Category: Articles

Alas, All Barrels Have Their Bad Apples

Alas, All Barrels Have Their Bad Apples

Author:   Ginger Strivelli   

It is sad but true; all barrels have their bad apples hidden within.

The Pagan community is not immune to ignorant and/or immoral idiots who call themselves one of us, and then go on to be the worse kind of bad example, spewing bad PR and worse damage in the wake of their stupid if not outright evil behavior.

The problem is, most people do not judge all Muslims by the “bad example” of Osama Bin Laden, or all Christians by the bad example of David Koresh, nor all New Agers by the bad example of the Heaven’s Gate cult. Nonetheless, it seems painfully clear that too often too many people still judge all Pagans and Witches and Wiccans and Druids and other Earth Religionists by the crimes of our few bad apples. Admittedly we’ve had some real rotten-to-the-core ones…and will sadly continue to in the future, most likely. We are open and accepting and loving people and we tend to embrace everyone, even those we shouldn’t. In our inclusive accepting ways we sadly include and accept those who we should not to start with. However, once those bad apples have been pointed out to us, we should stop including and accepting them! That seems simple, but often it is not so clear to Pagan leaders, clergy and communities when faced with a situation where one within their circle surprisingly turns out to be a bad apple.

How can we as a community distance ourselves from these types of bad examples? It is a question we ask each other often. A question we are forced to address way too often when such situations arise where someone within our local Pagan Circles turns out to be an idiot, mentally ill, or actually evil. Woefully, we tend to have some people who call themselves “Pagan” who fit all three categories. Perplexingly, some of our fellow Pagans will balk at denouncing these people…they will urge us to be “understanding” or “forgiving” or “tolerant.” The fact is some things, some people, some behaviors and some crimes are just wrong and not understandable, forgivable, or tolerable. That is a hard lesson: For some of us who have fought long and hard for tolerance and acceptance to realize that everything is not tolerable and acceptable! Some things are just wrong. There is still a line between right and wrong. Just because you are trying to be progressive and open-minded and tolerant doesn’t mean you can just not draw that line between right and wrong…you must draw it somewhere. Even if you draw that line at a different place than the (in your view) narrow-minded greater community, you still must draw the line somewhere!

We in the Pagan community try so hard to be open-minded, we often get so open-minded our brains start to fall out. It is a hard lesson for us to face that we can’t and shouldn’t blindly accept everything and anything, just because we preach acceptance and tolerance of our faith.

An ancient and honorable faith like Witchcraft, Paganism, Druidism, Shamanism, or modern variations thereof, like Wiccans and such, should naturally be accepted; a religion is not intolerable. However, some things, some behaviors, some people are intolerable, and we should stop preaching acceptance when we are faced with such stupidity and/or evilness. Those things do not deserve acceptance. People who practice such behaviors should not be “accepted” or “understood.” They should not be excused with the wand of “tolerance.” They should be exposed, exiled, and executed in some extreme cases with the Athame of Lady Justice and Lady Karma instead. We real Pagans should not feel obligated to explain or excuse or expunge such behaviors and crimes. We should stand up and loudly and proudly be intolerant in such cases!

The Pagan community’s bad apples range from just the misguided and stupid bruised-apple types to those who are evil mutations of nature and are rotten-to-the-core types… and none of them should be protected or covered up for by the legitimate Pagan community, just because they call themselves one of “us.” That does not make them one of us; it does not make them representative of our religion or our community. However if we stand behind these bad apple bad examples, and “accept” them and embrace them and forgive them, then we should not be surprised when our whole community gets judged by their bad example. What is the greater community to think if we ourselves allow and foster such fools and monsters amongst us? Naturally they will think us all as ignorant and immoral as our fosterlings.

The phrase goes, “One bad apple spoils the barrel;” that is why a good farmer doesn’t let any bad apples stay in any barrel. We as Pagan clergy and leaders need to listen to the wisdom of that farmer. We need to kick such bad apples out of our barrels as soon as we know they are bad. That doesn’t make us “intolerant” or not “accepting;” that makes us a religious group with a code of honor and morals that we hold ourselves to. It is shocking that many of our Pagan clergy and Pagan group leaders hesitate to show this bit of wise leadership. In their defense, often they are trying to be all-accepting and all-inclusive, for they fear being seen as un-PC. Or perhaps they have just become so open-minded their brains are falling out.

Pagans need to encourage their leaders to set limits on what is acceptable and tolerable and what is not. We need to start drawing that line between right and wrong somewhere, instead of just arguing that everyone else has it drawn too conservatively so we are going to erase it altogether. The line is there for a good reason, so when people go over it, we know to stop associating with them and to punish them or see that the greater community punishes them before they cause any more harm to others around them.

We preach, “And ye harm none.” But perhaps we should add, “And ye let no one else do harm either.”

A Witch in the Closet

A Witch in the Closet

Author:   AntiHusband 

Every soul has a destiny. Throughout history we have heard and seen how life was before we were even a thought in two consenting adults. Our ancestors are keys to our past; they unlock secrets, bring about good fortune and sometimes crown us royalty. Finding out who you are is what everyone really wants. They want to know why they are who they are and how they got there. We all started somewhere; either from a far away country or perhaps we never left our roots. If you were to go back in time, where would you go? Who do you want to see? Even if you could never change events, you might at least get a little insight to your destiny and learn how better to make the most of your life. Past lives have always fascinated me…wondering if you were someone else in a past life. How exciting and yet kind of freaky? Of course. That is the beauty of life.

My heritage is mostly that of English and Scottish. I can try to go back and see if there is any royalty or that maybe a famous celebrity or great leader is on my history tree. Probably is. But that is not going to make me a princess or give me an “in” at the Golden Globes. There is some ancestry that interests me more and I am still investigating. I found a name that struck a sensory and it had everything to do with witches in Europe. Wow…I felt the back of my neck hairs rise up, not scary or terrifying, but intrigued and curious. You see, throughout my life, I have always felt that I am different — not in a morbid or bad way — in a way that I can only describe as meant for something and very in tune with my surroundings.

I think I will start with what I can remember from when I was a kid. First of all, I was not brought up a witch. I was brought up Presbyterian, not a bad Christian religion. I lived in southern California at the time and this meant lots of banquets, parties, celebrations and people with money donating to the church. My grandma Jones was a devote Christian, Elder, treasurer and very active for a 96 year-old. It was awesome, watching my grandma sing in church (I can still hear her voice singing hymns) ; I was in the kids’ church, mostly lots of playing and snacks. I did enjoy going to church with my grandma. Somehow, I knew I was making a memory every time and to this day I treasure those memories.

Fast forward to 1977, my friend and I would go into the garage and play zombies with our Barbies: we would pretend we could resurrect them. I can remember one night we had a sleepover with three other of my friends. We had an Ouija board, (a 70’s Ouija board was a big deal) . We asked it all kinds of questions (boyfriends, school, future husbands) but one question I did ask made a lasting impression on me: “Are you here?” The answer was a sharp “Yes”, which seems like a normal question that could be asked except… I meant, are spirits HERE. We did a lot of Ouija board stuff; it was different and fun.

I spent a weekend with my friend in Escondido, California. I think I was about 12; we took a trip to the library and checked out as many witch books, spells, and magic books as we could carry. We went home and read every one of them. My friend was really good at ESP (Extra Sensory Perception) . She could read the number on the card every time. Whenever her mom left, we would call another two friends and do fun “magic” stuff. I can recall one time we had about five of us and we were going to do “Light as a feather, Stiff as a Board”. We lit candles, incense and began to chant to the “Goddesses” to lift our friend off the ground. We repeated this chant over and over and with each girl placing two fingers under our friend. We kept chanting, until we were standing and one of us opened our eyes, we realized we were still holding her with our two fingers and virtually no weight was bearing down on us. We almost dropped her!

On another of our escapades, we all went into the bathroom, turned off the lights and looked into the mirror. We chanted “Bloody Mary” three times over and over until a shadow appeared next to my friend. Okay that was pretty scary…That happened only once, but definitely left an impression.

Throughout all my childhood adventures, it seemed that we were having fun being different. When I was 13 a few of us ventured into a huge sewer tunnel looking for whatever…. well, we found whatever; a box of skeleton bones! Scary but fun! My dad didn’t think so. Police came out and investigated…Yes, seems like it was a missing person. Never followed up on it, but I did like the skull; it was interesting.

My fascination with witchcraft books never really stopped. I just got busy doing other things (having kids, school, and work) . My closet was turned into a ritual room filled with pictures of loved ones who had passed, my animals’ pictures were in there as well. I wrote up little sayings or blessings to keep them safe. Items that I found mostly in nature were kept and stored: branches, rocks, pinecones and even a bird skeleton. Nature was also close to me and still is very much. I was making ritual circles before I even knew what they were. (Funny, sometimes my spells work and sometimes they are a little off. I stopped writing for a while because it startled me that IT actually happened like I wrote it.)

Anyway, I thought church was fun and it was great that it made people happy and “born again”. But sometimes I felt like it wasn’t a place for me. This bothered me because this was a place to pray and feel comfortable. I can’t explain it. One day, I happened upon something on the computer about Wicca, covens and how these groups had a strong belief in Gods and Goddesses and Mother Nature. I couldn’t stop reading. Suddenly I wanted to know more about Wicca and witches and the connection they made!

The more I read, the more I realized I had a lot in common with witchcraft and Wicca. All of the things I had been doing since I was a kid now made just made sense. This was not a coincidence. I found what I have been missing in religion and today I am relaxed and comfortable in my beliefs. These rituals and blessings came naturally to me. My friend, who is a numerologist, noticed a mark on my palm. I knew it was there, but really I thought it was just cute that it was shaped like star (pentagram) . My hand pentagram has meaning and a purpose for me. I am on a journey to find my place in this world and when I do, I have a strong feeling that it will be one that makes a huge impact on mankind. I know this sounds kind of ‘way out there’ but it is what I feel.

The many realms of the non-evident s are facets of many beliefs and those who can see beyond what is physical can open doors that they never knew were there. I am reading “Witches’ Book of the Dead” by Christian Day. It seems intimidating at first because you think it might me something about evil things and voodoo; not true. It actually touches on how different forms of mediums can reach the dead and communicate with them. The book gives you confidence on how to keep positive and protected when initiating a ritual; I haven’t actually done the rituals in the book yet, because I like to read it through. The book really touches home with me on dreams and spirits. I can relate to dreaming of the dead and communicating in my subconscious, especially when I sleep.

I am actually more aware of how I interpret the dreams I have and who was in my dream, and most of all if it was my grandma, mom or my son. I always get to physically touch or hug them. Their words are very clear and it is sometimes just catching up or I get to see their world and how they are doing. Once in awhile, I will dream about someone I never meant and he/she will give me updates on themselves. I keep them in my memory until something triggers it — usually a word, article or someone random talking about a loved one who passed on — and then bam! I know why I had the connection. Past lives, spirits and connections with objects are overwhelmingly a passion for me.

One of the things that always freak out my friends and husband is the fact that I can close my eyes and see numbers or words like a photograph. If someone asks for a phone number, I suddenly see a number and repeat it 97% of the time correctly. I was really good in spelling bees when I was younger. Recently, I have heard voices (I know, the ‘voices’ thing!) , but they are usually simple and very clear. I hear these whether awake or asleep.

One night I was sound asleep and out of the blue came “Mom!” I awoke and answered “What?” No one else was awake or talking in his/her sleep. Turns out, my son in Oregon was dreaming about me and his brothers and sister (we all really miss each other) and he was upset. I told him I heard him and he was not really surprised (because my first born son and I have a strong kinetic connection) but he was more interested that I had somehow manifested myself in his dream.

The ‘supernatural’ comes natural to me, spirits and entities are mostly just trying to connect, as we all do, and they make communications with those who are open-minded and curious. They exist, but not on the level that we are. Spirits can see, hear, and feel. They see us like they used to. If we are not aware of them, we just go about our regular day doing what we do and never know that a spirit is standing right next to us. There are actually many people who have sensory perception, but they shrug it off, and all those subtle hints and clues, they tune out.

Like I said before, I am on a journey. I go about my daily routine but I do so as a witch, one that is listening with all eyes and ears. Being a witch and a Wiccan has really given me a new sense of well-being. I like to grow fresh veggies and am really big on herbs; I have known the benefit of herbs since I was young and (little known fact: I have had all my kids at home and I used herbs in pregnancy and during labor) I I never thought to have my kids in a hospital.

Witches always seem to get a bad rap. In the 1600’s, the Salem witches were the “healers”, the people locals would go in the middle of the night to get the spell or help they needed to fix their woes and problems. Somehow, the witches became the enemy after that and they were blamed for any bad thing that happened to the townsfolk. They were tried and hanged. Every woman who even looked suspicious was hanged and their friends and/or family as well. Ever wonder if you could go back in time and challenge that one-sided thinking? I do.

Finding other people like me was hard at first but I now belong to a coven and some have some forward to ask curious questions. I am always happy to help them find their way. My rituals and blessings are pretty much done in solitude and without other eyes (although my eight year old is very interested and she attends rituals to watch within the safety of the protection circle) . I have some awesome antique tools I am collecting to keep on my altar. My current quest to find an authentic cauldron is tiresome, but fun. Making wands with the correct wood and crystals is one of my gifts (I don’t buy them straight out) . It makes it more personal and so the spell will have a stronger power.

My Wicca studies are primarily done quietly and in private because if I were to do my rituals in my living room or even outside, I have no protection, no hiding fence to seclude myself and I really don’t know my neighbors, other than the fact that every Sunday most of them take off to church. So, for right now, I will restrain from redecorating my living room and hanging my broom on my patio wall. I have a room downstairs that is dedicated to my witchcraft and blessings.

In the winter, which it is now (January) I hunker down and watch the cold. The snow outside is still and the sky is dark and the only birds I hear are the Ravens flying around looking for food. They become increasingly bolder the colder the weather gets. Mother Nature is dormant and the re-birthing will soon begin with the cycle all over again. This is when I focus on my studies and try to learn more about how to be a better witch and hone my strengths and skills. It gives me empowerment and strength to know I am different from other people, I have always been keen to the smallest things and objects around me and I really do appreciate being able to sense the spirits in this world.

In the spring and summer, it is really beautiful and the daylight lasts all day here in Alaska. I get to make plans for my garden and when the snow melts I will find all kinds of rocks, sticks and things Mother Nature has hidden from the elements. I have actually made two wands from Birch; they turned out really nice! Feathers from Ravens and other birds are very rampant, especially near the bird sanctuary a few miles away. My garden consists of cooking herbs, magical herbs, and some, which are poisonous as well. I also have a veggie garden that is pretty big. My favorite ‘witch thing’ to do is make a circle of elements around a tree, complete with special rocks and candles. It is always in a safe secret area and is pretty inconspicuous, even if a stranger walked into my backyard. The herbs are recycled into dried herbs and tinctures that I share with my close friends and we get together and make dandelion wine, mead and rhubarb wine. Being a person who also happens to be a witch is actually the most beneficial thing to me in my quest for spiritual oneness.

I see shadows and hear voices very clearly in the night. I dream about happenings, not just random dreams, dreams that are repeated and are very clear. I am typing right now and it is clear that there is a spirit right behind me. (I have been doing this before I ever came out of my “witches closet”.)

As life goes on, I became more in tune with myself. I started small rituals, mostly to help me find my keys or see if a new love was in store for me. Every time, I would feel like I wasn’t alone. These were never negative spirits and shadows but I believe they are spirits who are there to protect me and guide me and even help me find my keys.

In many ways, my beliefs can only be shared with my coven friends and my Wicca friends. I am still living in my closet. On the plus side, my rituals and blessings (even the simple ones) are assisting me in being aware and “seeing” entities around me. They are there and I live with them, or they live with me.

There is so much to learn and understand, because spirits and shadows (that what I call ghosts) are all around us. This planet is one of many that can sustain life, both living and spiritual. Someday, humans will travel far into the solar system, even further than we are now and maybe discover another planet much like this one. Spirits exist; bodies die and souls are freed. The voice in your head that keeps you safe and that “feeling” you have is real. Our world is full of the living and the “living” spirits, some related to you and some not. They are there watching you and protecting you.

In conclusion, we, as humans, are given many opportunities to “see”, but only the open-minded are able to see. Witches have been around longer than Christianity. Wiccans can be seen as nature loving, earth conscious people with special gifts that they can use. They are given the gifts to teach to other “open-minded” people. I am proud to say that I am Wiccan and a witch and I have never felt so empowered as I do right now.

A Shocking Lack of Protection

A Shocking Lack of Protection

Author:   LoneWolfTarot   

The other day I was having a conversation with an older woman who has been studying Witchcraft for the last several years. In the course of our conversation I asked her what kind of shields and protection the tradition she was learning teaches to their novices. To my shock and dismay, her reply was, “None.” She seemed genuinely confused as to why anything like that would ever be taught.

Unnerved, I started to do some research on my own into the books and information that is available on the general market about protection in magick and about the dangers of magick as well as the good. What I found has shaken me; there seems to be little information of any practical nature. What psychic shields I found were basic “bubble shields” with little explanation of any of the dangers involved in magick. It seems to me that in an effort to distance ourselves from being labeled as evil, we have attempted to fill and teach nothing but an “all is white light and nothing bad can ever happen” mentality.

This strikes me as irresponsible on the part of Pagan teachers and authors, as well as downright dangerous for potential practitioners of the Craft. While I can understand and empathize with the desire to view the world as a Utopian paradise where nothing can ever go wrong and evil does not exist, the world simply isn’t there yet. Magick is a tool and as any tool it can be dangerous and deadly in the hands of those who would, either by accident or intent, misuse it.

While we should always look to the light, it does not behoove us to forget that the darkness exists as well. No beginning practitioner should be unaware of the dangers that come with the misuse of magick, and of the ways to recognize and combat those misuses. Leaving them in the dark on this subject not only leaves them open to falling prey to numerous forms of psychic and magickal attack, but also can leave them with their power stolen and corrupted by those who walk the darker paths of magick.

No one likes to admit that there are those who would abuse and malign their teachings, but not wanting to admit it will not make them go away. While the basic “bubble shield” is a good shield to start with there are many other shields that are useful and sometimes more appropriate as well, for example the shield of roses.

The shield of roses is an absorption shield and is an excellent shield for any situation where you know that you will be around upset people. All people when they are angry or upset give off bursts of psychic energy; think back to any time you have ever had to face a really angry person. Have you ever noticed that when the situation is over you are weak, tired and upset yourself? This is because the person was launching a psychic attack on you; not a purposeful one, but when we are angry we tend to want to strike out and for those with no psychic training but some psychic gift, their energy will often act on their inner desire and attack for them. This shield will allow you to absorb those attacks and ground them out around you so that they never actually touch you themselves.

To begin this shield, visualize at your feet, growing out of the ground, a bunch of rose vines. Slowly the vines begin to wrap themselves around your legs and climb up your lower body, chest and arms, completely wrapping you up in vines. See them covering your head as well so that you are totally enclosed in a protective shield of vines. Then pause for a moment and feel the vines’ connection to the earth. Feel how they are rooted in the ground beneath you. Now imagine that the vines suddenly burst into bloom, covering you totally in roses, bright red roses from head to toe. Feel how these roses draw in outside energy and send that energy into the vines, the vines then transfering the energy into the earth itself, grounding it out so that it cannot harm you.

Now, a note on the maintenance of this shield: Any time that you check on the shield all the roses should be healthy and in bloom. If you are under any kind of psychic attack you may notice that the roses will absorb the power thrown at you and then wither or close, leaving you vulnerable in that spot. The shield again is your creation; simply noticing those spots and willing them back will cause the roses to reopen or re-grow. Be sure to do the visualization once or twice a day and to check on the roses on a regular basis: The more you practice with this shield the better you will be at maintaining it in an attack. Don’t be upset if the first time you run across an upset person your shield absorbs the blows and then collapses; the more practice you gain the better you will get at it, and even at first when you are still learning it you will notice a definite difference when dealing with upset people and other similar attacks.

In the case of an actual purposeful psychic attack, if the attacker can figure out what kind of shield you are using they will try to disable it in one of two main ways. One, by throwing more power at you then the shield can absorb, causing it to collapse in on itself and leaving you defenseless. And two, by attacking the roots of the vines themselves where they connect to the earth, causing the power absorbed by the roses to back up instead of flowing into the earth which would again cause the shield to collapse in on itself. This section of your shield where the vines connect to the earth is called the “shunt” and it should be noted that the shunt will always be the most vulnerable part of any shield. Practice the rose shield for a couple weeks until you are confident in your ability to maintain this shield all day long.

Another good thing for beginning practitioners to keep in mind is to always trust your instincts. If someone is offering to teach you magick, or is promising you something that sounds too good to be true…it most likely is. If a teacher makes you nervous for no reason that you can figure out, or is asking you to do something that doesn’t feel right to you, then do not do it. It might be that that teacher is asking you to do something that would lead you down the darker paths or could hurt you, or it might be that what the teacher is offering is perfectly good but you are just not ready for it yet.

Always practice your shields and always remember to take all information with a grain of salt. We are all students, and no one has the right to tell you what is right for you except for you. On a side note, I would like to add that while true purposeful psychic attack is rare, it is still something that you should be prepared for. A fire may be rare as well, but you still want to have a good evacuation plan and a fire extinguisher handy.

A Coven of Solitaries

A Coven of Solitaries

Author:   Lady Abigail   

Over the last year since we began Ravensgrove Coven here in Florida, I have received hundreds of emails asking how it works and how is it possible to have a Coven of Solitary Witches. I am Lady Abigail, High Priestess of Ravensgrove Coven and how it works is with perfect love and perfect trust and some gentle patience given by all.

First and foremost we are each Solitary Witches in our own right with our own traditions, beliefs and Deities. We do not seek permission at any time from anyone to practice or work our Craft individually or together. We simply share with and commit ourselves to those we call family within the Ravensgrove Coven.

There are many Witches who are self-dedicated and self-initiated. There are more Solitary Witches now than ever within the Craft. We are Witches proud of our diversity, personal independence and strength. Nevertheless we don’t always have a voice in our magickal society. While we Solitaries are a valid and legitimate spiritual group within many differing paths, we also face a few unique dilemmas. We have trouble finding others of like mind and heart with whom to share our faith. We normally spend Sabbats and Esbats on your own. We have a hard time finding others to converse with who have experience or who could help us with rituals, spells and magick.

For good or bad most of our knowledge and information comes from books or the Internet; although these are excellent places for finding information, they are not always accurate. Sifting through the truth and someone’s perceptions of the truth can be difficult at best. Many times this information will push us toward a belief within the Craft that is not completely our own. I have met some who have found themselves choosing Deities because of books or the Internet rather than seeking their own.

Ravensgrove Coven is made up of Solitary Witches. Each member brings their own unique skills and understanding into this new and eclectic gathering of Witches. A Coven consisting of a group of Solitary Witches with differing beliefs may sound like new territory. The idea of Solitary Witches coming together and having their own Coven, being a part of the whole yet still independent, sounds unusual to most.

On the contrary; this is not a new concept, but a very old one. If you consider those who were Witches in the Old World or harken to my great-grandmother’s time, each and every one was a Solitary Witch with her or his own beliefs. They had families, homes and lives. They were the healers, the teachers, and the wise men and women others would turn to in times of trouble. They came together without controversy whenever needed, to work magick, ritual and worship.

How can such a proposal work, Witches being both Solitaires and Coveners? Extremely well… This allows each member their personal freedoms within the Craft and yet they are all a part of a working, learning and growing Coven.

In truth, we are each individuals; our practices and beliefs are equally individual. We are all following our own personal spiritual and magickal path. Ravensgrove Coven is a gathering of like-minded souls who come together to meet, talk, study and work. However, at the same time, we all strive to be open-minded and accepting of each of our personal differences.

This is not always easy, being an eclectic combination of many different traditions. Within a Coven of Solitary Witches, most of whom have worked alone and independently – sometimes for years – it can at times be difficult. It’s not always easy to put aside one’s personal feelings and not eclipse another’s individual needs. If any one person within the group becomes rigid in their personal desires for how things should take place, someone else will feel their needs are unimportant. So a balance is always necessary. Learning what each individual Covener needs within rituals, magick and gatherings will bring the balanced blending needed. This is sometimes made easier when we remember we are each distinct Solitary Witches who independently work as we think best for ourselves. Even so, within a Coven of Solitaries everyone must be accepting and respectful of the requests and desires of all within the group.

A Coven of Solitaries should be a collective management; each member should learn, take part, and lead a meeting, ritual or work, as they feel comfortable. This will assure no problems in the personality area (ego) or someone feeling they are doing it all – both common problems within Covens.

When running the gathering, you should operate the Coven by the guidelines set within the group. There are “rules of consideration” when it comes to traditions and Witchcraft (be it Wicca, Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Celtic, Cajun, etc). Your Coven should have its on traditions. Commonly all Covens honor the Deities, the Gods or the Lord and Lady, in some fashion. The calling of the watchtowers or elements, casting circles and so forth are also common.

Having a good group of Coveners who share the foundation is an important requirement and is the cornerstone on which the Coven ensures progress. Members must feel comfortable with each other, as the interrelated energy of the whole circle is paramount in the success of any ritual or magickal work.

We have found that a Round Table is the perfect time to discuss things and works best when scheduled apart from the rituals, gatherings and work. This is the time for Coven business and a time to set forth plans for the rituals, meetings and gatherings. The Round Table is a time to discuss needs and work out problems that may arise. It is also the time for preparation of what work needs doing, who brings what when and where, who’s doing what and who cleans up afterwards.

For those wishing to begin such a Coven of Solitaries you must make sure you have the heart, background and degree of study to complete such a task. Personally I don’t believe just anyone should start a Coven. It is a lot of hard, constant work and you must be ready to give up a part of yourself to the Coven and its members.

Then you will need to find others that are also seeking to be a part of a Solitary Coven, with the understanding that they will not be giving up their own personal identity within the Craft. This can be done by contacting local metaphysical shops, book stores, and even online. Remember, this is a new concept so be ready to answer questions on what your goals are for this new group. Do be careful what personal information you give out about yourself to others – phone numbers, emails and so on. Unfortunately, there are a lot of nuts out there. It is a good idea to have each person interested in joining the Coven answer some questions that you feel would give insight into their personal beliefs within the Craft.

Set a time and date for the first meeting of those interested. It would be best if this could be a public place like a coffee house, library or book store. This is only a time to get to meet people and get to know them. See who you feel comfortable with, who seems open to others and accepting of everyone’s ideas. This is not the time to discuss details, just an overlay of plans. Once you get a feel for others you will be able to see how you want to go forward.

Finally one extremely important point to remember as you begin a new group or Coven: STORMS ARE NORMAL. Once your Coven moves past the “NEW” stage, you will find there will be a few bumps along the road; you will have members come and go for various reasons and you will have to make some adjustments. All this is normal when a new group of any kind is forming.

You will have to help members see that no one should assume the responsibility for what happens or for any little problems that may arise. All groups experience disappointments, setbacks, and some level of conflict occasionally. Especially in the beginning.

When groups come together for the first time, they are starting the step of forming. While forming, you know very little about each other, about common beliefs and hopes for the Coven that may have drawn everyone together. Everyone is on their best behavior, a little on eggshells because there is so much you don’t know about each other.

As you become more familiar with each other, you become more comfortable. Individual differences emerge, sometimes in contrast with your own Solitary practices. As a group, you will find you sometimes make assumptions with regard to each other’s beliefs and sensitivity.

As a fledgling group with little experience with each other and with untested agreements on dealing with conflicts, differences can boil quickly and tend to take their own course at times.

In distinguishing your Coven’s path you must work to resolve problems as you stumble through the storm. This storming is a natural occurrence in every group. It’s a passage that helps the group to come together to validate common beliefs and to determine new agreements in dealing with challenges as they arise.

This storming or growing results in the “personality of the Coven” emerging as group members put their individual preferences secondary to the greater vision for the Coven’s personality. But remember that you are different spirits with different personalities.

Once a problem arises you work to resolve it. But more importantly, you grow with new agreements and understanding on how to deal with such issues next time they arise. The coming together and new agreements allow the Coven to move forward, to be strengthened and to center on its true vision.

It’s the common vision that will keep you all together. It’s the diversity within the group that will make it strong and will enable you to achieve a greater vision than any of you could ever hope to attain! You are again Solitary Witches working within a single group, a Coven.

When the storms come, don’t quit. Don’t assume blame. Recognize the storms for what they are – storms. Don’t forget the feelings of excitement and great expectations you all had when you first came together…

May all those that walk along this path find truth and light.

Lady Abigail

Fun Quiz of the Day: What Your Favorite Color Says About You?

Your Favorite Color: What it Says About You

Whether we’re a vibrant Orange, or a peaceful Blue, our color preferences are  a key to understanding our personalities. Find out what this color expert has to  say about your favorite color. What does it reveal about who you really are?

White: Symbolic of purity, innocence and naivete, white has  strong connotations of youth and purity. If you are an older person, your  preference for white could indicate a desire for perfection and impossible  ideals, maybe an attempt to recapture lost youth and freshness. It may also  symbolize a desire for simplicity or the simple  life.

Red: The color of strength, health, and vitality, Red is  often the color chosen by someone outgoing, aggressive, vigorous and  impulsive—or someone who would like to be! It goes with an ambitious nature but  those who choose it can be abrupt at times, determined to get all they can out  of life, quick to judge people and take sides. Red people are usually optimistic  and can’t stand monotony; they are rather restless and not at all introspective,  so they may be unaware of their own shortcomings. They find it hard to be  objective and may blame others for any mishaps. Quiet people with a preference  for red may feel the need for the warmth, strength and  life-giving qualities of the color, or they blanket their true feelings under a  sober exterior. Red is usually chosen by people with open and uncomplicated  natures, with a zest for life.

Maroon: Harsh experience has probably matured the Maroon  person into someone likable and generous. It is often a favorite color of  someone who has been battered by life but has come through. It indicates a  well-disciplined Red personality—one who has had difficult experiences and has  not come through unmarked but who has grown and matured in the process.

Pink: This color embodies the gentler qualities of Red,  symbolizing love and affection without passion. Women who prefer Pink tend to be  maternal. Pink desires protection, special treatment and a sheltered life. Pink  people require affection and like to feel loved and secure, perhaps wanting to  appear delicate and fragile. Pink people tend to be charming and gentle, if a  trifle indefinite.

Orange: This color of luxury and pleasure appeals to the  flamboyant and fun-loving person who likes a lively social round. Orange people  may be inclined to dramatize a bit, and people notice them, but they are  generally good-natured and popular. They can be a little fickle and vacillating,  but on the whole they try hard to be agreeable. Orange is the color of youth,  strength, fearlessness, curiosity and restlessness.

Yellow: The color of happiness, wisdom and imagination,  Yellow is chosen by the mentally adventurous, searching for novelty and  self-fulfillment. Yellow usually goes with a sunny and shrewd personality, with  a good business head and a strong sense of humor. It is the color of  intellectuality and all things to do with the mind. Yellow  folks are usually clear and precise thinkers who have a good opinion of their  own mental capacities and who have lofty ideals. They may at times tend to shun  responsibility, preferring freedom of thought and action.

Green: The color of harmony and balance, Green symbolizes  hope, renewal and peace, and is usually liked by the gentle and sincere. Greens  are generally frank, community-minded people, fairly sociable but preferring  peace at any price. Green people can be too self-effacing, modest and patient,  so they may get exploited by others. They are usually refined, civilized and  reputable.

Blue: Soft, soothing, compassionate and caring, Blue is the  color of deliberation and introspection, conservatism and duty. Patient,  persevering, conscientious, sensitive and self-controlled, Blues like to be  admired for their steady character and wisdom. They are faithful, but are often  worriers with somewhat inflexible beliefs and can be too cautious, and  suspicious of flamboyant behavior.

Blue-Green: Exacting, discriminating, poised and attractive,  the Blue-Green person tends to be sensitive, intellectual and refined,  persevering and stable if rather detached. Blue-Greens have excellent taste, and  are usually courteous and charming, capable but often refusing help or  guidance.

Turquoise: Complex, imaginative and original, Turquoise  people drive themselves hard and may be in a state of turmoil under their  outwardly cool exterior.

Lavender: This is often chosen by a person who lives “on a  higher plane,” who never notices anything sordid and who is always impeccably  and beautifully dressed. Lavender people may be on a continual quest for culture  and the refined things of life, high and noble causes but without the necessity  of getting their hands dirty. A Lavender person is usually creative, charming,  witty and civilized.

Purple: Purples are highly individual, fastidious, witty and  sensitive, with a strong desire to be unique and different. Temperamental,  expansive and artistic, a Purple person may become aloof and sarcastic when  misunderstood. If you chose Purple, you tend to be unconventional, tolerant and  dignified, likely to achieve positions of authority.

Brown: A Brown person has stamina and patience, tending to  be very solid and substantial, conscientious, dependable, steady and  conservative. Browns are not impulsive, and may be inarticulate and tactless but  they love responsibility and are reliable and kindly. If you chose Brown, watch  out for a tendency to be obstinate and inflexible.

Gray: The color of caution and compromise, diligent Grays  search for composure and peace and often work hard without reward. Older Grays  like life to run on an even keel with few ups and downs. Young Grays may be  withdrawing from life and suppressing their personalities. Grays often have good  business ability and tend to work too much.

Black: Dignified and impressive without being showy, Black  people want to give the appearance of mystery, but their preference may also  indicate a suppression of desires and worldly aims, suggesting hidden depths and  inner longings.

 

A Little Humor for Your Day – 12 Step Program of Recovery for Web Addicts

12 Step Program Of Recovery For Web Addicts

1) I will have a cup of coffee in the morning and read my PAPER newspaper like I used to, before the Web.
2) I will eat breakfast with a knife and fork and not with one hand typing.
3) I will get dressed before noon.
4) I will make an attempt to clean the house, wash clothes, and plan dinner before even thinking of the Web.
5) I will sit down and write a letter to those unfortunate few friends and family that are Web-deprived.
6) I will call someone on the phone who I cannot contact via the Web.
7) I will read a book… if I still remember how.
8 ) I will listen to those around me about their needs and stop telling them to turn the TV down so I can hear the music on the Web.
9) I will not be tempted during TV commercials to check for email.
10) I will try and get out of the house at least once a week, if it is necessary or not.
11) I will remember that my bank is not forgiving if I forget to balance my checkbook because I was too busy on the Web.
12) Last, but not least, I will remember that I must go to bed sometime… and the Web will always be there tomorrow!

Daily Feng Shui News for Aug 16th – "National Hug Your Boss Day"

I’m not saying you have to hug anyone on ‘National Hug Your Boss Day,’ but you should create an intention to hug someone since hugging offers so many healthy benefits. One hug can increase the amount of hemoglobin in your blood, which helps to speed healing while boosting the immune system. Some recent studies reveal that hugs can make you happier, as they’re believed to increase the amount of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for reducing anxiety and inducing a state of quiet and calm. Hugs also help produce serotonin and dopamine, two more hormones that increase happiness and lift your mood. So, whether it’s your boss or not, give someone a hug today. It literally does a body good.

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Your Animal Spirit for August 16th is Hawk

Your Animal Spirit for Today
August 16, 2013

Hawk

Hawk flies into your reading today to bring you an important message. It may come in the mail, e-mail, a casual remark at the grocery store, a randomly selected page in a book, or even a phrase heard on the radio. Be alert, as hawk messages can sometimes be delivered in a subtle fashion.

Your Deck of Ancient Symbols Card for Aug. 16th is The Priestess

Your Deck of Ancient Symbols Card for Today

The Priestess

The Priestess is the Gatekeeper of the subconscious, the unknown. She travels in worlds which most of us only glimpse in our dreams. Her realm is that of unseen truths, untapped potentials, and hidden dangers. Purely Yin in nature, The Calling of The Priestess is to go beyond the obvious and visible to tap those powers which are veiled from normal vision. While she is passive by nature, she has the power to uncover unknown potential and is very aware of the infinite potential all humans harbor within them. She is also very patient. She can wait for events to blossom in their own time.

As a daily card, The Priestess suggest the answers you seek can only be found by looking beyond the obvious. This is a span in which you may do better by applying the power of your subconscious to your everyday actions. Your intuition should be very strong. Be patient, allow events to unfold and you will find propitious moments of opportunity.

Your Tarot Card for August 16th isThe Chariot

The Chariot

Friday, Aug 16th, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Traditionally, the card usually entitled the Chariot points to a triumphal feeling of freedom, as if the charioteer is being paraded through the streets as a hero (or heroine). The card reflects congratulations for high achievement, and serves as a sign of empowerment.

Huge wheels and frisky steeds speed the rate at which the driver’s willpower can be realized. This kind of charge makes more of the world accessible to anyone ambitious enough to seize the Chariot’s reins. But there is danger in this feeling of freedom, because of the increased rate of change and its power to magnify mistakes in judgment. As a seasoned warrior, the Charioteer is called upon to be extra attentive to the way ahead.

Your Daily Horoscopes for Friday, August 16th

Our hopes are high today, but reality won’t let us get away with excessive fantasy. The upbeat Sagittarius Moon harmonizes with the proud Leo Sun, raising our expectations while romantic Venus shifts into relationship-oriented Libra, emphasizing our desires. But powerful solar aspects to strict Saturn and relentless Pluto can prompt power struggles. The erratic energy begins to settle down once the Moon enters steady Capricorn at 11:25 pm EDT.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You feel as if you can make progress on projects that are stalled now, but there’s still a complicated cocktail of cosmic disturbance to manage. You might not be able to actually put your plans into action yet, but you’re in a forward-thinking mode, nonetheless. Watch the signs carefully today; paying attention to your relationship dynamics ultimately helps you get to where you want to go.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

It may seem out of character if you overreact, but everything feels extremely important today. You want to be sure that you aren’t missing anything that could negatively impact your progress. But it’s possible to overcompensate in your attempt to achieve perfection. If you find your emotions growing intense, taking a few steps back enables you to maintain a healthy perspective on your life.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

Relationships are emphasized now, but the energy between you and others probably won’t be all that warm and fuzzy today. The connections can, however, be exciting and even adventurous, but the emotional aspects of your interactions might be temporarily relegated to the back burner. What’s more important now are the activities that you undertake together. Being a good companion allows you to have your fair share of fun at work or at play.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

You might bring a rather unrealistic idea into your workplace today and your solutions could be more grandiose than the problems they seek to remedy. The good news is that, although you may be stressing over finding the right amount of passion to bring to the job, you still have a solid chance to strike the balance you need. Don’t give up; small steps in the right direction are better than none at all.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You’re feeling as if you’re on the top of the world today and it seems as if accomplishing anything should be as easy as just visualizing it and making a wish. Unfortunately, all your problems are not magically solved by simply thinking about them. Nevertheless, you can make progress on many fronts as long as you take a creative approach and apply your energy in a balanced manner.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

It’s nearly impossible for you to gauge how much is enough today. You are pretty sure that your best strategy is to narrow your focus of vision, yet a loud inner voice tells you to widen your scope to get the largest possible view. It’s as if you are experiencing reality simultaneously through two different camera lenses. Instead of attempting to favor one perspective over the other, keep your options open for a while longer.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You may stress about what to say and what to keep secret now. Although your fantasies are more vivid than usual, it’s been easier to keep them to yourself. However, your key planet Venus makes her yearly return to your sign today, encouraging you to relax and share more of your inner world with those you trust. There are still some things that should be left unsaid, but don’t waste too much energy worrying about it. If it feels right, smile and say what’s in your heart.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Unfortunately, others might not understand the depth of your feelings now, so it’s better to keep them private. You may be cleansing the wounds of an emotional battle scar, whether it is quite recent or from your childhood. Thankfully, establishing boundaries and creating safe space gives you the room you need to honor your process. Heal quietly on your own or in the company of a trusted friend.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Your words pack more of an emotional punch now that the evocative Moon is back in your sign. But you might also notice that your feelings are in a state of flux. It’s as if your heart is attached to a kite, getting tossed around by the changing breezes. Controlling the sky is out of the question; you cannot harness the wind. Thankfully, going with the flow allows you to gain power and take charge when the turbulence settles down.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Although you’re unlikely to show all your cards today, you’re more motivated than anyone realizes. It’s not that you are specifically attempting to be secretive; it’s just that you know more than others think you do. Your knowledge is your secret weapon and you’ll be better off if you hold onto this advantage for a little while longer. The future will arrive sooner than you think.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

The call of far-away places and great adventures beckons, but you may need more time to make your great escape happen. On one hand, this is a magical and dreamy phase when you can put your creative nature to good use. On the other hand, you need to monitor your daydreams or they could lure you down the wrong track. Ultimately, acknowledging your long-term desires is healthy as long as you remember to also be appreciative of your current set of circumstances.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You’re expected to do something at work that draws your energy away from what you prefer to be doing for yourself. Although it might be frustrating if you cannot find the time to attend to your personal needs, don’t panic. It’s all a matter of perspective. A change of attitude is all that’s required to make your present moment more enjoyable. Instead of putting your energy into unrealized dreams, find the magic in the here and now.

Your Weekend Love Horoscopes for Aug. 16 – 18

Weekend Love Horoscopes

August 16-18: The Business of Love

Maria DeSimone

Maria DeSimone on the topics of love, horoscopes, astrology

Although love planet Venus sails into relationship-oriented Libra on Friday and opens up greater harmony potential in partnership matters, this weekend the Moon will be in sober Capricorn, reminding us that romance isn’t exclusively what true love is made up of. Nope, with Capricorn, love is about sticking with each other through thick and thin. During the good times, it’s easy to be in love, but when the going gets rough … only true love will last.

On Saturday, the Moon will connect well to Saturn — the planet that naturally rules Capricorn. This link suggests a strong focus on the business side of partnership and marriage. Your practical side will be aroused and you may find yourself asking whether or not your mate is holding up his or her end of the bargain in your relationships as you’ve defined it. If the answer is no, then the good news is that this aspect will help you strategize effectively to ensure you and your mate are both getting what you want and what you need. In fact, by the time the Moon links up to Pluto on the same day, you’ll make sure of it!

On Sunday there might be a certain amount of tension — particularly if you find you or your mate is distracted by work. An argument is possible if you’ve been taking home too many of the problems at the office thanks to the volatile opposition between the Moon and Mars. Remember to separate work and home life on your days off as much as possible. No days off? Hmmm … maybe it’s time for a change.

 

Daily Cosmic Calendar for August 16th

[All times are calculated for the Pacific Daylight Zone. If you are living in a different time zone, add or subtract the necessary hours so that any timed alignment will be exact where you live.]  You may want to get going with key errands and plans early today as Mercury forms a subtle and yet still supportive, 30-degree link to Pallas (5:51AM) while Venus enters one of its two home signs — Libra (8:38AM). The Mercury-Pallas rapport is a boost for problem-solving, strategy sessions and research. Venus in Libra — until September 10 — is great for artists, musicians, dancers, fashion designers and anyone desiring to put their creative stamp within their societal niche.  A flowing trine in fire signs between the Moon in Sagittarius and the Sun in Leo (10:33AM) is a vitality-producer in the couple of hours before it happens. However, once it becomes exact, this Moon-Sun connection becomes a void lunar uncertainty zone that lasts until 8:26PM.  During the void lunar dispensation, you can raise your productivity I.Q. via a Moon-Ceres trine (11:41AM) while serious research can bear fruit due to the Sun making an inspirational, 72-degree tie with Saturn (12:04PM).  An additional psychic monkey-wrench comes in the form of an abrasive, 135-degree contact from the Sun to Pluto (5:19PM). Treat dear ones and friends with respect. Use words to heal — not harm and critique.  Once the Moon leaves void status in Sagittarius by entering Capricorn at 8:26PM, think more about novel ways to reach important career milestones. Remember that hard work and perseverance are the dynamic duo that will eventually bring about huge professional rewards down the road.

Calendar of the Moon for August 16th

Calendar of the Moon

 

16 Coll/Metageitnion
Day of the Apple Tree

Color: Apple-green
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon an apple-green cloth set a vase of apple branches, a bowl of apples, a single green candle, a pot of soil, seeds, a bowl of water, a jug of cider, and a bell.
Offerings: Plant seeds. Feed people outside the home.
Daily Meal: Vegan, with apples, applesauce, and cider.

Invocation to the Green Man of the Apple Tree

Hail, Green Man of the Autumn!
Apple tree of immortality
Whose branches hide the white hind,
Whose fruit nourishes all,
Whose juice gives gladness
To those who work your Earth,
Whose seeds show the pentad
Of the eternal Goddess,
Tool of Eris which shows
How the mighty may fall
Beneath your spreading branches,
Equal to the lowest in their folly
And fate; this is your gift,
Love-fruit, merry one,
Brightest star in the harvest
With the universal star at your core.
Teach us that this joy
Belongs to everyone,
As does your gift of health,
So may we all be hale!
We hail you, sacred apple tree,
Green Man of the Autumn,
On this your day of greatest nourishment.

Song: Here’s To Thee, Old Apple Tree

(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. Pass the cider and apples around for everyone to share, and pour out the last as another libation. Ring bell and dismiss.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Sun for August 16th

Calendar of the Sun

Carista – Day of Peace in the Family

Color: Lavender
Element: Water
Altar: Upon a lavender cloth set a tray of cakes shaped like clasping hands, and many cups full of hot tea.
Offerings: Promise to attempt to be more considerate of those you live with.
Daily Meal: Any food, but it must be served from one great plate for every table, and it should not be in separate portions.

Carista Invocation

May there be Peace in this house.
(Response: “May there be peace in this house!”)
Peace can be a hard mistress.
The daily round of the ordinary,
The simple turn of day and night and day
The presence of the same souls
Can come to be like a shadow on the sun,
And yet Peace still demands
That we find a way to move past
That ordinariness
And all the thousand thorns and briars
And bring Peace into the house.
(Response: “May there be peace in this house!”)
Take the hand of your sister, your brother,
The one who shares your roof, your table,
The ground you walk on,
Whose feet know the boards as well as your own,
And swear to find a way
To bring peace into the space between you.
(Response: “May there be peace in this house!”)

Chant:
My brother, my heart, my sister, my soul;
My family, my life, come in from the cold;
My sister, my heart, my brother, my soul;
My family, my life, that makes this life whole.

(Instead of a ritual, this period of time should be used to mediate and address problems between members of the community, with emphasis on peacemaking and compromise and useful solutions. At the end of the meeting, all share cakes and tea.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

The Witches Moon for August 16th – First Quarter Moon

First Quarter Moon

(waxing/68% illumination)

Emotions begin to stir coupled with recognizing that the new beginnings you are making must also increase personal security to be worthwhile over the long haul. This is a time when it’s appropriate to get in touch with your gut instincts and begin to guide your life more deliberately, with an awareness of using your “sixth sense” as well as your enthusiasm. Obstacles may emerge that require you to reevaluate how to better integrate yourself into your immediate environment.

The Witches Spell For Aug. 16th – 3 Folk Magick Spell To Increase Your Power

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The Witches Spell for August 16th

3 Folk Magick Spells to Enhance  Your Power

 

Power Spell

Ingredients:   Dragon’s Blood Powder or Resin

If you would like to add a little extra power to your spell, incantation, incense, or other magic, you should add a little pinch of Dragon’s Blood powder or resin to the incense blend, sachet, or herb offering.   This should NOT be used with ANY internal or external healing applications, teas, or compresses, and should only be used in spells which do not require the digesting of the herbs.

　

Enhanced Spell Power #1

Ingredients:   Ginger

If you are trying to increase your magical abilities, ceremonies, or spell power, eat Ginger before performing   your Magic.   You can eat the Ginger before you perform any divination, meditation, ceremonial magic, summoning, or any other magical act you may want to encourage the results of.

 

 

Enhanced Spell Power #2

Ingredients:   Doll, White Feathers, & Dragon’s Blood

One particular method used to enhance one’s power and abilities is to create a Voodoo Doll, or Poppet made from black material or cloth.   Fill the doll with white feathers, and a dash of Dragon’s Blood Resin.   Put the doll where it will not be found by anyone else.

 

The Spell Book of Wiccan Shadows
Flowers, Dawn