Author: ladyoftheabyss

Animals as Spirit Guides c 2012

Animals as Spirit Guides

 

(excerpted from Animal Spirit Guides by Dr. Steven  Farmer)

Those spirits that are in animal form that teach us, guide us, empower us,  and help us heal are called animal spirit guides or spirit  animals. In shamanic and indigenous cultures they’re usually called  totem animals or power animals. Often these terms are used  interchangeably, although there are subtle differences in meaning.

The term totem animal has two meanings. First, a totem animal is  typically one that is shared by a family, clan, or group. In indigenous  cultures, the family you were born into all have a totem animal in common. In  modern societies, various groups also have communal totems, such as sports teams  or clubs that identify with a totem animal. A second meaning of totem animal is  a representational object of a particular animal, like a small tortoise, owl,  raccoon, or hawk figurines. We often give our children totem animals, like teddy  bears or bunny rabbits to give them comfort.

The term power animal has its origins in shamanism. This is a  specialized animal spirit guide the shaman or shamanic practitioner acquires  early in their initiation into their practice. Their power animal travels with  them whenever they go on a shamanic journey, which is an altered state of  awareness in which the practitioner sends his soul or consciousness into  non-ordinary reality—another term for the spirit world—to receive teachings,  guidance, and healings. You can, however, have a relationship with a power  animal even if you’re not a shaman or shamanic practitioner. They may come to  you in meditations, visions, dreams, or shamanic journeys. It’s a highly  personal and specialized relationship with an animal spirit guide, one where the  personality and characteristics of the particular power animal that you have  attracted to you are reflective of your own personality and characteristics.

Although every creature on the planet can be an animal spirit guide, in some  traditions domesticated animals can’t be power animals because they’ve lost much  of their wildness and are removed from the natural world. Likewise, some  traditions believe that insects are to be excluded from being power animals  because of their size and nature. I have, however, included both domesticated  animals and some insects such as butterfly and dragonfly my book, and even two  mythological animals, dragon and unicorn, to account for those who have enough  of a special relationship with them to call them power animals.

However to experience the tremendous value of working with animal spirit  guides you don’t need to be a shaman, have any interest in shamanism, nor be  associated with an indigenous culture. For most purposes you don’t even need to  be concerned as to whether an animal spirit guide is a totem or power animal.  Instead, consider these wonderful beings as spiritual allies that want to reach  out to each and everyone one of us who are open to their guidance and, when  called with sincere intent, will respond.

One of the great advantages of working with animal spirit guides is that the  actual animal is physically and symbolically present in so many ways throughout  every society and culture on earth. Because of their abundant representations in  third-dimensional reality, they’re continually in our consciousness. Depending  on how and in what way they show up in the material world, whether in the flesh  or as a symbol, their appearance can be  a representative of the spirit of  that animal. When an animal shows up in an uncommon way or repetitively as  spirit guide, that animal isn’t just the single animal, but is representing the  entire species. The hummingbird that flits about and then hovers for several  seconds directly in front of you isn’t just a hummingbird but is carrying with  her the essence of all hummingbirds, and is therefore Hummingbird with  a capital “H.” That’s also why when we speak of an animal spirit guide, we leave  out the “a” or “an” as a way of recognizing and honoring that spirit animal. The  hawk that visited me wasn’t only a hawk, but in those instances was representing  the essence of all hawks, and was therefore Hawk.

Not only do these spirit animals help us in many ways, but another positive  effect is that you’ll deepen your appreciation for the magic and mystery of all  animals, whether they are of the air, water, or the land. Every being on this  beautiful and majestic planet has its place in the web of life, and as we  develop our consciousness and awareness of the unique quality of animal spirit  guides, we enhance our relationships with all of our animal brothers and  sisters.

 

Disposal of Ritual Offerings c2016

 

Disposal of Ritual Offerings

A common question that comes up is the matter of how to dispose of offerings made during a ritual once the ritual has concluded. Disposal methods may vary, depending on a few things. For instance, does your particular magical tradition require you to dispose of offerings in a certain way? Also, what is the offering? Organic materials can be disposed of in different ways than non-organic offerings. Finally, does the spell or ritual itself include a method of disposal? Consider all of these factors when you’re deciding on how to dispose of a magical offering.

Let’s look at some of the different ways that you can get rid of an offering you’ve made:

Earth & Water

If your offering is an organic item, such as blood, fruits and vegetables, tobacco, or other plant material, you may want to consider burying it. A garden is a good place to do this, particularly if you have a compost bin, because the nutrients will go back into the soil as the offering biodegrades, continuing the cycle of life.

Some people choose to bury non-biodegradable items as well, such as candle stubs and incense remnants, but if you do this, you should make sure you do it in your own yard. Disposal of organic items into a moving body of water, such as a river or the ocean, is acceptable in many traditions as well – make sure, though, that you’re not putting any non-organic materials in the water. Use your best judgment here.

The Power of Fire

Nearly any ritual offering can be disposed of by burning. In some hoodoo traditions, burning an offering is considered part of the ritual itself – for example, Cat Yronwoode says that to destroy an item’s influence, it can be burned in the ceremony. You can also burn ritual offerings such as meat, bread, and other foods.

Sharing With Wildlife

Got a pile of seeds and nuts you used in your ritual? As long as they haven’t been tainted with anything toxic, you can feel free to scatter them outdoors for the local critters to snack on. One Indiana Pagan named Apollonia says, “My coven does a lot of rituals that make offerings to grain gods, so we always have a lot of bread left over. Typically, the day after the ritual, I’ll take it to a local pond and leave it out for the ducks and geese. They consume it, and the life cycle of the grain continues on.”

Also, don’t discount the science of nature itself. Some offering items can be left out until they go away on their own. For instance, if you make an offering of consecrated water in a bowl, eventually it’s going to evaporate. If you do an outdoor ritual and you’ve offered herbs and flowers, those are going to blow away at some point, and find their way to a new home.

What About Icky Things?

Sometimes, let’s face it, we do a working that involves something negative. Maybe you’re trying to banish a pesky former lover, or you’re trying to get that crazy fundamentalist lady down the street to leave you alone. In cases like this – particularly if you’ve created a poppet – you may want to get the item as far away from you as possible. In cases like this, simply because of the nature of the ritual, you may want to go ahead and find a place such as a landfill, a port-a-john, or some other foul place to be rid of the items. Just make sure you’re not putting anything into the ecosystem that is going to cause damage down the road.

In the matter of spell components, you may not always want to permanently dispose of the items right away. Depending on the purpose of the spell, you may choose to hide the item in someone’s home, bury it in your own yard, or tuck it into a tree. Obviously, your disposal methods are going to vary depending on the ritual or working itself, and on the nature of the ritual offerings that you need to be rid of. Use common sense, think outside the box, and find a way to adapt to each situation as needed.
Source: Article originally published on & owned by About.com by Patti Wigington, Paganism/Wicca Expert

Offerings to the Air Element c2016

Offerings to the Air Element

 

When  we  make  offerings  to  the  air  we  are  thanking  the  universe  for  our  breath. Each  moment  we  are  held  by  this  element  and  at  the  moment  of  death  it’s  our  last   breath,  which  heralds  our  departure  from  the  mortal  body.

 

The  air  is  also  our  First   breath  when  we  are  born  so  honour  this  element  by  getting  outdoors  and   spending  time  in  high  places,  feel  the  wind  on  your  body  and  rejoice  with  song,   laughter  and  dance,  which  are  all  part  of  this  element.  The  air  is  what  carries  sound,  music  is  what  nurtures  our  soul  and  we  can   see  that  the  two  combined  into  one  exceptional  union.  Music  has  the  power  to   heal  and  transform  us.  Think  about  how  many  times  you  have  put  on  your   favourite  tracks  to  change  your  mood.  Mellow  music  chills  us  out  and  reduces  our   stress  and  more  uplifting  music  gets  us  into  a  place  when  we  want  to  move  and   express  ourselves.  All  this  is  the  expression  of  the  air  element  and  by  being  aware   of  such  things  brings  a  greater  clarity  to  our  daily  activities.

 

Simple  offerings  can  be  thrown  into  the  air  or  left  tied  to  trees  so  that  they   Flutter  in  the  winds.  But  make  sure  whatever  you  leave  in  nature  can  be  broken   down  easily  such  a  paper,  incense,  cotton  or  silk  cloth,  food  and  liquids,  things   found  such  as  feathers  and  rocks.  Never  leave  anything  that  will  affect  the  flow of  the natural world,  to do that will only create blocks and hinder your path towards growth.

Offerings to the Fire Element c 2016

Offerings to the Fire Element

 

Without  a  beating  heart  we  have  no  Gire  within  us,  it  is  the  blood  that  pumps   around  our  bodies  that  generates  heat  and  gives  us  the  power  to  illuminate.  Deep   within  our  heart  is  a  place  that  is  eternal,  an  inner  sun  that  burns  with  a  light  so   bright  it  connects  us  to  the  very  core  of  infinity.  It  is  our  innate  nature  that  burns   with  wisdom  and  allows  us  to  embrace  life.  When  we  align  ourselves  with  the   gods  and  with  the  path  of  The  Craft  we  burn  with  fire,  we  burn  with  a  yearning  to   know  our  soul’s  destiny.  That  is  what  drives  us  on  towards  the  source  of  all   knowledge,  it  allows  us  to  heal  bits  of  ourselves  and  others  because  when  we  get   just  one  single  glimpse  of  the  fire  within  the  heart  it  is  enough  to  illuminate  the   entire  universe.

Although  we  have  an  inner  fire  there  is  nothing  more  beautiful  to  be  sat   round  a  camp  fire,  how  many  times  have  you  looked  deep  into  the  flames  and  let   them  speak  to  you,  they  lull  you  to  a  place  which  allows  visions  to  arise,   transporting  us  inwards  to  the  deep  seat  of  knowing.  The  Craft  has  always  been   the  place  where  those  who  follow  it’s  path  burn  with  the  passions  of  nature.  To  be   alive  with  the  fire  of  wisdom  means  that  you  have  opened  yourself  up  to  the  face   of  creation  and  allowed  yourself  to  become  enfolded  in  the  arms  of  the  Gods.  They   burn  with  the  same fire,  which  is  in  your  heart,  they  are  made  from  the  same  seed fire that  you  have  within.  The  Gods  burn  with  the  same  eternal  flame  that   illuminates  our  own  being  and  to  know  the  flame  within  means  you  come  to  know   the  face  of  the  Gods.  Fire  burns  away  ignorance  just  like  it  clears  the  dead  wood  of   the  forest  allowing  new  shoots  to  germinate  bringing  forth  new  growth.  We  all   have  dead  wood  within,  our  internal  struggles  and  our  ever-­‐conflicting  emotions   are  what  keep  the fire from  burning  bright.  But  when  we  get  a  glimpse  of  the fire  we  fan  the  f flames  and  they  start  to  burn,  they  burn  so  bight  that  they  produce  a  source  of  all  light,  without  fire  there  would  only  be  darkness  and  with  total   darkness  no  life  would  exist.  Fire  is  the  source  of  all  life,  without  our  sun  this   earth  we  live  on  would  be  a  dead  rock  floating  around  a  burnt  out  sun.  Devoid  of   any  life  there  would  be  no  consciousness  to  illuminate  itself.  We  are  the  universes   knowing  itself,  and  it’s  through  this  element  we  come  to  understand  these   wisdoms.

Offering to fire can be anything that can be consumed by flames or even a simple votive candle.

Offerings to the Water Element c2016

Offerings to the Water Element

 

Water  is  a  vital  element  for  our  survival,  we  are  within  water  while  we  are  in  the   womb  of  our  mother  and  we  die  very  quickly  without  it.  Because  water  is  in  such   abundance  on  our  planet  we  have  little  attachment  to  it.  Water  is  fluid  and  free   and  over  time  it  can  reduce  the  hardest  material  into  dust.  It  cuts  through  valleys   like  a  knife  through  butter  and  bursts  forth  from  the  ground  in  healing  springs.  It   is  the  lifeblood  within  our  bodies  and  upon  the  earth  it  is  abundant  and  Glowing,   unfortunately  we  pollute  it  with  toxins  that  are  now  bringing  us  close  to  poisoning   all  life.

 

We  should  always  try  to  keep  our  waters  pure,  they  are  what  carry  the   trace  nutrients  that  our  body  needs  for  survival.  There  is  nothing  more  stirring   that  to  sit  next  to  crashing  waves  on  beach  or  more  restful  than  laying  next  to  a   babbling  brook.  Water  out  of  all  the  elements  has  the  most  power  to  heal.  Our   ancestors  knew  this  knowledge  and  dedicated  many  springs  to  cures.  Even  in  our   modern  world  we  prefer  bottled  water  to  that  from  the  tap  thinking  it  has  a  purer   quality  to  it.  It’s  our  internal  emotions  that  draw  us  close  to  water  as  a  source  of   all  healing  and  I  often  wonder  if  it’s  because  we  floated  for  nine  months  in  the   waters  of  our  mothers  womb.  There  we  felt  safe  and  secure,  it  was  a  primordial   state  before  they  burst  issuing  us  into  the  world  of  duality  we  know  as  life.  How   many  of  us  enjoy  the  relaxing  comfort  of  a  bath  or  the  invigorating  power  of  a   shower.  Both  these  daily  functions  connect  us  deeply  to  the  element  of  water  and   draw  us  close  to  its  energetic  qualities.  I  love  nothing  better  than  swimming   outdoors  in  the  summer  in  open  pools  and  rivers,  feeling the power of nature enfold me in the waters of life.

 

A  daily  offering  of  water  can  be  made  on  your  own  personal  shrine;  it  is   something  very  easy  to  do  and  connects  us  to  a  source  of  connection  many  take   for  granted.  Water  is  the  best  substance  as  a  daily  offering  because  it’s  one  of  the   things  we  have  no  attachment  to,  we  don’t  in  any  way  covet  it  because  it  seems  to     be  around  us  in  abundance.  That  way  we  give  it  freely  and  that’s  the  spirit  which   should  be  nurtured  when  making  any  offering.  To  be  able  to  give  without  any   attachment  at  all  allows  the  offering  to  have  the  purest  quality  within  it  and   becomes  a  great  source  of  connecting  us  to  the  source  of  creation. Items  you  can  offer  include  water,  milk  and  wine.

 

You  could  even  collect   different  waters  to  offer  such  as  Sea  Water,  Lake  Water,  Spring  Water,  Rain  Water,   Snow  Water  and  Dew,  be  guided  by  your  intuition and may the hand of the gods always lead you towards your souls purpose.

Offerings to the Earth Element c 2016

Offerings to the Earth Element

 

When  we  make  offerings  to  the  earth  element  we  are  honouring  our  body,  without  this   vehicle  we  would  not  be  able  to  experience  the  world  in  all  its  beauty.  It  gives  us  the   chance  to  find  happiness  and  joy.  It  is  the  very  vessel  that  is  filled  with  the  light  of   creation  and  inhabiting  it  for  a  lifetime  means  we  have  a  chance  to  awake  to  that  inner   light.  It’s  incredible  when  you  stop  to  think  about  it,  but  that’s  the  problem,  few  do.   When  we  walk  a  spiritual  path  it  allows  us  to  move  forward  on  a  journey  upon  the   earth,  this  planet  is  a  living  body  like  our  own.  But  how  many  people  actually  treat  it  as   such?

 

Because  we  have  disconnected  from  the  earth  we  have  become  disconnected   from  our  bodies  and  look  at  the  amount  of  self-­‐loathing  we  see  in  western  cultures.  The   Craft  has  always  told  us  to  love  our  bodies,  they  are  sacred  and  that’s  why  from  time  to   time  we  take  off  our  clothes  and  walk  into  nature.  When  we  meet  nature  naked,  we  are   free,  we  are  totally  beyond  the  trappings  of  culture  because,  once  again,  we  have   entered  paradise.  The  Craft  has  always  held  ritual  nudity  to  be  a  profound  act,   unfortunately  because  of  our  modern  culture  few  these  days  feel  comfortable  disrobing.   This  is  because  we  live  in  a  highly  sexualized  society  that  has  used  sex  and  sexual   images  to  sell  almost  everything,  the  images  which  have  been  used  have  been  very   limiting  and  exaggerated  leaving  many  with  a  sense  of  inferiority  about  their  own   bodies.  Remember  we  are  born  into  this  world  naked  and  when  we  are  free  from  the   trappings  of  clothes  we  also  have  the  opportunity  to  free  ourselves  from  our  ridged   identities.

 

Offerings  to  the  earth  can  include  stones,  salt,  soil  and  food,  go  into  nature,  take   your  clothes  off  in  the  warmer  months  and  feel  the  sun  on  your  body,  feel  the  wind   caress  you  like  a  lover  and  embrace  the  natural  world.  Make  your  offerings  to  this   element  and  thank  it  for  giving  you  such  a  beautiful  gift,  your  body  the  vehicle of your awakening.

Basic Spell Template – Crafting The Spell

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY CORRESPONDENCES POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER)

Crafting The Spell

  • Identify your goal or desire

  • Examine the context of the situation

  • Evaluate the repercussions

  • Refine the specifics of your need or desire

  • Decide on a time

  • Decide on a method

  • Choose correspondences and components

  • Create central symbolic action

  • Write the text of the spell

  • Write the complete list of required materials.

(One Person’s View Point) Witchcraft 101: Naked c.2016

Witchcraft 101: Naked

There is a simple word that can strike fear into the heart of the bravest Witch: skyclad.

Skyclad is the word we use to mean, well, nude. As in, “This month’s full moon ritual will be done skyclad.”

Starkers, as the Brits say. In your birthday suit. Sans clothing. In your altogether. In short, buck-naked. Or as my dad used to say, “stark, nuked nade.”

Either way, it means you are out there under the moon with the breeze blowing through your, er….everything.

Some Witches are very comfortable practicing skyclad. Others wouldn’t do it on a bet. Still others save such dedication for their solitary rituals and prefer to wear garb when gathering with their fellow Witches.

All of the above is fine. There is no rule that says you have to perform Witchcraft naked (thank the Goddess), although there are some traditions where that is the norm. And although in the Charge of the Goddess it says “ye shall be naked in your rites,” this doesn’t mean that you have to stand outside at midwinter freezing your whatsits off.

As with most things witchy, you should use your own judgment and do what feels right to you. If you’re comfortable being naked, by all means do your rituals skyclad. If you’re not, you would probably find your nakedness so distracting that you wouldn’t be able to concentrate on your magick anyway, so there’s not much point to it.

The important thing to remember is that in the case of group rituals, you should discuss such things ahead of time and make sure that everyone agrees. There isn’t much that is more disconcerting than showing up at a ritual to find out that you are expected to disrobe when you weren’t planning on it.
Source: Everyday Witch A to Z Deborah Blake

Different Traditions of Witchcraft c 2011

Different Traditions of Witchcraft

By Patti Wigington

In the Pagan community, there are a number of different spiritual traditions that fall under the umbrella of Wicca or Neowicca. Here are some of the most commonly discussed groups that you may find as you meet people of different Wiccan or Neowiccan traditions. There are different types and styles of Wiccan traditions — some may be right for you, and others not so much. Learn about the variations in spiritual paths even amongst Wiccans and NeoWiccan — some of the differences may surprise you!

Alexandrian Wicca

Founded by Alex Sanders and his wife Maxine, Alexandrian Wicca became a popular tradition during the resurgence of modern Paganism. Heavily influenced by Gardner and his tradition, Alexandrian Wicca uses a degree system and has ties to ceremonial magic systems.

Blue Star Witchcraft

The Blue Star tradition is one that is modeled on Gardnerian Wicca, but still manages to be different. Learn more about the Blue Star tradition of Witchcraft.

British Traditional Wicca

British Traditional Wicca is a term often used by Pagans in the U.S. to describe a specific set of covens in Britain. Find out what BTW is, and who qualifies to be part of it.

Circle Sanctuary

If you read much about Wicca and witchcraft, you’ve probably heard of Circle Sanctuary. But who are they, and why are they important?

Correllian Nativist Tradition

The Correllian Nativist Tradition is a well-known tradition of witchcraft today – find out who they are, and what they do.

Covenant of the Goddess

Covenant of the Goddess is a name that comes up often in discussion of Wiccan groups. Who are they, and what do they do?

Dianic Wicca

With origins in the feminist movement, Dianic Wicca has been embraced by many women trying to find an alternative to oppressive, patriarchal religion. One branch of the Dianic movement centers around the writings of Z Budapest, while other groups tend to be more eclectic. One facet they all have in common is a celebration of the Goddess only, instead of the dual God/Goddess practice often found in Wicca.

Eclectic Wicca

The phrase “eclectic Wicca” is a commonly used one, but it can have different meanings depending on who’s using it. Find out what Eclectic Wicca is, and who practices it.

Gardnerian Wicca

When Gerald Gardner founded Wicca in the 1950s, he set the wheels turning for countless other traditions to form. Many of today’s Wiccan covens can trace their origins back to Gardner, but the Gardnerians path itself remains initiatory and oathbound.

Is Christian Wicca a Valid Tradition?

A reader writes in asking about whether or not she can be both Christian and Wiccan. We also discuss that whole Biblical injunction about “thou shall not suffer a witch to live.”

The Dark Side Of The Air Witch c 2012

The Dark Side Of The Air Witch

Do not threaten an Air Witch or what she holds dear, as she is fiercely protective. When she feels threatened, she goes into overdrive and absolutely will not rest until the threat is destroyed completely. She rarely practices defensive magick, preferring instead to allow those who dare to attack face their karmic backlash instead, as she is always willing to accept hers. She can be manipulative in this manner and may not even realize it.

Usually well versed in destructive magick, the Air Witch takes all acts of magick deadly seriously. She insists that a simple blessing carries the same power behind it as a two-hour ritual. When angered, the emotion simply has to run its course, and that course can be decidedly ugly. Just as air feeds fire, the Air Witch feeds her own inner fire when she is angry. She stews and will not move beyond her anger until she is ready. Once she is, it is much easier for her to simply remove the influence from her life entirely. She will cut people out of her life without a second thought.

The Path Of The Air Witch (Part 4) c2012

The Path Of The Air Witch

(Part 4)

Water rules creation, earth rules rebirth, and air rules the cross over a threshold-in other words, the gates of death. The Air Witch has a decidedly dark side and a complex character. Her focus is more on the death side of nature, due to her realm, which includes death, along with sustaining life. You can only survive a few minutes without air, but if you breathe the wrong air, such as poisonous gas, you will die immediately. Air brings disease, death and destruction side by side with life.

The Air Witch is very insightful in the realm of past-life discovery, because time itself belongs to her element as well.

At the same time, air cannot create or re-create life on its own. An Air Witch needs her sister element earth to recycle her winds (through plant life) and water and fire to aid growth. Air Witches may have trouble in the areas relating to menstruation and reproduction. Other potential health problems include spinal conditions or a bad back, asthma, or hearing loss.

Air rules the mental processes and Air Witches often have a few problems in that area. They are frequently nervous, jittery types, prone to panic attacks. In nature, we find crosswinds, tornadoes and hurricanes it seems that wind itself has an insane pattern. The Air Witch is the same. When angered or hurt, she can easily cross the line into the realm of madness. She may entertain notions of revenge, but since she changes her mind constantly, she rarely sees them through. The windy Air Witch is easily depressed and is known to go into a funk over the smallest of things. However, she rarely stays down for long.

The winds are important to the element of air, but they are not the element itself. However, the two are inseparable. The element of air encircles the globe; it is the atmosphere. Every sunrise and sunset takes place in its domain. In this manner we discover how the Air Witch connects to the earthly elements-she incarnates the aura of them, the same way the atmosphere is the aura of the planet. Often, the Air Witch is the catalyst needed to create a change. She is mysterious nd unpredictable.

~~ Conclusion ~~

 Source:

“The Elemental Witch”

Author: Tammy Sullivan

The Path Of The Air Witch (Part 3) c2012

The Path Of The Air Witch

(Part 3)

The Air Witch has a hard time showing the proper respect due to others in authoritative positions, because she does not see anyone as superior to her. She is strong and fiercely independent. Due to the placement of her element, she can also be very derisive in her humor when it is pointed at herself. She does not take herself too seriously and finds much to laugh about. Compliments thrill her, but expression of thanks tend to embarrass her. She is usually very social and has a wide network of friends. Happy and upbeat as a rule, she can allow herself to become depressed when she does not meet her goals. She is very hard on herself.

The Air Witch can be highly superstitious. She accepts that not all things exist within the scope of the human senses. Within the realm of air ie the keys to invisibility, sound, thinking, communication, creativity, weather, the dead, and ghosts, just to name a few. It is no wonder that the Air Witch seems to operate  on a different level-she does. Considering the multitude of things she hosts in her space, she is usually adept at reading signs and omens. The Air Witch is well schooled in sky divination and portents or harbingers of luck.

The Air Witch specializes magickally in spirits, ghosts, invisible beings, travel, inspiration, dreams, wishes, creativity and changes. She often has a special affinity for Quija, pendulums, and storm and weather magick. She tends to be unconventional and does things that are considered taboo among many Witches, such as blowing out her candles, using items that don’t biodegrade, and so on.

Whereas the Water Witch has a talent for divination and the intuitive arts, the Air Witch has a talent for necromancy and clairaudience. The Air Witch is usually well trained in aromatherapy, meditation and pain-management breathing techniques.

(continued at The Path Of The Air Witch, Part 4)

The Path Of The Air Witch (Part 2) c 2012

The Path Of The Air Witch

(Part 2)

If you are friends with an Air Witch, prepare to be inspired. She wants her friends and loved ones to achieve their desired level of success just as badly as they do. The Air Witch gives herself to her friends selflessly. However, once betrayed, she will never trust that person again. The Air Witch is all about movement and she refuses to get caught in other people’s hand-ups. She is not one to give second chances. Because of her willingness to please, and the fact that she strives to make all things just, she may actually say that she will grant someone a second chance and then try to, but rarely can she do it in her heart. Once trust is gone for her, it is gone. She moves on.

The Air Witch is optimistic and energetic. She always starts off strong, even if her efforts dwindle later. It is the same in all areas of her life. Her first magick is the strongest, and she usually instinctually knows her element instantly. The only part of her life where this factor does not enter into the equation is in the case of first love. Once a relationship is over for her, it is over. The Air Witch does not live in the past, but in the present. The love she has now is the only one that matters.

The Air Witch can maintain her stamina to complete a project if she perceives it to be a challenge. Telling an Air Witch that she can’t do something is a sure way to see to it that she does. However, if she guesses that she is being manipulated in this fashion, she will erupt into a tantrum. She despises manipulative games and tends to see through them quickly, due to her own manipulative nature.

Because the air blankets the Earth and water, the Air Witch frequently has a large ego. She sees herself as above others and counts on her sister elements  to keep this ego in check. A key lesson for the windy ones is learning that they are not the only creatures that count. However, this position also grants the Air Witch the ability to see all sides of a situation. She is very just.

(continued on The Path Of The Air Witch, Part 3)

The Path Of The Air Witch (Part 1) c2012

The Path Of The Air Witch

The path of the Air Witch is one of constant mental stimulation and expression. As poets, writers, actors, and dreamers, Air Witches walk the line of creativity. The wind is the soliloquy of life; every thought and sound transports itself through the air.

Seen as flaky and airheaded by some, the strength of the Air Witch lies in her intelligence, not her common-sense. She walks around with her head in the clouds. Too often she suffers from “foot in mouth” disease. She seems to have an uncanny knack for saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. Uncomfortable with silence, the Air Witch is content to chatter on aimlessly. She is well-known for making people laugh and smile, even when she is on their last nerve.

A key strength of the master of the wind is her flexibility. The Air Witch always allows room to change her mind and to bend with the wind. She considers that she is never fully “done”; she is a work in progress. Just as you cannot capture the wind, you cannot pin down an  Air Witch to one viewpoint for too long. She refuses to stagnate by accepting anything to be true all of the time. She is inquisitive, bubbly, and bright, and can inspire others to reach higher, try harder, and give a goal their best shot. Air Witches make wonderful cheerleaders.

On the flip side, the happy-go-lucky Air Witch is not one you want to anger. Her fury rouses quickly, and she usually possesses a nasty temper. An Air Witch will not mince words with you-she will cut straight to the bone. Once her outburst is over, she is usually no longer mad. Five minutes after her tantrum, she has no idea why anyone is angry with her.

Due to her flighty nature, the Air Witch has an easy time letting go of the past. She can overcome the most tragic of life’s situations. She will be changed, but she will quickly move on. She is truly like the wind. Because of this, she tends to make bad judgments. She does not always think things through fully before taking action.

The Air Witch thrives on change and new beginnings. Nothing  will excite her more than moving to a new location, getting a new job, meeting new people, or going on a vacation. She often changes her style throughout her lifetime, including favorite colors, textures, and even foods.

Her thirst for knowledge is unquenchable and tends to get her in trouble. She keeps an open mind and is willing to see alternate viewpoints. The Air Witch is known to incorporate many different belief systems into her own personal view.

Among the many quirks of Air Witches, claustrophobia rates unusually high in their ranks. The Air Witch cannot stand the thought of being trapped in a place with limited air. Scuba diving or the like is a rare activity for an Air Witch, as she fears suffocation above all else.

The Air Witch’s home is normally very clean. She can be extremely picky about dirt and dust. However, when entering the home of an Air Witch, you are apt to find many projects in various stages just sitting around waiting for her to complete them. The windy Air Witch does not always have the stamina needed to complete what she starts. It makes perfect sense to her to do the laundry and then fold it and stack it, without ever putting it away. She is easily distracted.

The home of an Air Witch is usually neutral-toned and light, with many windows. She frequently will have an abundance of houseplants and overstocked cabinets filled with convenience foods and sugary junk. It’s no wonder Air Witches have weak teeth, as they usually have an inexhaustible sweet tooth.

(continued to “The Path Of The Air Witch, Part 2)

The Dark Side of the Fire Witch c 2015

The Dark Side of the Fire Witch

The vibrant Fire With has her dark side too. She can be pushy and very sarcastic. Stubborn to the bone, she does not deal well with disagreements. She fully realize that no one can be right all the time, unless, of course, it’s her. When angered, she may have a tendency to make fun of others. She can be quite arrogant and, as a result, is very hard to teach. The Fire Witch learns best when left to do her own thing. There is no substitute for life experience. At times, her sarcasm can manifest as a biting sense of humor, but at other times, it is disparaging and hurtful. She may have a bad habit of talking down to others and, instead of listening, prefers to play the devil’s advocate. When doing so, signals can easily be crossed , and what she thinks is simply pointing out alternative options for others to consider, they may interpret as her telling them they are wrong, when that is often not the case at all.

Source: Elemental Witch Fire Air Water Earth Discover Your Natural Affinity by Tammy Sullivan

Let’s Talk Witch – Fire Magic c 2015

 

Fire Magic

 

Fire has always sparked religious awe. Its ever-shifting form, varieties of colors, heat, and light, plus the actual physical changes it produces are the stuff magic is made of.

Before the knowledge of fire making, it must have been a dark world, indeed. With the use of friction and flints, humans captured this divine essence and it changed the world forever.

While so-called fire worship is generally nothing more than a polite euphemism for the mystical reverence of sex, there have been several religions that worshipped fire as a symbol of divinity.

Who hasn’t heard of the eternal flames that the vestal virgins of rome tended on their altars? Even today, Jewish synagogues keep an eternal flame, and some tombs, like John F. Kennedy’s, are similarly equipped.

Though the religious significance of fire has been forgotten by most of us today, it is still in evidence upon the altars of many of the world’s leading religions. What Catholic altar would be complete without flaming candles? A candle’s shining flame or a roaring bonfire on a lonely mountain peak are both objects of power that can be utilized in magic.

The fact that fire is a powerful element caused the ancients to worship it. The placement of burning candles on the altar during mass isn’t accidental those candles release their own energies into the proceedings, as does the smoking frankincense in the brightly shining censers and the prayers of the devout.

Candle magic is once again becoming enormously popular, perhaps because it is simple and effective. Though this may be the only form of fire magic readily available, it is far from the only one known today. It is these other forms that shall be investigated here.

Fire magic can be performed wherever a fire can be safely lit. An indoor or outdoor fireplace, a barbecue, a cleared section of ground, or a specially dug pit lined with bricks or rocks— anything will work, as long as the fire can be safely lit in an area in which you have privacy to perform your magic.

For some spells you will need no more than a few pieces of kindling. For others, whole blazes or series of fires will be required. Any sort of fuel is fine, as long as it is clean, dry, and not too sappy.

Owing to its fiery nature, this sort of magic is best performed in the desert, but anywhere will suffice.

 

Source: Earth Power: Techniques of Natural Magic by Scott Cunningham

 

The Path of the Fire Witch (Part 2) c 2015

The Path of the Fire Witch

 

The Fire Witch holds herself to an uncompromising code or honor and ethics. She will bestow justice and be benevolent at the same time.

She operates from a basic moral code of what is right and what is wrong and rarely will go against her gut instinct. Because of this, Fire Witches make excellent law enforcement officers. Due to their love of numbers, they fare well in the fields of science and computers. They often understand the numeric codes presented within dreams to be prophetic and can easily recognize patterns.

Friends of Fire Witches are used to her stealing the spotlight–she knows how to get attention!She naturally projects a warm yet noble aura. If you don’t want to hear the truth, don’t ask a Fire Witch. She can be both gentle and blunt. The key is to hear her out. Fire Witches, seem lit from within and glow with a special radiance.

Fire is purifying and the Fire Witch tolerates no political agenda among her friends and family. If she spots a troublemaker or rumor-mongers, she will quickly call the person on it.
Fire Witches can be extreme in their behaviors and emotions. They tend to see things in terms of black and white, due to their strong moral instincts. Yet, while Fire Witches can be rigid to certain areas, they are the most playful and joyous of the Elemental Witches. They seem to be always smiling, always willing to try something new. They push harder and climb higher–there are no limits for fire folk!

While water is creation, earth is rebirth, and air is death, fire is the divine spark of it all. No other Elemental Witch understand the process of regeneration the way the Fire Witch does. She truly grasps purification of the spirit. In the same way a medical doctors cauterizes a wound to stop the bleeding, the Fire Witch can cauterize the soul to stop emotional pain and make way for healing She concentrates her life on matter of the spirit and advancement. She is talented in all areas related to working with the spirit and Otherworld spirits. She can call and banish spirits quite easily, but never does so wantonly. She has great respect for the other planes of existence.

Fire Witches are the explorers of the universe. Due to their role as spiritual connectors. Fire Witches can easily accomplish astral projection. The element of earth manifests itself in humanity as the body, air as sacred breath and mental faculties and water as body fluid and emotions, but fire is the collective energy that animates the body. Fire represent the electrical impulses in the brain and body that make life possible.

Many cultures, no matter what their collective vision of the after-life is, report that people who undergo near-death experiences first see a beautiful white light. When we work with chakras, we are working with light. All magickal work that incorporates light and spiritual advancement falls in the realm of the element of fire.

The role of the Fire Witch is one of independence. She encourages people to stand up for themselves and will not hesitate to stand up for herself. Coming under fire by others does not scare her; it inspires her. She is most comfortable when she is free to express her opinion completely, and she usually detests censorship. The Fire Witch takes an active role in all areas of life. If something isn’t working, she is the first one to work to try to change things for the better.

The altar of the Fire witch usually contains various metals, such as brass, silver, iron and copper. Likewise, it often holds several candles. Her power is at its peak during the summer months. Popular summer-time activities like vacations, camping, swimming and picnicking are borne of the inspiration of fire. Fire teaches us to enjoy the zest life has to offer. While a Fire Witch can be zealous in her career ambitions, she never forgets to enjoy her life. In the winter months, when the days are short, the Fire Witch undergoes a period of reflection that further defines her path. She is still there, doing everything she normally does, but her focus has burned inward to her home and family. It is a process of reaffirming relationships that take place every year. Even the bright light of the Fire Witch can grow dim at this time, and depression can set in. Luckily, a few bites of a tropical fruit, a warm fire in the fireplace, and a few candles later, she’s a good as new.

 

Source: Elemental Witch Fire Air Water Earth Discover Your Natural Affinity by Tammy Sullivan

The Path of the Fire Witch (Part 1) c 2015

The Path of the Fire Witch

 

The path of the Fire Witch is not for the faint of heart. Strong and courageous, these Witches rarely take no for an answer. The Fire Witches are considered to be the rebels of the Elemental Witches. They possess a joy of life that is unequaled. They are extremely sociable creatures.

The Fire Witches are all about individuality. Each one is unique. For the most part, their lives are beautiful and poetic, yet there lurks an underlying current of tragedy. There is no typical personal style to the Fire Witch; it varies, as does each flame. The one thing you can be sure of is that she will shine. In blue jeans or diamonds, you know a Fire Witch by the confident aura that surrounds her.

The Fire Witch’s decorating style runs the gamut from sleek, modern, and sophisticated to all-out opulence and luxury. She has a flair for decorating, often incorporating candles and designer lighting to add a more dramatic touch. Frequently, Fire Witches love antiques and metal objects. Their house often feature warm, rich colors and dark woods.

The Fire Witch’s house is usually very neat and clean. She will spend whatever time is necessary to keep it that way. She will also destroy that cleanliness in an instant, when she is angered enough, by having a complete and total hissy fit, although that is rare. While the Fire Witch can be hotheaded and temperamental, her iron will usually allows her to maintain control.

The Fire Witch loves to dance and is very seductive, passionate, and lusty. She can be indulgent when it comes to her sexual nature. She often is very active and usually love to participate in sporting events. She is bold and daring and frequently pushes things to the absolute limit.

Because of her indulgent habits, the Fire Witch may unknowingly enable addictions or foster one of her own. Some Fire Witches may have addictive personalities. When a Fire Witch loves someone, she does so with a heart so pure that she can overlook any defects in the person for a long time.

This can place her in troublesome relationships until she has finally had enough and moves on. When a Fire Witch moves on, she has a compulsion to completely destroy the previous bond and is capable of being cruel in order to see to it that the situation is over for good. She is much more comfortable knowing that it cannot be repaired and can move herself forward more easily by not allowing herself to wonder about the past.

Philosophically, the Fire Witch has an open mind. She is the proverbial free thinker. Because of the placement of her element(both above and below the Earth), the Fire Witch has the ability to see all sides of any argument. She values honesty and courage above all else. There is nothing she detests as much as a liar. Fire Witches are usually quick-witted, think-on-their-feet types of folks. Their is a reason that smart people are called “bright.”

The fire brings the light, and with light there follows shadow. The Fire Witch is complex, passionate, and tumultuous. She is sizzling hot stuff. She has both a light and a dark side, and the two sides work together constantly.

The light side of the Fire Witch keeps her personal practices of spirit informal and fun. But when it come time for magickal work, the shadow side often takes over. The dark side of the Fire Witch holds a vast knowledge of the more complex magickal applications. Magickal equations and ceremonial practices are second nature to the Fire Witch. She may prefer the drama of a high magick ritual and a more ordered structure to things. However, she often utilizes a simpler style of Witchcraft, too. It depends on the situation.

Magically, the Fire Witch specializes in bonding with divinity, regeneration, energy, truth, manifesting, sex magick, banishing, purification, destruction, negative magick and defensive magick.

Fire has been used to honor the God since its inception. Many shrines and altars are guarded by an eternal flame. the Fire Witch understands that her every movement is an honor to divine forces.

She is very generous with her time and money when it comes to charity. She always seeks to help and improve the world around her in this manner.

Fire is a creative element, especially when seen in its regenerative aspect. In the same manner that the phoenix rises from the ashes or the sun undergoes an eclipse, a Fire Witch puts herself through a constant process of growth by tearing herself down in order to build herself anew. It can be an agonizing process, but she emerges renewed and stronger than ever. She will often disappear from the world for a few day at a time due to this process. She can be instrumental in helping others move beyond their own heartbreaks and pains and begin their lives again.

 

Source: Elemental Witch Fire Air Water Earth Discover Your Natural Affinity by Tammy Sullivan

The Dark Side of the Water Witch c 2012

The Dark Side of the Water Witch

Water rules the emotions, and the Water Witch has a predisposition to think with the heart and not the head. As she is devoted to water, she believes wholeheartedly that a tiger can change its strips by virtue of cleansing away the negative. She will give a second chance in the case of an innocent mistake. However, if crossed intentionally, the Water Witch will hold a grudge until the end of time. She is a wall builder and will not hesitate to block out anyone who deserves it. Her code of justice is so strict that she often entertain notions of revenge. She is known to overdo it in these matters.

In personal matters, the Water Witch’s intuition does not function at its fullest capacity. She can be quick to assume a slight was intended by an innocent remark and operate strictly on that notion, regardless of its truthfulness. Unfortunately, once this happens the Water Witch can muddy her own waters.

Balancing the Elements: a Water and Sea Witch guide to finding balance with the elements c2018

 

Balancing the Elements: a Water and Sea Witch guide to finding balance with the elements

It would be silly to think that someone who calls themselves a water witch works ONLY with the water element. This would make for a very unbalanced practice! Rather Water or Sea Witches work with all the elements through their particular path which is deeply connected to water. A Water Witch may call themselves Water or Sea witch because they derive their power from the Waters or the Spirits that dwell with in it.

Working with Air
Water Witches can work with air in conjunction with water. While I personally don’t resonate with Air as well as I do the other elements, it can still be worked with and incorporated into a balanced practice. There are many stories of Witches having the power to control the wind and weather; many times these stories are about Sea Witches or witches that could be classified as Sea Witches based on where they live. An old folk spell Sea Witches have been recorded as being responsible for, is selling knots to Sailors. Each knot holding the power to release different strengths of wind.

“For the right price, witches supplied sailors with a cord having three knots. When becalmed, untying the first knot was thought to produce a light breeze, undoing the second produced a moderate wind, and the third a strong breeze. Scottish fishermen were known to buy knotted handkerchiefs of wind sorceress, the desired strength of the wind could be obtained by slowly undoing the knot. Once loosened, the knot was useless and for additional winds another purchase was required. If a sailor found a knot in a painter, he could expect a long voyage. When a sailor referred to “tying a knot in the devil’s tail,” he was relating to the “well done” completion of a difficult task.”

Another good example of Water Witches having the power to control the weather and raise up storms is the Gallicanae from the Island of Sena. Here we have a group of 9 priestess with magical powers who are clearly connected to the sea but also have the power to change the winds and work with water in conjunction with air.

“Sena in the British sea, opposite the Ofismician coast, is remarkable for an oracle of the Gallic God. Its priestesses, holy in perpetual virginity, are said to be nine in number. They are called Gallicenae, and are thought to be endowed with singular powers, so as to raise by their charms the winds and seas, to turn themselves into what animals they will, to cure wounds and diseases incurable by others, to know and predict the future; but this they do only to navigators who go thither purposely to consult them.”

In a modern practice, one can look to wisdom from water birds, work with knots as above, charge water in a singing bowls using voice and vibration to charge waters, and can engage in spirit flight using water as a portal to the other world.

Working with Fire

Working with Fire is actually quite fun when working water magic. Fire can heat our cauldrons, and be the catalyst for change, a flame can be lit at a sacred well or near a river. Floating candles can be used to merge the powers of water and fire and holy water can be used to anoint candles. Additionally, there are several European Goddesses that are associated with Fire and Water; Bride, Sulis and Nantosuelta are a few. Grannus is a masculine deity that is also associated with Fire and Natural Springs. Many cultures across the world combine water and fire together by lighting candles and setting them afloat on small rafts of herbs or wreaths. A Water Witch that is particularly connected to springs and wells will find many ways to honor and work with water and fire together. A popular tradition is well dressings, and candles as well as flowers and other offerings are used to decorate the sacred space on holy days.

In a modern practice candles can be anointed with holy water or used to light a ritual bath. Floating candles can be used in a bowl or one can Scry by candle light. Candles are a staple in every witches tool bag, and Water Witches use them as well, though our collection might be heavy on the blue and green side!

Working with Earth

Earth and Water are very compatible and often are used together. Floral essences, Herbal Teas, and Gem elixirs are quick and easy ways to combine earth and water magic together.

The earth is the vessel in which the water is held, both symbolically in the alchemical symbol and actually in the physical world. Our physical bodies which represent earth are filled with water and in a way is a vessel. The earth contains water and while it does not necessarily control it, it holds it, and houses it giving it a structure in which to rest or rage.

For the Sea Witch shells, sand, and drift wood would be earth representations and a beautiful way to combine water and earth. There is nothing more beautiful than a piece of smooth driftwood that washes up at your feet. Water and Earth work together to transform the environment around it; river rocks and beach agates smoothed and tumbled by nature are other good examples of water and earth together.

Witches that work with rivers can connect to the earth with river rock, hag stones and the muddy parts of the shore. Bath salts can also be considered an earth element and are a wonderful edition to any bath!

Dew has much folklore and recorded magical uses, a popular one being collecting dew on May Day from the Hawthorn tree. For the most part Dew relies on plants and grasses to hold its delicate watery form. Again a perfect example of combining the elements.

Working with all the elements is important in any magical practice, and for those of us that are watery it is always good to reach towards a more grounding element in tough times. When our waters need to be stirred up reach towards air and when you need to heat up or become passionate about something working with Fire can be beneficial. Finding balance is important, and so is honoring all the elements even if our home is in the waters!

Source: Published on Patheos by ANNWYN AVALON