Month: July 2012

The Wicca Book of Days for July 9th – Watery Associations

The Wicca Book of Days for July 9th

Watery Associations

 

The element that is linked with this zodiacal day of Cancer is water, to which astrological tradition ascribes many associations. According to the theory of the four “humors” that were once said to circulate the human body, for instance, water’s equivalent was the cold, moist phlegmatic humor, an excess of which could make a person unresponsive, unemotional, and placid. The alchemical (as well as magickal) symbol for water is the downward-pointing triangle, which symbolizes a vessel, such as a chalice, or womb ( and note that water is deemed to be feminine in the laws of alchemy).

 

Toast Dionysus!

Many Wiccans celebrate the birth of the Greco-Roman God of the vine Dionysus (or the Roman Bacchus) on July 9. And how better to honor this “twice-born” deity than to pour yourself a glass of blood-red grape juice or wine, raise it to grateful salute, and savor it!

Good Blessed Monday Morning to you, my dear, dear friends!

Good Morning my dearest of friends! As you have probably figured out by now, there is no telling what you are going to find on this blog, lol! I am probably one of the most moody witches you will ever meet in your life. I can start out on one subject or interest and in a bat of an eye, change to another. My daughter says there is a syndrome for that, lol! I just tell her, my mind races at 90 miles a minute and it does. There is so much I want to do, so much I want to tell. I could to the realization early in life, that life is very precious. What little time we have here, we must accomplish all that we can.

As most of you probably have gathered by now, I love the Goddess very much. I also love our Ancestors very much. I admire them. I am eternally thankful to them. I cannot begin to imagine what they must have endured. Think back for a moment….We are now in the 1600’s. It is a beautiful Spring day. You are outside in the woods with your husband. Lovingly embracing, walking hand in hand looking for berries and nuts. Your daughter comes running down the path screaming, “Mother, Mother, the Lord, deacons & constable from the church are here!” You and your husband are discussing what they want. You pick up your pace. You can see them standing in your wooded front yard. You greet them and before you can say another word, the constable and deacons are putting you in irons. You hear the Lord proclaim, “There are accusations against you that you are Witches!” You gasp, “What?” You are not allowed to say anything in your defense. You are put on a wagon, carted off to town, with your crying 14 year old daughter following as far as she can.

I admit some of the details might not be quite accurate (like there being a Lord present). But yet it is a dramatic scene to imagine. It would be even more dramatic to live. You piss a neighbor off. The neighbor goes to the Church and accuses you of Witchcraft. The Church was more than eager to bring you in. You know why? 100% of the time, you would be convicted as a Witch. The Church has a lot to gain by your conviction. Your land, your property, your home, your money, everything you had went to the Church. Now if that wasn’t reason enough to make sure the innocent people and our Ancestors were found guilty, I don’t know what was. Some of the punishments dished out were pathetic, absolutely pathetic. The one we were discussing the other night, was were the person was taken to the pond. Then the person was thrown into the pond. If the person floated, she/he was a Witch. If they drowned, they were innocent. Then after the person that floated survived that, they were taken and burned. Make a lot of sense doesn’t it? Either way you are very much dead. But our Ancestors were extra ordinary individuals. They were committed to our Religion enough to die for it. Others, thankfully when underground to preserve our Religion. Witchcraft was passed on by word of mouth, from one generation to the next. Each generation was told what our great Ancestors had done to make sure our Religion lived on.

Today, we do not take time to thank our Ancestors for all they have done for us. For all they sacrificed and in all case, given their lives for us to have. We take our Religion for granted. It is here but we don’t stop to realize what it took for it to get here.

Doing my research this morning, I ran across a poem that was written during the Burning Times. I would like to share it with you now.

Burning Times

The songs are sung to rouse our anger of martyred Witches gone to the fires, But what is served by righteous singing, if all we do is stew in our ire? Nine million dead in four hundred years; More in that time simply died of disease. Why do we dwell on long past dead When we are alive in times like these?

(chorus)

Rise up, Witches, throw off your masks And cease crying guilt for ancient crimes. Earth and all Her children need us For ALL face now the Burning Times.

In the face of that hostile power, how did the old knowledge stay alive? How have we still a Craft to practice? Our ancestors knew how to fight and survive! How do we honour our blessed dead? Slavery threatens us all but few. We must teach their cunning ways — EVERYONE needs the skills they knew!

(chorus 2)

Rise up, Witches, gather your strength, And let your power spread and climb; Earth and all Her children need us For ALL face now the Burning Times.

I will not cast off Science’s works — Witches all forces to Will can bend; I’ll not accuse for war and waste some patriarchy of faceless men. Men do not cast the only votes; Women alone do not demonstrate. Rather than shut out half the race, Who if not we will change that state?

(chorus 2)

I will not blame a Father’s Church — blame and guilt are their tools, not mine, And even in the shuls and churches, allies there will I seek, and find! I will not answer hate with fear, Nor with a smug, cheek-turning love. I will not answer hate with rage; By strength alone will I not be moved!

(chorus 2)

I will not hide in my sacred grove — the fact’ries and cities yet ring me about; I will not climb my ivory tower — the real world exists tho’ I shut it out. I will not work for Church nor State Who serve themselves while they serve us lies, Nor only for my Witchen kin, But for the family of all alive!

(chorus 2)

So if rebellion means to fight a State lost sight of why it was built, If heresy’s to reject a Church that rules with force or fear or guilt, Then let us all be rebels proud, And shameless heretics by creed — A tyrant’s hand subjects the Earth, More heretic rebels are what She needs!

(chorus 2)

Did it ever occur to the writers of your antique laws that the Craft might actually be WELCOMED by a great number of people? That there might actually be more of us than of those who wish us ill?  That the only reason those who fear us are so active nowadays is because they see us becoming more and more welcomed by more people?  As I say in another song,

 “When folk in sorrow turn away/

From paths that lead to misery/

And seek  new ways for wholeness’ sake/

Then waiting, ready shall we be.”

All I can say is, I’m Goddess-glad I’m not in your tradition.

Amen to that! I am glad I’m not in your Tradition!

Demon Banishing Spell

Demon Banishing Spell

Whether the demon exists inside or out, this spell will drains its psychic powers.

Best time to cast:

Three nights before the New Moon

Items you will need:

  • A empty coffee can with a plastic lid
  • 1 pound of sea salt
  • A shovel

The Spell:

  1. Pour most of the seal salt into the coffee can and place the open can in the center of your basement.
  2. Sprinkle some salt in each corner of your basement.
  3. Envision the demon as a grayish cloud and see it being absorbed by the salt in the can. Say aloud: “Begone now, demon, let me be, No long can you torment me, I bind you for eternity and I shall evermore be free.
  4. On the New Moon put the lid on the coffee can and take it to a desolate place – a vacant lot, a desert, a gravel pit the town dump – away from water, trees people or animals. Don’t open the can. Bury it and say good riddance to the demon trapped inside.

Money Tree Spell

Money Tree Spell

We all know money doesn’t grow on trees, unfortunately. But this spell will help increase your cash flow.

Items You Will Need:

  • Gold and/or silver ribbons
  • Small charms, earrings, beads or crystals
  • Bells or wind chimes

Best Time To Cast:

During the Waxing Moon, in the Spring or Summer in the Fall or Winter, do this spell when the Waxing Moon is in Taurus

The Spell:

Tie the ribbons loosely on the branches of a favorite tree that’s special to you. Hang the other adornments on the branches as well. These objects represent gifts or offerings to the Nature Spirits, in return for their assistance in bringing your wealth. As you attach each item, state your intention aloud and ask the Nature Spirits to help you acquire what you desire. When you’ve finished, thank the tree and the Nature Spirits.

Turn Up The Heat

Turn Up The Heat

If you feel your romance or relationship has lost the fire/passion that it use to have. Then this spell is for you.

Items You Will Need:

  • A fireplace, balefire pit, barbecue grill, hibachi or other place where you can light a fire safely
  • Matches
  • A piece of paper
  • A pen that writes red ink
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Mustard Seeds
  • Ginger
  • Jasmine
  • Rosemary
  • Bay Leaves

Best Time To Cast:

During the Waxing Moon, preferably on a Tuesday

The Spell:

Collect the ingredients needed for this spell. Cast a circle around the area where you will do your spell. Build a small fire.

On the paper, write what you find enticing about your partner and what you desire from him/her. Be as descriptive and explicit as you like – no one but you will read what you’ve written. When you’ve finished, draw the Runes Gebo, which looks like an X and Teiwaz, which looks like an arrow pointing up, around the edges of the paper. These two symbols represent love and passion respectively.

Place the spices on the paper and fold it to make a packet that contains them. Visualize you and your love in a passionate embrace. As  you hold this image in your mind, toss the packet of spices into the fire. As it burns, your intention is released into the universe. Open the circle.

Magick Balm To Heal A Broken Heart

Magick Balm To Heal A Broken Heart

Items You Will Need:

  • A small piece of rose quartz
  • A glass jar or bottle, preferably green, with a lid or stopper
  • 9 ounces of olive, almond, or grape seed oil
  • 6 drops of rose, jasmine, or ylang-ylang essential oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried chamomile leaves

Best Time To Cast:

Begin on the New Moon and continue for as long as necessary

The Spell/Balm:

Collect the ingredients needed for this magick balm. Wash the rose quartz and the jar with mild soap and water. Cast a Circle around the area where you will do your spell. Pour the olive, almond or grape seed oil into the jar. Add the essential oil and inhale the fragrance, allowing it to relax your mind. Crush the chamomile leaves very fine and sprinkle them in the oil. Add the rose quartz. Cap the jar and shake it three times to blend and charge the ingredients. Open the circle.

Before going to bed, pour a little of the magick balm into your palm and dip your index finger in it. Then rub the oil on your skin at your heart center. Feel it gently soothing the pain. Take several slow, deep breaths, inhaling the pleasant scent, letting it calm your thoughts and emotions. Repeat each night and each morning until your sadness diminishes.

Self Purification Spell

Self Purification Spell

Items needed: salt a bowl of bottled spring water or New Moon Water jasmine or lavender incense

Procedure:

Cast a circle, then invoke the elements and the Gods.

Sit quietly and think about what you want to clear out of your aura.  When you are ready, add three good-sized pinches of salt to the water and stir widdershins (counter clockwise). Breathe deep into the bowl and as you do, let your fears and doubts  pour into the water. Breathe them into the salt water where they will dissolve away.

Do this until you feel that the negative energy has passed out of your body.

Hold the bowl into the air and visualize a gold or white light flowing into the water,  transforming the negative vibrations and cleansing them.  Carry the bowl to the sink and flush the water down the sink with cold, running water.  Smudge yourself with either jasmine or lavender incense (or another scent that promotes  peace) and open the circle.

Spell to Rid a Room of Evil

Spell to Rid a Room of Evil

Light a cinnamon incense stick in the center of the room and walk to the  north east corner or wall. Say:

Earth and air, purify to good, blow away evil.

 

Draw a pentagram of smoke and use the incense stick to stab through the center. Walk to the Southeast corner of the room and say:

Air and fire, blow away evil, burn away pain.

Repeat the pentagram and stab the center, then walk to the Southwest part of  the room. Say:

Fire and water, burn away pain, wash away fear.

Repeat pentagram and stab. Walk to the Northwest part of the room and say:

Water and earth, wash away fear, Bury all negativity, purify to good.

Repeat pentagram and stab. Walk to the center of the room. Point incense  stick to the sky and say:

As Above…

Now drop an ash from the incense and say:

So Below.

Infusion Purification Spell

Infusion Purification Spell

 

Collect equal parts (about a handful each) of dried marjoram, bay and rosemary.

Heat a gallon of water until it is almost boiling, remove it from the heat and toss the  herbs into the water. Cover and allow to cool.

Strain the herbs from the water and, using your fingers, sprinkle the infusion throughout the house.

Move in a clockwise direction, visualizing evil and unwarrented influences leaving the area and say something like the following:

I banish evil and negativity; This is my will, So Mote It Be!

 

Touch the water to the doors and windows, appliances and furniture, outside around the  home and on the surrounding property. Be sure to pour some down the drains as well.  Visualize the water cleansing the whole area.

Herbal Witches Cleansing Bottle Spell

Herbal Witches Cleansing Bottle Spell

To make an herbal cleansing bottle, pour a layer of sand in a large clear bottle.  Add layers of dried herbs, one at a time: first rosemary; then lemon peel, sage, cedar,  black peppercorns, lavender, dill, bay leaf, and rowan.

When the bottle is full, focus cleansing protective energy into the herbs and sand, and see a golden light radiating from the bottle.

Visualize the herbs driving away negative influences.

Cork and seal the bottle with white wax.

Using a permanent marker, draw the Algiz rune on one side of the bottle, and on the  other side draw a pentagram.

Set the bottle near your front or back door, and every six months, uncap, pour herbs out into the woods or your compost heap, and thoroughly wash and dry the bottle before filling it with a new round of herbs.

Lighten Up – Lord of the Ants

Lord of the Ants

by Karl Lembke

(sung to the tune of “Lord of the Dance”)

Well we cleansed with sugar ’cause the salt was gone, And the color was right though the substance might be wrong, And when the water dried, it was sticky, my oh me, It attracted all of the ants, you see,

(chorus) Ants, ants, all over they shall be, I am the lord of the ants, you see. I’ll crawl on you, and you’ll itch from me, And you’ll dance with ants in your pants, said he.

 

We have ants in the carpets and we’ve ants in the drapes, We have ants in the kitchen dancing galliards on the grapes, We have ants in the bedroom and what may be more fun, We have ants in our circles now from sun to sun.

(chorus)

‘What to do’ cried the priestess, ‘what to do’ cried the priest, ‘All the baits and the sprays haven’t helped us in the least, ‘The buggers eat it up and it only makes us sick, ‘All in all I’d say it is no pic-nic!’

(chorus)

We stood round the fire while the flames lept up high, With the sound of the sirens wailing up to the sky, Though the bug bombs exploded it could still have been worse, At least now we’re free of the ant lord’s curse!

(spoken: “Oh hell!”)

(chorus)

Today’s Feng Shui Tip for July 8 – ‘SCUD Day!’

Today is ‘SCUD (Savor the Comic, Unplug the Drama) Day!’ One of the easiest ways to lift your mood and bring a smile to someone else’s face is to bring a smile to your own. According to a recent smile survey, smiling with intention will almost immediately bring a big boost to your disposition and humor and can also send out signals that suggest that you are trustworthy, generous and genuine. Other research suggests that smiling is the best way to reduce the distress that can be caused by being involved in upsetting situations. Even forcing a smile can make you feel a whole lot better. For today, forget about everyone else’s dramas and smile, baby, smile. Remember, smile and the whole world smiles with you but get involved with drama and you’re on your own!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com