You’ve Studied Witchcraft & Wicca, Now Choose A Magickal Name

Personality Labels

We all can attest to the fact that our given name has, through the years, labelled us in some manner. First names tend to stereotype people and last names can often present the same type of response, and there are times when we wish our parents had chosen to name us something else other than what we are, but saying that at times we may be proud of our names we go by.

When you enter the craft you are building a new extension of yourself, a new personality so to speak. This new self lives in a no limit world, save for the restrictions that you set yourself. So to speak you are opening yourself to a brand new world. Achievements that you yourself never dreamed of are now all of a sudden possible and the personality characteristics that locked you in a specific pattern are now being lifted and changed to mould the way you want to be and not how others perceive you. Most initiates wish to choose a new name to reinforce that special part of themselves that now exists.

However, in a coven environment an individual may take on two different names. The first being known as the “circle” name, thus being used within the coven and the second being the “magical name” to be used in ceremonial rituals, where it is only known by the god/goddess and the individual or the individuals teacher. The number, type and knowledge of names does not differ from tradition to tradition. As a solitary witch would use the same name till such time as she saw fit to change it, some never change there names at all, others use separate ones for correspondence and such alike.

Care should be taken in choosing your magical name, it should represent the beauty of yourself and your higher personal values and ideals.

Finding your magickal Name

Since your new name does not, well not very often, reach out and pinch you, you might have to look a bit for it. Some witches choose to take a name that is traditionally connected with magick, perhaps from a legends story or a name from the tarot and the runes etc. Some witches scry to find their name, they tend to be kind of mystical names, quite often naming animals such as black panther and silver hawk, these are merely examples.

When looking for your name try the following… Take out a piece of paper and write at the top “my magical name should stand for the following strengths…” Leave blank spaces and go down to about the middle of the page and write “This name should have the characteristics of the following deities, plants, elements etc. Then start to answer these questions, do it over a period of time don’t rush into it as said before care should be taken to ensure that you are truly comfortable with your name and that you shouldn’t have to change it on a regular basis, it tends to confuse others and yourself if you do it to much.

Once you have selected your name, get used to it. Sign all letters with it, practice using it and become as one with your name as it does with you. Set up a dedication ceremony, even dedicating your magical name and the bonding you have with it at the same time.

Source;

Empathy’s Mystical Occult Site

The Essence Of Witchcraft Is Therapy

The younger generation, that generation unfairly labelled Generation X, has an alarmingly dark cast looming over them. They are the first generation who are not expected to fare better than their parents. They are the depressed generation, with an alarmingly large percentage of these children on Prozac or other anti-depression drug, they have been warped by television, violence, illegal drugs and absentee parents. It is no wonder then, that many of these young people have turned to the Pagan religions for solace, turning Witchcraft and other Pagan religions into very quickly growing paths.

It is no puzzle why young people find the pagan religions attractive, they offer a degree of freedom and individualityuncommon to most other mainstream religions, they offer the practitioner strength and power. Because these religions integrate the magickal arts into their core theology, people who need a sense of empowerment are drawn to these religions. In Witchcraft especially, the practitioner is taught that they hold all the power, that will is all one needs to shape their fate and that we all have the ability to determine our futures. But Witchcraft also teaches that along with the power of independence comes responsibility, when we are forced to take responsibility for our actions, we become much more aware of them and this realisation is in itself a kind of therapy.

While many Craft leaders would be hesitant to accept the fact that Witchcraft is therapy, the truth is that any practice which advocates self exploration, self empowerment and self expression is therapeutic. The entire purpose of spirituality in its pure and unadulterated form is to provide a link between the individual and the Divine. Once this link is established and a firm relationship develops, the seeker becomes cleansed. A renewed understanding of self and a new-found self respect is instilled, thus the end result is the same result striven for in any kind of therapy. The re-connecting of the mind and body to the Earth and Goddess is the ultimate form of self affirmation therapy.

Unfortunately, however, the therapeutic aspects of Witchcraft are often masked not only by Hollywood facades which present Witchcraft as a fairytale practice, but also by many books that speak almost exclusively about magick and its application. While it is true that Witchcraft wouldn’t be Witchcraft without magick, it is also true that magick simply will not work without a deep understanding of self and a deep relationship with Earth, Universe and Goddess. Books that give guidelines for rituals and spells do nothing to add dimension to Witchcraft as a bona fide religion, though it appeals greatly to the younger generation. Yet watered-down Witchcraft can never feed the soul and when the young practitioner discovers that their magick does not work (because the books they read have neglected to inform them that they must transform themselves before they can work magick) they turn away from Witchcraft and never come to gain the very thing that they came in search of.

Because witches are very wary of those who proselytise, they are wary to do so themselves. Witches are willing to teach those who are sincere in their desire to learn and who are mature enough to discipline themselves in the manner required of true scholarship. The trouble however, is that most teenagers and young adults who encounter Witchcraft are not lucky enough to have a physical teacher. They read books, magazines and consult the Internet for their teachings. Yet precious little of these media offer valuable and accessible theological and/or philosophical information to the student. Most often, students are taught the Wheel of the Year and the Wiccan Rede without ever being taught why these things are sacred, how they are integrated into our daily lives and how the student is to interpret these guidelines for themselves. In fact, because many publications focus heavily on the eclectic side of Witchcraft, they often offer the student these empty words…Do whatever feels right to you. In some instances, such advice is favourable, but many times, the student has no idea what they should feel, let alone if that feeling is right.

Though teenagers and young adults come to Witchcraft for many reasons including a desire for control, love or for some rebellion against controlling parents, the reason these people stay with Witchcraft is because they feel a sense of coming home.While love and money spells may lure them in, those who are not willing to change for their religion will not stay. Witchcraft is first and foremost, a religion that advocates metamorphosis and self transformation and these things do not come from the wave of a magick wand. These things only come with perseverance, determination and discipline. Many books mention this fact, but most do not stress it enough. It is almost as though they are afraid of scaring away the reader. But why mask what our religion is? Why try to market it is as something that it is not? If we know that Witchcraft is a therapeutic religion that can reconnect the individual with Earth, why do we try to bury this beauty underneath magick spells and rituals? Why are we afraid to tell the student, If you want it bad enough, you can have it, but not without getting your hands dirty? In an age where we are losing a generation to drugs, violence and sexually transmitted disease, why do we deny them the exhilarating liberation that Witchcraft-as-therapy has to offer?

Perhaps writers are afraid that their work won’t be published unless they offer mass public appeal and the public wants magick. Maybe they are afraid that publishing a belief system is so close to proselytisation that they are afraid to cross that line. Yet if Witchcraft is to remain a bona fide religion, it must enculturate the younger generation and it must offer them something useful in return. Witchcraft is a truly beautiful religion, once one gets to the very meat of it and it is a religion truly fit for combating the decay of our young people. Unlike many mainstream religions, witches do not believe that they must rely on an outside source for fulfilment and happiness. Witches believe that the witch saves them self and in an era where self denigration and self hate is on the rise, it would be wise for the teachers of the Craft to make this information readily available to the student. The most valuable thing I ever learned from Witchcraft is that by the simple fact that I am, everything I do, say, feel and think is not only valid, but sacred as well. When we learn to accept ourselves as sacred, we come to understand that others are sacred and mutual respect is established and unity grows.

While it is never too late to teach these principles to anyone, it is much easier to integrate them into the teachings of the beginner, because they are so willing to learn. Instead of filling our bookstores with how-to books that may sell well but offer very little, we must teach and publish that which the younger generation needs to hear, which is that only through self discovery and understanding can we ever be truly successful, be it in work, love or magick.

Souce:

Empathy’s Mystical Occult Site

THE STORY OF WICCA

Wicca, an alternative name for modern witchcraft is a positive, shamanistic nature religion with two main deities honored and worshipped in Wiccan rites. The Goddess (the female aspect and a deity related to the ancient Mother Goddess in her triple aspects of Maiden, Mother and Crone) and her consort, the Horned God (the male aspect). Their names vary from one Wiccan tradition to the next and some traditions use different deity names in both their higher and lower degrees.

Wicca often includes the practice of various forms of white magick (usually for healing purposes or as a counter to negativity), as well as rites to attune oneself with the natural rhythm of life forces marked by the phases of the moon and the four seasons.

Wicca (which is also known as the “Craft of the Wise” or often just “The Craft”) is considered by many to be both a monistic and pantheistic religion and is part of the modern Pagan resurgence or neo-Pagan movement, as many prefer to call it.

Today, most people who define themselves as Pagans use the word as a general term for native and natural religions, usually polytheistic and their members. In simple terms, it is a positive, nature-based religion, preaching brotherly love and harmony with and respect for all life forms. It is very similar to Native American spirituality. Its origins are found in the early human development of religion. Animistic deities gradually becoming redefined to become a main God or Goddess of all Nature. This God or Goddess (bearing different names at different times and in different places) can be found in nearly all of the world’s historic religious systems. Paganism does not oppose nor deny other religions. It is simply a pre-Christian faith.

The Wiccan religion is made up of various sects or “Traditions” such as Gardenerian, Alexandrian, Dianic, Tanic, Georgian, Ethnic Traditionalist and so on. Many of the traditions were formed and introduced in the 1960s and although their rituals, customs, myth cycles and symbolism’s may be different from one another, they all hold common principles of Craft law.

The main tenet of Wicca Craft is the Wiccan Rede, a simple and benevolent moral code that is as follows…

AN IT HARM NONE, DO WHAT THOU WILT.

In other words, be free to do your own thing. Provided that you in no way bring harm upon anyone, including yourself. (The Wiccan Rede is extremely important to bear in mind before performing any magickal spells or rituals, especially those which may be considered unethical or of a manipulative nature.) The Threefold Law (or Law of Three) is a karmic law of triple retribution which applies whenever you do something good or bad. For instance, if you use white magick (or positive energy) to do something good for somebody else, three times the good will come back to you in your lifetime. By the same token, if you use black magick (or negative energy) to bring harm unto others, the bad or “evil” will also return to you threefold in the same lifetime.

The followers of the Wiccan religion are called Wiccan or Witches. The word “Witch” applies to both male and female practitioners of the Craft. Male Witches or Wiccans are seldom, if ever, called warlocks. The word “Warlock” which is considered an insult in most Wiccan circles stems from the old english word “Waerloga,” meaning an “Oath-breaker” and was used derogatorily by the Christian Church as a name for a male witch.

Although Witches are proud to be a part of the Craft, there are some who object strongly to the use of the term “Witch,” feeling that the word stirs up too many bizarre images and misconceptions in the minds of those who are unfamiliar with the Craft and perhaps a bit reluctant to accept that which they do not clearly understand.

As Wicca Craft is a Nature-oriented religion, most of it’s members are involved in one way or another with the ecology movement and current environmental issues.

Wiccans do not accept the arbitrary concept of innate sin or absolute evil and they do not believe in a Heaven or Hell, other than those which are one’s own creations.

Wiccans do not practice any form of black magic or “evil,” nor worship devils, demons, or any evil entities and do not make attempts to convert members of other faiths to the Pagan way. Wiccans respect all other positive religions and feel that a person must hear the “Call of the Goddess” and truly desire within her or his own heart, without any outside proselytisation to follow the Wiccan path.

Many Wiccans take on one or more secret names (also know as “Eke-names”) to signify their spiritual rebirth and new life within the Wicca Craft. Eke-names are most sacred and are used only among sisters and brothers of the same path. When a Witch takes on a new name, she or he must be extremely careful to choose one that harmonizes in one way or another with numerical name-numbers, birth-numbers, or runic numbers. A well-chosen name vibrates with that individual and directly links her or him to the Craft.

Many Wiccans work together in small groups which are called covens. The coven (which can consist of up to 13 people) is led by a High Priestess and/or High Priest and gathers together to worship the Goddess, work magick and perform ceremonies at Sabbats and Esbats. The members of a coven are known as “Coveners” and the place where a coven meets is called the “Covenstead.”

Wiccans who work on their own, either by personal choice or by circumstance are called “Solitary” Witches.

Wiccans celebrate 8 Sabbats each year, making transitions in the seasons. There are 4 major (or grand) Sabbats and 4 minor (or lesser) ones. The major Sabbats are Candlemas, Beltane, Lammas and Samhain. The minor Sabbats are Spring Equinox, Summer Solstice, Autumn Equinox and Winter Solstice.

The Esbat is a monthly coven meeting held at least 13 times a year during each Full Moon. At the Esbat, Wiccans exchange ideas, discuss problems, perform special rites, work magick and healing and give thanks to the Goddess and the Horned God. A traditional “Cakes and Wine” or “Cakes and Ale” ceremony also takes place at the Esbat. During this ceremony, consecrated food and refreshments are served and coveners take time to relax and discuss important magickal subjects. The “Cakes and Wine” or “Cakes and Ale” ceremony is a traditional custom whenever a Wiccan ritual takes place and the circle is cast.

In a coven, the Goddess is represented by the High Priestess and the Horned God by the High Priest.

The Goddess is known by many different names. She is often called Diana, Cerridwen, Freya, Isis, Ishtar, The Lady or any other name that a coven chooses to use or that a Wiccan feels responds to his or her own mythical vision.

The Goddess is the female principle. She represents fertility, creation, the regenerative powers of nature and wisdom. The moon is her symbol and in works of art, she is often depicted as having three faces, each representing a different lunar phase. In her New Moon phase she is the Maiden; in her Full Moon phase she is the Mother; and in her Waning Moon phase she is the Crone.

The Horned God is a phallic deity of fertility and intellectual creativity who symbolizes the powers of the waxing and waning crescent moons. He is usually represented by a hirsute and bearded man having the hooves and horns of a goat. He is a God of Nature and the male counterpart to the image of the Goddess. In primitive times, He was worshipped as the Horned God of Hunting.

Like the Goddess, the Horned God is also known by many different names. In some Wiccan traditions, He is called Cernunnos, which is Latin for “the Horned One.” In others, He is known as Pan, Woden and other names.

The worship of the Goddess and the Horned God symbolize the Wiccan belief that everything that exists in the universe is divided into opposites: female and male, negative and positive, light and darkness, life and death, yin and yang, the balance of Nature.

Source:

Empathy’s Mystical Occult Site

Wicca & Witchcraft – The Spiritual Seeker’s Guide

WICCA AND WITCHCRAFT
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The Spiritual Seeker’s Guide
Steven S. Sadleir

Wicca, or Witchcraft is the old religion of Europe, which apparently evolved from Druidism. Wiccan is generally a term applied to a “Wise One” or “Magician”, and Wicca is the practice of “magic”, which is the application and utilization of natural laws. As Witchcraft competed as a religion with Christianity (the ‘new’ religion) in the Christianized Western World, witchcraft became repressed as a form of paganism (i.e., a Primative Teaching) and was given an evil stigma, and therefore was not practiced openly. However, with the repeal of the English Witchcraft Act in 1951, many covens, or congregations, have opened up to the public and many new groups have formed. There are now dozens of Wiccan orgnaizations in the United States and Europe, with perhaps, thousands of active Wiccans and Witches. Most witches practicing the craft publicly are considered ‘white’ witches, that is, they yse their knowledge for good ends and practice the Wiccan Creed: “Ye hurt none, do as ye will.” Black Witches (which has recieved most of the notoriety, but are considered a minority) are generally not visible to the public and use thier knowledge for selfish or evil means. Satanism is NOT considered a form of witchcraft, but was created by people who believe there is a Satan, or Devil.

Wicca/Witchcraft generally involves some form of God or Goddess worship, and many involve the workings of spiritual guides as well. Wicca/Witchcraft is a very individualized religion, and each person chooses his or her own deities to worship. Generally, the supreme being is considered ‘genderless’ and is comprised of many aspects that may be identified as masculine or feminine in
nature, and thus a God or Goddess. Originally, the horned God of hunting represented the maculine facet of the deity, whereas the female qualities were represented in the fertility Goddess. The Gods and Goddesses from the personalities of the supreme being, and are a reflection of the attributes that worshippers seek to emulate. Wiccans may draw upon the ancient civilizations of the Druids, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, or other polytheistic cultures to commune with the particular aspect of the deity that they identify with. Some favorite gods include Osiris, Pan, Cennunnos, and Bacchus. Facotie Goddesses include Isis, Caridwen, Rhea, Selene, and Diana.

Wiccans generally observe the four greater Sabbaths of Samhain, Imbolc, Beltane, and Laghnasadh; and the lesser Sabbaths – the Spring and autumn equinoxes and the summer and winter solstices. There celebrations are typically free-spirited, and are sometimes held ‘skyclad’ (naked) or in various styles of robes. Other services include handfasting (marriage), handparting (divorce) and wiccaning (birth rite). Regular meetings, called Esbats are also held, at which magic and healing are performed. Wiccans/witches meet in small groups (up to twelve) called a coven, whcih typically join with other covens to form a ‘Grove’.

Rituals are typically held outside and consist of forma a circle and erecting the temple (consecrating the circle); invoking, praising, and soliciting assistance from gods, goddesses, and elementals; observing the change of season and energies represented by the various seasons; singing; dancing; ‘cakes and ale’ (sharing of bread and wine); and clearing the temple. Personal practive includes meditation and prayer, divination, development of personal will and psychic abilities through spells and various forms of healing. Most Wiccans/witches have altars where they burn candles and incense and practice their rites. To perform thier rites, other tools of the craft are used, such as an athame, yag-disk or, seaux (a handmade and consecrated knife), a sword, a wand, and sometimes special jewelry, amulets or talismans (magically empowered objects). Sometimes these objects are inscribed with magical writings. Joining a coven or grove typically involves an initiation, which is stylized by each individual group, but generally involves the confirmation that the initiate understands the principals and an oath of secrecy.

Temples, Covens and Groves – Oh, My!

TEMPLES, COVENS AND GROVES – OH MY!
by KHALED

There appears to be a fair amount of ongoing confusion as to what each of these is and what each of them should be doing, so let me stick my oar into it, too. But first, let’s play the definition game.

CIRCLE
Three or more people who gather together to work ritual or Craft. Some are ritual only, some worship only, but most do both. The following are all special cases of a Circle:

GROVE
Circle usually led by, and under the auspices of, a coven. Frequently eclectic in practice, Groves are commonly used as an introduction to the Craft as a whole but not necessarily to any given Tradition. Groves usually don’t initiate. May also be called a study group.

COVEN
Circle gathering at least once per month (with a majority gathering twice) for worship and/or magic. Membership tends to be stable with gradual personnel changes. Normally practicing within a single Tradition, Covens typically have strong group rapport. Most train their members to whatever standard they use. Rites of passage (the “I” word) are the norm.

TEMPLE
Two or more Circles, generally at least one Coven (the Inner Circle) and a Grove (the Outer Circle), the latter being open to the public. Serves the public as a place to worship and/or learn about the Gods with advanced training for those seekers who meet the Temple’s standards. I’m on shakier ground here, never having run a Temple, but I see a Circle/Grove open to the general public as essential to the definition, while the strong affiliation to one or more covens
is a matter of observation (as is the relationship between Groves and Covens cited earlier.)

A fair number of practitioners do not distinguish among these terms (nor, for that matter, among Wicca, Paganism and New Age). Feel free to take issue with any of these definitions, but they are what I have in mind as I write this. Let’s take a closer look at what each of these is and how they tend to function within Neo-Paganism.

A Circle is a gathering of, preferably like-minded, individuals for purposes of magic and/or worship. None of those gathered need be of the same Tradition, nor even Initiate, though it makes for better results if at least some of them are. All Groves, Covens and Temples are therefore Circles. The reverse, however, isn’t always the case since many Circles do not also meet the criteria for a Grove, Coven or Temple.

A Grove, or Study Group, is a Circle of students learning the basics of Neo-Pagan (or Wiccan or any of the other subsets of Pagan) worship and Circle techniques. While normally under the tutelage of one or more Initiates, the members are not necessarily being trained towards Initiation in any particular Tradition, nor need the tutors be of the same Tradition(s) as the students (nor even of each other).Mystery religions, by their very nature, aren’t for everyone, nor is any given Mystery suitable for all Initiates. The Grove is a way for potential Initiates to take a good look at one or more Traditions while learning how to handle themselves in just about any basic Circle. If this isn’t for them, they can easily drop it. If it is, they can focus on the specific
Tradition (or family of Traditions) which seems to speak most clearly to them (assuming they were exposed to more than one). Similarly, the tutor(s) can teach general techniques to any serious Seeker without worrying about an implied commitment to Initiate someone unsuited to their particular Tradition.

Groves do not normally do Initiations (they’re done by the sponsoring Coven, if any), and tend to be oriented more towards teaching and worship than towards magical practice. They are also more likely to be fairly open to new members or even the general public than is the case with established Covens, while study groups, in my experience at least, are more likely to be invitation-only. The most effective Groves (or study groups, of course) are under the helpful eye, if not out-and-out sponsorship, of an established Coven or family of Covens.

A Coven, on the other hand, is a regularly meeting Circle, all of the same Tradition, at least some of whom are Initiates (and at least one of whom holds Initiatory power if the Coven is to survive or grow). Such a group tends to become very close (“closer than kin”) and is bound by the rules and styles (deliberately non-existent in some cases) of its Tradition, and by its own internal rules and customs. A member of a Coven is normally provided training and, when deemed ready, Initiation or Elevation by that Coven’s Priesthood/Elders.

There are also magical considerations which go into the making of a Coven which further differentiate it from a Grove/study group, but it isn’t my intention to go into them here. Suffice it to say that they are connected to the closeness and tend to enhance it. Because the bond is tight, and because a Coven generally intends to be around for a few decades, they’re kinda fussy about who joins. The wise Seeker is equally fussy about which, if any, Coven s/he eventually joins.
You’re not joining a social club here, you’re adopting, and being adopted into, an extended family. And this time round you have some control over who your kin will be!

Neo-Pagan Temples are a fairly new phenomena combining many of the characteristics of Covens and Groves. I think that the clearest description of just what they’re about comes from the (draft) Constitution of the proposed Victoria (B.C.) Temple:

a) To minister to the Pagan community by way of providing support, education, and sponsoring religious celebrations;

b) to establish and maintain a religious sanctuary and place of worship accessible to all who would worship the Goddess and the God;

c) to provide a seminary for the training of Wiccan clergy;

d) to provide accredited ordination for Wiccan clergy;

e) to provide accurate information about Witchcraft to all who would ask and to engage in dialogue with other religious groups with the purpose of furthering understanding and friendship between us; and

f) to do other charitable acts of goodwill as will benefit the community at large.

As stated in my definition of Temple above, I consider the provision of Neo-Pagan (not necessarily Wiccan) religious instruction and services to the general public to be essential, and provision of community services to the local Neo-Pagan population highly desirable. To be taken seriously in the wider world, we need to have our clergy recognized by our government(s), which in turn means that we need to be visibly providing training and ordination which meets
government accreditation criteria (which can vary significantly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction). Such accredited ordination is most easily adminitered through Temples.

To address a diatribe current on the Nets (computer Network Bulletin Boards: Ed.) so long as the governments we seek accreditation from think in Christian terms, then we will have to use Christian terms, carefully defined to earmark differences in usage, to describe ourselves to them. Sure, there’s some danger of picking up some inappropriate (to Wicca) ways of thinking along with those terms, but we’re more likely to import them with converts who were raised as
Christians. The solution to both problems is the same: clearly understood (by the tutors above all!) religious instruction. And if a Christian notion isn’t inappropriate, and if it’s truly useful, why shouldn’t we adopt it? Religious intolerance itself is inappropriate to Wiccan thought, and I think we should be clearer in condemning it.

So how does it all tie together? I think that the Neo-Pagan community needs a mix of solitaires, coveners and templers, along with significant variety among their Traditions, to remain intellectually and spiritually healthy. We also need umbrella organisations capable of meeting the needs of each of them, not only for credibility with governments and the general public, but to spread new (and not so new) ideas around the very community they should exist to serve. I’ll
talk more on what this umbrella organization should look like in a bit. For now, let’s get back to roles of the different types of Circle.

One of the things that fascinates about the Craft is our teaching that the Gods don’t need a Priesthood to run interference between Them and Their worshippers. Nor is this a new idea. Heroditus recorded with a certain amazement that Persians must call on a Magus to perform every little sacrifice, whereas among the Greeks of his time, anyone, including housewives and slaves, could sacrifice at any time, assuming they had the desire and the means. We have a
Priesthood because some people feel called to a deeper understanding and expression of their faith than is the case for many. And while They don’t need Initiated Priesthoods, humans find them very useful both as a source of thoughtful religious instruction and as a ready source of warm bodies to stick with the administrivia of organizing group ritual.

Like sex, however, effective worship isn’t something that just comes naturally. It must be learnt, and practiced. Groves, festivals and Temples are all good places to learn the fundamentals, assuming you weren’t fortunate enough to learn them at home. They are also good places to socialize with people who think much the way you do, a deeply-seated human need we do well not to overlook. If your need runs deeper, you will find Priesthood there to talk to. If your needs prove more mystically oriented, they should be able to arrange contact with one or more Covens, who can in turn, if appropriate, Initiate you into whichever flavor of the Mysteries they practice.

Different Circle structures serve different needs. None is superior to the other except to the extent that it serves your needs better. For those of us simply seeking to express our religious feelings in sympathetic company, whichever form best serves that expression is all we’re likely to need. But those of us who feel called to serve the greater community will need all of them to achieve the mandate we have set ourselves.

To return to our model umbrella organization, to serve a significant majority of
the community it will have to address as many of the rather different needs of
solitaires, Covens and Temples as is feasible without stepping on the concerns
of any of them. To be effective, it has to have some standards, but it can’t
impose them from above without violating the sovereignty that all three segments
of the community value rather highly.

One of the difficulties with any ideal is that it manifests imperfectly, if
indeed it can be brought to manifestation at all. Rather than a discouragement,
however, I find that a challenge: to bring about the best fit possible between
reality and our ideal. Here then are my ideas on some of the attributes such an
organization can aim for. To start from the top, I think the stated purpose of
the organization should be to serve as a liaison between member clergy and the
Establishment, whether government or public. Why clergy? Because we don’t need
government approval simply to worship our Gods, especially if we’re doing so
discreetly and on private property.

It’s our institutions which need public recognition in order to be able to avail
themselves of public resources available to other, already recognized,
religions, not the worshippers themselves. And institutions effectively mean the
clergy. Note I don’t say Priesthood. It’s one of the earmarks of the Craft that
all Initiates are clergy, but in many of our Traditions, Priesthood requires a
deeper understanding of traditional lore and techniques.

The immediate needs such an organization should attempt to fulfill are essentially three:

1) Establishment of a Seminary to provide the training necessary for government accreditation as a minister of religion for those who need or seek said accreditation. To achieve this it will be necessary to look into the minimal training expected by any intended licensing bodies and ensure that those standards are being met or exceeded by all graduates of said certification
program. This accreditation is to serve no other purpose within the organization: all of our members will be recognized by us as clergy, whether or not they seek further accreditation.

2) To act as a public relations and information office on the Craft to the general public. If we exist, we will be used as an information source, so we might as well plan on it and do the job properly.

3) To act as a Craft contact and social network to facilitate Pagan networking among members and non-members alike.

To expand upon the seminary somewhat, any member should be able to sit for an examination without taking the associated classes (a process known in Ontario as “challenge for credit”). If s/he passes, s/he is given the credit, if not, the associated courses must be taken before s/he may sit for another examination on that subject. In this way we can grant credit for existing knowledge without in any way compromising our standards. I think it would be a very bad idea to grant an exemption from this procedure to anyone.

Because very few of us are likely to be able to drop everything for a couple of years to travel to wherever we happen to establish the campus, one should be able to complete the courses necessary for certification by correspondence. Nor should the topics of instruction be limited for those required for accreditation with government.

Let’s also see to it that our ministers have a grounding in the philosophy of religion, comparative religion (especially comparative Pagan religion) and chaplaincy as well. Note too that I keep referring to the document as a Certificate, not a college degree. A university level of education, while great for the egos of graduates, is unnecessarily high to meet the needs of our Pagan laity – a Community College is much more appropriate. The stages of learning in a guildcraft are apprentice, journeyman and master, NOT baccalaureate, master and doctor! Mind, I have no objection to our Seminary offering college level courses, nor any other course or seminar it may choose to offer. I merely object to the insistence in some quarters that since most Christian ministers must hold graduate degrees, then by golly ours must too! Horsefeathers!

Our Organization then breaks down into a Seminary to provide internal education, and accreditation, to Pagan religious tutors; a PR office to provide external education, and referrals to the public; and one or more Festivals, and no doubt a periodical (e.g. a newsletter), to provide for contacts and networking both internal and external.

Further, I see our Organization as an ecclesia in the ancient Athenian sense of the term, and assembly of all those having the right to vote in our affairs. I don’t feel the ecclesia should either set or attempt to enforce any standards beyond those required for government accreditation and a minimal ethical standard for membership. I feel that member-ship should be restricted to ordained clergy within a Pagan tradition, nor should the ecclesia itself set any standard as to what does or does not constitute clergy (though I expect it may have to define criteria for determining what is or isn’t Pagan). All this because any other approach compromises the essential sovereignty of our Covens and Temples (for which purpose I see a solitary as a Coven of 1).

Since our membership is composed of clergy, not Covens and Temples, I favor one-person-one-vote. Certainly, groups with a large number of ordained members will thereby gain a larger number of votes in the ecclesia, why not? The ecclesia has no authority over individual members nor the organizations they may represent. Its most extreme power is to suspend the membership of persons found to be in violation of the ethical code, which code is set and policed by the members themselves. Or to appoint officers to manage the ecclesia’s property and affairs, which officers will be legally and constitutionally answerable to the membership.

On the topic of polity, I see the ecclesia/AGM as setting policy which is then administered and interpreted by the officers. The officers should have no power to set policy themselves. Our structure should be absolutely minimalist to avoid unpleasant takeover bids later. Any office or function which doesn’t need to be there, shouldn’t be there. If someone has grounds for an ethics complaint, an ad hoc committee should be assembled to look into it. If amends are made or the
objectionable behavior corrected, then the case should be dropped (i.e. the committee is focused on correcting unethical behavior, not punishing it).

On the subject of officers and their terms of office, I rather like the notion of electing them in alternate years for two- year terms. A one-year term is too hard on continuity. One possibility to avoid little fiefdoms is to provide each function with two officers, one senior and the other junior. Each year the senior officer retires, the junior officer becomes the senior and a new
junior officer is elected. Continuity is preserved, and each officer gains an assistant who has a year in which to learn the ropes. I think that barring the outgoing senior from seeking re-election as a junior would be wasteful of resources, myself, but it would certainly serve to break up fiefdoms even further, should the ecclesia happen to be particularly paranoid about them.

A not-so-little proposal, but the subject is an important one. This is only somewhat-baked, and I see the need as both real and immediate.

WOTC Extra – Elemental Correspondences & Elemental Herbs

ELEMENTAL CORRESPONDENCES

EARTH:

Feminine Element

North

Green

Rules Spells dealing with fertility, jobs, money, business, health, ecology, and stability.

AIR:

Masculine

East

Yellow

Rules spells dealing with memory, tests, intellects, divination, psychic powers, and travel.

FIRE:

South

Red

Rules spells dealing with success, sex, banishing, illness, protection, legal matters, strength, energy, health.

WATER:

Feminine

West

Blue

Rules spells dealing with love, friendship, meditation, healing, dreams, childbirth, clairvoyance, and purification.

ELEMENTAL HERBS

Activator: Mistle toe, Mandrake, Dragon’s Blood

Banishing: Black Willow, Hellebore

Beauty: Catnip, Ginseng, Maidenhair, Yerba Santa

Courage: Cohosh, Mullen, Thyme, Yarrow

Divination: Broom, Dandelion, Hibiscus, Meadowsweet, Orris, Pomegranate, Mugwort, Dragon’s Blood, Black Willow

Employment: Devil’s Shoestring, Lucky Hand, Pecan

Friendship: Lemongrass, Sweetpea, Passionflower

Happiness: Catnip, Hawthorn, High John the Conqueror, Lavender, Meadowsweet, Morning Glory, St. John, Witch grass

Healing: Adders Tongue, Bay, Blackberry, Burdock, Cedar, Fennel, Garlic, Hops, Horehound, Life Everlasting, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Vervain

Health: Caraway, Galangal, Juniper, Marjoram, Nutmeg, Rue Sassafras, Tansy

Love: Apple, Basil, Betony, Chamomile, Coltsfoot, Copal Damania, Gardenia, Jasmine, Verbena, Meadowsweet, Moonwort, Poppy, Raspberry, Rose, Violet

Mental Ability: Eyebright, Horehound, Mustard Seed, Periwinkle

Protection: Acacia, Ash, Broom, Datura, Dogwood, Elder, Foxglove, Rowan

Psychic Ability: Borage, Honeysuckle

Purification: Sage, Benzoin, Copailm Iris, Thistle, Vervain, Yucca

Sleep: Agimony, Chamomile, Hops, Lavender, Passionflower, Pepper, Valerian

Spirituality: Frankincense, Gardenia, heather, Sandalwood

Strength: Carnation, Mulberry, Pennyroyal, Oak, Saffron

Success: Cinnamon, Patchouli, Chamomile, High John the Conqueror Root

Wisdom: Bodhi, Iris, Sage, Yew

Goddess: Willow, Moonwort, Hawthorn

God: Holly, Mandrake, Buckthorne

Let’s Talk Witch – The Many Flavors of Witchcraft

Fantasy Graphics=
Let’s Talk Witch – The Many Flavors of Witchcraft

Yes, flavors. I ran across that word the other day describing something (I don’t remember what) but I found the word fascinating. When I stopped to think about it this morning, Witchcraft does come in many flavors. There are numerous different Paths/Tradition in Witchcraft. But we all call ourselves Witches. We unite under that title as Witch.

I decided to revisit several of those different Paths/Traditions today. We have several newcomers to the Craft. I figured this might be helpful to them. At least it will give them an idea of where their interests might lay. If you have been practicing Witchcraft for a while, see if your tradition is listed. If not, give us a brief description of your Path/Tradition. If you would like to add something to these descriptions, feel free. I would love to hear from you. Enjoy!

Alexandria Tradition Founded in England in the 1960’s. A man by the name of Alex Sanders called himself the “King” of Witches.

British Tradition Mixture of Celtic and Gardnerian beliefs. Covens are co-ed, and they train through the degree process.

Celtic Wicca This tradition stongly stresses the Ancient ones, the Elements, and nature. They know a lot about flowers, plants, herbs, stones, & gnomes/fairies.

Caledonii Tradition Scottish in origin, it preserves the festivals of the Scots. Used to be known as the Hecatine Tradition.

Ceremonial Witchcraft These Witches use a lot of Magic in their practices. wiccan Magic is a favorite.

Dianic Tradition This tradition has been known as the feminist movement. It was founded in 1921 by Margaret Murray. They tend to focus more on the Goddess, & not the God.

Eclectic Witch These Witches don’t follow any one Craft. They take what they have learned and apply it as needed to their Magic.

Gardnerian Tradition This tradition is so popular because the man who started it, Gerald Gardner, publicized it so much in the 1950’s. Wicca was about to die out, and he made many people aware of the Craft.

Hecatian A branch of Wicca which worships the Goddess Hecate.

Kitchen Witch These Witches practice most of their magic in the kitchen, like the name signifies

.
Pictish Witch Scottish Craft; solitary using nature as it’s Magickal force. Not much religion involved in this one.

Pow-Wow Based on German Magic; it is not a religion, just a Magickal healing with faith practice.

Seax Wicca started by Raymond Buckland, this tradition contains Saxon beliefs and is exclusive for Saxon scholars, though nothing is stopping you from studying it.

Solitary Witch This is a Witch who practices alone. The tradition may vary, and they can come in many forms. A Solitary Witch can learn off the internet, books, and Witches they may know. They do not belong to a coven, and most of the time feel as if they benefit more by practicing solo.

Strega Witch: Began in the 1300’s by a woman named Aradia. They have beautiful teachings but are rare to find anymore.

Teutonic Witch This is the Nordic tradition. People vary from the English, Danish, Dutch, Swedish, and Norwegian.

Good Things To Know

Good Things To Know

Moon Phase Correspondences for Magickal Workings.

New Moon Magick:

New Moon workings can be done from the day of the new moon to three-and-a-half days after.

The new moon is for starting new ventures, new beginnings. Also love and romance, health or job hunting.

Waxing Moon Magick:

From seven to fourteen days after the new moon.

The waxing moon is for constructive magick, such as love, wealth, success, courage, friendship, luck or health.

Full Moon Magick:

From fourteen to seventeen-and-a-half days after the new moon.

Prime time for rituals for prophecy, protection, divination. Any working that needs extra power, such as help finding a new job or healings for serious conditions, can be done now. Also, love, knowledge, legal undertakings, money and dreams.

Waning Moon Magick:

From three-and-a-half to ten-and-a-half days after the full moon.

The waning moon is used for banishing magick, for ridding oneself of addictions, illness or negativity.

Dark Moon Magick:

From ten-and-a-half to fourteen days after the full moon.

The dark moon is a time for dealing with attackers, for exploring our darkest recesses and understanding our angers and passions. Also bringing justice to bear.

Daily Correspondences for Magickal Workings:

Sunday: Power magick, health, vitality, money, career

Monday: Intuition, dreams, psychic ability, fertility

Tuesday: Money, enemies, courage, energy

Wednesday: Divination, communications, knowledge, wisdom

Thursday: Happiness, luck, wealth, victory, health

Friday: Love, romance, marriage, friendship

Saturday: Psychic ability, communications, new beginnings, protection, bindings

Color Correspondences for Magickal Workings:

Red: energy, strength, passion, love, career goals, courage

Orange: business goals, career goals, justice, success, ambition

Yellow: learning, breaking mental blocks, confidence, persuasion

Pink: romantic love, peace, nurturing

Green: finances, luck, physical healing, abundance, growth

Blue: wisdom, protection, calm, creativity, patience

Purple: spiritual power, psychic ability, ambition, third eye

Silver: telepathy, clairvoyance, intuition, dreams, astral energy

Black: protection, repelling, binding

White: peace, purity, spirituality, higher self

Herbal Magick

There are many herbs that can be used for magickal purposes; I’ve elected to list only those that could be found in an ordinary kitchen or can be easily found at a grocery store or nursery. Wooden window boxes are fairly inexpensive, as is potting soil. The herbs themselves were only $2 each.

Success: basil, sandalwood

Psychic development: cinnamon, rosemary, thyme

Divination: cloves, nutmeg, thyme

Dream magick: cinnamon, mistletoe

Good luck: chamomile, nutmeg, sandalwood

Health: allspice, coriander, ginseng, thyme

Love magick: basil, catnip, cinnamon, dill seed, ginger, mint, rosemary, sage, thyme

Money: basil, chamomile, cinnamon, garlic, thyme

Protection: cloves, marjoram, basil, sandalwood, African ginger

Handy Stuff to Have Around the House

Harmony Ball – chiming spheres were created by ancient Druids as meditation devices to commune with nature.

Pentagrams – The 5 points represent the elements of all creation –Air, Fire, Water & Earth plus the quality of the Spirit which imbues it

Ankhs – The ancient Egyptian symbol of the radiant life force of healing — both spiritual and physical

9 Healing Herbs: Catnip, Chamomile, Coltsfoot, Plantain, Ginger, Cayenne, Comfrey, Garlic, Lobelia

5 Helpful Goddesses:

Ganesh – Bestower of Success in work, and Remover of Obstacles

Laxmi – Goddess for petitions of Love, Sex, Abundance & Wealth

Shiva – God of Regeneration, Ecstasy, Magic Sex & Transcendence

Tara – Bestower of good. Protectress against enemies & bad luck

Vishnu – Protector of Universe for power, courage & sustenance

Lodestone – Lodestones are naturally magnetic, used to charge spell items. Often 2 lodestones are carried: 1 to repel bad luck and 1 to attract good luck. Lodestones come in blue, gold, green, silver, white & natural

Dragon’s Blood Ink – Typically dragon’s blood is used for love spells. Dragon’s blood is used for power & spell strength

Lighting Sticks- Preferable to matches for ritual use because they reach into enclosed candle holders easily & don’t leave the match scent of sulfur.

Creating An Artificial Element

CREATING AN ARTIFICIAL ELEMENT

The elemental Spirits of Earth are the Gnomes.
The elemental Spirits of Air are the Sylphs.
The elemental Spirits of Water are the Undines.
The elemental Spirits of Fire are the Salamanders.

1- Decide on the purpose and do a divination to determine the outcome. If it is positive, proceed to number two.

2- Perform the Opening by Watchtower.

3- Imagine that you are the element which you wish to from into an artificial element. Hold your hands nine to twelve inches apart, palms facing each other. Now imagine a bottle or box between your hands. Next, as you exhale, visualize all of the element you are working with going out with your breath and being trapped in the container between your hands. Do this until the container is
literally bursting with elemental energy.

4- Take your hands away and let the container float in front of you. Pick up the tool associated with the element with which you are working. Put the end of the tool against the visualized container.
Say:
“I hereby name thee ________.
Go thou and do (whatever you wish it to do).
When you have completed this task, disperse and reunite with (name of element)
everywhere and harm none on your way.
If thou hast not completed thy task by (date and time), then disperse
nonetheless and reunite with (name of element)everywhere and harm none on your
way.
So mote it be!
Be on thy way!”

5- Perform the Closing by Watchtower.

Elemental Magick – Water

ELEMENTAL MAGICK – WATER

The elemental Spirits of Water are the Undines.

Mastering the element Water…

1- Make a list of things which have the combined qualities of being cool and moist. Practice this for one week. Be sure to record the results each day in your magickal diary.

2- Remove your clothes and enter a bath or pool where the water is cool. If you have access to a lake or river, this would be best. Also, it would be good if you could get a swimming snorkel so that you can breathe while completely submerged beneath the surface of the water. Obviously, this would be difficult to do in a small bath tub or in a shallow pool, but if you have access to a snorkel and have a place where you can be totally submerged, you will have the quickest success. Once you are submerged as much as possible, and if you are completely submerged, breathing comfortably through the snorkel, do the relaxation ritual. Next, become very aware of your breath. As you do this you will find that your breath will automatically slow down. Notice the way the air feels as it comes in through the nose, down the air pipe and into the lungs. Feel this. Once again, imagine that your body is nothing more then an enormous breathing apparatus. If you experience any sort of “drowning sensation”, stop immediately and try again later. You should do this exercise for one week.

3- Spend a period of up to three minutes (no more), once a day, imagining that you are the element Water. Feel the fluidity, the coolness, the refreshing moisture of the elemental waters. Know what water feels like, what water is. Do this for one week.

4- Once you have learned to “be Water”, the next step is to control the element Water. Take a moment and imagine yourself to be Water. Bring the feeling from the previous exercise into your consciousness. Next, hold your hands 9-12 inches apart, palms facing each other. Imagine a bottle or box between your hands. Now, as you exhale, visualize all of the Water element which is in you going out with your breath and into the container between your hands. Three to five breaths
should be enough to fill it. Then, with three breaths, inhale it back into you and go back to normal consciousness.

THE TEST
The next time you feel hard headed, overly tense, or like you muscles are hard as a rock, do this exercise. If you feel relaxed and reasonable, you have succeeded with the test AND with mastering the element Water.

Elemental Magick – Fire

ELEMENTAL MAGICK – FIRE

The elemental Spirits of Fire are the Salamanders.

Mastering the element Fire…

1- Make a list of things which have the combined qualities of having heat and dryness. Be sure to record the results each day in your magickal diary. Do at least daily for one week.

2- Find a place that is extremely hot, such as a desert or a dry sauna (not a steam bath). If those are not possible, find a place where a roaring fire is going. Such a fire could be in a fireplace or a barbecue pit or grill. Remove all of your clothes, or as much as you can, and get as close to the heat source as possible without risking a burn. Once you are in a position where it is uncomfortably hot, but not painful or unbearable, do the relaxation ritual. Focus on your breathing. Again imagine that you are a huge breathing apparatus. Do this for a short while, usually ten minutes. Do not spend any time longer then that. Do this exercise at different times of the day or night for one week.

3- Spend a period of up to three minutes (no more), once a day, imagining that you are the element Fire. Feel the heat and your ability to transmit the heat. Know what Fire feels like, what Fire is. Do this for one week.

4- Once you have learned to “be Fire”, the next step is to control the element Fire. Take a moment and imagine yourself to be Fire. Bring the feeling from the previous exercise into your consciousness. Next, hold your hands 9-12 inches apart, palms facing each other. Imagine a bottle or box between your hands. Now, as you exhale, visualize all of the Fire element which is in you going out with your breath and into the container between your hands. Three to five breaths
should be enough to fill it. Then, with three breaths, inhale it back into you and go back to normal consciousness.

THE TEST
The next time you feel listless or have a total lack of energy, do this exercise. If you feel energized and revitalized, you have succeeded with the test AND mastering the element Fire.

Elemental Magick – Earth

ELEMENTAL MAGICK – EARTH

The elemental Spirits of Earth are the Gnomes.

Mastering The Element Earth….

1- Make a list of things which have the combined qualities of dryness and coolness. However, don’t to this just out of your head. Rather, make a list of Earth things that you see each day. Practice this for one week. Be sure to record the results each day in your magickal diary.

2- Find a place filled with nature, such as a field or park. Wear as little clothing as you can (if possible, nudity is best), and sit or lie on the ground so that as much of your skin as possible is touching the ground. This is especially easy for women, as they can simply wear a flowing skirt with no underwear and sit on the ground with the skirt spread out. Spend some time contemplating, feeling the coolness and dryness of the Earth. You should do this at least three times within a week.

3- Spend a period of up to three minutes (no more), once a day, imagining that you are the element Earth. Feel the heaviness, the slowness, the coolness and dryness of Earth. Feel the way you can absorb the pains and problems of the world (however, do not actually do so). Become Earth. Do this exercise for at least a week before moving to the next exercise.

4- Once you have leaned to “be Earth”, the next step is to control the element Earth. Bring the feeling from the previous exercise into your consciousness. Next, hold your hands 9-12 inches apart, palms facing each other. Imagine a bottle or box between your hands. Now, as you exhale, visualize all of the Earth element which is in you going out with your breath and into the container
between your hands. Three to five breaths should be enough to fill it. Then, with three breaths, inhale it back into you and go back to normal consciousness.

THE TEST
The next time you feel lightheaded, overweight, just heavy and lethargic, do this exercise. If you feel lighter and better, you have succeeded, with the test AND with mastering the element Earth.

Elemental Magick – Air

ELEMENTAL MAGICK – AIR

The elemental Spirits of Air are the Sylphs.

Mastering the element Air…

1- Make a list of the things which have the combined qualities of warmth and moistness. Practice this for one week. Be sure to record the results each day in your magickal diary.

2- Find a place where you can be alone, take a lounge chair along with you. Wear as little clothing as you can (if possible, nudity is best), and sit or lie in the chair. Begin pore breathing. This is started by doing the relaxation ritual. Next, become very aware of your breath. Become aware of the slow in and out motion of the physical air. Notice the way the air feels as it enters your body. Now imagine that your body is nothing more then a huge breathing apparatus. Imagine that every part of your body only has the function of breathing. You should do this exercise daily for one week.

3- Spend a period of up to three minutes (no more), once a day, imagining that you are the element Air. Feel the lightness, the giddiness, the warmth and moisture of Air. Feel how physical things don’t seem to matter. Do this exercise for only one week, NO MORE. If you wish to do it again, only do it once a month.

4- Once you have learned to “be Air”, the next step is to control the element Air. Take a moment and imagine yourself to be Air. Bring the feeling from the previous exercise into your consciousness. Next, hold your hands 9-12 inches apart, palms facing each other. Imagine a bottle or box between your hands. Now, as you exhale, visualize all of the Air element which is in you going out with your breath and into the container between your hands. Three to five breaths should be enough to fill it. Then, with three breaths, inhale it back into you and go back to normal consciousness.

THE TEST
The next time you feel heavy, slow or lazy, do this exercise. If you feel relaxed and refreshed, you have succeeded with the test AND with mastering the element Air.

Specific Methods of Psychic Protection

1) Heal the aura. The best thing to do this is to go to a reliable healer who should be able to do the job easily.

2) Clear the atmosphere. Use pomegranate leaves or a small brush to sprinkle consecrated salt water all over the house or that particular room. The consecration can be simply done by saying a prayer or repeating an invocation while the salt water is being prepared. This is done by sprinkling a spoonful of salt into a bowl of water. While doing this and while sprinkling the ‘holy’ water onto the walls of the house, repeat your prayer or invocation.

3) Break contact with troubling forces. Move to a new environment with a new set of clothes and with as little belongings as possible. If moving house is not possible, change your room. If you cannot change your room, change the direction of the bed. In moving to a new abode, it is better if one can cross running water (river or sea), as this will help by throwing off the scent of the attacker, but a spirit can still follow you. After arriving at the new place, bathe in salt water while chanting an invocation or prayer at the same time. Do it like a ritual. After this, strengthen your aura once again.

4) Disposal of belongings. Personal belongings such as clothes, shirts, jacket and raincoats etc should be sunned in the open for 3 days before giving them away. Similarly, furniture, chairs and mattresses should also be sunned for 3 days before they are disposed off. Of course hairs, nail clippings, handkerchiefs and menstrual pads should be burnt. Similarly, night soil, urine, sperms and blood material should be meticulously dealt with, because they are all magnetized objects.

5) Ancillary measures. Small quantities of consecrated salt water or nitric acid in small saucers should be left all over the room or house. These are changed every few days. Whole cloves of onions and garlic may also be left in the room for human and non-human visitors. They should also be burnt after some time.

6) Magic Circle. Before one sleeps, imagine a Ring of Fire around the bed in a clockwise fashion (deosil). Do the same to your companion’s bed. Then white light both beds at once.

7) Pentagram. This is performed as according to the diagram. Start with the right hand down across at the level of the left hip. The next step is to move the hand upward to the center above the head with the 1st and 2nd fingers pointing to the heavens. Then move the hand down again to the right hip. Then swing your hand across to the level of the left shoulder with the fingers pointing to the left. Then, cut across with the hand ending at the right shoulder with the fingers pointing away from the body. Lastly, swing the hand across and down to the left hip again. This pentagram will banish all thought forms, elementals, nature spirits and ghosts. As with white lighting, the pentagram can be use to protect our cars, houses, pets and loved ones

8) Green pyramid. This is another form of visualization that can protect us from offending intruders. Either lie or sit down and go into silence, i.e. withdrawing from all external thoughts. Then visualize that you are encased in a green pyramid, whose base is beneath your floor, and the apex is above your head. Make sure that the sides of the pyramid are firmly attached to the base, and tightly converged at the apex. If you need to move, attach wheels to the pyramid, and if you want to look out, create a window. Then open your eyes to survey your surroundings. Finally, you may either go into meditation or sleep, and you can rest assured that the pyramid remains intact. Similarly, you can encase your car, house, and loved ones with a pyramid. This pyramid will prevent any intrusion from all sorts of predators.

9) Protecting the solar plexus. There are 3 methods you can protect your 3rd chakra. Firstly, close all your chakras, except the 7th. Then put a sheet of glass around your solar plexus, when you are interviewing someone, who is sapping your energy. You can still talk, but you will not be sapped. Secondly, you can create a brick wall around you. In this instance nobody can communicate with you. Lastly, like in the cowboy films, press your elbows to your sides and put your both hands in front your solar plexus with both thumbs hitch onto your belt or top of your trousers. In these instances, the person in front of you will not be able to absorb your energy.

10) Gazing. When you are facing a potential attacker, do not gaze into his eyes. Look at his 3rd eye, i.e. the middle of his forehead between his two eyes. When you just concentrate on his 3rd eye he has no power over you.

11) Occult Police. Imagine a black Calvary cross on a circle of scarlet background at your 3rd eye. A Calvary cross is one, which the vertical line is longer than the horizontal line. Then call for help. Either your own guide (guardian angel) or the roaming spiritual ‘police’ will come to your aid.

12) Mirrors. If you are worried that your house will be attacked put small mirrors at every window facing outwards. If you know that a colleague in your office is sending you negative or hate energy, put a small mirror facing him on your desk. The hate energy will revert back to the sender.

Not all the ancillary methods will work for you. However choose one, and try it out. If you fail, try another. If you find one that works with you and you are comfortable with it, stick to that one. However, the most powerful ones are the general measures, through which most attackers cannot penetrate, unless the offender is a very experienced occultist.

Source:
Pagan Magic

Psychic Self Defense

There are many subtle bodies that surround our physical; some being the mental body, emotional body, spiritual body, and auric body, also known as the etheric body. It’s the etheric body that is the first line of defense against external negative energy. It is akin to an energetic armor or covering that all exterior energies need to penetrate before they reach our intrinsic body. And when we are feeling imbalanced, tired, overwhelmed or traumatized, this outer auric body can become compromised and external energies may pervade. There are many different ways of setting up protection when one feels threatened or maybe just energetically weak and essential oils can provide a supportive encasement for the auric body when used in conjunction with intention.

One technique to use in crowds or busy places, is an energetic shield. Imagine you are encasing yourself in an egg-like shell of impenetrable light. Before heading out in a crowd, visualize a clear membrane of light around you and into this shell you can spritz the essences of either lavender, geranium, melissa, orange, pamarosa rose, or tea tree. The oils will act like a barrier of energy to repel any negativity that those in the crowd might brush off on you.

But more to the point, it is important to keep your etheric body free of energy leeches. There are lower dimensional beings, some of which because of their addictions while in body on earth, have become lost and unable to pass over in death. Often these lower dimensional beings will astrally hang out at bars or mass gatherings where drugs and alcohol are being used and will try to attach on to a weakened aura in order to suck energy. The more drunk/stoned we might become, the less fortified our auras are, the easier for these disincarnate beings to attach onto us and begin pulling energy away from us. This is where psychic self-defense comes in – you need to be conscious that there are beings that can attach in and suck our energies. Then set an intent to disallow them access. Before going out to a bar or a gathering where there will be drinking and/or drug use, spritz an essential oil combination around yourself and clearly state that you wish to be defended against any evil or unwanted influences that seek to enter your energy field without permission. See the mist of essential oil spray become a shield around you that is impenetrable to disincarnate souls and feel deep inside that your etheric body is strong and full of integrity. Then you are ready to step out! Some of the essential oils that are helpful for this kind of protection are frankincense, cedarwood, myrrh, galbanum, elemi, jasmine, sandalwood, vetiver, mugwort, helichrysum and sage.

You may already sense you have unwittingly allowed psychic hitchhikers or psychic leeches (or vampires) to attach into your etheric body, in which case you might already be feeling the effects of the energy drain. You might feel tired, lethargic or in a perpetual state of being hung over and “not yourself”. Often we aren’t even aware that we have holes in the aura or that we are open to leaching energy. One quick technique is to scan your etheric body and sense if it feels whole and full of integrity. We all see or sense our auric bodies differently – maybe it can look like a veil of a cloth that surrounds you, or it can be a suit of armor, or a mist or transparent bubble. There is no right or wrong way of visualizing your own energy field’s defenses. It’s whatever works for you! So, tune in, maybe during your meditation time, and see if you can visualize what your etheric body looks like when it’s in its whole integrity, then check to see if there are any holes or cords/straws attaching in. When we state the intent to see any attachments that have penetrated the integrity of our energetic body, all psychic hitchhikers are bound and sworn to have to present themselves to us. From what I understand there is a Universal Law that says any lower dimensional attached Being has to make its presence known if the person (still alive on earth) commands it. Then, once you see what’s sucking on your energy, you demand that the lower frequencied Being release its hold on you, return to its place of being and no longer bothers you. Essential oils that are really great at getting rid of unwanted psychic bugs and low-lifes are cedarwood, sage, geranium, rosemary, rose, tea tree, eucalyptus, camphor and frankincense. These oils can be burned in an aroma lamp or sprayed in a circle around you as you sit in meditation. This particular clearing off of psychic riff-raff can also be done effectively in the bath, where the essential oils are mixed in sea salts to cleanse away the negative entities.

When using psychic self-defense, it’s good to remember not to use it because of fear. We choose to defend because we love integrity and wholeness, not because we fear we are anything less than perfect. If we hold the idea that we are conscious Beings of Light, we really don’t need to defend ourselves. The truth of our Light usually is enough to keep away dark energies. But as I said, sometimes because of trauma, be it emotional or physical, to our bodies, the strength of the etheric body becomes compromised and a little conscious psychic self-defense is handy. Keep your auric field strong and healthy and you’ll be fine

Source:
Pagan Magic

Notes for Initiates into The Craft

O Thou who hast declared intent to become one of us, hear then that
which thou must know to do: Single is the race, single of men and of
Gods, from a single source we both draw breath, but a difference of
power in everything keeps us apart, for we are as nothing but the
Gods stay forever. Yet we can, in greatness of minds, be like the
Gods. Though we know not to what goal by day or in the night, Fate
has written that we shall run beyond all seas, and earth’s last
boundaries.

Beyond the Spring of night and the Heaven’s vast
expanse there lies a majesty which is the domain of the Gods. Those
who would pass through the Gates of Night and Day to that sweet
place, which is between the world of men and the domains of the
Lords of the Outer Spaces, know that unless there is truth in thy
heart, thy every effort is doomed to failure.

HEAR THEN THE LAW

That thou lovest all things in nature. That thou walkest humbly in
the ways of men and the ways of the Gods. Also it is the law that
contentment thou shalt learn, through suffering, and from long
years, and from nobility of mind and of purpose.

FOR THE WISE NEVER GROW OLD.

Their minds are nourished by living in the daylight of the
Gods and if among the vulgar some discoveries should arise
concerning some maxims of thy belief in the Gods so do thou, for
the most part, keep silent. For there is a great risk of those who
straightaway vomit up that which they hast not digested. And when
someone shall say to thee, thou knowest naught and it bites thee
naught, then knowest thou that thou hast begun the work. And as
sheep do not bring their food to the shepherd to show how much they
have eaten but digesting inwardly their provender do bear outwardly
wool and milk, even so, do not display the maxims to the vulgar, but
rather the works that flow when they are digested.

Source:

Empathy’s Mystical Occult Site

The Witches’ Federal Law Memorandum

Statement of the Facts:
Witchcraft in the United States is a living, growing religion. As a religion, Witchcraft is protected by the Constitution. The Law has the obligation to serve and protect Witches in their religious endeavors, equally as much as it protects the rights and freedoms of other groups. In the United States today, Witches are entitled to the same rights and protections as other groups under the First and Fourteenth Amendments.

ISSUE I:
Is Witchcraft recognized as a legitimate religion in the United States?

Witchcraft is recognized in the United States as a legitimate religion. In 1985, Dettmer v Landon (617 F Supp 592) the District Court of Virginia pursuant to rule 52 (a) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure ruled that Witchcraft is a legitimate religion and falls within a recognizable
religious category In 1986 in the Federal Appeals court fourth circuit. Butzner, J. affirmed the decision (799 F 2d 929) Since in most cases Federal law, even case law supersedes state law in this type of matter, the affirmation by judge Butzner clearly sets Witchcraft as a religion under
the protection of constitutional rights. The Church of Wicca (or Witchcraft) is clearly a religion for First Amendment purposes.

Members of the Church sincerely adhere to a fairly complex set of doctrines relating to the spiritual aspect of their lives, and in doing so they have ultimate concerns’ in much the same way as followers of more accepted religions. Their ceremonies and leadership structure, their rather
elaborate set of articulated doctrine, their belief in the concept of another world, and their broad concern for improving the quality of life for others gives them at least some facial similarity to other more widely recognized religions.

While there are certainly aspects of Wiccan philosophy that may strike most people as strange or incomprehensible. the mere fact that a belief may be unusual does not strip it of constitutional protection. Accordingly the Court concludes that the Church of Wicca. of which the plaintiff is a
sincere follower. is a religion for the purpose of the free exercise clause.” Williams. J. 1985 Dettmer v. Landon Supra. We agree with the district court that the doctrine taught by the Church of Wicca is a religion.” Butzner. J. 19864th Circuit. Dettmer v. Landon Supra.

ISSUE II:
Does the practice of Witchcraft fall within the parameters of the First Amendment? protection clause?

The first amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of religious belief. The USCA states that a practice is a religion if it is for an individual a belief system for their whole life. The constitution does not wish to dictate what an individual should hold as a belief system or how it is practiced and will not enter into a ruling on that. “Court may not inquire into worthiness of parties’ religious belief to ascertain whether they merit. First Amendment protection, but need only consider whether beliefs are ‘religious’ in parties’ own scheme of things and whether their beliefs are sincere. USCA Const. Amend. I “To be a bona
fide religious belief entitled to protection under either the First Amendment or Title VII, a belief must be sincerely held” and within the believers own scheme of things religious. USCA Const. Amend. 1: Civil Rights Act 1964 701 et seq., 717 as amended 42 USCA 2000e-16″

ISSUE III:
Are Witches entitled to rights under the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment?

The equal protection clause is guaranteed to all people and groups. If one group of people is entitled to equal protection than all groups are. Witchcraft is accepted as a religion, therefore, Witches are entitled to the same protections as al] other religious groups; under the equal
protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. First and Fourteenth Amendments insures without qualification that a state may not forbid the holding of any religious belief or opinion, nor may it force anyone to embrace any religious belief or to say or believe anything in conflict with his religious tenets. USCA Const. Amend. 1, (14 Africa v. Anderson 542 F. Supp. 224.”) (16 FPD 212-216)

ISSUE IV:
Are Witches entitled to the same rights and protections under State Laws. applicable to where they live, as they are under Federal Law?

USCA ARTICLE VII # 2 states: This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in pursuance thereof; and all treaties made, or which shall be made, under the authority of the United States, shall be The Supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every state shall be bound thereby, anything in the Constitution or laws of any state to the contrary notwithstanding.”In light of the fact that Dettmer v. Landon supra, being a Federally Adjudicated case. it is thereby protected by the Constitution. No state can override this Federal adjudication. No Witch can be denied his/her civil liberty and right to be a Witch, open and free, in any state in the land; within the parameters of the Law.

CONCLUSION:

Witchcraft is a legally recognized religion in the United States and Witches are entitled to every right and protection for freedom of religion, including freedom from harassment and prejudice as every other recognized religion in the United States.

The United States Constitution, under the First and Fourteenth Amendments. supports the right of all peoples in the United States to practice their own belief system and to enjoy this in each their own manner.

Lawyers and Law Enforcement Agencies have the obligation to protect the rights of all people in their religious endeavors, no matter what they maybe, without bias or prejudice.

Witches desire only to retain their right of religious privacy and to practice their Craft as they see fit within the parameters of the law.

THE DO’s AND DON’Ts OF WITCHES

WITCHES DO NOT DO EVIL…
They believe that doing evil and harm is against all ethical and moral laws. Witches simply do not do harm (even to themselves).

WITCHES DO NOT WORSHIP SATAN…
Simply put: He’s THEIR boy…NOT Ours. Witches do not have a Satan/Devil or any all-evil deity in their religious structure. Witchcraft is a religion that underscores polarity and views the God and the Goddess as equal entities.

A MALE Witch IS NOT A WARLOCK…
The word Warlock is a Scottish word meaning “oath breaker”, and became a term designating a male Witch during the ‘burning times’. A Male Witch is simply that.

WITCHES WEAR CLOTHING OF EVERY COLOR AND EVERY STYLE…
Many Witches do choose to wear black clothing or ritual robes. The color black is the culmination of all vibrational rates of light on the material plane. Black absorbs light information and helps Witches be more receptive to psychic impressions and energies.

WITCHES COME FROM EVERY SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND ETHNIC BACKGROUND…
Many Witches are professional people holding positions of responsibility such as Doctors, Nurses, Police Officers, Teachers, etc. Witchcraft does not discriminate against color or ethnic origin and does view everything as equal in the eye of the Goddess and the God.

WITCHES DO USE SPELLS…
A spell is a thought, a projection, or a prayer. Other religions use prayer, meditation, projection and ritual to produce an intended result. The word ‘spell’ does not imply doing evil or harm.

WITCHES DO USE MAGIC WANDS…
Often you see the use of magic wands in children’s cartoons and movies making the idea seem frivolous. In actuality, they are used in healing for directing energy.

WITCHES DO USE WITCHCRAFT AS A SCIENCE, AN ART AND A RELIGION…
They use their knowledge and magic in harmony with the Universe and Nature around them.

THE WORD “WITCH” HAS A DEEP AND RICH HISTORY…
As defined by the English Oxford dictionary, “Witchcraft” is a Celtic (pronounced Kell-tick) word meaning the wise, good people. “Wicce” (wick-kay) designates a female Witch whereas “Wicca” (wick-kah) designates a male Witch.

IN THE RELIGION OF WITCHCRAFT WE VIEW THE PENTACLE AS AN AMULET AND
A SYMBOL FOR PROTECTION…
The five-pointed star represents the human body and the earth. In combination, the star surrounded by the circle represents the human body encompassed by the protection of the Goddess/God force. The pentacle is the symbol for Universal Wisdom.

WITCHES DO CONCERN THEMSELVES WITH ECOLOGY…
They have never forgotten the basic fact: the world is not our enemy. Neither is it inert, dumb matter. The earth and all living things share the same life-force. They are composed of patterns of intelligence, of knowledge, and of divinity. All life is a web. We are woven into it as sisters and brothers off All. Witches need to be grounded in both worlds and awake to their responsibilities for both worlds. It is only by being responsible human beings that we can be responsible Witches and only responsible Witches will survive.*

*Except from “Power of the Witch” by Laurie Cabot.

Let’s Talk Witch – Your Elmental World

Earth

Solid and strong – Earth is the mountain, protective it is the shelter of the cave, nurturing it is the food from the fields and the animals of the hunt. It is life. It is ancient and it is replenishing. Earth is also the direction of the North where the great mountains reside, it is midnight, it is winter and it is the point between death and rebirth when things sleep to gather strength. It is the embrace of death and the promise of rebirth.

Earth is traditionally thought of as a feminine element for from the Earth springs life and that is the realm of women. Earthy things are practical, protective and nurturing. In astrology it is represented by Capricorn (Ambitious, Hard-working, Miserly, Grouchy), Taurus (Calm, Traditional, Sensual and Greedy), and Virgo (Organized, Conscientious, Fussy and Anxious). It is the color of green (or brown).

Earth is the element of the North and the gift of the North is the Lia Fial or magick stone that would cry out when a righteous ruler touched it. This person would be a protector (mother/father) to a nation.

Air

The breath of inspiration, serenity and logic, creativity and the wonder that fills us as we look to the skies and see shapes and dreams within the clouds. Air is also the raw power of a cyclone and the precision of a lightning strike, it is the violence and turbulence of the thunderstorm that also mimics the creative process.

Air is traditionally a masculine element. It is thought and action, inspiration and wonder. It is youthfulness and it is boundless energy. In astrology it is represented by Libra (Charming, Tasteful, Easygoing, Indulgent), Aquarius (Progressive, Inventive, Eccentric and Rebellious) and Gemini (Lively, Talkative, Flirtatious and Crafty). It is the dawn of a new day, it is Spring time, new beginnings and the directions of the sunrise – The East. It is the color Yellow.

Air is the element of the East and brings the gift of the Sword of Nuada that was said to embody the power and knowledge of the Celtic people.

Fire

Burning passion, desire, heated arguments, rage, shouting, screaming, laughing, and crying. All acts of passion and the heat of the moment. Explosions of temper and passionate embraces. Fire is all this but it is also devotion, determination and drive. It fuels us to great accomplishments and gives us hope when all else is lost.

Fire is also traditionally a Masculine element often associated with wars and the Sun. Fire gives us purpose and direction. In astrology Fire is represented by Aries (Energetic, Competitive, Impatient, Selfish), Leo (Commanding, Colorful, Superior and Self-Centered) and Sagittarius (Adventurous, Jovial, Careless and a Spendthrift). It is the mid-day sun, it is summer, it is the prime of our lives. It is represented by the color red.

Fire is the Element of the South and its gift is the Spear of Lugh that when wielded in battle would emit a blinding light stunning ones foes and leading to victory.

Water

Fire is the Element of the South and its gift is the Spear of Lugh that when wielded in battle would emit a blinding light stunning ones foes and leading to victory.

Spirit

We are physical beings born of flesh and blood, yet at the same time there is a piece of us that will outlive our bodies and that connects us to each other. This is our astral selves, our aura, the touch of divinity. In traditional alchemy the four traditional elements (earth, air, fire and water) were easily found in nature and within ourselves, but alchemists devoted thier lives to looking for the fifth element (spirit) that would only manifest when there was a balance of the other four within our lives.

Spirit is the fifth point on the Pentagram and the center of our circles. It provides balance by connecting us to not only the other Elements but to each other and divinity. The gift of spirit is the akashic records from which we are connected to all things.

Spirit is not associated with any time of day for it rides with us, it is also not associated with a season or stage of life except perhaps for the point between death and rebirth. Spirit exists apart from time and space. We invite spirit into our rituals when we call on Diety. It is represented by the altar itself, and by the pentacle.

Source:

Living in the Shadows

How Witchcraft Works – Learning the Craft

How Witchcraft Works

by Lee Ann Obringer

Learning the Craft

Witches can either practice their craft in groups, called covens, or by themselves as solitaries. New members are welcomed into covens with a formal initiation ceremony. In the Gardnerian tradition, there are three phases of learning, each of which lasts a year and a day. Covens generally have their own rules, procedures and names for these phases, but they tend to fall into the following categories:

student/witch
practitioner/priest(ess)
teacher/high priest(ess)

Once a new member has completed all phases, he or she is a full-fledged witch with the power to perform and participate in formal rituals.

In the next section, we will explain the basics of the Wiccan rituals. But before we get into that, let’s take a look at some of the different tools of the witch’s trade.

Witch Accessories

Athame (knife)

A knife isn’t one of the traditional witch’s props you can get at the costume shop, but the athame is an important part of many rituals. The athame is a double-edged knife with a blade about 6 inches long. It is not terribly sharp — it is used to mark the edges of the circle and to stir the salt and water that are used to consecrate (or make sacred) the circle. It is also used sometimes to carve symbols or words into candles. The athame’s owner marks either the handle or the blade with his or her witchcraft name and stores it in a white container or cloth. The athame is also used in the Great Rite ritual (more on the Great Rite later) as a phallic symbol, representing one half of the union of the God and Goddess from which new life comes.

Bell

Some witches use a bell during rituals, but there is no official or required use of one. Some examples of when a bell might be rung is when the circle is opened or closed, to invoke the God or Goddess or simply to signify when certain phases of the ritual are ending or beginning.

Besom (broom)

Witches don’t actually fly on brooms, although many do have them. They’re used to purify an area of lingering energies (similar to the use of sage below) before “casting a circle.” Circles are cast before any ritual.

Boline (knife)

The boline is another knife used in Wiccan rites. In contrast to the athame, the boline is very sharp and is usually made of copper. Its sole use is to cut herbs.

Book of Shadows

The Book of Shadows is essentially the witch’s guidebook. It contains all of a particular witch’s (or coven’s) ritual and spell information. It is the written record of everything the witches in that coven need to know, such as descriptions and explanations of all of the sabbats (more on sabbats later).

Candles

When a circle is cast for a ritual, there are four quadrants representing north, south, east and west. Quarter candles of specific colors are used: north is green (earth), south is red (fire), east is yellow (air) and west is blue (water). The candles are placed at the perimeter of the circle. There are also three candles used on the altar — the color of these candles represents the ritual being performed.

Cauldron

The cauldron is a necessary part of witches’ paraphernalia. While many years ago, cauldrons were a part of every home, now they’re seldom seen except at Halloween or as a yard decoration. But cauldrons with magical powers go back to the myth of the Celtic Goddess Cerridwen, whose cauldron represented the cycle of birth, renewal, rebirth and transformation. Witches today often burn small fires (balefires) or incense in their cauldrons. The cauldron can also represent the womb during the Great Rite ritual, which calls up the union of the God and Goddess from which new life comes.

Chalice

A chalice (cup) is used in ceremonies to represent the female principle of water. The chalice can also be used in place of the cauldron in performing the Great Rite, as well as in a “Cake and Ale” rite where a cup of wine is blessed by the High Priest and passed from member to member in the circle.

Clothing

Clothing is optional for most rituals, although most covens require that everyone is in agreement to going skyclad (naked) before anyone does. Otherwise, witches wear long, hooded robes of varying, usually dark colors.

Paton

An altar paton is a plate (or disk) of either metal or wood with a pentagram design on it. It is used on the altar to hold the tools needed for the ceremony and to act as a focal point.

Pentacle/Pentagram

The pentacle is a five-pointed star (a pentagram) enclosed within a circle. The “upright” pentacle or pentagram (one point up, two points down) is a widely recognized symbol of witchcraft. The points represent earth, fire, water, air and spirit. The circle represents the God and Goddess that allow the energy of the pentagram to be focused. It is symbolic of the idea of bringing together spirit and earth.

Sage

Before a ritual, the area must be purified. Sage is often used (as is a besom, above) to cleanse the area of unwanted energies. When burned, the sage creates a thick, grayish smoke.

Salt container

Another purifying agent is salt. The salt is usually in either a seashell or a glass dish. Salt is mixed with water to represent the elements of earth and water in order to consecrate the circle.

Staff

Witches can use a staff like they would a wand. The staff is usually shoulder height.

Sword

Some witches choose to use a sword rather than an athame to mark the boundaries of the circle.

Thurible (incense burner)

Incense represents the element of air. When burned, it also represents fire, both of which are used to purify the area or the tools being used. The thurible is often a small cauldron of metal or any other fire-resistant material.

Wand

Many witches use wands. Wands represent fire and the life force of the witch. It is a symbol of power, wisdom and healing. The wand, like the sword, staff and athame, can be used to cast the circle. It may also be used to direct energy during a spell.

Water container

The water container used in the consecration of the circle can be any type of container as long as it is large enough to hold three pinches of salt and be stirred with the athame. Water is another purification agent.

Source:

howstuffworks

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