Category: Rituals

8 Habits of a White Witch

Lady of the Abyss is has a way to teach us new things from the Spirit Plane by me reposting a post of hers done on November 17, 2018.

 

8 Habits of a White Witch

 

Following our guide to white magic, we’ve written another outlining the habits which every white witch should cultivate. ‘White witchcraft’ is a term traditionally used to describe magic which is performed for good and unselfish purposes – people of any colour can be white witches, and even though we use the term “she” in this article, men can be white witches too!

 

1 – A White Witch Respects Nature Nature is an important source of inspiration and wisdom for witches, and most Wiccans recognise that the Divine is present all around them in nature. This is why everything that exists in nature – from plants to animals, to rocks and elements – is regarded as sacred and treated with respect.

But what does this mean for a modern White Witch who’s trying to find her way through the jungle of big city life? It means developing habits that protect the environment, such as recycling, buying fairtrade and eco-friendly produce, choosing to eat organic food that’s free from pesticides, and other activities that help to renew and restore nature.

 

2 – A White Witch Casts White Magic Spells The Wiccan Rede states “An it harm none, do what ye will.” The White Witch is aware of this when preparing her potions or casting magick spells. She makes it her best practice to observe this law. She sees her magic as a way to serve good and selfless purposes. For this, she knows that she needs to do some inner searching to find out what her true motivations are, so she can ensure that her magic truly is designed for selfless purposes.

 

She recognises that Black Magic aims to take energy away, that it’s designed to manipulate and hurt others. So before casting love spells, money spells or healing spells, she takes the time to ensure that no one will be manipulated or cheated by her spells.

 

Even if someone has wronged her, she tries to forgive them, seeing the act as a limitation of that individual’s perspective or an unresolved and deeply seated hurt that they are not aware of. She does not engage in revenge spells because she knows that all people are born of the Divine and therefore all are One. She knows that by hurting someone else, she’s actually hurting herself. Before casting a White Magic Spell, she asks the spell to serve the highest good for everyone involved.

 

3 – A White Witch Knows the Value of Silence We live in a culture that prides extraverted attributes – people who can perform public speaking, loudly state their ideas during work meetings and entertain others with casual chit-chat are regarded as successful. But silence has its own merit, and a White Witch knows the value of silence.

 

She does not feel guilty for giving up on social activities whenever she feels the need to retreat into the silence of her own room to meditate and do some inner searching. A White Witch might have a daily meditation practice (10 minutes will do) that allows her to tap into her inner wisdom and intuition, and use it for guidance in her daily life.

 

4 – A White Witch Clears Her Energy A White Witch knows that energies accumulate. Everything around her vibrates with a certain emotional or energetic signature and she picks up on these vibes like a radar, especially if she’s a particularly empathetic or sensitive individual.

In order to clear herself of the residue of everyday life, she uses white sage, daily rituals or meditation to cleanse herself of the imprints that have been left on her energy field. She knows that having boundaries is healthy (unless they start to feel isolating) and she’s careful not to sacrifice the ‘me-time’ for anyone else, a time that she needs for herself.

 

5 – A White Witch Recognises the Divine All Around Her Just as nature is to be honoured and respected, so is everything else. The Divine is present all around us, and it’s both male and female. Therefore the goddess is just as important in Wicca as the god is. A White Witch recognises that the Divine is present in all of us, too. And so, any spiritual practice dedicated to a god or goddess is not complete, unless it is extended to the daily dealings with the people around us.

 

What’s more, a White Witch knows that the magical powers that she develops are not unique to her – everyone is entitled to them, just as she is. Everyone can tap into magick and their inner wisdom, if they make an active choice to do so.

6 – A White Witch Acknowledges Personal Responsibility “Ever mind the rule of three: What ye send out comes back to thee.” That’s how the Rule of Three or The Law of Threefold Return goes. There are many interpretations of this law. Some believe that it is similar to karmic laws – if you do harm unto others, if you send negativity out into the Universe, then negativity will come back to haunt you threefold. And the same goes for good things – if you do good deeds, then good deeds will come back to you threefold.

Of course, in life it does not always feel like that, so it’s very important to recognise not only your actions, but also your intentions behind your actions, and things start to make more sense. For example, helping someone is generally a good thing, but if you help someone without them asking for your help first, the energy that you send out into the Universe is not helpful – it’s actually binding and controlling, and that’s the energy that you’ll receive back.

 

Although the Law of Threefold Return is interpreted in many ways, what’s important for a White Witch is to recognise that her actions will have repercussions, and they are likely to be physical, emotional and spiritual. So before you engage in an important action, examine your intentions first, and be aware of the potential consequences that your actions may have. When you do, be ready to own up to those consequences.

 

7 – A White Witch Respects the Beliefs of Others Although a White Witch has found her own Path, she is fully aware that this Path is unique to her alone. Therefore, she does not object when others share their personal spiritual beliefs. She doesn’t mind that other people may not share her beliefs – she knows that they come from different backgrounds, family settings, even cultures. She is simply grateful to have found her Path and shares her insights with those who ask her about them. She does not preach or try to convert anyone to her version of the truth – rather, she delights in learning about the different perspectives that others around her hold.

 

8 – A White Witch Knows That She’s Just Human While a White Witch is aware of the Threefold Law and that Divinity exists all around her, she knows that she is merely human. Humans are flawed by nature (if you believe that perfection even exists) and so she knows that she can’t possibly predict all of the consequences of her actions, that she has all kinds of feelings (sometimes negative) and that sometimes she needs to vent these to someone, or ask for help. She sees no shame in this because a White Witch does not strive to be perfect – she tries to be kind to herself and not to judge herself too harshly for her mistakes. When she practices self-love, she feels that she becomes kinder and more forgiving to those around her as well.

 

About the Author

Ieva Remmerte enjoys writing about philosophy, spirituality, ancient practices and general fiction, and holds holds an MA in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University. You can find her on her website: wholistically.me.

Published on Wiccan Spells

Rituals

Posted by Mistress of the Myst

 

Rituals

 

As we have already defined, magical work or magical ritual is a creation of mental forms — matrixes of future events — where the building material for these forms is energy of the nature elements (the Fire, the Water, the Earth, and the Air), and the tools for their construction are your Imagination, Faith and Will.

 

Beginning a magical ritual, enter a particular mental state. Use your Will, Faith and Imagination. During a ritual, imagine those events which your actions must cause. Be completely sure in your right and in your acts. You must trust that the wishful events necessarily will take place in your life. Think about the future as about the existent present.

 

Making magical actions, you must necessarily see what result they will give. Surround yourself on all time of a magic ritual with images and visions of mystical forces and desirable events. If you use forces of Fire, Water, Moon, Cosmos or other supreme spheres, their images accepting the forms familiar to you or arising from your subconsciousness as symbols and obscure visions, necessarily must be visibly present at your magical space.

 

Your Will must help your Faith and Imagination, to direct energy in a necessary direction, create the exertion and the discharging of magical space, move material objects and transform the time. The magical Will, like a lens, focuses your emotions and forces in one point and helps to achieve the purpose.

 

Making magical changes of reality, you will use not only your internal, but also external forces and energies.

 

As in the physical world for production of various things and objects various materials are necessary, so in the spiritual world for initiation of different events is used power of various qualities. It is considered that the main materials of which are created all objects of the physical world are the four elements of nature: the Earth, the Water, the Fire, and the Air. Aspects of these main forces of nature (their energy) are present at all manifestations of our reality and constantly exert various influences on any sphere of our life. Therefore, correct revealing and use of energy of the four elements of nature will be utterly necessary for who will decide to change the world and oneself.

 

In our world, there are another secret influences and energies which can be useful for building of a favorable reality. First of all this is energy of the stars and planets — Sun, Moon, Venus, Jove, Mars, Saturn and Mercury. All these planets, as well as Gods in whose honor they were named, patronize the different activity categories of the people. Patronage of Supreme Forces also will be necessary for you to have the reliable protection and the bigger domination over people and a situation.

 

Having finished magical ritual, hide traces of your secret action.

 

Continue magic and in other days of your life. Remember that magical actions are not only ritual ceremonial acts, but also daily magic in real life.

 

Be not afraid of possible insignificant failures and difficulties — going towards big aim, you cannot avoid them. If something has not the result from the first, persistent recurrence or approach to a problem on the other hand necessarily will give you success. Remember much depends on you, on decisions made by you, and on promises given to yourself.

 

Feel that you have mystical connection with all living on the Earth and existing in infinite Universe. Make your own choice and find out not only the visible world, but also its latent scope.

The Witches Extra – The Ritual Outline

The summoning
The Ritual Outline

There are many methods of working ritual and the methods depend upon the type of work to be done. However, there is a simple outline that one can follow in constructing one’s own ritual. It is easily followed and complete enough to become the form for almost any ritual.

Establish intention

Construct ritual outline.

Set up temple.

Cast Circle.

Invoke Higher Forces.

Invoke God and Goddess.

Perform work.

Thanksgiving.

Close Circle.

Reconstruct Temple.

1. One must have a reason for any ritual work. This reason can be simple worship, but there must be purpose in everything that one does when contacting the divine forces. The first step must be to establish the reason for the intended work. The intention must be clearcut, with a beginning and ending point.

2. The next step after deciding the work of what you are going to do is to establish the HOW. You must know what beings and forces are to be invoked or evoked. The tables of correspondences listing God names, incense, mantrams, etc., must be used as part of the routine exercises. The color scale of the operation must be determined from the table of correspondences and efficiently used. All of these steps are necessary to contact the desired points within the reference of western occultism.

3. The temple is set up next. This includes vestments, tools, candles, altar, in fact the entire temple. Even if the ritual is to be performed in a closet or the mind, the temple must be prepared. Robing is included in the preparation of the temple.

4. The Circle is next, cast in whatever manner is selected. For sample and deeper explanation see ‘The Circle.”

5. It is necessary to open channels to the Lord God of all the unmanifest existence. Even if we do not comprehend its existence, we must recognize its existence. At the beginning of ritual this is an invocation to the higher self or greater god forces existing in man

6. Next we invoke the God and Goddess, the manifested Godhead.

7. Work is defined as the project to be accomplished by the ritual.

8. We must return that which we have taken. We must balance the forces with which we work. Thanksgiving can be simple “Thank You,” or can establish eucharistic ritual.

9. Close the Circle.

10. Reconstruct the temple by removing the tools used for special work to their usual place of rest. Then unrobe.

There are many variations from this sample, but the basic pattern must remain the same. The Universe exists as a balanced polarity and we who tamper with its existence and use its natural laws, must maintain that balance. The results of unbalanced forces are far reaching, and as students of the occult we must be ever dedicated to their maintenance.

Source

A Book of Pagan Rituals
Herman Slater

Let’s Talk Witch – A Look At Rituals & Their Basic Points

The summoning
A Look At Rituals & Their Basic Points

Ritual is the systematic working procedure dedicated to achieve a particular aim or effect on individuals or groups. It is usually a practice that when repeated, with the same intention, dedication, working methods, time and sacramental techniques produce the effects or affects. Ritual is learned by practice and observation, but it has become increasingly necessary to list methods for building a ritual, plus samples of ritual and hopefully, to construct practical operations for themselves in a private capacity and perhaps they will leave something for those who follow.

Basic Points

A ritual must have intention. That is, there must be a purpose for the ceremony, even if it be simple devotion. The purpose must be understood ahead of the time of working and not change during the course of the work. Next, there must be method. Any work must not be performed haphazardly. This does not mean perfection of performance, but simply no flouncing around. The Priest, Priestess, or ritual leader must know what he or she is doing, and move steadily toward that purpose using whatever method has been agreed upon, not changing that method in the middle of the stream.

Mood is also very important. One works on many levels in ritual, for we live on all planes
simultaneously. It is the inner reponse to the outer action that affects the changes caused by what we term magic. This inner or subconscious change reflects directly upon our outer physical plane self and directly and indirectly upon the self that exists on the other planes. Therefore it is necessary for emotional control so that concentration and meditation can effectively be worked. It is necessary to hold attention for long periods of time on one subject, and mixed emotions hinder this. In methods such as healing,

it is necessary to direct your feelings to the person you are working for, and if these feelings do not produce the proper or desired result, harm rather than healing results. Also, when directing powers from other levels, the wrong mood can call adverse vibrations to you, or your inner self will interpret the result in the wrong fashion and damage could occur. Therefore, it is necessary to approach ritual in a frame of mind that will help, not hinder your work. It is best to begin thinking about the ceremony days before the actual working. It is necessary to avoid people a few hours before the ritual. Immerse yourself in the emotion that is to accompany your work. Walking out of doors helps to open oneself to the vastness of the universe. Taking a bath helps to effect the feeling of purity. Music certainly helps to calm the emotions, or excite them if that is the way of the ritual. Music is one of the prime factors that can be an aid to ritual construction. Music can change or create mood. Music is the method we can use to adequately instruct the innerself of the attitudes we wish to obtain in ritual worship.

The approach to all these methods is, of course, through the mind. We are psychological beings. It must be recognized that all of our realizations, all of our perceptions, are based upon the action and reaction of the inner and outer minds. In the methods described above, all of the action occurs through the mental channels.

All of these methods use in some way the same methods of repetetive wordage. The idea is to implant the emotion through the use of sound, color and through vibration into the inner mind, affecting the symbols there, effecting the results desired. Other tools, such as smell (incense), feel (tools), and the interaction of mind to mind response used in groups are useful to help the individual more easily perform the task he sets for himself.

Source

A Book of Pagan Rituals
Herman Slater

The Five Steps To Ritual Preparation

Pentagram

The Five Steps To Ritual Preparation

1. INTENTION:
Intention is the focus of your spell and the absolute will to succeed. I try to never do a spell unless I feel it well up inside of me beforehand. Spells don’t work unless you are able to focus your Will. Your intent must be clear, or your spell may have unintended results.

2. PREPARATION: Assembly of tools and materials
The spell actually begins at this stage because your Will starts to focus itself as you gather the herbs, select the candles, choose the incense, decorate the altar and lay out your tools. Knowledge of correspondences is essential here, so that you select materials appropriate to the spell.
Incense, candles, music and ceremonial dress, makeup or masks can be used to make sacred space, set the mood for a spell. You must have something to represent each Element – earth, air, fire, water – on the altar or working surface.

3. CAST THE CIRCLE: 
• Call Corners (also called calling quarters)

• Cast the Circle, invoking the Lords of the Watchtowers.

Raise power. You should feel it between your hands, like the force of two magnets that repel each other, as you invoke the Lords or Ladies and cast the circle.

4. THE SPELL:
Perform the spell, reciting its words and carrying out whatever actions it requires. The words of a spell should be said aloud, in a commanding voice. This is the Word that goes forth and comes into being, so mote it be. Manifestation of word into deed is the essence of magick.

5. CLOSE THE CIRCLE:
Close the circle and ground the power you have raised. Clean up. Carry out any afterspell actions that the spell required.
 

Reference

Lady Ishtar’s Complete Guide to Wicca Protection Spells

Pagan Ritual Gathering for Imbolc

Just a reminder that Coven Life Coven is holding it’s Imbolc online coven gathering tonight, Monday, February 1, 2016 at 6:00 PM CT. All pagans are welcome to join us. Ritual starts at 6:15 PM CT sharp!

It is being held in the Coven Life chat room. For information on how to join us in the chat room please go to covenlife.co  On the “Home” page scroll down to the post for Imbolc Gathering.

We hope to see you this evening

 

 

 

Let’s Talk Witch – Smudging Rituals

GOTHIC WITCH
Smudging Rituals

While burning incense is traditionally associated with Wicca and other forms of contemporary Witchcraft, the practice of smudging has been used in sacred rituals around the globe since ancient times. Both incense and smudging involve the use of dried herbs, but incense is usually made from a more complex blend of powdered herbs, oils, resins, and bark, which creates a richer, more perfume-like scent. Incense is often an ingredient in spellwork, and various types of incense have specific correspondences with particular magical purposes. Smudging, on the other hand, is usually done before spellwork, and generally has a singular purpose: purifying the energy of a space, or a person.

The particular herbs used may depend on the reason for the purification, which can range from healing from a physical illness to eliminating negative, “haunted” energy from a house. (Incense can also be used for purification, but because it doesn’t tend to burn as cleanly as simple dried herbs, many Witches prefer smudging for this purpose.)

These days, you can find smudge sticks— bundles of dried herbs tied with string— at most New Age shops, as well as other places where medicinal herbs are sold.These are easy to handle and tend to last a long time, so they can be used repeatedly.

However, you can also burn loose sprigs of dried herbs for a “single use” smudge, which requires a bit more caution, but allows you to choose exactly which herb( s) you want to burn, depending on your purpose. (The two workings described below make use of loose herbs, but you can substitute a pre-made smudge stick if you prefer.)

The easiest way to approach smudging with loose herbs is to find sprigs of the dried herbs, ideally four inches long at a minimum, that you can hold with your fingertips. However, you can also place the herbs inside a fire-proof dish, and then place the dish in a skillet, using the handle of the skillet to carry the smoldering herbs. Whichever method you choose, be sure to thank the spirits of the herbs before lighting them. Remember that it’s the smoke from the herbs that does the cleansing, so only light them enough to get them smoldering, rather than trying to set them completely on fire. As with anything involving flame, use extreme caution. And if you’re working indoors, be sure to leave at least one window cracked open so that the energy being removed from the space has a way to get out.

When the smudging is finished, you can put out the burning herbs in a pot of soil or leave them to burn out on their own in a heat-proof dish. Many smudging traditions use a feather to fan the smoke around the space, or over the person, being purified. This is symbolic of the element of Air.

Likewise, many use a sea shell to catch the ashes from the smoldering herbs, which honors the element of Water. (Earth and Fire are already represented by the herbs and the flame.)

Whether you incorporate these items is up to you— you can also use your hand to wave the smoke around, and a bowl to catch the ashes, if you like.

Lisa Chamberlain, Wicca Herbal Magic: A Beginner’s Guide to Practicing Wiccan Herbal Magic, with Simple Herb Spells

Let’s Talk Witch – The Four Quarters

Winter

The Four Quarters

 

At the start of a ritual, we ask the four elements – Earth, Air, Fire and Water – to join us in circle. We call these the four quarters (for the four directions of north, east, south, and west), or watchtowers. towers. As the term watchtower suggests, we are asking them to protect and watch over us as we do our magick. This way, we can relax and concentrate on our Witchcraft instead of having to guard ourselves against negative energy or the like.

We also ask the watchtowers to lend us their assistance in our magickal work. As I mentioned in the section on elements (which, again, I know you have memorized), each element has certain aspects associated with it, such as air being the property that rules over intellect.

So, if you were going to do magick to help you succeed on an important test (in addition to studying hard, of course, not instead of studying at all), you might ask that quarter for particular help during your ritual.

Here is an example of a typical quarter call or invocation:

I call the watchtower of the north, the element of earth.

Come guard me in my circle, and keep me safe as I work my magickal craft.

Help me to stay grounded and centered, and lend me your strength.

Come now, and enter the circle. So mote it be.

Once we have completed our magickal work and are ready to open the circle, we dismiss the quarters. Don’t be misled by the terms calling and dismissing-we don’t actually try to boss the quarter powers around. After all, you don’t want to irk the power of water and have your toilet explode, now do you? Always invoke and dismiss the watchtowers respectfully, and say thank you when you are done. As Witches, we have the power to summon the elements, but hopefully we also have the wisdom to treat them with the awe and deference they deserve.

 

–Deborah Blake, Everyday Witch A to Z: An Amusing, Inspiring & Informative Guide to the Wonderful World of Witchcraft

 

Let’s Talk Witch – Gestures In Magick

Witch

Gestures In Magick

 

Gestures are silent counterparts to words. Gestures can enhance Wiccan rituals when performed in conjunction with invocations or dance, or can be used alone for their real power. Pointing (as mentioned tioned above), the use of the first and middle fingers splayed to create a “v,” and the vulgar presentation of an upraised middle finger demonstrate the variety of messages that can be conveyed through gesture, as well as the range of our emotional responses to them.

My introduction to Wicca happened to include some of these old gestures. In 1971, I saw some photographs of magical protective gestures tures such as the mano figa (a hand clenched into a fist, the thumb jutting ting out between the first and middle fingers) and the mano cornuta, a “v” formed by the first and little fingers and held upside down. Both have long been used to avert the evil eye and negativity, and the latter is used in Wicca, with points up, to represent the God in his Homed aspect.

The magical significance of gestures is complex, and stems from the powers of the hand. The hand can heal or kill, caress or stab. It is a channel through which energies are sent from the body or received from others. Our hands set up our magical altars, grasp wands and athames, and pinch out candle flames at the conclusion of magical rites.

Hands, as the means by which most of us earn our livings, are symbolic of the physical world. But in their five digits lie the pentagram, tagram, the supreme protective magical symbol; the sum of the four elements coupled with akasha, the spiritual power of the universe.

The lines on our hands can, to the trained, be used to link into the deep consciousnesses and reveal things to the conscious minds that we would otherwise have difficulty knowing. The palmist doesn’t read these lines as streets on a roadmap; they are a key to our souls, a fleshly mandala revealing our innermost depths.

Hands were used as the first counting devices. They were seen to have both male and female qualities and symbolism, and images of hands were used around the world as amulets.

Gestures in Wiccan ritual can easily become second nature. When invoking the Goddess and God, the hands can be held uplifted with the fingers spread to receive their power. The Goddess can be individually invoked with the left hand, the thumb and first finger held up and curled into a half-circle, while the rest of the fingers are tucked against the palm. This represents the crescent Moon. The God is invoked with the first and middle fingers of the right hand raised, or with the first and fourth fingers up, the thumb holding down the others against the palm, to represents horns.

The elements can be invoked with individual gestures when approaching the four directions: a flat hand held parallel with the ground to invoke Earth at the North; an upraised hand, fingers spread wide apart, to invoke Air at the East; an upraised fist for the South to invite Fire, and a cupped hand to the West to invoke Water.

Two gestures, together with postures, have long been used to invoke the Goddess and God, and are named after them. The Goddess dess position is assumed by placing the feet about two feet apart on the ground, holding the hands out palms away from you, elbows bent slightly. This position can be used to call the Goddess or to attune with her energies.

The God position consists of the feet together on the floor, body held rigidly upright, arms crossed on the chest (right over left, usually), hands held in fists. Tools such as the wand and magic knife (athame) are sometimes held in the fists, echoing the practice of pharaohs of ancient Egypt who held a crook and flail in a similar position while trying ing disputes.

In coven work, the High Priestess and High Priest often assume these positions when invoking the Goddess and God. In solo workings they can be used to identify with the aspects of the Goddess and God within us, and also during separate invocatory rites.

Gestures are also used in magic. Each of the fingers relates to a specific planet as well as an ancient deity. Since pointing is a magical act and is a part of many spells, the finger can be chosen by its symbolism.

The thumb relates to Venus and to the planet Earth. Jupiter (both the planet and the god) rules the forefinger. The middle finger is ruled by the god and planet Saturn, the fourth finger the Sun and Apollo, and the little finger by the planet Mercury as well as the god after which it is named.

Many spells involve pointing with the Jupiter and Saturn fingers, usually at an object to be charged or imbued with magical energy. The power is visualized as traveling straight out through the fingers and into the object.

Other ritual gestures used in Wiccan rites include the “cutting” of pentagrams at the four quarters by drawing them in the air with the magic knife, wand or index finger. This is done to alternately banish or invoke elemental powers. It is, of course, performed with visualization.

The hand can be seen as a cauldron, since it can cup and contain water; an athame, since it is used to direct magical energy, and a wand since it can also invoke.

Gestures are magical tools as potent as any other, ones we can always take with us, to be used when needed.

 

–Scott Cunningham, Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner

 

Consecrating Altar Objects

Consecrating Altar Objects

If you are not using completely new objects on your altar – here we are referring to the basic ‘furnishings’ of candle holders etc – you should cleanse them before you dedicate them to your purpose. Treat them in the same way as you would any crystals you use, by soaking them overnight in salt water to remove anyone else’s vibrations and then standing them in sunshine (or moonshine) for at least 12 hours to charge them with the appropriate energy.

 

When you are ready, hold each object and allow your own energy to flow into it, followed by the energy of your idea of Ultimate Power. (That way you make a very powerful link between yourself, the object and the Ultimate.) Ask this Power to bless the object and any working you may do with it and perceive yourself as truly a medium or channel for the energy.

 

Hopefully, each time you use any of the objects, you will immediately be able to reinforce that link rather than having to re-establish it. It is like a refrain continually running in the background. Now place the objects on your altar however it feels right for you.

 

Finally, if appropriate, create and caste your circle so that it includes yourself and your altar. The magic circle defines the ritual area, holds in personal power and shuts out all distractions and negative energies. You now have a sacred space set up which is your link to the powers that be. Again it is a matter of personal choice as to whether you choose to re-dedicate your altar and what it contains on a regular basis

Dedicating Your Altar

Dedicating Your Altar

 

Now you have turned your space into an altar, dedicate it in such a way that it will support any workings you may choose to do. One good way is to dedicate it to the principle of the Greater Good – that none may be harmed by anything that you may do. (Remember that traditionally any harm you instigate deliberately will return to you threefold, particularly when it comes from such a sacred space.) It will depend on your basic belief just how you choose to dedicate the altar further, perhaps to the Moon deity and all her manifestations, perhaps to the Gods of power.

 

Try to put as much passion and energy into the dedication as you can and remember to include a prayer for protection of your sacred space. Some people will need to cast a circle each time they do a working, while others will feel that just by setting the altar up in the way suggested that that space is consecrated henceforth. If you wish to follow the principles of feng shui rather than Wicca within your work, your placings will be slightly different, as they will also be if you choose to follow the tenets of other religions.

 

However, whatever you do, you should take care to dedicate all of your tools and altar furnishings to the purpose in hand. You are empowering them and making them usable only in ritual and magical work. If you try to use them for any other purpose, you will negate that magical power.

Consecrating Your Sacred Space

Consecrating Your Sacred Space

 

If you are going to be carrying out a fair number of rituals or spells, you will really need a sacred space or altar along with various other altar furnishings. Whether your altar is inside or outside does not matter. To set it up indoors, your altar and or sacred space should preferably be in a quiet place in the home, where it will not be disturbed and where candles can be burned safely.

 

The space first needs to be dedicated to the purpose of magical working. You can do this by first brushing the area clean with an ordinary brush, concentrating your thoughts on cleansing the space as you work physically to bring this about. Mentally cleanse the space three times, imagining doing it once for the physical world, once for the emotional space and once spiritually.

 

If you wish, you may sprinkle the whole area with water and with salt (which represents the Earth). You might perhaps also burn incense such as jasmine or frankincense to clear the atmosphere. Think of the space as somewhere you would entertain an honored guest in your home – you would wish the room you use to be as welcoming as it can be. You will later use your besom to keep the sacred space clear.

 

If you travel a lot or are pushed for space, you might dedicate a tray or special piece of wood or china for ceremonial working. This, along with your candles and incense, can then be kept together in a small box or suitcase. Otherwise, you could dedicate a table especially for the purpose. Ideally, you should not need to pack up each time.

 

You will also need a ‘fine cloth’ – the best you can afford – to cover the surface. Place your cloth on your chosen surface and spend some quiet time just thinking about its purpose. You may, if you wish, have different cloths for different purposes or perhaps have one basic cloth which is then ‘dressed’ with the appropriate color for each ritual.

Your Ritual Clothing and Jewellery

Your Ritual Clothing and Jewellery

 

Inevitably there are certain things you will need to remember before you begin your magical working. While you are preparing and putting on your robes or ritual gowns you might spend time in reflection, silent meditation or prayer. Prior to the beginning of any spell and while dressing concentrate on the matter in hand. Alternatively, simply focus on the Supreme Being, Cosmic Responsibility and/or a successful outcome and ask that the event to follow helps you in your learning..

 

There is no limit to what can be worn. Some suggest white robes with black cords or vice versa, while others simply suggest that you are comfortable in what you wear. Many people will spend a great deal of time, energy and effort on fashioning suitable robes.

 

The idea is that when working magically you leave behind the ordinary mundane world, so turn off mobile phones, put away keys and name tags, remove money and other objects from pockets and so on.

 

It will be a matter of choice as to whether you wear jewellery or not. Magical jewellery such as the pentagram, ankh or rings with magical symbols or significance are often worn, although they are by no means essential. Many prefer not to wear watches, since time is considered irrelevant. It is often better not to use perfume or cologne unless it is based on essential oils which are suitable for the work in hand, or complement any incense being used.

New Moon Rituals

 New Moon Rituals

A Portal of Change

Rituals are a way to mark turning points in your life. They can be used to symbolically welcome changes in your life. They can be simple rituals or elaborate ones. The most important thing is your full presence in the moment.

The new Moon is a magical time of beginnings, when you can recharge goals, or set new ones.

Rituals bring meaning to our lives by “charging” an intention with power. We’re always setting intentions, and this is a way to do it in a more conscious way.

There is power in coming up with visions for your life, and keeping them in your sights as they come into being. But even as you fully commit to those visions, stay flexible, since new doors may open that you didn’t expect. At the new Moon, goals and wishes take root, as you reach out for spiritual wisdom, draw on unseen allies and open the door to magical change. You might get what you ask for, or something even better that you can’t imagine yet.

It’s important to come up with a ritual that has meaning for you, instead of trying to follow any set guidelines (unless you’re part of an established ritual group).

You’re the one that knows your personal story best, and what to lift out of that narrative, what will infuse your ritual with power. Here are some general guidelines to shape your rituals using the unique symbols and totems from your life.

Gathering your Sacred Supplies Your altar is where you collect your sacred objects — pictures, found objects and the like. Using herbs with healing or symbolic properties adds to your ritual.

Stones and crystals are another powerful ally. Candles are magical, and in its form contains all four of the elements. A small journal on hand allows you to keep a record of your intentions.

Preparing for the Ritual This is the most important part of ritual, since your commitment is the key. Take a ritual bath with sea salt to clear your field of any negative energies. Sage is an herb used by the Native Americans to clear a space, and make it sacred for ritual. It’s available in most health food stores these days, and easiest to use in its wand form. Light the end and blow on it until there is a smoldering glow.

Use it around your own body, and in the space of your ritual. Clear your mind with meditation, using music or just quieting down in your cleared, sacred area.

Grounding This is something that’s important anytime, for staying connected to earth energy. Signs that you’re not grounded are mania, nervousness, racing thoughts and the like. Too often we forget to feel the earth under our feet. I’ve mentioned Starhawk a few times on the site, and her tree grounding excercise is one of my own daily rituals. In a nutshell, it’s visualizing the roots going down into the Earth, through the layers, into the core, and then drawing that energy back up through your feet again. It moves through each chakra, coming out the top and down around you. Try this or another variation of grounding before you set new Moon intentions.

Your New Moon Wishes After you’ve cleared a sacred space and settled your energy, you’re ready to set your intentions. Make a list of what you’d like to draw into your life, and Dream Big! The new Moon is a moment to conjure what seems out of reach, and creating the vision is the first step to making it a reality. But these are not just words on paper. As you write them down as intentions, you are committing to doing your part to make them real. Some call it co-creating, since you’re opening to universal energies to set dreams in motion.

Dreams of the Soul Your intentions come from the longings that keep coming up. In the days leading up to the new Moon, give some thought to those longings, and see what images, dreams and streams of thought come up. Use symbolic associations to go along with your intentions. Weave in the element for the new Moon, and think about the houses and planets that are affected by it. For an earth new Moon, for example, you might plant seeds that represent your intention. Rituals are a way to work with universal energies, and draw attention to the particular life lessons, or arena (house, planet, etc) that it illuminates for you.

Symbolic Acts Here’s where you get to be creative. If your intentions are to write a book, or broadcast your ideas out to the world, tie them to a helium balloon and send them off. Write them on a stick and offer it to the fire. To open to love, put lavender and a rose quartz in a small pouch, along with the qualities you’re seeking. If you’re inspired, add a symbolic act to your intention-setting ritual.

Keep them Alive A big part of success with new Moon intentions is what comes after. Find ways to keep them in the front of your awareness. Put them in a visible spot, or keep them in your wallet. Make notes in your journal about your progress. At the full Moon , find ways to take action on those intentions, and celebrate any signs of change.

 

Source:

Astrology Expert
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