Category: Articles

Pagan Studies of the Gods and Goddesses: Freya, Norse Goddess of love, beauty, magic (seidhr), fertility, war and death.

 

Freya

Norse Goddess of love, beauty, magic (seidhr), fertility, war and death.

Freya (Old Norse Freyja, “Lady”) is one of the preeminent goddesses in Norse mythology. She’s a member of the Vanir tribe of deities, but became an honorary member of the Aesir gods after the Aesir-Vanir War. Her father is Njord. Her mother is unknown, but could be Nerthus. Freyr is her brother. Her husband, named Odr in late Old Norse literature, is certainly none other than Odin, and, accordingly, Freya is ultimately identical with Odin’s wife Frigg (see below for a discussion of this).

 

Freya is famous for her fondness of love, fertility, beauty, and fine material possessions – and, because of these predilections, she’s considered to be something of the “party girl” of the Aesir. In one of the Eddic poems, for example, Loki accuses Freya (probably accurately) of having slept with all of the gods and elves, including her brother.[1] She’s certainly a passionate seeker after pleasures and thrills, but she’s a lot more than only that. Freya is the archetype of the völva, a professional or semiprofessional practitioner of seidr, the most organized form of Norse magic. It was she who first brought this art to the gods,[2] and, by extension, to humans as well. Given her expertise in controlling and manipulating the desires, health, and prosperity of others, she’s a being whose knowledge and power are almost without equal.

Freya presides over the afterlife realm Folkvang. According to one Old Norse poem, she chooses half of the warriors slain in battle to dwell there. (See Death and the Afterlife.)

Freya the Völva

Seidr is a form of pre-Christian Norse magic and shamanism that involved discerning the course of fate and working within its structure to bring about change, often by symbolically weaving new events into being.[3] This power could potentially be put to any use imaginable, and examples that cover virtually the entire range of the human condition can be found in Old Norse literature.

In the Viking Age, the völva was an itinerant seeress and sorceress who traveled from town to town performing commissioned acts of seidr in exchange for lodging, food, and often other forms of compensation as well. Like other northern Eurasian shamans, her social status was highly ambiguous – she was by turns exalted, feared, longed for, propitiated, celebrated, and scorned.[4]

Freya’s occupying this role amongst the gods is stated directly in the Ynglinga Saga, and indirect hints are dropped elsewhere in the Eddas and sagas. For example, in one tale, we’re informed that Freya possesses falcon plumes that allow their bearer to shift his or her shape into that of a falcon.[6]

During the so-called Völkerwanderung or “Migration Period” – roughly 400-800 CE, and thus the period that immediately preceded the Viking Age – the figure who would later become the völva held a much more institutionally necessary and universally acclaimed role among the Germanic tribes. One of the core societal institutions of the period was the warband, a tightly organized military society presided over by a chieftain and his wife. The wife of the warband’s leader, according to the Roman historian Tacitus, held the title of veleda, and her role in the warband was to foretell the outcome of a suggested plan of action by means of divination and to influence that outcome by means of more active magic, as well as to serve a special cup of liquor that was a powerful symbol of both temporal and spiritual power in the warband’s periodic ritual feasts.[7][8]

One literary portrait of such a woman comes to us from the medieval Old English epic poem Beowulf, which recounts the deeds of King Hroðgar and his warband in the land that we today know as Denmark. The name of Hroðgar’s queen, Wealhþeow, is almost certainly the Old English equivalent of the Proto-Germanic title that Tacitus latinised as “veleda.”[9] Wealhþeow’s “domestic” actions in the poem – which are, properly understood, enactments of the liquor ritual described above – are indispensable for the upkeep of the unity of the warband and its power structures. The poem, despite its Christian veneer, “hint[s] at the queen’s oracular powers… The Hrothgar/Wealhtheow association as presented in the poem is an echo of an earlier more robust and vigorous politico-theological conception.”[10]

This “politico-theological conception” was based on the mythological model provided by the divine pair Frija and Woðanaz, deities who later evolved into, respectively, Freya/Frigg and Odin. Woðanaz is the warband’s chieftain, and Frija is its veleda. In addition to the structural congruencies outlined above, Wealhþeow and Freya even own a piece of jewelry with the same name: Old English Brosinga mene and Old Norse Brísingamen (both meaning something like “fiery/glowing necklace”). That both figures refer to the same ancient archetype, whether on the human or the divine plane, is certain.

Freya and Frigg

While the late Old Norse literary sources that form the basis of our current knowledge of pre-Christian Germanic religion present Freya and Frigg as being at least nominally distinct goddesses, the similarities between them run deep. Their differences, however, are superficial and can be satisfactorily explained by consulting the history and evolution of the common Germanic goddess whom the Norse were in the process of splitting into Freya and Frigg sometime shortly before the conversion of Scandinavia and Iceland to Christianity (around the year 1000 CE).

As we’ve noted above, the Migration Period goddess who later became Freya was the wife of the god who later became Odin. While somewhat veiled, this is ultimately still the case in Old Norse literature. Freya’s husband is named Óðr, a name which is virtually identical to that of Óðinn (the Old Norse form of “Odin”). Óðr means “ecstasy, inspiration, furor.” Óðinn is simply the word óðr with the masculine definite article (-inn) added onto the end. The two names come from the same word and have the same meaning. Óðr is an obscure and seldom-mentioned character in Old Norse literature. The one passage that tells us anything about his personality or deeds – anything beyond merely listing his name in connection with Freya – comes from the Prose Edda, which states that Óðr is often away on long journeys, and that Freya can often be found weeping tears of red gold over his absence.[11] Many of the surviving tales involving Odin have him traveling far and wide throughout the Nine Worlds, to the point that he’s probably more often away from Asgard than within it. Many of Odin’s numerous bynames allude to his wanderings or are names he assumed to disguise his identity while abroad. Thus, it’s hard to see Freya’s husband as anything but an only nominally distinct extension of Odin.

Freyja and Frigg are similarly accused of infidelity to their (apparently common) husband. Alongside the several mentions of Freya’s loose sexual practices can be placed the words of the medieval Danish historian Saxo Grammaticus, who relates that Frigg slept with a slave on at least one occasion.[12] In Lokasenna and the Ynglinga Saga, Odin was once exiled from Asgard, leaving his brothers Vili and Ve in command. In addition to presiding over the realm, they also regularly slept with Frigg until Odin’s return.[13][14] Many scholars have tried to differentiate between Freya and Frigg by asserting that the former is more promiscuous and less steadfast than the latter,[15] but these tales suggest otherwise.

Frigg is depicted as a völva herself. Once again in Lokasenna, after Loki slanders Frigg for her infidelity, Freya warns him that Frigg knows the fate of all beings, an intimation of her ability to perform seidr.[16] Frigg’s weaving activities are likely an allusion to this role as well. And, as it turns out, Freya is not the only goddess to own a set of bird-of-prey feathers for shapeshifting – Frigg is also in possession of one.[17]

The word for “Friday” in Germanic languages (including English) is named after Frija,[18] the Proto-Germanic goddess who is the foremother of Freya and Frigg. None of the other Germanic peoples seem to have spoken of Frija as if she were two goddesses; this approach is unique to the Norse sources. It should come as no surprise, therefore, that in the Norse sources we find a confusion as to which goddess this day should have as its namesake. Both Freyjudagr (from Freyja) and Frjádagr (from Frigg) are used.

The names of the two goddesses are also particularly interesting in this regard. Freyja, “Lady,” is a title rather than a true name. It’s a cognate of the modern German word Frau, which is used in much the same way as the English title “Mrs.” In the Viking Age, Scandinavian and Icelandic aristocratic women were sometimes called freyjur, the plural of freyja.[19] “Frigg,” meanwhile, comes from an ancient root that means “beloved.”[20] Frigg’s name therefore links her to love and desire, precisely the areas of life over which Freya presides. Here again we can discern the ultimate reducibility of both goddesses to one another: one’s name is identical to the other’s attributes, and the other name is a generic title rather than a unique name.

Clearly, then, the two are ultimately the same goddess. Why, then, are they presented as nominally distinct in the late Old Norse sources? Unfortunately, no one really knows.

Looking for more great information on Norse mythology and religion? While this site provides the ultimate online introduction to the topic, my book The Viking Spirit provides the ultimate introduction to Norse mythology and religion period. I’ve also written a popular list of The 10 Best Norse Mythology Books, which you’ll probably find helpful in your pursuit.


Originally Published on Norse Mythology for Smart People

References:

[1] The Poetic Edda. Lokasenna, stanzas 30, 32.

[2] Snorri Sturluson. Ynglinga Saga 4. In Heimskringla: eða Sögur Noregs Konunga.

[3] Heide, Eldar. 2006. Spinning Seiðr. In Old Norse Religion in Long-Term Perspectives: Origins, Changes and Interactions. Edited by Anders Andrén, Kristina Jennbert, and Catharina Raudvere. p. 166.

[4] Price, Neil S. 2002. The Viking Way: Religion and War in Late Iron Age Scandinavia. p. 279-328.

[5] Snorri Sturluson. Ynglinga Saga 4. In Heimskringla: eða Sögur Noregs Konunga.

[6] Ellis-Davidson, Hilda Roderick. 1964. Gods and Myths of Northern Europe. p. 117.

[7] Tacitus, Cornelius. Germania 8.

[8] Enright, Michael J. 1996. Lady with a Mead Cup: Ritual, Prophecy and Lordship in the European Warband from La Tène to the Viking Age.

[9] Ibid. p. 192.

[10] Ibid. p. 66.

[11] Snorri Sturluson. The Prose Edda. Gylfaginning 35.

[12] Saxo Grammaticus. The History of the Danes.

[13] The Poetic Edda. Lokasenna, verse 26.

[14] Snorri Sturluson. Ynglinga Saga 3. In Heimskringla: eða Sögur Noregs Konunga.

[15] See, for example: Grimm, Jacob. 1882. Teutonic Mythology, Volume 1. Translated by James Steven Stallybrass. p. 302.

[16] The Poetic Edda. Lokasenna, verse 29.

[17] Snorri Sturluson. The Prose Edda. Skáldskaparmál 18-19.

[18] Ellis-Davidson, Hilda Roderick. 1964. Gods and Myths of Northern Europe. p. 111.

[19] Grimm, Jacob. 1882. Teutonic Mythology, Volume 1. Translated by James Steven Stallybrass. p. 300.

[20] Orel, Vladimir. 2003. A Handbook of Germanic Etymology. p. 114.

Freyja

Definition
by Emma Groeneveld

Freyja (Old Norse for ‘Lady’, ‘Woman’, or ‘Mistress’) is the best-known and most important goddess in Norse mythology. Beautiful and many-functioned, she features heavily as a fertility goddess stemming from her place in the Vanir family of the gods (the other and main one is the Æsir family) along with her twin brother Freyr and father Njord, and stars in many myths recorded in Old Norse literature as lover or object of lust. She lives in Fólkvangr (‘Field of the People’), rides a carriage drawn by cats, and is connected not just with love and lust but also with wealth, magic, as well as hand-picking half of all fallen warriors on battlefields to go into Odin’s hall of Valhalla – the other half being selected by Odin himself. She likely played an important role in old Scandinavian religion.

FAMILY
Freyja is part of the Vanir family of the gods who handle all things fertility-related, including harvests (her brother Freyr); wind, sea, and wealth (her father Njord); and her own expertise regarding love, lust, and wealth, too. Her mother appears to have been giant-daughter and wife of Njord, Skadi, and while originally Freyja may have been paired in a brother-sister married couple with Freyr, Icelandic mythographer Snorri Sturluson (1179-1241 CE) – our most comprehensive source when it comes to Norse mythology – has her down as wife of Ódr, who she has two daughters with; Hnoss and Gersimi (Gylfaginning, 35). These names both mean something along the lines of ‘preciousness’ or ‘treasure’ and were possibly used in later poetry as manifestations of Freyja herself.

Ódr is said to have gone traipsing around on long journeys, inexplicably leaving Freyja behind, who would then search for him while weeping golden tears; this tale dates back to at least as early as the 10th century CE. He and Odin are commonly thought to have originally been one and the same person, with Ódr functioning as a shortened form of Odin.

ATTRIBUTES
One of Freyja’s attributes has already been mentioned: her cat-drawn carriage with which she zooms around the Norse mythological cosmos. Another is a garment – a coat, cloak or dress-like thing – made out of falcon feathers. Possibly, the boar Hildisvíni should also be counted among Freyja’s attributes; the Hyndluljóð poem has her riding said boar, and a boar connection, in general, is made more plausible by the fact that her brother Freyr is also associated with a boar, in his case named Gullinborsti. Sýr, another name of Freyja’s, is sometimes translated as ‘sow’, too, but it also might mean ‘to protect’, ‘to shield,’ in which case it would negate this third boar link. Germanic mythological powerhouse H. R. Ellis Davidson adds another animal: “Horses were certainly associated with the fertility pair Freyr and Freyja, and said to be kept in their holy places” (104). Her last – but not least – attribute is the necklace Brísingamen.

FREYJA’S MANY ROLES
The baseline of Freyja’s various functions comes from her role as fertility goddess as per her Vanir descent. Specifically, her other name Horn (Hǫrn, or Härn) probably comes from Old Norse horr, which means flax or linen. This was an important product which began being cultivated early on in Scandinavia and was thought to ward off evil and give fertility to humankind. Flax manufacture was a female affair, and as bridal dresses were made of linen, Freyja became a sort of defender of love and weddings, too. Another one of her names, Gefn, is Old Norse for ‘giver’, bringing to mind a role as a goddess of plenty.

The handed-down mythology emphasises Freyja’s role in all things related to sexuality (apart from childbirth, with which she seems unconcerned). For one, she often features as an irresistible object of lust, mainly in the eyes of the giants. The giant Thrym, for example, is only cool with returning the hammer he has stolen from Thor if he gets Freyja for his own. Besides her being the ‘price’ of many things – which the other gods try to avoid paying, as such – other myths reinforce Freyja’s supposed free and considerable sexuality. Although Loki in the Lokasenna poem badmouths everyone around him and accuses all the goddesses of various sexual acts, Freyja is reprimanded by Loki as follows:

 

Be silent, Freyja! | for fully I know thee,

Sinless thou art not thyself;

Of the gods and elves | who are gathered here,

Each one as thy lover has lain. (30)

 

She also consents to sleep with four dwarves in turn in order for them to hand over the Brísingamen to her and is accused in the Hyndluljóð poem of being the hero Óttar’s lover. Presumably, then, early Scandinavians looked to Freyja in matters of love and lust.

To make things even better, Freyja is also a goddess of wealth, as attested to by the many poetic references that link her to treasure. Her tears are said to be made of gold, even being synonymous with the material:

 

Gold is called Freyja’s Tears (…). So sang Skúli Thorsteinsson:

Many a fearless swordsman

Received the Tears of Freyja.

(Skáldskaparmál, 37)

 

The fact that Freyja’s daughters’ names Hnoss and Gersimi mean ‘preciousness’ or ‘treasure’ could arguably be seen as the “product of poetic convention in which Freyja was recognized as the source of treasure: perhaps as the weeper of golden tears, perhaps as a goddess ruling over wealth” (Billington & Green, 61).

Her connection with magic is also well-known, and Snorri Sturluson relays how it was Freyja who first taught the shamanistic magic called seiðr to the Æsir. Finally, the way Freyja chooses slain warriors to be on her as opposed to Odin’s team carries her into more ferocious spheres, functioning as a goddess of death and perhaps even battle itself. Which god selects you seems to boil down to social or personal status, or perhaps comes from the fact that both the Vanir and the Æsir needed someone to fulfil this role on the battlefield. This link between Freyja and Odin, as well as Odin’s own strong proficiency with magic, helps illustrate how Odin and Ódr, Freyja’s husband, could plausibly have originally been the same person.

MYTHS INVOLVING FREYJA
As evidenced above, there are plenty of myths recorded in the Old Norse sources that are keen to dive into the subject of Freyja. The Hyndluljóð poem emphasises she was more than just a pretty face; in it, Freyja visits wise-woman Hyndla asking her to unravel the hero Óttar’s ancestry, soaking up this knowledge. However, in the Þrymskviða (the ‘Lay of Thrym’, a poem possibly composed in the 12th or 13th century CE and found in the Poetic Edda), her desirability is once again a core theme. The story tells of Thor’s hammer being stolen by the giant Thrym, who will not return the hammer unless he gets his hands on Freyja. Freyja refuses to tag along, however, giving up the Brísingamen to help Thor disguise himself as her. After almost giving things away because Thor gorged himself to such an extent at the wedding banquet so as to raise suspicion – his burning eyes not helping either – Loki luckily smooth-talks his way out of it and ensures they get the hammer back. For good measure, Thor kills Thrym and a bunch of other giants on his way out.

As for other giant-related myths, the giant Hrungnir boasts he would bodily move Valhalla into Jotunheimen (the realm of the giants), sink Asgard (the realm of the gods), and kill all the gods except for Freyja and Sif, who he will take home with him (Skáldskaparmál, 17). In the tale of the Giant Master Builder, a giant offers to build walls around Asgard as long as he gets Freyja, the sun and the moon. Regarding her necklace Brísingamen, which is assigned to Freyja by Late Old Norse sources (13th and 14th centuries CE), the most famous myth concerns its theft (most commonly by Loki) but is preserved in such a fragmentary and tricky way that it is now rather hard to come up with one comprehensive story. The most detailed version is also the youngest and thus not the pinnacle of reliability: the Sǫrla Þáttr, which survives in the 14th century CE Flateyjarbók, describes how Freyja sleeps with four dwarves to get the Brísingamen, and how Odin then forces Loki to steal the necklace from her. Loki enters her bedroom as a fly, stings her so she moves her hand off of the necklace, and grabs it. By contrast, Snorri Sturluson has Loki and Heimdall fighting each other over the necklace (Skáldskaparmál, 8).

CULT OF FREYJA
As a fertility goddess, Freyja would have taken up a central role in old Scandinavian religion, playing a part in the circle of life. J. P. Schjødt explains her special position:

Freyja is one of the few individual goddesses who has had a major role in the more official religious cult (whereas many female deities seen as collectives played a part in both myth and ritual). She incorporates many traits that can be found in fertility goddesses all over the world, among whom is a clear connection also to death. (Brink & Price, 221)

The Old Norse sources do not specifically detail the existence of a cult of Freyja per se, but the large number of place-names in Sweden and Norway related to her name, such as Frøihov (from Freyjuhof, ‘Freyja’s temple’) and Frǫvi (from Freyjuvé, ‘Freyja’s shrine’), show clear worship, perhaps even pointing to a public cult as opposed to the domestic cult one would expect of a goddess of love. It is clear that the people of Iceland on the cusp of conversion to Christianity around the year 1000 CE still had Freyja clearly on their mind. The Íslendingabók states that Hjalti Skeggjason, a supporter of Christianity, was outlawed for blasphemy after calling Freyja a bitch (in this case a female dog, but taken to mean he wanted to call her a whore) at the Althing parliament. She was obviously still important enough for people to not successfully get away with these sorts of things.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Emma Groeneveld
Emma has studied History & Ancient History. During her Master’s she focused on Herodotus as well as the juicy politics of ancient courts, but more recently she has been immersing herself in everything prehistoric. She both writes and edits for AHE.

 

Originally published on Ancient History Encyclopedia

(One Person’s View Person) Venus, The Goddess of Fridays and Love

Venus

 

Venus is the Roman goddess of love, beauty, prosperity, fertility, and victory. She was so important to Romans that they claimed her as their ancestress. According to mythology, her son Aeneas fled from Troy to Italy. He became the ancestor of Remus and Romulus, who founded Rome.

So, in a way, it’s accurate to say that Venus was the mother of Rome. However, Venus had strong ties to GREEK MYTHOLOGY, too. The Romans thought she was the same goddess as APHRODITE, the GREEK GODDESS of love. They adopted many of Aphrodite’s symbols, such as roses and myrtle, to represent Venus. Myrtle was so important to this goddess that, during her festival, worshipers and even statues of her wore myrtle wreaths.

Venus’s festival took place on April 1. It was called the Veneralia. Aside from draping Venus in flowers, followers also carefully washed her statue, and promised to fulfill the moral obligations of good Roman wives and husbands. Many men and women also asked her advice on matters of the heart.

Other symbols of Venus included the scallop shell, doves, dolphins, pomegranates, pearls, mirrors, and girdles. Many of these were also adopted from Aphrodite. So was her origin story; she was said to be born of seafoam.

One of the most famous works of Western art depicts this event: Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus. It portrays her as standing on a large shell, her hair covering her, surrounded by other mythical figures. This artwork from hundreds of years after the Romans worshiped Venus shows how important her mythology continued to be even after the fall of Rome.

Plenty of other artworks also depict Venus, her birth, and her other myths. In fact, painting Venus was so popular that, after the classical era, any unclothed female figure came to be called a ‘Venus’.

Venus had many titles, representing her importance. These included:

  • Venus Cloacina – the Purifier
  • Venus Felix – the Lucky, suggesting she could be prayed to for good luck
  • Venus Genetrix – Mother, representing her role as mother of rome
  • Venus Murcia – Myrtle, representing the importance of this plant to her
  • Venus Verticordia – the Changer of Hearts, representing her role in love
  • Venus Victrix – Victorious, showing that she was a godess of victory

Later on in the Roman empire, Venus became even more important to Rome. She got new festivals on August 12 and October 9, and a shrine on a famous hill in Rome. Why? Well, Julius Caesar claimed her as his ancestor. Many other famous Roman politicians began to vie for her favor, and eventually, as Caeser became the head of a dynasty, she became associated with his legacy.

Venus was married to Vulcan, the god of fire and the forge. Vulcan was notoriously ugly – one of the ugliest of the gods. But he loved her so much that he created a golden carriage to pull her around. The carriage was drawn by doves to match Venus’s own beauty.

Venus was also the mother of CUPID, the god of love. Next time you see a picture of Cupid – maybe on Valentine’s day – you can think of his mother, Venus.

Despite her identification with Aphrodite, Venus was a native Roman goddess who was not adopted from anywhere. Her name is exactly the same as a Roman word for a particular kind of love. That name can be traced all the way back to the language before Latin, to a word meaning “to desire or love”. It’s clear that Venus was with the Romans for a long time.

Because she was the goddess of love, Venus was very important to new brides. They made offerings to her before they got married. Some people also say that they gave their childhood toys to her when they left home to get married.

Venus had many temples in Rome, since she was so important. The earliest known one was founded in 295 BC. Later, in 217 BC, Rome decided to give Venus a newer and even better temple after they lost an important battle. They thought that Venus was on the side of their enemies, and wanted to sway her. From this story, it’s easy to see how important Venus was to victory for the Romans.

You might be wondering why we have a planet named Venus. The planet is, indeed, name after the goddess. It was visible in the ancient night sky at certain times of the year, and looked like a very bright star. Because it was so bright and beautiful, it was named Venus. Ironically, the planet Venus is covered with acid clouds, so the name is not very suitable for a goddess of love and fertility. Nevertheless, the name shows us how much of an impact the Romans had on science.

Although Venus is no longer worshiped by large numbers of people, we still remember her in art and science thanks to her widespread influence.

 

Source: Venus: https://greekgodsandgoddesses.net – Greek Gods & Goddesses, February 22, 2017

Lady Carla Beltane’s View on Love or Attraction Spells

While many people use love spells to bring get another person to love them I personally believe this is totally wrong as it takes away the other person’s free will. A love or attraction spell are not always used to bring a lover back or to get the person the caster wants to love them I have seen them use on friends and family as well. I know from experience in practicing black magick myself many decades ago that these type of spells completely cross the line into dark, black magic.

Before doing a love or attraction spell ask yourself

  • if you would want this done to you?
  • if you want to never know if the person loves you in their heart or only because of the spell you cast on them?
  • do you want to spend the rest of your life with them?
  • do you want the person to be so in love with you that they quit doing anything where you cannot be at their side? (I have seen love spells grow so strong that the person it was cast on lost their job, shunned friends and family and was told the caster could not even have time alone in the bathroom no matter what they went in there to do.)

If your answers is no to either or both questions than I strongly suggest you do not cast the spell.

Also if you believe in the Threefold Law ask yourself; what are the consequences to be casting this be? Part of the consequences I have seen is the person becomes obsessed with the caster and smothers them with always being where the caster is.

So be extremely careful always in the wording of your spell and intentions to be sure your spell is doing what you want it to do.

For me the person that loves me I want them to because it is in their heart and not because I cast a spell on them to make them love me.

(One Person’s View Point) Is it OK to Perform Love Spells? c. 2017

Is it OK to Perform Love Spells?

 

Love spells. They’re one of the things that often draws new folks to Wicca and Pagan religions. However, there’s a lot of question within the Pagan community about the ethics of casting a love spell on someone else. After all, if you’re performing magic on someone without their knowledge, aren’t you messing with their free will?

Most Wiccans will tell you that the best way to approach love magic is to avoid focusing on a specific individual as a target. Instead, use your energy and skills to focus on yourself — to draw love your way, or to help you present yourself as a person worthy of love. You could use your magical abilities to feel more confident and attractive, much like a magical makeover. In other words, fix yourself, not someone else.

Bear in mind that many Pagan traditions have no restrictions on the use of magic to change someone else. If you’re part of such a tradition, the use of love magic may well be within the boundaries of your ethical guidelines. In some traditions of folk magic, love magic is perfectly acceptable. It’s something that’s done as a matter of course, and is no more unethical than wearing a sexy perfume or a cute push-up bra. Magic is viewed as a tool, and can be used in tandem with the mundane to bring you what you want — after all, if you didn’t want to change things, you wouldn’t be doing magic in the first place, right?

Before casting any sort of working that affects another person, though, be sure to think about consequences. How will your actions affect not only you, but other people? Will it ultimately cause harm? Will it cause someone to be hurt, either directly or indirectly? These are all things that should be evaluated before performing any working at all, whether it’s a love spell or some other type of magic. If your tradition or belief system prohibits you from performing magic on someone without their consent or knowledge, then you’d be better of skipping the love magic, and focusing instead on self-improvement and self-empowerment.

Rather than aiming a love spell at someone and expecting them to become your devoted servant and doormat, consider looking at love spells as a method of (a) getting someone to notice you AND (b) getting the person to, once they’ve noticed you, find all the things about you that they like. If you maintain this perspective, you should be able to work love magic and still keep within your ethical boundaries.

Source: Patti Wigington Published on ThoughtCo

(One Person’s View Point) The Ethics of Love Spells by Mike Nichols

The Ethics of Love Spells    
      
   by Mike Nichols
by Mike Nichols

To gain the love of someone: On a night of the full moon, walk to a spot beneath your beloved’s bedroom window, and whisper his/her name three times to the nightwind. –Ozark love spell

It seems to be an immutable law of nature. You are interviewed by a local radio or TV station, or in some local newspaper. The topic of the interview is Witchcraft or Paganism, and you spend the better part of an hour brilliantly articulating your beliefs, your devotion to Goddess and nature, the difference between Witchcraft and Satanism, and generally enlightening the public at large. The next day, you are flooded with calls. Is it people complimenting you on such a splendid interview? No. People wanting to find out more about the religion of Wicca? Huh-uh. People who are even vaguely interested in what you had to say??? Nope. Who is it? It’s people asking you to do a love spell for them!

This used to drive me nuts. I’d take a deep breath and patiently explain (for the thousandth time) why I won’t even do love spells for myself, let alone anyone else. This generally resulted in my caller becoming either angry or defensive, but seldom more enlightened. ‘But don’t you DO magic?’, they ask. ‘Only occasionally,’ I answer. ‘And aren’t most magic spells love spells?’, they persist. That was the line I really hated, because I knew they were right! At least, if you look at the table of contents of most books on magic, you’ll find more love spells than any other kind. This seems as true for the medieval grimoire as for the modern drugstore paperback.

Why? Why so many books containing so many love spells? Why such an emphasis on a kind of magic that I, personally, have always considered very negative? And to make matters even more confusing, the books that do take the trouble of dividing spells between ‘positve’ and ‘negative’ magic invariably list love spells under the first heading. After all, they would argue, love is a good thing. There can never be too much of it. Therefore, any spell that brings about love must be a GOOD spell. Never mind that the spell puts a straightjacket on another’s free will, and then drops it in cement for good measure

And that is why I had always assumed love magic to be negative magic. Years ago, one of the first things I learned as a novice Witch was something called the Witch’s Rede, a kind of ‘golden rule’ in traditional Witchcraft. It states, ‘An it harm none, do what thou will.’ One uses this rede as a kind of ethical litmus test for a spell. If the spell brings harm to someone — anyone (including yourself!) — then don’t do it! Unfortunately, this rule contains a loophole big enough to fly a broom through. It’s commonly expressed, ‘Oh, this won’t HARM them; it’s really for their own good.’ When you hear someone say that, take cover, because something especially nasty is about to happen.

That’s why I had to develop my own version of the Witch’s Rede. Mine says that if a spell harms anyone, OR LIMITS THEIR FREEDOM OF THOUGHT OR ACTION IN ANY WAY, then consider it negative, and don’t do it. Pretty strict, you say? Perhaps. But there’s another law in Witchcraft called the Law of Threefold Return. This says that whatever power you send out, eventually comes back to you three times more powerful. So I take no chances. And love spells, of the typical make-Bobby-love-me type, definitely have an impact on another’s free will.

So why are they so common? It’s taken me years to make peace with this, but I think I finally understand. The plain truth is that most of us NEED love. Without it, our lives are empty and miserable. After our basic survival needs have been met, we must have affection and companionship for a full life. And if it will not come of its own accord, some of us may be tempted to FORCE it to come. And nothing can be as painful as loving someone who doesn’t love you back. Consequently, the most common, garden-variety spell in the world is the love spell.

Is there ever a way to do a love spell and yet stay within the parameters of the Witch’s Rede? Possibly. Some teachers have argued that if a spell doesn’t attempt to attract a SPECIFIC person into your life, but rather attempts to attract the RIGHT person, whomever that may be, then it is not negative magic. Even so, one should make sure that the spell finds people who are ‘right’ for each other — so that neither is harmed, and both are made happy.

Is there ever an excuse for the make-Bobby-love-me type of spell? Without endorsing this viewpoint, I must admit that the most cogent argument in its favor is the following: Whenever you fall in love with someone, you do everything in your power to impress them. You dress nicer, are more attentive, witty, and charming. And at the same time, you unconsciously set in motion some very powerful psychic forces. If you’ve ever walked into a room where someone has a crush on you, you know what I mean. You can FEEL it. Proponents of this school say that a love spell only takes the forces that are ALREADY there — MUST be there if you’re in love — and channels them more efficiently.

But the energy would be there just the same, whether or not you use a spell to focus it.

I won’t attempt to decide this one for you. People must arrive at their own set of ethics through their own considerations. However, I would call to your attention all the cautionary tales in folk magic about love spells gone awry. Also, if a love spell has been employed to join two people who are not naturally compatible, then one must keep pumping energy into the spell. And when one finally tires of this (and one will, because it is hard work!) then the spell will unravel amidst an emotional and psychic hurricane that will make the stormiest divorces seem calm by comparison. Not a pretty picture.

It should be noted that many spells that pass themselves off as love spells are, in reality, sex spells. Not that there’s anything surprising in that, since our most basic needs usually include sex. But I think we should be clear from the outset what kind of spell it is. And the same ethical standards used for love spells can often be applied to sex spells. Last year, the very quotable Isaac Bonewits, author of ‘Real Magic’, taught a sex magic class here at the Magick Lantern, and he tossed out the following rule of thumb: Decide what the mundane equivalent of your spell would be, and ask yourself if you could be arrested for it. For example, some spells are like sending a letter to your beloved in the mail, whereas other spells are tantamount to abduction. The former is perfectly legal and normal, whereas the latter is felonious.

One mitigating factor in your decisions may be the particular tradition of magic you follow. For example, I’ve often noticed that practitioners of Voudoun (Voodoo) and Santeria seem much more focused on the wants and needs of day-to-day living than on the abstruse ethical considerations we’ve been examining here. That’s not a value judgement — just an observation. For example, most followers of Wicca STILL don’t know how to react when a Santerian priest spills the blood of a chicken during a ritual — other than to feel pretty queasy. The ethics of one culture is not always the same as another.

And speaking of cultural traditions, another consideration is how a culture views love and sex. It has often been pointed out that in our predominant culture, love and sex are seen in very possessive terms, where the beloved is regarded as one’s personal property. If the spell uses this approach, treating a person as an object, jealously attempting to cut off all other relationships, then the ethics are seriously in doubt. However, if the spell takes a more open approach to love and sex, not attempting to limit a person’s other relationships in any way, then perhaps it is more defensible. Perhaps. Still, it might be wise to ask, Is this the kind of spell I’d want someone to cast on me?

Love spells. Whether to do them or not. If you are a practitioner of magic, I dare say you will one day be faced with the choice. If you haven’t yet, it is only a matter of time. And if the answer is yes, then which spells are ethical and which aren’t? Then you, and only you, will have to decide whether ‘All’s fair in love and war’, or whether there are other, higher, metaphysical considerations.

Document Copyright © 1988, 1998 by Mike Nichols

(One Person’s View Point) Crystal of the Day – Moonstone

Crystal of the Day – Moonstone

As its name implies, moonstone is tied to the lunar deities, in particular, any goddess with a triune or triple aspect. Diana, Selene, and Hecate are often associated with moonstone. This stone can be used in workings related to female reproduction, menstrual cycles and childbirth. On a magical level, include moonstone in rites having to do with wisdom and intuition, womens’ mysteries, and goddess-centric ceremonies.

Common Name: Moonstone

Also known as: Cylon Opal

Appearance: White to colorless, sometimes found in pale blues; looks a bit like Opal in some cases

Element(s): Water

Planetary connection: Moon

Deity connection: Any goddess with a triple aspect – Diana, Selene, Hecate

Healing powers: Anything related to female reproduction, childbirth, menstrual cycles

Magical uses: Can be used in workings related to wisdom and intuition, Goddess-focused rituals

(One Person’s Viewpoint) Gemstone of the Day is Moonstone

Gemstone of the Day

Moonstone


(Color: off-white or gray or pale shades of green, yellow or brown)


Hardness: 6                            
Specific Gravity: 2.57                        
Chemistry: Na(90-70%) Ca(10-30%) (Al, Si)AlSi2 O8, Sodium calcium aluminum silicate       
Class: Silicates            
Crystallography:  triclinic; bar 1           
Cleavage:  perfect in one and good in another direction                   
Fracture: conchoidal                            
Streak: white                               
Luster: vitreous to dull

Healing: Moonstone is used to draw love, hope and protection. And to promote unselfishness. Moonstone is used in healing ailments of the stomach and lymph glands, aids with female problems and helps to relieve stress. It is used to ease pregnancy and childbirth. It is also used in the treatment of circulatory disorders.

Workings: Use moonstone to strengthen intuition and psychic perception and to bring a connection of balance and harmony with Spirit. In India, Moonstone is known as a “dream stone”, as it is supposed to bring about clear and beautiful dreams. During the waning of the moon the stone aids in prophesy. It is also known as a stone of fertility. It is said to have the power to grant dreams. Wear Moonstone for protection while traveling on water. Use Moonstone as a talisman of Good Fortune. Its element is Water, its energy is receptive and its associated planet is the Moon. Its astrological signs are Cancer, Libra and Scorpio. It vibrates to the number 4.

Chakra Applications: Use Moonstone to cleanse the Chakras of negative energy. Use it to activate the Heart Chakra.

Foot Notes: Moonstone is a semi-translucent stone that is made of albite and orthoclase feldspar.

Source: The Whispering Woods Author: Crick

 

Happy and Blessed Summer Solstice/Litha

I received this today from Moonflower, a long time member of Heart’s Spirit Coven and apprentice

Full and New Moon Rituals—Intention Setting and Actualization

Full Moon Rituals and New Moon Rituals: Potent magic to manifest your goals, release inner turmoil, realize dreams and initiate MAGIC!

Full Moon vs. New Moon Energies:

Full Moon Rituals are generally centered around celebrating what has already become.

This is a time to appreciate what you have accomplished, yourself or in a group, or for what the universe has provided for you since the last Full Moon. Celebration and gratitude are the energies to accentuate during your Full Moon rituals. Honor what you have created.

New Moon Rituals are generally centered around setting intentions for that which you wish to manifest.

This is the darkest phase of the Moon, the dream seed time. What do you wish to dream up? What new ideas are germinating in the nutrient rich soil of your soul? Your New Moon rituals should focus on what you want to call into your life.

When is the Moon Full or New?

The Moon travels her 29 1/2 day path around the the Earth, showing us her many phases all along the way. Sometimes it’s difficult to predict the exact day the Moon will be full or new. You can easily look it up online, or use a Lunar Phases calendar like We’Moon. Our wall calendar and day planner both give a visual representation of the Moon for every day. We mark the days that the Moon is… Click here to read the rest of this articles Source: wemoon.ws

Merlin and Us Need Your Help Please

Merlin’s Go Fund Me for Last Vet Bills

If anyone can please donate even a small amount to help us pay the last vet bill Merlin will have I would be very grateful. Today he is having a harder time breathing and eating also going to the bathroom. His vet said this is all pointing to him having very little time left with us. The total bill will be about $700.00 USD.

Merlin is Big Dawg, my husband, familiar. He saved him from a man that was going to shoot him when Merlin was only 6 months old. To tell you all Merlin has helped my husband through would take all day and than some. Please help us to give his “big buddy” a dignified crossing and so Merlin is no longer in pain and growing sicker every day.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

It has come to my attention that a follower of WOTC has said they are a WOTC witch and illegally using WOTC for I guess making themself seem to have my backing did a ritual for someone.

NO ONE  except myself or a member of my Heart’s Spirit Coven has the backing of this website or myself to preform any type of ritual or spell for someone else.

Anyone representing themselves as being a WOTC with will find themselves in court for trade mark infringement and defamation of WOTC as a whole, myself, and Heart’s Spirit Coven.

If anyone approaches you as being a WOTC witch please check we me first as to legally being in my Heart’s Spirit Coven and doing spells or rituals for others with my permission to declare they are a WOTC witch and in good standing within the Heart’s Spirt Coven.

Send comments or inquires about this to ladybeltane@witchesofthecraft.com. Thank you

Did You Know Your Pet/Familiar Has Its Own Horoscopes, Check it Out!

Your Pet’s Horoscope 

Do you think that astrology is only for people? Planet effects also all live existence in the earth. Pet haven´t so difficult disposition as people, but have psychological disposition. Also animals have feelings. Dogs, cats and some birds have more feelings than other animals. If you want to find your pet temperament you must be as long as you can with your pets. If you find your pets zodiac sign you have better chance to understand it´s sense. Pet´s astrology can help you to sense it´s individuality. If is your dog unusual cleanly and smart it can be Virgo. If it is still bored it can be Sagittarius. If you don´t know how is your pet zodiac sign read next and you will find your answers.

Is your pet Leo?

Is your pet a Leo? If so he or she probably has a shiny, glorious mane or coat of some kind and a beautiful disposition. Many Leo animals also have big eyes and long whiskers and set of big, sharp teeth. These animals are known for their athletic prowess and can often run the fastest, climb the highest and breed several generations of children.

They are usually strong, healthy and very friendly to people as long as their territory is not intruded upon.

Is Your Pet a Pisces?

The Pisces pet seems almost human because it is so empathic and in tune with you. They seem very psychic and watchful.  All Pisces pets like to sleep and if left to their own devices they would snooze for three days straight. They can be lazy animals and because they like to eat too they can easily become quite fat. It is crucial to make sure that all of these pets get enough exercise.

Is Your Pet an Aquarius?

The Aquarius pet love people but they also have a habit of driving you crazy because they are so eccentric, free-spirited and difficult to train.  The dogs will show you they love you by jumping up on you and barking the entire time you are not home. The cats will show they love you by dropping a dead mouse on your pillow and trying to sleep on your face.

Is Your Pet a Capricorn?

The Capricorn pet is very loyal, usual obedient and has a serious demeanor. The dogs make good watch-dogs and babysitters. They do well in settings where there are a lot of other pets. They keep the peace and make sure that everyone stays in line.  The Capricorn dog will be very watchful of you and many of them can be overprotective. Be sure that the Capricorn dog is trained well and you will have an almost perfect pet.

Is Your Pet a Sagittarius?

The Sagittarius pet is a happy-go-lucky type who likes to go with the flow. The dogs are fantastic hunting companions and travel well. The cats are very flexible and if your job requires that you move from place to place the Sagittarius pet will not mind it so much. The biggest drawback of owning Sagittarian dogs and cats is that they have a real need to wander and explore greener pastures. They are masters of digging under the fence, hopping over the fence and jumping out the window. As they tend to be such excitable and impulsive creatures, they also can wander for hours and not remember how to get back home.

 

Is Your Pet a Scorpio?

Scorpio pets are strong, athletic and territorial creatures who tend to get their way. You cannot let these pets get bored or they will get revenge by trashing your place or wrecking something that you really treasure. Scorpio dogs are adventurers that make great hunting companions. However they will also hunt on their own for sport.  Scorpio cats are killers.  Both the dogs and cats are stealthy predators that nobody that nobody hears coming.

Is Your Pet a Libra?

All Libra pets are attractive, affectionate and very loyal. Even the cats will stick by yourself. They thrive in peaceful, beautiful surroundings and take great pride in their appearance. Even the birds and rodents will groom themselves constantly. They are also quite clean pets and do not tend to have any accidents or go outside the letterbox unless they are upset by discipline or fighting amongst the humans in the house.

Is Your Pet a Virgo?

The Virgo pet is usually very quiet, well-behaved and can be somewhat difficult to connect with. As they prefer to live in their own little world, they are sometimes not that easy to train. The Virgo dog or cat is usually quite happy to be on it’s own and for that reason they make good pets for apartments and condos. Another famous trait of Virgo pets is that they tend to be very clean.  The dogs will wait to go outside and never foul your furnishings or carpet. The cats are also very tidy, meticulous creatures.

Is your pet Cancer?

The Cancer pet is a psychic one. It is empathic and very much in tune with your moods and emotions. Both dogs and cats born under this sign are always in tune with you and your schedule. They are affectionate, cuddly and often have beautiful manes. They are content with very little and want only to be with you. However they can also be moody and sensitive creatures that creatures that need a little distance every now and then.  They can be philosophic creatures, often seeming to ponder the nature of the universe.

Is your pet Gemini?

The Gemini pet is usually pretty, quick on it’s feet and quick to learn. The dogs and cats are very trainable. They are also very social and bond easily with the family and other people. However they can also be a bit disloyal and it is not unusual for the Gemini dog or cat owner to be dismayed by how quickly the Gemini animal can run away.

Is my pet Taurus?

If your pet is a Taurus you have a chosen a loyal companion that is easily domesticated. Both cats and dogs born under this sign tend to stick to home. They are also easy to train and love to socialize with people.

In general pets born under this sign enjoy being stroked and caressed. Their favorite thing to do is cuddle up and watch television with you. Both the cats and dogs can be pests at the table if you do not train them not to jump up and demand treats.  They are very preoccupied with food and can get aggressive with people and other pets that come too close to their food bowls.

Is my pet Aries?

If your pet is born an Aries then you can expect to have a pet that is more impulsive than usual. If you have a dog it might have quite a few misbehavior such as jumping the fence or chasing cars. The Aries cat also tends to be quite reckless and will scramble way up a tree to catch a bird without thinking at all about how to getto get down. However the bottom line is that that the Aries animal is actually a very good hunter. If the dogs are well trained they make wonderful companions for the outdoors-man.

 

(One Person’s View Point) Familiars In Witchcraft and Paganism

Familiars are an often talked about and highly debated topic in the witchy world.

As with most things, I don’t personally believe there is a “right” or “wrong” way to think about them, but there are definitely many options. I’ll share a few of them and let you know what I believe!

Familiars Throughout History

Familiars have made appearances for a variety of purposes and in a variety of ways throughout time.

Some perspectives view them as demons that inhabit the bodies of small animals like cats, dogs, rats, birds, and toads. They are there to help a witch with their workings.

In some cases familiars have even said to exist in human form!

Some accounts describe inheriting familiars through family members, covens, or mentors, usually around the time of an initiation. Witches were also thought to be presented with a familiar after making a deal with the devil.

Others say a witch’s familiar will appear to them out of the blue during mundane activities.

During the European witch hunts, animals believed to be familiars were often used as evidence of witchcraft. Even the presence of a fly or bee was enough to convince some witch hunters of an accused witch’s guilt!

Familiars Today

Today, familiars are not seen as something negative and Click here to finish reading this article about familiars on apaganmess.com

(One Person’s View Point) What is a Witch’s Familiar?

While many Witches have cats as familiars many of us have other furry or winged beings. A familiar is not an animal that goes out to do a Witch’s bidding, or to spy on their enemies or steal energy from others. A Witch’s familiar is their companion, a being that can help calm them as well as add power to some spells and/or rituals. They are not mean and attack people as they are so often portrayed as doing in films, TV shows, books, etc. You may be asking yourself “How do I know if a pet is my familiar or not?” or even “How do I find my familiar?” The best answers I have for these are if you feel a special bond with your pet, I’m not talking about a normal I love my pet kind of thing but

You may be asking yourself “How do I know if a pet is my familiar or not?” or even “How do I find my familiar?” The best answers I have for these are if you feel a special bond with your pet, I’m not talking about a normal I love my pet kind of thing, but it is hard to put into words, but I will try, it is a calming effect whenever you are upset and your pet comes to you or it makes you feel complete as a living being. You more than likely have one of your familiars for this lifetime. Now if you don’t have it or any pet and are looking for one my suggestion is first figure out if you are more drawn to dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters or…well I think you get where I’m going here. After that visit shelters, reliable pet shops, rescue places or even read the

Now if you don’t have it or any pet and are looking for one my suggestion is first figure out if you are more drawn to dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters or…well I think you get where I’m going here. After that visit shelters, reliable pet shops, rescue places or even read the classifieds in the newspaper and then go to see the animal(this is how I found my Cleo). Make sure you meet any animal that catches your eye. Do not make a snap decision but visit with the animal and see if it pick you as its human, pick it up cuddle with it or if it is to big for you to pick up and you can get down on its level. Believe me when I say you will know the animal is your familiar as soon as you make close physical contact with it. You will have a feeling a connection to that animal immediately.

Now we all know our lifespan is a lot longer then our companions/familiars is. Not to worry just as we live many lifetimes so do our familiars. So far for me in this lifetime my familiar has come to me as a cat, Tuffy, when I was 10 years old, he lived to be 17, then I got (my children…hahaha) a half cocker spaniel-half shelty mix, Boots, in my 30’s who lived for 14 1/2 years and now as my beautiful Cleo. The reason for me going so long in between Tuffy and Boots was I was in a rocky place on my life path barely able to take care of myself some days much less a pet plus I had fallen away from my Spiritual self and I hadn’t met the right companion for me during that time. Then between Boots and Cleo there was about a year and half while I was deciding what kind of pet I wanted. One day a friend of my husbands came over and brought his 4-month-old Min Pin, I had never really seen the breed before even though I had been working with canines for over 40 years and fell in love with the breed. So the search began and about 5 months later my hubby came home with an ad he had pulled out of our local newspaper for a breeder selling Min Pins very cheap. We called, made an appointment to see the litter, went to the breeders home and there were 3 girls and 1 boy. I was looking for a male only because up until this time my familiars had been male but the Universe had different plans for me this time. I put my hand into the enclosure the puppies were in and Cleo came up to chew on my engagement ring, lick my hand and try to climb over the fence, mind you, she was only 5 inches tall and weighed in at 2 pounds. I took my hand away from her trying to pet her siblings, she would have none of that as she pushed them away from my hand. So after putting my hand in and out a few times to see if she would keep coming over, which she did. When my hubby put his hand in there the same thing happened, she pushed everyone else out of the way to get to his hand. I asked to hold her and there was instant bond with her and I. While her and my hubby are friendly there is no doubt that she is my companion and familiar.

Added note 2015– In 2014 I got a rescue Chihuahua, named Starbabie. She is now three years old and is another familiar of mine. I do not know why I have two of them in my life right now, but I am grateful for it. Towards the beginning of this year I was alone in our home for almost week with just my girls, I live next door to a state-run group home for boys some of who just got out of jail for violent crimes. Even though my girls are small I was not worried because Cleo kept watch on the outside of the house (through the picture windows in the living room and my den) and Star never left my side

Added Note 2026 Cleo and Star both crossed the rainbow bridge in 2024. I was bless to find Crystal Moon who is not only my familiar she’s my protector in the physical world. The day she picked me and my husband was an interesting one. We weren’t ready and she had a few more days before we could under Illinois animal rights take her home. Big Dawg was holding her the day we picked her up to go home with us while I signed all the necessary paperwork. When I got came back close to them she started what I can only describe as swimming in the air to get to me. When we are home she’ll go spend time with him but she is with in eyesight or right next to me most of the time. When I cast a circle she will sit close enough to be in the circle but not impede me moving around in it. She is in training as my service dog as on her own she began to alter me when I really need to check my blood pressure when it get higher than normal. She is also learning how to lean next to me for when I get dizzy and need help to get to a place I can sir down.

Copyright 2012 Lady Beltane

(One Person’s View) Explained: “How to Write Your Own Spells” (In-Depth Guide)

There is nothing wrong with using spells found in books or on the internet, but they can contain errors, have bad consequences, or can simply not align with what you are seeking.

In this article, I will teach you how to draw inspiration from spells you find in order to write your own!

A Gorgeous Page Template To Print Out and Write All Your Magickal Working On

Witchy Tip For Money Spells

Spells and Formulas Record Sheet

You can print this out or save it on your computer. Even after practicing for over 45 years I find this page from Lady Abyss very helpful.

Spells and Formulas Record Sheet

 

TYPE OF SPELL OR FORMULA: This should state very clearly what the type of spell is e.g. blessing, binding etc. When developing formulas for lotions and potions, for instance, you need to be clear as to the exact purpose.

 

DATE AND TIME MADE: This gives a cross-reference should you wish to use the correct planetary hours or magical days.

 

REFERENCE: you should develop your own system of reference; this might be, for instance, according to the time of year or alphabetically. Do also remember to keep safely somewhere a record of how you have developed your reference system so that others may benefit from your experience.

 

ASTROLOGICAL PHASE: if you have an interest in astrology you will probably want to record where the planets are when you prepare the spell or formula. A decent ephemeris (list of planetary positions) can be of great help here though there are also many sources of information on the internet.

 

SPECIFIC PURPOSE: you should always state the specific purpose of the spell or formula very clearly. This is partly because it helps to focus your own mind, but also because it leaves no one in any doubt as to your intentions. Should you have more than one main purpose, you should also record these.

 

LIST OF INGREDIENTS AND/OR SUPPLIES NEEDED: Having all your ingredients to hand ensures that you are working with maximum efficiency and not misusing or needing to adjust the energy by leaving the sacred space. Also, when you repeat a working you will need to replicate what you did the first time; even one small change in ingredients can make a tremendous difference to the outcome.

 

SPECIFIC LOCATION REQUIRED: You may well need to perform some spells within a certain area or setting. Also you may discover that your own energy responds to some locations better than others.

 

DATE, TIME AND ASTROLOGICAL PHASE WHEN USED: In all probability you will not want all your spells to take effect at the time you cast them. suppose you have applied for a job and wish your spell to work at the time of interview. You would need to carefully calculate the date, time and astrological phase of the interview as well as the time you are actually casting your spell and incorporate both sets of information into your working.

 

RESULTS: Record carefully all aspects of results you feel are associated with your working. This record should include how successful you consider the spell to be and how it might be improved. There will be some unexpected results, some which appear not to give a tangible result and others which come into play some time after they were expected.

 

DEITIES INVOKED DURING PREPARATION AND/OR USE: Often a particular god can be helpful in bringing about a needed result for a spell. You will chose the most appropriate for your purpose and can always petition a different one at another time.

 

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATIONS AND/OR USE: Often when spell-working, movements and words are intuitive and instinctive; the more you are able to remember what you did the more likely you are to achieve similar results. Also, should you require them for someone to work on your behalf or to undertake someone else’s magical training, you will have an exact record.

 

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Here you should record for each occasion anything that seems strange, bizarre or noteworthy so that you know what to expect next time.

 

In each of the spells we give a list of ingredients and special articles which may be required to achieve a result for that particular spell. Because each individual brings their own energy into the process, you may find that you intuitively want to change something, whether that is an ingredient, a container or the words used. This is absolutely fine, and means that your spell has a very personal ‘feel’ to it.

Keeping Track of Your Spells

KEEPING TRACK OF YOUR SPELLS

 

Whenever you do a spell, record all the details in your book of shadows. That way, you can perform the spell again at a later date, adjust it, or adapt it to other circumstances. Following is a list of the basic information you should include about any spell or ritual you perform:

Name and type of spell. Write this at the top of the page.

and time you did the spell. If it’s an original spell, you may also wish to add the date and time you composed it.

Who else was present, if anyone.

Moon phase. Add the moon sign if you know it, as well as other pertinent astrological information.

Weather. This is more important than you might think, as weather can affect your feelings as well as the place where you choose to perform your spell.

Location. Did you do the spell in the living room, backyard, etc.?

Your health. Your energy level and overall health can impact your spells. If you are female, also note where you are in your menstrual cycle.

Purpose of the spell. This may be obvious from the name of the spell, but a heading such as “Simple Cauldron Spell” might require a little more information about why you did the spell.

A complete list of the tools and ingredients used. This is vital for future reference and if you choose to repeat the spell.

Deities invoked, if any.

The entire text of the spell or ritual. You can write this down before the ritual, and just work from your text, if necessary.

How long it took to complete the spell.

The immediate reaction you felt to the ritual.

Short-term results. What did you notice over the first few days or weeks following the ritual?

Long-term results. What sort of changes have you observed over the following months or years?

You may choose to add other information you consider relevant, interesting, etc. Add drawings, poems, or other jottings if you like. Of course, you can always come back later and put in notations about things you thought of afterwards, dreams, discussions you may have had with fellow witches, and so on. It’s your book to work with however seems best for you.

Source: The Modern Guide to Witchcraft: Your Complete Guide to Witches, Covens, and Spells bySkye Alexander

Let’s Talk Witch – The Most Powerful Ingredient in Spells

 

The Most Powerful Ingredient in Spells

 

Simply relying on the right color candle, correct incense or special herbs to work their magic will leave you wondering what you left out. The special ingredient you may have left out is YOU!

I decided to write this book because our website received so many emails over the years from beginners complaining that they had followed a spell EXACTLY as it was written, and it failed to work. They wanted to know what they were doing wrong. Like most of us, they had seen movies or TV shows that suggested having the right combination of colored candles, special herbs, oils and magical words would solve their financial or relationship problems. They did not understand that the ingredients in their spell was only a small part of the process.

Most books on casting spells only give you half of the information you really need. You are given lists of ingredients and action steps, but no explanation of how or why these spells really work. The Universal Laws that govern the results are not clearly explained and the new practitioner is left with only a vague understanding of what they are doing.

This is a problem, as those who are truly interested in manifesting their desires are not adding the most important ingredient, or worse yet, they are adding the wrong ingredient. That ingredient is the personal energy that they send out. This is what the Universe will ultimately respond to.

Personal energy is the key ingredient in all spells. If you have ever asked your mom or a friend for a recipe because you wanted to make the same meal they made, only to have that recipe fail when you tried to duplicate it, you probably understand what I am talking about. Even when you follow their recipe exactly as it was written, it never seems to turn out the same for you. Their personal touch will always be missing. A good cook will simply add a little of his or her energy to the recipe and make it their own.

Like a favorite recipe, sometimes you may need to modify a spell just a little to make it work for you. Changing the color of a candle or using a different scent of incense will not make the Divine angry or cause the Universe to ignore you. If you are sending out thoughts and feelings that are positive and full of gratitude, your spells will always return positive results.

If you already have a shelf full of spell books and have collected all the right ingredients for a spell, that’s great! But if you are just starting out or are missing what seems to be key ingredients, don’t let it be a major concern. The Universe will be responding to YOU, not your collection of herbs, oils or crystals.

Source: Wicca A Beginner’s Guide to Casting Spells: Herbal, Crystal and Candle Magic (Living Wicca Today Book 3) byKardia Zoe