Witchcraft 101: So Ya Wanna be a Witch? (part 1)

Author: Wren

Since its inception, the Witches’ Voice, has been barraged with email asking the simple question… “How do I become a Witch”? Although, it has never been the mission of the Witches’ Voice to actually teach Witchcraft we find ourselves constantly shocked at the aweful responses the Teenage Witch or new seeker receives from many that “claim” themselves “elders” of the craft. For this we apologize. We will never preach or claim to “have the answer”.There are indeed many paths and many ways, it is our goal to give you the tools to and what to look out for.

Part 1…

I Want To Be In A Coven. How Do I find One?

Many newcomers to the Craft begin to learn about Witchcraft/Wicca by reading a few books. It doesn’t take them very long to discover that each author has a different slant on the subject. Information, even about the most basic elements such as history, circle casting or spellwork, can sometimes be not only different, but often conflicting. At this point, the newcomer may throw up their hands in despair and decide to find a real live person to help straighten all this out. And who can blame them?

When newcomers ask the question, “Where can I find a coven?”, they are quite often taken aback by the response-or rather non-response- that they may receive to the inquiry. They are told to read more books, check out various websites and practice working on their own. This can seem like a ‘brush off” to the seekers-sometimes it is!-and they may go away more frustrated than before. So how CAN the new seeker find some help- and perhaps eventually meet other Pagans?

STARTING OUT…

So You Wanna Be a Witch?

There are some real issues that should be discussed right at the beginning of this section. The first thing that the seeker should know is that much of the “knowledge” that we possess today about Witchcraft and its origins is a combination of archeological data, the myths and legends that have been passed down and some historical documents that have been . The rest is conjecture and the “best guesses” of scholars who are working on “bringing it all together.” In other words, no one can say for certain what the Ancestors really did or why.

That does not mean that we have NO knowledge-we certainly DO!- just that we do not have THE historical knowledge of the origins of the Modern Craft. Different interpretations will to abound both in written materials and in any teachings that you may encounter. There will never be only one Way of practicing Witchcraft. Get used to it. No one has the “one true answer”…and any teacher worth his or her salt will tell you this up front.

The above is your first introduction to what is involved in following the path of Witchcraft. You are expected to do a LOT of research on your own. This is actually a very healthy way to approach the beginning study of any Path you are considering. Read many, many books on the subject-both scholarly and those that some would consider in the “fluff’ category. Why? Because this is your first foray into unknown waters. You should approach it with an open mind-ready to question and probe and ponder. I cannot overestimate how useful this first step will be. It can help you to formulate your own ideas about what this Path may mean to you.

Do not try to incorporate all that you read into one cohesive whole at the beginning. Look at whatever material that you are reading as a “theory” or “hypothesis” of Witchcraft. Some things will appeal to you right away. Others will seem “off the wall” or too fantastic to be of use. Accept or reject nothing at this stage; just keep on gathering information. You are doing “research”. The more you read, the more a “coming together” of certain aspects will begin to form within yourself. Then you will have a foundation from which you can take the next step.

Part One-The INTEREST PHASE:

You saw a movie (which shall remain nameless!), you read a few books, you stumbled onto a website, you talked to someone who said that he/she was a Witch-and now you want to know more! You have an “interest” in the Craft.

Many seekers at this point rush into the nearest message board area and cry out, “Teach me everything you know!” The reaction of others to this plea may range from the semi-helpful, “Do more research” to the out and out rude, “Those Wannbees!”

Either one of these responses will probably will leave you feeling unsatisfied (If not hurt!) and discouraged. Why can’t you get the help that you are asking for? Well, perhaps you did not phrase your request in a way that would elicit the sort of assistance that you were really looking for.

Witchcraft is a Path with depth. It can not be summed up in “25 words or less”. You need to learn how to ask SPECIFIC questions. This is where your previous research comes in. An intelligent and thoughtful question about a specific topic will generate an intelligent and thoughtful answer or opinion in return. Cite your sources. “This author writes that this is the way to cast a circle, yet this other author states it this way. Can anyone give me their opinion or experience on this? Does it matter?”

Interest Phase Do’s and Don’ts…

DO… Read as many books on the subject as you can-on History, Myths, Poetry, Psychology and Science as well as books on Witchcraft or Magick.

DO… Make yourself a research library. Take notes or highlight passages that particularly interest you. If you have a question on what is written, place a question mark next to that passage. You should enjoy what you read at this stage-the enjoyment will actually help you to retain what you read better than struggling through dusty tomes on alchemy (unless you happen to love alchemy, that is!).

DO… start a journal. You can even call it a “Book of Shadows” if you want to. (It can just be a loose leaf notebook, These are handy for creating different sections.) Write down both the things that you have found to be of interest and the things that you would like to know more about.

DO… Look at Nature. Witchcraft and most other Pagan paths are called “earth or nature based” religions. What is Nature saying to you? Bring home rocks, sticks, leaves or other things you find that attract your attention. Now ask yourself-WHY did you bring that home? Write it down.

DO… get organized. Concentration is an important skill in Magic. Disciplining yourself to make regular entries into a journal and writing things down will help you to develop concentration.

DO… learn to ask SPECIFIC questions of other Witches or Pagans when you need help. And ask yourself some questions, too. “What do I think Witchcraft is? What do I find here that has meaning for me?”

DO… tell the truth. Can seasoned Witches tell if someone is “full of it”? Yes, they can and rather quickly, too! Be honest about what you know and what you don’t.

DO… spend time alone to think carefully about how you feel and what you want for yourself. Some people think at the onset that Witchcraft will allow them to change other people or circumstances. But YOU will be the one who changes as you explore this Path. Do you really WANT to change?

DON’T… take it too fast. You have not made any commitments yet. You are doing research into a subject that interests you on a personal level. Jumping into a group situation at this point may hinder your development more than help it. You need to find out where YOU are going before you hit the trail with someone else.

DON’T… get discouraged. Sometimes it is very difficult to “go it alone.” But the Craft is made up of individuals who bring something of value to the Path-as well as receive benefits from it. Many “old timers” have the “Grampa attitude”. You know, the “When I was your age, I had to walk three miles to school every day…in the snow…with no boots…carrying my little sister…and a load of firewood…” Well, in a way that is true. It WAS much harder to be a Witch only a few decades ago. So be forgiving if they are not ready to hand you all their hand gathered “firewood” on a silver platter….you may have to walk a mile or two by yourself….in the snow…with no boots…..

DON’T… ask about joining a terraspace coven just yet. A coven is a close knit group working together. It is a difficult process to create an effective magickal unit. Most covens are not actively looking for new members, as each time a new person is added to the group, it takes time for the unit to re-adjust. There are some cyberspace “covens” that readily accept new members. If you look on it as a “training exercise”, you could learn a few things. Ask around the Internet.

DON’T… be afraid because you are not part of a group. Many, many Witches find out after much trial and error that they actually PREFER to work alone. Traditionally the Witch WAS a loner…and many still are by choice. Often solitary Witches get together to talk and exchange information and then happily go back to their solitary practice. You CAN do a little bit of both.

Still “Interested”? Then you will probably want to go further into…

Part Two-The “EXPLORATORY PHASE”:

You have read quite a few books, taken tons of notes and written faithfully in your Book of Shadows or journal. You have found some resources on the Internet and may have even asked a Pagan a few of those pesky questions that have been bothering you lately. Now what?

This is where you begin to exercise your discretion a bit. As you start weeding out the things that you have decided are not for you and embracing what DOES feel right, you are also making decisions about what sort of group you may eventually be comfortable with. (And many seekers still feel at this point that they DO want to find a group.)

Does the whole circle casting with sword, smoking incense and flickering candles appeal to you? Or would you rather simply sit quietly and let your heart speak?

Are you more introverted than extroverted? All grand dreams of leading a large public ritual aside, do you feel comfortable right NOW speaking to large groups of people? Or do you prefer the company of a few close and intimate friends?

Do you like to mull things over before making a decision? Or are you spontaneous and always dashing off to go rock climbing or roller blading?

Asking yourself these and similar questions will help you to make decisions. What are the reasons that you would want to be part of a coven or group-and what sort of group may that be?

You may also begin visualization techniques at this time. You begin to see yourself in the tales of mythic heroes and heroines. You may visualize actually doing the rituals and circles that you have read about. You imagine what it may be like to be a member of a coven-laughing as you all run through the woods on your way to the bonfire. How do these images and scenarios make you feel? Be honest. No one is looking over your shoulder at this point.

Most importantly, how comfortable are YOU with this Path that you are researching? Does it fit who you are? Not who you would like to be…not who you would like others to think that you are…but you as you are right now. Think about this a lot. It will save you much disillusionment in the future.

You may begin to collect a tool or two or think about setting up an altar area. You start buying lots and lots of candles and incense. You browse the herb shops and look through catalogs for magickal items. You may even buy some things. You are beginning to actually make some outward decisions about what you feel inside. You are “exploring” new possibilities.

Explorer Phase Do’s and Don’ts…

DO… Continue to read, study and record notes in your journal or Book. Why did you choose this athame over that wand? Why do you prefer sandalwood to jasmine? Should you hide your altar when Granny comes to visit?

DO… Begin to think about which Way appeals to you…Celtic? Egyptian? Druid? Can’t decide? Maybe you are the Eclectic type?

DO… Understand that you will be challenged as you begin to speak and interact with other Pagans. It’s our hobby. And it makes you think about what you say you believe in. It will tell you a lot about your commitment to the Path that you have chosen for yourself.

DO… Keep a sense of humor. It puts things into perspective. You will be laughing at yourself for a lifetime as you look back on your early days. We all do. We were just learning when we began and we weren’t always very good in our first attempts. (I’m laughing right now just thinking about the first time I cast a circle by myself!) But we did learn and you will, too. And since we all are continuing to learn each day, you will never run out of things to laugh about!

DO… “Talk little and listen much”. Lurk around the chat rooms. Peek in on a cybercircle. Check out your local area for open circles or workshops. Keep your eyes and ears open…opportunities for learning are everywhere.

DO… Continue to ask SPECIFIC questions. It is easier now that you have some real information under your belt, isn’t it? Instead of a broad-based “I dunno anything about this!”, you can ask “Well, what about THIS?” At last those answers are beginning to make some sense!

DO… begin thinking about Deities and ritual structure. Who of the Old Ones speaks to you? What sort of relationship would you have with the Deity of your choice-or the One who has chosen YOU?! What are the symbols associated with these Deities? Learn Their stories.

DON’T… Get ahead of yourself. All worthwhile lessons take time to become integrated into your spirit. The mind is usually the last to know! That is because your subconscious is learning through dreams and visions and symbols while your conscious mind is still struggling with the words. Continue to spend time alone to allow all your new feelings and thoughts to become clear. Take a walk and enjoy your life!

DON’T… Put all your spiritual eggs into one basket. Even though you may have a favorite author, continue to read other viewpoints. Even though you may respect a Witch or Pagan, continue to listen to other voices. Read about the latest “conspiracy theory”. It may be ridiculous, but it does train the mind to be on the look out for alternatives. (However do know that if you are abducted by aliens, they didn’t hear about you from us!)

DON’T… Tell all that you know and don’t pretend to know about something that you don’t. Complete honesty may be difficult with other people, but it is essential to be honest with yourself. Lies waste energy.

DON’T… get frustrated because you STILL haven’t found out how to contact a coven. That will come later…if it is still what you want to do.

The Earth’s Commandments

Earth’s Commandments

1. Thou shalt love and honor the Earth for it blesses thy life and governs thy survival.

2. Thou shalt keep each day sacred to the Earth and celebrate the turning of the seasons.

3. Thou shalt not hold thyself above other living things nor drive them to extinction.

4. Thou shalt give thanks for thy food to the creatures and plants that nourish thee.

5. Thou shalt limit thy offspring, for multitudes of people are a burden unto the Earth.

6. Thou shalt not kill nor waste Earth’s riches upon weapons of war.

7. Thou shalt not pursue profit at the Earth’s expense but strive to restore its damaged majesty.

8. Thou shalt not hide from thyself or others the consequences of thy actions upon the Earth.

9. Thou shalt consume material goods in moderation so all may share Earth’s bounty.

–Earnest Callenbach. 1990

WOTC Cartoon of the Day – ‘Straight and To The Point’

A Little Humor for Your Day – Safe Witch Kit

Safe Witch Kit

Want to be a Witch, yet don’t want dangerous items in your home? We’ve assembled this comprehensive kit to meet the beginning Witch’s needs, without compromising safety.

Includes:

1 Rubber Athame. Painted black handle, silver blade. Very flexible. You can swing this about in Circle with no fears about hurting anyone!

Exclusive! The incredible Collapse-a-Wand! Hand-wrought of authentic wood-grained expanded foam, with a special adhesive patch for attaching the Power Stone of your choice (see below).

2 Battery-operated Candles (1 black, 1 white). No more concerns about flowing gowns catching fire.

1 package Glade Stick-ems. Fresh, floral scent, without the concerns of burning incense. No messy ash to clean up!

1 shaker Mrs. Dash. Get all the flavor and zip of salt, without the sodium!

1 Quality Fold-a-Cauldron. Easy-to-assemble, genuine simulated cast iron corrugated material. Complete instructions.

1 Fabric Rainbow Disk. No sharp corners to be concerned about. The perfect centerpiece for your own Altar. No worries of offending anyone, as could happen with those misunderstood pentagrams.

3 Assorted colors soft vinyl “Power Stones.” Focus the energy of crystals. Perfect for attaching to your Collapse-a-Wand!(Choking hazard. Not recommended for children under 3 years of age)

1 Booklet, “How to Be One with the White Light, Because There Is No Dark Side, Luke” subtitled: “The Absolutely, Completely Comprehensive Guide to Everything Possible that a Witch Needs to Know to cast Any Spell at All”

BONUS! Order now, and we’ll send you our exclusive Fill In The Blanks Book of Light! All the spells you’ll ever need, and YOU fill in the names and dates! Quality softcover binding.

All packaged attractively in a lovely carry-case, which unfolds to become your altar cloth.

Rush out and get yours today!

— by René Friberg, aka RaeVynn Sands

Daily Horoscopes for Wedneday, January 30th

Cosmic forces of expansion and contraction push us one way and pull us another. Windows of opportunity begin to open as auspicious Jupiter ends its four-month retrograde phase. Obstacles appear as the Sun squares restrictive Saturn, requiring us to slow down or even stop; however, external problems may be symptoms of our fears. The efficient Virgo Moon helps us make a plan, but success might demand a leap of faith in addition to hard work.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You are confronted with the realization that your long-term goals may not be supported by the current circumstances. Nevertheless, you’re tempted to set your throttle at warp speed and ram your way through the restraints. However, this type of impulsive strategy is foolhardy now. Don’t push; instead, try to understand what reality is showing you. Once you learn that lesson, the stress will begin to dissipate and the path ahead will clear.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

Your emotions can get in the way today if someone blocks your progress, but the reasons for your intense feelings might not be apparent to you yet. Resist making any judgments now because it may take a few days to fully comprehend what’s going on. Life is somewhat unstable at the moment and it makes sense to wait until the turmoil settles. Take your time and get it right instead of blindly pushing forward.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

You may feel uncharacteristically pessimistic today, but nothing is as impossible as it seems. Thankfully, the emotions that are holding you back can also contain the seeds for your future progress. Don’t accept defeat under any circumstances, even if your confidence is waning. Remember, your current actions set the stage for the transformations ahead.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

It feels like you don’t have enough of what you need today. Although your problem could be a lack of resources, it might also be your self-esteem that’s in short supply now. Whatever is troubling you, don’t allow yourself to grow discouraged; the current difficulties are not about failure. This is an excellent chance to prove yourself by gathering your strength and making the best of what you have.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Even if significant issues are already developing at home, your current actions still have major consequences over the weeks ahead. Consider the work that you must do; if you’re trying accomplish too much, you may be forced to let some things go. Make the necessary adjustments now by taking cues from reality before it’s too late. The sooner you act, the easier it will be to lighten your load.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Your reliable common sense helps you to remember what is most important now. Even if something at work isn’t going as well as you wish, you can still make a smart decision today that enables you to stay on your chosen path. Be clear about your intentions and focus on your goals. Your confidence in your own abilities is currently your most valuable asset.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Most areas of your life seem to be moving along quite well, but you could face conflicts now between what you want to do and the amount of money you make. Someone close to you may act impulsively and irresponsibly, adding to your emotional stress. Your innate ability to roll with the uncertain circumstances is your best defense. Stay flexible, hold on to your sense of humor and you’ll move through this time with grace.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Your temptation now is to follow the vision of your most idealistic future, even if it’s totally unrealistic. However, you must make some changes in your plans as your needs evolve with the shifting tides. But it doesn’t make sense to alter too much at once since you cannot afford to destabilize your life. Start making small yet meaningful adjustments so that you can reach your dreams.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You manage to keep a smile on your face, even when you encounter difficult situations. Although you have several supportive allies, it’s easy to doubt yourself now. But this is not a smart time to quit; if life seems overwhelming, remember that Saturn the Tester is only giving you a wake-up call. Taking a spiritual retreat may be all that you need to regain your footing. Do whatever is necessary to ground yourself for the changes ahead.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

It’s all too easy to acknowledge your own weaknesses today while the radiant Sun squares your key planet, sobering Saturn. Unfortunately, you might judge yourself harshly; it’s frustrating if you don’t match up to your ideal. However, this period of testing isn’t happening because you’re not good enough; it’s because you are being so hard on yourself. For now, just take note of where reality doesn’t meet your expectations. Wait a few days before reassessing your goals and then make whatever improvements you can to step up your game.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Paradoxically, it’s easier to feel free if you can accept the limitations being placed on you now. Instead of trying to eliminate all boundaries, learn to work within the safety net they provide. Don’t attempt to push the edges of the envelope today. Restrain yourself just enough to maintain the status quo. Even if you’re facing a difficult challenge, rise to the occasion and show what you can do.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

A highly restrictive situation may prevent you from stepping over your limits, even if you aren’t conscious of what’s holding you back now. Stop worrying about what could fall apart or what might not work. Instead, focus singularly on your responsibilities. Today won’t be the most relaxing day, but you can turn it into one that is quite productive with just a bit of serious intention and sincere follow-through.

Daily Cosmic Calendar for January 30th

Forewarned is forearmed — so goes the ancient saying in astrology. This calendar has pointed to today numerous times because it is finally time for Jupiter at 7 degrees of Gemini to leave reverse motion, make a station (3:38AM PST), and slowly turn direct. [Jupiter remains in forward motion until November 6.] Jupiter’s themes — the power of positive thinking, good fortune, golden opportunities, providence, benevolence, faith and religious beliefs, higher education, literary and publishing pursuits, long-distance journeys, seeing into the future, over-optimism, egocentricity, hubris and arrogance — are emphasized throughout the day. Your productivity I.Q. can soar — thanks to Mercury forming a harmonious trine with Ceres (11:21AM PST). A virtual stop sign can block your progress when the Sun in Aquarius squares Saturn in Scorpio (2:50PM PST). Utilize the natural happy-go-lucky qualities of strong Jupiter to neutralize the tendency to feel pessimistic when Saturn confronts the Sun. There is a brief window when the creative arts look promising as the Moon approaches a trine with Venus in earth signs (forming exactly at 6:00PM PST). The problem here is that this Moon-Venus rapport begins a void lunar cycle that lasts until 10:37PM PST. During the void limbo zone, avoid battles of the will as Mercury makes a frictional, 45-degree link to Uranus (10:00PM PST). Once the Moon enters Libra (10:37PM PST), think about helpful ways to nurture primary partners. You can become an expert problem-solver later on and overnight since Jupiter makes a constructive, 60-degree alliance with Pallas (11:44PM PST).

Calendar of the Moon for January 30th

Calendar of the Moon

Color: Black
Element: Air
Altar: Upon a black cloth set a candle, incense, an iron sickle laid to mimic the direction of the waning moon, a cup of water, a lock of silver hair, and a white bone.
Offerings: Bones. Stones. Menstrual blood. Give something up.
Daily Meal: Soup of some sort, cooked in a cauldron, eaten in silence.

Dark Moon Invocation

At this time, in the dark of the moon,
When the Silver Lady ages
To an old woman in the dark,
Haunting crossroads, working magic,
Stirring her cauldron
Of poison that heals,
Grandmother Moon of sorcery
And wisdom, who sees all
And reveals little to our searching eyes.
Moon of Death, Moon of mystery,
Moon of silence who hides her face,
Let us learn silence from your averted gaze
Let us learn patience from your
Let us feel for the dark places within us
And find our way down your path in the darkness
Which is utter and
But not impenetrable.
As darkness wraps us,
So silence heals us.
As darkness finds us,
So silence guides us.
As darkness speaks,
So silence falls.

(The candle is blown out, and all leave in silence. From the beginning of this rite at Hesperis until the dawn, silence will rule in the house. Talking must be done only in whispers, and between no more than two people, and only for that which is necessary. Long meditation is encouraged, and all work must be done quietly if possible. The evening meal should be eaten by candlelight, and only candles may light the house, except for the sake of certain important work.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Sun for January 30th

Calendar of the Sun

30 Wolfmonath

Day of Pax

Color: White
Element: Air
Altar: The same as yesterday’s Concordia ritual, except with a cup of clear water instead of milk.
Offerings: Work for peace, in the home or outside of it.
Daily Meal: Fasting today, in honor of those who are caught in war.

Pax Invocation

Peace is not an easy thing to maintain.
It is not strong; it falls away
With an upraised hand or an angry word.
It is an act of constant balance.
It is true that there is peace in solitude,
If the cacophony of the mind will allow it,
But it is no true peace if the mere voice of another
Can so easily destroy it, like a child’s paper castle.
Peace must be achieved within the group of voices
Or it may as well be a mere pastime.
Peace must be more than a sanctuary;
It must be the work of every hand.
And yet it cannot be kept by force,
But it can only be achieved by understanding.
True peace does not come after victory,
For victory requires one and one to lose,
And a true peace can only be found between equals.
Therefore, we honor you, Pax, delicate bird
That we must protect and sustain with our strength.

(The clear water is poured out as a libation. All sit in silence and on peace, and then go. There can be discussions today, but all who disagree must go into the discussions ready and willing to make peace, and see beyond their differences.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Current Moon Phase for January 30th – Waning Gibbous

Gibbous Moon

(waning /76% illumination)

This is a tremendous time of transmutation. All of the prior elements are coming together for a final burst of creative output. You have seen a clear view of your own needs and the posture of significant others. Now the accumulation of that input is leading to a deep, core change within you. In this phase, you will naturally be inclined to seek higher guidance so that you can emerge from this transformation successfully. The Disseminting Moon favors sharing what you have learned (and are learning) with others.

WOTC Spell of the Day for Jan. 30th: Spell for Increasing Spiritual Medium Abilities

Spell for Increasing Spiritual Medium Abilities

A Departed -Loved One May Be Trying to Relay a Message To YOU!

When the moon is waxing or full, cast rune stones for indication of what lies ahead for you. Cast the stones only once. Holding the stone in your hand, consult a reliable source for the meaning of the rune if it is unknown to you. Then return the stones to their bag and place them on the altar.

Now go to your special place in nature, and on a still night, sit below a tree that you have chosen specially for magickal purposes. Sit where you can see the moon through the tree’s branches.

Ask for the assistance and protection of your Benevolent Spirit Guardians and Guides during this and every divination.

In a ceramic bowl, mix wood sorrel and wild thyme together. Burn this mixture as an offering to the strong and blessed spirits and elementals watching over you. Thank them for their light and protection as you call upon their Insight.

Stare into the smoke from the incense – cup your hand round it if it dissipates into the air too quickly – and say:

I call upon Wisdom; I call upon Light I call to my loved ones and ancestors long past Speak to me here by word or by sign Connect us clearly; let me hear your wisdom at last.

So Mote it Be.

On another night when the moon is waxing or full, ask at least one other to join you in contacting the spirits of departed loved ones. In a ceramic bowl, grind some dried chicory root and cinquefoil and mix in a few cloves. Burn this as an incense offering to the world of spirits when asking them to come to you to answer your questions. Hold hands to consolidate your energies and ask that the spirits come forth with wisdom and guidance. Use a Ouija board with care, asking for protection from all negatives energies first. Use only if you have a man and a woman present- as it should be used with both male and female energies.

Before going to bed that night, mix together the following herbs: mugwort, cinnamon, mandrake, thyme and anise seeds. Put these into a purple or blue flannel mojo bag with the sacred rune stone SIGHEL. Sew the bag shut and keep it under your pillow at night to draw in prophetic dreams from a spirit guardian or a departed loved one who may be trying to give you a message.

The Witches Magickal Correspondences for Wednesday, January 30th

Nature Comments & Graphics

The Witches Magickal Correspondence for Wednesday, January 30th

Magickal Intentions: Communication, Divination, Writing, Knowledge, Business Transactions, Debt, Fear, Loss, Travel and Money Matters
Incense: Jasmine, Lavender, Sweet Pea
Planet: Mercury
Sign: Virgo
Angel: Raphael
Colors: Orange, Light Blue, Grey, Yellow and Violet
Herbs/Plants: Fern, Lavender, Hazel, Cherry, Periwinkle
Stones: Aventurine, Bloodstone, Hematite, Moss Agate and Sodalite
Oil: (Mercury) Benzoin, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Lavender

This day is governed by Mercury. Wednesday’s vibration adds power to rituals involving inspiration, communications, writers, poets, the written and spoken word, and all matters of study, learning, and teaching. This day also provides a good time to begin efforts involving self-improvement or understanding.

The Witches Almanac for *Wednesday, January 30th

Nature Comments & Graphics

The Witches Almanac for *Wednesday, January 30th

*Wednesday (Mercury): This commination, mind, study, travel divination and wisdom

Three Hierarchs Day (Eastern Orthodox)

*Waning Moon

*The Waning Moon is a time for study meditation, little magical work(except magick designed to banish harmful energies)

Moon Sign: *Virgo

*Virgo: Favors accomplishments of details and command ffooo higher up. Focuses on healthk hygiene, and daily schedule

Moon Phase: Third Quarter

Incense: Bay laurel

Color: Yellow

Good Blessed Wednesday Morning to all my Brothers & Sisters of the Craft!

What is wrong with me? I was going to get some silly graphic and put up here today. I had almost forgot one my dear friends Bobbie, kooltrainer sent me some of the most precious pictures. Oh, I can’t keep these to myself they are adorable.

The Pictures are entitled, ” A little baby giraffee called Margaret!”

Enjoy!

Thank you Bobbie, for sending these photos of this beautiful giraffe. She is so precious and you are right I am enjoying them very much. Keep that camera clicking, sweetie. I could use picks like these every day. Thank you.

Everyone has an “EXCELLENT” day,

Lady A

Candlemas: The Light Returns

by Mike Nichols

It seems quite impossible that the holiday of Candlemas should be considered the beginning of Spring. Here in the Heartland, February 2nd may see a blanket of snow mantling the Mother. Or, if the snows have gone, you may be sure the days are filled with drizzle, slush and steel-grey skies — the dreariest weather of the year. In short, the perfect time for a Pagan Festival of Lights. And as for Spring, although this may seem a tenuous beginning, all the little buds, flowers and leaves will have arrived on schedule before Spring runs its course to Beltane.

‘Candlemas’ is the Christianized name for the holiday, of course. The older Pagan names were Imbolc and Oimelc. ‘Imbolc’ means, literally, ‘in the belly’ (of the Mother). For in the womb of Mother Earth, hidden from our mundane sight but sensed by a keener vision, there are stirrings. The seed that was planted in her womb at the solstice is quickening and the new year grows. ‘Oimelc’ means ‘milk of ewes’, for it is also lambing season.

The holiday is also called ‘Brigit’s Day’, in honor of the great Irish Goddess Brigit. At her shrine, the ancient Irish capitol of Kildare, a group of 19 priestesses (no men allowed) kept a perpetual flame burning in her honor. She was considered a goddess of fire, patroness of smithcraft, poetry and healing (especially the healing touch of midwifery). This tripartite symbolism was occasionally expressed by saying that Brigit had two sisters, also named Brigit. (Incidentally, another form of the name Brigit is Bride, and it is thus She bestows her special patronage on any woman about to be married or handfasted, the woman being called ‘bride’ in her honor.)

The Roman Catholic Church could not very easily call the Great Goddess of Ireland a demon, so they canonized her instead. Henceforth, she would be ‘Saint’ Brigit, Patron Saint of smithcraft, poetry and healing. They ‘explained’ this by telling the Irish peasants that Brigit was ‘really’ an early Christian missionary sent to the Emerald Isle, and that the miracles she performed there ‘misled’ the common people into believing that she was a goddess. For some reason, the Irish swallowed this. (There is no limit to what the Irish imagination can convince itself of. For example, they also came to believe that Brigit was the ‘foster-mother’ of Jesus, giving no thought to the implausibility of Jesus having spent his boyhood in Ireland!)

Brigit’s holiday was chiefly marked by the kindling of sacred fires, since she symbolized the fire of birth and healing, the fire of the forge, and the fire of poetic inspiration. Bonfires were lighted on the beacon tors, and chandlers celebrated their special holiday. The Roman Church was quick to confiscate this symbolism as well, using ‘Candlemas’ as the day to bless all the church candles that would be used for the coming liturgical year. (Catholics will be reminded that the following day, St. Blaise’s Day, is remembered for using the newly blessed candles to bless the throats of parishioners, keeping them from colds, flu, sore throats, etc.)

The Catholic Church, never one to refrain from piling holiday upon holiday, also called it the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. (It is surprising how many of the old Pagan holidays were converted to Maryan Feasts.) The symbol of the Purification may seem a little obscure to modern readers, but it has to do with the old custom of ‘churching women’. It was believed that women were impure for six weeks after giving birth. And since Mary gave birth at the winter solstice, she wouldn’t be purified until February 2nd. In Pagan symbolism, this might be re-translated as when the Great Mother once again becomes the Young Maiden Goddess.

Today, this holiday is chiefly connected to weather lore. Even our American folk-calendar keeps the tradition of ‘Groundhog’s Day’, a day to predict the coming weather, telling us that if the Groundhog sees his shadow, there will be ‘six more weeks’ of bad weather (i.e., until the next old holiday, Lady Day). This custom is ancient. An old British rhyme tells us that ‘If Candlemas Day be bright and clear, there’ll be two winters in the year.’ Actually, all of the cross-quarter days can be used as ‘inverse’ weather predictors, whereas the quarter-days are used as ‘direct’ weather predictors.

Like the other High Holidays or Great Sabbats of the Witches’ year, Candlemas is sometimes celebrated on its alternate date, astrologically determined by the sun’s reaching 15-degrees Aquarius, or Candlemas Old Style (in 1988, February 3rd, at 9:03 am CST). Another holiday that gets mixed up in this is Valentine’s Day. Ozark folklorist Vance Randolf makes this quite clear by noting that the old-timers used to celebrate Groundhog’s Day on February 14th. This same displacement is evident in Eastern Orthodox Christianity as well. Their habit of celebrating the birth of Jesus on January 6th, with a similar post-dated shift in the six-week period that follows it, puts the Feast of the Purification of Mary on February 14th. It is amazing to think that the same confusion and lateral displacement of one of the old folk holidays can be seen from the Russian steppes to the Ozark hills, but such seems to be the case!

Incidentally, there is speculation among linguistic scholars that the very name of ‘Valentine’ has Pagan origins. It seems that it was customary for French peasants of the Middle Ages to pronounce a ‘g’ as a ‘v’. Consequently, the original term may have been the French ‘galantine’, which yields the English word ‘gallant’. The word originally refers to a dashing young man known for his ‘affaires d’amour’, a true galaunt. The usual associations of V(G)alantine’s Day make much more sense in this light than their vague connection to a legendary ‘St. Valentine’ can produce. Indeed, the Church has always found it rather difficult to explain this nebulous saint’s connection to the secular pleasures of flirtation and courtly love.

For modern Witches, Candlemas O.S. may then be seen as the Pagan version of Valentine’s Day, with a de-emphasis of ‘hearts and flowers’ and an appropriate re-emphasis of Pagan carnal frivolity. This also re-aligns the holiday with the ancient Roman Lupercalia, a fertility festival held at this time, in which the priests of Pan ran through the streets of Rome whacking young women with goatskin thongs to make them fertile. The women seemed to enjoy the attention and often stripped in order to afford better targets.

One of the nicest folk-customs still practiced in many countries, and especially by Witches in the British Isles and parts of the U.S., is to place a lighted candle in each and every window of the house, beginning at sundown on Candlemas Eve (February 1st), allowing them to continue burning until sunrise. Make sure that such candles are well seated against tipping and guarded from nearby curtains, etc. What a cheery sight it is on this cold, bleak and dreary night to see house after house with candle-lit windows! And, of course, if you are your Coven’s chandler, or if you just happen to like making candles, Candlemas Day is the day for doing it. Some Covens hold candle-making parties and try to make and bless all the candles they’ll be using for the whole year on this day.

Other customs of the holiday include weaving ‘Brigit’s crosses’ from straw or wheat to hang around the house for protection, performing rites of spiritual cleansing and purification, making ‘Brigit’s beds’ to ensure fertility of mind and spirit (and body, if desired), and making Crowns of Light (i.e. of candles) for the High Priestess to wear for the Candlemas Circle, similar to those worn on St. Lucy’s Day in Scandinavian countries. All in all, this Pagan Festival of Lights, sacred to the young Maiden Goddess, is one of the most beautiful and poetic of the year.

WOTC Cartoon of the Day – ‘Team Work’

A Little Humor for Your Day – How To Be A Big Success On Pagan Online Groups

How To Be A Big Success On Pagan Online Groups

Never go for the simple direct honest approach. Who you really are will never impress anyone.
Always favor the magickal angle over the mundane– at least where benefit to you & detriment to your opponents are concerned.
Don’t accept any mainstream knowledge/beliefs except as they support your magickal beliefs.
Never answer a question directly. Change the focus whenever possible.
When asked for proof/evidence, demand that your claims be disproved instead.
Use as much incomprehensible arcane jargon as possible. Alternately, use as much scientific sounding jargon as possible.
When all else fails, change the subject. If others remain on topic, badger them & accuse them of evading the real issue.
Make ad hominum attacks. Accuse others of tasteless or unethical or illegal behavior. Make tasteless jokes at their expense even if you are accusing them of tasteless behavior. If they remain on topic, up the ante. If they react, change the topic to their anger. Accuse them of provoking you or of having no sense of humor.
Claim that your detractors are close-minded, intolerant, afraid.
When your position seems hopeless, everyone is laughing at you & you have no credibility, threaten everyone within reach with a lawsuit.
Open accounts under other names & post messages of agreement with yourself. This will help you to appear to have support.
Remind your detractors that you’ve handed over all of the information you’ve collected on them to an attorney/agency of the government/whatever. Mention that their day of reckoning is just around the corner.
Assert that anyone who does not immediately agree with you is intellectually deficient/ magickally incompetent/ethically impaired.
Invent impressive-sounding magickal accomplishments for yourself. Mention them often, but only in passing.
Create an intellectual life. You are writing/have written an important book on the subject; you are pursuing/have completed vital research in the field. If you have an academic degree, flaunt it. If not, lie.
Claim that there is no evidence that you are a fraud, liar, troll. Ignore any actual proof or insist that it was taken out of context etc.
Dig out references which support your position. Complain when someone presents a counter-reference. Insist that this means that they are mindless drones incapable of independent thought. Ignore the contradiction.
Remember when describing your position to start with an assumption or supposition. By the time that you get to the third or fourth point you can refer to it as a fact. Most will never notice & you win.
Post more agreement from your ‘supporters’.
Insist that any problem which you may experience in any communications medium, but especially on the internet, is just another example of the conspiracy to silence you & the truth.
— © 1999, R. A. Vosburg

Turok’s Cabana

http://turoks.net/Cabana/

Your What Was Suppose To Happen Horoscopes for January 29th

We may feel overloaded with facts today as we sift through the incoming data. The intellectually discriminating Virgo Moon raises the bar of acceptability now as we dismiss information that doesn’t stand up to our highest standards. However, concentration is challenged this morning as the emotional Moon squares boundless Jupiter in scattered Gemini. Thankfully, it’s easier to focus when the Moon harmonizes with perceptive Pluto later in the day.