Ritual Tools and Dragon Magick

Ritual Tools and Dragon Magick

 

Every sincere, dedicated magician is always searching for new ways to amplify her/his magical powers so that her/his manifestations will be more accurate and consistent. Using the elemental-type power of dragons to help in your rituals is an excellent method of increasing the flow of energy within the cast circle.

There are certain ritual tools that you will find helpful for dragon magic. If you are already practicing magic, you will have some of them. If you are just beginning to work in magic, acquire your tools slowly and with care. Tools do not have to be elaborate or expensive to work magic. For example, I have never found that a little silver wand (these are really expensive!) could do more than a piece of dowel lovingly decorated by the magician. And the tools do not have to be acquired at once or before you can start your magical workings.

If you budget does not allow any purchases at the moment, do not put off beginning your practice of dragon magic. Start off with the kitchen table or the nightstand in the bedroom as an altar. One white candle in a fireproof holder is better than none; however, if you cannot have a candle, substitute an electric candle or small light. A paring knife will work as a ritual dagger for carving script onto the candle. A pleasant cologne or aftershave can become an emergency incense. A glass can be chalice. Use your imagination and inventiveness until you can manifest enough prosperity to purchase better tools. Ritual manifestations have been successful with some of the most outlandish equipment in a pinch. But it does work better and more efficiently when you have special ritual tools. I think this has to do with budding magician’s subconscious mind and the development of the magical personality.

Relationships: When Only One of You is Pagan

Relationships: When Only One of You is Pagan

Author: Ryan Hatcher

I’ve been in my current relationship for about a year and a quarter and like any relationship, we have our ups and downs. One thing that tends to pop up regularly, whether in jest or debate and sometimes a jibe, is the subject of my being a Pagan, because my partner isn’t and this will sometimes cause conflict.

And so, I thought it would be interesting to write about what it’s like to be in a relationship with a Pagan when you aren’t one. And the best way I could think of doing that would be to do a sort of interview with my other half. And that’s exactly what I did! I’ve also included my side of the response so it gives both perspectives (a Pagan with a non-Pagan partner and vice versa) .

[Begin interview]

How would you define your personal spiritual or religious standpoint?

Chris: I don’t really have a religion and I wouldn’t really class myself as being particularly spiritual, I feel there’s no physical presence [of divinity] but we enlighten ourselves through our interaction with nature and natural forces. I see nature and natural forces as the spiritual essence of the planet.

Ryan: If I was to label myself, I would say I was a Witch of my own tradition, though mostly I use the term Pagan first. I see nature and the forces of nature personified through my Gods.

Have you ever had any experience with paganism prior to meeting your partner? (If so, what did you make of it?)

Chris: [lengthy pause]…Charmed, Buffy, The Craft…media images! I bought a couple of books from a local ‘witchy shop’ when I was younger to see if it took me to a place where I wanted to be. Experimenting with the spells wasn’t what I expected. I expected there would be more obvious results.

Has your perspective or any preconceptions of paganism been changed or confirmed? How do you perceive paganism now?

Chris: I see paganism now as any other form of religion/worship, etc. with its own set of beliefs, which I respect even if though I’m not pagan.

What do you find are the difficulties of being in a partnership when one of you is Pagan?

Chris: Finding space for the paraphernalia mostly! Such as trying to find areas for some things to be on display while not imposing on the rest of the house! I’m not too keen on ritual clothing; robes and stuff makes it seem much more like dressing up, like a play or pretending. It makes it seem more ‘out there’ to me.

I find it difficult trying to understand his need and want to practice Paganism. It makes me think that he must feel there’s something lacking in his life or in himself… as if he’s not enough of a person as he is, like he needs some extra support. Does he lack a self-belief to be able to go out there and do things himself? Maybe he needs to work behind closed doors using spells to get a result instead of going out there and grabbing the bull by the horns?

Ryan: It’s kind of hard trying to get him to understand the point behind my beliefs and practices. The religious and spiritual side of paganism is easier to understand, as it’s not that dissimilar to Chris’ own point of view, though perhaps I take it to another level. The hard part is trying to explain magic and spell work. It ranges from trying to quantify the ‘how’ of magic to justifying reasons why. I think it gets taken out of perspective sometimes and he thinks I work a spell for everything I want in life, when it’s really only for things I can’t physically influence in the world.

Sometimes I think he feels embarrassed as well. I like to have some things on display, for a mixture of aesthetic value and providing a sense of spiritual connection to our home. It may be that he is worried whether people will think we’re/I’m odd and not want to get involved any more, or more likely it’s because I’ve gathered so much stuff over the last 10 years he’s worried about clutter!

I think the hardest thing, though, is that I’ve got someone to share my life with, yet I can’t share all of it as he’s not interested, or embarrassed. It just means ritual has to still be done alone, but when he’s out of the house, just in case he thinks I’m being weird!

Are there any advantages or things you enjoy about only one of you being Pagan?

Chris: I don’t think there are any advantages or anything I enjoy that is different to having a non-pagan partner.

Ryan: Not really. I guess there are no arguments on the right way to do ritual and things like that, but apart from that, there are the same basic dynamics as in any other relationship.

Have you ever been involved in ritual together and what did you make of it?

Chris: Yes. I don’t know what to make of it. It wasn’t like I expected. I expected to be able to feel presences and energies, which, unfortunately I did not. I understand the concepts of ritual and offerings, but it’s not for me. I don’t feel it achieves much for me.

Ryan: It did feel a bit awkward as, admittedly, I spent a lot of the time wondering what he thought of it and whether he was put off me! I was also kind of embarrassed with saying ritual words and what he’d think of the idea of chanting. Turns out chanting wasn’t taken to all that well, so we didn’t bother so much. Sad though it is, I can safely say I’ve had better solo rituals.

Would you ever consider reading or studying some Pagan introductory books to learn and understand your partner’s spirituality and religion better?

Chris: Not really if I’m honest, unless I had a specific interest in it to begin with and then I’d want to read up on the subject anyway.

Ryan: I’d like him to, as I feel it would give him a better perspective rather than it just coming from me. Authors are generally better at explaining things clearly and in a way for people with no Pagan background to be able to understand.

[End interview]

I just hope this essay provides a different perspective on Pagan life, and maybe strikes a chord with people in a similar situation. It may seem like a public therapy session, but sometimes it’s nice to share experiences that could be just as valid to someone else. I hope you stuck with it and it gave you a little bit of food for thought.

Pets in Ritual: Some Basics

Pets in Ritual: Some Basics

Author: Bronwen Forbes

For the purpose of this article, I’m going to assume that you want your pet in ritual with you, and not that he or she has wandered in by accident. That being the case, here are some things you need to consider and plan for.

If you normally cast a circle as part of your magickal workings, and if you have issues with pets casually crossing that magical barrier, you need to figure out in advance how to keep your furry friend from leaving once you’ve started. A dog can be leashed and kept in your circle. So, in some instances, can a ferret, a rabbit, or an iguana. But a cat isn’t likely to take too kindly to a harness or collar and a leash. And if your cat is anything like mine, he will yowl like he’s dying if you put him in a carrier.

What are you going to do? Frankly, you’ve got two choices: either resign yourself to the idea that a cat is going to cross the energy barrier you’ve erected but not affect it, or shut your cat away so he or she can’t participate.

Our cat likes to patrol the perimeter of the circle, but he never comes near the altar. Maybe he’s keeping an eye out for unwelcome entities. I really don’t know. His predecessor used to lie in the center of ritual space with the attitude, “You may all now commence adoring me.”

By the way, if you plan to have your dog in ritual, it’s a good idea to let him or her go outside and do his business beforehand. Nothing interrupts a good ritual like one of the participants barking because he needs to potty!

Something else to consider on this same topic: for obvious reasons, small puppies aren’t the best participants in long rituals, say, longer than thirty minutes. For lengthy sabbats or esbats, take your puppy out beforehand, and then crate him or her (or whatever you do at night) during the ritual. Post-ritual pee and poop cleanups when you’re trying to dismantle the altar and get the ritual feast ready just aren’t fun.

Speaking of altars, if you like to have an altar or shrine set up at all times, you might want to consider setting it up where an inquisitive cat or teething puppy can’t get to it. Cats love to knock things off altars. Puppies like to chew things – and they don’t care if it’s your $70 wand, your favorite Buddha statue (true story) , or a chew toy.

When I first started doing ritual, my cat at the time loved nothing better than to yukk up a hairball on my altar. Needless to say, a hairball was so not the kind of offering I wanted to make to my Gods! If your pets are doing your altar more harm than good, consider moving it to a pet-free room or large closet with a firmly latching door, or to a wall shelf strategically placed where Kitty can’t comfortably jump to.

If you frequently invite newcomers, especially people who are new to Paganism, to your ritual, you may notice that your pet chooses to sit on or next to that person while you all ground and center. This frequently happens in my group, and the newcomer always reports that the pet’s presence helped them feel less nervous, and they were better able to follow the grounding and centering meditation.

Another note about newcomers to your ritual: inform them at the time of invitation that you have pets, and what kind. That way, if they have serious allergies or major phobias, they know ahead of time and can choose for themselves how they want to deal with it, i.e. take antihistamines or not accept the invite.

We share our home with a shaggy, extra large old-fashioned German shepherd, and we always warn people that there’s a HUGE, LONG-HAIRED dog in the house! Karl is a complete goofball who wouldn’t hurt a soul (and in fact, is totally, utterly, and completely devoted to our four-year-old) , but he sheds constantly and weighs approximately 120 pounds. That way, people who don’t think dog hair counts as a condiment (despite the fact that we regularly dust and vacuum) or who might be too scared to concentrate on ritual with a humongous wolf-looking creature in the house can choose in advance not to come.

For safety’s sake, consider making some adjustments to the placement of Cakes and Wine during your ritual. Most of us are used to setting the cakes and drink on the altar – or under it, if the altar is too small. Let me tell you: with pets actively participating in ritual, that doesn’t work! Remember that alcohol, grapes (including grape juice) , raisins, any sort citrus fruit or juice, and chocolate are extremely toxic to cats and dogs.

Besides, do you really want to drink out of a chalice after your toilet-drinking, butt-sniffing dog had a sip? Or eat a cookie she’s licked? I didn’t think so! Put the stuff somewhere your furry friend can’t reach, like a nearby bookshelf or table. That way, all the humans can partake without grossing out – or poisoning the pet.

Maybe you could also have some water and dog and cat treats for your furry participants to enjoy during Cakes and Wine! I have heard that people who invite their ferrets or rabbits into ritual provide a small plate with a couple of raisins or lettuce on it.

With a little pre-planning, adult pets and carefully supervised kittens and puppies can be delightful, useful, and meaningful participants in your rituals. But always leave yourself the option of letting them out – and keeping them out – if they get too rowdy or otherwise disruptive.

Our ritual room is also where we keep our dogs’ crates, and for the most part they’re voluntarily hanging out in their crates (with the doors open) when we do ritual. We know the ritual is a success if the dogs are snoring!

Wishing You and Yours A Very Beautiful Thursday!

Days Of The Week Comments I’m back, lol! I bet you didn’t notice, did ya’? I must apologize for yesterday. I had some type of stomach bug. I still have it today but I at least feel like standing and sitting up. My stomach yesterday hurt so bad all I could do is lay down and run to the bathroom. I guess it is a virus going around. All I know is I am still sick and I hate to be sick. So I am very sorry about yesterday but I hope you understand.  

Thursday Is Ruled By Jupiter

  Named after the Norse Thunder God Thor, Thursday is a great time for rituals and magick focused on strength, devotion, and commitment. Other correspondences for Thursday are: 

Planet: Jupiter 

Rituals: Money, Legal and Religious matters. 

Element: Earth 

Colour: Blue 

Number: 4 
Magickal Graphics

Ritual Tools Dedication Rite

Ritual Tools Dedication Rite

 
This is fairly simple ritual for the consecration and dedication of your ritual tools. Use it as a basic guideline for the creation of a rite that is uniquely suited to you and your path. Trust your intuition and feel free to adapt this to meet your needs. You will need: the altar of your choosing, set with symbols of your spirit allies and deities, smudge or incense; pure water that has been left in sunlight and moonlight for twenty-four hours:; sea salt; essential oil of myrrh, frankincense, lemongrass or rosemary.
 
1. Smudge or cense your altar, yourself, your ritual space, and your new tool. Visualize any unwanted energies breaking up and releasing from your tool. Say, “By fire and air do I cleanse and consecrate this space.”
 
2. Add a pinch of salt to the water, then sprinkle your altar, yourself, your ritual space and your new tool. Say, “By water and earth do I cleanse and consecrate this space.”
 
3. Call upon your spirit guides, patron deities and any other beings you wish to have present. Invite them to share in this ritual and ask for their guidance and protection. State the purpose of this rite: that you have come before these honored spirits to present your new tool for their blessings. Tell them that you dedicate this tool to the highest good and ask that only the most beneficial energies might flow through the tool and through you when you use it.
 
4. Holding the tool in both hands, feel your energy filling it and forming a connection between you, so you might use it to its greatest benefits.
 
5. Replace the tool on the altar and pick up the essential oil. Offer the oil to those invoked and ask again for their blessings. Anoint yourself with the oil, inviting into yourself the qualities you want to bring to your path. Then anoint the tool, blessing it with the intent for a few moments to allow any spirit messages to come through.
 
6. Thank and release all spirits you invited to join in this ritual.
 
7. Close sacred space and keep your tool in a safe and special place.
 
It has been said that ritual tools and other magickal equipment must be crafted by the user to be truly effective. It is true that making your own working tools imbues them with a rare focus and attune them to your energy like nothing else. The process of crafting your own tools involves you, from the start to finish, in the journey from idea all the way through manifestation. It’s an experience that is not to be missed. However, sometimes our tools are already out there somewhere, and will find the way to us when we are ready to receive them. Some people find tools that connect instantly and directly to their hearts and souls at garage sales or metaphysical stores. Others receive the ideal tool from their spirit allies in a vision and the enlist the aid of magickal craftspeople. The tools they now work with have been accepted by their gods and are a physical manifestation of the tools they were given in these powerful vision.
 
Whether you find your magickal object on the seashore or in a yard sale, power objects and ritual tools can be significant partners and potent conduits for your spiritual development. These unique items bring great mystery and allure to ritual magick and meditation, thereby increasing the energy of those very sacred times. As gifts from the spirits we are blessed to received such treasures, whether they come to us in simple of elaborate forms.

Ritual Tools

Ritual Tools

 
 
While many power objects find a home on the ritual altar and are used in ceremony, they are not necessarily the same as ritual tools. Ritual tools are objects that have very specific uses in a ceremonial setting. The smudge fan purify space. Smudge and incense begin to induce a sacred state of mind. The ritual sword may be used to cast the circle and cut openings in it for participants that need to leave or re-enter. These tools may be gifts from your spirit allies, but they have a purpose other than connecting you to Deity and holding power for you individually.
 
Ritual tools being great mystery and powerful belief to a ceremony. Simply by using them, you may be transported into a magickal state of consciousness. The belief in their power alone can spur you into more effective magick and deeper trance states. This can be particularly true in the early stages of your practice, but continued use can increase their power exponentially. The more you work with these tools, the more conditioned you become to the stages of consciousness that you experience through using them. In this way, they can be invaluable catalysts to the creation of magick.
 
Because of the important role these tools play in the creation of ceremony and the intimate nature of your psychic relationship with them, it is vitally important that ritual tools be properly cleansed and ritually consecretaed and accepted by the deities of your path.
 
Kristen Madden
Llewellyn’s 2007 Magical Almanac

Power Objects & Ritual Tools

Power Objects & Ritual Tools

 
When Harry Potter first went to Hogwarts, in the wonderful series by J. K. Rowling, he had a long list of books and tools he needed to take with him in order to practice his “magick.” Many modern Pagans feel much the same way, particularly when they are new to their paths. They want to be sure they have all that they need to do it right. And more than that most Pagans just love to work with beautiful garb and tools.
 
The truth is that we don’t really need any of these things to practice magick. It has been said that magick is the practice of effecting change in one’s life. While this is certainly true and we all do small magicks each day, real magick effects change through the use of ritual action. This may be something as simple as a mantra or visualization done each morning, or it may be an elaborate as a ceremonial magick ritual. For most of us, it is something in between. The energy that goes into magick flows through you. You are the main tool and you provide the desire, intent, and belief that make it manifest.
 
But power objects and ritual tools are most definitely not irrelevant. They hold, magnify and direct power for us. For many people, the power of magick is increased with the addition of ritual tools, and access to the energy of spirit allies is much easier when focusing on power objects. Our relationship with these tools and their uses are not interchangeable, however. As you will find, they are complementary but often very different magickal assistants.

Using Your Cauldron

Using Your Cauldron

In the center of a ritual area (with or without an altar) the cauldron can be used to receive offerings such as flowers, fruits, crystals, etc., in a seasonal celebration or abundance ritual.

Half-fill your cauldron with water on the full moon so that you and anyone present can look into the silvery water and scry (look for images). You can interpret these images as you would dreams to answer questions or to receive wisdom from the moon mother and your wise inner self.

Scry also in bright sunlight or by candlelight by dropping a handful of dried, chopped cooking herbs on to the water to give you moving images to answer questions.

If your cauldron is cast iron and not a replica, you can put a heatproof fire basket or metal liner inside and light a small fire. Alternatively, fill the cauldron with sand and embed a candle in the center. In this you can burn wishes, or scatter herbs of incenses.

Burn incenses in the cauldron either as charcoal or as sticks or cones embedded in sand.

Dance and chant around the cauldron.

Fill the cauldron with water, then cast petals or herbs on to the surface as you circle the cauldron to symbolize healing energies flowing. Alternatively, as a banishing ritual you could ritually tip away the water, for example, dead leaves you threw into the water symbolizing what is unwanted. Best of all, tip it back into the earth or water source.

Fill the cauldron with earth and during a ceremony, plant herbs and flowers and bury coins or crystals. This indicates prosperity, love or healing growing as the plants grow. You can transplant the whole lot after the ceremony or use an old or spare cauldron for this ceremony so that the rite can be ongoing (maybe from spring equinox to autumn equinox).

Feng Shui Tip of the Day for November 14th

On ‘Loosen Up, Lighten Up Day’ I want to share an ancient Russian ritual that will help to lighten up the vibrations of your aura while also allowing you to shake off energetic impurities! First, lie on your back and lift your arms and legs so that they are both at a 45-degree angle to your body. Simultaneously shake all your extremities, almost as if you were trying to shake water from them. Shake like crazy. Continue laying on your back with your arms at your sides and your legs loosely on the ground. Inhale deeply, and as you exhale forcefully clench your fists. In fact, clench so tightly that your hands vibrate from the tension. Hold this until you are done exhaling. Do this nine times in succession and then do the shaking exercise again. The emotional charge will have dissipated, as will any other residual physical tension hiding within your body. The result? Why you’ll loosen and lighten up, of course!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

The Fourth Rule of White Magick: Must be cosmic balance

The Fourth Rule of White Magick:
There must be cosmic balance

 
Though it is important, this rule is sometimes forgotten.
 
As mentioned earlier, even the fluttering of a butterfly wing affects the energies of the universe. So when you take from the cosmos at a time of need, you must redress the balance by a practical gift at another time when you are able to give. This need not be financial giving but should involve positive effort. There isn’t a time limit and if you are surviving on two hours’ sleep with a teething baby, the cosmos won’t charge interest on unpaid dues.
 
Sometimes you can pay back into the same area from which you took the energies. For example, if you used the power of the sea or a river in your spell to launch a venture, you could in the everyday world join a campaign for clean water in the Third World, help a harassed new mother with her washing and ironing or plan to feed the local ducks in winter when no one else bothers.
 
Occasionally perform an open-ended ritual to send out good vibes or healing to wherever it is most needed or to say thank you for your life, even if it is not perfect right now (it may suddenly and dramatically improve after the ritual).
 
Equally when you blow out your altar candles try to send the light to people who are being cantankerous or spiteful in the hope that it will brighten their aura. It may take a whole lot of butterflies to shift negativity but it is possible (and then you have some credit in the cosmic pot).

What Is The Difference Between A Spell and A Ritual

What Is The Difference Between A Spell and A Ritual

 
 
In practice the terms “spell” and “ritual” are used interchangeably in magick and throughout used as a umbrella term for magickal working.
 
A spell tends to be a less formal kind of magick, usually cast for a specific purpose or need, for example to protect a named traveller (maybe yourself or a family member) on a particular journey or trip for a specified length of time. The energies are raised and then released so they will bounce back to activate the purpose of the spell which has been represented by a symbol of that journey. This physical focus of the spell might in natural magick be a feather or some chopped fennel herbs to symbolize travel.
 
In contrast a ritual is based on a more general or long-lasting focus. A ritual may be carried out at specified times, for example the first day of spring or to celebrate the birth of a baby. A ritual, even in natural magick, follows a more structured format.
 
What is more, whereas a spell builds up to a climax and release of energy, the ritual may release energy more evenly throughout the weeks and months ahead.

The Anatomy of Magical Power

The Anatomy of Magical Power

Author: Iritar

 

In my teaching, there are some key basic elements to each and every pagan’s spiritual path that emphasize the power of each practitioner. Whether you are just starting your path or have been on your journey for many years, it is important to return to these basics in order to grow past hurdles when you feel that every corner is filled with roadblocks that impede your growth.

Visualization

I cannot stress this enough. Practicing and maintaining good visualization exercises helps to construct energies within yourself and from the divine source (s) you follow. Without being able to see that energy, you are not capable of casting circles, putting up spiritual defenses or see your magic being sent out.

Meditation

This goes hand in hand with visualization. By following one of two meditation techniques (and swapping between them as you feel led) you can let your higher self and the powers that be guide you around the roadblocks. Using proper meditation techniques such as getting comfortable, setting the atmosphere with incense, candles and music will allow you to get better results.

With Focused Meditation, you are looking to direct your energy for a purpose whether that is health, peace, love, etc. This is where you retain an image within your mind, whether moving like a movie or still like a photo. Focused Meditation is also a good place to instill commands to yourself that will accelerate specific tasks to “snap you into it”.

For Christians, Psalms 23 and the Lord’s Prayer are two distinct ways for them to immediately focus on peace, spiritual defense and assurance. By reciting these passages, it allows them to take a predetermined “emotion” and resurrect that emotion instantaneously without a lot of prop and circumstance.

Pagans can do the same. I use a reinforcement phrase in my meditation that will allow me to instantly surround myself with spiritual defense. I use the phrase, “Shields Up”. Although I’m not a Trekkie, I use the visualization of the defense shield from the series as a way of protection. As I performed the visualizations of those shields in my meditation for self-protection, I reinforced this with the phrase. This allows me to quickly throw up my spiritual defenses without much focus in everyday life.

Another form of meditation is Intuitive Meditation. This is a free form style meditation where you don’t focus at all like intentionally daydreaming. You should protect yourself before you begin by putting up your defenses and then clear your mind briefly. I usually visualize a white sheet of paper with no lines for the canvas of my meditation, holding it in my mind for a few minutes. Allow your eyes to unfocused and relax. As the images come in, allow them to flow and pay attention to everything you see. Usually these images will show you what you should work towards, reveal the mysteries in your life and even allow you to see what’s ahead of you.

After your meditation is done, document them in your journal and you can plan Focused Meditation sessions to examine what you need to more closely.

Emotional and Spiritual Balance for Protection

Building off the visualization exercises and meditation, you need to protect yourself from negative energies and spiritual attacks. Not all attacks are within the physical or from a being you know. Some negative forces are drawn to your spiritual light like beetles to lights in the darkness.

Follow the codes of Harm None and understand the Law of Three. All indoctrinations have variations of these principles. The easy explanation is what you send out will come back with a punch. Do what you will, avoid imposing against someone’s will even with good intent.

I usually ask permission from people when doing spell work from them. If I chose not to disclose my spiritual beliefs to someone, I ask them if I can pray for their need in my own way to request that permission.

Avoid the negativity; you don’t need it in your life.

Rites and Ritual

Follow the codes of your coven if you are in one, but also establish your own practices. Do what feels right from you when communing spiritually one on one with your deities. Some people need detailed ritual work to enter that communion where the magic flows; others can instantly open themselves up by simply asking their deities to stop by for a visit.

If you are a solitary practitioner, establish your own journals and Book of Shadows. Read and study, but if you feel restraint in following a ritual like not being able to remember the exact words of someone else’s ritual you read, make your own.

The issue at hand is that if it feels like work and you cannot break through, then it is work. I associate this much fun to doing my taxes. Ritual should never be a burden.

Spells

If you are just beginning your life path, it is good to look at samples of other people’s spells. This can help you find your own structure and what you need to be successful in your practice. I strongly encourage creating your own spells as simple or as complex as you need. You can chose to incorporate what elements are right for you such as what kind of incense to use, if any, calling the elements, herbs and recitals.

If you are in a group or coven, ask them for guidance and learn group spells and rites. This will instill harmony in group spell works and communion.

Resist Pride and Envy

No one has all the answers or they wouldn’t be here. No matter how powerful you feel that you have become or how close your walk is with your deities, understand that you still have something to learn. Avoid competing with other practitioners and don’t measure yourself against them.

Each of us is on a personal journey. We should never look down upon another because what they need to know will be revealed to them when they are ready. You can offer a general word of assurance and aid if needed, but do not feel that you have to tell them what they need to do unless you perceive they are asking for your help.

Be open to share with others, but if you encounter opposition to the knowledge you share, know where to end it peacefully. Avoid challenges by weighing those challenges against your beliefs and avoid debates. If the emotions start feeling tense during a conversation where questions are arising, you are going to far. Stop, center yourself and listen willingly to the other part. If they are wrong, they will discover this themselves even if it means the hard way. That is their path.

Fear that someone is trying to take control of your group (even if they are) will become self-defeating. Use your protection guards and wards. Speak truth and do not seek to tear others down. This is a good way to weed out the deceit and negativity from the group. Those remaining will become more enlightened and grow by leaps and bounds.

Conclusion

Que Se, Que Se. What will be will be. Don’t lose focus on your spiritual path and start will the basics if you are feeling stagnant. Avoid negativity and realize it when you are the source of it. Discharge it and get rid of it.

Avoid feelings of guilt, betrayal and loss. If you are having problems with these, address them with meditations and reinforce their removal through spells and rites that are of your construction.

Raising, Directing and Releasing Energy in Ritual and Spell Work

Raising, Directing and Releasing Energy in Ritual and Spell Work

Author: Seleya
One of the most important aspects of both ritual and spell work is the raising, directing and releasing of energy. While most understand the concepts, the reality is something altogether different. Since no two people are the same, and no two people resonate with the same methods of raising, directing and releasing energy, it is important to understand the nature of these three functions of energy usage.

While it’s simple to say: “…here is where we raise the energy, direct it and than release it…” it’s quite another thing to actually accomplish those three little things. Some say dance, sing, chant, drum, etc., but what are we actually doing while we dance, sing, chant, drum, etc.? Does the dancing, singing, chanting, drumming themselves matter? The answer is no! What matters is the energy raised when these actions are performed by the person or people involved.

So how do we raise, direct and release energy? By using any method we are comfortable with that will help us to focus our minds, focus our intent, focus the energy in us, around us in our immediate environment, in the Earth, the Sun and the Universe; to bring the energy to us, and into our circles, to accomplish the desired purpose.

Many people are in such a hurry, they omit the “grounding” part, that should always be at the very beginning or any work, be it ritual, ceremony or spell. First, this helps to connect us to the energy in ourselves, our environment and the Earth, Sun and Universe, than that connection “grounds” us, by helping us to shift our attention, our focus and our consciousness to an altered state (i.e.: from the mundane to the sacred or higher consciousness) . It is from this “altered” state that we raise, direct, and release energy, by setting aside all thoughts and focus on our daily lives and moving into an altered state.

Without the shift in consciousness, it’s just dancing, singing, chanting, or drumming… all mundane experiences, in and of themselves. The “magic” starts with the mind shifting to an altered state, where it can focus on actually raising, directing and releasing energy.

By “raising” energy, we are increasing the level of energy within not only ourselves but within the circle we have cast. As the energy begins to increase, we focus and concentrate it or condense it, until it is nearly palpable. It doesn’t matter what “method” we use to raise the energy, only that that form resonates with our psychic, our bodies, or emotions and our spirits. We have to reach out to the energy we are attempting to raise, with our hearts, minds, souls and spirits; we have to become one with it. Once that connection has been established, we can than move on to “directing”.

The directing of energy is the beginning of actually “using” the energy raised. It’s the part where we take the focused and condensed energy, and “point” it at and “direct” it into the work at hand; be it ritual, healing or spell. The raised energy must be sent into that which we desire to become reality. Without this step the energy will simply dissipate, and eventually drain into the Earth; any residual, left over energy will make us feel edgy, nervous, agitated or nauseous.

The most important part is the “releasing” part. We have to release the raised energy into the working; we can’t “hold” onto it, or the working will fail for a lack of energy. However, this last step is the most difficult to accomplish. Because we have connected with the energy we have raised, in the process of raising it; it is natural to “hang on” and stay connected to it. In order to “release” it we must sever that connection and re-shift our consciousness back into a mundane state. We have to move our consciousness away from the “work” and focus on something mundane, like the “cakes and ale”.

Now comes the hardest part of all. Just saying, “I am releasing the energy”, during the ritual or spell, is not enough. We have to actually and COMPLETELY release all the energy, all focus, thought and worry or anticipation about the “working”. If we hang onto to any part of it, we are maintaining our connection to the energy, and will drain it away from our work. We cannot think about, worry about or “wonder” when the ”work” will come to fruition. We have to “know” that by fully releasing all energy, all thought, all connection to the work, it has already become reality, even if we have not yet experienced it.

There is no magic wand like in the Harry Potter novels; the “work” or “magic” has to be allowed to function along natural lines in accordance with the Universal Laws of physics. We will not wake up in the morning miraculously thin, rich, etc. Everything in its due course. If the energy has been properly raised, directed and released, then the work is already done. It has already come about, whether we can see it at the moment or not. It’s out there, and on its way to us in what ever form we need or that the Gods determine.

The more we want something, need something; the more difficult it will be to do the last part – the releasing. In the mid 80’s, I attended several “spoon bending” workshops conducted by a physicist named Jack Hoak. He and a Metallurgist friend were working for the Pentagon at the time, conducting experiments on using the mind to bend metal (with a war application, of course) . In the workshops we learned to bend silver spoons, forks and knives with the power of our minds. And yes, it does work!

The children did if first and the rest followed quickly. The trick? Release.

It was during these workshops that I really learned to understand the concept of “release”. It was easy to concentrate on the spoon bending, but quite another thing to remove all focus from the spoon so it could actually “bend”. My first spoon bent, when the person next to me squealed with delight as their spoon bent, the moment my attention was completely drawn away from my own spoon, it bent. I had released the energy I was mentally focusing and directing at the spoon “to bend”, and then it did.

While it seemed to work best when there are many people present (easily raising the energy?) , it has yet to work for me when I am alone. Partly because of my own belief that it will only work with others present, and partly because there is nothing to distract me into releasing my energy. Practice – I need more practice.

It all takes practice. Be patient, it’s helpful to start out with the little things and work up to the bigger things. We must believe to see, not the other way around.

As with everything – practice, practice, practice.

How To Dispose of Ritual Tools

How To Dispose of Ritual Tools

By Patti Wigington

Sometimes, for whatever reason, you may decide that you have a ritual tool you no longer need. Perhaps you’ve got three athame too many, or someone has gifted you with a new chalice and you’re tired of the old one, or maybe something just doesn’t speak to you the way it used to. Whatever the reason, it can sometimes be a bit of a dilemma as to how to dispose of your ritual tools.

Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Varied

Here’s How:

  1. Pass It On

    If you’ve got a particular tool that still has a good feeling to it, or that has some sort of sentimental value, and you’ve decided it’s time to get rid of it, why not pass it along to a friend? You’ll be happy to know your item has gone to a good home, and your friend will be happy to receive a new magical tool. Before you pass it along, you may want to hold a short parting ritual to separate yourself from the object. Once your friend has the item in her possession, she can re-consecrate the tool to make it her own.

  2. Into the Wild

    Some items seem to like being released into the wild, like animals. If you have a magical tool that came from nature — a wand made from a branch, a special stone, a bottle of sea water — then put it back into nature. While you may not be able to return it to the place you originally found it, you can always find a quiet place in the woods to leave it. Another option might be to toss it into a creek or river, as long as it is indeed a natural object.

  3. Release by Fire

    Sometimes, you might have an item you don’t want any more, and you don’t want to give it to anyone else. You might not want to leave it out in the wild where someone can dig it up, either. In this case, the best thing to do is use fire to get rid of it. Burning a magical item doesn’t have to be complicated – build a fire and place the item in it. If you wish, say a few words to separate yourself magically from the object, and then allow it to burn.

  4. Burial

    Another good method of getting rid of old ritual tools is burial. Typically, you’ll want to select a place that isn’t going to be disturbed later on — if you have property of your own, you can bury the item in your yard. If you don’t have your own land, or you’re going to be moving soon, you may want to find a remote spot somewhere that you can bury the object. Use good judgment before digging on any public property.

BANISHING SICKNESS FROM YOURSELF

BANISHING SICKNESS FROM YOURSELF

Take an Athame or wand (or use your index finger) and repeat the banishing
pentagram ritual while saying:
O malady, disappear into the heavens;
Pain, rise up to the clouds;
Inflamed vapor, fly into the air,
In order that the wind may take thee away,
That the tempest may chase thee to distant regions,
Where you came from where you did no harm So mote it be!

All four elements protection spell

The following ingredients are needed
1 blue candle
1 red candle
1 green candle
1 white or grey candle

to make the spell stronger.
dragons blood
salt
or anyother protection herbs/stones

A powerful spell that invokes the elements to protect you from harm.It really works based on me,family & friends who used it

cast your circle in a quiet & peaceful place.put the candles inside the circle in the following order/direction,north=green candle,east=white/grey candle,west=blue candle,south=red candle.If you have…put any herbs/stones for protection in the middle of the circle.light the candles from north & clockwise,when lighting them say *i invoke the element of earth to the north* & so on.BTW green=earth,white/grey=air,blue=water,red=fire.

when all the candles are ready then you can stand or sit in the middle or outside of the circle.relax & say *i invoke all the four elements by my side all that wish me harm shall not pass,so mote it be!

start off with north & say *earth protect me from north & around,block & crush thee threat* *air protect me from the east & around,blow& send back all thee threat* *fire protect me from the south & around,burn & banish all thee threat* ^water protect me from the west & all around,wash away & cleanse all thee threat* thank the elements =)

blessed be,amaranth

The Call of the Elements

The Call of the Elements

by Olwen

ritual poetry

Callings

East: Come all spirits of air and mind,
Knowledge gain and memory bind,
Come rookery and eagle in flight,
Fresh spring breeze and dawn’s first light,
Come wind whipping ’round tree and tower,
Please bless our circle with your power!
South: Come all spirits of flame and fire,
Blood of life, heat of pyre,
Come fierce lion and phoenix raise,
Soft candlelight and bright bonfire blaze,
Come summer sun, wild untamed flower,
Please bless our circle with your power!
West: Come all spirits of water and ocean,
Mother’s womb and tide of emotion,
Come playful dolphin and fish, lake deep,
Silvery moon and dreams in sleep,
Come twilight mist and autumn shower,
Please bless our circle with your power!
North: Come all spirits of the growing earth,
Sacred mysteries of death and birth,
Come lumbering bear and antlered stag,
Hidden cavern and mountain crag,
Come furrowed fields and verdant bower,
Please bless our circle with your power!
Spirit: Come all spirits of the turning wheel,
Elements balance and circle seal,
Around and about, through in and though out,
Change within manifest without,
Beyond place and beyond hour,
Please bless our circle with your power!

Dismissals

Spirit: Clear the temple, undo the ward,
The veil closed and reality restored.
Thank you all spirits of balance and light
For blessing our circle and sacred rite!

North: Wild beasts return to rest and feed,
Majestic forests shrink to seed.
Thank you all spirits of earth and night
For blessing our circle and sacred rite!

West: Dreamer awake, turn ocean tide,
Untamed emotions ease and subside.
Thank you all spirits of water and insight
For blessing our circle and sacred rite!

South: Flickering flame fade back to spark,
Blazing bonfire return to dark.
Thank you all spirits of fire and might
For blessing our circle and sacred rite!

East: Wild winds ebb to gentle breeze,
Mysteries revealed become mental tease.
Thank you all spirits of air and flight
For blessing our circle and sacred rite!

Honoring Ancestors

Honoring Ancestors
By Arteal
.
Leaves
Swirling and twirling
On the pavement
Dancing and prancing
On the ground
Could it be
What did I see
Was it leaves
Or faeries
Tricking me

Many of my loved ones have passed over the years. Some of the dearest people to me found it time to cross over and process what it is they learned in this life. I think of them often. Memories of them often bring a smile to my face. Any time of year I can see them or feel them, but it is the month of October that their presence is strongest.

This time of the thinning veil almost makes them so solid I can touch them. So it is this time that I honor them. Sometimes it is solitary and other times I invited close friends and family to be with me and we collectively honor all of our ancestors.

We begin the evening by creating an altar with symbols, pictures and mementos of our ancestors. The altar is usually kept simple with photos and small items connected to those that have gone before. Once the altar is complete we have our feast. The meal takes place in complete silence and there is always one seat kept empty with a full plate to honor our ancestors. Often a cat finds his way to the empty chair while we eat our meal in silence.

Once our meal is complete we retire to our ritual space, usually the living room. We clear the coffee table and begin clockwise. Each person takes a turn to light a tea light and share a story of an ancestor. We continue going around the circle telling stories until the table top is full. We then sit quietly watching the flames and remembering. The evening is ended with placing the full plate of food outside in our of our ancestors.

The people and spirits I share this night with seem to leave as quietly as they came. I wish you and all your ancestors a blessed Samhain.

About The Author: Arteal is an Ordained Minister and High Priestess of The Order of the White Moon. She is founder of Moonlit River, where you will find the Feminine Divine, healing and guidance. Arteal is a Shamanic Practitioner and Reiki Master.

The Dumb Supper – A Feast With the Dead

The Dumb Supper – A Feast With the Dead

By Patti Wigington, About.com Guide

Speaking to the Dead:

Although traditionally a seance is a good way to communicate with those who have crossed into the spirit world, it’s also perfectly fine to talk to them at other times. You may find yourself walking into a room and suddenly reminded of someone you’ve lost, or catching a whiff of a familiar scent. For me personally, every February I find myself picking over birthday cards and thinking to myself how funny my grandfather would find this one or that one. I make a point of telling him about them, even though he died in 2002. You don’t need a fancy or formal ritual to speak to the dead. They hear you.

How Do We Know They’re Listening?:

In some spiritual paths, one may be viewed as crazy — or at the very least, a little bit daffy — if they speak to the dead. But think of the people you know who have lost a spouse, particularly one they were married to for a long time. Many of them will tell you they talk to their deceased loved one. We can ask them for assistance, for companionship, or just for them to hear our words. Chances are good that if you ask, your life will change significantly.

What Can We Say to Them?:

Ask anyone who’s lost a loved one, and there’s a good chance they have something they didn’t get to say. Whether it’s “I love you”, “I forgive you,” or just plain old, “I really miss you,” there’s nearly always something we wanted to say but never got around to. When you talk to the dead, share with them the things in your life that are important. Maybe you need to let Grandma know that you’re finally going to have that baby girl she’d been hoping for. Or perhaps you need to tell Cousin Joe you’re sorry you broke his iPod. Whatever it is, if it’s on your mind say it. Only then will you be able to move on.

An Altar to the Ancestors:

In many cultures, ancestor worship is an ancient practice. Although traditionally found more in African and Asian societies, more and more Pagans of European heritage are beginning to embrace this idea. After all, we all want to know where we came from. You can build an altar to honor your ancestors, featuring photos, heirlooms, and even a family tree sheet. Leave it up all year long, or set it out at Samhain. This is a good time to perform a ritual for Honoring the Ancestors.

Why on Samhain?:

Why hold a Dumb Supper on Samhain? Well, it’s traditionally known as the night when the veil between our world and the spirit world is at its most fragile. It’s the night when we know for sure the dead will hear us speak, and maybe even speak back. It’s a time of death and resurrection, of new beginnings and fond farewells.

Menus and Table Settings:

Your menu choices are up to you, but because it’s Samhain, you may wish to make the traditional Soul Cakes, as well as serving dishes with apples, late fall vegetables, and game if available. Set the table with a black cloth, black plates and cutlery, black napkins. Use candles as your only source of light — black if you can get them.

Realistically, not everyone has black dishware sitting around. In many traditions, it’s perfectly acceptable to use a combination of black and white, although black should be the predominant color.

Host/Hostess Duties:

When you’re hosting a Dumb Supper, clearly the point is that no one can speak — and that makes a host’s job very tricky. It means you have the responsibility of anticipating each guest’s needs without them communicating verbally. Depending on the size of your table, you may want to make sure each end has its own salt, pepper, butter, etc. Also, watch your guests to see if anyone needs a drink refill, an extra fork to replace the one they just dropped, or more napkins.

Other Samhain Rituals:

If the idea of a Dumb Supper doesn’t quite appeal to you — or if you know darn well that your family can’t be quiet for that long — you may want to try some of these other Samhain rituals:

  • Celebrate the End of the Harvest
  • Honor the Ancestorsat Samhain
  • Samhain Ritual for Animals
  • Hold a Seance at Samhain

 

The Dumb Supper:

In some Pagan and Wiccan traditions, it has become popular to hold a Dumb Supper in honor of the dead. In this case, the word “dumb” refers to being silent. The origins of this tradition have been fairly well debated — some claim it goes back to ancient cultures, others believe it’s a relatively new idea. Regardless, it’s one that’s observed by many people around the world.

When holding a Dumb Supper, there are a few simple guidelines to follow. First of all, make your dining area sacred, either by casting a circle, smudging, or some other method. Turn off phones and televisions, eliminating outside distractions.

Secondly, remember that this is a solemn and silent occasion, not a carnival. It’s a time of silence, as the name reminds us. You may wish to leave younger children out of this ceremony. Ask each adult guest to bring a note to the dinner. The note’s contents will be kept private, and should contain what they wish to say to their deceased friends or relatives.

Set a place at the table for each guest, and reserve the head of the table for the place of the Spirits. Although it’s nice to have a place setting for each individual you wish to honor, sometimes it’s just not feasible. Instead, use a tealight candle at the Spirit setting to represent each of the deceased. Shroud the Spirit chair in black or white cloth.

No one may speak from the time they enter the dining room. As each guest enters the room, they should take a moment to stop at the Spirit chair and offer a silent prayer to the dead. Once everyone is seated, join hands and take a moment to silently bless the meal. The host or hostess, who should be seated directly across from the Spirit chair, serves the meal to guests in order of age, from the oldest to youngest. No one should eat until all guests — including Spirit — are served.

When everyone has finished eating, each guest should get out the note to the dead that they brought. Go to the head of the table where Spirit sits, and find the candle for your deceased loved one. Focus on the note, and then burn it in the candle’s flame (you may wish to have a plate or small cauldron on hand to catch burning bits of paper) and then return to their seat. When everyone has had their turn, join hands once again and offer a silent prayer to the dead.

Everyone leaves the room in silence. Stop at the Spirit chair on your way out the door, and say goodbye one more time.

Group or Solitary: Which Is Best For You?

Group or Solitary: Which Is Best For You?

Author: Bronwen Forbes

One of the biggest and most important decisions you will make as a newcomer to the Pagan path is whether to join an existing group of like-minded practitioners or go it on your own as a solitary. Of course, there will be other big decisions to make later but they are all dependent upon what you choose to do now.

In the interest of full disclosure, I will confess that I am a big advocate of finding others who a) are further along the path than you and learning all you can from them and b) are folks your gut seems to trust (more on this in a future article, I promise) . Why? Let me give you an example.

At one time my group’s holiday rituals were open to any Pagans in the area who chose to attend (if they told us they were coming in advance) . Since our group was the only one and the first one in the area for some time, we attracted a lot of people who hadn’t ever been in ritual with other Pagans, even though they’d been solitaries for years.

A solitary came to one of our rituals, speaking to anyone who would listen about her “astral fiancé.” Apparently she’d met a man on the astral plane – but never in real life – and they planned to marry just as soon as she moved to Ireland and figured out which one of several million Irishmen he was. To further hinder her search, she didn’t know what his name was. At some point in the ritual they apparently got “married” (it was Beltane, after all!) because by the end of the evening she was referring to her “astral husband.” As an occasional writer of fiction, I wish I could make up stuff this good!

Does the idea of an anonymous “astral fiancé” sound a little farfetched? It sure did to us – especially when she quit her job, moved to Ireland, and (no surprise) never found him. Last we heard she was back in the States, flat broke, and living out of her car. If this woman had had some basic non-book training and/or regular contact with a group at the beginning of her Pagan studies, she’d have known better than to delude herself to the point of homelessness.

I’m not saying that every solitary Pagan is going to end up doing something profoundly stupid, spiritually-speaking, and end up living in a car, but just as you turn to a more experienced roadster when you’re learning how to drive that car, it makes just as much sense to find someone – preferably several someones – when you’re learning the Pagan basics. The book you study in order to pass the written driver’s test is good for learning the rules of the road, but you’re not going to get your license without a lot of supervised, hands-on experience. So it is with Paganism.

On the other hand, there are times and places and personalities that are better suited for solitary work. Perhaps you live too far away from the nearest group to make regular travel for rituals and classes impossible. Or maybe the local coven or grove sets off your “icky alarm” and you’d prefer to never be in their presence again, thank you very much. Or maybe your work life is too hectic and home life is too full of the needs of small children to be able to make a commitment to a group’s calendar.

Or maybe, just maybe, you are more suited to a spiritual life of quiet, private observance and contemplation and will, in fact, go farther on your Pagan path if you travel alone. I’ve met some fine people in my life for whom this is the case; I admire their personal dedication even though I can’t emulate it.

If it’s just my husband, my child and I in the house on a holiday or full moon, we’re not likely to have a formal ritual – much like my widowed mother-in-law who will cook up a storm if a few of her children or grandchildren are expected for dinner but “just can’t be bothered” to cook if she’s just feeding herself.

So how do you know if you’re more suited for a group or a solitary practice? Ask yourself the following questions. Your answers should tell you what decision you need to make to better your chances of a satisfying spiritual future.

Is there a group nearby that I like and trust? If the answers are “yes” (Yes there is a group, yes it is nearby, yes I like them, and yes I trust them) , and they have space for you, by all means petition to join. However, if there is even one “no” (There’s a group nearby but I don’t like them and wouldn’t trust them to teach me how to walk my dog, much less take an active role in my spiritual development) , you’re much better off on your own.

Do I have the personal discipline to actively practice on my own? I freely admit that I do not. I need to commit to a group and the group calendar to actively, integrally observe even the basic holidays and moon phases. And that’s okay – I’m not the only one!

However, if you can – or would even prefer to – make a personal commitment to make small observances to the Gods at this time every day (or week, or holiday) and know you’ll keep that commitment, then I say good for you! You have at least some of what it takes to be a solitary.

Am I willing to ask for help or a reality check from time to time? I don’t think it ever occurred to our above-mentioned Beltane guest to ask anyone online or in person if she was deluding herself or if her astral experiences were real. When my husband was first starting to study Paganism, he made a point of seeking out community elders and experienced practitioners at local Pagan festivals and asking them questions. Even though these good folk weren’t his formal teachers, they were more than happy to answer him.

If you join a group, your High Priest or High Priestess will provide help and reality checks – that’s their job. If you choose to go solitary, you should consider attending a nearby gathering, Pagan Pride Day, or workshop at a Pagan store once in a while just to touch base with the rest of the community. I’d hate for you to drop everything and move to Ireland if it’s all in your head.

Ultimately, only you can choose whether to join a group or strike out on your own at the beginning of your Pagan life. Only you know your geographical, work, family, and personal circumstances that will all factor into the decision.

Whichever way you choose, I wish you all the best. In some ways, we are all alone – the Path is different for each person who walks it; in other ways we are all part of this wonderful, awe-inspiring, sprawling Pagan community.