Author: ladyoftheabyss

Let’s Talk Witch – Ethics or Etiquette

Flower Graphics

Let’s Talk Witch – Ethics or Etiquette

Recently in conversation with friends in a small intimate gathering, I mentioned outer-court names and passed on gossip. Later I was told that I had “violated etiquette.” Had I?

Etiquette is socially accepted forms of behavior, agreed upon by the members of a community. Ethics involves morality, the nature of right as determined by a group or an individual.I believe there is a great deal of confusion of these terms in the “Pagan Community.”

Going by fairly traditional rules there are the “Laws of Wicca.” Among these there is a very firm one saying one should never reveal another person as a Witch without their permission. However a person who has revealed themselves publicly as a witch shouldn’t complain. And is it a violation of ethics to tell of a person by their outer-court name? Only insiders could know the legal name of the person, so what is the danger?

Ethics can be fairly easily agreed upon in the general pagan community. Anything that puts someone else in an embarrassing or dangerous position is unethical. We all make mistakes at times, but we try to act in a manner consistent with our ethical code. Etiquette, on the other hand, is very deceiving. We assume, since we are all members of the “Neo-Pagan Community” that we

have the same etiquette. But the only etiquette I have ever been explicitly told about involves greetings to be exchanged between members of a group and their high priestess or between two high priestess of different groups. What about a more common meeting?

Say a friend of mine is tired of being a solitary and wishes to come to a group celebration. What etiquette should I follow to bring this person to such a circle? I could either contact the group beforehand and ask permission, or tell them I will be bringing a guest, or I could simply bring a guest – with no warning at all. In the first situation, the responsibility and decision is theirs; in the second I am responsible for my guest’s behavior; in the third I am a boor and will never be invited to their circles again.

No one has covered all the possible conflict situations in the Pagan Community. So there is no way I could agree to follow an “etiquette.” My general code is simply to use common sense, and give the other person an easy out. For example, if you think someone else is a Witch and wish to find out, you might tell them that you are one. To receive trust you have to give it first.

A secondary problem in this situation is how does one keep a secret? Should one only speak in whispers, or when no one is within 100 paces? I think that looks furtive and produces suspicion

in the mind of outsiders. Or do we follow Poe’s lead and put the secret out in the open and disarm the opposition?

I know several people who studiously “maintain secrecy” but everyone knows that they are “witches.” Worse, because of their secrecy, their colleagues don’t know what a witch is except it must be nasty since they won’t speak of it. I do not proclaim my religion, nor do I hide it, and I have never had any problems. I hear 3rd hand horror stories but would like to hear first hand experiences, good or bad.

 

Author:
Ellen
Internet Book of Shadows

Home & Hearth Correspondence for Saturday, May 10th

Flower Graphics

Home & Hearth Correspondence for Saturday, May 10th

Today work for protection, boundaries, and house rules.

Planetary Influence: Saturn

Household Symbols: A gate, a fence, a sprig of ivy from a houseplant

Colors: Black and Deep Purple

Kitchen Spices: Traditionally there are not many herbs associated with Saturn that are not poisonous. However, for banishing and the renewal of negative situations, try a clove of garlic or dried minced onions.

 

Source:
Cottage Witchery
Natural Magick for Home and Hearth
Author; Ellen Dugan

Saturday Is Ruled By Saturn

Flower 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 Correspondence for Saturday, May 10th

Flower Graphics
The Witches Correspondence for Saturday, May 10th

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, May 10th

Flower Graphics
The Witches Almanac for Saturday, May 10th

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

Census Day (Canadian)

Waxing Moon

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

Moon Phase: Second Quarter

Moon Sign: Virgo

Virgo: Favors accomplishment of details and commands from higher up. Focuses on health, hygience and daily schedules.

Moon enters Libra 1:19 pm

Libra: Favors cooperation, social activities, beautification of surroundings, balance and partnership.

Incense; Pathcholi

Color: Black

Grant Me Strength of Will

Flower Graphics

God and Goddess
Grant me strength of will
And firmness of intent
Help me to set reasonable goals
And stick to them despite all temptations
Let my self-discipline be a tree
Rooted and mighty
Growing stronger every day
So I might enjoy my passions
But not be controlled by them.
God and Goddess
Help me to be unyielding in my resolve
So I might attain my goals.
So Mote It Be.

counting30ll6
Well, perhaps I got my hopes up to high. We only have today, Sunday, Monday & Tuesday and that when I delete this site forever. Not only this one but the others associated with it. If you go to find a Pagan site, Wednesday and it isn’t around, now you know it was one of our sites.  The last time I checked we had 25 other sites, that is going to leave one heck of a hole in our community.  I hope someone comes along who can fill those holes we are leaving behind.

 

Thank you to all those who have donated so far. It means a lot to know I have family like you. Thank you again. If we don’t reach our ISP goal I am going to refund all your money. I just wouldn’t feel right taking it and running. It was designated to help us meet our ISP goal.

 

It’s still not to late for you to help save the WOTC.  We only like a little bit to go and we will have the money to finally pay it. I should mention the ISP is where we get our connection to the internet.  So no internet connection, no us.

There is still time to donate. Please do so, if you love the WOTC like the rest of us does!

Thank you!

Are We Worth Saving?

counting30ll6
I have fantastic news, we are only $90.00 away from our goal. If I had the $90.00 myself, I would finish it off. But I am so poor right now, I don’t have a pot to pee in or a window to through it out. Seriously! My lovely bank account is still frozen due to all the pay-day loans I was applying for. Oh, I guess I should explain that, I ran into a site that was a fraud site. To be on the safe side, the bank and I decided that it would be best to freeze the account. That way if some jerk wrote a $1000.00 check, I wouldn’t be responsible for it. I have about made my mind up to close it out completely and open another one. At least I learned one thing, never do that again.

 

As you can tell by the countdown clock above we only have three days left. I know we can do it, I have faith in all of you. I don’t want to have to say goodbye to any of you. I have come to love each and everyone of you. You are my family. The only family I have. Please help us meet our goal before our time runs out.

 

Thank you all for your donations and thank you for those yet to come. Goddess bless each and everyone of you.

 

Love ya,

Lady A

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’ for May 9th

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

Have you even known someone whose very presence comforted you? They seem to have no need of words but their quiet companionship soothes like balm to the soul: these are your kindred souls who have already been the route you’re traveling, or are just ahead and leaning back to take your hand.

Wherever you are on the path of life, there have been many there before you. It may seem the loneliness of the road has many empty echoes. But there have been many good people concerned enough to make an effort to mark the rougher places to allow your journey easier traveling.

And like all travelers we must look for those signs and make them more plain to the ones who will follow.

And then, in quiet communication, we can each take our turn by understanding.

How often we see people who desperately need our help. We would like to help them, but we put it out of our minds because it seems beyond our means and beyond our strength. We use the excuse that we have enough problems of our own without going out on a limb for someone else. Charity begins at home and at home and at home.

If we have the true desire, and the welfare of someone else in our sights, we can ask divine guidance, and we will receive help. If help does not come, it is because we were not truly serious. Or perhaps whatever we wanted to do was not in the best interests of all concerned. Our help may only have slowed their progress or weakened their efforts. If our desires are worthy we need to have no fear that a way will come to help.

The desire to help is a divine gift, and we accept it most beautifully by using it.

_________________________________

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 May 9

Elder’s Meditation of the Day May 9

“Without a sacred center, no one knows right from wrong.”

—- Thomas Yellowtail, CROW

In the center of the circle is where the powers reside. These powers are called love, principle, justice, spiritual knowledge, life, forgiveness and truth. All these powers reside in the very center of the human being. We access these powers by being still, quieting the mind. If we get confused, emotionally upset, feel resentment, anger, or fear, the best thing we can do is pray to the Great Spirit and ask Him to remove the anger and resentment. By asking Him to remove these obstacles, we are automatically positioned in the sacred center. Only in this way do we know right from wrong.

Great Spirit, allow me this day to live in the sacred center.

May 9 – Daily Feast

May 9 – Daily Feast

Sentences half spoken and beyond total hearing are the source of difficulty. Only in the bright light of reason and understanding can these cloudy mishaps be corrected. Some are simply tuned to hear the negative – even when it was never intended to be. They hear with an ear that is already bent toward trouble and only too willing to pass it on. We might consider what we want to hear – because everyone has moments when words tumble out with little meaning. Whether it is a slip of the tongue or simply filling in a quiet spell, we are sometimes guilty of speaking when we should have been listening. The tongue is a little member and sometimes kindles quite a fire when it should spit on the matches.

~ We are becoming like them…..all talkers and no workers. ~

BLACK HAWK

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

The Daily Motivator for May 9th – Assume you can do it

Assume you can do it

A powerful first step in getting anything done is to assume you can do it. When you start by assuming you can do it, you don’t have to fight your doubts all the way there.

Even if you don’t know how to take the first step, assume that there’s a way. Assume you can do it, and you’ll find that way.

You are extremely good at solving difficult problems because you’ve done it all your life. You are very good at making things happen when you have a good enough reason to do so.

So make sure your objective is what you really, truly desire, and make the assumption that you can indeed reach it. With a meaningful purpose and a positive perspective, you’re already well on your way.

Instead of complaining that it’s too difficult or complicated or unfair, just get busy. Work under the powerful assumption that it’s possible for you, and it will be.

Dare to dream and dare to believe without a doubt that you can reach your dreams. Assume you can, and eventually, with effort and commitment, you will.

— Ralph Marston
Source:
Daily Motivator

The Daily OM for May 9th – Experiencing Nature by Night

Experiencing Nature by Night
Moon Gardens

by Madisyn Taylor

A whole other world exists in the light of a moon-filled night that few of us even notice.

In the height of summertime’s heat, we drift outdoors at dusk to refresh ourselves in the temperate air of evening. Cricket song and the glow of fireflies come together with ever-lengthening shadows to create a natural symphony of overlapping sensations that invigorate the body and gladden the soul. As the sun sets, the vivid colors of most flowers and leaves fade, becoming a dull grey, but moon gardens provide us with a space to appreciate Mother Nature’s bounty long after the light of day has retreated. Designed to be enjoyed from dusk until the coming of the darkness, these gardens serve as a perfect complement to silvery moonlight, mild summer nights, and the spirit of rejuvenation.

Most plant life worships the sun, but a select few shrubs and flowers come into their own in luna’s glow. The silvery leaves of lamb’s ears and artemisia reflect the radiance of the moon, while the bright-white flowers adorning yucca and evening primrose seem to shimmer brilliantly in dusk’s gloom. Certain blossoms such as the moonflower and four o’clocks open only at night, releasing their sweet fragrances in spectacular displays of scent and beauty. While creating a moon garden, remember to take each human sense into account. We appreciate the ghostly beauty of nighttime nature best when we can sit comfortably until our eyes have adjusted to the surrounding darkness. Bamboo and thick grasses make a comforting sound when bandied about by gentle nighttime breezes.

Transforming a portion of your existing yard or patio into a moon garden is simple, and the pleasure you will derive from your nighttime retreat will become worth it once you start to enjoy it. Green spaces come alive at night when nocturnal blossoms release their perfume into the air and ethereally lovely and luminous foliage dances in the breeze. In a moon garden, relaxation is a simple matter of attuning yourself to the stillness of evening and seeing, for the first time, the myriad shades of beauty that can be found in the darkness.

 

Source:

The Daily OM

A Healing Ritual With Sunlight And Moonlight

A Healing Ritual With Sunlight And Moonlight

 

This is a very magical form of healing and can be carried out either alone or as a group activity. Quartz crystal balls were traditionally used medicinally to concentrate the rays of sunlight upon a diseased or painful area of the body or in the direction of some internal organ.

 

This clear crystal stone has always been associated with energising powers and with healing. In its spherical form of completeness, it is perhaps the ultimate healing and magical stone. You can buy tiny spheres quite cheaply and these work just as well as a large crystal ball.

 

Sunlight is good for energising and improving physical health and vitality, encouraging re-growth and regeneration, and for matters of the mind where clarity and optimism are needed.

 

Moonlight is potent for removing illness or pain and for all problems concerning emotions, hormones or fertility and is especially effective in healing women, children and pets.

 

Direct the sunlight or the light of the full moon into your crystal sphere, so that it shines on the person you are healing, or their photograph or other symbol. If you are using sunlight, be careful that the crystal does not become too hot and of course do not look directly at the image of the Sun.

 

Stand in a circle in the open air and in the centre, place a dish of pure spring water. Use a golden coloured bowl for sunlight, and a silver bowl for moonlight.

 

Into the water, drop tiny clear quartz crystals (if you are working in a group, each person adds one crystal). As you cast the crystals, make a wish for healing the sick or distressed person.

 

Hold a crystal pendulum and swirl it on its chain to catch within it either rainbows or sunbeams, or the silver light of the Moon.

 

Cast the beams into the water, calling:

 

Go forth with love and healing. You can, if you prefer, create your own words.

 

Pour the water into a clear glass bottle with a stopper and send or give it to the sick person. They may drink it or use it in a bath.

 

Return the energies to the cosmos by placing yellow flowers or seeds in a pot for the golden energies if you used sunlight, and white flowers for the Moon.

 

A Ritual For Creating Healing Magick

A Ritual For Creating Healing Magick

 

Each evening or morning – or whenever you have time – light your healing candle and hold one of your special crystals and your crystal sphere or pendulum and focus on of the names in your book sending the candlelight reflected though the crystal to wherever it is needed. The traditional healing hour is ten o’ clock at night, but what is more important is that the time is one where you can be quiet and are not pressurised by other demands. Begin by holding a healing crystal and focusing the energies through the candle flame; you can then extend this ritual for specific healing purposes.

 

You will need a photograph, newspaper cutting or symbol of the person, animal or place to which you are sending healing energies.

 

Take a dish of sacred water and place it near the candle.

 

Hold the symbol of the person to be healed between your hands and speak a few words of love and reassurance as though they were with you. If you have already created for the sick person a herb poppet or sachet, hold that between your hands and repeat the original herb empowerment or sit in silence recreating the ritual in your mind. You can add words of healing as above. If the object of the healing is a place, such as a lake or woodland under threat, imagine that you are in that place.

 

Circle your crystal pendulum or a pointed healing crystal over the symbol (or sachet or poppet) nine imes widdershins, saying as a mantra:

 

Go, pain and sorrow, change to star or sunbeam, transformed in joy and in tranquility.

 

Plunge the pendulum into the water and hold it to the light so the drops of water fall off and scatter as rainbow light beams all around the symbol. You can also create the light beams by angling your candle or hanging rainbow crystals in your window. It is not cheating, but directing natural forces for a purpose and infusing physical light beams with spiritual energies. Mirrors are another good way of reflecting light beams.

 

Now circle the pendulum nine times deosil over the symbol, saying:

 

Sunbeam, star beam, rays of light, replace, restore, renew, rejoice.

 

Blow out the candle, sending the light to the sick or sorrowing person, saying:

 

Go, light of healing, radiance of love and friendship, to where you are needed most this night, with -[name the person, animal or location].

 

May blessings fall, darkness and doubts recede into nothingness. So may it be in the name of all that is good and loving and pure [or ‘in the name of the Goddess’, if you prefer].

 

If you are feeling ill, worried or afraid you can go to your healing place and light the candle, holding your favourite crystal and expressing softly your needs and fears. However, the more healing you carry out for others, the more harmony will fall on you under the Threefold Law.

 

If you are working with friends or in a group, after showering it with light beams, pass the symbol round to each person, adding individual blessings. Give each person a small, white candle to set before them so that they can personally send light and blessings.

 

The words can be spoken as a joint mantra or chant.

 

Empowerment of the Protection Statue

Empowerment of the Protection Statue

If you are in possession of a gargoyle or statue that you feel would instill fear into the hearts of those with malicious intent, you can empower it to protect your house and family.

In addition to the statue, you will need holy or spring water, salt, and a candle flame.

Set the protection statue in a place facing your door or window, wherever you need it to turn away negative forces.

Wet your fingers with the water several times while wiping the statue and saying:

By the power of water I cleanse you.

Put the water down and take up the salt. Sprinkle some salt around and on top of the statue while saying:

By the power of earth I sanctify you.

Put down the salt and take up the candle. Circle the statue with the candle while saying:

By the power of fire I empower you.

Put down the candle and take up the incense. Circle the statue with it, encircling the creation with its smoke. Say:

And by the power of air I enliven you.

If your statue is part candle holder, light the candle within it now.

Hold your palms out toward the statue, perhaps one hand on either side of it. Close your eyes and repeat the following:

Earth, air, fire, water

Elements protect your daughter.

 
Or

Earth water, air, and sun

 

Elements protect your son.

 

 

Concentrate on sending energy of good and protective forces into the statue until your hands are tingling. Stop when you feel that enough energy has been put into your new protector.

 

Levitation Spell

Levitation Spell

 

The following is a modern Witch’s flying ointment recipe. It is safer to use and much easier to concoct:

1/4 cup lard

1/2 tsp. clove oil

1 tsp. chimney soot

1/4 tsp. dried cinquefoil

1/4 tsp dried mug wort

1/4 tsp. dried thistle

1/4 dried Vervain

1/2 tsp. benzoin tincture

Using a mortar and pestle, crush the dried herbs until almost powdered. In a small cauldron or saucepan, heat the lard over a low flame until it is melted completely. Add the herbs, the clove oil and chimney soot to the lard base and mix well.

Add the benzoin as a natural preservative, stir together clockwise and then simmer for ten to fifteen minutes.

Strain it through cheesecloth into a small heat resistant container and then allow it to cool. Store it in your refrigerator or in a cool dark place until it is ready to be used.

On a night of the Full Moon, anoint your temples and Third Eye with a small amount of the flying ointment prior to astral projection or dream magick.

 

How-To Become Calm and Centered

How-To Become Calm and Centered

 

Make your magic more effective by building emotional and psychic intensity and focusing clearly on your goal. Here’s how:

Equipment:

A very smooth, rounded stone, smaller than your fist: and some soothing taped music.

The Spell:

(Beginners’ Note: It is recommended that you perform this spell in the context of a fully cast circle and Quarters. Take this spell seriously, and it will open the door into the effectiveness of your future studies.)

Sit while holding the stone and listening to the music in a quiet room at home, or in the outdoors if the weather is nice. Breathe deeply and rhythmically. Begin inhaling through your mouth, then exhaling through your nostrils with a long, steady humming note. With each exhalation, make the note smoother and draw it out longer. Breathe your tension and anxiety into the stone. When you feel calm and centered, put the stone on the ground, open the circle and walk away. The stone will dissipate the tension into the Earth to be transmuted; if you wish, you can retrieve the stone in a day or two for later use.

 

 

The Mystical Pentagram Technique for Self-Awareness

The Mystical Pentagram Technique for Self-Awareness

The Mystical Pentagram is a technique which will enhance psychic self-awareness. Practiced on a daily basis it will produce surprising individual results.

To begin, you will need a table of correspondences such as “777” by Aleister Crowley. Look up the names of the gods and goddesses and pick a name for each element(air, fire, water, earth, spirit) which when chanted ‘feels’ right for you.(if you feel relaxed, comfortable and generally positive you would know that a name would be in tune with my inner self.)

Once you have found the five names you are ready to proceed.

Visualize the five psychic centers. Memorize their positions so that you become familiar with the positions. Visualize a brilliant white light forming a circle above your head in the spirit center. Mentally draw a white light pentagram within the circle of light. This should be an invoking pentagram.

Next see a shaft of white light radiate down through your head stopping at your throat. See a circle of white light begin to form and pulsate. Mentally draw an invoking pentagram within the circle of light and vocally vibrate your chosen name for the air center. Continue to stimulate this center for at least five minutes.

Repeat this procedure for your torso(fire), stomach area(water), feet(earth).

When all of the energy centers have been stimulated, direct the light energy from the spirit center to the earth center. As you exhale see the light travel from the top of your head down through your body to the bottom of your feet. As you inhale see the energy travel from your feet up through your body up to the top of your head, the spirit center. This circulation should be persisted for at least seven minutes. See the energy cleanse and vitalize every part of your being and expand your awareness to cosmic consciousness.

Continue to repeat this technique each day you will begin to see and feel a change in your psychic awareness and a marked improvement in your health. Don’t become discouraged if you don’t achieve results immediately. This technique produces very positive effects but they are cumulative in nature.

 

 

 

Lesser Ritual of The Pentagram

Lesser Ritual of The Pentagram

 

One of the most basic and useful ceremonial rituals of magick is called the banishing ritual, or lesser ritual of the pentagram. The banishing ritual is helpful in psychic protection and healing because it forms a protective barrier against evil forces. The psychic barrier it creates can be made to permit entry of desired (constructive) forces and the exclusion of negative ones.

The banishing ritual is an essential first step in almost any formal full magick ceremony. The ritual requires that you use a ceremonial knife, and to “draw” the pentagram in the air above your head.Also, you will be chanting (‘vibrating’) Eh-Ei-He.

Holding your magical weapon extend your arm out straight in front of you. In this ritual you will use the full sweep of your arm to draw the pentagram in the air. Follow the description below by beginning at the lower left and sweeping your magical weapon up toward the right, etc. as shown. Do not bend your arm at the wrist or elbow. While you do this, visualize the lines and eventually the star as vibrant white, floating in the space before you. You are projecting energy to do this, and the result will be a gleaming 5-pointed star floating in the air. Visualize this as vividly as you can. Now you will energize it further by piercing the center of it with your magical weapon and vibrating “Eh-Ei-He”.

One of the primary uses of this ritual is to ward off psychic attack — that is, when another is attempting to harm you, cause sickness, accidents, bad dreams or to force you to do something against your will.