Books to Read Suggestions

Many of us have books in our library on The Craft that we enjoy reading and learning from. A few of my favorites are:

Witchcraft An Alternative Path by Ann Moura

The Wiccan Handbook by Eileen Holland

Celtic Magic by D. J. Conway

I will add others I like as time goes on. Please let me know what your favorites are so I can add them to this list. Either leave the name and who wrote it in a comment or email me the same and I will add it to the list. If you email me the name of the book(s) and the author tell whether to include you name as it being recommended by or not. Thank you

Celtic Dragon Tarot for Today

NINE OF PENTACLES

Comfortable Aloneness

A dragon and a man sit along the edge of a forest. It is a sunny day, and many small animals and birds are around the dragon and the man. The man is at one with Nature and his astral teacher, the dragon. The birds are messages from spirit to help him make a decision and find his path in life. The wolves in the background represent the strength, cunning, and wisdom he is learning, while the squirrel of resourcefulness, the rabbit of fertility, and the little mice of self-preservation help him to create a balanced attitude towards life.

DIVINATORY MEANING

You feel comfortable, safe, and at ease with yourself. There will soon be a pleasant period of being alone. A journey into Nature can renew your outlook on life and recharge your energies.

Instant Witch

Instant Witch

Author: Stephanie Arwen

Gotcha! Now you know there is no $19.95 wayof being a Witch, don’t you? Sit down; take a breath…now that you havefound something you want you want it yesterday! I understand. I can rememberwhen I started. I remember that sense of urgency I got. That “I have toget there right now” I have to be just like Z. Budapest, Starhawk, Margo!I wanted to meet them. I wanted to talk to them yesterday! But most ofall and worst of all, I wanted to be them. Put pushing the river isn’tgoing to get you there any faster. And where is there anyway?

Seventeen years down the road now and I cansay to you that you will NEVER be a Z a Starhawk a Margot a Silver Ravenwolf, a D.J. Conway, a Scott Cunningham. Oh no, you can’t be them. You can onlybe you. And that you is going to be a beautiful thing!

So I was 20 and I finally knew what I wantedto be when I grew up, but no one could give me enough information. I wasneither as fortunate nor as cursed as you are in today’s world of a dozenbooks per subject. Fortunate because you can go into almost any Barnesand Noble, Waldenbooks, or even Amazon.com and just pick up a book. Doyou have any idea how hard that was in 1981? Finding a copy of ZsuzsannaBudapest’s The Holy Book of Women’s Mysteries, pt 1 was an experience.I was living in Louisiana at the time and a friend had introduced me toStarhawk’s The Spiral Dance. I was hooked. I am also a bibliography reader.If an author I like mentions a book, then I want to get my hands on thatbook and see what it is about!

But you are cursed as well because thereis so much witchcrap out there. So many people who have written books thatare a total waste of paper. But the books that I think are a waste of papermay be the ones that speak best to you. That is a clue, my new Witch friend.Never let me or anyone else tell you that a book is useless. Learn to readfor yourself and think critically while you read. Does the author makesense or is there a nagging feeling you have that this person is a completeflake? If there is, then do yourself a favor and research the subject.You don’t think that author woke up one morning and knew everything therewas to know about their subject do you? Patricia Telesco, one of my favoriteauthors, has a page on her website that tells new authors to plan for 800hours per book. And that 800 hours includes research as part of it! Soif Ms. Telesco must research, why shouldn’t you?

The web has wonderful places for that kindof research, but don’t forget your local library! Find authors you admire.Then try to discover why you like them. Is it because they have writtenbooks period? Or is it in the way that they deliver their information?Dorothy Morrison has a style that I adore! She is personable and approachablein her books as well as accurate and knowledgeable. Or you might preferFrancesca De Grandis style that has the feel of teacher walking with herstudent and talking.

And don’t just read websites! A website ownercan be someone with less knowledge than you but has the ability and know-howto scan books and copy things wholesale without credit. Don’t be takenin. Go to your local library (you remember, that large brick building onthe corner?) and check out books on anthropology, archaeology, history, etc. Learn where our roots come from. And please, don’t let someone tellyou Wicca is an ages-old religion! It is not. It is a new religion. I liketo say Wicca is a new dress on a very old set of bones. We do have someancient roots, but the branches we have today are new. But you have tolearn to let the urgency not rule you. Do read everything you can get yourhands on. Read “Witch” books. Read all the books! But don’t forget to takeyour salt cellar with you.

Huh? Arwen? What the heck are you talkingabout and what is a salt cellar?

Your Salt Cellar is that thing you carrysalt in so you will always have a grain of salt to take things with. Don’taccept something simply because it is published in a book or on the web.Learn to believe in yourself. Learn to listen to your inner voice. Theone telling you that maybe what you just read is a load of manure …ormaybe it is saying that there is a pearl in that load of manure. Trustin the reality of self. I can’t stress this enough. If you will give yourselfthe tools of knowledge and discernment, then you can begin to hear thetruth in things as well as the lies and mistakes. Do listen to what otherssay about books, but don’t take their word for it. Figure it out for yourself.

The sense of urgency you feel now may makeyou too intent on getting there. But, here is the question. Where is there?Are you so focused on your race to the finish that you are not enjoyingthe journey? Be too intent on getting there wherever there is and not intentupon enjoying the journey and the journey will pass you by! I don’t knowif this message will reach you, but I am 38 (b. 1961). I began my journeyon the path to Wicca in 1981 (or 2). That was 17 years ago. I am stillon the journey of getting there. I will always be on that journey. Learnto enjoy the Trip. There is no there. When you get there, you will havereached the end and that means starting again.

Once you learn that the journey is the meansand the end, then you realize how much more you have to learn.

I wish you good fortune on your travels.A part of me wishes I was at the beginning again, but most of me is quitecontent to be where I am. I am still experiencing new thoughts, new thingsand new people on a daily basis. Remember to enjoy the trip. Oh, and don’tforget to send a postcard from some of those exotic places you visit.

Ok, for those of you who still want all theanswers.

All The Answers ™

Red, blue, green, yellow, white, Hallows, Samhain, Winter Solstice, Yule, Candlemas, Brigidmas, Imbolg, Vernal Equinox, Spring Equinox, Ostara, Beltain, Mayday, Lady’s Day, Beltaine, Litha, Midsummer, Summer Solstice, Longest Day of the Year, Lammas, Lugh’s Feast, Lughnassadh, Autumnal Equinox, Mabon, cakes and wine, Heiros Gamos, 42, North, East, South, West, Water, Fire, Air, Earth, Center, Above, Below, salamander, dragonfly, snake, dolphin, Raven, Morgan, WildHawk, Hawkdatter, OakStandingTall, cat, dog, frog, toad, A, B, C, D, All Of The Above, True, False, myrrh, frankincense, pine, oak, holly, Cerridwen, Cernnunos, Herne, Hecate, Isis, Tammuz.

Now…you have to supply the questions.
Arwen NightstarThe Instant Witch Graphic was done by Andra (webmistress for http://www.spiritonline.com) This graphic is one she made in response to a flurry of “insta-witch” questions she received on her discussion board Spirit Online, an interactive resource for those interested in understanding and discussing religion and metaphysics.

Today’s Goddess is Nemesis

Nemesis, Goddess of Retribution and Daughter of the Night

“The hand of Nemesis balances the scales of justice.

She untangles the threads spun by the Fates.

Lift the burden of this problem, great Nemesis.

Guide me to the solution.

If there can be no harmony, separate us from the other.

Untangle my life-thread, Nemesis.

This I do ask with a sincere heart…” (ritual for Nemesis, ‘Moon Magick’ by D.J. Conway)

When Nyx, Mother Night, gave birth to a silver egg in the sea of chaos, this was symbolism for saying that She gave birth to the moon…. From this egg came the daughters of Nyx, one of whom was Nemesis.

Nemesis is known as the Goddess of Retribution and daughter of the Night. In the later patriarchal deity days of Greece She is seen as a monstrous figure of revenge and anger, however in earlier Greece Her nature was more as an abstract force of justice rather than retaliation.

In Greek mythology, Nemesis is portrayed as serious and thoughtful looking woman wearing a silver crown adorned with stag horns. She is often pictured as carrying a wheel of fortune in one hand and an apple bough in the other, with a scourge hanging at Her waist. Nemesis had Her primary sanctuary at Rhamnus, a village in the northern part of Attica. Nemesis was said to be a check on Tyche, Goddess of Fortune and also was said to be an attendant to Themeis, the Goddess of law.

Nemesis is honored in the celebration known as ‘Nemesea’ or the Festival of Nemesis on August 23rd. Because of this celebration, Nemesis is associated with the August full moon, which is commonly called ‘The Corn Moon’.

Instant Witch

Instant Witch

Author: Stephanie Arwen

Huh? Arwen? What the heck are you talkingabout and what is a salt cellar?

Once you learn that the journey is the meansand the end, then you realize how much more you have to learn.

Ok, for those of you who still want all theanswers.

All The Answers ™

Full Moon Scrying Ritual

The upcoming summer months are the perfect time for Full Moon Scrying and I’d like to pass on an old, time honored scrying ritual originally written by D.J. Conway that I have used many times during the long summer nights:

Items Needed:

1 bright, shiny silver coin

1 small, black cauldron or scrying bowl filled with water

Perform this ritual outside where the rays of the Moon can fall directly onto the water in the cauldron. If you cannot go outside, stay in a darkened room near a window that the Moon shines through. Place the coin in the water and take the cauldron in both hands. Gaze up at the Moon and say:

“Lovely Lady of the night,

Mysteries old and futures bright,

Give me a glimpse of that to be

And as I will so mote it be.”

Look down at the coin shimmering in the cauldrons water. With your eyes half closed, adjust your vision as if you were looking into and through the coin. Don’t try to analuze anything you might see or that might come into your mind. Just accept it. Some people, rathar than seeing actual pictures within the cauldron, will have mental impressions, feelings or pictures. When you have finished, bow to the Moon and say thank you. Pour the water out on the ground. You’re done!

Today’s I Ching Hexgram for Jan. 24th is 50:The Cauldron

50: The Cauldron

Thursday, Jan 24th, 2013

The cooking pot symbolizes nourishment and rejuvenation. Sooner or later, good comes to those who do good; joy comes to those who bring humor to others; opportunity comes to those who persist in their dreaming. Rejuvenation is a returning to innate desires — and a re-charging of batteries through the fulfillment of these wishes. This reading suggests nourishment and transformation for people of goodwill. Great good fortune and success are indicated for nourishing relationships.

Healthy, regular sustenance is important, as symbolized by the cooking pot, which provides nourishment to all. When a cycle of humanity reaches its peak, each person’s sustenance comes in the form of his or her deepest needs and highest aspirations.

Rejuvenation means that men and women of talent and insight are being properly nourished and valued. When a society or group is functioning properly, these people are supported, and encouraged to contribute to their best abilities. A fresh approach to old habits is indicated in a period of rejuvenation. Look for ways of putting new life in old forms. Only when great vitality is present can breakthroughs be achieved.

The Witches Spell for January 24th – Full Moon Scrying Ritual

Gothic Comments

Full Moon Scrying Ritual

Items Needed: 1 bright, shiny silver coin 1 small, black cauldron or scrying bowl filled with water

“Lovely Lady of the night, Mysteries old and futures bright, Give me a glimpse of that to be And as I will so mote it be.”

The Use of the Pentacle In Dragon Magick

A pentacle disk is necessary for consecrations and other ritual work. This is usually a metal or wooden disk with a pentagram (five-pointed star, one point upwards) painted or etched on it. However there is no reason that the pentacle cannot be made out of cardboard. The pentacle is of the element of both Spirit and Earth and helps to control and balance all the other elements. When used as an element of Earth, the pentacle grounds Spirit in the ritual.

The dragon pentacle can be used as either a picture or disk. It is presented during specific rituals as a means of establishing your authority to call upon the dragons, and is also of the element of Spirit.

“Dancing with Dragons”

D. J. Conway

Miscellaneous Items A Dragon Practitioner Might Need

Miscellaneous Items A Dragon Practitioner Might Need

A small container for salt is handy. A small jar with a lid is best because you will be keeping your ritual salt separate from the kitchen salt after consecration. Salt is the element of Earth.

Since you may want to collect very small amounts of earth from sites you visit, you will need a pottery, glass or metal bowl with a lid. Whenever you are on an outing and feel within the area of power that draw you, take an extremely small amount of dirt or sand back for your dragon bowl. The last information I had is that it is illegal to bring some foreign soils into the U.S.A., so check with customs before trying this. Remember that a very small amount of soil is all you need. This dragon bowl and its contents will be used to empower objects in magical ritual. This bowl and its contents, naturally, will be of the element of Earth.

It is also useful to have a clear glass bowl for stones and gems that you collect or buy. Expensive, polished gems are not necessarily any better than those you find rough in Nature or the tumbled ones found in a rock shop. This gem bowl does not need a lid because stones radiate power at all times without any loss. The gem bowl is of the element of Earth.

If you plan to work with water or sea dragons, you need to purchase a number of small bottles with lids that can be securely fastened. Again, you will be collecting extremely small amounts of water from various sites where you feel the radiation of dragon power, or strong elemental energies. I am not certain as to the legalities of bringing foreign water into the U.S.A., so check with customs before doing this. Even rainwater has power. Carefully label each little bottle so you can remember where you got it. These containers and their contents will be of the element of Water.

“Dancing with Dragons”

D. J. Conway

Power Spots

Power spots range in size from fairly small to large enough to lie in, can be anywhere. Sitting on or within such an area is a great aid for meditation or simply contacting your dragon allies. The radiating power amplifies a magician’s ability to make contact with the astral.

There are many such power spots, well-known in Europe and beginning to be recognized in the U.S.A. One such large spot with which I have had personal experience is the Oregon Vortex. Although you first must go through the area with a guided tour, you are allowed to freely look about afterwards. Some people find they cannot tolerate the energy fields within the Vortex; they get headaches or nausea. I experimented with a crystal pendulum there and had strange but wonderful results. At first the pendulum refused to move at all. It merely hung straight down and quivered; this quivering was visible as well as being strongly felt all through my arm. When I stuck my arm in through the open window of the old assay shack, the pendulum came back in a straight line nearly touching my arm. It stayed in that position until I withdrew my hand from the window. At no time could I get the pendulum to move normally within the Vortex area. However, as soon as we left, it worked as it always does.

At one time, power spots in the U.S.A. were probably well-known by the Native Americans. Since these peoples rarely built permanent structures on these sites, there is no way to readily recognize them, as we can in Britain where stone circle and monoliths, not to mention ancient Christian churches, cover the landscape. Machu Picchui in South America is such a power spot, as are Mount Shasta and Mount Tamalpais in California.

I plan to study further on the connection between dragons and these power spots and energy lines. I know that dragons can be seen either within the spots themselves or moving along the lines. They tend to be particularly visible at night. It is not uncommon for people to see “ghosts” in connection with these places. I assume they are seeing both disembodied and astral entities, with the dragons being mistaken for ghosts. Few people take the time or effort to discriminate. Most people are programmed with too much fear of the subject.

Dragons use the projected power of these energy lines and spots, probably in much the same way they do energy given off by rituals. Having an energy line in your back yard is not a prerequisite for dragon magick, but you may discover that you find a disruption of flow. If you do find what you think is a black stream, consider whether you have trouble growing plants within or near that area. Do animals and people avoid that spot in favor of other places in the yard? Have you had difficulties with Earth slippage or unusually swampy ground? Do you just feel uncomfortable in that area? Be very careful about designating such a place as a disrupted power line until you are more familiar with the idea, because first contacts with dragon’s breath can give you some very strange sensations.

If you decide that there definitely is a disrupted line of energy, you can take active steps to help correct it. A few carefully placed stakes, whether wood or iron, can change the atmosphere in such conditions. If you have underground water or other utility lines, be very careful about driving stakes anywhere near them. If you decide to use iron rods, do not go anywhere near them during a thunderstorm; they are capable of acting like lightning rods! Take your time deciding about staking, though, because you do not want to worsen any possible existing problem. And use a lot of forethought before you do any major excavation or dirt moving, even though you do not detect an existing break in the power flow.

If you locate dragon energy lines on your property, you can guide the energy into a central place much as the ancient did by laying out a simple spiral pattern with rocks. Even if you think you do not have such energy steams, a rock patterned spiral may very well collect energy and concentrate that power into its center.

“Dancing with Dragons”

D.J. Conway

Element Meditation (Dragon Magick)

Element Meditation

(Dragon Magick)

You are standing on a hilltop next to your co-magician dragon. A crisp breeze blows around you, sweeping down into the small valley just beyond. You slowly become aware that the breeze is blowing through you as well as around you. You hear soft voices and sounds, many of them carried from the other side of the Earth. Any noise made anywhere around the globe remains in the jet stream until it finally fades away. You see the individual air molecules bump together as they speed past. You can taste the sharp ozone of an approaching storm as those molecules rasp against your skin. Your dragon leaps into the breeze, riding the currents leisurely.

You release the idea that you can’t fly and let the breeze carry you far above the hilltop. You swoop down toward the valley with your dragon, moving just above the trees, savoring the freedom this event gives you. Your minds opens to the freshness of ideas, letting the cobwebs blow away.

You look down to find you have quickly moved out over the ocean. Foam-capped waves roll toward the sandy beach, leaving behind driftwood and shells as they withdraw. Your dragon reassures you that being underwater will not harm you, as she or he dives deep into the ocean below. You follow and find the dragon spoke the truth. You allow yourself to spread out through the water, tasting the salt, smelling the fish that swirl around you as your pass, feeling the delicate but rough touch of a fin against your arm. As when in the air, you discover that sounds carry a long way through the water. The chatter of dolphins gets closer until several of them are swimming alongside., their funny smiles drawing your smile in return. Your emotional realm feels calm and washed clean. As the dolphins leap above the ocean surface in their lively dance, you too surface and see the red of hot lava and the wall of steam just ahead, where an active volcano joins the ocean.

“Don’t be afraid,” your dragon says. “You can’t be harmed.” The dragon soars straight toward the volcano and lands close beside the glowing lava stream.

As soon as your feet touch the ground beside your dragon, you become aware of many sensations you haven’t experienced before. You see small firedrakes moving freely in and out of the lava. You reach in and one climbs into your hand. The two of you look at each other for a few moment before the small dragon leaps back into the hot lava. You realize you felt only a slight warmth and the prickle of tiny claws when you held the firedrake. The lava hisses and crackles where it meets the cold of the water, sending a burning smell into the air. The energy of Fire begins to course through your astral body, filling you to overflowing with a desire to move, to be active.

As you and your dragon fly away from the volcano toward a lush tropical forest, you realize you need the grounding of the element of Earth. Your astral body has absorbed an imbalance of Air, Fire, and Water. You dive straight down at the ground, entering the Earth without a sound and without a sign left behind of your entrance. You flip over to lie on your back, your arms spread wide in the soft soil. You hear small noises made by creatures who inhabit the ground, but none come near you. Each intake of breath fills your senses with a rich odor of dirt and the scent of flowers. You relax and take in needed Earth energy to balance you. You hear your dragon sigh with pleasure as she or he also soaks up Earth power. Your astral body comes back into balance.

You pop out of the ground to stand beside your co-magician dragon. You see a small double vortex hanging in the air above the tropical forest. Your dragon explains that you are seeing an example of the Storm element, an energy field that moves both clockwise and counterclockwise as the same time and the element used to create massive changes in all things. At any future time, when you feel this type of change is necessary, you can enter the Storm element.

(End of meditation)

I didn’t take you into the Storm element because entering that is a very personal decision and really does create transformation. Only each Dragon Shaman can decide when she or he is ready for that experience. If you delay this decision, knowing that it is important, the Chaos dragons will introduce you to the Storm element. I’ve discovered that their insight into my experiencing Storm is better than mine, so I wait. It will come, more than once in your life.

“Mystical Dragon Magick”

Teaching of the Five Inner Rings

D. J. Conway

Experience the Elements Meditation

(Dragon Magick)

Most magicians are aware of the usual four elements that are required to perform magick and make it work properly. Traditionally, these are Earth, Air, Fire and Water. In dragon magick, these elements correspond and are under the direction of, specific dragons.

The Air element is ruled by the dragon Sairys, is pure yellow and is associated with the eastern direction. It works with any type of air movement as well as any project dealing with the mental realm.

Fire is ruled by Fafnir, is pure red, and is associated with the south. Besides physical fire, this element affects all physical action, changes, and willpower. It also can be used when working on spiritual action, such as self-changes within.

Water is ruled by the dragon Naelyon, is blue, and is associated with the west. It works with the emotional realm as well as all water from tiny ponds to the oceans.

Earth is solid element ruled by Grael. It is dark green, represents the north, and is the realm of physical matter, including the body.

The planet Earth has an electromagnetic energy field (an aura), just as humans do. The field is composed of various strengths of elemental energy in both positive and negative flows. When all four elements are empowered at one time and balanced with each other, this energy transforms into a dynamic balancing force called Storm.

The Storm element, guarded by the Storm-Bringers clan, is far stronger than the four elements plus Spirit. If you work with stones associated with Storm, they create massive transformations and cleansing, radical shifts in life. Use these stones for only short periods of time and only when you are ready for such massive changes in your internal and external worlds.

However, this is an element it is best not to form artificially, but rather to allow to coalesce by itself. Storm element is a link or bridge to the Void of the Chaos dragons. The Chaos dragons both destroy and create or, in this case, re-create part of an energy pattern.

Storm comes into action when a being’s life-path or the direction of a planet or galaxy’s future goes off course. With humans, this usually happens when the person goes through what is called a Dark Night of the Soul. She or he knows drastic changes are vital, but sees no solutions. The Storm-Bringers step in, taking decisions out of the person’s hands and control. But when the clouds lift and the lightning stops, those who go through a Dark Night of the Soul find themselves and their directions in life changed in a manner they never expected. Changed only if they accept the cleansing. The Storm element works on one rule: be changed and work with the change, or be destroyed by it. Accept the transformation and become stronger.

The entire Multiverse works on the principle that no being, world, or situation can become static and still continue to exist. We see tis in nature all the time. If a species of any kind can’t adapt to changes in the environment, it becomes extinct and something else takes its place. Only adaptable with strong wills survive. The Supreme Creative Force is unemotional when it becomes necessary to remove unproductive existences. But it projection of the Goddess as its female half reveals a love for all creation. All things are therefore given an opportunity to choose to change before stronger measures are enforced.

The only way to grasp the essentials of the working of elements is to experience each one through a deep visual meditation This type of meditation engages all the senses, which you still have and use when traveling in the Otherworld. Your senses on this level will be stronger, brighter, and sharper than those of this physical plane.

“Mystical Dragon Magick”

Teachings of the Five Inner Rings

D. J. Conway

Dragons of the Elements

In all forms of magick, the universe and everything in it are said to be made up of four elements: Air, Fire, Water, Earth. The element of Spirit rules the center as a balance. In dragon magick, specific dragons rule these elements and help to create through their powers.

Fire and Air are traditionally positive (male) energies; Water and Earth are traditionally negative (female) energies. Male and female dragons may appear in the elemental direction in the traditional places, or may at times appear female in male direction and vice versa. This leads one to surmise that dragons may be androgynous creatures. These four elements correspond to the four directions, the four quarters of the universe, the four winds, and the four quarters of the magickal circle.

Each element has assigned traditional rules and boundaries to their kingdom. They possess form and force, and can influence our personalities as well as magickal procedures. Each element and it dragons has certain qualities, natures, moods and magickal purpose; each has positive and negative traits. Because the magician calls upon each element and its ruler to protect a certain quarter of the circle, it is very important to understand them, what they are and what they do.

The traditional Pagan colors of the elements are: east, yellow; south, red; west, blue; north, dark green. However, there are other colors given to the elements. To the Celts this list was: east, white; south, red; west, gray; north, black. The Hindus listed east, blue; south, red; west, silver; north, yellow. In China and Japan these colors were: east, blue; south, red; west, white; north, black. To the Zunis of North American, east was white; south, red; west, blue; north, yellow. The following definitions of the elements lists the traditional Pagan colors. If you feel that one of the other color lists better suits you, adopt it.

The name of the dragons of the elements and the spelling and pronunciation of those name came through in trance several years ago. They proved compatible with dragon magick. Knowing dragons, they may or may not be the actual names of the element dragons. They work as a focal point, and that is all that is necessary.

“Dancing With Dragons”

D. J. Conway

Dragons of the Zodiac

As there are dragons of the planets, so are there dragons of each zodiac sign. Some magical systems look upon these dragons as devic in nature and therefore not as powerful as element dragons. I have not found this to be so. I leave it to your own personal experience to decide the situation.

Sometimes we need to enhance the good qualities of the sign under which we were born, sometimes lessen the negative qualities. Many times we need the qualities and energies of other signs for a short period. By using the chant under each zodiac sign, the magician can add to her/his magical energies, particularly when she/he must face a sticky situation or deal with difficult people. However, no magician should work with the powers of one sign too long or she/he may develop too much of a particular power, thereby overbalancing.

As with planetary dragons, indeed all dragons, the magician should extend a mental invitation to join the ritual. Choose music that reflects to you the zodiac sign with which you are working. Steven Halpern has recorded some very beautiful New Age music specially for the zodiac signs, but these may not appeal to you. Response to music is a very personal thing. Your responses can even change from time to time, depending upon your emotions, physical health, and environmental situation. What feels right one time may not be appropriate at another.

Like the planetary rituals, these zodiac rites use candles, herbs, and oil of the appropriate sign to connect with dragon energy and draw on it.

Use the basic dragon rituals as a foundation ritual, adding the appropriate colors, herbs, etc. Insert the chants in the place where spell working is called for. Dance with your dragons; sing with them; chant vowel sounds with them. At the end of whichever zodiac chant you decide to use, meditate on absorbing the energies and qualities for which you have asked. Listen inwardly for suggestions.

Dancing with Dragons

D. J. Conway

Dragons of Chaos and Destruction

These dragons represent the negative power currents necessary to dissolve problems and sweep away troublesome people. They are of very dark colors: Black, gray, pewter, iron, dark magenta, purple, reds and greens so dark that they appear to be black. Their bodies are heavy and huge: in fact, they are the largest of all dragons. Their wide wedge-shaped heads sit atop long necks. Their serpentine tails are either barbed or with a spiked knob on the ends. Enormous wings carry them on swift flights.

When dragons of chaos and destruction make changes and help in rituals, they do everything in a big way. They go past your limited view of happenings, straight to the heart of the problem, so be certain you can stand their help before you call on them. These dragons work with re-creation of lives, relationships, and careers; breaking of barriers; changing luck; vast changes in general; work on past lives; divination; the confining or enemies or anyone who will hinder your forward growth or movement.

One of the very first recorded descriptions of a dragon is found in Babylonian records. The goddess Tiamat was considered to be the Great Mother Creator who built order our of chaos, on her own body. She was called a dragon and was said to be a monstrous creature with a scaly serpentine body, four legs, and horns on her head. After her spirit of initial creative activity. Tiamat spent her existence in repose. One of her offspring, the god Marduk, eventually killed her and build the earth and sky out of her body. This is a symbolic description of the activities of a chaos dragon: the breaking down of a static life-form and re-creation of another.

The ancient Egyptians said that before heaven and earth appeared a brood of serpents was created. They called these the Oldest of the Old. These serpents were very long and had only two legs. After the creation of the world and the universe, these serpents were confined, whether deliberately or by choice is not certain, in the Underworld, which every soul had to pass through on it way to judgment. The Egyptians advised that the soul should tread carefully on its journey, treating with respect the Oldest and his wife who reigned there.

The Egyptians also had a legend about the great serpent dragon Apep who daily threatened the sun god Ra when the Sun boat had to pass through darkness each night. The god Set who rode in the boat with the Sun god battled Apep on each nightly journey. When there was a solar eclipse, the Egyptians believed that Apep had broken out of his Underworld realm and had come into the physical world to do battle with Ra.

In Nordic myth, Niflheim was the lair of the great destructive dragon of chaos whose name was Nidhogg or Nidhoggr. Dread Biter, as he was called, lay coiled abut the root of the World Tree, constantly gnawing at it to destroy it. Nidhogg’s attempts at destruction were countered daily by the Norms who sprinkled the tree with water from their sacred well. But when Ragnarok, or the end of the world, comes the Norse say that Nidhogg will fly over the Hills of Darkness with the bodies of the dead on his wings. Another of Dread Biter’s tasks was to strip the flesh off all corpses.

Although dragons in general were looked upon as bringing disaster, depending of course upon their actions, chaos dragons are often quite literally omen of catastrophe. They can be seen in the area of disaster when other dragons create such things as great storms, earthquakes or floods, but their power lies in creating or precipitating wars, bloodshed, plagues, and desolation when humans have gotten things out of balance. Unfortunately, it seems to take such occurrences to make humans want to find a better way of doing things.

Although the dragons of chaos and destruction create upheavals and complete transformations and rebirths, they are not evil. Their magic power is vital to the magician. They require as much forethought and caution as when working with Fire dragons. But if your life and plans have become static, your luck stuck in a negative mode, or circumstances or people are making you feel helpless and hopeless, then these dragons will turn the tide of events. Just be very certain that you are prepare for the drastic change tat will come.

As with many kinds of dragons, the chaos dragons are connected with death and rebirth; in fact, more so than others of their species. Often, when riding the dragon in an attempt to destroy barriers and remove enemies, one finds oneself face to face with oneself–the worst enemy of all. This ride can turn into a dramatic rebirth for the magician if she/he is willing to accept what is being shown by the dragon.

This connection with death and rebirth can still be seen on coffin decoration well into the Middle Ages. A wooden coffin from Zobingen, Wurttembergisches Landesmuseum, Stuttgart has a beautifully carved and coiling serpent on it.

A close magician friend of mine had a problem, not of her making, with another magician. Louise’s problems began when she married and no amount of magic seemed to lessen the mental attacks. Finally she called upon the dragons of chaos and destruction. She did not specify what they should do; she only stated the problem and the fact that she wanted a definite end to the situation. Up until the final moments of the ritual, Louise had not been sure exactly how she was being attacked and had only a suspicion by whom, but the dragons let her clearly know. As she was working with the dragon mirror, she was given a glimpse of her attacker, heard an audible crack, and “saw” a second mirror shatter. The attacking magician must have had a shock upon finding her ritual mirror in pieces. The attacks stopped. Louise now has a huge dragon that protects her home as well as the little guardian dragon who plays with her cat. The positive results of this ritual came from several important factors; the cause was just; there were no specifics given as to what should be done; harm was not intended.

The dragons of chaos and destruction must be called only within a cast and sealed circle. All movements and gestures within the circle must be counterclockwise. Burn patchouli, basil and dragon’s blood or binding incense. Use black or the darkest of purple candles. Greet these dragons with the sword in your power hand, the staff in the other.

Credit for this information

“Dancing with Dragons”

D. J. Conway

Dragons of Light

The dragons of light or light of the Spirit, rule positive power currents in magick. Their color is symbolized by white; a male energy, they are considered warm and dry. Positive associations of light are: all forms of day, the Sun, the pentacle disk, the dragon pentacle, the white altar candle, the staff, the salt dish, reaching toward the spiritual, balancing karma, seeking the truth, bettering life on all levels, positive attitude toward all things, psychic guidance, helpful light magick. Negative associations are: self-righteousness, I-have-the-only-way attitude.

Dragons of light exist within a space where light is completely separated from darkness, a place where Primordial Matter is constantly being formed into physical manifestation. Within their jaws they hold a precious gem that metaphorically grants wishes and desires. It is not unusual to find these dragons holding their tails in their mouths while sleeping or resting. This tail-in-mouth symbol is represented among humans’ earliest depictions of dragons, a symbol of continuity and stability. When light dragons release their hold on the tail, they stand read to use their vast powers for creation.

Dancing With Dragons

D. J. Conway

Dowsing to Find Dragon Energy

For dowsing, you can use a pendulum or dowsing rods, neither of which have to be professionally made. A pendulum can be a small weight or crystal suspended on a thread or chain. The pendulum is held suspended by the chain in your power hand while you walk over an area. For some people, the pendulum will swing in a clockwise circle, for others back and forth, when an underground flow of power is crossed. By marking the ground wherever this occurs, you can trace a power line’s underground flow for long distances. Don’t try to walk along over the top of the flow, but rather cross it from the side. Back and forth working will allow you to be aware of any twists and turns the line might take.

Dowsing rods can be made from two coat hangers. Using a pair of wire cutters, cut off the hook and then straighten the remaining wire. Bend this long piece of wire in such a way as to provide short hand-grips and longer right-angle bars. Holding a bend rod loosely in each hand, the dowser walks slowly over an area until the long bars cross. The problem with dowsing in an inhabited area is that you will find every water line there. But it can be productive if you combine dowsing with watching for unusual anomalies in the vegetation growth or lack of plant life altogether. Energy flows have been known to shift position, following underground water or electrical lines.

Discovering such an energy line on your property makes it possible for you to know where to go to access a burst of power when you need it. Other lines may run through city parks or recreation areas, where you will not be trespassing if you go in for a pick-me-up.

“Dancing with Dragons”

D. J. Conway

The Dragon’s Energy Flow

The ley lines, which have been mapped in Britain proper, may well be streams of positive dragon energy, while the black streams would be imbalanced energy flows of the same type of force. I suspect that these underground Earth energy streams crisscross the planet and can be found in every country, if a magician is willing to put forth a little effort to discover them. We have always assumed that such lines of energy existed only in Britain with only the occasional power spot to be found elsewhere. I feel certain that magicians around the world could uncover the information that energy lines, ley lines, exist everywhere.

Does this mean that “dragon energy” is merely random flows of Earth electrical energy? No, it means that dragon energy has specific flow lines, rather like streams and rivers. Water flows can be diverted by humans or natural changes in the Earth, and so can dragon energy. The ancient peoples recognized that there were specific, special energy flows within the Earth that were identical in many ways to the energy put forth by actual dragons–identical enough to call these underground streams by the term “dragon breath,” “dragon fire,” “dragon blood,” or “dragon energy.” Therefore, if a magician learns to recognize and to tap into these natural reservoirs of power, she/he can understand and know the feel of real dragon energy, which is stronger and more powerful yet. An added benefit is the power that can be called upon to augment your own energy for rituals and spellworking.

But before you rush out to do this, consider and put into practice all the methods that the magician must learn in order to be effective in her/his magick and life. When you are comfortable with your schedule of self-improvement in these areas, give yourself a relaxing treat by looking for the lines of dragon energy in your own neighborhood.

The best way to find these energy steams is to dowse for them. These lines do not necessarily run in straight lines nor will you find that they are commonly known, unless you live in the British Isles proper where they have been extensively studied and mapped.

“Dancing with Dragons”

D. J. Conway

Light and Dark Dragons

Light and Dark Dragons

The white (light) and black (dark) dragons rule the center of the circle and balance all the elements. Through invocation of these dragons of light and darkness, the magician is able to mix a blend of elements that will bring forth the desired manifestation.

This family of draconic creatures works with all the other elements, but particularly with those of chaos and destruction. It may seem paradoxical for dragons of light to join forces with those of darkness and chaos, but it makes perfect sense to the knowledgeable magician. Sometimes, in order to create something better, old ideas, old forms, and old ways of living must be broken down and re-created. Most creatures and especially humans, are comfortable with the way things are and do not anticipate with joy any upheavals. We think we would be happiest if there were never any negative occurrences in our lives, if everything always ran smoothly without hitches. But a static life would be very boring indeed. And universal law will not tolerate static conditions. Everything is required to keep growing and changing, or it is recycled into another, more productive form. I do not say this is pleasant. At times it can become overwhelming, unnerving and downright frustrating.

I dislike using the terms “good” and “evil” when discussing light and darkness, because this does not give a true picture of the actual forces. Every element, including light or dark, has a negative side. The element of darkness has a definite place in magick, if properly used. The negative current of power is just as important to life and magick as is light or positive power it is just as important to life and magick as is light or positive power. We are not talking about Satanism; that is totally different type of magick, and never has anything to do with the balance of elements.

I was taught that the most effective magician is one who uses a balanced blend of light and darkness. Certainly no magician worth the salt on his/her altar is going to be a doormat. She/he will protect themselves and their loved ones when necessary, but will not go out of their way to dominate or harm other beings if at all possible. A magician cannot possibly understand and work with the light without acknowledging the existence of the dark. What she/he does with either light or dark comes down to understanding her/himself and practicing self-discipline and good morals.

Since elemental-type dragons of whatever color can be unpredictable, working either for or against the magician, the pentacle disk (a five-pointed star on a wooden disk) and the dragon pentacle are kept on the altar. These keep the elements within the control of the magician. To do this properly, the pentacle disk is used with one point upward, symbolizing that the dragons of light and darkness (or elements of Spirit) always rule over all elemental kingdoms.

Dancing With Dragons

D. J. Conway

M	T	W	T	F	S	S
			1	2	3	4
5	6	7	8	9	10	11
12	13	14	15	16	17	18
19	20	21	22	23	24	25
26	27	28	29	30

	ceridwensiren on Some Witchcraft/Magickal Corre…
	ceridwensiren on June 2, 2023 Birthday Hor…
	Rev. Lady Carla Belt… on Happy and Blessed June WOTC Fa…
	dfior80 on Happy and Blessed June WOTC Fa…
	Rev. Lady Carla Belt… on WOTC’s Lady Carla Beltan…
	dfior80 on WOTC’s Lady Carla Beltan…
	Rev. Lady Carla Belt… on International Towel Day 2023:…