Category: Witchcraft

How To Create Protection


Dragon Comments & Graphics

How To Create Protection

 

Without a doubt, there are situations in our lives that cause anxiety. This is something we must “pick apart” in order to find it’s roots. There may be one or two things that are not allowing your mind to be free. Write them down.

Look at them on paper. Send them to me if you like (we can look at them together). Be honest with yourself when you write them out. Go with your immediate intuition. Fears have a tendency to dissolve when we are looking them face on.

Re-balance. As a holistic individual, you know that our bodies are continuously in a state of re-balancing itself. This is how we function. This is how we grow. By holding on to a fear, we are not allowing this processes (your intuitive state) to flow freely. This block can be the cause of a much bigger problem.

Letting go. By giving this fear up to the universe to handle, you are essentially allowing yourself to release this fear, and in turn strip away any kind of meaning or significance it may have upon you. By letting go, this allows us to move to the next level in our lives. The next natural process. Often times, this is a fear in itself.

The fear of “what will happen when I DO move to my next stage in life?” Let your guard down. Let it go. This is not a fear. This is a great journey. Allow yourself to follow it.

“The best protection any woman can have . . . is courage.” – Elizabeth Cady Stanton

From the “Week-End Witchin*s

Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast

Brief Look At Different Traditions In Witchcraft


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Hereditary Witchcraft

 

One who can trace the Craft through their family tree and who has been taught the Old Religion by a relative who was living at the same time. Channeling doesn’t count. How far one has to go back on the family tree to meet the conditions of the first part of this definition is debatable. Family Trades (another name for Hereditary Witches) occasionally adopt individuals into their dynasty. This decision is never a light one, and usually stems from the lack of offspring to carry on the line, or the high regard they hold for the person in question. The ceremony is intricate and important. After all, it is not every day you can pick your relatives! It is much like the marriage of an individual into a family.

Brief Look At Different Traditions In Witchcraft

Witchy Comments & Graphics

Celtic Wicca

 

The use of a Celtic/Druidic pantheon mixed with a little ritual Gardnerian, and heavily stressing the elements, nature and the Ancient Ones. They had a vast knowledge of and respect for the healing and magickal qualities of plants and stones, flowers, trees, elemental spirits, the little people, gnomes and fairies.

Brief Look At Different Traditions In Witchcraft


Witchy Comments & Graphics

British Wicca

 

A mix of Celtic and Gardenarian beliefs. Most famous organization at this time is the International Red Garters. British Traditionals move mostly from within the Farrar studies (the famous Witch husband and wife from England.) They too are fairly structured in their beliefs, and train through the degree process. Their covens are also co-ed.

WOTC Extra – Aligning with Divine Will


Egyptian Comments & Graphics

Aligning with Divine Will

 

By raising our own consciousness as individuals and experiencing the truth of our oneness with all things, we will naturally create a more harmonious environment around us. As well as aligning with our life plan we can further surrender in service to Divine will; thus we can co-create a world in balance with the rest of creation.

Please consider the implications of this exercise before you carry it out. In dedicating yourself in service to the Divine you may set in train some dramatic changes in your life that may present you with some short term challenges. Releasing Karmic debts and asking for any debts you owe to be released may have a similar temporarily challenging effect on your life. This affirmation may have a profound effect on your life.

Find a quiet, beautiful and private place, sit or stand still for a while, with your back straight, then make the following affirmation from the heart;

“As the Universe is my witness,

I_____________ now accept my

destiny. I accept that I am an aspect of

the Divine, I accept that as such I AM

THAT I AM. I freely declare that

I am now ready to step into my own power

and the fullness of my being, in service

to humanity and the Divine plan. It is

my choice as a free spirit to explore my

own potential, and I offer myself in

service to Light and unconditional love,

now and always.

I now ask that I be released from all

outstanding Karmic debts or that they

be settled now, I now release any debts

owed to me. I freely forgive all those

who have harmed me and likewise beg

the forgiveness of any I may have

harmed. I ask for the Divine highest

good of all, with love in my heart and

of my own free will. So be it.”

You are now fully committed to a path of personal evolution that will assist in fulfilling your life’s purpose and help you find out who you are and why you are here. If there is any Karma to be played out it will occur in the next few days or weeks. Do not be surprised if there are upsets or challenges in your life during this period. Once that is settled, you are free to be of service by fully exploring and realising your own potential.

By surrendering to Divine will, you understand that your small will or ego has no business organising your life. The conscious mind is useful in facilitating the day-to-day running of your affairs but, when it comes to the big picture, listen to your feelings. They are in tune with the larger plan; you mind is not.

Source:

The Book, “Spirit Guide”

Raym Richards

Let’s Talk Witch – Accessing Your Power


Egyptian Comments & GraphicsAccessing Your Power

The interconnectedness of all things

 

We are, as aspects of the same limitless consciousness, connected to All There Is. As part of the same whole, our actions affect every other aspect of that whole and it responds to us accordingly. We are connected to all other life forms, aspects of creation and each other. In simple terms, we, the Earth and everything on it are all one, we are all aspects of the same conscious whole. Any action, therefore, we impose on any other being, creature or environment, we are in effect inflicting on ourselves. If we radiate love we receive love. If we radiate anything else on any other level we receive that also.

In order to understand the complexity of this interdependence and our interconnectedness with other beings, I suggest that for a moment you visualise your life on this planet as a thread in a huge and complex tapestry that stretches out in one flat plane, as far as the eye can see or the mind can grasp. This point in time is a speck of dust on that thread. The rest of the tapestry is connected to your thread by others that touch you and are in turn touched by others during your life path. They represent all other aspects of reality and beings that you come into contact with during your life here on Earth. The term “deep ecology” may be used to describe this perception of the interdependence of all things.

If you pull hard enough on one thread, if you deviate from your life plan and become ego based in your actions, resisting your Divine plan, your actions will create a pull or disturbance in the whole tapestry. You will affect all the threads that cross yours and they in turn will affect the threads that cross them and so on. This is how your actions affect all other beings on and around this planet.

This analogy covers life on our plane of existence on planet Earth. To grasp how that affects the rest of the Universe and all the other planes of existence, visualise the tapestry in three dimensions, with interconnecting threads stretching out in all planes from this point in time and space. If you pull the thread, you pull the whole fabric of creation out of alignment and your actions affect other realities that are not directly connected with you, this planet or this reality.

You can contribute to restoring balance and harmony on both a planetary and a Universal scale by moving out of ego and surrendering to Divine will, aligning your whole being with light and love.

Source:

The Book, “Spirit Guide”

Raym Richards

WOTC Extra – Black, White, and Gray Magick


Gothic Comments

Black, White, and Gray Magick

 

 

Your motive for doing a spell determines whether it’s “white” or “black” magick, or somewhere in between. Magick spells can be grouped into three basic categories:

Any spell done to harm someone else is black magick.

Spells and rituals performed for the purpose of connecting with the Divine or to obtain higher knowledge are considered white magick.

Everything else falls into the gray area.

As you might imagine, most magick that witches perform fits in the gray category. This doesn’t mean it’s wrong to do gray magick. Tapping your magickal skills to get a better job or improve your love life is like using any other talent to enhance your situation. As long as you don’t harm someone else in the process, you’re operating in safe territory.

Many witches end a spell or ritual with the words “This is done for the greatest good and may it harm none.” Because it’s sometimes hard to determine whether what you’re doing is for the good of all concerned, this phrase invites the universe to step in and guide energy to keep it from being misdirected.

Magicians recognize that they may not be able to foresee all possible outcomes of their magick. Human beings are not omniscient, and sometimes good intentions lead to terrible results. By requesting that higher (and wiser) powers direct their magick toward the best possible outcome, witches remove any selfish attachments and desires from their spellworking. The phrase “harm none” also pertains to the person doing the spell and protects the magician from any unwanted ramifications of a spell.

This brief overview is a broad generalization at best. Each witch relies on her inner voice (or conscience, if you will) in determining how she wields magick. There is no cut-and-dried answer to whether anyone is a good or a bad witch. Most witches hope and try to be the best witches—and the best people—they can be.

The Everything Wicca and Witchcraft Book: Rituals, spells, and sacred objects for everyday magick (Everything®)

Skye Alexander

Let’s Talk Witch – Good Witch, Bad Witch


Gothic Comments

Good Witch, Bad Witch

 

Are there “bad” witches who use their knowledge and power for personal gain and ill will? Yes, of course, just as there are “bad” Christians, “bad” Muslims, and so on. People are people. If you shake any figurative tree hard enough, a couple of rotten apples are liable to fall off. That’s just human nature. The good news is that these rotten apples are the exception, not the rule. Just like everyone else, witches confront issues that require them to make ethical choices. For instance, should magick be used as a weapon, even if it’s only to fight back?

Wiccans and witches alike see magick as ethically neutral, even as electricity is neutral. Both magick and electricity can be used to help or to harm. Magick is simply the intentional use of energy. The witch directs energy by willpower toward a goal. How a person uses magick—the witch’s intention—is what colors it white, black, or gray. To complicate matters, people’s perceptions of what constitutes white, black, and gray aren’t the same. Followers of any religion or belief system face a similar conundrum. Defining anything in concrete terms is nearly impossible.

The Everything Wicca and Witchcraft Book: Rituals, spells, and sacred objects for everyday magick (Everything®)

Skye Alexander

Thirteen Goals Of A Witch


Witchy Comments

Thirteen Goals Of A Witch

I. Know yourself
II. Know your craft
III. Learn
IV. Apply knowledge with wisdom
V. Achieve balance
VI. Keep your words in good order
VII. Keep your thoughts in good order
VIII. Celebrate life
IX. Attune with the cycles of the Earth
X. Breathe and eat correctly
XI. Exercise the body
XII. Meditate
XIII. Honor the Goddess and God

Author unknown.

WOTC Extra – Casting the Circle

Casting A Circle

 

A circle is cast before you perform spell-work. The circle forms two purposes – it protects you from negative energy and it provides energy for the spell being cast.

Face the north quarter and point at it, either with you finger or your athame, while saying, “Hail and welcome.” Light the candle that represents that quarter, if applicable. Repeat this for each other quarter, moving in a clockwise direction to form a complete circle.

When you get back to the beginning again, ask the God or Goddess for their blessing and ask them to seal the circle and protect those working within it.

After you have finished the spell-casting, you will need to close off the circle properly. This is done by the same person who originally cast the circle. Thank the God and Goddess and face each quarter again – this time pointing towards the ground. This will safely disperse the energy.

 

 

Witchcraft: The Ultimate Bible: The Definitive Guide on the Practice of Witchcraft, Spells, Rituals and Wicca

Justin Kase

 

Let’s Talk Witch – Preparing Yourself for Ritual: Cleansing Yourself & Your Sacred Space

Cleansing Yourself and Your Sacred Space

 

 

Before any ritual, you need to make sure that the space set aside for it is clean. Try to keep the space uncluttered and get rid of any dirt. Cleanliness is a sign that you respect the sacredness of the space.

The next thing to do is to prepare the space for the cleansing of any negative energy. In witchcraft, drawing on the power of the elements is a good way to increase the potency of your spell. Having items that represent the various elements is how you will incorporate the power of these elements.

First divide the space into quarters that correspond with the four cardinal points.

Air can be represented by a feather and the color yellow – these are normally set up in the east quarter.

Water can be represented by a shell or sea glass and the color blue – these are normally set up in the west quarter.

Fire can be represented by a candle and the color red – these are normally set up in the south quarter.

Earth can be represented by a stone or piece of natural rock and the color green – these are normally set up in the north quarter.

Although not an element as such, spirit is also considered important and is represented by a figure of a person and the color purple – these are normally placed in the center of the room.

Now that you have all the items in place, you are able to start the cleansing ritual.

Burning sage – either the dried herb or incense – is a really good way to purify the space of negative energy. You can also use a solution of water and salt to cleanse the space.

The following spell employs a combination of the two:

Hold the water in one hand and the salt in the other and say – “In the name of the Lord and Lady, I cast out all impurities.”

Mix the salt with the water and put it down.

Light the sage and pass it over the water and repeat,

“In the name of the Lord and Lady, I cast out all impurities.”

Now that the water is cleansed, sprinkle it around the room and onto the people present. Be sure to also sprinkle the salt water in the doorways and on the windowsills.

Pick up the burning sage and cleanse the air with it – paying particular attention to the corners of the room.

The space is now ready to be used.

 

 

Witchcraft: The Ultimate Bible: The Definitive Guide on the Practice of Witchcraft, Spells, Rituals and Wicca

Justin Kase

 

Witchy Extra – Your Personal Code


Witchy Cat Graphics & Comments

Your Personal Code

 

Every magickal tradition, from the Druids to Wicca to Santería, has its own code— principles that guide the practitioner, boundaries that he or she won’t cross, a core of beliefs that permeates everything he or she does. These core beliefs define the parameters of the magickal practice. In Wicca, the primary principle is to harm nothing and no one.

But individuals also develop their own personal codes. Have you defined yours As previously noted, cultural differences have a hand in sculpting a particular individual’s beliefs. In the end, however, each of us must refine our own code as we evolve from children raised in the belief systems of our parents to adults who decide for ourselves what we believe.

This is not to say that any of us is omnipotent, that any of us has all the answers or even a good chunk of them. We’re all seekers and we all have a need for some sort of belief system.

Your belief system may include an adherence to an organized religion or to some other spiritual discipline, or it may not include any sort of spiritual ideas at all. But at the heart of any belief system lies a code by which you live your life, and it may not have any connection whatsoever to other people’s concepts of good and bad. After all, even thieves have codes.

Do you believe in an afterlife In a supreme being In good and evil Do you believe that reality is exactly as it appears, that what you see is what you get Do you believe people can’t be trusted, that all Dobermans are vicious, that it’s every man for himself, that you’re a victim and there’s nothing you can do about it Then your experiences will confirm those beliefs.

If, on the other hand, you believe that nothing is fated, that your free will and your innermost beliefs effect your reality, then your experiences will confirm that, too.

Because you have picked up a book on magick and spells, you probably already believe that you can shape your own destiny and are looking for practical information on how to do it more efficiently and pragmatically. Magick is one route. But there are hundreds of ways to get to where you want to be. The bottom line of any exploration is defining what you believe and that works for you.

The Only Book of Wiccan Spells You’ll Ever Need (The Only Book You’ll Ever Need)

Marian Singer, Trish MacGregor

Let’s Talk Witch – Invisible Beliefs


Witchy Cat Graphics & Comments

Invisible Beliefs

 

Most of us have lots of “invisible beliefs.” These are deeply rooted beliefs that are largely unconscious and often so powerful that despite our best intentions and conscious desires, we can’t seem to make headway in accessing them. The challenge is to bring these beliefs into conscious awareness and work to change them, if necessary.

One of the best ways to identify these invisible beliefs is to take an honest look at the people and experiences in your personal life as though they were a mirror of the beliefs you hold. Does your boss continually overlook you when it comes to promotions Do your coworkers ostracize you If so, perhaps you have an invisible belief that you’re not worthy. If you continually attract relationships riddled with problems and drama or you attract abusive relationships, then perhaps the deeper belief also has to do with your lack of self-worth.

If you don’t like what’s happening to you and would like to change certain elements in your life, try reflecting on what you believe in order to identify the beliefs that could be holding you back and the beliefs that are beneficial to your goals. Figure out which beliefs are really yours, as opposed to beliefs you learned from someone else and unconsciously adopted as your own.

If you’re not sure about your belief system, the time to define it is before you begin casting spells— not after you’ve started. Once you know what you believe, it’s easier to define your parameters, your boundaries, and the lengths you will go to attain something. It also helps in determining what you won’t do, and establishing your bottom line.

Start by taking inventory of your life and writing down as many of your beliefs or preconceptions about yourself as you can. Zero in on your negative assumptions, and turn them into positive affirmations instead. By writing down the positive affirmation, saying it to yourself over and over during the day, and backing the affirmation with emotion, your unconscious will eventually begin to believe it. Once your unconscious believes it, the process of change and transformation begins to show up in what you experience.

The Only Book of Wiccan Spells You’ll Ever Need (The Only Book You’ll Ever Need)

Marian Singer, Trish MacGregor

Let’s Talk Witch – Home Protection


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Home Protection

 

To truly be a place of magical living, the house must be secure from unwanted intrusions, both physical and nonphysical. physical. In the past, guarding against thieves was treated in the same way as warding off evil spirits and werewolves; though the “enemies” are different, they are similar in threat. Over millennia, we have sanctified certain objects, gestures, symbols and signs to act as bar and bolt against all that would harm us.

A home should be a place of refuge, security and warmth. It is of the utmost importance to retain these qualities. While alarms and dead-bolt locks do their part, our inner selves yearn for mystic charms woven by moonlight light with words of power. These charms, placed inside or outside the home, ward off ghosts, demons, wraiths, curses and creatures from the abyss, as well as thieves and sales representatives.

There are many charms and spells you can use to safeguard guard your home. Choose those that speak to your sense of mystery and spark your imagination. These will be the most effective.

Amulets are objects that repel negative (evil) influences. They can be worn, carried, suspended from ceilings, concealed between walls, propped up on furniture or slipped behind family pictures. Household amulets guard the home by driving away harmful energies, thus ensuring a calm atmosphere within.

According to tradition, it is best to have at least three amulets in the house. They can be of identical or different types. Unless specified, place them in spots of prominence: near a household altar, on or near doors and windows, or near the hearth.

Stones with naturally occurring holes, called holey stones, can be found on beaches and in river beds throughout out the world. Excellent household protectors, they can be hung singly from cords throughout the house, or several can be strung together on a thick cord like a necklace and hung behind the front door.

Agates and lodestones are both powerful household amulets. The larger the stones, the greater their effect. Lodestones (natural magnets) have long been used in magic, setting up fields of energy that screen out negative vibrations. Agates bring luck to the home, as does a carved piece of turquoise.

A stone amulet may consist of one or more of these types of stones placed in a white bag and tied with yam. For greatest effect, mix the stones.

Fossils, owing to their tremendous age and eerie appearance,  have long been called upon to guard the home. Generally placed on window sills or hearths, or suspended from beams, fossils bring luck and guard against the effects of bad weather, according to ancient magical tradition. Choose fossils that appeal to you; those marked with stars, such as sand dollars, work doubly well.

Another, less ancient, household amulet is the Witch ball-a sphere of glass silvered on the inside. So called because some misguided people used them to keep “Witches” away, Witch balls are still being produced but are hard to find. If you are able to locate one, hang or place it in the house, perhaps in front of a window. Its shining surface face will reflect evil and negativity and guard the house. Until you find one, you can use a silver glass Yule tree ornament  instead.

The Witch ball should be kept clean to be effective. Allowing it to become dirty not only negates its effectiveness, ness, it can also pull negative vibrations into your home! Some Witch balls are made of unsilvered clear glass; some reflect a swirl of different colors. To guard against evil, these Witch globes are often filled with tiny pieces of string, dill seed or pins.

Fishing floats, spheres of colored glass once used by fishermen to float nets, are also thought to be highly protective if placed in the home or hung in nets outside. Although these floats are manufactured for decorative purposes today, the most effective ones are those collected on beaches, for they were actually used in the ocean a limitless source of power.

The Magical Household: Spells & Rituals for the Home

Scott Cunningham;David Harrington

Let’s Talk Witch – 5 Omens Every Witch Should Know

What is an Omen?

 

For many practitioners of various magical traditions, there is a tendency to look for and find symbolism in everything, particularly in aspects of nature. Often, these symbols are interpreted as omens.

What is an omen? Depends on who you ask, but in general, an omen is viewed as a sign from the natural world that delivers a message of some sort. Typically this message is seen as an indicator of coming good or evil events. It’s not quite the same as divination, which is when someone deliberately attempts to foretell what’s coming.

Animal Omens
In many cultures, animals can indicate significant events to come. This may be based on numbers of animals, behavioral patterns, or other indicators.

Serpent Magic
While a lot of people are afraid of snakes, it’s important to remember that in many cultures, serpent mythology is strongly tied to the cycle of life, death and rebirth. Did you know that in the Ozarks, there is a connection between snakes and babies? Or that in Scotland, a snake emerging from its hole signified the beginning of Spring?

Frog Magic
Frogs and toads feature prominently in magical folklore in many societies. These amphibious critters are known for a variety of magical properties, from their ability to help predict the weather, to curing warts to bringing good luck. Let’s look at some of the best known superstitions, omens and folklore surrounding frogs and toads.

Rabbit Magic
Spring equinox is a time for fertility and sowing seeds, and so nature’s fertility goes a little crazy. The rabbit — for good reason — is often associated with fertility magic and sexual energy. Spring is a great time to focus on some of that rambctious energy — let’s look at how rabbit symbolism can be incorporated into magical workings.

Bird Omens
Birds have featured prominently in augury and divination for centuries. Not only are birds important, but specific types of birds represent different aspects of magical prediction.

Ravens and Crows
The crow and raven appear in folklore going back to early times. Sometimes, they’re seen as harbingers of doom, but more often than not, they are messengers — what are they trying to tell us?

Owl Magic
Owls appear in legends and myths going back to the ancient Greeks, who knew the wise old owl was the symbol of their goddess Athena. However, owls are often associated with prophecy and bad tidings. Read about some of the ways different cultures viewed owls in folklore and magic.

Weather Omens
In many magical traditions, weather magic is a popular focus of workings. The term “weather magic” can be used to mean anything from divination and forecasting to actual control of the weather itself. When you consider that many of today’s folk magic customs are rooted in our agricultural past, it makes sense that an ability to foretell or change weather patterns might be considered a valuable skill.

Cloud Formations
Some people believe that cloud formations can be omens in and of themselves. Have you ever looked at a cloud and seen something that gave you a sign? Called aeromancy, the use of clouds for divination is a popular form of augury. Rain clouds can symbolize darkness and gloomy feelings, but on a sunny spring day, they can be positive symbols of cleansing.

Other Natural Omens
Omens and signs can be found in all aspects of nature. Take the time to look around you and search for patterns – often these patterns will make themselves known to you if you just pay attention.

Tree Omens
Trees are often considered magical and mystical anyway, so it’s no surprise that they sometimes send us messages. If an oak tree drops an acorn on you, it’s said to be good luck – the acorn is a symbol of strength and power.

Butterflies
Some people believe that butterflies are harbingers of guests to come. A dark color butterfly indicates a visitor related to your job or career, but a brightly colored one means a visitor having to do with your love life is on the way.

Household Omens
Many parts of the world are rich in their own unique traditions – and that includes the interpretation of omens. In Appalachia, for instance, many omens are rooted in household superstitions.

If you spill salt, throw some of it over your left shoulder. This will keep the Devil away – because he stands on your left side.

Don’t light three cigarettes from the same match – it’s bad luck for the third person (this omen may have originated with the “three on a match” superstition of World War I).

If the squirrels start gathering nuts early, it means winter is going to be harsh.

Everyone knows a broken mirror can bring seven years bad luck – but if you touch one of the shards to a tombstone, or throw the pieces in a fire and then bury them, you can lift the curse immediately.

Spilling milk on the floor will make your cows dry up.

New brooms should only be used to sweep dirt out a house after they’ve been used to sweep something good into it.

Source:

By Patti Wigington
Paganism/Wicca Expert
Article Found On & Owned By About.com

 

WOTC Extra – Belief, Faith and Doubt

Belief, Faith and Doubt

 

While I do use these words and concepts from time to time, I’d like to explain their place in Spell crafting. ‘Faith’ I tend to use to describe a religion or religious/ spiritual path. Belief and faith (in other usages) are like opinions in that they’re an idea you have about something. The use of the words suggest that there is a truth that you don’t know but this is what you think it is. “I believe in a higher power but I have faith in humanity”.

Belief and faith are a lot like hope, you hope it will work, you believe it will work, you have faith that it will work, but you don’t know for sure. In Spell crafting, you need to have an almost arrogant attitude of knowing your magic is going to work. There is no room for doubt. Belief and faith removes the absolute certainty of knowing which will lead to doubt.

Doubt destroys any magical working. Doubt becomes failure. As you are the magic and it comes from you, any doubt will first weaken your resolve and then suggest other possible outcomes. This happens in everything, not just magic. You attract what you think about so if you’re busy thinking, “this might not work, it could cause more bills to arrive” then this is most likely what will happen. That nagging voice of doubt quickly becomes all that you are able to focus on. It wears away at your purpose until it becomes the purpose.

The Common Sense Spell Book
Debbie Dawson

Let’s Talk Witch – The Ethics of Witchcraft/Wicca

The Ethics of Witchcraft/Wicca

Much has been written about magical ethics. Usually a list of clear dos and don’ts and thou shalts. The Wiccan Rede—“ An it harm none, do as thou will”— and the three-fold law—“ what you do comes back to you three-fold”— get bandied about as being the ethical pillars of Witchcraft. As I’m not Wiccan I don’t subscribe to these ideas. In the 1950s Doreen Valiente wrote a lovely poem called The Wiccan Rede. It drew on many sources including a poem from Aradia: Gospel of The Witches by Charles Leland, some Aleister Crowley material and older teachings. The last part, often referred to as the Rede is the well-known “an it harm none, do as thou will” although the whole thing is often reworded to mean “do whatever you like as long as you’re not hurting anybody”. I believe that in a time when witchcraft was being redefined and made out to be something nice and benevolent, it may have been important to defuse outside ideas about what witches do and make them appear “good” by instilling a moral code of sorts. The Wiccan Rede only applies to Wiccans however, not all witches or magicians.

Many following the Rede try to never think ill about anyone or use it as a reason to become vegetarian. The problem I see is that “harm none” includes yourself. Some blood and body types aren’t suited to a vegetarian diet. In addition every breath or step you take on the earth may be harming small creatures and organisms. Does this mean that we only apply “harm none” to those creatures we choose? If so, who decides what can or cannot be harmed? What is the criteria for a bug or organism to be added to the “none” category?

Harm None is also the wrong part of the rede to be focused on. Of the eight word shortened version, Harm None is the least. Will is the important part, this is discussed further later on.

The other thing about the Rede is that the word ‘rede’ means advice. Not rules, not law and not even guidelines. Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Code has more credence. The Rede is more akin to your Auntie pulling you aside to talk about boys (or girls). She’ll tell you what she thinks you should do, she may even tell you some of her horror stories. Her advice may be valid and sound but in the end the decision to act on her advice is all yours.

The three-fold law is, in some form or another, the golden rule in every culture. In Christianity the Bible states “as you sow, so shall you reap” and “an eye for an eye”. The Hindu and Buddhist faiths know it as Karma. Although Karma is not the cosmic instant reward and punishment system that New Age thought promotes it as, if you want to understand Karma, learn about it from the Hindi. Modern colloquialism expresses it as “what goes around, comes around”. However it is referred to, by whichever culture, it speaks of a consequential result for what you do in life.

In Witchcraft the three-fold part is often misunderstood. I read a blog post about how you should give money to a witch because of their three-fold law. If you give them $ 10, you’ll get $ 30 back. In the same vein if you do something bad it will be three times worse for you. The mistaken belief is that the three fold will come back at you three times when for those who believe in it, it’s on three different levels— Mind, Body and Spirit. I’ve found that there is often (but not always) a backlash. In physics— every action has an equal and opposite reaction, in Witchcraft it’s not necessarily as simple as it’s made out to be. There is also a theory that the threefold law was introduced as a way to keep beginners and learning witches safe from themselves.

It’s frequently stated that you shouldn’t interfere with another’s will. That you can’t or rather shouldn’t do a spell that will affect another without their permission. This is often said by people who then send healing energy all around the place without being asked for it and don’t see their own hypocrisy. I personally believe that it’s rarely a good idea to cast a spell regarding another person. Even if it’s “for their own good”. Who are you to decide what is best for another person? Who died and made you a God? They may have a life lesson going on, something that they need to learn from or learn how to cope with in order to grow. By ‘helping’ them you may in fact be harming them by preventing their own personal growth. It’s also a slippery slope, once you start ‘helping’ people, you can’t stop and it’s a short step away from interfering. This is different from binding and cursing but we’ll delve into that later.

Unless you belong to a faith that has its own ethics, you need to figure out what is ethical or not for yourself. Many people will assume that as a witch, you follow their system, or that witches are automatically Wiccan or Pagan and that you must subscribe to their own personal moral code in order to call yourself that. When it comes down to it, you need to ignore all the “know-it-alls” and be true to yourself. If you do ‘bad’ things there may be a backlash, but sometimes it’s worth it. Only you can know that for sure.

The Common Sense Spell Book
Debbie Dawson