Let’s Talk Witch – Nine Steps To Becoming A Witch

Witchy Cat Graphics & Comments
Nine Steps To Becoming A Witch

 

STEP ONE – discovering your path

Read and study. Read everything you can get your hands on. You need to read anything that will tell you more about the beliefs of witchcraft, magazines, books and web pages. While studying there are other forms of the craft that help. (nature) For example you could go hiking or go camping. Sunbathe, moonbathe, watch animals etc. This step should take you at least 2 months.

STEP TWO – defining your path

In a notebook, folder or journal start writing down some reasons why the craft is for you. What does being a witch mean to you? What do you hope to achieve? How do you visualize the God and Goddess? What does the Divine mean to you? Be honest. This notebook will become your book of shadows.

STEP THREE – Exploring magic

Magic is simply raising and channeling energy that is found in yourself, nature and the divine. Before you begin working with magic you need to understand what it is. You also need to know the basic structure of a ritual, casting circles, calling quarters, invoking the God/dess, raising and directing energy, grounding and centering and closing the circle. Know the moon phases. Learn to feel how the moon effects your body. Keep records of all you have learned in your book of shadows. This step will probably take you about another couple of months.

STEP FOUR – learning to focus

Now you should start working on meditation and visualization exercises to increase your concentration. Learn to be calm. You can start out by meditating at least 3 times a week for about five minutes. You should do this for at least a month. Remember to keep a record in your book of shadows.

STEP FIVE – working with magic

Now you can begin some basic spell work. Start with a full moon ritual or a new moon ritual. Every witch should write her own spells.

STEP SIX – self dedication

After you have been studying for at least five or six months on meditating and working with magic it is time to perform a self dedication ritual. Design it however you want. A self dedication ritual means you are dedicating yourself to the craft.

STEP SEVEN – the year between dedication and initiation

You can initiate yourself when you feel you are ready. The year you spend between your self dedication and your initiation you should spend celebrating the Sabbats, meditation, practicing your spellwork and studying. Use this time to learn about different forms of divination, such as Tarot or Runes, and different forms of healing, such as herbalism. Make sure you are recording in your book of shadows.

STEP EIGHT – Networking

You should spend a solitary year study after self dedication before a witch considers joining a coven or a circle. This gives you a full year to celebrate the cycle of Sabbats.

STEP NINE – Initiation

An initiation should be something that’s meaningful to you. The ritual should be written only by you. A coven initiation is a means of bonding a group together. Initiation into the craft should always be a solitary ritual.

You still have to learn and practice. If you truly want to be a witch be prepared to spend the rest of your life studying and learning about this religion.

We Have No Book of Instructions

We Have No Book of Instructions

We do not have a book in the way that Christians have the Bible or Muslims the Koran. There are a great number of books on the Draft, however, and it is up to those who wish to read some of these to make personal decisions as to their relevance. Each individual ca choose the complexity of their rituals, and the form that their path will take. For some these may mean working in a group or Coven, others may prefer a Solitary path. Some will seek to work formalized Magick whilst others prefer the hedgewitch approach, working closely with mature and using herbs to achieve their Magick.

 

We Believe That The Divine is both Male and Female

We Believe That The Divine is both Male and Female

 

We believe this is equal and in balance, and that we should seek that balance in ourselves and in our lives. Put simply, this means that we believe in the Goddess and the God, and they may be referred to by many names according to the needs of the individual or indeed their personal preference. It helps to think of the Divine as being like a mirror ball, with each facet having a different identity, although all are part of the Divine. As a result you may find that the Goddess is referred to as Isis. Astarte or Hecate, for example, and the God referred to as Osiris. Hernes or Pan, and so on. Some Witches will simply refer to the Lord and Lady or the Goddess and the God, and these are the terms that I will use in this blog. Others will call them the Old One or the Old Gods, or even just the Gods.

The Goddess is seen as having three aspects. Maiden, Mother and Crone (or Wise One). These aspects are reflected in the cycle of the Moon, and in our daily lives, for everything has its beginning, middle and closing phases.

The God also has different aspects but these are more clearly defined through the festivals of the seasons and the Wheel of the Year.

Spell Caster’s Affirmation

Witchy Comments
Spell Caster’s Affirmation

There is one Presence and Power in the Universe
That manifests to me as Goddess and as God
It guides the stars and the planets
It guides me and moves through my life
For I am a perfect incarnation of God /dess
And a perfect priest/ess of God/dess
I am a complete manifestation of this power
I release all imbalanced energy and it’s effects
I harness harmonious energy
And shape it for the good of all
In accordance with free will
With ease and with joy
With love and kindness
So mote it be

Good Things To Know

Good Things To Know

Moon Phase Correspondences for Magickal Workings.

New Moon Magick:

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

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

Waxing Moon Magick:

From seven to fourteen days after the new moon.

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

Full Moon Magick:

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

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

Waning Moon Magick:

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

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

Dark Moon Magick:

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

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

Daily Correspondences for Magickal Workings:

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

Monday: Intuition, dreams, psychic ability, fertility

Tuesday: Money, enemies, courage, energy

Wednesday: Divination, communications, knowledge, wisdom

Thursday: Happiness, luck, wealth, victory, health

Friday: Love, romance, marriage, friendship

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

Color Correspondences for Magickal Workings:

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

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

Yellow: learning, breaking mental blocks, confidence, persuasion

Pink: romantic love, peace, nurturing

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

Blue: wisdom, protection, calm, creativity, patience

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

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

Black: protection, repelling, binding

White: peace, purity, spirituality, higher self

Herbal Magick

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

Success: basil, sandalwood

Psychic development: cinnamon, rosemary, thyme

Divination: cloves, nutmeg, thyme

Dream magick: cinnamon, mistletoe

Good luck: chamomile, nutmeg, sandalwood

Health: allspice, coriander, ginseng, thyme

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

Money: basil, chamomile, cinnamon, garlic, thyme

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

Handy Stuff to Have Around the House

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

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

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

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

5 Helpful Goddesses:

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

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

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

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

Vishnu – Protector of Universe for power, courage & sustenance

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

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

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

Let’s Talk Witch – Being A Kitchen Witch

Let’s Talk Witch – Being A Kitchen Witch

 

People have often asked me, what is a Kitchen Witch. I really have been unable to give an answer to that question because the defination of a ‘Kitchen Witch’ is an ever evolving thing.

The kitchen, in my mind, is one of the rooms which symbolize a certain cense of family. When I think of the word ‘Kitchen,’ images of a family sitting down to a nice dinner come to mind. Or, I think of the wife who makes a loaf of bread, kneading the dough with firm, tender loving movements.

It doesn’t really matter what kind of image one has of a kitchen, tho. Just as long as an image comes to mind.

If a Witch asks themselves, “Do I incorperate my witchcraft (the magic, and the worship) to include things associating with the kitchen?” and answers the question by saying, “Yes,” then, that is a good example of a kitchen witch. One can easily find magic spells that involve cooking, or other items associated with the kitchen. Making a magical tea out of certain ingredients to serve someone is a good example of what most people think of when the term Kitchen Witch comes into play.

However, to me, there is much more to being a witch than casting spells. Just the same, there is more to being a Kitchen Witch, than making magical brews and foods. The magic is only a small part of this.

As a witch, there are certain things that I hold in high reguard when dealing with the craft. Spending time with the Goddess and the God, the healing of the earth, and celebrating the tides of nature are also large parts of my images of what being a witch is all about. And all these things can easily be applied to all facets of our lives, including what happens in the Kitchen.

It is just as easy to heal the earth inside the kitchen by recycling plastic egg cartons, and saving biodegradable food remains to be made into mulch, than it is to go outside and plant a tree. (And making mulch takes so much less energy, too.)

___________________________

There are many resources for Kitchen Witches available on the common market. Some of the books I would recommend, include:

The Urban Pagan; The Victorian Grimoire; and The Kitchen Witch’s Cookbook by Patricia Telesco

Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs; The Magical Household, and The Magic of Incenses, Oils, and Brews: By Scott Cunningham.

Positive Magic :By Marian Weinstein

…just to name a few. (Note: Not all those books are meant specifically for the Kitchen Witch, however, some have general themes that do go hand in hand with my image of what a Kitchen Witch is, does, and believes.

To Be A Witch

Witchy Cat Graphics & 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!

by Ziller

GOALS OF A NATURAL MAGICIAN

Witchy Comments=

GOALS OF A NATURAL MAGICIAN

To walk in harmony with nature, never taking without giving,
To understand that magick is an alliance between humans and the Earth for the betterment of all.
To use magick as an instrument of loving change, not hateful destruction.
To see the spiritual in the physical and to understand that neither is higher nor more perfect than the other.
To wisely use natural energies only when in genuine need, not for greed.
To know nothing is impossible if we will work beyond personal limitations.
To work magick for others only with their permission.
To celebrate magick as a union with the energies that gave us our physical forms.
To improve ourselves, our friends, and our world for the greater good of all.

 

*Quoted from “The Candle Magick Workbook” by Kala & Ketz Pajeon*

A Little Secret That Only Witches Can Know About. Can I Trust You?

Every secret organization or religion has a secret or two. Of course, you won’t never hear about them because they are secrets. Makes senses. Most of these organizations and religions have secrets to keep the public out and in the dark, to exclude them. On the other hand, our religion is not like that we have had to keep it secret just to keep it alive. If it was for our ancestors keeping our entire religion secret, we wouldn’t have a religion.

The secret I am getting ready to share with you is not that big of deal. It was used in the Burning Times to determine if the person you were meeting was a witch. You can see during this period of time why it was very important to know who you were meeting.

Here is the ritual. Enjoy!

This is a magic witches hand shake spell. This spell is cast to find out if someone you know may or may not be a witch. After casting this magic spell, you will then shake the hand of the person you are inquiring about, and your answer will be revealed in the handshake. It can also be used to slightly put a thought or idea inside the mind of a person without coming right out and suggesting it. We offer many more free magic spells here for you to use and to try.

Extend your right index finger and lightly touch the wrist of the person exactly where the pulse is felt. By touching the pulse it throws the acquaintance completely off his balance for just an instant , but in that instant plant an initial
thought, ( example : I am the one you want for the job) this
really works and is cool, try it.

*You can also determine if the other person is a witch by the way they grasp your hand. If their right index finger is extended and touching your pulse area, more than likely they are a with.*

Enhanced by Zemanta

WOTC Extra – Ten Questions You Should Be Able to Answer After a Year and A Day

WOTC Extra – Ten Questions You Should Be Able to Answer After a Year and A Day

1.) How would you define Witchcraft?

How would you define Wicca?

What would you say if asked? Are you able to discuss the history of the Craft and how Wicca relates to Magick?

2.) Upon what premise does the moral foundation of the Wicca rest?

Do you consider yourself a practitioner of the dark arts or the white- (or light) magickal arts? Why do you think this?

03.) Explain what is meant by divination.

Explain what is meant by the following terms:

aura reading,

palomancy,

crystalomancy,

magick mirror,

runecasting,

Iching?

Have you found a favorite method of divination?

What is this method?

Have you become skilled at this, and how skilled?

Do you consider yourself a Master of the Art?

Are you practicing this form of divination for yourself and others on a regular basis, and if not, why not?

04.) Are you thoroughly familiar with some form of the healing arts?

What do you know about the following:

color or sound therapy,

aromatherapy,

herbal healing?

Which of these have you studied enough to have become quite familiar with the healing art?

Are you a Master of the Art?

Do you intend to become a Master?

Have you begun your hand-written herbal or other log of your healing practice?

05.) Have you accumulated all your magickal tools?

How many of these tools have you made yourself?

What was given to you?

Why did this object become a part of your magickal collection?

Are these tools all consecrated?

Why are they consecrated?

Are you knowledgeable enough about the uses of all these tools to be able to explain their uses to another?

06.) If someone, a friend perhaps, comes to you for help in the following areas, can you help them?

The areas might be love, health, wealth, protection, uncrossing, legal aid, self-help or development.

Could you devise a spell to help him or her? Would you? Why? Why not?

Could you include all the proper correspondences, talismans, stones, crystals, candles?

Would you be able to cast the spell during the correct phase of the Moon, the most auspicious day of the week and hour of the day?

Have you kept accurate records of your magickal work in your Book of Shadows or hand-written Magickal Diary?

If not, why not?

07.) Are you able to explain the Sabbats and Esbats?

Can you perform an impromptu ritual for each?

Have you begun your personal hand-written Book of Shadows?

08.) Are you familiar enough with any of the Pentagram Rituals to explain them to others?

09.) Have you composed at least two complete Sabbat rituals and a full or new Moon ritual, incorporating all the proper correspondences;

astrological timing,

proper god and goddess forms for the particular ritual,

the correct candles,

scents, invocations, etc?

10.) Can you explain why Wicca is important to you -and why you wish to become a Witch and Wiccan?

Enhanced by Zemanta

I am a Solitary Witch

Witchy Comments
 

I am a Solitary Witch
Walking alone the Ancient Path
Finding my own road to faith and wisdom
Goddess, bless me with your shining moonbeams
To light my way as I travel
And shelter me with Your loving Arms
May the Earth protect me with its strength
May the Water wash away my troubles
May the Air blow in clarity in thought
And the Fire warm and cleanse me
 
I am a Solitary Witch
And I am blessed.

WOTC Extra – Which Witch Are You?

Witchy Comments
WOTC Extra – Which Witch Are You?

Solitary: Practices the craft alone and does not work with a group or coven. By the Gardnerian and Alexandrian way solitary witches are not witches. In order to be considered a witch you must work with a coven.

Eclectic: These witches pick chose and mix various traditions. They have no set path.

Hereditary: These are the practitioners who have been taught the craft from their relative. The craft was passed, unbroken, from generation to generation.

So, now, do you want to be a solitary witch or work with a coven? Let me give you a few Pros and Cons to consider.

PRO

If you join a coven you will receive lots of support. There are people available with the same beliefs to talk to. You will also get some structure. You can work your way up from dedicant to High Priest(s).

CON

Just by the fact that there is structure in a coven may discourage some people. The coven decides on the where, when at time of the Sabbats and meetings. If you break the laws of the coven (dishonor) you will be asked to leave. The cons of a coven are not unlike those that relate to any group activity.

PRO

OK, so you will go solo and be a solitary. This means that you can learn at your own pace. You can follow your own schedule for Sabbats, within reason. You attire is strictly up to you. Some solitaries will join with a know coven to celebrate Sabbats. You can design your own rituals.

CON

The major downside is that you are on are on your own. Help and guidance from knowledgeable witches are not going to be readily available. The solitary had no linage to look back on for guidance. Solitary witches are looked down on by name of the coven witches. What do you know – a class structure L

So what type of training do you want? You can find metaphysical shops and seek help from them. You can use the local library or book shop. If you have internet access there is a wealth of information available for you.

You may want to join a coven. This decision must be made carefully. Some covens are basically nothing more than social groups. Others are based on the D & D games. Be selective, just as they will want to interview you, you should reciprocate in kind.

NOTE: Witches do not try to convert people.

Once you have decided upon a coven go to a few open Sabbats and meetings, if permitted. If you can not attend an open Sabbat write the coven off. With the exception of two Sabbats, all others can be open.

Sit down with the Priestess / Priest and see what the coven will want of you. The will also ask what you can bring to the coven. Remember, a coven becomes your family away from home. The coven should NEVER supercede your home life. You family will always come first.

Once you are in total agreement – both ways you can apply to become a dedicant. During this time you will be kept under the eye of the Priestess and Priest. Your initial training will last for a year and a day. After that time, if upon the agreement of all, you can become an initiate. From that point on you will go through the three degrees of initiation. Each degree will take a minimum of a year and a day to complete.

Being a member of a coven is a commitment. You will be expected to attend coven functions. Covens usually meet to celebrate the 8 Sabbats – holidays of the God and 13 Esbats – holidays of the Goddess. Members of the coven are given a part to perform during the rituals. Not showing up for ritual is a major NO-NO. If you do not make it you can ruin the ritual.

You may also be asked to help the coven. Many covens take on community work to help the community.

Many covens plan outing and fun events for their members…

One thing to remember no matter what path you choose; When the Student is ready, the Teacher Will Appear.

Morals of a Witch

Morals of a Witch

Witchcraft is often understood to be evil, demoralizing, and immoral because it  goes against the beliefs of the catholic church. This is due mostly to a  misunderstanding of the modern use of the term “witch.” In earlier times,  witchcraft was essentially the term used for “devil worship.” Witches of old  were said to be in league with the devil. They hurt people, traveled to  gatherings where they engaged in evil spell-casting, demoralizing acts, and  Satan worship. At the same time, there were wisepeople in villages. These people  were the healers, the midwives, and the elders who knew things which might be  considered witchery today. These people were not, at the time, considered or  even called witches. Today, for some reason, these people have chosen to take on  the name of witchcraft. Even in medieval times, people engaged in witchery.  These things included charms to predict love or the weather, good luck charms,  and psychic sight (gifts of the angels). For example, people knew charms that  were used in prediction such as limericks and poems. These went something like:  “cat’s paw upon the water, first sigh of storm-king’s daughter.” This limerick  means that if you see a cat place its paw in water, then there will be a storm.  These are sometimes called “old wives’ tales.” Other superstitions are: walking  under a ladder is bad luck and smashing a mirror is 7 years bad luck. Magical  charms were and are also used: four-leaf clovers, found pennies, locks of hair,  horseshoes when turned upside down, and lucky and unlucky numbers. These things  were never considered witchcraft the way we use it in witchcraft today.
Many Christians are beginning to understand the differences between what is  now called witchcraft and the old word witchcraft which was used for “devil  worship.” No one is really sure why the healers of today have chosen this once  derogatory term to describe themselves. Likely, it has stemmed from small groups  of adolescents forming “covens.” Early Wiccans were not called witches.
Today, witches are known for their good deeds. Witches believe in eternal  learning. Witches believe in truth and truth telling. We are always trying to  help those around us and find ways to better ourselves. Witches also follow many  of the traditional views of Christianity. We believe in harming no living being.  We believe in fidelity (loyalty), we love our families and raise our children to  have good moral standards. We do not believe in forming cults or any other  harmful or mind-controlling groups. We stand against killing and oppression of  all kinds. We believe in the freedom to love who we choose to love. We believe  in self-sacrifice for the good of others. We believe in charity.

Source:
Witch Crafted

Enhanced by Zemanta

WOTC Extra – Making Your Own Ritual Robe

Witchy Comments & Graphics

WOTC Extra – Making Your Own Ritual Robe

Many Wiccans and Pagans prefer to perform ceremonies and rituals in special robes. If you’re part of a coven or group, your robe might have to be a certain color or style. In some traditions, the color of the robe indicates the level of training a practitioner has. For many people, donning the ritual robe is a way of separating themselves from the mundane business of everyday life — it’s a way of stepping into the ritual mindset, of walking from the mundane world into the magical world. Most people prefer to wear nothing at all under their ritual robe, but do what is comfortable for you.

It’s not uncommon to have robes for the different seasons, symbolizing the turning Wheel of the Year. You can make one in blue for spring, green for summer, brown for fall, and white for winter — or any other colors that symbolize the seasons for you. Do take the time to put some thought into your color selection — it used to be that most Wiccans wore white robes, but many people prefer to use earth tones, because it’s a way of establishing one’s connection with nature. Some people choose to avoid black, because it sometimes has negative connotations, but use the color that feels right for you.

Anyone can make a robe of their own, and it’s not hard to do. If you can sew a straight line, you can make a robe. First of all, for experienced sewers, there are a number of excellent commercially available patterns out there. You can check catalogs at your local fabric store under “Costumes”, which is where most of the good robes are hiding out, especially in the “historical” and “Renaissance” categories. Here are some that look nice and can be made without too much sewing experience:

* Simplicity 4795: Believe it or not, this is a set of patterns for a passion play. There’s an angel design in here that’s fantastic for a ritual robe. You may want to reduce the drop in the sleeves a bit, though, just to keep from setting yourself on fire while lighting candles.
* Simplicity 3623: This pattern is for a Scottish-themed costume, complete with tam. However, it also includes a pattern for a muslin underdress to be worn beneath the bodice and skirt — this makes a great ritual robe, and can be assembled in just a couple of hours.
* Simplicity 3616: Sure, the wizard costume seems campy, but if you eliminate the trim and the long white beard, it makes a version of the ritual robe that is far more masculine than some of the other patterns.
* McCalls 4490: For more advanced sewers, this lovely Renaissance-style dress can easily be adapted for a ritual robe.

To make a basic robe without buying a pattern, you can follow these simple steps. You’ll need the following:

* A piece of material in the color of your choice — make sure you select something that will be easy to sew and comfortable to wear. On the average, you’ll need about three yards, but if you’re heavyset or extra-tall, add in some more. A flat bedsheet is actually the perfect size for this.
* Scissors, thread, tailor’s chalk, and a measuring tape.
* A sewing machine.
* A length of cord or light rope, approximately 6 feet long.

You’ll need some help for this first step, because you need to measure yourself from wrist to wrist with your arms outstretched. Unless you have a third arm, get a friend to do this for you. This measurement will be Measurement A. Next, figure the distance from the nape of your neck to a point even with your ankle — this will be Measurement B. Fold the fabric in half (if the material has a print on it, fold it with the pattern side in). Using your A and B measurements, cut out along the lines indicated in Figure 1, making a sort-of T-shape. Don’t cut out along the top fold — that’s the part that will go along the top of the arms and shoulders.

Next, cut a hole for your head (X) at the center of Measurement A. Don’t make it too big, or your robe will slide off your shoulders! On each side, sew along the underside of the sleeve, leaving an opening at Y for the arms (Figure 2). Then sew from the armpit down to the bottom of the robe. Turn your robe right-side out, try it on, and adjust it for length if needed.

Finally, add a cord around the waist, as shown in Figure 3. In some traditions the cord may be knotted to indicate degrees of training or education. In others, it acts simply as a belt to keep the robe from flapping around during ritual. You can also add trim, beadwork, or magical symbols to your robe. Personalize it, and make it yours. You may also wish to consecrate your robe before wearing it for the first time.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Let’s Talk Witch – Your Sacred Clothing

Witchy Comments & Graphics

Let’s Talk Witch – Your Sacred Clothing

Many practitioners will not enter or use their sacred space unless they are cloaked in a special garment created by their own hands and consecrated for spiritual use. This robe is unique and special to each person who desires to honor their beliefs in this fashion. A cloak can be consecrated for specific purposes. So you can have more than one cloak, depending on what type of ritual you will be conducting in your sacred space.Self clothing isn’t the only garments you want to consider for your space. An altar cloth is also called for. You can use more than one cloth in varying colors and patterns, depending on the work at hand. But consider the use of the cloth before you cover the altar. If you are going to be mixing herbs, or creating spiritual objects such as handmade candles, smudge sticks or spiritual tools, then you want the cloth to be inexpensive and practical. If however, you are conducting a ritual to celebrate a holiday, then you might use a more formal cloth, anything from crushed velvet to black satin.

The cloth should reflect your personality, your beliefs and one that you feel comfortable with using. A male Witch for instance, may not use Victorian lace when casting spells for compassion, healing or love. Rather he might use something that strikes an essence of romance in his heart such as red silk. Whatever you chose to use, the cloth should be large enough to cover the entire altar and fit the work at hand.

Enhanced by Zemanta

The Ordains – The Witches Laws


Witchy Comments & Graphics

 The Ordains

(The Witches Laws)

1.   And ye harm none, do as ye will.
2.   If you know the Rede is being broken, you must work strongly against it.
3.   Watch, listen and withhold judgment; in debate you your silences be long,
your thoughts clear and your words carefully chosen.
4.   Never boast, or threaten, or speak evil of anyone.
5.   Be truthful always, save when speaking would lead to a great harm.
6.   Keep clean your body, your clothes, and your house.
7.   Should you take a task upon yourself, work hard and well to accomplish it
properly and in good time. Always do the best you can.
8.   Do not haggle over the price of your ritual tools.
9.   Witches know that there are no absolute truths.
10. Witches understand that the universe consists of perfect balance; therefore,
everything has an opposite.
11. Witches realize that for every action there is a reaction. (The Law of
Three).
12. Witches know that we are all one, we are all connected.
13. Never lie to yourself for this is the ultimate act of deceit.
14. Witches understand that the ultimate act of spirituality is the act of
positive creation through love.
15. Witches realize that the energy created through worship and rituals
manifests as a circular stream of positive energy.
16. Witches should never close their minds to knowledge.
17. Never practice a magickal system that you don’t fully understand.
18. Do not set a price on your magickal work.
19. A Witch uses the magickal circle as a physical and non-physical
representation of a temple on the earth plane.
20. Witches use the energies around them to assist in raising power.
21. Witches use common sense and do not share their mysteries with fools.
22. A Witch who knowingly breaks the Law (Ordains) will not be permitted to
incarnate on Earth again.

Enhanced by Zemanta

The Witch’s Rune

Witchy Comments & Graphics

The Witch’s Rune

Darksome night and shining moon
Hearken to the witch’s rune
East then south, west then north
Here come I to call thee forth
Earth and Water, Air and Fire
Work ye unto my desire
Wand and Pentacle and Sword
Hearken ye unto my word
Cords and Censor, Scourge and Knife
Waken all ye into life
Power of the Witch’s Blade
Come ye as the charm is made
Queen of Heaven, Queen of Hell
Lend your aid unto the spell
Horned Hunter of the Night
Work my will by magick rite
By all the power of Land and Sea
As I do will, so mote it be
By all the might of moon and sun
Chant the spell and be it done.
Enhanced by Zemanta

Let’s Talk Witch – Engaging All Five Senses in Spellwork

Let’s Talk Witch – Engaging All Five Senses in Spellwork

Magick is the practice of bringing the possible into reality whether the spells are for better health, a new job, or tastier garden tomatoes. All of these goals, and most others, work on the principle that the worker uses their own will to shape reality, and because of this, the worker must be able to form a clear picture of the intended outcome. You can’t create what you can’t imagine, so the more clearly the goal is identified, the more likely the desired outcome. Engaging all of our senses in spellwork can help us define that goal and give it aspects that appeal to our need to interact with something to prove to ourselves it is real. Additionally, sometimes we need to define goals that aren’t concrete, but rather involve abstractions such as emotions and memories. Such goals can be hard to represent, but by using our other senses, we can find representation for them, and manifest even the most abstract goals into reality. While visualization is a much praised and important part of spellwork, each of our four other senses has the potential to connect us to our spellwork in deeper and more intense ways. Human beings are primarily visual creatures, but that does not mean that the visual sense is the strongest for everyone. Nor does it mean that our other senses have less to offer. Many of us already use cues for our other senses in ritual; a drumbeat or music in the background, incense in the air, cakes and ale. However, we don’t always bring these elements into the spellwork itself. We can use smells, tastes, sounds, and textures in spellcraft to create a deeper link with the magic as well as a more complete representation of the desired result. For instance, smells provide a powerful trigger for memory and emotion. As an example, you can improve a spell to relieve insomnia by using the smell of fresh linen, applying the scent to a small sachet tucked into your pillow. The scent becomes another part of the spell whether it’s the use of baby powder in a sachet meant to aid in fertility or using a vial of oil as the focus for a calm flying spell.

We can also use scents to bring a spell to mind again after the casting, strengthening the magic or its effect on you. Additionally, spells that you can taste can have a huge impact on the body, and make a great vehicle for workings such as health spells or other purposes involving the body. The sense of touch plays a large role in our interaction with others, but is also the medium through which we interact with and manipulate the world. When we think of something as material, we think of being able to touch it; therefore, giving a texture and feel to the goals of our spellwork lends a quality of realism that brings them closer to manifestation.

Excertp from:

“Engaging All Five Senses In Spellwork
Author:  Marion Sipe
Llewellyn’s 2014 Magical Almanac:
Practical Magic for Everyday Living.

GOOD MORNING TO ALL MY WONDERFUL FAMILY & FRIENDS OF THE WOTC!

I Be A Witch

I be a Witch within my heart and soul
I cast spells, chant for healing
and conjure ritual concoctions
within my cauldron bowl
I honor the moon
I honor the Sun
I honor the Earth Goddess
and the Horned one
I honor the four seasons
The Wheel of the Year
From Spring, Summer to Fall
right through to Yuletide cheer
I honor this life I live
and the many that came before
I trust within my dreams at night
the old ways forgotten lore
I pray for healing and respect
for the common good
to be sent and received by all
from city’s to the long lost wood I am on a path of pure love and light
That is very true indeed
I seek enlightenment and knowledge
from thine Wiccan Rede
Everything I do in this life
from today to tomorrow on
I try and live it to the fullest
before my days are gone
I be a Witch within my soul and heart
So take heed my brothers and Sister
To my words I share with you
Merry Ye Meet and Merry Ye Part

 

Source:
“I be a Witch”
Author: WynnJera
Dutchie
Dutchie Network

The Witches Creed of Chivalry

Witchy Comments & Graphics

The Witches Creed 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. Therefor, be it noted that:

1. 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.
2. It must be keened 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.”
3. It is only by preparing our minds to be as Gods that we can ultimately attain godhead.
4. “This above all… to thine own self be true…”
5. 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.
6. Refrain from speaking ill of others, for not all truths of the matter may be known.
7. Pass not unverified words about another, for hearsay is, in large part, a thing of falsehoods.
8. Be thou honest with others, and have them known that honesty is likewise expected of them.
9. The fury of the moment plays folly with the truth; to keep one’s head is a virtue.
10. Contemplate always the consequences of thine acts upon others. Strive not to harm another.
11. 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.
12. Dignity, a gracious manner, and a good humor are much to be admired.
13. As a witch, thou hast power, and thy powers wax strongly as wisdom increases. Therefore exercise discretion in the use thereof.
14. Courage and honour endure forever. Their echoes remain when the mountains have crumbled to dust.
15. Pledge friendship and fealty to those who so warrant. Strengthen others of the Brethren and they shall strengthen thee.
16. Thou shalt not reveal the secrets of another Witch or Coven. Others have laboured long and hard for them, and cherish them as treasures.
17. Those who follow the mysteries should be above reproach in the eyes of the world, and should always seek to make this so.
18. 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.
19. Have pride in thyself, and seek perfection in body and in mind. For the Lady hath said, “How canst thou have honour unless thou give honor to thyself firstly?”
20. 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 the very stars.

Wiccan One’s Universe