Category: The Witch

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

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.

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


Unicorn Comments & Graphics

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

 

Let’s Talk Witch – The Right State of Mind


Celtic Comments & Graphics The Right State of Mind

I have always believed that acquiring the right state of mind is an important part of any ritual, because it opens the pathways to the ether, so to speak, besides expanding the spirit. Much of any ritual is devoted to changing the state of consciousness of the practitioner anyway. However, spells sometimes work when the practitioner doesn’t believe in them, or when little effort is actually put in, such as my ‘blessing’ of the water. Something strange and mysterious is indeed at work here. However, I do not advocate a careless approach, because these things deserve to be taken seriously, if playfully – ‘mirth with reverence’. Nor do I recommend doing a spell in a spirit of experiment, ‘just to see’. The universe has a sense of humour and the laugh could be on you. Most likely, nothing will happen, and nothing will be proved.

Getting in the right state of mind is mostly the point of magical ritual. It starts with relaxation, and total relaxation, while a most simple thing, is hard to achieve. If you wish to become proficient at rituals then daily practice of conscious relaxation is a good start and will benefit you generally, into the bargain.

Choose a time of day to practice your relaxation and decide that you will do it every’ day, Five minutes spent daily is better than an hour, once a week. Morning or evening may be best, and devote as much time as you can to it without getting bored and without overstretching your schedule. The most important thing is that you keep it up, for this is a ritual in itself and will be strengthened by habit. I suggest that you start with ten minutes and work up to half an hour, or more, if you wish. Try not to miss a day. If you do, forgive yourself, start again, and tell yourself you won’t miss any more. Or, if you must, take one day off a week, then limit yourself to that.

Settle yourself on your bed, for that will suggest relaxation to your unconscious mind. As you become more adept you may wish to move to a chair, so you do not fall asleep. Concentrate on your body, using whatever means most appeal to let go of tension. Some people favour the tensing of each muscle in turn to unbearable intensity, and then relaxing. I think that’s a good way to get cramp. Just allow all the tenseness to flow out of you, as if a river of light is passing through you, or you are rocking on the waves of an unseen ocean. If you prefer, you could imagine that all your muscles are powered by little people who now, in response to your command, are downing tools and walking out. Whatever your preferred method, go through your whole body slowly, either from head downwards, or feet upwards, spending special time with the altitude of tiny facial muscles. Check, and check again, gently and lovingly rooting out any pockets of tension and liberating them.

When you feel that you are successful in relaxing you may progress to rhythmic breathing; in a 2/ 4 sequence, breathe in to a count of four, hold for a count of two, breathe out to a count of four, hold for a count of two. Use your abdominal muscles, not your throat, and do not strain at any time. After a while your mind will associate this rhythm with relaxation and the process will become effortless. This, in itself, is a ritual that can be of great benefit to you, for when you receive a shock, or are in a state of strain, you can turn on your rhythmic breathing and it will calm you down. I have found that this does work in many life situations, if you can separate yourself for a while from the stressor.

Having achieved this relaxed state, you can now progress to visualization, pathworking or shamanic journeying, if you so wish. These are outside the scope of this book. However, I do suggest two things you may concentrate upon while you are in this state of relaxation. One is building an ‘astral temple’ – a sanctuary made of mind-stuff, where you may retreat inwardly when you relax. This is a safe base on the subtle planes for any other visualizations or inward journeys you may choose to undertake. Build a place that feels right, don’t have a hut on an exotic beach just because it is somewhere you would like to go for a holiday. Often if you ask your inner self. while you are in a state of relaxation, to provide an image of a safe and beautiful haven, one will spontaneously arise for you and might not be as you imagine. Go into your astral temple each time you are in a relaxed state. This will reinforce and strengthen your temple.

Alternatively, an obvious use of your relaxed and open state is the simple visualization of your wishes. If you have a purpose in life such as a job, relationship, travel, then imagine that this is now real. Imagine in delightful detail how it is to receive the letter, get the keys, step off the plane, be in a loving relationship. (Steer clear of erotic imaginings, because you will get distracted’) Affirm to yourself that this is real in your life, not ‘going to come’ but actually manifesting. Doing this regularly is a powerful tool for progress. If you do these visualizations, don’t forget to ground yourself before resuming daily life. This is explained in the step-by-step ritual description. For the purposes of ritual, this relaxation is of great benefit for it breaks down some of the barriers that we erect against the vast ocean of spiritual power that is available. Having learn to relax, you may choose to adopt this process before embarking on ritual. Or having perfected the association between breathing and relaxing, you can use it as a short cut, to unwind you, and get you closer to the required state.

Having relaxed, ‘ritual’ consciousness is well within your grasp, for it is more or less similar to that ‘floaty’ state we all go through twice a day, as we fall asleep and as we wake up. Attaining this drifty state paradoxically makes you more aware of subtle reality.

Another aspect to state of mind is whether or not you ‘feel good’ about the whole process. If you do not, I would strongly recommend that you leave it well alone. Remember, magic works in the direction of belief, not intent. If you really do not believe that you can possibly get that job, don’t do any spells for it. Choose, perhaps, a general spell for luck and prosperity that you can do with conviction, or just don’t do anything and get a good night’s sleep, instead. Of course, a negative state of mind may be something you need to address in yourself, but that will need to be done in a general manner, not forced on an issue, for in a battle between the will and the imagination, imagination always wins. Perhaps this particular job is not for you, anyway. Only you can distinguish between negative thinking and true intuition.
 
Spells and Rituals: A Beginners Guide To Spells And Rituals
Gabby Benson

 

WOTC Extra – Simple Connection Ritual

witchWOTC Extra – Simple Connection Ritual

This ritual is a good way to put out a call to like-minded people to come into your life. It is one you can do daily, until you reach your goal. For the ritual, you will need wool or embroidery thread in three colors— one that you feel represents you, one to represent your path, and one to represent others. I have found that charity shops and yard sales are great places to pick up affordable balls of wool or thread.

Sit somewhere comfortable and take a long length of each of your colored threads so you have three strands. With them laid out in front of you, knot the strands together at the top and start to braid them together carefully. (I have found this is easier if you work at a table away from helpful cats’ paws!) Do each braid slowly and deliberately, from right to center and then from left to center. As you braid, say some simple words over and over as a chant, something like:

Connections for me, so mote it be!

Braid the strands together a little every day for nine days. At the end of the nine days, knot the two ends together to form a circle. Place the circle of braided thread on a safe surface and light a tea light in the center. Say:

The circle’s complete, new friends I will meet!

Allow the candle to burn down safely if you can. Once your spell’s complete, bury your circle of thread, returning your spell to the earth for recycling. Your energy and call have been sent. Look out for new opportunities and situations that present themselves to you, and be active in following leads to connections. Remember, magic will only work if you are the driving force behind it!

Hedgewitch Book of Days: Spells, Rituals, and Recipes for the Magical Year
Mandy Mitchell

Let’s Talk Witch – Connecting With the Outside World

witchConnecting With the Outside World

Working as a Solitary Hedgewitch is an extremely rewarding path. You work as a single energy with the world around you, quietly making each day magickal for you and those around you, for the greater good of all. But sometimes, it can be a lonely path, with no one to talk to about your magic or beliefs, no one to connect with or even to exchange ideas with. On the other hand, a coven or group may not necessarily be the way you want to go. Because we are all human, groups have a tendency to get a bit cliquey. You know what I mean— he said/ she said stuff. Groups that manage to maintain a balance are rare, but they do exist. So if you are after a group setting for your rituals and magic and you find a good one, hold on tight to it!

In general, however, we Hedgewitches like to work alone. So how do we connect with others to share all our magical stuff ? Well, if you have a local shop where you get your witchy supplies, chances are others like you will frequent the same shop— so get chatting with them. If someone notices your pentacle necklace and asks a question— chat! Welcome interest in what you believe and practice, and have confidence in your own path. I know, however, that not everyone is as fortunate as I am to live somewhere where alternative beliefs are accepted. If this is the case for you and you want to meet like-minded people, you may need to travel farther afield to a witchy fair or a solstice celebration. People with the same ideals tend to gather together to honor the festivals, so head to your nearest monument or hilltop. If you’re there, chances are others will be too.

By far the most popular way to connect with others is now online. We are so fortunate to have the Internet, and we should all make use of this modern technology if we can. The online world opens the doors to a world of Hedgewitchery that our ancestors could only dream of! Facebook and social networking sites can provide links to others with interests similar to yours. They are meeting places for like-minded folks to chat and interact. I have met so many wonderful people through my site— they are my online family! There are so many ideas that have now been put online by people sharing with others that the Internet should be celebrated and not feared.

Of course, you should never place yourself in harm’s way. Always follow safe online practices. Research and check any groups or communities that interest you and remember, you don’t have to give out any information you don’t want to. Online, you can exchange ideas and thoughts, get involved in celebrations and forums, and feel a part of something. You may still be working alone, but there is a wealth of knowledge there at your fingertips. There is much to be gained by sharing knowledge in any way we can, and online is a great way to do it— a bit like reading a book and then having a chat about it at a book club.

Remember, it’s not just about connecting with other people on your path; it’s also about your connection to the world in general. Everything around us has a connection to us all. The elements, plants and animals, the earth, sky, ocean, and fields— all are part of our shared reality. So we need to reinforce our connection to them every single day. Touch base with what is around you; help where you can; heal whenever it is needed; volunteer if you have the time; make a difference. Make a mark on the world. Become at one with everything and everyone. Seeing all aspects of the world and acknowledging your connection to other things and other people will strengthen your magic.

Hedgewitch Book of Days: Spells, Rituals, and Recipes for the Magical Year
Mandy Mitchell

WOTC Extra – Raise Your Energy

Feel The Magick!!!Raise Your Energy

 
The next thing you need to know is how to raise energy in order to cast a spell.
You’ll remember that there are three types of energy: personal energy, earth energy, and divine energy.

 
Each one has its own unique feeling to it, and each one has its own purpose.
So I’m going to give you some easy exercises that will teach you how to sense all three forms of energy.

 
First, let’s start with your personal energy. Find a comfortable place to sit and make your breathing long, deep, and slow.

 
Feel your body relax and your mind get quiet. Now, start rubbing your palms together. Do this for about twenty seconds. Start slowly, and then rub faster and faster.

 
Feel your muscles begin to tense up. Feel your palms begin to get warmer. Now, stop.

 
Hold your palms about two inches apart. Can you feel them tingling? This is the energy that you have built and released, and it’s now flowing from your hands.
Look at that! In just twenty seconds, you have felt and created your very own personal power.

 
If you don’t feel it the first time, don’t worry. Keep practicing. Don’t force yourself to feel it—simply relax and allow yourself to feel this power.

 
Once you have created this energy, you can now try to manipulate it. Using your mind and powers of visualization, give this energy a color. Make it your favorite color.

 
Form it into a ball of pulsing energy, and let it move between your hands.
Now, you can make it bigger or smaller as you choose…bigger, now smaller.

 

Good.

 
And finally, you can choose to let it return to your body. Simply let it flow back into your palms into your arms, and be absorbed by your body again.

 
Once you have practiced with your personal energy, it’s time to start sensing earth energy.

 
For this exercise, find a plant. Any herbs, plants, or flowers will work—but it’s better if they are still growing, and not cut.

 
Now, breathe deeply for a few moments, relax your body, and clear your mind. Very good.

 
Hold your left palm a few inches above the plant. Focus your awareness on your palm.

 
What do you feel? Is it a dull throbbing, a hum, a wave of heat, or a kind of energy shift in your hand? If you can feel something different, then you are feeling the energy of the plant.

 
You can do this exercise with any natural object: stones, crystals, and trees for example.  They all have their own earth energy.

 
And after some practice, you should be able to feel the differences in energy between the different objects.

 
For many reasons, it’s better to draw energy from the earth and other natural objects when you are performing magic.

 
Using your personal energy is very draining, and enhancing your own power with earth energy makes your spells much more effective.

 
That’s why spells will usually contain herbs, and you will use stones, wood, and crystals in facilitating your magic.

 
Now that you have learned to feel and manipulate both personal and earth energy, let’s talk about the last, highest form—divine power.

 
This power, as you may guess, comes from the divine. When you perform magic, you are asking the divine to contribute this power to your spell. You may be able to sense this incredible power as you are doing a spell.

 
Divine energy is what makes magic truly magical.

 
Wicca Power Spells
Aurora Rede

The Witches’ Creed

We are WitchesThe Witches’ Creed

by Doreen Valiente

Hear Now the words of the witches,
The secrets we hid in the night,
When dark was our destiny’s pathway,
That now we bring forth into light.

Mysterious water and fire,
The earth and the wide-ranging air,
By hidden quintessence we know them,
And will and keep silent and dare.
The birth and rebirth of all nature,
The passing of winter and spring,
We share with the life universal,
Rejoice in the magical ring.

Four times in the year the Great Sabbat
Returns, and the witches are seen
At Lammas and Candlemas dancing,
On May Eve and old Hallowe’en.
When day-time and night-time are equal,
When sun is at greatest and least,
The four Lesser Sabbats are summoned,
And Witches gather in feast.

Thirteen silver moons in a year are,
Thirteen is the coven’s array.
Thirteen times at Esbat make merry,
For each golden year and a day.

The power that was passed down the age,
Each time between woman and man,
Each century unto the other,
Ere time and the ages began.

When drawn is the magical circle,
By sword or athame of power,
Its compass between two worlds lies,
In land of the shades for that hour.

This world has no right then to know it,
And world of beyond will tell naught.
The oldest of Gods are invoked there,
The Great Work of magic is wrought.

For the two are mystical pillars,
That stand at the gate of the shrine,
And two are the powers of nature,
The forms and the forces divine.

The dark and the light in succession,
The opposites each unto each,
Shown forth as a God and a Goddess:
Of this our ancestors teach.

By night he’s the wild wind’s rider,
The Horn’d One, the Lord of the Shades.
By day he’s the King of the Woodland,
The dweller in green forest glades.

She is youthful or old as she pleases,
She sails the torn clouds in her barque,
The bright silver lady of midnight,
The crone who weaves spells in the dark.

The master and mistress of magic,
That dwell in the deeps of the mind,
Immortal and ever-renewing,
With power to free or to bind.
So drink the good wine to the Old Gods,
And Dance and make love in their praise,
Till Elphame’s fair land shall receive us
In peace at the end of our days.

And Do What You Will be the challenge,
So be it Love that harms none,
For this is the only commandment.
By Magic of old, be it done!

TO BE A WITCH

Witchy Comments

TO BE A WITCH

 

To be a witch is to love and be loved.
To be a witch is to know everything, and nothing at all.
To be a witch is to move amongst the stars while staying on earth.
To be a witch is to change the world around you, and yourself.
To be a witch is to share and give, while receiving all the while.
To be a witch is to dance and sing, and hold hands with the universe.
To be a witch is to honor the gods, and yourself.
To be a witch is to be magick, not just perform it.
To be a witch is to be honorable, or nothing at all.
To be a witch is to accept others who are not.
To be a witch is to know what you feel is right and good.
To be a witch is to harm none.
To be a witch is to know the ways of old.
To be a witch is to see beyond the barriers.
To be a witch is to follow the moon.
To be a witch is to be one with the gods.
To be a witch is to study and to learn.
To be a witch is to be the teacher and the student.
To be a witch is to acknowledge the truth.
To be a witch is to live with the earth, not just on it.
To be a witch is to be truly free!

The Kitchen Witch’s Creed

Witchy Comments & Graphics
The Kitchen Witch’s Creed

In this pot, I stir to the sun
an’ follow the rule of harming none.

Banishment of bane when goin’ widdershins;
an’ with water and salt negativity is cleansed.

Household duties are more than chores.
Magick abounds when mopping floors.

With this broom, I do sweep
to clean my house and safely keep.

Marigold, Basil, Thyme, and Yarrow
my spell is cast for a better tomorrow.

Lemons for joy and apples for health
the pow’r within brings great wealth.

And, in this kitchen I do pray
To truly walk the Witches’ Way

Copyright 1998, 1999 E. Zeigler
This piece may be freely distributed for non-profit use as long as the
copyright information is placed underneath it.

 

Witches Affirmation

 
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Witches Affirmation

A witch is…

One who has power over her/his own life
One who makes his/her own rules, but can abide by the rules of Nature
One who refuses to submit to self-denial
One who recognizes no authority with greater esteem than her/his own, who is loyal to self
One who is untamed and tamed
One who transforms energy for the good of all
One who can be passionate about her/his ideals and values as they are changing
One who is explosive, whose intensity is like volcanoes, floods, winds, and fire
One who is disorderly and orderly
One who is ecstatic
One who alters reality
One who says, “I am a witch” aloud three times

“I am a witch”
“I am a witch”
“I am a witch”

 
 
 
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Witches Reed of Chivalry

Witchy Comments & Graphics

Witches Reed of Chivalry

Insofar as the Craft of the Wise is the most ancient and most honorable creed of humankind, it behooves all who are Witches to act in ways that give respect to the Old Gods, to their sisters and brothers of the Craft, and to themselves.

Therefore, be it noted that:

Chivalry is a high code of honour which is of most ancient Celtic Pagan origin, and must be lived by all who follow the Old ways.

It must be kenned that thoughts and intent put forth on this Middle-Earth will wax strong in other worlds beyond, and return… bringing into creation, on this world, that which had been sent forth. Thus one should exercise discipline, for “as ye sow, so shall ye reap.”

It is only by preparing our minds to be as Gods that we can ultimately attain godhead.

“This above all…to thine own self be true….”

A Witch’s word must have the validity of a signed and witnessed oath. Thus, give thy word sparingly, but adhere to it like iron.

Refrain from speaking ill of others, for not all truths of the matter may be known.

Pass not unverified words about another, for hearsay is, in large part, a thing of falsehoods.

Be thou honest with others, and have them known that honesty is likewise expected of them.

The fury of the moment plays folly with the truth; to keep one’s head is a virtue.

Contemplate always the consequences of thine acts upon others. Strive not to harm another.

Though there may be differences between those of the Old Ways, diverse covens and circles may well have diverse views. These views, even if they are different than yours, should always be given respect. When a coven, circle, clan, or grove is visited or joined, one should discern quietly their practices, and abide thereby.

Dignity, a gracious manner, and a good humour are much to be admired.

As a Witch, thou hast power, and thy powers wax strongly as wisdom increases. Therefore exercise discretion in the use thereof.

Courage and honour endure forever. Their echoes remain when the mountains have crumbled to dust.

Pledge friendship and fealty to those who so warrant. Strengthen others of the Brethren and they shall strengthen thee.

Thou shalt not reveal the secrets of another Witch or another Coven. Others have laboured long and hard for them, and cherish them as treasures.

Those who follow the mysteries should be above reproach in the eyes of the world, and should always seek to make this so.

The laws of the land should be obeyed whenever possible and within reason, for in the main they have been chosen with wisdom for the well-being of all.

Have pride in thyself, and seek perfection in body and in mind. For the Lady hath said, “How canst thou honour another unless thou give honour to thyself firstly?”

Those who seek the Mysteries should consider themselves as select of the Gods, for it is they who lead the race of humankind to the highest of thrones and beyond to the very stars.

 

Author Unknown

The Celtic Connection