Green Man peers out of the foliage to remind you that not all of life’s mysteries have logical solutions. Be open to magical opportunities, spirit allies, and unconventional paths. Get out into the wilderness, ground yourself in meditation, and listen for Green Man’s wisdom. You may just catch sight of him eyeing you in his leafy camouflage.
The Lotus represents the spiritual self in its purest form. It reminds us that for most achieving a well developed spirituality is a journey which can be long and arduous. The spirit of the Lotus is not of our secular world, and the presence of The Lotus suggests that what is needed can be found by exploring your relationship with the Universe not as a physical entity pursuing material gain, but as a divine soul in need of celestial sustenance.
As a daily card, The Lotus is indicative of a period in which your energies should be focused on your spiritual self. This doesn’t mean you should forsake your possessions or place in our secular world. It simply implies you might be well served by reaffirming or further developing your spiritual self at this time.
Before You Call Yourself A Witch
Author: Alorer
“When can I call myself a Witch? What are the basics everyone is telling me to learn first?” In this essay I will try to provide you with some answers to these questions. Please note that this is by no means the “end-all, be-all” of such views; it’s simply my own answer to a seeker’s aforementioned questions. Take it with a grain of salt people; this is the Internet after all!
So, you found a path that seems to fit you and satiate your spiritual hunger. You have probably read a couple of books, skimmed through a couple of sites, talked with a couple of people and feel a genuine, honest and strong pull towards religious Witchcraft. Thus you proceed to call yourself a Witch. Right?
No!
Before you pause in disbelief and stare the screen calling me all sorts have… names (mehehehe) for my apparent “bigotry” stop and think. What does calling yourself a Witch entails? Is it just a name for this spirituality that anyone delving into can take up? Or does it mean something more, something deeper?
Well, I’d say the second. Why you ask? Because any name or title of any empirical, practical and knowledge-filled system has specific connotations and denotes an understanding and a form of capability in the name’s/title’s fields. For our own example, what does one profess, even unknowingly, when taking up the name of a Witch? Well, you’ll find that views differ on this (just as they do on any other subject) , so I’ll present my own view here.
I believe that by calling one’s self a Witch, that person professes a level of mastery, understanding and experience in a variety of fields. Specifically, it denotes a range of various experiences, a degree of mastery over various arts of Witchcraft, a developed and well-grounded spirituality and an effective relationship with deity. I doubt any newbie that starts studying or is at the first few months of their studies have attained or reached any of those things.
I’ll provide a list of requirements that one should meet before they can take the name Witch for their path.
1. Sabbats: One should have acquired an understanding and comprehension of what the Wheel of the Year and its Sabbats deal with as well as have observed it wholly (without having missed any of the sacred days) at least once (meaning, throughout at least a year) .
2. Seats: One should have acquired an understanding and comprehension of what an Esbat deals with as well as have observed any number of Esbats between 4-7 or more within a year.
3. Arts and Crafts: One should have acquired an understanding and comprehension of a number of arts of Witchcraft of their choice and preference as well as have attained a level of mastery in those.
4. Deities: One should have acquired an understanding and comprehension of the deities of their choice and preference or calling as well as have built a working relationship with them.
5. Organization and Structure: One should have formed and follow a standard, stabilized and concrete path, with regular observances, rites and practices.
Of course, those apply on a specific form of religious Witchcraft, one that is influenced heavily by outer court Wiccan material (known as Neo-Wicca or Dedicatory Religious Witchcraft) or has Celtic influences. If you find yourself drawn to another form of religious Witchcraft, simply replace the sacred days, the requirements etc with the appropriate ones. In addition, this is geared mostly towards solitaries and not people under training with a traditional coven. If you happen to fall under the latter, please consult with your uplines/High Priest/ess regarding the requirements that specific Tradition has set.
Why do I say all this? What does it matter whether you meet certain requirements or not? I say all this and it matters because to call yourself something you have not yet attained, have not yet fully understood and have not yet fully realized will cause issues.
First of all, it will deceive and trouble those that seek you out for help be it practical or spiritual. Second of all, it will confuse you since you’ll find yourself unable to neither meet the expectations of the community nor help those in need. You’ll say, “But I don’t intend doing so!” I know you probably don’t wish to deceive others or find yourself in a tough position.
I’ll give you an example: let’s say you have a medical issue and want to find what it is and how to treat it. What will you do? You’ll probably seek out a doctor. Now, think for a moment how you will feel if the person you found calls him/herself a doctor but in all actuality is still only a sophomore of medical school. Won’t it cause you problems? It’s something similar with calling one’s self a Witch.
After reading all this you’ll most probably feel confused, lost and wondering, “What the heck do I call myself then?” Call yourself a Seeker. Call yourself a Student. Or find another term that fits your case better. However, I ask that you do not mislead others and burden yourself by calling your path something it isn’t yet or something it might never be.
NOTE: Due to the fact people might overlook this part of the essay: this refers only to Wiccan-influenced paths. If your path is different, more power to you. I am not Wiccan-influenced either. I simply understand that the majority of people are indeed on such a path, at least while in their Pagan “infancy”. These are completely my own views of the “basics” of such a path. I am in no way an authority on a subject. My word is not law; it’s not written on stone.
Where to begin? If you are just now starting to awaken, there is so much to learn that it’s mind boggling. I would like to stress here that the information below comes from my own personal beliefs, which have been evolved over many years with input from a huge variety of sources ? some physical, some not ? and my aim is to help other people understand what is going on around them at this time. If you have not yet had the advantage of access to this information, some of it may sound unbelievable to you but please do not dismiss it out of hand just because it is unfamiliar to you. If you are going to form an opinion on whether you believe the information or not, at least let it be an informed opinion. And if you don?t believe the same things I do, that’s fine too ? I don’t expect you would find any two people who believed exactly the same things. I suggest you print this article out and refer to it often while starting your spiritual journey.
Many people start their spiritual quest (as I did many years ago) with an interest in the supernatural and ghosts, then explore spiritualism, witchcraft, tarot, angels, astrology, UFOs, meditation and generally dabble in all different forms of divination, religious and spiritual teachings. This is a great way of learning, and after a while you’ll start to see how the different parts link together as part of a bigger web that incorporates new elements you haven’t yet heard of. As long as your mind is open and receptive your knowledge will continue to grow. Sometimes that also means acknowledging that beliefs that worked for you before, no longer give you answers, comfort or the knowledge you seek. It doesn’t necessarily mean they are wrong, they could be just limited because of antiquity, mis-interpretation, dogma – or just be a smaller part of the bigger picture.
Nothing stays the same in the universe, and by putting all your energies into one area or thinking that the limits of spirituality are contained within that area, you can be missing out on learning so much more. All spiritual pursuits are learning experiences and part of a bigger picture.
It is very tempting when you feel depressed, lost or alone to want to find someone who will ‘make it all right’ and show you the way to the light. You will always attract the kind of lessons you need to learn, but you need to be able to discern the difference between a Teacher and a Guru (for want of a better expression). It is always wonderful to find someone further along the path from yourself to learn from, but a good Teacher will never insist that their way is the only way. A good teacher will help you on the path to further knowledge and help you to do things for yourself, leaving you personally responsible for your own progress, thoughts and beliefs.
There is obviously more personal responsibility in this – but that is part of what you’re here to learn. Retain your personal power and free will. Learn what you can from a teacher and when you are ready another will cross your path to teach you more. You will also find yourself teaching others who are starting their spiritual journey.
A ‘Guru’ will let you give them your personal power. They will tell you how to think, what to do and how to believe. They enjoy the adulation you give them and won’t ever let you know as much as they appear to, and like to have permanent bands of followers. Most are good people and are just trying to spread a spiritual message. They may not even be aware of the effect they have. By all means learn from them – just remember to keep your personal power and an open mind, learn what you can and move on.
By asking your spirit guides (yes you have them) to help you find knowledge, they will help direct you to people and situations that you can learn from. Also note that not all ‘teachers’ are people. A wonderful book may come your way or you may discover something profound on the internet; a channeled message, direct spiritual contact or even a life-changing experience may be your ‘teacher’.
Be aware of paying large sums of money for courses unless you’re really sure what they can and can’t offer. While there are a lot of genuine courses around, remember no-one can do it for you. YOU have to put in a personal effort to achieve anything worthwhile. There is no point paying $500 for a meditation course if you don’t have the attention span to meditate to a 30 minute guided tape. There is such a wealth of cheap or free information available to you that you would be wise to explore these options first. $500 can buy a lot of really good books at the new age shop!
An excellent source of help for beginners is your local Spiritual Church. They usually have a very small door fee to cover the tea & bikkies and will introduce you to various spiritual teachings and local mediums and channelers. In addition to the Sunday service, many spiritual churches offer meditation and medium ship groups, healing and channeling evenings and various courses; some even have libraries of books to borrow. Your local spiritualist church is a friendly, enjoyable and cheap way to meet new like-minded friends.
And of course there’s always the internet for great information! Between the Library on this site and the Links to other like-minded sites you should never run out of information.
4. Keep Protected
While you are starting your spiritual journey, it is important to realize that like the physical world, the spiritual world contains beings of various degrees of enlightenment, but with more extremes of good and bad than we have here. I mention this here because many young people write to me asking about using a Ouija Board, which does have the ability to contact various spiritual beings. Many people use the board for quick thrills or ‘to see if it works’. Well, I can tell you it does work and IT IS NOT A TOY. It is a tool which used properly in the right hands can be helpful and enlightening. If used wrongly, it can give you a bad experience that may taint your desire for further spiritual knowledge, and leave you thinking, as many people do, that the board itself is ‘evil’. I do not recommend beginners or children using the board.
5. Universal Laws
KARMA
Witches have a creed: “Do What Thou Will and Harm None”, which is basically the slogan I use on this whole site. A true witch would never do anything to harm another person or being, or to influence their free will because the witch knows that what goes out from you comes back three-fold. This ‘what goes around comes around’, or ‘reap what you sow’ theme is common to many spiritual traditions. You may have heard of it’s Eastern name of Karma. Whatever the creed, theme or name, it is a Universal Law – part of the on-going cycles of life in the universe.
All life forms are connected to each other in a subtle web, so if you do harm to another, it comes back to you. It may be in a different form, it may be immediate or even in a different life but it comes back. Realizing this fact is part of your awakening because you have to take PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY for your actions. Not only should the enlightened person not start any negative action, but harder still is not perpetuating actions that are already in progress. I’ll give you an example:-
Not starting any negative actions: Your ex-boyfriend is going out with someone new. A bad thing to do would be casting spells to bring him back or making his new love have an accident. Whether or not anything physically happened, your negative intent is enough to set up bad vibes that will make their way back to you. What you would also be doing is lowering your own vibrational rate with your negative emotions. When you become more enlightened you will see clearly that most relationships are temporary and that you came together at a certain time to learn something from that person – and about yourself. Look at what you learned from the relationship, then let it go with love. Then your heart will be free to attract a new love.
Not perpetuating negative actions: Someone does something nastily or hurtful to you. You think you are justified in returning the hurt because ‘they started it’. That may not be the case. You may well have done something to hurt them that you’re not conscious of, or even in a previous life, in which case you are now even and the karmic cycle has finished. By seeking revenge you would be staring a new karmic cycle of bad vibes. If the other person has just started a new bad cycle, then if you don’t perpetuate it, the bad vibes will just go back to them – what goes around comes around. Again, look at what you’ve learned and let them go with love.
This ‘turning the other cheek’ is hard at first but after a while, you will find yourself becoming more calm, enlightened, loving – and lucky – because you aren’t constantly bringing bad vibes on yourself.
Also, don’t forget that you don’t have to wait to react to bad vibes. You can send out good vibes any time you like and find that good things start to happen to you. Try sending love and light to someone who doesn’t like you and see what a difference it makes!
LIKE ATTRACTS LIKE
This law is also very important. Have you ever wondered why the same sort of people all hang out together? It’s usually because they are all vibrating at about the same rate. When you say such-and-such is ‘on a different wavelength’ you are probably right.
One of the difficult things about starting a spiritual journey is finding you have less and less in common with partners, friends and family. It’s nice when they take an interest, or are at least open-minded about what you’re learning but sometimes people are so afraid of what they don’t understand that they can even become hostile to it. If this happens try letting them read some material or meet your new friends – they may just be concerned for your welfare or worry that you’ve joined a cult! Also try sending them white light from your heart to strengthen the relationship. As a last resort will you may need to cut the ties and let them go with love.
One of the positive things you will find is that you will attract new friends who are interested in the same things you are. These friendships too may come and go because everyone is growing at a different rate and people attract to each other while they are on the same ‘wavelength’ and drift apart when the wavelength alters. The more people you come into contact with, the more you will learn.
This phenomenon is not limited to the physical realm. On other planes of reality there are also corresponding vibrational rates to your own. People who are going through spiritual growth find they attract new spiritual guides and teachers to help lead them on their journey.
The important thing to remember with these universal laws is that the more genuine love that you send out – the more comes back to you – your vibrational rate rises and you attract more love and enlightened beings to help and teach you. You gradually rid yourself of negative karma and increase your knowledge and skills that can be used to help others and another wonderful cycle begins. Of course a downward cycle is also possible where you attract more negativity to yourself and think the whole world hates you, but now that you are armed with all the information in this article you won’t let this happen will you?!!!
Now take a deep breath, fill yourself full of white light and warm love…
‘In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue,’ or so goes that famous little ditty. But if you captain your own sailing ship on this ‘Columbus Day’ you just might have a lot more to celebrate. According to Feng Shui, the sailing ship brings wealth from both wind and water. This tradition advises positioning a small replica of a sailing ship by the front entryway facing into your house in order to welcome treasures untold. Speaking of loot, fill your ship with faux gold or crystals that resemble precious gems and you’ll soon be flooded with fortune, prosperity and luck.
By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com
Although it has taken on a strictly romantic revision of meaning in some modern decks, traditionally the Lovers card of Tarot reflected the challenges of choosing a partner. At a crossroads, one cannot take both paths. The images on this card in different decks have varied more than most, because we have had so many ways of looking at sex and relationships across cultures and centuries.
Classically, the energy of this card reminded us of the real challenges posed by romantic relationships, with the protagonist often shown in the act of making an either-or choice. To partake of a higher ideal often requires sacrificing the lesser option. The path of pleasure eventually leads to distraction from spiritual growth. The gratification of the personality eventually gives way to a call from spirit as the soul matures.
Modern decks tend to portray the feeling of romantic love with this card, showing Adam and Eve at the gates of Eden when everything was still perfect. This interpretation portrays humanity before the Fall, and can be thought to imply a different sort of choice — the choice of evolution over perfection, or the choice of personal growth through relationship — instead of a fantasy where everything falls into place perfectly and is taken care of without effort.
14 Gort/Puanepsion
Durga’s Day
Color: Red
Element: Fire
Altar: Upon a red cloth place many sticks of incense, bowls of saffron rice, spears, and the figure of Durga riding her tiger.
Offerings: Acts of courage.
Daily Meal: Indian food.
Invocation to Durga
Hail to Durga, Warrior Goddess
Of the Hindu people!
Uma the Maiden gives way to Parvati the Mother
Who then give way to you!
Slayer of Demons
Inaccessible One
Who defends her children
Shasthi, Queen of the Mothers
We call you on this day
To protect mothers and babes.
For she who knows how to live can walk abroad
Without fear of rhinoceros or lion.
He will not be wounded in battle
For in him rhinoceri
Can find no place to thrust their horn,
Lions no place to use their claws,
And weapons no place to pierce.
Why is this so?
Because she has no place for death to enter.
Tiger rider, many-handed one,
Your serene gaze comforts women
And causes oppressors to quail
Before your feline steed.
(The hour should end with drumming and dancing with spears.)
Religion: From A Witch’s Perspective
Author: Crick
Have you ever wondered why humans are so scared to face life and the spiritual lessons that are in waiting for each of us? I ask this because since the dawning of humankind we have created religions. Religion in all reality is a subterfuge and a distraction from the individual pursuit of spirituality.
A state of spirituality is a journey of the individual. It does not require the presence of the many such as is found within a religion. This applies whether a religion is one of the so-called organized religions, pagan, or one of the myriad other religions created by humans.
A religion comes into existence by the hand of a human, generally a man or group of men. A concept of Deity and the mysteries of life are created and then transformed into a specific dogma or set of beliefs. The only problem with this approach is that it is predicated upon the narrow precepts of one or even a few select humans.
This is fine, if such beliefs were confined to the originators of such beliefs. For each individual is entitled to the beliefs that define their personal existence in regards to Deity and the mysteries that comprise this existence of life.
But when such personal opinions are then extended to the masses, the concept of individualism becomes mired in the tentacles of censorship that goes by the label of dogma. When this occurs, the concept of individuality is lost.
Another concern with such an approach is that those opinions that form the basis for religions are based upon select human perspectives and are not the direct offering of Deity. Of course there will be those humans who will insist that their perception of Deity was the driving force that has inspired the particular religion that they themselves subscribe to.
However with literally thousands of divergent concepts of deity that has been proffered since the beginning of humankind, who is actually right and just as importantly, who is wrong? Is there such delineation when it comes to spirituality and/or religion? Does one person have to be right in order for all others to be wrong?
As individuals, each seeking their own definition and thus understanding of deity, this self-imposed quandary goes away. For as individuals, the belief in deity and the search for a comprehensive understanding of the mysteries of life become a personal pursuit and as such, do not require the approval of any other human being on earth.
Paganism was at one time a path that actually encouraged individual seeking and thus a personal sense of understanding. And in many ways it still is to this very day. However the specter of religion and the pressure of peer acceptance as defined by the few have stretched its tentacles into paganism as well. This modern attempt at conversion is commonly referred to as neo paganism. In essence, there is an attempt by some of these modern converts to turn paganism, which once defined individual spirituality, into a religion which follows the same parameters as the so called organized religions.
Why is this being attempted when it is blatantly obvious that organized religions and paganism are diametrically opposed in their approach to the concepts of deity and the mysteries of life?
The most obvious reason for this forced perception of dogma is the entrance of the many who formerly subscribed to an established religious pattern of acceptance in regards to their spiritual journey. However there may be a deeper reason for such an imposition of foreign values when discussing the parameters of paganism.
For instance why does humankind even need the anonymity of a concept known as religion where one can comfortably become a faceless member of a pre-conceived set of beliefs (dogma) ? And as already noted, said set of beliefs, which in every man-made religion on earth is defined by a select few.
Could it be because there is a segment of society who is apathetic about their spiritual beliefs? Could such folks be personally insecure of what they may encounter if they were to actually seek out their own answers to spirituality? Does this observation offend you?
If so, perhaps there is a gem of truth here that you may want to explore within your Inner self. When a select person or group of persons places the concept of deity and the mysteries of life into an imposition such as religious dogma, there is in effect a barricade to any real spiritual growth. The individual loses the gift of self-identity because they are pressured into a specific set of beliefs (dogma) , which limits any further exploration of the many possibilities that are inherent in un-fettered spirituality.
Many man-made religions have mechanisms in place that are designed to ensure that their members do not stray outside of the accepted parameters of belief has dictated by the few. Where is the freedom of the individual in such a setting? And where within the tenets of paganism do such man-made impositions apply?
These same man-made religions also have mechanisms in place to cast out those who dare to seek out the truths of life as they apply to their personal seeking and yet are outside of the accepted dogma of the particular religion that one is subscribing to.
In my personal opinion such an approach has absolutely nothing to do with any real concept of paganism. And so the push to “convert” paganism into the parameters of organized religion is somewhat troubling and may border on hypocrisy.
There is a common saying that “trying to get pagans to come together is like herding cats”. I personally hope that such an analogy retains some iota of truth as paganism wends its way into the consciousness of modern practitioners. Once those who follow the path of paganism lose the inherent right to live as individuals and once members of paganism lose the drive to seek out Inner truths, which are not restrained by the masses that blindly follow the lead of the few, then it is no longer a true spiritual path. Rather it becomes nothing more than an extension of the mind numbing control of religion.
And those who describe themselves as pagans, in all reality become nothing more than faceless minions of yet another man-made religion
May I be no man’s enemy, and may I be the friend of that
which is eternal and abides.
May I never quarrel with those nearest me, and if I do, may
I be reconciled quickly.
May I never devise evil against any man, and if any devise
evil against me, may I escape uninjured and without the
need of hurting him.
May I love, seek, and attain only that which is good.
May I wish for all men’s happiness, and envy none. May I
never rejoice in the ill fortune of one who has wronged me.
When I have done or said what is wrong, may I never wait
for the rebuke of another, but always rebuke myself until I
make amends.
May I win no victory that harms either me or my opponent.
May I reconcile friends who are angry with one another.
May I, to the extent of my power, give all needful help to my
friends, and to all who are in want.
May I never fail a friend in danger.
When visiting those in grief, may I be able, by gentle and
healing words, to soften their pain.
May I respect myself. May I always keep tame that which
rages within me.
May I accustom myself to be gentle, and never to be angry
with people because of circumstances.
May I never discuss who is wicked and what wicked things
he has done, but know good men and follow in their
footsteps.
Eusebius, a Stoic
Like The Sun, The Universe brings good blessings. The Universe appears where all is in balance. It allows you to act effectively not only as an individual but as a member of a group too. The Universe promises contentment, fulfillment and completeness to those under its influence. It doesn’t guarantee there will not be moments of strife or discord in your life, but it does indicate that your trials and tribulations will be overcome; that ultimately you will know inner-peace and contentment. The Universe suggests you have found or will find your place in the scheme of things—that place where all is as it should be.
We have had a few questions in regards to Goofer Dust. Mainly, how do you make it and then what do you use it for. I have attempted to answer some of these concerns below. If you have any further question, drop us a note.
Goofer Dust
Traditionally this powder is put wherever the person has to walk through it. It causes extreme discomfort and is used to drive people away. So, if you want to get your spouse out of the house, put Goofer Dust where he or she must walk through it. So you don’t get into the stuff yourself, carefully sprinkle a small amount in and around his or her shoes. Sprinkle a little under his or her pillow.
This powder can be used in other spells to rid yourself of any unwanted person. An alternative to using it the traditional way is to place some Goofer Dust in a box. Then, place a picture of your victim alone in the box and bury it.
Goofer Dust recipes vary. Here is one of my favorite:
Goofer Dust Recipe
1 part Graveyard dust (taken from the grave of a murderer at midnight)
1 part Sulphur
1 part Ashes from a fire
1 part powdered Bones (Bone Meal)
1 part powdered Snake Skin
1 part Iron filings
In short the ingredients are thing designed to poison and kill the victim by means of magick. When it is blessed and carried in a bag with you, it becomes a protective agent.
People who are new to magick often ask if it’s okay for them to create their own spells. The answer is a resounding yes. Think of it this way: someone, somewhere had to come up with the idea for the first spell, and the hundreds of thousands of spells after that. Personally created spells are often considered a very important step in the witch’s training and adeptness.
Once you’ve become familiar with casting spells and adapting existing spells for your individual purposes, you’re ready to design your own, original spells from scratch. Other than your fundamental knowledge of magick, you no longer have a construct to work from. You must devise all the actions, symbols, timing, wording, and other components of the spell yourself — that’s what makes creating original spells so exciting. It’s like being the composer of a piece of music and the performer as well.
The components you include in a spell should support, strengthen, balance, and harmonize with one another. They should also be items you feel comfortable using. Some witches enjoy working with flowers, herbs, and other botanicals. Others have a fondness for gemstones and crystals. No one type of ingredient is inherently better than another, but your feelings will certainly influence a spell’s outcome.
Keep your objective in mind at all times as you select ingredients. For instance, if you are making a love talisman, you might want to include pairs of ingredients: two rose petals, two pieces of rose quartz, etc. Consider the symbolism of each component and how well it aligns with your intention. A ring is a powerful symbol to put in a love talisman; a coin clearly symbolizes an intention to attract wealth.
Choosing your own ingredients, rather than following a prescribed formula, allows you to fine-tune a spell to your specific needs. Let’s say you’re doing a prosperity spell to help you (1) attract money and (2) hold on to it. To achieve both objectives, you could combine a piece of aventurine with a piece of hematite. Once you understand the basic natures and symbolism of various components, you can mix-and-match them to create exactly the right combination of energies.
In cooking, it’s necessary to follow certain steps and procedures in a particular order. The same is true in spell-casting. Following these steps will help you create spells that are just as effective as those you learn from a book or from another magician.
It’s not necessary to always follow every step of this process. There will be moments when you can’t conduct a spell at “just the right time,” or when you don’t have perfectly suitable components. Some spells don’t require numerous ingredients or actions — a visualization or simple statement of intent may be all that’s necessary. Your thoughts and your will are the most important components of any spell; the rest are optional.
Today, you’ll find many books on spellcraft that contain instructions for casting spells. You can also purchase ready-made kits that include all the ingredients necessary for a spell. Nonetheless, if those instructions or ingredients don’t make sense to you or break your personal ethics, the spell will not work.
The best spells are those you create yourself or adapt to suit your own purposes. The process of collecting ingredients, preparing them, and designing the steps of your spell focuses your mind on your intention and adds energy to the spell. Sometimes you must adapt a tried-and-true spell because you can’t get the designated components. For example, if you lived in New England and used ash leaves or bark in protection spells but then moved to Texas, you would not be able to find such plant life; you could then compensate by substituting another ingredient, such as basil.
One of the beauties of spellcraft is its versatility. Spellcraft, of course, isn’t a fixed, rigid dogma; it’s a living, growing body of knowledge and experience that continues to expand as the number of witches working magick grows.
With the previous example in mind, it’s easy to see that there will be many times when a witch or Wiccan will want to adapt a spell or devise one of her own. How do you begin the process? Adapting a spell is far easier than creating one, so let’s start there. When a witch examines a spell, she looks for continuity and comprehensiveness.
If the answer to any of these questions is no, try to find a substitute. To illustrate, many old love spells call for blood as a component. But modern awareness of disease (or squeamishness) might make blood inappropriate. Instead a witch could use red wine. The red juice from crushed raspberries, strawberries, or passion fruit (fruits associated with love) would also work well. In this manner, she can still follow the basic spell while relying on components that are safe and support her ethics.
It is reasonably safe to say that there is not a stone, plant, animal, or other natural object that hasn’t been used at one time or another for magickal purposes. This book has already discussed the importance of symbolism and imagery in spellcraft, and how witches use sympathy and similars to work magick. As you concoct your own spells, pay attention to the images and symbols you include and notice how you react to them. Choosing and combining the right ingredients is essential to spellworking.
If you think of a spell as a magickal recipe, you’ll understand why the components (that is, the ingredients) are so important. If the components are not measured correctly, if they are not added to the mix at the right time, if you don’t give them enough time to “bake” properly, the magick goes awry.
A good spell component is anything that’s essential to the recipe, something that builds the energy until it’s just right. Each component should resonate with the nature of your intention. All the ingredients must blend on a metaphysical level. Their energies should complement one another and contribute to the outcome. Of course, the witch herself is the key component of any spell.
To illustrate this point, following are some possible components for a prosperity spell.
You might wish to compile a list of appropriate components, then design a spell that combines the ones you like best or have access to. Putting such a list together provides numerous options for a witch. He could burn a gold candle, put mint leaves and a piece of aventurine in a talisman, tie eight knots in a cord and wear it for eight days, or carry a gold coin in his pocket.
A good working knowledge of components is essential to effective spellcraft; over time, you’ll know by heart which items to use, just as an experienced cook knows what to put into a soup or pie. Let your intuition and imagination guide you as you choose and combine ingredients.
In earlier times, written spells were the province of a few wise men and women who were more literate than the majority of the populace. In many cultures, the written word was revered as a gift of the gods, especially among the Egyptians and Greeks. For this reason, written spells came to be considered more potent than verbal ones.
One of the oldest and best-known written spells is the word Abracadabra, customarily used to banish sickness. In ancient Chaldean texts, Abracadabra translates as “to perish like the word.” The letters in Abracadabra were written in the form of a descending triangle on parchment, which was then laid on the inflicted body part. Then the paper was removed and stuck in the cleft of a tree. As time and the elements destroyed the paper, the magick would begin to work. This whole process is an example of magickal symbolism, sympathy, and similars — the word disappears into nothingness; the paper disappears into nothingness; and, therefore, the disease or illness takes the hint and follows suit.
When you write with a pen or pencil, you activate the acupressure points in the thumb and fingertips. These points induce relaxation and strengthen the connection to the subconscious mind. Thus, writing contributes to the power of a spell because it helps to center your mind and engages your imagination.
Written words, affirmations, incantations, and sigils are often included in contemporary spells. A written intention might be slipped into a talisman or amulet. Spells are sometimes written on paper, then burned to release the intention into the universe. Witches might write a spell a set number of times — the number corresponds to the spell’s objective (e.g., six times for joint endeavors, eight times to attract financial security). The color of the ink, the shape of the paper, even the addition of aromatics to the ink or paper may contribute to the overall effect of the spell.
Why go through all this fuss? Because witches believe that the more dimensions magick has (with sensual dimensions being especially significant), the better the results will be.
The purpose of a spell is to manifest something you need or desire. That need or desire (or both) compose your intention. When you cast a spell, your intent is as vital to your success as your beliefs. Focusing attention on what you want puts energy behind your objective, enabling your mind to consciously create the circumstances you desire.
“A spell involves words and actions chosen to achieve a certain goal or desire, and is driven by the will of the person performing it. Words, symbols, and tools are combined to produce a ritual. Power is raised and directed out to the Universe to do its work.”
— Debbie Michaud, The Healing Traditions & Spiritual Practices of Wicca
As you design a spell, ask yourself a few basic questions. What is your reason for doing a spell? What outcome are you seeking? How passionately do you want what you’re trying to achieve or accomplish? Are you ready and willing to accept the outcome?
Be very clear and specific when asking for what you want. Remember the old saying “Be careful what you wish for.” Ambiguous statements tend to yield confusing and sometimes unwanted results. Bear in mind that just like a computer, spells do what you tell them to do. So if you perform a spell to find a perfect companion and get a wonderful dog, your magick certainly has manifested — exactly as you asked but not exactly as you’d hoped. Spells always take the easiest and most direct route to manifestation, so if you don’t state exactly what you intend, the outcomes can be interesting — to say the least.
It’s not necessary to envision how all the events leading up to the outcome will unfold. However, you must be able to clearly imagine the end result you seek. In fact, seeing from the end is essential. Hold firmly to your vision of the outcome you desire and trust that it will manifest.
Multitasking has become the norm in our busy modern world, but it’s not the best way to do magick. When your attention is diffused in several directions, its creative power becomes dissipated.
Limit a spell to a single objective or desire. Don’t design a spell to find the perfect partner and improve your finances (although if you attract a wealthy partner, both goals might be accomplished simultaneously). If you want to create more than one condition, cast a different spell for each intention, preferably on a different day. Some magicians suggest waiting until one spell has manifested before doing another. By focusing on a single goal and putting all your energy behind that objective, you improve your chances of bringing your goal to fruition and avoid confusion.
In Old English, the word spell meant “story or narrative.” The noun form referred to a recitation or the act of speaking aloud. The verb spellen meant “to read something letter by letter.” Spoken spells were probably the earliest form of spell-casting, dating back to a time when few people could read or write.
Verbal spells, also called charms, make use of the power of sound and vibration. The word charm comes from a Latin term carmen, which means “incantation.” Many spoken spells rhyme or have a distinct rhythm in their delivery, making it easier for the witch to commit them to memory. Recitation and repetition have the additional benefit of forming impressions in the brain, providing a channel for your thoughts to flow through to manifest your intention.
Charms are a simple, no-frills sort of magick, considered by some people as a “low” form of spellcraft (as opposed to the highly ritualized magick performed by ceremonial magicians). Originally, verbal spells probably dealt with mundane matters rather than exalted ones. Prayers, however, also fall into the category of spoken spells. Don’t be misled by their lack of complexity; verbal spells can be quite powerful and fast-acting
until the drums of Samhain end.
On ‘Universal Music Day’ I’d like to share how to use tones on the musical scale to help heal any body maladies. According to Chinese medicine, two meridians are critical to the overall functioning of your body. One runs up your spine and is called the ‘governing’ meridian. The other, known as the ‘conception’ meridian, runs up the front of your body. They are also sometimes referred to as ‘the rod and the staff.’ When the tones of middle C and high C are played, sung or toned, the two meridians are brought into balance and a microcosmic circuit of energy is established. This should be music to both your ears and your entire body.
By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com
Pisces the Fishes
Today’s Meaning:
This aspect of your life will be strongly influenced by a person who is imaginative, sensitive, compassionate, kind, selfless, unworldly, intuitive and sympathetic. This person could be merely an acquaintance who has influence with people in your circle.
General Description:
Twelfth sign of the Zodiac, Feb 19th to March 20th. Ruled by the planet Jupiter; correct metal, Tin. Those born under the influence of Pisces were believed to be highly emotional, imaginative, observant, artistic, musical, precise and prudent. The gem for Pisces is the Amethyst, whose occult properties were firmly believed in by the ancients. The Egyptians wore these stones as amulets against witchcraft, and for success in their undertakings. The Amethyst is also called The Bishops Stone from its supposed soothing influence, imparting a pious calm in time of danger. The stone was believed to confer happiness on the newly married.
Humanity evolved from the heart of Nature. Day by day, season by season, generation after generation, human lives were linked inseparably to the cycles of the living world. Like the heartbeat of a great Mother, the rhythms and workings of the natural world imprinted themselves into every cell of our bodies. We knew our place within the whole and developed spiritual beliefs that honored our independence within the vast network of sibling species.
For eons, the idea that humanity could be separate from the rest of life was essentially incomprehensible. Only in the past few hundred years have our minds fully embraced these concepts that tear us from the embrace of our broader family. The new myth is hard. By keeping us from recognizing the Earth as our natural means of support, it engenders in us a feeling of abandonment.
How do you perceive the living world around you? How do you view nature? Take this quiz and find out:
As you consider each question, jot down your responses. Be brief. The point is not to have everything all polished and exact – it is to get you thinking.
1. How would you define Nature? What is your personal relationship with it?
2. What is humanity’s relationship to Nature?
3. What do you like most about the natural world? Which plants and animals are most important?
4. What do you not trust about the natural world? What aspects of it scare you? Which animals or plants would you consider “bad?”
After taking this quiz step back. Create some distance between yourself and the mainstream consciousness. Work with your beliefs. As you begin to see the world more clearly, you’ll have an opportunity to observe your own beliefs with greater objectivity. Feel your connections. The very best way to demonstrate the illusion of separation is to gain some first-hand experience of just how connected you really are. Then, when you hear messages that try to convince you that you’re isolated, they won’t have any power. You’ll already know the truth because you’ve felt it in your body.
Witches Of The Craft® 
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