Category: Articles

The Ethics Of Magick

The Ethics Of Magick

Author:   Frances [a WitchVox Sponsor] 

Some people are of the belief that when it comes to the practice of magick that anything goes. Magick is after all, simply that – magick. It is not caught up in ethics or morals. While this is correct, magick is actually shaped by the inner beliefs, ethics and morals of the person who uses it.

In all orthodox religions there are certain laws and regulations of how a follower of that faith should conduct themselves – in Christianity, for example, there are the Ten Commandments. In many Pagan traditions, however, it is believed that there is actually little need for such dogma as each person is ultimately responsible for their actions. Such responsibility can be overwhelming for someone new to Paganism, especially if they come from a more orthodox background, so they find the need to create boundaries in the form of guidelines. Within Wiccan belief there are a number of guidelines such as the Wiccan Rede and the Threefold Law of Return which are designed to help the newcomer understand the essence of that belief.

The Wiccan Rede is a beautiful piece of poetry whose author is believed to have been the late Doreen Valiente. Within this poem many aspects of Wiccan beliefs and practices are outlined, such as the seasonal wheel of the year, honoring the Goddess and the God, and sacred trees to name a few. The poem ends with eight specific words that many Wiccans consider to be the main guideline as to how they are to live their lives: “If it harms none, do what you will.” Some critics of Wicca see this as an indication for followers to do anything they wish. However, when the statement is given due thought, its true meaning is understood – that as long as your actions do not harm anyone, then you are free to live your life as you please. Some Wiccans take this statement further, relating the “none” to animals and the environment as well.

The Wiccan Rede is a version of the Golden Rule, which can be found in most other religions, the earliest dating back to Confucianism, where a 6th century BCE statement, “What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others,” can be found. Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity and even Sikhism also have variations of the Golden Rule.

The second ethical guideline which many Wiccans follow is that of the Threefold Law of Return, where it is believed that every deed done will return to the doer three times greater. This means that a good deed will return three times stronger, but so will any bad deed that is performed.

Many Wiccans also hold either a belief in the Eastern philosophy of Karma, or the Universal Law of Cause and Effect, where every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Karma is often viewed on a more personal level, that the deeds of one’s life are counteracted in the next life, while the Law of Cause and Effect can be viewed on a more global scale. A good example of the latter is seen in our environment. People in the past have done what they like without concern or respect for the environment or the creatures that live in it. The effects of this lack of regard and respect are the depletion of the ozone layer, rising salt levels due to large scale land clearing, droughts and floods brought on by erratic temperature fluctuations, and so on, that are witnessed today.

Taking Responsibility For Your Actions

As not every person who uses magick follows a Wiccan path and therefore is not necessarily guided by the Wiccan Rede, magick itself does tend to have its own guidelines. What some people do not realize when they first desire to perform magick is that magick is based on energy. When you cast a spell, you are sending out energy. The Universe magnifies this energy and returns it to you. Therefore it is vitally important that, before a person performs any form of magickal act, they are fully aware of the energy exchange and are prepared to take full responsibility for their actions. In magick there is no such thing as coincidences – everything happens for a reason, and when you perform a spell you are creating the reason.

Taking responsibility means being honest with yourself about what you are doing and why. You also need to be able to acknowledge your mistakes and their consequences. Mistakes are often the greatest lessons we can learn in life. To learn from your mistakes, you must closely examine what went wrong and to find a way to rectify the error. However, mistakes when performing magick can have dire consequences, especially if your energy is directed at a particular person.

Magick should never be done on a whim. Before you perform any form of magickal rite you need to look careful at the reasons why you want to use magick to obtain something. You also need to be very clear about what you want to achieve. Some people find it useful to consult one form of divination or another, such as runes or the tarot, prior to casting a spell or magickal rite to determine all possible outcomes. Only when you are sure about what you are doing, should you perform magick.

Due to the amount of “spell books” around it is understandable why some people are of the view that magick is an easy and safe means to get whatever they want. However this is a misconception, for magick is not all that safe if you do not know what you are doing. Things can happen that you did not intend. Those readers who have seen the movie The Craft will be able to relate to the dangers of casting love spells – in the movie, the victim of such a spell became obsessed with the caster of the spell to the stage where he was stalking her. There are also numerous stories about people who have cast money spells and while they did end up with a monetary sum, this was obtained through some kind of personal disaster or upheaval, such as an insurance claim or even a death. Therefore it is vitally important to be very careful about what you ask for, because, as the saying goes, you could very well receive it, but not necessarily through the means you had anticipated.

Magick is serious business and should never be taken lightly. It can be dangerous for those who are unprepared and there are consequences if it is used carelessly or with malicious intent. However, if you abide by a few simple guidelines (such as the Wiccan Rede), take the time to properly understand what you are doing and use it responsibly, magick can help you can achieve positive and rewarding changes in your life.

The Origin of Magick

The Origin of Magick

Author:   Crick [a WitchVox Sponsor] 

Have you ever wondered about the origins of magick?
By magick I am not referring to the stage tricks employed by various entertainers for our amusement, but rather the energy which numerous cultures and belief systems have tapped into in order to manifest their various objectives.

This universal gift is known by many different names depending on which culture/belief system one looks at. It may be known simply as magick, prayers, miracles, life force, juju, karma and so forth.
For the purpose of this article it will be referred to as energy.

Have you ever wondered if such energy was a latent presence here on earth prior to the arrival of humankind? Residing here as an ancient primordial force, which was patiently waiting for sentient beings to discover its presence and purpose.

And if it was here prior to the arrival of human beings, did it serve an active purpose in the shaping of life and/or the creation of events that allowed for said life to begin? Was this primordial energy an essence that was introduced by Deity by way of a direct involvement with what we know as life? Or was it a side effect that formed as a result of actions taken by Deity during the course of said activities?

Or perhaps it is a development that manifested itself with the advent of humans? Could it be that the life force that we know as spirit introduced this energy into the life process in order to provide us with opportunities to expand our spiritual awareness and/or connection with alternate realms?

And if this is the case, why do you suppose that such a tool for growth and/or communication is so under utilized?

I say this because in society today, folks tend to become less connected with the world around them and more absorbed with the part of the self that is influenced by the individual ego.

And if this is a tool for growth and communication, why is it that those folks who actually use this energy for this purpose are spurned and looked upon with suspicion and in many cases with outright disdain by others in society? Witchcraft in essence, embodies the concepts and principals in the use of such energy.

And yet the word “witch” brings out and runs the gauntlet of emotions and perceptions of humanity as a whole. And depending on which side of the fence one stands, a witch is either an evil and vile creature or a person who is in touch with and resonates with the universal energies of which magick is a major part of.

Where does this fear of the unknown come from?

Was the ego installed into our souls as a balance to such a powerful tool? Has the balance shifted too far to one side of our souls?

As humans we readily employ magick in our various endeavors, but do we really understand its origins and what exactly is that we are using as a tool? Could the ego be a safety mechanism that has been allowed for whatever reasons, to exceed its purpose?

In some cultures, magick known as prayers is used as a means of communication with Deity. Does magick have but one specific intended use? And if so, are all other uses of such energy but an abuse of its original intended use?

Within these same cultures, when an event that is normally beyond the capacity of mere mortals, occurs, it is called a miracle.

Are these so called miracles really but a form of the same energy that others would call magick? Can we as humans in fact manifest these miracles by employing this energy? Or should such manifestations be the sole province of deity?

And while we are on the subject, does this energy have a shelf life?

Does it become stronger with use, opening even more avenues of discovery and power as one venture along the path, or does it weaken from non-use and/or the cultural disbelief in such a power?

Or is it simply a neutral tool offered by the powers to be, with many different attachments waiting to be realized by humanity.

Regardless of what name we call this energy or by what concept we use to identify with it, this gift has surpassed all boundaries of cultural, religious and societal beliefs. It is found in all aspects and fiber of this existence that we call life. It is a dominant force, often in a passive way, in basically everything that we do as humans. As such we may most likely only achieve but a peripheral understanding of such a complicated and diverse force.

Perhaps one day when we become as one with deity, a more comprehensive understanding of such a gift will be made known to us. But until such a revelation is proffered by the powers that be, we should always strive to understand as much as we are able to in order to effectively use such energy in a way that is both constructive and meaningful to our personal lives and not only our personal lives but to those around us as well.

As members of a diverse community, we have a responsibility to contribute to the health and well being of our community. Because of the diversity of society, there will always be divergent views as to what this energy is or in how it is to be used. But at the end of the day, how we use such energy is still an individual decision.

There are certain pagans, in particular Wiccans, who believe that whatever energy is sent out will return to the originator threefold.
As a traditional witch, I personally am not so sure that such a transfer is so cut and dry, but in general such a concept is a good yardstick or learning curve to adhere to.

I personally do not consider myself a master for I do not believe in such a being outside of deity. Rather I am a student of life with lots of questions. For without such questions there are no answers.
And quite frankly I don’t have answers to many of the questions that I have asked here. What few answers I may have are based upon my personal life experiences.

As pagans we are each individual and thus should answer such questions as they pertain to each person in regards to ones own beliefs and practices…

What Mask Do You Wear? Quiz

What Mask Do You Wear? Quiz

One of the first steps toward creating a life that fills us with joy and  contentment is recognizing the role we play that may be keeping us confined in  unhappy, unsatisfying patterns of behavior. Most of us learned our roles early  in childhood, but after a certain point, those masks we wear stopped helping us.  Which mask do you wear?

Take this quiz to see which role you play. You may recognize the masks your  loved ones wear, too!

1. Do you often find yourself thinking, “It should be like THIS” or “They’re  doing it WRONG”?

2. Does your striving for perfection sometimes drive you crazy?

3. Do you feel like you will never be good enough?

4. Do you often tell yourself, “I can’t help it” or “It’s not my fault”?

5. Do you find yourself looking to the past and thinking, “It would have been  alright if only. . .”

6. Do you look to the future and think “Everything will be alright  when. . .”

7. Do you sometimes do things because you think you should or you feel  obligated to, but you really don’t want to?

8. Do you commonly tell yourself that making others happy is more important  than what you need or feel?

9. Do you often say yes when you really want to say no?

10. Do you often rush in to help people and fix it for them?

If you answered “yes” to 1, 2 or 3, you may be wearing the mask of the  Judge. The Judge is the mouthpiece of the Demon of Perfection that says,  no matter how good it gets, it will never be good enough.

If you answered “yes” to 4, 5, or 6, you may be wearing the mask of the  Victim. The Victim makes up “poor me” stories and is rarely in a state of  gratitude or in the present moment.

If you answered “yes” to 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11, you may be wearing the mask of  the Prostitute/Rescuer. The Prostitute pretends to be anything you want  her to be, compromising herself to get what she wants–which is usually love and  acceptance. She hides the truth of how she really feels. The Rescuer is the more  respectable face of this mask–the Nurse endlessly mopping the brows of the  wounded, the Hero rushing in to make everything better. The problem with this  mask is that it subtly (or not so subtly!) tells people, “I don’t respect you  enough to believe you can do this yourself.”

There is no shame in having learned to play one of these roles. Most of us  did. But we can all learn how to gently put aside the masks that hide our  authentic selves.

Feng Shui News for Sept. 11th – 'Today Contains 2 Special Events'

It’s ‘Libraries Remember Day’ and ‘National Day of Service and Remembrance’ — are you sensing a theme here? According to a recent scientific report, just a whiff of the scent of rosemary essential oil was shown to boost the ability to remember to do things, and in some cases even sharpened recall of past events. Of course, we in the holistic world have long known of rosemary’s amazing ability to stall memory decline. Thanks to these findings, more people will be exposed to research that finds that adults who routinely inhaled rosemary essential oil performed better on memory tests than those who did not. Don’t forget now, some rosemary each day will keep memory decline away!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Your Charm for September 11th is The Inscribed Amulet

Your Charm for Today

Today’s Meaning:    

This aspect is affected by a narrowly averted dangerous situation. The dangerous event could be a personal confrontation or even an accident you narrowly miss.

General Description:    

In ancient times inscribed charms were believed to possess great potency and influence. Some Egyptian written amulets have been found dating as far back as the 12th dynasty, some 2,500 years B.C. and at the present time great numbers of these inscribed amulets are still in use in Egypt. Our picture is of one of the Greco-Roman period dating 400 years B.C. It is a formula which gives instructions as to the course to follow in the outer world in order to obtain bliss and immortality, and worn to avert danger.

Your Animal Spirit for September 11 is The Crow

Your Animal Spirit for Today
    September 11, 2013

The Crow

Crow is always on the alert for trouble—and their loud caws! warn each other of  impending danger, Very little escapes Crow’s keen vision—which is why many cultures associate Crow with the keeper of knowledge. Crow has flapped his way into your life today to bring a message of watchfulness—have you built your nest high enough to really understand what’s going on around you?

Your Ancient Symbols Card for Sept. 11 is The Open Door

Your Deck of Ancient Symbols Card for Today

The Open Door

The Open Door signifies the presence of new opportunities. However, to reap the benefits of these prospects you will have to move beyond where you are now–forsake the comforts and safety of your current life and head out in new directions. Moves like those symbolized by The Open Door require courage, because fresh opportunities signify the chance of gain, but do not guarantee they will be realized. Regardless of the benefits that may be reaped, with the transitions like those required to explore these new found opportunities, something is always lost. Before launching on a voyage down new paths it is a good idea to objectively assess your current state of being and decide whether what you have now is worth jeopardizing.

As a daily card, The Open Door indicates a time that is primed for you to pursue new goals and dreams. For you opportunity exists, but there are no assurances that they will lead to a richer life. Weigh your current circumstances carefully, and if you feel there is a more fulfilling path for you, then this is the moment for you to begin your walk down that path–the moment for you to walk through The Open Door before you.

Your Daily Horoscopes for Wednesday, Sept. 11th

Maintaining a steady rhythm is a challenge today because we are in the midst of an energetic shift. We don’t feel so carefree now, even though the Moon enters cavalier Sagittarius at 2:35 am EDT. We can act out our aggression and then compensate by retreating just a few moments later because assertive Mars anxiously aligns with uncompromising Pluto. The heat is cranked up another notch as pleasure-seeking Venus tangos into passionate Scorpio.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You’re eager to apply what you recently learned to a complex situation at work, but you might not realize the consequences of your current actions. There are dynamic changes on your horizon now that sweet Venus has taken up residence in your 8th House of Deep Sharing. It’s time to ask yourself what you want from others while you can still see the potential of what’s ahead. Keep in mind that everything feels very intense today, so move forward slowly with kindness and compassion.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

Collaborating with others continues to be your main focus when your key planet Venus enters your 7th House of Partners today. Thankfully, now you can see beyond the doubts that have previously limited your actions. But instead of wondering how you will complete everything on your plate, think about what motivates the people in your life. Ask questions and actively listen to what is said because you could learn something valuable about yourself as you discover more about someone else’s experiences.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

Strangely enough, you may not be able to tell if your life is growing simpler or more complex. Your goal was to create a schedule that allows you enough time for yourself, but now everything seems to be changing again. Go ahead and grab an opportunity to play while you still can, for your work might not afford you so much free time during the next few weeks. If it appears like others are having more fun than you, don’t complain; temporarily set aside your current concerns and join the party.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

You want to be enthusiastic about your job today, although you may have to work on recapturing your earlier vision. You might start your day feeling resentful toward someone who won’t cooperate with you. But there’s no reason to hold onto negative feelings. As others grow more supportive in return, make a choice to graciously accept what they offer while still pushing your agenda forward.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Resolving an interpersonal conflict in the morning gives you the maximum amount of time to make the most of the rest of your day. Someone at work might bring you an opportunity that looks promising, but you would be wise to do your due diligence before just saying yes. Ultimately, your new direction may turn out great, but you could easily mislead yourself if you don’t check out the facts thoroughly. Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Your current sense of nostalgia might lure you back into your past, but, paradoxically, this sentimentality can put you in touch with someone who shares your search for meaning. Fortunately, your memories also activate feelings in the present moment. However, don’t fall into the trap of believing that a current situation is the same as a past one. Ultimately, your future success comes from looking forward, not backward.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Today may seem busier than recent days, partly because you are enthusiastic about getting a lot done. The cheery Sagittarius Moon wires your 3rd House of Immediate Environment, but you could end up spinning your wheels throughout the day and still not have anything tangible to show for your efforts. Avoid the temptation to scatter your energy. Slowing down and checking one thing off your list at a time leads to higher productivity and more satisfying results.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You’re on the threshold of an exciting opportunity and may be entranced by sweet Venus’ entry into your powerful sign, provoking both desire and fear. You’re aware of the changes in the air and understand that you can’t rely on your old ways of doing things. It’s time to let unfulfilled dreams fade away so you can create new ones that are more relevant and realistic. Ultimately, you’ll feel better once you step away from the past and move into the future.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You may have recently experienced a challenging emotional situation when you had to relinquish control for a while. Now, with the evocative Moon back in your sign, you are reawakening to your own desires. You’re motivated to go out and get whatever you want. However, your enthusiasm could be too much if you ride roughshod over someone’s feelings. Remember to balance your goals with the needs of others. You are not alone; your happiness is intertwined with the well-being of the people you love.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

If you are reconsidering your long-term trajectory, it may be time to think about setting new goals and aiming your life in an entirely different direction. Whether or not you actually make any changes now, put away your fantasies and consider only what’s real. However, this is not about giving up on your dreams; it’s more about putting them in proper perspective. Letting go of old expectations frees you to create a more relevant strategy. Once you have a plan in place, you might be pleasantly surprised with the speed of change.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

It may feel like a split-personality day, yet holding both perspectives can test your metal. You have a lot to gain by stepping into your power and entertaining visions of the future now that the expansive Sagittarius Moon is visiting your 11th House of Future Dreams. However, you must also be practical when considering what to do because valuable Venus enters your career-minded 10th House today. Personal satisfaction comes from balancing possibilities with practicalities.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Wake up and snap out of your dreams, especially if you’ve been lost in fantasies about exotic adventures and far-off lands. There’s nothing wrong with letting your thoughts wander, but the Moon’s shift into your 10th House of Public Responsibility reflects the work you have to do now. You can’t afford the luxury of drifting in the impractical realms of your imagination today. However, don’t lose touch with your hopes; just express them in the real world, for this is where your vision must ultimately manifest.

Venus in Scorpio (September 11 to October 7, 2013)

Venus in Scorpio

The love planet sizzles in scorching Scorpio

Tarotcom Staff     Tarotcom Staff on the topics of venus, scorpio, love, astrology

It’s getting hot in here! Why? After a lovely time in Libra, love planet Venus moves into sizzling Scorpio from September 11 to October 7, 2013.

While Venus in Libra was all about making relationships peaceful and balanced, Venus in Scorpio will heat things back up to a boiling point. That’s because intense Scorpio wants to dig deep and reveal the truth about everything — including relationships.

This is a time when you and your partner will start getting to the root of your relationship, and issues of suspicion and jealousy could arise. If you want some advice on how to proceed during this time, get a Love Celtic Cross Tarot reading to help you stay cool if it gets too hot.

And realize, you won’t just be questioning each other during this time — you may also begin to question yourself and what you really want.

Scorpio shines a light into the shadows, so those nagging thoughts you tend to push aside are impossible to ignore with Venus in Scorpio. If a relationship issue has been bothering you, but you’ve been putting it aside to make peace — no more. Now it will come into focus and force you to act.

Venus in Scorpio is pretty heavy, but it can be truly amazing, too. All this intensity leads to more intimacy, so if you’re up for the challenge both emotionally and physically you could find this a deeply moving and sexy time that brings you and your partner much closer together.

Daily Cosmic Calendar for September 11

The cosmos offers you a mixed bag of opportunities and challenges during — what is usually — a fairly pleasant, enthusiastic and goal-oriented transit of the Moon in Sagittarius every month. The first challenge arrives early when Mercury makes an off-kilter, 150-degree link with far-out Neptune (3:44AM). Hazy astro-psychic weather conditions hold sway under one of these configurations. Therefore, don’t sign legal papers or conduct down-to-earth business for a couple of hours before and after the exact time of this alignment.  The other challenge happens almost 12 hours later when Vesta makes a frictional, 45-degree tie with Jupiter (3:06PM). Playing fast and loose with investment funds can boomerang. Focus attention on safety and security needs around your residence or office environment.  On the opportunity front, Pallas enters Leo (6:53AM) until November 9 — a great zodiacal placement for artists and performers in any field to strut their stuff and rise to prominence in the public eye. The investment realm improves somewhat when Venus forms a supportive, 60-degree rapport with Vesta (3:59PM) — a favorable aspect that doubles as a boost for enhancing sisterhood ties. Communications with dear ones can lead to emotional empowerment for all concerned as Mercury trines Juno (4:06PM). Take a look at any new lines of fashion and style coming into the apparel and social scenes.  Fun, games, sports, and reaching educational objectives are all promoted by a fiery grand triangle as the Moon in Sagittarius trines Mars in Leo (3:55PM) and Uranus in Aries (7:14PM).  Note to readers: All times are calculated for Pacific Daylight Time. Be sure to adjust all times according to your own local time so the alignments noted above will be exact for your location.

Calendar of the Moon for September 11th

Calendar of the Moon

13 Muin/Boedromion

Day of the Aspen

Color: Scarlet
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon a scarlet cloth set a vase of aspen twigs, a single red candle, a pot of soil, seeds of some rare medicinal herb, a bowl of water, and a bell.
Offerings: Plant seeds. Deal with a situation that cannot be solved by black-and-white thinking.
Daily Meal: Vegan

Invocation to the Green Man of the Aspen

Hail, Green Man of the Autumn!
Aspen tree, shield-maker’s joy,
Poplar wood that breaks and snaps,
You come in black and white,
As if to remind us that there are
Two sides to everything,
And yet you are one, and there is
Very little difference.
You made the rod used to
Measure corpses, showing that to
Measure something out is to make it dead.
You make the shield for protection,
Which saves us from the hard blows,
And is laid on the breast of the fallen warrior.
You are the tree of loss of hope,
Teaching us that even when hope is dead,
We must do without it and go on,
Finding some grimmer emotion
To sustain us in our battle.
Whistling Swan with your mourning cries,
You expect no mercy, and give none.
We hail you, sacred aspen tree,
Green Man of the Autumn,
At this the time of your decline.

Chant:
When hope falls then honor calls
When passion yields honor be your shield
(Each comes forward and plants a seed in the pot of soil, saying, “Hail Green Man of the Earth!” Water is poured onto the pot, and then the rest is poured out as a libation. Ring bell and dismiss.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Sun for September 11

Calendar of the Sun

11 Halegmonath

Meditrinalia

Color: Red
Element: Fire
Altar: In the center of the altar should be a fire laid and waiting to be lit in a pot, and around it trays of small honey-cakes (crusta mellei), jugs of old and new wine, a cup of water, a sprig of rosemary, a bowl of salted spelt flour (mola salsa), incense of myrrh, and lanterns.
Offerings: Cakes,
Daily Meal: Honey-cakes, salted spelt flour bread with rosemary and olive oil, wine, lentils.

Meditrinalia Invocation

Caller: Incendio! (One steps forward and lights the fire and lanterns.) So doth the lively flame thrive, whether a little earthen bowl feed the thirsty linen wick, or pinewood that lends its pitch. Accept, Divine One, we pray, the light which we offer you.
Response: Vivax flamma viget, seu cava testula sucum linteolo suggerit ebrio, seu pinus piceam fert alimoniam. Lumen quod vobis offero, suscipe, precor, dive.
Caller: O Father Liber, grant us your favour! We who are come to your sacred rite in your service now open our lips. (One takes the mola salsa and passes it around to be tasted.)
Response: Liber Pater, fave! Quia tibi nunc operata resolvimus ora, quae ad sacrae tuae adsummus.
Caller: Purificatio! (One steps forward and sprinkles the remaining mola salsa.) Ab illos benedicaris, in cuius honore friaris. (One steps forward and asperges each with rosemary and water.) Ab illos benedicaris, in cuius honore spargaris. (One steps forward and censes each in turn.) Ab illos benedicaris, in cuius cremaberis.
Caller: Before thee, Liber, the altars were without offerings and grass grew on the cold hearths.
Response: Ante tuos ortus arae sine honore fuerunt, Liber, et in gelidis herba reperta focis.
(Two step forward and mix the old and new wine together with water, and pass them about.)
Caller: As I drink of this wine old and new, so of all ills old and new may I be healed.
Response: Vinum vetum novumque bibo, de morbo veto novoque medeor
Caller: Liber enjoys honey, and it is right that we give its discoverer honey cakes.
Response: Melle Liber fruitur, liboque infusa calenti iure repertori candida mella damus
(One steps forward to place four cakes on the fire, and pass the rest about to be eaten.)
Caller: So may the fruits of Autumn be sweet to us!
Response: Sicut nobis dulces fruges autumni.
Caller: Ambulatio! (All approach the altar and lay the garlands on it.)
Caller: Sacrificio! Sacred spirit of the spring, be honoured.
Response: Vina dat Liber, fert sibi quisque coronam, miscendas large rivus agit aquas. Anima sacra fontis, macte coronae vinoque crustoque quod inferimus.
Caller: So may all the waters of the earth be sacred to us. So may it be!”
Response: Sic sacrae nobis omnia aquae terrae. Ita sit! (Silence for a moment, then all exit.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Current Moon Phase for Sept. 11th – Waxing Crescent

Crescent Moon

(waxing/44% illumination)

During this Moon phase, there is a slight slowing down of enthusiasm due to an emerging desire to produce tangible results from the energy being expended. The issue of values enters into the equation and an urge to tie together the data available so that you can utilize current opportunities. There is still plenty of forward motion, and this is a great time to continue initiating and progressing forward. This Moon phase favors gaining more information and the input of others to further your plans.

A Word From The Witch

Book & Candle Comments
I will make my message as brief as possible today. My soul is drained and my heart is very heavy. I started once to go back to our old group on September 11 and see what I had to say then. But I didn’t. No matter what I said then or say now words will not help those amongst us who are hurting today.

 

I have lost loved ones myself and no words spoken to me ever healed the hurt. And no words ever will. It is extremely hard to deal with when your loved one is suddenly took from you. It takes a very long time to adjust to the fact they are gone forever. Even as witches, we are not granted the power of knowing when someone’s or our own last day will be. I believe we are not meant to know.

 

When our time comes, we will be taken from this plane to the next. It leaves the ones we love behind to cry with the loss and the heartache. But really there should be no crying because our loved ones have gone home to be with our Great Mother, the Goddess.

 

There are times I stop to think about my mother and sister. I begin to cry. Then I imagine my crossing over the Rainbow bridge and in the distance I see two figures. These figures are running to me, they are my sister and mother. The tears of sorrow are now tears of joy. We hug, we kiss, we laugh, what a beautiful day it will be to see them again. Just think what a beautiful day it will be to see all of our relatives and loved ones that have gone before us.

 

Today let’s take those tears of sadness and loss and turn them to tears of joy. Take the loved ones that you have here with you, hug them so tight and tell them how much you love them. Tell them not only today but each day of the year. Let them know how special they are to us.

 

For we know not when our time will come but it will come….

WOTC Spell of the Day for Sept. 11th: Spell for Bravery

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A Spell for Bravery

To boost courage when you need it.

Items You Will Need:

An orange or red candle
A piece of carnelian or tiger’s eye

Candle You Need to Light:

Light a yellow candle for Air
Light a red candle for Fire
Light a blue candle for Water
Light a green candle for Earth
Light a white candle for Spirit.

This is a simple spell and can be said any time you need a boost. Write it down and tuck the paper in a wallet or pocket if you need to, or carry the stone with you.

“Gods, grant me courage
To face what lies ahead
And deal with challenges
In the best way possible.”
 
 
“Earth, lend me strength
And make me strong and grounded
Air, blow fear away
And keep my head clear.”
 
 
“Fire, burn away doubt
That would sap my will
And water, calm and soothe me
So I might go with the flow.”
 
 
“Spirit burn strong within me
That I might be brave
In the face of difficulty
Gods, grant me courage
Gods, grant me courage.”

So Mote It Be.

Something That Is Needed Now More Than Ever……

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Prayer for Peace

You will need:

One pastel blue candle

three yards of silver ribbon

lavender incense

Use the silver ribbon to make a peace sign.

Place the blue candle in the center of the peace sign and light the incense. Take a few moments to meditate on what peace means to you and those you love. When you feel the time is right, light the candle and say the following prayer:

“Gracious Goddess fill my mind with peace,

Let all sadness and foreboding cease.
Descend to me from the heavens above,
And fill my heart with understanding and love.
Thou who creates now protects and guides.
Blessed be the Goddess who from the past presides.”

Allow the candle to burn for one hour and repeat when you feel the need for peace.

Remembering September 11, 2001


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 Remembering September 11

9-11-2001 (9-1-1)

8:42 a.m. American Airlines Flight 11, a Boeing 767 with 81 passengers, nine flight attendants and two pilots, hijacked from Boston en route to Los Angeles, slammed into the north tower of the World Trade Center in New York.

9:00 a.m. United Airlines flight 175, a Boeing 767 heading for Los Angeles, carrying 58 passengers, four flight attendants and two pilots slammed into the south tower of the World Trade Center in New York.

9:43 a.m. American Airlines flight 77, a Boeing 757 leaving Dulles airport for Los Angles with 58 passengers and six crew members, crashed into the Pentagon. A portion of the Pentagon collapsed 30 minutes later as a result of the crash.

10: 29 a.m. United Airlines flight 93, a Boeing 757 taking off from Newark, New Jersey, heading for San Francisco, carrying 38 passengers, two pilots and five attendants, crashes just south of Somerset County, Pennsylvania, outside Pittsburgh.

In less than two hours, the world changed forever. Thousands of people died, the economy was shattered, and the most powerful nation in the world was brought to a standstill, all because a few politically and religiously intolerant men didn’t like the American lifestyle.

There is perhaps no phenomenon which contains
so much destructive feelings as moral indignation
which permits envy or hate to be acted out under the
guise of virtue.

—-Erich Fromm

The Witches Magickal Correspondence for September 11th

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The Witches Magickal Correspondence for September 11th

Magickal Intentions: Communication, Divination, Writing, Knowledge, Business Transactions, Debt, Fear, Loss, Travel and Money Matters
Incense: Jasmine, Lavender, Sweet Pea
Planet: Mercury and Chiron (though this is a moon of Pluto)
Sign: Virgo
Angel: Raphael
Colors: Orange, Light Blue, Grey, Yellow and Violet
Herbs/Plants: Fern, Lavender, Hazel, Cherry, Periwinkle
Stones: Aventurine, Bloodstone, Hematite, Moss Agate and Sodalite
Oil: (Mercury) Benzoin, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Lavender

This day is governed by Mercury. Wednesday’s vibration adds power to rituals involving inspiration, communications, writers, poets, the written and spoken word, and all matters of study, learning, and teaching. This day also provides a good time to begin efforts involving self-improvement or understanding.

The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, September 11

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The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, September 11

Wednesday (Mercury): The conscious mind, study, travel, divination and wisdom.

Twin Towers In New York Attacked

Waxing Moon

The Waxing Moon is the ideal time for magick to draw things toward you.

Moon Phase: First Quarter

Moon Sign: Scorpio

Scorpio: Increases awareness of psychic power. Precipitates psychic crises and ends connections thoroughly. People tend to brood and become secretive.

Moon enters Sagittarius 7:36 am

Sagittarius: Encourages flights of imagination and confidence. This is an adventurous, philosophical, and athletic Moon Sign. Favors expansion and growth.

Incense: Lavender

Color: Yellow