decide it's time to become
friends.
Spell donated by 'Lissa
Paganlore.com
Spells & Rituals
.A Spell of Banishment
Reproduced with Permission from - Open, Sesame © 1997 Eileen Holland
141
This is a spell for love gone wrong, for ending a personal, family or business
relationship that you no longer wish to be in. I wrote it years ago as an anti-stalking
spell, and have not been troubled by or even laid eyes on the spell's subject since
then.
It is a fire spell. To work it, gather herbs of protection and an image of the person
(photograph, poppet, etc.) Something written in their own hand, a lock of hair, a
piece of clothing or a personal object will also do. Put everything into a fireproof
container - iron cauldron, marble mortar, whatever - and set fire to it as you
perform the spell.
It should make a very satisfactory blaze that reduces to ashes. The ashes can be
buried or washed down a drain. Flush them down a toilet if you are very angry.
Dispose of all the objects that connect you to the person: gifts, letters, photographs,
etc. It is especially important to get rid of jewelry. Move house if you have to. Be
careful with this spell. It's permanent, so don't use it unless you really mean forever.
It's also powerful. The person I used it against had a pregnant wife, and their child
was born with a hole in its heart.
" By the crimson and the gold
by basilisk and bloodstone
by the garlic in the fields
by the poppies and what they yield
invisibly I make my shield
to detect thee and deflect thee
and keep thy harm from me..
By dragon's blood and salamanders
by horses when their hooves strike sparks
by the dragon breathing flames
from the Book of Life I erase thy names
I cut the cords and unlock the chains
I sever all the ties by which we were bound
and with impenetrable walls myself I surround
against thy power and its source
against thy evil and its source
Vesta, Pele, Lilith
Kali Kali Kali
I banish thee forever from me
and any harm from thee to me
doubles back and tables turned
thou shalt by thyself be burned
Lilith, Vesta, Pele
Kali Ma Kali Ma
by the power of three times three
I banish the e, I banish thee, I banish thee
I am set free
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So mote it be! "
Paganlore.com
Spells & Rituals
.A
Simple Salt Ring of Protection
Reproduced with Permission from - Ilana, Alternative Healing, Herbal Healing, and Wiccan Pages
Preparations
Mix together 1 part salt to 3 parts water. The salt can be any variety, if you have an
affinity to the ocean, use sea salt. Pure spring water is reccomended, but tap water
will do if that is all you have.
Ritual
Circle the area to be protected splashing the salt-water as you go around. Do this
three times. While doing each circle, repeat three times,
"Thrice around and thrice repeat, all evil does this ring defeat."
See the sheild come up as you finsish the last circle. It is done.
This ritual should be done after the area to be protected has been cleansed
and purified in some fashion.
Paganlore.com
Spells & Rituals
143
A Simple Chant of Protection
Reproduced with Permission from - Ashera's Wiccan Pages
Visualize a triple circle of purplish light around your body while chanting:
"I am protected by your might.
O gracious Goddess, day and night."
Paganlore.com
Spells & Rituals
To protect an Object
Reproduced with Permission from - Ashera's Wiccan Pages
With your index finger, trace a pentagram or rune of protection over the object to
be protected. Visualize lue light streaming from your fingers to surround the object.
Say this as you trace:
" With this pentagram/rune I lay,
protection here both night and day.
And the one who should not touch
let his fingers burn and twitch.
I now invoke the law of three:
This is my will, So Mote It Be! "
144
Paganlore.com
Spells & Rituals
To Protect A Garment
Reproduced with Permission from - Ashera's Wiccan Pages
This should be said three times, while holding the garment.
" This armours and protects with the power
This is the robe of ease and comfort with the power
This holds healing in its folds with the power
This in the name of strength of the Lady.
So this is.
So it must be. "
Paganlore.com
Spells & Rituals
.Mirror Spell of Protection for The Home
Compose an altar: place a censer in the center before an image of the Goddess. Have
a 12-inch (or so) round mirror there as well. Ring the altar with 9 white candles.
145
Burn a protective incense (such as frankincense, sandalwood, copal or rosemary) in
the censer.
Beginning with the candle most directly before the Goddess image, say these or
similiar words:
"Lunar Light, protect me!"
Repeat as you light each candle until all are glowing.
Now, holding the mirror, invoke the Goddess in Her Lunar aspect with the se or
similiar words:
" Great Goddess of the Lunar Light
And Mistress of the Seas;
Great Goddess of the Mystic night
And of the Mysteries;
Within this place of candles bright
And with your mirror nigh;
Protect me with your awesome night
Whilte ill vibrations fly! "
Standing before the altar, hold the mirror facing the candles so that it reflects their
flames. Keeping the mirror toward the candles, move slowly, clockwise around the
altar, watching the reflected firelight bouncing off your surroundings.
Gradually increase your speed, mentally invoking the Goddess to protect you. More
faster and faster, watch the light shattering the air, cleansing it, burning away all
negativity and all lines along which the ill energies have traveled into your house.
Charge your home with the protective light of the Goddess. Race around the candles
until you've felt the atmosphere change, until you feel that your home has been
cleansed and guarded by the Great Goddess.
When finished, stand once again before the image. Thank the Goddess in any words
you wish. Pinch out the candles one by one, bind them together with white cors and
store them in safe place until ( & if) you need to use them again for the same
purpose.
Paganlore.com
Spells & Rituals
146
The Bottle Spell
This spell is used to neutralize the power of those who intend to do you physical
harm, or hurt your reputation, or in any way pose a threat to your security. You
will need the following items.
•
•
4 tbsps Frankincense or Myrrh
• 4 tbsps Black powdered Iron
• 4 tbsps Sea Salt
4 tbsps Orris-root Powder (or oak moss)
• 1 white candle
• 1 bottle with a cork or lid
• Mortar and pestle
• Parchment Paper
• Black Ink or black ballpointpen
• Black thre ad
Mix the sea salt, orris-root powder, and the iron in a bowl. Then cut a piece of
parchment to fit inside your bottle and write on it with black ink:
" I neutralize the power of (name of adversary) to do me any harm.
I ask that this be correct and for the good of all.
So mote it be! "
Roll up the parchment, tie it with a black thread to bind it, and place it in the bottle.
Fill the bottle with the dry ingredients. Then take the white candle and while
turning the bottle counterclockwise, drip the wax over the cork to seal it. Last,
secretly bury the bottle in a place where it will not be disturbed and no animals or
people will dig it up. This spell is like a genie in a bottle. It should never be
unleashed or the power of the spell is lost.
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Spells & Rituals
147
Spell to Break The Powers of a Spell
If you believe that a spell has been cast against you, place a large black candle in the
cauldron (or a large black bowl). The candles must be tall enough to extend a few
inches above the cauldron's rim. Affix the candle to the bottom of the cauldron with
warmed beeswax or the drippings of another black candle so that it will not tip over.
Fill the cauldron to the ri m with fresh water, without wetting the candle's wick. An
inch or two should remain above the water. Deeply breathe, meditate, clear your
mind and light the candle. Visualize the suspected spell's power as residing within
the candle's flame. Sit in quiet contemplation of the candle and visualize the power
flowing and growing within the candle's flame. (Yes, the power against you) As the
candle burns down, it's flame will eventually sputter and go out as it contacts the
water. As soon as the flame has been extinguished by the water, the spell will be
dispersed.
Break your visualization of the spell's power; see it explode into dust, becomin
impotent.
Pour the water into a hole in the ground, a lake or stream. Bury the candle. It is
done.
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Spells & Rituals
To Keep Evil From Your House
Make a magickal tea from any of the following herbs and then sprinkle some of it in
the corners and doorways of your home to purify, defeat all wicked conjuring, and
prevent evil forces from entering:
•
•
•
angelica root
broom tops
curry powder
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•
•
holy thistle
poke root (which can also be added to your bath or cleaning water)
• tormentil
From The Wiccan Spellbook by Gerina Dunwich
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Spells & Rituals
A Fire Spell of Protection
Sit or stand before any fire. Look into the flames (or flame, if using a candle).
Visualize the fire bathing you with glowing, protective light. The fire creates a
flaming, shimering sphere around you. If you wish, say the following or similar
words:
" Craft the spell in the fire;
Craft it well; Weave it higher.
Weave it now of shining flame;
None shall come to hurt or maim.
None shall pass this fiery wall;
None shall pass No, none at all. "
Repeat this simple yet effective ritual every day when in need.
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Spells & Rituals
.House
Protection 3
Preparations:
Go out into the woods and find a few pieces of wood. Properly thank the tree. You
will need as many pieces of wood as there are entries to whatever area you wish to
protect.
The Ritual:
Bring the wood to your alter. Light a white candle. Sprinkle the wood with lavender
oil and say:
"Wood is of a shield. Please protect my home."
Concentrate on protection and pour this energy into the wood. When you sense the
wood is pulsing with the shielding energy, take it up, and place it around your home,
near all entrances, and then return to your alter.
See the shield around your house. Say a prayer of thanks to the wood, and the Lord
and the Lady for enabling this. Re-do this when the wood no longer smells of
lavender.
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Spells & Rituals
A Spell of Warning
Reproduced with Permission from - Open, Sesame © 1997 Eileen Holland
This one is a good substitute for a hex, when your fear or anger tempts you in that
direction:
" Blood turn black and flesh turn blue
I will curse you if you force me to
by the left hand and the unclean food
I'll curse your eyes, I'll curse your lies
I'll call down a plague of flies
blood go black and flesh go blue
evil from me and back to you
my soul clean and yours on fire
you fuck with a witch you get burned, liar! "
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Spells & Rituals
Simple Basil Protection
You will need:
1 orange candle
1 carnation
Basil
Place the carnation in water, and the basil in front of the candle. Breath deeply, and
clear your mind. Begin to concentrate on the powers of protection and say in a
powerful voice:
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" I call in the guardians and the power of the masculine and feminine. I surround
myself with the fire of protection. The earth's grace supports me. The winds bring me
gentle shifts and the flow of water eases the energy of this time. I believe in this
protection and I release my fears, so that I may connect to the pulse of life. I ask that
this be done within the greater good. So be it, and so it is. "
Let the candle burn as long as you like. Throw the basil out on the full moon.
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Spells & Rituals
Simple Protection Chant
"Shield of the Goddess,
On my arm Psychic arrows,
Cannot harm."
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Spells & Rituals
152
Mirror Spell Reverse
Take a special hand-held mirror and simply turn completely around with the
mirror reflecting outward and say:
"Circle of reflection,
Circle of protection,
May the sender of all harm,
Feel the power of this charm."
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Spells & Rituals
Spell Reverse 2
" Spell, spell, spell be gone.
Back to which ye belong.
Back to the caster, take your disaster.
By the law of three, So Mote It Be!"
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Spells & Rituals
Fire Spell for Protection
Sit or stand before any fire. Look into the flames
(or flame if using a candle). Visualize the fire bathing
you with
glowing, protective light. The fire creates a flaming,
shimmering sphere around you. If you wish,
say the following or similar words:
Craft the spell
In the fire;
Craft it well;
Weave it higher.
Weave it now
Of shining flame;
None shall come
To hurt or maim.
None shall pass
No, none at all.
Repeat this simple but effective ritual every day or
when in need.
Spell donated by Joshua
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Spells & Rituals
.A Spell of Binding
Reproduced with Permission from - Open, Sesame © 1997 Eileen Holland
Get a large white candle, the kind that drips wax, and set it up on a tray. Affix to it a
photograph or other image of the person you wish to bind. Make a ring of sea salt
around it. Make a second ring with protective herbs. Fill the rest of the tray with
images that represent what you are binding the person from: pictures of your
family, keys to your house, legal documents, whatever.
If the problem is too complex for images, write what the person is bound from on
slips of paper and place them around the candle. Papyrus, or paper made from
cotton or linen work best for this. Use red ink if you are angry, purple ink if you are
sad. Wrap the candle and the image with black thread (linen, if possible). Invoke
Isis and Linda, the Binder With Linen Thread.
Say out loud what you are binding the person from. Light the candle and leave it
burn until the wax begins to drip over the thread and image. Burn it every day for a
week, until the image is thick with wax. Use this as a meditation device to direct
your will to binding the person.
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Spells & Rituals
155
.Protecting A Home
Reproduced with Permission from - Open, Sesame © 1997 Eileen Holland
Making a safe place for yourself and your family is one of the most important things
a witch does. Experience teaches us that none of us is ever really safe anywhere, but
a little magic certainly can't hurt. Here are some wa ys to protect the house:
Start by mixing water and salt, two elements of magic. Consecrate them. Use garlic
salt and add powdered rosemary if you need to clear out ghosts or spirits. Begin at
the main entrance of the house or apartment. Sprinkle some of the consecrated
water by dipping your fingers in it and making the sign of the pentacle. Say: Evil
shall leave but not enter. Use a firm voice. Make it a commandment, with all of your
power behind it. Proceed counterclockwise through the house, repeating the
procedure in every corner of each room, at all the windows, doors and mirrors.
Don't forget telephones, computers with active modems, fax machines, intercoms,
and televisions that are connected to the Internet. It doesn't hurt to do the mailbox,
too. Make the downward pentacle, with your left hand, if this feels right to you. Or
the upward pentacle with your right hand. Either will work. Repeat the spell
annually, or whenever you feel in need of it. It is important to perform a spell like
this one on a new home before you move into it.
Spell For A New Home
This spell can be used while consecrating the salt and water:
" O Great Mother
in your name we purify
with water and with salt
cleanse this place of evil
and fill it with your Love
O Great Mother
make this cave a safe space
a warm and dry place
and shelter us from harm
O great Mother
make this house our home "
• Put a picture of Anubis over the door.
Get a familiar, an animal with whom you establish a special psychic/magical
relationship.
• Egyptians dip their right hands in paint and make palm prints on the outside
walls of their houses to ward off the evil eye.
• In the East the names of deities who protect doors, gates, arches, etc. are
written on them: Janus on both sides of a door, Usnisa and Sambharaja on
an elevator, Wei Ch'eng on a back door, Patadharini on a doorway, and so
•
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on. This is said to work even if you write the names and then paint over
them.
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Spells & Rituals
.A
Spell of Drawing off Negativity
Reproduced with Permission from - Ilana, Alternative Healing, Herbal Healing, and Wiccan Pages
Get a large white candle, the kind that drips wax, and set it up on a tray. Affix to it a
photograph or other image of the person you wish to bind. Make a ring of sea salt
around it. Make a second ring with protective herbs. Fill the rest of the tray with
images that represent what you are binding the person from: pictures of your
family, keys to your house, legal documents, whatever.
If the problem is too complex for images, write what the person is bound from on
slips of paper and place them around the candle. Papyrus, or paper made from
cotton or linen work best for this. Use red ink if you are angry, purple ink if you are
sad. Wrap the candle and the image with black thread (linen, if possible). Invoke
Isis and Linda, the Binder With Linen Thread.
Say out loud what you are binding the person from. Light the candle and leave it
burn until the wax begins to drip over the thread and image. Burn it every day for a
week, until the image is thick with wax. Use this as a meditation device to direct
your will to binding the person.
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Spells & Rituals
Protecting a Newborn
Reproduced with Permission from - Ilana, Alternative Healing, Herbal Healing, and Wiccan Pages
Preparations
Have two tablespoons of dried rosemary and one tablespoon of dried lavender.
Cotton cloth, thread and a white candle.
You will use the cloth and thread to make sachets for the herbs. You will need as
much of the cloth and herbs as necessary to make as many as you need. They will be
placed in all areas the child will occupy (crib, playpen, etc.) After creating the
sachets (you may buy them, if you can find them), place them on your work area or
altar. Light a white candle.
Ritual
Say once, to each sachet:
" By the powers of earth, fire air and water,
Let these herbs protect.
By the will of the Lady,
by the will of the Lord,
Let these herb protect. "
Bring in the child, say to each sachet:
" Herbs of protection, here is thy charge;
protect him/her well.
So mote it be. "
At this point, you should be seeing, or visualizing, a white wall surrounding the
infant, emanating from the sachets.
You can move the sachets anywhere, I suggest keeping at least one in proximity of
the child at all times, and yes, the diaper bag would be close enough in most cases.
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Spells & Rituals
Protecting A Vehicle
Reproduced with Permission from - Ilana, Alternative Healing, Herbal Healing, and Wiccan Pages
Preparations
You will need one clear or yellow glass bottle, one quartz crystal small enough to fit
in the bottle, and be retrieved, cedar chips, pure spring water, a piece of red cloth
made of a natural material, and frankincense or sandalwood incense.
Create solar water by putting the crystal in the bottle, filling the bottle with the
spring water, and placing it in the vehicle so that the morning sun will shine through
it. Remove the bottle at noon. (Store water in cool dark area until the next morning)
The next morning, spread the cedar chips on a non-metallic surface, and sprinkle
lightly with the solar water. Place in the morning sun to dry. When dry, place the
chips and crystal onto the cloth and tie closed.
Ritual
Use a cleansing incense, such as frankincense or sandalwood, freshen the vehicle.
Let it completely air out afterward. Then place the bundle in the vehicle. As you
place it say,
"Let this charm keep me from harm"
If doing this for another, change the phrase appropriately.
It is done.
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Spells & Rituals
Drawing off Negativity 2
Reproduced with Permission from - Ilana, Alternative Healing, Herbal Healing, and Wiccan Pages
Preparations
Buy one small clay pot for each room in your home. Fill it with fresh soil or sand.
Ritual
Within a circle, energize the sand. Charge it to remove all negative energies and
emotions from your home's energy field. Envision the negative energies being pulled
into the soil and being grounded.
Once a month, empty the pots into running water. If no stre am is near, pour it onto
the ground, and pour fresh spring water over it.
This ritual should be done after the area to be protected has been cleansed
and purified in some fashion.
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Spells & Rituals
160
Distance Healing
Reproduced with Permission from - Ilana, Alternative Healing, Herbal Healing, and Wiccan Pages
Note: this ritual is an action whose end result affects another. Please make sure the
recipient of these healing energies actually wants them.
Preparation
You will need 3 candles, incense, a picture of the recipient (if you have one, great, if
not, write the recipients name on a piece of pape r, and visualize him/her), and a
quartz crystal (optional). The candles should be Blue, White, and Pink. The incense
should be composed of one part ginger and one part rosemary.
The Ritual
Light the candles in a semi-circle in front of you. Place the incense off to one side,
and place the picture inside the semi-circle, facing you, with the crystal sitting on it.
Center yourself. Inhale the incense, and gather your energies. When you feel you
have reached the maximum amount of energy you can hold, release it by directing it
to the recipient. Directing it through a piece of quartz enhances the distance the
energy can travel and not lose force.
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Spells & Rituals
A Healing for Common Illnesses
Reproduced with Permission from - Ilana, Alternative Healing, Herbal Healing, and Wiccan Pages
Disclaimer- This ritual is provided for informational purposes only. Ilana J. Rosenshein, and anyone
related to her, is not responsible for the outcome of anyone using this ritual. Please consult a licensed
health care physician before changing your health care program.
My apologies for the above, it is legally necessary, so I don't get sued when someone
gets pneumonia because they took this bath instead of seeing a doctor, when they
should have. This bath is to cure congestion caused by a simple cold. If you have
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fluid in your lungs, or a persistent cold, see a qualified, licensed healer/physician.
Please.
Preparations
Have a blue candle, and blue healing bath salts. You may purchase these from a
store, or make them yourself.
To make the salts, mix:
•
•
3 parts Epsom salts
2 parts baking soda
• 1 part salt (table)
Mix this in a non-metal container with a non-metal instrument. Add to this,
•
•
1 part Sandalwood Oil
2 parts Eucalyptus Oil
• 3 parts Rosemary
Add enough of the oils to smell a scent, without add so much that it is an
overpowering odor. Then add enough blue food coloring to turn the salts a dark
blue. The salts will clump a bit. This is natural, do not worry.
At your altar, light a blue candle. Send healing energies into the salts. Envision
yourself whole and healthy. Do this for 3 to 15 minutes.
Ritual
Fill tub with water and add two or three tablespoons of the salts. Step into tub, and
feel your sickness being released into the water. Stay in the water as long as
comfortable, or until the water is cool. Drain the tub and watch your sickness go
down the drain. Rinse off the last of the water under the shower, to remove the last
traces of illness.
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162
A Simple Cure Rite
Light a fire of oak wood, if possible. When much of the wood has been reduced to
glowing pieces of charcoal, pick up one carefully with a pair of tongs or shovel &
throw it immediately into a stream or pot of cold water. It will sizzle & pop. As it
does visualize the disease leaving the body of the afflicted person.
Repeat this operation three more times.
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Spells & Rituals
.The
Healing Flames
Draw a picture of yourself with the disease, wound or condition. Clearly point out
the problem in the picture: a large hammer against the head to represent a
headache; black worms for a virus; a broken limb; a sore.
Charge a red candle with healing energy. light the candle's flame. Hold the tip of the
picture in the flame. After it's lit, drop it into a heat proof container.
Now, with the red candle still burning, draw another picture of yourself without the
headache, free of the virus or sore, or with a healed limb. Place this picture under
the red candle & let it burn out.
You are done.
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Spells & Rituals
The Threefold Blessing
The threefold blessing is a brief ritual based on the sacred Celtic number
three, and uses the imagery of the Triple Goddess-the maiden, mother, and crone
(symbolized by the three phases of the moon)-to honor and consecrate the one
undergoing the blessing.
Set up your altar, and cast your circle as usual. This ritual requires no special tools,
except for a cauldron. You will also need a bowl of salt, and a bowl of water. This ritual
requires three female members to portray the goddess in her three forms, and one
member t
o hold the cauldron. It is a very powerful ritua l, and one highly suitable for initiations.
From the altar a small cauldron is lifted and handed to someone else who will hold it for
the
High Priest and High Priestess while the blessing of the salt and water takes place.
Cauldron Bearer
Behold the cauldron. To look into its depths is to see all time and space, and to know the
unity of our Goddess. From her womb all things are born, and return to it we all must,
so that we may be born again.
From the altar, the High Priestess takes a small silver chalice of water and
holds it over the cauldron.
High Priestess
Blessed Be the water-the blood of the Goddess from which all life emerges.
The High Priestess pours the water into the cauldron. Then the High Priest takes a
small bowl of salt from the altar and holds it over the cauldron.
High Priest
Blessed Be the salt-the body of the Goddess, the Earth Mother who nourishes and
sustains us.
The High Priest pours the salt into the cauldron.
The three coven members who have been selected ahead of time to portray the maiden,
mother, and crone Goddess come forward now. They each place a hand into the
cauldron and stir the mixture clockwise.
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The Three Goddesses
(While stirring) Water and salt. Blood and earth. Birth, death, and rebirth. I created these.
By these I bless those who follow my ways.
The person portraying the maiden Goddess removes her hand from the cauldron
and walks to stand in front of the individual.
Maiden Goddess
Do you know me?
Person To be blessed
You are the maiden.
The maiden kneels in front of the individual and touches the salt water to his/her feet.
Maiden Goddess
I bless your feet that you may always walk the right path way as you travel this life.
May your feet lead you boldly into new ventures and bring you safely home again.
Next, the mother removes her hand from the cauldron and stands in front of the
individual.
Mother Goddess
Do you know me ?
Person to be Blessed
You are the mother.
The mother places her damp hand low on the individual's stomach area.
Mother Goddess
I bless your creative center so that fertility shall be inherent in your life's endeavors.
May all you touch and hope for that is positive grow and flourish.
Next, the crone removes her hand from the cauldron and stands in front of the individual.
Crone Goddess
Do you know me ?
Person to be blessed
You are the crone.
The crone places her damp hand on the individual's forehead.
Crone Goddess
I bless your head that you may have the wisdom to think clearly, love honestly,
and always be open to your connection with all that is, was, or ever shall be.
For all these things are mine. They came from me, and to me they shall return.
Blessed Be my child. The cauldron is replaced on the altar and the Goddesses withdraw.
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Spells & Rituals
A Tool Blessing and Consecration
Reproduced with Permission from - Alaine's Circle of Wicca
Please note that wherever you see the word mezzuzah, insert the name of whatver object you are blessing.
This ritual is fit for blessing any object, and for consecrating such tools as the Athame.
Materials:
bowl of salt
incense
cauldron or cup of water
good luck oil (or blessing oil)
Cast your circle. Invoke the God and the Goddess.
"Great Goddess of the Moon, on this night (day)
Your priest/ess comes before you bearing a
talisman for your protection. Here on your altar
I place the Wiccan Mezzuzah for your blessing."
Lie the Mezzuzah on the altar, and trace over the rune or pagan star
that you have painted on there with your finger. As you do this, imagine the rune
glowing red with your personal power. It is important that you not only imagine the
rune to glow, but will it to do so. You will know if you are sincere in your actions or
whether you are merely going through the motions.
While you are tracing over the rune say,
"Great God and Goddess, let this rune
be imbued with the power to keep all in this household
safe from harm, and safe from evil.
Let this rune be blessed with power."
Repeat this as many times as you feel necessary until you feel
that your rune has been adequately empowered.
Take the Mezzuzah and pass it through the flame of the God candle.
Say, "I consecrate thee by the Power of Fire, the Element of the God."
Pass it though the smoke of the incense and say,
"I consecrate thee by the Power of Air, the Element of the Goddess"
Sprinkle it with salt and say,
"I consecrate thee by the Power of Earth, the Element of the God"
Sprinkle it with water and say,
"I consecrate thee by the Power of Water, the Element of the Goddess"
Hold the Mezzuzah between your two hands and send your personal power into it.
Feel it grow warm in your hands. You will know when you have successfully
blessed your Mezzuzah.
This spell works to bless and consecrate any item.
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Spells & Rituals
A Home Blessing
Reproduced with Permission from - Alaine's Circle of Wicca
A home blessing meditation for charging a room:
Sit Straight with palms on lap, take deep breaths, relax, and move into a
mental space where you activate your intuitive senses.
Imagine a cord of energy from your spine connecting you to the Earth,
and channel energy from the Earth through it.
Silently ask for divine protection, guidance, and blessing.
Direct your psychic sensing outward, and feel lines of force coming out of your aura.
Note where the strongest energy is (check out the floor,ceiling, directions, etc),
Note spots that feel empty or dead, note places that feel full alive,
focus on where you are sitting and how you feel at that particular spot.
Imagine a sphere of light and love energy at your heart,
feel it pulsing outward with every breath.
Feel the radiance increase with every breath, feel your self as a star,
continue to breathe deeply and send out the energy, letting it pulsate in the room.
When ready, start making power sounds representing the love and light
you are channeling; use it to amplify the light you are weaving;
and fill the room with the energy.
Then shift focus to sending a probe out into the room, and note the
differences in the quality of energy and how you feel about it.
Repeat if necessary.
When done, feel the completeness of the work.
A room blessing involving elemental quarter invocations:
Face each direction (with arms out in appropriate elemental invoking gesture),
and say, while channeling and visualizing elemental power:
Powers of (say direction), Powers of (say corresponding element),
We greet you, we honor you, we welcome you here! Watch over and bless
and protect this place. After each invocation, shape the energy into columns of
light by sweeping ones arms together until they are parallel and sweeping them
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up and down while channeling and shaping the energy, When the energy is properly
shaped, say " so mote it be. " After you have done all four quarters, channel in spirit
energy.
To return the energy to a more mellow state while energizing yourself, put your
hands out and take in a bit of the energy into your self from each direction, going
widdershins, hold hands to your heart and take in the energy (techniques also exist f
or bringing it into a stone and retrieving it when needed).
The above was taught to Rev. Lord Talows by Selena Fox at Esotericon V, in January
1988.
This page taken from Rev. Lord Talows Web Site "The Wiccans Home"
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The Rituals
A Simple Purification Rite
Reproduced with Permission from - Ilana, Alternative Healing, Herbal Healing, and Wiccan Pages
Preparations
This ritual is a purification bath. You will need an infusion of vervain, to the following
proportions:
•
4 teaspoons crushed vervain
• 2 cups water
Pour boiling water over crushed vervain. Cover and let steep until cool. Strain
into a clear glass container. While straining the infusion, picture its purpose,
a pure you. Fill the infusion with those energies.
Note: if you feel you are unable to call up these energies,
that is ok, just envision yourself as pure.
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The Ritual
Fill a tub with water. Add the infusion. Immerse yourself, and feel the
impurities flow out of you. Inhale the scent of the vervain. Breathe deeply
and relax. When the water has cooled, watch the impurities flow down the drain.
Rinse off the last of the impurities from your body.
That evening, you may wish to keep a sachet of crushed vervain on your pillow.
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Spells & Rituals
A Simple Blessing For A Place
Reproduced with Permission from - Ashera's Wiccan Pages
• Place five flat stones on the ground (floor) - One for each of the
four directions: North, South, East, West, plus one in the center where you stand.
• Sprinkle salt water in the middle.
Then say:
"I consecrate this sacred place and nothing but love shall enter in.
" I call forth all the powers of (Name your God or Goddess) to charge and attend this
space. "
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Spells & Rituals
An Enchanted Blessing
Reproduced with Permission from - Ashera's Wiccan Pages
Form a circle with a group of friends. Hold hands. Slowly move in a
clock-wise direction, dancing, swaying to this chant:
"Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall. The wold is dancing, dance for all."
Complete the circle 18 times. Close your eyes.
Visualize the earth in the center of your circle, bathed in white light,
receiving the love and the healing energy from your group.
Know that we are all blessed with the sacred duty of being caretakers of our Mother
Earth.
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Spells & Rituals
.A
Blessing For A Task
170
Reproduced with Permission from - Ashera's Wiccan Pages
Here is a general blessing that can be used for any task
" Blessing upon the mind
Blessing upon the hands
Blessings upon the skill
in her/him, through her/him
this blessing. "
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Spells & Rituals
A Family Blessing
Reproduced with Permission from - Ashera's Wiccan Pages
Say this with your family at dinner.
You should be sure that the menu contains at least one old family recipe.
" I am thankful for all the
protection, security and tradition
that my family has given me and
for all the support that
I have received from them.
Blessings on this, my family. "
After dinner, everyone should recount favorite stories
from as far back in your family's history as possible.
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Spells & Rituals
A Simple Purification
If you wish to be free from a habit, thought, idea; if you wish to be rid of
past associations, guilt or blockages; take the symbols of that problem - whatever
they may be - & throw them onto a raging fire. The fire will consume the symbols & s
o shall it consume the power they had over you.
For the symbols think a moment - if you overeat, take a portion of your favorite f
ood & throw it onto the fire. Smoking, drinking the same. For problems which u
tilize no concrete objects, draw a symbol or image & burn.
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Spells & Rituals
.A
Self Purification
172
Reproduced with Permission from - Alaine's Circle of Wicca
Many Wiccans think that the only time they should purify themselves is on the New
Moon. And the New Moon is certainly a good time for purification, but it is
certainly not the only time that such a thing can or should be done. Purification of
the body allows us to rid ourselves of the black phycho-crap that clutters our
psyches and thus hinders us from making contact with the Goddess, and can even
make us physically ill. For those of you that are especially "sensitive", if your psyche
gets covered in smut it can really do you some damage. So here is a simple
Purification ritual that you can do weekly to help attune yourself better.
Start with a ritual bath. This need not be a full bath with soap and scrubbing but
you should sit in hot water with only candle light. Perhaps add some soothing oil to
the water. I prefer sandalwood. Also add some salt to the water. While your sitting
in the water, let yourself relax. Don't think about what you are about to do, don't
think about all the bills you have to pay. Just relax. After your bath, you can start
your ritual.
Cast the circle. Arrange your altar. Invoke the God and the Goddess.
Lie down on your back. If you cannot do this because your circle is too small, then
sit with your legs out before you. Try not to have anything crossed if you can avoid
it.
Now feel all of your energy draining out of you, into the floor or into the Earth. Feel
yourself losing control of your body, letting it go numb. Let your body become a
distant opbject. Release yourself from it. Don't let your body be a part of you. Sink
out of your body as best you can. After a few moments, feel the energy from the
Earth, all its vibrations entering your body. Feel your body tingling, burning,
itching, tickling. Feel it becoming alive again, knowing that it is being charged with
good energy from the Earth.
Once you feel that you have been recharged, sit up and light a silver candle. If you
don't have one, you can use a white one. Say,
" I light this candle as an object of my purified soul, as a dedication to my Goddess. Let
this candle burn and charge me with energy."
Pass the incense over your body. Feel the smoke all over you as it washes you clean.
You may wish to thank the Element of Air as you do this. Then, sprinkle on your
head some water from the cauldron, thinking of the Element of Water. Sprinkle salt
on your body next, thining of Earth, and lastly pass a candle over your body. You
can just press the candle over your body if running your hand through the flame
frightens you.
Once this is done, thank the Goddess and the God, and release your circle.
Your rite is done.
The above was taught by Selena Fox at Esotericon V, in January 1988.
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Spells & Rituals
.Purification
After Sexual Molestation/Rape
Reproduced with Permission from - Ilana, Alternative Healing, Herbal Healing, and Wiccan Pages
Please go to a hospital and file a police report before doing this ritual. It is very
important that we have evidence to catch these people, so they don't commit the crime
again.
Preparations
This is a two person (victim and lover) ritual, involving a purification bath. You will
need:
Bath Salts - These salts should be made by the people involved in the ritual. If this is
not possible, they should be reconsecrated by the people invovled in the ritual. (how
to do both will follow)
Pink Candles - one or two, these are to light the bathing room. If you have pink
candle shades, use them.
White Candle & Pink Candle - to concsecrate the bath salts.
Wand - belonging to neither, made of oak, to be burried after ritual (completes
ritual)
Bath Salts - I don't think you will find this blend in any store, but it is possible. As I
said, it is best to make it yourself, as follows.
Mix:
•
•
•
3 Teaspoons Epsom Salts
2 Teaspoons Baking Soda
1 Teaspoon Salt (table salt)
Mix these in a non-metal bowl, using non-metal instruments. Add to this, Lavender
and Frankincense, using two drops Lavender for every one Frankincense. Do not
use more than four drops of lavender, two drops of Frankincense. Add a drop of red
food dye, so the salts turn pink.
Concecrate these salts in front of a white and a pink candle for the number of
minutes equal to the number of drops of oil you added. Say a prayer to the Goddess,
174
speaking of the wish to be purified, through the love of your relationship and you
love of the Goddess. This is very important!! Write this together, say it together,
mean it together!
If you find premade salts, reconcecrate them with this ritual.
On collecting the wand. First, it need not be oak. That is just reccomended. What
ever you use, it must be from a tree, freely given. This is important!! If it has not
been freely given by the tree, you have raped the tree. This ritual will not work!!
Always leave something behind for the tree (pretty stone, bit of colorful string, pure
water).
The Ritual
In the evening, fill the tub with water, and add all the salts. Light the candles, and
turn out the lights. Bring in only your naked bodies and the wand.
Let the victim enter the tub, immediately submerge, resurface, and then repeat the
purifaction prayer from earlier.
Let the lover consecrate the wand to the purifaction of the victim by reapeating the
consecration prayer from earlier. Repeat this cycle three times.
Let the victim stand.
Let the lover, with the wand, touch his/her beloved on the head, hands, heart, feet,
womb/groin. After each touch the lover should say"By my love of you, your love of me, and our love of the Goddess, you shall be
cleansed."
Touch the body like this three times. (once for each of you).
Lead your beloved from the water, towel him or her off. Leave the wand floating in
the water. Go to bed that night, secure in your love for eachother and your love for
the Goddess (and her love for you).
The next morning, go out and bury the wand near running water. If no running
water is available, bury the wand, and pour pure water over the place it is burried.
Say three times" Through the love of each other, through the love of the Goddess, with this wand
burried, I am cleansed. "
Note: The lover says, you are cleansed, but you do say it at the same time.
The ritual is complete.
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Spells & Rituals
.Ridding Yourself of Negatives
Best Time: Waning Moon
Set an empty cauldron or goblet on your altar between 2 lit white candles. Burn a
good protection or blessings incense. Robe yourself, preferably in white, and stand
or sit before the altar. Breathe slowly and evenly until you are calm and centered.
Take the cauldron or goblet in both hands; hold high over the altar in salute to the
gods. Lower to chest level and slowly breathe into the cauldron, silently naming
each habit, person or experience you wish removed from your life.
When finished, turn the cauldron or goblet upside down on the altar, saying:
" The Contents of this vessel,
I give to thee, Great Ones.
Exchange these experiences for better. "
Place an offering of herbs and milk outside. Or at least burn the herbs in your
censer.
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Spells & Rituals
.
176
A Simple Cleansing
Reproduced with Permission from - Ashera's Wiccan Pages
Materials Needed:
•
1 tbls bicarbonate soda
5 drops essential oil
• juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp good oil, such as sweet almond
• 1/2 cup sea salt
•
•
Stir the soda, essential oil, lemon juice and oil together and then blend in the salt.
Dissolve in the bath water. Light 4 candles (colors of your choice) and place at the 4
corners of the tub.
Step slowly into the bath water, feeling it envelope around you.
Close your eyes.
Visualize yourself laying on the surface of the ocean. There is nothing around you,
you are alone and at peace. Feel the warmth of the sun beating down on you.
Say either out loud or quietly to yourself:
" Be Comforted, All is well
Now you are blessed.
You have life to nurture and nurture you.
Be calm.
Be easy.
Be Comforted.
You are blessed. "
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Spells & Rituals
.
Consecration Number 1
Tools needed:
177
•
•
•
1 gold or black candle (representing the Lord)
1 silver or white candle (representing the Lady)
1 red candle (representing the element of Fire)
• Incense (not a scent that is too overbearing)
• The object you are consecrating
• Water & Salt
• Oil
Ground and center yourself. Close your eyes and allow the magick of the Lord and
lady to surround you with light. Repeat three times:
"In Perfect Love and Perfect Trust."
When you feel your consciousness is on the highest spiritual level, open your eyes
and light the candles signifying the presence of the Lord and Lady. Then light the
incense and the red candle to assist in the consecration. Take a pinch of salt and mix
it with the water (stirring clockwise) while repeating:
" I exorcise O ye elements of salt and water, removing all negative and disharmonious
energies. I now bless thee in the name of the God and Goddess, to assist me in this
purification. "
Now, take the object in one hand. Dip your finger in the mixture of salt and water,
then place a few drops of this mixture on the object while repeating:
"I now purify this (name of object) in the name of the God and Goddess casting our
any negative or disharmonious energies, sending them into the ethers. I purify thee
sacred and clean."
Now, move the object over the red candle (Fire), then the burning incense while
repeating:
"I now sanctify this (name of object) in the name of the God and Goddess casting out
any negative or disharmonious energies, sending them into the ethers."
Lastly, anoint the object with the oil, while repeating:
"I consecrate this (name of object) in the name of the Lord and Lady to be used only as
a magickal tool. Let this object forever and a day give love and light to my path."
Once again, close your eyes and take a deep breath, allowing the spiritual world
begin to leave. Thank the Lord and the Lady for their presence in your life. And
remember: Always show love and respect!
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Spells & Rituals
.
Consecration Number 2
Tools needed:
•
Salt & Water
Candles (optional)
• Incense
The object you are consecrating
•
•
Charge salt and water (this makes it another form of holy water). Start by casting
the Circle. Say:
"Now is the Circle cast. I shall not leave it but with good reason."
Taking up the item that you wish to consecrate, hold it high in salute and say:
" God and Goddess, Lord and Lady, Father and Mother of All life. Here do I present
my personal tool(s) for your approval. From the materials of nature has it been
fashioned; I will that it henceforth may sere me. As a tool in thy service. "
Place the tool on the altar and think back to what you did to personalize it. Dip your
fingers in the salted water and sprinkle both sides of the object. Now, pick it up and
hold it in the smoke of the incense, turning it, Say:
" May the Sacred Water and the smoke of the Holy Incense drive out any impurities in
this (name of object) that it be pure and cleansed, ready to serve me and the gods in
any way I desire. So mote it be. "
Hold it between the palms of your hands and concentrate all of your energies (your
power) into it. Then, Say:
" I charge this (name of object) through me, with the wisdom and might of the God
and Goddess. May it serve us well, keeping me from harm and acting in their service,
in all things. So mote it be. "
If you are consecrating other things at this time, repeat the process with each item.
Close the Circle as follows: Raise your newly consecrated athame and say:
" My thanks to the gods for their attendance. May they ever watch over me, guarding
and guiding me and all that I do. Love is the Law and Love is the Bond. So mote it be.
"
179
Keep the consecrated item on you at all times for the next 24 hours. Then sleep with
it under your pillow for 3 nights.
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Spells & Rituals
A House Cleansing
1) Thoroughly physically clean the house....
2) Wash walls down with a solution containing Full Moon charged fresh
water,
a clear crystal, and one or more of the following herbs: lavendar,
frankincense, myrrh, lemon balm. You can also add Lysol to the water (to
actually clean the walls), but stay away from salt (it can damage painted
surfaces).
3) Wash all wood/linoleum floors down with the same solution (though you
can
add salt if washing linoleum floors)
4) On carpets, asperge the solution (minus salt) with a bundle of twigs,
grasses, feathers, etc. Vacuum afterwards and throw away the vacuum bag
(in
a garbage receptacle away from the house!)
5) Smudge interior of house with sage or frankincense -- be sure to get
smoke
into corners, behind doors, under furniture, up chimneys, and in all dark
places.
6) Protect entrance points by laying a line of salt outside along all door
thresholds, window ledges, etc. Throw salt into fireplaces.
7) If negative spirits are a problem, asperge interior of house with
rosemary
180
steeped in ocean water (if ocean water is not available, make a strong
saline
solution using sea salt and fresh water -- avoid using tap water, unless you
have a well). Sweep out house (or vacuum), taking care to sweep away
outside
away from entrance doors and high foot-traffic areas.
It is important that while you are in the process of doing this cleansing and
blessing that you not be disturbed and that your focus remain on removing
all
negativity from your home.
I also have protective amulets scattered around my house, and I smudge
with
sage any time the energy inside doesn't "feel" right.
Blessing donated by "Rowan"
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Spells & Rituals
A Coven Initiation Ritual
Cast The Circle
The High Priest or High Priestess steps to the center of the circle and announces that a young person
this night is declaring himself/herself a Witch, that he/she wishes to enter into the tradition and be a
part of our circle.
The High Priest and High Priestess walk to the front of the Altar
" Who wishes to enter this sacred place? "
Accompanied by his/her teacher, the initiate walks up to the outside edge of the circle.
Initiate
" It is I, (initiate gives his legal name, or the name under which he has been known while a Craft
student) . I come with my teacher (gives teacher's Craft name), who is known to you. "
High Priest or High Priestess
" (Teacher's Craft name), can you vouch for the sincerity of this candidate who stands before us ? Is
he/she a learned man ? "
181
Teacher
" He/she has learned much from myself and others, and from his/her own inner self, and yet knows
that learning is never ending. I vouch for his/her knowledge and his sincerity. "
High Priest or High Priestess
" The student may be brought to the circle, but he must cross its threshold alone. No one can pass
through the portals between the worlds but by his/her own will and merit. "
The High Priest or High Priestess cuts a doorway in the circle with the athame, allowing the teacher
to enter and take his/her place in the circle with the rest of the coven.
The gateway is then resealed and a broom is placed on the ground at the entry point. This is an old
Wiccan custom. The broom is symbolic of the unity of male and female. Stepping over it symbolizes
our crossing into the realm of the divine, where male and female have no meaning, but are merely
two parts of the whole.
The ritual begins in the form of a series of questions administered to the initiate. For the most part
this is another formality, though the initiate does have to come up with his own answers to the
questions. The initiate is free to answer the questions as he feels best. Whether or not his teacher has
counseled him in the answers remains a secret between them.
In general, the q uestions concern:
· The initiate's qualifications for entering the circle.
· The magickal skills the initiate possesses.
· The contributions the initiate can make to the group.
· Any questions covering basic Craft or Traditional teachings that the coven wishes to ask.
When the questions are answered, the High Priest or High Priestess looks to the coven for permission
to allow the initiate to enter. Since, in this case, the initiation has been planned by all, it is a given that
permission will be granted.
One of the leaders cuts a door in the gateway and bids the initiate to step inside by crossing over the
broom. The door way is then closed behind him/her and the broom removed.
High Priest or High Priestess
" Welcome, (state legal or student name), to this sacred place. In it you stand at the boundary of all
worlds, without a firm foothold in any. Here is the world of form and spirit, light and shadow, earth
and sky, Otherworld and Earth World. The vows and promises you make here tonight will echo
throughout all creation-through past, present, and future. By stepping into this space you show your
willingness to make these vows without fear and without hesitation. Are you now ready to begin
making these vows by accepting the threefold blessing? "
The Threefold Blessing is now performed before the initiation continues.
The High Priest and High Priestess now make sure that the initiate is standing in the west end of the
circle and that he is facing the east, a direction symbolic of new beginnings as symbolized in each
morning's sunrise.
High Priest or High Priestess
" (Addressing the coven) The one who stands before us declares himself tonight to be not only a
Witch, but he has also declared his intent to share our spritual path. He wishes to dedicate himself as
an initiate of our tradition. To this end he has studied not only the Wiccan lore we love, but the
teachings of our ways as well. All of you have helped bring him/her to this place tonight. Accept
him/her, if you will, by welcoming him/her as a free person. "
Coven
" Hail, (insert legal or student name) . We greet you as a free person. "
High Priest (Addressing initiate)
" Do you, this night, of your own free will, declare yourself a Witch ? "
Initiate
" I am a Witch. I am a Witch. I am a Witch. "
High Priestess
" Do you choose to follow our tradition of the Craft knowing that, as a free man/woman, you may
discard, add to, or combine your spirituality with any other path so long as you harm none ? "
Initiate
" As a free man/woman, and as long as I harm none, I do what I will. "
High Priest
182
" As you stand before the Old Ones in this sacred space, do you promise to cherish our ways and
respect our beliefs no matter where your spiritual path might lead. "
Initiate
" I am Wiccan. No matter what other labels apply to me, this one shall also stand. "
High Priestess
" Because you know that you will view and learn many of the secret workings of this coven, we ask
you to take a vow of secrecy as we all have. Even upon the time of your departure from our glorius
group, we ask you to not talk of the rituals and workings you will partake in. Will you make this vow
and pledge to us your loyalty in names of the deities you love ? "
Initiate
" I promise by the Lord and the Lady that I will love this tradition and will protect and guard the
secret workings of this coven. If I fail in this promise, may the Law of Three send me justice. "
Coven
" As it is spoken, So Mote It Be! "
High Priestess
" Then know this as the rest of the great mysteries: In the spiritual we are all children. We must
always continue to grow or our spirit dies. Never stop learning, for knowledge is the food of the
hungry soul.From the altar, the High Priest takes the small plate of cakes, and the bottle of
wine/juice. The significance of each is explained to the initiate, after which each portion is fed to him
by the High Priest. "
From the altar, the High Priest and High Priestess take a thick cord woven from three smaller cords
of white, red, and black. These are the colors of the Celtic Triple Goddess, chosen by our coven to
replace the discarded green cord of the student. The new cord contains nine knots, each spaced a foot
apart, symbolizing the power number in Celtic traditions, the sacred three-times-three. The
significance of the cord is explained to the initiate, though this is merely a formality since the initiate
made the cord himself in order to infuse it with his own energies. After the explanation, the initiate's
primary teacher steps forward to remove the green cord from around his/her waist.
Teac her
" A good teacher is also taught by her student. I cherish what I learned from you, and am honored to
bring you here this night because of what you learned from me. It is every teacher's hope that his/her
students will surpass him/her. This is my fervent wish for you, my friend. "
The initiate and student may wish to hug or express other sentiments to each other either aloud or in
whispers. The teacher will keep the green cord for his/her student to reclaim after the initiation to do
with it what he wills. Some wish to keep them as magical talismans, others burn or bury them.
The persons who are portraying the Triple Goddess come forward again and tie the cord around the
initiate's waist, and then it is tied.
After the cord has been tied around the initiate, the High Priest has the initiate kneel down in a fetal
position in front of the altar. The high priest then drapes a black cloth over the initiate, cloaking
him/her from all.
" At this time, (initiates legal or student name) will be reborn into our tradition, and into the path of
the Wiccan. "
High Priest and High Priestess
" (Last use of initiate's legal or student name inside a Wiccan circle) , Be Reborn! "
The initiate slowly starts to rise up coming out from under the black cloth. This symbolizes his/her
rebirth into this new path and into our tradtion. As the initiate is fully standing, the cloth is tossed
completely to the ground. Thus, the rebirth is completed.
“We welcome, (initiates new craft name), into our tradition and coven, and ask that he/she walk this
path as our equal.”
Coven
" So Mote It Be! We welcome (initiates new craft name) to walk among us and participate with us in
our rites and rituals. "
The new Witch goes to the altar, where he/she stands alone to make his personal dedication the Lord
and Lady. He/she is also free to acknowledge any other personal deities he may have. The initiate also
takes his private Craft name, the one that will be known only by the deities. This should be done in
silence so that only the Lord and Lady shoul d know.
High Priest and High Priestess
183
" We Welcome You, (craft name) "
The High Priest and High Priestess both take turns hugging the initiate, and then he/she joins the
circle to particpate in any other rituals or rites to be performed this night.
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Spells & Rituals
A Fire Divination
Once the fire has died to a glowing reddish-white mass of coals, stare into its heart.
If you wish, throw some Fire of Azrael incense onto the coals (equal parts cedar,
juniper & sandalwood). This will flare up & burn, but will quickly die down.
With the scented smoke rising from the divination incense scry in the coals. See
what shapes the charred wood seem to form, & determine their meaning through
the language of symbolism.
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Spells & Rituals
184
To Gain Money
Best Time: Full Moon
Fill the cauldron half full of water and drop a silver coin into it. Position the
cauldron so that the light from the Moon shines into the water. Gently sweep your
hands just above the surface, symbolically gathering the Moon's Silver.
While doing this, say:
" Lovely Lady of the Moon
Bring to me your wealth right soon.
Fill my hands with silver and gold.
All you can give, my purse can hold. "
Repeat three times. When finished, pour the water upon the Earth. It is done.
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Spells & Rituals
A Money Philter
Used to attract wealth, food, clothing and all necessary goods.
•
1 tbsp Yellow Mustard Seeds
• 1 tbsp Mistletoe
• 1 tbsp Safflowers
• 1 tbsp Clovers
• 10 Drops Sweet Orange Oil
• 10 Drops Sandalwood Oil
• 10 Drops Jasmine Oil
Bind the ingrdients together with:
•
• 1 tsp Myrrh
1 tbsp Frankincense
185
Mix all the ingredients together and focus your intentions on the purpose of the
spell. Cup your hands around the ingredients and charge the mixture by stating
whatever you want it to accomplish. Say:
" I charge these herbs to bring (state what you need)
This spell assures that changes will bring gain and benefit.
I ask that this spell be correct and for the good of all.
So Mote it be! "
It is done. Pour the herbs into the earth.
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Spells & Rituals
To Attract Money
You will need:
•
Money (or pictures of cash)
• Jewelry
• Drum
The money is placed on the alter not as an object of worship - but as a symbol to
your deep mind of what you intend to obtain. You may wish to place a statue of the
Goddess on the alter as well, to remind you that money is not everything.
Then, while standing, drum and chant to raise power. You may chant anything that
you wish (it should have something to do with the ultimate goal of your spell), as
long as it is not to long and can be repetitive.
As the power moves toward its peak, imagine a huge transparent funnel over you,
and huge amounts of cash, checks and other forms of wealth cascading down
through it to pile up around you (or at least enough for your needs). Give thanks for
the wealth that you know to be headed your way and close the Circle.
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Spells & Rituals
A Spell for Employment
You will need:
A lodestone (or other small but powerful magnet from a hardware store) that can fit
easily in the palm of your hand.
Holding the stone, imagine vividly the kind of job you want and the feelings you will
have working there. Do not imagine names, the appearance, or other details which
may limit your choices. Speak aloud the qualifications you have for holding such a
job, and ask aloud that you have it in a certain amount of days. Raise power and
charge the stone.
The following day, have the stone or magnet with you as you make six job contacts.
Make precisely six contacts a day until you have the job that you desire.
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Spells & Rituals
.Locating
Lost Items
187
Picture the lost item in your mind, and chant the following:
"Bound & binding,
Binding bound,
See the sight,
hear the sound.
What was lost is now found,
Bound & binding,
Binding bound"
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Spells & Rituals
Night of the Inner Light
Choose a candlestick that you especially like and reserve it for this use only. Seated
in darkness, light a pure white candle and stare into the blue of the flame until you
feel at ease within yourself. You are about to set in motion a renewal of courage,
vitality, and good cheer by this creative act. Let your mind wander as it will,
clearing away all negative debris.
Concentrate on your own worth and essential goodness. When you reach a level of
perfect serenity, stand up - with your major hand, slowly trace in the air a clockwise
circle around the candle. Without taking your eyes from the flame, say:
"This night I vow to recall the past,
only as it brings me joy and satisfaction.
May fear and regret no longer dwell in my heart.
So may I prosper."
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Spells & Rituals
.A
Good Luck Spell
Brought to you by: Alexcia's Web
Read over this spell and customize it prior to use-the work will go much smoother.
Tools you will need are:
Protection Incense (herbs or oils work fine also)
Blue 8" Taper Candle
Paper
Pen
Heat resistant bowl
Prepare your work area by setting up any tools you may use in addition to your
spell candle.
While setting up your area, Concentrate on the purpose of your work. Envision
what it is that you desire. For this spells’ purpose, it is best to have an idea of what
you want, as opposed to general good luck.
Just prior to your work, bathe in purification herbs, or with your favorite bath salts.
While you are bathing, concentrate again on the purpose of your spell. Do not let
negative thoughts enter your mind!
After bathing, go to your work area. Cast a circle. Light the protection incense.
Envision a large, light -blue ball of light surrounding you and your work area. Hold
the blue candle between the palms of your hands , close your eyes, and direct all of
your energy into the candle. Open your eyes and place the candle in its holder.
On a small piece of paper, write down what it is that you want (money, job, etc.).
Place this piece of paper under the candle holder. Prior to lighting the candle, say
(either aloud, or to yourself):
“This candle represents the good luck that will come to me”
189
Light the candle and say (either aloud or to yourself):
“As the light of this flame grows, I can see good luck around me. “
Sit back and watch the candle burn. Envision what you will look and feel like when
your wish comes to you. See yourself holding with the object you desire, or with the
desired goal you wish to achieve.
When the candle had burned 1/3 of the way, say
“As the flame of the candle dissipates with time-good luck will be mine.”
Continue to do your meditation, envisioning the light blue ball of light around you,
seeing yourself how you will be when your good luck arrives.
When the candle has burned 2/3 of the way, repeat
“As the flame of this candle dissipates with time-good luck will be mine”.
Continue to meditate as the candle burns.
When the candle has almost burned away, burn the piece of paper with your written
words and place the ashes into a heat-resistant bowl. Repeat the affirmation
“As the flame of this candle dissipates with time-good luck will be mine”.
Extinguish the candle by blowing on it and envisioning bad luck also being swept
away by your breath.
After the candle’s leftover wax has cooled-, combine the ashes and wax together and
bury it in the earth as close to your home as possible.
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Spells & Rituals
.A
Solitary Initiation Ritual
Reproduced with Permission from - Alaine's Circle of Wicca
This is a bare -bones rite designed for the solitaire practitioner to initiate himself
into the Wiccan religion.
Materials: None
Note: The iniation rite should be performed only after a minimum of about a year of
study. You are not a witch just because you call yourself such. It is important, then,
that you understand all aspects of your craft before you initiate yourself as a bona
fide witch.
Cast The Circle
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Invoke the God and the Goddess.
The most important thing about this rite is that you mean what you are saying and
that you are willing to dedicate yourself to the Craft. There will be many trials you
will have to go through, and you may be persecuted for your beliefs, so it is
important that you really want to dedicate yourself to the Craft.
Let the Goddess and the God know what you plan to do. Let them know that you
wish to dedicate yourself to Wicca and that you wish to become a high Priest/ess in
their name. There are no fancy words that you need to use; this rite is extremely
personal and casual. It is between you and the Gods what happens. Anything that
you feel to say is right is.
I have heard of people choosing to consecrate themselves in a sort of Wiccan
baptism upon initiation into the Craft. They do this in the same manner that they
consecrate tools. (You can find this ritual in my section on the Wiccan Household)
After they consecrate/bless themselves, they lie on the floor in a sort of offe ring to
the Goddess and let her Powers fill them.
I like this idea because it recognized the fact that the Deity makes a Witch--NOT
other witches. Some people mistakenly believe that only other witches can make a
witch, but this is folly. Only the Goddess can consecrate a person, and only she can
know what is in their heart. Don't let anyone tell you that a solitaire witch is not a
real witch--your intentions and your dedication make you a witch, not belonging to
a group.
There is another rite which involves being outside in a personal location--either on
the beach, in the woods, or in the mountains. It involves communing with nature,
talking to the Goddess and the God and making yourself one with the Deity in
whatever manner you feel is appropriate. That's the beauty of this rite--it's just you
and your God, and no one needs to interfere.
After initiation, you will become officially a witch. This is a respected and high title-no one reaches this honor without practice and study. To be a witch is to be more
than a spell caster-- it is to be a priest/ess of the gods, to give yourself freely to the
Earth, and to be compassionate, loving and sensitive to the vibrations around you.
Most witches decide to take a new name for themselves. Many take the name of a
Goddess, or a magickal name, which will come to you when the time is right. You
don't have to use this name in your daily life, if you don't wish to, but perhaps in
your book of shadows, or when you talk to other witches, or in your heart when you
commune with the Deity. It is up to you. Your new name is a symbol of your rebirth
into a new life.
After your rite, enjoy cakes and ale. Your rite is completed.
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Spells & Rituals
Fire Scrying Chant
When you wish to contact your psychic mind:
Sit before a fire, close your eyes for a moment or so,
relax,
still your consciousness. Then open your eyes and look
directly
into the flames. Don't strain your eyes; blink normally.
Take a deep breath. When you are at peace say these
or similar words in a whispered voice:
Blazing fire
As you dance,
Give me now the
Secret glance.
Call upon my
Second site;
Make me psychic
With your light.
Blazing fire
Shining bright,
Give me now the
Second sight.
Spell donated by Joshua
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Spells & Rituals
.A
Self Affirmation Rite
Reproduced with Permission from - Ilana, Alternative Healing, Herbal Healing, and Wiccan Pages
Preparations
You will need four candles and the following incense for this ritual. The candles:
green, yellow, red and blue. If you can't find candles of the proper color just make
them all white. Burn the following incense•
•
•
3 parts Sandalwood
3 parts Frankincense
1 part Rose Geranium
• 1/4 part Cinnamon
The Ritual
Light the four candles, green in the north , yellow in the east, red in the south, and
blue in the west. Face each candle and say,
"I declare, before the powers of the (direction),
that I am loved, by (deity worshipped),
by my friends, and by myself."
Repeat facing each direction.
Repeat this ritual every other day.
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Spells & Rituals
A Ritual For Success
Reproduced with Permission from - Ilana, Alternative Healing, Herbal Healing, and Wiccan Pages
Preparations
You will need orange essential oil and an orange candle.
Ritual
This ritual is designed to bring you down the path of success. Do it on a Sunday
during a waxing moon.
First prepare your ritual area. Rub three drops of the oil onto the the candle, one at
a time.
As you rub the first drop say, "The first drop starts me down the path."
As you add the second say, "The second finds me on the path."
As you add the last say, "With the third the path is done."
Visualize yourself working at your chosen profession. Now, light the candle. After it
is lit, say again,
"The first drop starts me down the path,
The second finds me on the path,
With the third the path is done.
So mote it be."
Let the candle burn down. It is done.
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Spells & Rituals
For Peaceful Sleep
Reproduced with Permission from - Ashera's Wiccan Pages
These are hung by your bed to encourage a restful sleep and sweet dreams.
•
10 Cardamon pods
• 1 tsp salt
• 15 cloves
• 1/2oz peppermint
• 1/2 oz rosemary
• dried peel of 1 lemon
Light a white and pink candle, place them on your work area (kitchen table, counter
top) Crush the cloves, cardamon and salt to a fine powder. Blend with the herbs and
put in bags. As you are making the bags concentrate on peaceful memories and
beautiful thoughts. When you hang the bags by your bed say out loud :
"Sleep be with me
Peaceful sleep
Restful sleep
Let my mind be eased
Let my body be calmed
Wings of darkness
Let the sight of night and dream
be clear, be quiet
Let my troubles drift away
and let me dream..."
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Spells & Rituals
To Gain Prophecies
Fill the cauldron half-full of water and place it on a table where you can see
comfortably into it while seated.
Light 2 purple candles and a good divination incense; a combination of mugwort
and wormwood work well. Arrange the candles so their light does not shine into the
water in your eyes. Focus your attention on the bottom of the cauldron, your hands
placed lightly on either side. Breathe gently into the water and say:
" Cauldron, reveal to me that which I seek
Great Mother, open my inner eye that I may truly see. "
Empty your mind as much as possible; remian relaxed while looking deep into the
cauldron waters. The answer may come in images in the water, picture in your mind
and strong bursts of "knowing".
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Spells & Rituals
Wax Prophecies
Best time: Full Moon
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Fill the cauldron half-full of fresh water. Stir the caudlron gently three times with
your fingers. With a lighted candle, slowly drip spots of wax into the swirling water.
The Prophecy is read by interpreting the images seenin the wax, much like reading
tea leaves. Boats, clouds and horses usually signigy journeys or movement. The Sun,
Moon and stars indicate spiritual growth and/or life's successes. Develop your own
interpretations for the images.
Paganlore.com
Spells & Rituals
.A Silver Spell
This spell takes 1 week to perform
Situate a small bowl of any material in a place of promincence in your home,
somewhere you pass by every day. Each day for seven days put one dime in the
bowl. Next, obtain a green candle, any shape or kind.
Before you begin, fix in your mind the idead that you are a prosperous person. See
money as being no problem. Imagine money coming to you, as you need it.
Place the bowl of dimes, the candle and a candle holder on a flat surface. Hold the
candles in yourhands and feel the power of money. Feel the avenues that open to
you when you have it. Sense the energy within money which we a shuman beings
have given to it. Place the candle in the holder. Pour the seven dimes into your left
hand. You will create a circle surrounding the candles with the dimes. Place the first
dime directly before the candle. As you place it say there or similiar words:
"Money flow, money shine
Money grow, Money's mine."
Repeat this 6 more times until you've created a circle around the candle with seven
gleaming dimes.
As you say the words and place the dimes, know that you're not just reciting and
fooling around with pieces of metal. You're working with power - that which we've
given money as well as that which is within yourself. Words too have energy, as does
the breathe on which they ride.
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When you've completed this, light the candle. Strike a match and touch its tip to the
wick. As it puts up the fire, sputters, to a shining flames, see money burning these.
See the power of money flowing out from the seven dimes up to the candle's flames
and then out to the atmosphere.
Blow out the match and settle down before the glowing candle and money. Sense the
feeling of money in your life. Visualize a life with money to spare - a life in which
bills are quickly paid and money will never again be a problem.
See yourself wisely spending money, investing it for your future needs. See money as
an unavoidable and beautiful adpect of your life.
Kill off any thoughts of debt, of taxes, of doubt yhat you can achieve this change.
Simply see what will be.
After ten minutes or so, leave the area. Let eh candle burn itself out in the holder.
Afterward, collect the dimes, place them back in the bowl, & "feed" it a few coins
every day from then on.
Money will come to you.
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Spells & Rituals
Bark Divination
Take a broad, thin piece of bark. put it into a bright fire until it catches flame then
quickly set it a little distance from the fire. When it has stopped burning, carefully
stare at the symbols visible in the charred ash-laden wood.
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Rituals for the
Seasons (Holidays)
So, what are all these funny holidays?
Click on the links for a specific holiday ritual
The Wheel of the Year
Winter Solstice
Yule
December 21
February Eve
Imbolc, Candlemas, Brigid January 31
Vernal Equinox
Ostara
March 21
May Eve
Beltaine
April 30
Summer Solstice
Litha, Midsummer
June 21
August Eve
Lammas, Lughnasadh
July 31
Autumnal Equinox Mabon, Harvest Home
September 21
November Eve
October 31
Samhain
Click here for general info on the holidays themselves and their meanings
FULL MOON RITUAL
.
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Yule Ritual
Using a white feather
(provided naturally by a
friendly cockatiel) dipped
in salt water, each person is
sprinkled on the head,
heart, and feet while
saying: "May your head
and heart and path always
be in harmony"
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As circle forms, room is
dark, chanting begins.
"In the beginning there was
darkness, there was
darkness and the sea and
night."
by Sparky T. Rabbit (alias
Peter Soderberg)
FACING THE
DARKNESS-written by
Kath Walker
"In our beginnings we came
from the darkness of the
womb. There we were
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created and nourished and
we grew in preparation for
our birth into the light.
Within us we still carry that
fertile darkness. There we
hold seeds of hopes and
dreams to come. There we
nourish our visons of love,
joy, and peace for all. There
we shield tender roots until
they are strong enough to
emerge and flourish in the
light. Look within yourself
to that warm dark. Enjoy
these wonders. Spend a
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little time tending and
caring for these creations to
come."
Allow a few minutes for
meditation.
CAST CIRCLE
Quarter Calls written by
Nancy Vedder-Shults. As
South is called, a fire is lit
in the fireplace (which
luckly was in the South).
Center Spirit of the Center
and the cauldron of
transformation -As we
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celebrate the longest of
nights, let us rejoice in the
darkness and remember the
light. For this is the time
when the wheel turns - Out
of the darkest hour, the
light is born anew, attend
our circle this night!"
West Spirit of the West,
spirit of water as snow and
ice - As all of nature is
dusted white, as the lakes
freeze over and the rivers
no longer course, help us to
remember the sound of
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running water, the ebb and
flow of our own emotions,
for after the winter the
spring must surely come,
attend our circle this
night!"
North Spirit of the North,
spirit of earth, its plants
and animals - As we travel
through these cold and
blustery days, the trees are
bare, the birds are flown,
winter is upon us. Help us
to remember the living sap
in the trees' roots, the
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evergreens and their
promise of renewal, the
bears sleeping in their
hibernation and most of all,
friends and family, who
hold us in the warmth of
their hearts -- even in the
dead of winter, attend our
circle this night!"
East Spirit of the East,
spirit of air and the icy
blasts of winter - As the
north winds blow and the
wind chill drops, Let us be
invigorated by the stark
206
beauty of this season and
the knowledge that out of
the old, the new is born. Let
the winds of change roar
through this night,
sweeping away what we
don't need to make room
for what's to come, attend
our circle this night!"
South Spirit of the South,
spirit of fire and the blazing
Yule log - In this season of
dark and cold, burn
brightly in our lives,
rekindling hope in the face
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of death with the spark of
spring in the depth of
winter. "For I who have
died am alive again, And
this is the sun's birthday."
Attend our circle this
night!"
"As the flame grows this
night, so shall the young
sun grow 'til Midwummer."
INVOKE THE GODDESS
AND GOD-Nancy VedderShults
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"Hecate, Cerridwen, Dark
Mother who presides over
the longest night of the
year. Hecate, Cerridwen,
please grace our circle
tonight. Hecate, Cerridwen,
Dark Mother, Take us in.
Hecate, Cerridwen, let us
be reborn."
Chant - "Hecate,
Cerridwen, Dark Mother
take us in. Hecate,
Cerridwen let us be
reborn." by Patricia Witt
209
"At this season, we
celebrate the rebirth of the
sun god, who brings with
him in his wake the others
gods who die and are
reborn. So let us invoke the
Sun God, Sun God, BE here
Now!. Let us invoke the
Horned God, Horned God,
be here now!. And let us
invoke the Green God, who
graces our altars as
evergreen, Green God, be
here now!"
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Chant - "Hoof and horn,
Hoof and horn. All that dies
shall be reborn. Corn and
grain, corn and grain. All
that falls shall rise again."
by Ian Corrigan Here invite
others to invoke other gods
and goddesses of the season.
DANCING WITH
SHADOW--Written by
Susan Felstehausen
"We will now dance with
our shadows, our dark side
we wish were not there, the
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pieces of ourselves that
make us feel
uncomfortable, unhappy
ashamed. Our self worth
has been denied and
undermined by our culture,
by authority. Embrace
these aspects of yourself.
Love yourself. Hug and
hold yourself. Heal and
integrate those shadows as
you dance. When you feel
integrated, add a piece of
wood to the fire to
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symbolize the fire burning
brighter within yourself."
Basket of kindling is placed
near the fire. Dancing
performed to "Uma" on
"Since the Beginning" by
Layne Redmond and the
Mob of Angels (any slower,
gentle free-form piece could
be used). Not everyone may
finish their dancing before
the music is over. When this
ritual was performed, the
group just picked up a beat
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and kept it going with
rhythm instruments.
TREE LIGHTING-Written by MaryEllen Bell
"Some things are best in
the darkest, coldest days
before Yule. It is now that
we know the warm
pleasures of hearth and
board, of stories told only
in the winter; of poems we
have time to read or write;
of songs we take time to
sing. Now, when we look to
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the sky and deep into
ourselves, we see things we
could not see when too
much light shown on them.
Now comes Aurora in the
North. Now come long,
clear, and starry nights.
Now come the nights when
we praise the tree that is
ever green and the pure
cold light of a billion suns,
while we wait for our own
sun to return. "
(plug in tree lights as last
line of above is spoken)
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Chant/Round & Dance
around tree "Come now,
people dance and sing!
Hear the bells of Yuletide
ring! Come dance and
sing!" by Nancy VedderSchults
(Small bells are placed
under the tree and the
children are invited to ring
them during the chant)
REBIRTHING--Written by
Denise Griffith
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"We began by nurturing
ourselves in the abundant
darkness. Once nourished,
we struggled with our
shadows, through the dance
we brought ourselves to a
point of harmony, blending
the parts into a strong
whole. Now we are ready to
mirror the return and
growth of the light by being
reborn ourselves. As you
enter under the womb veil,
visualize yourself as you
would wish to be. As you
217
come out and are blessed,
take the candle given to you
and light it off of the altar
candles. Visualize your new
self being given the spark of
life, of growing energy.
Once your candle is lit, feel
free to share your
increasing vitality by
lighting any of the unlit
candles about the room
then rejoin the circle.
Adults, please assist the
children with their
candles."
218
Two people to hold a black
fabric veil to serve as
womb. As each person goes
under, the people holding
the veil say "May the Dark
Mother take you in" and
drop the veil over the
"baby's" head and torso.
After a moment, the veil is
lifted. As each person comes
out "baby catchers" say
"By Oak, Ash, and Holy
Thorn, blessed be the day
you're born", and give the
person a candle. Small
219
individual candles with
paper drip-guards were
used (picked up at local
church supply store). Have
the participants remove the
paper guard before placing
the candle in the box so
each candle takes up less
room.
As birthing was performed,
Nancy Vedder-Shults sang:
"I am the light in the
darkness, I know how to
sing.
I'll teach you how to
220
dance and shout,
Many gifts to you I'll
bring.
I am the dark in the light.
My words to you are true.
Quiet, center, still your
thoughts,
I will heal and comfort
you.
I am the fire in the
shadows.
My flame will ever rise
Out of the dark and
waning year.
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My spark it never dies."
by Nancy VedderShults
"It is a tradition to make
birthday wishes. As we
celebrate both the rebirth
of the Sun, without whom,
no life would flourish and
our own rebirth, place your
candle in this box" (one of
the leaders begins, candles
are placed in a box with
sand in the bottom [Hopes
& Concerns box])
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FINAL DANCE TO CALL
BACK THE LIGHT-Chant - "We are awake in
the night. We turn the
wheel to bring the light. We
call the sun from the womb
of night." by Catherine
Madsen
CLOSE THE CIRCLE
"Let us now thank the god
and the goddesses who have
blessed our circle."
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After each name ALL will
say Stay if you will, go if
you must."
DISMISS THE
DIRECTIONS--Written by
Nancy Vedder-Shults
South Spirit of the South,
spirit of fire and the blazing
Yule log: Thank you for
blessing our circle tonight.
You have burned brightly
in our lives, rekindling hope
in the face of death with the
spark of spring in the depth
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of winter. Thank you and
farewell....Blessed be."
East Spirit of the East,
spirit of air and the icy
blasts of winter: Thank you
for blessing our circle
tonight. You have
invigorated us with the
stark beauty of this season
and the knowledge that out
of the old, the new is born.
Your winds of change have
helped us to let go of what
we don't need in order to
make room for what's to
225
come. Thank you and
farewell....Blessed be."
North Spirit of the North,
spirit of earth, its plants
and animals: Thank you for
blessing our circle tonight.
You have helped us to
remember the living sap in
the trees' roots, the
evergreens and their
promise of renewal, the
bears sleeping in their
hibernation and most of all,
friends and family, who
hold us in the warmth of
226
their hearts -- even in the
dead of winter. Thank you
and farewell....Blessed be."
West Spirit of the West,
spirit of water as snow and
ice - Thank you for blessing
our circle tonight. You have
helped us remember that
ice and snow are made of
water, that even in winter
our emotions ebb and flow,
and that after the winter,
the spring must surely
come. Thank you and
farewell....Blessed be."
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Center Spirit of the Center
and the cauldron of
transformation - Thank you
for blessing our circle
tonight. With your help we
have celebrated the longest
of nights, rejoicing in the
darkness and remembering
the light, watching as the
wheel turns and out of the
darkest hour, the light is
born anew. Thank you and
farewell....Blessed be."
"The circle is open but
unbroken. May the peace of
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the Gods and Goddesses go
in your hearts. Merry meet,
and merry part, and merry
meet again!"
General chaos and merry
making, pot luck, etc.
.
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Imbolc Ritual
Tools
•
Fire Pit (Candles if a Fire pit is not available)
• Torches
229
•
Sword or Broom
Preparation
This is a celebration for Imbolc, February 1. Please feel free to change text to make it
comfortable for you.
This ritual is best performed outdoors in front of a fire pit. If you are solitary you may
perform this ritual by using a candle as your fire pit and the match as your torch. In the
spoken sections change the words we, us, etc.. to I and me. If you are in a coven and can't
go to a fire pit then you can each hold a candle. Light the candles at the same time.
Open Circle
Use a sword or broom to open the circle. Everyone enters the circle holding a lit torch.
Together everyone throws their torches into the fire pit.
Everyone or just the High Priest/Priestess says:
"We welcome back the waxing sun, and thank you for bringing us future days of
warmth and growth."
As this is said the sacred fire grows stronger, and everyone is aware that the seasons are
changing.
Now it is time to charge the circle and call the watchtowers. Each person speaks when
they come to their element or the High Priest/Priestess says:
•
North (Earth) "Ye guardians of the North, I summon thee to watch over us
and protect this circle. Earth give me strength as we welcome the wakening
of the bears, and bloom of the flowers. We thank the Sun for bringing us
warmth and light."
• East (Air) "Hail, angels of the East wind. Enter here this sacred space,
spreading the sweet air of wisdom among us, as we celebrate the waxing sun.
• South (Fire) "In your cavernous, fire -filled hall, echoes the name that I now
call. Fafnir! Stir my blood with will power bold. Create new changes from
the old.
• West (Water) "Fro m the realm of Murias come forth fertility of plenty.
Ocean circling the earth, sea flowing and ebbing! Hail & welcome!
**The above quarter calls are from 4 different traditions of Wicca. You may want to change them to match your tradition or change the words
to what makes you more comfortable**
MEDITATION SEQUENCE
Everyone takes a moment to meditate. The High Priest/Priestess says:
"Close your eyes and take slow deep breaths. The breath of spirit flitters through
your bodies. The breath of spirit circulates around you, calming you and quieting
you. You are now relaxed.
You now see a light around you as you enter a world of nothingness. The wheel of
the year turns into night in anticipation of the rebirth of your own inner self. You
look up and see a light shining above from the stars. The light grows larger while
coming toward you. This light rests in front of you forming into a ball.
As you look at it's glow a face of energy begins to form. The Goddess of the fire has
come to you. As you watch her glow she asks you what your flame of growth will be
this next wheel of learning. Physicalness; being, dancing, sports, art? or will you
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develop your mental skills: being, communications, writing, poetry? Or will you
become more emotional; healing, herb craft, couns eling, parenting, relationships,
understanding? In the turning of the wheel it is good to strengthen these areas that
we need improvement on.
As you look at the glowing ball in front of you, you think of which skill you would
like to choose: physical, mental, or emotional. When you have decided and you are
ready, bring the ball of light into your hands, and place it in your heart.
When we all have gathered our hand to our hearts meditation will be done. Breathe
this fire of inspiration into your heart, into your mind, into your body. Own it,
become it. Very gently open your eyes."
Thank the Deities
The High Priest/Priestess thanks the deities being used. Partake an offering and leave one
behind for the God and Goddess. The High Priest/Priestess says:
"Let us acknowledge the Lord and Lady on their day, and thank them for presiding
over this dedication ritual. May we together always walk with you on the path of
light. Forever."
Closing the Magick Circle
The person who created the circle now says:
"The Great circle is open, but ever unbroken. May the peace of the Goddess dwell
in our hearts. Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet again."
Ground center and clean up.
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Ostara Ritual
231
The altar is set in the center
of the room on a low round
table draped in green. At
the center of the alter is the
"flower cone", a simple
wicker structure about a
meter high and half a meter
in diameter topped with a
white candle. Around the
base of the cone are placed
small seed packets wrapped
in spring patterned fabric
and tied with ribbon. Gold
& Silver candles (Goddess
& God) as well as painted
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eggs, feathers and items to
be charged surround the
seeds. At the four quarters
on the alter are green handdipped beeswax tapers,
unlit. Between the tapers
are quarter-circles of egg
shaped votives, 6 between
each taper, also unlit. The
center top candle will be lit
before people arrive for the
ritual. Chairs are arranged
in a circle. Just outside the
perimeter of the circle, at
each quarter, candleholders
233
sit on small draped tables.
Music will be playing as
people arrive. We will have
asked everyone to bring a
few flowers or greenery
with stems from their home,
to be collected in wicker
baskets at the door as
people arrive. Programs
will be handed out at the
door. Tables will be set up
for the 'cakes and ale'
portion of the program.
Drumming signals the
beginning of the ritual.
234
Drumming ends. HPS
comes to the Center.
HPS
"Welcome to the Spring
Equinox Celebration. After
we cast our Circle, please
stand as we call the
quarters."
The circle is cast. (Our HP
improvised and was quite
impressive)
As each quarter is called,
caller lights the appropriate
taper from the center and
235
lights three eggs on each
side of the taper direction.
Then she/he turns and calls
the quarter, and takes the
taper to the perimeter of
the circle, placing the taper
in the candleholder outside
the circle.
"From the East come the
winds that carry the seed".
Spirits of East be here Now!
"From the South comes the
sun, kindling the life of the
seed".
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Spirits of South be here
Now!
"From the West comes the
water that swells the
sprout".
Spirits of West be here
Now!
"From the North comes the
Earth that nourishes the
plant".
Spirits of North be here
Now!
HPS
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Center / God / Goddess
Invocation (also
improvised)
Gold & Silver candles are
lit directly from the center.
Reading # 524 by Starhawk
(in the UU Hymnal)!
East quarter:
Earth Mother, Star Mother
You who are called by a
thousand names
May all remember - We are
cells in your body
And dance together
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South quarter:
You are the grain and the
loaf
That sustains us each day,
and as you are patient with
our struggles to learn
So shall we be patient with
ourselves and each other
West quarter:
We are radiant light and
sacred dark
- the Balance You are the embrace that
heartens
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And the freedom beyond
fear
North quarter:
Within you we are born, we
grow, live, and die
You bring us around the
circle to rebirth
Within us you dance
Forever!
Crone:
Short explanation of the
significance of the vernal
equinox.
240
Chant: Into the Silence of
the Night
HPS
Childrens' story:
Persephone
HP
Introduction to the Flower
cone.
"To symbolize the promise
of Spring, we have
arranged on the alter a
cone of crab-apple cuttings.
The cone shape represents
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power and focus. At its base
are packets of wild-flower
seeds. These seeds can
represent our hopes for the
coming time of warmth.
Surrounding the cone are
candles in the shape of eggs.
Eggs are symbols of new
life and hope."
Four children offer baskets
of flowers around the circle
HP takes a flower from
each basket and places
them to start.
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"We welcome you now to
take some flowers and
greens from the baskets.
Starting in the East, please
come forward, a few at a
time and place them into
the cone. As you do, please
visualize something you'd
like to "grow" this spring.
Something in your garden?
A relationship? Perhaps a
special project? As the cone
is filled with dreams of
fruition, the seeds are
charged with energy. After
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all have placed flowers, we
will dance to the coming
Spring."
Dancer
Introduction to the spiral
dance, including the
significance of the spiral.
Singer Runs through chant
Spiralling Into the Center
Dancer Leads once through
the spiral, leading all back
into a circle. Walk in circle
until "home". Signals
drumming to end.
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HP
Invite people to take a seed
packet. "We'd like to invite
you to come forward and
take a seed packet now
filled with your energy.
Take them and "grow"
your "vision".
HPS
Grounds
Dismisses Quarters, snuff
candles
Opens Circle. (all
improvised quite well)
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Baked goods, Fruit, Tea &
Coffee
Drumming with dancing
and merriment!!!
Paganlore.com
Ritual for Beltaine
Written and Adapted by
Kenneth R. White
Items Needed
Staff
Two large altar candles (or prepared fire-pits)
246
A May Pole
Two Chalices
Sea Shell
Candle for Realm of Sky (white)
Candle for Realm of Land (green)
Candle for Realm of Sea (blue)
Wine
Water
Anointing Oil
Altar
Offerings
Participants
Realm of Sea 1
Realm of Land 2
Realm of Sky 3
Ritual Lead RL
Bard B
Seer S
Grove Guardian GG
Set up of Ritual Area
A circle of 12 stones may be laid out. The altar shall be set in the center,
unless a fire-pit is used, then the altar shall be placed to the South of the
fire-pit.
When the ritual space is ready, the Grove Guardian shall announce to all
participants that they may enter the Ritual area.
The procession to the ritual space shall be lead by the RL. The ritual space
shall be entered from the East and the procession shall walk in a spiral
pattern around the circle until each participant is in thier assigned place.
Anointing: Each member may be annointed by the RL and the B, as they enter
the Eastern quadrant with the symbol of Awen /|\ on the forehead. B will
bless each participant by stating "May you be blessed in Mind, Body and
Spirit."
Statment of Intent:
GG: "We come to the sacred grove this day to celebrate the ancient feast of
Beltaine. Let no one bearing ill will enter here. For we meet in fellowship to
honor the Old Ways."
All: "So be it!"
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Bard steps to the center of ritual area and announces the intent of the
ritual. (May give further details, last minute instructions and/or relate
history of the fea st.)
RL guides participants through the tree meditation.
Parting of the Veil
Seer steps to center and takes shell from altar. Holding shell overhead and
facing the West invokes Manannan Mac Lir to part the veil.
"Manannan Mac Lir,
Son of the Sea,
Keeper of the veil
Guardian of the pathways
Between our world and the Otherworld.
Hear the words of the Seer,
We ask you to part the veil
So that we may commune
With the beings of the Otherworld Realms."
Invocation of the Three Realms
1)Walks in a spiral pattern (to the right) while carrying the candle for the
Realm of Sea. Recites the following invocation while walking to the altar:
"I light this sacred flame,
To represent the Realm of Sea.
I call upon the Realm of Sea,
The Realm of the Past.
The Realm of the Ancestors.
Come! Join with us in our sacred rite."
(1)Returns to his/her place.
(2)Walks in a spiral pattern (to the right) while carrying the candle for the
Realm of Land. Recites the following invocation while walking to the altar:
"I light this sacred flame,
To represent the Realm of Land
I call upon the Realm of Land,
The Realm of the Present.
Our realm, which we share with the Spirits of Nature.
Come! Join with us in our sacred rite."
(2)Returns to his/her place.
(3) Walks in a spiral pattern (to the right) while carrying a candle for the
Realm of Sky. Recites the following invocation while walking to the altar:
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"I light this sacred flame,
To represent the Realm of Sky
I call upon the Realm of Sky,
The Realm of the Future.
The realm of the Gods and the pathw ay of the Sun.
Come! Join with us in our sacred rite."
(3)Returns to his/her place.
RL steps to the center to invoke the center and plant the sacred tree.
"I stand at the Center,
I stand at Usnieach (oosh-na)
The Center of Time and Place,
Where past, present and future become one.
In this place I plant The Otherworldly Tree,
The Tree that will join the realms:
Sea,Land and Sky.
That we may commune with the Mighty Ones, The Shining Ones, and the
Spirits of Nature.
RL then plants (staff) tree near altar.
All-So Be It!
Invocation of Lord and Lady
B, S, and RL approach the Center and face each other with the fire-pit(s)
between them.
Bard recites the following invocation:
"I call into the mists of time,
I call to the Lady of the Rivers
I call to Boann."
(first fire or candle is then lit)
Seer recites the following invocation:
"I call into the mists of time,
I call the Lord of the young Sun.
I call to Bel."
(second fire or candle is then lit)
RL recites the following invocation, while standing between fires
"I call the Lord and Lady of this sacred feast,
Come join with us that we may honor you."
B,S,RL "We light these sacred flame in honor of the Lord and Lady. SO BE
IT!"
Bardic Rememberances
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At this point the Chief Bard may lead the grove in a song, or recite a tale in
line with the intent of the feast.
Magickal Working
Whatever type of magickal working the members of the grove may need is
done here. (For this feast day a fertility or sun oriented working is
appropriate.)
FERTILITY AND CLEANSING RITE:
(This is wher e the raising of the "May -pole" would happen) Go here for help.
Offerings
Once the Bard is finished the Seer steps toward the center. Announces the
Giving of Offerings in return for blessings or in thanks of blessings
received. A wicker basket is passed around circle, starting and ending in the
East, offerings are placed in basket and then returned to the Seer.
"Our Lord and Lady,
We send you these offerings
in thanks and with praise.
Assist each of us in our endeavors this season."
Seer then places offering basket into the fire. (if there is no fire, the
basket is set aside for another time.)
Augury
Seer then performs an augury for the grove
Rememberances
RL holds forth chalices.
"Behold the waters of life and the fruits of the earth." Libates each chalice
and sends around circle deosil. All drink.
When all have partaken of the chalices. Each returns to his/her place.
Evocation of the Three Realms
RL "We have received the blessings of the Gods. Our closing draws near. Let
us thank those whom we have called."
(3) steps to the Altar to dismiss the Realm of Sky. Takes candle and returns
along the spiral path (to the left) while Reciting the following invocation:
"I dismiss the Realm of Sky,
The Realm of the Future.
The Realm of the Gods and Goddesses.
The Pathway of the Sun and Moon.
This candle has burned in your honor.
We thank you for joining with us in our sacred rite."
extinguishes candle at end of spiral.
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(2)steps to the Altar to dismiss the Realm of Land. Takes candle and returns
along the spiral path (to the left) while Reciting the following invocation:
"I dismiss the Realm of Land
The Realm of the Present.
The Realm of the Nature Spirits.
This candle has burned in your honor
. We thank you for joining with us in our sacred rite."
extinguishes candle at end of spiral.
(1)steps to the Altar to dismiss the Realm of Sea. Takes candle and returns
along the spiral path (to the left) while Reciting the following invocation:
"I dismiss the Realm of Sea,
The Realm of the Past.
The Realm of the Ancestors
. This candle has burned in your honor
. We thank you for joining with us in our sacred rite."
Extinguishes candle at end of spiral.
Dismissal of Lord and Lady
RL,B and S approach Need-fire. RL dismisses the Lord and Lady
. Closing the Veil
Seer walks to the Altar and takes shell to close the veil
. "Manannan Mac Lir,
Son of the Sea.
Keeper of the veil.
Guardian of the pathways
Between our world and the Otherworld
We have communed with the Ancestors,
We have communed with the Spirits of Nature,
We have honored the Gods and Goddesses.
We ask that the veil be closed at this time."
Closing
RL Then guides participants through a reversal of the tree meditation
. GG "Our rite is done. Let each of us leave here with what each needs most,
whatever it may be. Walk with wisdom in the light of the trees!"
All "So be it!"
Grove then gathers for feasting and merriment
.
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Paganlore.com
Litha Ritual
Summer Solstice,
June 21st
Tools:
In addition to your usual m'jyk-l tools, you will need:
•
•
A Golden Yellow Alter Cloth
• Small Cloth Pouch of Summertime Herbs
• Cauldron
• 1cup Fresh Spring Water
• Red Sun God Candle
• Green Earth Goddess Candle
Summer Blend Incense (Jasmine, Rose, Lotus, Wysteria, or
combination).
Preparation:
Sweep area moving in deosil manor. Set up Quarter Candles and any
accessories symbolizing the Elements of the Quarters. Decorate the alter
with seasonal flowers, especially Sunflowers. Prepare your Pouch of
Summertime Herbs, and as you make it, pour your troubles, pains,
sorrows, illness, and regrets into it. Place the Cauldron in the center of
your alter, the Red Sun candle to the right of it , the Green Goddess
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Candle to the left of it. Place the cup of Fresh Spring Water in front of the
Goddess Candle. Take a shower or bath for purification. Sit quietly and
meditate for a while, then ground and center. When ready, play some
peaceful music for the ritual.
Cast the circle.......Pick up your Wand, and with arms upraised, face So uth
and say:
"I celebrate the Mid-of-Summer, held in honor of the Blazing Sun God. All
of Nature vibrates with the fertileness of the Goddess and of the God.
The Earth basks in the light and life of the Sun.
The ever turning Wheel of the Year has made the light ever stronger And
the light has kept growing longer, until today...
The middle of the time of light, Litha, MidSummer's Day, Summer
Solstice.
From here, the light begins to fade, again, until once more the Wheel turns
to the time of darkness, Yule, Winter Solstice.
Yet, for today, the Sun is high, the light is bright, the Earth is warm. As
the Sun God blazes above, may the fires of my rite flame below."
Face the alter, put down your wand, and light the Green Goddess Candle
to the left of your cauldron, saying:
"Oh, Mother of Nature, She that brings the meadow to bloom, Green
Forest Mother, from lakes and streams your children spring forth.
Blessed Lady of the stars and the Moon, Fruitful Womb of which I honor,
and ask of Thee, Thy Blessings."
Light the Red Sun God Candle to the right of your cauldron, saying:
"Oh, Father of all things, He that plants the seed and nurtures Life.
God of Fertility and Fruitfulness, from hill and forest your children
emerge.
Blessed Lord of the blazing Sun, potent Consort of which I honor, and of
Thee, Thy Blessings."
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Take the Herb Pouch and hold above your head, saying:
"By thy power, oh sacred herbs, may the Lord of the Sun Burn away the
hurtful, the troublesome, and the painful, Leaving me purified through His
warmth and Light."
Hold the pouch over your main Alter Candle to take flame. While it is
burning, drop it in the cauldron, saying:
"Great Goddess and Great God, from Thee all powers flow forth.
The Two that are One, Great Spirit of All-That-Is,
By Thy powers, and the powers of Air, Fire, Water, and Earth,
By Thy powers, and the powers of the Sun, Moon, and Stars,
I banish these negatives from my life."
Visualize the negatives burning away to nothingness. When all that is left
is ashes, douse the ashes with the cup of Fresh Spring Water, feel as if the
water were being poured over you and your negatives washed away. Air
dry by dancing and running your hands up and down your arms, body,
and legs. Don't forget your head... lay it back and shake running your
fingers through your hair. When done, face alter, wave hand over the
cauldron and say:
"As the Phoenix rises from the ashes, so let this water be pure and new.
Mother Goddess, bless this water so that it may bless and renew me.
Father God, may your rays of the MidSummer Sun bless and nourish me.
Two that are One, may your blessings sustain me as I journey, anew."
Pass your cupped hands over the cauldron, pausing briefly each time to '
pour ' in wishes for health, prosperity, and good fortune to be part of your
life. Dip the forefinger of your right hand into the cauldron water, and
trace a pentagram on your forehead, saying:
Let my mind be open to the truth."
Anoint your lips saying:
"Let my lips always speak the truth."
Anoint your heart area, saying:
"Let my heart seek the ways of the Goddess, now and always."
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Anoint the centers of your palms, saying:
"Let my hands be gifted to work in m'jyk-l ways."
Anoint the soles of your feet, saying:
"Let my feet ever walk upon the sacred paths!"
Now is the time for meditation and any spellworkings. MidSummer
spellworkings include: prosperity, fertility, and plentiful harvests. Finish
by having the Cakes and Ale Ceremony and releasing the circle. Clean up.
The Ritual is done.
MidSummer Cookies
3/4c softened butter, 2c brown sugar, 2 eggs, 1T lemon juice, 2T grated
lemon rind, 2c sifted flour, 1c finely chopped pecans.
Cream butter in a large non-metallic mixing bowl. Gradually add the
brown sugar, mixing well.
Add eggs, lemon juice, and rind, then mix well until mixture is well
blended.
Cover the bowl with a white or yellow towel or cloth napkin, and
refrigerate overnight. The next day, shape dough into 1" balls and place
approx 3" apart on a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for abut 20
minutes. Cool on racks. Yields 36ct.
--Adapted by Akasha Ap Emrys To share with all her friends and those of
like mind-Copyright © 1997-99 Akasha, Herne and The Celtic Connection wicca.com. All
rights reserved.
.
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Paganlore.com
Lughnasah/
Lammas Ritual
OPEN CIRCLE
The High Priest/Priestess forms the circle by moving 3 times counter
clockwise around the perimeter. Upon reaching the northern gateway, the
High Priest/Priestess leads everyone into the boundary of the circle in a
clockwise direction until all have entered and stand forming a circle.
Time to charge the circle and call the watchtowers
Starting with North, East, South, and end at West
Ye guardians of the North, enter here this sacred space granting us prosperity as we
welcome the first of three harvest festivals
Ye guardians of the East, enter here this sacred space spreading the sweet
air of achievement among us as we celebrate the first harvest.
Ye guardians of the South, enter here this sacred space warming us with
you gifts. Give us strength through out our celebration.
Ye guardians of the West, enter here this sacred space sprinkling us with your
nourishment. Cleanse us with your love as we celebrate the harvest.
The circle is cast and we are between the worlds, beyond the bounds of time, where
night and day, birth and death, joy and sorrow, meet as one.
INVOCATION AND ALIGNMENT WITH THE DEITIES
Each person say:
I am in perfect alignment with the god and the goddess.
In this night and in this hour I call upon the power of the god and the goddess.
If the speaker would like to read the Charge of the Goddess they may.
Light a candle for each the God and the Goddess.
After the invocation ring a bell once to invite the deities into the circle.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Speaker says a blessing for the food and beverage.
256
Partake an offering and leave one behind for the God and Goddess.
On this Day of the Lughnasah we have come to honor the Gods who have died and
resurrected and to celebrate the first harvest.
MEDITATION SEQUENCE
Everyone take a moment to meditate.
The following sequence may be used if desired.
Choose one of two purposes:
1. To more deeply understand the mysteries of Death in Life
2. To discover how you can be more productive and creative.
Select only one purpose. Do not try to combine the two. Visualize the
following.
You are walking down a country path towards a setting sun. It is a
warm evening in late summer. Insects are buzzing and the air is heavy
with scents. Take the time to notice all you see and hear. Are there
any animals to be seen? What can you smell? Feel your feet making
solid contact with the earth with each footstep.
You are approaching a field of golden corn. In the West, over the
corn, the sun is setting. Ahead of you, to your right there is a barrowmound, rising in a low green hump above the gold of the corn.
Standing near the barrow is a beautiful oak tree, its branches spread
in welcome and farewell to the sun. Stand for a while and look at the
seen.
When you are ready, enter the field. Notice how corn whispers as
you walk through. Go towards the oak tree. The corn does not grow
right up to the tree. It stops several meters before, leaving soft grass
around the roots. Sit with your back to the tree, looking towards the
setting sun and the barrow-mound. Take in all you see. Again notice if
there are animals present.
Now ask your question. Wait patiently. Notice all you see -- do not
disregard anything. The answer may not be in any way literal. When
you have received something, or feel you need to move on, proceed in
your own way with the journey if you wish. Come back to everyday
awareness now or when you are ready.
Be sure to make a note of all you have experienced.
*The above passage come from Wheel of the Year by Hodder and
Stoughton
Finish by closing your chakra centers, counting from ten to one, taking a deep breath,
opening your eyes, and telling yourself that you are fully awake.
Speaker says:
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We have cast this circle this night to perform the act of dedication of our mind, body
and spirit to the lady, her consort, and to the religion and science of witchcraft.
From this day forward, we will honor and respect both the divine and ourselves. We
will hold two perfect worlds in our heart: perfect love and perfect trust.
We vow to honor the path we have chosen, the divine and ourselves.
THANKING THE DEITIES
We thank Lugh for his victories and showing us his brilliance and how to appreciate
death and rebirth.
CLOSING THE MAGICK CIRCLE
Person who created the circle now says:
This circle is open, but never broken.
CLEAN UP
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Paganlore.com
Mabon Ritual
You will find in this ritual places for adlibbing. This is where you open and
let the Gods speak through you. Don't worry, the words will come to you.
Altar: Dress with reds, golds, browns, hunter green. Autumn leaves,
pumpkins, squash, corn, wheat. Let the altar reflect the abundance of the
harvest. Place fruits and vegetables in a bowl or basket. Also decorate the
quarters with harvest fruits. Scales will also be on the altar.
Incense: put corn, wheat, and/or oats into a heavy floral base. The mood is
the last blast of summer and the fullest time of harvest.
Oil: rosemary/hyacinth/bergamont/patchouli -- a heavy, heady floral
Cast circle in the usual way.
Invoking the Lord and Lady
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High Priestess:
Now is the time of the harvest.
Gathering in for the darkness ahead
Demeter, mother of the maiden, join us.
Follow the sound of your children laughing
And come to our (coven name) circle
Lady, be welcome in our circle.
High Priest:
Now is the time of the hunt
When the moon lights your way Lord Herne,
Come to our circle
And sound your ethereal horn.
We seek the balance in life and death Lord,
Be welcome in our circle.
High Priest should be prepared to talk about the balance of what is inner
and what is outer. Looking back and looking ahead, looking within. Honor
the balance that is the spiral.
High Priest will now take the bowl or basket of fruits and vegetables from
the altar and pass it deosil. As the basket passes from hand to hand, he
says... (ad libbing is always welcome):
Enjoy the riches of the harvest. Rejoice in the last warmth of summer.
Welcome the first hint of winter in the air. This is a night of balance...(ad
libbing)
High Priestess now picks up the scales from the altar and says:
(ad libbing) In our lives we constantly measure ourselves against other
people's standards. Our flaws appear enormous and our good points seem
miniscule. The Lady in her wisdom offers us balance. Take a moment to get
comfortable and we will examine and readjust if necessary our own scales.
Balancing the scales -- a meditation for Autumn
Open with a trance inducing meditation. The Tree or The Rainbow from
Starhawk's 'The Spiral Dance' are both excellent or use one that you are
comfortable with.
Open your inner senses. You are in a large room. There is a table along the
Eastern wall. Someone is motioning for you to come there. As you approach,
take time to look at the person standing there. This is your inner guide who
will always help you balance yourself. You may talk to your guide for a
moment. (Pause for 5 to 10 long breaths)
Now see the table. There is a set of scales. On the left side of the scales is a
red feather. Beside the table is a pile of different sized stones.(Pause for 3
breaths)
259
Now think of where you feel there are imbalances if your life. As you name
them, the guide will place a stone on the right side of the scales. Consider
(space the following with 4 to 8 breaths): Family... Friends... Work... Home...
Physical... Emotional... Mental... Spiritual... (add others as necessary).
(When the meditation reader feels ready) Now look at your stones and how
the scales are balanced. Remember what the stones are for. Now listen to
your guide who can show you ways to balance. (Ten to 15 breaths at least)
Know that you are a whole and useful person. Reflect on that which is
balanced in your life. The guide will add a stone to the left side for each.
Consider (Space the following with 4 to 8 breaths at least. The key here is to
let the listeners have time.) Family... Friends... Work... Home... Physical...
Emotional... Mental... (add others as necessary)
Look at your scales now. They are balanced more evenly. The red feather is
in your guide's hand. The guide hands you the feather. You are the balance you are the harmony. Take a moment to thank your guide (10 breaths). Know
that you may return to this room whenever you need to meditate on the
scales.
Now find the door through which you came. When you feel ready, walk
through the door and up the stairs you will see there. Return to this room
feeling energized and awake.
Balance is the harmony of nature. Nature is the harmony of the Goddess.
Goddess is the harmony of you. You are the harmony of balance.
Take some time to talk about the meditation if the coveners need to
process the experience.
High Priestess: (taking a small bowl of bulbs from underneath the altar)
Autumn is also our inward deepening time. Just as a bulb needs the winter
dark and cold to grow in the springtime, so do we need the quiet and
reflective time to look at ourselves (ad lib) Take a bulb from the basket and
plant it. Let it remind you of the growth you can gain during the winter
months.
High Priest: (holds up a sheaf)
And the balance is this. The grain of autumn shall be the seed of spring.
Take time to talk about what everyone hopes to do over winter. When
everyone seems ready move onto Cakes and Wine. And close the circle in
the usual way. Encourage covenors to take home some to the vegetables
and decorations from the altar and quarters.
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Paganlore.com
Samhain
(Halloween) Ritual
This ritual should be performed barefoot. Although if you do this ritual for
Samhain, you may want to wear socks. I'm sure the Goddess will
understand :-)
You will need: Incense made of Frankincense and Myrrh or Lavendar,
Basil and rosemary,2 black or 2 white candles, black altar cloth, bell,
chalice of milk, dish of barley, 81 black beans, a bowl of spring water, and
a towel.
-Cast your circle. Light the candles and say:
"Blessed Be thou, creature of light"
-Light the incense. Bless the barley. Say:
"I bless this grain in the names of Demeter and Kore."
-Invoke the Goddesses going counterclockwise. Begin with the North:
"I call upon rich-haired Demeter, Mother of Harvest, Giver of Eternal
Life. Bless me with your pro tection, Mother, and aid me in these rites."
-Leave an offering of barley for Her. Move to the West. Say:
"I call upon Hecate, Witch-queen, the hag of the crossroads who walks
with Death. Bless me with your protection, Mother, and aid me in these
rites."
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-Leave an offering of barley for Her. Move to the South. Say:
"I call upon Vesta, sacred Hearth and Flame, Guardian Goddess of home
and nations. Bless me with your protection, Mother, and aid me in these
rites."
-Leave an offering of narley for Her. Move to the East. Say:
"I call upon Isis, Black Madonna, compassionate Queen, whom our foremothers worshipped from Asia to the Atlantic. Bless me with your
protection, Mother, and aid me in these rites."
-Leave an offering of barley for Her. Return to the altar. Say:
"Hail Persephone! Queen of Earth and the underworld. In this time of
growing life (or for Samhain say in this fading time) renew our hearts, and
purify our homes."
-Toss a handful of barley onto the altar, SAy:
"I offer this grain in thanksgiving to Persephone, Condutor of Souls. I ask
you to lead my departed kindred into your realms of peace."
-Lay your hands over the chalice of milk and blessit by saying:
"I bless this cup in the name of Persephone, Queen of the Dead. Shades of
my ancestors, known and unknown, I offer this cup in thanks, for all your
care, and all your gifts. Depart in peace to your abodes in the Earth,
knowing that all is well."
-Place your hands in the sign of the Yoni (a upside down triangle). Rinse
your hands in the water 3 times in the water and dry. Take 9 beans into
your mouth. Make the sign of the Yomi again, turn around
counterclockwise, spit the beans out through the opening in your hands.
This a symbolic rebirth for spirits. Say:
"These I send forth. With these beans, I redeem myself and mine."
-Do this 9 times. when you have used all the beans, turn away from thjem
and avert your eyes, giving the spirits a chance to pick them up. Keep still
for the space of 13 heartbeats. Take up the bell and ring or strike it 9
times, say after each strike:
"Shades of my ancestors depart."
-Then say:
"It is done! Blessed Be!"
-Thank the Goddesses and open your circle. Bury the milk and candles.
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Walk away without looking back.
Paganlore.com
Full Moon Ritual
The following is a suggested group full moon ritual This format has
worked well for me, but please feel free to modify it as desired. 'An it
harm none, do as ye will.
Purification of circle :
Pass an incense mixture of frankincense, myrhh and dragon's blood resin
clockwise (deosil) around the circle. Smudge each member as it passes.
This represents the elements of air and fire.
Pass a chalice of salt water around the circle. Sprinkle the ground and
allow each member to anoint her/himself as the chalice passes. This
represents the elements of water and earth.
Casting the circle:
Starting in the east, walk once around clockwise (deosil) while pointing
either your athame, wand or forefinger at the perimeter of the circle.
Visualize blue flames springing forth and taking form as shimmering blue
energy at the perimeter, eventually taking the form of a sphere. Say the
following while walking:
"This circle I cast by full moon light,
A sacred space to perform this rite,
With air, fire, water and earth to bless,
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Until we withdraw their powers hence.
A sphere of light around us grows,
And as above, then so below.
Now 'thrice we have called, that all may see,
This circle is cast, so mote it be."
Quarter Calls:
Hail to the Watchtower of the East!
I call upon the dragon Sairys, ruler of winds and clouds, to guard and
protect this circle.
I summon the powers of air,
Clear sighted eagle,
Golden dawn of new beginnings,
Refreshing winds of change.
Come to our circle, dazzling and brilliant, to aid us in our rite.
Be here now.
Hail to the Watchtower of the South!
I call upon the dragon Fafnir, ruler of sunbeams and flames, to guard and
protect this circle.
I summon the powers of fire,
Courageous lion,
Passion of the red noon,
Warm glow of the hearth.
Come to our circle, fiery and blazing, to aid us in our rite.
Be here now.
Hail to the Watchtower of the West!
I call upon the dragon Naelyan, ruler of seas and lakes, to guard and
protect this circle.
I summon the powers of water,
Ancient serpent of wisdom,
Soothing azure dusk,
Sparkling fountain and shimmering pool.
Come to our circle, gentle and buoyant, to aid us in our rite.
Be here now.
Hail to the Watchtower of the North!
I call upon the dragon Grael, ruler of mountains and lands, to guard and
protect this circle.
I summon the powers of earth,
Mighty bull of fertile fields,
Silent repose of black midnight,
Deep cave of wisdom and knowledge.
Come to our circle, solid and strong, to aid us in our rite.
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Be here now.
Invocation to the Goddess:
"Wondrous Lady of the Moon
Mistress of all Magick and protector of all
Life-giving mother
We greet you at the height of the moon's power
We invite you to attend our Full Moon rite"
Group chant:
"The Goddess is alive
and Magick is afoot"
Recite or read aloud "The Charge of the Goddess".
Invocation to the God:
"Radiant King of the Heavens
Master of beasts wild and free
Horned stag
We greet you at the height of the moon's power
We invite you to attend our Full Moon rite"
Group chant:
"Seed sower, grain reborn
Horned one come."
Statement of Purpose:
Discuss the attributes that are represented by the month celebrated.
Working:
Pass a chalice of wine around the circle. Each participant discusses to
what end s/he would like to use the energy that will be raised. Ideally the
goal will be in line with the attributes of the tree moon. Each participant
visualizes putting her/his goal into the wine, hence mixing the group's
goals together into a whole.
Power can be raised by chanting, drumming, dancing, or any combination
thereof. The following is one of my favorite full moon chants:
"Powerful moon of radiant light
Weave us a web that spins the night
Web of stars that holds the dark
We are the power that feeds the spark.
Strand by strand
Hand over hand
Thread by thread
We weave the web."
As the power is released, the wine representing the group's wishes is
released into a bonfire, or fire burning in a central cauldron. The energy is
sent out with the group saying in unison:
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"With harm to none, so mote it be."
Dismissals:
Shining Lady of the night,
We thank you for sending us your blessings.
Go if you will, or stay if you wish,
But may their be peace between us always.
Hail, and farewell.
Mighty Lord of the forest,
We thank you for sending us your blessings.
Go if you will, or stay if you wish,
But may their be peace between us always.
Hail, and farewell.
To the guardians and powers of the North,
Thank you for lending your strength to our circle,
We ask now that you depart in peace.
Hail, and farewell.
To the guardians and powers of the West,
Thank you for lending your cleansing flow to our circle,
We ask now that you depart in peace.
Hail, and farewell.
To the guardians and powers of the South,
Thank you for lending your willpower to our circle,
We ask now that you depart in peace.
Hail, and farewell.
To the guardians and powers of the East,
Thank you for lending your enlightenment to our circle,
We ask now that you depart in peace.
Hail, and farewell.
The circle is taken up by walking three times around the perimeter of the
circle counterclockwise (widdershins), starting in the north, while
chanting:
The earth, the water, the fire, the air
Return, return, return, return.
While walking, visualize the blue energy swirling back into flames, and
being drawn up into your athame, wand or forefinger. Ground the energy
back into the earth.
Participants hold hands and close with group chant:
"May the circle be open but unbroken
May the peace of the Goddess be ever in your heart.
Merry meet, and merry part
And merry meet again."
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Feasting!!!
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Divination
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Paganlore.com
Crystal & Stone Magick
GEM THERAPY
You can take six different books dealing with precious and semi-precious
stones and their occult properties and find six different opinions as to which
do what. The reason for this is that the stones are usually corresponded with
astrological planets and signs. The trouble there is (as W. B. Crow explains
in Precious Stones: Their Occult Power and Hidden Significance) that "there
are different scales of correspondences and under one circumstance one scale
should be applied, whilst under another a different scale holds good . . . no
natural object is pure Sun, pure Moon or Pure Saturn".
The safest way to use stones for healing, then, is in the manner of the
ancient Druids: go by the COLOR of the stone and apply the same principles
used in Color Healing.
For example, you know that yellow is good for intestinal and bowel disorders
and menstntal problems. For these problems, then, wear a yellow stone such
as yellow diamond, jasper, topaz, beryl, quartz, amber, etc. The stone should
be placed on the afflicted area for at least an hour each day and should be
worn, in the form of a pendant or ring, for the rest of the day, continuing until
the cure is affected.
In 640 BCE Necheps wore a jasper around his neck to cure his queasy
stomach. In 1969 Barbara Anton (a graduate Gemologist from the Gemological Institute of New York) advised a friend, who had suffered from
irregular menstrual periods for years, to wear a yellow jasper pendant. So
long as she wore it,her periods came regularly on a twenty-eight day cycle.
Any good book on gems and minerals will give you full descriptions of the
many varieties of stones available in the full spectrum of color. Rubies,
emeralds, sapphires are obvious examples of red, green and blue, but there
are many other equally effective yet far less expensive stones available.
Here are a few stones, together with the colors in which they can be obtained
plus some of the ancient beliefs regarding their properties.
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Stone
Color Chakra Uses
Amazonite Green
All
Soothes all chakras but especially
4th & 5th; balancing
Amethyst Violet
7th
Spirituality & contentment; balances
the intellectual, emotional, &
physical bodies; peace; meditation;
protection; sobriety
Ametrine Violet
Yellow
---
Equilibrium & balance; meditation;
disperses negativity; release
physical, mental, emotional, & auric
blockages; compatibility
Aragonite
---
Centering; meditation; insight;
discipline
4th
Protects the heart; balance;
motivation; decisiveness; instinct
Any
Aventurine Green
(heart)
Calcite
Blue
Calcite
Green
Calcite
5th
Eases one to speak out, heals throat
blockages and disease, soothes
(throat)
anger.
4th.
Speeds clearing of negativity from
the
(heart) emotional body. Has been used to rid
the body of infection.
see
Honey
Orange
desc.
Red
HONEY: 3rd chakra (solar plexus)
Helps the mind and body remember
information brought during astral
travel and channeling
experiences.
ORANGE: 2nd chakra (belly) Aids in
releasing old traumas held in the
belly chakra. Clears negative karmic
patterns.
RED: 1st chakra (root) Helps one to
be more grounded on the earth
plane. Provides courage and the will
to live.
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Carnelian Orange
Citrine
Yellow
2nd
Analysis & precision; protection from
negative emotions; stability;
(belly) inquisitiveness; initiative; cleansing
other stones; 1st through 4th
chakras
3rd
(solar
plexis)
Fire Opal
Fluorite
Red
Orange
Violet
2nd
(belly)
6th
(third
eye)
Fluorite Yellow
6th
(third
eye)
Garnet
Red
1st
Dissipates & transmutes negative
energy; wealth; balance; 1st, 2nd,
3rd, & 7th chakras
Change; intuition & reflection;
energy boost
Brings rationality to intuition;
orderly connection and conscious
association to psychic & spiritual
growth; balances body, bone, &
cellular structures; healing
Enhances creativity; supports
intellectual pursuits; stablises group
energy; cooperation; connective
structure of love between all;
cholesterol, liver, mental
discontinuity, & release of toxins
Stone of health; transmutes negative
energy to beneficial; expands
(root) awareness & manifestation; creative
power; responsibility; commitment;
stimulates & balances
Kundalini;emotional & intellectual
regeneration; physical, mental,
emotional, & spiritual stability; order
from chaos; purification & cleansing;
helpful in all conditions requiring
regenerative forces
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Geode
---
All
Facilitates astral travel; assists with
mathematics; aids in decisionmaking; communication skills;
connection with higher forces/planes;
helps with disorders of the hands,
lungs, and nervous system
Hematite
Red &
Silver
---
Mental attunement; memory
enhancement; original thinking;
technical knowledge; mental and
manual dexterity; calming; release of
limitations; physicaly cooling;
equilibrium between ethereal and
physical; balancing of yin & yang;
focusing energy & emotions; dissolves
and transforms negativity; peace,
self-control, & inner happiness;
meditation; grounding; tranquility;
emotional clarity; helps with leg
cramps, blood disorders, nervous
disorders, & insomnia; helps bones,
especially the spine.
Howlite
White
---
Calms communication; facilitates
awareness; encourages emotional
expression; discernment; memory;
progress; eliminates hesitation;
dispels criticalness, selfishness &
facetiousness; eliminates pain,
stress, & rage; subtlety & tact;
balances calcium levels in the body
Jade
Green
4th
Dream stone; stone of fidelity;
brings realisation to ones potential &
(heart)
devotion to purpose; releases
suppressed emotions; peace; access
to the spiritual worlds;
wisdom;confidence; helps the heart,
hips, kidneys, spleen, skin, and hair
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Malachite Green
Moonstone White
Obsidian
Black
Quartz
Clear
4th
5th
Stone of transformation; clarifies
emotions; release of negativity;
insight into causes of physical or
(heart emotional conditions; equalising and
&
balancing; responsibility; intuition;
throat) love and friendship; loyalty; dispels
vertigo; aids spirituality and
psychism; treats asthma, arthritis,
swollen joints, tumors, growths,
broken bones, torn muscles; heals
the immune system; aids birth
6th &
7th
Balancing; introspective; reflective;
lunar; new beginnings; hoping and
wishing; helps with change; intuition
(third
and emotion; alleviates emotional
eye &
tension; enhances perception;
crown)
cleanses negativity from the
chakras; confidence, composure, and
diplomacy; connects the physical,
emotional, and intellectual bodies;
traveller's stone; calmness;
awareness; energetic balance; can
alleviate degenertative diseases;
birth; circulation; skin & hair
1st.
Because of its protective qualities,
Obsidian is a good stone for those
(root) who are soft-hearted and gentle. It
will help to guard them against
abuse. This stone cleanses toxins
from the liver, so it is also good for
people who are exposed to
environmental pollutants.
All
Quartz has been used for centuries,
it provides for purification of the
physical, mental, and spiritual
bodies. Having a rich amplifying
effect these crystals are perfect
273
for healing work.
Rose
Quartz
Pink
Ruby
Red
4th
Promotes heart healing through selflove. Heals heartache and loneliness.
(heart) Aids in opening the goddess within.
1st
(root)
Smoky
Quartz
Brown
Black
Sodalite
Blue
Indigo
Qualitys of power, loyalty and
courage. It protects from trouble,
aids in love and passion, and is a
focus of energy.
1st
It encourages earth awareness and
responsibility. Aids in grounding while
(root) creating an acceptance of the body
on the earth plane.
5th
6th
Alleviates fear. Calms and clears the
mind. Slightly sedative, grounding.
Cuts through density and illusion,
(throat bringing clarity and truth. Enhances
& third communication, creative expression.
eye)
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Sugilite
Violet
Turquoise
Aqua
Tourmaline
Any
6th & (or) LUVULITE: Third eye activator.
7th
Opens the connection between mind
and body. It attunes one to their
(third mental body to see what is creating
eye & the physical problem and in doing so,
crown) gain the healing power necessary to
balance the physical body. Helps
spiritually oriented individuals deal
with the sometimes overwhelming
negative energies present on the
planet. A stone to use for children
to keep the innocence, wisdom, and
magic of the child's world as they
grow into
adulthood. Also used to re-awaken
those qualities in adults. Helps one
connect with their own inner light.
Compiled by Fern Bouchard
5th.
You will be very happy with the
soothing color of these stones!! Heals
(throat) this life and past life blocks in the
throat chakra. Heals sadness and
grief. Develops inner strength.
1st.
(root)
(All colors): Aids balance of
endocrine system. Aids sleep.
Strengthens, vitalizes body/mind.
Acitvates and enhances crystaline
properties of body/mind. Aligns
subtle bodies. Dispels fear and
negative conditions. Strong
protective influence. Concentration,
inspiration. Enhances sensitivity and
understanding. Powerful healer,
highly electromagnetic.
There are an endless number of stones and crystals that we have not even
touched on here in this chart. There are many stones for each Chakra and
not every one is going to be "just right" for you. For further more in depth
275
information on stones and crystals, I suggest visiting both of the sites I have
listed below. Blessed Be!
The Celtic Connections Gemstone and Crytals Index
And
Avalon Crystals by Kellie
"Gem Therapy Explanation Taken frm Bucklands Complete Book of Witchcraft"
"Chart by Bayowolf & Erzsebet"
.
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~Rune Magick~
To whomso they may avail, Unbewildered, unspolit,
They are wholesome to have: Thrive thou with these then,
When thou hast learnt their lore, Till the Gods end thy
life-days.
(Volsunga Saga, By Valkyrie to her lover, Sigurd)
Introduction To Runes
Rune Making
Rune Ritual Method
Rune Alphabet
Magical References
Rune Rituals
Rune Meanings
Rune Gods/Goddess
Association
Runecast Layouts
Change Runes
Thanks so much to the enlightened words of Donald Tyson.
Reprinted partially or entirely from Rune Magic.
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~ RUNE STONES ~
INTRODUCTION
No one knows where runes began, but the best guess is that around 500 B.C.E. a
Germanic tribe of mercenaries crossed the Alps into northern Italy on an extended
campaign, and there became familiar with the Etruscan alphabet. They would have
had shamans with them. To their illiterate eyes Etruscan letters looked like so many
magical symbols, similar to their own ancient signs of magic, which have been
preserved in hallristningar, or prehistoric rock carvings.
A fusion took place between the hallristningar and the Etruscan letters. Some
believe this was the work of a single man. This seems unlikely, although undeniably
a single man, or woman, began the process, which had to start with an individual.
Likely this person was illiterate, recording Etruscan letters alongside the older
magical symbols brought down from the mountains.
Mercenaries carry little unnecessary baggage with them, and illiterate mercenaries
do not keep writing instruments. Runes were shaped to be cut into the soft green
back of twigs. They were given names to make them easier to carry in the head.
Eventually they gained the settled meanings they now possess, but this process may
have taken generations, and may have occurred after the runes were carried back
over the Alps into the northern forest.
Around the time of Christ when the Romans decided they wanted to conquer the
lands they called Germany, they found rune magic being worked. Runes are not
explicitly mentioned in the Latin literature of this time, but in A.D.E. 98 Tacitus
speaks of divination by lots cut from the bough of a fruit-bearing tree, upon which
"certain marks" are made. There can be little doubt that he is referring to runes in
some form.
Eventually the Latin alphabet mingled with the runes and changed them into the
finalized set of symbols known today. This was likely the time the runes became a
written alphabe t, signifying letters and sounds as well as magical powers. An
evolution would have occurred in the names of the runes to accommodate this
shifting emphasis, but they probably retained their older magical meanings.
278
Such a useful magical tool did not go unnoticed. Tribes like the Heruli, who were
especially gifted in rune lore and were known far and wide as master magicians,
spread the use of runes all across the north during the period extending roughly
from the third to fifth century A.D.E. In different re gions the runes were adapted to
different languages. They reached their greatest increase in Northumbria in the
ninth century, where they numbered thirty-three distinct symbols. Paradoxically, at
the time they were growing in England, they were shrinking in Scandinavia. The
Danish and the Swedish-Norwegian futharks (rune alphabets) achieved a final form
in the eight century of only sixteen symbols.
The far-ranging Vikings carried rune lore with them to Iceland when they settled
that bleak land, and even to Greenland. Although runes have been reported in
Minnesota and in Nova Scotia, there is considerable doubt of their authenticity.
The Christian Church began to exert its power against rune magic. At first it was
merely persuasive. It did not do for a newly established priest in a pagan community
to forbid the people their religion, particularly when those people were Vikings. But
as the Church's power grew, do did its persecution of the runes. Iceland has the
distinction of being the last known stronghold of the rune magic. In 1693 the use of
runes was explicitly prohibited by Icelandic law.
The rune alphabet given on these pages is the German futhark, a name that is
formed out of the first six letters --F, U, Th, A, R, K. For magical purposed it is the
best. The Scandinavian rune alphabets of sixteen symbols have been so reduced,
they have lost much of their meaning. On the other hand, the English alphabets of
twenty-eight and thirty-three runes suffer from the arbitrary addition of symbols
lacking a long magical history or potent association.
The German furhark of twenty-four runes is the most ancient, with a beginning lost
in time, It was from this rune alphabet that all others evolved. More structure of the
runes intact. This structure has two main aspects.
The first is its division of the alphabet into three families, or aettir. of eight runes
each. These aettir bear the names of the runes that begin them, and are called in
order Feoh, Heagl, and Tyr. Each aett takes its quality from the nature of the rune
that names it. Feoh is domestic, mild and physical; Haegl is wild, severe, and
emotional; and Tyr is balanced, just, and intellectual.
The second part of the magical structure of the futhark is the division of runes into
pairs. Pair runes are next to each other. The runes in a pair relate to each other in a
clear, forceful way either by contrast or by compliment. For example, Feoh means
cattle. Ur means aurochs. The aurochs was a fearsome beast the size of an ox with
the black hide of a bear and the disposition of a rhinoceros. To the Germans it
represented freedom, valor, and potency--just the opposite qualities of the domestic
cow.
Although the runes form the original German futhark, the names given for them are
names applied to the same individual runes in the Old English futhorc (so called do
to the slightly different pronunciation of the first six runes). This was done because
the Old English names are more common in English literature on the runes, and to
avoid the necessity of using an entirely new naming system when ever reference is
made to the English extensions of the basic rune alphabet. They should be
considered as the English translations of the German names.
279
Before all else, runes are magical. They evolved over the centuries as the active
instrument of the system of magic the Teutonic peoples used in daily life to solve
practical problems such as easing difficult childbirths, calming storms at sea,
stopping the flow of blood from a wound, and any other matter that might arise
where help was needed.
Some runes are constructive in their working, while others are destructive--that is,
some build things up through such actions as healing, cleansing and growth, while
others break things apart through decay, imbalance, and brute force.
Since it is possible to join and multiply runes esoterically for increasingly subtle and
specific uses, there is no end to the magical works they may accomplish, In their
infinite versatility, runes are preeminent and have no serious rival in magic, other
than the Hebrew alphabet, which is also combined for magical effects.
Perhaps the most ancient medium upon which runes were cut is human skin.
Tattooing and ritual scarring are almost universal in primitive cultures around the
world at all periods. The Volsunga Saga speaks of a cutting of runes into the palms
of women in childbirth. This may be a carryover from a time when pre -runic
symbols were commonly carved on the skin for various purposes.
At the limit of historical records, runes were cut primarily into the bark of the green
wood of fruit-bearing trees. All lines of the early runes were vertical and diagonal
for this reason, so that when cut into wood across the grain, there would be no
splitting of the wood, as might occur if some strokes were made with grain.
Later when the Teutonic tribes were more settled, runes were carved into stone
monuments, memorials, and permanent markers. The forms of the runes adapted to
the new medium. Horizontal lines and curved lines appeared, made possible because
stone usually has no significant grain. Still later, runes were penned on parchment
by medieval monks as a scholarly hobby.
When cut into twigs or roots, the bark contrasted clearly with the white wood
beneath. To bring the runes alive, the rune master stained them with his or he r own
fresh blood. Blood fed the runes and awakened their power. This is why runes are
always written red for magical purposes.
Back To Rune Magick
Thanks so much to the enlightened words of Donald Tyson.
Reprinted partially or entirely from Rune Magic.
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Paganlore.com
~The Runestones~
A
B
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
W
Z
M
281
EI
NG
Thanks so much to the enlightened words of Donald Tyson.
Reprinted partially or entirely from Rune Magic.
TH
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UPRIGHT
REVERSED
OS (god) ~ a
A god, probably Odin. In an Icelandic poem this rune is glossed "prince
of Asgard and lord of Valhalla." In later Anglo-Saxon runes it comes to
mean mouth, and in Scandinavian runes, mouth of a river. These later
meanings accord well with the nature of Odin, who was the wise god,
lord of poetry and cunning speech.
Two stories told about Odin reveal this part of his nature. To gain
wisdom, Odin begged his uncle Mimir, a water demon whose name
means He who Thinks, to allow him a drink from his fountain where
all knowledge and wisdom lay hidden. Mimir agreed on condition
that Odin tear out his eye and hand it over as a pledge. So desirous
was Odin of obtaining the wisdom of the fountain that he acceded to
this condition, and from then on he was known as the One -Eyed.
Not content with wisdom, Okdin sought skill in poetry. The giant
Sttung possessed the hydromel, a fabulous drink made of blood and
honey that caused anyone who sipped even a drop to become a great
bard. Through craft and skill, Odin gained the confidence of Suttung's
daughter, Gunnlod, who allowed him to sop the hydromel on three
separate nights in return for his amorous favors. In three gulps Odin
drank all the hydromel and carried it off, gaining sole possession of
all poetry, except for a few drops that fell to the ground during his
flight.
That which distinguishes man from the beasts in reasoned speech.
The God of the Hebrews created the entire world with a Word. In
Teutonic mythology life springs from rivers and fountains, which are
analogous to the speaking mouth of God as sources of creative energy.
Therefore, this rune presents the opposite to the force of Chaos. The
personification of reason and law in nature, and the giver of human
laws that are in harmony with the will of God. What is kind, benevolent,
just. The source of true happiness.
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MEANINGS
UPRIGHT:
Harmony, order, peace, loving actions, instruction, direction,
wisdom, protection from one in authority, teaching of the
arts, eloquent speech, truth revealed, personal insight, valuable
messages, communications from a well-wisher. A loving man
or woman.
REVERSED:
Rigidity of principles, excessive concern, desire to control all
events, pomposity, tendency to lecture, love of one's own voice,
mother hen, obsession with order neatness, mania for punctuality,
fussing, over details, inability to delegate authority.
KEY: GOOD
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UPRIGHT
REVERSED
BEORC (birch) ~ b
The birch figures prominently in Teutonic customs as the symbol
of spring awakening. It is the first tree in the northern forests to
turn green after the long winter. In the Golden Bough Frazer
describes how the Russian villagers would cut down a young
birch tree in the spring, dress it in a woman's clothes and honor
it with feasts and celebrations, then throw it into a stream. Frazer
believed this last act to be a rain charm, but it was more likely a
fertility charm. A variation of this custom was to dress the prettiest
girl in the village completely in birch boughs.
The slender trunk of the birch, its delicate leaves and silver bark
which has the appearance of adornment, all contribute to ascribing
feminine qualities to it. Likely it was related to Freyja, the goddess
noted for her love of ornament and the most beautiful female
in Asgard.
Birch twigs were placed in houses and stables to cause women
and mares to conceive. Both men and women were lashed with
birch twigs for a similar purpose. In modern Scandinavia, the
custom endures in connection with the sauna. Until recent times
school children all over Europe were beaten with birch to make
their minds fertile. In Cheshire it used to be the practice to fix a
sprig of birch over the door of a lover. Birch bark prevents scurvy
and has other healing virtues. The smoke of the burning wood is
aromatic and pleasant.
Generally, the rune signifies health, beauty and love. It causes
fertility and growth and renews the life force. It causes women
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to bear children. the effect of Beorc is opposite that of its pair
rune, Tyr, which brings destruction.
MEANINGS:
UPRIGHT:
Fertility, desire, arousal, love and lovemaking, growth, melting a
cold heart, playfulness, cheer, vitality, new projects, conception
of children, flow of ideas, creation of art, rites of spring, first
crush, sowing wild oats.
REVERSED:
Passion, uncontrolled desire, carelessness, abandon, wildness,
lust for life, pursuit of youth, immaturity, silliness, imprudence,
infatuation for young lovers, danger of statutory rape and the
conception of illegitimate offspring.
KEY: FERTILITY
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UPRIGHT
REVERSED
DAEG (day) ~ d
Usually Daeg is interpreted as the light of day and linked with the sun
cult. The Old English Rune Poem calls Daeg the "glorious light of the
Creator, a source of joy and hope." In the light of day, the horrors of
darkness are impotent. The light of day is an earthly manifestation of
the more ethereal Light of the divine Spirit. If Ken is the artificial light
of the torch in the halls of men, Daeg is the natural light of the sky.
Ken is the Spirit acting through man in the form of the human virtues;
Daeg is the Spirit acting through Nature to create the beauties of the
greater world.
Daeg may also be interpreted as a period of time in which the light
strengthens, reaches its maximum power, and then declines. For the
Germans the day began in darkness. Tactitus, the Roman historian
who recorded the fact, found it very strange:
Instead of reckoning the days as we do, they reckon by nights,
and in this manner fix both their ordinary and their legal
appointments. Night they regard as bringing on the day.
The passage of the sun across the sky may be likened to the passage
of a human soul through its earthly life. it begins in the darkness of the
womb; birth is like the dawn; the fullness of manhood comes at noon;
old age brings a dimness to the sight, a kind of twilight; and death seals
the eyelids on darkness once again.
In the abstract, Daeg can signify completeness or totality. The span of
a process or thing. A circle that defines limits. A name - in the sense
that the sum of a life is its name before God. The period of existence.
It should be distinguished from Ger which stands for a revolution or
inversion.
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MEANINGS:
UPRIGHT:
Completion, full circle, period of study or labor, phase, span of a life, unit
of time, total view, all facts known, end meeting the beginning, fulfillment
of cycle, uniting of loose ends, rebirth.
REVERSED:
End of growth, finish of career, breaking up of a marriage or a love affair,
limitation, boundary, termination, enclosure, fence, wall, prison, death,
fear of the unknown, end of the road, step into darkness.
KEY: COMPLETION
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UPRIGHT
REVERSED
EH (horse) ~ e
The horse was more than just a means of transportation to the early
Germans. It was a sacred animal related to the cult of the sun. The sun
was envisioned as riding across the heavens in his chariot drawn by
shining steeds. Tacitus writes in his Germania:
Kept at public expense in these same (consecrated) woods and
groves are white horses, pure from the taint of earthly labor;
these are yoked to a sacred car, and accompanied by the priest
and the king, or chief of the tribe, who note their neighings and
snortings.
At Trundholm, Denmark was discovered a bronze chariot which
represents the solar disk being drawn by a horse. The disk was
originally covered in gold leaf, most of which has fallen off. Both
horse and chariot are mounted on wheels, perhaps to be pulled
along in a procession. The wheels are of four spokes and very
similar to the ten wheels that support the solar alter described under
the Sigel rune. This model of the chariot of the sun has been dated
by some authorities as early as 1000 B.C.E.
The snortings of the sacred white horses were used as auguries by
the priests, who looked upon the horses as messengers of the gods.
It is worth mentioning in passing the beautiful White Horse of
Berkshire, England - a gigantic stylized horse carved in the crest
of a hill which can only be properly seen from the air. The horse
was probably a sacred animal for all Europe as far back as the Stone Age.
On the material plane the hors e symbolized grace, speed and strength
- the physical virtues. Beauty of form and function. It was not an
end in itself but the means to and end. A medium through which the
desires of men might be accomplished.
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MEANINGS:
UPRIGHT:
Rapid progress, transportation, conveyance, means to and end, medium,
speed, grace, power, ability to leap over obstacles, movement on any
level, advancement with ease; may represent a personal vehicle such
as a car, boat or private plane.
REVERSED:
Blind precipitation, recklessness, haste, a fool rushing in, forcing an
issue, intoxication with speed, racing, lack of control. tempting fate,
throwing caution to the winds.
KEY: TRANSPORTATION
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UPRIGHT
REVERSED
FOEH (cattle) ~ f
Feoh begins and names the first of the three aettir. The beast of burden
and by association the qualities that characterize cattle.
...an animal somewhat smaller than an elephant with the appearance,
color and shape of a bull. They are very strong and agile, and attack
every man and beast they catch sight of. The natives take great pains
to trap them in pits, and then kill them. This arduous sport toughens
the young men and keeps them in training; and those who kill the
largest number exhibit the horns in public to show what they have
done, and earn high praise. It is impossible to domesticate or tame
the aurochs, even if caught young. The horns are much larger than
those of our oxen and o quite different shape and appearance. The
Germans prize them greatly; they mount the rims with silver and
use them as drinking-cups at their grandest banquets.
When the qualities of the animal are abstracted it can be perceived that Ur
meant an elemental masculine potency. Physically: strength, agility, and
endurance. Emotionally: courage and boldness. Spiritually: freedom. Thus,
that which can never be domesticated or enslaved/ The triumphant soul
of nature. The shape of Ur is a horn or erect phallus.
This meaning is in direct contrast to that of the Feoh rune. Clearly the
first two runes form a pair. A similar pattern runs throughout the alphabet
and is useful in determining the shades of meaning of obscure runes. The
pairs are not always opposite but always present a sharp contrast.
The aurochs was synonymous with ma nhood. That it had a magical
significance is suggested by the costly decoration and careful
preservation of its horns, and also by the fact that although aurochs
did not extend into Britain in historical times, the Anglo-Saxons
retained the beast as emblematic of the rune. Perhaps, killing the
aurochs was a rite of passage into manhood.
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MEANINGS:
UPRIGHT:
Wealth, possession of valuable objects, ownership, dominion over
others through money, opulent lifestyle, personal luxury, increase
in income, material display, extravagant spending, generosity, payment
of debts.
REVERSED:
Greed, covetousness, hoarding, miserliness, stupidity, dullness, bondage
to material things, subservience to others, slavery, cowardice, lack of
vision, stolidness, a victim of circumstance.
KEY: POSSESSION
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UPRIGHT
REVERSED
GYFU (gift) ~ g
Gifts played an important part in German culture. A chief would support
the young warriors who followed him with gifts of horses, weapons and
lavish feasts. Relations between tribes were always conducted with the
exchange of costly presents. Tacitus writes in his Germania:
It is usual to give the departing guest whatever he may ask for,
and a present in return is asked with as little hesitation. They
are greatly charmed with gifts, but they expect no return for what
they give, nor feel any obligation for what they receive.
The giving to, and receiving of gifts from, the gods would have
been looked upon as a natural extension of these customs . Accordingly,
Gyfu has been regarded as a magical symbol connected with sacrifice.
It seems probable that it refers more to sacrifices made to the gods
than gifts of the gods to men because of the nature of Teutonic
deities-the pagan gods such as Thor and Odin could be expected
to gift a man only with strength and cunning. Even this might be
capriciously withdrawn on a whim. On the other hand, men were
obligated to sacrifice to the gods lest the gods become angry and
visit them with misfortunes.
Even before the advent of Christianity, it would be reasonable to link
Gyfu with charity, Generosity was the virtue of great chiefs. The
covetous were despised and believed to suffer an ill fate. Gyfu would
generally mean something of personal value, freely and willingly given
away, It might be a lie sacrifice-forsaking present happiness for future
joy. It is good to sacrifice the lower for the higher; evil to sacrifice the
higher for the lower. The cross is an ancient symbol for suffering.
MEANINGS:
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UPRIGHT:
A present, love offering, inheritance, legacy, bequest, donation, endowment,
raise in salary, unexpected improvement in fortune or condition, offer of
help, restoration of health, profitable business trip, charity, social service.
REVERSED:
Necessary sacrifice, obligation, duty, toll, responsibility, consequences
of a charitable act, privation, required observances, dependents, financial
burdens, debts, poverty, need to accept welfare payment.
KEY: GIFT
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UPRIGHT
REVERSED
HAEGL (hail) ~ h
Haegl can be literally interpreted as hail, a miraculous and terrifying
phenomenon of nature. It must have seemed to the Teutons that the
gods were venting their wrath on the earth when they threw down
white stones to blight crops and kill fowl. Hail was thought to be
one of the weapons of the frost giants.
In the abstract, Haegl means hardship. Involuntary suffering without
reason. The afflictions of Job. Any injustice thrust upon a man by the
fates. The loss of a loved one, An inexplicable sickness. The sinking
of a ship or the laming of a horse. Disaster of a violent nature. Haegl
is an active and masculine destroyer. It beats down a field of grain
with hammer strokes. Its action is visible and physical.
This rune begins the second aett which bears its name. It has been
speculated that Haegl is the name of unknown god since the runes
that begin the other two aettir can be connected with two gods: Feoh
is a natural symbol for Frey, and Tyr is another name for Tiw. Since
no reference to a god Haegl has ever been found, this is only speculation.
If Haegl is a god he may have filled a role similar to the Hindu goddess
Kali, the Destroyer. Tiw is a god of judicial mediation, Frey is a god
of generation. The trinity would be rounded by a god of destruction.
MEANINGS:
UPRIGHT:
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Disaster, storm, drought, fury of nature, loss of possessions, injury,
destruction of property, earthquake, tornado, hurricane, avalanche,
tidal wave, shipwreck, train wreck, plane crash, car accident, sports
injury, any hardship involving violence.
REVERSED:
Trial weathered, tempering, testing of metal, dealing with adversity,
strengthening hardship, character-forming experience, triumph over
loss, turning adverse circumstances to advantage, rebuilding, starting
over, rising from the ashes.
KEY: HARDSHIP
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UPRIGHT
REVERSED
IS (ice) ~ i
In the narrow sense this rune stands for ice, particularly the flat floor or
bridge of ice that covers inlets of the sea, lakes and rivers. All northern
races used ice for highways in winter. Such roads had their treacherous
aspect. An unwary traveler might fall through and be lost without a trace.
In the Icelandic Rune Poem is written:
Ice is bark of rivers and roof of the wave and destruction for
doomed men.
The qualities that distinguish ice are stealth and treachery. It forms
silently, sealing up open waters in a steel-like case. It is hard when a
man might wish it to be soft, and soft when he most wants it to be hard.
Never is it to be trusted. It surrounds the hull of a ship and crushes it
in savage jaws. It waits for the unwary step and throws down the horse
or walking man.
Its deceptive qualities make it feminine. If Haegl is compared to the
stroke of an axe, Is is poison in the wine cup. Ice has its alluring,
seductive aspects. As the Old English Rune Poem states:
it glitters clear as glass, very like jewels; it is a floor wrought
by the frost, fair to behold.
Much of its danger lies in its inviting appearance. The silence and
stillness of ice put the traveler off his guard. One stop leads to another,
and before he knows it he is in over his head.
Another quality of ice is its changelessness. It locks life under its
surface and keeps it motionless as though under a spell. Even the
restless waves are stilled. Waterfalls and fountains become rigid
monuments to the power of Is.
MEANINGS:
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UPRIGHT:
Beguilement, deceit, hidden purposes, lies, hurtful secrets, concealed
meaning, treachery, entrapment, stealth, ambush, plots, betrayal,
paralysis of will, impotence, inability to act, blindness to approaching
disaster. A cunning and beautiful woman.
REVERSED:
Glamor, illusions, obsessive love, heedless pursuit, persistence in folly,
infatuation, superficial beauty, head in the clouds, hopeless desires,
distant glittering prizes.
KEY: ENTRAPMENT
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UPRIGHT
REVERSED
GER (harvest) ~ j
Harvest is the specific meaning of this rune, but for general purposes,
cycle may be more useful. It indicates the coming full circle of the year
when the labor in the fields during spring and summer is repaid in autumn.
The ancient Germans did not recognize autumn as a season. According
to Tacitus, they acknowledged only spring, summer and winter. Perhaps
they regarded autumn as a summing up of the entire year, rather than
as a separate and equal quarter.
Generalized Ger is any revolution or cycle of change. A change of
luck. A cycle of life, All natural cycles such as the phases of the moon.
The change of the seasons. Ger has variously been defined by scholars
as year, spring, summer and harvest season. Its broader meaning
encompasses all these.
For the Teutons, the most obvious cycle was the change from winter
to summer, and from summer to winter. The joys and plenties of the
harvest are opposed to the silent hardship signaled by the freezing
over of the lakes, rivers and ocean. The stillness of Is is in sharp contrast
to the cyclic motion of Ger. In winter everything stops; with the return
of the sun, things begin to move once again, Ger is change, and change
is always cyclical.
Even the shape of Ger suggests this whirling energy. It is a tourbillion,
a vortex of active forces. The alternate form of Ger shows an axis
through the center of a circle. This is a Hindu symbol for generation.
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MEANINGS:
UPRIGHT:
Favorable change of climate, revolution of circumstance, alteration,
transformation, fulfillment, fruition, turning of the wheel, revising of
opinion, reappraisal, second look, stroke of luck, cycle turns up.
REVERSED:
Inversion, turning of things on their head, reversal, setback, change
for the worse, disappointment of hopes, the high cast down, pride
humbled, evil returned for evil given, bad karma, cycle turns down.
KEY: CHANGE
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UPRIGHT
REVERSED
KEN (torch) ~ k
Originally referred to light, which in ancient times was provided by torches
and fires. Human light as opposed to the natural light of the sun. The
physical light of flame was easily associated with the light of the mind,
just as darkness is linked with ignorance. The piercing keenness of the
intellect lights the dark places of the soul and dispels shadows. The
rune may have become linked with the passage of the dead. The rider
on the long road to the underworld carried Ken, the illuminating light
of his reason, as a guide and comfort.
The highest virtues have always been associated with radiance. There
are references in the gospels to the shining lights of Christ. Revelations
from God to the prophets took the form of light-as when Moses saw
the burning bush. White is a sacred color in diverse cultures. The white
buffalo of the American Indians. The white knight of European folklore.
The white dove of peace.
In Cynewulfin signatures, passages where the Anglo-Saxon poet
placed his name in the form of rune riddles, Ken is used as a cipher
for intelligence. Speaking of the final judgment, Cynwulf says:"Then
cin will tremble, will hear the King, the Ruler of heaven, speak,
pronounce stern words to those who obeyed him negligently before
in the world." This would seem to be light used as the gift of the
personal self-the soul-from God.
The early Germans burned their dead. Attempts have been made to
link the Ken rune with some rite of a sun cult. Symbols of the sun
figure prominently in the Stone Age rock carvings and appear
beside runes on some weapon relics-the spearhead found near
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Brestlitovsk in the USSR, for example. Such a connection would
not be incompatible with the interpretation of Ken as progressively
torch, light and intelligence.
The Scottish word ken which now means to know, but which earlier
meant to see, to recognize, and was also used to indicate the range
of vision or sight, may be a descendant of the Ken rune. The shape
of the rune is of something that flies and pierces.
MEANINGS:
UPRIGHT:
Revelation of things hidden, awakening, insight, finding the way,
piercing the veil, guiding star, lantern in a storm, candle in the window,
solution to a problem, the answer, end of a journey, fulfillment of
purpose.
REVERSED:
Nakedness, harsh light of day, exposure, realization of futility, loss
of dreams, awakening to reality, perception of personal limitations,
seeing oneself and others in a true light, receding hopes, possible
suicide attempt.
KEY:BEACON
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UPRIGHT
REVERSED
LAGU (water) ~l
The form of Lagu suggests a broken reed. It means water, particularly
the sea but also rivers, fountains and falls. Water is a complex symbol
with both positive and negative connotations. It stands for fertility
in the form of rain and streams, but also for the underworld of nightmarish monsters when presented as a dark still lake, or for the
capricious destroyer of ships as the roiling ocean. As a general rule
standing pools and brackish water is harmful, while clear, moving
water is beneficial.
Travel by ship was easier in ancient times than land travel. Most
people who had not spent their entire lives in one place were familiar
with the power of the waves, the initial terror of going out of sight of
land, and the sense of utter dependence upon the caprice of fate.
Water was the black realm of the unknown that men crossed fearfully,
having no idea what lay below the surface. It was equivalent to the
depths of the unconscious which the awareness cannot plumb. It
represented the obsessive and perverse side of sexuality when
unalloyed with the solar light.. In Teutonic mythology, the undines
(water spirits) are beautiful maidens who pull men unde r the surface
to their deaths. Their songs induce madness. Yet water cannot be
shunned, not even its frightful aspects, since it is a necessity of
daily life.
MEANINGS:
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UPRIGHT:
Water, lakes, rivers, pools, wells, streams, oceans, mystery, allure ,
dreams, fantasies, visions, imagination, creativity, physical and mental
fecundity, a giving and adaptable nature, feelings of romance, sentimentality,
emotion, a loving heart.
REVERSED:
Madness, obsession, mania, nightmares, the submerged, the hidde n, the
deep, the underworld, despair, perversity, sickness, suicide by drowning
or blood-letting or drugs, uncontrolled urges, impulses, escape into a
fantasy world, excessive sleep, catatonia, coma.
KEY: UNCONSCIOUS
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UPRIGHT
REVERSED
MAN (man) ~ m
Paired with the Eh is the Man rune, which can be translated as human being,
or perhaps as Mannus, the Germanic Adam and archetypical pattern of
the race. In the rune poems it is used simply as everyman, the consensus
of opinion being: "man is the augmentation of the dust." This rather
depressing note is maintained through all the major rune poems. The
notion of man is linked with the inevitability of death. Man equals
mortal.
Certainly the Teutons saw enough of their kin slaughtered to have no
illusions about human grandeur. One of the rune stones reads: "Vidken
the priest wrote me, and here I shall stand for a while"-showing that not
even the stones were looked upon as permanent. The pessimistic tone
of the rune poems may be due to the influence of Christianity and
should not be projected back onto the pagan roots of the runes.
Qualities that distinguish humanity from the beasts are intelligence,
speech and free will. The rune Man stands for the mental virtues.
Other facets of Man are the power of imagination, the urge to worship
and the manipulation of the environment. It is the human soul that
energizes these abilities.
MEANINGS:
UPRIGHT:
Intelligence, imagination, foresight, logic, skill, craftsmanship, artistry,
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vision, insight, invention, perception, ideas, eloquence, the method to
an end, design, pattern, plan, structure, order, a Magus.
REVERSED:
Cunning, slyness, deception, craftiness, calculation, misdirection,
sleight of hand, manipulation of others, double-dealing, fraud a con
artist, master of illusion, shape -changer, wearer of masks.
KEY: INTELLIGENCE
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UPRIGHT
REVERSED
NYD (need) ~ n
The necessity to endure. That element in the human spirit which will not
allow it to accept its fate. Stubborn will to resist even when there is no
hope. Resistance against all odds. It shows itself in circumstances of
extreme trial such as deathly sickness or natural disaster: the cancer
patient who refuse to accept death; the accident victim who continues
to fight through icy waters after his consciousness has deserted himthese people illustrate the power of Nyd.
There is no glory in Nyd. It is described in the poem Solomon and Saturn
as the worst lot that can befall a man. No credit arises from exhibiting
resistance to such supreme hardship because it lies beyond the level
of willful control. Nyd is sent by the gods to test and to teach. It produces
a tempering of the spirit. One who experiences Nyd and lives is the
stronger for it. In historical times, the death camps of Nazi Germany
generated large amounts of Nyd.
Nyd is linked with Haegl in several ancient references. In the Abecedarium
Nordmannicum the two runes occur on the same line, which reads:
"hail has need." In the Old English Rune Poem the verses for Haegl
and Nyd have parallel constructions:
Hail is the whitest of grains, it whirls down from heaven's height,
and gusts of wind toss it about; then it is transformed to water.
Hardship oppresses the heart; yet nonetheless often it is transformed
for the sons of men to be a source of help and salvation, if only they
heed it in time.
Nyd is the power in the human spirit that allows it to endure Haegl. The
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two go together. Without great hardship the ne cessity to endure would
never be exercised. The shape of the Nyd rune suggests a broken cross,
or perhaps a man carrying on awkward and unbalanced load.
MEANINGS:
UPRIGHT:
Want, need, emotional hunger, starvation, dire extremity, limit of
strength, failure of hope, loss of human dignity, naked to the bone,
suffering beyond the will to resist, torment, afflictions of Job, tortures
of hell.
REVERSED:
Stubbornness in the face of death, defiance of fate, endurance,
subsistence on nothing, will to continue, persistence of life, survival
without glory or personal growth, refusal to surrender.
KEY: NECESSITY
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UPRIGHT
REVERSED
ETHEL (homeland) ~ o
In early usage, this rune indicated the land of birth in the narrow sense
of the immediate locality where the tribe or clan dwelt. Land was important
to the Germans. Families preferred to live some distance from one another
rather than clustered together in villages and towns. They cleared a wide
swarth around the house, probably as a defense against surprise attacks.
The origin of Ethel may have been this circular clearing.
As Teutonic societies evolved, the sense of the rune was modified first
to mean inherited land, and then inherited property. Used in this broad
way, Ethel stood for the sum of earthly possessions accumulated by a
man in his lifetime -what came down to him from his forefathers, the
gifts of chiefs, the spoils of war and the craft of his own hands.
Landed property is the generally accepted meaning of the Ethel rune,
which stands last in the traditional futhark. It complements Foeh, the
first rune of the alphabet, one of whose meanings is movable possessions.
The two types of possessions were inter-dependent of the cattle, the
most important movable possession of the early Germans, needed
land to graze on, and land without cattle was of little value.
Enlarging the meaning of the rune yields native country of nation of
birth. This is a natural evolution of the rune, just as any nation grows
up from the amalgamated holdings of family clans. The use of Ethel
to stand for the soul of a nation would not be unreasonable in modern
magical practice.
If Daeg represents the span of human life, Ethel may be said to
stand for the accomplishments of that life on earth. Every man's native
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land is that which he carves out and holds on to; morally as well as
materially, Good and evil actions are passed down to the next
generation as its inescapable inheritance. The human laws of legal
inheritance are only imitations of this natural law.
MEANINGS:
UPRIGHT:
Immovable possessions, property, house, city, region of birth, country,
where the heart is, allegiance, accomplishments in life, skills, credentials,
what has been carved out by trial or won by valor, citizenship, passport,
national or racial pride, patriotism.
REVERSED:
Bad karma, accumulated vices, prejudice, jingoism, bigotry, clannishness,
provincial attitudes, isolationism, protectionism, class consciousness,
suspicion of strangers, lack of hospitality, the grave.
KEY: HOME
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UPRIGHT
REVERSED
PEORD (apple) ~ p
The original meaning of this rune was probably apple tree. However Peord
is one of the more obscure runes and no interpretation is certain. Various
definitions have been proposed including pawn, chessman, dice box,
table-game, and even penis. These speculations arise from the context
of Peord in the Old English Rune Poem:
A table-game (?) is always a source of recreation and amusement
to proud princes, where warriors sit happily together in the mead-hall.
The definition of Peord as some form of game or gaming implement, even
if generally correct in the context of the poem, is far removed from its first
meaning. All runes once stood for natural objects or elemental forces. It
was only when the runes were interpreted by settled societies that they
became trivialized. For example, yew became yew-bow; cattle became
wealth; the necessity to endure became feudal obligation.
However, if table-game is the degenerate meaning, a link may be formed
with the first meaning of the rune -apple tree. Tacitus in his Germania
mentions that the Germans divined by cutting twigs from fruit-bearing
tree and carving runes on them. The most obvious fruit tree of the
northern forests is the apple. History teaches that traditional forms of
divination frequently degenerate into games of gambling. The Tarot
devolved into common playing cards. Geomancy became dice. It is
not unlikely that Germanic divination was reduced over time to a form
of table sport-probably some form of draughts. If so, the runic name for
the wood used in divination may have carried down to the game.
All this is highly speculative. It is worth noting, however, that a scholar
named Marstrander arrived at the same meaning for Peord through
a separate philological route. He related the rune name Peord to the
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Irish name for apple tree, ceirt, and connected them with reference
to the evolution of words.
A separate rune for the apple tree makes good sense. There are many tree
runes. The apple has powerful magical and mythological associations: the
apples of the Tree of Knowledge; the golden apple given to Venus by
Paris; the apples if Idun by which the gods preserved their youth; the
apples of Sodam; lovely to look upon, but ashes inside; the apples of
Istkahor, sweet on one side and bitter on the other.
In Teutonic mythology, the apple seems to have been a beneficent
symbol. The phrase "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" is still
popular. However, apples are not without their ambivalent aspect.
A fruit so luscious and seductive easily becomes a tool for evil. In the
fairy tale Snow White, the wicked queen uses an apple to disguise
her poison.
For the early Germans, Peord probably signified a Cornucopia of
life and health. The shape is enclosing, like a cup tipped on its side.
The apple was a pleasurable source of sustenance and therefore to
be celebrated in Bacchanalian feasts. The negative connotations
derive from the positive-too much celebration bri ngs sickness the
morning after. In this sense Peord is opposed to its paired complement
Eoh, which is staid and frugal by nature. Both are tree runes, but
markedly different associations. In the fable of the Ant and the
Grasshopper, Eoh might stand for the sign of the ant, and Peord for
the sign of the grasshopper. Those who exude large amounts of Peord
are fun to be around but undependable.
MEANINGS:
UPRIGHT:
Luxury, abundance, lavishness, opulence, satisfaction, indulgence, pleasure,
sensuality, love of excess and display, parties, celebrations, feasts,
epicureanism, fun and games, gambling, conviviality, gregariousness.
REVERSED:
Gluttony, drunkenness, lustfulness, excess of pleasure, satiety, surfeit,
revulsion, decadence, debauchery, perversions, drug addiction, search
for illicit thrills, moral and physical decay, too much of a good thing.
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KEY: PLEASURE
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UPRIGHT
REVERSED
RAD (riding) ~ r
A journey on horseback. In the Old English Rune Poem the journey is
said to be strenuous, the horse powerful, the road long. All three elements
are laden with significance. For the ancient Germans, travel where the
roads were few and bad was of epic proportions. Moderate journeys
required weeks -longer journeys months or even years. Physical endurance
was tested to the limit. The journey became a metaphor for life itself.
Complete dependence was placed on the horse. Without it the traveler
would be left on foot in the wilderness at the mercy of wolves and other
things less natural. The horse became transportation itself, equivalent
to the ship at sea. It has been suggested that Rad acted as a charm for
travelers. The rune possessed a mystical association with journeying
of all kinds. Perhaps it was given tot he dead to guide and assist them
on their road to the underworld.
In the abstract, Rad means a seeking and striving. A quest. A search
for fulfillment, perhaps a search for spiritual wisdom. On the material
level: physical travel, change in address. forced relocation.
MEANINGS:
UPRIGHT:
A promotion, relocation, change of residence, vacation, business trip,
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search; transportation by car, bus, train, ship or plane; personal evolution,
seeking after fulfillment, alteration of circumstance, escape.
REVERSED:
Disruption, dislocation, upheaval, demotion, disillusion, aimless wandering,
flight from responsibility, chasing rainbows, lack of fufilliment, long illness,
possibly death.
KEY: JOURNEY
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UPRIGHT
REVERSED
SIGEL (sun) ~ s
Sigel stands for the rays that emanate from the sun and strike the earthits active power. The shape suggests a bolt of lightning, and in the Tarot
card of The Tower, lightning is shown lashing from the solar orb to destroy
a stone towe r, which is usually associated with the Tower of Babel.
The Nazis recognized the destructive potential of this rune when they
chose it as the insignia of the SS. Indeed, the Swasitka is no more then
two Sigel runes laid over each other to suggest the whirling, flaming ball
of meteor. In pagan times. meteors were looked upon as weapons of
the gods, particularly Thor whose hammer was earlier thought to be
a meteorite.
The Germans worshiped the sun, Caesar mentions sun worship, and the
numerous sun wheels found in the rock carvings attest to it, as do
certain relics such as the bronze altar found near Ystad in Sweden. This
last is a remarkable object shaped roughly like a drum. It stands on ten
bronze wheels arrayed around its perimeter, and its tip is inscribed with
concentric circles and rings of fire that form a solar image of impressive
proportions.
The offensive power suggested by the shape of the Sigel rune is well
represented by this verse from the Icelandic Rune Poem:
Sun is shield of the sky and shining ray and destroyer of ice.
MEANINGS:
UPRIGHT:
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Elemental force, energy, moving power, destroyer of inertia, banisher
of doubt, galvanizer, initiator, act of will, shattered conceits, masterstroke,
what pierces to the heart of the matter, cutting of red tape, bold action.
REVERSED:
Retribution, punishment, justice, wrath of God, nemesis, vengeance,
destruction of evil plans, exposure of guilt, work of the furies, suffering
for past crimes, divine thunderbolt, cleansing fire.
KEY: RETRIBUTION
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UPRIGHT
REVERSED
TYR (tiw) ~ t
Tyr begins and names the third aett of the German futhark. One of the
major Teutonic gods of prehistoric times, by the period when Roman
historians began to record German customs, he had degenerated into
a minor war deity and was ignobly compared to Mars. However, from
what can be gathered of his nature, he deserved better. His great courage
was restrained by his intelligence and sense of honor. The blind killing
rage characteristic of Mars was not part of Tiw's original makeup. He
was the god of legal and moral judgment, the upholder of oaths. He could
be more closely compared to Mercury than Mars, since both Tiw and
Mercury were instruments of a higher law.
Leaving his early nature aside, the latter day Tiw was a war god. The
rune
is similar to the symbol for Mars
. It was cut into
weapons and carried into battle to give courage and war skill. It occurs
on many rune charms. The similarity in shape of Tyr to all piercing
weapons, particularly the spear, is significant. The favorite weapon of
the Germans was a short light spear called a framea, which they had
the option of casting at a foe or retaining for close combat.
In the Old English Rune Poem, the meaning of Tyr has developed
into a constellation or star or planet in the night sky. Even then it
retains its connotations of faithfulness and dependability:
Tyr is one of the guiding signs, it keeps faith well with princes;
always it holds its course above the night clouds; it never fails.
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This late definition may refer to the planet mars or to a constellation
of stars. Perhaps it is the North Star, which is symbolized on maps and
charts with the sign:
. The North Star is certainly a guide, always
holds its course, and never fails.
MEANINGS:
UPRIGHT:
Honor, integrity, valor, discernment, judgment, legal matters, court
action, eloquent and persuasive speech, fair dealing in a dispute,
equitable arrangement, the truth told, witnesses come forth.
REVERSED:
War, battle, argument, disputes, strife, conflict, clash of wills, clash
of ideas, disagreements, unwillingness to compromise, refusal of
arbitration, excessive pride, arrogance, intolerance, need to dominate
others.
KEY: JUDGMENT
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UPRIGHT
REVERSED
UR (aurochs) ~ u
Aurochs is the name for a species of wild ox that lived in the forests of
Europe. It was hunted to extinction in the 17th century. Six feet tall at
the shoulder with shaggy black hair and large curling horns, it possessed
the fierceness of a wild boar and the strength of a bull. It had much the
same meaning for the Teutonic hunters as the American bison for the plains
Indians.
Julius Caesar, one of the earliest literate Romans to penetrate the
wilderness of Germany, gives a god account of this beast in his
Gallic Wars:
...an animal somewhat smaller than an elephant with the appearance,
color and shape of a bull. They are very strong and agile, and attack
every man and beast they catch sight of. The natives take great pains
to trap them in pits, and then kill them. This arduous sport toughens
the young men and keeps them in training; and those who kill the
largest number exhibit the horns in public to show what they have
done, and earn high praise, It is impossible to domesticate or tame
the aurochs, even if caught young. The horns are much larger than
those of our oxen and o quite different shape and appearance. The
Germans prize them greatly; they mount the rims with silver and
use them as drinking-cups at their grandest banquets.
When the qualities of the animal are abstracted it can be perceived that
Ur meant an elemental masculine potency. Physically: strength, agility,
and endurance. Emotionally: courage and boldness, Spiritually:
freedom. Thus, that which can never be domesticated or enslaved. The
triumphant soul of nature. The shape of Ur is a horn or erect phallus.
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This meaning is in direct contrast to that of the Feoh rune. Clearly the
first two runes form a pair. A similar pattern runs throughout the alphabet
and is useful in determining the shades of meaning of obscure runes. The
pairs are not always opposites but always present a sharp contrast.
The aurochs was synonymous with manhood. That it had a magical
significance is suggested by the costly decoration and careful preservation
of its horns, and also by the fact that although aurochs did not extend
into Britain in historical times, the Anglo-Saxons retained the beast
as emblematic of the rune. Perhaps killing the aurochs was a rite of
passage into manhood.
MEANINGS:
UPRIGHT:
Freedom, courage, resolute action, vitality, energy, enterprise, the
beginning of bold projects, acceptance of new challenges, testing limits,
physical strength, audaciousness, dominance of others through will,
a leader, a soldier.
REVERSED:
Rash actions, hasty words, immaturity, lustfulness, callousness toward
others, contempt for the weak, brutality, blind rage, violence, the crime
of rape, uncontrollable desires, sadism, heedlessness, unpreparedness,
lack of forethought.
KEY: ACTION
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UPRIGHT
REVERSED
WYN (glory) ~ w
Usually translated as joy, a better meaning is glory because it suggests
pleasure in possession, Glory is an intangible thing, yet it can be gained
or lost. While it is possessed it is displayed as a badge of honor. Glory
encompasses joy, in that no glorying is possible without joy.
In relation to its paired complement Gyfu, Wyn is what results from gift
giving. It is the natural reward for sacrifice. Sacrifice to the gods is repaid
with success in battle and honor in life. Generosity brings all manner of
rewards both tangible and spiritual. In the highest form Wyn is ecstasy,
a merging with the divine Light.
Odin is mentioned in connection with this rune in an Anglo-Saxon poem,
the Nine Herbs Charm:
For Woden took nine glory-twigs, he smote then the adder that it
flew apart into nine parts.
The adder is the serpent in the Garden of Eden, a diminished for of
dragon. The glory twigs are magic wands with runes cut into them
representing nine natural forces. However, cutting anything with
nine objects results in ten parts. Nine was used symbolically in the
poem as a cycle of perfection, a trine of trinities. The number ten
begins a new cycle and is therefore tangible. Smiting the serpent is
implied as a spiritual act.
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MEANINGS:
UPRIGHT:
Glory in victory, delight in achievement, accomplishment, deserved
prize, welcome honors, dignities, spiritual ecstasy, exaltation, divine
reward, transcendence of obstacles, exultation, bliss.
REVERSED:
Intoxication, wild enthusiasm, delirium, excessive expectations, unrealistic
plans, delusions of grandeur, mania, loss of touch with reality, possession
by spirits, unfounded hopes, empty dreams of glory.
KEY: HAPPINESS
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UPRIGHT
REVERSED
EOLH (defense) ~ z
Another rune that appears to be connected with an older symbol-the splayed
human hand which it resembles, an instinctive sign for warding off harm.
Outlines of the human hand have been discovered in caves where prehistoric
men once lived. The American Indians used this sign for peace. similar
symbols, but with five branches, are used in North Africa to turn aside
the evil eye.
A reasonable objection can be made that if Eolh is meant to represent
the human hand, it should have five branches. In fact, it is one of the less
understood runes. In later rune poems it seems to have stood for elk-sedge,
which may be though kind of marsh grass that elk feed upon. But it has
also been interpreted as willow, sea-holly, swan, and even as the sign
of an obscure god named Alcis mentioned by Tacitus.
One thing at least is known: the rune was carried by warriors to protect
them in battle, In the Old English Rune Poem the connotation of
warding off survives:
Elk-sedge usually dwells in a marsh, growing in the water; it gives
grievous wounds staining with blood every man who lays a hand
on it.
Anyone who as a child has tried to tear a handful of marsh ferns will
understand all too well what is meant here. The fibers in the stems
of ferns part and cut like razors through the skin. This verse is very
similar to the one representing Thorn.
In the Norwegian Rune Poem, Eolh is linked with the claw of a hawk.
Pictorially, this is the best correspondence. In the burial mound of a
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shaman discovered near Copenhagen the claw of a falcon was found
along with other magical articles. The talons of a hawk are the focus
of its power; with them it catches and kills its prey. The Teutonic peoples
would have a knowledge of their great strength. Very likely the mummified
claws of hawks were used magically to embody the speed, nobility
and power of these great birds. Among the American Indians the eagle
occupied a prominent place in the magical hierarchy.
Whatever the rune may have originally stood for, its abstracted
meaning is generally agreed upon-stay away or suffer unpleasant
consequences. It is a kind of shield which the person who presents it
erects before him.
MEANINGS:
UPRIGHT:
Shield, protection, defense, turning away harm, warding off evil,
watchfulness, care, guardian spirit, friend in need, assistance in danger,
help in battle, unexpected ally, attack reflected back on its source.
REVERSED:
Taboo, forbidden, what must be avoided at all cost, danger, warning,
repulsion, turning away, warding off, holding at arm's length, denial,
fear of involvement, over protectiveness, unperceived threat.
KEY: PROTECTION
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UPRIGHT
REVERSED
EOH (yew) ~ ei
The yew is an evergreen tree with bright red berries and a very durable,
elastic wood. It was used to make bows, and one of the translations of
Eoh is bow made of yew. Yew bows were greatly prized for their strength.
It also seems to have been related to burning. The Norwegian Rune
Poem reads:
Yew is the greenest of trees in winter; when it burns, it sputters.
In the Old English Rune Poem, Eoh is called a keeper of flame. Fire
was sacred to the Teutons. The evergreen color of the yew may have
endowed its wood with revitalizing powers. In early times it was customary
to burn the bodies of the dead before interring them. Yew rune wands
may have been burned on funeral pyres to help the dead attain eternal
life.
Yew trees were also planted in cemeteries where they can still be seen
today; or perhaps the dead were buried in groves of yew. The yew is
thought to draw in supernatural influences. Ancient yews are looked
upon with dread, They are thought to absorb and trap the spirits of
the dead and keep them from wandering.
A wood that sputters when it burns is not the most desirable for
utilitarian use, but in magic the sputter may have been looked upon
as a favorable omen, There is a classical form of divination wherein
the crackle of laurel boughs cast on a fire is regarded as a good sign.
The wand-shaped amulets found by archaeologists are made of yew
wood, attesting that the yew was considered to have magical power
of a vitalizing and protective nature. The Eoh rune may be said to
signify dependability, strength and vitality. The term yeoman, which
originally meant the follower of a chief-a bowman-carries connotations
of all these virtues in the phrase "yeoman service."
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MEANINGS:
UPRIGHT:
Strength, tenacity, trustworthiness, faithfulness, reliability, toughness,
protector, guardian, dependable servant, keeping of vows, fulfillment
of responsibility, an instrument that will not fail, fidelity, honor, truth,
An honest man who may be relied upon.
REVERSED:
Lack of imagination, dullness, inertia, subservience, blind faith in a
leader, no initiative, bonds of duty, lower class mentality, acceptance
of fate, unquestioned following of orders, the universal foot soldier.
KEY: DUTY
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UPRIGHT
REVERSED
ING (fertility god) ~ ng
Ing was a god of the Danes. The Old English word Ingwine means friends
of Ing, and is applied to the Danes in Beowolf. Tacitus mentions a tribe
lining near the Baltic Sea called the Ynglingar. The Old English Rune
Poem reads:
Ing among the East-Danes was first beheld by men, until that later
time when to the east he made his departure over the waves, followed
by his chariot; that was the name those stern warriors gave the hero.
The god Frey, who was the Teutonic male fertility deity, is said to have
had another name, Yngvi. His descendants were called Ynglingar. Since
Frey was the son of Nerthus, the earth mother, and traveled in a chariot,
Ing is supposed to have been a fertility god, but this is only supposition.
The Old English Rune Poem describes him as a hero.
It is interesting that his departure across the seas to the east is said
to be in front of his chariot. One would assume that he would ride
inside it. Perhaps he was the invisible traveler in a physical model of the
sacred car, like Nerthus. Something may have caused him to remove
himself across the sea-the coming of Christianity?-and his sacred
chariot may have been shipped after him.
When Ing is viewed paired with Lagu, it should be noted that the god
crosses the water. The crossing of water was a common euphemism
for the passage into the underworld. Ing is a god who has gone away,
like the great heroes whose bodies were pushed into the sea after
their departed souls on burning warships. The chariot of Ing which
follows after him is the lifeless, hollow vessel of the god.
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Ing may have been a god of the hearth, a protector of the family and
house, an insurer of good catches of fish and good crops. He would
represent the healthy and productive side of sexuality. Lagu is the
power and influence of waters-Ing the power and influence of the earth.
MEANINGS:
UPRIGHT:
Simple strengths, common virtues, good sense, stability, increase,
honest work, happy family life, successful career, loving and nurturing
environment, human warmth, compassion, children, the home hearth.
REVERSED:
Toil, need to produce, responsibilities, dependents, stress, preoccupation
with career, obsession with bettering lifestyle, rising up social ladder,
buying a bigger house, moving to a more affluent neighborhood, worry
about the future, dissatisfaction with present blessings.
KEY: GROWTH
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UPRIGHT
REVERSED
THORN (devil) ~ th
In the narrowest sense, Thorn is the name of an evil giant. His figure has
survived to the present in the children's fairy tale of Jack and the Beanstalk.
It has been translated more generally as Demon.
The shape of the rune is sharp and cutting -like a tooth or claw. This
probably led the Anglo-Saxons to change the meaning to the thorn
found on rose bushes. Both old and new meanings retain the idea of
pain and strife. The Old English Rune Poem reads:
The thorn is extremely sharp, painful for any warrior to grasp,
immeasurably fierce to any man who rests among them.
This seems an exaggerated description to be used by a warrior
accustomed to hardship of all sorts, but when applied to a giant demon,
it is appropriate. Although the early meaning of the rune was forgotten,
its associations lingered on. The demon Thorn might well be called
immeasurably fierce.
In general, the rune conveys a sense of evil force inimical to human
will. It is the brute destructive power of Chaos opposed to the world
order. All the worst associations of the frost giants apply here. Giants
were called "torturers of women" in Scandinavian rune poems, a term
summarizing their base cruelty.
MEANINGS:
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UPRIGHT:
Malice, petty spite, vindictive cowardly actions, lies, deliberate attempts
to hurt, sowing of confusion and doubt, rejoicing in the misfortunes of
others, torture of the weak, persecution of the innocent, hatred, envy,
jealousy. A wicked man or woman.
REVERSED:
Poetic justice, the tables turned, falling into one's own trap, payment in
kind, just deserts,evil thwarted, a vengeful act that misfires, a purging,
catharsis, clearing of the air, exposure of true nature through words or
actions, the mask let slip.
KEY: EVIL
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Paganlore.com
~ Rune Guide ~
Below follow the brief divinatory meanings for the twenty-four runes of
the German futhark. Wiccan and other pagan groups sometimes use
the 28 or 33 character Anglo-Saxon rune alphabet, called futhorc
because of the altered pronunciation of the first six letters.
The primary form of each rune is followed by its secondary forms (if
any) its name, the short meaning of the name, and its transliteration.
Old English names for the runes are used because they are easier
to pronounce and to remember, but it should be borne in mind that
the runes are German. When you link there will be a detailed
summary, a detailed examination made into the levels of
meaning of each rune and possible ways it can be used magically.
OS (god) ~ a
BEORC (birch) ~ b
DAEG (day) ~ d
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EH (horse) ~ e
FEOH (cattle) ~ f
GYFU (gift) ~ g
HAEGL (hail) ~ h
IS (ice) ~ i
GER (harvest) ~ j
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KEN (torch) ~ k
LAGU (water) ~ l
MAN (man) ~ m
NYD (need) ~ n
ETHEL (homeland) ~ o
PEORD (apple) ~ p
RAD (riding) ~ r
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SIGEL (sun) ~ s
TYR (tiw) ~ t
UR (aurochs) ~ u
WYN (glory) ~ w
EOLH (defense) ~ z
EOH (yew) ~ ei
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ING (fertility god) ~ ng
THORN (devil) ~ th
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Paganlore.com
~Rune Magick~
(How to)
RUNE MAGIC
Rune magic has five distinct steps which are mentioned in the Havamal:
1. Cutting
2. Reading
3. Staining
4. Evoking
5. Sending
Cutting:
In earliest times the runes, or symbols very much like the runes, were cut
on wood with stone knives. For nomadic hunters of the forest, no material
was more readily available than twigs of wood. They could be taken up or
discarded at will. The knife was necessary for survival and would always
be near at hand. Runes could be cut when the evening camp fire was made,
then burne d before the group moved on in the morning.
All magical materials are prepared with solemn ceremony in the sight of
the gods and under their good auspices. Similar care must be taken with
the runes. No doubt they were often carelessly cut in ignorance or haste,
but that a proper and accepted way of cutting them existed is probable. It
may have varied in its details from tribe to tribe, but its purpose would
remain the same -to set the runes apart from the mundane world and link
them to a particular aspect of the spiritual world.
The wood upon which the runes are cut should be taken from a fruit-bearing
tree. Nuts are considered fruits of the tree, so this includes such trees as
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the oak and chestnut. The branch is to be cut at a magically favorable time.
The first light of dawn is suitable for honest works, symbolizing as it does the
triumph of the light over darkness. The vernal equinox, the moment the sun
emerges from an eclipse, even the beaming of the sun's rays from behind
a curtain of cloud have a similar significance. On the other hand, for works
of
evil the branch should be cut from a barren or dead tree in the darkness or
shadow.
The knife used to lop off the bough, and later to cut the runes upon it, must
be consecrated through a ceremony in which it is offered in service to the
god or gods who will oversee the rune magic. If the knife is intended for
general use it should be consecrated to all the gods who will act through it,
or to the One who is over all. Odin in his guise as All-Father is an agent
of the Nameless One, therefore the knife can be consecrated to the AllFather. Consecration usually takes the form of a prayer and a symbolic
action such as the anointing with oil.
During the consecration of the knife, will the powers of the gods in whose
names the knife will be used to flow into the blade. If you are able to
clearly visualize the the knife as gleaming and scintillating with radiance,
its power will be greater.
The knife should be spotlessly clean and at least partially manufactured by
the Magus -usually the hilt is made. It must be undamaged and unbroken,
and preferably never employed for other than magical purposes. The blade
must be razor sharp. An old knife in perfect condition can be used if it is
thoroughly purified before consecration.
Purification is done by exposing the object to be cleansed to fire and water
while speaking a cleansing prayer. Draw the blade through an open flame
three times , moving it in a clockwise circle, so that it is warmed. Then
sprinkle consecrated water over both sides three times. An alternative is
to dip the blade three times in a chalice filled with consecrated water.
The Magus seeks to glorify the gods, not insult them. He must never
offer them anything he himself considers second rate. Since the gods
look upon the instruments of the Art through his eyes, and his perception
is modified by his prejudices, he must truly believe that his instruments
are as perfect as he can reasonably make them.
Take a nine -inch long section of the branch and cut into its bark the runes
to be used in the ritual. Allow the shavings to fall on the open ground, or if
this is impossible gather them up and scatter them over tranquil earth. Cut
each line of the runes with two sure and forceful strokes-the first to incise,
the second to clear away the wood from the grooves. On a rounded wand
this is best done with a slight rolling action.
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The motions of the cuts should be from top to bottom and from left to
right. Top to bottom is the line followed by the descending rays of the
sun. Left to right is the path traced by the solar orb across the sky.
Before beginning to cut the runes, speak an invocation to the god or
gods who will oversee the ritual. It should be short and original, an
invitation for the gods to take notice of your purpose and lend their
authority to its fulfillment. Since the runes act independently, the
gods invoked may be from any pantheon. For the unity of the ritual
it is best to call upon the Teutonic gods when possible.
Runes can be formed with pen and paper. A pen nib is of steel and
is used for marking a line in a way analogous to the cutting stroke of
a knife. Modern paper is made entirely of new wood except at the extremes
of quality-very cheap paper has recycled fiber; very expensive paper has
a rag content. However when using pen and paper the tactile sensations
of cutting the runes in wood, which are quite potent magically, are lost.
The process of forming the runes becomes perfunctory and is liable to be
undervalued.
Reading:
At first consideration reading the runes might be interpreted simply as
knowing what they mean. Any person using the runes for magic would
know their names and associations. Why then list reading as a second
step after cutting? Surely the two go together. And if they are considered
apart, reading-or knowing what the runes signify-would naturally precede
writing the runes down.
The explanation is that when a rune is read aloud it becomes actual in
the mind and spirit. Speaking the rune carves it on the beating heart.
Before it is spoken it exists potentially. Vibrated in the air by the lips and
tongue, warmed by the breath of the lungs, it is born just as the universe
was born at the Word of God.
Breath, air, words -all have powerful magical associations that transcend
the boundaries of culture and time. Breath is the life force. Air is the medium
of thought. Words are not mere symbols but living beings. By articulating
the runes, the Magus lends each its unique identity that separates it from
the undifferentiated mass of oblivion. He names them, and they awake with
an awareness of their own being.
After the carving of the runes has been completed, they should be spoken
aloud one after the other in order. The names need not be shouted. They
may be barely audible to a ne arby listener, but they must resonate inwardly.
The Magus should receive the impression that they are spoken in peals of
thunder. As he name each rune he forms an intellectual and emotional
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picture of it similar to the impression one gets on hearing the na me of
a familiar person.
there is a specific method for vibrating names in modern magic. Open
your throat and allow the column of air in it to resonate against your
diaphragm. This will produce a buzzing in the bones of the ears and a
tickling in the nose. Your chest should vibrate like the skin of a drum.
Each rune name is stretched out and fully articulated so that it seems to
be spoken in slow motion.
The physical vibrations produced by this exercise must be transmitted
into psychic channels so that they reach the higher spheres. The mechanics
of vibration are only the means of effecting changes on the level of spirit.
Of themselves they are powerless. Properly vibrating a rune name on
all levels opens a communication with its secret essence and makes it
available for use.
Staining:
Originally runes were stained with blood; either the blood of the person
using them, or the blood of a sacrificed human being or animal.
Berserkers (a mane meaning bear coats) were a fanatical cult of Norsemen devoted to warfare who carved runes on their weapons and before
a battle gashed themselves so that their blood flower over the runes.
They believed that the runes, particularly the Tyr rune, rendered them
invulnerable. Their rage was similar to that of fanatical Moslems. They
rushed into the thick of the fray without the least regard for their safety,
and considered death by the sword a glorious honor as it is assured them
a place in Valhalla.
Grettis Saga in which the witch Duridr carves runes in the root of a tree
and stains them with her own blood to bring ruin on Grettir, confirms that
runes were bloodstained for reasons other than warfare. No doubt it was
the common practice in all works of magic where much energy was
required, but it is unlikely the blood always flowed from the veins of the
sorcerer. It would be to great a temptation to take the easy way out and
use the blood of a beast, fowl, or even another man.
The Romans mention human sacrifice among the northern tribes and
there are echoes of it in the early writings of the Christian Church. For
many years this was regarded as propaganda by Norse scholars
who could not believe the hardy Vikings would descend to such acts, but
not long ago physical evidence was uncovered, and there is now general
agreement that human sacrifice was a occasional part of Teutonic
worship. Very likely animal sacrifice was substituted early on as in other
primitive cultures. A people that continues to sacrifice its members on
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a large scale cannot long endure.
Blood played the same role in rune magic as it plays today in Voodoo
worship, where it acts as a source of supernatural nourishment and
vitality, and is daubed upon an idol or spilled at its foot to feed the god.
The most ignorant worshipers believe the idols to physically drink the
blood as they believe them to consume offerings of food and drink. More
cultured worshipers look upon the physical blood as the outward
manifestation of an invisible psychic blood which feeds the unseen
and intangible spirits who dwell in the carven idols.
The truth is more subtle. Blood takes its vitality from the emotional and
symbolic associations it has in the human mind. The gods or spirits feed
on human feelings. This is why only blood spilled from the body of a
worshiper will have full potency. A man may be indifferent to the spilling
of animal blood. He may even be so depraved as not to react at the sight
of a bleeding human being. In any case, his emotions will be more debased
than those he experiences when his own lifeblood is shed.
To gain the maximum effect from the runes, the Magus must stain them
with his own blood. As he cuts his skin and spreads his blood across
the runes so that it settles into the grooves, he must not feel fear or regret.
The self-shedding of blood is a voluntary sacrifice of the most intimate
kind. It is at one moment a gift and a contract delivered to the rune
powers. The Magus should fill his heart with quiet joy. It may help
him to imagine the emotions of Odin hanging from Yggdrasill,or indeed
of Christ on the cross.
Baser feelings such as lust, cruelty, fear, anger and hatred will evoke
powers that are not only unproductive but dangerous. Sacrifice of another's
blood can never produce the desired gestalt of psychic events, called a
mind-state, dominated by a feeling of selfless surrender that is necessary
for working constructive rune magic. No lasting pleasure can come from
works of evil. What is first perceived as personal advantage swiftly turns
to delusion and despair.
An ancient alternative to blood used to stain the runes was red ochre, and
earth pigment. The Old English word teafor (pigment) is related to the Old
Norse taufr (sorcery). Red ochre was rubbed along a rune staff in a powered
form to etch the lines of the runes against the background of the wood.
Symbolically, it served as the blood of the earth.
The use of pigment is part of a process of degeneration in which the red
blood of the magician became the blood of a human sacrifice, which became
the blood of an animal, which became dried and powered animal blood
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that need not be shed afresh each time magic was worked, which became
red pigment linked to blood by color alone. The modern Magus should
either go back to the source, his own fresh blood, or should follow the
process to its logical conclusion and link in his mind red paint or ink
to the emotions of sacrifice that alone feed the runes.
Blood will not necessarily work better than pigment. It depends on the
mind-state the Magus is able to create and maintain. Blood is usually
more effective only because it carries powerful natural associations. It
is a psychological aid that the experienced Magus may not need to rely on.
However, do not fall into the modern error of thinking that since you
recognize blood is a symbol, any other similar symbol will do as well.
Symbols are alive. They each have a unique identity. They cannot be
casually interchanged. An adept may be able to get the same results
from red paint as he gets from blood, but it will require a highly
developed mental cont rol.
Blood is only one of the bodily fluids that may be used to stain the
runes for different purposes. The others are saliva, urine, sweat, tears,
and semen (in women, menstrual blood). Each fluid carries unique
associations and creates a different mind-state. For works of art
or science, saliva is most effective. For works of destruction and
storm, urine. For works of growth, sweat. For works of piety and
love, tears. For sex magic, semen or menstrual blood.
Evoking:
Evoking refers to the chants that are spoken over the runes to
realize their power. Since the Germans had no literature, all
incantations have been lost except for a few debatable scraps
that may have survived in folk charms. By their nature the Norse
chants were secret and never written down. Perhaps special gestures
of the hands or body were used in conjunction with the chants, but
these are a matter of speculation.
The chants must have been a summoning of the powers of spirits of
the runes into manifest being; a calling of them from the potential
to the actual. They were probably directed into the object upon which
the runes were carved, or into the runes themselves. The rune object
became the temporary home of the powers until they were sent to
accomplish the desire of the shaman.
All magical chants are short, metrical, usually rhyming, and go straight
to the point. They may be composed in the form of a riddle so that
anyone overhearing them will not be able to guess their significance.
Often they are repeated many times in a sing-song voice to endure a
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trance state so that their message will reach the subconscious. Rune
chants will use the names of the Teutonic gods as words of power.
The chant should be accompanied by appropriate gestures designed
to draw down the power of the runes, the most effective of which is the
vortex. Revolve the knife over the runes in a sunwise circle while
visualizing a psychic whirlwind whose center opens over them.
alternately, walk or dance around the runes set in the center of
the magic circle sunwise. Nine revolutions should be made. Nine
is a powerful number in rune magic and signifies realization.
Evocation has the effect of priming the runes. At this point the
ritual may become dangerous. Previously the runes were empty
markings on wood- now they are charged with occult potency.
In addition to his other protective devices, the Magus should
wear about his neck an amulet with the Eoh rune prominently
carved upon it. Before the runes are stained, the amulet should
be stained. Before the forces of the runes are evoked, the
protective power of the Eoh rune should be summoned into the
charm. In this way if anything goes wrong with the ritual, the
amulet will protect the Magus by the very powers that the rune
spirits may try to use to harm him.
Sending:
Evoking and sending are closely related. In practice they may
form tow stages of a single action, However, they can be discussed
separately. Evocation draws sown the powers of the runes. Sending
releases those powers toward the target. If evocation is thought of
as loading and cocking a gun, sending is akin to aiming and firing.
Sending can be accomplished manually by passing the runes to
another person or secreting them in a specific place. This method
is imaginatively described by M.R. James called Casting t he Runes,
in which a nigromancer takes a dislike to a critic and puts into his
possession runes of destruction. The runes are timed to take effect
at a certain hour. Throwing them away is no help-the only way the
critic can save himself is by returning the runes personally to their
maker, which he does just before the fatal hour by means of a trick.
When the runes cannot be delivered to the object of desire hand
to hand or through the mail, they may be sent through the elements.
All elements can be used with the exception of Light, which is too
subtle, but one will be more appropriate in any given circumstance.
For example, if you wish the runes to act on a person who is aboard
shop or to raise a tempest, the runes can be cast into the sea. If
you wish to affect crops or property, the runes should be buried.
If you desire to summon winds or otherwise change the weather,
write the runes on a piece of paper and tear it into tiny pieces,
then scatter them in the air. If you want to create emotional
or physical heat, the runes are best burned.
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Any method will work more or less well with any set of runes
provided the proper concentration and visualization are linked
with specific words of direction. Some elements are merely
more appropriate for certain purposes. It can generally be stated
that Fire is a suitable medium for works of war, lust, anger and
violence; Air is fitted to works of science, philosophy, judgment
and justice; Water is for works of love, art, kindness and illusion;
and Earth for works of construction, toil, strength and endurance.
and violence.
Thanks so much to the enlightened words of Donald Tyson.
Reprinted partially or entirely from Rune Magic.
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Paganlore.com
~ MAGICKAL MEANINGS ~
(Click on any rune to find its value)
This is a very favorable rune. It opens the way for
judgment into difficult and confusing situations. It brings calm. It carries
Light into darkness. In its secondary meaning it gives knowledge and
good speech, and acts as an avenue of divine revelation. The biblical
prophets may be said to have prophesied under the influence of this
rune.
Beorc can be used to heal and comfort in times of hardship.
It may be cast as a love charm, or used maliciously to arouse uncontrolled
passions. However, it can only be perverted with difficulty since its
nature encourages a healthful balance. Esoterically it serves as a
doorway to the understanding of the life-giving powers of the earth.
The rune can be used to complete anything that is ongoing
or unfinished. Used maliciously it encourages completion according to
the natural laws of the gods. Can also be used to define limits and set
amounts. In its other sense, as the light of Nature, Daeg can be used
to banish the oppressing influence of a hostile environment.
This rune can be used as the means to solve a problem.
Cast, it can render a person a beast of burden to be used for a given
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end. It generates the vehicle for accomplishing the will. Mundanely,
it provides transportation. Esoterically, it carries the spirit forward
over obstacles.
Feoh can be used in a good or evil way. If used to signify
that someone has power over his environment or that his wealth will
increase, it is beneficial. But if applied directly with scornful intent
it increased cowardliness and dullness. It can be used to break the
spirit of an enemy and render him incapable of effective action. It
can create fear and a fawning dependence.
A sign of initiation. What must be given up in order to gain
wisdom and spiritual power. No advance is possible without pain and
loss. The rune can be applied to another person favorably as the
bringer of gifts, or unfavorably as the causer of sacrifice.
Haegl is a rune that lends itself to evil use. To project its
quality on another is to send them suffering and hardship, which may
be more precisely defined by the runes that accompany it. This
suffering without hope of redemption, remorseless pain and loss
of a violent kind.
It prevents actions through hidden and subtle means.
Can be used to freeze an intention or emotion before it is fully
developed. Can also cause sudden and unforeseen catastrophe
which the victim cannot perceive developing. But its main used is
to forestall events.
Ger is used to bring about an inversion of circumstance.
It revolves the wheel of fortune and makes the high to be low to be
high. It causes events to come full circle. More esoterically, it is
used to actualize desire by making inner vision into physical reality.
The fruition of designs.
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The rune can be used in conjunction with its partner Rad
to penetrate mysteries. Applied to anothe r directly it dispels ignorance
and brings about sudden realizations and insights. Perversely applied
it frustrates learning. It represents the highest of the three levels of man.
Lagu is a rune of mystery that can be connected with
the powers of the moon. Causes dreams and visions. Madness.
False pregnancies. Suicides. Irrational and unnatural crimes. It can
be used to look into the future but is not to be trusted. Changeable.
However, when all dreams and hopes have dried up, a small measure
of Lagu can be an initiator of change and growth. The symbol of the
Cup as it is understood in modern magic represents the more wholesome qualities of Lagu.
Man is used to evoke the powers of intellect. Ulysses
escaping the Cyclops radiated Man. It calls forth the cunning and
daring of the Trickster. This rune is the sign of the cunning man and
the wise woman. It provides the method to an end.
The rune carries fortitude and defiance when all hope
has been lost. It gives fearlessness in the face of certain death. Cast
on another it can provide the inner strength to allow them to survive
extreme sufferings of a physical or psychological kind. But cast
indirectly with negative intent, it carries hardship.
Ethel can be made to embody property or possessions.
Cast with favor it brings increase; cast with malice it carries loss.
Care must be taken in sending it so that the inheritance, whatever
type it is, does not come as the result of the death of a loved one.
The runes are pitiless and interpret instructions literally.
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The rune serves to bring abundance and pleasure even
to the point of excess, and is not to be overused. The gayest and
brightest of the runes. Cast with evil intent it can seduce others to
excesses in gluttony, lust and drunkenness. It can make them
spendthrift. Line wine it is delightful in moderation, but deadly in
excess.
It can be used to seek into the unknown. Applied to
another person, it arouses restlessness and dissatisfaction, and
causes changes in life that may be good or bad depending on which
runes accompany it.
Sigel is a sword of justice, the retribution of the gods.
It is used to destroy enemies and to strike through confusion to the
heart of problems. Sigel is an offensive weapon just as Eolh is a defensive
weapon. It is used to punish; its effects are similar to the sword of ritual
magic. Since it is an instrument of Light, it cannot be used to commit
evil with impunity. Attempts to pervert it to the uses of darkness end
tragically.
Tyr is similar to Sigel in that both are offensive weapons,
but Tyr refers more to specifically to human qualities of courage and
determination. It lends its strength in battles of all kinds, supports failing
limbs and guides weapons to their mark. When carved on a weapon, it
helps it to strike true and keeps it from shattering. Cast on another
person with evil intent, it carries strife on all levels. Can cause fist fights
or wrestlings with conscience depending on how it is modified by
circumstance and the runes that accompany it.
The Ur rune can be used to send resolve and courage,
to restore hope, to galvanize into action. Also to increase sexual potency
in men. When applied indirectly it can be used as a threat and a medium
of destructive force.
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Wyn is a reward for spiritual sacrifice; the force flickering
in the name given to the neophyte when he takes on his magical identity and
is exalted above the common man. The rune can be used as a vessel of
energy in the same way Odin used it, to project authority. Glory in the
eyes of the gods translates as strength in dealings with men.
Eolh is used for defense on all levels: physical,
emotional and intellectual. It protects against the attacks of men, beasts
or spirits. It can be sent to another to keep him safe from harm. Eolh
figures prominently in the protective charm worn during dangerous
rune rituals.
This rune is used to lend strength and provide a firm
foundation. It is to be relied on in time of need. It can protect a person
from himself by rendering him sensible and thoughtful. It guards against
self-destructive behavior. More mystically it provides a staff of comfort
and help in the darkness of the soul.
The Ing rune can be used to overcome illusions and
mental illness. It serves as a help in practical day-to-day problems but
should not be underrated on that account. Ing is a powerful force for
good. It protects the home and those within it. Calms domestic strife.
Unites families with bonds of affection. A down-to-earth deity embodying
the simple but precious human virtues that lie close to the land.
This rune is evil when applied directly to another person.
It can be sued to call upon them confusion and destruction, to literally visit
them with the demon. Used simply to embody evil, it can be fenced around
by other protective runes and can play a part in removing evil from and
individual or a place afflicted.
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Paganlore.com
~ Rune Gods/Goddesses ~
Associations
Deities Color
Balder
yellow
Heimdall blue
mist
Loki
grey
Thor
orange
Tiw
red
Odin
white
Frija
green
Hel
black
Freyja
purple
redFrey
brown
Metal
gold
steel
Object
bow
horn
Rune Firewood Jewel
mistletoe topaz
yew
sapphire
arsenic
shoes
thorn
opal
tin
iron
mercury
copper
lead
silver
hammer
sword
spear
necklace
veil
cloak
oak
fir
ash
apple
willow
birch
bronze
chariot
pine
jasper
ruby
diamond
emerald
jet
amethyst
tree
agate
* The runes are those that most closely approximate the qualities of the gods. They
should not be confuste with the runes used previously on this site, which stand for
elemental qualities.
Thanks so much to the enlightened words of Donald Tyson.
Reprinted partially or entirely from Rune Magic.
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Paganlore.com
~A Rune Ritual~
It may be difficult for someone not used to magical practice to
translate the general instructions given in a the preceding pages
into specific techniques. Here is a complete ritual of rune magic as
a guide, not to be followed rigidly, but to be used as a starting point
for more personal rituals.
Before beginning, undergo a period of purification and focusing.
Memorize the ritual and prepare all the necessary materials.
Make ready the ritual place. This ritual is designed to open
communication between the Higher Self and the ego. For
maximum benefit it should be worked regularly, perhaps once
a week for several months.
An hour or so before the ritual, bathe, drain the water from the
tub and rifill it with fresh water. Kneel before the tub and speak a
prayer of cleansing over the water. As you pray, drop several
grains of salt that have been previously consecrated into the water
and bathe again. Dry yourself and don the ritual robe -a plain white
garment that allows comfort and ease of movement. Go to the ritual
place.
In the center of the place is the altar which is about two feet square
and waist high, its top cover3ed with white linen cloth. Place upon
the altar the materials and instruments that have previously been
prepared and consecrated. A candle in a short holder is set in the
center of the altar top. Aro und it are arrayed a square of thin paper,
a dip pen with a medium width nib, a bottle of red ink, a small chalice,
a pitcher of clean water, an earthenware plate, and a sharp knife.
The rune amulet of protection is not needed in this ritual but may
be worn about the neck if desired. Because the ritual invokes
only the higher forces and is conducted within a magic circle,
its dangers are minimal.
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Enter the place from the North, or if this is impossible, enter
and proceed around the outer edge sunwise until you reach the
North, then approach ther altar and kneel. Light the candle.
Close your eyes and try to empty your mind of thoughts and
your heart of emotions. Strive for tranquility. Passively contemplate
ther task you are about to perform.
Clap your ha nds shaply together three times and lift them heavenward.
Look past the flame into infinity. Speak the declaration of intent,
which should go something like:
This ritual for the opening of the path of Light is well and truly
commenced.
Stand up and cross your body, touching with your right index finger
your forehead, your groin, your left shoulder and your right shoulder.
Touch your heart, then point directly at the flame on the altar. As
you perform these gestures speak this prayer:
Thine is the Crown (forehead)
And the Kingdom (groin)
The Power (left shoulder)
And the Glory, (right shoulder)
The Law everlasting; (heart)
Amen. (flame)
Pivot sunwise to face North. As you walk once sunwise around
the altar, draw a circle with your extended index finger in the
air at the level of your heart. The circle should be nine feet in
diameter. Visualize it strongly as a blazing ring of white fire. It
may previously be drawn on the floor with chalk or charcoal to
aid in visualization. Take care to join the beginning with the end
in your mind when you return to the North.
Inscribe int he air to the North with large gestures the Invoking
Pentagram of Air. This is drawn from the point of Air clockwise
with a continuous line. Visualize the pentagram in yellow flame.
Point to its center and draw the Ger rune, which stands for Air,
with downward strokes:
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Invoking Pentagram of Air
Again pointing at the center of the pentagram, speak an
invocation to the spirits of Air:
Spirits and powers of the wind, Attend and witness this ritual,
Bear my wishes to the Nameless One, Open to me the path of Light.
Go in a sunwise arc to the South and stand with your back ot
the altar. In the air to the South inscribe a large Invoking Pentagram
of Fire. Visualize it in red flame. Point to its center and draw the
Sigel rune, which stands for Fire, with downward strokes:
Invoking Pentagram of Fire
Pointing to the center of the Pentagam, speak an invocation
to the Spirits of Fire:
Spirits and powers of the flame, Attend and witness this ritual,
Bear my wishes to the Nameless One, Open to me the path of Light.
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Go sunwise around the altar to the East and draw in the air a image
invoking Pentagram of Earth. Visualize the pentagram in dark green
flame. Point to its center and draw the Ethel rune, which is a symbol
of Earth, with downward strokes:
Invoking Pentagram of Earth
Pointing to the center of the Pentagram, speak an invocation
to the spirits of Earth:
Spirits and powers of the furrow, Attend and witness this ritual,
Bear my wishes to the Nameless One, Open to me the path of Light.
Go in a sunwise are to the West and draw outwardly in the air Invoking
Pentagram of Water. Visualize it of blue flame. Point to its center and
draw the Lagu rune, symbol of Water, with downwa rd strokes:
Invoking Pentagram of Water
Pointing to the center of the pentagram, speak an invocation to
the spirits of Water:
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Spirits and powers of the wave, Attend and witness this ritual,
Bear my wishes to the Nameless One, Open to me the path of Light.
Go sunwise in an arc to the North and face the altar. Draw in the air
over the altar the Invoking Pentagram of Light, and within it the Ken
rune, symbol of Light. The pentagram should be visualized as standing
upright over the altar top and blazing with white flame:
Invoking Pentagram of Light
Pointing to the center of the pentagram, speak an invocation
to the spirits of Light:
Spirits and powers of the light, Attend and witness this ritual,
Bear my wishes to the Nameless One, Open to me the path of Light.
If these invocations to the elements are properly performed, the air
around the circle will seem to pulsate and flicker, not so much visually
as inwardly. You will feel a sense of watchfulness and waiting.
Still facing the altar, bring you legs together and spread wide your
arms so that your body forms a great cross. Speak a prayer for centering
yourself in the universe:
Weave a circle round me thrice, Lift me from this earthly place,
Show me Thy holy face.
The dizziness created by the spiral dance must penetrate the depths
of your being. Visualize yourself upon a high place in the wilderness,
a stone altar rising from the crown of the hill, trees stretching all
around in a dark, unbroken carpet below, the stars of the night sky
sparkling above.
Pivot and face the North with the altar behind you. Open your arms
in a gesture of invitation. Visualize the god Tiw approaching the
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circle through the night air, his armor of silver and gold glinting with
starlight, his blond hair streaming behind him, a sword in his single
left hand, Speak his invocation:
Great and noble Tiw, the One-Handed, Lord of Justice, Lord of
Oaths, God of airy reason and true speech; By thy sword I summon
thee, By Fenrir's steel jaw I summon thee, By the Nameless One I
summon thee, By the Nameless One I summon thee, Descend into
this circle and serve me.
Go in a sunwise arc to the South and stand with the altar at your
back. Open your arms in a gesture of invitation. Visualize the god
Thor approaching through the night sky, his eyes showering sparks
and his black hair writhing about his bluff, bearde d face. He wears
a bearskin, his magic girdle and magic gloves, and carries his great
stone hammer in his right hand. Speak his invocation:
Strong and fierce Thor, the Thunderer, Lord of Battle, Lord of
Works, God of mighty oaths and valiant deeds; By Thy hammer
I summon thee, By Skrymir's glove I summon thee, Descend
into this circle and serve me.
Go sunwise to the East and face outward, the altar at your back.
Make the gesture of invitation. Visualize the god Frey approaching
through the night sky, his body stong and well-proportioned, his
long auburn hair tied in back of his head, his eyes a deep umber.
He bears a wooden shield on his left arm. Speak his invocation:
Virle and potent Frey, the Renewer, Lord of Crops, Lord of Cattle,
God of the green earth and the golden grain; By thy golden boar I
summon thee, By Surt's stolen blade I summon thee, By the nameless
One I summon thee, Descend into this circle and serve me.
Go to the West in a sunwise arc and face outward. Make the
gesture of invitation. Visualize the approach of Balder through
the night sky, his light brown hair flowing in the breeze, his green
eyes gentle and mild, his features delicate and his body slender.
He wears embroidered robes and carries a golden horn. Speak
his invocation:
Fair and beautiful Balder, the Beloved, Lord of Laughter, Lord
of Cheer, God of clear light and loving heart, By thy prancing steed
I summon thee, By Hod's cruel dart I summon thee, By the Nameless
One I summon thee, Descend into this circle and serve me.
Return to the North sunwise and face the altar. Make the gesture of
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invitation in the air over it. Look upward and visualize Odin descending
from the sky, his great travel cloak billowing, his grey beard and long
grey hair flying wildly behind him, his single grey eye glittering like ice.
In his hand he carries his spear. Speak his invocation:
Wise and knowing Odin, the One-Eyed, Lord of Victory, Lord of Rule,
God of magic and secret signs; By thy spear I summon thee, By Mirmir's
awful pledge I summon thee, By the Nameless One I summon thee,
Descend into this circle and serve me.
Kneel befor the altar. Under the watchful eyes of the five great northern
gods, write upon the paper with the pen and red ink these runes:
In brief, they signify: man, horse, hardship, sacrifice, change,
realization, sun, day, sun, glory, glory, glory.
Man and horse are the motive and the medium of seeking. Need
is the suffering encountered on the quest. Gift is the voluntary letting
go of care and the surrender to the higher will. Cycle is th change of
fortune that then occurs. Torch is the light of awareness that dispels
shadows. Sun is the light swollen to a powerful active energy for
transormation. Day indicatis the steadiness and completeness of
the light.-the two Sigel runes bless or chastise. Glory is the blessing
that follows the attainment of Light. It is threefold and thus perfectly
balanced, divine, incorruptible.
After you have written the runes, vibrate them on your breath and cause
the altar flame to flutter. You must hold the awareness of the total meaning
of the combined runes clearly in your mind or the ritual will lack potency.
Take the knife in your left hand and pass its blade through the flame,
then prick yourself on the ball of your right index finger until a drop of
blood wessl forth. Your feelings must be calm and joyful. You must welcome
the twinge of pain and transmit it psychically to the gathered gods. Draw
your finger across the runes from left to right. Allow a second drop of
blood to fall into the chalice. If necessary, bandage the finger, but the
cut should be so small it will soon stop of its own accord.
Lift the paper hight over the altar and speak an invocation to the rune
powers something like this:
Darkness into Light, Vice into Virtue, Lies into Truth, Pain into
Joy, Weakness into Strength, By these runes transform me, Open
my eyes and let me see.
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Lower the paper to the candle flame and light t\it on the corner, then
place it on the earthenware plate. As the paper burns, put your hands
close to it and lean over the altar so that its smoke rises to your face/
Your hands should feel the heat of the flames. Inhale the rising smoke
deeply without coughing.
After the paper has burnt to a fine ash, use the knife to reduce it to
powder. Scrape the flakes of ash into the chalice, being careful not
to miss any. Pour water from the pitcher over the ashes and the
drop of your blood and stir all three together with the blade of
the knife. Drink the mixture in the chalice to the last drop and turn
the cup downward over the plate.
As you drink you should be able to feel the power of the runes
coursing through your veins and causing your muscles to tremble.
You may feel dizzy or lightheaded, and hear a loud rushing sound.
Do not be fearful. Maintain an inner calm. This is the climax of the
ritual to which all previous steps tended.
Do not expect to be immediatellly illuminated by this Elixir of Light.
Its effect will be gradual and subtle, and may not behin to show itself
for days or even weeks. Its action varies from person to person.
Magic, like water, seeks the easiest route to the sea. Be assured,
change will come. It is not always an easy tranformation; you cannot
realize how tightly you cling to your conceits until you feel yourself
in danger of losing them.
The ritual is closed by reversing the order of the steps that opened
it. Stand and make a warding off gesture with the splayed hands toward
the air over the altar, as though pushing something away. Visualize
the god Odin receding upward into the starry sky. Speak the banishment:
Wise Odin, depart in peace; By the Nameless One I license and compel
thee.
The banishment must be spoken in a firm and une quivocal voice with no
trace of doubt in the mindor fear in the heart. Follow the departing god
until he has completely vanished from your inner eye.
Go widdershins (against the course of the sun) to the West and banish
Balder in a similar manner, using the appellation "loving" to describe
him: "Loving Balder, depart in peace," ect. Go widdershins to the
East and banish "Virile Frey." Go to South and banish "Fiery Thor."
Go to the North and banish "Noble Tiw."
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Dance in a circle three times around the altar widdrshins to seal the
doorway open in your psyche, rotating widdershins on your body axis three
times for each revolution of the altar. Speak one line of this verse for
each great circle:
Weave a circle round me thrice, Turn from me Thy fearful face, Return
me to my earthly place.
You have now erased the vortex that allowed you to invoke the powers
of the five gods. The next step is to neutralize the elemental powers
you used in the ritual as conveyors of the virtues of the runes. Draw
over the altar the Banishing Pentagram of Light, which is identical
with the Invoking Pentagram but made in a counterclockwise direction.
Note that even the Ken rune in the center of the pentagram is drawn
in reverse order with upward strokes. Since the rune was made last, it
should be retraced first. As you trace each line, visualize it fading and
vanishing from the air. Speak a simple banishment such as:
Spirits and powers of Light, depart in peace; By the Nameless One
I license and compel thee.
Do the same for the other pentagrams of the elements, moving
always in a widdrshins direction. Go to the West and facing outward,
banish the spirits of Water; then go East and banish the spirits of
Earth; then South to banish the spirits of Fire; and finally return
North and banish the spirits of Air.
Facing the altar from the North, raise you hands and spread your
fingers into two pentagrams. Extend your arms to the sides East and
West at eye level. Speak a general banishing formula to all spirits
that may be lingering outside the protective circle:
All spirits or entities attracted by this ritual, Depart! For you have
no lawful business here, By the light of the Nameless One, go! Yet
go in peace and fare thee well.
You must be certain that the space around the circle is empty of psychic
influences before dissolving the barrier. If necessary, repeat the
banishment more strongly using the gods as names of power. The
circle is erased by reabsorbing it into the center of your being. Walk
once widdrshins aroound the altar with your left index finger extended to
touch the flaming circle. Visualize the white fire flowing into your left hand
and vanishing from you perception.
Stand in the North facing the altar. Raise your arms to heaven. Speak
this short prayer:
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Holy art Thou, Father of All, Holy art Thou, by Nature not formed, Holy
art Thou, Vast and Mighty One, Lord of the Light and of the Darkness.
Cross your body as in the beginning of the ritual without reversing the
direction of the gestures:
Who art the Crown (touch your brow)
And the Kingdom, (groin)
The Power, (left shoulder)
And the Glory, (right shoulder)
The Law everlasting; (heart)
Blessed Be. (point to the flame)
Speak the words of closing:
This rutual for opening the path of Light is hereby well and truly ended.
Clap your hands shaply together four times. Blow out the candle and
carefully clean and put away the instruments. Any residues of materials
should be treated reverently and sealed with the sign of the circle-cross
before they are discarded. Put away the instruments in a reverse order to
that in which they were taken out.
Do not sleep directly after a ritual. Occupy the mind with some unrelated
amusement. Avoid fretting or analyzing the effects of the ritual. If your
mind is troubled, the ripples on its surface may prevent the ritual from
taking proper effect. Very likely there will be aftershocks-troubling
dreams, hypnagogic images, auditory and tactile hallucinations - but
these should not persist longer than the first night after the ritual. If
they linger, a simple banishing ritual will disperse them.
Thanks so much to the enlightened words of Donald Tyson.
Reprinted partially or entirely from Rune Magic.
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Paganlore.com
~ CHANGE RUNES ~
The advantage in knowing the future is the power to control it. If all futures
were rosy there would be no point in divination. Its value lies in revealing
hurtful influences before they mature, or providing reassurance that a
present circumstance will not evolve into something destructive. In either
case it directs necessary action-what must, or need not, be done.
To change the future it is necessary to shift from one branch on the world
ash Yggdrasill to another using the nodes formed tributary, Wherever a
choice is possible, there exists a node, or juncture. When a choice is made,
one pathway opens while the others are blocked. Divination projects a line
into the future based on cause and effect: what will happen due to outer
circumstances and inner nature.
It is not so easy to later the prediction of the runes. True divination takes into
account all factors that influence the question. There is no place for chance.
It even considers its own influence. Therefore, a man reacting against the
future he has divined may, by his actions, help to bring it to pass. Unwittingly
he becomes part of its fulfillment.
To change the outcome of the runes he must step outside the matrix of the
unconscious from which their verdict was drawn. As long as he stays within
that closed circle, he can never alter the future, because he remains part of its
cause and effect. In Eastern mystical terms, he is a prisone r of karma.
Only an act of free will can break the chain of cause and effect revealed by
the runes. The will is transcendent. It is born in the Unmanifest, and is not a
part of the underlying fabric of the universe. Because it is outside the ring of
karma, the runes are unable to take account of it in predicting the future. It
is the true deus ex machina of life.
The most necessary thing to bring about an act of free will is to realize its
absence in everyday existence. Most people have no awareness of their
bondage, and so can never be anything other than slaves. They are
automatons pushed and pulled about in the depths of a great machine;
sleepers dancing in slow harmony to a single strain of music they cannot
consciously hear.
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However, acts of free will do occur in ordinary lives. Almost everyone
transcends cause and effect at least on a few rare occasions, usually at
moments of extreme stress. A decision that is free can be recognized by the
sense of inevitability and power it carries with it. You can actually feel
freedom; it has a unique quality, There is a calmness, even love; or those
times you are oppressed by inertia and indifference, yet involve yourself, you
may become free.
To change the future it is first necessary to understand the verdict of the
runes n relation to the question, and to trace the chain of cause and effect
with full awareness of its mechanical aspect. Then you must meditate
sincerely and consider what outcome would not be a blind reaction to
circumstance, Seek to imagine a future scenario that is healthful and positive.
It must be absolutely free of hostility, envy, and all other negative feelings.
It is not necessary to consider what steps are required to achieve this
scenario, only to conceive it with crystal clarity fulfilled and existent. Magic
finds its own course to the sea. If you begin to speculate on ways to achieve
your ideal state, your desire will hinder its occurrence. You must be
prepared to follow the pathway your magic opens before you. It is futile to
try to plot the path ahead of time - at best an intellectual exercise, at worst an
obstruction.
You should, however, be aware that the free act necessary to change your
future will occur at one of the nodes on your lifeline, a moment of decision
where multiple branches diverge. It is not a good idea to try to create a node;
that is, to force a decision. Again, this will generate desire which is part of
cause and effect. Better to wait for a node to be reached, then when it feels
right, to act according to intuition. Your act of true will is channeled by the
magical preparation that will be described a little farther on.
There are two types of blind reaction to guard against. The first is passive. If
you allow yourself to be moved by influences other than your heart of Self,
even those that seem benign or useful, you are no more than a billiard ball
knocked about the table by other equally enslaved balls. Such passive
acceptance is everywhere in common life. The herd instinct, peer pressure,
fashion, fads, cults, patriotism, mob violence. prejudice, are all different
aspects of passive reaction.
The second type of reaction is active. Returning anger for anger, violence for
violence, hate for hate, and even love for love on a elementary level, are
examples of active reaction. For example, if a car cuts you off in traffic, and
you in turn cut off some other car attempting to merge ahead of you, this is
active reaction.
It is not necessarily more free to react against intimidation then acquiesce to
it. Both are equally animal response when the impulse does not originate
with the true Will, which is the agent of the Higher Self. One may be more
satisfying than the other, and here lies the danger-because it yields a
momentary burst of satisfaction it is liable to be mistaken for a thing of
value, which it is not. All reaction is valueless to the evolution of the soul.
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And more to the point in the present inquiry, no reaction will alter the future
revealed by the runes.
Of course, it is here assumed that the divination has been properly executed
and interpreted. If either was done wrongly it would require an act of free
will to fulfill the prognostication!
The runes themselves give guidance on how to change the outcome of the
reading. In any divination that cannot be accepted there are unfavorable
elements, embodied in individual runes. The forces that these negative
elements represent must first be analyzed and understood. Then counterforces, in the form of runes with opposite potentials, can be applied to lessen
or abolish their hurt ful influence.
It may be easier to grasp the technique through a hypothetical example.
A woman needs to know if a man is seriously interested in her. She has been
dating this man for some time. At first he was responsive and loving, but
lately he has begun to show signs of coldness. She casts the rune wands, and
draws up three in this order, from left to right:
The first rune, Sigel, stands for the active fire of the Sun and its potent
energies. The position indicates that it applies to the past, and to influences
on the question that underlie or define its circumstances. With regard to the
relationship and the male love, it tells of a fiery and active beginning,
aggression, confidence-perhaps too much confidence. The sun bolt can easily
become destructive.
The second rune, Lagu, stands for water, dreams, illusion, emotion, perhaps
a wavering or uncertainty. The position indicates that it should be applied to
the present, and to the heart of the subject under inquiry; in this case, the
lover himself. The water directly applied to a male suggests contradiction,
inner conflict, and weakness of an emotional nature.
The third rune, Feoh, stands for possessions of a movable kind, ownership in
general, and in a negative interpretation, dullness servitude and captivity,
The position indicates that it applies to the future, the outcome of the
question, and to influences that are developing and ripening.
Any set of runes can be interpreted in many different ways. Only one of these
interpretation will be accurate, It is always ne cessary to allow intuition to act
in revealing the runes. If the mind is open and impartial, one thread of
meaning will rise above the others.
In this case, the woman remembers that at the start of the relationship he
was cool and somewhat indifferent to the advances of the man because she
did not then know if she cared for him. But as her love grew stronger, she
became more demonstrative and active in pursuing his interest. She phoned
him at his place of work, called unannounced at his apartment, and generally
tried to make plain her affection, It was at this point that his passion cooled.
The interpretation lies in the third rune. The man fears that he is being
aggressively led into a position from which he cannot escape. He feels himself
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manipulated, whether rightly or wrongly, and his unusually potent ego is
threatened. This makes him uncertain how to respond, and he withdraws.
Understanding the present situation, and its prospects in the future, the
woman must now decide what steps will counter the negative forces involved.
She can choose to change the behavior of her lover, change the environment
in which the affair exists, or change her own behavior.
The temptation is to put pressure on the man to impel him back into the
relationship-either by arousing so strong a desire in him that it overcomes his
qualms, or by altering material circumstances in his life so that he is thrown
by social forces into her arms: creation of a mutual dependency or common
financial interest, for example.
Upon reflection the wo man realizes that these courses would only extend the
behavior on her part that alienated her lover in the first place. Also, she has
no wish to change his basic nature since she is attracted to him as he is.
The alternative is to alter her own behavior in such a way that she is no
longer producing an effect opposite to the one she desires. By being too
demonstrative in trying to draw her lover to her, she has frightened him
away. She must set the runes to act on herself internally so that she feels less
anxiety over losing the man, and less urge to capture and possess him, since
these are the emotions that have poisoned the affair.
Notice that it is not necessary for her to compromise her feelings or her
ideals, only to control those involuntary reactions that are interfering with
her happiness. At the same time she will invoke a healthful and balanced
emotional atmosphere that will convey the changes she has undertaken to the
attention of her lover, It is not necessary that he be consciously aware of any
change in her, so long as it infiltrates his unconscious awareness.
Runes that are used to bring about personal transformation are called
change runes. The woman chooses three of these to embody the forces she
wants to bear on the relationship-three to balance the three runes of the
divination. These are, from left to right:
Ru...
.
The first of these, Eoh, reacts on the Sigel rune of the divination. The
influence of Eoh is strength, reliance, continuity, endurance, fidelity, and
related qualities. These do not counter the influence of Sigel, but add to it
and enhance the forces that underlie the love relationship. Its fire is
moderated and made steadier so it will burn longer.
The second rune, Man, reacts on Lagu in the divination. The influence of
Man is awareness, capability, assurance, and clarity of purpose, It acts to
dispel through insight and reason the confusion and emotional instability of
the Lagu rune, applying to the central nature of the lover himself and
allowing him to see the true motive of the woman.
The third rune, Ing, reacts on the Feoh rune of the divination. The influence
of Ing is that of home and hearth; it carries associations of family, trust,
selfless affection and honor. These lend to the passive qualities of Feoh a
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positive aspect, an the message of love through coercion becomes one of love
through respect.
To activate these change runes requires the construction of a personal ritual
based on the general ritual method given in Rune Ritual, and the rune magic
techniques. The runes must be carved into, or bound to, some material or
object that represents the focus of their desired effect-in the hypothetical case
given, the behavior of the woman herself and the way her lover perceives it.
The object may be a letter, a photograph, a piece of furniture, a gift, an
article of clothing, but it is important that it have the most complete and
precise association possible. In the example, a photograph of the woman and
man taken together would serve to represent her behavior, his perception
and the love relationship.
Each change rune must be considered specifically with regard to that portion
of the divination it applies to, in order to focus its power. If not focused and
directed that energy will be lost. It is not necessary to numerically reflect the
divination. More or less runes may be used, perhaps only a single rune, but
there must be a willed application of the change runes to the question.
To carry the example further, the woman chooses a photograph that shows
both she and her lover together in happier times. She prepares herself
mentally with prayer and ritual washing, goes to the place of ritual and
invokes the patronage and favor of the god of love, Balder. Drawing the
change runes on the back of the photograph with red ink, she wills them into
the essence of the picture, visualizing her ideal manner, and the ideal
reaction of her lover to her. She kisses each of the change runes reverently to
empower them with love.
This ritual she repeats every day, and she waits and remains watchful for the
coming of the node of decision that will enable her to actualize her purpose.
She trusts to her intuition and the action of the change runes, that she will
recognize the moment and act rightly when it arrives. The repetition of the
ritual builds a kind of magical charge that arcs across the node.
It is best to retain the change runes between repetitions of the change ritual,
rather than to attempt to send them on one of the elements. That way the
potent associations of the object to which they are affixed will not be lost. The
runes will continue to work on the object, and by magical sympathy, the
problem, between their ritual charging.
Whatever the form of the ritual that is devised, it must be repeated often and
regularly, Beginners in magic sometimes think a ritua l will be effective the
first time it is conducted. This occasionally occurs. More generally, results
are built up over time through repetition. Many, many repetitions may be
needed before the runes begin to blaze with their own fire and come truly
alive. A well-known maxim in magic is:"Invoke Often."
It is, however, not so necessary to believe in the efficacy of ritual as is
generally thought. When it is worked with an open mind, accurate
procedure, and repetition, results will follow, as surely as day follows night.
To some extent magic is an automatic process. In the same way that muscles
must be built up through proper exercise, magical effects must follow
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properly executed rituals. It takes a perverse ingenuity to perform a ritual
correctly and often, yet get no results at all.
Whatever the structure of the personal change ritual you devise, in it you will
be focusing upon the change runes and charging them with power through
your will, then channeling that power into the object representing the
question of the previous divination, the outcome of which you wish to alter.
Picture in your mind the change runes working to shift the life-stem from
one branch of Yggdrasill to another. Imagine as concretely as possible the
effect you wish to bring about occurring through the action of the runes, and
conveyed through the association of the object on which they are carved or
written. Do not imagine the original runes of the divination, or picture the
situation they predicted. Make no effort to avoid these thoughts, as this will
surely bring them about. Rather, concentrate solely on the change runes and
their effect.
If the ritual is conducted often, as will usually be necessary, it may not e
desirable to feed the runes with blood each time. Blood will strengthen the
working of the runes, but if there is a reluctance to draw it day after day, any
useful effect will be negated by that unconscious resistance, To be a sacrifice
blood must be given freely. The problem may not arise in change rituals that
involve other fluids of the body, which are more readily obtained.
The appropriate gods should be invoked to oversee the operation of the
change ritual. Remember the gods are living spirits with personalities that
must be dealt with and appealed to, if the desired results are to follow. Never
make the mistake of looking upon the gods as metaphors for psychological
forces. This is fatal. The gods are real, and you had best regard them as real
if you want them to act in your behalf.
For works of love, invoke Freyja or Frey. For strictly physical desire, Frija;
but for spiritual love, Balder. For works of obligation, duty, office, or honor,
invoke Tiw. For works of war, discord, strife, or physical trial, invoke Thor.
For any work regarding magic, artistry, craftsmanship, or skill, invoke Odin.
For works of deceit, deception, confusion, division, or malice, invoke Lokibut watch it! For works of patience, endurance and constancy, invoke
Heimdall. For necromancy, invoke Hel.
These categories apply to all rune magic, not merely when using change
runes to alter the future.
Call the gods through their associations (colors, metals, personal objects, and
so on) and by visualizing their forms. Placate them by showing an awareness
of their function and nature, their role in the scheme of things. Activate them
through prayer and ritual enactment.
Prayer to a rune god should take the form of a statement of purpose and
expression of thanks. Honor the gods with appropriate words. This is a kind
of sacrifice-a sacrifice of the mind, called "reasonable sacrifice"-which will
feed the gods and empower them to act in your behalf. Reasonable sacrifice
to the Highest, who is Nameless and Formless, is silence. All lesser gods are
honored through their attributes.
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Never humble yourself before the rune god, or grovel, or beg. These actions
serve no function. Never promise a gift to a rune god for services rendered. If
the service is given, a payment will surely be exacted. It is not for you to
determine in advance what it should be, or to try to reduce or limit it.
Invoking the appropriate god during the change ritual will give greater force
to the change runes. The god will serve as an agent in employing them. Of
course the appropriate god will act in any case, even if it is not called by
name, but calling him or her increases the ease of the god's intervention.
As stated before, the key to changing the future lies no in the technique, but
in knowing what should, and should not, be changed. Everyone has heard
stories about people who learn their fate and try to avoid it, but through
their frantic efforts only succeed in bringing about the doom they sought to
shun. Such fiction has a moral in it for rune magicians. Change the future if
you must, but think before you act.
Thanks so much to the enlightened words of Donald Tyson.
Reprinted partially or entirely from Rune Magic.
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Fact &
Fiction
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Paganlore.com
What About Satan?
But what about Satanism? The Witches were called worshippers of the
Devil. Was there any truth to this? No. Yet as with so many of the
charges, there was reason for the belief. The early Church was extremely
harsh on its people. It not only governed the peasants way of worship
but also their ways of life and love. Even between married couples, sexual
intercourse was frowned upon. It was felt that there should be no joy
from the act, it being permitted solely for procreation. Intercourse was
illegal on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays; for forty days before
Christmas and a similar time before Easter; for three days prior to
receiving communion, and from the time of conception to forty days
after parturition. In other words, there was a grand total of
approximately two months in the yearonly when it was possible to have
sexual relations with your spouse...but without deriving pleasure from
it of course!
It is no wonder that this, together with other such harshness, led to a
rebellion - albeit a clandestine one. The people - this time the Christians finding that their lot was not bettered by praying to the so called God of
Love, decided to pray to his opposite instead. If God wouldn't help them,
perhaps the Devil would. So Satanism came into being A parody of
Christianity; a mockery of it. It was was a revolt against the harshness
of the Church. As it turned out the "Devil" did not help the poor peasant
either. But at least he was showing his disdain for the authorities; he was
going against the establishment.
It did not take Mother Church long to find out about this rebellion.
Satanism was anti-Christian. Witchcraft was also - in their eyes - anti
Christian. Ergo, Witchcraft and Satanism were one in the same!
(TAKEN FROM BUCKLANDS BOOK OF WITCHCRAFT)
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Paganlore.com
The True Beginning
of Christianity
With the coming of Christianity there was NOT the immediate massconversion that is often suggested. Christianity was a man-made religion.
It had not evolved gradually over thousands of years, as we have
seen that the Old Religion did. Whole countries were classed as
Christian when in actuality it was only the rulers who had adopted the
new religion, and often only superficially at that. Throughout Europe
generally the old religion, in its many and varied forms, was still
prominent for the first thousand years of Christianity.
An attempt at mass conversion was made by Pope Gregory the Great. He
thought that one way to get the people to attend the new Christian churches
was to have them built on the sites of the older temples, where the people
were accustomed to gathering together to worship. He instructed his bishops
to smash any "idols" and to sprinkle the temples with holy water and
rededicate them. To a large extent Gregory was successful. Yet the people
were not quite as gullible as he thought. When the first Christian churches
were being constructed, the only artisans available to build them were from
among the pagans themselves. In decorating the churches these stonemasons
and woodcarvers very cleverly incorporated figures of their own deities. In
this way, even if they were forced to attend the churches the people could
still worship their own gods there.
There are many of these figures still in existence today. The Goddess is
usually depicted as very much a fertility deity, with legs spread wide and with
greatly enlarged genitalia. Such figures are usually referred to as
Shiela-na-gigs. The god is shown as a horned head surrounded by foliage;
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known as a "foliate mask", and also sometimes referred to as "Jack of the
Green" or "Robin o' the Woods". Incidentally these carvings of the old God
should not be confused with gargoyles. The latter are the hideous faces and
figures carved on the four corners of church towers to frighten away demons.
In those early days, when Christianity was slowly growing in strength, the
Old Religion - the Wiccans and other pagans - was one of its rivals. It is only
natural to want to get rid of a rival and the Church, pulled no punches to do
just that. It has frequently been said that the gods of an old religion become
the devils of a new. This was certainly the case here. The God of the Old
Religion was a horned god. So, apparently, was the Christians Devil.
Obviously then, reasoned the Church the pagans were Devil worshipers!
This type of reasoning is used by the Church even today. Missionaries were
particularly prone to label all primitive tribes upon who they stumbled upon
as devil-worshipers, just because the tribe worshiped a god or gods other
than the Christian one. It would not matter that the people were good,happy,
often morally and ethically better living than the vast majority of Christians...
they had to be converted!
The charge of Devil-worship, so often leveled at Witches, is ridiculous. The
Devil is purely Christian invention; there being no mention of him, as such,
before the New Testament. In fact it is interesting to note that the whole
concept of evil associated with the Devil is due to an error in translation.
The original Old Testament Hebrew Ha-Satan and the New Testament Greek
diabolos simply mean "opponent" or :"adversary". It should be remembered
that the idea of dividing the Supreme Power into two - good and evil - is the
idea of an advanced and complex civilization. The Old Gods, through their
gradual development, were very much "human" in that they would have their
good side and their bad side. It was the idea of an all-good, all-loving deity
which necessitated an antagonist. In simple language, you can only have the
color white if there is an opposite color, black, to which you can compare it.
This view of an all-good god was developed by Zoroaster (Zarathustra),
in Persia in the seventh century BCE. The idea later spread westward and
was picked up in Mithraism and, later, in Christianity.
As Christianity gradually grew in strength, so the Old Religion was slowly
pushed back. Back until, about the time of the Reformation, it only existed
in the outlying country districts. Non- Christians at that time became known
as Pagans and Heathens. "Pagan" comes from the Latin Pagani and
simply means "people who live in the country". The word "Heathen" means
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"one who dwells on the heath". So the terms were appropriate for nonChristians at that time, but they bore no connotations of evil and their use
today in a derogatory sense is quite incorrect.
As the centuries passed, the smear campaign against non-Christians
continued.What the Wiccans did was reversed and used against them.
They did Magick to promote fertility and increase the crops; the Church
claimed that they made women and cattle barren and blighted the crops!
No one apparently stopped to think that if the Witched really did what they
were accused of, they would suffer equally themselves, After all, they too
had to eat to live. An old ritual act for fertility was for the villagers to go
to the fields in the light of the full moon and to dance around the field
astride pitchforks, poles and broomsticks; riding them like hobby-horses.
They would leap high in the air as they danced, to so the crops how high
to grow. A harmless enough form of sympathetic Magick. But the Church
claimed not only that they were working against the crops, but that they
actually flew through the air on their poles...surely the work of the Devil!
In 1484 Pope Innocent VIII produced his Bull against Witches. Two years
later
two infamous German monks, Heinrich Institoris Kramer and Jakob Sprenger,
produced their incredible concoction of anti-Witchery, the Malleus
Maleficarum (The Witch Hammer). In this book definite instructions were
given
for the prosecution of Witches. However,when the book was submitted to the
Theological Faculty of the University of Cologne - the appointed censor at that
time - the majority of the professors refused to have anything to do with it.
Kramer and Sprenger, nothing daunted forgot the approbation of the whole
faculty; a forgery that was not discovered until 1898.
Gradually the hysteria kindled by Kramer and Sprenger began to spread.
It spread like a fire flashing up suddenly in unexpected places; spreading
quickly across the whole of Europe. For nearly three hundred years the fires
of the persecution raged, Humankind had gone mad. The inhabitants of
entire villages where one or two Witches were suspected of living, were
put to death with the cry: "Destroy them all...the Lord will know his own!".
In 1586 the Archbishop of Treves decided that the local Witches had caused
the recent severe winter. By dint of frequent torture a "confession" was
obtained and one hundred twenty men and women were burned to death on
his charge that they had interfered with the elements.
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Since fertility was of great importance - fertility of crops and beasts - there
were certain sexual rites enacted by the Wicca, as followers of the nature
religion. These sexual rites seen to have been given unnecessary prominence
by the Christian judges, who seemed to delight in prying into the most
minute of details concerning them. The rites of the Craft were joyous in
essence. It was an extremely happy religion and so was, in many ways, totally
incomprehensible to the gloomy Inquisitors and Reformers who sought to
suppress it.
A rough estimate of the total number or people burned, hung or tortured to
death on the charge of Witchcraft, is nine million. Obviously not all of these
were followers of the Old Religion. This had been a wonderful opportunity
for some to get rid of anyone against whom they bore a grudge!
An excellent example of the way in which the hysteria developed and spread
is found in the case of the so-called Witches of Salem, Massachusetts. It is
doubtful if any of the victims hung* there were really followers of the Old
Religion. Just probably Bridget Bishop and Sara Good were, but the others
were nearly all pillars of the local church up until the time the hysterical
children "cried out" on them.
* In New England the law was in in England: Witches were hung. It was in
Scotland and Continental Europe that they were burned at the stake.
(TAKEN FROM BUCKLANDS COMPLETE BOOK OF WITCHCRAFT)
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Reference
Desk
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Paganlore.com
A Guide to Craft Names
(Humor)
Lady Pixie Moondrip's Guide to Craft Names
(NOTE: This page is not meant to be taken seriously!
it's humor ya know? hehehe )
Intro
In the Olde Days, when our pagan ancestors were going through the
persecutions we now invoke to justify various kinds of current silliness,
witches took craft names to conceal their identities and avoid those annoying
visits by the Inquisition. In the course of years, it was noticed that these
aliases could also be used as a foundation for building up a magical personality,
carrying out various kinds of transformative work on the self, and the like.
It's clear, though, that these were mere distractions from the real purpose
lying hidden within the craft name tradition. It took contact with other sources
of ancient, mystic lore - mostly the SCA, role-playing game s, and assorted
fantasy trilogies - to awaken the Craft to the innermost secret of craft names:
they make really cool fashion statements. It's in this spirit that Lady Pixie
Moondrip offers the following guidelines to choosing your own craft name.
Such a guide is long overdue; the point of fashion, after all, is that it allows
you to express your own utterly unique individuality by doing exactly the same
thing as everyone else. (Those who are particularly drawn to this element of
the craft name tradition will find the Random Craft Name Generator near the
end of this guide especially useful.) The approaches given here can be used
separately, or combined in a single name to produce any number of interesting effects. Given enough cleverness (and lack of taste), the possibilities
are endless!
Starting Off Right
Whatever else you do, you should certainly begin your craft name with
"Lord" or "Lady." First of all, it's pretentious, and that's always a good way
375
to start. Secondly, it makes an interesting statement about a religion that
supposedly has its roots in the traditions of peasants and rural tribespeople.
Thirdly, since most Craft groups use exactly these same words for the God
and the Goddess, this creates a (by no means inappropriate) confusion about
just who it is that we worship.
Divine Names
Along the same lines, you can always take the name of a god, a goddess, a
mythological being or a legendary hero as your craft name, thus putting yourself on the same level as the powers you invoke. Having once watched two
fifteen-year-old boys get into a fistfight over which had the right to call
himself "Lord Merlin," Lady Pixie has a high opinion of the possibilities of
this approach. She notes, however, that there seems to be an unwritten law
among those who have made use of this type of name already, and it's no
doubt wisest to follow suit: the more grandiose the name that you choose,
the more of a complete nebbish you should be. Nearly anyone can carry off,
say, "Lady Niwalen," but it takes a special kind of person to handle a name
like "Lord Jehovah God Almighty." Fortunately, there are those among us
who are equal to the task.
Nonhumans
A related approach involves taking a name that implies (or, better yet, states
openly) that you are an elf or some other kind of nonhuman, magical being.
This works best if you are willing to act the part obsessively, and to get really
petulant when anyone fails to respond accordingly. Subtlety should be avoided;
nobody will catch something like "Lord Elrandir" unless they know Tolkie
inside and out. Try something more like "Lord Celeborn Pointears the Real
Live Elf."
Fantasy Fiction
The burgeoning field of fantasy fiction offers another source for fashionable
craft names, and in many cases, for interesting complications as well. One
popular approach is to choose the name of your favorite character; as with
nonhumans, this works best if you play the part, and throw a tantrum unless
everyone else plays along. Given luck and a sense of the popular, you may
be able to choose everyone else's favorite character, too, and end up tusslin
over a name with a dozen other people. (Mercedes Lackey is a good author
to try if this is your goal.) Both this and the last category have the added
advantage of making it clear that, as far as you are concerned, the Craft is
simply a setting for make-believe games; this can help spare you the
annoyance of actually having to learn something about it.
Inventing A Name From Scratch
The best way to do this is to come up with something that sounds, say
376
vaguely Celtic, perhaps by mangling a couple of existing names together, and
then resolutely avoid looking it up in a Welsh or Gaelic dictionary. Luck is
an important factor here, but there is always the chance that you'll manage
something striking. It took one person of Lady Pixie's acquaintance only a
few minutes to blur together Gwydion son of Don and Girion, Lord of Dale,
into the craft name "Lord Gwyrionin," and several months to find out that
the name he had invented, and used throughout the local pagan scene, was
also the Welsh word for "idiot."
Following a Grand Tradition
Though the ink is barely dry on most of our modern pagan "traditions,"
there's at least one ancient European tradition that many people in the Craft
follow: the tradition of stealing things from non-Western peoples. Fake Indian
craft names are always chic, especially if the closest thing to contact with
Native American spirituality you've ever had is watching Dances With Wolves
at a beer party. Better still, mix whatever Craft teachings you've absorbed
with a few ideas you picked up from a Michael Harner book, break out the
buckskins and the medicine pouches, and proclaim yourself a shaman. Mind
you, there are people out the re who have received real Native American
medicine teachings, and they may just turn you into hamburger if you piss
them off; still, that's the risk you run if you want to be really trendy.
The Random Craft Name Generator
On the other hand, if you are individualistic like everybody else, you may be
looking for a name that expresses the uniqueness of your personality but still
sounds like all the other craft names you've ever heard. Fortunately, this isn't
too hard. Several years back, a gentleman of Lady Pixie's acquaintance told
her that the best way to get laid at a pagan gathering was to have the PA
system announce, "Will Morgan and Raven please come to the information
booth?" Since the resulting crowd would include at least a third of the female
attendees, he went on, it wouldn't be too hard to meet someone interesting.
While Lady Pixie has not tried this out herself, she has tested the principle
behind it in a series of controlled double-blinded experiments, and discovered
a rule that she has modestly named Moondrip's Law: 80% of all craft names
are made up of the same thirty words combined in various not particularly
imaginative ways. The discovery of this principle has allowed her to make the
once difficult task of creating craft names easy, by means of the Random
Craft Name Generator, release 1.0. To use the RCNG, take either two or
three of the following words (using any convenient randomizing method,
including personal preference). If you take two, simply run them together;
if you take three, one of the words becomes the first part of the name, and
the other two are combined to form the second.
Wolf Raven Silver Moon Star Water Snow Sea Tree
Wind Cloud Witch Thorn Leaf White Black Green Fire
Rowan Swan Night Red Mist Hawk Feather Eagle Song
377
Sky Storm Sun
Try it out: "Rowan Moonstar." "Raven Blackthorn." "Silver Ravenw.." - uh,
never mind. For the expanded version (RCNG 1.01), come up with a name by
any of the methods covered elsewhere in this guide, or take some ordinary
American name, and add a two -word name produced on the RCNG to the end:
"Gwydion Silvertree." "Sybil Moonwitch." "Squatting Buffalo Firewater."
The possibilities are endless!
(Note that this list will change with shifts in fashion; Lady Pixie expects to
bring out an upgrade to RCNG 2.0 in a year or two.)
Outro
It may be objected by the narrow-minded (who are probably all covert
Christians, anyway) that members of the Craft have better things to do with
their time than the above guidelines would suggest. This shows a complete
lack of insight. First of all, in an increasingly blase and tolerant culture, it's
becoming hard for white middle-class Americans to get that rush of selfrighteous gratification that comes from pretending to be members of a
persecuted minority; we may not be able to get burned at the stake by calling
ourselves silly names, but at least we can get laughed at, and that's some thing. Secondly, if we keep on treating craft names (and the Craft as a whole)
as fashion statements, that spares us the unpleasant drudgery of actually
learning magic and making it part of our lives. Finally, if we're pretentious
enough, those people who actually know enough to magic their way out of a
wet paper bag will roll their eyes and go somewhere else, and we can keep
on fighting our witch wars, casting vast astral whammies and invoking powers
we don't have a clue how to control, all in the serene certainty that no one is
actually going to get hurt. On the other hand, we could take the Craft
seriously...but who wants to do that?
---Lady Pixie Moondrip
Wæs Þu Hæl (Waes Thu Hael)
Copyright 1997 Lady Pixie Moondrip. All rights reserved.
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Paganlore.com
"How do I Tell People I'm Pagan?
"
(c) 1999 Spirit Online, http://www.spiritonline.com. May not be reproduced
without permission first.
One of the most difficult struggles for a pagan is telling your
family and friends about your beliefs. The majority of wiccans
and pagans today practice their faith in secrecy. But it's a
great burden to keep such an important secret from those close
to you. Once you feel you are ready, how do you tell them? How
will they react?
Well, knowing how people are likely to react before hand is the
most important factor in how you should handle "coming out"
about your beliefs. There are three basic levels of reactions. By
understanding these, you should be able to estimate what
reaction you will get from whom. This chart will help you
prepare to deal with these various levels of reactions:
Level 1: Acceptance. This person will not discriminate against
you or change their opinion of you when you tell them about
your faith. The level 1 person will probably show an interest in
understanding your beliefs. They will not try to change or judge
you.
379
Level 2: Conflict. This person is more difficult. Their initial
response will probably be denial. ("This is just a stage, you'll get
past it.") If you do not show signs of "getting past it", they will
attempt to persuade you to change your mind. They'll do things
like invite you to church, bring up religion often, give you
pamphlets relating to the religion they think you should belong
to, or try to "witness" to you. Parents will probably "forbid" you
to practice paganism if you are a minor.
The best way to handle a level 2 response is to tell them about
your beliefs. Try to clear away the misconceptions and create
an understanding. Let them ask you questions. If it's a family
member, make a compromise- for example, if they will listen to
your side and try to accept and show tolerance, you will join
them for their holidays and religious celebrations as a family.
But let them know that if they care about you, they won't try
to change you.
Level 3: Persecution. The most difficult struggle is with a level
3 person. Generally, they are very conservative and religiously
zealous. Worst of all, they are probably hugely misinformed
about paganism. Their initial reaction, like level 2, will be denial.
They might just make jokes at your expense to try to degrade
and weaken you or change your mind. They will proceed to argue
and debate with you about your decision. Eventually, if they are
not satisfied, some level of discrimination will come in. Friends
will avoid you, or family members will give you the "silent
treatment" to try to convince you to conform. Some might even
do something extremely drastic. Parents have been known to
take their children to be exorcised of evil, or tell them they
are mentally ill and get them therapy. This is the extreme, but
it has happened before.
A group of level 3 people can be dangerous. They might try to
get you out of the community (neighborhood or city) by scaring
you. This is rare, but may occur in conservative Christian
communities.
380
How do you handle a level 3 reaction? The best idea is to avoid
it altogether if you can predict it and fear for your safety. If
you are uncomfortable in your community, move. If you are a
minor and live with your parents, and they are likely to react
this way, you should wait until adulthood to "come out". Until
you are an adult, your parents dominate you. It is better to
avoid persecution and tension within the home if you can.
This article is not intended to scare you, but to prepare you.
You should consider and analyse those you wish to tell. Based on
what they have said in the past, what they think about certain
social groups, and what they say about people who are
"different" than them, you can make an estimation of what level
they might be. From there, build a plan. Decide what you will
say, and be ready to answer any questions they would want to
ask.
If you wish to publically "come out", realize that you will be
dealing with people from all three levels. Make sure you are
really ready and feel you can trust the community fairly well.
Most of all, be prepared for any level of response!
I hope this has helped you to at least begin mapping out how you
wish to tell others about your spirituality. Remember that those
who truly care about you will understand. Give people awhile to
adjust to the news, but don't let them bring you down. Be proud
of who you are, and let your gods give you strength. Good luck
to you. Blessed be!
381
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Bayowolf & Erzsebet's
Personal Book Shelf
DRAWING DOWN THE MOON
Author: Margot Adler
Penguin Books (1986)
The only detailed history of a little known and widely misunderstood movement,
Drawing Down the Moon provides a fascinating look at the religious experiences, beliefs,
and lifestyles of the Neo-Pagan subculture. This edition of Drawing Down the Moon
includes a completely updated and expanded resource guide that details several hundred
related journals, festivals, newsletters, and groups. A MUST HAVE!
BUCKLANDS BOOK OF WITCHCRAFT
Author: Raymond Buckland
Llewellyn Publications (seventeenth publication 1993)
"A master-work by one of the great Elders of the Craft. Raymond Buckland has
presented a rich treasure-trove of Wiccan lore It is a legacy that will provide magic,
beauty and wisdom to future generations of those who seek the ancient paths of the Old
Religion" Ed Fitch, Magical Rites from the Crystal Well (THIS IS THE
WICCAN/CRAFT BIBLE!)
CELTIC MAGIC
389
Author: D.J. Conway
Llewllyn's World Magic Series (Fifth Printing, 1993)
Celtic Magic is an ancient practice firmly rooted in the Celtic pantheon, Nature and the
Elements. Included in this book are the va rious methods of spellwork, ritual, meditation
and divination that can help you influence or even change certain aspects of your life.
SCOTTISH WITCHCRAFT
Author: Raymond Buckland
Llewellyn Publications (Fourth Printing 1994)
FINALLY, THE TRUTH ABOUT THE SCOTTISH TRADITION OF THE
CRAFT From the ancient misty Highlands of Scotland to modern-day America come the
secrets or solitary Witchcraft practice. Scottish Witchcraft explores "PectiWita", or the
craft of the Picts, the mysterious early Keltic people.
CHARMS SPELLS & FORMULAS
Author: Ray T. Malbrough
Llewellyn Practical Magick Series (Tenth Printing 1992)
Ray Malbrough reveals to you the secrets of Hoodoo magick, a folk magic that can be
learned and mastered by anyone. By using the simple materials available in nature, you
can bring about positive benefits to your life.
THE WAY OF THE WIZARD
Author: Deepak Chopra
Harmony Books (1995)
Following in the footsteps of Deepak Chopra's million-copy best-seller The Seven
Spiritual Laws of Success comes a startlingly perceptive, life-altering book in the form of
a quest for people who feel there is something elusive and important missing from their
lives.
390
THE PICTORIAL KEY TO THE TAROT
Author: Arthur Edward Waite
U.S. Games Systems. Inc. (1993)
The Pictorial Key to the Tarot is ideal for use with the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck and the
Universal Waite Tarot Deck, both are currently available at leading bookstores.
STAR SIGNS FOR LOVERS
Author: Liz Greene
Stein and Day Publishers (1980)
It not only shows how to interpret your own and your partner's astrological "signature",
the subtle patterns that form a personality, but also why your choice of lovers could be
dangerous to yourself if you ignore what is now known-and wonderfully rewarding if you
put the same information to good and fruitful use.
ASTRAL PROJECTION
Author: Melita Denning and Osborne Phillips
Llewellyn Publications (Sixth Printing 1984)
Yes, your consciousness can be sent forth, out-of-the-body, with full awareness and
return with full memory. You can travel through time and space, converse with nonphysical entities, obtain knowledge by non- material means, and experience higher
dimensions.
THE ONLY ASTROLOGY BOOK YOU'LL EVER NEED
Author: Joanna Martine Woolfolk
Scarborough House (1990)
391
Understand yourself, your lover, your family, and friends. Discover what kind of people
you attract, and why. Read about astrology and health, the sun signs in love, the
influence of the planets in your destiny. Learn how to anticipate trends and opportunitys.
392
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Boycott Merriam
Webster Products!
Our Grievances in further detail
The MW definition of "Christian"
Christian n [L Christianus, adj. & n., fr. Gk christianos, fr. Christos] (1526) 1 a:
one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ b (1): DISCIPLE 2
(2) : A member of one of the Churches of Christ separating from the Disciples
of Christ in 1906 (3): a member of the Christian denomination having part in the
union of the United Church of Christ concluded in 1961 2: the hero in Bunyan's
ilgrim's Progress **1**
393
The MW definition of "Atheist"
athe*ist: \ n (1571) : one who denies the existence of God**1**
The MW definition of "Heathen"
Please note that Pagans are defined as being heathen per the definition below
heathen: n, pl heathens or heathen (bef. 12c) 1: an unconverted member of a
people or nation that does not acknowledge the God of the Bible 2: an uncivilized
or irreligious person - heathendom n - heathenism n - heathenize - vt. **1**
The MW definition of "Pagan"
pa*gan n [ME, fr. LL paganus, fr. L, country dweller, fr. pagus country district;
akin to l pangere to fix - more at PACT] (14c) 1: HEATHEN 1; esp : a follower
of a polythesiastic relitiong (as in ancient Rome) 2: one who has little or no religion
and who delights in sensual pleasures and material goods: an irreligious or
hedonistic person - pagan adj. - paganish adj **1**
The MW definition of "Witch"
witch n [ME wicche, fr. OE wicca, masc., wizard & wicce, fem, witch; akin to MHG
wicken to bewitch, OE wigle divination, and perh. to OHG wih holy - more at
VICTIM] (bef. 12c) 1: one that is credited with usu. malignant supernatural powers;
esp : a woman practicing usu. black witchcraft often with the aid of a devil or
familiar : SORCERESS - compare WARLOCK 2: an ugly old woman : HAG 3:
a charming or alluring girl or woman - wicht-like adj wichy - adj. **1**
Webster Definition for "witchcraft"
witch-craft n. 1. Black magic; sorcery. 2. A magical or irresistible influence,
attraction, or charm **2**
394
Paganlore.com
Witches Rede of
Chivalry
Insofar as the Craft of the Wise is the most ancient and most
honorable creed of humankind, it behooves all who are Witches
to act in ways that give respect to the Old Gods, to their sisters and
brothers of the Craft, and to themselves. Therefore, be it noted that:
1. Chivalry is a high code of honour which is of most ancient Celtic Pagan
origin, and must be lived by all who follow the Old ways.
2. It must be kenned that thoughts and intent put forth on this MiddleEarth will wax strong in other worlds beyond, and return...bringing into
creation, on this world, that which had been sent forth. Thus one should
exercise discipline, for "as ye sow, so shall ye reap."
3. It is only by preparing our minds to be as Gods that we can ultimately
attain godhead.
4. "This above all...to thine own self be true...."
5. A Witch's word must have the validity of a signed and witnessed oath.
Thus, give thy word sparingly, but adhere to it like iron.
6. Refrain from speaking ill of others, for not all truths of the matter may
be known.
7. Pass not unverified words about another, for hearsay is, in large part, a
thing of falsehoods.
8. Be thou honest with others, and have them known that honesty is likewise
expected of them.
395
9. The fury of the moment plays folly with the truth; to keep one's head
is a virtue.
10. Contemplate always the consequences of thine acts upo n others. Strive
not to harm another.
11. Though there may be differences between those of the Old Ways,
diverse covens and circles may well have diverse views. These views, even
if they are different than yours, should always be given respect. When a
coven, circle, clan, or grove is visited or joined, one should discern quietly
their practices, and abide thereby.
12. Dignity, a gracious manner, and a good humour are much to be admired.
13. As a Witch, thou hast power, and thy powers wax strongly as wisdom
increases. Therefore exercise discretion in the use thereof.
14. Courage and honour endure forever. Their echoes remain when the
mountains have crumbled to dust.
15. Pledge friendship and fealty to those who so warrant. Strengthen others
of the Brethren and they shall strengthen thee.
16. Thou shalt not reveal the secrets of another Witch or another Coven.
Others have laboured long and hard for them, and cherish them as treasures.
17. Those who follow the mysteries should be above reproach in the eyes
of the world, and should always seek to make this so.
18. The laws of the land should be obeyed whenever possible and within
reason, for in the main they have been chosen with wisdom for the wellbeing of all.
19. Have pride in thyself, and seek perfection in body and in mind. For the
Lady hath said, "How canst thou honour another unless thou give honour
to thyself firstly?"
20. Those who seek the Mysteries should consider themselves as select of
the Gods, for it is they who lead the race of humankind to the highest of
thrones and beyond the very stars.
from the Celtic Connection
396
Paganlore.com
Rites of Passage
A "Rite of Passage" is a transition from one state of life to another.
Birth, marriage and death are examples. Van Gennep, a Flemish anthro pologist, was the first to so label such rituals, in 1909. The main Rite of
Passage that you will be concerned with is that of Initiation. It is important that you be aware, and have some understanding, of the different
parts of the initiation ritual and its symbolism.
In its most general sense, initiation denotes a body of rites and oral
teachings arranged to bring about a very definite change in both the
religious and the social status of the person undergoing the ritual. There
is a catharsis: a spiritual cleansing. The person becomes, in effect, another
person. The central theme of an initiation (any initiation, whether it be
Witchcraft, primitive tribal or even Christian, in form) is what is termed a
Palingenesis: a rebirth. You are ending life as you have known it to this
point and are being "born again" ... and reborn with new knowledge.
All initiation rituals follow the same basic pattern. And this is
worldwide: Australian aboriginals, Africans, Amerindians, Eskimos,
Pacific Islanders, Witches, ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, to
name but a few. All include the same basic elements in their rites.
First comes a SEPARATION. With many peoples this is a literal
separation from friends and especially from family; from all they have
known so far. Oftimes there is a special hut, cave or building of some
sort, where the novices are taken. There they begin their training.
A CLEANSING, externally and internally, is the next important
part. With some primitives this might include complete removal of all
body hair. It would certainly include a period, or periods, of fasting and
of sexual abstinence. In certain areas there are also various dietary
taboos prior to fasting.
397
A SYMBOLIC DEATH is one of the major parts of initiation, though
some primitives do not realize that it will be only symbolic and fully
expect to actually be put to death. With some tribes it does include actual
dismemberment; perhaps circumcision, tattooing, the amputation of a
finger or the knocking out of a tooth. Ritual scourging is another, more
common, symbolic form of death. Or the death could take the form of a
"monster"-perhaps the tribe's totem animal--swallowing~ the initiate.
After "death" the initiand then finds himself in
the womb, awaiting his new birth. In some societies he
finds himself in a hut which represents the world.
He is at its center; he inhabits a sacred microcosm. The
initiate is in the chthonian Great Mother--Mother
Earth. There are innumerable myths of great heroes,
gods and goddesses, descending into Mother Earth
(remember the myth of the Seax-Wica Goddess,
given in Lesson Two) and triumphantly returning.
Within that earth-womb they invariably find great
knowledge, for it is often the home of the dead who,
traditionally, can see into the future and therefore
know all things. Therefore the initiates, by virtue of
being in the womb, will learn NEW KNOWLEDGE.
This is underscored in the Congo, for example,
where those who have not been initiated are called
vanga ("the unenlightened") and those who have
been initiated are the nganga ("the knowing ones").
After receiving this new knowledge, the initiate is
REBORN. If he has been swallowed by a monster, he
may either be born from it or disgorged from its mouth
(the mouth is often a substitute for the vagina). In
some African tribes he will crawl out from between
the legs of the women of the village, who stand in a
long line. He is now given a new name and starts his
new life. Interestingly enough there are several paraliels of this renaming to be found in the Roman Catholic
Church: a new name is taken at confirmation; on
becoming a nun a woman takes a new name; a new
name is given to a newly elected Pope.
398
On excavating at Pompeii, there was found a villa,
named the "Villa of Mysteries". This was where everyone in ancient Italy originally went to be initiated into
the Orphic Mysteries. In the Initiation Room itself
there are frescoes painted around the walls showing a
woman going through the various stages of initiation.
In this instance the symbolic death was a scourging.
Part of the revelation of knowledge came from the
initiand scrying* with a Polished bowl. The final scene
shows her, naked, dancing in celebration of her new
birth. The scenes are typical of the Palingenesis of
initiation.
The full initiation into Witchcraft contains all the
above elements. There is not quite the literal separation, at the start, but you will, of course, have separated
yourself from others in the sense of absorbing yourself in your studies of the Craft. You will also spend
much time alone, meditating on what you are about to
undertake. You will cleanse yourself, by bathing and
fasting-only bread, honey and water are allowed for
twenty-four hours prior to the actual initiation--and
by sexual abstinence.
At the ritual itself, rather than any rigorous
symbolic death or dismemberment, you will experience a blindfolding and binding, which symbolize
the darkness and restriction of the womb. As you are
"born",= these restrictions will fall from you. You will
gain new knowledge as certain things are revealed to
you, and then receive a new name. You will be
welcomed to your new life by your brothers and
sisters of the Craft. The full initiatio n is a very moving
experience--many claim it to be the most moving of
their entire lives.
The usual process is that you find a coven and,
after a trial period, are accepted into it and initiated.
But supposing you are starting from scratch; a group
of friends who are going to form their own coven and,
basically, start their own tradition? How does the first
person get initiated, so that s/he can initiate the others?
Similarly, if you are a Solitary, not wanting to join a
399
group, how do you go about it? The answer is, through
Self-Initiation.
Some years ago the majority of Witches (myself
included!) frowned on the very idea of a self-initiation.
We didn't stop to think of (a) what might have been
done in the "old times': for those living miles from any
coven, or (b) how did the First Witch get initiated?
Today some of us at any rate are more enlightened.
The Self-Dedication is exactly that--it is a dedicating of oneself to the service of the gods. It does not
contain all the elements we have mentioned above,
but is none the less a moving experience. A full coven
initiation may always be taken at a later date, if you so
desire of course, but note that it would not be mandatory--just a matter of personal preference.
A question often asked is, "How valid is self initiation?" To some traditions it is not valid at all (though
one might question the whole "validity" of those
traditions themselves!). Certainly you couldn't selfinitiate yourself as a Cardnerian, for example. But the
point here is, how valid is it to YOU? If you are sincere;
if you wish to become a Witch and to worship the old
gods; if you have no ulterior motives . . . IT IS VALID,
and don't listen to anyone who says it is not.
Obviously if you want to be part of a particular
tradition and that tradition has its set initiation rite (as
with Gardnerian, as I just mentioned), then you must
go through that particular rite to join that tradition. But
no one tradition has the right to say what is correct or
incorrect for another. It seems to me that far too many
people get hung-up on a "line of descent"--who
initiated whom, and through whom?-rather than
getting on with the business of worship. One of the
oldest of the modern traditions is the Gardnerian and
that (in its present form) is only about thirty-five years
old, as of this writing. Not very old when we look at the
whole picture of Witchcraft. So if a Gardnerian initiation (for example) can be considered "valid", then so
can yours.
Taken from Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft
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The Pentagram
& It's Meanings
As you can see I love the pentagram symbol, It's all
over
our page, in the form of a pentacle. It is a symbol of the
magic of all creation. It has been described as an endless
knot showing the inter-relatedness of all that is,
sometimes
it is enclosed in a circle representing infinity and
eternity
with out beginning and without end. The 5 pointed star
enclosed in a circle is referred to as a pentacle, the star
it's self as a pentagram....
In the upright position the pentagram represents the
forces of spirit presiding over the power of the four
elements.
In the reversed position it represents spirit hidden in
matter or the four elements unbalanced, but still
forming
the spirit energy.
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A Little About Us
BAYOWOLF:
Well lets see, where do I start. My real name is Todd Dietz, Bayowolf being
my "Wiccan" name (for all of you saying "that is not how you spell it") that is the
spelling for my purposes. It has nothing to do with the novel. I own a Landscape
Management Business in Lakeland, Florida and I enjoy singing (professionally and
non-professionally), cooking, and being the best husband that I can be to my
wonderful wife "Erzsebet" (also her Wiccan name).
The Wiccan path or religion that I follow is a combination of "Gardnerian Wica"
and "Seax" or "Saxon Wica". (Wica being the original "Old Religion" spelling).
I haven't been able to find any good info on "Saxon Wica" on the internet so I will
try
and give you a brief description. This tradition founded in 1973 by Raymond
Buckland,
incorporates Saxon lore. Covens have co-ed open rituals and are either performed
robed
or skyclad. Buckland developed this tradition without breaking his Gardnerian
oath.
You see, Buckland was a protege of the late Dr. Gerald Gardner. This particular
path
Buckland refers to as "Seax Wica" wa s actually a new denomination of the craft,
and is
not vastly different than the original "Gardnerian Wica". For further info on this I
would
read Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft.
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Member of "The Temple f Isis"
ERZSEBET:
My birth name is Dawn Benson, though now it is Dietz by marriage. I have been
initiated "Erzsebet" as my "Wiccan" name. My heritage has always been of Scott
decent (Hamilton), my mother and her family being originally from the low lands of
Scotland. This is where Faery Wicca (which is the path that I follow) and the Celtic
way
of life was celebrated.
I have worked at many jobs, all of them being in the service industry. Nothing has
caught my fancy as yet. Having a great interest in people, I would someday like to
help
the misguided to a new life. (Sounds corny I know)
I like to read and to do things that are creative and I have a great interest in the
unknown. I do hope that would explain why my pe rsonal home page is pertaining to
vampires and such. I do have some experience with reading Tarot Cards and I am
also
learning Rune Magick.
The one thing that is important is to treat each and everyone with the respect that a
mother would and life will be healthy and happy. Blessed Be.
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Ages of SisterHood
Member of The Sisterhood
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Amergin's Invocation to Ireland
This is a historical example of calling to the Homeland. It is said that when
Amergin recited this poem twice, the atributes of Ireland were recreated.
I invoke the land of Ireland:
much coursed be the fertile sea,
fertile be the fruit strewn mountain,
fruit strewn be the showery wood,
showery be the river of waterfalls,
of waterfalls be the lake of deep pools,
deep pooled be the hill-top well,
a well of tribes be the assembly,
an assembly of kings be Temair.
Temair be the hill of the tribes,
the tribes the sons of Mil,
of Mil of the ships, the barks!
Let the lofty bark be Ireland,
Lofty Ireland, darkly sung,
an incantation of great cunning:
the great cunning of the wives of Bres,
the wives of Bres of Buiagne:
the great lady, Ireland,
Eremon hath conquered her,
I, Eber have invoked her
I invoke the land of Ireland.
© Copyright 1997 Crystal Miller, All Rights Reserved.
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Simple Meditations
"Deep Relaxation"
A technique to completely relax the body and mind to a near-sleep
state goes as follows.
This one is popular among practitioners of martial arts.
Lay down with your arms by your side.
Begin breathing as though you are pretending to be asleep. Breathe
in deeply, hold it for 5 seconds, and breathe out, hold for 5 seconds,
breathe in again and repeat the pattern.
Focus on your feet. Feel them relax, feel the tension leaving you.
Then focus on your legs, your stomach, your arms, your hands, and
face.... feel them releasing, and relaxing.
Once your entire body is relaxed, it will begin to feel heavy. Imagine
yourself drifting towards sleep, floating downward like a pearl in a
stream. Drift deeper and deeper. Begin counting to ten, slowly. Once
you reach ten, you will be in a state of total relaxation and
meditation.
When you are done with the relaxation exercise, count backwards
from 10 to 1. When you reach one, you will be revitalized and full of
energy. Sit up whenever you feel ready, take however much time you
need to get back in movement.
.
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Simple Meditations
"Mantra Meditation"
Choose the mantra you want to use, such as "Om.... om...." or any
repetitive and rythmic word/phrase.
Say it out loud so you can hear it, repeating it over and over.
Just listen to the words. Let the sound enter you ears and do the work. As
you do this, you will begin to slip into alpha state.
The way I chose to use audio-meditation was by "trance-dancing". Quite
simply, I played some quiet and wordless background music and chanted a
short Latin phrase while dancing. This is more difficult if you don't have
much space, or are worried about running into things, although I've never
encountered that probably in spite of a lack of room.
You can completely lose yourself in a trance-dance like this one, simply by
the rhythm and repetition of the words through your mind. Your body
keeps moving, but you still fall into a meditative state. This is a more
advanced meditation, so try some basic fo rms of meditation first!
.
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Simple Meditations
"Passive Meditation"
Find a place where you aren't going to be disturbed and sit or lie
comfortably.
You can put on some soothing music low in the background, and dim the
lights.
Choose an image to focus on within your mind- the key is to choose a
mental picture and not a physical one.
What might your choose as your image? Maybe a star, or a cloud, or even
a flame. You might choose your favorite plant or flower- or the image of a
famous person.
Whatever you decide on, it should be something pleasant to look at, and an
image that you can hold for a long period of time.
As you picture that stationary image you'll slowly slip into an alpha state.
This is meditation, and what you do from here depends on your own
decision-making.
.
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Simple Meditations
"Active Meditation"
This is the advanced form of meditation, because it combines remaining
mentally active with meditating.
As always, get yourself relaxed and comfortable using whatever method is
best for you, such as relaxing your muscles one by one. You might even
light candles or incense, or use aromatic oils.
Now, instead of picturing a static image, choose a scenario. This should be
like acting in a movie, or watching and directing one, depending on your
viewpoint.
You can practice with scenarios for entertainment, like flying on a magic
carpet, surfing the waves, or walking through a calm forest.
When you concentrate on the scene for long enough, you will slip into a
dream-like alpha state. You will be aware and awake, without taking
notice of outside distractions.
.
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Simple Meditations
"Light Meditation"
Direct your focus of awareness to a place six inches (about 20cm) directly
above the center of the top of your head. Here is located a place in
consciousness which is always calm and radiant, no matter what is going
on elsewhere in your mind or body, or around you. It is called the "upper
room". Think of a point of pure, crystal-white light here. Don't "try" to
visualize it. If you see it, fine, but if you don't, it doesn't matter. As you
think of the point of white light, it grows brighter, expanding into a little
star, three inches (about 10cm) in diameter.
Think and let the star burn away the veils that have kept it hidden all these
years. Direct the star to open, releasing a downpour of cleansing and
purifying life energy. This energy is crystal clear, like fresh spring water.
Let the energy flow through your hair, scalp, into the bones of your head
and face, into your brain, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, down the neck, through
your shoulders, arms, and hands. Experience it flowing through your chest
and back, abdomen, hips, pelvic area, upper legs, knees, lower legs, ankles
and feet. Think and let the soles of your feet open, releasing the energy into
the earth beneath your feet. Now it is flowing through your whole body.
Think of the bottoms of your feet closing, so the energy begins to backfill
up through the areas you have cleared out. Experience it in your legs, hips,
torso, shoulders, arms, hands, neck, and head. Let it overflow out the top
of your head, surrounding your body with an aura of crystal clear white
light.
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Bring your hands together, almost but not quite touching, palms facing
each other out in front of your body. Experience the energy flowing
through your hands. You could use this energy to heal others, by laying
your lighted hands on the person's head, heart, or wherever they have
discomfort. Whatever you touch with your hands lighted this way will be
filled with inner light-fire-energy.
If you experience discomfort anywhere in your body as you are working
with the inner light, think of the "consuming fire" aspect of the energy.
Hold the focus of it in the area of discomfort to burn through the
obstructions to the flow of your pure life energy. Afterwards, take a few
minutes to assimilate the radiant essence of the light into any area that you
have cleared out with the consuming fire aspect.
.
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Simple Meditations
"The Giveaway Journey"
This is a meditation compromised of a "journey" through visualization.
You will need:
3 crystals that appear to be similar in power (to your senses).
Find a comfortable place to sit, this is no short journey.
Sit upright, back straight, and hold the single-terminated crystal to the
chakra at your navel. Breathe deeply and evenly, and visualize a goldenyellow light. Sense the strength, the unwavering power of this light. Now
concentrate on your own power as this golden light. Focus on that power.
When you are ready, breathe deeply, and exhale that golden light into
your crystal from your sacral chakra. You can do this several times if you
need to, until you have it there.
Set the crystal with the golden-yellow glow down in front of you, and rest a
moment.
Pick up the other two crystals. Holding one in each hand, with your arms
out at the sides, feel the two crystals balancing each other. They are your
polar crystals - one female, one male. Take a moment to feel the
differences between them. Let them manifest without conscious attention
from your mind.
Now concentrate on the crystal in your right hand. Feel energy tingling up
through your hand and arm. Feel it flo wing into your body and up the
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shoulder to the throat chakra. Allow yourself to feel - not think - Feel the
masculine energy of this crystal, let it imprint itself on your senses. Realize
that the right hand is the "active" hand - the hand of giving. It is from the
active/masculine/right hand that your energy flows to another when you
will it to do so.
Now visualize the most beautiful blue sky you have ever seen or can
imagine. Surround yourself with the color, bring the crystal in your right
hand to the throat chakra, and begin to breathe deeply. After a few
moments, when you are ready, breathe in the blue color, and exhale it into
the crystal in your right hand. Do this until you are finished.
Set the sky-blue glowing crystal on the floor at your right hand, and rest a
moment.
You still have a crystal in your left hand. This is your feminine/ receptive
hand, and the hand from which you recieve or bring in energy. Feel the
power of this crystal. It is different from that of the masculine crystal, but
it is not necessary to "think" about the differences. Feel the sensations,
until they are firmly imprinted.
Begin to visualize a lush, beautiful green color. The color of spring green,
alfalfa fields, vibrant, glowing lawn. Surround yourself with this color, and
feel your crystal begin to vibrate happily at the color. Place this crystal
over your heart chakra, breathe deeply, and exhale the lush green color
into the crystal. Continue until finished.
Place the glowing green crystal on the floor on your left. Rest a moment,
and feel the balance point where you sit between the masculine and
feminine, blue and green, active and passive crystals. Get a clear feeling of
this "centeredness".
Now, using both hands, pick up the glowing golden crystal in front of you.
Hold it to the brow chakra (third eye). Feel the coolness, the slight tingle as
you touch it to your forehead. Holding the crystal with both hands brings
both halves of your being (male/active/blue and female/receptive/green)
into balance. You have created a figure of power - yourself as the energy
source, and balanced and blended with the crystals.
Now make that energy move. For a few moments, feel the energy flowing
freely from your feet to your crown chakra and back. As the energy flows
Up the right side of your body, it is blue - as it leaves the crown chakra, it
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becomes green and flows back Down the left side of the body. Circulate the
energy like this for a few moments. Try to let the feelings and visual
images imprint themselves on your mind and senses. At a later time, when
you are stressed and out of balance, you can bring back the image, and
know that your energy will go back into balance, and will be completely
under your control.
There are many uses for this kind of exercise. Among the best reasons are
things you wish to get rid of - meaning something negative. When you have
a negative energy source (anger, frustration, sources of irritation), you will
use the golden-yellow crystal at your solar plexus. Tense up the solar
plexus a bit, effectively closing it down so you don't gather these energies
inside by accident. Do not absorb the negative energies - simply see them
as floating around you. Will them into the crystal - each exhale willing
more of them into the crystal. You may even notice the crystal get dark
and cloudy.
When you have captured the negative energy in the crystal, you have
several options. My favorite is to go outside, take a deep breath, and
"blow" the energy out of the crystal into the ground. Inside, you can do it
the same, only you must visualize it going through the floor and into the
ground. It may come out as a stream of dark liquid, or a cloud of heavy
dark fog. Whichever, take care to "bury" it in the ground, not leave it
lying around for someone else to pick up!
Bring your crystal back inside, and drop it in a glass of salt water for a few
hours to clear any residual negativity. You could also bury it in the earth,
or hold it under running water. I've often thought a running stream on the
property would be a boon to crystal workers! Just get a mesh bag, toss in
the "dirty" stones, and let it hang in the stream for a day or two! In the
absence of that, however, we just have to make do with indoor plumbing!
Take a few minutes to relax, and reflect on what you've accomplished which is quite a bit. After a short break, we're going on a journey.
Take your three crystals used in the preparation exercise. Sitting down,
place the golden-yellow crystal at your feet in front of you. Place a crystal
on either side of you (green on the left, blue on the right). Now lay back on
the floor or bed, and relax. Close your eyes, and breathe deeply using your
diaphragm. Feel the energy from your crystals, and let it balance you. You
are calm, relaxed, and floating-just barely touching the surface where you
are lying.
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Open your inner eye, and see around you a lovely Summer day. It is a
joyous day, and all your senses are alive. You can hear the sound of a small
brook nearby. You feel the touch of a light, warm breeze playing around
you. The smells of earth and richness and growing things fills your heart
with wonder and joy. Under your feet is a rich, grassy path that winds
along beside the little brook. Looking toward the horizon, you see a
mountain standing out of the earth. It rises beautifully, majestically in this
flater landscape, but it is not impossibly high. Your eyes drink in the sight
of the mountain, and you know that it is calling you. You can feel yourself
vibrate with the need to be there. This is a sacred mountain, a place of
power. And it is calling to you.
Raising your arms, you hold them out as if to embrace the mountain. You
take a deep breath, and feel the earth skimming just below your feet. You
set down with a slight bump, and look up to see the mountain. You are
standing at the base of the mountain, and it is Your mountain. Recognize
that this is your life's journey, your chosen spiritual path. This is the place
of power you can truly call your own.
You are ready to begin this journey to enlightenment. But the path goes up
the mountain, and you need to lighten your load in order to make your trip
easier. Just where the path starts up the mountain, there is a beautiful tree.
It is shady and cool, and yet very alive and sentient. Sit down under this
tree, and take a moment to connect with it. Ask it for, and accept its
strength.
Now take a moment, and look at your physical world, your physical life.
What burdens, problems, cares, connections or other things do you need to
leave behind before you begin this journey up the sacred mountain? Think
about it for a moment, and make a decision. What is it that you need to
leave behind? Take your shooter crystal from your pouch or pocket, and
put into it what you need to leave behind. Then "shoot" it into the ground.
Affirm to yourself that you are doing this so that you may continue to
grow, to seek, to come to know your true self.
Contine until you feel that you have lightened the physical load you carry
enough to allow you to continue your journey. When you are done, open
your pouch or your pocket, and take out the small bag of tobacco or
sweetgrass you have there. Put a pinch at the base of the tree, in thanks for
the help you have received.
Take a moment to remember those things that you are leaving there. Each
thing that we decide we no longer need or want in our lives is the result of
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a lesson learned. There is no need to carry such excess weight, but at the
same time, there Is need to remember what those lessons were. For a
moment, honor and thank those things you have discarded for whatever
lessons or service they have given you. Now it's time to move on.
The trail begins at your tree, and winds up in a spiral up the mountain.
You feel the pitch of the trail change and become slightly steeper. You are
walking at a good pace, and feeling wonderful. The breeze on your face is
light and warm, the sky is a radiant turquoise blue. You are lighter and
happier than you have been in a long time.
About a quarter of the way to the top, you begin to tire a little bit. There is
a nice flat area where you can sit, on the flank of this sacred mountain, and
recover your strength. With your hand, your staff or something else you
choose, draw a circle in the dirt, and sit down inside it. Reflect for a
moment on how the spiral path to the top of the mountain could be
rendered as a wheel - a medicine wheel. All things in nature go in cycles,
and although the cycles are never ending, they are ever changing. No
spring is exactly like the spring before. No cycle of seasons brings the exact
same weather. Your development is like that circle/cycle/spiral. You are
growing as well as changing through your cycles. You are spiraling
upwards toward your true nature and enlightenment. Yet you hold on to
things from the past when they are no longer needed or even good for you
to have.
Ask yourself what you need to let go of emotionally, in order to continue
with your journey. Be receptive for a moment, and listen to your inner
voice. When you have made your decision, put the thing you wish to let go
of emotionally into your crystal, and shoot it into the earth, as you did
before. Take your tobacco or sweetgrass, and leave a pinch in the center of
the circle. Use that time, and make that offering, to remember the worthy
things about that which you have left behind. Leave the circle, and
continue up the trail.
It's getting steeper now, and you are feeling fine, but have to slow down a
bit and struggle a bit to keep on moving upward. At a point which is halfway up the mountain, you come to a place where a large rock rears up
from the ground, casting an inviting shadow, and providing a convenient
back-rest. You sit down with your back against the stone, feeling its
smoothness, coolness. You can smell the warm rock where the sun is
hitting it, and hear the sound of the wind in the grasses and stones on the
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mountain. Looking out from where you sit, you can see the valley below the one you left just a short time ago - and the brook glistens like a shiny
crystal ribbon amid the riot of greens.
You have been taught all your life that intellect is supreme, yet just
intellect without compassion or love can be as limiting as carrying your
boulder up the mountain! Ask yourself what you need to let go of
intellectually in order to continue your journey up the mountain. You may
be surprised that some things you thought of as your greatest strengths
will now be revealed as being weakness...indeed, there is a strong and a
weak side to everything! Place any and all of the blocks you note on an
intellectual level into your crystal, and dispose of them as you did before.
You get up, feeling rested and much better, and again leave an offering of
tobacco or sweetgrass at the base of the boulder. You walk on up the
mountain, and the path is now narrow and very steep. You walk carefully,
steadily, and you are happy. Just before the last rise of the mountain peak,
there is a place where you can rest. You are sitting nearly on top of the
world here - your feet can hang out where only air separates you from the
valley floor. You have no feelings of fear - you know you are safe up here
on the mountainside.
This is a time to ask yourself what you need to let go of spiritually, in order
to continue your journey. Listen to the voices inside you, and any guidance
that comes from outside. Put all of these things into the crystal, and
dispose of them as before. When you are done, you have such a feeling of
joy and ease! Put a pinch of your offering in the place where you have been
sitting. Stretch and loosen up your muscles a moment, and continue your
journey.
The clouds that once seemed so high over your head are now within your
reach. Your trail ends abruptly, and you look around. You made it! You
are standing on top of your mountain - the highest point. The sky is still
blue, but tiny stars twinkle overhead. The wind is brisk here - chilly
almost, but it feels good to you. The valley below is far away and tiny looking like a child's smallest toys.
This is the journey of your life, and also of every day of your life. Every
choice, every anchor, every connection you have has some connection to
this mountain and your journey. Remember that. Know that everything
connects on this mountain path of your life's journey.
Look around you now at the top of your mountain. There are flowers here
- blue ones. The air is sparkling clear like nothing you can find in a city.
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The evergreen trees lend a fragrance to the air that is refreshing. See,
smell, hear, and touch all these things. Be aware of this as a real place - one
that you can continue to use whenever you need to. One you will ultimately
conquer many times, as you have today.
A sparkle on the ground catches your eye, and you look down. There is a
crystal there - made of light and air and all the parts of your journey here.
It is breathtakingly beautiful. You reach down and pick up the crystal.
Hold it to your heart for a moment - then hold it up in the rays of sunlight.
As you do this, a rainbow of color spills from the crystal, bathing you in its
light. Inside your heart, a prayer is forming - a prayer for balance and
harmony, a prayer that you find and take your rightful place in the
universe.
Listen to your inner voice, trust your inner feelings. Believe that harmony
and balance are not only possible, but available to you, if you will only
remember this journey!
Leave a pinch of tobacco or sweetgrass at the place where the crystal came
from. It is now time to begin your journey down the mountain.
You travel lighter, faster, and happier than you have done in the past,
carrying your crystal from the mountain top.
As you pass each point where you left behind something, touch the crystal
to your heart chakra, remember the lesson, and give thanks.
As you reach the tree at the bottom of the mountain, you notice that the
shadows have lengthened and the sun is moving toward setting. It's time to
be going home again. Let the blue sky, the warm golden sun, and the green
of the grassy plain soak into you for a few moments, like recharging a
battery. Hear the brook by your feet, and feel the breeze as it whispers
goodbye.
Now realize you are back in your own world, your own place, in your own
body. Open your eyes, and recognize your surroundings. If needed, stamp
your foot, or clap your hands to bring yourself fully back into the present.
The special crystal that you received on your mountain journey is one
which is used only on the other side. Anytime you journey or travel there,
you have only to remember where you "keep it" - a medicine pouch or
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your pocket, or whatever - and it will be there. It is not necessary to have a
counterpart for it on this side, although one may find you some day!
.
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Simple Meditations
"Truth Meditation"
Right at this moment, surely, you have an odd or current anger or
resentment which runs through your mind. Either it continually
preoccupies you, or it pops up just at the moment when you want nothing
more than to have a good night's rest. To help yourself move through and
let go of it, try this visualization script...
Picture the word that is most applicable to the problem you now have, and
see it clearly in huge block letters marked on a door. Pick the door
carefully and note the details of it. Perhaps it is an ornately carved antique
door or it is a very simple wooden or painted door. Now see the word
you've chosen standing out clearly on that door.
Very gently open that door and look in front of you, to the left and to the
right to see what is there, just as you would if you went into a room you
had never been in before.
If you see a person, begin to talk with that person about your problem. If
you see nothing but a vast horizon, continue on and see another door, and
go through that one until you can find a person or an animal with whom
you can talk about your problem or a place where you can be alone with it.
Give yourself time to be with the problem. Then give yourself time to see
what the truth about the situation is. Old memories and people associated
with them may come into your mental screen (or picture).
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See how they relate to it. See them as they "Are", even if it's different from
the way "You Think" they are.
Now open your eyes and put your left-brain to work by deliberately
figuring out what the images are saying to you. You can now take those
insights into your life and put them to work for you. What they've told you
is what you need to know.
Only "You" know what's true for you. And only by going beneath what
you "Believe" to be true, and being willing to "Experience" what's true for
you at the moment, can you really "Know" what the truth is.
.
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Gardnerianism
Kyril Oakwind & Judy Harrow
"FireHeart" Spring/Summer 1989
Each year, Gardnerians come together for the Annual Samhain Gardnerian
Gather. In the years since it began, the Gather has grown from a small local
get-together to a national gathering, with participants from both East and West
coasts. This year, England was represented as well ! Our experience in the
Gardnerian community has shown that we are not a homogeneous group. These
family reunions have allowed us to maintain a certain amount of continuity
while learning about our differences. There is a spectrum within Gardnerian
practice. Kyril represents the more traditional or conservative side of the
family, while the practices of Judy's coven look more eclectic or innovative.
We felt that by working together, we could describe our tradition more clearly
than either of us could writing alone.
Gardnerianism as a distinct Tradition began with the writings of Gerald B.
Gardner. He was initiated into the New Forest coven in England by "old
Dorothy" Clutterbuck. During World War II, Gardner participated in the efforts
of British Witches, led by Dorothy Clutterbuck, to turn back Germany's
invasion troops. Gardner was active in the Craft and published a fictional novel
about medieval Witchcraft in 1949. He started a Museum of witchcraft on the
Isle of Man after the 1951 repeal of the last anti-witchcraft law in England.
Coming out publicly as a Witch in 1954, he published "Witchcraft Today".
At that time, he believed the Craft was dying out-most of the members were
older and few young members were being initiated. Gardner strongly believed
not only in reincarnation, but that he would be reborn to the craft. If it died out,
this could not be, and so he dedicated himself to reviving the Craft. Unable to
directly reveal much of his coven's workings, he developed a system that was a
synthesis of various elements from Masonic ritual, ceremonial magick, French
Mediterranean Craft and the teachings of his coven. Gardner and later Doreen
Valiente, re wrote some of the ritual, improving its poetic qualities and adding
yet another dimension. As generations of Witches, they became the basis of
Gardnerianism, and those who practised these rituals as handed down (not as
published) became known as Gardnerians.
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Gardnerianism was brought to America by the Bucklands in 1962. Their coven
was passed on to Lady Theos and Pheonix in 1972 and to Lady Rhiannon in
1985.
Judy notes that the existence of the earlier New Forest coven is unproven, and
not particularly important. We may not know whether our Craft is old or new.
We know for sure that it works. What we can prove is that Gerald Gardner,
Doreen Valiente, and their associates did develop a ritual and symbolic system,
drawing from many sources including their own inspirations. Their single
greatest innovation was to make the Goddess their main focus. The fruit of that
generations research, innovation and creativity was a strong and flexible ritual
structure that forms a foundation for the research, innovation and creativity of
later generations. In fact, we know that each successive generations of
Gardnerians did augment the materials they received, and develop the
Tradition. As we live with this material, use it and practice it, while continuing
to study whatever Pagan sources we can find and, we hope, grow in our
understanding both experientially and intellectually, we must and will make
changes. A tradition that does not change is dead.
Gardnerianism, like mush of the craft, is an initiatory, Mystery Tradition. To
become a member of the Tradition, an individual must be initiated by a
Gardnerian who was initiated by a Gardnerian, on back to Gardner and his
High Priestesses, and the initiation ritual used must be the Gardnerian ritual.
Initiation is more than a rite of passage that unites the participants. They have
not only undergone a similar death and rebirth but are reborn into a particular
world. That world is a microcosm of the universe with a unique psychic pattern
of the created by the particular ritual, energy current, and vibration of the Deity
names used by the participants. They take on the group karma of their new
family and clan, and they add to it as well. They also take an oath of secrecy.
From a more eclectic Gardnerian viewpoint, any initiation ritual that is based
on the Gardnerian structure and contains certain elements is a valid Gardnerian
initiations. Lineage the sense of family and continuity- is intensely important to
Gardnerians. Within Judy's line, any variants on initiation or elevation rituals
must be checked with the Priestess immediately senior to the one making the
changes. In this way, we make room for growing understanding and changing
times without sacrificing the continuity that all Gardnerians value equally.
Kyril points out that Neo-Gardnerian or Gardnerian based groups using the
published versions of Gardnerian rituals, while performing and having perfectly
valid initiatory experiences, are not being "reborn" into the same psychic
pattern as that of the Gardnerian Tradition. A real difference exists in the
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energy they draw on and the psychic patterning that is being done.
Gardnerianism is very much a family. We have our different covens and our
different practices, But the family feeling is very strong. We are bound by the
magickal ties of the initiation and our oath of secrecy. We are bound by the ties
of love. No amount of book knowledge can ever replace human contact and the
feeling of belonging to a lovin g family. This is why Judy feels a rewritten ritual
within the context of lineage, makes you a Gardnerian in a way that a wordperfect ritual out of a book never could.
Gardnerianism as a Tradition has a body of rituals passed down from Gardner
that helps to form the core identity - a shared current of energy which is added
to and drawn on by all the initiates, secret Deity names, and a specific group
Karma. It also has a hierarchical form of leadership, a three degree systems of
training, experienced and knowledgeable Witch Queens and Maguses (high
Priestesses and High Priest who have successfully trained a coven to the point
where another coven has hived off from theirs) from which to draw on. And
there is an oath of secrecy.
Judy feels Gardnerianism is not much so the body of rituals as the ritual system
and the symbolic vocabulary. She tells her students that Gerald, Doreen and
their associates were the architects, but we are the interior decorators. The
structural pattern can be gotten from books almost as easily as a particular
script can be. More and more, she believes that the personal affiliation, the
group Karma if you will, and the energy current are as definitive as the ritual
and symbol system.
Our respect for lineage, and for the seniors within our lineage, is very
important. But Judy does not think of it as hierarchical. In hierarchy, those
"above" us would have been assigned by those above them, without our
consent. We choose to work with our teachers, our Priest/esses, our Queens and
Maguses out of respect and love and trust. The bond is freer and more flexibleand far more real. Nor are they considered to be holier or higher, simply more
experienced.
The three degree system is an uncomfortable but necessary form of quality
control. An initiation is a statement, not only to the Gods, but also to the
community, that this person is a Priest/ess, qualified to fulfils certain roles. If
we initiate people, or do degree elevations, before they are competent, harm
may result.
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© Copyright 1997 Crystal Miller, All Rights Reserved.
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Paganlore.com
Glossary of Wiccan
PaganTerms
Glossary of Terms written by : Dianis Lucien
Adept
a person highly skilled in Magick
Alexandrian Witches
Traditional Witches who trace their line of initiatory descent from Alex and Maxine
Sanders, through a line of Alexandrian High Priests and High Priestesses, according
to the Alexandrian Book of Shadows, and who practice the Alexandrian Tradition
of Wicca
Alraun
an artificial elemental embodied in an image made from rowan wood
Altar
a place, such as a table or raised platform, where offerings are made to the divine;
the focal point of contact between the human and the divine
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Amulet
an object worn as a protective charm to ward off sickness, injury or evil
Anima
the personification of the feminine aspect of a man's unconscious
Animus
the personification of the masculine aspect of a woman's unconscious
Ankh
ancient Egyptian hieroglyph for "life", combining the symbols of the male and
female genitals in a looped cross, representing both Initiation and everlasting life
Apollonian
in religious studies, describes "solar-oriented" religions which emphasize mastery
of the instincts by the conscious mind (named for Apollo, as the Greek God of light
and the Sun)
Arcana
(pl. of arcanum) secret or hidden knowledge or methods; secrets or mysteries
Arcane
hidden or secret; esoteric
Art, the
generally, the Magickal Arts or Art Magickal; the skills and practices of Magick;
however, "Art" has the connotation of "ability, talent", of something innate, rather
than merely a learned skill or practice, such as distinguishes the artist from the
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draftsman: both may need to learn the skills of the trade but the innate talent of
he artist awakens and is channeled by such training
Asperge
to sprinkle with water during a ceremony
Astral Plane
the plane, or level of energy and existence, between the Mental and the Physical
Planes; it is the plane of the instincts and emotions, and as such, it is frequently said
to consist of the "Upper Astral" - most influenced by thought and by the Mental
Plane, and the "Lower Astral" - most influenced by the senses and the Physical
Plane
Athame
("ath-a-may") the Witch's sacred magickal knife; in Traditional Wicca, it is
black-hilted and double-edged, with the Signs used in its consecration generally
painted or inscribed on the hilt; the Elemental Tool of Air, or in some Traditions
of Fire
August Eve
see Lammas
Aura
the force-field that surrounds the physical body, whether of humans, animals, or
plants, and even places and things; composed of two layers: the inner "etheric aura"
or "health aura" is a band of bluish-white energy which closely follows the outlines
of the body, beyond which radiates the "astral aura" whose size, color, and shape
or structure as perceived by clairvoyant sight indicates the emotional and mental
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state and the personality and spiritual development
Autumn Equinox
see Equinox
Averse
against; harmful; opposed to, or having negative intent or results
Bale
harm or disaster; sorrow, woe; something which is harmful
Balefire
ritual fire symbolizing the banishing of ill by the power and presence of the divine
Ban
to banish; to curse; to forbid
Bane
deadly harm, ruin, death; something which causes harm, ruin, or death; a poison
Barrow
a burial mound, such as found in Celtic or Native American archeological sites
Beltane, Beltaine
("bright fire" or "Bel's fire") a Celtic name for May Day, May 1st, also applied
to its ritual observance on May Eve (April 30) since the Celtic day began at sunset
Bind
to tie together; to tie down, hold, or restrain; to obligate or compel, as by an oath;
to prevent from a specific action; loosely, to cast a spell upon, to impose your will
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on by Magick
Bolline
term sometimes used to refer to the Witch's White-handled Knife, as distinct from
the Athame; sometimes used to refer to a sickle-shaped blade, including an Athame
in Traditions which allow it to have that shape
Book of Shadows
the book containing the traditional rituals, spells, etc. of a Coven or Tradition,
which the Wiccan Initiate copies from her/his Initiator; sometimes used today
by Eclectics to refer to their Grimoire
Brigidmas
another term for Candlemas, derived from the Celtic goddess Brigid, later
venerated as the Christian St. Brigid or St. Bride
Brimstone
sulfur
British Traditional Witches
the family of Wiccan Traditions who can trace their lineage to Gerald Gardner or
Alex and Maxine Sanders; also used to refer to those whose Wiccan practice is
based upon, or derives from, the above but without having initiatory lineage back
to Gardner or Sanders ("neo-Gardnerians", "Farrarian Wicca", etc.); the term
"British Traditional Wicca" is more common in the U.S. than elsewhere
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Cabala
see Qabala
Candlemas
Feb. 2nd Sabbat, the Festival of the Waxing Light; the Return of the Goddess from
the Underworld, bearing in Her arms the Infant Sun; the Renewal of Virginity of
the
Goddess (hence, later, the Purification of Mary after childbirth) viewed as the
beginning of Spring because the slumbering seeds begin to stir within the womb
of the Earth
Cardinal Points
the four directions East, South, West, and North, and hence the locations of the
Watchtowers of the Four Quarters
Cardinal Signs
in astrology, the four Signs of the Zodiac which initiate the Elemental Tides (Aries,
Fire; Cancer, Water; Libra, Air; Capricorn, Earth)
Causal Plane
a term sometimes used for the Lower Spiritual sub-plane of the Spiritual Plane
Cense
to perfume with incense, either by carrying or swinging the censer, or by passing
an object through the incense smoke
Chalice
a cup or goblet, the Elemental Tool of Water
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Charge
to fill with energy, as a battery, or a magickal object, Tool, or talisman
to give instructions to, or command authoritatively
Charge of the Goddess - in Wicca, the traditional address given by the
Goddess to Her worshippers; the form used in Wicca today was written by Doreen
Valiente, based upon Gardner's original
Charm
spoken or chanted words of magickal intent; such words written or inscribed; an
object magickally charged for a particular intent
Cingulum
a Witch's magickal Cord, especially if worn as a belt or girdle
Cone of Power
magickal energy raised from the body, and channeled from Nature and the
Universe, collected and concentrated within the Magick Circle
Conjure
to summon; to solemnly charge or command; loosely, to work Magick
Consecrate
to make sacred; to hallow, set apart as holy; to devote entirely to, dedicate to;
to make someone a certain rank or office by religious ceremony
Contacts
forces or entities with whom magickal links are established; especially, the forces
or entities, and magickal current, from which a group draws its power to initiate,
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thus "to be contacted" means to be linked to a particular magickal current
Coven
(from a word meaning "a group of confederates, a band", meaning a group bound
to meet and work together, to agree) an organized group of Witches that regularly
meets and works together; especially, a group of initiated Witches that follows a
specific Tradition, and its rites and practices; traditionally limited to no more than
thirteen members for both practical and magickally symbolic reasons
Covendom
traditionally, the area one league (three miles) in all directions from the Covenstead,
from which the Coven members are drawn, and defining the boundaries between
Covens; in modern practice, the area defined by the dwelling places of the members
of a Coven - which may well overlap with another Covendom, especially of a
different
Tradition
Covenstead
the place where the Coven regularly meets, usually the home of the High Priestess
and/or High Priest
Cowan
outsider, non-initiate; especially for an intruder or unfriendly outsider
Craft, the
the Magickal Arts and practices of Traditional Witchcraft; those who belong to the
Craft, who practice the Craft and its Arts [Masons also refer to Masonry as "the
Craft"]
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Cup, the
the Chalice, a cup or goblet, the Elemental Tool of Water
Daemon
("daemon", a lesser divinity) a guardian spirit; the inspiring or indwelling spirit of
a place or thing; an entity or intelligence of a particular force; an artificial elemental
created by a person or group for a specific purpose or force
Dagyde
needle, pin, or thorn used in working image-magick, to indicate the area of the
body to which the Power is being directed, whether to cure or to curse
Demon
(derived from "daemon") an artificial elemental created by a neurotic complex
of energies and emotions, whether of one person or many, hence contraproductive
or harmful in influence and effect
Deosil
("with the sun") clockwise or sunwise, moving to the right around a circle if facing
out, to the left if facing in
Dionysian
in religious studies, describes "lunar- or nature -oriented" religions that emphasize
the ecstatic and emotional aspects, and the liberating of the psyche from the
limitations of mundane consciousness, to enable union with the "group mind",
or collective consciousness of the group (named for Dionysus, the Greek God of
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wine and Ecstasy)
Divination
the discovery of unknown information through occult means
Earth Religion
a religion which reveres the Earth, and Nature, as the manifestation of the Divine,
and calls for harmony with Nature and all life and for ecology; opposes the wanton
exploitation of the natural resources of the Earth
Eclectic
selecting from various systems, doctrines, or sources; composed of material
gathered from various sources, systems, etc.
Eclectic Witches
Witches who, rather than following a specific Tradition, use rituals and practices
gathered from various sources
Ecstasy
(Greek "ekstasis", "being out of its place, distraction, trance") the exaltation of
consciousness beyond the limitations of ordinary awareness as a result of extreme
emotional exaltation and religious fervor: the state of "being outside of oneself"
Eidolon
a thought -form, an artificial energy-construct, a body of force; a traditional ritual
or spell builds up a store of force which may be tapped by the participants
Elemental
the primitive non-human and non-material entity of the nature of one of the Four
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Elements; also, an artificial elemental is a thoughtform, whether created consciously
by thought andwill, or unconsciously by strong emotions, which develops a separate
existence; thatseparate existence can be temporary, or - as in the case of the
godforms, created by the devotion of the worshippers and ensouled by the Divine
Force thus venerated through prayer and invocation - can become permanent and
independent; the term "elemental" is also used to refer to the inhabitants of other
realms of existence whose orders of being are similar to that of the Elementals, such
as the inhabitants of the Faery Realm
Elements, the Four
the basic forces/modes of existence and action underlying all of manifestation:
Air, Fire, Water, and Earth - plus the Quintessence ("Fifth Essence") of Spirit
which includes and contains them all
Elf, Elvenfolk, Elves
in traditional lore, the pre -Celtic inhabitants of Britain, viewed as magickal beings
by the later invading peoples and attributed with magickal skills and abilities that
generally describe either natural survival skills or psychic talents; Witches were
often viewed as descendents of intermarriages or cross-breeding, and hence as
having inherited the magickal abilities of their elven ancestry [consider the common
Celtic concept of "the Sight" as something passed down through the blood]; also
refers to the legendary magickal beings who were considered to be the Children of t
he Gods, or the offspring of the matings of Gods with humans
Equinox
("equal night") one of the two dates in the year when the length of the day equals
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the length of the night: the Vernal or Spring Equinox, which begins the "Bright Side
of the Year", and the Autumnal or Fall Equinox which begins the "Dark Side
of the Year"
Esbat
Coven meetings held at the Full Moon, and often the New Moon (or "Dark Moon");
any Coven meeting held at other than one of the Eight Sabbats of the Wheel of
he Year
Esoteric
(Greek "esoterikos", "inner") beyond ordinary knowledge or understanding;
hidden or inner knowledge reserved for initiates
Etheric plane
the level of energy and existence between the Astral Plane and the material
Physical and the intermediary between the Physical and higher Planes; it is
usually regarded as a sub-plane of the Physical, together with the purely
material sub-plane, rather than as a distinct Plane of its own
Evocation
the "calling up" or summoning of a non-material force or entity of a lower order
of being than oneself
Exorcism
the expulsion or banishing of unwanted forces or entities from a person, place, or
thing
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Fall Equinox
see Equinox
Familiar
an animal with whom the Witch has a psychic link
Familiar spirit
an artificial elemental created for a particular function or purpose; a natural entity
whose order of being is similar to that of the Elementals, and who agrees to perform
a specific immediate or long-term service, and they must also benefit from the
relationship, for humanity is the Initiator - not the enslaver - of the lower orders
of being
Fascination
the process of creating a reaction in someone using only a projection of
personal power or charm
Fell
baneful
Fetch
a thoughtform sent to bring something or someone; sometimes used for the
Summoner or Guardian
Fetish
an object imbued with magickal power; an object consecrated to a particular deity
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Fumigate
to fill with, or expose to, incense smoke
Gardnerian Witches
Traditional Witches who trace their line of initiatory descent from Gerald Gardner,
through a line of Gardnerian High Priests and High Priestesses, according to the
Gardnerian Book of Shadows, and who practice the Gardnerian Tradition of Wicca
Glamour, Glamoury
fascination
Gnomes
the Elemental Order of Earth, the elemental spirits of the Earth Element
Goetia
pertaining to non-religious magickal methods or systems, hence many forms
of spellcraft
Great Rite
the Craft's ritual of the "Hieros Gamos", or Sacred Marriage of the Goddess
and the God, the Marriage of the Divine Polarities, whether symbolic (in the
presence of others) or actual (in private and only between established lovers and
working-partners); it is an essential part of the Traditional Wiccan rite of Third
Degree Initiation
Greater Sabbats
the four "cross-quarter festivals" of Candlemas, Beltane, Lammas, and Hallows,
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whose observance in ancient cultures generally predated that of the "quarter
festivals" of the Solstices and Equinoxes
Grimoire
(grammar, learning, writings) the book containing one's personal spells, rites,
recipes, etc., as distinguished from the Book of Shadows of the Coven or Tradition; t
he medieval books of magickal procedures written by, or ascri bed to, famous
magicians
Hallows, Hallows Eve, Hallowe'en
("holy" or "holy night") the Oct. 31 Greater Sabbat, also called November Eve, t
he Celtic Samhain ("sow-en"); the beginning of the Celtic winter, and of the Celtic
year; the beginning of the Witches' Year, when the Veil Between the Worlds grows
thin and the spirits of the dead may return to Earth; the Descent of the Goddess to
the Underworld; the final Harvest festival
Handfasting
a betrothal; a trial marriage of "a Year and a Day"; a Wiccan marriage rite,
which should embody the understanding that the union is "for as long as love
shall last"
Hephaestic Transference
the process of transferring the power or properties of an object to another object
by burning the object and rubbing the ashes on the receiving object; traditionally,
a way of transferring the power of Signs and Symbols to an object without having
to actually write or inscribe those Symbols on the object itself, and thereby risk
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discovery
Hereditary Witches
Witches who claim to practice a form of the Craft passed down through their
families
in an unbroken family line
Hexagram
six-pointed star formed of conjoined upright and reversed triangles, representing
the union of Fire and Water, and of Male and Female; the Star of the Macrocosm
("big world", or universe)
High Priest
the male Coven Leader (an office); any Second or Third Degree male
Witch (a rank)
High Priestess
the female Coven Leader (an office); any Second or Third Degree female
Witch (a rank)
Hiving off
when some one of sufficient rank leaves the mother-Coven to form their own
daughter-Coven
Imbolc
(Gaelic, "in the belly") a Celtic term for Candlemas, as the time when the first
stirrings of Spring begin in the Womb of the Earth Mother
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Incantation
words ritually spoken or chanted in a magickal spell or ritual
Incarnation
the embodying of an entity in a physical form
Incubus
male wraith form or demon, for the purpose of sexual intercourse; see Succubus
Individuality
the immortal Self, the Higher Self, developed over the course of all of one's
incarnations by the actualizing of the potential of the Divine Spark, as distinct
from the Personality built up in a single incarnation
Initiation
("a beginning, entrance into")
secret ritual by which a Postulant is admitted into membership in the Craft, and
consecrated as a Priest or Priestess, and Witch; involving a symbolic
death-and-rebirth, it is a spiritual rebirth into the Craft, and adoption into the
spiritual family of the Coven, and of the Tradition; as such, Initiation links the
nitiate to the group-mind of the Coven and to the "Initiatory Current" and
"magickal Contacts" of that particular Wiccan Tradition secret ritual by which
an Initiate is elevated to a higher grade or degree, recognizing a level of
knowledge, competence, and experience; hence often called an "Elevation" an
Inner Planes experience which alters one's consciousness and spiritual
understanding
Inner Planes
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levels of being or consciousness other than the ordinary, physical or mundane
consciousness
Invocation
the "calling in or down", the summoning or invitation of a non-material force or
entity of a higher order of being than oneself
Kabala
see Qabala
Karma
("a deed, an action, cause-and-effect, fate") the balance of all of one's actions
throughout all of one's incarnations, which thus determines one's future
experiences;
thus loosely, fate or destiny as a result of one's actions; should not be seen as any
doctrine of sin and punishment, but as the working of the Law of Cause and Effect,
or "what ye sow, so shall ye reap"
Lammas
(Old English "loaf mass", "bread feast") the Festival of the First-fruits of the
Harvest, August 1, though usually celebrated the night of July 31, Lammas Eve,
since the Celtic day began at sunset, hence also called August Eve; also called
Lughnasadh ("Festival of Lugh") for the Celtic God of Light (Irish Celtic "Lugh",
Welsh "Lleu", both meaning "Light", similar to the Latin "Lucifer" or "Light bearer"); as start of harvest, the Festival of the Sacrifice and Death of the GodKing, who like the grain is reaped at His prime before old age and decay sets in
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Left-Hand Path
commonly used to refer to "black magick", because of the association of "left" with
"evil";
hence the word "sinister", originally me aning "left, or lucky, side", acquired its
modern
connotation
Lesser Sabbats
the four "quarter festivals" of the Equinoxes and Solstices, whose observance in
ancient
cultures generally postdated that of the Greater Sabbats
Lineage
direct descent from an ancestor; ancestry; family; in Wicca, the line of initiatory
descent, or
magickal and spiritual ancestry, and hence, the "initiatory family" related by a
common
ancestry
Lughnasadh
see Lammas
Material Basis
item or substance serving as the physical-plane focus, or means of manifestation,
such as
incense smoke in which shapes can be seen; also, when working for a practical
result, the
preparations or physical actions one performs to assist in achieving that goal - such
as
actually looking for a job if one is working for a job or money
May Eve
see Beltane
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Midsummer
the Summer Solstice, so-called because the Celtic Summer began at Beltane and
ended at Hallows
Midwinter
the Winter Solstice, so-called because the Celtic Winter began at Hallows and ended
at
Beltane
November Eve
see Hallows
Occult
("hidden, concealed") secret, esoteric; term used for magick and other esoteric arts
and
sciences, such as astrology or alchemy
Pentacle
the Elemental Tool of Earth, a round wooden or metal disk usually enscribed with a
pentagram, often with other magickal Signs and Symbols specific to a Tradition;
also,
the wax, paper, or parchment form used as a material basis when making talismans
or
otherwise invoking or evoking a specific force
Pentagram
the five-pointed star, the Star of the Microcosm ("little world"); the Four Elements
ruled by Spirit (upright) or containing the unactualized potential of the Divine
Spark
(inverted); the inverted Pentagram also symbolizes the Horned God; Satanists also
445
use it to represent the Christian "Satan", who was not pictured as horned until the
Church used that symbolism to demonize the ancient Pagan Horned God by
equating
Him with their Devil
Personality
the "self" built up in a single incarnation, as a product of both heredity and
environment and consisting of the "ego self" or one's own inner sense of identity,
and the "persona" or outward personality shown to others; distinguished from
one's
Individuality, developed over the course of all one's incarnations
Postulant
a petitioner or candidate for admission into a religious order; the Wiccan rite of
Initiation refers to the candidate as a Postulant, which signifies not only that Wicca
is a specific Pagan Mystery religion and magickal order, but also that, since Wicca
does not proselytize, a candidate must ask to be Initiated into Wicca
Qabala
a body of occult philosophy, doctrines, and magickal and mystical lore derived from
certain Jewish rabbinical texts, probably originating in early Chaldean and other
Mesopotamian cultures, including possibly the ancient Egyptian; also spelled
Cabala,
Cabbala, Kabala, Qabbalah
Runes
(Old Norse, Old English, and Gaelic "run", "secret, mystery") the ancient Teutonic
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alphabet, which developed into various forms, including an Old English form
introduced in England by the Angles and Saxons; the symbols of that alphabet used
for divination; a chant, charm, or spell, used for magickal purposes (because writing
was originally a secret Mystery)
Salamanders
the Elemental Order of Fire, the elemental spirits of the Fire Element
Solstice
("sun standing still") one of the two dates in the year when the Sun reaches its
furthest position north, or south, of the equator: in the Northern Hemisphere, the
Summer Solstice is the northmost position, and begins the "Waning Side of the
Year", while the Winter Solstice is the southmost position and begins the "Waxing
Side of the Year"; called "solstice" because the Sun appears to stand still on that
day,
before beginning to move south/north again
Spring Equinox
see Equinox
StarKindler Witches
Traditional Witches who trace their line of initiatory descent from both Gerald
Gardner and from Alex and Maxine Sanders, through a line of StarKindler High
Priests and High Priestesses, according to the StarKindler Book of Shadows, and
who practice the StarKindler Tradition of Wicca
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Succubus
female wraith form or demon, for the purpose of sexual intercourse; legend held
that the succubus would manifest to a male, perhaps in his dreams, and thus acquire
his semen; it would then take the form of an incubus and manifest to a woman
Summer Solstice
see Solstice
Sylphs
the Elemental Order of Air, the elemental spirits of the Air Element
Threefold Return, the Law of
although related to the concept of Karma, the Law of Threefold Return says that
whatever one does by Magick, whether of good or of ill, returns to one threefold
Traditional Witches
Witches who claim their initiatory descent from surviving hereditary or traditional
Witchcraft, which includes the Gardnerian and Alexandrian Traditions and their
branches and offshoots via Gerald Gardner and/or Alex Sanders
the term "Traditionals" is sometimes used to distinguish Witches or Traditions that
claim initiatory descent from hereditary or traditional Witchcraft via persons other
than Gerald Gardner or Alex Sanders
the term "Traditional" is also sometimes used to refer to any Tradition that follows
a specific body of rites and practices - including admittedly modern revived or
reconstructed Traditions, especially ones that focus on a particular ethnic or
cultural
background - in order to distinguish between "Traditional" and "Eclectic"
Witchcraft
448
Undines
the Elemental Order of Water, the elemental spirits of the Water Element
Vernal Equinox
see Equinox
Wand
the Elemental Tool of Fire, or in some Traditions, of Air
Wicca, the Wicca, Wiccan
an Initiatory, Oathbound, Pagan Mystery religion celebrating the Mysteries
contained in the Legend of the Descent of the Goddess and in the Charge of the
Goddess, in which every Initiate is consecrated as a Priest or Priestess as well as
a Witch the Wicca are those thus Initiated and consecrated, the Priests and
Priestesses of a specific Mystery religion within the larger body of Pagan religions
a Wiccan is an Initiate of Wicca, a consecrated Priest or Priestess and Witch there
is also a different, although related, religious movement calling itself "Wicca" one that sprang from, and is loosely based upon the Mystery Religion, but that is
more exoteric and oriented toward worship and devotion and public celebration,
rather than toward a specific initiatory path, magickal practice, and spiritual
discipline; this religious movement has been aptly described as "Wicca-based
Paganism"
Winter Solstice
see Solstice
witch, Witch
a practitioner of witchcraft; the lower-case "witch" indicates a practitioner who
449
does not regard witchcraft as part of their particular religious belief or practice,
or example, Christians or atheists who practice witch's magicks and are thus
"witches", while the upper-case "Witch" indicates a practitioner of witchcraft as
an intrinsic part of their specific religious beliefs and practices, although not
necessarily those of the Wicca
witchcraft, Witchcraft
the craft, or magickal arts and practices, of witches; as with witch, and Witch,
the lower-case or upper-case letter indicates witchcraft as a practice outside of
(lower-case), or as an intrinsic part of (upper-case), a religious belief or practice
450
Grimoire vs. Book of Shadows
In Wicca, a "Book of Shadows" is used to record rituals and serves in some
instances as a diary as well. The first Book of Shadows was written by Gerald
Gardner, although there is still much scandal concerning who actually wrote it,
with alot of finger-pointing toward Aleister Crowley and in some cases Doreen
Valiente. The name, "Book of Shadows," is used to refer to the Witch-Hunt
days (ie Burning Times) and the need for secrecy of the religion, and thus an
allusion is made to practicing within the shadows.
The term grimoire, or grammar, means essentially a book
of learning and the name seems to make sense as a
universal term for this book. The name "grimoire" is not
the actual name which is used within any tradition. This
name is used solely because the real name of the book is
secret, and so it serves as a point of reference for the same
item between traditions. The things which are written
within the book are religious rituals, amendments to those
rituals, and other things which have to do with the religion.
Things related to magick are written in a different book. It
does not serve as a diary.
Most of the time, this book is hand written by the
individual. In some families, this book is copied from what
is referred to as a "Great Book."
451
In most traditions, the grimoire is composed by the
individual, and the rituals contained therein are sometimes
even written in runes (ie secret letters) or pictures so as not
to be understood by someone else. The rituals themselves
are based in the traditions and lore of the particular
tradition, but also contain individual flourishes as well. On
occasion, the contents of the grimoires may be copied from
a main book, sometimes referred to as the Great Book of a
family.
© Copyright 1997 Crystal Miller, All Rights Reserved.
452
What is a Hedgewitch?
A Hedgewitch is a tradition within a tradition that is somewhat shamanic
in nature, for lack of a better term. There are many different titles that
those who follow this inner tradition are called: Hedge-Rider, Hedgewitch,
Night Travellers, Myrk-Riders, Gandreidh, Badbh (name of a Goddess as
well as a title), and Walkers on the Wind. These are the ones who engage in
spirit flight, and journey into the Other World. It is this inner tradition
which utilizes such things as flying salves and potions in order to gain
access to the Other World. However, there are certain prerequisites which
must be met before one can learn this particular tradition.
A Hedgewitch is able to go into the Other World, and call back the souls of
those who are about to die. They can, in this capacity, be very powerful
healers. They are also able to speak with those who have passed beyond.
A bird of one kind or another is usually associated with the hedge
traditions. Two of the most commonly associated birds are the raven and
the goose.
A mention should be made that the hedge signified the boundary of the
village. The fence or hedge represents the boudary which exists between
this world and the spiritual realm. Not all cultures had hedges, though.
Some had stone wall, or earthen works. Regardless, this term is adopted as
a way to commonly identify these traditions.
It should be emphasized that not all Witches follow this inner tradition.
In regards to hedge traditions, the most impotant aspect is that of spiritflight. In the twelfth century, a reference is made to a myrk-rida in the C.
E. Law of Vastgotaland:
"Woman, I saw you riding on a fence switch with loose hair and belt, in
the troll skin, at the time when day and night are equal."
This excerpt refers to a Hedgewitch. She is earing a troll skin, or mask, as
a part of a ritual so that the inhabitants of the Other World will recognize
her. The liminality of her position between the two worlds is futher
453
enhance by the timing of the ritual which is held on an equinox during
which day and night are equal.
The Portugeuse witch, the Bruxsa, ventures out during the night as a large
sinister nightbird. In Germany, the nightjar is called the hexe, and is
thought of in local folklore as being a shape-shifted witch who has gone out
to suck the milk from the goats at night.
Often, these Hedgewitches were seen as riding upon a broom or ridingpole and flying through the air. In Old German, one of the words for a
male witch was Gabelreiterinnen and meant pitchfork-rider.
The broomstick, or riding-pole, represented the phallus of the Horned
God. According to some traditions, the ends of these poles were carved to
represent the erect penis and were concealed by being bound in either
birch twigs or straw. The tops of these riding-poles often ended in two
forked tines which represented the horns of the Horned God. Later these
riding poles developed into the more common wand.
To achieve the sensation of flying, poisonous compounds known as flying
ointments were used. These ointments contained strong akaloids such as
aconite, belladonna, and hemlock. The result of such ointments produced
physiological effects such as mental confusion, impaired mobility, irregular
heartbeat, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
The purpose of achieving this spirit-flight ranged from speaking to the
ancestors, to healing those who were near death and "calling them back."
It is believed that on the Cross Quarter-Days (commonly known as:
Samhain, Imbolc, Beltaine, and Lughnasdah), the ancestral spirits
travelled on invisible lines that linked togther burial places, graveyards,
and mounds. Each culture had its own name for these lines:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
faery-roads
Dutch death-roads
English church-ways
English coffin-paths
English corpse-roads
German geisterweige
Holland dood wegan
Celtic
454
•
Saxon daeda-waeg
During these times the bounderies between the two
worlds are thought to be lessened, and so
communication is easier. At Samhuinne, however, the
boundaries between the two worlds are believed to be at
their thinnest point, making interaction betwen them
much easier.
© Copyright 1997 Crystal Miller, All Rights Reserved.
455
Rites of Passage: Initiation vs. Self-Initiation
Within traditional Witchcraft, there is no such thing as a self-initiation. The
reason for this is because during the rite of passage, or initation, the lineage is
passed down to the next generation. Also, during this time, certain secrets are
revealed to the initiate.
However, there is what is termed a dedication which is a much more personal
ritual that is performed by the person. It is very different from a rite of passage
or initiation, though. A dedication is when a person decides to worship the
Gods, and learn the ways of Witchcraft. A dedication ritual is something that is
composed by the person themself wherein they pledge themself to the service
of the Gods. Just because someone has gone through a dedication but not
through a rite of passage does not mean that they are not devoted. Devotion to
the Gods is personal, and that is why it is expressed through a self-dedication.
Regardless of the tradition within Witchcraft, there is usually some form of
initiation or rite of passage, although it may or may not be referred to as such.
For some who are a part of family traditions, this is followed through certain
rites which occur when an individual reaches specific times within their life
cycle. For others, the rite of passage may be done after an individual has
completed a a time of study along with specified tasks.
The rite of passage, or initiation is a formal ritual wherein a person must has
spent a period of study and has reached a certain point wherein they are given a
set of tasks to complete. Some traditions have different stages, wherein other
have certain points in the life cycle wherein this ritual takes place. One of the
most important parts of the Rite of Passage or Initiation is when the lineage is
passed down. The lineage is the line of essence which has passed from Witch to
Witch for all the preceding generations. There are also sometimes naming
ceremonies. These are sometimes included within the rite of passage or
initiation, although in some traditions they remain seperate.
© Copyright 1997 Crystal Miller, All Rights Reserved.
456
The Lycian Tradition of Wicca
Recently, contact was made
with a woman who practiced
a Wiccan tradition which was
referred to as Lycian. The
belief is that the tradition
originated from what they
refer to as the European
"Wolf Tribes." The
information which I was
given said that they do not
call the watchtowers as the
majority of Wiccans do, and
that they use a
457
correspondence which to
their knowledge is only
mirrored by the Tibetian
monks.
A basic overview of why
they place various elements
according to specific
directions is as follows:
•
East is Earth, because the
sun bursts forth from the
earth each morning, and
the cold winter months
begin to wane.
458
•
•
•
South is Fire, because it is
there that the sun hits it's
height, and it is also here
that the sun is the hottest
during the day.
West is Air, because this is
the realm of Death where
the eagle flies and the soul
is weighed. It is also here
that the Winter overtakes
the Summer and the
darkest part of the year
approaches.
North is Water, because
this is considered to be the
459
realm of dark and cold, and
the realm of the Mother.
Unfortunately, this was the
only explanation given of
why North is Water, and it
is only an association and
not a reason although from
the conversation I am sure
there is more to it than just
what was given there.
© Copyright 1997 Crystal
Miller, All Rights Reserved.
460
Guardians vs. Watchtowers
In Wicca, guardians known as Watchtowers are called. These guardians are
held hostage in each of the four corners or directions of the circle: East, South,
West, and North. They are set there to guard and protect the circle. The origin
of the Watchtowers is in Cabbalistic magick, and thus demonstrates the roots of
Wicca in the OTO. This calling of the Watchtowers usually takes place during
what is known in Wicca as "Calling the Quarters."
Traditional Witchcraft does not utilize the calling of Watchtowers; it does
however, call Guardians. These Guardians are often the spirits with whom a
person feels comfortable with and has developed some form of a relationship
with. Possible guardians might be one of the Ancestors, a "spirit guide," or
other spirtual entity with which the person is familiar with.
Some traditions call Guardians, whereas others do not. Guardians are often
called to protect the sacred area. As many traditions do not have specific
boundaries for their sacred area, the guardians can roam the area freely and
protect the area from unwanted influences. In general, they are not necessary
but still a good idea.
© Copyright 1997 Crystal Miller, All Rights Reserved.
461
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Real Origin of Wicca
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We must dismiss with some respect the assertion, put forth by Margot Adler and others,
that "Wicca no longer adheres to the orthodox mythos of the Book of Shadows."
Many, if not most of those who have been drawn to Wicca in the last three decades came
to it under the spell (if I may so term it) of the legend of ancient Wicca. If that legend is
false, then while reformists and revisionist apologists (particularly the peculiar hybrid
spawned in the late sixties under the name "feminist Wicca") may seek other valid
grounds for their practices, we at least owe it to those who have operated under a
misapprehension to explain the truth, and let the chips fall where they may.
I believe there is a core of valid experience falling under the Wiccan- neopagan heading,
but that that core is the same essential core that lies at the truths exposed by the dreaded
boogy- man Aleister Crowley and the` wicked' pansexualism of Crowley's Law of
Thelema. That such roots would be not just uncomfortable, but intolerable to the
orthodox traditionalists among the Wiccans, but even more so among the hybrid feminist
"wiccans" may indeed be an understatement.
Neopaganism, in a now archaic "hippie" misreading of ecology, mistakes responsible
stewardship of nature for nature worship. Ancient pagans did not `worship' nature; to a
large extent they were afraid of it, as has been pointed out to me by folk practioners.
Their "nature rites" were to propitiate the caprice of the gods, not necessarily to honor
them. The first neopagan revivalists, Gardner, Crowley and Dr. Murray, well understood
this. Neopagan wiccans usually do not.
In introducing a "goddess element" into their theology, Crowley and Gardner both
understood the yin/yang, male/female fundamental polarity of the universe. Radical
feminist neopagans have taken this balance and altered it, however unintentionally, into a
political feminist agenda, centered around a near-monotheistic worship of the female
principle, in a bizarre caricature of patriarchal Christianity. Bigotry, I submit, cuts both
ways.
I do not say these things lightly; I have seen it happen in my own time. IF this be truth, let
truth name its own price. I was not sure, until Norm and John got back from the Old Jail.
A couple of months earlier, scant days after hearing that I was to become a gnostic bishop
and thus an heir to a corner of Crowley's legacy, I had punched on my answering
machine, and there was the unexpected voice of John Turner saying that he had located
462
what seemed to be the original Book of Shadows in an inventory list, locating it at
Ripley's office in Toronto.
He said he didn't think they would sell it as an individual item, but he gave me the name
of a top official in the Ripley organization, who I promptly contacted. I eventually made
a substantial offer for the book, sight unseen, figuring there was (at the least) a likelihood
I'd be able to turn the story into a book and get my money back out of it, to say nothing of
the historical import.
But, as I researched the matter, I became more wary, and confused; Gardner's texts "A"
"B" and "C" all seemed to be accounted for. Possibly, I began to suspect, this was either a
duplicate of the "deThelemized" post1954 version with segments written by Gardner and
Valiente and copied and recopied (as well as distorted) from hand to hand since by
Wiccans the world over.
Maybe, I mused, Valiente had one copy and Gardner another, the latter sold to Ripley
with the Collection. Or, perhaps it was the curious notebook discovered by Aidan Kelly
in the Ripley files called Ye Book of Ye Art Magical, the meaning of which was unclear.
While I was chatting with Ms.Deska, Norm returned from his mission, we introduced in
best businesslike fa shion, and he told me he'd get the book, whatever it might be, from
the vault.
The vault?! I sat there thinking god knows what . Recently, I'd gotten a call from
Toronto, and it seems the Ripley folks wanted me to take a look at what they had. I had
made a considerable offer, and at that point I figured I'd had at least a nibble. As it so
happened Norm would be visiting on a routine inspection visit, so it was arranged he
would bring the manuscript with him.
Almost from the minute he placed it in front of me, things began to make some kind of
sense. Clearly, this was Ye Book of Ye Art Magical. Just as clearly, it was an unusual
piece, written largely in the same hand as the Crowley Charter- that is, the hand of Gerald
Gardner. Of this I became certain, because I had handwriting samples of Gardner,
Valiente and Crowley in my possession. Ms. Valiente had been mindful of this when she
wrote me, on August 8th, 1986:
I have deliberately chosen to write you in longhand, rather than send a typewritten reply,
so that you will have something by which to judge the validity of the claim you tell me is
being made by the Ripley organisation to have a copy of a "Book of Shadows" in Gerald
Gardner's handwriting and mine. If this is..."Ye Book of Ye Art Magical," ....this is
definitely in Gerald Gardner's handwriting. Old Gerald, however, had several styles of
handwriting....I think it is probable that the whole MS. was in fact written by Gerald, and
no other person was involved; but of course I may be wrong....
463
At first glance it appeared to be a very old book, and it suggested to me where the rumors
that a very old, possibly medieval Book of Shadows had once been on display in
Gardner's Museum had emerged from.
Any casual onlooker might see Ye Book in this light, for the cover was indeed that of an
old volume, with the original title scratched out crudely on the side and a new title tooled
into the leather cover. The original was some mundane volume, on Asian knives or
something, but the inside pages had been removed, and a kind of notebook -- almost a
journal -- had been substituted.
As far as I could see, no dates appear anywhere in the book. It is written in several
different handwriting styles, although, as noted above, Doreen Valiente assured me that
Gardner was apt to use several styles. I had the distinct impression this "notebook" had
been written over a considerable period of time, perhaps years, perhaps even decades. It
may, indeed, date from his days in the 1930s when he linked up with a neorosicrucuian
grouping that could have included among its members the legendary Dorothy
Clutterbuck, who set Gardner on the path which led to Wicca.
Thinking on it, what emerges from Ye Book of Ye Art Magical is a developmental set of
ideas. Much of it is straight out of Crowley, but it is clearly the published Crowley, the
old magus of the Golden Dawn, the A.A., and the O.T.O.
Somewhere along the line it hit me that I was not exactly looking at the "original Book of
Shadows" but, perhaps, the outline Gardner prepared over a long period of time,
apparently in secret (since Valiente, a relatively early initiate of Gardner's, never heard of
it nor saw it, according to her own account, until recent years, about the time Aidan Kelly
unearthed it in the Ripley collection long after Gardner's death).
Dr. Gardner kept many odd notebooks and scrapbooks that perhaps would reveal much
about his character and motivations. Turner showed me a Gardner scrapbook in Ripley's
store room which was mostly cheesecake magazine photographs and articles about
actresses. Probably none are so evocative as Ye Book of Ye Art Magical, discovered,it
has been intimated,hidden away in the back of an old sofa.
I have the impression it was essentially unknown in and after Gardner's lifetime, and that
by the Summer of 1986 few had seen inside it; I knew of only Kelly and my own party.
Perhaps the cover had been seen by some along the line, accounting for the rumor of a
"very old Book of Shadows" in Gardner's Museum.
If someone had seen the charter signed by Crowley ("Baphomet") but written by Gerald
Gardner, and had gotten a look, as well, at Ye Book, they might well have concluded that
Crowley had written BOTH, an honest error, but maybe the source of that long-standing
accusation. There is even a notation in the Ripley catalog attributing the manuscript to
Crowley on someone's say-so, but I have no indication Ripley has any other such book.
Finally, if the notebook is a sourcebook of any religious system, it is not that of medieval
464
witchcraft, but the twentieth century madness or sanity or both of the infamous magus
Aleister Crowley and the Thelemic/Gnostic creed of The Book of the Law.
As I sat there I read aloud familiar quotations or paraphrases from published material in
the Crowley-Thelemic canon. This is not the "ancient religion of the Wise" but the
modern sayings of " the Beast 666 " as Crowley was wont to style himself.
But, does any of this invalidate Wicca as an expression of human spirituality? It depends
on where one is coming from. Certainly, the foundations of feminist Wicca and the
modern cult of the goddess are challenged with the fact that the goddess in question may
be Nuit, her manifestation the sworn whore, Our Lady Babalon, the Scarlet Woman.
Transform what you will shall be the whole of history, but THIS makes what Marx did to
Hegel look like slavish devotion.
What Crowley himself said of this kind of witchcraft is not merely instructive, but an
afront to the conceits of an era.
"The belief in witchcraft," he observed, " was not all superstition; its psychological roots
were sound. Women who are thwarted in their natural instincts turn inevitably to all kinds
of malignant mischief, from slander to domestic destruction..."
For the rest of us, those who neither worship nor are disdainful of the man who made
sexuality a god or, at least, acknowledged it as such, experience must be its own teacher.
If Wicca is a sort of errant Minerval Camp of the OTO, gone far astray and far afield
since the days Crowley gave Gardner a charter he "didn't use" but seemed to value, and a
whole range of rituals and imagery that assault the senses at their most literally
fundamental level; if this is true or sort of true, maybe its time history be owned up to.
Mythos has its place and role, but so, too, does reality.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wicca As An OTO Encampment
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The question of intent looms large in the background of this inquiry. If I had to guess, I
would venture that Gerald Gardner did, in fact, invent Wicca more or less whole cloth, to
be a popularized version of the OTO. Crowley, or his successor Karl Germer, who also
knew Dr. Gardner, likely set "old Gerald" on what they intended to be a Thelemic path,
aimed at reestablishing at least a basic OTO encampment in England.
Aiden Kelly's research work on all this is most impressive, but at rock bottom I can't help
feeling he still wants to salvage something original in Wicca. In a way, there is some
justification for this; the Wicca of Gerald Gardner, OTO initiate and advocate of sexual
magick produced a folksy, easier version of the OTO, but by the middle nineteen fifties
465
some of his early "followers" not only created a revisionist Wicca with relatively little of
the Thelemic original intact, but convinced Gardner to go along with the changes.
It is also possible, but yet unproven, that, upon expelling Kenneth Grant from the OTO in
England, Germer, in the early 1950s, summoned Gardner to America to interview him as
a candidate for leading the British OTO. Gardner, it is confirmed, came to America, but
by then Wicca, and Dr. Gardner had begun to take their own, watered-down course.
Today most Wiccans have no idea of their origins.
Let me close this section by quoting two interesting tidbits for your consideration.
First consider Doreen Valiente's observation to me concerning "the Parsons connection".
I quote from her letter abovementioned, one of several she was kind enough to send me
in 1986 in connection with my research into this matter.
...I did know about the existence of the O.T.O. Chapter in California at the time of
Crowley's death, because I believe his ashes were sent over to them. He was cremated
here in Brighton, you know, much to the scandal of the local authorities, who objected to
the `pagan funeral service.' If yo u are referring to the group of which Jack Parsons was a
member (along with the egregious Mr. L. Ron Hubbard), then there is another curious
little point to which I must draw your attention. I have a remarkable little book by Jack
Parsons called MAGICK, GNOSTICISM AND THE WITCHCRAFT. It is unfortunately
undated, but Parsons died in 1952. The section on witchcraft is particularly interesting
because it looks forward to a revival of witchcraft as the Old Religion....I find this very
thought provoking. Did Parsons write this around the time that Crowley was getting
together with Gardner and perhaps communicated with the California group to tell them
about it?
We must remember that Ms. Valiente was a close associate of Gardner and is a dedicated
and active Wiccan. She, of course, has her own interpretation of these matters. The OTO
recently reprinted the Parsons "witchcraft" essays in Freedom is a Two Edged Sword , a
postumous collection of his writings. It does indeed seem that Gardner and Parsons were
both on the same wave- length at about the same time.
The other matter of note is the question of the length of Gardner's association with the
OTO and with Crowley personally. My informant Col. Lawrence, tells me that he has in
his possession a cigarette case which once belonged to Aleister Crowley. Inside
"is a note in Crowley's hand that says simply: `gift of GBG, 1936, A. Crowley'."
(Personal letter, 6 December, 1986)
The inscription could be a mistake, it could mean 1946, the period of the Charter. But, as
Ms. Valiente put it in a letter to me of 8th December, 1986:
466
If your friend is right, then it would mean that old Gerald actually went through a charade
of pretending to Arnold Crowther that Arnold was introducing him to Crowley for the
first time - a charade which Crowley for some reason was willing to go along with. Why?
I can't see the point of such a pretence; but then occultists sometimes do devious things...
Crowley may have played out a similar scene with G.I. Gurdjieff, the other enlightened
merry prankster of the first half of the twentieth century.
Gnosticism and Wicca, the subjects of Jack Parsons' essays, republished by the OTO and
Falcon Press in 1990, are the two most successful expressions to date of Crowley's dream
of a popular solar-phallic religion. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think Aleister and Gerald may
have cooked Wicca up.
If Wicca is the OTO's prodigal daughter in fact, authorized directly by Crowley, how
should Wiccans now relate to this? How should Crowley's successors and heirs in the
OTO deal with it?
Then too, what are we to make of and infer about all this business of a popular ThelemicGnostic religion? Were Crowley, Parsons, Gardner and others trying to do something of
note with regard to actualizing a New Aeon here which bears scrutiny? Or is this mere
speculation, and of little significance for the Great Work today?
If the Charter Crowley issued Gardner is, indeed, the authority upon which Wicca has
been built for half a century, then it is perhaps no coincidence that I acquired that Charter
in the same year I was consecrated a Bishop of the Gnostic Catholic Church. Further, it
was literally days after my long search for the original of Gardner's BOOK OF
SHADOWS ended in success that the Holy Synod of T Michael Bertiaux's Gnostic
Church unanimously elected me a Missionary Bishop, on August 29, 1986.
Sometimes, I muse, the Inner Order revoked Wicca's charter in 1986,placing it in my
hands. Since I hold it in trust for the OTO, perhaps Wicca has, in symbolic form, returned
home at last. It remains for the Wiccans to, literally (since the charter hangs in my temple
space), to read the handwriting on the wall.
Excerpted From: Greenfield, Allen. A True History of Witchcraft. 1992.