Tag: Pagan

What is Wicca?

What is Wicca?

by AmberSkyfire

 

Contrary to popular belief, Wicca is not evil. Wiccans do not follow the devil. Wiccans do not even believe in the devil. Wicca is a nature oriented religion which centers around a single deity (known as the All) which encompasses all things in the universe and without. This All is divided into two equal halves much the same way as the universe is divided into two halves. There is light and dark, male and female, good and evil, etc. These are often evident in the two deities called the Lord and the Lady. Each represents a perfect and equal half and complement each other much like the yin and the yang. The Lord is a father figure. He represents animals, the soul, fathering, passion and the wild. He is symbolized by the color gold, air, fire, and by the Sun. The Lady or Goddess represents the earth mother, motherhood, nurturing, femininity, and that which we can touch. She is symbolized by water, earth and the moon. Wiccans believe in honoring their deities and in living in harmony with nature and the universe. Witches sometimes practice in groups of up to thirteen called covens. Covens are used to bring different people of a faith together so that they may learn from each other’s experiences. Witches can also work alone. They are called solitaries. Wiccans are generally considered witches because they practice the art of magick. Not al witches, however, are Wiccans. Wicca is a religion and witchcraft is simply the practice of the magickal arts. Because Wiccans worship nature, their holidays coincide with significant days of the year. All of the four seasons are celebrated as well as four other holidays which fall between each. All of the eight holidays are spaced at exactly the same number of days apart and do not always fall on the same day each year. Most of these holidays coincide with Christian holidays such as Christmas (Yule) and Easter (Ostara). These holidays are called the Sabbats or Sabbaths. Witches also may or may not celebrate what are called Esbats. Esbats are specific lunar dates that are of major importance. These are the new moons and the full moons. There are 13 full moons during the year, each representing one month. Thus, the pagan calendar has thirteen months and not twelve. Most today represent these lost days in the thirteenth month to leap year. These holidays are meant to celebrate the earth and her cycles of nature. Wiccans follow one basic fundamental rule: “harm none.” The Wiccan Rede or “Law” states: “Abide the Wiccan law ye must, in perfect love and perfect trust. Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill: ‘An’ it harm none, do what ye will.’ And ever mind the rule of three: what ye send out comes back to thee. Follow this with mind and heart, and merry meet and merry part.” The main goal of Wicca is to harm none. Wiccans base their lives on self discipline and helping others. Most spells are done for healing, love, friendship and to help others. You will not find Wiccan spells for harming others or spells which are destructive in any way.

Wicca is a recognized religion worldwide and is protected by the United States Constitution. Contrary to popular belief, Wicca is not an ancient religion. Some of the ideas and rituals follow what is believed to have been practiced by the early Nordic tribes, but the religion was founded in the early 1960’s and was at the time considered a “New Age Religion.” Many unseasoned Wiccans will often refer to their following as “The Olde Ways.” This is often the result of misinformation from other witches either on the internet or in books who claim that they follow ancient traditions. Some will even claim that their beliefs were handed down from century to century and guarded against Christians and others who might seek to waylay witches and traditional witchcraft. Unfortunately, virtually no information has survived to this day and we must rely on skepticism to learn how ancient peoples worshiped.

Self Blessings

Self Blessings

The purpose of the ritual is to bring the individual into closer contact with the Godhead. It can also be used as a minor dedication, when a person who desires dedication has no one who can dedicate him. This self blessing ritual may also be used as a minor exorcism, to banish any negative influences which may have formed around the person. It may be performed by any person upon himself, and at his desire.


Self-Blessing This ritual should be performed during the New Moon (at least when the moon is waxing) , but it is not limited to that phase. Need, not season, determines the performance. There is real power in the Self Blessing; it should not be used other than in time of need and should not be done promiscuously. The purpose of the ritual is to bring the individual into closer contact with the Godhead. It can also be used as a minor dedication, when a person who desires dedication has no one who can dedicate him. This self blessing ritual may also be used as a minor exorcism, to banish any negative influences which may have formed around the person. It may be performed by any person upon himself, and at his desire. Perform this ritual in a quiet place, free from distraction, and nude. You will need the following:

 

1. Salt, about one quarter teaspoon

 

2. Wine, about an ounce.

 

3. Water, abut one-half ounce.

 

4. Candle, votive or other. The result of the ritual is a feeling of peace and calm. It is desirable that the participant bask in the afterglow so that he may meditate and understand that he has called the attention of the Godhead to himself, asking to grow closer to the Godhead in both goals and in wisdom.

 

When you are ready to begin, sprinkle the salt on the floor and stand on it, lighting the candle. Let the warmth of the candle be absorbed into the body. Mist the water into the wine, meditating upon your reasons for performing the self blessing.

 

Read the following aloud: Bless me, mother, for I am your child. Dip the fingers of the right hand into the mixed water and wine and anoint the eyes, Blessed be my eyes, that I may see your path. Anoint the nose, Blessed be my nose, that I may breathe your essence. Anoint the mouth, Blessed be my mouth, that I may speak of you. Anoint the breasts, Blessed be my breast, that I may be faithful in my work. Anoint the loins, Blessed be my loins, which bring forth the life of men and women as you have brought forth all creation. Anoint the feet, Blessed be my feet, that I may walk in your ways. Remain…and mediate for a while

 

Note: Although this is probably as basic as dedication can get, this nevertheless is very useful even if only used for banishment of negativity.

Living Life As The Witch ~ Dedication and Initiation In Wicca

Witchy Comments

What are “dedication” and “initiation” in Wicca?

These things mean different things in different traditions. Usually
“dedication” ceremonially marks the beginning of Wiccan study, while
“initiation” may mark full membership in a coven/tradition (such as after
“a year and a day”) or may indicate elevation in skill or to special
clergy status. Some traditions look on all initiates as co-equal clergy,
while others have grades or “degrees” of initiation, which may be marked
by distinct sacramental ceremonies, duties or expectations within the
tradition.

Some people claim that “only a Witch can make a Witch,” whereas
others say that only the Goddess and God or demonstrated skill can make a
witch. Doreen Valiente was initiated by Gardner himself, but slyly asks
“who initiated the first witch?” Valiente and others assert that those
who choose to “bootstrap” a coven into existence (by an initial
initiation) or to use self-initiation may do so, citing the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights. Self-dedications are also quite common among
new practitioners and solitary Wiccans (“solitaries”).



~Magickal Graphics~

“Reclaiming Samhain”

 

“A year of beauty. A year of plenty.
A year of planting. A year of harvest.
A year of forests. A year of healing.
A year of vision. A year of passion.
A year of rebirth.

This year may we renew the earth.
This year may we renew the earth.

Let it begin with each step we take.
And let it begin with each change we make.
And let it begin with each chain we break.
And let it begin every time we awake.”

– Starhawk, Reclaiming Samhain

“Two Samhain Rituals”

 

“To all the ancient ones from their houses, the  Old Ones from above and below. In this time the Gods of the Earth touch our  feet, bare upon the ground. Spirits of the Air whisper in our hair and chill our  bodies, and from the dark portions watch and wait the Faery Folk that they may  join the circle and leave their track upon the ground. It is the time of the  waning year. Winter is upon us. The corn is golden in the winnow heaps. Rains  will soon wash sleep into the life-bringing Earth. We are not without fear, we  are not without sorrow…Before us are all the signs of Death: the ear of corn  is no more green and life is not in it. The Earth is cold and no more will  grasses spring jubilant. The Sun but glances upon his sister, the earth….. It  is so….Even now….But here also are the signs of life, the eternal promise  given to our people. In the death of the corn there is the seed–which is both  food for the season of Death and the Beacon which will signal green-growing time  and life returning. In the cold of the Earth there is but sleep wherein She will  awaken refreshed and renewed, her journey into the Dark Lands ended. And where  the Sun journeys he gains new vigor and potency; that in the spring, his  blessings shall come ever young!”


–  Two Samhain  Rituals, Compost Coveners

Calendar of the Sun for Samhain, October 31

Calendar of the Sun

31 Winterfyllith

SAMHAIN

Color: Black
Element: Air
Altar: The altar should be set as a table with a fine cloth and good dishes, and food for the Dead. Among the dishes places skulls, bones, a brazier, black candles, and pictures or items of the Dead.
Offerings: Give food to the Dead. Give divination to each other.
Daily Meal: Anything, so long as it is shared with the Dead.

Ritual Note: Like all the eight high holidays, this day should ideally be spent not enclosed and isolated, but in common with the larger pagan community. This can be done a number of ways, including spending the day elsewhere, at the Brigid’s Day ritual of another group or tradition, or by inviting in those pagans who would otherwise not be able to attend a ritual. Either way, the eight holidays should be a time of remembering the place of the house in the greater community. If the choice is made to go elsewhere, then no liturgy is needed for the day. If the choice is made to bring the greater community into the lesser one, the following ritual can be used.

This is the only rite on the solar calendar that is not celebrated at the hour of Sponde. Instead, Sponde is used for silent, solitary meditation. The Samhain rite is begun at Arktos, and all keep vigil overnight until Auge on the following day.

Samhain Ritual

(Four who have been chosen to do the work of the ritual come forward and cast the quarters.)

East Caller: Spirits of the East, powers of air
Winds that carry our ashes, winds that bear our cries,
Our howling on your black wings,
Today we speak for the beloved Dead,
We call to the Dead, and honor them with our voices!
Hear us!
South Caller: Spirits of the south, powers of fire
Flame of the altar and the cremation ground,
Stroke of scorched lightning,
We purify our lives as the funeral pyre,
We burn for the Dead, and honor them with our transformations!
Hear us!
West Caller: Spirits of the west, powers of water,
Still pools deep under the ground,
Drowning depths and freezing ice,
We give over our hearts to Necessity,
We drink with the Dead, and honor them with our surrender.
Hear us!
North Caller: Spirits of the north, powers of Earth,
Blackness that surrounds us, buries us,
Dust and the silence of waiting,
We see mortality etched onto our bodies,
We go into the Earth with the Dead, and honor them with our hands.
Hear us!

(One steps forward and holds high a cup of wine, saying:)

Drink, then, for the Dead!
Name them, those whom you have loved
Who have passed forth from this world
But are not forgotten.
Name them, those whom you never met
Save through words, or tales, yet still
Found a bond there to inspire,
To create courage, or brotherhood.
Name your ancestors of the blood,
Name your ancestors of the spirit.
Name your ancestors of the tribe.
Name your ancestors of the faith.
Call also to those for whom you have no names
But without whom you would not have been born.
Call to our Dead, as we do every year,
Remind them that they are not forgotten,
Remind them that they are still loved.

(The cup is passed, and each speaks of their beloved Dead. As they finish and drink from the cup, all say, “And he (or she, or they) too has a place at this table.” One follows behind the cup with a bunch of dried roses, collected and dried throughout the year from any rituals that used them, and gives each one a rose. The remainder of the roses are placed on the table. Another steps forth and holds high a crystal ball, and speaks the following as a call and response with all:)

Hail the Veil Between The Worlds!
Hail the bones in the Earth,
Hail the ashes in the fire,
Hail the fishes’ meal in the ocean,
Hail the birds’ meal on the mountaintop!
Hail the Hounds of Hel who eat the corpse!
Hail the Raven and the Vulture!
Hail the path which someday we all shall walk,
But we shall not walk alone!
Hail to our ancestors, who open the way for us!
Hail to the cold white breath of the Moon!
Hail to the drying heat of the Sun!
Hail to the ever-turning wheel of the stars!
Hail to salt of Earth and salt of tears!
Hail to the rot which feeds all new growth!
Hail to the cycle, which spins eternally!
Hail to the Dark, which is the counterpart of Light,
Hail to that Dark from which all life springs!
Hail to those who passed the Veil and returned,
Hail to those folk that we once have been,
And hail to those we will be again!
Hail to the Dead!
Hail to the Dead!
Hail to the Dead!

Chant:
Door of the ages
Veil of the years
Door of the darkness
Veil of our tears
Winds of our sorrow
Lift us in flight
Winds of tomorrow
Lift up our sight
Stones of the graveyard
Path we walk on
Stones of the labyrinth
Path of the dawn

(Each goes forth and places their dried rose in the fire of the brazier. Then one steps forward and says:)

The year is turning, and we stand at the crossroads.
Remember as you keep your vigil tonight,
That Darkness yields always to Light,
As Light yields always to Darkness,
And so shall it be, always and forever,
And so mote it be.

(All repeat “So mote it be.” Then all leave the room chanting together, and go solitary into various places to keep their vigil. The altar room is left as a feast for the Dead.)

 

[Pagan Book of Hours]

‘Twas the Night of Samhain

‘Twas the Night of Samhain

 

 

‘Twas the night of Samhain and all through the house,
Not a creatures was stirring except for my spouse.
The incense it burned in his cauldron so black,
For witchcraft and magick he’d a wondrous knack.
The circle was drawn with the athame of power,
The guardians were called to each quarter tower.
The Lord and the Lady attended our rite,
In wonder and glory and power and mite.
The dearly departed came as our guest,
To live once again after their rest.
We bid them goodbye with a tear in our eye,
Such a lovely presence of loved ones so nigh.
The candles danced in the flickering light,
With the Great Rite we bid them all a good night.
The guardians thanked, have all sped away,
The Lord and the Lady, thanks for the day.
The night of Samhain, Gods bless this house,
A circle of wonder ’round me and my spouse.
—(Unknown)

Buzzing In To Say Have A Super Tuesday!

Hi there, Bye there, lol! Sorry I am running late. I am worse than Lady A on being prompt anywhere. But today I have a good excuse. We were debating over what we were going to do for Samhain. We still didn’t come up with anything and we were at it for about two hours. Maybe by the time Samhain gets here, we will know what we are doing. I hope!

That would be a good topic for discussion, what are your plans for Samhain?

 

More Tuesday Comments

Wishing You Many Blessings This Super Sunday, My Friends!

Good Sunday Morning, dear friends! How is your day going so far? Mine! Great, I feel much better. I did nothing at all yesterday except watch  OnDemand with my husband all day. Good grief, we watched every new series that was out. I thought my eyes would burn out of my head. Kiki got all upset because her routine was screwed up and so did the other two. I didn’t think it would kill me to be nice and cooperate since he has waited on me hand and foot. :s!

I have one business issue I would like to address this morning. I have noticed in the back that our articles are being reblogged all over the net. Hey, I don’t care that is what we put the information out for, for you to use. It is free to use, always has been, always will be. But I would ask just one thing of you. If you have a blogroll, a link page or something like that could you at else mention us. I go out and submit this site to 500 search engines a month. I bust my butt to draw Pagans, Witches, Wiccans and other Tradition here. So you just mentioning us in a link or a blogroll, would be doing me a great service. In return, I will list your link or site on our site. It is only fair in my humble opinion. Just remember the info is free but it would be great to have a tiny mention in your blogroll or link page. Thank you, sweeties!

Bet you can’t guess the next thing on my mind, now can you, lol! I would not continue to urge you to get out and vote this year if I did not consider it very, very important. It is especially important to us as Pagans and those among us as women to vote, vote, vote! My husband and I were kidding, he said he was going to vote and go back and vote again. You know of course that is a joke. That is totally illegal. It is also criminal for anyone that is a registered voter this year to sit at home and not vote. It is one of your freedoms in this country and please get out and express that right. I feel so strongly this year that I believe our Religion is at stake and also I believe our rights as women are. As I mentioned before Romney has repeated over and over there is only one God perhaps but his God is not my God. If you are a Pagan, Witch, Wiccan, etc., you realize that also. He has mentioned there is a force that is taking over this country. It is moving like a wave to wipe out Religion as it is known in this country. Do I have to tell you what wave he is referring to? It is us and our Religion. Statistics show more people are leaving mainstream Religion and returning to the Ways of Old. We are the Ways of Old. We are the Old Religion. With Romney in the Presidential office, I am afraid our religious freedoms might be in jeopardy. Do you want to take that chance? I don’t. If that happens, I will not stand idly by and watch it happen. I don’t believe there are others reading this that will too. We will return to the time of our Ancestors. Fighting all over to retrieve what they have accomplished for us and what we have accomplished since then. Don’t sit home this election year, our freedom and rights are on the line here!

As far as women go, I have heard enough talk about men deciding what rape is and rape isn’t. What a women has the right to do with her own body? What man on this planet has the right to tell me what I can and cannot do with my own body? Not even my husband. My body is mine. My body is a temple of the Goddess. I believe the Goddess gives us free will to do with our bodies as we choose. The talk of rape and legitimate rape make me sick to my core. Rape is rape. If a woman is raped and then comes up pregnant. It is her right, not the government or anyone else’s place to say what she is to do with that fetus. It is her choice. Rape is a terrible crime. Who is to say that child might remind that woman of that terrible day every time she looks at it. That woman might not want to experience that the rest of her life. And the idoit that made the statement about legitimate rape, he ought to be ran out of the state of Illinois.

I watched the “Meet the Press” show on NBC this morning. There was a Republican representative on there clarifying the rape situation for us. He said that it was meant to be interpreted as “God would choose if those women who turn up pregnant from rape should carry the baby to term or not.” If the baby was meant to be from this horrible crime, she would carry it to full term. If not, then she would miscarry. WHAT THAT HELL? No, NOPE, No, NOPE, not for me. Nor is his God, my God. My God is a Goddess. She has given my body to me as a gift and as a temple. Rape is defiling the Temple of the Goddess. The people making these ridiculous statements don’t know what a woman suffers when she is raped. They have the nerve to make these statements. How dare they? If these people are elected to office, the women of this country will be set back 50 years as for as our rights go. We will no longer have the right to do with our bodies as we like. We will be told what to do. If this is not the hidden agenda, then why was it ever mentioned in the first place? You know yourself, this had to be discussed somewhere. The men making this statements don’t look smart enough to come up with these stupid and pathetic statements on their own. I believe some planned the idea in their little pea brains. Then to top it all off, Romney had an ad endorsing one of those candidate before he made his stupid remark. Romney did not pull his endorsement after the statement was made. He continues to run the ad and continues to endorse this candidate. What does that tell you? Perhaps I am coming down to hard on this issue. But I am a woman. I believe the Goddess gave me my body and it is MY TEMPLE. Not anyone else’s, nor is it anyone else’s business to tell me what to do with it. I am Pro Choice and I am not ashamed to say it because of the way I believe. You as Pagans, Witches, Wiccans and all the other Traditions in our Religion,  should also believe that our bodies are our own Temples. Are you going to stand by and let someone tell us how we should treat our bodies?  Our bodies that our Temples of our Goddess?

Vote! Vote! Vote!

Now that I am off my soapbox, I would like to thank all of you that have written to me at our site’s addy. I appreciate all of your good wishes and love. You don’t know how much it means to me. I can feel you love and warmth and it is indeed appreciated. I would also like to thank a very good friend that I will be writing a letter to today. This person is a good friend and a great supporter of the WOTC especially our animal refuge. He is helping spreading the word throughout California about our little old group in Kentucky. Which we deeply appreciate. KoolTrainer, I do not wish to embarrass you but I want to thank you for your  generous donations to our Refuge. I haven’t had the chance to email you. So this way, I was assured you would know I love you and thank you so much.

Well after having a wonderful blow-hard session here. I am off to work. I see Annie must be sleeping in again. She deserves a break. She has worked very hard and done an amazing job (even if she did try to adopt me out the other day, lol!). I hope everyone has a very enjoyable Sunday. Please stop and consider who you are voting for and most of all make plans to vote. This year is extremely important to us, our families and our Religion. Thank you for listening.

Love and Blessings to all,

Lady A

I would love it if you would reblog this everywhere on the net! People need to open their eyes and see what is at stake and what we have to lose this year!

More Sunday Comments

Eclectic Wicca

Eclectic Wicca

By , About.com Guide

Eclectic Wicca is an all-purpose term applied to NeoWiccan traditions that don’t fit into any specific definitive category. Many solitary Wiccans follow an eclectic path, but there are also covens that consider themselves eclectic. A coven or individual may use the term “eclectic” for a variety of reasons. For example:

  • A group or solitary may use a blend of beliefs and practices from several different pantheons and traditions.
  • A group could be an offshoot of an established tradition of Wicca, such as Gardnerian or Alexandrian, but with modifications to their practice that make them no longer that original tradition.
  • An individual may be creating his or her own tradition of beliefs and practices, and because this system can’t be defined as something else, it can be defined as eclectic.
  • A solitary may be practicing what he or she has learned from publicly available sources on Wicca, but not be using oathbound, initiatory material, and so recognizes that his or her practice is eclectic.

Because there is often disagreement about who is Wiccan and who isn’t, there can be confusion regarding existing lineaged Wiccan traditions, and newer eclectic traditions. Some would say that only those lineaged covens are permitted to call themselves Wiccan, and that anyone who claims to be eclectic is, by definition, not Wiccan but Neowiccan. Bear in mind that the term Neowiccan simply means someone who practices a newer form of Wicca, and is not meant to be derogatory or insulting.

“Pagans Worship The Ground you Walk On”.

“Pagans Worship The Ground You Walk On”

Author:   Forest

This was the bumper sticker that I read on an old station wagon earlier today on my way to work which got me to smiling (and at 6 in the morning, that can be awfully hard to accomplish).

The car was sitting quietly in its spot beside my place of work, and I went to take a closer look at the sticker, smiling as I read what it said. I loved that bumper sticker; it brightened my day.

What surprised me though, wasn’t the fact that it could put a smile on my face at 6 in the morning, but the sheer horror as to the fact that someone had keyed “Witch Bit**” into the side of the car.

I mean come on, what is wrong with people nowadays? Are they so against our faith that they must do that in order to make themselves feel better? It’s ludicrous is what I think, but you can never be too sure.

I thought about it for a moment and I realized that almost every movie with witches in it has the phrase “Witch Bit**”. The whole thing must’ve started out with a movie like “The Witches of East Wick”, or “Practical Magic” or something along the lines of this. The phrase can be heard almost anytime someone wants to make a rude remark to a pagan person.

Honestly, the word has come to be a household name for people who are not of the old way.

I felt like crap as I walked into work, and saw who it was who must’ve owned the car. You see, apparently, she couldn’t get the car out of the theater parking lot because someone had slashed her tires and keyed that obscene remark on the side of her car. So, instead of feeling an ounce of sympathy, my boss told her that since she had the entire night to move her car and didn’t, that her car was being impounded.

The woman looked really strong; she must’ve seen a lot in her life, and she looked to be about 60 years old. Though, through all of this, you could tell that she was on the verge of crying.

I asked for a leave of absence so that I could take the woman home, and luckily, I got it. Her car was about to be towed, and/or impounded, and I didn’t think that she would be able to handle the fact that my boss was about to make her pay money for something that wasn’t her fault.

People aren’t very surprising. A lot of us have the same kind of arrogant personality going around and making people feel like fools.

You’ve seen some of those people, witches included, who say some stuff like, “Psh, I’ll make acid rain come down over his head while he’s sleeping, I have the power.”

I mean, we can be arrogant just like anyone else. When you go around parading something that some people really don’t care for, you’re begging for something bad to happen to you.

The same thing happens to those boys and girls who flaunt about how they’re homosexual. I mean, I understand about being open about it, but to hit on every guy or girl and dress like a girl/guy, that’s just pushing it, I mean, I’m bi, but I couldn’t really understand why some of them did it until recently.

Yea, the world’s screwed up, and these people know this, yet they flaunt themselves around like they’re a lamb on the spit. I’m sorry, but when they say that they’re victims, they’re absolutely right.

But they knew that it would eventually happen, so that’s what made me start pondering about the world.

Humans are a proud race. I mean, some of us are ill-willed and weak-minded, but in the end, we all pretty much stand up for what we believe in. We all have the power to delve into our memories and conjure up something that can fuel our onward path. All you have to do is believe ,right?

I love people when I think that these people chose to flaunt their religion, while knowing that by doing so, they might get in a little bit of trouble along the way. These people are truly my heroes. They stand up for their beliefs, they stand up for our religion, and these people are healing the earth in doing so.

Some of us are (using the melancholy term) “In the Broom Closet”. Well, it’s time to come out, because the world isn’t as terrible as you think it is. Sure, there are rough spots on the way, but then again, you have fellow pagans all around you who will help you along the way.

We all need to take a stand. We need to hear the voices of the people who were shamed because we were to weak to stand up for them when we were hiding in the shadows.

We all have it in us. I mean, we’re pagan, we’ve been here longer than anybody. Our souls have prospered the Earth. It’s time that we needed a batch of good karma, so why not make it ourselves?

I mean, we are witches, right?

I’m just putting this article out here for something for you to ponder on. You don’t need to respond, but hopefully some people can understand what it’s like to be these people, the ones who are ashamed, the ones who get beat up, broken down, and downright miserable.

We all need help once in awhile, so lets give some right now, just think about it ok?

If you understand what it feels like, then why let it happen to other people? We all need to understand that when you’re broken down and crying in the dirt, you’re not just at rock bottom; you’re rock bottom under 8 feet of mud and concrete, and you can’t get out without some help.

Just think about it.

Wicca on the Go!

Wicca on the Go!

by: Venusfire71

Do you feel as if you are always too busy to research that spell you have been wanting to perform? 

Not enough time to devote for full-on ritual?  Yet everything seems to be crashing down on you? 

The following suggestions may be helpful to those wiccans, witches, and pagans who are always on the GO and don’t have time in their busy lives to devote to the pomp and circumstance of full ritual…

 

Magick in your car

1.  Hang feathers, beads on a cord, or a simple crystal from your rear-view mirror.

2.  You have four sides of your automobile, motorcycle, etc. that represent the four directions.

3.  Put together extra chants, spells, etc., when you do have time to devote to full ritual, that you can carry with you and chant while driving.  (Believe me this works!)

Magick at Work

1.  Computers are amazing things.  A simple image set as your background can be used as a makeshift altar and nobody is none the wiser, except you!  The same extra chants you put together can be used here as well, just say them to yourself.

2.  Don’t have a computer at work?  If you have a cell phone, and most of us do, use a simple background image on it.  If you have children, have them draw an image of their choice.  (I can just feel the power that would have because I have a couple of my own’s son’s images at work near my computer that I can glance at.)

Basically all you need are dedication, concentration, and belief.  The Goddess and God will hear your plea, even though you are not all decked out in your ritual garb.  So many of us work long hours, are busy raising children, going to college, traveling to and from soccer, music lessons, dance lessons, etc. (yes, witches lead these lives too!!), that it seems we do not have the time to devote to ritual that we would like to.

I speak for myself when I say that I don’t have this time to devote for ritual.  I have a five year old that just started kindergarten this year, and after dropping him off for school, I go to work and don’t get home most nights until after 6:00pm.  Then we have the dinner and bath ritual.  I wanted to share these simple ideas that you can use to stay “connected” and honor the Goddess and God while trying to get from place to place in our busy lives.

A Very Good & Blessed Sunday Morning to everyone out there this morning!

How’s everyone doing this morning? I hope the weather is beautiful where you are at. Around here, the wind is blowing around 70 mph. The backside of the house sounds like it is about ready to blow off. I have already been up and out this morning. We went to check on the animals, make sure no trees have fell on them, their tarps still over the tops and most of all feed the little vultures, lol! Just kidding, they are all growing and recovering fine. Next week, the weather is suppose to be back to normal. So Guess What? You get to put up with me, you lucky dogs, lol! I know at least three little fuzzy kids of mine will be glad of that. I come home every morning and the minute I walk through the door, I am jumped. Stinker, Kiki and Razzy all want to smell me. Razzy has gotten so big, she wraps one of her paws around my leg and she stops me. I have gotten were I just sit down in the floor and let them sniff away. I just can’t wait till I get sprayed by one of those baby skunks, lol! I shouldn’t even say that, I will jinx myself. I have never gotten sprayed, knock on wood.

I am getting ready to open up a can of worms now. I know I said I don’t talk about Politics on the blogs, but….something about this campaign is really eating at me. I just feel this need to express myself on certain subjects. I don’t know how many of you watched the Presidential Debate the other night. You know the one that Obama lost, yeah right! Romney made a comment that has been eating at me every since then. I don’t remember what he was replying too but he made the comment, “All Gods are one God!” That scares me. Now if a Pagan said that, I wouldn’t think a thing about it. But for him to say it, it bothers me. “All Gods are one God!” It makes me wonder if he is implying all Gods are one God and that God is his God. What is he planning on doing, making the U. S. a nation of one religion. Forget diversity! Forget Religious Freedom! I remember a comment that he made early in his campaign and I guess that is where these fears are coming from. His comment was, “a very unsavory influence was spreading across the United States.” The “unsavory influence” makes me think he is talking about Witchcraft and Paganism. You hear it on the News just like I do, people are leaving mainstream religions. The other night there was a Poll done and there was a big jump in people not claiming any religion at all anymore. Of course, the Poll did not mention “if you were affiliated with Witchcraft or Paganism.”

I know Romney keeps mentioning he wants to take us back to the times of Reagan. That’s a laugh. Reagan never did a thing for us. We like to have starved to death and my husband was out of work all the time. My husband was a union man and I remember Reagan trying to bust every union in this country. But all that is beside the point, if Romney wants to take us back to the past, how much further does he really want to go? “All Gods are one God,” “Unsavory Influences,” is he planning on taking away our Religious freedom. Enforcing how we worship. What happens if we don’t want to worship that way? Are they going to burn us at the stake again?  There is something about that man, he has a hidden agenda. This feeling I do have and it is very strong. Romney has never come right out and told us what his plans are. How is he going to cut the debt? How is he going to handle the Middle East and our Foreign policies? He wants to do away with “Obama care,” what does he have in mind to replace it with? He has never answered any of these questions. Some say he has no idea what he is going to do. I believe he does. And it is my worse fear and I pray to the Goddess this country wakes up before it is too late. I believe he will take us back to Reagan’s time. We will all be broke and starving. Those who haven’t lost their homes already will. We will all be living in tents and be damn glad to Have’em. I sincerely believe this, Romney will take this country back to worshipping one Religion. I believe he will try but this time I don’t think it will happen. We have all, Pagans and non-Pagans, who have learned from the world’s history. We will never let another people be persecuted again. We are all individuals and we all have rights. That is our Goddess given birthright.

Whether you agree with me or not, that is your right (for now). I believe everyone needs to pay very close attention to every word that comes out of Romney’s mouth. I also believe you need to stop and think, “why isn’t he laying out any of his plans for the country?” I don’t believe it is because he doesn’t have any. I believe it is truly because he has a hidden agenda. Think about what I said. Then listen to the debate this week. Then we will talk afterwards.

Just remember the Goddess has given us our rights and freedom. This time we will not let anyone or any person take them away from us.

 

 

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Wiccan Samhain

Wiccan Samhain

 

SAMHAIN (pronounced saw-an), commonly referred to as Halloween, is a religious holiday celebrated by Wiccan and witch. The festival traditionally is a feast for the gathering of the family in love and remembrance. All the family including one’s ancestors.
Wiccans do not regard physical death as an end but merely one more event in a continuing progress of the soul’s in its path toward fulfillment of divine destiny. Because of these beliefs, it is only natural at this time of year to invite our beloved ancestors to remember and to celebrate with us.
If you do not find these beliefs in conflict with your own personal beliefs, please join us in the following ritual of thanksgiving and remembrance.
Whether you join with us or not, May you walk in the Light of the Lady and know the Wisdom of the Lord.
Blessed Be.
The clergy and members of the United Wiccan Church.
***

After you have shared the bounty of your harvest with the children of your neighborhood (candy, etc) and the house has settled down for the night, disconnect or turn off your telephone so that this state of serenity will continue uninterrupted.
Prepare a special feast of whatever foods reminds you of a special departed friend or family member, or of past family gatherings. While you are preparing this feast think of all of the good times you had with them.
When the feast is prepared, set your holiday table with a special place of honor for the departed friend or family member.
Decorate the table and room as you would for a holiday dinner with the family, add those special things that are important to you and your family (flowers, candles,etc.) If you have a picture of the loved one, it is nice to place it at their place at the table.
Speak to that special person and invite them to join you in this celebration and time of remembrance. It is completely appropriate to say grace or offer any prayer that you feel is fitting.
THE FOLLOWING IS DONE IN COMPLETE SILENCE:
Serve the meal remembering to serve your honored guest (or guests) first. If wine or other alcoholic beverages are served, it is recommended that they be kept in moderation as you and your guests need to have a clear head.
Now sit down to the table with your loved ones and enjoy your feast. When you address them in your mind, always see them as well. (Try not to say in your mind, “if you can hear me…”, etc.). After the meal, the time of silence is over. Do whatever you normally do at a family holiday gathering (clear the table, play games, sing songs, etc.). Enjoy the companionship.
When the evening is over, or in the morning if you wish to make it an all night party, thank your invited guests for being with you and for making your celebration a special one.
*** There are a few words of caution that we will offer.
1. If this ritual does not feel right for you, do NOT do it. Follow your instincts.
2. Remember that crossing over does not necessarily change a person, so if you could not get through a meal in peace with them while they were alive, you will probably have the same problem with their spirit.
3. Do not ask your guest to grant you wishes or do you favors. It is rude to invite a guest and then make it obvious that a favor is the reason they were asked, not because of love and respect. Spirits do NOT like rudeness! Besides, spirits often forget that you are limited in ways that they are not. If you ask them for $1,000, it may come as an insurance settlement after a painful break in your water pipe with all the delight in cleaning up the mess from ensuing water damage.

Living The Life Of The Witch – Dedicate to the Craft

Dedicate to the craft

 

Your Magickal Name

When you are ready to dedicate to the craft you will be asked for a Magickal name.  Do not take this lightly.  Toy name speaks volumes about you.  Your  mundane name may be as common as John or Mary, but your magickal name will be unique to you.  As you progress in the magickal community, this is the name you  will be known by.

How do you go about getting you magickal name?  It will come to you.  Perhaps in a dream you will hear the Goddess call you by your name.  A friend may  see a quality about you can give you your name.

Don’t worry too much about your name – it will come.

When you dedicate it is the first step in changing your life path.  It is like you are being reborn.  With the new birth you are entitle to a new  name..

Dedication

How this ceremony is done will depend if you will be self dedication as a Solitary or as a member of a coven.  In either case the dedication is similar.

You will take a ritual bath.

Prepare you circle

Close the circle

Dedicate to the Goddess

Take your magickal name

Light silver candle

Dedicate to the God

Light gold candle

Drink wine and eat cakes

Release the Lord and Lady

Open the circle

Take remaining wine and some of the cakes outdoors and return some of it to the Earth.

Remember

Remember, you magickal name is who you are and who you hope to become

Your magickal name is Special.  Usually only yourself and members of the magickal community will know it.

By dedicating you are inviting the Lord and Lady into your life.  This is a very special moment.  Savory it.

If all you get out of the dedication experience are words – reconsider you actions.

 

 

 

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Today’s Runes for October 9 is Inguz

Today’s Runes

Jade Runes are most commonly used for questions about love, friendship, and relationships. Inguz is the rune of completion and fertility. The presence of this rune suggests that tasks which have been initiated will come to fruition. This rune is associated with Ing and Frey, it is this connection that explains its connotations of both fertility and sexuality. The variant of this rune shown here is reminiscent of the twin strands of life, and of the challenge and rewards of bringing together things complimentary.

Life As The Witch – The Witch’s Book Of Shadows

The Witch’s Book of Shadows

 

This is a book of beliefs, witchcraft laws, rituals, herbal and healing law, incarnations, chants, dances, divination  methods, spells, sabbat rites and other information which serves as a guide for witches in practising their craft and religeaon. Each tradition has its own  book of shadows.

In addition individual witches add their own personal material. This book must be kept secret at all times.

However sad to say some witches have gone public with their book over the years. In true tradition only one copy should be kept for a  coven. This is usually held by the High Priestess or High Priest.

The book of shadows should only ever be hand written. The secrets in the book are limited to the witches position in the  hierarchy.

Information in the book is passed out as the witch progresses through the ranks of the coven. If a witch leaves the coven the book must  stay with the coven.

Very little is known about “books of shadows” before the 20th century. In earlier times the secrets were generally passed down  through the generations orally.

Some hereditary witches claim their ancestors recorded secret spells and lore in little books. One of the first book of shadows to be  published was Charles Godfrey Leylands “Aradia” in 1899.

According to tradition a witches book of shadows is destroyed upon their death.

Witchcraft Is

Witchcraft Is

Witchcraft is a spiritual practice with it’s roots in European practice and dating back to the beginning of man. Most  people do not trace back their involvement with Witchcraft past the Middle Ages because of the lack of information that is available in solid form from  beyond that time as well as the fact that much of the retrieved information was written by Priests from the Christian church as falsified documents or  accounts of what they believed their practices to be. In fact, it was the Christians that gave the word “Witch” and “Witchcraft” to these  people and their practices and was not a term that they themselves used. Witchcraft involves the use of magick, although it is not required, and the honoring  of Gods, local or land spirits and Ancestors rather than worship.  

A SIMPLE HERBAL LIST

A SIMPLE HERBAL LIST

I’ve compiled a short list of some very beneficial herbs to keep in your Witches’ Cupboard if you have one, or if you want to start one.

I’ve also listed “The Witches’ 3 X 3” – a list of nine healing herbs, indicated by an (***) sign.

CAMPHOR

Pain reliever, heals skin – lips, nose, burns. Sacred to the Godess, used in full moon rituals as an offering to the Goddess, purification, promotes celibacy, heightens physical energy.

CATNIP***

treats colds, reduces fever, aids indigestion, curbs flatulence. Strengthens the psychic bond between humans and animals; for courage, true love, lasting happiness.

CAYENNE***

Very important first aid herb. Does not burn the skin or inner tissues, but feels hot. Helps coagulate blood, internally and externally. Can be sprinkled directly onto a bleeding cut. Good for heart disease.

CHAMOMILE***

Soothing to the body & mind, sedative before bed as a tea, mind pain reliever as a compress/ For good luck or changing your luck, prevents lightning strikes to your house or person, prosperity, meditation aid.

CLOVE

Eases toothache pain, calms stomach pain, relieves gas. Banishes hostility or negative energy, increases personal gain, clears a cloudy mind, increases friendship or love.

COLTSFOOT***

Pain relief, allergy & cough suppressant. Used in spells for wealth, prosperity & love.

COMFREY***

Very nutritious. Sooths the stomach, heals sprains, strains, fractures, sores, arthritis. Used in protection spells and safety when travelling.

DIAMIANA

Aphrodisiac, improves digestion, relieves cough. Use in sex magick spells, for clairvoyance, divination.

DEVIL’S SHOESTRING

Protection, luck, for a raise or new job; invisibility.

FENNELL

Aids digestion, can be chewed or brewed to tea for weight loss, gas relief, halitosis. Imparts strength & sexual virility. Prevents curses.

GALANGAL ROOT

Cleanses system internaly. Take at the onset of colds or flu. Doubles money in gambling, use to win in court. Sex magick, hex breaking, aids psychic powers.

GARLIC***

Good for hair, skin, digestion, lungs, blood health. Lowers cholesterol & blood pressure. Good for ear infections. Heals colds, flu. Tincture by steeping in olive oil. Use for magickal healing, protection, exorcism.

GINGER***

Relaxing stimulant! Use after large meals to settle stomach, induces perspiration while sweating out a fever, aids the liver. Powerful aphrodisiac when sprinkled in steeping raspberry leaf tea.

GINSING

Rejuvenates & promotes longevity. Andi-depressant. Use with St. John’s Wort. Equalizes blood pressure & digestion. For use in love spells, beauty & healing spells.

HEAL ALL

All purpose healing. Gargle with cold brew for a sore throat, use as a poultice for cuts, abrasions, minor contusions. Use in spells for success in gambling.

HIBISCUS

Anti-spasmodic. Remedy for itchy-skin or mild hives. Apply fresh brew or tonic to skin. Sweetens breath. Attracts love. Use for dream work or divination.

HIGH JOHN THE CONQUEROR

To conquer any situation. To win at gambling, in court. For good luck, money, love, health, protection. To find lost items.

JASMINE

Calmes nervous tic, use as a poultice for snakebite. Attracts money & love. For use in divination, charging crystals, moon magick.

KAVA KAVA

Powerful when used as an aphrodisiac. Potion to induce visions, use in astral travel work, for protection in travelling.

LAVENDER

ALL PURPOSE. Stomach problems, nausea & vomiting (used as a tonic) healing, inner peace, peace of mind, anti-stress, finding love, money, protection, attracting good spirits & faeries, purification, peaceful sleep, headache relief, menstrual cramp relief (when inhaled).

LOBELIA***

~~POISONOUS – USE EXTREME CAUTION~~ FOR USE IN SMALL DOSES ONLY!

Anti-spasmodic, anti-convulsive for epileptic seizures or temper tantrums. Calms pain in small doses, muscle spasms, tension headaches, menstrual cramps. Helps to end addictions & sooth withdrawls symptons.

MUGWORT

Appetite stimulant, digestive aid. Visions, dreams, clairvoyance, protection, strength in travelling. To consecrate divination tools, to add or boost power in tools of scrying.

PATCHOULI

Reverses spells, peacefully gets rid of trouble makers. Use in clairvoyance, divination, sex magick. Use to manifest & draw money.

PENNYROYAL

~~CAUTION – USE IN SMALL DOSES ONLY~~

Repels insects, calms skin itch or nervous itch. Treats & soothes nausea, treats colds & flu. Use in consecration rituals, exorcism.

PEPPERMINT

Soothes nausea & upset stomach, heartburn, colds, flu. Calming, good for motion sickness. Promotes peaceful sleep, visionary dreams. Boosts psychic abilities.

PLANTAIN***

Blood detoxifier for treatment of poison ivy, snakebite, bee stings, mosquito bites, etc. Apply juice of crushed leaves to bites & stings. Reapply often, drink brew of leaves made into tea, eat & chew on fresh leaves.

RASPBERRY LEAF

for kidney strength, infections. Diarreah, nausea, colds and flu. Calming to the nerves as a tonic. Promotes peaceful sleep. Use for visionary work, protection, love spells.

ROSEMARY

Nerve stimulant, digestive aid. Aids memory, soothes headache, eases depression when inhaled. Use for protection, exorcisms, purification, healing, stimulate lust. Powerful fumitory.

ROSE HIPS

Very nutritious, high in Vitamin C. Take for colds or flu, reduces fever. Mild laxative, good for acne. For spells concerning good luck, use to summon good spirits.

SAGE

Use as an antiperspirant, healing to wounds. Aids digestion, relieves muscle and joint pain. Gargle to heal sores of the mouth & gums. Healing to colds & flu, reduces fever, preservative. For use in spells for wisdom, healing, money, protection, longevity, powerful fumitory for ritual.

SANDALWOOD

Use a poultice for bruises & minor contusions, reduces fever. For use in clairvoyance & protection spells, purification, meditation. Burned in rituals, aids in magickal work, stimulates sexual urges, aids in healing spells.

SKULLCAP

Tranquilizer & anti-insomniatic. Sedative (mild to moderate) Eases nervous tension, drug & alcohol withdrawl symptoms, eases menstrual symdrome. Use for fidelity, commitment. Relieves anxiety. Promotes relaxation & peaceful feeling.

ST. JOHN’S WORT

Wound healing, immune system booster. Anti-insomniatic, headache relief, eases menstrual cramps. Powerful anti-depressant. Use for protection, exorcism, courage, divination rituals.

TONKA BEANS

~~CAUTION! USE EXTERNALLY!~~

For guud luck, draws money, attracts material desires. Wish magick.

VALERIAN

Calms nerves, sleep aid. Treats nervous conditions. Antispasmodic. Reduces blood pressure. Use in love magick, purification, divination, black magick.

VERVAIN

For minor pains and headache, tooth ache, arthritis, other inflammations. For restful sleep, calming nerves. For protection, purification, consecration, potions for love, creativity.

***************************************************************

Because so many herbs are potentially poisonous in various amounts, take extreme caution when dealing with a plant or herb you’re unsure of. Consult a physician, pharmacist or horticulturist before ingesting anything you are uncertain of!