Category: Articles

Let's Talk Witch – Ethical Spell-Casting

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Let’s Talk Witch – Ethical Spell-Casting

Whether simple or complex, all spells involve focusing the power of intention to produce outcomes. Your intention not only provides the fuel that energizes a spell, it also colors the spell. Your motive for doing a spell determines whether it’s “white” or “black” magick, or somewhere in between.

There’s nothing wrong with doing “gray” spells—most spells, in fact, fit into this category. It’s not incorrect or selfish to use your magickal talents to improve your lot in life. However, a wise witch always examines her reasons for casting a spell before she takes any action. Sometimes the only difference between a gray and black spell is your intention. Let’s say, for example, you want a certain job. It’s logical to do a spell to improve your chances of landing the position you desire. But if your spell intentionally causes someone else to lose the job so you can take over, that’s black magick.

It’s also important to feel good about the spells you do. Witches have different opinions and preferences when it comes to working magick, and although certain practices you may not be wrong, they might not be right for you. For instance, some witches engage in sex magick, but it’s not for everyone. Stay within your own comfort zone.

Witches subscribe to a few general guidelines that constitute morally responsible spells. Here are the basic spellcraft “don’ts.”

Don’t design a spell that might harm another person or interfere with his free will.

Don’t cast a spell that includes components or methods that violate your own personal taboos or ethics.

Don’t work with languages or symbolic items that you don’t fully understand.

Don’t do spells if you are ill, angry, or otherwise off-center, as this can affect the outcome dramatically.

If you follow these simple guidelines, you’ll avoid the problems, pitfalls, and unpleasant ramifications that can sometimes accompany spell-casting.

 

The Everything Wicca and Witchcraft Book (Everything®)
Alexander, Skye (2008-07-01).

The Witches Correspondence for Friday, August 16th

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The Witches Correspondence for Friday, August 16th

 

Magickal Intentions: Love, Romance, Marriage, Sexual Matters, Physical Beauty, Friendship and Partnerships, Strangers and Heart
Incense: Strawberry, Sandalwood, Rose, Saffron and Vanilla
Planet: Venus
Sign: Libra and Taurus
Angel: Ariel
Colors: Green, Pink, Aqua
Herbs/Plants: Pink Rose, Ivy, Birch, Heather, Clematis, Sage, Violet and Water Lilly Stones: Rose Quartz, Moonstone, Pink Tourmaline, Peridot, Emerald and Jade
Oil: (Venus) Cardamom, Palmrosa, Rose, Yarrow

Friday belongs to Venus, and its energies are warm, sensuous, and fulfilling. Efforts that involve any type of pleasure, comfort, and luxury, as well as the arts, music, or aroma (incense and perfume) works well on this day. As Venus lends its sensuous influences to the energies of this day, use it for any magical work that deals with matters of the heart.

The Witches Almanac for Friday, August 16th

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The Witches Almanac for Friday, August 16th

Friday (Venus):  Love, friendship, reconciliation and beauty.

Festival of Minstrels (European)

 

Waxing Moon

The Waxing Moon (from the New Moon to the Full) is the ideal time for magick to draw things toward you.

Moon Phase: First Quarter

Moon Sign: Sagittarius

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

Moon enters Capricorn 11:25 pm

Capricorn: Develops strong structure. Focus on traditions, responsibilities, and obligations. A good time to set boundaries and rules.

Incense: Orchid

Color: Purple

Raffle for a Cause

*I copied this post from the original page. In case something doesn’t show up or the raffle button don’t work, there is a permanent link in the menu above. This raffle will run till August 25th. I hope you like the merchandise. Have fun and Enjoy!

 

I promised and I hope I delivered for you. In this raffle, it contains a choice of one of the three Book of Shadows below. The BOS have not been blessed or concentrated. They have been made under the best possible conditions. You are guaranteed to get a clean, ready to use, just for you BOS. All the BOS’s include paper also.

Remember a minimum of $5.00 can make one of these beautiful BOS’s yours. I would also like to take a quick moment to remind you of our cause. We are trying to raise enough money to purchase a push lawn mower to mow the office, around the refuge, pond and field. Our riding lawn mower blow up. Someone called the county because our grass is about mid-calf high. The county gave us so long to get it mowed till they are going to start fining us. The fine will be $100 a day till we get it mowed.  So please help keep us out of a pickle and me out of jail, lol!

Now let’s look at those beautiful Book of Shadows……

small-pentagram-leather-blank-book-of-shadows

Small Pentagram Leather Blank Book of Shadows

Made of hand tooled leather, the Pentagram leather blank book is a  beautiful book for the creation of your new Book of Shadows, dream  diary, or any other such magical journal or grimoire that you are  putting to pen. With an embossed border that lend the impression of  verdant foliage, both its front and back covers have been worked to  depict an intricate, interwoven pentagram, entangled within a blossom of knotwork. The result is a beautiful image that lends to impression a  sense of occult mysticism alongside the natural mysteries of life.

Sandwiched between the book’s leather covers are approximately 240  pages of high quality, acid-free paper, made of recycled biomass. They  are perfectly suited for accepting charcoal, pen, pencil, or even paint. The book measures approximately 5″ by 7″.

wiccan-blank-book-of-shadows

Wiccan Blank Book of Shadows

This hardbound journal presents and an ornate cover that gives the  impression that is crafted of a rich, brown leather, immediately  providing the impression of classical journal or Book of Shadows. This  is only enhanced by the design that is printed on both the front and  back covers in gold coloring, providing a border of an ornate floral  design. This imagery frames a central image of a Triquetra; a symbol of  Celtic origin which has been adopted to the Wiccan faith as a symbol of  the Maiden, Mother, and Crone, or the three aspects of the Goddess.   Such powerful imagery makes the pages within perfect for both the  experienced and the budding Witch, with plenty of space to begin your  book of shadows, a dream journal, or whatever other compositions you  might wish to write.  This blank journal is  8 1/2″ long and 6″ wide and features 100 pages, making it perfect for your night stand, dresser  drawer, or other such places with limited space.

witchs-blank-book-of-shadows

Witch’s Blank Book of Shadows

 With thick covers sculpted from cold-cast resin, this spiral-bound  journal proudly proclaims itself a Book of Shadows, with those words  displayed as a title against a background shaped so as to appear made of stone, and the image of a witch in flight before a crescent moon  sitting above the title.  Measuring approximately 5″ wide and 8″ tall,  it contains fine unlined paper.

Now you have seen these beautiful books, ready to get your raffle ticket, make your bid and good luck!

Thank you for entering the raffle. We appreciate it very much!

Elder's Meditation of the Day August 15

Elder’s Meditation of the Day August 15

“There are many people who could claim and learn from their Indian ancestry, but because of the fear their parents and grandparents knew, because of past and present prejudice against Indian people, that part of their heritage is clouded or denied.”

–Joseph Bruchac, ABENAKI

There were many injustices done to Native people. Sometimes I wonder, why am I connected to the past injustices done to Indian people? Why am I so angry about the past? The Elders say our ancestors are alive within each of us. Therefore, I may experience anger and resentment inside of me because of the injustice done to them. The way I get rid of these past feelings is to forgive. It may be necessary to even learn to forgive the unforgivable.

Great Spirit, teach me the path of forgiveness; teach me the courage to forgive; teach me to let go. Give to me a forgiving heart.

August 15 – Daily Feast

August 15 – Daily Feast

Most people do not intend to get caught in a bad cause. We simply get swept along with the tide. It can happen because we want to get ahead fast – but it more likely happiness out of ignorance. It has been said that we have the capacity to make heaven a hell, or a heaven of hell. We’ve been known to do both – though it is a matter of choice. According to the Cherokee, it is plain to see that the place called heaven, ga lv la di-tso sv, is the ultimate choice. We have had to deal with situations that we didn’t choose. They were simply piled on us and we tried to help. But here we must be wise. We can’t allow ourselves to be drawn into a cause that is not our responsibility, and that we may not be well informed enough to handle.

~ I have been trying to seize the promises which they made me….but I cannot find them. ~

BIG BEAR

‘A Cherokee Feast of Days’, by Joyce Sequichie Hifler

Daily Motivator for August 15th – Positive choices

Positive choices

You can choose to be happy just as easily as you choose to be sad. The  choice, no matter what the situation, is always up to you.

You can choose to get up and get going just as easily as you choose to sit  and do nothing. The choice to actively move your life forward is always yours to  make.

Instead of worrying about who is to blame, focus on choosing your most  positive response. Instead of letting the past get you down, make the choices  that will lift you up.

This is your own life, so live it with your own best intentions. Each moment  gives you a new choice, so make all those choices count.

Sure, there are many things that are out of your control. Yet there are still  plenty of choices that enable you to live your life the way you wish to live  it.

Choose, again and again, to live in alignment with your purpose and your  highest values. Positive choices are what create a positive, fulfilling  life.

— Ralph Marston

Daily Motivator

Daily OM for August 15th – Enjoying the Ride

Enjoying the Ride

The Flow of the Universe

by Madisyn Taylor

 

Many people live their lives struggling against the current while others use the flow like a mighty wind.

The flow of the universe moves through everything. It’s in the rocks that form, get pounded into dust, and are blown away, the sprouting of a summer flower born from a seed planted in the spring, the growth cycle that every human being goes through, and the current that takes us down our life’s paths. When we move with the flow, rather than resisting it, we are riding on the universal current that allows us to flow with life.

Many people live their lives struggling against this current. They try to use force or resistance to will their lives into happening the way they think it should. Others move with this flow like a sailor using the wind, trusting that the universe is taking them exactly where they need to be at all times. This flow is accessible to everyone because it moves through and around us. We are always riding this flow. It’s just a matter of whether we are willing to go with it or resist it. Tapping into the flow is often a matter of letting go of the notion that we need to be in control at all times. The flow is always taking you where you need to go. It’s just a matter of deciding whether you plan on taking the ride or dragging your feet.

Learning to step into the flow can help you feel a connection to a force that is greater than you and is always there to support you. The decision to go with the flow can take courage because you are surrendering the notion that you need to do everything by yourself. Riding the flow of the universe can be effortless, exhilarating, and not like anything that you ever expected. When you are open to being in this flow, you open yourself to possibilities that exist beyond the grasp of your control. As a child, you were naturally swept by the flow. Tears of sadness falling down your face could just as quickly turn to tears of laughter. Just the tiniest wave carrying you forward off the shores of the ocean could carry you into peals of delight. Our souls feel good when we go with the flow of the universe. All we have to do is make the choice to ride its currents.

Knot Magick Spell To Heal

Knot magick spell to heal

You need an 8 inches long string. Mark the string 6 times, so that you have seven equal parts. Repeat the following 6 times and tie a knot each time:

‘Disease, no one asks your stay,
It’s time for you to fade.
With these knots, I ask your leave,
With these words I weave.’

Put the string in a container with salt (represents burying it in the ground). Make a seal for the container with the spell above written on a piece of paper. Get rid of the container in an appropriate manner.

Bind From Harm (Knot Magick)

Bind From Harm

Use this spell to prevent someone from harming themselves and others. Tie nine knots in a cord while saying each time, “I bind you, (name),
from harming yourself and from harming others.” When you are finished say, “Three times three, I bind you, (name), from harming yourself and
from harming others.” Then burn the cord so that the knots may never
come undone.

Rid Yourself of Troubles (Knot Magick)

Rid Yourself of Troubles

Concentrate on something that is troubling you. When you are full of
emotion, firmly tie a knot in the cord and then leave the room and the
cord behind for awhile. Later on, after you’re relaxed and focused, go
back into the room and untie the knot, releasing what has been
troubling you. Visualize it disappearing.

How To Make a Witch's Ladder

How To Make a Witch’s Ladder

By Patti Wigington, About.com Guide

A witch’s ladder is one of those nifty things we sometimes hear about but rarely see. Its purpose is similar to that of a rosary – it’s basically a tool for meditation and ritual, in which different colors are used as symbols for one’s intent. It’s also used as a counting tool, because in some spell workings there is a need to repeat the working a particular number of times. You can use the ladder to keep track of your count, running the feathers or beads along as you do so. Traditionally, the witch’s ladder is made with red, white and black yarn, and then nine different colored feathers woven in.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: Varied

Here’s How:

Realistically speaking, it makes more sense to use yarn colors that have a significance to you and your working. Also, finding nine differently colored feathers can be tricky if you’re looking for them out in the wild — you can’t just go plucking feathers from local endangered species — and that means a trip to the craft store and some oddly tinted feathers. I’d recommend using either found feathers of any color, or something else entirely — beads, buttons, bits of wood, shells, or other items you have around your home.

To make your basic witch’s ladder, you’ll need:

Yarn or cord in three different colors

Nine items that are similar in property but in different colors (nine beads, nine shells, nine buttons, etc)

Cut the yarn so that you have three different pieces in a workable length – usually a yard or so is good. Although you can use the traditional red, white and black, there’s no hard and fast rule that says you must. Tie the ends of the three pieces of yarn together in a knot.

Begin braiding the yarn together, tying the feathers or beads into the yarn, and securing each in place with a sturdy knot. Some people like to chant or count as they braid and add the feathers. If you wish, you can say something like this variation on the traditional chant:

By knot of one, the spell’s begun.
By knot of two, the magic comes true.
By knot of three, so it shall be.
By knot of four, this power is stored.
By knot of five, my will shall drive.
By knot of six, the spell I fix.
By knot of seven, the future I leaven.
By knot of eight, my will be fate.

By knot of nine, what is done is mine.

As the feathers are tied into knots, focus your intent and goal. As you tie the final and ninth knot, all your energy should be directed into the cords, the knots and the feathers. The energy is literally stored within the knots of the witch’s ladder. When you’ve completed the string and added all nine feathers or beads, you can either knot the end and hang the ladder up, or you can tie the two ends together forming a circle.

If you’d like your ladder to be more like a rosary string, I’d highly recommend picking up a copy of Pagan Prayer Beads by John Michael Greer and Clare Vaughn.

Let's Talk Witch – "Knots"

Witchy Cat Graphics & Comments

Knots

In Spellcraft, knots offer a simple way to contain or loosen energy. The obvious symbolism of tying a knot indicates an intention to bind something or someone. If, for example, you wanted to prevent an enemy from harming you, you could create a poppet (see preceding section) to represent your enemy and bind his hands and feet with string. If a witch perceives unwanted energies in a space—especially while performing a spell—she can tie a knot in a piece of clothing or the altar cloth to trap that energy until after the magickal working.

You can tie energy of any kind into a knot. Witches sometimes tie a line of knots of a long cord, placing thought, emotions, incantations, etc. into the knots. These lines are sometimes called a witch’s Ladder. Untying a knot at a later date frees the energy bound therein.

You can use knot symbolism in the following types of spells:

Bindings and banishings (especially illness and negative energy)

Channeling energy into a specific location (the energy can be captured in the knot, and then released when it’s most needed)

Securing relationships (hence the term “tying the knot” to refer to marriage)

“Tying up the loose ends” of a situation

You can tie intentions into knots, too. Let’s say you want to stabilize your finances. The best number for this purpose is four. You could make a money charm and secure the pouch with a gold ribbon. Tie four knots in the ribbon and concentrate on your goal each time you tie a knot. Or tie a ribbon around your bills, using four knots to limit the outflow of money.

The Everything Wicca and Witchcraft Book (Everything®)
Alexander, Skye

 

The Witches Magickal Correspondences for Thursday, August 15th

Witchy Cat Graphics & Comments

The Witches Magickal Correspondences for Thursday, August 15th

Magickal Intentions: Luck, Happiness, Health, Legal Matters, Male Fertility, Treasure and Wealth, Honor, Riches, Clothing Desires, Leadership, Public Activity, Power and Success Incense: Cinnamon, Must, Nutmeg and Sage
Planet: Jupiter
Sign: Sagittarius and Pisces
Angel: Sachiel
Colors: Purple, Royal Blue and Indigo
Herbs/Plants: Cinnamon, Beech, Buttercup, Coltsfoot, Oak
Stones: Sugilite, Amethyst, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli and Sapphire
Oil: (Jupiter) Clove, Lemon Balm, Oak moss, Star Anise

Jupiter presides over Thursday. The vibrations of this day attune well to all matters involving material gain. Use them for working rituals that entail general success, accomplishment, honors and awards, or legal issues. These energies are also helpful in matters of luck, gambling, and prosperity.

The Witches Almanac for Thursday, August 15th

Witchy Cat Graphics & Comments

The Witches Almanac for Thursday, August 15th

Thursday (Jupiter): Expansion, money, prosperity, and generosity.

 

Assumption Day

Waxing Moon

The Waxing Moon (from the New Moon to the Full) is the ideal time for magick to draw things toward you.

Moon Phase: First Quarter

Moon Sign: Sagittarius

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

Incense:  Clove

Color: Green

What Is Your Soul Type? Quiz

What Is Your Soul Type? Quiz

Are you a Hunter or a Visionary? A Peacemaker or a Bright Star? Find out with  this fascinating quiz that helps you understand more about who you truly, deeply  are.

You may want to share this quiz with friends and loved ones. Learn more about  your own soul-nature here:

If you are a FIRE SIGN, do you

* Sometimes feel negative and often  find something to complain about?

* Find that you are either extremely  encouraging or extremely discouraging of others and their actions?

* Dream  of the perfect mate even though you are disappointed again and again when others  let you down? If this sounds most like you, then you are a RETROSPECTIVE  SOUL. (Retrospectives get their name from their tendency to look backward,  sometimes holding on to old hurts.)

Or do you

* Feel compelled to express your artistic temperament?

*  Think you are sometimes unrealistic in your expectations of people and  situations?

* Find that you often look through rose-colored glasses to try  to see only the best in someone? If this sounds most like you, then you are  a DREAMING SOUL.

Or do you

* Think of yourself as positive and outgoing, especially in  difficult circumstances?

* Love to be center stage, even if it is at the  expense of others?

* Need accolades and a partner who gives you their full  attention? If this sounds most like you, then you are a BRIGHT STAR SOUL.

——————————

IF you are an EARTH SIGN, do you

* Love a challenge  and strive to conquer it at all costs?

* Motivate others with your  enthusiasm but move on if they hold you up or disrupt your plans?

* Need  freedom and flexibility in any personal relationship? If this sounds most  like you, then you are a HUNTER SOUL.

Or do you

* Take a while to decide on the right career path?

* Think  of yourself as a social organizer who will call others even if they don’t call  you?

* Need reassurance and security, as you’re not always sure of your own  value? If this sounds most like you, then you are a VISIONARY SOUL.

Or do you

* Naturally take charge of most situations?

* Find that you  are usually the first one to volunteer?

* Need to be involved with your  partner and have real communication? If this sounds most like you, then you  are a WARRIOR SOUL.

—————————— IF you are an AIR SIGN, do you

*  Very often wonder if the grass might be greener someplace other than where you  are?

* Not really need the security of a house, home, or family?

* Consider yourself romantic and love the idea of romance but find it difficult  to commit to a single relationship? If this sounds most like you, then you  are a TRAVELER SOUL.

Or do you

* Feel content to be wherever you are at any given moment?

* Avoid conflict of any kind in order to keep stability both at home and at  work?

* Need a stable partner who is totally committed to you, even if the  relationship is not perfect? If this sounds most like you, then you are a  PROPHET SOUL.

Or do you

* Need the opportunity to try out new and innovative ideas?

* Value stability and almost always feel like things are stable?

*  Openly and easily share your emotions, and need a grounded home life? If  this sounds most like you, then you are a NEWBORN SOUL.

——————————

If  you are a WATER SIGN, do you

* Always find yourself interested in  others?

* Like to involve yourself with worthwhile projects, and love to  philosophize and intellectualize things?

* Want a relationship, but like to  hold back, and find it hard to share inner feelings? If this sounds most  like you, then you are a SEEKER SOUL.

Or do you

* Feel like your main focus is on marriage and family, even on  social occasions?

* Work with children, or in a teaching, caring, or  nurturing profession?

* Enjoy nurturing your family? If this sounds most  like you, then you are a PEACEMAKER SOUL.

Or do you

* Like company, but feel you can be just as happy doing your  own thing by yourself?

* Get involved with several projects at once, finding  it hard to say no?

* Like to make the rules in your relationship? If  this sounds most like you, then you are an OLD SOUL.

Your Charm For August 15th is the Book of Charms

 

 Your Charm For August 15th

Today’s Meaning:  

A would be intruder into your private affairs will be averted by steps you take to protect this aspect. The book of charms indicates you should take extra steps to protect information and beware of anyone asking for personal data.

General Description:

The Batak, or Bark Book of Charms, is a magical ritual implicitly believed in by the natives of Sumatra. It is consulted as a reliable guide and counsellor in their private and important affairs. In the East Indian Archipelago superstition talismans, and amulets, play a most important part in the lives of the natives. Sickness is attributed to the patient being possessed of an evil spirit, and their witch doctors profess to expel the intruder by the means of charms. Often the names of the sufferes are changed in order to deceive the evil spirits.