The Perfect Athame

Author: The Redneck Pagan

As some of you may recall, I have recently decided to go back to the basics of my knowledge and experience and begin a process of going deeper. And for those of you who are scratching their heads and wondering if I spent too much time with the glue cap off, here is an excerpt from an earlier blog post to explain:

“I am beginning to realize how little I actually know (…) I mean I have read probably over a hundred books, but rarely stopped to really read them. I would do one or two exercises and then go to the next. I skimmed over the material without properly allowing myself the time and effort to go deeper.

With that little epiphany in mind, I do believe it is time for me to go back to the basics! (…) I am finding myself digging out those 101 books that have been collecting dust, and have started re-reading them. My next goal is to start doing the exercises, and really documenting my results. Not just the half fast skimming I did before, but really seeking the experiences and knowledge. How successful I will be, I don’t yet know. We shall find out how much determination, discipline and dedication I have. “

So with that primer in hand, forwards we go!

In reviewing the basis, I have discovered something of note… the stuff that used to make my heart race with excitement, the books I spent hours reading (and much time and money locating and acquiring) … are getting rather boring! This has been a far more difficult task than I initially gave it credit for. Now before the fingers start wagging and people start saying, “you said you were going deeper”, I have been doing the work (my mother would be shocked at how well I have been doing my “homework”) . I have diligently gone through all of the exercises in the first third of one of my basic books, which is a primer on craft history and some basic jargon … very important stuff for anybody with an interest in Witchcraft and Paganism. However, after I read Doreen Valiente’s “The Rebirth of Witchcraft”, reading about craft history from a Lady who was present for much of it, well… the 101 stuff is boring.

I decided to review some material on the different tools in the 101 books as, being nine years away from my first introduction, I felt it was important to review and check up on newest teachings and theories.

I stumbled across the usual descriptions: the Athame is a black handled, double edge knife used by Witches to direct energy. Witches typically use it to charge items, cast their circle, and cut astral cords. It is never used to cut anything on the physical plane, and some argue that it looses its power if it ever draws blood. I then read about how it is supposed to be made. Made? Uh-oh!
According one author, a witch should always try to make his/her own Athame! I give this author full credit, he goes into great detail on how one should go about it. He explains the equipment needed, ways to get it done, the proper metals to use, wood in the fire, symbols you can carve onto the blade or the handle and even how to consecrate it. And I have to agree with his reasoning: when a witch takes the time, effort and intention on the creation of the Athame it becomes part of him/her. It becomes part of their power. I can see that and understand that. I just have a problem… I am not what you would call “handy”!

When I was younger and living with my parents, we bought a bunch of IKEA furniture for the house. My mother and I shopped and brought it home, and then my father and I put it together. The reason my father and I had to put it together is because my mother and brother refused to work with us. My dad is a brilliant man, he’s been a teacher for over 30 years now, he has helped revamp parts of the elementary school curriculum and I hate playing Trivial Pursuit with the man because I always get my assets handed to me! But for the love of the Gods… DO NOT give that man a hammer. (When I first brought my husband home to meet my father, he was a little hesitant. My husband proceeded to fix his sink trap and tap and realign some closets on their track. My father turned to me and said, “I love him; keep him!”) I have inherited some of my father’s difficulty with tools.

I can recall one day when my husband and I had first moved in together. He was watching a documentary on TV and I was in the bedroom hanging pictures. There was a picture I wanted hung up that was out of my reach. He said he would come hang it up at the next commercial break. I, being the soul of patience, decided to take matters into my own hands. I stacked some towels on the edge of the bed and standing with one foot on the towels and one braced against the wall I prepared to hammer the nail. Well, the hammer was on the floor (and my perch felt a bit precarious) , so I grabbed the closest thing I had, a high-heeled shoe. As I was about to hammer the nail in, I heard “What the hell are you doing! ` My husband lifted me off my perch (he is six-foot-three-inches and I am five-feet-two-inches) He lifted me under the one arm like a rag doll (an amusing sight for the dogs, I’m sure) and took care of the picture for me.

So having said that.. I really don’t think having me playing with a forge and blacksmithing materials is the best idea. The life I save could be my own, and I think the fire department is busy enough without having to come out and rescue me. So what should I do? Well, another option mentioned is ‘receiving one as a gift from another magical person’… I live in Central Alberta, not exactly the place you will find a lot of practicing Pagans. I was very much a solitary practitioner. Receiving one as a gift would have been ideal… but not exactly practical.

Being eager to begin my practice (and being too new to fully understand where the power lay) , I began to scour the city for the Perfect Athame. Dollar stores, Wal-Mart, Zellers and secondhand stores became my playground. I bought several different types of knives (ranging in price from 50 cents to five bucks) . Nothing seemed to be working and I was getting very discouraged. I was too new to truly understand the idea of ‘magic within’ and was worried that if I was unable to find a real and proper Athame that I would never be a proper witch (silly sounding now, but a huge fear at the time) .

I settled on using one of the knives I had picked up at Wal-Mart; it had the best feel in the handle and wasn’t very sharp. I was having decent success with the knife, but it never felt right. My subconscious was not satisfied with the toy I was using! (This was, of course, nine years ago, before the Internet had really blossomed; sites like eBay were in their infancy and specialty websites were few and far between.) I tried to find Athames online but the only ones I found were well out of a college student’s budget.

One day, I was digging through some of my old treasure boxes (you know, the boxes you keep under your bed, filled with what other people might call ‘junk’) . While digging through the box I came across a knife. This particular type of knife is known as a Sgian Dubh (pronounced Skin-Doo) . They are a type of Scottish small knife kept next to the calf in the socks. I received it years ago from Grandfather. He had bought it when he was visiting his brother in Dublin and at the time he gave it to me, I was playing in a pipe band and was a Highland Dancer.

I wore it for two years in the pipe band and another year and a half as a Highland Dancer. I took it anytime I did a performance of a Sword Dance or Highland Fling for an additional two years after that, and then when I no longer danced, I put it away and had not thought of it for years. When I picked it up again I felt like it almost sang in my hand! I began to toy with the notion of using it as my Athame.

It had many positive characteristics. It was double-edged but was blunted so as not to hurt me. It was in a sheath, so I could put it in a bag and take it with me to outdoor rituals if I wanted. The handle was black and was made of a solid molded plastic. It was a gift from my Irish Grandfather (incidentally my path is most closely related to Irish Reconstructionalism and it was my Irish roots and the mythology of my people that first got me interested in paganism) . It came from my family’s homeland and so had a connection to the land of my ancestors. And I had worn it during high-energy activities that I loved!

I gave it a try for the first time at a Sabbat. It just seemed to click. It felt perfect in my hand. I felt powerful with it, mysterious and magical. In recent years, I have seen some beautiful Athames, many of which have been “properly made” and most at a very reasonable price. But I have never had a desire to get a new one. I have my Perfect Athame.

Yours Humbly

The Redneck Pagan

The Magick of Jewelry and Metals

Author: Raven Digitalis

Jewelry has long been used in magick. Its most common historical use is protective, to guard against demons, malicious creatures, and adversaries’ attacks. With the rise of metallurgy, specifically designed pieces came to be used as magickal talismans. This is prevalent in indigenous and modern societies both.

Jewelry can be a stylistic way to display your beliefs and alignments either inside or outside of ritual circle. Practitioners of numerous spiritual varieties prefer wearing ritual jewelry in the form of charms, amulets, and talismans. Each piece is a significant reflection of a practitioner’s individual callings. Many ritualists go skyclad yet choose to wear jewelry. Metal shimmers and reflects light, becoming important pieces of focus in ritual, especially those held under shroud of night. Gemstones are also common, being direct manifestations of Mother Earth.

Other magicians choose to eliminate all decorative wear including jewelry from the body prior to ritual. They believe the pieces detract from the energies raised, inhibiting the natural flow. On the other hand, most occultists feel that if the piece is properly charged, the magickal act is actually emphasized and the raising of energy can be better directed for a specific purpose. This debate goes hand in hand with the ideas of body piercings being either beneficial or detrimental additions to magickal work. Some believe that when used in ritual, metal is conductive to spiritual vibrations and that simply wearing it presents a suitable image of oneself to the gods and spirits, filled to the brim with sacred symbolism. This is especially beneficial when each piece has been previously charged with magickal intent.

This article examines metal jewelry and the metaphysical associations of metal in particular.

Bigghes:

Jewelry reserved solely for ritual and ceremonial purposes are called bigghes. This separates ordinary jewelry from sacred jewelry. Bigghes originally referred to a High Priestess’ ceremonial jewelry but is now used more to refer to any Witch’s jewels.

Some choose to physically protect their bigghes outside of circle in order to ensure that no external energies become attached to the piece, keeping them hidden in a secret place unless ceremony decrees. A popular method is to wrap the ornament in cloth, specifically black for protection. Some choose to reserve certain jewelry for nocturnal rites and others for diurnal, keeping the jewelry attuned to specific ritualistic energies alone. Jewelry can be attuned to any additional purpose imaginable, whether zodiacal, planetary, emotional, intellectual, based in the chakras, or attuned to a piece’s specific symbolism.

Chinese Mysticism, Taoism and Metal:

Spirit is commonly referred to as an individual element in Paganism and Wicca. This recognition places an emphasis on the Divine as the most important aspect making up reality. On the Neopagan pentacle or pentagram, Spirit is placed at the highest point, understood as supreme because it unifies the elements and seals them all together. Though Paganism recognizes Spirit individually, ancient Chinese mysticism sees no separation between Spirit and the other elements. All intertwine and interconnect perfectly, forming the Universe and everything in it. The existence of chi is understood as connecting their conception of the physical elements. The recognition of the five Chinese elements came about before humankind drew a strict separation between reality and spirituality. Therefore, it was unnecessary at the time to consider Spirit individualistically. Some Pagans use the Chinese elements instead of the traditional Pagan ones, while most do not.

In Paganism, metals first and foremost correspond to the element Earth. In ancient Chinese mystical systems such as Taoism, the element Metal is said to encompass all forms of rock and mineral life. In the Taoist practice of Feng Shui, metal represents inner strength, determination, and receptivity. Physically, metal expands when heated. This reiterates the energetic receptivity of metal, that is, if one understands that physical reality (the metal itself) as a reflection of the spiritual. Within Chinese spiritual systems, its energy also dominates the autumnal season and draws energy inward for personal reflection and centering on the subconscious mind. In Chinese astrology, Metal rules the birth signs Monkey and Rooster as their fixed element. In more detailed Chinese astrology, the element ruling each animal rotates continuously while certain attributions remain fixed, so that each birth year has an additional correspondence. Those ruled by Metal tend to be confident, aggressive, and assertive in nature.

Metal is said to correspond to the physical body’s lungs. The lungs hold the sacred breath of life. This is recognized in Buddhist vipassana (breathing or ‘insight’) meditation, which, though having originated with early Theravada Buddhism (which is a school of Hinayana or Early Conservative Buddhism) is common in the Chinese Chan (Zen) Buddhist tradition as well. The skin also breathes and is therefore also ruled by Metal. The nose and mouth are also included, as they are gateways of the breath. Finally, the large intestine corresponds to Metal, as oxygen in the diaphragm regulates abdominal pressure. Deep breathing is essential to keep the blood flowing and the body moving.

In Chinese alchemy, seven metals are specifically emphasized: Iron, Copper, Silver, Tin, Gold, Mercury, and Lead. Each represents a particular stage in the development of humanity. Each corresponds to a planet, having specific astrological correspondences (see the following chart) . Planetary associations to metals came about as a result of the development of various alchemical sciences. The symbolism of “seven” is reflected in the western seven-point star called the septagram, and in the traditional Hermetic hexagram, wherein six planets represent each point of the symbol, with the sun resting in the center. The number seven is also significant in the Vedic Hindu chakra system as the body contains seven main “light wheel” energetic vortexes along the spine.

Additional Pointers on Magickal Jewelry:

When searching for jewelry, or crafting it oneself, one must be mindful of the piece both in a magickal sense and physical sense. Magickal jewelry should be an extension of the practitioner’s internal spiritual being. Not only is a piece’s symbolism significant, but its physical origin and placement on the body are of additional importance.
Sadly, due to corporatism, much jewelry is mass-manufactured overseas. Most of these pieces are made of tin, pewter, or reconstituted silver. These kinds of metals hold a low concentration of energy, in turn causing them to be more difficult to enchant or imbue with magickal properties. Though the price of “real” metal may be considerably higher than the mass-produced, it’s spiritually and aesthetically worth it! Naturally, handmade pieces hold more sentimental and actual value, even if the wearer does not personally know the creator. Each handmade piece is unique and can both conduct and hold a greater capacity of personal energy.

As an aside, please be a good Witch by asking the source (supplier) for the gemstones and crystals you wear; if stones are not ethically mined, whether in terms of the ecosystem or the human labor involved, it won’t carry good karma for you or anyone else.

I believe that jewelry should not be worn nonchalantly; the wearer should have a good amount of knowledge about the symbol they bear and should carry personal sentiments for the piece. Far too many people walk around with flashy symbols completely unaware of the meaning—occult bling, basically.

In addition to having a personal connection to the symbolism of the jewelry, one should always be aware of the reaction it evokes from onlookers. How does the symbol affect other people; what emotions does it have the potential of bringing about in the viewer based on what it might represent to them? Perhaps a Seal of Saturn or Baphomet pendant aren’t the best pieces to wear to the dentist’s office or to a parent-teacher conference. They would, however, be perfect for a Pagan festival or a night at the club!

Any item added to the body naturally influences the body’s energetic flow. Metals have specific properties, which can either inhibit or increase the energetic flow in the area in which it is worn. If a piece is worn near a chakra, it will likely have some sort of influence simply because of energetic proximity (especially if the piece has been enchanted) . The area on which one wears their jewelry carries particular importance. Which brings us to this fabulous list!

Rings:

Fashioned as a perfect circle, the ring represents eternity, reincarnation, and the cycles of the Universe. It acts as a smaller representation of the magician’s sacred circle. Because of the ring’s shape, magickal energy flows very well through it when charged. Its smoothness and shape symbolizes life’s perpetual cycles.

The ring has long been associated with love. It is a symbol of unity in modern marriage and handfasting ceremonies, solidifying the connectedness between two people and the influence of the Divine in ritual. The ring is placed on the third finger of the left hand, which was once believed to have a vein or nerve in it connecting to the heart. This was actually a misunderstanding by the Egyptians, later adopted by Greeks and finally Europeans.

Magickal folk have long worn rings. The famous Babylonian magician King Solomon had a ring called Solomon’s Seal, which mythically allowed him to accomplish any task he wished, including controlling demons, genii, and other spirits.
Rings can be magickally imbued with any purpose the wearer desires. Because they sit directly on the flesh, the energy of the charged ring has a constant connection with the body. Rings worn on the projecting hand (the hand you write with) should be imbued with properties you wish to project to others such as healing, awareness, peace, and so forth. Rings worn on the receiving hand should be imbued with properties you wish to invite into yourself. (Please be a mindful Witch, magically, not a selfish Witch; there are far too many of the former and not enough of the latter!)

For some wearers, the finger on which the ring is worn is of extreme importance. Traditional Hermetic elemental attributions are as such:

Thumb – Water
Pointer – Fire
Middle – Spirit
Ring – Earth
Pinky – Air

One can also channel the elements through the fingers when inviting them into ritual space. In some modern traditions, the associations between the ring finger and the thumb are switched. This actually makes more sense to me than the former, considering that the thumb is more solid or earthy, and the ring finger is more undulant or watery. I do believe that the finger best associated with Spirit is the middle because it’s the longest of the five. Think twice before flipping someone off… your spirit may be open for anyone to grab!

Necklaces:

Necklaces are a part of every culture and are included in popular myths. A necklace called the brisingamen was worn by the goddess Freyja in Norse mythology. The necklace was made of gold, created by dwarfs, and was associated with the ability to bring out the beauty of the wearer. The enchanted necklace was later stolen by the trickster deity Loki—go figure!
Necklaces absolutely surround the wearer with the energies of the piece, mending its energy with that of the wearer constantly throughout the day. This is one reason the jewelry worn should be chosen with care! Necklaces can hang at the throat or heart area. Therefore, the piece works with energies of each: The heart chakra is associated with the color green and contains the vibratory qualities of love, compassion, empathy, and understanding. The throat chakra is believed to be blue in color, connected to energies of communication and self-worth. The jewelry worn on each chakra point can be attuned directly to these associations, or simply carry their own magickal charge using these chakra points as an entryway into the energy body.

Bracelets:

Fashioned in a circular form, bracelets hold similar properties to rings.
Wearing empowered bracelets on each wrist is extremely effective for imbuing the magician with particular vibrations, either balancing one’s energy or attuning it to an intended purpose. For this reason, bracelets are especially good for magick of a self-transformative nature. (Many would argue that this is the most important magick there is.) Bracelets made of stone or a series of threaded stones can be highly charged with magickal associations appropriate to the stone. Metal bracelets carry associations with the list of metals (to follow) , while magnetic bracelets are reserved for a specific energy healing practice called magnotherapy.

Earrings:

Ear piercings were once thought to guard against disease, head pain, and “sinful words.” This is more in the realm of superstition than magick, but earrings can still carry magickal associations. Because earrings in pairs are oftentimes worn on opposite sides of the head, they may be empowered with balance and equilibrium. Throughout the day, energies bounce from one earring to the other and thus through the head. If enchanted as magickal polarities, earrings can lend an extreme amount of power to the wearer, especially if the symbolism, structure, or content of the pieces are considered.

Crowns:

Ceremonial crowns are so very sexy. They are most common with females because of their historic usage, though some male practitioners like wearing Horned God crowns or those aligned to the Holly King or Oak King as popularized by poet Robert Graves. In traditional Wicca, the Coven’s Priest and Priestess wear crowns, symbolizing a connection to the gods. Most crowns are made of sterling silver; the well-made ones tend to be fairly pricy. If the Lady chooses to wear her ceremonial crown outside of circle, she best be prepared to live in magickal consciousness the whole day through, standing strong and spiritually aware as a Priestess of the Goddess. Some people wear tiaras and crowns non-ceremonially, for fashion’s sake. This is simply for decoration, but as with all jewelry, it may be used to top off a magickal, enchanting outfit.

What kind of metal is it?

I have always seen molded metal (such as jewelry) as corresponding to both the elements Earth and Fire, regardless of the type. Metal is a natural substance of the earth, and is melted, molded, and crafted with a process involving extreme heat from fire in order to take on a shape. The element Earth represents strength, grounding, and connection to Mother Earth. It is the rational and logical portion of the human psyche. Fire represents passion, motivation, and strength. Its flame is a guiding light to spiritual awakening. Beyond the concept of Earth-Fire connectedness, the various metals also carry their own unique correspondences based on their vibrational currents. Metal jewelry may be worn to draw upon Earth and Fire alone, or magickally worked upon to fine-tune the specific qualities of the individual metal.

The Witches’ athamé and sword are metal tools, used to pierce between the worlds and serve as strong energy conduits. Though I may draw Earth-Fire correlations with physical metal, the magickal blades are ruled under the element Air in western occultism (like Hermeticism) , and thus Wicca. This makes sense, as a blade is used in ritual to project intention, command forces, and direct energies; the force of will behind it can easily align with the element Air.

The following is a list of generally recognized associations with various types of metals. I invite readers to reference this list when purchasing or creating magickal metallic jewelry.

Brass – Deflecting Harm, Fire Magick, Healing, Love, Luck, Mental Powers, Money, Protection. (See also Copper)

Bronze – (See Copper and Tin)

Copper – Amplifying Energy, Balance, Beauty, Calming, Clarity, Compassion, Conducting Energy, Confidence, Cooperation, Creativity, Divination, Emotions, Empathy, Fire Magick, Friendship, Harmony, Healing, Intuition, Love, Luck, Lust, Money, Motivation, Newness, Passion, Physical Health, Pleasure, Preventing Illness, Prosperity, Psychic Development, Sexuality, Sociability, Strengthening Spells, Sustenance, Unity.

Gold – Acceptance, Affirmation, Art, Assertion, Balance, Calming, Courage, Creativity, Dedication, Direction, Energy, Esteem, God Invocation, Guidance, Happiness, Healing, Health, Individuality, Inspiration, Life Choices, Male Mysteries, Mental Powers, Money, Power, Prosperity, Protection, Purification, Realization, Rebirth, Satisfaction, Seasonal Connectedness, Self Awareness, Spiritual Direction, Strength, Study, Success, Wisdom.

Iron – Action, Aggression, Balance, Change, Chaos, Courage, Cursing, Deflecting Harm, Determination, Emotional Control, Extraterrestrial Communication, Faerie Magick, Facing Challenges, Grounding, Healing, Instincts, Justice, Motivation, Physical Health, Protection, Pursuance, Releasing Anger, Sexuality, Strength, Strengthening Spells, Success, Wealth, Willpower.

Lead – Ambition, Banishing, Binding, Boundaries, Business, Change, Chaos, Cleansing, Cursing, Death Magick, Deflecting Harm, Discipline, Divination, Exorcism, Fear-Based Issues, Freedom, Grounding, Habit Breaking, Healing, Introspection, Introversion, Laws, Magickal Petitions, Materialism, Meditation, Necromancy, New Beginnings, Past Life Regression, Protection, Receiving, Recurring Cycles, Releasing, Restrictions and Freedoms, Self Control, Stability, Strengthening Spells, Thaumaturgy, Transformation, Wishes.

Pewter – (See Copper and Tin)

Platinum – Abundance, Balance, Channeling, Communication, Friendship, Growth, Health, Hope, Intuition, Love, Materialism, Memory, Mental Powers, Money, Optimism, Psychic Powers, Sustenance, Transformation, Upperworld Communication. (See also Iron)

Silver – Acceptance, Alignment, Art, Astral Projection, Balance, Beauty, Care, Communication, Dance, Divination, Dreaming, Eloquence, Empathy, Female Mysteries, Fertility, Gardening, Goddess Invocation, Guidance, Healing, Hope, Inspiration, Intuition, Love, Lunar Attunement, Meditation, Menstrual Attunement, Money, Night Magick, Nourishment, Nurturing, Optimism, Peace, Personality, Prosperity, Protection, Psychic Powers, Purity, Self Reflection, Sensitivity, Study, Travel, Wealth.

Steel – Deflecting Harm, Divination, Dream Protection, Grounding, Healing, Protection, Stability. (See also Iron)

Tin – Abundance, Balance, Creativity, Divination, Expansiveness, Generosity, Growth, Healing, Health, Hope, Ideas, Intuition, Justice, Learning, Love, Luck, Mental Powers, Money, Opportunities, Philosophy, Prosperity, Spiritual Awareness, Success, Travel, Wisdom.

The Broke College Student: How To Obtain Some Magickal Tools

Author: Luna

As my senior year of college comes to an end and I look back on the years I spent here, I wish to share my thoughts — as a broke college student exploring spirituality and coming to Wicca or another Pagan path — on how you too might obtain some of the basic magickal tools.

Magickal tools like the athame, the cauldron, the wand, the pentacle and many, many others have permeated Pagan culture since our roots. They’re some of the most identifiable aspects of many Pagan paths, and I know of very few, limited though my knowledge may be, who do away completely with those traditional trappings. Even in this day and age, magickal tools still hold a special place in Paganism. We love our tools, and many, if not all of them, would be almost impossible for us to part with.

That said, for the seeker entering a Wiccan or Pagan path, these tools present two challenges: On the one hand, many people feel these tools are completely necessary in order to be considered legitimate in their practice. I won’t deny I felt this way when I first came to Wicca, and there’s still a small part of me (growing smaller every day, but still present in my mind) that feels the need to have these tools in order to work ‘proper’ magick. Much of what we read and watch seems to only confirm these feelings that one cannot be a Witch or Pagan or follow any spiritual path without the proper tools. I’ve read many Wiccan books that stress the necessity of these tools, their importance and place in the circle. Even Pagan non-fiction seems to subtly hint at how important they are.

And these feelings lead to the second challenge for seekers: budget. In today’s economy, the typical college student (at least, from my experience) doesn’t always have a lot of money to spend. What money we do have is usually put towards paying tuition, buying text books, getting something to eat, buying clothes, doing laundry in many cases, paying rent for apartments, and paying for countless other expenses. For some, parents or legal guardians provide most of the monetary aid for everyday expenses, and asking them for money for magickal tools can be difficult (if not impossible) depending on how they feel about the student-in-question’s spiritual decisions. For those who don’t or can’t rely on parental monetary aid (and even for those who do) , work provides the majority of our budget, and many times the budget can’t be stretched to include the purchase of that beautiful new wand.

Also, many magickal tools available on the market today are often expensive, depending on the labor and materials involved in creating them. I remember many a time when I’ve admired a gorgeous handcrafted athame, looked at the price tag, and cringed at how expensive it was. Sticker shock doesn’t just apply to mundane expenses, and even those who have a stable source of income looking for magickal tools, college student or not, may still feel it. As I’m thinking about it now, younger Pagans have an even harder time of it. Often times, they will not have a paying job and may rely on a small allowance that they will either want to spend on other things or can’t use to purchase magickal tools for whatever reason.

Okay, enough with the doom and gloom. Let’s talk about ways to alleviate these problems.

First, I want to say this: the most important tool in any spiritual path is your own will. This is the most powerful tool you have, and it doesn’t cost anything. We are born with it, we develop it over the course of our lives, and it’s something we can’t misplace. In many of the books I’ve read about Wicca, Witchcraft and Paganism (and in my own experience) , the individual will is the most important tool and necessitates no other tool.

I know, you’re probably saying, “Luna, what are you talking about? Are you saying all magickal tools aside from the will aren’t necessary?” Well, let’s think about this. No matter what tools are used in a ritual, they are used to carry out the will of the individual towards change (hopefully positive change) that will better one’s life. Without that will behind the tools, magick cannot take place. Are those tools still valuable to the individual Pagan? Of course! I doubt we’d still be using them today if they weren’t important. But it’s important to understand that the tools are extensions of your own will, and that your own will is the most important tool you will ever have.

I’m guessing a lot of you are wondering why I say this. Well, for most of my Wiccan experience, I haven’t always had the tools I wanted. It took a couple years before I bought my first pentacle, and, at the time of writing this, I still do not own an athame or wand. Yet I’ve found that, even without these tools, my magick is still effective. Why is that? Because, no matter how many tools I have to help me, it has been my will powering the magick. It’s because I want to bring about the changes I wish to see in my life, whether it’s helping to heal my dog after her third knee surgery or wishing my friends luck in dealing with various challenges. My will is what enables my magick, and it’s something I doubt I could live without.

Now, for those of you who still want these tools, fear not. There are ways to acquire them without giving up an arm or a leg. And I want to suggest one that not only has proved successful for me but will hopefully be accessible to almost everyone reading this: art classes.

Yes, I said art classes.

It might be my experience as an art major, but this is one of the most effective and meaningful ways to acquire magickal tools. Most if not all schools, regardless of level, provide art classes for their students and even require students to take some in order to graduate. Even community education programs offer a variety of art classes to the public for those of us in the working world. For those younger Pagans still enrolled in school, this will often be free to you (relatively speaking, given how our taxes fund your education here in the U.S.) and, since you’re already taking these classes, it’s worth it to make something meaningful. Not only that, but you also have access to teachers who know how to work with the materials successfully and safely.

About a year and a half ago, I spent a field experience for my Educational Psychology class helping out with a number of elementary school art classes, where the teachers even invited me to participate in the projects and make my own work, if only to provide an example to the children. At the time, the kids were entering their ceramics unit, creating columns and plates and other items. From the projects I worked on with those kids, I gained a chalice and pentacle, both of which still sit on my bookshelf at home today and still use in ritual.

But more than this accessibility, art classes and projects give you not only the ability to create these tools but to infuse them with your own spirit and make them unique to you. I think I speak for myself, as well as many Pagan artisans who make tools, that there is something special about making tools with your own hands. Just this last semester, I made several chalices through my ceramics class, and this semester for my senior seminar I’m hoping to make my own cauldron. In our world today, I feel that, with the availability of almost anything via the Internet, we may have lost touch with this aspect of our magickal lives. In fact, I’m willing to state outright that, while there is something to be said for purchasing a beautiful cauldron from a Pagan artisan (and indeed, this helps support the artisan’s livelihood and should be encouraged) , there’s definitely something special, a feeling irreplaceable, that comes with crafting your own tools by hand.

Magickal tools are meaningful and often essential parts of the Pagan experience, and many times acquiring them is difficult for a variety of circumstances but it is not impossible… even for the broke college student. Always remember that you already have the most important and powerful tool: you.

Pagan Jokes & Bumper Stickers

Culled from newsgroups, AOL message boards, and Compuserve forums.

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Minds are like parachutes; they only function when open!

 

What’s the best thing about Pagan friends? They worship the ground you walk on…

 

Did you hear about the dyslexic devil worshipper? He sold his soul to Santa!

 

“He is YOUR god, They are YOUR rules, YOU burn in Hell!”

 

What do you get when you cross a Zen Buddhist and a Druid?

Someone who worships the tree that is not there.

 

What do you get when you cross a Zen Buddhist and a Druid mathematician?

Someone who worships the square roots of the tree that is not there.

 

What do you get when you cross a Zen Buddhist and a Druid veternarian?

Someone who worships the bark of the tree that is not there.

 

What do ya’ call 13 Witches in a hot tub?

Self-Cleaning Coven

 

Get a taste for religion, Lick a Witch!

 

The Goddess is alive and she ate my homework.

 

Please hold. All muses are busy right now, but your inspiration is important to us…

 

How many Gardnerians does it take to change a lightbulb?

Can’t say. It’s oathbound

 

How many Alexandrians does it take to change a lightbulb?

Same number as Gardnerians.

 

Q: What kind of furniture does a Goddess worshipper prefer?

A: Wicker

 

Q: Why did the Wiccan novitiate give up pork?

A: She thought the Rede said, “Chew what you will, but ham?–none.”

 

A high priest tells his coven member, “Hey, I heard a new fundie joke today.” The member replies, “Man, you’re always slamming fundies. Why don’t you tell us a Martian joke instead?” “OK, Two Martians are carrying their Bibles to church. The first Martian says, ‘At the revival last week, I led 15 new souls to accept Jesus Christ as their personal saviour’ and the other Martian says–” “Never mind,” says the member.

 

What’s the difference between New Age and Pagan?

About $500.00 a weekend.

 

The definition of “SAINT”: “A dead liberal who is worshipped by living conservatives.”

 

The bumper sticker ‘Dyslexics of the world Untie” — it works

 

How many Dianacs does it take to change a light bulb?

Only one, but that bulb has really got to want to change.

 

Please don’t squeeze the shaman!

 

When God Created Men She must have been Drunk and Horny!

 

How many witches does it take to change a lightbulb?

None — if a candle was good enough for Gramma it’s good enough for me!

 

Q: What is a witch’s favorite snack?

A: PAN pizza

 

Q: What’s a witch’s favorite subject in school?

A: SPELLing.

 

Source:
Pagan Library

Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

2015 December 28

Mars Then and Now
Credit & Copyright: Tom Ruen, Eugene Antoniadi, Lowell Hess, Roy A. Gallant, HST, NASA

 

Explanation: Does Mars have canals? A hot debate topic of the late 1800s, several prominent astronomers including Percival Lowell not only claimed to see an extensive system of long straight canals on Mars, but used them to indicate that intelligent life exists there. The relatively close opposition of 1894 was used to make drawings like the one digitally re-scaled on the above left. The above map was originally prepared by Eugene Antoniadi and redrawn by Lowell Hess for the book Exploring Mars, by Roy A. Gallant. In more modern times, the latest Mars opposition has allowed the Hubble Space Telescope to capture a picture of similar orientation. Comparison of the two images shows that large features were impressively recorded, but that an extensive system of long and straight canals just does not exist. Satellites orbiting Mars have now shown conclusively that the red planet does indeed have surface features similar to canals, but that these are usually smaller, curved, and less extensive than that previously claimed. Real canyon systems like Noctis Labyrinthus are most likely cracks caused by surface stress.

Look for Mercury, west after sunset

 

Tonight – December 28, 2015 – or any evening around now, look for Mercury, the solar system’s innermost planet. This little world is bright, but it’s often obscured by the sun’s glare. On December 28, according to North American clocks (December 29 at around 0300 UTC), Mercury reaches its greatest eastern elongation from the setting sun. That’s its greatest distance from the sun on our sky’s dome for this evening apparition. It means that Mercury is staying out for a maximum period of time after sunset right now.

Look for this world low in the western sky and near the sunset point on the horizon, starting 50 to 60 minutes after sundown. Mercury’s precise setting time depends on where you live worldwide. At mid-northern latitudes, Mercury sets about 90 minutes after sunset; at temperate latitudes in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s closer to 80 minutes after the sun goes down.

Given an unobstructed horizon and a clear sky, you should be able to spot Mercury with the unaided eye. After all, this world shines on par with the sky’s brightest stars.

Sometimes, the murky haze of evening twilight obscures the view of Mercury. So bring along binoculars, if you have them!

If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, the stars of the famous Summer Triangle asterism may help guide you to Mercury. Although Mercury is actually brighter than any Summer Triangle star, Mercury sits much closer to glare of evening twilight. For that reason, one or more stars of the Summer Triangle – Vega, Deneb and Altair – may pop out into the darkening twilight before Mercury does. At mid-northern latitudes, look for Mercury to the lower left of the Summer Triangle. See the first chart below.

Or … Are you a morning person? Then check out the second chart below. Before dawn now, you can see four planets. Going upward from the sunrise – along the ecliptic, or sun’s path – they are Saturn, Venus, Mars and Jupiter.

Soon, Mercury will leave the evening sky and join the morning planets. Then all five visible planets will be up simultaneously – for the first time since 2006!

Bottom line: Mercury is at greatest elongation – farthest from the sun on our sky’s dome – on December 29 at 0300 UTC (evening of December 28 for North America). After this, Mercury will dim somewhat and sink rapidly closer to the sun each day. Even so, Mercury should remain in good view in the evening sky for at least several more days.

 

Author

The Wisdom of Buddha

Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.

Your Daily Influences

December 28th, 2015

 

 

Six of Swords Reversed
Life is at a standstill. Difficulties will probably remain as they are.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perthro
Mysteries will become known to you. You should be able to see your life’s path clearly at this time. Perthro is often thought of as “Gambler’s Rune.” You are in a lucky period right now. Chance is your ally. Take advantage of it.

 

 

 

Scorpio the Scorpion
This aspect of your life will be strongly influenced by a person who is determined, forceful, emotional, intuitive, powerful, passionate, exciting and magnetic. This person is probably an acquaintance you made at work

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Daily Influences represent events and challenges the current day will present for you. They may represent opportunities you should be ready to seize. Or they may forewarn you of problems you may be able to avoid or lessen. Generally it is best to use them as tips to help you manage your day and nothing more.

 

 

Your Charm for Today

Today’s Meaning:
A would be intruder into your private affairs will be averted by steps you take to protect this aspect. The book of charms indicates you should take extra steps to protect information and beware of anyone asking for personal data.

General Description:
The Batak, or Bark Book of Charms, is a magical ritual implicitly believed in by the natives of Sumatra. It is consulted as a reliable guide and counselor in their private and important affairs. In the East Indian Archipelago superstition talismans, and amulets, play a most important part in the lives of the natives. Sickness is attributed to the patient being possessed of an evil spirit, and their witch doctors profess to expel the intruder by the means of charms. Often the names of the suffers are changed in order to deceive the evil

Your Past, Present, Future Reading for Today

 

That Which is Behind You

One/Three

Your spiritual self can move to new heights, strengths, and understanding if you allow it to. Now is a good time for you to devote a portion of your energy to better understanding your relationship with the universe and your God.

 

Your Current Place

Two/Five

Look to your inner-self for direction. It is in your dreams and fantasies that you will find the right path for you.

 

 

That Which is before You

Three/Four

The time for you to address your spiritual self is now. You should also consider mentoring those in need of your wisdom. Share your knowledge and open your heart to those who need assistance.

Your Daily Domino
December 28, 2015 

Blank/Six
You now have the opportunity to gain materially. New ventures will come your way. To do well you will have to decide which of these new ventures best suits your ambitions for the future.

Your Animal Spirit for Today
December 28, 2015 

Eagle

Eagle soars high enough to see the grand panorama of life, and yet has vision keen enough to spot a fish a mile away. How’s your vision? Are you seeing the big picture or are you only concentrating on the fish? Eagle is asking you to take a step back so you can once again see the whole. You’ve gotten so lost in the trees you’ve forgotten the forest.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Owl

The powerful Owl easily makes its way through the darkest night on muted wings. Often it is only their haunting call echoing across the land that lets us know The Owl is near. Because of its amazing night vision, many cultures have attributed wisdom and the ability to uncover even the deepest secrets to the enigmatic, noble Owl. The Owl’s nocturnal prowess has lead many to see them as a messenger between the material and spirit worlds. Cultures as distinct as the African Zulus and ancient Celtics have ascribed magical powers to The Owl made them a revered companion to shaman and wizards.

As a daily card, The Owl marks a moment when wise decisions and actions must be made based upon information known to only a few, or possibly only you. It marks a time when your vision is likely to be clearer, more acute than of those around you. Spiritual revelations may be made. Secrets may be revealed that demand decisive action.

 

Your Daily Witches Rune

The Scythe

Sudden changes and endings. Making a final decision. Completing something. Walking away from something or someone. Danger.

Additional information about Today’s Witches Rune, The Scythe….

The Scythe

This symbol is very familiar to most of people, often associated with harvest and death. In the runes, it is no different. The Scythe is related to endings, sudden separations, final decisions, important changes and danger.

The appearance of this symbol show that there’s something in you life you need to bring to end now, before it snowballs into something worse. Usually, the decision that the Scythe forces you to make is one you’d rather escape from… it’s a painful and difficult choice. Even though you know (or feel) it’s for the best, you’ll mourn the fact that it has to happen.

Also, the Scythe is connected to sudden, swift changes that force you to alter completely your plans, strategies and sometimes the very way you see the world. The situation is no longer what it was, your modus operandi no longer works here. Your ideas no longer correspond to the reality. The information you have is no longer accurate, or useful. You need to strain those adaptation muscles and find a way to keep standing while the rug is pulled from under your feet.

Although this rune can represent physical danger, such as accidents or surgeries, many time it refers to sense of foreboding. Something just isn’t right… the fear of loss looms large. Trust these feeling and proceed with caution. This rune can also relate to actual death and all related to it: burials, graveyards, inheritances, heirlooms, legacies and things connected to your ancestry.

In relationship readings, the Scythe suggest caution too. It can represent sudden and irresistible attractions, the kind that inspire people to do crazy things. . Obviously, this rune also represent separations, divorce and conflicts, always leaving a sour aftertaste. The strong passion can quickly transform into strong resentment. In its most positive note, this rune can symbolize relationship that completely transform the people involved.