Category: Articles

Full Moon Ritual by Raymond Buckland c.2016

pent

FULL MOON RITUAL

The moon is a powerful tool to use in Witchcraft. Each phase of the moon has its own power, and if we perform spells or rituals to coincide with the phase of the moon, our magick will be stronger.

After erecting circle at esbat but before cookies and wine, kneel with hands held high:

When the moon rides high
as she crosses the sky
and the stars on her gown trail behind
then we wiccan below
are all aglow
just to see her so brightly enshrined.

On the night of the moon
as I sing to the tune
of the Lady who watches above
I raise high my song
as she glides by so strong
and I bask in the light of her light.

Rhythmic chant

Isis, Astarte, Diana, Hecate,
Demeter, Kali, Inanna
(Repeat as often as wanted)

Lovely Lady, you have been known by so many people. Aphrodite, Territory, Diana, Ea, Freyja, Gana Isis and so many more have been your names. It is with these names do I adore and worship you with your Lord by your side, do I give you due honour and invite you to join me on this, your special night.

Sit and meditate

Descend my Lady; descend I pray thee and speak with me, your child.

Meditate; if you do not feel the spirit, do the following:

I am she who watches over thee. Mother of you all. Know that I rejoice that you do not forget me. To pay homage at the full of the moon is meet and right and brings joy unto yourself, even as it does me. Know that, with my good Lord, I weave the skein of life for everyone. I am at the beginning of life and at its end: The Maiden, The Mother, The Crone.

Where ever you may be, if you seek me know that I am always here for I abide deep within you. Look, then, within yourself if you would seek me. I am Life and I am Love. Find me and rejoice, for love is my music and laughter is my song. Be true to me and I will ever be true to you. Love is the law and love is the bond.

So Mote it Be!

From Raymond Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft

 

Egyptian Art

In 1986, the band “The Bangles” sang about “all the old paintings on the tombs” where the figures they depict are “walking like an Egyptian.” Though he was neither an art historian nor an Egyptologist, songwriter Liam Sternberg was referring to one of the most striking features of ancient Egyptian visual art — the depiction of people, animals and objects on a flat, two-dimensional plane. Why did the ancient Egyptians do this? And is ancient Egypt the only culture to create art in this style?

Drawing any object in three dimensions requires a specific viewpoint to create the illusion of perspective on a flat surface. Drawing an object in two dimensions (height and breadth) requires the artist to depict just one surface of that object. And highlighting just one surface, it turns out, has its advantages.

“In pictorial representation, the outline carries the most information,” John Baines, professor emeritus of Egyptology at the University of Oxford in the U.K. told Live Science. “It’s easier to understand something if it is defined by an outline.”

When drawing on a flat surface, the outline becomes the most important feature, even though many Egyptian drawings and…

Click here to read the rest of this article

Wiccan (Witch/Pagan) Values

The Triple Goddess and Horned God Symbols

Duality of the Divine

Wiccans honor the duality of the divine through understanding while reality is split into the male and female aspects, divinity is ultimately united an as interconnected whole.

Magic is Real

It is often defined using this quote from Crowley, “Magic is the Science and Art of causing Change to occur with the conformity with Will.” Wiccans believe that Magic is not greed or power, rather it is a force by6 which what can be imagined can be created and become real.

Nature is Sacred

The rhythms of nature pulse with that of human life course as the divine is woven into its very fabric. Being attuned with nature means believing that all of nature is sacred and should be held in reverence rather than dominated.

All Paths are Blessed

Wiccans see their chosen path as only one of a myriad of possible spiritual paths available. While many other religions espouse a single path to enlightenment. Wiccans believe that all paths lead to the divine are equally acceptable and blessed.

Personal Connections to the Divine

Whether working with a coven or as a solitary practitioner, the connection to the divine is a very personal process. maintaining, building, and sustaining a relationship with the divine is an individual responsibility.

(Side Note: Here is where I feel different pagan traditions diversify the most. Some traditions do not believe these next two need to be followed or believed in. I am not one of those individuals. After walking a dark path for 2 years I came to fully believe in them and teach them to anyone who apprentices under me. But I do refer to the Wiccan Rede as the Wicce Rede meaning a wise women’s rede.)

The Wiccan Rede

“Do what ye will, lest it harm none.” Wiccans are free to engage in any behavior they choose as long as their actions do not harm themselves or others.

The Rule of Three (or The Three-Fold Law)

All the good and all the harm a person does to others will return threefold in this life. Every magical act sent out into the universe will return to the witch three times over.

Source: spells8.com

Voodoo/Hoodoo Oils and Potions

Oils and Potions

Voodoo Hoodoo not only utilizes roots & herbs for its spells, but also candles, oils, incense, floor washes, sprays, powders – pretty  much anything goes. Many spells are candle oriented for added power. The color of the candle is always in sync with the nature of the spell. By dressing (anointing) the candles with oils and rolled in powdered herbs, you’re in effect adding an enhancement to your candle of power thereby making it that much more precise in your working.
This spills the beans on some of the commonly used oils and potions in Voodoo hoodoo. You will need to know how to make these or you will need to buy them for many of the spells. Most traditional root workers make their own, although modernization of the practice along with internet access makes it easier for some folks to purchase what they need. Do whatever you want; there is no law that says you have to make your own. The advantage of making your own is that you know exactly what is in it and you can charge it yourself.
Many traditions of magic work with plant materials, and most assign some symbolic meanings or ascriptions to these ingredients. Many hoodoo and Voodoo spells require certain blends of oils and powders to accomplish a particular work or to enhance a spell. Always use a natural carrier oil to blend your magickal oils as unblended oils can burn the skin. You should only use a drop or two at a time on the skin. I use Grape Seed oil and almond oil for blending magickal oils, and Olive oil for blending holy oils. Jojoba oil is a good alternative because it won’t go rancid, although it is more expensive than the others. Mineral oil is good for negative works. You should always add tincture of Benzoin or Vitamin E oil to keep to any oils listed to keep them from going rancid.

CARRIER OILS

Below you will find a list of carrier oils and their shelf life that can be used to make magickal anointing oils. This is important information when considering how often you will use the particular oil you make.
Grapeseed Oil
– Shelf life is approximately 3-6 months. Solvent extracted grapeseed oil has a shelf life of 9 months. Keep refrigerated.
Jojoba Oil
– Indefinite shelf life.
Mustard Seed
– Abyssinian Seed Oil
– Shelf life is approximately 18-24 months.
Olive Oil
– Shelf life is approximately 12 months to 18 months if stored properly in a cool dark place.
Sweet Almond Oil
– Shelf life is approximately 3-6 months is not refrigerated. If refrigerated, the shelf life can be increased to 12 months.

A Brief History of Witchcraft: From Ancient Times to Modern Day

Witchcraft, a term often shrouded in mystery and misconception, has a long and fascinating history that spans across ancient civilizations to the modern day. With its roots embedded in beliefs and practices dating back thousands of years, witchcraft has evolved and adapted over time, leaving an indelible mark on cultures worldwide. A Brief History of Witchcraft: From Ancient Times to Modern Day seeks to unravel the enigma surrounding this intricate topic, shedding light on its significance in contemporary society.

Throughout history, witchcraft has been associated with a wide range of beliefs and practices, varying greatly across different cultures and time periods. Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Mesopotamians had their own unique interpretations of magic and divination, often intertwining with religious rituals. The Greek and Roman empires also held a deep fascination with witchcraft, linking it to various deities and goddesses.

During the Middle Ages, Europe witnessed a significant shift in attitudes towards witchcraft. An era marked by widespread fear and superstition, many came to perceive witches as individuals empowered by demonic forces, capable of inflicting harm on others through sorcery. This perception fueled the infamous witch trials, resulting in the persecution and execution of countless individuals, predominantly women, accused of practicing witchcraft.

However, as societal attitudes gradually shifted, so too did the understanding of witchcraft. The witch trials became a source of critique and condemnation, revealing the fallibility of the legal systems and the destructive power of mass hysteria. This pivotal moment in history sparked a reevaluation of witchcraft, leading to the emergence of new philosophical and intellectual movements, such as the Renaissance and the Enlightenment.

In modern times, witchcraft has experienced a resurgence, with an increasing number of individuals embracing it as a spiritual or cultural practice. Paganism and Wicca, two contemporary religious movements, have drawn inspiration from ancient witchcraft beliefs, emphasizing elements of nature worship, divination, and personal empowerment. Today, witchcraft has become a symbol of resistance, a way for individuals to reclaim their autonomy and connect with a deeper, more spiritual aspect of themselves.

As the interest in witchcraft grows, so does the need for comprehensive resources that provide an accurate and unbiased understanding of its history and significance. A Brief History of Witchcraft: From Ancient Times to Modern Day aims to fill this need, presenting an in-depth exploration of the subject matter. By delving into the origins, cultural variations, and contemporary expressions of witchcraft, this book offers readers an invaluable insight into a topic that continues to captivate and intrigue. Whether one approaches the subject from an academic, spiritual, or simply curious standpoint, this historical journey through the world of witchcraft promises to leave a lasting impact, fostering a deeper appreciation for the complexities of human belief systems and the ever-evolving nature of our understanding.

What are the origins of witchcraft and how has it evolved throughout history? Click here to read the rest of this article

Ancient temple and theater 3,500 years older than Machu Picchu discovered in Peru

Archaeologists in Peru have unearthed the remains of what they believe are a 4,000-year-old temple and theater, shining a new light on the origins of complex religions in the region.

The team began studying the new archaeological site of La Otra Banda, Cerro Las Animas, in June. Last year, the local government alerted them to looting that had been taking place near the northern Peruvian town of Zaña, according to a press release from the Field Museum in Chicago, Illinois, Wednesday.

They excavated a plot roughly 33 feet long and 33 feet wide, finding signs of ancient walls made of mud and clay at just six feet deep.

“It was so surprising that these very ancient structures were so close to the modern surface,” Luis Muro Ynoñán, a research scientist at the Field Museum who led the team, said in the release.

After digging deeper, archaeologists found “one section” of a large temple, Muro Ynoñán said, adding that “one of the most exciting” finds was a small theater “with a backstage area and a staircase that led to a stage-like platform.”

“This could have been used to perform ritual performances in front of a selected audience,” he added

One of the theater’s staircases was flanked by mud panels with an elaborate carved design of a mythological bird-like creature, according to the release. The figure resembled other images of mythological creatures dating to the Initial Period, around 2,000 to 900 BC, giving clues to when the temple was built.

“The Initial Period is important because it’s when we first start to see evidence of an institutionalized religion in Peru,” Muro Ynoñan said, adding that Please click here to read the rest of this article

Obon Festival 2024 in Japan: Meaning, Traditions and Dates

The Obon festival (お盆, also known as Bon festival) is an annual Japanese holiday that commemorates and remembers deceased ancestors. It is believed that their spirits return at this time to visit their relatives.

Chochin (paper) lanterns are hung to guide the spirits and Obon dances (bon odori) are performed. Families have reunions and visit the graves of their relatives and make food offerings at altars and temples.

It is observed from the 13th to the 15th day of the 7th month. However, according to the solar calendar the 7th month is July but according to the lunar calendar, the 7th month is August. Obon is therefore celebrated at different times in different regions depending on which calendar is observed.

The official dates are August 13-15 though it will be celebrated between July 13-15 in some places. The Obon week in mid-August is one of Japan’s three major holiday seasons making it one of the busiest times of the year for traveling. Many Japanese people will leave their cities around August 10 and come back on August 17-18.

Obon traditions and celebrations

On the first day of Obon, people take the chochin lanterns to the graves of their families. They call their ancestors’ spirits back home in a ritual called mukae-bon. In some regions, huge fires are lit at the entrances of houses to guide the spirits to enter.

At the end of the Obon festival, families help their ancestors’ spirits return back to the grave by guiding them with their chochin lanterns. The ritual is called okuri-bon. Again, the ritual varies slightly between different regions of Japan.

Floating lanterns (toro nagashi) Please click here to read the rest of this article

Common Practice and Beliefs within Druidry

Introduction

Those who practise Druidry do so through a deep spiritual connection perceived and experienced within the land and its culture. Many, when they first find Druidry, describe the feeling as ‘coming home’; they have rediscovered a connection with the land, its people, history, heritage and culture. This is more than mere interest; imbued with wonder, gratitude, respect and a sense of the perpetual flow of time, it inspires a devotional commitment, an acknowledgement of the sacred and a recognition of deity (male, female and non-gendered gods) within these currents of nature. This is the foundation of Druid practice.

The issue as to whether modern Druidry has any clear link back to pre-Roman Britain is debated. Historically Druidry was essentially an oral tradition and no texts are available written by our pre-Roman ancestors. However, the religious and spiritual traditions survived in folklore, through poetry and mythologies, within the development of British/western philosophy and the bardic colleges. A good deal was incorporated into Christianity when it came to these lands, particularly surviving in rural churches where Paganism continued side by side with the new religion. In the eighteenth century a resurgence of Druidry led to academic scrutiny of Classical and Mediaeval texts and a good deal of today’s common Druidic practice is based on interpretation of that material. This scrutiny continues today and Druids use this as a link to their ancestral past. As a religion today, Druidry is ever evolving. So common practice is gained through Druids coming together and sharing their experiences, rituals and celebrations.

Diversity

Many come to Druidry because of its diversity. Freedom of expression and personal connection to deity is, for them, of paramount importance. Connection to the divine is gained through experience, neither through belief nor through reciting prayers that are essentially another’s understanding or vision. As a polytheistic religion, individuals devote themselves to and revere deities who express different aspects of nature and ancestry. For example, Cerridwen is a goddess of the dark, the waning moon, the cauldron of potential; Brighid is a goddess of fire, light and assertive action. The rituals and practice of Druids honouring one or other of these as their principal deity would differ accordingly.

Druids take their inspiration from Nature. Within the British Isles we have a huge diversity of landscape and this is reflected in the practice of individuals and local groups or Groves. If a Druid is inspired by their local north sea coast, his gods and religious focus would be different from a Druid inspired by the rolling hills and woodlands of the Cotswolds, or the open moors of Devon. Similarly a Druid grove celebrating the festival of midwinter in an urban garden in Kent will look and feel very different from a grove celebrating in the Highlands of Scotland, were most of its members are dependent on rural or agricultural livelihoods: winter means something very different to both groves. All these individuals and groves are equally honouring (and seeking relationship with) Nature.

Druids are inspired too by their ancestors. To a Druid, ancestry is not a vague concept, but a gathering of individuals, each with their strengths and weaknesses, their own stories of success and failure. Druidry’s diversity is further expressed through the fact that each person has a different line of ancestors, and a different relationship with those people: this may manifest through a religious practice that focuses on a certain temple or landscape, myth or poet, skill or occupation. Again, such practice may appear significantly distinct, say, if we were to observe a farmer, a blacksmith, a writer or healer. As Druids, all are honouring their ancestors, nonetheless, by using the skills inherited and so expressing the spiritual devotion, gratitude and reverence required of the Druid.

The reverence for nature that is integral to Druidry also provides a morality or ethical base that is common to all Druids. Like any moral code, whether religious or secular, it is interpreted with slight differences. However, honour, respect, truth and justice are of primary importance and constitute the basis of all Druid practice. This doesn’t dilute Druidry, but brings to it a richness that is welcomed and celebrated. Thus, paradoxically, diversity is both a strength and a cohesive element of Druid practice.

There are further elements of Druid practice and ritual that are common to all within the tradition and these we shall explore.

Major Festivals

Most adherents of modern Druidry celebrate eight major festivals and these can be further subdivided into the Solar Festivals and Celtic Fire Festivals, which may also be known as agricultural, pastoral, seasonal or cross quarter festivals. Some Groves and individuals only work with the Solar and some only with the Fire Festivals. Placed around the course of the year, they occur every 5-7 weeks, and generally Druids will at this time make ritual, giving offerings.

The purpose of the festivals is to ensure two things: Click here to read the rest of this article 

House Cleaning According to Your Zodiac Sign c. 2019

House Cleaning According to Your Zodiac Sign

by

The holidays are over and we’re all looking forward to spring. As the sun spends more time peeking out at us, it’s also peeking into our homes. Lovely. Until you notice the dust and the smears and the dog hair tumble weeds in the corners. Time for a burst of energetic house cleaning. So, are you full of enthusiasm for the job? Do you look upon it as a massive waste of time? Or perhaps you just can’t see the necessity? A big part of how you approach housework is connected to your personality traits, so how do you tackle house cleaning according to your zodiac sign?

 

Aries March 21 – April 19

If most Aries can’t persuade someone in their family to do the job, they would rather pay a professional than tackle it themselves. No way do they ever want to deal with all those dirty details. However, there are certain Aries among us who will roll up their sleeves and rush around like a tornado Getting Things Done. It’s rare but it happens. They treat the whole thing as though they are embarking on a great adventure. Don’t ever get in their way.

Taurus April 20 – May 20

Taurus approaches the job methodically. They will spend quite a long time planning their cleaning strategy. It could be organized room-by room, or task-by-task. Once they have their plan, they’ll get to it. It’ll take a while but it will get done, and it will be done well. Having said that, Taurus is so keen on maintaining a clean and tidy home, to the rest of us, it already appears clean enough.

Gemini May 21 – June 20

Most Geminis are a curious mix of everything tidy on the surface, but it’s not so good when you delve down a little. Gemini loves to have a clean house, but they think the cleaning fairies will be along any time now. Eventually it will occur to them that they really need to do something it. They’ll grab a can of furniture spray polish and clean everything with it. Well, that’s what my Gemini used to do when ‘cleaning’ his own apartment.

Cancer June 21 – July 22

Clean and tidy Cancer. Your home is your nest. It is always lovely. Warm, welcoming and shiny as a new pin. We need say nothing more. Unless it isn’t. Enlist help if you need to. Make a list. Get your cleaning supplies and allocate a room to each family member. It doesn’t have to be perfect. While you’re at it, you might think about dealing with those bursting closets and all that collected tat you feel unable to throw out or give away.

Leo July 23 – August 22

Leo, your personal presentation is beautiful. It really is. Your sense of couture is second-to-none. But your home is often a tip. You just can’t see it. Try taking some photos and examining them carefully. Is this really where a gorgeous creature like you should hang out? Here’s an idea: arrange a cleaning party. Know that only your most loyal supporters will turn up. Don’t get distracted, there’s work to be done.

Virgo August 23 – September 22

Cleaning is a way of life for you Virgo. There’s nothing we can tell you except to maybe ease up a little. However, you’d be very welcome to come to our homes and give them a good scrub. We love you, but do you know how inadequate we feel when we look at your beautiful home?

Libra September 23 – October 22

Oh Libra, your room is a mess. I bet you heard that all the time while you were growing up. Nothing changes, does it? What you need is for your friend, Virgo, to come in and give you a hand. No, you can’t stand back and watch. You need some kind of prize or bribe to motivate yourself. It’s not going to work, is it? We will leave you to your clutter. Keep the blinds down.

Scorpio October 23 – November 21

Scorpio starts off sloppy but improves with age. However, when you put your mind to it, there’s no-one who can match you in the spring cleaning department. Once you get going (and the best motivation is for you to be incandescent with rage), there’s no stopping you. You’ll pull an all-night-er in order to get the job done.

Sagittarius November 22 – December 21

Look around. It needs doing, doesn’t it? We know you cleaned the whole place only a month ago, but it’s a big mess again. You aren’t quite in Libra’s league, but still… You need music and a good reason to spring clean, so invite your mother-in-law over for the weekend. There you go.

Capricorn December 22 – January 19

You love your place to look beautiful, yet you have lazy streak when it comes to housework. I know you do, because I am a Capricorn also. You hate things being untidy, yet you are the worst culprit. Self-sabotage. It’s time you worked to that detailed schedule, you spent hours putting together. Look at it, stuck on the side of the fridge. Look how you broke everything down into 10 minute tasks. So why aren’t you/I doing them?

Aquarius January 20 – February 18

Once you’ve got your routines in place, you tend to stick with them. You know it so well, you could do your house cleaning blindfold. Household tip: keep those windows clean and sparkling— your mood will improve a hundred-fold.

Pisces February 19 – March 20

What mess? Pisces, you are living in a complete shambles. It’s time to clean. What is cleaning? Start with a good tidy up. So that you can see the floor. Throw out trash (recycle, please). Then do your best to get rid of things you haven’t used or worn in a year. Your local homeless shelter will love you. Now start in the kitchen, Wash dishes, clean all surfaces. Mop the floor. That’ll do for one day.

 

Source: LunarCafe.com

Familiars In Witchcraft and Paganism

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

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

Familiars Throughout History

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

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

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

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

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

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

Familiars Today

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

8 Protection Rules Every Witch Should Know

Click here for more information on 8 Protection Rules Every Witch Should Know

Friday: The day of beauty

 

Friday: The day of beauty

Frigg was the Norse goddess of beauty, love, household, fertility and motherhood. She was Odin’s wife. She wonderfully balances out the dreadfulness of all the masculine gods sitting around our week table.

Derived from Latin Dies Veneris, Friday is viernes in Spanish, vendredi in French and venerdi in Italian. The day belongs to Venus, the Roman goddess of beauty, love and fertility.

 

New Moon in Gemini 2024 – and Tarot Readings for Each Zodiac Sign

Source: thetarotlady.com

New Moons occur when the Sun and Moon align in the same sign. They signal the beginning of a new lunar cycle and the opportunity to start new things. This year’s New Moon in Gemini is auspicious because a bevy of planets are forming a Gemini conga line in the cosmos. Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter are moving through the sign of the Twins, adding extra oomph to all things associated with Gemini, especially communication, learning, and information. The day could be filled with interesting news or opportunities to expand your mind. Of course, you’ll need to be discerning because disinformation could be in the mix. Gemini energy is tricky like that. Not everything you hear will be accurate, so listen carefully.

Before the New Moon, the Sun and Venus align on the 4th, a potent aspect associated with self-expression, optimism, and attraction. This lays out the red carpet for effective manifestation work. What do you want to bring into your life? Sketch out your dreams and be ready to send those intentions to the Universe when the New Moon arrives on June 6th at 8:38 AM EDT.

The New Moon in Gemini 2024 is supported by a sweet conjunction with Venus at 9:36 AM EDT, which is like a cosmic blessing. Venus is a benefic, so this amplifies luck. In other words: you better wish!

This is also an excellent day for lively conversations, writing, thinking, debating, flirting, and starting new intellectual pursuits. Sign up for that class, begin working on that novel, say heyyyy to that hottie, and catch up on all the latest dirt. Who can be bored when this clever mutable energy is so abundant?

One caveat: the Moon squares off with Saturn at 1:19 PM EDT. This could rain on that Gemini parade, but it won’t last long. If you sense a sour vibe setting in, take a break until it blows over. It’s also possible this might be when disinformation is running wild. Once again, be careful what you take in. If it doesn’t ring true, it’s probably bullshit.

Other than that bit of nonsense, this day is LIT. Let’s do this!

Aries: Four of Swords – Rest up. You have big things coming due and need to conserve your energy.

Taurus: Five of Swords – The ugly truth is revealed. Now you can see other people’s true colors.

Gemini: Two of Wands – You are in a great position. Everything is possible. Think big!

Cancer: Star – A great healing is taking place. Peace, harmony, and health are on the way.

Leo: Three of Cups – Your social life gets busy. Fun, celebration, and good times! Yay!

Virgo: Six of Swords – You are moving on, away from situations that no longer serve you. Look ahead.

Libra: Ten of Swords – Something has come to an end. Rise up! New possibilities are ready to bloom!

Scorpio: Page of Swords – Important professional news is on the way. This could be a mentally stimulating period.

Sagittarius: Nine of Pentacles – Everything prospers you now. Be grateful for your good fortune.

Capricorn: Queen of Cups – Love flows all around you. Open your heart and let it transform you!

Aquarius: The Emperor – You are in the power position. Call the shots and protect the realm.

Pisces: Seven of Swords – It may be necessary to fly under the radar. Don’t reveal your hand.

Blessings,

Theresa

Some Tips on Empowering Charms and Keeping Them Cleansed

First do not use the word talisman or amulet in place of charm. The reason being is they are three different types of objects. Also we are not talking about charms you would find on a charm bracelet. A talisman is the equivalent of a good luck piece or can be spelled for protection and it carried with you all the time. An amulet is usually a necklace with a pendant hang from it the has been spelled and charged for protection, a closed connection to a Goddess or God, a symbol of a person’s spiritual practice. An amulet can be spelled for a purpose such as protection or to keep others’ emotions from getting to you in a limited way and still be a symbol of a person’s spiritual practice. Anything from a leaf to a seven-foot candle including anything you might want to use as a charm in your home, at work, or in your vehicle. Today we will be concentrating on spelling a charm.

Always form a sacred circle to do your spell work in. Remember to either ground or let the positive energy free when you open your sacred circle. You need to cleanse the object of all energy except what it is made of, so when you spell the object there is no one else’s energy involved in it but your own. Call in whatever Goddess(es) and/or God(s) will help you achieve the outcome for your spell.

Make sure your spell wording is very specific for what you want the spell to do before you empower an object. Otherwise, anyone who has touched the object before their energy will remind on or in the object and will weaken your spell work.

So now you have your sacred circle done and the object cleansed awaiting your energy and spell work to empower to make it into a charm. You should repeat your spell a minimum of three times. I repeat the spell nine times for maximum power. I usually than sit in the circle holding the object I just charmed until I feel it is time to put it wherever I am going to use the charmed object. I picture sitting wherever I am placing it and doing whatever I have empowered/spelled it to do. Once you feel you have put as much energy into as you want to for that day let the Goddess(es) and/or God(s) depart with you thanking them for their help.

(I have a glass container in every room in my home they all contain some stones, a feather, wooden matchstick, and a seashell of some sort. I have them charmed to not only help protect our home but to continuedly trickle out loving positive energy. These are simple to make and when we have visitors they really don’t ask about the container and to them strange contents. Pick glass containers that fit in with your homes decor and then they appear as a nick knack. More on these in Tomorrow Spell For Today)

Now it is time to open your sacred circle you can either ground on excess enrgy you raised to Mother Earth for however she wants to use it or just let it go into the Universe to be used however it wants to use it.

These suggestions for charms come from shiroshine:

Whenever I charge a charm of any sort, I mark my calendar to remind me to check-in on it in a week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, and then, if it has been “good to go” that whole time, I recharge it after a month’s work 🙂 Of course, if it starts Feeling weakened before that, I will recharge it at that time

Suggestion to keep the charm clean with an elemental cleansing which you should do before every time you want to recharge it or you feel the object needs to be cleansed:

Place the object under running water and say three times: Water, please take all energy but mine, the spell on this ____ and what the object is made of.

Either take the object out into the sun or place it in a place where sunlight shines on it and say three times: Fire, take all energy but mine, the spell on this ____ and what the object is made of.

While outside or by an open window or in front of a fan or use a hand fan and say three times: Air take all energy but mine, the spell on this ____ and what the object is made of.

If you are outside place the object on the ground or if inside have some dirt or salt to sprinkle on the object and say three times: Earth, take all energy but mine, the spell on this ____ and what the object is made of.

If you are outside hold the object up in the air if possible and say three times: Spirit, I ask you to recharge the spell on this ____ and what the object is made of.

Copyright by Lady Carla Beltane 1995 All rights reserved. This post cannot be reblogged or copy and pasted or in any other way be reproduced for commercial purpose without express written permission from Lady Carla Beltane.

An Herbal Grimoire – Honeysuckle and Lavender

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

Believe it or not, most of the herbs in the B’s have Masculine connections.

Goddess Herb Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle has a feminine aspect. It is closely connected to Jupiter and with the element of Earth.
Honeysuckle is widely used in spellcasting for prosperity spells and love charms as well as memory,
healing and power. But there is an honesty aspect connected with this herb. Ensure you are pure and
honest about your intentions when working with this herb, to not insult it.
Honeysuckle can be very potent and lend significant strength to money spells. But remember, when
asking for personal gains, something we should not do, you must be very specific in your intentions. The
energies that this herb will create can be powerful enough to carry you years.

Spellcrafting hint: When working prosperity spells, please be specific and ensure that when requesting
anything from the Universe that you are not asking for personal gain. So, for example, instead of asking
for money to come to you to go on vacation, ask instead, for long lasting and focused prosperity to carry
you and those you love and care for successfully through the future. To lend energy to your efforts and
your strengths to prosper and keep working to fulfill your own destiny.

God Herb Lavender

Lavender has a masculine aspect. It is closely connected with Mercury and the element of Air. Lavender
is an essential herb to have in Spellcasting or Magickal working. Witches have used this particular herb
for centuries. Lavender lends its energies of protection, love, clarity, purification, peace, protection, as
well as visions, clairvoyance, clarity of thought and inner calming.
Lavender is a very powerful herb. Ask this herb to lend its energies, but be careful. This one simple herb
can have a powerful kick! The energies that come from this one plant can bounce through the Universe
and can touch millions to gain exponential strength as it comes back to you threefold.
Spellcasting with this herb to gain insight, or clarity can and will manifest itself as a quest for knowledge,
a quest for understanding. So, while you may be thinking that it will help you to understand something
that you are struggling with, it may not come that way, instead it may come in the form of pushing you
to educate yourself with research and reading. This will then help you to find that clarity as you are now
more knowledgeable.
Remember Witches, the energies that come back to us from the Universe, may not manifest the way we
intended or even the way we think. But please do understand, those energies will come back to you. If
your intentions are pure and honest and are not meant to harm anyone, you will be rewarded beyond
your imagining.

Blessed Be Brothers & Sisters!
Happy Spellcasting!

Common Practice and Beliefs within Druidry

Introduction

Those who practise Druidry do so through a deep spiritual connection perceived and experienced within the land and its culture. Many, when they first find Druidry, describe the feeling as ‘coming home’; they have rediscovered a connection with the land, its people, history, heritage and culture. This is more than mere interest; imbued with wonder, gratitude, respect and a sense of the perpetual flow of time, it inspires a devotional commitment, an acknowledgement of the sacred and a recognition of deity (male, female and non-gendered gods) within these currents of nature. This is the foundation of Druid practice.

The issue as to whether modern Druidry has any clear link back to pre-Roman Britain is debated. Historically Druidry was essentially an oral tradition and no texts are available written by our pre-Roman ancestors. However, the religious and spiritual traditions survived in folklore, through poetry and mythologies, within the development of British/western philosophy and the bardic colleges. A good deal was incorporated into Christianity when it came to these lands, particularly surviving in rural churches where Paganism continued side by side with the new religion. In the eighteenth century a resurgence of Druidry led to academic scrutiny of Classical and Mediaeval texts and a good deal of today’s common Druidic practice is based on interpretation of that material. This scrutiny continues today and Druids use this as a link to their ancestral past. As a religion today, Druidry is ever evolving. So common practice is gained through Druids coming together and sharing their experiences, rituals and celebrations.

Diversity

Many come to Druidry because of its diversity. Freedom of expression and personal connection to deity is, for them, of paramount importance. Connection to the divine is gained through experience, neither through belief nor through reciting prayers that are essentially another’s understanding or vision. As a polytheistic religion, individuals devote themselves to and revere deities who express different aspects of nature and ancestry. For example, Cerridwen is a goddess of the dark, the waning moon, the cauldron of potential; Brighid is a goddess of fire, light and assertive action. The rituals and practice of Druids honouring one or other of these as their principal deity would differ accordingly.

Druids take their inspiration from Nature. Within the British Isles we have a huge diversity of landscape and this is reflected in the practice of individuals and local groups or Groves. If a Druid is inspired by their local north sea coast, his gods and religious focus would be different from a Druid inspired by the rolling hills and woodlands of the Cotswolds, or the open moors of Devon. Similarly a Druid grove celebrating the festival of midwinter in an urban garden in Kent will look and feel very different from a grove celebrating in the Highlands of Scotland, were most of its members are dependent on rural or agricultural livelihoods: winter means something very different to both groves. All these individuals and groves are equally honouring (and seeking relationship with) Nature.

Druids are inspired too by their ancestors. To a Druid, ancestry is not a vague concept, but a gathering of individuals, each with their strengths and weaknesses, their own stories of success and failure. Druidry’s diversity is further expressed through the fact that each person has a different line of ancestors, and a different relationship with those people: this may manifest through a religious practice that focuses on a certain temple or landscape, myth or poet, skill or occupation. Again, such practice may appear significantly distinct, say, if we were to observe a farmer, a blacksmith, a writer or healer. As Druids, all are honouring their ancestors, nonetheless, by using the skills inherited and so expressing the spiritual devotion, gratitude and reverence required of the Druid.

The reverence for nature that is integral to Druidry also provides a morality or ethical base that is common to all Druids. Like any moral code, whether religious or secular, it is interpreted with slight differences. However, honour, respect, truth and justice are of primary importance and constitute the basis of all Druid practice. This doesn’t dilute Druidry, but brings to it a richness that is welcomed and celebrated. Thus, paradoxically, diversity is both a strength and a cohesive element of Druid practice.

There are further elements of Druid practice and ritual that are common to all within the tradition and these we shall explore.

Major Festivals

Most adherents of modern Druidry celebrate eight major festivals and these can be further subdivided into the Solar Festivals and Celtic Fire Festivals, which may also be known as agricultural, pastoral, seasonal or cross quarter festivals. Some Groves and individuals only work with the Solar and some only with the Fire Festivals. Placed around the course of the year, they occur every 5-7 weeks, and generally Druids will at this time make ritual, giving offerings.

The purpose of the festivals is to ensure two things:

  • The Druid is always spiritually awake to the cycles of nature, the seasons, the tides of growth and decay, together with the gifts the gods offer at these times.
  • The Druid attunes his own soul to the cycle of nature around him, working with the seasons internally, spiritually, instead of pushing against them and risking stress, depression, exhaustion, complacency and so on.

Being in harmony with nature’s cycles ensures spiritual health, appreciation, inspired creativity and vibrant community, through reverential relationship with the gods, ancestors and spirits of place.

Druids will also make ritual at various phases of the moon, though which phase is most important to any individual Druid will depend on their own nature. Some Druids will regularly meet with their grove at the dark or new moon, others preferring the full moon, and some acknowledge the quarter moons. This practice encourages and facilitates the Druid’s attunement with the lunar cycle, increasing awareness as to its impact on his own nature and the natural world around him, increasing health, well being and relationships.

Rites of Passage Click here to read the rest of this article

Magickal timing: Choosing the right day of the week for your spell

Planetary magick is a complex system which blends astrology, ancient cosmology, and celestial intelligences in an attempt to bring the most effective results. In this article, we’ll discuss the planetary rulers of the seven days of the week, and the best day to perform different types of magick.

Planetary magic can seem cumbersome, especially to Witches more accustomed to elemental (Earth) magic.  But you don’t have to spend hours drafting talismans or poring over charts to add some planetary flavor to your spellwork. Using a very simple overview of magickal timing, you can make sure your working is aligned with the appropriate planetary ruler.

The idea of planetary rulership (and the 7-day week) dates all the way back to Chaldean (Babylonian) astrology.  They assigned a planet to rule each day, and further divided the day into planetary hours.  Later, the Greek and Roman civilizations adapted the Babylonian calender for their use.  Planetary magic was re-discovered by the medieval magicians, who looked to the Classical world for inspiration.  The tradition of using different days for different types of magic was put forth in the 16th-century Key of Solomon, a foundational text of the Western magical tradition.

Planetary magick relies mainly on the seven Classical “planets,” (although minor planets, comets, and other features enter into advanced systems).  Of the seven, the sun and moon aren’t really planets, of course.  But ancient astrologers didn’t know that, so the nickname stuck.

In English (as well as in French, Spanish and related languages), the names of the days of the week still reflect their planetary rulers.  (This is very handy when you’re trying to remember which is which!)

Source: groveandgrotto.com

Witch Trials in the 21st Century

The most famous witch trial in history happened in Salem, Massachusetts, during the winter and spring of 1692-1693. When it was all over, 141 suspects, both men and women, were tried as witches. Nineteen were executed by hanging. One was pressed to death by heavy stones.

However, witch trials are not a thing of the past. Indeed, charges of witchcraft and trials of suspected witches are increasing.

Witchcraft

The word witchcraft has good and bad meanings in different cultures around the world. A general definition of witchcraft is the changing of everyday events using supernatural or magical forces.

Witchcraft is usually associated with the power of nature, such as medicinal and poisonous plants, or rains and floods. People accused of witchcraft are said to be able to control natural events such as storms or droughts.

So-called “witch doctors” use combinations of plants and animals, as well as spirituality or supernatural ability, to treat medical conditions. These “witch doctors” are not accused of being witches themselves—they heal illnesses and ailments blamed on witchcraft. “Witch doctor” is often a derogatory term for a traditional healer. Traditional healers, who rely on ancient remedies, are not witch doctors.

Unlike traditional healers, witch doctors use spells. Spells are words or phrases that are suspected of having magical powers. Casting a spell to be wealthy or lucky in love is an example of witchcraft.

Why do some people believe in witchcraft? Using the example of the love spell, some people may believe that Click here to read the rest of this article

Some Information About Spell/Charm Bags