Tag: Spirit

The Dumb Supper – A Feast With the Dead

The Dumb Supper – A Feast With the Dead

By

Speaking to the Dead:

Although traditionally a seance1 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:

 

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.

Awakening Witches

Awakening Witches

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.

1. Keep An Open Mind

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.

2. Keep Your Personal Power

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’.

3. Keep Your Money

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…

spellsofmagic.com

Good Saturday Afternoon! It's been a bit, hasn't it?

I must apologize for being off the net so long. It is totally my fault and I apologize. Forgive me? The last day we were even on the internet I can’t remember (which is terrible). I know that day we left very abruptly. Again I apologize.

It started out a very peaceful morning. I had my favorite two familiars with me, Kiki and Razzy. I know most people have one but what the heck! One (Kiki) senses the spirits that aren’t suppose to be here. Razzy will climb up on my shoulders and wrap herself around my neck (it is like having a thirty pound weigh hanging around your neck) when the spirit is a harmful one. I had watched poor Kiki till I was about ready to put her out of my misery. But Razzy made no attempt to protect me. So I decided everything had to stop immediately. So we went off the net, at the drop of my pointy hat, lol!

Since I already knew there was a spirit here. The next logically thing to do was to find out who it was. Was it a lost soul looking for help crossing over or a family member that had come back to pester me? I gathered up all my stuff and went to a very quiet and isolated part of the building. Along with me came Kiki and Razzy. Both of them took their places, which really amazed me about Razzy. She had never been around when I used the Ouija Board. But she knew exactly where she belonged. With one on one side and the other on the other side, I started my ritual for using the Board. I always make sure I am very well protected. I have the incense, the candles and most of all I call upon the Goddess for Her Divine protection.

When I first started the session, nothing would come forward. In a more firmer tone, I called to the spirit to come forth. This time it did. I ask the spirit if I knew it, the answer was yes. I had caught a faint smell of perfume. So I asked the spirit, if it was my sister. The answer again, yes. I will explain this part later. I asked the spirit if at the time of her death was she angry with me, the answer was yes. This hurt me very deeply. I asked the spirit if it would tell me why it was angry with me. The answer was no.  I told the spirit she was no longer welcomed in my home.  Never, ever return to my presence again. Then I closed the gateway.

When I emerged from the room, everyone must have known I was upset. I wouldn’t talk to any of them. I told them there was one last thing I had to do, cleanse the house. Which I did, every nook and cranny I could find, I cleansed. While I was cleansing, I was also thinking about the spirit being angry with me. I never did anything to my sister while she was alive. You have to keep in mind my sister was 22 years older than myself. So we weren’t that close.

I promised I would explain something to you and now I will. No one knows this except close, very close family. My family, the one I created. I don’t remember what day of the week it was but I do remember it was in the afternoon. I got a phone call from my sister’s mother-in-law. She called to tell me that if I wanted to see my sister alive then I might want to get over there. Hospice had been called in. I got in my car and rushed to my sister’s side. At the time, I didn’t know it but she had been sick for six months. No phone call or nothing telling me she was dying. At the end the cancer went to her brain and she didn’t even recognize me. I remember the night she passed very well. I was in here on the computer. The windows were open. A sudden gust of wind came from out of no where. It blew all my papers off the desk. Then it engulfed me. I can still remember being lifted out of my chair and my hair lifting up. I knew my sister had passed. I guess from the time I found out she was dying. I spent almost every moment of those two weeks I could with her. But the real kick in the gut and what I have walked around feeling so numb about came at the funeral. Her ex-husband wanted to know if my sister and I were in an argument or something. I said no and asked him why. He told me, my sister had known for the past six months she was dying. He tried every way in the world to get her to call me but she wouldn’t. He wanted to know why. I told him I honestly didn’t know.

I have walked around with that guilt of not knowing since her death which has been almost six years now. I will be honest. I had always hoped for a very joyous and cheerful reunion with my sister. I had always wanted to contact her on the Board. But my heart was broken all over again.  Then apparently my mother must have entered the pictured or someone did. All of a sudden all the good things I had done for my sister. She had no right to be mad at me. I hadn’t been the perfect sister but nor was I the evil one. I believe she deliberately did what she did. By not calling, by not letting me know she was dying on purpose. My father always told me she hated me. I use to think what a horrible thing to say. You see I wasn’t suppose to have happened but I did. My mother was pregnant with me the same time my sister was pregnant with her first child. My father told me, at the time they were both pregnant, my sister hated my mother and hated me even more. He told me comments she would make about the unborn child in her mother’s stomach. I couldn’t believe a blood relative could be that cruel but I see know I was wrong.

I found out a lot about myself the other day in just a few hours.  I learned I have been carrying around guilt (which was my sister’s intent to start with) for years. I learned that was her final knife she put in my back. If I had not did what I did, I would have walked around with that guilty and not knowing till the day I died. I know she had been here before but what made that day so special. What moved me to finally take action? I believe my Divine Mother got tired of me carrying around needless guilt and I was ready for the truth. I could handle the truth finally.

You see it is like I was telling you the other day. The Goddess reveals to us all things in time. But only She knows the time we can handle them.  Thank you, dear Mother, thank you!

A Sampler of Eclectic Belief

A Sampler of Eclectic Belief

Author:   Bright-Summer Natsukamiki 

I have been on and off Wicca for many years. My mother was Neo-Pagan, and so I suppose I grew up always thinking about Paganism and what it was that I believed myself. For a long time, I didn’t even let it enter my mind. However, I was always a kid that lived within her own head, and the older I became the more time I spent thinking about my personal spirituality. It was only recently that I decided to document all that I held as strong points within my personal faith. My view on our relationship with the Gods, Animism, and Reincarnation are all points elaborated on within this article.

I hope that a look into the belief below offers some insight or contrast to enhance your own personal path. I wrote this and thought it good, so I decided to share the work as an article. I understand if you do not share the same beliefs, I only wanted to write out the path, which I came to follow over my life of study. I first wrote this within my book of shadows and have re-read it since. It is the best summary of my belief system as an Eclectic Wiccan. Many opinions here, I am aware, are universal to the Craft, but others are not so much. Please note that this is my belief at the moment, but I am still young. Practicing as a Wiccan could easily mean that this belief may become outdated to me in future years. However, for now, it is held close.

“I have come to believe that there are many Gods, but all gods are one God in different aspects, and all Goddesses are the one Goddess in different aspects. There are many paths, but each path is true because all that the deities want is for their creatures to find contentment and balance. They require nothing, but deserve all. For the ability not only to believe, but also through belief create, I feel an obligation to praise and give thanks. Thank you, God and Goddess, for the power to create change, and the ability to use our will to bring about that change. This is the greatest gift, and it is the gift that Witches implement in magic to enhance their world.

I believe that perhaps the world was created, and people developed with the animals, in order to make the gods feel a little less lonely. We are all the children of the Parent-Gods, Mother-Goddess and Father-God. However, we have been granted the freedom to bring up ourselves, and one another. We can forge our own paths. The love our Parent-Gods have shown us doesn’t need reciprocation to remain, for they aren’t simply parents either. They are All things and take many forms, Lovers, Friends, Companions to all beings who live, and all things that do not. The Gods and Spirits are ever present, because we are designed to be the companions of Gods.

Since the moment we came to be, each of us has a spirit. Who is to say that we ourselves are not the vessels of the spirits of Gods, that we are not the God/ess in human form for someone who needs us? What separates us is only what they have done, and we have yet to do.

I believe that we can, through our actions and experiences, become Gods of our own. Gods are our potential equals, and that I believe is part of why they grant us such respect and allow such freedom- but we must always consider that Wisdom is the strongest Tool. Wisdom, which is only gained through practice. It is important never to consider yourself ‘above’ any other being – we may become equals, but only after many lifetimes.

I believe that our God-like souls are taken from our bodies in order to be reunited with their home and those who created it. The soul, (our true self) , then would decide how much more practice is needed. We would know instinctively. When the soul is done practicing and learning through its various lives on Earth… that is when it joins the ranks of Gods. We, as People, as Spirits, have far more power than we truly know.

Spirits of the earth exist for things that are inanimate. Such as rocks, formations, rivers, reefs, fields and trees with the age enough to project their Spirits. Potentially, everything could have a Spirit.

The entire universe was created in order for the God and Goddess to be their companions, and potential equals. The goddess can be worshiped as the triple moon because it is symbolic of the universality of her form, and the idea of her watching from the abyss of space, watching over us and out for us. The God can be seen as the sun because his light maintains our life, and without the God we would never have found a balance for life on earth. All things owe the sun deep praise.

The 4 elements as considered first by ancient Greek philosophers were a very simplified and spiritual representation of our very existence. Not only our existence but also our source of life. Without Earth, we could not be. Without Air we could not breathe. Without Water we could not drink, and without Fire we would not have grown into a civilized society, or have found warmth in the wintertime. It is to simplify how much we connect with the world.

Our physical shells were chosen and designed by our souls for a reason. We need to learn to appreciate what we have received because it is what we had wanted, and the reason is to learn.

And so, to Worship is to thank, to Relive is to step up, and to Spellcast is to both thank and Practice Change, so that we may gain the wisdom through our cyclical lives to become a potential future deity once our soul has learned enough. Carve out your path and follow it with confidence, for it will lead you to the greatest possible end. Forever remain both patient and optimistic. Never let your life pass by too quickly. Learn as much wisdom as you can by experiencing as much as is safe. Worship your body, Pay Reverence to all around you, Respect and Grant Praise to your Gods. Do not disrespect anything, because all paths lead to a better future. Ultimately, time can be the greatest force. Diligence, Fun, and Intelligence can be one’s best friends. Train yourself. Love your gods. Your personal power can grow to be enough to change the world. Let it be for the better.”

Daily OM for September 11 – Discovering True Selves

Discovering True Selves

Soul Seeing

by Madisyn Taylor

The soul is the purest expression of an individual and is not bound by physical forms or fleeting emotions.

When we want to see deeply into the heart and mind of another person, soul seeing, also called soul gazing, allows us to see their soul. The soul is the purest expression of an individual and is not bound by physical forms or fleeting emotions. Through a simple art that involves lo

oking deeply into a partner’s eyes, soul seeing can show you a person’s inner beauty that you might otherwise miss. It is possible for someone who appears cold to have a warm, giving, nurturing soul or someone of average appearance to have a beautiful soul. Soul seeing is a way of looking past shapes, sizes, attitudes, and behavior to see the real individual that lies beneath the surface. It allows you to see the true essence of another person, the radiance of their being, and their spirit within.

Soul seeing is accomplished by sitting face to face with another person. It is helpful to first state your intention before you begin. As you stare softly into each other’s eyes without stopping to look away, each of your souls is revealed to the other. Try not to look for anything in particular or seek traits you’re hoping to find. Simply let the other person’s soul reveal itself to you. After twenty minutes have passed, stay where you are and share a period of silent reflection with your partner for two minutes. You may have suddenly seen your partner’s inner nature as clearly as a bright day, or you may need to meditate on your experience before you feel comfortable with your impressions. Either way, soul seeing can be a wonderfully intimate and shared experience.

So little of who each of us is can be captured by our appearance or personality. The thoughts, fears, desires, and longings that are part of what makes us whole are not always written across our faces. Often, the most surprising thing you may learn while soul seeing is that while you and the other person may appear on the surface to be quite different, you actually share many of the same inner qualities. And then there is the unique beauty that resides within that is longing to be revealed to another who is willing to see. Soul seeing can help you experience the people in your life as they truly are, beyond any mental barriers or physical limitations.

The Peace Ritual To Quieten Our Nation's War Drums

phantasmal_familiar_by_rebelkitty-d5iar4f

Lady A Asked Me To Remind You of this. Also if you haven’t started doing this prayer or petition it is never to late to start.

The Ritual

Design this ritual to suit your needs. Choose candle colors that represent the
things you seek peace for (e.g. maybe green and brown for peace on earth).

From out of the dark and into the light
A circular mark, a candle burns bright.
I look towards the sky, my song I do sing
Spirits soar high and gifts do I bring.
I offer my all, my mind I then clear
Harken my call, I fell you are near.
Candle burns higher, my spirits set free
Hotter than fire, the magick will be.
Let magick come ’round, from under the ground
To form with my sound and then to be bound.
Around me I feel the magick so real
Before you I knees, the spell I now seal.
Let all hatred CEASE
And let there be PEACE.
These words that I say
With magick AWAY!
This spell that I send
Is now at an end.
Let the magick I’ve laid
Go forth and not fade.
So Mote It Be!

Please join me in this ritual to bring peace to our country and eventually the world.

Autumn: The Croning Time

Autumn: The Croning Time

Author:   Lady Abigail   

Spirited away, my energy gently glides above the treetops like a down feather blown within the circling wind. Below, I see the quilted workings of Mother Earth in the patches of green grass, freshly plowed ground and fields of grain ready now for the harvest. The air is sweet and cool as it moves round my body and delights me like loving whispers of voices unknown. Faeries dance on wing; their joyous laughter calling my spirit ever on. Reaching down, I try to grasp a bright purple leaf from atop the sugar maple. As my energy moves within the magickal moment, I feel the sun warming me as it moves through the essences of my being, giving glimmers of what possibilities lie just beyond. . .

And then, in a sound, a spark of light, the cracking of a twig, I find myself laying atop the freshly cut hay ready for baling. Yet looking down I find within my hand the big and beautiful purple leaf from the top of the old sugar maple. Did I pick it up in my dreams or from under the tree? In my heart I shall always believe it came within that veil of magick just between dreams and what others call reality.

I always looked forward to sharing my adventures with my Great Grandmother. She, in her wisdom, would listen to each of my quests with attentive wonder and delight. It didn’t matter if they were ones of my chasing a frog down the creek bank for a few short and muddy hours, or those that carried me above the tree tops and into the veils of magick and possibility. She was there for me, smiling and teaching; teaching me many lessons I still remember even today.

Now that Autumn is here and Samhain is quickly approaching, I cannot help but remember the magick I felt and still feel today in this time of changing. The energy seems to rise within my spirit, as it sparks and dances across the essence of my soul. It touches me in memories and stories shared as my Great Grandmother would teach the old ways and the understanding of the Seasons of Life. In this, I again feel I can soar above the treetops in the arms of Autumn.

Fall is more than a season or that time of transition from summer to winter. Fall is what my Great Grandmother called the “Croning Time;” that time where the giving of life moves to the teaching of life within wisdom, no longer giving birth to new life, but nurturing all that is life and all that life brings.

Autumn is the “Spirit Goddess of the Changing.” She is guardian of the Croning Time.” Autumn in Her feminine form, is welcoming us unto Her as She, in wisdom, changes to the Crone. Autumn is a Grandmother Goddess and a keeper of the Cauldron of Life. She is wise with great knowledge and the understanding, which has grown within and of her experiences. Proud and strong, She dresses in the glorious colors of all that She is and shall be again.

As the Great Crone, Autumn, welcomes us with understanding of our own personal changes within the seasons that are life. She teaches us that Fall, as the Croning Time, is a time of celebration and joy. As we celebrate the seasons and ourselves, we find the wisdom within to see the beauty held in all the colors that make life the magick that it truly is.

Today in the eternal goal of everlasting youth, we find disgrace in and hide the changes of our personal seasons of life. Wrinkles are no longer seen as the lines of knowledge and understanding from the roads in life we have traveled and conquered. Now they are marks of shame for what nature brings us. We fight and pull and dug until sometimes, we cannot even recognize the reflection looking back at us in the mirror.

Graying hair is no longer a crown of wisdom, but a symbol of old age to be hidden. Age is no longer held as a destination of honor but is approached with the fear that we will be cast away, unimportant and forgotten. For our society finds it easer to lock away the wisdom of the aged behind closed doors than to seek the secrets held within. Perhaps age causes us dread because it uncovers within what our emotions fear. For when we are faced with those aged by life it reminds us each of the approach of inevitable death. Death no longer being a new beginning but the end of what was.

Autumn, as the Great Crone reminds us, that time life and death are but a thought, a moment flashing past eternity. Not to be feared but each to be relished and enjoyed. For as with the seasons, each holds it on gifts. Spring, Her excitement of the possibilities of the magick life holds anew. Summer, Her knowledge growing as She gives birth to new beginnings and eternal hope. Autumn, in Her wisdom and beauty reminds us of all that we have and all we have to give. Winter, wraps us in Her soft blanket of white that we might rest within the arms of Mother Earth to be reborn again in Spring. For this time shall come again as time circles forward in the Great Wheel of Life.

For thousands of years, women of wisdom and age were honored, valued and revered as the Elder Women. Autumn, as the Spirit Goddess of the Changing, is also the guardian of the Croning Time. Dressed in Her radiant colors, She reminds us of the respect held by those who are entering The Croning Time. Autumn allows us to reclaim our identity and status of the ancients, as Crones and Elders. We are coming of age, accessing our wisdom and acting upon it. Croning is the process of becoming active wise women.

Croning can begin at any age and is particularly relevant for women 45 and older. Yet, even men can become Crones within their on understandings of this passage. Personal experiences of aging provide the understanding of your path within this Time of Changing. It is up to us to decide how the circumstances of life transform us and move us forward.

We can no more hold back time and aging than we can stop the Great Wheel as it moves forward in its seasons. Perhaps the reason we all find such a joyous renewal in the energy of fall is the power that Autumn gives us over the fear of change, in both life and death. Change should not be feared but celebrated, for life has given us another year of wonder, magick and beauty.

My Great Grandmother opened my eyes to the magick of the seasons. She walked with me as I found the Goddess all around me, dressed in Her bright and fiery colors of reds, oranges, purples, and gold’s. When I became tired, she encouraged me to walk forward on the hillsides and watch the morning rise as the glistening dew gave a kaleidoscope of color on the leaves. When I became weak, she would carry me until I could once more hear the sweet mystical voice flowing in the breeze that would renew my spirit.

Autumn is the Croning Time, a time of magick, a time for renewal of spirit. As you experience the mysterious energy of this mystical season, allow the child within you to replenish your soul . . . and again look to the treetops in their beauty and touch the veils beyond.

Now I am the Crone, proud to teach those within my life in honor to my Great Grandmother. Let the magick of the Season truly touch your spirit as you walk forward in the colors of life.

By; Lady Abigail
High Priestess Ravensgrove Coven
Greenfield, IN area
Copyright © 01102009

Let's Talk Witch – A Little Different Witchy Talk Today

I was going to do a “Let’s Talk Witch” section about familiars. But I am fairly certain each of us has  our own familiar and do not need a topic about them.

With the war drums that are starting to beat very loudly from Washington, I think we all need to a ritual for peace.

I know we must have done something right. The Head of Russia Putin now wants to send over a delegation to address our Congress. Certain news anchors have said this is only for show. He wants to act like he is the better person for doing this.  I don’t believe it. I think Putin is very sincere in this gesture. I believe he has the common sense to know how quickly this could escalate out of control and the two super powers end up in a nuclear war. A war that no one wins. I live about 5 to 10 miles away from one of the first strike targets. Comforting, I know.

I asked you yesterday to pray or petition the Divine Being you believe in.  I strongly believe our prays and petitions were carried to Putin’s ear. Because what he suggested is more than anyone could have anticipated. Now it is time to direct all of our power and conviction to our own government.

I believe the perfect Peace Goddess is “Irene.” In case you are unfamiliar with her. Her is a little about her…..

“Eirene, or Irene (Greek for “peace”; the Roman equivalent was Pax), one of the Horae, was the personification of peace, and was depicted In art as a beautiful young woman carrying a cornucopia, sceptre and a torch or rhyton. She is said sometimes to be the daughter of Zeus and Themis.”

The goddess carries a child with her left arm – Ploutos, the god of plenty and son of Demeter, the goddess of agriculture.  Irene  is missing  her right hand once held a sceptre. She gazes maternally at Ploutos, who is looking back at her trustingly. The image depicted is an allegory for Plenty (Ploutos) prospering under the protection of Peace (Eirene); it constituted a public appeal to good sense.“

I think I strongly connect with Irene is because She stand for prosperity in Peace. Which I believe. No one prospers in war especially these day. There is too much at stake. I personally don’t know what has happened to Obama. He has got to the point were he actually scares me. I can say this because I voted for him but if I knew all this was coming, I wouldn’t have. If we don’t take our Goddess given talents and use them for the good of mankind this time, then shame on us. Obama would as soon as drink a glass of water as push a nuclear button.

Are you ready to meet your obligation to mankind once again. If so, let us petition the Goddess Irene for Peace (You can use another Goddess if you like). Below you will find a Peace Ritual.  When we join our voices as one, we become a very strong force that can achieve any goal we set our minds too.

The Ritual

Design this ritual to suit your needs. Choose candle colors that represent the
things you seek peace for (e.g. maybe green and brown for peace on earth).

From out of the dark and into the light
A circular mark, a candle burns bright.
I look towards the sky, my song I do sing
Spirits soar high and gifts do I bring.
I offer my all, my mind I then clear
Harken my call, I fell you are near.
Candle burns higher, my spirits set free
Hotter than fire, the magick will be.
Let magick come ’round, from under the ground
To form with my sound and then to be bound.
Around me I feel the magick so real
Before you I knees, the spell I now seal.
Let all hatred CEASE
And let there be PEACE.
These words that I say
With magick AWAY!
This spell that I send
Is now at an end.
Let the magick I’ve laid
Go forth and not fade.
So Mote It Be!

Please join me in this ritual to bring peace to our country and eventually the world.

 

Blessed Be,

Lady A

I Came Back For The Coffee

I Came Back For The Coffee
image
Author: Dracowolf

As a Pagan and Witch, I must say, I do not readily believe or even think much of reincarnation. If it does exist, it happened in the past…I don’t know about everyone else, but I need all my energies focused in the now, and giving a lot of attention to something that happened in another time and place kind of counteracts that. I will not say reincarnation does not happen…just that it matters in this life as much as knowing where Great Uncle Bob came from. If I will do any deep introspective discovery, it might be more along the lines of why I turned up in this here and now and why there are the influences there are in my life, regardless of who people were in my past life or even who I was.

Why did I come back to this plane or any other plane than that of the “Summerlands”? I usually do not really go into much thought with this kind of question. I know a few things; the first is that there is a plan. The Divine has a plan. Do I know that entire plan, or exactly how I fit…no, and I don’t think anyone really ever does, nor do we have to. We are here, yes to learn lessons, but also as Tigernach says in his November 16th article (Choosing to be Alive), “It is only through individual finite existence that we can truly experience the world. Through us Goddess feels pleasure, pain, and love. Without us, the gods would lack eyes to see and a voice to speak. To me this is why we are here; to give beauty, justice and love a face, but it comes at the price of being temporarily separated from the infinite, and the possibility of pain, violence and loss.”

Creation is an ever on-going process, there is a reason just to be “alive”, to be on this plane or another, to give Creation meaning and perhaps direction. To delve into the question of what is our personal meaning in life or any life, is one of perhaps vocation and direction. It is certainly not a who’s who list of those who have come back from the afterlife.

I am a person who talks with Spirits of all sort and varieties. I am more likely to think that some of the experiences people talk about as past lives are those past experiences that the spirits around have lived, and are now relating to us. Perhaps because of how the law of attraction works, certain spirits and life stories are attracted to us because of a similarity of life lived or similarity of lesson or point. Whether true incarnation or spirit communication, it is all the same: information. And we need to search out what information has value and/or meaning to us individually.

As to the question of what free will is… I think that certain beings (angels, for instance) were not given the choice to live their lives for themselves, but are compelled to service or to duty to Creation. I think, in effect, Creator delegated, and made specific beings for specific purposes. A little later in creation, Creator said….hmmmm, what would happen if I did this? Now mind you, I am perfectly comfortable in having mystery in my life, and have some faith in that I will understand what I need to understand, and I could let the rest go, because, in essence, it’s not my part to play. I know this is something not everyone could accept, nor does it mean that I will not try to grow and expand my spirit and knowledge and experience.

Bear with me here… We are only a small part of Creator and Creation, those reasons for Creation are beyond me. I think the question before us is to serve something greater than ourselves, or not. In life, there are many opportunities, and certain opportunities are presented more predominately in one lifetime than others. I think it is our free will to step up to the plate and serve or not, or how much we serve, or to stay centered and functional while serving, depending on the degree to which we serve. This is a partnership of service; we are not obligated to do anything we don’t want to do, nor can we expect favors or training from the rest of Creation, if we do not hold up our end – quid pro quo, I guess. Nor do I mean to put a standard on the term service. If we cannot really know all of Creator, we do not know that making dinner every night and serving one’s family is not the best kind of service…I think we know intuitively what to do, and we must follow our hearts.

The Russian Orthodox faith has a belief called “Sobornost”, which means everything has a place and there is a place for everything. In effect, they also believe that “Satan” still serves God, just not by the most benevolent of means. We do not always know if the meanest of persons is not serving Creation by being what he or she is at heart: the meanest person. I try and stick to the simple faith that it takes all types to make this plane go ’round. Mind you, I will never be caught saying it isn’t frustrating as all Hell that sometimes there are those people who get stuck on one lesson and won’t move on!

After having said all this, why would I come back? I would come back because I have hope and faith in people, in the Spirits and Gods, in Creation, and the Creator/trix. I love life. I love the simple things about life, the feel of being all comfy and cozy in bed in the mornings, a good cup of coffee, having a laugh with a friend, making love, experiencing the seasons come and go. I would come back, because I am part of creation no matter what I do. I want to take part in it, and step up to the plate of life. To honor those who leave this plane, and those who are newly born into it, to teach, and be taught, to love, and struggle, this is all life and to be part of that is one of greatest things I could do.

This being said, I feel I must also put in my thoughts about what the afterlife or Summerland is like. Like this plane, the Summerland is what you make of it. It’s just as easy to fall into an emotional rut here as it is there. The afterlife is not all roses and gold streets; it’s another stage of life and being. It’s not an end or reward; it just is. It may be an end to physical pain, but it is certainly not always an end to emotional or spiritual pain. This is why suicide in general (not always in specific cases) is not the best idea. The emotional pain doesn’t always end after death. In the original context of reincarnation, one reincarnates until they have reached Nirvana, the state of enlightenment. If one has reached the state of enlightenment, they are God-like, they are a Buddha, and there is no reason to “reincarnate” because you are one with all of Creation and no longer a regular old human being, but now a force of Creation, in all times and places. But even Buddha likes to come back to the physical plane…maybe Buddha likes the coffee here too!

How to Use a Ouija Board – Ouija Board Do's and Don'ts

How to Use a Ouija Board – Ouija Board Do’s and Don’ts

By , About.com Guide

If you are thinking about trying to communicate with the spirits using a Ouija board is a fairly easy way to begin your exploration.

Some people are really nervous about using a Ouija or talking board for spiritual communications. There is a concern that using a Ouija board could possibly be an invitation for dark forces to enter into the room. The use of Ouija or any other mediumship aid does warrant caution. Really, think about it. Do you leave your front door unlocked at all times? Or is there a neon sign out in your front lawn flashing 24/7 beckoning every stranger who walks past your street to step inside your home? Of course not!

When you wish to communicate with the spirit world via the Ouija or another channel (automatic writing, visualizations, thought, etc.) it is best to be specific about “who” you are wishing to receive communications from. If you didn’t like to hang around with Uncle Jimmy when he was living, then you’re not likely going to be thrilled hearing from him beyond the grave either. Intention is key!

How to Use a Ouija Board:

I’ve listed below a few do’s and don’ts for using the Ouija Board – Ouija Etiquette if you will…

Ouija Board Do’s

  • Do darken the room and entice the spirits to visit by lighting some candles.
  • Do avoid possible distractions by turning off the television, cell phones, etc.
  • Do balance the board upon your knees if possible.
  • Do warm up the board by moving the planchette in circles or figure eight pattern.
  • Do be specific about who you wish to communicate with (Aunt Mary, personal spirit guide, Ascended Master, etc.)
  • Do be cordial to your spirit guests, although it is okay to ask them to leave if they are rude guests (using foul language, taunting you or your seance guests, etc.)
  • Do write down the messages letter by letter. Spirits often misspell, use slang, or will even txt speak.
  • Do have fun!

Ouija Board Don’ts

  • Do not use the Ouija board by yourself, it is best to get a buddy to assist you.
  • Do not confuse the spirit with questions from too many people, assign one person in the room to ask questions.
  • Do not ask questions you don’t want to know the answer to such as “When am I going to die?” You’re not going to get a serious answer to these types of questions.
  • Do not ask questions you already know the answer to like “What is my middle name?” It’s a seance, not a pop quiz!
  • Do not allow the invited spirit guest to control the session, you want answers, not a lecture.
  • Do not accept all communications as fact, discern all information given. Only accept what feels accurate in your gut.
  • Do not be upset if your seance is a bust, sometimes spirits don’t feel like talking.

Are Ouija boards harmless children's toys, or tools of the devil?

Are Ouija boards harmless children’s toys, or tools of the devil?

By Patti Wigington, About.com Guide

 

The Ouija board is one of the most controversial forms of divination.

Question: Are Ouija boards harmless children’s toys, or tools of the devil?

I bought a Ouija board because I want to talk to spirits. My dad says it’s a tool of the Devil but I think I’ll be fine. What do you think?

Answer:

Erm… well, I’m going to let the whole “devil” bit slide, but let’s look at this a bit more in depth, shall we?

Here’s the problem with a Ouija Board — anyone can use one, and no skill is required. In other words, the thing that makes the Ouija Board so easy to use is also what can make it potentially troublesome. Toy and game companies sell them by the thousands, but most people don’t realize exactly what they are. Are they evil? No, no more than your Monopoly board is. Are they dangerous? Well, in the hands of someone who’s untrained — or an idiot — they could be. Look at it as a spiritual version of the chat room, if that helps. There’s nothing at all wrong with talking to thirty strangers… until one of them turns out to be a serial killer or a pedophile. And the thing is, you don’t KNOW who is what when you enter that room. Same with a Ouija board.

A Ouija Board is, quite simply, a divinatory tool. Its purpose is to answer a question by inviting spirits to speak to the people using the board. There’s no guarantee that anything will happen at all… but there’s also no way to control what DOES happen.

The use of a Ouija board is a form of voluntary possession. In order to get the spirit to contact you through the planchette, you basically have to give up your will — it’s the only way for them to work through you. The spirit isn’t moving the planchette, but it’s causing you to move it with your hands by way of possession. Once you’ve opened up the Ouija board, it’s a crapshoot as to what’s going to try to make contact — you don’t know who or what is moving that planchette around, or what its purpose is.

The bottom line — if you’re unsure about what you’re doing, or inexperienced with dealing with spirits, you may want to find some other method of divination that doesn’t involve voluntary possession.

Ouija Boards

Ouija Boards

Definition: Supposedly the name “Ouija Board” is derived from the French and German words for “yes” (oui and ja). The device is used to supposedly contact immaterial  spirits who control the hands of the human participants for the purpose of answering  questions. These questions can involve the nature of the afterlife, events which  occurred while these spirits still existed in the physical realm, or events which will  occur in the future (divination). The Ouija Board has often been used by both kids  and adults as basically a game, but it has also been used by people who are “true  believers” in the presence and power of spirits.

A Ouija Board is a simple device, consisting of a flat board covered with all the letters of the alphabet, numbers, and four words written large: Yes, No, Maybe and Goodbye. In addition it comes with a triangular object, a bit larger than a fist, resting on three short legs. This is called a planchette, and one corner is used as a pointer.

The original version of such boards consisted just of the planchette and paper – a pencil was put through a hole in the planchette and the “spirits” were supposed to transmit their messages in this fashion. This design was changed in the late 19th century by Isaac Fuld, a Baltimore toymaker who added the board with letters and numbers, thus simplifying the transmission of messages. Sales were tremendous, especially after World War I when millions of people were mourning the loss of loved ones and were anxious to get some sign, any sign, that they might still “exist” in some fashion. 

For tax reasons, Fuld insisted that his Ouija board was not a game but rather a  scientific instrument. The government attempted to impose a tax upon his sales like they  did with other games, something he fought all of the way to the Supreme Court. He lost.

Today, all rights and trademarks are owned by Parker Brothers because Fuld’s children sold the business in 1966. Although they no longer manufacture it, anything which was not made by them is not an authentic Fuld board. As it currently stands, it is operated by having one or more people sit at the board with one or more hands on the planchette and they ask questions of spirits. The planchette is then supposed to move about the board, pointing to the answers – numbers, words, or letters which spell out more specific information. 

In practice, the answers are produced by the ideomotor effect, not spirits. That this  is the real cause was recognized even early on – the original patent for the Ouija  Board included the statement that “A question is asked and by involuntary  muscular actions of the players, or through some other agency, the frame will  commence to move across the table.” 

It is also interesting that if opaque paper is placed over the board, hiding the letters and numbers from the people who are using it, the “spirits” are no longer able communicate. Are we really supposed to believe that these spirits are unable to see through plain paper?

About.com

Witches Magick for August 22 – Holding The Perfect Seance

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How To Hold a Seance

By Patti Wigingon, About. com Guide

 

A séance is an event that can either be fantastic, or a real mess. Which one it is will depend on how much preparation goes into it. With a little bit of planning and thought ahead of time, you can pave the way for your séance to go smoothly. Certainly, it’s a good idea to expect the unexpected — after all, the dead are hardly predictable — but by setting yourself a few guidelines in advance, you can make sure that everyone has the best experience possible.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Varied

Here’s How:

Plan your guest list: Figure out how many people you’re going to have — and make sure the space you’re using will allow them all. If your living room only seats eight people comfortably, don’t invite fifteen! Also, be sure that everyone attending is open-minded to the spirit world. People who are adamantly “non-believers” bring a certain amount of negative energy, and this can be disruptive. You may also find that it adversely effects your communication with the spirits during your séance.

Create a Spirit-Friendly Atmosphere: Most people like to conduct a séance at a round or oval table, but if neither is available, don’t worry. Drape the table with fabric or sheets — some people prefer light colors to attract “friendly” spirits, but it’s a matter or personal preference. If you use incense, be sure that no one in your group is allergic to it. Place incense somewhere away from the table, rather than on the table itself. Candles are a nice addition as well — not only do they provide some visibility, but there’s a school of thought that believes spirits are attracted to heat and light sources.

Common Sense: Help everyone get comfortable by offering refreshments before you begin. Make sure that guests will be respectful of the spirits, and of other guests. Turn off all cell phones. If anyone needs to go to the bathroom or have a smoke, do so before you begin. Set the thermostat at a comfortable temperature — remember that spirit activity can cause some fluctuation in levels of cold or heat. Once everyone is seated, you can help everyone relax by doing a short guided mediation, offering a prayer, or casting a protective circle, if your tradition requires you to do so.

During the Seance: Although many people like to do this, you don’t have to hold hands to raise energy. In fact, if a séance goes on too long, it can get downright uncomfortable. Whoever is acting as the leader of the séance — the medium — should ask the spirits to join the group. If there is a specific spirit you are trying to contact, ask for them by name. For example, now would be the time to say, “Dear Auntie Gertrude, we respectfully ask that you honor us with your presence this evening.” In some séances, spirits are summoned by chanting — this will be up to your medium to decide on.

As long as the spirits seem willing to reply, you can carry on a question and answer session with them. Bear in mind that spirits respond in many different ways. Sometimes there will be a tangible reaction — a tap, a thump, a soft breeze. Other times — particularly if you have a room full of very psychically gifted people — the spirit may choose to respond through another person. This may be the medium, or any other guest. The individual may simply “get a message” to pass along, which they would then share, such as, “Your Auntie Gertrude wants you to know she isn’t in pain any more.”

Party Time: Sometimes, particularly if you have a group of psychically gifted individuals as guests, you may get several spirits arriving all at once, chattering away. This is not cause for alarm, but it does take some managing, because they’ve all got something to say. Treat it like you would any other conversation with a large group of people — let each spirit get their turn to deliver the message they came with, and then move on to the next one. Also, bear in mind that not all spirits are from departed humans — deceased pets may also have a message to pass along.

Unwanted Entities: Just like at any other party, sometimes a séance will bring an uninvited guest. In this case, when you have a spirit that seems malevolent or mischievous, someone needs to let them know they’re unwelcome. Typically, this will be the medium who is leading the séance, who will usually say something like, “You are not wanted here, but we thank you for your presence. Now it is time for you to move on.”

If an entity arrives that seems angry or hostile and will not leave, no matter what you do, end the séance. Chances are good that it’s been attracted to someone in your group who is dysfunctional.

Closing the Door: When you’re done with the séance, it’s important that guests thank the spirits for coming to visit. After all, you would do so if you had living guests drop in!

If one of your attendees seems to have slipped into a trance or a sleep-like state during the séance, allow them to return gradually, on their own. Do NOT shake them awake. Chances are they’ll have a message for someone once they’re back among the group.

Close the séance by telling the spirits farewell, thanking them, and asking them to move along. You may want to offer a small blessing or prayer as a way of ending the formal séance, but bear in mind that some spirits like to hang around after the séance has officially finished. If they do, it’s okay. They’re probably just curious, and they may return to visit you later in the evening during a dream sequence.

Tips:

Before you begin your seance, smudge the area with sage or sweetgrass for ritual cleansing.

Make sure you’ve eliminated potential distractions, such as children or ringing telephones. Interestingly, many pets seem to come and go through spirit activity without causing any disruption. Cats in particular tend to be very curious about what’s going on.

Your guests may wish to bring an object that belonged to a deceased person, as a way of strengthening the connection. Photographs are also good links to the dead.

In Touch with the Spirit World

In Touch with the Spirit World

by Jenni Kosarin

When you are conducting a séance, whom are you trying to contact? One answer is the spirit world. Spirits do not inhabit “space,” so they can’t possess the medium and take over his body. Instead, they are able to contact and influence the aura of the medium—that magnetic field of energy or glow that surrounds each person. Spiritual entities are able to speak to us through the aura of someone who knows how to hear them.

Your aura is pure when you are born, but it may be damaged during your lifetime with drug abuse, guilt, letting people treat you badly, and so forth. To cleanse your aura, you can meditate or rely on crystal or mind therapy.

If you can’t get in touch with a specific soul or spirit, there are two possible explanations. First, we are very attached to our bodies and the material world. Everything here is dense and heavy compared to that which exists on the spiritual plane. Even though humans have access to the spiritual world, we are mostly a part of the real world and are more aware of it because we need to be in order to survive. Tuning in to the spiritual realm is not critical for our survival and we don’t get much practice in it, so it’s almost impossible for the average person to forge a contact with a spirit.

There is a second reason as well. There are many different planes in the spiritual world, and our world is one of the first levels. Compared with other planes, our concepts of time, space, relativity, and even reality, which mankind has constructed, are amateur at best. In other words, contrary to what we may wish, the spiritual world does not revolve around us—we are just one small part of it.

Many spirits do not wish to or cannot be contacted. They have moved on and are learning what their souls must learn now. The spiritual plane they are on is very far away (not in terms of space, but in terms of dimension) from ours. Consequently, professional mediums true to their trade will tell you that it is very difficult, if not impossible, to contact a specific soul or spirit. We do not normally choose our spirit guides or angels. They choose us.

Whom Do We Have Access To?

Unfortunately, spirit entities that are close to our plane are, many times, those who are lost, held back, or stuck in their own holding pattern. For some reason, they are still clinging to the beliefs they had on this plane and, consequently, refuse to move on. Some of them even refuse to acknowledge that they are no longer alive. In fact, many mediums say that confused spirits are usually the first ones to come through during a séance. They recommend that you ask the spirit (who claims to be so-and-so) to verify things that only the soul of the particular person would know.

Other than that, higher guides, spirits, and angels are available to us because they remain close to this plane. They’re here to help us and they can sometimes come through as well.

What A Blessed Tuesday It Is! Good Morning dear family!

Witchy Cat Graphics & Comments
Good morning my sweets! How are you doing today? I am sorry for running late but I have been goofing off look at other witchcraft sites. You know you have to keep up with the competition, lol!

 

We have several replies to the question of the day yesterday. Where is everybody else at? The question was……If you could go back in history and change any event from happening what would it be? We have some excellent answers and great discussion openers. Check it out here….https://witchesofthecraft.com/2013/08/12/question-of-the-day-please-participate-if-you-like/

 

I know my answer was to stop Booth from shooting Lincoln. Everybody else agreed that they wouldn’t change a thing. Simply because our mistakes and past make us who we are today. I agree with them. But if you thought what you did would benefit mankind and make this world a better place would you then?

 

I have to stop and think about the Burning Times. I cry every time I think about what our ancestors went through. Would I have loved to stop it? Would I like to have prevented it? Yes, I would. But deep down, I know preventing the Burning Times would have been wrong. Sounds funny coming from me doesn’t it. If it wasn’t for our ancestors and knowing what they went through, I don’t believe we would hold our Religion as dear as we do. I don’t believe we would be the fighters we are. The Burning Times made us who we are, as terrible as that might sound. Sadly, it had to happen. I know just thinking about it makes me angry and upset. But it has burned into my soul that I can never let my ancestors die in vain. NEVER! None of us can.

 

Witchcraft is now more widely accepted. The truth is getting out about what we are really about. We have a long way to go still but I am sure we will eventually get there. Our ancestors died for something they believed very precious and that was our Religion. We can never let our Religion or their memory fall by the wayside. We must continue the fight. It won’t be easy because it never is. But one day we will be able to say we put Witchcraft back into its’ rightful place in mainstream Religion.

 

Remember dear family, the fight goes on. But it is the good fight we are fighting and  we have the Goddess on our side.

To Be A Witch

To Be A Witch

Author: shadowdance 
 

To me, being a witch comes with many responsibilities. It is to be there when a friend or someone we know is in pain, or may need a healing. It is to be that listening ear and that shoulder when someone needs it, to lovingly let someone know when they need to return to the right path when we see them veering off. It is offering the kind word or a smile that sends with it energies of love, strength and compassion.

To be a witch is to be free. Free to feel the elements all around us and encompass the meanings of them all, to feel life as it is, so pure; everything on this earth is a part of the big scheme of things. And being witches, we know this. We feel the pains of Mother Earth as people abuse Her by not putting back what they have taken or have taken without asking. We feel the spirits of the animals that we see, feel their beating heart with ours as we become one. Our spirit soars through the skies with the majestic eagles and travels with the tiny little ant as it labors through its day.

To be a witch is to be able to see the beauty around us and to work with the wonderful energies of it; to shape and form the magic that we do is the best thing of being a witch. We do not take life lightly and we cherish every moment of it as we cherish our sisters with a love that no one could ever put a wedge between, for we are true sisters of spirit and of love. We feel each other’s joys, sorrows, and pains. When someone hurts one of us, we want to defend our sisters with all that we have and we give all that we can in the times of sorrow. Our energies are always for each other: that is so special about being a witch.

There will be times that we will feel someone’s emotions. It can either leave us energized or drained. I know when I used to work for the public, there were times when I went home and I was emotionally and physically drained. I had to learn to put a shield of protection around myself. To do this, I first smudged my area and myself. I then grounded and just breathed in deeply, letting all positive energies flow with in my lungs and my being, and slowly breathed out, seeing all that I let go of were all of those crazy emotions I was feeling. I pictured a beautiful white light covering my head and working its way down. I was in a blanket of white pulsating light. It was warm and inviting and could feel it going throughout my entire body and then down to my feet as it grounded into the earth. I would sit like that for a couple of minutes and let all of that wonderful energy surround me. I would suggest to anyone who works with the public to do this often to protect yourself. For if your spirit is weak, how can you help others? And helping others is one of our responsibilities as a witch.

Another method of protection and release I do when I just feel the weight of the world on my shoulders is: Fill the bathtub with water as hot as you like. Add a bit of Epsom salts to purify the water. Sit in the tub and just relax and let the water completely relax the body. Take a couple of cleansing breaths in and out. Then lie back and think of all the negative emotions and feeling that have been around you. (In my mind’s eye, I see the water sparkle white like facets of diamonds. I feel the energy drawing out the negative vibes.) As the negativity is being drawn out, the sparkling water starts to change color to a shade of grayish blue. When you feel that all the bad emotions are in the water, pull out the plug.

Lying back as the water is draining out, your body feels heavy, but that is okay. It is a normal feeling. You will feel drained and a bit tired. Before you get out of the tub, be sure all the water is gone. Get out of the tub and dry off. Smudge the bathroom and yourself. Turn on the faucet and clean the surface of the tub. Your spirit will feel lighter now, but possibly still tired. So if you can, lie down and put on some soft music and take a nap.

When you wake up, you will feel refreshed and ready to go. You will not only feel clean in body but clean in spirit also. Then thank the Goddess and God for watching over us all and helping you with your daily routine. Whenever you start feeling haggard and just off kilter, do this. And do not forget to put a protective shield afterward and bring positive energies into your body. You need to replace what left you, so be sure it is positive energies coming in and blocking out the negative.

As witches, it is our duty to teach our children and younger people the path. Teach it in love and light; let them know that there are always consequences for actions. They need to be taught control. And to never to lash out in anger. I admit that I have problems with that still and I am in my crone years. I take a couple of breaths before I react and sometimes sleep on it. Most of the time I send the people that have caused the problem love energies: that they may have love of self and that they may see love whenever they look in the mirror. I feel once you have love in your heart for self, then there is love left over for others. And to me the biggest part about being a witch is the word LOVE.

I love my dear family here and am so glad that the Goddess has led me to this time of my life and she has shown me the way. I am forever grateful… for she has blessed me abundantly with my family here, with my family in the forests and the oceans, and has reconnected me to Mother Earth, and Grandmother Moon. For that, I shall always be grateful.

My love, to my coven family.

Amazing Grace

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Amazing Grace

How sweet the Earth,

That bore a Witch like me.

I once was burned,

Now I survive.

Was Hanged but now I sing.

‘Twas Grace, That Drew

Down the Moon,

and Grace that Raised

the Seas,

The Magick in,

The people’s Will

Will Set our Mother Free.

We Face The East,

and breathe the winds,

That move across the Earth,

From gentle breeze to hurricane,

our breath will bring forth change.

Turn Towards the South,

and Feel the Fire,

That burns in you and me,

The Spirit’s flame shall rise again,

and Burn Eternally.

We Greet the West

Our Souls awash,

In Tides of Primal Birth,

Our Pain and blood, Our Tears and love

Shall cleanse and heal the Earth.

Reach in to North,

and Know your roots,

Down Deep ancestral Caves.

We find the Wisdom of the Crone,

of Circles we are made.

Amazing Grace

How Sweet the Earth

That bore Witches like We.

We once were burned

Now we survive

were hanged and now we sing.

Goddess bless,

So mote it be

Our Magick Spirals on,

Merry meet and Merry Part

and Merry meet Again.

Life As The Witch – Getting that Graveyard Dirt & Dealing With Those Spirits

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I have had several people ask me about graveyard dirt recently. How to collect it? What grave do I get it from? I have answered these questions in extent. But when it come to dealing with the Spirit world, I don’t want to take any chances that I might have been misunderstood or didn’t emphasis the importance of a certain area. Due to this fact, I ran across an article in a book by a Pagan Author I greatly admire, Dorothy Morrison. She also discusses this subject very thoroughly. I hope you enjoy this excerpt from her book, “Utterly Wicked, Curses, Hexes or Other Unsavory Notions”

Graveyard Dirt and Dealing With Spirits

Taking graveyard dirt without permission is much like breaking into someone’s home and stealing their possessions. And if you did that on the physical plane, the only help you’d get from the injured part would be a one-way trip to jail. The same is true of the spiritual realm. Yeah, I know that spirits don’t necessarily live in the dirt in the cemetery. However, that dirt comprises the final resting place of the body it left behind. That means that its energy is in that dirt. And to take that without permission is to take the only possession it has left. Go that route and one thing’s for sure: Jail time is going to be the least of your worries.

You also need to remember that asking permission is not enough. Some sort of relationship must be formed with the spirit before proceeding. And depending upon the spirit and your individual needs, this could take a few minutes or several days. You also need to be prepared for the possibility that you’re not going to be able to form a relationship at all. The reasons for this are many—personality clash, little or no common ground, or an objection to your desires, just to name a few—but in this case, none of that really matters. What does matter is that you don’t push the issue. Just thank the spirit for its time, and continue your search.

Once you do find a spirit that’s willing to help you (and you will), payment for the dirt is not enough. Mind your manners, be polite, and thank it for its assistance. Bring it an extra token of appreciation. You never know when you might need its help again, and no one—living, dead, or otherwise—is going to be willing to offer support of any kind if you can’t even be bothered with common courtesy.

Of course, if a spirit really likes you—if you’ve been kind and courteous and gone the extra mile—it may decide to hang around you, whether you want it to or not. To avoid this, offer it a piece of black onyx as a parting gift once your goal is achieved. (It’s the stone of separation and will sever your connections peaceably.) And if you need the spirit’s assistance again? Not a problem. Just go back to visit, and be assured that it will remember you.

Reference:

Excerpt from:

“The Real Dirt on the Quick and the Dead”
Utterly Wicked
Curses, Hexes or Other Unsavory Notions
by Dorothy Morrison

Grab Bag for the Holiday Season Or, Survival Tips for the Homeward Bound

Grab Bag for the Holiday Season

Or, Survival Tips for the Homeward Bound

by Erika Ginnis

 

I thought that for this article I would  touch on a couple of ideas and techniques that I have found useful during  the holiday season. This is the time of  year when the light seems like a  memory (even as it begins to change  and return), and the dark is ever around  us. It is a powerful time for inner  searching and deep magick. It is a time  of cycles both within us and outside  of us. In some ways, this is the time of  year when it seems like everyone, pagan or not, is bound up in the cyclic  sweep of the turning of the year and  the seasons.

Whatever your own personal opinions about the many traditions that  are celebrated during this time of year  (I personally love the holidays regardless of the name they go by — but  then again I have also been told I am  rather strange!) it is hard to dismiss  all that it brings up in us. All our childhood experiences good or bad are  there with us. All the hopes and  dreams, realized or not, come crowding back on us at this time of year. We  get together with family members  (many of which have little understanding of our particular spirituality), and  sometimes it seems like we become  someone we once were, or never were  but thought we were supposed to be.  It can also be that we love the festivities at this time of year, but those  around us are glum and depressed.  Perhaps we ourselves like this dark  time of inner reflection and long for  its quiet wisdom, but are annoyed by  all the revelers around us and feel the  need to go hibernate under a rock till  spring.

Anything sound familiar yet? Well,  you are not alone. I have personally  found that this period of time right  around Yule to be a great opportunity  for growth and change. The way I look  at it, “If my stuff is going to be up and  strewn all around me anyway, I might  as well take this opportunity to work  on some of it!”

One of the things that I become  increasingly aware of in relation to all  of this, is something that I call a “growth  period.” To define this very simply: “A  growth period is the time it takes the  body to adjust and process the  changes that we make as spirit.” The  holiday season is a time ripe for periods of accelerated growth. We are  confronted with our pasts, with family  issues, with the cyclic and therefore  mortal aspects of ourselves. Adding  this to the fact that it is already a time  of darkness and cold (at least in this  part of the world) can inspire some  pretty intense stuff.

Have you ever taken a class in  some kind of personal development  or spiritual work, and felt like you were  riding an amazing high, only to find  yourself a week or two later getting  sick, or wanting to hide from the world?  This is an example of a growth period. First of all, you make some kind  of change or work on something as  spirit. This happens very quickly, since  spirit isn’t bound by time and space.  Great, no problem, you can make all  these changes and wheeeee! Right?  Well, only partially; you are spirit, you  can change in an instant; however, you  have a body, and that body has to  operate in time and space. So what  happens is that your body needs to  integrate what you have changed. It  needs time to process the new energy.

While you are in this process, it  can feel a little odd. I think of it sometimes like a plant getting a new leaf.  When the leaf is just beginning to unfold, it is a lighter green and is a lot  more tender, more easily bruised. It  hasn’t developed the more waxy finish that the other leaves have.

This is analogous to how we can  feel when we are in a state of flux.  Over time, the leaf grows out and unfolds and becomes just like the others, and the plant is that much larger.  It is the process by which growth occurs. We are not so very different from  the plants. We don’t normally sprout  leaves, but our changes are just as  real and every bit as observable if you  know how to look.

Growth periods can be experienced in a number of ways. You may  want to sleep much more than usual  or not need as much sleep as you are  used to. You may want to have a lot  of sex or want to go out dancing a lot,  or maybe want to hibernate at home  all of a sudden. Maybe you want to  eat a lot of chocolate, or you may  catch a cold, or just feel generally unsettled. It may also be that you feel  better than you ever have and you feel  like the whole world is opening up to  you. These are all growth periods. A  growth period does not have to be  uncomfortable! It is simply the time it  takes the body to process the  changes that you make as spirit.

What is important, especially when  it feels more challenging, is to remember “This is a normal, natural and necessary part of learning and growing.”  Many of us like to try and skip this  part, or try and ignore it. We may feel  more fragile at this time and want to  protect ourselves by denying our  changes. Unfortunately, one of the  things that denial can do is to prolong  the process. If you acknowledge your  growth period, you can then begin to  communicate with your body about  what’s happening and what your body  needs. This will make it all go more  smoothly.

Sometimes all it takes is that conscious recognition that you are indeed  in a growth period. It can make it all  make more sense. Another thing to  remember is that  growth periods are  cyclic…. they have a  beginning, a middle  and an end! They  don’t go on forever; you  will adjust to the changes,  and you will have grown. A  former teacher of mine  used to use the adage: “When  you are up to your ass in alligators,  it’s hard to remember that you set out  to drain the swamp!”

As long as you are in a body, you  will have growth periods; it’s part of  the package. If you are into growing  spiritually, well, guess what, you will go  out of your way to have growth periods! I find that meditation really helps  to keep everything flowing. It may be  that the time that you want to meditate the least is when you need it the  most.

So this brings me back to this particular season. This would be a fabulous time to commit to meditating  daily. This is one of the times of the  year when we all are aware of the cyclic nature of our lives. It is coming up  on the New Year, we are running headlong into our childhood memories, we  are seeing people we might not have  seen since last year. We become very  aware of our own changes or lack  thereof, and it can be pretty intense.  It will very likely put us into a growth  period.

One of the techniques that I suggest people use for getting a handle  on where they are, in their growth, is  as follows: Find a quiet place where  you won’t be disturbed for a few minutes. (Sure, you say, with all my relatives in my house, how will this happen? If all else fails, go into the bathroom, lock the door and say you’re  taking a bath.) Take a few minutes to  ground and center.

Let yourself become aware of what  your current growth period is; let the  information flow to you from your stillness. Ask yourself the question: “What  are the spiritual changes I have recently made, and how am I responding to them?” Let the answers flow.  Maybe you have been feeling odd and  unsettled and not wanted to look at  it, so have been on the run as much  as possible to avoid it all. Take this  opportunity to stop running and simply look at what’s happening and why,  and give yourself permission to not  take it all so seriously. Laugh a little at  the huge growth period you are in (if  this is the case) and realize that it will  pass and you will have grown. Even if  the issue that you are working on is  serious, treating it with just a little  amusement can help the energy move  and change more easily.

The next exercise can give you  more insight into what you are working on and can also be a wonderful  way to get in touch with your own  changes.

Take two sheets of paper and a  pen. On the first sheet, start the heading of a letter that  says “Dear  Spirit…”  and at the  end of the  sheet of  paper write  “… love, Body.”  Next, take  the other  sheet of  paper and at the top write “Dear  Body….” and at the end of the paper  write “…love, Spirit.”

If you haven’t already guessed,  you are going to write two letters. Let  your mind relax and let your body have  a voice; let it talk to you and let you  know what’s up, what it feels, what it  needs. Write it down in the first letter.  This is your body communicating to  you, the spiritual being. Don’t judge  what you write, just write. It may say  things like, “Dear Spirit, you haven’t  been paying any attention to me, I need  more exercise, I need more sleep,  please buy me some flowers.” Or perhaps, “I am trying as best as I can, but  I don’t know what we are doing or  where we are going, so I am afraid;  please let me know what’s going on.”  Or even, “I am starting to get a cold,  please  drink a lot  of water so  I won’t be  sick for the  holidays.”

Whatever the  communication, it is  a valuable  tool for staying in touch with the wisdom of the body and for knowing how  your body actually feels in this sometimes hectic season. Now realize you  don’t have to do everything the body  asks for. It may say, “I want to go escape to Hawaii until February,” but  what you as Spirit may decide to do is  go spend 10 minutes tanning and take  a walk in a conservatory of tropical  plants. What you may find is that the  very act of being listened to is enough  to totally change how your body feels.

Next up is the second letter. This  is a letter from you as Spirit to your  body. Take a minute and breathe and  relax. Get in touch with yourself and  you own inner voice. I highly recommend meditating as part of writing  both these letters if it is at all possible. This is the letter that begins  “Dear Body….” You may be surprised  at what you write. Let go of your expectations as you write and let it flow.  It may sound like, “Dear Body, I love  you, but I am not always good at communicating, but I am working on changing that. I want to work on prosperity  for the holidays, and so I have stimulated all the memories from our childhood so I can put them to rest. Sorry  I didn’t mention this to you before I  started….” Or, “I am really proud of  the way you didn’t get enough sleep  for a few days so that I could create  that wonderful holiday dinner. I am  going to make sure there is time now  to relax and enjoy the next week.”

It may also sound totally different than these examples, which is the  point. It is your own voice as spirit  communicating into this physical reality to your body so that you can begin  to work in harmony with each other. It  is all part of the same thing, but it has  different aspects and different voices,  which are each valid and valuable. I  often say that one of our most important relationships, one that colors all  our others, is the one we have as spirit  with our body. If we can begin to harmonize that one, the others are much  more likely to be successful.

Hopefully now that you have some  tools to use during this time of change  and renewal, you can let yourself enjoy what comes to you and be able to  learn from it. If nothing else, you can  know  what  is going on  when  you want nothing  better than  to  stay in  bed and eat chocolate until Spring  Equinox. It is just a growth period! Next  week, most likely, you’ll be planning  what new plants you want to add to  your garden when it thaws out, or beginning that new class you wanted to  take.

I will end with another saying I  heard a lot when I was a student. “Running your energy will get you into a  growth period, and running your energy will get you out!” Meditate, meditate, meditate, and I’ll see you next  year.

Blessed be.

Review of Grounding and Centering

Close your eyes, and turn within.

Take three nice, deep breaths,  breathe down into your belly and  soften it  as you  breathe.  Notice  how you  feel, how  your body  feels.

Be  aware of  your first  chakra. This is simply an energy center (vortex) that is located in the general area near the base of the spine.  For women, the center (vortex) that is  located in the general area near the  base of the spine. For women the center is usually near the area between  the ovaries (note: the chakra positioning doesn’t change if you have had to  have your ovaries removed for any reason). For men the location is slightly  lower in the body because the chakra  placement is associated with the testicles.

Be aware of this area, and allow a  cord of energy to flow downward  from your body…

through the chair you are sitting  in…

through the floor and  down through  the building you  are in…

through the  foundation and  into the deep  earth beneath.

Allow your grounding to flow down  into the earth past all the rocks and  layers of the planet, past the water,  deep into the earth into the heart of  the Mother. Until it reaches the center  of the earth.

Allow your grounding cord to connect securely into the center of  the planet.

Be aware of your grounding  cord being securely connected  also to your first chakra. Allow this  connection, breathe and release energy and tension down your grounding.

Now that you are grounded you  can take the next step and center yourself. Take a nice deep breath and bring  your awareness into the center of your  head. That safe neutral place behind  your eyes and back a bit.

Notice how you body responds. It  might have a reaction to you being centered. Let that reaction simply be, notice it. If you experience any discomfort, release it down your grounding.

Be aware of what the center of  your head is like right now. Is it light?  Is it dark? Is it crowded, or empty?  Cold or warm, big or small? Are you  aware of sensations, sounds, images,  scents? Relax and breathe yourself  into the center of your head. Get comfortable and begin to own this safe  neutral place.

Continue to use your grounding to  release energy from this space so that  you can make more room for you to  focus there in the present moment.

Power Animals: Connecting with Your Animal Spirit Guide

Power Animals:  Connecting with Your Animal Spirit  Guide

 

What Are Power Animals? Power animals are spirit guides  in animal form, valuable allies who can help you navigate through life’s  challenges and transitions. Perceptive and trustworthy oracles, you can turn to  them for advice and counsel on any questions or concerns. They’re exceptional  teachers who’ll help you learn about both the spirit world and the natural  world. Working with them on a regular basis will enhance your personal life and  expand your spiritual capacities immensely.

Power animals can appear in meditations, visions, dreams, shamanic journeys,  or on the earth in their physical form. They can be mammals, birds, or reptiles.  Even so-called mythical animals such as unicorns or dragons can be power  animals, although they have no physical representations in the material world.  Since a spirit animal’s power is drawn from their instinctual and wild nature,  it’s uncommon, however, for purely domesticated animals such as pets to be power  animals.

The source of power for your animal spirit guide is not just a single animal,  but the entire species. For instance, if your power animal is Bear, it’s not  just any particular bear, but an animal spirit guide that’s representative of  the entire species of bears.

Another positive effect of working with your power animal is that you’ll  develop a greater appreciation for that species, and likely extend that care and  respect to the entire animal kingdom. If Dolphin is your power animal, for  example, your love and appreciation will likely go out to all creatures of the  sea and naturally expand to include those of the land and the air. Your power  animal will also teach you to use this power compassionately and in service, to  heal and empower yourself and others.

Spirit Guides and Power Animals

The term, Spirit Guides, also called guardian spirits or helping spirits,  describes any spiritual being that helps us in a positive way. They protect us,  guide us, and provide encouragement and inspiration. We may have any number of  spirit guides throughout our life, whether or not we’re consciously aware of  them. Some have been with us since childhood, while others have appeared at  various periods in our life, perhaps to help us through a difficult transition.  Spirit guides can be religious figures, angels, ascended masters, ancestors,  faeries, or, for our purposes, animal spirits.

Animal spirit guides, familiar to indigenous and shamanic cultures, are  called either power animals or totem animals. Typically these terms are used  interchangeably, although there are some subtle differences in meaning. Totem  animal is the more widely used term, and this concept is universal to all  cultures. Indigenous cultures typically have a tribal totem, another one for the  “clan,” and another for the family you were born into. Contemporary cultures  also have totem animals, such as ones for clubs or societies like Lions Club or  the Loyal Order of Moose. Sports teams often carry animal totem names, such as  the Chicago Bears or the Philadelphia Eagles. Even Christianity has the totems  of the lamb and the fish.

Parents often give their child a special protective totem animal, such as a  teddy bear, telling the child that it will protect them. The child believes  this, and by their belief in the animal they hold in their hands they’re  unwittingly calling in the spirit of that animal and its associated powers. The  bear becomes a personal totem, or power animal, for the child, and this animal  spirit guide may remain with them into their adult lives.

Power animals, rather than being associated with a family or a group, are  specific and personal for each individual. Like totem animals, they are guardian  spirits that empower us in our everyday lives. They also protect and guide us as  we explore non-ordinary reality-the realm where spirits reside, just across the  veil of our usual and ordinary perceptions.