By Chant of One – the Spell’s begun
By Chant of Two – it cometh true
By Chant of Three – it comes to me
By Chant of Four – through Heaven’s door
By Chant of Five – the Spell’s alive
By Chant of Six – the Spell I fix
By Chant of Seven – it flies from Heaven
By Chant of Eight – it’s at my gate
By Chant of Nine – the thing is mine
Tag: art
‘THINK on THESE THINGS’ for December 20th
‘THINK on THESE THINGS’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler
All the world listens for the voice that speaks with its heart.
How important is the tone of voice, no matter what position we hold in life. The voice of authority, the demanding, commanding and authoritative voice has little lasting effect upon its audience. But the voice of kindness, the cheerful and friendly voice creates receptivity that few can resist.
In the words of Longfellow, “How wonderful is the human voice! It is indeed the organ of the soul. The intellect of man sits enthroned, visibly on his forehead and in his eye, and the heart of man is written on his countenance, but the soul reveals itself in the voice only.”
The voice on the telephone creates a picture for the listener. With the business of the world being run to a very great extent by telephone, it is of the utmost importance what sort of picture that should be. No matter how sharp, strong, hard, flat, weak or soft, that voice creates an impression. If only we could have our voices played back, we would hear ourselves in one of those categories.
Even animals and children respond to voices as they truly are. All the actions in the world speak loudly, but the voice of love, the voice of friendship, and the voice of encouragement are the sweetest of all sounds.
The truly sincere quality in the voice is from the nature within, springing from concern for those about us, the divine love, the deep feeling for all of life.
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Available online! ‘Cherokee Feast of Days’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler.
Visit her web site to purchase the wonderful books by Joyce as gifts for yourself or for loved ones……and also for those who don’t have access to the Internet: http://www.hifler.com
Click Here to Buy her books at Amazon.com
Elder’s Meditation of the Day
By White Bison, Inc., an American Indian-owned nonprofit organization. Order their many products from their web site: http://www.whitebison.org
December 20 – Daily Feast
December 20 – Daily Feast
We view life with our hearts – and if someone does not have it in his heart to see something very beautiful, he will see only the hardship and distrust. Two people in nearly identical circumstances can wake up to the same news, the same information, the same landscape – and see it in totally different ways. One expects trouble to pass – and gives it time. The other sees problems pouring in faster than she can solve them. One sings, the other cries. We have to check our reactions and then check our hearts for corrected vision. This is our privilege – this is life meeting our expectations.
~ We took an oath not to do anything wrong to each other or to scheme against each other. ~
GERONIMO – CHIRICAHUA APACHE
‘A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II’ by Joyce Sequichie Hifler
Gardnerian Traditional Witchcraft –B.9. Power (1953) to B.13. The Working Tools (1953)
Gardnerian Traditional Witchcraft –B.9. Power (1953) to B.13. The Working Tools (1953)
B.9. Power (1953)
Power is latent in the body and may be drawn out and used in various ways by the skilled. But unless confined in a circle it will be swiftly dissipated. Hence the importance of a properly constructed circle. Power seems to exude from the body via the skin and possibly from the orifices of the body; hence you should be properly prepared. The slightest dirt spoils everything, which shows the importance of thorough cleanliness.
The attitude of mind has great effect, so only work with a spirit of reverence. A little wine taken and repeated during the ceremony, if necessary, helps to produce power. Other strong drinks or drugs may be used, but it is necessary to be very moderate, for if you are confused, even slightly, you cannot control the power you evoke.
The simplest way is by dancing and singing monotonous chants, slowly at first and gradually quickening the tempo until giddiness ensues. Then the calls may be used, or even wild and meaningless shrieking produces power. But this method inflames the mind and renders it difficult to control the power, though control may be gained through practice. The scourge is a far better way, for it stimulates and excites both body and soul, yet one easily retains control.
The Great Rite is far the best. It releases enormous power, but the conditions and circumstances make it difficult for the mind to maintain control at first. It is again a matter of practice and the natural strength of the operator’s will and, in a lesser degree, of those of his assistants. If, as of old, there were many trained assistants present and all wills properly attuned, wonders occurred.
Sorcerors chiefly used the blood sacrifice; and while we hold this to be evil, we cannot deny that this method is very efficient. Power flashes forth from newly shed blood, instead of exuding slowly as by our method. The victim’s terror and anguish add keenness, and even quite a small animal can yield enormous power. The great difficulty is in the human mind controlling the power of the lower animal mind. But sorcerers claim they have methods for effecting this and that the difficulty disappears the higher the animal used, and when the victim is human disappears entirely. (The practice is an abomination but it is so.)
Priests know this well; and by their auto-da-fs, with the victims’ pain and terror (the fires acting much the same as circles), obtained much power.
Of old the Flagellants certainly evoked power, but through not being confined in a circle much was lost. The amount of power raised was so great and continuous that anyone with knowledge could direct and use it; and it is most probable that the classical and heathen sacrifices were used in the same way. There are whispers that when the human victim was a willing sacrifice, with his mind directed on the Great Work and with highly skilled assistants, wonders ensued but of this I would not speak.
B.10. Properly Prepared. (1953)
Naked, but sandals (not shoes) may be worn. For initiation, tie hands behind back, pull up to small of back, and tie ends in front of throat, leaving a cable-tow to lead by, hanging down in front. (Arms thus form a triangle at back.) When initiate is kneeling at altar, the cable-tow is tied to a ring in the altar. A short cord is tied like a garter round the initiate’s left leg above the knee, with ends tucked in. Another is tied round right ankle and ends tucked in so as to be out of the way while moving about. These cords are used to tie feet together while initiate is kneeling at the altar and must be long enough to do this firmly. Knees must also be firmly tied. This must be carefully done. If the aspirant complains of pain, the bonds must be loosened slightly; always remember the object is to retard the blood flow enough to induce a trance state. This involves slight discomfort, but great discomfort prevents the trance state; so it is best to spend some little time loosening and tightening the bonds until they are just right. The aspirant alone can tell you when this is so. This, of course, does not apply to the initiation, as then no trance is desired; but for the purpose of ritual it is good that the initiates be bound firmly enough to feel they are absolutely helpless but without discomfort.
B.11. The Meeting Dance. (1953)
The Maiden should lead. A man should place both hands on her waist, standing behind her, and alternate men and women should do the same, the Maiden leading and they dance following her. She at last leads them into a right-hand spiral. When the center is reached (and this had better be marked by a stone), she suddenly turns and dances back, kissing each man as she comes to him. All men and women turn likewise and dance back, men kissing girls and girls kissing men. All in time to music, it is a merry game, but must be practices to be done well. Note, the musicians should watch the dancers and make the music fast or slow as is best. For the beginners it should be slow, or there will be confusion. It is most excellent to get people to know each other at big gatherings.
B.12. To Leave the Body. (1953)
‘Tis not wise to strive to get out of your body until you have thoroughly gained the Sight. The same ritual as to gain the Sight may be used, but have a comfortable couch. Kneel so that you have your thigh, belly, and chest well supported, the arms strained forward and bound one on each side, so that there is a decided feeling of being pulled forward. As the trance is induced, you should feel a striving to push yourself out of the top of your head. The scourge should be given a dragging action, as if to drive or drag you out. Both wills should be thoroughly in tune, keeping a constant and equal strain. When trance comes, your tutor may help you by softly calling your name. You will probably feel yourself drawn out of your body as if through a narrow opening, and find yourself standing beside your tutor, looking at the body on the couch. Strive to communicate with your tutor first; if they have the Sight they will probably see you. Go not far afield at first, and ’tis better to have one who is used to leaving the body with you.
A note: When, having succeeded in leaving the body, you desire to return, in order to cause the spirit body and the material body to coincide, THINK OF YOUR FEET. This will cause the return to take place.
B.13. The Working Tools (1953)
There are no magical supply shops, so unless you are lucky enough to be given or sold tools, a poor witch must extemporize. But when made you should be able to borrow or obtain an Athame. So having made your circle, erect an altar. Any small table or chest will do. There must be fire on it (a candle will suffice) and your book. For good results incense is best if you can get it, but coals in a chafing dish burning sweet-smelling herbs will do. A cup if you would have cakes and wine, and a platter with the signs drawn into the same in ink, showing a pentacle. A scourge is easily made (note, the scourge has eight tails and five knots in each tail). Get a white-hilted knife and a wand (a sword is not necessary). Cut the marks with Athame. Purify everything, then consecrate your tools in proper form and ever be properly prepared. But ever remember, magical operations are useless unless the mind can be brought to the proper attitude, keyed to the utmost pitch.
Affirmations must be made clearly, and the mind should be inflamed with desire. With this frenzy of will, you may do as much with simple tools as with the most complete set. But good and especially ancient tools have their own aura. They do help to bring about that reverential spirit, the desire to learn and develop your powers. For this reason witches ever try to obtain tools from sorcerers, who, being skilled men, make good tools and consecrate them well, giving them mighty power. But a great witch’s tools also gain much power; and you should ever strive to make any tools you manufacture of the finest materials you can obtain, to the end that they may absorb your power the more easily. And of course if you may inherit or obtain another witch’s tools, power will flow from them.
It is an old belief that the best substances for making tools are those that have once had life in them, as opposed to artificial substances. Thus wood or ivory is better for a wand than metal, which is more appropriate for knives or swords. Virgin parchment is better than manufactured paper for talismans, etc. And things which have been made by hand are good, because there is life in them.
December 16th – Daily Feast
December 16 – Daily Feast
Like anything else, if one is prepared to meet winter rather than cower at the thought, it is an excellent time to be happy and alive. When we are warm on the inside and we have no excessive fears, we can lean into the wind and pace ourselves to breathe the cold air and taste the snow without absorbing it. We were created to take domination over these things and it is time we proved it. But as long as there is one other person who is not warm, who does not see beauty, we can’t be too comfortable not immune to winter.
~ I will ask him (the white man) to understand his ways, then I will prepare the way for my children. ~
MANY HORSES – OGLALA SIOUX, 1890
‘A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II’ by Joyce Sequichie Hifler
Like anything else, if one is prepared to meet winter rather than cower at the thought, it is an excellent time to be happy and alive. When we are warm on the inside and we have no excessive fears, we can lean into the wind and pace ourselves to breathe the cold air and taste the snow without absorbing it. We were created to take domination over these things and it is time we proved it. But as long as there is one other person who is not warm, who does not see beauty, we can’t be too comfortable not immune to winter.
~ I will ask him (the white man) to understand his ways, then I will prepare the way for my children. ~
MANY HORSES – OGLALA SIOUX, 1890
‘A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II’ by Joyce Sequichie Hifler
Today’s Tarot Card for December 16th is The Hermit
The Hermit
Monday, Dec 16th, 2013
The challenge of what has traditionally been known as the Hermit card is to be able to recognize a teacher in a humble disguise. This font of mysterious knowledge will not make it easy for the student to acquire his wisdom, as it takes time and long contemplation to fathom what he knows. He often speaks wordlessly, or in ancient and barbaric tongues, communicating with the elements, animals and Nature herself.
While the hourglass was an identifying feature on the earliest Hermit cards, more modern ones have shifted the metaphor, showing more or less light released from his lantern. In either case, the Hermit card reminds us of the value of time away from the hubbub of civic life, to relax the ego in communion with Nature.
‘THINK on THESE THINGS’ for December 12th
‘THINK on THESE THINGS’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler
At night sometimes the world seems so topsy-turvy and you’re so weary of doing things the same old way. Then nothing seems to please….You try desperately for something new and different, something that doesn’t seem so much like you. Why? Tonight you are different.
One cannot expect the world to be top side up all the time. Such perfection does not come so easily to human nature. And always there is a search for something new and different. A change of pace….that thought that I don’t want to be me today, to think my thoughts and do my daily chores. I want to make a complete change now, to know a whole new way of life. And it is good to leave behind the many daily situations that sometimes stand too closely to be seen clearly, but to be wise enough to know which things should be left behind.
There have been clean sweeps that have left behind the dearest things….and have taken along the same dreary, dark unhappy things of the mind that should have been left behind.
A line from the prayer of serenity is “The wisdom to know the difference…..” And wisdom, says Samuel Taylor Coleridge, is common sense in an uncommon degree. If one has the wisdom to wait a bit, wait until morning – or several mornings – that uncommon degree of common sense will give us the wisdom to know the difference.
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Available online! ‘Cherokee Feast of Days’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler.
Visit her web site to purchase the wonderful books by Joyce as gifts for yourself or for loved ones……and also for those who don’t have access to the Internet: http://www.hifler.com
Click Here to Buy her books at Amazon.com
Elder’s Meditation of the Day
By White Bison, Inc., an American Indian-owned nonprofit organization. Order their many products from their web site: http://www.whitebison.org
Calendar of the Moon for December 5th
Calendar of the Moon
5 Ruis/Poseideion
Plerosia: Honoring Zeus
Color: Purple
Element: Air
Altar: Upon a purple cloth set two torches, a sword, a chalice of Greek wine, a mash of barley, and the figure of an eagle.
Offerings: Barley. Wine. Gold coins.
Daily Meal: Poultry. Barley. Flatbread.
Plerosia Invocation
Most glorious of the Immortals,
Zeus that governest all things with law.
Hail! For lawful it is that all mortals should address Thee.
For we are Thy offspring, taking the image only of Thy voice,
As many mortal things as live and move upon the earth.
Therefore we shall sing Thy might forever.
Such a minister hast Thou in Thine invincible hands;
The two-edged blazing, imperishable thunderbolt.
For under its stroke all Nature shuddereth,
And by it thou guidest aright the Universal Reason,
That roams through all things,
Mingling itself with the greater and the lesser lights.
Thou knowest even to find a place for the small things,
And to order that which is disorderly,
And things forgotten of men are dear to Thee.
O Zeus, Dweller in the darkness of cloud,
Lord of thunder, save men from their unhappy folly,
So that being honored, they may pay Thee honor,
Singing Thy works continually.
Since there can be no greater glory for men of Gods than this,
Duly to praise forever the Universal Law.
Call: O Great Zeus, Lord of Olympos, we call you!
Response: O Great Zeus, Lord of Olympos, hear us!
Call: We hear your thunderbolt, and we are in awe!
Response: We hear your call, and we rise to our feet!
Call: Oi Theoi, genoisthe apotropoi kakon!
May the Gods turn away all evils!
Response: Oi Theoi, genoisthe apotropoi kakon!
May the Gods turn away all evils!
Chant: Lightning strikes, Thunder falls, Open me to the wind and the Fire…
December 3 – Daily Feast
December 3 – Daily Feast
Much has grieved us, we cannot deny it. Strong as we are, believing as we do, we are still grieved, and we must overcome it. To stop grieving does not mean we no longer care, but that we cannot let this emotion consume us when we need a steady hand and a firm step. It will creep back in unlikely moments to make us cry but time will replace the pain with happy memories. Once we have a flicker of light we can know that grieving is at an end. It can no longer take our whole thought because we have things to do, places to go, and a life to live. This is the time.
~ He orders all things, and He has given us a fine day. ~
RED JACKET – SENECA
‘A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II’ by Joyce Sequichie Hifler
Your Ancient Symbol Card for December 3rd is The Eastern Dragon
Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today
The Eastern Dragon
The Eastern Dragon derives its symbolism from eons of rich, Asian culture. The Eastern Dragon is a revered creature who brings good fortune and power to those under its influence. It influences situations by supplying courage, nobility and perseverance. The Eastern Dragon is the most Yang of creatures in Chinese mythology, and represents the male character at its strongest and best.
As a daily card, The Eastern Dragon foretells a period of abundant prosperity. This is a time when your goals can not only be attained but surpassed. If you use your energy wisely, your courage with discretion, and refuse to give up your ambitions will be satisfied.
The Goddess In The Kingdom Of Death
The Goddess In The Kingdom Of Death
In this world, the Goddess is seen in the moon, the light that shines in darkness, the rain bringer, mover of the tides, Mistress of mysteries. And as the moon waxes and wanes, and walks three nights of its cycle in darkness, so, it is said, the Goddess once spent three nights in the Kingdom of Death.
For in love She ever seeks Her other Self, and once, in the winter of the year, when He had disappeared from the green earth, She followed Him and came at last to the gates beyond which the living do not go.
The Guardian of the Gate challenged Her, and She stripped Herself of Her clothing and jewels, for nothing may be brought into that land. For love, She was bound as all who enter there must be and brought before Death Himself.
He loved Her, and knelt at Her feet, laying before Her His sword and crown, and gave Her the fivefold kiss, and said,
“Do not return to the living world, but stay here with Me, and have peace and rest and comfort.”
But She answered, “Why do you cause all things I love and delight in to die and
wither away?”
“Lady,” He said, “It is the fate of all that lives to die. Everything passes; all
fades away. I bring comfort and consolation to those who pass the gates, that they may grow young again. But You are My heart’s desire — return not, but stay here with Me.”
And She remained with Him three days and three nights, and at the end of the third night She took up His crown, and it became a circlet that She placed around Her neck, saying:
“Here is the circle of rebirth. Through You all passes out of life, but through Me
all may be born again. Everything passess; everything changes. Even death is not
eternal. Mine is the mystery of the womb, that is the cauldron of rebirth. Enter
into Me and know Me, and You will be free of all fear. For as life is but a journey
into death, so death is but a passage back to life, and in Me the circle is ever
turning.”
In love, He entered into Her, and so was reborn into life. Yet is He known as Lord of Shadows, the comforter and consoler, opener of the gates, King of the Land of Youth, the giver of peace and rest. But She is the gracious mother of all life; from Her all things proceed and to Her they return again. In Her are the mysteries of death and birth; in Her is the fulfillment of all love.
*Traditional Craft Myth
Good Morning To The WOTC! Wishing You A Very Blessed & Happy Tuesday!
Good Morning, Dear Family & Friends!
I hope everyone has a very blessed Tuesday.
Be careful & stay safe,
Goddess Bless You & Yours,
Lady A & The WOTC
Be thankful I changed my mind, I was going to get into a very deep discussion. Changed my mind and decided to keep it short and sweet.
Love Ya! Off to work I go…..
Your Ancient Symbol Card for Nov. 10th is The Western Dragon
Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today
The Western Dragon
Unlike the beneficent Easter Dragon, The Western Dragon is a symbol of totally unleashed destructive power that is set upon anyone who crosses the Dragon’s path. The Western Dragon also hordes treasures that should rightfully be ours, and whose absence deprives us from being complete. The challenges set before us by the Western Dragon are truly prodigious, because they denote a force whose sole intent is not simply to keep us from moving forward in our lives, but to usurp all that we have previously gained as well. What is even more disturbing about the force behind the Western Dragon is that it may well indicate primal forces in ourselves so powerful that they do in fact turn us into our own worst enemy.
As a daily card, The Western Dragon is a powerful negative force intent upon thwarting your progress. In such a short time frame it is most likely you’re being undermined by an external force–someone who wants what you have gained or gains your are near realizing. While formidable, this bellicose entity does have vulnerabilities. First, there is nothing subtle about the forces represented by The Western Dragon, so the source will be easy for you to identify. Secondly, The Western Dragon represents undisciplined, primal energies that aren’t easy to control, so they are susceptible to logical responses steeped in self control. In short, don’t panic, act deliberately and decisively, and you will weather this storm.
Dragon Oath of Service
Dragon Oath of Service
As a follower of the Draconic Tradition, I pledge the following in the names of my Gods and to may dragon friends. May they bear witness to this, my solemn Oath:
I vow I will use the teachings and rituals of the Draconic Tradition only to bring honor to my Gods, provide for the betterment and safeguarding of myself and my Clan, or work to preserve balance and harmony.
I will do whatever I can to bring knowledge of and respect for dragons back to the world, even if I must do so in subtle and quiet ways. For I know well that beneficial energy and works need no fanfare to be effective.
In all things I will strive to do no harm lest it be in the defense of the helpless, the innocent, my family, my Clan or my person.
Should I ever knowingly and willfully forsake this Oath, may my Gods turn their faces from me; May my dragon allies depart from me and never return unless I can find away to redeem my shame and reclaim my honor.
Dragon Ring Code
Dragon Ring Code
All throughout the Multiverse
The power is there to bless or curse
T’is balance of darkness and of light
That hold the Web threads ever tight.
Black chaos the dragons and those of Light Locked in balance that is right.
The dragons’ code is very clear.
Each Ring should be for half a year. From Apprentice to the Warrior Guard,
The way to be Mystic is long and hard.
All levels explored, all truth laid bare.
The students’ motives, pure as Air,
Must pass the test within the heart,
Before the Veil of Knowledge parts.
Dragon-trust he must earn, then wait
Until his teacher reveal the Gate.
Dragon magick, strong and old,
Requires the student to be bold.
Cast the numbners three times three,
For that is what the power will be
No dragon spell is weak or small,
For dragon magick conquers all.
Mystical Dragon Magick
Teachings of the Five Inner Rings
D. J. Conway
Draconic Elemental Charging of Blades
Draconic Elemental Charging of Blades
The purpose of this ritual is to charge a ritual blade with the elemental forces of nature via the assistance of draconic “elemental mages.”
What this means is that, as with human magic workers, different Dragons can have an affinity with different elemental energies. Just as you don’t have “elemental humans” you don’t have “elemental Dragons…” you simply have those who prefer to work with the energies of one element over another. Sometimes, you will find a Dragon who works equally well with all elemental energies and other times those who couldn’t tell a salamander from an undine.
Whenever you hear someone talking about “elemental Dragons,” those that embody the forces of a particular Element, most likely they are either confusing the mage with the magic, or they are seeing an elemental critter in draconic form. The common metaphysical representations of each element are: Fire- the Salamander; Water- the Undine; Air- the Zephyer; Earth- the Gnome.
Also while this ritual should be performed during a thunderstorm, and for best results, as close to the full moon as possible, it is not necessary (nor especially advisable) to place the blade you are charging directly out in the storm as this can ruin it. Placing the blade out on a sheltered, open aired porch, garage, gazebo, etc is sufficient. I also strongly recommend that the blade be coated with a good quality metal oil or silicon (spray or cloth such as can be found in the gun section of a sporting goods store), or coat it with a substance called “Renaissance Wax” which can be purchased on line at “Museum Replicas” Just do a site search of “Renaissance Wax” and you’ll find it. (BTW, this is a great place to find that perfect ritual blade!)
Needed items: Normal altar equipment; Blade to be charged
Step 1: take the blade to be charged to a location where it will not be disturbed. If you trust the blade will come to no harm, sink it 3-6 inches into the ground (if you don’t have an area of ground you can safely use, the blade can be placed in a large pot of soil) and pour a circle of salt around it approximately 12 inches in diameter and say:
In the name(s) of (personal deity), I ask the Dragons of the Elements to touch this blade and infuse it with elemental power! May all the forces of power and justice, as unstoppable as this storm, be drawn into this blade.
Step 2: Call upon the Guardian Dragons of each Gate to individually touch the blade with elemental force. If you have regular Gate guardians and you know their names (or the names they use when working with you) then call their names at the beginning of each invocation.
Great Dragon of the East, and all the Dragons of Air, riders of the storm winds, weavers of Wisdom, make this blade straight and true for the honor and glory of my Gods, my Dragon friends and my Clan!
Great Dragon of the South, and all the Dragons of Fire, whose power is manifested by the lightening bolt, hold fast the power of transformation within this blade that it may better aid me in my service to my Gods, my Dragon friends, and my Clan!
Great Dragon of the West, and all the Dragons of Water, you who swim the ocean currents and bring the cleansing rains, rinse away all doubt and uncertainty of purpose from this steel and s/he who wields it that both may be as unstoppable as the raging flood in defense of justice and the innocent, for my Gods, my dragon friends, and my Clan!
Great Dragon of the North, and all the Dragons of Earth, shakers and shapers of the World, keepers of mystery and secrets, keep strong this blade and s/he who wields it that I may be able to see into the heart of mystery and with it’s aid discern the truth in any situation for the glory of my Gods, my Dragon friends and my Clan!
Step 3: Ask for the blessings of the Gods by saying:
Name(s) of deity) , I ask that You pour forth Your blessings upon this blade, and that You touch it with Your powers, that it may be a worthy magical weapon, aiding me as I work in Your service.
Step 4: Go back indoors if you wish, or remain outside, until the storm has passed. Meditate on the desired effects of the ritual for at least 10-15 minutes. When the storm is over give thanks to the Gods and the Dragons for their assistance. Take up the Blade and immediately give it a thorough cleaning and oiling
Entering the Mouth of the Dragon
Entering the Mouth of the Dragon
This ritual, Entering the Mouth of the Dragon, will likely be one of the most interesting, enlightening experience of your magical career if you approach it with the right attitude. It is a ritual that can be repeated whenever you want, as many times as you wish. Since a magician on the ultimate spiritual path is constantly seeking and being initiated, a single initiation ceremony is not considered either adequate or a sign that nothing further is needed in the way of knowledge. Initiation must be a periodic, ongoing experience, a striving for greater contact with higher powers that has no end.
Many of the ancient pictures and carvings of humans being devoured by dragons may in fact be a symbol of initiation. It is difficult to know whether someone is entering or leaving the dragon’s mouth. To a dedicated magician, this path into other planes is well-worn; she/he never feels they have learned all there is to know. The magician follows the Otherworld path confident that she/he is not the first to do so, nor will she/he be the last. The magician is driven by an inner yearning for growth on all levels of her/his being.
The experiences gained during this meditation-type ritual can help you make changes in your life, pick up your spirits when you are down, provide you with new insight and goals. It will be rare that a magician comes out of the experience with nothing. Of course, if you put nothing of your energy into the experience, you are likely to get little in return. Remember dragons work as co-magicians only when there is an exchange of energy.
During this initiation ritual, you will be going in meditation into a huge cave shaped like the mouth of a dragon. This is best done on a Full Moon or bright noon. For 24 hours before the ceremony, try to remain aware and conscious of dragon power. You will find it flowing through all kinds of people, objects and happenings. Just before entering the ritual area for initiation, take a cleansing bath with at least some salt and perhaps a little dragon’s blood powder in the water. Be certain that you have your magical name chosen. Dress in your ritual apparel. Carry any selected magical jewelry to the altar; do not wear it until it has been consecrated.
Supplies: pentacle disk, dragon pentacle, water chalice with a little fresh water in it, dish of salt, wine chalice, black (left) and white (right) altar candles, sword, wand, incense burner, initiation or blessing incense, dragon’s blood and thyme, dragon mirror, gong or bell.
Set altar in the center facing east. Make certain that you will not be disturbed once you have cast the circle. This may mean silencing the telephone and hanging a “do not disturb” sign on the door. Instrumental music also helps to set the mood and mask background noises.
Begin the ritual by going to the east. With your sword in your power hand (the one with which you write), “draw” your magical circle on floor around your ritual area. Do this by pointing the sword at the floor and seeing great flames shooting from it. Move clockwise around the circle with this flame; end by overlapping it in the east. While drawing the circle, saying:
BY DRAGON POWER, THIS CIRCLE IS SEALED.
Return to the altar. Point the sword at the dragon pentacle and say:
DRAGONS OF SPIRIT, HIGHEST OF DRAGONS AND MOST POWERFUL, BLESS THIS ALTAR WITH YOUR FIRE. LET US BE ONE IN MAGICK, O DRAGONS GREAT AND WISE.
Set the water chalice on the pentacle. (The water used in the chalice is not to be confused with the water you collect from various watery power spots.) With the wand in your power hand, circle the chalice three times clockwise with the wand and say:
AIR, FIRE, EARTH, BRING POWER FORTH,
WATER OF LAND AND SEA, PURIFIED BE.
Hold the chalice high, say:
DRACONIS! DRACONIS! DRACONIS!
Sprinkle the water lightly around the circled area, beginning and ending in the east.
Set the dish of salt on the pentacle. Circle it three times clockwise with the wand and say:
WATER, AIR, FIRE, HEAR MY DESIRE.
SALT OF EARTH AND SEA, PURIFIED BE.
Sprinkle a few grains of salt to each corner of the altar. Circle the incense burner three times clockwise with the wand. Say:
FIRE OF DRAGONS, FIRE OF EARTH,
YOU ARE PURIFIED. BRING POWER FORTH.
Circle the incense and herbs three times clockwise with the wand. Say:
INCENSE MAGICKAL, INCENSE BOLD,
AWAKE THE DRAGONS, AS OF OLD.
I CALL YOU PURIFIED.
Put a small amount of incense onto the burning coals. Lift the burner by the chains and touch it lightly to the pentacle. Lift it high over the altar, say:
DRACONIS! DRACONIS! DRACONIS!
Then carry it clockwise around the circle, beginning and ending in the east. Return it to the altar.
Kneel before the altar with the sword in both hands. Mentally, dedicate yourself to the study of dragon magic. Project your interest and love of dragons as strongly as you can. Continue this for several minutes. Then rise and point the sword at the dragon pentacle and say:
BEHOLD, ALL DRAGONS AND RULERS OF DRAGONS,
I AM (magical name), A MAGICIAN WHO SEEKS DRAGON MAGICK.
WITH (name of sword) IN MY HAND, I ENTER THE REALMS OF THE DRAGONS.
NOT FOR PHYSICAL BATTLE, BUT FOR KNOWLEDGE AND POWER.
I GREET YOU, O DRAGONS, ANCIENT AND WISE, AND AWAIT YOUR BLESSING AND GUIDANCE.
Continue holding the sword outstretched until you feel the blessings of the dragons.
When the flowing power of the blessing has lessened, lower the sword. Still holding the sword in your power hand, take the dragon pentacle in your other hand and go to the east. Point the sword at the eastern position and hold up the dragon pentacle facing outward. Draw an invoking pentagram with the sword. Say:
FROM SAIRY’S (sair’-iss), RULER OF THE EASTERN DRAGONS FAIR,
COMES NOW THE WONDROUS POWER OF AIR.
Feel the power of Air entering your body. When the flow stops, go to the south. Hold up the pentacle again. Draw and invoking pentagram with the sword; say:
FROM FAFNIR (far’-near), RULER OF DRAGONS OF THE SOUTH,
COMES CLEANSING FIRE FROM DRAGON MOUTH.
Feel the power of Fire entering the body. When the flow stops go to the west. Again hold up the pentacle. Draw an invoking pentagram with the sword; say:
FROM NAELYAN (nail’-yon), RULER OF DRAGONS OF THE WEST,
COME THE POWER OF WATER, THREE TIMES BLEST.
Draw into yourself the power of Water. Go to the north. Hold up the pentacle. Draw an invoking pentagram with the sword; saying:
FROM GRAEL (grail), RULER OF DRAGONS OF THE NORTH,
THE POWER OF EARTH DOES NOW COME FORTH.
Draw into yourself the power of Earth. Return to the altar. Lay aside the sword and dragon pentacle. Add more dragon’s blood powder and thyme (or other appropriate incense) to the incense burner.
Lay any magical jewelry on the pentacle disk and touch it with the point of your sword. Say:
BY DRAGON POWER, I CALL YOU PURIFIED.
BY DRAGON FIRE, I CALL YOU BLESSED.
BY DRAGON MAGICK, I CALL YOU POWERFUL.
THROUGH DRAGON WISDOM, I WELCOME YOU.
Slowly pass the jewelry through the incense smoke. Then put it on.
Take up the mirror, the Eye of the Dragon. Hold it before you and gaze deeply into it. Picture yourself as a confident magician of dragon magic. Say:
I AM A SEEKER OF DRAGON KNOWLEDGE.
I COME WILLINGLY FOR INITIATION.
INTO THE MOUTH OF THE DRAGON I GO OF MY OWN FREE WILL.
WELCOME ME, DRAGONS OLD AND WISE.
DRACONIS! DRACONIS! DRACONIS!
Lay aside the mirror and sit before the altar. Either lay the sword across your knees or at your feet during this meditation.
Close your eyes and mentally see before you the mouth of a huge cave. It is shaped like the mouth of a dragon. Inside, from some deep terrestrial fire, comes a red glow. Long drops of stone hang around the opening like teeth. Enter the cave and follow the dim passageway deep into the Earth. After many twists and turns, you will enter a circular subterranean chamber with crystals embedded in the walls. A gem-encrusted altar stands in the center of the floor. On the altar is a jeweled chalice.
At the four cardinal points of the circular chamber you see deep pits or cracks in the floor. From these pits comes the red glow of fire from deep under the Earth. The chamber is lit by their light alone. Sometimes you see the shadowy forms of dragons around the dim edges of the chamber.
Stand before the altar and announce to the dragons that you have come for initiation. Be sure to call yourself by your magical name. You will feel power sent to from all sides by the half-seen dragons. Listen for any messages that they may give you.
Finally, you will hear the deep voice of a dragon saying, “Drink of the cup.” Visualize yourself lifting the heavy jeweled cup and drinking the contents. You will feel dragon magic coursing through your body, seeping into your bones. Thank the dragons, and follow the dim corridor upward until you reach the cave opening. Open your eyes and return to the here and now.
Rise and set the wine chalice on the pentacle. Circle it three times clockwise with the wand and say:
CUP OF POWER, CUP OF MIGHT,
DRAGON MAGICK, BE HERE THIS NIGHT.
Drink the wine, saving back some to be poured outside on the ground later as an offering to the dragons. (If it is not possible to pour the offering outside, leave it on the altar for about an hour.)
Now is an excellent time to chant and use free-form dancing. Invite the dragons to share in the raised energy and your joy of being a magician. Talk to them about your hopes and dreams. And listen to see if they have suggestions or words of encouragement for you. This is an opportunity for close friendship to be forged.
To close the ritual, take the sword and go to the east. Draw a banishing pentagram with the sword; say:
GO IN PEACE, DRAGONS OF THE EAST.
AND RETURN AGAIN IN THE RITUAL HOUR.
Go to the south. Draw a banishing pentagram with the sword; say:
GO IN PEACE, DRAGONS OF THE SOUTH.
AND RETURN AGAIN IN THE RITUAL HOUR.
Go to the west. Draw a banishing pentagram with the sword; say:
GO IN PEACE, DRAGONS OF THE WEST.
AND RETURN AGAIN IN THE RITUAL HOUR.
Finish by going to the north. Draw a banishing pentagram with the sword; say:
GO IN PEACE, DRAGONS OF THE NORTH.
AND RETURN AGAIN IN THE RITUAL HOUR.
Return to the altar. Raise both arms say:
FAREWELL TO YOU, O DRAGONS FAIR,
FIRE, WATER, EARTH AND AIR.
TOGETHER WE MAKE MAGICK WELL
BY POWER DEEP AND DRAGON SPELL.
IN PEACE GO NOW. RETURN ONCE MORE
TO TEACH ME MAGICK AND ANCIENT LORE.
DRACONIS! DRACONIS! DRACONIS!
Cut the circle with a backward sweep of the sword across the boundary line. Extinguish the altar candles. Clear the altar of all tools. You have now entered the mouth of the dragon and become an initiate into dragon magic. Being an initiate does not mean mastery of magic. An initiate is a beginner on the path.
‘THINK on THESE THINGS’ for November 4th
‘THINK on THESE THINGS’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler
What is the texture of life?
Texture is that finely woven fabric of life that demands we have a congenial environment. It asks that we be industrious toward success, and that we should have a way of life, a purpose. We should hear the music of life and taste the bitter and the sweet.
Texture requires us to research every experience and hear the lesson in it. It orders us to communicate with life and make discoveries about ourselves and progress toward a texture where the course has been refined.
Frequently we should examine the texture of life to identify the quality. How wide is my world? How high is my sky?
All of us should know our own makeup, our capabilities, our gifts with which we have been divinely endowed. And we should think long on these words from Edna St. Vincent Millay’s Renascence:
“The world stands out on either side no wider than the heart is wide. Above the world is stretched the sky, no higher than the soul is high.”
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Available online! ‘Cherokee Feast of Days’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler.
Visit her web site to purchase the wonderful books by Joyce as gifts for yourself or for loved ones……and also for those who don’t have access to the Internet: http://www.hifler.com
Click Here to Buy her books at Amazon.com
Elder’s Meditation of the Day
By White Bison, Inc., an American Indian-owned nonprofit organization. Order their many products from their web site: http://www.whitebison.org
Feng Shui News for Nov. 4th – ‘Candles & Birthdays’
Today is my son’s eighteenth birthday and I am truly honored to be his mother. Today, I will bless him with protection by using the glow of fire. Feng Shui says that burning a white and rounded candle for the first seven days of a baby’s life, or on any birthday and the six days that follow it, will help to ward off illness, injury and disease. This wisdom says that the fire from this light will burn away energies that might bring serious sickness and that protection from illness would prevail. Parental protection from upset and harm is one of the best gifts I can think of to give my birthday boy. Well, that and some cash.
By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com
Your Ancient Symbol for November 4th is The Eastern Dragon
Your Ancient Symbol for Today
The Eastern Dragon
The Eastern Dragon derives its symbolism from eons of rich, Asian culture. The Eastern Dragon is a revered creature who brings good fortune and power to those under its influence. It influences situations by supplying courage, nobility and perseverance. The Eastern Dragon is the most Yang of creatures in Chinese mythology, and represents the male character at its strongest and best.
Witches Of The Craft® 
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