Author: ladyoftheabyss

Ingredients and Tools of the Witch

Ingredients and Tools of the Witch

Tools

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

 
ALTAR OBJECTS

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

 
ATHAME

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

 
BESOM

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

 
BOLINE

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

 
BURINE

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

 
CANDLES

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

 
CAULDRON

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

 
CHALICE

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

 
PAPER

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

 
PEN AND INK

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

 
PENTACLE

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

 
PESTLE AND MORTAR

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

 
SCRYING TOOLS

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

 
STAFF

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

 
WAND

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

Different types of spell working

Different types of spell working

 

Elemental

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

 

Color

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

 

Herbal

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

 

Candle

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

 

Crystal

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

 

Knot

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

 

Representational

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

 

Symbolic

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

 

Talismans, amulets and charms

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

To ward off evil

To ward off evil

To ward off evil that has advanced unwarranted, be it the work of others or devils, one must begin with a thorough bathing and cleansing of the body after the midnight, but before the rising of the morning’s sun.

Great care should be taken that this be done lest the spell fail.

At the dawn, having properly cleansed one’s body, and whilst without having dressed, one need stand in the center of a well-lit room and face the south.

Repeat the following invocation, once in each direction, turning from south to west, then north and finally east:

I call to Baëll, king of the evil horde
Leader of the six and sixty legions
Call up thine minions and order them down
That none should set against me this day or next
Bade them instead protect
Protect me from the evil
Protect me from those
Those of the evil will

When you have spoken this invocation in all four directions, going from south to west to north to east, remain facing to the east and repeat the following invocation:

Baëll, principal king of the power of the east
Hear mine words, for I bid thee no visit
Only that this thing be done

Immediately turn to face the south so that the spell might be cast and sealed.

The spell is done.

A Spell to Drive Away Fear

A Spell to Drive Away Fear

An invocation to drive away the Spirits of Fear – a powerful magic spell used to prevent the spirits of fear from bringing suffering into one’s life.

At the rising of the sun, on the twelfth day of the month, a piece of clean, white, fine cloth should be laid flat upon a table. An equal mixture of thyme, rosemary and freshly ground ginger root should be spread over it, evenly distributed, but not too heavy.

The following invocation need be spoken aloud:

Spirit of the Rising Sun
Enter this place
Allow thy face to shine brightly upon this offering
That thy grace may be invoked.

The Spirit of Fear hath taken up residence in mine humble home
And apprehension has settled in not to be easily shaken loose
Spirit of the Rising Sun hear my plea
Let these spirits no more bother me
Banish them to darkness and bid them take leave.

Spirit of the Rising Sun fill the empty corners
That lo, they may not loiter and hide
Sweep the rooms with thine mighty hand
Force them outside.

Spirit of the Rising Sun
I invoke your power
That these things for which I ask
Be done
So it was, so it is, so it shall ever be.

When you have finished the invocation, carefully gather-up the cloth so as to not spill the mixture. Take the cloth full of mixture out of doors and shake it completely clean. The cloth should then be washed clean using soap and hot water.

Magic Spell for Conjuring the Spirits of the Night

Magic Spell for Conjuring the Spirits of the Night

 

A powerful magic spell incantation that is cast to call forth the night spirits and lingering haunts.

Near to the midnight, find a dark and lonesome place for the most solitude. The room should have a window which can be opened, if not fully, at least partially.

Open the window.

One should prepare by sitting cross-legged on the floor, facing the north.

Clear your mind of all thoughts.

At the stroke of midnight, repeat the following invocation:

Spirits of the night, I beseech thee,
Find favor with mine call and summons,
On the seven winds I beg thee travel,
And greet me in mine presence,
For a speaking of things that need bespoke,
From this moment hence,
Thy powers do I wish invoke,
For things that need be done.

Once this invocation has been spoken, close your eyes, clear your mind and welcome the spirits as they enter. There is no way that one may know how many may come, but remember that they should be greeted, one and each, as they enter. They may appear as apparitions, or one may only feel their presence.

When they have finished their arrivals, you may communicate with them using only the voice of your mind.

Protection of an Animal

Protection of an Animal

This magic protection spell is especially good for protecting animals of all sorts, be they wild or domestic.

You will need:

A particle from the animal (a nail clipping, a bit of fur, a hair, a feather)
An oak leaf (from any variety of oak)
An 8″ x 8″ piece of unbleached cotton or wool fabric
A length of natural twine
A small bowl of spring water
A pinch of salt
Vinegar (any kind)

Lay the fabric on a flat surface. Place the particle from the animal in the center of the fabric. Lay the oak leaf on top of the particle.

Sprinkle the salt over the leaf and repeat these words:

Spirit of the Earth, protect this creature and guard it from evil and harm.

Pour a splash of vinegar into the bowl of spring water and stir it in well with your index finger only.

Sprinkle some of the water over the particle, leaf and salt. Wrap the fabric over it all in a neat package and tie it securely with the string.

Dip your fingers into the water and sprinkle a small amount onto the head of the animal you wish to protect.

Bury the wrapped package in a hidden, undisturbed place.

Pour the rest of the water on the ground where you have buried the package.

Protection of a Sleeping Child

Protection of a Sleeping Child

This magic protection spell is especially beneficial for the warding-off of bad dreams and night-terrors.

You will need:

One beeswax candle
Quiet privacy where the child sleeps

Light the beeswax candle and stand at the foot of the child’s bed, facing the head of the bed. Hold the candle with both hands; elbows bent slightly, arms not fully extended.

Repeat the following words:

Let the working of this spell begin.
I call upon the spirits of the sky. Hear me and listen to my plea.
Gather and come close that all may hear.
Watch over this sleeping child, the innocent, this bed and any that may it occupy. Guard against all terrors, real or imagined, that this way come and bring tranquility and peace in their stead.
All that hear, take heed — so be the will — so be the deed.

Extinguish the candle.

Health Protection

Health Protection

An excellent bath spell for the protection of one’s general health.

You will need:

A beeswax candle
A sprig of fresh Rosemary
A sprig of fresh Rue
A small saucepan or pot
Spring water

Place the Rosemary and Rue in the pan or pot and add the spring water.

Bring the water to a boil and then remove the pot or pan from the heat. Remove the Rosemary and Rue from the water and discard.

Draw a warm bath.

Light the candle. Place it near the bath.

Pour the water from the pot or pan into bath and stir in a clockwise motion with your right hand.

Repeat the following words as you enter the water:

Spirits of health, spirits of the Earth, water and sky.

Bring to me your strength. Give me health and watch over me.

Grant me refreshment when I tire and rejuvenation in my weariness.

Ritual of Protection for Your House

Ritual of Protection for Your House

This ritual is to protect a residence from bad weather and vandalism. It also attracts positive influences.

You will need:
A beeswax candle
Lavender incense
A handful of cloves
A small green fabric sachet

Light the candle and the incense. Hold the cloves in your right hand and repeat the following words:

With this spell I ask this residence be protected,
Against the hand of the man,
Against weather and the elements,
Against any all things considered evil.

Place the cloves in the green bag.
Extinguish the candle and wave the bag slowly through the smoke of the candle until the candle stops smoking. Next, wave the bag through the smoke of the incense and repeat the following words:

Seal the spell and with this be done

Suspend the bag above one of the principal entrances to your residence.

This is a powerful protection for your residence and you will see a real transformation a few days after having performed this ritual.

Astronomy Picture of the Day – Leonids and Friends

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 November 20

Leonids and Friends
Image Credit & Copyright: Malcolm Park (North York Astronomical Association)

 

Explanation: Leonid meteors rained down on planet Earth this week, the annual shower of dusty debris from the orbit of Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle. Leonids streak through this composite night skyview from a backyard observatory in southern Ontario. Recorded with camera fixed to a tripod, the individual frames capture the bright meteor activity throughout the night of November 16/17, about a day before the shower’s very modest peak. The frames are registered to the fixed field of view, so the meteor trails are not all aligned to the background star field recorded that evening when Orion stood above the southern horizon. As a result, the trails don’t appear to point back to the shower’s radiant in Leo, situated off the left edge of the star field frame. In fact, some trails could be of Taurid meteors, a shower also active in November, or even sporadic meteors, including a bright fireball with its reflection near the horizon.

Mercury in Sagittarius

Mercury in Sagittarius

Expand your mind with mental Mercury in sunny Sagittarius

Tarotcom Staff

Tarotcom Staff on the topics of sagittarius, mercury, astrology

Open your mind, but hold your tongue while communication planet Mercury moves through bold and sometimes reckless Sagittarius on November 20, 2015!

Mercury is a bit of wildcard in Sagittarius. That’s because Mercury is all about thoughts and words, and Sagittarius is all about action. This translates into a time when we may find ourselves speaking too soon, accidentally saying rude things, or spouting off things that aren’t true.

If you’re prone to telling tall tales or getting your facts wrong, or if you know anyone like that, it’s going to be exacerbated now. We’re all advised to try harder to think before we speak and to consider others’ feelings more. But there’s an upside to Mercury in Sagittarius, too.

Because Sagittarius is so open-minded and adventurous, our thoughts will become more expansive, too. We might start thinking about travel or going back to school or starting a new job. Sagittarius is a visionary, so our minds will wander far and wide during this time.

 

Tarot.com is a Daily Insight Group Site

Your Daily Influences for November 20th

Your Daily Influences
November 20th, 2015

 

 

The Hierophant
A lover of tradition and ceremony, The Hierphant needs social approval and appreciates the positive aspects of conformity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Naudhiz
Naudhiz reversed may tell of needs met and harmonious relationships. Your passions for someone or something may be at their pinnacle.

 

 

 

Pisces the Fishes
This aspect of your life will be strongly influenced by a person who is escapist and idealistic, secretive and vague, weak-willed and easily led. This person probably relies to heavily upon you to make decisions for them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 Ancient Symbol Card for November 20th is The Lotus

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Lotus

 

The Lotus represents the spiritual self in its purest form. It reminds us that for most achieving a well developed spirituality is a journey which can be long and arduous. The spirit of the Lotus is not of our secular world, and the presence of The Lotus suggests that what is needed can be found by exploring your relationship with the Universe not as a physical entity pursuing material gain, but as a divine soul in need of celestial sustenance.

Your Witches Rune for November 20th is The Eye

 

Today’s Witches Rune

The Eye

Meaning: The eye has always been a powerful symbol for different cultures. Some believe that the soul resides in them, while others think it’s possible to curse a person merely by looking at them. Through our eyes we connect and express emotions and thoughts. Thus, this is one of the most powerful runes in the set, emphasizing the importance of any rune close to it. The Eye symbol is also related to “vision” is all senses, including the physical. This rune can represent our eyes and optic nerves. It can also represent activities such as research, analysis, photography and creative visualization. When it appears, there’s an urge to observe, to explore, to understand deeply what is before you.

 

This rune is usually related to sudden realizations. Not necessarily a ‘shock’ (unless some violent rune is close it, like the Scythe and the Man), but more related to the lifting of veils. Your eyes are suddenly open, and you see things that were unknown to you before. A change of perception and focus in life is to be expected when this rune appears… whatever the situation is, the way you see it will be transformed. The Eye rune also says that now it’s time for you to go after what you want. Your focus is powerful right now, and everything you concentrate on can become successful.

 
This rune often represents a lonely journey towards a goal… it suggests a calling and a connection to something bigger, a sense of purpose. Your path is clear to you now; you know which way to go, even if you don’t know where exactly it’ll take you. In a spiritual level, This rune can represent a development of one’s psychic skills, or an advancement in one’s spiritual path. As you connect yourself to a deeper source, and learn to trust, you gain wisdom and your eyes see far. A higher power seems to be guiding you in times when the Eye appears. Like the Sun rune, this rune can mean that right now all eyes are on you. But unlike the former symbol, when the Eye appears there’s some discomfort related to such attention. It may be excessive and even unwelcome. In fact, this is one of this rune’s most negative facets: it may show an invasion of privacy, when someone (or even you) pry into another’s life and scrutinize their every move. Beware of flatterers and stalkers.

 

The Eye cautions against obsession and the tendency to spy on other people’s affairs. In a relationship reading, the Eye can symbolize a predestined bond to another person.
Note that this does not promise a happy ending, but simply says that this connection is powerful and will be very important in your life. In fact, because the Eye rune is a solitary one, it is possible that the people in the relationship cannot be together due to difficult circumstances. Still, your bond that person will transform you. In a negative way, this rune can cautions against invading your partner’s personal space or stalking them.

 

 

Additional information about Today’s Witches Rune courtesy of Your Spiritual Journey Australia

The Greenwood Pyramid Reading for Friday, November 20th

The Greenwood Pyramid Reading

Friday, November 20th, 2015

This reading represents the theme of your day, along with your challenges for the day and your allies of the day.

 

Today’s Theme

Ecstasy
Five of Cups

The beat of the universal drum is heard in the soul and it is healthy to surrender for a time and join in the dance. Energy is renewed by bathing in the cosmic life-force.

Dynamic energy, dancing into the night. Shamanic dance. Sexuality. Release of pent-up energy. Whole hearted surrender to life

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today’s Challenge

Horse
King of Stones

The prehistoric horse, common in Europe until about 10,000 BC was depicted frequently in paleolithic cave art.

The Uffington white horse chalk figure once held a long barrow in its mouth, representing the breath of life and pro-tection of the dead. The 30,000-year-old carving of an unshod hoof is thought to represent both the vulva (the beginning of new life) and the primal footprint that shows the trackway through the forest.

Choosing this card signifies a positive change in one’s life. A horse is a psychopomp – an animal that carries one between the worlds, bringing new life, the joy of the reborn sun. Perhaps there has been a fallowness, or an unhappiness in your life that will now begin to thaw.

A person who is reliable, wise, practical, able to help others with problems; both serious and playful, magical and grounded. They have their feet on the ground and their head in the stars.

 

 

Today’s Ally

Attraction
Two of Cups

Initial attraction and exploration of potential. The beginning of a relationship or friendship and the precursor to interchange of polaric energies. Opposition and attraction in life… energy held in tension; the possibility of union and fulfilment

Your Daily Rune for November 20 is Sowilo

bw-sowilo

bw-sowiloYour Rune For Today
Sowilo

The Sun Rune, denotes power and strength. That which you want may be attained. Sowilo also denotes mental clarity and added warmth to your relationships.

 

Additional information about Today’s Rune, Sowilo

sowulo : sun

Phonetic equivalent: s

DIVINATORY MEANINGS: success, positive energy, increase, power, activity, fertility, health

MAGICAL USES: energy, strength, success, healing, fertility

ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES: Sunna

ANALYSIS: The sun is held sacred by almost every religion in the world. Its light and warmth symbolize life and growth and all that is good. Norse cosmology describes the sun being driven around the heavens in a chariot and chased by a great wolf, which will devour at Ragnarok. Throughout IndoEuropean Paganism, the sun has frequently been associated with the horse, often described as being carted around the sky by a horse. Both are symbolic of life and fertility, and are usually considered ‘masculine’ in polarity, although in Norse myth the chariot is driven by a girl. The swastika or sun wheel is a constant motif in rock carvings dating Neolithic times, and occurs throughout Europe and Asia. The sun rune itself is a variation on this symbol, and represents motion and energy.

Sowilo marks the end of the second aett, and like wunjo represents success and glory. However, unlike the rest and relaxation of Valhalla, the sun is very much an active symbol. We have reached the end of the aett successfully, and the conclusion is a positive one, but in this case we are fully aware of the changing and transient nature of the universe. We can see the wolf at heels, and we know that we must move on. Here, though, the journeyer may pause briefly in the warmth and light of the sun, absorbing and applying its energy to the work ahead. This time we won’t need to be blasted out of our safe position, but will rather choose to leave it in order to continue on the journey.

 

Source:
The Runic Journey (PDF)

By Jennifer Smith