Category: Articles

Woman Finds 3,000-Year-Old Egyptian Goddess Figurine During Beach Walk

Afigurine from the age of pharaohs and pyramids has been found on a beach in Israel by a surprised beachgoer.

Lydia Marner, 74, found the ancient Egyptian figurine on Palmachim Beach in southern Israel, about 17 miles south of Tel Aviv, spotting it in the waves.

The figurine was revealed by the Israel Antiquities Authority to be more than 3,000 years old, a model of the Egyptian goddess Hathor.

“It was a very stormy day, the waves were high, the weather was wintery,” Marner told the Times of Israel. “We were walking along the sea when I suddenly noticed a stone coming to me.”

Hathor was an ancient Egyptian sun goddess, considered to be one of the most powerful.

“Hathor was often depicted as a cow goddess, or as a woman with cow horns and a sun disk on her head, representing fertility and abundance,” Liam Davis, an art historian for Art File Magazine, told the History Channel. “She was associated with love, beauty, music, dance, joy, motherhood, and feminine power. She was believed to protect women during childbirth, and to help the deceased in the afterlife, acting as a guide.”

Amir Golani, senior research archaeologist for the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), told the Jewish News Syndicate that the figurine was clearly Hathor, despite its age and wear, because of the characteristic ox horn-shaped hairstyle.

Figurines like these were often placed around the house by the Egyptian people to bring good luck and fortune.

“The Canaanites used to adopt ritual and religious customs of the Egyptians, who ruled our region at the time,” Golani said. “Just like homes today, where you install a mezuzah or hang a picture of a saint on the wall, then, they used to place ritual figurines in a central place in the house, for good luck and protection from bad things.”

“These figurines, which were used for worship…are indicative of the Canaanite culture in the Land of Israel, especially during the late Bronze Age,” Golani told the Times of Israel.

Marner was not allowed to keep her incredible find, as Israeli law states that all ancient treasures are under the jurisdiction of the IAA… Click here to read the rest of this article on newsweek.com

(One Person’s View Point) 10 Wiccan Symbols Every Witch Should Know

The Power of Symbols

Symbols are one of the most prevalent and powerful things that human beings have ever created. They take big ideas and abstract concepts and present them in a way that we can better understand and internalize.

Most of us immediately recognize this symbol as a heart.

However, this isn’t just a simple representation of a bodily organ—a symbol has depth and layers beyond its most obvious meaning. In this particular example, the symbol probably conjures up ideas of love and romance.

For many of us, this symbol also has specific connotations of young love and youthful crushes. Who among us in middle school didn’t scribble a heart in their notebook with the name of whichever classmate had caught our eye that week?

All of this meaning and association from one simple, unbroken line! And that’s where the true importance of symbols resides—in their ability to condense complex meaning into something simple.

They say a lot without saying much at all.

Symbols in Wicca

Like most religions, Wicca has its fair share of important symbols. We frequently incorporate them into spells and rituals as a way to link the ethereal, mysterious power of magick with the physical world.

Symbols are the place where spiritual energy and a witch’s will meet and become one.

In this article, we’ll be taking a look at ten of the most important Wiccan symbols within the religion. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but these are the ones that you will encounter the most on your journey into the world of magick.

First, we’ll explore the symbols themselves, what they represent, and how they were created. Then, we’ll conclude with some suggestions on how to incorporate the symbols you’ve learned into your own magickal practice.

Click here to read the rest of this article Source: explorewicca.com

(One Person’s View Point) Many Different Types of Witchcraft/Magickal Correspondences Source: witcheslore.com

Many Different Types of Witchcraft/Magickal Correspondences Source: witcheslore.com

Click on each hyperlink for more information on that topic

Table of Contents

Moon Phases and their Magical Potentials

Deities and their Magical Potentials

Zodiac Signs and their Magical Potentials

Herbs and their magical properties

Spices and their magical properties

Flowers and their Magical Properties

Chocolates and their Magical Properties

Crystals, Gemstones and their Magical Properties

Woods and their Magical Properties

Metals and their Magical Properties

Colours and their Magical Properties

Essential Oils and Their Magical Properties

Sabbats and their Magical Potentials

Months and their Magical Potentials

Days and their Magical Potentials

Times in the Day and their Magical Potentials

Directions and their Magical Potentials

Elements and their Magical Potentials

Candle Colours and their Magical Properties

Types of Candles and their Magical properties

Scented Candles and their Magical properties

Incense and their Magical Properties

Planets and their Magical Potentials

Weather Conditions and their Magical Potentials

Animals and their Magical Potentials

The Futhark Runes and their Meanings

(One Person’s View Point) Key Elements of Successful Spell Casting

Key Elements of Successful Spell Casting

1. Like attracts Like – what you are focusing on is what you wil attract. If you focus on the problem or what you don’t want. Even though you say you don’t want it, because you’re energy is caught up in that negative emotion you will attract more of the same.

2. Faith & Certainty. In order to successfully cast a spell you must have absolute certainty that what you want to have happen will. There is no doubt, hope or longing. You know and so it becomes!

3. YOU are the key ingredient to a spells success. As it is your energy and focus that will determine the outcome of the spell.

4. It is strongly recommended that you cast your own spells. As often people will position themselves as witches and offer to cast a spell for you – and they are not aligned to what it is you want, as they are not true magickal practitioners. As any true white witch would tell you that YOU are the best person to cast your own spell, for the reason your energy is closer to the outcome than anyone elses.

5. And harm ye none. You Never Ever Ever look to go against another’s free will. Meaning you do not try to make them love you, or do anything you desire. We each have the right to choose for ourselves. We also are to never wish revenge or pain or suffering onto another.

6. The Rule of Three is that if you go against the right of another to free will and spell cast to make them do something. Feel something or have something happen to them – you will invoke the wrath of the Rule of Three and encounter something back tha tis three times in magnitude of your wrong doing.

Printable Basic Spell Template

Casting The Spell

  • Set up

  • Purify

  • Dedicate the space

  • State your purpose

  • Raise and release energy

  • Ground

  • Release the dedicdate space

  • Record the experience

  • Reinforce the spell with action

(One Person’s View Point) The Real Secret of Spell Casting

THE REAL SECRET OF SPELL CASTING

The power that makes a spell work is not to be found in some new recipe book. The real power that makes a spell work dwells within you, and surrounds you. The real secret of successful spellcasting, as with all magic, is your connection to divinity, within and without. Your thoughts, willpower, feelings, and physical exertions are actually all expressions or forms of this divine energy — just as
air, water, fire, and earth are all forms of divine energy. When you understand the true nature of the energy you work with, you can make real magic.

9 Steps to Casting Your Spell

1. cast a circle and connect with the divinity within
2. call upon the divinity from without
3. state the goal of your spell
4. visualize your goal
5. raise energy by chanting, dancing, or drumming
6. direct your energy to the spell’s goal
7. release the energy of your spell, ground any excess energy
8. offer libation and thanks and close your circle
9. act in accord and give back in thanks

Casting a spell? Don’t forget to:
– decide on your goal
– find guidance for your spell from an oracle or divation tool
– prepare your space by cleansing with salt water or herbs such as sage
– read Witchcraft Without Rules

5 Facts for Successful Spellcasting:

Passion fuels a successful spell; doubt can kill it.
Spells can be performed almost anywhere — though I don’t recommend attempting it while in the midst of rush-hour traffic! You do need to work without being disturbed when you cast a spell. So find a quiet and private place, preferably outdoors.
Once you’ve cast a spell, don’t talk about it — or even think about it — for 24 hours!
An old axiom says that spells should rhyme. A rhymed spell has rhythm and joyfulness in it, it’s easy to remember and repeat, and the repetition itself creates an altered, magical consciousness.
A spell is only used to control yourself, never another or Nature and remember, you should not do spellwork on someone else’s behalf without their permission.

Author unknown
Contributed by Brightstar

(One Person’s View Point) Everything You Need to Know About Hag Stones

Hag Stones Source: whitewitchgrimoire.com

Hag Stones are just any type of stone that has a naturally occuring hole through it, but are considered sacred objects.

It is believed that magick cannot work on moving or running water, and it’s holes are created by the energy of the element of water as it runs acrosss stones and “traps” smaller ones into crevices.

These smaller stones act as drill bits and the longer they stay under running water, the deeper the hole gets until it goes all the way through. The earth power of the stones combined with water and wind make them so magical.

The best place to find them is on a dry river bed or any place that running water has receeded. The flat river bed presents itself as the water level lowers and you can find many of them.

The Lore

In some folk magic practices, these stones are believed to ward off or break hexes, sickness and nightmares. I think most of that came from an old tale that tells that cureses and bad luck are caused by spectral hags.

It is said that when you look through the stone itself, you can see other realms. Some traditions state that you can see the Fae, other dimensions and even nature spirits.

You can hold it up and look at the full moon through them and speak your desires or what you want to get rid of.

These stones have been used as amulets, talismans, in spell work and in ritual to both present the 3 elements and to protect. Since magick doesn’t work in running water, you can use to get rid of hexes and curses, especially when you trap something inside of that hole and take it back down to the river to wash it away and let the water carry it all away from you.

Worn as protection, these were also used as a “toll” to counteract workings against you and paid the witch’s price.

Hanging on a black ribbon or thread over the doorway or window, it is said to “trap” negative energies and can also be used for dreamwork when hung over the bed.

You can hang them in your work area, across windows and door ways, wear them or use them to enhance that “witches” eye by working with the energy of the stones.

These powerful stones are said to help open up your witch or third eye.

The Work

Tie a hag stone to a protection candle.

Tie a stone and hang above your working altar to keep negative energies away.

Use as your “eye” to fire or water scry.

Carry it with you.

Hang one in your car to protect you while on the road.

Hang one over your bed to trap nightmares.

Hang one over your front door to take any bad energy that walks into your house.

Place around water, fire or candle magick with other protective herbs to enforce your circle.

Hide one in your front flower bed.

(One Person’s View Point) 25 Ways to use Crystals to Enrich your Life

Disclaimer: No crystal, or gem or stone should be used for medicinal purposes in place of what your health care professional has prescribed for you for any reason. The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. WitchesofTheCraft.com, any staff member of WitchesofTheCraft.com and/or Lady Carla Beltane are not responsible for any type of negative reaction when using a crystal or gem or stone for any reason.

(One Person’s VIew Point) 7 Must Have Crystals for Beginners

Disclaimer: No crystal, or gem or stone should be used for medicinal purposes in place of what your health care professional has prescribed for you for any reason. The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. WitchesofTheCraft.com, any staff member of WitchesofTheCraft.com and/or Lady Carla Beltane are not responsible for any type of negative reaction when using a crystal or gem or stone for any reason.

(One Person’s View Point) The Healing Power of Crystals

Disclaimer: No crystal, or gem or stone should be used for medicinal purposes in place of what your health care professional has prescribed for you for any reason. The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. WitchesofTheCraft.com, any staff member of WitchesofTheCraft.com and/or Lady Carla Beltane are not responsible for any type of negative reaction when using a crystal or gem or stone for any reason.

(One Person’s View) Wiccan Stones and Crystals: A Complete Guide

Disclaimer: No crystal, or gem or stone should be used for medicinal purposes in place of what your health care professional has prescribed for you for any reason. The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. WitchesofTheCraft.com, any staff member of WitchesofTheCraft.com and/or Lady Carla Beltane are not responsible for any type of negative reaction when using a crystal or gem or stone for any reason.

For beginners, continue reading on to learn about what crystals are, how to find them, how to use them, and more. Also, see our companion guide Crystal Magick for Beginners

For experienced crystal witches, use the Table of Contents to find the List of Correspondences for Wiccan stones and crystals.

What is a crystal?

So, what is a crystal exactly? Crystal is a generic term for a variety of geologic formations. Geodes, metals, gems, minerals, and more. They represent the most basic components of our physical lives and are a direct connection to the powerful and infinite Earth.

Sometimes they represent extraterrestrial components in the case of meteorites. They may even derive from natural processes occurring on the Earth, not directly form the Earth itself, as in the case of amber. The word crystals is an umbrella term to refer to all of these things.

Crystals can be translucent or opaque. They come in every colour imaginable. They can be all shapes and sizes. They can be a solid colour or patterned. They can be smooth or rough.

Each crystal is unique in its chemical make-up, density, and appearance. In addition to its chemical and physical attributes, each crystal has an energetic component. As Einstein discovered, matter and energy are interchangeable. Crystals are very sensitive to energy, conducting it and emitting it. We choose to work with one crystal over another based on its energy characteristics, the correspondences of which is described a bit further below.

What do Wiccans use crystals for? (and other traditions of witchcraft)

Wiccan stones and crystals are powerful tools which witches use to enhance their craft. As Wicca is a pagan religion which is heavily Earth-based, crystals are a natural incorporation since they come directly from the Earth. They are a direct connection with nature and they harness the perpetual power of the Earth.

Stones are alive and choose to work with us. They will not be powerful unless you recognize that they are your partner– not just tools which you alone control. 

Crystals serve as a container of magickal energies. Energies like thought and intention can be picked up by the crystals and then sent out to the world. They can be used either as a primary tool for your magickal work, or you can use their natural energies to supplement other work you might be doing.

The color of crystals is very important as well. Color is just energy too, just as we require light to see it. Each color has a different correspondence depending on its vibration and resonance. One color can be used to aid in healing work, but another color will be better suited to a love spell.

Since crystals are stores of energy, you should cleanse them thoroughly upon first use and periodically after that. You’ll also want to charge them before using them in any spells. Cleansing and charging are described towards the end of this article.

Here are some example uses of Wiccan stones and crystals in a witch’s practice.

Marking the circle.

Healing. Some crystals have specific healing properties, for instance to heal a particular system or part of the body. However most crystals (and even most stones like those you would find on a riverbed) can also be used for healing.

Jewelry like pendants, earrings, bracelets, and other magickal pieces. The stones can be charged for a specific purpose (protection, healing, etc) then worn to let the energies with which you charged it to surround you. Crystals can be charged and work in your daily activities or for a specific purpose like dealing with a negative person, a job interview, or giving a presentation.

Good luck charms and talismans.

Protection such as wearing crystal amulets.

Scrying which is peering into a crystal’s surface for visions. This works best with crystals that have smooth, reflective surfaces like hematite.

Meditation with the crystal.

Divination work.

Honoring deities.

Decorating magickal tools like wands, chalices, pentacles, etc.

Spellwork and manifesting change.

Astral projection.

Dream work, dream analysis, improving sleep, ending bad dreams, and lucid dreaming.

Changing the energy flow in the home.

Click here to read the rest of this article Source: wiccangathering.com

Where can I find crystals?

What do I need to get started?

How Do I Cleanse My Crystals?

How Do I Charge My Crystals?

How Should Crystals Be Stored?

List of Correspondences of Wiccan Stones and Crystals

 

I’m Taking Today Off

I apologize for not posting more about Imbloc today. I woke up with a temperature over over 102F and feel miserable. 

Here is a link that will take to what has been posted about Imbolc on WOTC in the past. WOTC Imbloc Information

 

(One Person’s View) How to Choose the Right Crystals for Imbolc

Disclaimer: No crystal, or gem or stone should be used for medicinal purposes in place of what your health care professional has prescribed for you for any reason. The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. WitchesofTheCraft.com, any staff member of WitchesofTheCraft.com and/or Lady Carla Beltane are not responsible for any type of negative reaction when using a crystal or gem or stone for any reason.

How to Choose the Right Crystals for Imbolc

Imbolc is a time of renewal, hope, and fiery transformation, making it the perfect season to incorporate crystals into your practice. Choosing the right crystals for Imbolc can enhance your connection to the energy of this sabbat and supercharge your rituals. Whether you’re setting up an altar, performing fire magic, or manifesting new beginnings, selecting the perfect crystals ensures you align with the season’s energy.

Here’s a detailed guide to help you choose the best crystals for Imbolc and use them effectively in your practice.

Table Of Contents

The Energy of Imbolc and Its Connection to Crystals

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Crystals

Best Crystals for Imbolc

How to Choose Crystals in Practice

Creative Ways to Use Your Imbolc Crystals

Final Tips for Choosing and Using Imbolc Crystals

Click on the hyperlinks to read the rest of this article Source: eclecticwitchcraft.com

Imbolc Plants and Herbs c 2017

Disclaimer: No flower or plant or herb should be used for medicinal purposes until you have checked with your health care professional to ask if it is safe for you to use it for any reason. The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. WitchesofTheCraft.com and/or any staff member of WitchesofTheCraft.com and/or Lady Carla Beltane are not responsible for any type of negative reaction when using this flower or plant for any reason.

Save

Stones of Imbolc c. 2019

Brigid, Celtic Goddess of Imbolc c. 2016

 

Brigid, Celtic Goddess of Imbolc

Brigit is the central Irish Goddess. She is known as Brigantia in England and Bride in Scotland. She rules metal work and smithy, fire, poetry, midwifery and martial arts–but is primarily known as a major Mother Goddess. Brigit is a face of the Triple Goddess, and able to see all–often represented by an ever watchful eye. The three heart-shaped leaves of the shamrock recall the magical Celtic number of three, as well as the number of Brigit’s faces. From nine to Nineteen priestesses once tended an undying fire in her name at Kildare. Brigid is so central to Ireland that the newly converted people would not give her up, so her name metamorphosed into St. Bridgid, who in Irish Christian myth acts as tender and supportive friend of Mary and as the midwife at Christ’s birth. Barbara G. Walker writes that to the Irish people, however, she continued to be a Queen of Heaven and the mother of all the deities of the new religion. As the Saint, she also matched wits with St. Patrick, who is as mythical as she. At times they seem to be consorts, at others, adversaries. It cannot have helped their relationship that Patrick is known for ridding Ireland of snakes, and since Bridgid the saint descended from a pagan goddess and priestess persona, whose sacred healing totem is the snake. So when St. Patrick says he is ridding the isle of snakes, what he means is he is ridding it of pagans. Nevertheless, Patricius and Bridgid were often considered the primal Mother and Father, and were supposedly buried together at Derry Down.

More Articles on USA Witchcraft Laws

Here are some more articles having to do with laws about practicing witchcraft. I hope you enjoy and learn something from them. Two of these are from websites that give information about all kinds of laws.

When Did Witchcraft Become Legal in the United States?

American Witchcraft Laws Are there laws against witchcraft in America?

Is the Practice of Witchcraft Illegal in the US?

(One Person’s View Point) Exploring The Legal Landscape Of Modern Witchcraft

Source: halt.org

In the modern world, understanding the legal boundaries around once taboo subjects like witchcraft is not only intriguing but necessary. This exploration aims to shed light on the rights, protections, and potential legal pitfalls that concern practitioners of witchcraft today. So buckle up for a bewitching journey through history, law books, and international borders!

Witchcraft Symbols, Terms and Definitions – Watchtowers or Quarters

From moonlitpriestess.com

Quarters

Another name for the four cardinal directions–north, east, south, & west. (See also: Watchtowers, the) Generally linked to the Elements in many Wiccan and Pagan traditions today.

The Watchtowers

Another name for the four elements in some traditions; earth, air, fire, water. Sometimes used in reference to the spirits of the four directions–north, east, south, west–regardless of Elemental association. May also be in reference to the Archangels Raphael, Michael, Gabriel, and Uriel in similar fashion. As the Watchtowers, the spirits serve as protection within a magickal working.

Witchcraft Symbols, Word Terms and Definitions – Ceremonial Magic

Ceremonial Magick

From moonlitpriestess.com

Typically less religious and more philosophical and intellectual in nature; often focused on Western Mystery traditions; characterized by emphasis on prescribed sets of rituals, formulaic words, tools, symbols, etc. May be referred to as “high magick” which was a classist term used to differentiate the ceremonial magick of the elite classes from the folk magick of peasants.