Month: January 2014

Current Moon Phase for Jan. 4th – Waxing Crescent

Crescent Moon

(waxing/15% of Full)

During this Moon phase, there is a slight slowing down of enthusiasm due to an emerging desire to produce tangible results from the energy being expended. The issue of values enters into the equation and an urge to tie together the data available so that you can utilize current opportunities. There is still plenty of forward motion, and this is a great time to continue initiating and progressing forward. This Moon phase favors gaining more information and the input of others to further your plans.

Crystal of the Day – Serpentine Stone

Crystal of the Day – Serpentine Stone

Serpentine stone has been mined successfully in Afghanistan, China, England, New Zealand, South Africa and the United States. It is actually not a mineral but a group of minerals which combine into what we call Serpentine stone.

Rarely will Serpentine stone be found in fine jewelry. For metaphysical uses, it is used mainly in the form of pendant beads or tumbled stones rather than actual beads, however with some effort, serpentine beads can occasionally be found.

When the stone has a higher calcite content, it is often used in decorative carvings as it has a look very similar to marble. When th stone has a higher bound water content, is it often used as filler between the various layers of steel used to shield nuclear ractors.

Serpentine stone is often called New Jade because many forms of it resemble Jade once it has been polished. It comes in many colors varying all the way from almost pure white, through various shades of yellows, greens and reds and into the shades of brown.

In it’s raw form, many of the darker shades of serpentine stone appear similar to the skin of a snake or serpent, which gave rise to the name, serpentine.

Serpentine gemstone is an excellent stone to use when peace is needed in any situation. Keep one in your home to help calm arguments and place one near the cash register to keep your customers extra happy.

To help you take your meditation to new heights, keep a serpentine stone nearby. It will help calm your inner conflicts and bring greater peace into your life.

In times past, serpentine stone has been used as an amulet against all sorts of poisonous bites from insects, snakes and scorpions. Of course when dealing with any insect or animal which may be poisonous, always use common sense and never tempt fate simly because you have an amulet against it.

When kidney or stomach problems seem to keep hanging on, gemstone healers often recommend taping a serpentine stone at your navel level. Sleep with it in place to help pull out infections and the negative energies that are causing the problems.

An excellent stone to help with a wide range of womens problems. It has been used to regulate the supply of breast milk in nursing mothers, ease menstrual pain and adominal cramping during menstration and has been placed in the bed or under the pillow to help women achieve orgasm when tension and nervousness is preventing it from happening.

Magickal Uses of Serpentine

accomplishment

accord

dreams

Fidelity

peace

realization of potential

resourcefulness

Main Chakra: Heart

Planet: Saturn

Vibrates to the number: 8

Element: Fire

Astrological Sign: Scorpio

Herb of the Day – Agrimony

Herb of the Day – Agrimony

Agrimony

(Agrimonia eupatoria) Also called Church steeples, cocklebur, stickwort, sticklewort

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Jupiter

Element: Air

Protection, Sleep.

Agrimony is best known for its sleep-inducing qualities, therefore it is excellent in dream pillows, especially mixed with mugwort. Enhances magickal healing. A wash or oil increases effectiveness of all forms of ritual healing, psychic healing, or distance healing. Anoint hands with oil to cleanse auras. Creates a barrier against negative energies. Use if you feel to be under psychic attack. A counter-magick herb, it not only breaks hexes, but sends them back to the hexer.

Deity of the Day – Venus

Deity of the Day – Venus

Venus was originally the Roman goddess of love, but by the time of the witchcraze she wasrelegated to demon status. She became synonymous with Diana in terms of being followed at night by a retinue of women. Witches knew her as Fraw Fenus, stating they visited her at night-time.

Venus could grant to these witches the power of astral projection. Witches could fall into “swoons which rendered them insensible to pricks or scaldings.” When the women revived, they said they had been to heaven and “spoke of stolen or hidden objects.”

Venus’  were for the most part the same as Aphrodite’s. They include roses, which were offered in Venus’  rites, and above all, myrtle (Latin murtos), which was cultivated for its white, sweetly scented flowers, aromatic, evergreen leaves and its various medical-magical properties. Venus’ statues, and her worshipers, wore myrtle crowns at her festivals.Before its adoption into Venus’ cults, myrtle was used in the purification rites of , the Etruscan-Roman goddess of Rome’s ; later, Cloacina’s association with Venus’ sacred plant made her . Likewise, Roman folk-etymology transformed the ancient, obscure goddess  into “Venus of the Myrtles, whom we now call Murcia”.

Myrtle was thought a particularly potent . The , particularly the clitoris, was known as murtos (myrtle). As goddess of love and sex, Venus played an essential role at Roman prenuptial rites and wedding nights, so myrtle and roses were used in bridal bouquets. Marriage itself was not a seduction but a lawful condition, under ‘s authority; so myrtle was excluded from the bridal crown. Venus was also a patron of the ordinary, everyday wine drunk by most Roman men and women; the seductive powers of wine were well known. In the rites to , a goddess of female chastity, Venus, myrtle and anything male were not only excluded, but unmentionable. The rites allowed women to drink the strongest, sacrificial wine, otherwise reserved for the Roman gods and Roman men; the women euphemistically referred to it as “honey”. Under these special circumstances, they could get virtuously, religiously drunk on strong wine, safe from Venus’ temptations. Outside of this context, ordinary wine (that is, Venus’ wine) tinctured with myrtle oil was thought particularly suitable for women.

The Witches Magick for January 4th – Umbrella Protection

The Witches Magick for Jan. 4th

The Umbrella Protection Spell

This spell is exactly what it sounds like. You are putting up a protective umbrella to shield and help all those who are underneath it.

The Spell

Find the biggest white candle available.

Carve your name and birth date into the candle, as well as the name and birth date of those needing your help.

Add five drops each of the following oils to a quarter cup of olive oil:

Oil of Spinenard
Oil of Myrrh
Oil of Sandalwood
Oil of Frankincense

Anoint your candle with the oil.

Now place your candle in a dish filled with sea salt.

Write your desire or wish on a piece of paper. It might be a wish for a loved one’s speedy recovery, or safety as they travel overseas, or help with difficult divoroce. Whatever it is, make sure your request is clearly written on the paper.

Place the paper under the candle and light the wick.

Now, summon the four spirit angels. Call to Uriel to the North, Raphael in the East, Michael in the South, and Gabrield angels of miracles, ij the West

When you can feel the Spirit’s presence in the room, speak your request from the heart, and ask for their help on behalf of someone else. Make sure your request is sincere and heartfelt, and it will be heard.

Let’s Talk Witch – Reversal Spells

Let’s Talk Witch – Reversal Spells

Now, I always get on a kick of how to protect yourself, you home and your loved ones from many things. But if you are seriously under magickal attack from someone who is determined to hurt you, you may need to take a more proactive approach.

Someone casting spells for revenge or malice should be considered extremely dangerous. It’s possible that protective spells alone won’t be enough to stop them.

In an extreme case like that, you may want to consider a Reversal Spell. A reversal spell is like holding up a big mirror. Remember the kid’s saying, “I am rubber and you are glue?” Well a reversal spell will rebound any dark spells onto the attacker and hopefully end the attack.

A reversal spell does not violate the Wiccan Rede, because you do not intend to cause harm. You only want to deflect the negative effects from yourself, and let the attacker feel the full force of their own spells. You will basically force them into a trap of their own making. The bad energy already exists, you are not causing it, just directing it back to thes source.

But before you attempt a reversal spell, here’s what you should do first.

You must identify your attacker. Reversing a spell on the wrong person could have disastrous consequences, so it’s always important to make sure you know where the attack is coming from.

To identify you attacker, you may use a form of divination. Here’s how you do it:

Write the names of your suspects on a piece of paper, and add “unknown” to the end of your list, just in case your attacker is not on your list.

Now, take your pendulum. Clear your mind of all unnecessary thoughts and leave it open and receptive to vibrations of energy. Place the pendulum over the first name and ask if this is the person who attacked you. If it is and if you are properly focused and connected, the pendulum will swing wildly.

If it’s not, move on to the next name and repeat the request again.

If you can’t get conclusive results, it’s possible that you are too mentally scattered or emotionally involved to get an objective answer. In that case, it’s best to wait and try again in a few days, or to turn to someone else with a knowledge of magick to perform a divination for you. But please don’t go ahead with a Reversal Spell unless you have positively identified your attacker.

If you have identified your attacker, though, then gather some dirt from the offender’s home and prepare these other ingredients for your Reversal Spell.

Items You Will Need:

Nine Pieces of Devil’s Shoestring Root

A Jar

Some Red and Black Pepper

Poppy Seeds

Don’t forget your magickal broom, circle and altar. Prepeard your magickal space first.

Nest bring to mind the jinx, curse or spell that has been put on you. Try your best to tap into the frequency of the spell, to get a feel for it. You may visualize a dark aura around you, or just sense the negative energy. It will be different for each person.

But once you can sense the curse, take a piece of devil’s shoestring in your right hand. Trace pentagram in the air in front of you, using the root. Feel it gather up the energy of the spell. As you make the vertical arm of the pentagram, say, “Thou art in the power of mine.”

Repeat this motion nine times, one for each piece of devil’s shoestring roots.

Father up all nine roots, which have collected all the bad energy and place them in the jar with the dirt from your attacker house. Add the red and black pepper, and the poppy seeds.

Go back to your attacker’s house and sprinkle the contents of the jar into their yard, saying the incantation:

“What malice you have aimed at me shall be now be returned bo thee. By my word and by my will, so may it be.”

Then walk away without looking back.

This spell has not only bound up the negative attack on you, but you have actually delivered ir right back to the sender’s front door. How about that Karma?

May sure you increase the protective spells on your home, and work on your protective shield, to prevent the attack from happening again.

Celebrating Other Spirituality 365 Days A Year – Sacrifice to the 7 Stars

Celebrating Other Spirituality 365 Days A Year

January 4

Sacrifice to the 7 Stars

The ancient Greeks set this day aside to honor Callisto, the Moon Goddess who was loved by Zeus. Callisto bore Zeus a son, Arcas, and was then changed into a bear either by Zeus, wishing to hide her, or by Hera herself.  As a bear she was shot by Artemis in the forest, who then placed her among the stars as the “She Bear” connected with the Ursa Major constellation.

In Greek Callisto was also called Helice, which means both “that which turns” and “Willow branch”—-a reminder that the willow was the sacred tree favored by Helice and Callisto.

Magickal Adtivity

The Willow Wand
To make the wand:

Cut a small branch from a Willow tree. Clean and sand the branch until it is smooth. Use silver pain to inscribe your name in a spiral pattern around the branch.

Use a smudge stick to concentrate your wand. Light the smudge and pass the wand through its fragrant smoke. This will remove any negative thoughts or vibrations that might have been attached to the branch before you acquired it.

Once the branch has been cleansed you will need to bless it in Callisto’s honor. Place the wand on your altar or a small table. Hold both of your hands over the wand and speak the following prayer:

“Goddess of the Moon grant to me
The Willows power of flexibility.
Through your love  all be warmed,
And from this moment be transformed.”

When you feel the need to be more flexible and accommodating hold your wand and repeat the prayer

January Is The Celtic Month of the Birch Tree

This Is The Month of the Birch Tree

(December 24 – Jan 21)

Latin name: Yellow birch – betula alleghaniensis; black birch – betula lenta; canoe or common birch – betula papyrifea.

Celtic name: Beth (pronounced: beh)

Folk or Common names: Beithe, Bereza, Berke, Beth, Bouleau, Lady of the Woods, Birth, Canoe Tree, Paper Tree, Silver Birch, White Birch. “Birch” is derived from the meaning “Bright” or “Shining” in Indo-European and Sanskrit terminology. Quite possibly it came from the Anglo-Saxon term “Beorgan” meaning “to protect or shelter”

Parts Used: Leaves, bark, wood, sap, branches.

Herbal usage: Birch leaves can be used to make an infusion that is good for breaking up kidney or bladder stones. Birch bark is an astringent and can be used to treat non-hereditary baldness. Birch tea can be made from the inner bark and leaves and this is good for rheumatism or as a sedative to aid sleep. Birch sap can be harvested the same way maple sap is, and then boiled down into birch syrup.

Magical History & Associations: The bird associated with the Month of the Birch is the pheasant. Birch’s color is white, its day is Sunday and its gemstone is red chard. The Celtic symbol of Birch is the White Stag with a rack with seven tines. Birch is associated with the element of water, is a tree of the sun and the planet Venus, and its Herbal Gender is feminine. The Birch tree is sacred to the God Thor and the Goddesses Diana and Cerridwen. Birch is considered to be a Goddess tree, the symbol of summer ever-returning. The Birch is also a special tree to the Celts (“On a switch of birch was written the first Ogham inscription in Ireland, namely seven B’s, as a warning to Lug son of Ethliu, to wit, ‘Thy wife will be seven times carried away from you into fairyland or elsewhere, unless birch be her overseer.” – Robert Graves, The White Goddess) and Birch wood is one of the nine traditional firewoods to be added to the Belfire that is burned at Beltane. It is one of the three pillars of Wisdom (Oak, Yew, Birch) and often symbolizes the first level of Druid working. Birch trees often have Otherkin spirits attached to them and the “Lieschi” or “Genii of the Forest” are said to dwell in their tree tops. The Ghillie Dhu (pronounced “Gillee Doo or Yoo”) are guardian tree spirits who are disguised as foliage and dislike human beings. They prefer birch trees to all others, and jealously guard them from humans. If the spirit of the Birch tree touches a head it leaves a white mark and the person turns insane. If it touches a heart, the person will die.

Magickal usage: The month of Birch is a good time to do magick associated with new beginnings. Magickal work done in this moon adds strength and momentum to any new choices made. The Birch has applications in magick done for protection, creativity, exorcism, fertility, birth, healing, Forest Magic, Inner Authority/Self-Discipline, Lunar workings, love, and purification. Magickal protective uses of Birch include tying a red ribbon around the trunk of a birch to ward off the evil eye. Also, gently whapping someone with a Birch twig drives out negative energy, and Birch branches hung near a cradle will protect the newborn from psychic harm. In fact, cradles can be made from Birch wood to further protect a newborn. Many farmers plant Birch around their houses to protect against lightning. For magical parchment, gather Birch bark from a tree that has been struck by lightning (chosen by Thor) – and the Birch paper will keep the writings safe. Because Birch wood has the qualities of exorcism and protection, its twigs are traditionally used to make witches’ brooms. Brooms made of a mixture of Ash, Birch and Willow are said to be especially powerful in magick. Birch rods are also used in rustic rituals to drive out the spirits of the old year. Birch is also perfect to use to make a ‘Goddess’ wand, since Birch is the tree known as ‘the Lady of the Woods’ and a grove of Birch trees is an excellent place to communicate with the Goddess. Birch wood is also a good choice for making rune sets to use for divination. Be sure to harvest your branch for the rune set during the waxing moon, and make sure you ask Odin or Byarka to inspire your work. Also ask the tree if it will allow you to take a branch and be sure to leave the tree an offering of thanks when you are done. Birch trees especially appreciate gifts such as pretty stones, sea shells, flowers or herbs. (Please note: never take bark off a living Birch tree, since this will kill it.)

Saturday Is Ruled By Saturn

Witchy Comments & Graphics

Saturday Is Ruled By Saturn

 

Archangel: Cassiel

Candle colour: Purple or brown

Incenses: Patchouli or mimosa

Crystals: Jet or banded agate

Use Saturdays for spells to do with property, security and long-term financial matters, for closing doors on the past, for psychic protection and for locating lost objects (as well as animals and people).

Where possible, work in woodland near rocks and stones or on animal or bird reserves

The Witches Magickal Correspondence for Saturday, January 4

Witchy Comments & Graphics
The Witches Magickal Correspondence for Saturday, January 4

Magickal Intentions: Spirit Communications, Meditation, Psychic Attack or Defense, Locating Lost Things and Missing Persons, Building, Life, Doctrine, Protection, Knowledge, Authority, Limitations, Boundries, Time and Death
Incense: Black Poppy Seed and Myrrh
Planet: Saturn
Sign: Capricorn and Aquarius
Angel: Cassiel
Colors: Black, Grey and Indigo
Herbs/Plants: Myrrh, Moss, Hemlock, Wolfsbane, Coltsfoot, Nightshade and Fir
Stones: Jet, Smokey Quartz, Amethyst, Black Onyx, Snowflake Obsidian, Lava, Pumice
Oil: (Saturn) Cypress, Mimosa, Myrrh, Patchouli

Saturn lends its energies to the last day of the week. Because Saturn is the planet of karma, this day is an excellent time for spellwork involving reincarnation, karmic lessons, the Mysteries, wisdom, and long-term projects. It is also a good time to being efforts that deal with the elderly, death, or the eradication of pests and disease.

The Witches Almanac for Saturday, January 4th

Witchy Comments & Graphics
The Witches Almanac for Saturday, January 4th

Saturday (Saturn): Longevity, exorcism, endings, homes, and houses.

Frost Fairs on the Thames

Waxing Moon

The Waxing Moon is the ideal time for magick to draw things toward you.

Moon Sign: Aquarius

Aquarius: Rebellious energy. Time to break habits and make abrupt changes. Personal freedom and individuality is the focus.

Moon Phase: First Quarter

Moon enters Pisces 11:58 am

The focus is on dreaming, nostalgia, intuition, and psychic impressions. A good time for spiritual or philanthropic activities.

Incense: Pine

Color: Blue

GOOD MORNING TO ALL MY WONDERFUL FAMILY & FRIENDS OF THE WOTC!

I Be A Witch

I be a Witch within my heart and soul
I cast spells, chant for healing
and conjure ritual concoctions
within my cauldron bowl
I honor the moon
I honor the Sun
I honor the Earth Goddess
and the Horned one
I honor the four seasons
The Wheel of the Year
From Spring, Summer to Fall
right through to Yuletide cheer
I honor this life I live
and the many that came before
I trust within my dreams at night
the old ways forgotten lore
I pray for healing and respect
for the common good
to be sent and received by all
from city’s to the long lost wood I am on a path of pure love and light
That is very true indeed
I seek enlightenment and knowledge
from thine Wiccan Rede
Everything I do in this life
from today to tomorrow on
I try and live it to the fullest
before my days are gone
I be a Witch within my soul and heart
So take heed my brothers and Sister
To my words I share with you
Merry Ye Meet and Merry Ye Part

 

Source:
“I be a Witch”
Author: WynnJera
Dutchie
Dutchie Network

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’ for January 3rd

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

No hope? How foolish, for as long as there is a breath of life there is hope. How many people have sprung to their spiritual feet at the challenge of “no hope” and proved there is always hope. Perhaps there’s nothing you can do for me, or I for you, but then again, perhaps there is.

As long as I do not impose the thought of hopelessness on you, and you do not convince me that your strength is all I can depend upon, then there is hope.

The things we sometimes call miracles are merely hopes activated by faith. And a wise teacher has said, “Give thanks for that which you need and soon you will have that for which you have given thanks.”

If hope seems to elude you, let us give thanks that it is ours again. Let us speak words that are positive and reassuring and throw ourselves unreservedly into faith and trust, disregarding every emotion that seeks to convince us otherwise.

To lie down and be discouraged is our temptation, but to hope and have faith is our wisdom.

__________________________________

Available online! ‘Cherokee Feast of Days’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler.

Visit her web site to purchase the wonderful books by Joyce as gifts for yourself or for loved ones……and also for those who don’t have access to the Internet: http://www.hifler.com
Click Here to Buy her books at Amazon.com

Elder’s Meditation of the Day
By White Bison, Inc., an American Indian-owned nonprofit organization. Order their many products from their web site: http://www.whitebison.org

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – January 3

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – January 3

“We don’t have to say or think what we don’t wish to. We have a choice in those things, and we have to realize that and practice using that choice.”

–Rolling Thunder, CHEROKEE

Having choices makes us fully accountable. No one can make us think anything we don’t want to think. No one can determine our behavior and how we act. It’s not what’s going on but how we look at what’s going on. If someone does something and we get upset, we can change how we look at it any time we want. We can tell ourselves in the morning that the day is going to be beautiful and that we have expectations that great things will happen. Doing this daily sets our mind to look for the joy and the excitement of each day.

Great Spirit, help me to choose my thoughts with Your wisdom.

January 3 – Daily Feast

January 3 – Daily Feast

 

When we last saw Essie she had been ashen and without the strength we see in her now. Now she sits flat on the ground, legs straight out in front, and reeds tumble across her knees and lie around her. Nimble fingers seek the perfect one to start a basket. Essie is close to our hearts. She has our Grandmother’s name. Her reticence does not inspire idle talk, so we ask what happened to change her. With a quick glance, she says, “God heal.” “Is it possible? So quickly and completely?” Hesitantly, she asks, “You got fast oven?” I say I do. “What make it work?” “Why, microwaves – energy. They change the molecules, the structure of the bread from cold to hot.” Seconds pass. She says, almost too softly, “Prayer energy. Make me well.”

~ I love a people who have always made me welcome to the best they had….who are honest without laws….who never take the name of God in vain…..who worship God without a Bible…. And I believe God loves them too. ~

GEORGE CATLIN, ARTIST – 1830

‘A Cherokee Feast of Days’, by Joyce Sequichie Hifler

The Daily Motivator for Jan. 3rd – Culmination

Culmination

In getting to this day, you’ve invested more of your life than with any other  day. Give it the care, respect, attention, effort and commitment it  deserves.

This day represents a culmination of all you’ve ever thought, all you’ve ever  done, all you’ve dreamed and hoped and loved. There’s an amazing amount of  substance behind this day, so put some great new substance into it.

Today may seem like just another day, yet it is so much more. It is the time  in which you can make use of all you have been in order to become the best you  can be.

Your presence on this day is an impressive achievement, so don’t sell  yourself short. Instead, use the opportunity of this day to raise yourself and  your whole world higher.

Feel your dreams, your values, your essence, your spirit and the love you  have for the beauty of this life. That goodness is all wrapped up in today, and  with it, so much more goodness is possible.

Your whole life has brought you here. Consider the magnitude of what you’ve  been through, and find new strength to move forward in a new, brilliant, and  meaningful way.

— Ralph Marston

The Daily Motivator

The Daily OM for January 3 – Living Streets

Living Streets
The Energy of Cities

by Madisyn Taylor

Living in large cities can be draining, but there are steps that can be taken to make it all work in harmony.

The cities we reside in have souls. Our cities consume, create, evolve, and breathe much in the same way Mother Nature does. Each city is unique, defined not only by the individuals who call it home but also by the energy it exudes. Some cities are suffused by an aura of unshakab

le calm while others seem continually frenetic, even during the early morning hours. Many inspire creativity within us or arouse our curiosity. A city’s energy is dependent on many factors, including the geography, the people, the industry, and the culture. Residing in a city full of warehouses and factories feels very different than one living in one populated by artists and museums. Some cities elevate the soul while others seem to squash it, and fate may lead us to either.

If the urban center you presently call home feels oppressive or robs you of your vitality, consider relocating to a locale that is more nurturing. You may find that leaving your city is an impossibility, however, if circumstances in your life compel you to remain or the universe has plans for you that involve your staying put. To cope with the stress of working and playing in an environment you have an aversion to, first ask yourself how the city you live in makes you feel. Then take steps to cleanse your home, your work spaces, and your life of the energy that is dragging you down. Try smudging your personal and professional spaces with sage or sweetgrass to dispel negativity. Keeping a quartz crystal on or near your person can ensure that there is always positive, loving energy nearby that you can draw from when you feel affected by your city. And you can do your part to promote widespread good energy by sending love and white light from your heart out into the city each morning and night.

As you become increasingly aware of the way your city makes you feel, you can refine your cleansing efforts to meet your individual needs. If you seek out others who feel driven to purify your city’s energy flow, your combined efforts can become a larger movement that promotes healing and goodwill. You may find that, after a time, you are gradually drawn to those aspects of your locale that energize you, helping you come back into balance.

The Daily OM

Solitary Spirituality

Solitary Spirituality

Author: Jessica Baumgartner   

Being a solitary Witch does not mean that you have to do everything alone. I myself have been a member of a coven and practiced on my own as well, finding that not everyone is meant to perform rituals and works of magic with others. Sure, sometimes it is nice to be joined with others of your own faith. But being a part of a coven is not for everyone.

I found my path about ten years ago. A friend in high school introduced paganism to me. Mind you, this was also during a time when the movie “The Craft” had already gained cult status and being a witch became somewhat of a trend. My sister and a friend of ours also became interested and we dedicated ourselves as a coven before I knew it. For a few weeks the four of us were so close that we enjoyed practicing meditations, working with our energies, and celebrating midsummer nearly every day. Things seemed so great; I had finally found my calling and felt that the world was at peace with itself. Unfortunately that would not last long.

Our high priestess, my friend who introduced this faith to me, had her own agenda. That’s not to say that she meant any harm, and I will always be connected to her through the bonds of friendship. But the power this young high priestess felt over the rest of my coven mates and me seemed to overcome her better judgment. She began playing us against each other, praising me for my strength with the elements, only to use that as a way to make one of the other coven mates feel powerless. Then this same high priestess would turn around and favor my sister in a way that brought me down. It wasn’t long before the three of us realized what was happening. So instead of turning against each other, we started distancing ourselves from our leader.

The coven was eventually disbanded; we were young and had much to learn. It was a true experience, but since then I have not felt the need to join another coven. Nor do I think that I will ever want to again. Our high priestess has, to my knowledge, stopped practicing altogether, along with our other friend who has completely withdrawn from her beliefs. My sister and I witnessed quite a few people go through the fad of enjoying the ‘benefits’ of becoming a Witch, and when they realized that there is so much more to Paganism than just doing spell work and wearing the color black, they moved on. But Wicca was so much more to me, as it has been for many others. I became enamored with its teachings, and immersed myself in as many books, articles, and shops that I could find.

My sister has always been very encouraging and still holds her beliefs, but she is not as active in her faith as she used to be. We have sometimes celebrated the Sabbaths together, but I was often on my own. Luckily, the years have been kind to me. My connection to the Gods has only grown stronger as I have worked very hard to maintain a balance between living a healthy natural life and finding my place in society. A challenging task at times, but I always say that this is the best time to be a witch.

I am now married with a daughter of my own, and though I still consider myself a solitary witch, the wheel of the year is quite a beacon of light in our home. Celebrating the holidays reminds me that love is the main ingredient in any faith. And the Gods sure have graced my family with plenty of love. We highly enjoy our festivities with our shy lion head rabbit Penny, our scaly fish Einstein, our two fluffy cats, Smokey and Tortoro, as well as our sweet dog Willow. I feel more at ease performing ritual with my family, including these beautiful creatures, than I ever did in a coven.

Some days I enjoy my meditations and rituals alone, whereas there are others where my husband and daughter join in. We are linked through our beliefs like many people, but my husband is a Taoist so his participation is based more on ideals than ritual. Not being a part of a coven has had a very positive effect on me. I have the freedom to focus on my own journey, while not feeling too self-centered. I take my faith very seriously while trying to know how to loosen up and enjoy my beliefs. Finding many solitary guides has made this possible. There is a multitude of books, magazines, and online sources that give me the information I need as well as offering a sense a community.

Being lonely is not part of being a solitary witch because true Pagans are very personable. There is nothing more I love to do than speak with others about faith, as long as I am speaking with someone who is respectful. I live to enjoy life, knowing that the gods are always around me. If I do feel the need for a little Witchy interaction from time to time, there is always the “Pagan Picnic”, classes I can take at my New Age Shop and “the Witches Ball”. Our annual Renaissance Festival has quite a few Pagan elements included as well. Having the opportunity to attend these events allows me to be social enough with other people of my own faith without having to worry about the demands of being part of a coven.

Some Wiccans prefer those coven/group bonds, and that is understandable. Words cannot express the kind of link that one has to the other members of their coven. But many of us are perfectly happy to have the freedom of practicing our beliefs on our own. After all, everyone has their own path to take and being a solitary Witch is full of freedom, happiness, and adventure.

Solitary Practice

Solitary Practice

Author:   RuneWolf
Even when I was a Covener, I was mostly Solitary.
Now, I know what you’re probably thinking: “Geez, Wolfie’s been in the unguentum Sabbati again…”
But for the entire period that I was officially a member of a living, breathing Coven on the West Coast, I lived where I still live, on the East. With the exception of, I believe, seven whole days, during my tenure as a Seeker, my year and a day of Dedication, and after my First Degree Initiation, I practiced by “remote control.”
I don’t know if my experience is all that unique, but I have yet to hear a similar story. And some people might contend that, because of the physical separation, I wasn’t “really” a member of that Coven. I won’t argue with that – I don’t need to. My Teacher, my High Priest and my Covenmates said I was a member, and I will not dispute the words of those good people.
What that experience gave me, in the formative years of my Pagan journey, was really the best of both worlds. I had the energy, wisdom, experience and love of the group to educate, nurture and support me, but I was also free to take my own risks, make my own mistakes and draw my own conclusions. I was, in effect, “working with a net.”
Having a Coven and a Teacher to “answer to” gave me the disciplinary framework that I needed at that time, and, apparently, still do. This essay is a bit of a confession on my part: I have to admit – if I am to be honest with myself, the Gods and you, gentle reader – that my Solitary practice has gotten a little sloppy lately. Oh, I’m still working hard…but mostly just on the stuff that appeals to me, like venturing into the unexplored (by me) hinterlands of Traditional Craft, bootstrapping my own “Tradition,” reading, writing, and whatnot. But some of the – ahem! – fundamentals seem to have fallen by the wayside…
Lammas blew right past me, and I never raised an eyebrow, let alone an athame. Thank all the Gods there are that I didn’t turn to one of my Pagan friends and say, “What’s up with all the Lughnasadh reviews on Witchvox, anyway?”
For me, this is where the danger lies in Solitary practice. I don’t really believe that I’m going to accidentally conjure up some “long-legged beastie” from the Nether Regions while working alone. What is far more likely is that I will simply become lazy and lax, and my spiritual life as a whole will suffer because of it.
On her excellent website, in an article entitle The Seeker’s Triangle, Wiccan author Dianne Sylvan says, “It takes time, work, and persistence to create and maintain a spiritual life in the face of all of that.” (That being the exigencies of mundane life.) I couldn’t agree more. And it takes self-discipline to set aside the time, do the work and remain persistent when the “only” one I am accountable to is me. Because I know The Big Secret of Paganism: The Lady and the Lord simply aren’t going to thwack me on the head with a meteorite if I don’t do what I’m “supposed to.” Period. So I can, in fact, let Lammas blow by me like a crack-addled power-walker, and no harm will come to me. I can let my daily meditation slide, and I won’t be struck down. I can forget a morning prayer or an evening prayer or – gasp! – both, and I will be just jim-dandy.
Well, physically, anyway.
Emotionally and spiritually? I’m not so certain.
Solitary practice really brings home that lesson that dear old Mother tried to teach me so many times: If I cheat, and no one ever finds out, I’ve still cheated myself. As a Solitary, I can cut all the corners I want, and there will be no “divine retribution.” On the contrary, the Universe will continue to hum right along with nary a hiccup. But I will have deprived myself of something, perhaps something precious.
The good news is that there’s no one watching over my shoulder that’s going to say, “Oh my Goddess! I can’t believe you FORGOT EFF-ING LAMMAS! You’re outta here, pal!” The only one who can kick me out is me. (Well, THEY could, but remember what I said about The Big Secret…) So the only way I can really screw this up is if I simply throw my hands up and quit. And believe me, there have been – and will be – plenty of times when I’ve felt like doing that. That’s when I really miss being part of a Coven, when my own inadequacies – real or imagined – get the best of me, and I begin to lose faith, not in the Gods, but in myself, and my fundamental right to be here. When those little “dark nights of the soul” come along, it’s great to have Covenmates to help you through, and it’s Hel to not have Covenmates to help you through.
That’s why my network is one of the most important parts of my Solitary practice. As with so many other things on the Pagan Path, it’s a bit of a contradiction: Depending on other people in my Solitary practice. But that’s the reality of it for me, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I believe that the Lady and the Lord put certain people into my life on purpose, as gifts, and who am I to reject the gifts of the Gods? I may work my new ritual alone, physically, but you can bet your bottom dollar that I’ve talked that ritual over with my fellow travelers, and their insights and energies are with me when I work it. And when I begin to flounder, when I begin to doubt all this and myself as well, I have people I can turn to who know me, where I’ve been, where I want to end up (today, at least), and generally which direction I’m going in. They have no authority or power over me, save that which I give them by way of my respect, admiration and friendship. So I listen when these people ask, in their gentle, unassuming way, “Say, Slick – do you really think it’s a good idea to invoke Loki, Balor and Cthulhu all at once at midnight on Samhain?”
I have always maintained that, if at all possible, Pagans should work within a group structure at some point along their paths. My personal prejudice is that this is best done at the beginning, but I think it can be educational and transformative at any stage. I consider myself lucky – despite the obstacles of physical distance, I fell in with a strong, teaching-oriented Coven within a few weeks of my Self-Dedication. (I got Dedicated all over again to the Coven a few months later. It didn’t invalidate my original Self-Dedication, it was simply part of the “package deal.”) And, some time later, I found a local open Circle that has helped to fill some of the gaps. Studying within the Coven wasn’t easy, but I think – for me – it was easier than it would have been, trying to achieve the same goals by myself as a newcomer.
Looking back over my path since the Coven, I would have to say that self-discipline and a good network have been indispensable to my Solitary practice. Self-discipline helps to ensure that I do all my homework, not just the bits I like, and that lays the foundations for the really cool stuff, the hair-standing-up-on-the-back-of-your-neck moments in ritual – and elsewhere – that let us know we are on the right path. The network helps to keep me from doing things that are too outlandish – or too trivial – and also helps me to realize that, while Solitary, I am by no means alone.
I would like to close by sharing an observation on Solitary practice that came from – for me – a rather unexpected source. In Light from the Shadows: A Mythos of Modern Traditional Witchcraft, Gwyn says:

“More and more modern witches…are actively seeking the solitary path of the wise woman, wizard and hedgewitch. In this respect they should not be condemned or criticised, for they are simply reviving the practices of the past when the majority of the Craft were solo practitioners of the Art.”

Flags, Flax and Fodder,
RuneWolf

Solitary or Coven?

Solitary or Coven?

Author:   Silverwolf   
 

Solitary or Coven?

One of the key choices facing pagans is the decision to be a solitary or to join a coven. Obviously a third option is to do both: you can have a practice on your own and still work with most Covens, but for many the practical answer is one of the other.

As Pagans, we generally enjoy a great deal of freedom in the development of our own particular path, and one of the decisions we all face is whether we want to or even feel we need to work with others in our path.

A solitary path brings complete personal freedom and the ability to truly work on a path that fits with your own beliefs. On the other hand, a coven can bring collective knowledge and experience that you may never obtain on your own, as well as the energy that a group can tap into.

The nice thing about Paganism, however, is that most will agree that there is no right or wrong answer for us. If a Coven works for you, so be it. If the path of a solitary works for you, so be it. Of course, you cannot call yourself a member of an initiatory tradition if you are a solitary, but that’s o.k.

Part 1: “Alone but not lonely” – by Silverwolf

Why do people stay solitary Pagan practitioners? Of course it you wish to join one of the initiatory traditions then you have to join a coven. There are other traditions that do not require direct initiation, and you can be a solitary and still practice that path. Of course, most solitaries simply create their own path, which is why they decided to remain solitaries in the first place.

As a matter of terminology, some people refer to solitary practitioners as “solitaries” and some as “solitaires”. I use the former here, but there is nothing wrong with either.

The vast majority of Pagans do start out as a solitary of course. At what point to do you realize you are Pagan? This usually comes on slowly and often as an act of discovery.

You may have had some leanings towards Paganism, but you were not familiar with what exactly it was. Then you read a book, or talked to someone, or ran across a web site that described being Pagan and you realized that that was what you had been feeling already, but didn’t have a name for it. A coven member introduced some people directly to Paganism, but even there these people usually were Pagans in their beliefs already, they just didn’t realize it.

What level of commitment?

The decision to not join a coven usually comes from simply not having the opportunity to join a like-minded coven. Just because you want to join one doesn’t mean there is one nearby with similar beliefs or that they are interested in new members. In fact, it is really incorrect to say that some people decide *not* to join a coven – most simply never decide *to* join one.

Some people practicing solitary would prefer to join covens but simply have no opportunity. Some are simply not involved enough in their practice to want the regularity of coven life. Just like a Christian who only goes to church on Christmas, or even not at all, but still considers him/herself a Christian.

Many people hold Pagan beliefs, but not everyone feels the need to actually “practice” anything and of course there is nothing wrong with that. As part of deciding on a Pagan path that is right for us, the level of activity and involvement that we pick is also a personal decision we need to make. A coven may simply require more activity and involvement than some Pagans are willing to invest.

A variety of traditions to draw on

Being a solitary has both pros and cons. The benefit of being able to construct a tailored path that fits you also means that you do, in fact, have to create this path yourself. You will undoubtedly take inspiration from other works, but you will create the path yourself. Now that is not to say that you can’t get help. Instead of learning about one tradition, you will probably need to research and learn about many traditions in order to find the parts that you wish to incorporate. Of course, you can also simply create your practice by following your own instincts without basing your practice on any previous works. Personally, I enjoy learning about different religions and beliefs, so I view this as part of the growing process as opposed to a chore. But it is work, no mistake.

Community for Solitaries

Being a solitary does not mean that you are without others to help you. You can discuss history, philosophy, ritual, and other aspects with other pagans – solitaries and coven members alike. Their views may match your on some issues, and diverge on others. You ultimately need to pick the pieces you will incorporate into your own beliefs, but you can still discuss ideas and solicit comments and opinions. This is part of the key attraction of a solitary path for me – the ability to take the best of all worlds to construct a path that fits me perfectly, and one that can grow and evolve as I grow and evolve.

A solitary is, by definition, alone and this potentially means on missing out on the benefits of community. However, there are several options to get the benefits of community that come automatically with a coven. There are on-line communities where you can meet on neutral ground, the Unitarian Universalist church is quite Pagan-friendly and I am actively involved in the one near me. Of course, a UU church welcomes Pagans, and many of the practices are purely Pagan, but it stops short of the more religious aspects of Paganism. Still, it provides a great place to explore beliefs and to put social and ecological beliefs into action.

The Solitary Path

Would I ever join a coven? Perhaps – I have nothing against covens and I believe that covens are absolutely the right path for some. If I ever found one that I felt matched my own path closely enough, and that seemed supportive and still flexible, I would certainly consider it. I enjoy attending public rituals on occasion and wouldn’t mind having a group to participate with regularly in rituals more closely aligned with my own path.

Having others to help craft new directions and explore new aspects of my faith could be fun. Joining a coven is also not permanent, and if my coven and I moved in different directions later I could simply leave the coven. With the tight community that a Coven forms, however, this would not be a step taken lightly. But I feel no need to join a coven today, or even to try to seek one out. For now, I continue to explore my faith and my direct relationship with the deity.

Part 2: “Hold Me As I Spiral And Spin” – by Chicoryflower

There are so many solitary versus coven arguments available, so pointing out something novel is challenging. However, it’s the language we’re looking for. An opinion that seems hip in a way that we value.

So with that in mind, I’ll explain that I wasn’t looking to join a coven when I stumbled upon one that I adore.

I had two brushes with covens that left me feeling that coven life was not for me. I wanted to hone and caress my own sense of divinity, explore my own boundless spirituality and not be hemmed in by the conceptual spirituality of others at different stages in life, from different backgrounds, with different (not lesser or greater) emotional and intellectual needs.

I don’t want to sound like I felt it would be an inferior experience, far from it. But I worried that others might feel the need to explore avenues, which I was less interested in, and I might be attracted to areas that they didn’t wish to learn about.

When you “sign-up”, it may seem that the 101 classes are beneath you. You might feel like you’ve been forced off the 10-speed and back on to the tricycle, but this is another benefit of being in a coven. There are precious gems of information about the coven within those classes. Take your time, go to as many as have been assigned, or more, you won’t be sorry. By the end of a year, you’ll realize it was beneficial and a great value of time, effort and expense. You can ask questions, and they will be answered. You can’t get that out of a book!

Covens can meet a lot of needs, and the first one is that perfect love and perfect trust doesn’t exist within the larger community of witches, it can only exist in covens where that is part of the vows you take. Otherwise, it’s just down to you and your divinity to have 100% certainty that all is done with the best you have to offer.

When we meet in perfect love and perfect trust, this has a lot to do with recognizing the intrinsic divine in others. It’s an exercise that makes us better people, better witches, and better friends, everywhere else in our lives. When we love and trust in this way to recognize the divine within others, and we also stretch our own understanding of divinity.

While we don’t necessarily agree with others, often some thought or idea is planted in the back of our mind that later might bloom and we find that it has made our consciousness expand effortlessly.

Community is something that “churches got and pagans ain’t”, in many quarters. When pagans go out looking for a safe, secure, intelligent way to grow as Wiccans, there aren’t a lot of options. As Silverwolf pointed out, there are a limited number of fully hived High Priestesses willing to take on new dedicants. So it follows that of that small number, it’s just not likely that the perfect coven is necessarily going to be one of them.

To me, this seems the greatest reason for witches to drive that extra mile to be a part of a tradition with degrees. There might be a day when the world has plenty of good covens with excellent High Priestesses, but until then you will need to be willing to make a little extra effort.

However, a group doesn’t need a degreed High Priestess from an established tradition to create a culture of love, trust, and sharing among other witches. It is possible to take vows, create new traditions, share knowledge and become tomorrow’s elders in a new tradition.

Coveners can hold each other somewhat accountable to learn the ways completely, and in a way that is generally agreed upon by others. Almost every tradition recognizes that you may have a personal pagan path that doesn’t match everything perfectly, and when we hive, this becomes a part of the heritage of the tradition. This is the same way that your High Priestess’ personality, knowledge, and idiosyncrasies helped form and guide your learning experience.

Being a part of these rites of passage enriches the experience of a witch. We know what we’ve mastered, but it certainly helps to have a group of elders second the notion and reassure us. Having the benefit of being seen by others and having the reality reflected back to us helps us grow, embrace ourselves, confront our shadows, and ultimately be enriched.

To be perfectly honest, I’m a very new dedicant, but these were the points and counterpoints that helped to form my decision to join a coven. I met the High Priestess several months ago, and it took a few stops and starts to be sure that this was the path I wanted to take. At each return, when I pulled back to be sure this was what I wanted to do (and for other more personal reasons), I was greeted with warmth and welcoming. It was easy to follow my instincts as they all uniformly voiced approval.

Conclusion

Solitary or coven, solitary plus coven, solitary and later coven, coven and later solitary…how you pursue your spiritual path as a Pagan is a decision that you and you alone can make. There is no right or wrong, no good or bad, only what is right and good for you specifically.

One of the truly special things about being Pagan is that we do have this freedom to choose. This is s fundamental given and part of what distinguishes us from most other religions: we do not believe that someone else is wrong because they follow a different path.

We have not received any commandment from our Gods to convert others, and eternal pits of fire do not await those who decide on a different way. So make your choice based on where your heart leads you.

Look inside yourself to make these choices, and make sure that you are making them for all the right reasons. Others can help provide advice or insight, but only you can make the final decision. And if you change your mind later, that’s o.k.

— by Silverwolf and Chicoryflower