The radiant hues of the full moon evoke enchanting mystical powers and capture a source of light that brightens our nights.
Under the full moon, colors speak to us with unique energies—explore the luminous 🟡 Yellow Moon and the intense vibes of the 🔴 Red Moon. Embrace the mystical allure of both the 🔵 Blue Moon and the enchanting Pink Moon, and let these hues guide your ritual practice. Click here to read the rest of this article Source: spells8.com
Imagine a religion that celebrates the wonders of nature and embraces the ancient wisdom of our ancestors. Welcome to Wicca—a modern, nature-based pagan faith. Wicca empowers us to connect deeply with the world around us. We engage in rituals and practices rooted in reverence for the Earth. While often confused with witchcraft, Wicca stands apart as a distinct spiritual path. Contrary to media portrayals, people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds practice Wicca. Every human can find their own unique journey within this diverse tradition.
Keep reading to discover what makes Wicca a transformative spiritual path for many.
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[Please note: For the purposes of this piece, the terms “Wicca” and “Wiccan (s) ” will refer to the British Traditional family of religious Witchcraft Traditions and those who follow them, the Traditions then including, but not limited to, such lines as Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Moshian, Blue Star, etc. “Neo-Wicca” and “Neo-Wiccan (s), ” then, indicate the perhaps more wide-spread and certainly more widely known Eclectic (and often Solitary) practices espoused by such authors as Scott Cunningham, Fiona Horne, Silver Ravenwolf, and others, the majority of them published by Llewellyn Books. I also use the term “Witch” interchangeably with “Wiccan, ” since nearly all Wiccans contend that they are indeed Witches.]
Anyone who’s been a part of the Wiccan or Neo-Wiccan communities for more than a week is undoubtedly aware of the schism between these two groups. The cause of much frustration for Wiccans is that some Neo-Wiccans misunderstand the distinction made between the practices. Wiccans contend that, while there is nothing wrong or bad or invalid or worthless about the practices of Neo-Wiccans, it is nonetheless a separate and distinct practice (or practices, as Neo-Wicca is Eclectic, after all) from Wicca; neither is better (except in a personal preference, subjective sense), but they are certainly different.
Many Neo-Wiccans, on the other hand, dislike that this distinction is made at all. Some are even offended by the use of “Neo-Wicca” or any classification other than “Wicca, ” but are yet very adamant that “we don’t do that, ” meaning that they find some aspects of Wicca ridiculous, unnecessary, or even offensive. It leads one to ask, if it’s all the same thing, then why isn’t it all… well, the same?
This piece is meant to serve as an outline of how much these two groupings of paths really do differ, and to explain some of the more controversial aspects of Wicca that draw much negative attention and criticism from some Neo-Wiccans. The biggest dividing factor, that then encompasses others, is the Wiccan practice of oathbound secrecy.
Many Wiccan Traditions are esoteric, oathbound practices. This means that there are certain things that are not to be revealed to non-initiates, and that initiates swear an oath to protect those aspects (an oath that they are then expected to keep for the rest of their lives, even if they choose to leave the Tradition at a later time). This is not meant to be used as an ego-trip or a form of elitism, but is instead in place to protect the experience of the Tradition and its rites and Mysteries. However, Wiccans do not contend that their path is the only way one may reach and experience the Mysteries, just that this is the way that suits them. What is usually kept secret, then, are the names of the Gods, the specifics of ritual, the identities (Magickal and mundane) of those who participate in the rituals, the tools used in ritual, and any other non-ritual contents of the Tradition’s Book of Shadows.
God-names are kept secret because They (the God and Goddess honored) are considered “tribal, ” wholly unique to the Tradition. In non-initiate training rituals, a Priest and Priestess may choose to utilize place-holder names of similar Deities, ones with compatible traits, qualities, and associations. However, some may choose to simply use the non-specific terms “God and Goddess” or “Lord and Lady” instead of proper names. That decision is left up to the Priest and Priestess of the ritual/group. If place-holder names are used, they are then a tool to help teach those in training about the God and Goddess they will meet and commune with during and after initiation, so that there will be some degree of familiarity once the initiate comes to face the Gods of their chosen Tradition.
The specifics of ritual, as was aforementioned, are not told to non-initiates to protect the experience. Think of it this way; you and a friend both want to see a newly premiered movie, and your friend gets the opportunity to attend a showing before you do. How impolite and improper would it be for your friend to not only tell you every single detail of the film (including the ending), but also the emotions it will evoke from you, and the impact it would have on your life in general? I’m betting anyone would be pretty darn upset.
This is the same reasoning behind Wiccan rituals being kept secret, so that each initiate who experiences them does so as “untainted” as possible. This explains secrecy in regards to those seeking initiation, but for those who do not, a similar analogy is appropriate; if you see a movie but your friend has absolutely no interest in it, regardless of your opinion of said movie, they probably won’t want to hear about it at all. The logic then is that, since those not seeking initiation are assumed to be uninterested in the Tradition all together, what reason do they have to concern themselves with its practices?
Additionally, this secrecy maintains the authenticity of the rituals, and also the integrity of the initiating line back to the Tradition’s founder. Thus, the rituals cannot be altered or misused, and only those experienced in the Tradition’s Mysteries can go on to teach them to others.
As far as participants’ identities go, that’s fairly self-explanatory on one level; “outing” someone as a Witch is not something taken lightly, regardless of where one counts one’s self on the spectrum Wicca has become. But there is another level to it, in that Wiccans tend keep their lineage oathbound as well. One’s lineage is the line of initiating High Priestesses that leads from one initiate back to the founder of the Tradition, be they Gerald Gardner, Alex Sanders, etc.
And lastly, the tools used and the other, non-ritual contents of the Book of Shadows (BoS) are oathbound because they are related to the specifics of Wiccan practice and experience, and so revealing them can take away from those elements, just as describing pivotal scenes from a movie can taint the enjoyment of the whole thing.
These levels of secrecy and occultism (where “occult” takes on its more accurate meaning of “hidden or secret; to be known only by the initiated”) are a stumbling block to some Neo-Wiccans; they cannot fathom the reasons other than to make Wiccans feel special or better somehow, but as illustrated above, there are very real and important reasons.
Some folks though cannot find it in themselves to abide by these guidelines, but still feel the desire to walk a similar path. Partly because of this, Neo-Wicca and its policy of openness and universality were born. Neo-Wiccans are free to follow any and all God forms that may call or appeal to them, regardless of cultural or religious origin. Neo-Wiccans are also more prone to share their ritual scripts and spells with others. Some even post the entirety of their BoSs online or otherwise make it available for public consumption, such as through published books, which then are a large part of Neo-Wiccan learning materials.
Conversely, learning Wicca involves a specified path that utilizes the repetition of form to facilitate function; the actual movements and words are the same at each ritual, however it is the experience that differs and is truly the most important. This is an orthopraxic approach, that of correct practices leading to Divine experience, rather than orthodoxic, that of correct belief.
While many of us have come to associate “orthodox” with meaning oppressive or outdated and referring specifically to Christianity as often as not, if one simply takes the word at its face value, then Neo-Wicca is in fact an orthodox practice; as long as one believes the “right” things, then one is Neo-Wiccan and then can practice it in whatever fashion one desires.
But what are the “right” beliefs? Is it the duality and balance of God and Goddess? Not according to those called Dianic Wiccans, who hold the Goddess superior to the God, if He is even recognized at all. Additionally, as stated before, Wiccan God names are specific to each Tradition and oathbound, so by default Neo-Wiccans do not and cannot honor the God and Goddess by those same identities, so neither does “right belief“ include the specific Deity forms.
Is it then following the Wiccan Rede? That’s not it either, since there are practitioners out there who discard the Rede all together and still lay claim to the “Wiccan title” (and yes, I’m aware that “rede” means “counsel or advice” and not “commandment, ” but I’ve yet to encounter a Wiccan who thinks its irrelevant).
What about celebrating the Sabbats? Well, okay, almost anyone along the Wicca/Neo-Wicca spectrum can agree that these eight points of the year are important, but what’s not agreed on is how one celebrates them, or even what they’re called (as far as I can tell, only Samhain, Yule, and Beltane are universally used names, the rest can vary). In some cases, the dates are even in dispute, since there are those who figure the Greater Sabbats relative to the Lesser Sabbats each year, marking them as the precise midpoints between the astronomical Solstices and Equinoxes rather than the “fixed” dates of the common calendar.
This final point segues nicely into another striking difference, that of ritual form and elements. Not all Neo-Wiccans cast a Circle in the same way nor include all the same components as others (in some cases, even the rituals for the same event differ each time they are performed) , and being that Wiccan ritual structure is oathbound, one can infer that Neo-Wiccan rituals bear little, if any, resemblance to their Traditional counterparts. If Wicca and Neo-Wicca was indeed the same thing, wouldn’t we all use the same rituals, honoring the same God forms in the same ways?
Wiccans also contend that only a Wiccan can make another Wiccan, that one cannot enter Wicca without someone to teach and guide them. A popular Neo-Wiccan counter to this comes from Scott Cunningham, and is something along the lines of, “but who made the first Wiccan? The God and Goddess. So who are we to be so bold and presumptuous as to usurp and appropriate Their power? Who has the real power to make a Wiccan?”
I can agree to a certain extent; the Wiccan Gods are responsible, to a degree, for Wicca’s existence, in that They provided the original inspiration, need, and desire for a way to honor Them. However, I also believe They intended for things to be done in just that way, else why would They have put the idea in a human mind? Why the need for rituals at all, if any way one honors them is acceptable?
Let me clarify – when I say “the Wiccan Gods, ” I mean those names, faces, forms, aspects, and attributes that are oathbound and specific to the Traditions of Wicca. If Gods other than those have different desires and requirements, then so be it, but then They are not the Gods of Wicca, and therefore need not be honored in the Wiccan way.
The Wiccan way is one practiced by humans to reach out to and commune with the Wiccan Gods, and therefore only one who knows that way can teach that way. A dentist, while a medical professional, cannot teach someone to perform open-heart surgery. So it follows that someone inexperienced in the Wiccan Mysteries, regardless of any other gnosis, knowledge, and experience they may have gained, cannot teach them to anyone.
To add to this, in Wicca the initiating High Priest and High Priestess are seen as representations and “substitutes, ” if you will, of the God and Goddess on this material plane. They are infused with Divine Will and Power at the time of initiation (and in all other rites), so in the realism of non-duality, it IS the God and Goddess who are making new Wiccans, not “merely” other humans. However, the HP and HPS are specifically chosen and trained to perform these duties using the structure and methods of their Tradition.
A Neo-Wiccan, or anyone else who is not HP or HPS even if he/she is a Wiccan initiate, has no such training, and so cannot perform an initiation rite as the representative of the Wiccan Gods.
Clearly there is great disparity between not only practice, but also belief, between those called Wiccans and Neo-Wiccans. All this points to Neo-Wicca being an outgrowth of Wicca, rather than a continuation of it, much like Buddhism was an outgrowth of Hinduism. Buddhism and Hinduism both include the ideas of Karma, Dharma, and Samsara, Yantras, etc., but they differ on the nature and application of these ideas.
Buddhists do not recognize a pantheon of Gods in the way Hindus do, and also do not perform elaborate rituals. The two paths do have commonalities, but are distinct and separate belief systems. It would be improper, inaccurate, and doing a disservice to both paths if one was to say they are the same.
This can also be applied to Wicca and Neo-Wicca; Wicca recognizes a specific set of Gods, while Neo-Wicca does not. Wicca includes much formality and formulary in its rituals, which is not necessarily true of Neo-Wicca. They are related practices, one springing from the other, but they are fundamentally different, and it is improper, inaccurate, and doing a disservice to both to try and say that they are the same.
Of course, it’s all very well and good for these kinds of things to be said by someone who prefers Wicca to Neo-Wicca, someone who is seeking to walk the Gardnerian path. I concede that it would be far more impacting and impressive had this article or one similar been written by a Neo-Wiccan, because there’d be less risk of accusations of elitism, or discrimination, or exclusion. If, however, any Neo-Wiccan found truth in what I’ve presented here, I encourage them to write a similar piece, putting the focus on their practices, revealing the value and beauty that perhaps stems from the differences, rather than in spite of them.
What are the benefits of Solitary work? How is self-study more fulfilling than working under another’s tutelage? How does the tapestry of cultures and customs enrich your practice; is the old adage, “student of many trades, master of none” inaccurate?
I’m not personally looking to be convinced, I’ve found my home and my path, but that kind of piece may go a long way to strengthening other Neo-Wiccans’ sense of identity and purpose. And anyone finding peace and feeling whole on their spiritual journey is a beautiful thing, regardless of what that path may be called.
What is Wicca? The answer to this question can vary, depending on who you ask, but below you’ll find a general introduction to this fascinating spiritual path.
Wicca is a modern, Earth-centered religion with roots in the ancient practices of our shamanic ancestors. Its practitioners, who call themselves Wiccans, honor the life-giving and life-sustaining powers of Nature through ritual worship and a commitment to living in balance with the Earth. Wicca is technically classified as one of many Pagan religions, though not all Wiccans would identify as Pagans—and plenty who identify as Pagans are not Wiccans.
In truth, Wicca is extremely dynamic and ever-evolving, so it’s difficult to make very many statements about it that every single person identifying as a Wiccan will agree with. However, it’s probably safe to say that when looking at the night sky, or the view from the top of a mountain, or the glassy surface of a lake, most—if not all—Wiccans will feel very much in the presence of the divine. So then, what is Wicca? What does it mean to be a Wiccan? And what are the core religious beliefs?
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The Elemental powers of the four directions or quarters are usually needed when we perform magick, particularly when we wish to achieve an import work. You will probably find that your own group or yourself has its own traditions in doing this. As we see elsewhere, the four worlds manifested in a certain order; Fire, Air, Water and finally Earth, and magickal procedures should strictly follow this for perfect manifestation. However over the years in different traditions, diverse methods have been put forward, so if working alone you must find which suits you best, and if working in a group you will follow given practice. We call the quarters clockwise, starting with the East.
The East represents the Elemental Air, helps give to us clarity of vision and purpose and represents intellectual power. You will appeal to this element principally in any working to do with the mind – when studying for exams perhaps of when you need inspiration for new projects.
The South is the realm of Fire, the most potent of all of the Elements. It signifies the purifying element in nature, that which consumes all others; through it, mastery of the other three is achieved. It is a dynamic force, purification and passion, and is perceived as the Inner Guardian of the Temple. You will use this element in your workings when you need creativity, cleansing or protection from malevolent energy.
The West stands for all those watery things like our psychi and emotional nature so, of course, it represents the element of Water, through it should be remembered that within that representation lies both depth and movement. The qualities are often see as passive, and feminine, but would be appealed to particularly when removing hexes and curses or when revitalizing is important.
The North give us the solidity of Earth which in turn allows us to manifest the results of our work. It nourishes and grounds us, giving a solid basis for which to create. While it is a complex element containing within it aspects of all the previous ones, it also shows simplicity to enable us to gain access to greater energy which comes from the Ultimate. You would use this Element to create tangibility and stability as well as for issues to do with fertility and productiveness.
Lastly, the Centre is called. This is the realm of Aether or Spirit and is both the synthesis of all four of the other elements and their progenitor. In calling on Spirit you are calling upon all that is, was and shall be and therefore an energy of high vibration. For this reason it is usually best that the centre is called by a high priest or priestess or at least by someone who has been properly initiated and trained. Spirit manifests in so many different ways that often only someone versed in the process will recognize what is happening.
Source:
Natural Magic: Spells, Enchantments & Self-Development Ball, Pamela (2002-11-20).Hopefully, by the time you reach the end of this book, you will be able to answer that question for yourself. In the meantime, the following is a short list of benefits you can gain from doing regular witchcraft spells and rituals.
Disrupt the Trance of Everyday Life
Your practice should shift you out of the well-worn mental pathways of your daily life. The spells and rituals you do should make you pause in your day, be conscious and aware of who you are, where you are, and what your aims are. Any spells, consciously performed, should prevent you from being a purely mechanical robot.
Connect You with Spirit
Staying connected to Spirit is essential to attracting what you really want in your life. You can connect with Spirit through any or all of the spells and rituals described in this book. Any spell that quiets the mind or puts us in touch with physical sensation will bring us into contact with Spirit.
Help You Access Powers and Beings
Creating what we want in life is much easier when we have help. A daily practice of witchcraft or magic that puts you in contact with angels, guides, totem Spirits, and other helpers can increase your ability to attract what you want in life. Remember that there is a helpful being for just about anything you want— don’t be afraid to ask!
Help You Remember What You Want
Many of us go through our days in a reactionary mode— we are not choosing our thoughts and actions so much as we are reacting to the stimulus around us. Daily performance of magical rituals and spells helps us remember what we really want in life, and keeps us from sabotaging ourselves with unwanted reactions. For instance, if your goal is to create peace and harmony in life, a daily witchcraft practice can keep you in touch with Spirit, reminding you not to react angrily to your co-worker’s insults.
Be in Accordance with Universal Principles
Doing daily spells and rituals that are designed with Universal principles in mind is much more effective than those that are not— plus, they are guaranteed to be safe. Sound spells follow Rules of the Road, principles such as “as above, so below,“ and four element principles. For instance, if you’re designing a ritual to help you gain knowledge, you want to work with the principles of the magical element Air. If you want a ritual that will help you act, you want to work with Fire.
Source: Learn How to Do Witchcraft Rituals and Spells with Your Bare Hands
Alan G. Joel
Anyone can cast a powerful spell. If you think you’re not powerful enough or not magickal enough, or if you’re still a little skeptical about Witchcraft, don’t worry about it.
You will still be able to perform very effective magick, if you can follow some very simple rules. These rules are very important principles that will underlie in all magickal spells you ever perform.
Magick, using tools and words and spells, just enhances this natural ability that your mind has to attract.
Magick lets you powerfully attract what you want, and it works because of the Law of Attraction.
The key is to make sure that everything you do is in line with your goals. All your thoughts, all your actions, and everything you do should be in agreement with what you are trying to attract.
You must think positive and imagine the reality you wish to achieve with your spell.
Your spells will not work unless you put your entire being into achieving your goal.
Magic without the proper intention is just a bunch of rhyming words.
When you do magic, you want it work for you.
Always make sure that you avoid anything that contradicts or goes against the purpose of your spell.
Make negative statement will cancel out any positive energy created by your spell. The means that the spell won’t work.
When you cast a spell, you need to be confident that it will succeed. In fact, the more confident you are, the more successful you spell is likely to be.
When practicing Witchcraft the two most common elements that we all have in common are the magick circle and the altar.
Let’s talk about how to set up your own magick circle and altar.
The circle is a powerful Witch’s tool. It’s the space where your magick happens. It is a sacred space that only you can create for yourself.
The magick circle has been used by witches and other magicians of various cultures: American Indians, Babylonians, and many others have used the magick circle.
The magick circle protects the witch from the forces that he or she is raising. It’s also used to shut out any energy or forces from outside which will interfere with the ritual.
The circle also contains your own personal power while you are working magick, holding and channeling it or your purposes.
Essentially the circle creates the atmosphere for all the magick you will do. It is a sphere of energy that forms the boundaries of your magickal space.
You will need some kind of way of marking the boundaries of your circle.
You can use a long piece of cord, or if you are outdoors, draw a circle of chalk, or use other objects to mark the outside of your circle.
Traditionally, a magick circle is nine feet in diameter. If you have space constraints, make it as big or as small as you are able to.
As you set up your circle, try to feel its energy moving around you. Focus on creating your perfect magickal space, the place where you can access your true power.
Once you have your circle, it’s time to decide what will go inside it.
The altar is the space where your tools will go. It can be made of anything, but wood is the best choice. Your altar doesn’t have to be fancy.
It can be a cardboard box covered with cloth, two cinder blocks with a board on top, a small coffee table or even a large, flat rock.
Traditionally, the altar is set in the center of the circle, facing North.
But what items will go on your altar, and where should you place them?
On the left side of the altar you place items such as your crystal, your cauldron(if it will fit), and a silver or white candle.
Your broom also goes on the left side, next to the altar.
On the right side is the place for your magick wand and your incense.
You can be as creative as you wish with your altar. Make it personal, and choose items which are both powerful and meaningful to you.
In the middle you can place some flowers if you like, plus all the ingredients you will need for your spell. Don’t forget matches for the candles, and a place to put the used matches.
Make sure you have all your spell ingredients ready before you begin, so that you do not have to leave the circle once you have started your ritual.
The altar is where you will do your spell casting. That’s why it’s in the center of the circle—it’s the focal point of your ritual.
Again, how you choose to do this is up to you. There’s no one right way to set up an altar.
All that matters is that you choose items that are magickally powerful and that you feel a connection with.
The magick will do the rest.
Folk Names: Trefoil, Honeystalks, Three-leafed Grass
Ruler: Jupiter, Mercury
Element: Earth, Air, Fire, Water
Types: Red, White
Magickal Forms: Three leaf, four leaf, and five leaf
Basic Powers: Protection, Luck, Fertility, and Abundance
Clover was one of the anti-witch plants which protected human beings and animals from the spells of malevolent witches and the wiles of fairies, and brought good luck to those who kept it in the house, or wore it in their buttonholes or hats. Some varieties of clover have three distinctly heart shaped leaves ~ both elements, the number 3 and the shape, contribute to its benevolent reputation.
The shamrock, the form of clover that is synonymous with all things Irish – was known as the shamrakh in Arabic countries and symbolized the triple aspect of the Goddess. A symbol of luck, leprechauns, and wishes, the shamrock is a powerful talisman to carry.
It could be used in love-divination; and to dream of it was very fortunate for … Click here to read the rest of this article Source: shirleytwofeathers.com
Ask any Irish child, and they’ll tell you the story with absolute certainty: St. Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland. It’s a tale etched in the consciousness of a nation—a tale passed down in whispers beside hearths, etched in stained glass, and echoed in classrooms.
But what if the story isn’t about serpents slithering into the sea—but something deeper? Something older? Something that speaks not of reptiles, but of rituals, symbols, and the spiritual revolution of a land once ruled by druids and stones?
This is more than folklore. It’smyth as metaphor, poetry as history, and Ireland as its own parable. That’s not a parable—that’s a fact. Ireland’s cold climate and isolation since the Ice Age has made it biologically inhospitable to snakes. Fossil records confirm it: no native snakes ever slithered through its forests or fields.
So why the story? Because stories often say what facts can’t.
Most scholars agree: the “snakes” Patrick drove out were not animals—but ancient beliefs.
In pre-Christian Ireland, the serpent was a symbol of spiritual power … Click here to read the rest of this article Source: secretireland.ie
For more on Ireland’s spiritual tapestry, explore Saint Patrick’s Breastplate – The Warrior’s Prayer That Shielded a Nation, Ireland’s Ancient Holy Wells of Saint Patrick, and timeless figures like Michael Collins, Dan Breen, The IRA Squad, Eamon de Valera, and Irish Immigration.
St. Patrick was born around 450 AD on the Scottish border. His father was a Christian Roman soldier and his mother was a native British woman. Only two of his letters survive telling details about his life. When he was fourteen to sixteen years old, he was taken into captivity in Ireland by the Irish raiders in Britain; he tended cattle for more than six years. In this time of captivity, he drew closer to God before finally escaping on a trading ship. He returned years later to spread Catholicism throughout Ireland while destroying the Druids who resisted Roman and British rule in Ireland. Because he believed so strongly in the Catholic Church, he thought that anyone who was not Christian had to become one in order to be ³saved´. Those who resisted were slaughtered in the Christian holy wars of Gaul
The Irish people at that time were happy and doing quite well. However, St.Patrick was insistent that the Pagan Celts convert to Christianity. He noticed that the Druids were the most powerful people of the Celts, so he figured that if he could convert them, then the rest of the people would follow. When the Druids refused to be bribed by the Romans, this angered the rulers of the Catholic Church.St. Patrick declared that he would drive all of the snakes out of Ireland. ³Snakes´was a metaphor for the Druids.
Since the Druids did not write their teachings down, all we know about them is was handed down to us by the Romans. It was often said that the Celts were heathens who could not read or write, but they did know how to read and write in Greek. While they didn¶t write down the secret teachings of the Druids, they were expected to memorize the knowledge. Julius Caesar had this to say about the Druids:
The Druids usually hold aloof from war, and do not pay war-taxes with the rest; they are excused from military service and exempt from all liabilities. Tempted by these great rewards, many young men assemble of their own motion to receive their training; many are sent by parents and relatives. Report says that in the schools of the Druids. They learn by heart a great number of verses, and therefore some persons remain twenty years in training. And they do not think it proper to commit these utterances to writing,although in almost all other matters, and in their private and public accounts, they make use of Greek letters. I believe that they have adopted the practice for two reasons ± that they do not wish the rule to become common property, nor those who learn the rule to rely on writing and so neglect the cultivation of the memory;and, in fact, it does usually happen that the assistance of writing tends to relax the diligence of the student and the action of the memory. The cardinal doctrine which they seek to teach is that souls do not die, but after death pass from one to another; and this belief, as the fear of death is thereby cast aside, they hold to be the greatest incentive to valour. (Caesar The Gallic War VI.13-14)
We do know that Druidism was a science and not a religion. It was the study of the relationships between opposites: summer and winter, men and women,consciousness and unconsciousness, force and matter. Some of the main tenets:
*Every action has a consequence that must be observed and you must be prepared to compensate for your actions if required.
* Life is sacred and all are responsible for seeing that this standard is upheld.
*You do still live in society and are bound by its rules.
*Work with high standards.
*Make an honest living.
*Be a good host as well as a good guest.
*Take care of yourself. (Health was held in high esteemamongst the Celts, so much that a person could be finedfor being grossly overweight due to lack of care.)
*Serve your community.
*Maintain a healthy balance of the spiritual and mundane.(Nihtscad writes: Ethical and self respecting Druids did nothing without being properly schooled or aware of the consequences ahead of time. They knew when it was appropriate to visit the Otherworld and immerse themselves in the spiritual as well as when it was appropriate to be fully in this world.
*Uphold the Truth, starting with yourself.
*Be sure in your convictions, particularly when judging or accusing someone, but also when debating. Ask yourself:are you really sure? Do you really know that this the case?
One part of the Druid class were the ³Bards´, whose job it was to remember all of the history of the people. The Celts did not rely on a written language because they memorized the songs and poetry of the Bards. The Irish believed that history was very important, for if you didn¶t remember what had happened in the past, you couldn¶t safely plan for the future.Druid priests were the keepers of the knowledge of
Earth and Spirits. It was their responsibility to learn the spirit world in order to keep people in harmony with nature. Priests performed marriages, baptisms, and acted as psychiatrists and doctors.The Romans considered the Celts to be good fighters. In 300 BC, Alexander the Great considered it prudent to treat the Celts as equals. In the fourth century,Ammianus Marcellinus, a Byzantine writer, wrote of the Celts:
Nearly all the Gaels are of a lofty stature, fair and of ruddy complexion:terrible from the sternness of their eyes, and of great pride and insolence. A whole troop of foreigners would not be able to withstand a single Gaul if he called his wife to his assistance, which is usually very strong and with blue eyes.
Ancient Celtic women could be warriors. Legend says that Scathach, a female warrior from Isle of Skye in Scotland, trained a great Irish hero, Cuchilainn. Boudicca, a red-haired queen of the British Iceni tribe, led a revolt against the Romans following her husband¶s death.During large battles, the Celts had a strategy to terrify their opponents: they blew war horns, they roared, they rumbled chariots, they banged their swords on their shields, and then they attacked the enemy. These tactics did not work against the well-trained Romans who were trained to resist the attacks of their enemies. The Celts became disheartened by their inability to break the Romans quickly. The main reason why the Celts lost the war was due to the fact that they were not united. Clans attacked farms and stole cattle and other goods during the battles.This caused many Celts to view their own clans as enemies and kept them from uniting as a people. They did not understand how important it was to fight together as an army against the Romans.St. Patrick destroyed the influence of the Druids by destroying the sacred sites of the people and building churches and monasteries where the Druids used to live and teach. Instead of hearing the teachings and advice of the Druids, the people began to hear the teachings of Rome. Because the Druids were the only ones who were taught to remember the history, with the Druids dead and their influence broken, the history was forgot
By killing off the teachers and the wise ones, Catholicism could be spread. For this mass conversion of a culture to Christianity, and for the killing of thousands of innocent people, Patrick was made a Saint by his church.
The moon, a celestial body that has fascinated humanity for centuries, holds a special place in the heart of witchcraft. Its phases, from the dark new moon to the luminous full moon, have been observed and revered in various traditions and cultures.
In witchcraft, the moon’s phases are not just beautiful celestial events but are deeply symbolic and influential. They are believed to hold power over the ebb and flow of energies, impacting magickal practices, personal growth, and the natural world.
This article dives into the depths of the moon’s phases and their significance in witchcraft, unveiling the mysteries and practices that have captivated practitioners for generations.
The New Moon, often invisible in the night sky, marks the beginning of the lunar cycle. This phase symbolizes new beginnings, making it an ideal time for setting intentions and starting new projects. In witchcraft, the New Moon is seen as a time of renewal and rebirth. Practitioners may use this phase to cleanse their spaces, meditate on their goals, and prepare for the growth to come.
Following the New Moon, the Waxing Crescent phase appears as a slender crescent in the sky. This phase represents manifestation and growth. It’s a time when the intentions set during the New Moon begin to unfold. Witchcraft practices during this phase often focus on attraction spells, growth rituals, and strengthening one’s resolve.
The First Quarter phase, with half of the moon illuminated, symbolizes decision-making and action. It’s a time to overcome challenges and make important choices. In witchcraft, this phase is often used for problem-solving spells and rituals that require courage and determination.
As the moon moves towards fullness in the Waxing Gibbous phase, it’s a time of refinement and adjustment. It’s about fine-tuning the plans and intentions set earlier in the cycle. In witchcraft, this phase is often used for spells that require patience and persistence, as well as those that enhance and build upon existing situations.
The Full Moon, with its complete illumination, is the most potent phase for many witchcraft practitioners. It’s a time of peak energy, heightened intuition, and powerful magickal workings. Full Moon rituals often focus on manifestation, healing, and harnessing the moon’s powerful energy for significant spellwork.
After the climax of the Full Moon, the Waning Gibbous phase begins. This phase is a time of gratitude and sharing. In witchcraft, it’s a period for giving back, sharing wisdom, and divination practices. It’s also a time to start releasing and letting go of what no longer serves you.
The Third Quarter moon, with another half illumination but waning, represents forgiveness and release. It’s a time to let go of grudges and negative emotions. In witchcraft, this phase is ideal for banishing negative influences, releasing old patterns, and practicing forgiveness rituals.
The Waning Crescent, or the Balsamic Moon, is the final phase before the cycle begins anew. This phase is for rest, reflection, and preparation. In witchcraft, it’s a time for meditation, introspection, and resting before the new cycle begins. It’s a period for tying up loose ends and preparing for the next New Moon.
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Every candle color has a different meaning. Discover the right one for your spell.
Candle magic is one of the simplest forms of magick. Candles represent the intense element of Fire and wand energy. In rituals, they are action-oriented and can be used to set something in motion or call in an energy. To help you set and focus on your intention, choosing the right candle color can help as each has a different spiritual meaning.
Below you’ll find everything you need to know about how to perform a basic candle spell and the best candle color depending on the day of the week and your desired result.
Candle magic is a type of manifestation ritual that is centered around the use of candles to create a desired outcome in a ritual or spell. Those who follow many different spiritual paths use candle magic, including witches.
We all know the element of Fire has a powerful, transformative effect, which is one reason so… Click here to read the rest of this article Source: pagangrimoire.com
Candles are essential tools in witchcraft, symbolizing the element of Fire and serving various magical purposes.
They are used to set intentions, with different colors corresponding to specific goals.
Candles are employed for elemental magic, anointed with oils, and adorned with symbols to enhance their magic.
Candle magic involves using the candle’s flame and attributes to manifest intentions.
Beyond metaphysical uses, candles have practical functions, such as providing light during rituals and ceremonies.
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Ever wondered what makes a spell truly work? Is it the tools, the timing, or maybe just a sprinkle of magic belief? Writing a spell can feel like stepping into a mysterious world filled with possibilities, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’ve got an open heart, a clear mind, and a dash of creativity, you’re already halfway there. Think of it as crafting a recipe for your soul—a little bit of this, a pinch of that, and voilà!
Spells aren’t just about waving a wand or chanting in a forest (though, let’s be honest, that’s pretty cool too). At their core, they’re about connecting with the energies around you and channeling them toward your goals. Whether you’re manifesting good vibes, warding off negativity, or just trying to make your houseplants thrive, every spell starts with intention and a little bit of know-how.
And guess what? You don’t need to be a seasoned witch to write a successful spell. All you need is a desire to create change, some basic understanding of the magical process, and the willingness to give it a go. Ready to start crafting your spell? Let’s break it down step by step! Click here to read the rest of this article Source: witcheslore.com
Congratulations! You’ve just created a spell that’s uniquely yours. Writing a successful spell isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention, connection, and a little bit of trust in the unknown. Remember, magic is a journey, not a destination. Keep practicing, experimenting, and learning from your experiences.
And who knows? Your next spell might just be the one to bring a little extra sparkle into your life—or someone else’s. ?
Many experienced witches find themselves constantly running up against the confines of other peoples spells. Perhaps you’re never able to find the spell that’s just right, that feels tailored to your purpose. Or maybe you’ve become very comfortable working with your personal set of tools and ingredients but spells regularly call for things that you don’t have (and don’t care to have!) while underutilizing those items that you’ve so carefully curated for your craft.
For witches in this situation, writing your own spells might be the only plausible solution to reviving the fluidity and enjoyment of your craft.
For some newer witches the process of writing your own spells may seem a bit intimidating. When you haven’t got much experience under your belt sticking with spells written by other people just feels safer. And that’s OK! As with any art, you must first copy other peoples work until you simply cannot stand it anymore to really master the techniques and build a firm foundational knowledge. Only then do you start to compose and explore your own voice in your craft.
Even for those who are new to the craft however, playful experimentation can hold merit. If you feel confident and ready to explore a little more freely please do not hold yourself back regardless of whether you consider yourself a beginner or a more advanced witch.
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Have you noticed a sequence of numbers appearing in your life over and over again? Perhaps you frequently see the same sequence such as 888, 999, 111, or 222. These occurrences may not be mere coincidences; rather, they could be your guardian angels trying to communicate with you through what is commonly known as angel numbers. In this article, we are exploring angel number and their meaning.
What Are Angel Numbers and Their Special Meanings
The Special Meanings Behind Angel Numbers
The Connection Between Angel Numbers and Numerology
Using Angel Numbers To Find Insights into Your Life Path
What it Means to Keep Seeing Angel Numbers
Practical Ways to Find Your Angel Number
Signs You Are on the Right Path When It Comes to Angel Numbers
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In today’s world, filled with so much modern noise, parents and educators are always looking for unconventional ways to inspire children. One such magical tale is about angel numbers. Angels are believed to be guardians who send numerical messages to those in need of guidance, love, and support. Let’s see how having angel numbers around your child can be an enchanting experience.
Angel numbers are sets of digits believed to have special meaning and offer messages from the spiritual world. Anything from the time on your clock, a license plate number, or a street address might reveal an angel number that you should pay attention to. Numerology relies on this idea of interpreting divine messages sent by angels.
Adults aren’t the only ones who see angel numbers. Because children have pure hearts and vivid imaginations, they may experience these ‘numbers’ more because they haven’t yet lost their innocence. By teaching children about angel numbers, you can help them be more observant and aware, and they might actually see their angelic signs.
Kids are naturally drawn to stories, magic, and unseen worlds. Angel numbers can gently and playfully introduce them to the reassuring concept that they are never truly alone and that their guardian angels are watching over them. When they start noticing the same numbers repeatedly in their day-to-day lives—on clocks, license plates, or receipts—they can be taught to define these sequences as symbolic communications from the universe, filled with love, support, and encouragement.
For example, a series of 1010 might appear to a child, conveying a sign of turning points and self-mastery. 1010 can represent the beginning of new chapters, ventures, and opportunities, as well as the importance of believing in themselves. A child who tunes into these numbers might engage in a depth of wonder, curiosity, and connectivity to the world around them.
Creating an ongoing dialogue with kids about what these numbers mean to them, and encouraging them to express their feelings and thoughts creatively through stories or drawings, can elicit newfound creative and imaginative perspectives as they work through the experience. Exploring angel numbers can serve as a gateway for children to cultivate an awareness of themselves and the world around them, promising a sense of peace and support as they walk their paths.
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