Day: November 28, 2011

Meditation on Thinking and Believing

Meditation on Thinking and Believing

In a world as fast paced and technological as this, it is sometimes hard to come face to face with something that we do not understand. Even this book is a modern miracle. It was created on a PC, typeset on a different PC, send off to the publisher where it was loaded onto still other machinery, and copied at an incredible rate of speed. Someone created the cover picture and loaded it into a form that computerized machinery could use, and it was printed off nearly as fast.

Finally, the cover and the book were bound on still more machinery and the books were packed and placed onto a truck for delivery to your local bookstore. We exist outside of natural time. Instead of rising with the dawn and working until it is dark, we set our alarms to wake us, dash off to work, come home, and continue to work long into the night under the glaring false light of technology.

We can see tiny cells that are far to small to see with the naked eye, and fall victim to high tech crime and other problems. Every day brings new discoveries of still smaller and smaller particles and creations. We analyze everything until we understand it in the smallest detail possible. Why? So that we can think we understand it. We fool ourselves into believing that everything can be rationally explained.

But what about the things that we can’t explain? What about the things we can explain but that words just do not describe well? The birth of a child is a miracle in action. Through our research, we can describe what is physically happening throughout the entire development from fertilized egg to human. Yet, those same words cannot hope to ever express the miracle of two single cells coming together to create the marvelously complex beings that we call people. It cannot describe what a soul is or how it comes to be there. It cannot describe the bond that exists between mother and child, or the wonder in the eyes of that child as it learns about its new world.

Thinking and believing have a place in the world. We could not get along without it. However, it is far from sufficient to strive to explain everything there is through this process. Some things should be left as what they are. Miracles. Faith. Mysteries.

(Meditate on these ideas for several days in succession)

Copyright © 2000, Jet Blackthorn

Meditation on the Pentacle and Earth

Meditation on the Pentacle and Earth

Into a dark world comes the dawn, the start of a new day coming from the East. The powers of Earth spring from the same source. Buds burst forth into new growth. Animals come out to look at the world as it blooms again and fill their bellies once more, the starvation and hunger of winter at an end. The Earth is our foundation and our stability as we learn to frolic and play.

The powers of Earth are vast and abundant. When she is angry, the ground shakes and trembles, warning us to change our actions and helping to shake us free from standing around and watching life pass us by. The gifts she gives are boundless.

If this element were to be placed on the face of a clock, following the path of the sun, it would be in the east, at dawn, when time is new and the earth is just beginning to burst forth with new life. It is a light, creative time that holds the promise of the day to come.

Similarly, the moon rises in the west, and if a witch wished to follow the lunar cycle, the element would be placed there. The new, waxing moon is a time of promise of things to come. It is a time of bringing things into being and manifesting growth into the world. This is the time of the Maiden, of the Huntress, those who hold the reins of creativity and inspiration.

The earth, for a witch, is symbolized by the pentacle. It may be as elaborate or as simple as is meaningful. Simple rocks have been used along with things as complex as sun catchers, crystal plates, and hand thrown pottery. It is the foundation to all a witch’s works and all her spells and magick. It helps to keep them stable and able to work their magick and let go of themselves into ecstatic states, knowing they will find their way back.

If a stone is to be used, the best kinds are ones that are found out on one of the walks or trips that the witch takes. Tumbled or polished ones will work, but they are somewhat distracting from the natural ties that the pentacle has to the earth at times. If you want a shiny one, purchase a small rock tumbler (Most are less than $20.00) and tumble the rocks that you find outside on your own. Granite also works well, if there is a source nearby, since it has both a rough surface and a glossy one.

Marble is another choice, if available, that is a good option if a fancier pentacle is desired. Since the pentacle represents the north and is the stability that a witch ties her spells to as she casts them, it is the anchor point for a circle. Make certain that your pentacle is sturdy enough to take the strain of these things before you acquire and consecrate it.

Copyright © 2000, Jet Blackthorn

Meditate on the Waxing Moon

Meditate on the Waxing Moon

 
According to Celtic tradition, the waxing of the moon (when it passes from new to full) is a time of inner transformation that gives us a heightened awareness of the voice of the soul. At some point during this period, spend five minutes meditating on the moon. At the start of the meditation, imagine Olwen, the lady of the moon, assisting you in allowing your soul to speak.

5-Minute Meditation: Light-Song

5-Minute Meditation: Light-Song – By Avalon De Witt

Sit quietly in a comfortable place with your eyes closed. Take a few deep breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth. Listening to the rhythm of your breath, feel your body relaxing from the top of your head, all the way down to the tips of your toes…

Begin to form a vivid picture in your mind. See before you a large golden chalice, spilling over with a pale green light. The soft glow of this light is calming to look at and seems to emanate a sound like a thousand angels singing…

Let this light-born music become clearer and more vibrant. Notice how the light-song harmonizes with your heart beat. You can sense a healing power in the lilting melody that is already making you feel lighter…

Visualize yourself reaching out with your hands cupped together and dipping into the green light as though it were a pool of cool water…

Now ease your hands toward your your heart center and let the green light gently penetrate you there. Allow this gentle green light to expand in your heart and throughout your body filling you with immense joy, bringing a smile to your face…

Feel the song of this light dancing within you, moving through your bloodstream, washing away all your stresses and worries. Observe the way your body responds to the comforting, harmonious music freeing your mind, balancing you…

Spend as long as you like reveling in the relaxation of this tender light-song. Hear it flowing through you, cleansing you completely. Enjoy the feelings of peace and contentment, and remember that you can take in this beautiful light song any time you wish…

Gradually deepen your breath and return to the moment. Bring your attention back to the room. Gently move your fingers and toes and slowly open your eyes. This is a wonderful way to release anxiety and lift your spirits any time of day.

Spread Your Wings and Fly (Snow Moon)

Spread Your Wings and Fly

(Snow Moon)
 
 
Spread your wings and fly toward your full potential with this spell.
 
Sit or lie back and get comfortable. Take several deep breaths, inhaling slowly, holding your breath for a count of three, and exhaling. Sense all the stress and tension moving out of your body every time you breathe out.
 
Stretch your arms out and as you do so, imagine them growing feathers and becoming wings. Slightly move your arms, and it lightly moves you up into the clouds. Around you are butterflies and zebras that ride through fairytales on moonbeams.
 
By lightly flapping your wings, you ride the wind to wherever you want to go. Through the intention of your mind, you can become whoever you want to be. Now is the time to spread your wings and fly. Now is the time to reach for the stars and realize your full potential. Allow yourself to drift to sleep, as you wing your way through the stars.

Peri Protection Spell {Snow Moon}

Peri Protection Spell

{Snow Moon}
 
 
The Peries are Persian Faeries born from fire. They only eat perfume and are known to protect people against harmful faeries. In this spell, you are invoking the energy of the Peries as a means of protection from dark energies and negative events.
 
You will need a green candle and three drops of jasmine-scented oil.
 
Begin by anointing the candle with the three drops of oil while saying:
 
“Blessed oil of jasmine sweet
Draw the magick of the Peries to me.”
 
Put the candle in its holder, and light it while dedicating it to the Peris:
 
“Born from the divine fire
Peries protect me from evil and darkness.
As I will, so shall it be!”
 
Let the candle burn safely down all the way. Put some perfume on a piece of cloth and leave it out for the Peries. Anytime you feel darkness and negativity trying to come into your space, light a candle and call in the Peries for protection.

Dark Moon Affirmation Magick (Snow Moon)

Dark Moon Affirmation Magick

(Snow Moon)
 
 
The dark Moon can be a time of fear and doubt. This spell will help you to affirm your magick and move forward in your patterns.
 
You will need a white candle. Draw a circle of light and call in the elements. Light the white candle, and invite the Goddess into your circle:
 
Divine Mother so bright
Please bless my circle with your light.
 
Stand before your altar, and call out three times:
 
Today and everyday I am on a quest to make my life more the way I want it to be. My magick is strong. I will prevail in my quest.
So be it!
 
Thank the Goddess for her blessings, bid farewell to the elements and pull up the circle. For best results write the affirmation on an index card, and put it on your bathroom mirror. Read it aloud to yourself at least three times each day and three times each night.

Incense and Peppermints Dream Spell (Snow Moon)

Incense and Peppermints Dream Spell

(Snow Moon)
 
This spell is to stir your passion for life and love.

You will need a cup of vanilla tea, frankincense incense, music conducive to dream magick and a peppermint candy cane.

Begin by brewing the tea and lighting the incense. Put on the music and lick the candy cane three times, savoring its sweet peppermint taste. Take a deep breath and let the aroma of the incense fill your nostrils and say:
 
Incense and peppermint, awaken the passion in me
So that I might truly come alive, so mote it be!
 
Stir the tea with the candy cane three times, and say three times:
 
Awaken my passion, blessed be!
 
Eat the candy cane and drink the tea, enjoying every last bit of it. Let your senses continue to enjoy the aroma of the incense and sound of the music. As you drift to sleep, imagine your senses aroused and waiting to be fully awakened. Give yourself the suggestion:

Tonight my dreams are sensuous and filled with passion.

Snow Moon Ritual Oil

Snow Moon Ritual Oil

 
Draw the power and passion of the Goddess to you with this ritual oil.
 
You will need nine tablespoons of grape seed oil, six drops of sandalwood-scented oil, two drops of lavender essential oil and twelve drops of vanilla extract.

Pour the oils and extract into a bottle with a sealed top. Shake the oil while saying:
 
Goddess of love bless this sensuous oil
Please fill it with your divine power and passion.
 
Warm the oil up slightly before using it to massage your beloved. Enjoy the aroma as you kneed the oil into your lover’s skin. After you rub your beloved, then have him or her massage you with your snow moon ritual oil.

Divining Love (Snow Moon)

Divining Love

(Snow Moon)
 
This spell utilizes the ancient art of dowsing to answer your questions regarding love.
 
You will need two seventeen-inch lengths of wire and two five-inch hollow tubes. Copper wire works best with copper tubing as the holders. If nothing else, you can use metal coat hangers and straws.

Bend the wires into “L” shapes, with the long arm being twelve inches and the short arm five inches. The holders go around the short end. The wire should move freely around in the holder.

Hold the wire rods in each hand, outward from your waist, and take a deep breath in and out and say:

May the Goddess bless these divining rods as a true and clear oracle.
 
Now think of a question regarding love and state it aloud three times. The rods should start parallel to one another. As you ask your question, watch what the rods do. If they open up, it’s a positive answer to your question. If they cross one another, it’s a negative response to your question.