Day: November 22, 2015

Your Ritual Clothing and Jewellery

Your Ritual Clothing and Jewellery

 

Inevitably there are certain things you will need to remember before you begin your magical working. While you are preparing and putting on your robes or ritual gowns you might spend time in reflection, silent meditation or prayer. Prior to the beginning of any spell and while dressing concentrate on the matter in hand. Alternatively, simply focus on the Supreme Being, Cosmic Responsibility and/or a successful outcome and ask that the event to follow helps you in your learning..

 

There is no limit to what can be worn. Some suggest white robes with black cords or vice versa, while others simply suggest that you are comfortable in what you wear. Many people will spend a great deal of time, energy and effort on fashioning suitable robes.

 

The idea is that when working magically you leave behind the ordinary mundane world, so turn off mobile phones, put away keys and name tags, remove money and other objects from pockets and so on.

 

It will be a matter of choice as to whether you wear jewellery or not. Magical jewellery such as the pentagram, ankh or rings with magical symbols or significance are often worn, although they are by no means essential. Many prefer not to wear watches, since time is considered irrelevant. It is often better not to use perfume or cologne unless it is based on essential oils which are suitable for the work in hand, or complement any incense being used.

Making your bath salts

Making your bath salts

 

Commercial bath salts will do absolutely nothing on an esoteric level – they have too many chemical additives and artificial perfumes – so it is a nice touch to make your own using single essential oils, blends and/or herbs. The fact that you have mixed them yourself means they are infused with your own vibration and therefore will work on a very subtle level. Matching your bath salt perfume to your incense perfume does wonders for your inner self.

 

You will need

• • 3 PARTS EPSOM SALTS

• • 2 PARTS BAKING SODA

• • 1 PART ROCK SALT (or Borax)

• • BOWL FOR MIXING

• • ESSENTIAL OILS IN YOUR CHOSEN PERFUMES

• • HANDFUL OF HERBS (optional)

• • NATURAL FOOD COLOURING

 

Method

Mix the first three ingredients thoroughly in the mixing bowl. Use your hands as this will enable you to imbue the salts with your own energy. This is your basic mixture and can be perfumed or coloured in any way that you please.

 

Note: It is wise when using essential oils to mix them first if you are using a blend to allow the synergy between the oils to develop.

 

Add your colouring first and mix to your satisfaction, then follow with your oil or blend a drop at a time. Add the herbs to the mixture and combine thoroughly. Be generous with the oils since the salts will absorb a surprising amount without you realizing. Your nose, however, as with all oils and perfumes is the best judge – there is no right or wrong amount.

 
When you wish to use your salts, add approximately 2 tablespoons to a full bathtub and mix well.

Preparation for Spell Working – The Ritual Bath

Preparation for Spell Working – The Ritual Bath

 

Several processes become automatic when preparing for spell work. If you choose to wear special clothing, then this has to be prepared before you actually start your personal preparations. We give below some suggestions for personal robes which can be laid out with some ceremony before you begin.

 
Important magical workings require you to take a ritual bath which cleanses, purifies and clarifies your energy so that you are able to get the best results possible. Many practitioners prefer to take a ritual bath before performing any magical workings. For what you may consider ‘lesser’ magic you do not need to bathe, but may prefer to cleanse yourself by running your hands over your body before you embark on any working.

 

Ritual Bathing

 

Ritual bathing arose in times gone by from a perceived need to be in as ‘virgin’ – that is, unsullied – a state as possible. This is what gave rise to working skyclad, i.e. without clothes, so that there were no encumbrances between the practitioner and his or her gods or deities.

 

Ritual Bath

 

As you mix in your salts, bless the water and charge it with your intent – be that a particular magical working, a relaxing evening or a successful meeting. The candles used in this ritual can be in the colours of the Elements or those most appropriate to your purpose, for example – pink (tranquility), blue (wisdom), green (self-awareness) and red (passion). For spiritual matters, use purple.

 

You will need

• • HOMEMADE BATH SALTS

• • VOTIVE CANDLES ACCORDING TO YOUR NEED

• • LARGE WHITE CANDLE

• • ESSENTIAL OIL TO REMOVE NEGATIVITY (e.g. rosemary)

• • LARGE GLASS OF MINERAL WATER OR JUICE

 

Method

Anoint the large white candle with the essential oil and ask for positivity, health and happiness as you do so. Do the same with the votive candles according to your need. You may, if you wish, inscribe a symbol to represent your purpose on each candle.

 

Run your bath and mix in the bath salts.
Light the candles, first the white one followed by the votives. Place the latter safely around the bath. The white candle should be placed wherever you feel is safest. You have now created a sacred space for yourself.

 
Lie back and enjoy your bath and at some point drink your water or juice visualizing your whole system being cleansed inside as well as out. Before you get out of the bath, thank the water deities for this opportunity to prepare thoroughly for the new energies available to you. If you are to perform a magical working, then keep your mind focused on that intent.

 

On this occasion, for safety’s sake, when you have finished your bath, snuff out the candles.

Your Essential Oils

Your Essential Oils

 

Oils are an easy way of using plants and herbs in magical workings, particularly when space is at a premium. Below are some oils that we think should be part of every magical practitioner’s way of working. All of them are simple to acquire and, if stored according to directions, will last for some time even though the initial expense may seem to be prohibitive.
CINNAMON

With its warm vibration, it brings love from higher realms, transforming sadness into happiness.
CLARY SAGE

Lifts the spirit and links with eternal wisdom. teaching us to be content with what we have, and that most problems arise in our imagination.
FRANKINCENSE

Holds some of the wisdom of the universe. Able to cleanse the most negative of influences, it works far beyond the auric field, affecting the very subtle realms of energy and adapting the spiritual state. Frankincense is sometimes called olibanum.
GERANIUM

Resonates with Mother Earth and all that is feminine. It comforts, opens our hearts and heals pain.. It typifies the archetypal energy of Goddess culture. Its energy is transformational and as such it must always be used with respect.
JASMINE

Provides us with access to a greater understanding of the spirit. It is said that jasmine brings the angelic kingdom within our reach. It gives understanding and acceptance of the true meaning of spirituality.
LAVENDER

Is caring and nurturing. It will not allow negative emotion to remain present, bringing about healing by allowing the heavenly energies close to the physical.
MYRRH

Brings realization that we no longer need to carry our burdens, releasing them from deep within, allowing us to let go when the time is right. When combined with other oils, it enhances – and is enhanced by – them.
NEROLI

Is one of the most precious essential oils, its vibration being one of the highest. It brings self-recognition because it allows development of a new perspective, allowing us to develop unconditional love.

 

NUTMEG

When the spirit is affected by disappointment, spiritual pain and displacement, nutmeg works to bring hopes, dreams and prayers back into focus.
ROSE ABSOLUTE

Said to be the perfume of the guardians or messengers who guide us in times of need, it is a fragrance which allows us to access the Divine mysteries. It is associated with the true needs of the human heart.
ROSEMARY

Reminds us of our purpose and of our own spiritual journey and encourages confidence and clarity of purpose. It cleanses the aura.
SANDALWOOD

Allows us to make contact with divine beings and brings us into balance with the cosmos. It clarifies our strength of conviction.
YLANG YLANG

It balances the spirit so that we can be open to pleasures of the physical realm while still appreciating spiritual passions. Used magically, it achieves a balanced manifestation.

Blending granular incense

Blending granular incense

 

• • When blending, first grind the gum resins (such as gum Arabic or benzoin) until the granules are like granulated sugar.

 

• • Then add the woods, herbs and spices, all of which should have been finely ground and thoroughly blended together.

 

• • Add the essential oils a drop at a time and mix well. The blending of the incense is an important part of the process, both from the perspective of the synergy of the ingredients and the personal energy you add to the incense.

 

• • At this point you might like to dedicate the incense to the purpose intended, saying perhaps simply:

I dedicate this incense to be used in [name spell]

• • Place the incense mixture in a strong polythene bag (so that it retains its pungency) then put it into a clean jar with a screw top lid.

 

• • Do not use for at least 24 hours to enable the perfumes and qualities to blend properly.

 

• • Don’t forget to label the jar, noting the ingredients and the date you made the blend. It is also a good idea to note the intention or purpose for which the incense is made.

 

• • Make your incense in small quantities so that it does not lose its potency.

 

When making your incense you may like to follow the example of herbalists of old, who gathered their herbs in tune with the cycles of life and planetary correspondences. Even though you may have to use bought herbs, the more you are able to work with the correspondences and think about timing the more effective your spells or rituals will be.

Incense

Incense

 

As well as making use of herbs as plants, decorations and for healing, their most important use in magic was – and still is – in incense. Incense symbolizes the Element Air and the spiritual realms and has been part of ritual use by occultists and priests alike for thousands of years. Granular incense, with its basis of resins and gums, sweet-smelling woods and herbs is nowadays usually preferred for magical workings or ritual worship. It has a magic all of its own. For this reason a good incense burner will be one of your most important tools. You should choose this carefully, and not just for its aesthetic sense, because it is vital that the incense is allowed to burn properly.

 

Egypt became especially renowned for its high standard of blending and the use of ritual incense. There was a particular class of incense – which is still available today – called Khyphi. It required magical techniques and the finest ingredients for its manufacture. Some incense were mind-altering and could produce trance-like states in users.

 

For short spells, joss-sticks work very well, though they are not to everyone’s taste. Dhoop, or incense cones as they are known, are another way of using the same material.

 

By far the best method is to burn the granular type on a charcoal disc which is lit and placed in a fireproof receptacle. The incense is then piled onto the concave surface and allowed to do its work. You should dispose of the discs very carefully, dousing them with water and ensuring they are no longer hot. You might like to bury what remains of the incense as an offering to the Earth.

 

Many of the herbs we have already encountered are suitable for incense, if you wish to make your own. You should choose your correspondences carefully, according to your spell. You will soon find out through experimentation what works for you.

 

When blending your own granular incense it is important to use a pestle and mortar to grind and mix all the ingredients together properly. You may wish to consecrate your pestle and mortar first. Granular incense usually consists of a base of incense gums to which are added the woods and herbs of choice before the mixture is blended using fragrant oils.

The Various Uses for Herbs

The Various Uses for Herbs

 

Most magical practices make use of herbs in various ways, often in rituals and magical workings. Often they are used as incense, when they are crushed and powdered, or as oils. Their properties mean that they create a type of force field that intensifies the vibration needed. Additionally, when the practitioner calls upon the power of the Gods and spirits, the herbs become even more effective.

 

Simply having particular herbs in your sacred space or having them about your person is sufficient to begin the process of enhancing the area or your personal vibration. You can use them in incense and dedicate them to the appropriate Elements and Deities. Many of the herbs mentioned can be obtained from a good herbalist, though for those of you who are truly interested it would be worthwhile creating a small herb garden or growing them on your windowsill.

 

Now for the Uses of Herbs

 

PROTECTION

Such herbs guard against physical and psychic attacks, injury, accidents and such things as wicked spirits. They usually offer protection in a general sort of way.

 
LOVE

The vibration of these herbs is such that they can help you to meet new people, to overcome shyness and let others know that you are open to new relationships. They put out a particular vibration so that those who are interested will answer the call. The safest way to use them is to accept that several people may be attracted to you and you will then be able to make an informed choice.

 
FIDELITY

Some herbs and plants can by tradition be used to ensure fidelity. You do have to have a firm belief that you have a right to another’s devotion before imposing your will on them. Using a spell for fidelity amounts to a binding spell and you must make allowances for the person’s own integrity. It should always be remembered that it is unwise, and sometimes unhelpful, to both parties to hold anyone in a relationship against their will.

 
HEALING

Many herbs have healing properties which can help from both a physical and a magical viewpoint. A practitioner working from both points of view can be of tremendous help in managing illness. However, always remember to advise anyone you work with in this way to seek qualified medical assistance. Never allow yourself to be drawn into being a substitute for medical help.

 
HEALTH

Not only the smell of herbs and plants, but also their vibration, can help to prevent illness and restore good health. So, if you are prone to illness, carry health herbs with you and make sure they are always as fresh as possible.

 
LUCK

Luck is the knack of being in the right place at the right time and being able to act on instinct. Luck herbs help you create your own good fortune. Once you have such a foundation, you can build upon it.

 
MONEY

It is sometimes easier to visualize the outcome of having money i.e. what you are going to spend the money on – than visualizing actual money coming to you. Certain herbs create an environment in which things can happen. They enable the creation of the means to fulfill your needs – perhaps a gift, a pay rise or some such thing.

ATTRACTING MEN

Jasmine, Juniper (dried berries worn as a charm), Lavender, Lemon Verbena, Lovage, Orris Root, Patchouli

 

ATTRACTING WOMEN

Henbane, Holly, Juniper (dried berries worn as a charm), Lemon Verbena, Lovage, Orris Root, Patchouli

 
BANISHING

Hyssop, Lilac, St John’s Wort

 
CLEANSING

Cinnamon, Clove, Lovage (powdered root), Pine, Thyme (in baths), Vervain (of sacred spaces)

 
COURAGE

Basil, Garlic, Mullein, Nettle, St John’s Wort, Thyme, Wormwood, Yarrow

 
EXORCISM

Angelica, Basil, Birch, Frankincense, Juniper, Garlic, St John’s Wort

 
FERTILITY

Acorns, Geranium, Hawthorn, Mandrake, Orange (dried and powdered peel), Pine, Poppy, Sage, Sunflower (seeds)

 
FRIENDSHIP

Lemon, Rose, Passion Flower

 
GOOD FORTUNE

Ash (leaves), Heather, Nutmeg, Rose, Vetivert

 
HAPPINESS

Anise, Catnip, Lily of the Valley, Marjoram, Saffron

 
HARMONY

Hyacinth, Heliotrope, Lilac, Meadowsweet

 
HEALING

Aloe, Ash, Camomile, Cinnamon, Comfrey, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Garlic, Hops, Marjoram, Mint, Nettle, Pine, Rosemary, Saffron, Sage, Sandalwood, Thyme, Yarrow

 
HEX-BREAKING

Chilli Pepper, Galangal, Vertivert

 
LOVE

Apple, Balm of Gilead, Basil, Caraway, Catnip, Coriander, Cowslip, Dill, Gardenia, Ginger, Ginseng, Honeysuckle, Jasmine, Lavender, Linden, Marigold, Marjoram, Meadowsweet, Mistletoe, Myrtle, Rose, Rosemary, Valerian, Vervain, Violet (mixed with Lavender), Yarrow

 
LUCK

Apple, Ash (leaves), Hazel, Holly (for newly-weds), Ivy (for newly-weds), Mint, Rose, Rowan, Vervain, Violet (flowers)

 
LUST

Cinnamon, Lemongrass, Nettle, Rosemary, Violet

 
MEDITATION

Camomile, Elecampane, Frankincense, Vervain

 
MENTAL POWERS

Caraway, Lily of the Valley, Rosemary, Vanilla, Walnut

 

MONEY

Camomile, Cinnamon, Clove, Comfrey, Fennel, Ginger, Mint, Poppy Vervain

 
PEACE

Aloe, Camomile, Gardenia, Lavender, Myrtle, Violet

 
POWER

Carnation, Cinnamon, Ginger, Rosemary, Rowan

 
PROSPERITY

Acorn, Almond, Ash, Basil, Benzoin, Honeysuckle

Note: There are so many herbs suitable for the next three categories and the choice is such a personal one that we have included only a few suggestions. Your own further research will very much enhance your magical workings.

 
PROTECTION

Aloe, Angelica (Root), Anise, Balm of Gilead, Basil, Bay Laurel, Black Pepper, Caraway, Camomile, Dill (for children), Dragon’s Blood, Fennel, Garlic, Hawthorn, Holly, Hyssop, Lavender, Mandrake, Meadowsweet, Mistletoe, Mugwort, Nettle, Periwinkle, Rose, Rosemary, Rowan, Sage, St John’s Wort, Sandalwood, Vervain, Witch Hazel, Wormwood

 
PSYCHIC POWERS

Ash (leaves), Bay Laurel, Bay leaves, Cinnamon, Cowslip, Elecampane, Eyebright, Hyssop, Lavender, Marigold, Mugwort, Nutmeg, Rose, Thyme, Wormwood, Yarrow

 
PURIFICATION

Anise, Betony, Cinquefoil, Dragon’s Blood, Frankincense, Hyssop, Lavender, Lemon, Oak Leaves, Pine, Rosemary, Rue, Sandalwood, Thyme, Valerian, Vervain

 
SUCCESS

Cinnamon, Ginger, Lemon Balm, Rowan

 
SLEEP

Catnip, Hops, Lavender, Thyme, Valerian, Vervain

 
SPIRITUALITY

Cinnamon, Clover, Frankincense, Myrrh, Sandalwood

 
WISDOM

Peach (fruit), Sage, Sunflower

Various Crystals and Their Healing Properties

Various Crystals and Their Healing Properties

 

There are many crystals which can be used in magical workings. This is a brief list of some well-known ones which you may like to use. The list also gives some of the correspondences that are most often used in healing spells in particular. This is because it is much easier to charge a crystal with healing energy as tangible evidence within the physical plane of an intent. Many people do not wish it to be known that they are using healing energy on behalf of others, and this is an easy way of doing so unobtrusively.

 

As you become more practiced in spell making, you will discover for yourself that certain crystals resonate for you more than others.

 
AGATE

A member of the quartz family, it is a general healer, especially good for the self-esteem.

 
AMETHYST

A crystalline quartz, it helps with creative thinking and is also a protector against blood diseases, grief, neuralgia and insomnia. It is said to deal with drunkenness.

 
AQUAMARINE

A clear silicate, it is good for the eyes and helps against nerve, throat, liver, and stomach troubles.

 
BLOODSTONE

A dark green quartz flecked with red jasper, bloodstone strengthens the will to do good.

 
CARNELIAN

A translucent red or orange, carnelian makes the voice strong and is helpful when dealing with rheumatism, depression and neuralgia.

 
CITRINE

A form of crystalline quartz, citrine may bring greater control over the emotions and help blood circulation.

 
EMERALD

This dark green precious stone is a silicate. It improves the intellect and memory and may also help with insomnia.

 
GARNET

 

This is the name given to a group of gemstones of varying composition, ranging from a deep blood red through to orange. It protects against depression and helps with self-confidence and self-esteem.

 
JADE

Nephrite jade is a silicate with a green colour. It is beneficial when dealing with kidney complaints.

 
JASPER

A mixed type of quartz that can occur in various colours. It improves the sense of smell and helps liver, kidney and epileptic problems.

 
LAPIS LAZULI

A mixture of minerals having a deep blue colour, it often contains particles of ‘fool’s gold’. This is an ancient stone and is useful for heart and vascular conditions.

 

MOONSTONE

A silicate, this stone has a milky sheen, the best stones containing a blueish colour. Moonstone gives inspiration and enhances the emotions.

 
ONYX

A type of agate often coloured jet-black and highly polished. It helps with concentration and is an important healing agent in certain ear diseases.

 
OPAL

A hydrated silica, opal helps in lung conditions.

 
ROCK-CRYSTAL

A colourless pure quartz, it is an important healing stone and helps improve intuitive powers.

 
ROSE QUARTZ

A translucent quartz, this sparks the imagination and calms the emotions.

 
RUBY

A precious stone, ruby is an oxide of aluminium coloured red by chromium. It improves mental ability.

 
SAPPHIRE

The same composition as ruby but is usually a rich blue colour due to traces of iron and titanium. The stone of friendship and love, it gives devotion, faith and imagination.

 
SMOKY QUARTZ

An attractive crystalline which has a smoky grey to black colour, smoky quartz is used to give good luck.

 
TIGER’S EYE

A quartz mineral, tiger’s eye is worn for clearer thinking.

 
TOURMALINE

A complex silicate, tourmaline attracts inspiration, goodwill and friendship.

 
TURQUOISE

An opaque stone given blue-green colour by copper, turquoise is a good protector, and so is an ideal stone to give as a gift.

Things You Need to remember when choosing a candle

Things You Need to remember when choosing a candle

 

1. Choose your candle type from the previous post, “Candles.”

 

2. Candles used for magic should always be virgin (unused) at the start of the working, unless you have deliberately cleared them of past influences. Using candles that have been previously lit can have a detrimental effect on your spell. They may have picked up influences from previous use.

 

3. Charge your candle before using it. This can be done by anointing it with oils associated with the magic you intend on performing, or by simply touching it and filling it with your own energy.

 

4. The oils used in the anointing of your candle should, where possible, always be natural fragrances. Whilst charging the candle, smooth from top to bottom when drawing energy toward you, bottom to top when sending energy outwards. Particularly when anointing candles for altar use, anoint from the middle to the top and from the middle to the bottom to signify the union of spiritual and physical realms.

 

5. If you enjoy craftwork, it is a very good idea to make your own candles for magical use. A whole art in itself, you infuse your candles with your own energy and thus increase the magical potency of the candle many times over. It is relatively easy to make your own candles: simply heat the wax until it is liquid and pour into a mould which is threaded with a wick. The wax should now be left to cool, after which the mould can be removed. Oils and colours can be added for extra potency.

 
Many different colours are used in candle magic and overleaf are listed the most common ones, along with their key associations and purposes. You may not wish to use black candles because of their association with the darker side of magic. If so, dark grey is a good substitute.

Candles

Candles

 

We talk all the time about candle magic, but since candles are such an important part of magical working, they deserve a special mention. They should be chosen carefully with regard to type, and colour, depending on the purpose of the spell. It is often better to use your intuition when choosing the type of candle, although for ease of reference, below is a list of the principal types. There are other types available, but these are the most suitable for magical working.

 
TABLE

The most easily available candle, they are ideal for many of the spells in this book. They usually burn for between six to eight hours and do need to be properly seated in suitable candlesticks. All colours can be used, but they should not be dipped, except in exceptional circumstances, and should be of the best quality possible. It is sensible to keep a ready supply at hand.

 
PILLAR

This is a free-standing candle. It is usually in the shape of a simple pillar, although it can sometimes be made in other shapes which can be used as part of the spell, i.e. heart shapes for love spells. This type of candle is best burned on a flat holder since it usually takes some time to burn out.

 
TAPER

Taper candles are tall and thin and need a particularly stable candle holder. They are either made in a mould, or by the traditional method of dipping a length of wick into hot molten white or coloured wax. For magical purposes they should be coloured all the way through. They can often be used when a quick result is required. Because they are quite fragile, you need to be careful not to break them when anointing them.

 

TEA LIGHTS

Tea lights are excellent for use when a candle must be left to burn out, but are less easy to anoint with essential oils. Poured in small metal pots like small votive, they are normally used in oil burners or specially made tea light holders. Depending on their size, they usually burn for approximately four hours.

 
VOTIVE

Votive candles are specially designed as offerings to carry prayers to whichever deity you honour. As the wax melts, the holder, which is made of glass, can become hot so some care must be taken when using them. They are designed to be long burning, usually between one to seven days.

Ingredients and Tools of the Witch

Ingredients and Tools of the Witch

Tools

When performing your spells and magical workings, you will probably find that you tend to use some objects more than others. Below is a list of the ones that are most commonly used.

 
ALTAR OBJECTS

These is a general term for the objects that you place on your altar – candle holders, flower vases, crystals etc. – which do not necessarily have a specific magical use of their own – they are present to create an ambiance. You should remember to dedicate them to the purpose in hand by presenting them to your chosen deity. Some may prefer to work according to Celtic tradition, Norse, Graeco-Roman or Wiccan.

 
ATHAME

By tradition, the athame is a ceremonial knife used especially in the performing of spells. It is not used for cutting of herbs and so on: its role is ceremonial – for example, indicating the quarters or directions. By tradition it should be of the best and purest metal available. Its handle is usually black and sometimes carved with magical designs and symbols. Many experienced magical practitioners consider that the most powerful athame is one which has been inherited.

 
BESOM

A besom is a different name for a broom, and is particularly associated with the easily recognisable so-called ‘witch’s broom’ of old. A particularly personal tool, it is often made specifically for the practitioner, from twigs from the tree of her choice. It is usually kept specifically to be used in the sacred space or circle – this time for cleansing – and is also used both symbolically and spiritually.

 
BOLINE

The boline as a knife traditionally used in cutting plants, herbs, wands and other objects for magical workings. It is not the same as the athame which is purely ceremonial, but is akin to the gardener’s pruning knife as a useful, practical tool. It often has a white handle and a curved blade. It is consecrated because this is a way of honouring its purpose.

 
BURINE

A burine is a sharp pointed instrument used for inscribing candles and other magical objects with symbols, words and pictures in order to make spells more effective. In many ways, it is more effective than either the boline or the athame and is seen much more as an instrument which pierces a surface rather than cuts it.

 
CANDLES

Candles are such an integral part of a spell makers work that they have become a whole branch of magic all their own. They represent the element of fire, but also light. As explained in more detail later, various colours bring different things to magical workings and they are an important part of any ritual.

 
CAULDRON

Because cauldrons were easily disguised as cooking utensils in olden days, most people today tend to think of them as a large cast-iron pot. There has lately been a return to original materials and nowadays they can be made of almost anything. They are often of a size that can be stood on the altar, or in the sacred space. They are used mainly as containers for herbs, candles and other magical objects,

 
CHALICE

Used as a ceremonial drinking vessel, the chalice is sometimes made from precious metal, although it can also be made from glass. An elegant object, the chalice will usually be beautifully decorated with elaborate designs which may have magical significance – or jewels and gemstones.

 
PAPER

During spells we often need to write our wishes or aims down and it is good to have some paper ready prepared, Parchment type is best, but heavier good quality is also good. You consecrate it by holding it for a short period in the smoke from your favourite incense.

 
PEN AND INK

Traditionally, quill pens were used for writing spells and incantations, but if you can’t find a quill then use the best pen you can afford. Try to keep it especially for magical work and consecrate it by passing it carefully over the top of a candle or through incense. Also buy a good quality ink and, if not already formulated for magical purposes, consecrate that in the same way. Neither pen nor ink should be used for other purposes.

 
PENTACLE

The pentacle is a shallow dish which is usually inscribed with a pentagram – a five-pointed star. It is used as a ‘power point’ for consecrating other objects such as water or wine in a chalice, amulets and tools.

 
PESTLE AND MORTAR

The pestle and mortar are so symbolic of the union of God and Goddess that they deserve a special mention within the use of magical tools. Mainly used to prepare herbal mixtures and incenses they can also become part of your altar furniture when consecrated.

 
SCRYING TOOLS

Scrying is the practice of using certain channelling tools which should be consecrated before use – such as crystals, mirrors, coloured water, runes etc – to try to gain an insight into external events. Any object can be used for scrying, though usually they are reflective, and they employ the arts of concentration and contemplation.

 
STAFF

The staff is used very frequently by practitioners today, particularly if they are of the Druidic persuasion. Longer than the wand, it has the same attributes and uses. A staff is deliberately fashioned for the practitioner from wood taken from sacred trees, such as oak, hawthorn and hazelnut.

 
WAND

The wand should be no longer than the forearm and is often made from sacred wood. Since this is a very personal object, it should be chosen carefully and equally carefully attuned to your own energies. It cannot be used magically until it has been consecrated.

Different types of spell working

Different types of spell working

 

Elemental

In this particular type of magic the Elements of Fire, Earth, Air and Water are given their own directional focus to create added power and give extra energy to your spells. You will no doubt find that you tend to favor one particular direction but should be able to use all of them.

 

Color

Perhaps the simplest form of magic is that which involves color. This method of working is also used in conjunction with various other forms of magic. Color can enhance, alter and completely change moods and emotions and therefore can be used to represent our chosen goal. At its simplest it can be used alone and can be used in dressing an altar.

 

Herbal

Herbal magic is often used alongside many other forms of magic. Used as talismans and amulets – for example in a pouch or bag – herbs become protective; the oil from herbs can also be used in candle magic. There are many different types of herbs available for use in this way. Each herb has its own specific use, but frequently is used along with many other herbs and oils to produce a desired result.

 

Candle

In candle magic, man discovered the ability to control light and this is one of the oldest forms of magic as well as one of the most simple. Using candles to symbolize ourselves and our beliefs means that we have access to a power beyond ourselves. Candle magic also forms an effective back-up for most other forms of magical working.

 

Crystal

Every stone or gem has its own attribute which can be used in magic. Crystals are used extensively in healing because of the vibration impact they can have. Because of this, they lend themselves to the enhancement of any spell-making or magical working. Even ordinary stones have their own power and can be used as repositories for all sorts of energies and powers.

 

Knot

Knot magic works partly with the principle of binding, which is a type of bidding spell and also with that of weaving, which was traditionally a female intuitive occupation. It utilizes ribbon, rope, string, yarn, or anything that can be knotted or plaited to signify our aspiration. It is a type of representational magic, and is used in conjunction with many of the other forms. The techniques of colour, form and use of energies are all used in its practice.

 

Representational

Representational magic involves using an object that represents something or someone for whom you are working the spell. It helps in concentrating the energy and visualizing the desire and the end result. Representational objects should never be used for negative purposes.

 

Symbolic

In this system different symbols, rather than objects, are used to represent various ideas, people or goals. These symbols can be personal to you or such things as Tarot cards, Runes, Hebrew letters or numerology. You will often use symbolic magic in your magical workings and will soon develop your own preferred symbols.

 

Talismans, amulets and charms

These devices use all the other forms of magic in their formation, but principally representational and symbolic magic. They are ‘charged’ (given power) magically and usually are worn or carried on the person for protection or good luck. Many are worn around the neck, perhaps as jewellery, or carried in a pouch and incorporate crystals, herbs or other magical objects. There are many types of each of these objects and you will gradually learn to differentiate between them.