Category: Book of Spells
Flashback 2002 – Winter Solstice
Flashback 2002 – Summer Solstice
Flashback – Winter Solstice 2001
Flashback 2001 – Summer Solstice
The Cauldron and the Knife Spell
THE CAULDRON AND THE KNIFE
Just before going to bed, fill a cauldron (or iron bucket, bowl or pot) with water and place it inside your house near the front door. Take a very sharp knife or Athame and place it point-down into the water, saying:
“Into the water I place this blade,
To guard against the thief and shade.
May no flesh nor astral shell
Enter this place wherein I dwell”
This is a good protection spell, and can be performed every evening. In the morning, remove and dry the knife, and place it somewhere safe. Then, without touching it, pour the water outside, (or down the drain if necessary) and put the cauldron away. It probably wouldn’t be a good idea to do this spell if you’re expecting company, as it could be dangerous (and wet). You can do this at each door if desired, and protects against more than corporeal forms.
Protection Oil
PROTECTION OIL
Use a base oil like sweet almond oil, jojoba, sesame, etc. To the oil add any three of the following:
• Rue
• Rosemary
• Angelica
• Bay
• Basil
• Fennel
• Sage
• Mugwort
• Vervain.
Use either the whole herb or a pure essential oil. Allow the herbs to mix and steep in the oil for 1 week. Handle the bottle frequently, projecting protective energy into the mixture. Recommend you make this oil during a waning moon but you can also make your own timing judgment.
Creating a Spell: Animals, Their Association & Correspondences In Spellwork
Creating a Spell: Animals, Their Association & Correspondences In Spellwork
Bat
Blood – Rebirth Navigation – Finding one’s way in the dark.
Bear
Introspection – Mystery – Strength.
Direction: North, element of earth.
Dog
Loyalty – Compassion – Kindness.
Direction: West, element of water.
Dragonfly
Illusion, dreaming.
Direction: East, element of air.
Fox
Camouflage – Stealth – Observation.
Direction: North, element of earth.
Frog
Fecundity – Creativity – Moisture.
Direction: West, element of water.
Hawk
Far-seeing – A messenger.
Direction: East, element of air.
Horse
Power – Beauty – That which can be controlled.
Direction: East or North, elements of air and earth.
Hummingbird
Joy – Brevity – Speed.
Direction: East, element of air.
Jackal
Trickster – Humour – Stealer of fire – Psychopomp.
Direction: South, element of fire.
Lioness
Aggressiveness – Pride – Protection – Healing.
Direction: South, element of fire.
Lynx
Secrets – Silence.
Direction: North, element of earth.
Otter
Woman medicine – Healing – Sensuality.
Direction: West, element of water.
Owl
Deception – Scrutiny.
Direction: North, element of earth.
Raven
Magic – All colour in darkness – Law – Beginnings and endings.
Direction: all directions, all elements.
Racoon
Moving in shadows – Earth-magic – The unerring attainment of desires.
Direction: North, element of earth.
Skunk
Reputation – Protection – Secrecy.
Direction: South, element of fire.
Snake
Transmutation – Rebirth – Sacred spiral.
Direction: South, element of fire.
Spider
Weaving – Hunting – Single-mindedness of purpose.
Direction: East, element of air.
Wolf
Teacher – Leadership – Self-esteem.
Direction: North, element of earth.
Creating a Spell: Moon Phases Associated With Spellwork
Moon Phases Associated With Spellwork
The phases of the Moon influence the power and efficiency of the magick work. Simply, there are two cycles and three phases during each cycle. These are the times used when working magick…
Waxing Moon
Times From new moon to full (approx. 14 days)
Godess Asp. : Maiden
Overview : The Moon is called Waxing when it moves from the period of the New Moon to the Full
Moon. The Moon is growing and has a pulling in effect on all things exposed to her energy.
This is the time of great psychic enhancements and effects.
Energies- Abundance wishes – New projects – Expansion – Increasing health and well being –
New love affairs – Increasing knowledge and spirituality – Planting herbs – Fertility –
Beginning long spells for such as mentioned.
Goddesses : Artemis, Branwen, Eriu, Nymph, Epona
Waning Moon
Times From full moon to dark moon (approx.14 days)
Godess Asp.Crone
Overview- The Moon is called Waxing when it moves from Full Moon to New Moon. The
psychic vibrations are still there, just lower and has the effect of pulling away on
things. So, this is the best time for getting rid of anything you want nor need in
your life.
Energies & Destructive magick – Remove low vibes in your home or work – Banish negative
thoughts – Eliminate – Separate – Undo – Recede – Let go of the past and guilt –
Start a weight program – Affirmative thinking – Cutting herbs and flowers – Release
hostile or anger situations and emotions.
Goddesses : Callieach, Banshee, Hecate, Kali, Morrigan
Full Moon
Times : Approx. 14 days after new moon
Godess Asp Mother
Energies -Best for the strongest psychic energies and can be used in any magick spells.
Friutition, Manifesting goals, nurturing, passion, healing, strength, power.
Goddesses : Danu, Cerridwen, Gaia, Aphrodite, Isis
New Moon, No Moon or Black Moon
Is time for rest and attainment of desires. This is the best time to prepare for the new wishes and to form your requests very seriously. Take a break and give yourself a rest.
Creating a Spell: Colours and Properties Associated With Spellwork
Creating a Spell
The best type of spell is the one you have created yourself with your own words and rhymes. Remember, as much energy as you put in your magick, is as much energy as you will get out from it. And believe. The key is to believe.
State why you need the spell, what’s the purpose of it. Research what Deities you’ll need to call, determine what tools you need, and decide when to perform the spell, according to the purpose of it.
Colours and Properties
A major tool in any magick is colour. The effective use of colour and its meanings is very important for ones success in candle magick. Use all the elements as one and you will have one powerful wish coming up. The colours are… Black, Brown, Gray, Blue, Purple, Yellow, Red, Gold, Pink, Orange and Green.
WHITE
Gender Female
Day Monday
Planet Moon
Sign Cancer
Fragrance Eucalyptus – Jasmine – Myrrh – Sandalwood
Energies Protect – Purify – Heal – Children – Pets – Balance – Birth – Repel – Peace –
Spirituality.
Related Colours Solid white – silvers – pearls – iridescent whites. It can be used in place of any
other colour.
BLACK (Caution must be exercised!)
Gender Male – Female
Day Saturday
Planet; Saturn
Sign Capricorn
Fragrance Iris – Pansy – Black Orchid – Patchouli
Energies Void for all unwanted influences – Repel – Banish – Bind – Flesh out secrets.
Related Colours Dark blues – Black – Dark browns – Most dark colours.
BROWN
Gender Female
Day Monday (Tan browns) – Friday (All browns)
Planet Moon – Venus
Sign Libra (Light browns)
Fragrances Iris – Black Orchid
Energies Earth energy – Grounding – Centering consciousness – Success through labour –
Faerie Magick
GRAY (Neutraliser)
Gender Female – Male
Day Monday
Planet Moon
Fragrance Eucalyptus – Jasmine – Myrrh – Sandalwood
Energies Erase without repercussions – Aid in balancing.
BLUE
Gender Male
Day Saturday (Dark blues) – Friday (Blues) – Thursday (Royal blue)
Planet Saturn – Venus – Jupiter
Sign Aquarius (Dark blues) – Pisces (Royal blue)
Fragrance Nutmeg – Sage – Sandalwood
Energies Wisdom – Sleep – Truth – Loyalty – Dreams – Emotions.
Related Colours Light blue : Peace – Patience – Health.
Dark blue Banish depression – Justice.
PURPLE
Gender Male
Day Thursday
Planet Jupiter
Sign Sagittarius
Fragrance Nutmeg, Sage, Sandalwood
Energies Psychic and spiritual enhancement – Wisdom – Reversal – Law – Power.
YELLOW
Gender Male
Day Wednesday
Planet Mercury
Sign Virgo
Fragrance Cedar – Clove – Cinnamon – Frankincense – Rosemary
Energies Knowledge – Concentration – Healing – Study – Memory – Persuasion –
Subtle attraction.
RED (Base attributes, Caution!, Stay with the lighter shades)
Gender Male
Day Tuesday
Planet Mars
Sign Scorpio – Aries
Fragrance Carnation – Dragon’s Blood – Ginger – Pine – Peppermint
Energies Physical pleasures – Stimulating – Lust – Anger – Hate – Marriage – Courage –
Strength – Enemies – Peril – Sexual potency.
GOLD
Gender Male
Day Sunday
Planet Sun
Fragrance Cedar – Clove – Cinnamon – Frankincense – Rosemary
Energies Heal inner wounds – Money – Quick actions – Obtain knowledge.
Related Colours Can be used with orange and yellow to enhance or bring quick change.
PINK
Gender Female
Day Friday
Planet Venus
Sign Taurus
Fragrance Cherry – Rose – Thyme – Vanilla
Energies Emotions from the heart – New relationships – Raise energies – Fiends –
Family – Healing – Raises vibrations – Banishes negative vibrations and hate
Promotes honour, morality, and unselfishness.
ORANGE
Gender Male
Day Sunday – Tuesday
Planet Sun – Mars
Sign Leo
Fragrance Bayberry – Lavender – Peppermint
Energies Balance – Neutraliser – Prosperity – Mental and physical action – Success –
Mental agility – Energiser – Stamina.
GREEN
Gender Male – Female
Day Friday – Wednesday
Planet Venus – Mercury
Sign Gemini
Fragrance Cherry – Rose – Thyme – Vanilla
Energies Money – Herbal magick – Attracts success – Growth – Healing – Faerie magick.
The Witches Magick for December 8th – Circle of Security
CIRCLE OF SECURITY
Here’s another way to keep your home and everyone in it safe from harm of any kind – acts of nature as well as human menaces.
INGREDIENTS/ TOOLS:
Small clear quartz crystals
A black cloth
A garden trowel or shovel
BEST TIME TO PERFORM THE SPELL:
Begin on Saturday during the waning moon
Collect the listed ingredients. If you live in a house and have a yard, you’ll need enough crystals to completely circle your house. If you live in an apartment, you’ll need one crystal for each window and each door to the outside. Wash the crystals with mild soap and water, then pat them dry. If you have a large area to cover and a lot of crystals, you might need to continue this spell over a period of days.
Draw or find a picture of a pentagram and lay it on your altar, or another surface. Place the crystals on it and visualize them absorbing the protection represented by the pentagram. Lay the black cloth over the crystals, covering them completely. Allow the crystals to sit overnight.
In the morning, remove the cloth. Pick up the crystals, put them in a bowl or other container, and take them outside. Beginning in the east, bury the crystals in your yard one at a time, making a protective circle that surrounds your home. Position them as close together or as far apart as feels right to you. If you live in an apartment, start at the east and place a crystal on each windowsill (inside) of your living space. Then set a crystal in a safe spot near or above each exterior door. As you work repeat this affirmation aloud:
“Crystals wise, crystals strong
Protect my home all day long.
Crystals clear, crystals bright
Keep it safe throughout the night.”
You may also want to hang a pentagram on each door that leads into your home
–Skye Alexander, The Modern Guide to Witchcraft: Your Complete Guide to Witches, Covens, and Spells
Flashback 2000 – Summer Solstice
Flashback 2000 – Winter Solstice
Winter Solstice/Yule Ritual for Coven Gathering Sunday, December 20, 2015
A Witch’s Public Announcement
And to think Lady A didn’t think I had a sense of humor :). If you have noticed today we have been running extremely slow. Lady A called our internet provider. They didn’t say if they would fix it at the office or have to come out. If they come out, we will be disconnected from the site.
I know it is awful to say but if we were off the internet for a few days and they fix the problem, we would all be happy as clams. We have come to the conclusion they will never fix it. Coining a phrase from Lady A, “They are just a bunch of hicks with technology so advanced they have no earthly idea how to run.” Have to agree with her.
We wanted to let you know what was going on, especially if we went POOF!
Your Daily Horoscopes for Thursday, December 3rd
Your Daily Horoscopes for Thursday, December 3rd
Aries
You can be determined to transform or redesign something related to work or your health in the first half of the day, dear Aries, in order to make life a little better, to improve a system, or simply to feel more involved and motivated. Once you get started on something, you can throw everything you have into it. Research and analysis brings rewards. Focus on the little things that need to be managed. Your mind is tuned in to flaws and imperfections, but try not to fret over them. Later today, there is a tendency to blow something up so big that it no longer resembles itself. This inclination runs into tomorrow morning. If it’s a feel-good thing, then allow yourself to dream but don’t put your heart into it just yet. If it’s based on a fear, then do your best to let it go or wait and see. An objective friend might help bring you back to earth in your thinking.
Taurus
The morning is wonderful for productivity on a creative or recreation matter, dear Taurus, and for some of you, it’s about throwing yourself into a relationship and giving someone your full attention. You have the ability to find a nice balance of fun and work. Later today, you’re in no mood to feel pressured or pushed into believing something you don’t yet understand. You are tempted to walk away or disappear temporarily until the vibes are easier. You’re vying for mutual trust now. Watch for investing too much into what others are saying now, as there can be exaggerated claims. Sometimes, exaggeration stems from a desire for attention, which is not necessarily a bad thing, as well all need extra reassurance from time to time.
Gemini
The first half of the day brings a slightly more serious attitude, dear Gemini, but a positive, growth-oriented one. Someone could be showing their support of you, or you could be moving with quiet confidence in relative solitude as you pursue your goals. Fulfillment comes through attention to family matters and personal possessions, and feelings of support derived from your closest connections. Life gets a little trickier later today with few people focused on the task at hand. You are not in the mood for playing up to superiors, so it’s better just to avoid them if possible. There is a tendency to go over the top with promises or to take on too much. Don’t say or do anything you may later regret.
Cancer
The pace is quick today, dear Cancer, and while it can be a little hectic at times, you’d probably feel restless without it. Your ability to multi-task is stronger now, but to focus or concentrate, reduced! You can feel especially strong and full of purpose, even if you are busier than usual, and even casual interactions tend to take on a little more intensity. While people can be rather particular at times today, there is a spirit of openness that begins to dominate as the day moves forward. Do watch for exaggeration and double-check facts. News can range from slightly incomplete or inaccurate to grossly exaggerated as we move towards a Mercury-Jupiter square. It’s especially important that you avoid taking on too much or promising too much now.
Leo
There can be a good, solid feeling to much of the day, dear Leo. You can be especially productive and more inclined than usual to focus on the here and now this morning, and you are especially adept at seeing things and situations for their true value. Later today, conversations and interactions can be tricky. You and others are sensitive to what’s said, but you’re also rather inclined to throw practicality out the window tonight and early tomorrow. Don’t make vital decisions based on your perceptions now, as they can be skewed. As well, avoid taking on too many new projects.
Virgo
There is more vibrancy to your manner today, dear Virgo, with the Moon in your sign all day. You’re inclined to know exactly what you want and desire this morning, and follow your heart. You are drawn to doing what you like, even if it’s not especially wise to do so if it distracts you from priorities. You can enjoy others’ company more than usual later today, but you are also prone to going overboard with an idea or a promise. You may be feeling so capable that you forget that you don’t always have this enthusiasm, and a new endeavor taken on now may be regretted later.
Libra
With the Moon in the sign immediately behind yours all day, dear Libra, it’s a time for natural withdrawal on some level — a time to reflect upon, and digest, recent events. The morning is wonderful for feeling at peace with yourself and happy with some level of solitude. Healing, recuperative activities are favored. You could be feeling pressured into saying something on a matter that you’d prefer to keep to yourself later today. It’s certainly not the best time to divulge sensitive information. It’s also unwise to put too much faith into information you hear now, as it can very well be gossip. Generally speaking, tonight and tomorrow morning, we’re inclined to exaggerate or overreach, and judgment is a little impaired.
Scorpio
The morning is strong for filling in the blanks about a friendship or personal project, dear Scorpio. You can also feel quite motivated and productive on a personal interest, studies, or a communications project. You feel as if you have energy to spare when you’re so absorbed in something you love or care about. You could be drawing up new and exciting plans now. Later today, conversations can be lively, although there can be a tendency for people to exaggerate or boast now, and this can be mildly irritating. Keep in mind that your perceptions of people and circumstances are also a little cloudy. Tune in to optimistic energy, but avoid taking it to impractical levels unless it’s all in good fun.
Sagittarius
The first half of the day brings good energy for seeing something for exactly what it’s worth, dear Sagittarius, whether this is a business plan, an endeavor, or an object. There is a sense that if you declutter or rid yourself of frivolous things, you’ll be in a stronger position, and this attitude is a good one. Look for ways to tidy up your spending or your personal environment now. Conversations with a partner or friend later today can be on the delicate side now, so do your best to keep an objective yet sympathetic frame of mind. Watch for a tendency to blow something out of proportion, or for a person in your life to do the same.
Capricorn
Your independent nature is emphasized today and particularly this morning, dear Capricorn, when you might happily throw yourself into your work or a personal pursuit. You might want to know when to turn it on and when to turn it off, depending on who you’re dealing with and when, as some people feel a little intimidated by your ability to get things done and on your own. Later today, there may be some frustrations with a friend that can be difficult to quantify or resolve. You may have a sense that something communicated is exaggerated or totally off, and this can be frustrating. Try not to invest too much into information coming in now. Employ a wait-and-see approach and find out what actually sticks.
Aquarius
Good opportunities can come through work activities and research this morning, dear Aquarius. You are feeling a little solitary but just fine in that frame of mind. In fact, you can give some serious thought to a problem and come up with new insights that are truly helpful. Problem solving is favored as you can truly get to the heart of a matter. Later today, if you don’t find a productive channel for your excess energy, you might be snappy or irritable. There could be an inaccuracy communicated that frustrates you, and a general tendency to exaggerate amongst friends. While a new endeavor or idea can seem fabulous tonight or tomorrow morning, you might later discover that you’ve forgotten some important realistic and practical details. Dream but don’t invest your heart into something just yet.
Pisces
There can be a good feeling that you’re growing and learning through your friendships and connections in the first half of the day, dear Pisces. While you enjoy the company of others, you’re also feeling just fine on your own as you carry the warmth of an interaction in your heart. You can find many reasons to feel encouraged and positive about the future, and especially a relationship. You feel compelled to connect not only harmoniously but honestly. Later today, there can be some tendency to promise too much or to put all your eggs in the wrong basket. If something appears a little too good to be true, it may very well be, so wait out big decisions.
Deity of the Day for December 2 is The Goddess Styx
Deity of the Day
Styx
In Greek mythology, Styx is a deity and a river that formed the boundary between Earth and the Underworld (the domain often called Hades, which also is the name of its ruler). The rivers Styx, Phlegethon, Acheron, Lethe, and Cocytus all converge at the center of the underworld on a great marsh, which sometimes, also is called the Styx. According to Herodotus the river Styx originates near Feneos. Styx also is a goddess with prehistoric roots in Greek mythology as a daughter of Tethys, after whom the river is named and because of whom it had miraculous powers.
The deities were bound by the Styx and swore oaths upon Styx. According to classical myths the reason related for this is that during the Titan war, Styx, the goddess of the river Styx, sided with Zeus. After the war, Zeus promised every oath be sworn upon her. Zeus swore to give Semele whatever she wanted and was then obliged to follow through when he realized to his horror that her request would lead to her death. Helios similarly promised his son Phaëton whatever he desired, also resulting in the boy’s death. Myths related to such early deities did not survive long enough to be included in historic records, but tantalizing references exist among those that have been discovered.
According to some versions, Styx had miraculous powers and could make someone invulnerable. According to one tradition, Achilles was dipped in the waters of the river by his mother during his childhood, acquiring invulnerability, with exception of his heel, by which his mother held him. This is the source of the expression Achilles’ heel, a metaphor for a vulnerable spot.
Styx was primarily a feature in the afterworld of classical Greek mythology, similar to the Christian area of Hell in texts such as The Divine Comedy and Paradise Lost. The ferryman Charon often is described in contemporary literature as having transported the souls of the newly dead across this river into the underworld, although in the original Greek and Roman sources, as well as in Dante, it was the river Acheron that Charon plied. Dante put Phlegyas as ferryman over the Styx and made it the fifth circle of Hell, where the wrathful and sullen are punished by being drowned in the muddy waters for eternity, with the wrathful fighting each other. In ancient times some believed that placing a coin (Charon’s obol) in the mouth of the deceased would pay the toll for the ferry to cross the Acheron River, which would lead one to the entrance of the underworld. If someone could not pay the fee it was said that they would never be able to cross the river. This ritual was performed by the relatives.
The variant spelling Stix was sometimes used in translations of Classical Greek before the twentieth century. By metonymy, the adjective stygian came to refer to anything dark, dismal, and murky.
Styx was the name of the daughter of Tethys and Oceanus, the goddess of the River Styx. In classical myths, she was wife to Pallas and bore him Zelus, Nike, Kratos, and Bia (and sometimes Eos). In those myths, Styx supported Zeus in the Titanomachy, where she was said to be the first to rush to his aid and for this reason her name was given the honor of being a binding oath for the deities. Knowledge of whether this was the original reason for the tradition did not survive into historical records following the religious transition that led to the pantheon of the classical era.
Lady A’s Spell of the Day – Unrequited Love Spell (Personal Request)
Lady A’s Spell of the Day – Unrequited Love Spell
(Personal request)
What happens when you are in love with someone who doesn’t feel the same way?
What can you do when your love is unrequited?
It can be agonizing and painful to realize that the person you are in love with doesn’t return those feelings.
You might even want to try a love spell to force them to love you—but please remember the warnings that I have given you here.
Doing such a thing would be seriously messing with free will.
If it’s truly meant to be, your relationship will happen. If not, then you can use your magical tools to help ease your pain and move on.
So here is a spell to ease the pain of unrequited love.
You will need a handful of dried vervain. You can get this herb in occult stores, or buy it online.
Light a fire in the fireplace on a night when the moon is waning. The waning moon symbolizes love that is fading and diminishing.
Cast a handful of the dried vervain into the dancing flames. As it burns, feel your pain ease and your feelings of passion grow quieter.
This will help calm your mind and help you recover from unrequited love.
Although unrequited love can be very painful to experience, just know that you have a deep, immense power within you to heal. And this powerful strength can get you through any challenge, and help you overcome any obstacle.
Let your magical tools unleash this power and guide you to a better place, where you will find new love, and many new opportunities to grow and find happiness.
–Aurora Rede, Wicca Power Spells
Lady A’s Spell of the Day for Nov. 30th – Energy Binding
Energy Binding
This spell is meant to bind the energies around a person to stop them from effectively using magic.
You will need:
Full/New Moon/Sunlight
An energy source or an object of which energy can be drawn
Bowl of water – optional
First, take out a glass bowl, and fill it with water. This is used to gather energy for the spell, but if you don’t want to use the water, choose another energy source. Then, have the water reflect the sun or moon, and say:
Solar flare, Lunar mist
I call on thee this day
Bring forth your light,
strength and power,
so cast this spell I may.
(Imagine the sun/moon energy flowing into the water)
Like I stated above, this is completely optional. Now, to form the barrier. Draw upon your energy source, and send it towards your target. Once you have reached them, attempt to have your energy surround them in a bubble. Then, say:
Light, Earth, Spirits strong
Leave ‘s presence forever long
Let their powers cripple, and fail with dismay
I hereby banish your magic on this very day!
So mote/might/may it be.
Imagine the bubble drawing the energy from your target and all around him, draining him of magical resources. Continue feeding the bubble/shield/wall with energy until you feel you can release them.
WARNING: Use this with caution, there are currently no counter-spells to stop this. Secondly, there is a possibility your target can breach the barrier if she/he is physically touching a powerful energy source which has greater energy than the barrier itself.
Let’s Talk Witch – Gestures In Magick
Gestures In Magick
Gestures are silent counterparts to words. Gestures can enhance Wiccan rituals when performed in conjunction with invocations or dance, or can be used alone for their real power. Pointing (as mentioned tioned above), the use of the first and middle fingers splayed to create a “v,” and the vulgar presentation of an upraised middle finger demonstrate the variety of messages that can be conveyed through gesture, as well as the range of our emotional responses to them.
My introduction to Wicca happened to include some of these old gestures. In 1971, I saw some photographs of magical protective gestures tures such as the mano figa (a hand clenched into a fist, the thumb jutting ting out between the first and middle fingers) and the mano cornuta, a “v” formed by the first and little fingers and held upside down. Both have long been used to avert the evil eye and negativity, and the latter is used in Wicca, with points up, to represent the God in his Homed aspect.
The magical significance of gestures is complex, and stems from the powers of the hand. The hand can heal or kill, caress or stab. It is a channel through which energies are sent from the body or received from others. Our hands set up our magical altars, grasp wands and athames, and pinch out candle flames at the conclusion of magical rites.
Hands, as the means by which most of us earn our livings, are symbolic of the physical world. But in their five digits lie the pentagram, tagram, the supreme protective magical symbol; the sum of the four elements coupled with akasha, the spiritual power of the universe.
The lines on our hands can, to the trained, be used to link into the deep consciousnesses and reveal things to the conscious minds that we would otherwise have difficulty knowing. The palmist doesn’t read these lines as streets on a roadmap; they are a key to our souls, a fleshly mandala revealing our innermost depths.
Hands were used as the first counting devices. They were seen to have both male and female qualities and symbolism, and images of hands were used around the world as amulets.
Gestures in Wiccan ritual can easily become second nature. When invoking the Goddess and God, the hands can be held uplifted with the fingers spread to receive their power. The Goddess can be individually invoked with the left hand, the thumb and first finger held up and curled into a half-circle, while the rest of the fingers are tucked against the palm. This represents the crescent Moon. The God is invoked with the first and middle fingers of the right hand raised, or with the first and fourth fingers up, the thumb holding down the others against the palm, to represents horns.
The elements can be invoked with individual gestures when approaching the four directions: a flat hand held parallel with the ground to invoke Earth at the North; an upraised hand, fingers spread wide apart, to invoke Air at the East; an upraised fist for the South to invite Fire, and a cupped hand to the West to invoke Water.
Two gestures, together with postures, have long been used to invoke the Goddess and God, and are named after them. The Goddess dess position is assumed by placing the feet about two feet apart on the ground, holding the hands out palms away from you, elbows bent slightly. This position can be used to call the Goddess or to attune with her energies.
The God position consists of the feet together on the floor, body held rigidly upright, arms crossed on the chest (right over left, usually), hands held in fists. Tools such as the wand and magic knife (athame) are sometimes held in the fists, echoing the practice of pharaohs of ancient Egypt who held a crook and flail in a similar position while trying ing disputes.
In coven work, the High Priestess and High Priest often assume these positions when invoking the Goddess and God. In solo workings they can be used to identify with the aspects of the Goddess and God within us, and also during separate invocatory rites.
Gestures are also used in magic. Each of the fingers relates to a specific planet as well as an ancient deity. Since pointing is a magical act and is a part of many spells, the finger can be chosen by its symbolism.
The thumb relates to Venus and to the planet Earth. Jupiter (both the planet and the god) rules the forefinger. The middle finger is ruled by the god and planet Saturn, the fourth finger the Sun and Apollo, and the little finger by the planet Mercury as well as the god after which it is named.
Many spells involve pointing with the Jupiter and Saturn fingers, usually at an object to be charged or imbued with magical energy. The power is visualized as traveling straight out through the fingers and into the object.
Other ritual gestures used in Wiccan rites include the “cutting” of pentagrams at the four quarters by drawing them in the air with the magic knife, wand or index finger. This is done to alternately banish or invoke elemental powers. It is, of course, performed with visualization.
The hand can be seen as a cauldron, since it can cup and contain water; an athame, since it is used to direct magical energy, and a wand since it can also invoke.
Gestures are magical tools as potent as any other, ones we can always take with us, to be used when needed.
–Scott Cunningham, Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner
Witches Of The Craft® 
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