Lady Hekate’s Online Grimoire O
A compilation of information on Witchcraft, Paganism, and Magick
High Priestess, Lady Hekate
Table of Contents: 1. Magick – (Basics of Magick, Laws of Magick, Types of Magick) 2. Sacred Witting 3. Correspondences 4. Paganism/Witchcraft 5. The Sabbats 6. Tools of the Craft 7. Spell construction 8. Moon Magick 9. Tarot 10, Traditions 11.The Dark Goddess- with a few dark Goddesses 12. Hekate 13 Rituals
I. Magick Magick, what is Magick? Is it what see on the stage or is it real? Yes, think of it this way, the truth is every breath you breathe is magick, for you do not think about it. Magick is energy, energy is all around you and within you. Life is energy. Magick has been defined as "The art and science of causing change to occur in conformity with will *1" which could be put more simply as making desired change happen; or as "energy tending to change"; a definition I use is "magick is conscious evolution through directing energy". A cautionary word here, magick is often seen as a way to hidden powers, and entered for the wrong reason, the "I want sex, power and lots of money"syndrome. Now there is nothing wrong with these things in themselves, but when you do magick you will discover that you tend to get what you need rather than necessarily what you want. Magick tends to work a lot with symbols, as these are the language of the unconscious, and this is an area of tremendous power to tap. Symbols have many functions, and one of these, released through magick, can be the ability to confound the ego and the censor mechanisms, and enabling us to perceive more subtle truths, or experience direct revelations. Although we may not be able to fully explain how symbols work, we know from experience that certain symbols seem harmonious with certain types of energy. Magick is a commitment to yourself, and it requires determination, perseverance, strength, openness to change and absence of rigidity, a love of life (including yourself), and a desire to grow and fulfil your potential. It may be that you already have all these
qualities and do thisalready without calling it magick - magick is not about labels, and those who think and talk as if it is unfortunately put some people off. Magick is learning about the natural flows of energy in the universe, and working in harmony with them to effect positive change, both in yourself and in your environment. Magick or Magic? Magick is spelt with a 'k' on the end. This is todistinguish it from magic, associated in the popular mind with illusionism and prestidigitation, stage magic. Magick is not about illusion, it is about creating real change, and the 'k' signifies this. K is the eleventh lette of the alphabet, i.e. the one beyond ten. Symbolically this is very powerful, as we work in base ten, and eleven represents the unseen, or hidden energies - the subtle energies of magick, eleven is considered to be the number of magick. The Laws of Magick
Laws of Magick 1. Law of Knowledge: to effect/affect a thing you must know the thing. The more you know about yourself the more you can know something else. 2. Law of Identification: with your will you can become anything- be one with anything. (Our only real tool is the brain) 3. Law of Contagion: anything that has been in contact with something else maintains contact with that thing through the ether. 4. Law of Names: knowing the True Name of something defines the action you take to focus afunction on that thing.
5. Law of Cause and Effect: under exactly the same conditions using the same actions you will always obtain the same results. 6. Law of Infinite Data: there is more in the universe than we can sense or know. Learning never stops. 7. Law of Association: if a thing reminds you of something else it can be used as a simulacrum for that something else for magickal purposes. 8. Law of Infinite Universes: change your perspective in one area and you change your universe. There are always three choices available. This is the First Spell of Change. 9. Law of Invocation and Evocation: there are forces outside and inside of you that you can tap and direct through your brain. 10. Law of Pragmatism: if it works, it is real. 11. Law of Predestination and Free Will: events are predestined, but each person chooses whether and to what extent to participate in them. 12. Law of Polarity: everything contains and implies its opposite. 13. Law of Magickal Entropy: if you leave something alone for long enough, it will change on its own. Don't be too quick to do magick. 14. Law of Serendipity: If you are on the right track, things will come together in unexpected ways, when you least expect them to. You will always be able to trace a direct cause-and-effect path for this when the situation is over. 15. Law of Inefficiency: You can often achieve more useful results from an unsuccessful act of Magick than from one that works the way you intended it to.
16. Law of Synthesis: The combination of any two energy forms will result in a third energy form more complex than the combination of the original two.
COROLLARIES: 1. As above so below. You can extrapolate the universe from one atom. 2. Rhythm serves as a counterbalancing pendulum. 3. "Chance" is a Law which tends to be ignored. 4. "Time" is a function of perspective, subject to the aggregate psychological outlook of your society. 5. Matter is a function of energy; energy can be converted but not destroyed. 6. Even though there are always three choices available, you can always think of another one. 7.There is no such thing as a wrong emotion, just an incorrect interpretation and manifestation thereof. 8. Don't take yourself too seriously, you are a physical function of a very young race. And Life is a lowlife clever practical joker, that loves to muck up your plans - keep your sense of humor. 9. It may not matter 10,000 years from now, but if it affects you it matters. Understand it and respond accordingly. 10. Never attribute your own motives to someone else.
11. Most of the magic that truly works arises from the intrusion of the unexpected. Use what you are given. 12. Words of Power draw their power from the perceived power of the one who utters the words. So when you say "So Mote It Be" you better KNOW it is so! 13. Don't pee in the beer.
HERMETIC LAWS 1. The Law of Mentalism: The Universe is mental. We exist in the mind of the All. That part of us which is deity makes up the world and everything in it. 2. The Law of Correspondence: We exist in all planes, astral as well as physical. Or rather planes independent of the physical. 3. The Law of Vibration: Everything is in motion and vibrates with its own rate of the vibration. 4. The Law of Polarity: Polarity = Power. All things are dual, everything contains its opposite. 5. The Law of Rhythm: All things are in some way circular, spiral, cyclic, and in order to function the best way, you must adapt to live in harmony with natural rhythms. 6. The Law of Gender: The law of polarity, applied. Everything has both masculine and feminine components and energies. 7. The Law of Cause and Effect: There are no coincidences, nothing happens by chance. Everything is a cycle. For every effect, there is a cause, and every cause is an effect in something else.
Types of Magick This is not a complete list. Magick is the bending of reality in accordance to your true will. It is making changes in the world around us from within ourselves. It is a tool that Witches wield forged in knowledge and contained within. There are many ways to look at magick and here we will get our first taste of it by reviewing some of the different types or flavors of magick. Light vs. Dark Magick Magick like ourselves can not really be defined as good or evil, as Witches we instead focus on light and dark. Light magick can be thought of as drawing things to us or enabling energies and is often associated with the full moon. Dark magick is banishing, controlling, destroying and endings, it is associated with the dark or black moon. A love spell to banish loneliness would be dark while attracting love and opprotunities for love is light. Neither is evil or wrong they are just two approaches to the same problem. Many flavors of magick can be light or dark. In essence think about this, Magick is gray, neutral, it is how magick is used, and your intent. High vs. Low Magick Low magick takes care of your physical earthly wants and desires: love, money, health, protection and is generally short term. High magick takes care of your spiritual growth and development and may take lifetimes to work, learning spiritual lessons, finding your true path or deeper meaning in the cosmos or within yourself. Any form of magick can be high or low although some lend themselves more readily to one or the other (folk magick is usually low while ceremonial magick is usually considered high to the point that it is sometimes confused with high magick).
Sympathetic (Representational) Magick Sympathetic magick is probably the oldest type of magick known to Man, it is based on the idea that like attracts like. To prepare for a hunt ancient peoples would stick spears in an effigy of a bull, to help let go of an ex-lover you could burn thier picture or likeness, to hit a home run you can visualize yourself doing so. Folk (Kitchen) Magick Folk magick is a term used to describe the magick of the people. Over the centuries the workers of magick would use a little of this and a little of that going with what felt right. The magick was based on and created superstition. Kitchen magick is the natural outgrowth of Folk magick, where Folk magick is based on tradition kitchen Witches are making thier own traditions by continuing to experiment with magick and work thier spells. Folk magick overlaps with a lot of other types of magick due to its exploratory nature. Candle Magick Candle magick does magickal work by repositioning, lighting, extinguishing and carving into candles. To attract love you could carve symbols for love and completion into two candles (pink and red) and as your ritual mves forward you could move the candles closer together to symbolize drawing love closer to yourself. Candle magick is simplistic and yet powerful. Sex Magick Sex magick is the art of using orgasm to heighten magickal workings. In much the same way that energy can be raised in a cone of power and sent out with a given purpose a sexual orgasm can serve much the same purpose if one is able to concentrate on the purpose while one is undergoing the magick that is. Ceremonial Magick
Ceremonial magick is a complex form of magick where form and tradition can indicate power. This is a highly structured type of magick that is usually associated with High magick. Dragon Magick Dragon Magick is the calling upon of Dragons to assist you and become co-magicians with you. Another words partnering with the Dragons. Dragon Magick encompasses both high and low magick, this is between you and your Dragon. Dragon Magick can be practiced on its own or along with other Magickal Traditions. Dragon Magick is not for everyone. Those who practice Dragon Magick must be self-disciplined seekers who realize the potential dangers but dares to communicate with and befriend this vast astral power of the ages. Dragon magick is a serious Magick and is not to be meddled with, hence the fact that there are many dangers in this kind of magick due to the immense power it has. It is for the Magician / or Witch who is serious about working with dragons on a magickal, spiritual, and friend-wise basis.
II. Sacred Writing Charge of the Goddess By: Doreen Valiente Listen to the words of the Great Mother; She who of old was also called among men Artemis, Astarte, Athene, Dione, Melusine, Aphrodite, Cerridwen, Cybele, Arianrhod, Isis, Diana, Bride And by many other names: Whenever ye have need of anything, once in the month, And better it be when the moon is full, Then shall ye assemble in some secret place And adore the spirit of me, Who am Queen of all the witches.
There shall ye assemble, Ye who are fain to learn all sorcery, Yet have not won its deepest secrets; To these will I teach things that are yet unknown. And ye shall be free from slavery; And as a sign that ye be really free, Ye shall be naked in your rites; And ye shall dance, sing, feast, make music and love, All in my praise. For mine is the ecstasy of the spirit, And mine also is joy on earth; For my law is love unto all beings. Keep pure your highest ideal; strive ever towards it; Let naught stop you or turn you aside. For mine is the secret door which opens upon the Land of Youth, And mine is the cup of the wind of life, And the Cauldron of Cerridwen, Which is the Holy Grail of immortality. I am the Gracious Goddess, Who gives the gift of joy unto the heart of man. Upon earth, I give the knowledge of the spirit eternal; And beyond death, I give peace and freedom And reunion with those who have gone before. Nor do I demand aught in sacrifice; For behold, I am the Mother of all living, And my love is poured out upon the earth. Hear ye the words of the Star Goddess; She in the dust of whose feet are the hosts of heaven, And whose body encircles the Universe. I who am the beauty of the green earth, And the white Moon among the stars, And the mystery of the waters, And the desire of the heart of man, Call unto thy soul. Arise, and come unto me. For I am the soul of nature, who gives life to the universe.
From me all things proceed, And unto me all things must return; And before thy face, beloved of Gods and of men, Let thine innermost divine self be enfolded in the rapture of the infinite. Let my worship be within the heart that rejoiceth; For behold, All acts of love and pleasure are my rituals. And therefore let there be beauty and strength, Power and compassion, honor and humility, Mirth and reverence within you. And thou who thinkest to seek for me, Know thy seeking and yearning shall avial thee not Unless thou knowest the mystery; That if that which thou seekest thee findest not within thee, Though wilt never find it without thee. For behold, I have been with thee from the beginning; And I am that which is attained At the end of desire. A Charge of the Dark Goddess Wisdom and empowerment are the gifts of the Dark Goddess of Transformation. She is known to us as Kali, Hecate, Cerridwen, Lilith, Persephone, Fata, Morgana, Ereshkigal, Arianhrod, Durga, Inanna, Tiamat, and by a million, million other names: Hear me child, and know Me for who I am. I have been with you since you were born, and I will stay with you until you return to Me at the final dusk. I am the passionate and seductive lover who inspires the poet to dream.
I am the One who calls to you at the end of your journey. After the day is done, My children find their blessed rest in my embrace. I am the womb from which all things are born. I am the shadowy, still tomb; all things must come to Me and bare their breasts to die and be reborn to the Whole. I am the Sorceress that will not be ruled, the Weaver of Time, the Teacher of Mysteries. I snip the threads that bring my children home to me. I slit the throats of the cruel and drink the blood of the heartless. Swallow your fear and come to me, and you will discover true beauty, strength, and courage. I am the fury which rips the flesh from injustice. I am the glowing forge that transforms your inner demons into tools of power. Open yourself to my embrace and overcome. I am the glinting sword that protects you from harm. I am the crucible in which all the aspects of yourself merge together in a rainbow of union. I am the velvet depths of the night sky, the swirling mists of midnight, shrouded in mystery. I am the chrysalis in which you will face that which terrifies you and from which you will blossom forth, vibrant and renewed. Seek me at the rossroads, and you shall be transformed, for once you look upon my face, there is no return.
I am the fire that kisses the shackles away. I am the cauldron in which all opposites grow to know each other in Truth. I am the web which connects all things. I am the Healer of all wounds, the Warrior who rights all wrongs in their Time. I make the weak strong. I make the arrogant humble. I raise up the oppressed and empower the disenfranchised. I am Justice tempered with Mercy. Most importantly, child, I am you. I am part of you, and I am within you. Seek me within and without, and you will be strong. Know me. Venture into the dark so that you may awaken to Balance, Illumination, and Wholeness. Take my Love with you everywhere and find the Power within to be who you wish.
III. Correspondences o properly understand the meanings of colors one must have at least a rudimentary understanding of color theory. In color theory there are two sets of colors: additive (created by the mixing of light - adding red, green and blue together gives us white light) and subtractive (created by paints, and objects mixing cyan, magenta and yellow together gives us black, subtracting each color gets us back to white). Additive colors (RGB) are used to describe website design, Subtractive colors are used to describe physical world colors. Unfortunately it is difficult to represent Subtractive colors accurately in an Additive medium, hence this first section will use Additive colors at times to describe certain aspects of color, but rest assured the information is equally valid in both types of color.
Although there are many ways to set up a color-wheel I'm going to use the additive wheel above for illustration purposes. Imagining the wheel as a clock face we have red at 12 O'Clock, the colors from 9 O'Clock (violet) through to 2 O'Clock (yellow) are warmer colors, they give a feeling of energy and excitement, they also appear to move toward the viewer. The colors from 3 O'Clock (spring) through to 8 O'Clock (blue) are darker colors and they feel more stable and cool, they also recede from the viewer which is the reason they are common as background colors on web pages. The Red, Green and Blue in the above wheel are known as Primary colors and are commonly added together to make white light (such as on a computer monitor tv). Cyan, Magenta and Yellow are known as Secondary colors and are commonly used in printing since combining these three colors with ink gives us black (RGB would also combine to make black but the printing industry likes CMY better due to dye availability and costs). These are reversed for printing, other colors are known as Tertiary colors. Picking any three colors on this wheel that are side by side (such as yellow, spring and green) makes for a harmonious balance, these are called Analogous Colors. If you wish to pick colors for relaxation, grounding or reducing stress you would want to pick Analogous Colors. Complimentary colors on the other hand present a contrast, these are located directly across from one another on the wheel, an easier combination to work with would be a Split Complementary set such as Red, Azure and Teal (instead of Red and Cyan). Complimentary colors give energy although with some discord. A Triad of colors is three equidistant points such as Red, Green and Blue. A Triad presents tension and might be a good choice for working through difficult problems. That being said each color has its own meaning either through things we associate with them or through the way the color makes us feel, let's take a look at some correspondences: Pink - healing, friendship, innocent love, affection, unselfish emotions, spiritual healing Red - strength, lust, danger, vigor, energy, courage
Orange - encouragement, adaptability, stimulation, attraction, kindness Yellow - knowledge, learning, concentration, persuasion, confidence, comfort Green - fertility, luck, success, rejuvenation, growth, ambition, plants Blue - tranquility, understanding, patience, health, truth, devotion, sincerity Violet - loyalty, peace, wisdom, astral projection Purple - tension, spiritual protection, regal nature, wealth Black - negation, banishing, removing barriers, binding White - purity, consecration, meditation, healing, peace, spiritual strength, all purpose color can be used as a substitute for any other color. Gray - balance, neutrality, erasing mistakes, cancelling, neutralizing Brown - earthiness, grounding, trees, concentration, telepathy, protection, animals Silver - the color of the Goddess, purity, the moon, treasures, unconscious mind Gold - the color of the God, the sun, wealth, conscious mind, activity Days of the Week In much the same way that a friday feels different from a monday each day of the week has its' own flavor or energy. Long ago the days of the week were given names to honor the old Gods, and in doing so they gained a power that has grown over time as those associations have become stronger. The week was arbitrarily made seven days long to honor the seven greatest Gods and known Bodies in the solar system, thus the days became associated not only with the Gods but also thier traits and spheres of influence. Monday Tuesday
Lunedi
the Moon the tides, emotions, travel by water Martedi Mars courage, overcoming enemies, getting rid of negativity
Wednesday Mercoledi Mercury communications, writing, speaking, negotiations, intellectual goals Thursday Juvedi Jupiter health, wealth Friday Venerdi Venus love, friendship, artistic endeavors Saturday Sabado Saturn business, possessions, acquired learning, boundaries, protection Sunday Domenica the Sun healing, success, family Phases of the Moon The gentle pull of the moon controls more than just our tides, there are many stories of the effect of a full moon on crime, accidents, even tales of the heart. From a magick point of view we view the full moon as a time of abundant energies being given to us, and the dark of the moon as a time of drawing energies away. So, on or about the full moon we work with attraction magick (attracting love). And during the new moon we do banishing magick (banishing loneliness). These may seem like semantic distinctions but part of being a witch is working in tune with nature. Even if there is no traffic it is still better to follow a one-way street in the proper direction since it reduces your chances of an accident and of getting a ticket. By modifying our rituals to work in tune with nature (the feel of the moon) we can strengthen our magick and avoid unnecessary problems. Time of the Year As seen in the section on the Wheel of the Year the time of year has a definite feel and purpose. Early spring is a time for planning, then we move into preparing and enacting our plans, followed by a time of action and trying to learn from our mistakes as we move into summer. Moving into fall we start making tough choices and decisions, then we get to a reflective phase in winter. Another, deeper way of looking at the year is through astrological correspondences. But that is a much deeper discussion that belongs under its' own section. Time of Day
This can be looked at in two ways: planetary hours - each day is broken into 12 equal chunks of daylight and 12 more equal chunnks of darkness where each "hour" is associated with a planet. Sunday during the first sunlight hour is the sun, followed by venus, mercury, the moon, saturn, jupiter, and mars. The sequence is repeated over and over again for 24 repetitions in one week (which gives the proper planet to the first daylight hour of each day). The second way of looking at time of day is based on the elemental correspondences: East is the rising sun and early morning. South is the midday sun. West is evening and twilight, things enveloped in mystery. North is midnight when everything sleeps.
Herbs BELOW ARE MORE THAN 60 HERBS COMMONLY FOUND IN THE KITCHEN, AND THE MOST POPULAR AND USEFUL HERBS IN WICCA. AVAILABLE HERBS ARE CONVENIENTLY HYPERLINKED.
ANGELICA ROOT Sun Fire Masculine Use in protection and exorcism incense, and also carry the root in a pouch as a protective talisman. Add to bath to remove hexes. Smoking the leaves can cause visions. Angelica protects
by both creating a barrier against negative energy, and by filling it's user with positive energy. Removes curses, hexes, or spells that have been cast against you. Enhances the aura, giving a joyful outlook. Relieves tension headache, diuretic, beneficial to the stomach and digestion. Relieves buildup of phlegm due to asthma and bronchitis. Use with caution- Large doses can negatively affect blood pressure, heart, and respiration. If pregnant, can cause miscarriage. BASIL Mars Fire Masculine Use in love and prosperity spells. Carry to attract wealth. Sprinkle basil over your sleeping lover to assure fidelity. Use it in a ritual bath to bring new love in, or to free yourself of an old love. Also used for purification baths. Sprinkle on the floor for protection, and burn as an exorcism incense. BAY LEAVES Sun Fire Masculine Use in potions for visions, clairvoyance and wisdom. Place under your pillow to induce prophetic dreams. Carry to ward off evil, and scatter or burn for exorcism. Add to cleansing teas and baths. Scatter on the floor, and then sweep out for protection. The priestesses at Delphi are said to have chewed bay leaves to induce their visions and prophesies. BLESSED THISTLE Mars Fire Masculine Purification, hex-breaking, protection from evil- removes unwanted influences, particularly of malevolent intent. Strew to cleanse buildings or rooms, beneficial in healing spells. Strengthens liver function, combat hepatitis, aids memory purifies the blood stream. Good fof migraine, nausea, and gallstones. BURDOCK
Venus Water Feminine Used in protection incenses and for healing, especially the feet. Carry as a protection sachet or burn for purification of a room. Rinse with a root decoction for ridding oneself of a gloomy feeling about yourself or others. BRAMBLE (BLACKBERRY) LEAF Venus Water Feminine Powerful herb of protection, and used in invocations to the goddess Brigit, who presides over healing, poetry, sacred wells, and smithcraft. Also used to attract wealth. If twined into a wreath with rowan and ivy, will keep away evil spirits. A bramble patch is a favorite hiding place for faerie folk, use to invoke and attract faerie spirits. CACAO (CHOCOLATE) Venus Water Feminine The Aztec's Food of the Gods. An aphrodisiac, a mild euphoric, and helps to heal depression. It is extremely effective in love potions and spells. Cacao is a required offering during Day of the Dead, can be used to appease restless spirits, or attract passed loved ones during seance. CAMELLIA Moon Water Feminine Brings riches and luxury, expresses gratitude. Place fresh blossoms in water on altar during ritual to attract money and prosperity. Used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating skin conditions. CARAWAY Mercury Air Masculine Carry for protection against spirits who mean harm, especially Lilith. The seeds can be used to ensure faithfulness, and can be used in spells to attract a lover. Used in cooking, will induce lust.
CAROB Mars Fire Masculine Often used as a chocolate substitute, but although the flavor is similar, the correspondences are opposite. Useful for protection and prosperity (the dried pods were once used as currency). Can be burned as an incense to attract spirit helpers and familiars, or to deter poltergeists. CATNIP Water Venus Feminine Animal magick and healing pets, increases psychic bond with animals. Use as a tea for happiness and relaxation. Can also be used during meditation, increases psychic abilities. Useful in love magick- try burning dried leaves for love wishes. CAYENNE PEPPER Mars Fire Masculine Use in hexes, or to break a hex. Use in love or separation spells. The fire or spark of the spirit, it adds power to any spell. Contains capsaicin, which acts as a stimulating digestive aid. Apply externally for joint pain. Aids circulation, blood pressure, and colds. Those with ulcers or chronic bowel disorders should avoid using in large quantities. CEDAR Sun Fire Masculine Healing, purification, money, protection, love. Cedar smoke is purifying and can cure nightmares. Keep cedar in your wallet or purse to attract money, and use in money incense. It can also be used in love sachets or burned to induce psychic powers. Use to draw Earth energy and grounding. CHAMOMILE Sun Water Masculine
Chamomile tea is a great relaxer. Prosperity wishes, use to attract money, use as an amulet for prosperity. Use in sleep and meditation incense. Prepares body and mind for magick. Add to a bath or use to wash your face and hair to attract love. Bathe children in chamomile tea to protect from the evil eye, useful in breaking curses cast against you. CINNAMON Sun Fire Masculine Spirituality, success, healing, psychic powers, lust, protection, love. Burn cinnamon as an incense or use in sachets and spells for healing, money-drawing, psychic powers, and protection. Mix with frankincense, myrhh and sandalwood for a strong protection incense to be burned every day. A male aphrodisiac. CLOVES Jupiter Fire Masculine Protection, exorcism, love, money, good luck. Use in incense to attract money, drive away negativity, purify, gain luck or stop gossip. Wear to attract the opposite sex or for protection. Worn or carried to repel negative energies around you, also said to protect babies in their cribs if hung over them strung together. COLTSFOOT Venus Water Feminine Add to love sachets and use in spells for peace and tranquility. Smoke the leaves to aid in obtaining visions. A soothing expectorant and anti-spasmodic, which can be used to treat bronchitis, whooping cough, asthma, and chronic emphysema. Caution: Do not use if pregnant or nursing! CUMIN Mars Fire Masculine Burn with frankincense for protection. Mix with salt and scatter to keep away evil spirits and bad luck. Use in love spells. Steep
cumin seed in wine to induce lust. Place the seeds on, in or near an object to prevent left. Burn with frankincense for protection. RED CLOVER Mercury Air Masculine Protection, money, love, fidelity, exorcism, success, clairvoyance, beauty. Brings good luck. Induces clairvoyant powers. Use for rituals to enhance beauty and youth. COMFREY LEAF Air Saturn Feminine A strong herb for protection against any type of negativity, especially when traveling, and particularly for protection in the astral realms. Very nutritious, beneficial for healing sprains, strains, fractures and sores. Also soothes an upset stomach. DAMIANA Mars Fire Masculine Sex magick, lust, love, visions. Use in lust spells. Use in love baths. Burn to enhance visions. Damiana can be prepared in a tea for use in sex magick. It is a mild aphrodisiac. It produces a marijuana-like euphoria when smoked. Good for enchanting a male lover. Damiana tea is the best thing for hangovers. Use caution with this herb. DANDELION LEAF Jupiter Air Masculine Divination, wishes, calling Spirits. Use the root in a tea to enhance psychic powers. Used in Samhain rituals. Sleep, protection, healing. A very nutritious and universally beneficial herb. Use in dream pillows and sachets, the leaves and flowers can be used in tea for healing. DILL Mercury Fire Masculine
Hang in the doorway to protect your home, or carry to protect your person. Can be used in money spells. Add to a ritual bath to become irresistible to the one you desire. Use in love and lust spells. EUCALYPTUS LEAF Air Moon Feminine Uses include great healing properties, kills germs, infections, eases lung congestion, heart stimulant. Attracts healing vibrations and protection. Use to purify and cleanse any space of unwanted energies. Also useful in dream and sleep pillows. FENNEL SEED Mercury Fire Masculine Healing, longevity, courage, vitality, virility and strength. Use for protection spells of all kinds. Prevents curses, possession and negativity. Use for purification. Gives strength, courage and longevity. Delicious flavor, purifies breath, aids digestion and weight loss. FEVERFEW Venus Water Feminine Love and protection. Include in charms or sachets. Also a strong herb for health and spiritual healing. Use to ward off sickness and bolster immune system. Protects travelers, keep in your suitcase or car the next time you travel. Excellent treatment for migraine headaches- eases inflammation and constriction of the blood vessels in the head, reduces sensitivity to light and nausea. DRIED FIG Jupiter Fire Masculine Fertility, love spells- excellent ingredient in spell bags. Divination. Sacred to Dionysus, Juno and many others. Recommended for a Beltane altar. If placed on the doorstep before leaving it will ensure you will arrive home safely.
FLAX SEED Mercury Fire Masculine Use to keep the peace at home- place in a bowl to absorb negative energy. Useful in healing and protection spells. Also, carry flax seeds in your wallet or purse to attract money. Very nutritious, good for cholesterol. GALANGAL ROOT Mars Fire Masculine Psychic abilities, luck, money. For courage, strength, and for avoiding legal problems. Worn or carried, it protects its bearer and draws good luck. Placed in a sachet of leather with silver, it brings money. Powdered galangal is burned to break spells and curses. It is also carried or sprinkled around the home to promote lust. Worn as a talisman, galangal aids psychic development and guards the bearer's health. A mild hallucinogen- eat about three inches of the root for this effect. Use caution with this plant. Moon Water Feminine Wear to attract love. Use in healing spells. Use in Moon incense, use to increase spirituality. GARLIC Mars Fire Masculine Use is in protection spells- traditionally used to ward off vampires. Great healing properties, antiviral, antifungal, strengthening. The ancient Greeks placed garlic on the stone cairns at crossroads as an offering to Hecate. GINGER Mars Fire Masculine Love, money, success, power. Use in love spells. Eat before performing spells to increase your power.
GINSENG POWDER Sun Fire Masculine Rejuvenation, longevity and sexual potency. Use the root in spells to attract love, maintain health, draw money and ensure sexual potency. Carry to enhance beauty. Burn to break curses or ward off evil spirits. Make into a lust enhancing tea. Useful as an antidepressant, equalizes blood pressure, and aids digestion. HIBISCUS FLOWER Venus Water Feminine Useful as an aphrodisiac and in love spells. Also use to induce dreams, and enhance psychic ability and divination. Soothes nerves, antispasmodic. Tea aids digestion, and sweetens breath. Helpful with itchy skin. HOLLY LEAF Mars Fire Masculine Luck, dream magick. An excellent protective herb, keeps away lightning, poison, evil spirits, and other malign forces. The wood is used for all magickal tools as it will enhance any wish you have. A powerful protection. Do not consume, for ritual use only. HOPS Mars Air Masculine Use in healing incenses and spells. Put inside pillow to induce sleep. Tea helps with a restful sleep. Also drink tea after magickal practices to balance and refocus your energy back to ordinary reality. Use in healing sachets and amulets. Also burned during healing prayers. HOREHOUND Mercury Earth Masculine
As a tea to increase energy and strength, both physically and mentally- it increases concentration and focus. Carry or burn for protection wishes. Called the "Seed of Horus" by the Ancient Egyptians, it is excellent for blessing one's home. Gather flowering Horehound and tie with a ribbon, then hang it in your home to keep it free from negative energies. The leaves and stems are used in candies, cough drops and syrups. Used to treat asthma, coughs, colds, bronchitis, sore throats, and skin irritations. Also used as a diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, laxative, stimulant, and stomachic. HYSSOP Jupiter Fire Masculine An excellent purifying herb. Use in purification baths and spells. Associated with serpents and dragons, and can be burned as an incense to call on dragon energy. Aids in physical and spiritual protection. JUNIPER BERRIES Sun Fire Masculine Useful for protection magick of all kinds. Makes a nice incense for protection. It can be burned or carried to enhance psychic powers. Attracts good, healthy energies and love. Aids in digestion, intestinal cramps, diuretic, eases arthritis. Banishes energies injurious to good health. MANDRAKE ROOT Mercury Fire Masculine Protection, love, money, fertility, health. Mandrake intensifies the magick of any spell. To charge mandrake root with your personal power, sleep with it for three nights during the full moon. A hallucinogen when used in tea- it has great power as a visionary herb, empowering your visions and propelling them into manifestation. A whole mandrake root placed in the home will bring protection and prosperity. Carried, it will attract love and couage.
MORNING GLORY BLOSSOMS Neptune Water Masculine Happiness, peace, visions. Place under your pillow to stop nightmares and induce beneficial psychic dreams. Sacred to the Aztecs. Do not consume, toxic. MOSS Jupiter Earth Masculine To ensure good luck, especially with money, carry any type of moss removed from a gravestone. Use in prosperity spells, Gnome magick and spells to Mother Earth. Use in "Witch Bottles" for home and business. Place in your bra When a MALE lover is near to attract sexual attention. MUGWORT Venus Earth Feminine Use in dream pillows for prophetic dreams. Burn with sandalwood or wormwood in scrying rituals. Drink as a tea sweetened with honey before divination. The plain tea can also be used to wash crystal balls and magick mirrors. Leaves of mugwort can be placed around these to aid in scrying. MULLEIN Saturn Fire Feminine Protection and courage. Keeps away demons and nightmares while sleeping, also protects against wild animals. Useful in protection and exorcism spells. Invokes spirits, use on scrying tools to aid divination. This plant is the Original Witch's torch, used to illuminate spells and rites. Useful as an expectorant to clear and heal lungs, stops diarrhea and soothes hemeroids. NETTLES Mars Fire Masculine Carry to remove a curse and send it back, or sprinkle around the house to keep out evil. Use in purification baths. Highly
nutritious for anemia, skin disorders and allergies, restores health, expectorant, stops bleeding. One of the nine sacred herbs of the Anglo-Saxons. NUTMEG Jupiter Fire Masculine Luck, money, health. Carry for good luck, and to strengthen clairvoyant powers. Use in money and prosperity spells. A hallucinogen when made into a tea. TOXIC in large doses! Take no more than a pinch! ORRIS ROOT Venus Water Feminine Love, protection, divination. Use to find and hold love- a powder made from the root is used as a love drawing powder. Protection from evil spirits. Roots and leaves hung in the house, and added to the bath are good for personal protection. PAU D`ARCO Pluto Fire Masculine Works best during the waning Moon- can be empowered by drawing down the Moon directly into the herb. The active ingredient is xyloidin, a very potent antibiotic and antiviral. Can relieve arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, eczema, gastritis, psoriasis, pyorrhoea, rheumatism, skin and nails, ulcers. Used to treat chronic candida. Potent tonic and cell regenerator, stimulating natural defenses and revitalizing the body. Also a sedative, an analgesic, and a diuretic. PASSION FLOWER Venus Water Feminine Promotes emotional balance, peace, attracts friendship and prosperity. Heightens libido, use in love spells. Calming and soothing, promotes emotional balance, aid in sleep. Use to relieve nerve pain and hysteria.
PENNYROYAL Mars Fire Masculine Carry in a green bag to attract money and to aid in business transactions. Burn for protection in meditation and astral travel. Use for ridding negative thoughts against you, carry when dealing with negative vibrations of all kinds. Caution: stimulates menustration when consumed, and can induce miscarriage. PEPPERMINT Mercury Fire Masculine Purification, sleep, love, healing, psychic powers. Promotes sleep and visionary dreams. Use in healing and purification baths. Burn as a winter incense. Very useful for stomach upset and heartburn, nausea, and to ease congestion during colds and flu. PINE Sun Air Masculine For sacred wisdom. Prosperity,fertility, healing.The Pine tree is an evergreen, its old title was "the sweetest of woods". Its needles are a valuable source of vitamin C and can loosen a tight chest. The scent of Pine is useful in the alleviation of guilt. Burn for strength, and to reverse negative energies. RASPBERRY LEAF Venus Water Feminine Protection, healing, love. Calming, promotes sleep and visions. Useful during pregnancy and childbirth, eases diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Beneficial to the kidneys. ROSE PETALS Venus Water Feminine Love, psychic powers, healing, luck, protection. Use in love spells of all kinds. Drink rose tea before bed for prophetic
dreams. Domestic peace and happiness, promotes joy of giving. Helps clear away headaches, dizziness, mouth sores and menstrual cramps. Heart and nerve tonic. ROSE HIPS Venus Water Feminine Rose hips are very high in Vitamin C. Rose hips also contain A, B, E, and K, organic acids and pectin, and have a high concentration of iron. The hips are strung like beads and worn to attract love. A woman should eat rose hips during her menstrual period. A woman's lover should gather roses for this purpose. The earliest known gardening was the planting of roses along the most travelled routes of early nomadic humans. ROSEMARY Sun Fire Masculine Protection, love, lust, mental powers, exorcism, purification, healing, sleep, youth. Burn to purify and cleanse. Use in love and lust incenses and potions. Use for healing of all kinds. A tea of rosemary causes the mind to be alert. Circulatory, digestive and nerve stimulant. Heals headache, depression, and halitosis. SAGE Jupiter Air Masculine Immortality, longevity, wisdom, protection, prosperity. Use in healing and money spells. Purifying, use as incense during sacred rituals-walk the smoke to the four corners of the room to repel and rid negative energies and influences. Especially good when moving into a new home. Heals wounds, aids digestion, eases muscle and joint pain, colds and fever. Saturn Earth Masculine Prosperity, protection, purification, consecration of ritual tools. Sprinkle a few grains around your sacred space to clear it of any unpleasant presences. Some ancient rituals call for pouring dry salt into a receptacle of water to symbolize the dissolving of evil.
SHAVEGRASS Saturn Earth Feminine Also known as Horsetail. Fertility spells. Nutritious, helps the body absobrb calcium, may help to strengthen bones, hair and nails. Control excess oil on the skin. Diuretic, helps to relieve urinary disorders. May help blood to clot, reduce fevers, and calm nervous tension. Also can be used in snake charming! SCOTCH BROOM LEAF Mars Air Masculine A Druid sacred tree. Use in purification and protection spells and scatter to exorcise evil spirits. Burn to calm the wind. The branches are used to make traditional besoms. The tea can induce psychic powers, and its smoke is a sedative. Use in moderation, can be toxic. SEAWEED Moon Water Feminine Offers protection to those at sea. Summons sea spirits and sea winds. Uses in sachets and spells to increase psychic powers. Scrub floors and doors of business with infusion to attract customers and bring in positive energy. Use in money spells. Fill a small jar with whiskey, add kelp, cap tightly and place in the kitchen window. Ensures a steady flow of money into the household. Helps regulate an underactive thyroid. Relieves the pain of rheumtism and rheumatic joints. SPANISH MOSS Jupiter Earth Masculine Luck, money, banish poltergeists- To ensure good luck, especially with gambling, carry Spanish moss. Use in "Witch Bottles" for home and business. Place around home, or burn to banish poltergeists. ST. JOHN'S WORT
Sun Fire Masculine Health, protection, strength, love divination, happiness, exorcism. A Druid sacred herb. Use in protection and exorcism spells and incenses of all kinds. Use as a tea to treat depression. Use the leaves in a necklace to ward off sickness and tension. Carry to strengthen your courage and conviction. Burn to banish negative thoughts and energies. STAR ANISE Jupiter Air Masculine Protection, purification, youth, psychic powers, luck. Use for protection, meditation and psychic power incenses. Can be used in purification baths. Wards off evil and averts the evil eye. A pillow stuffed with anise seeds will keep away nightmares. The tree is planted by the Japanese around temples and on graves as an herb of consecration and protection. The seeds are burned as incense to increase psychic powers, and are also worn as beads for the same purpose. Sometimes star anise is placed on the altar to give it power; one is placed to each of the four directions. It is also carried as a good luck charm, and the seeds make excellent pendulums. The tree is often grown near Buddist temples where it is revered. A stimulant and diuretic. Promotes digestion and relieves flatulence. TEA Sun Fire Masculine Riches, courage, strength. Use the leaves in money sachets, incenses and spells. A stimulant. Green tea is rich in antioxidants, and other youth enhancing compounds. The leaves can be used in scrying. TOBACCO LEAF Mars Fire Masculine Sacred to the Native American Tradition. Tobacco ties- wrap tobacco leaves in pieces of white, red, yellow and black cloth, and hang them around the ceremonial space at the 4 cardinal directions. Smoke to allow communication with spirits. Burn as
an incense to purify a space. Spirits appreciate offerings of tobacco. THISTLE FLOWER Mars Fire Masculine Represents courageous defense and deep rooted ideals. Protection spells, also used to bring spiritual and financial blessings. Carried in an amulet for joy, energy, vitality, and protection. Can be burned as an incense for protection and also to counteract hexing. THYME Venus Water Feminine Burn for good health and use in healing spells. Burn as purification incense. Wear to increase psychic powers. VALERIAN ROOT Venus Water Feminine A muscle relaxant and a tranquilizer. Use for dream magick and sleep protection baths. Keep in the home or grow in the garden to aid in keeping harmony. May be used to purify a ritual space. Useful in consecrating incense burners. Drink tea daily, in moderate doses, during times of purification. VANILLA Venus Water Feminine Love, seduction, mental powers. Use in love sachets, and wear the fragrant oil as an aphrodisiac. WHITE WILLOW BARK Moon Water Feminine Love, divination, protection, healing. Carry and use in spells to attract love. Use the leaves, bark and wood in healing spells. Burn with sandalwood to conjure spirits. Brings blessings of the
moon into one's life. Eases muscle and joint pain, beneficial for arthritis. YARROW FLOWER Venus Water Feminine Use to dispell melancholy, negative energy, lingering sorrow, or depression. Carried as a sachet or amulet it repels or rids of negative influences. Aids in divination. Good remedy for colds. Opens the pores and purifies the blood. Said to prevent baldness as a hair wash.
**** Stones
Agate Balances ying-yang energy, stabilizes the aura. Imparts strength and courage. Opens one to innate creative talents. Amber Purifies body, mind, and spirit. Balances electromagnetics of the body and allows even flow of energies. Provides a positive, soothing energy. Spiritualizes the intellect. Amethyst Calming energy. Encourages spirituality and contentment. Stone of stability, strength, and peace. Excellent for meditation. Enhances psychic ability. Aventurine Independence, leadership, creativity. Balances male and female energies. Aligns intellectual, physical, emotional, and etheric bodies. Aquamarine Courage, intellect, protection. Assists spiritual awareness and actualization. Azurite Awakens psychic ability, insight, and intuition. opens the third eye. Excellent for clearing the mind for meditation. Amazonite Balancing energy, harmony, Fosters Universal love.
Bloodstone Bloodstone imparts strength, courage, and the self confidence needed to succeed in business and legal affairs. Attracts wealth, sexual potency, insures victory. Calcite Energy amplifier, excellent for clearing and cleansing. Carnelian Carnelian is ahealing stone that counteracts feelings of apathy, fear and rage. Fosters peace within and without, imparts self confidence, and inspired verbal and written communication. Celestite Excellent stone for dream recall and astral travel. Chrysocolla Strength and balance. Promotes harmony and attunement to the Earth. Purifies one's environment. Citrine Dissipates negative energy. Warmth, joy, and optimism. Diamond Purity, perfection, abundance, and inspiration. Emerald Loyalty, sensitivity, harmony, and tranquility. Assists in memory retention and mental clarity. Fluorite Stability, order, discernment, and concentration. Helps one to understand and maintain ideals. Fucite Fosters loyalty, emotional sensitivity, harmony, and tranquility. Assists in memory retention and mental clarity. Attracts balance, abundance and prosperity. Garnet Commitment, devotion, love, stability and order. Even flow of energy. Hematite Excellent for the mind, and grounding. Jade Harmony, peace, fidelity, confidence. A great dream stone. Jasper Protection, awareness, insight, and grounding.
Kunzite Communication, love and peace. Protects and dissolves negativity. Excellent for meditation. Kyanite Never needs cleaning or clearing, aligns all chakras. Tranquility, communication, and psychic awareness. Excellent for meditation and dream recall. Labradorite Represents the light of the Universe, extraterrestrial energy. Intuition and illumination. Lapis Lazuli Knowledge, wisdom, perfection, protection, and creative expression. Lepidolite Honesty, stability, hope, acceptance. Assists in change and transition. Facilitates astral travel. Lodestone Lodestones are natural magnets, and for many centuries, have been used to charge spell items, primarily to attract things to the one using them- good luck, healing, money, love. Malachite Transformation and spiritual development. Clears the way to attain goals. Moldavite Clarity and eternity. Extra-terrestrial and interdimensional access. Moonstone Lunar female energy. Emotional and intuitive. Rhythms, cycles, and destiny. Obsidian Dispels negativity. Grounding, healing, protective. Helps one to clearly see one's flaws and the changes that are necessary. Onyx Centering, self-control, and intuitive guidance. Assists in the grieving process. Opal Creativity, inspiration, and imagination.
Peridot Healing and protective. Allows one to understand changes in one's life, regulates life cycles. Petrified Wood Grounding, provides strength. Stone of transformation. Pyrite Shields from negative energy, good stone of protection. Enhances intellect and memory. Symbol of the sun. Clear Quartz crystal Universal crystal, clarity of consciousness....The quartz crystal can be �programmed� to help clear away negative energy from the aura and re-align the chakra energy centers of the body. Rhodochrosite Love energy. Excellent stone for balance in all areas. Rose Quartz Empowers and attracts the energies of love, happiness and peace. Encourages healing on all levels. Ruby Love, nurturing, spirituality, wealth, and protection. Ruby Zoisite Facilitates trance states and a connection to the divine. Good for facilitating communication with angels and Divine Beings. Deepens an understanding of the esoteric and unseen. Rutilated Quartz Intensifies energy. Stimulates the brain. Inspiration and clairvoyance. Sapphire Beauty and prosperity. Shiva Lingam "Crypto Crystalline Quartz", said to contain the loftiest vibration of all stones on Earth. They emanate a vibration that will purify your temple or home. The stone represents both the male energy of knowledge & the female energy of wisdom. Smoky Quartz Dissolves negativity, grounding, and balancing. Excellent for meditation.
Sodalite Logic, efficiency, and truthfulness. Enhances group communication. Sugilite Spiritual love, perfection, inspiration, confidence. Alleviates negative/destructive emotions. Tigereye Earthy, grounding. Represents sun and earth. Optimism, insight, personal power. Topaz Success, true love, individuality, creativity, and joy. Tourmaline Inspiration, understanding, self-confidence, balancing. Tourmalinated Quartz Strength and balancing. Combines attributes of tourmaline and quartz. Turquoise Spiritual attunement, strength, and grounding. Excellent for astral travel. Zircon Virtue, unification, continuity, and purity.
Chakras The ROOT CHAKRA'S color is red, other colors associated with the Root Chakra are black brown, and gray.Gemstones like garnet onyx, and red jasper are beneficial. The NAVEL CHAKRA'S color is orange.Gemstones like carnelian and orange zincite help to bring the system into balance. The SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA'S color is yellow. Gemstones like citrine and yellow sapphire are used.
The HEART CHAKRA'S color is green and the secondary color is pink. Gemstones like rose quartz or green tourmaline are useful. The THROAT CHAKRA'S color is blue like aqua or turquoise, secondary colors are various shades of lighter blues. Gemstones like turquoise or blue lace agate balance this chakra. The BROW CHAKRA'S color is indigo or shades of dark blue. Gemstones like lapis lazuli or sodalite compliment this area. The CROWN CHAKRA'S color is purple, the secondary color is clear or white.Gemstones like amethyst or clear quartz are perfect. Crystals and the Zodiac Aquarius hematite, amethyst, amber Pisces amethyst, opal, bloodstone, coral, aquamarine, fire opal Aries fire agate, aquamarine, bloodstone, citrine, diamond, emerald, jade Taurus carnelian, diamond, blue tourmaline, chrysocolla, rose quartz Gemini rutilated quartz, aquamarine, blue sapphire, emerald, jade, pearl Cancer moonstone, ruby, carnelian, opal, fire opal Leo citrine, amber, garnet, jasper, carnelian, diamond Virgo smoky quartz, watermelon tourmaline, amethyst, moss agate, geodes Libra rose quartz, tourmaline, bloodstone, citrine, jade, moonstone, opal
Scorpio turquoise, moldavite, malachite, moonstone, opal, peridot, ruby Sagitarius lapis, obsidian, topaz, azurite, chalcedony, smoky quartz, turquoise Capricorn tigereye, jade, black tourmaline, green tourmaline, garnet, smoky quartz
10.
Paganism
P The history of ancient Paganism is said to go back to Paleolithic man, who's life depended upon nature, the changing of the seasons, the hunt, and fertility. I refuse to go into any great detail for fear of misinforming you. I also don't feel it's completely necessary to spend so much time writing out a history that dates back to Paleolithic times. So I stress that you do a lot of your own research in this area. It's diverse, long, and confusing at times. Good luck! However, I do feel free to say that Paganism, in it's most basic form, has survived to the present day. Modern man, however, no longer depends upon the hunt, etc. for survival. It is nearly impossible to practice Paganism the way it once was in this day and age. What we practice now can be more correctly termed neo-Paganism. We still honor nature, the changing of the seasons, and fertility, but it is not necessary for survival. We can try and worship in the same way, but we will never really come close. But that's OK. It's our religion, and it's still nature-based. Just don't think we're practicing a religion that's been around since Paleolithic times. We're not. What we're practicing now is new. It may be based on ancient beliefs and practices, but it's not the same thing.
Duality/Balance Pagans see a balance in everything. We need hate and love, good and bad, white and black. As an example: without hate we cannot appreciate the beauty of love, and without love we cannot see the ugliness of hate. We need both! Pagans, in general, are good people, but a true Pagan will understand this concept. They are not afraid to hate or to do evil. They are also capable of great love and great good. This is what makes us balanced. Being able to combine the good with the bad is what makes us human and part of nature. We cannot have one without the other. This polarity is what makes the world balanced. Understanding this is a part of what makes a "Pagan." Nature Paganism is a nature-based religion. We celebrate the cycles of the sun and the moon. We honor life in all it's forms, and we try to move in harmony with the movement of life, wherever it may take us. All life is sacred and deserves to be respected. However that is understood is up to each individual Pagan. Pagans see themselves as a part of nature, not above it. They must move with it, be one with it. This becomes harder and harder to do in our time and age, but it is possible. Deity Every Pagan believes differently when it comes to deity. I personally believe in a God and a Goddess, male and female to provide the needed balance and duality in life. To me, they are simply personifications of life. They are not distant from me, watching the world from afar. They are the world. They are in everything: in me, in the trees, in the wind, in the animals. They are everywhere. They are both equal; one is not above the other, and both are needed to sustain life. The Gods also maintain balance by being both "good" and "bad" at the same time. They are the tornado that rips through the land, yet they are also the sun that makes everything live. Some Pagans worship Gods from a specific Pantheon, like the Greek Gods, the Egyptian Gods, the Roman, the Celtic, etc. They don't necessarily believe in just one Goddess or one God, nor do they believe they are simply personifications of life. They are real Gods. Many of these Pagans believe and worship the way the ancients did.
Still, other Pagans, myself included, believe that there is still just one God and one Goddess (though not personifications), and these two Gods are known by many different names that can come from the Greeks, the Egyptians, etc. I believe these different names are mere aspects of the one God and the one Goddess. If I am looking for love, I may call upon Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of love and beauty. But that is just a name for the Goddess. Aphrodite is not a separate Goddess. I'm hoping this make sense! :) However she is believed, the Goddess is traditionally seen as the Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone. This basically means she knows all, and experiences all, at the same time. In this way, every woman, no matter her age, experience, knowledge, etc., will be able to identify with the Goddess. The moon is the symbol of the Goddess and her three faces can be seen in the changing of the moon as well. The maiden is the waxing moon, the mother is the full moon, and the crone is the waning moon. However he is believed, the God is traditionally seen as the Horned One. Because he is the Lord of the Hunt, his horns identify him with the beasts of the wild. His symbol is the sun that shines on the Earth and gives life to everything living. Sacred Space Pagans do not believe in building temples or churches as places to worship. You cannot call a building made by man a "house of God." Our sactuaries are in the forests, the lakes, the parks, the mountains, everything outdoor basically. The Gods created these and they are in these. To feel closer to the Goddess and the God, all Pagans need to do is step outside and feel the wind on their face and the grass beneath their feet. Better yet, they can even look inside themselves and find the Gods within. Practice One difference that separates modern Paganism from the rest of the world, is that it does not advertise or try to convert people. We believe that anyone that is meant for this path will find it on their own. We also believe that ours is not the only path to Enlightenment, it is not the only "One, True Religion." I believe all religions lead to exactly the same place--peace and understanding. There are many paths to this
center. What does it matter what path we take, so long as we get there? In Paganism, there is no need for a bishop or a pope that can be used as a medium to communicate with the Gods. Pagans speak directly to the Gods themselves. There are no followers--only individuals who carry the same beliefs and have the leadersip of themselves. Pagans all participate in ritual, rather than watching a priest do it for them. Afterlife Most Pagans believe in reincarnation of some sort. We do not believe you go to one place or another after death depending on whether you were naughty or not in life. One lifetime is not enough to perfect your soul! We believe we are given as many lives as it takes to learn all the lessons we must know. It's my own personal belief that between lives we go to a resting place and review our past lives so that we may choose our next one in order to fix past mistakes or learn new lessons. In life, we still have complete free will, but we gave ourselves a destiny, a fate. Whether or not we actually accomplish it, depends upon the choices we make and the lessons we learn in life Witcraft and Wicca Witches do practice Magick (purposely spelled with a "k" to distinguish it between stage magic and illusions magicians use). Magick is not something supernatural, at all. In fact, magick is actually very natural because it only involves pre-existing energy. Witches learn to manipulate the energy found within and around themselves to make a needed or desired change in the universe. Some witches follow a rule about not using their craft for personal gain, but I feel that's not necessary. Witchcraft originally was used for personal gain. If not used for personal gain, what is the point in using it? This can be confusing, but not all Pagans are Witches, just as not all Witches are Pagans. Paganism is a religion, a set of beliefs. Witchcraft is the practice of magick. Those are two very different terms, and they are not interchangeable. Also, because it so commonly mislabled, Wicca is not the same thing as Witchcraft. Wicca is a Pagan tradition,
much like Catholicism is a denomination of Christianity. Not all Wiccans practice Witchcraft, just as not all Witches are Wiccans. Wicca Wicca is a relatively newer religion Nature base, and based on the ancient pre-Christian pagan religions of Europe. Wiccans believe in a divine force or power as the source of all. It is both immanent and transcendent while encompassing the whole universe. Therefore the world and all aspects within the world, "nature" and "life itself" in particular, are considered sacred. Wiccans use ancient and modern ceremonies, rituals and shamanic practices to attune themselves to the natural rhythms of nature, the world, and the universe in their efforts to commune with this divine force. To communicate with the force, Wiccans believe it to be manifest in the form of a Goddess and God. As they emanate from the same source, both retain equal power, hence equal status. By manifesting the power in two deities (Goddess and God), the natural balance of opposites, cause and effect are retained, e.g. Summer/winter, light/ dark, life and death etc. Each opposite is essential to maintaining the balance and rhythm of life on earth. "Though it harm none, Do what thy wilt". This is not a license to do whatever they want, more that it allows them the freedom of thought and actions to ascertain the truth, to communicate with and experience the divine and to determine how best to live their lives, if by doing so they cause no harm. See "Wiccan Rede". This can also be taken as a cautionary reference to the one fundamental law governing magick and its use. "The Three-Fold Law".
This states that whatever they do - be it for good or for evil - it will be returned to them, but magnified three times over. Therefore witches accept responsibility for all their own actions and are especially careful about how they use their magick, for to hurt someone or to cause distress, a spell is returned to sender three times better or worse. See "The Three-Fold Law". Wiccans celebrate 8 major rituals each year called "Sabbats" (see "Sabbats"). There are 4 major and 4 minor Sabbats. The major Sabbats include: Imbolc (February 2nd), Beltane (April 30th), Lughnasadh (August 1st) and Samhain (October 31st), while the minor Sabbats are: Ostara (Spring Equinox, March 21st), Litha (Summer Solstice, June 21st), Madon (Autumn Equinox, September 21st), and Yule (Winter Solstice, December 21st). The Sabbats are solar rituals marking the points of the sun's yearly cycle, and make up half of the Wiccan ritual year. The other half is made up with "Esbats", the Full Moon celebrations. There are 13 full moons each year symbolizing the goddess, wisdom and the inner self of the individual. Wiccans and Pagans are ordinary everyday types of people and come from all walks of life, from all spectrums of society and from all over the world. Most are individuals seeking a personalized practical religion that can be adapted to suit their own needs and criteria. Wicca is a wonderfully diverse religion that meets those needs. There are many differing paths and traditions contained within Wicca, each with it's own brand of ritual and magick.
6.The Sabbats These are holidays of a sort, but are different in that they are holidays marking the transitions of nature, rather than to remember a specific day in history. Sabbats are simply a part of how the Earth works; they are a part of nature. Witches and Pagans celebrate the Sabbats
because they are in tune with nature, and such special days require special attention. Typically, no magickal work is done during a Sabbat, unless it's a dire emergency, because these are days to honor the Gods. There are 8 Sabbats in the course of a year, and each marks an important transition. The four Lesser Sabbats mark the transitional phases of the sun. They occur at the Summer and Winter Soltice, and the Spring and Autumn Equinox. The celebrations that occur on these days are mostly in honor of the God as they mark the solar phases. These are often called the Quarter Festivals and they fall at a time where the sun is in transition from one astrological sign to another. The four Greater Sabbats mark the transition of the seasons, thus they are seen to be of more importance. Because these days are more seasonal, general celebrations are held in honor of both God and Goddess. These are often called the Cross-Quarter Festivals as they bisect the Quarter Festivals in half, and are where the sun is in the middle of an astrological sign. Together, the Sabbats form what is called the Wheel of the Year. It is a wheel, because it repeats itself over and over again, just like a wheel continually turns and turns. The Wheel of the Year begins in October (at Samhain). This is considered the Witches' New Year. The Greater Sabbats Samhain Imbolc Beltane Lughnasadh The Lesser Sabbats Yule Ostara Litha Mabom
5. Tools of the Craft
Tools Keep in mind Witches of old did not have all we have today, they used what they had. You are the greatest tool. Please do not get flustard if you do not have every single tool. Most witches use tools during spells and rituals to help control energy or bring more energy into the magickal working. Each tool is used for a different reason. This is a list of some of the most common tools used:
Athame An athame is a ceremonial knife. This is the witch's weapon and most important tool. In some traditions it must be a black-handled knife inscribed with magickal markings.
The athame is used for mixing salt and water, potions, etc.; inscribing the circle; charging; consecrating; or empowering amulets, talismans, poppets, etc.; drawing lines; discriminating; setting limits; making choices and carrying them out. An athame is never used to cut.
Sword A sword is used like an athame, but it is more formal and authoritive.
The sword is also used for invoking the Guardians of the Watchtowers, ruling the circle, and making salutations.
Wand Everyone knows what a wand is...right? They are traditionally cut from onyear-old trees, in one stroke, at sunrise on a Wednesday. A wand's length should be the distance from your elbows to fingertips. But you can really make it any length you feel most comfortable with.
The wand is used for casting circles, channeling energy, inviting and controlling entities, mercy, manifestation, changing: spirit into matter, concept into form, and idea into reality.
Pentacle
A pentacle is a five-pointed star inside a circle. This is the star of the Goddess. It is pointed upward for protection and positive energy, downward for banishing and binding. Each of the points represent an element: earth, air, fire, water. The top point, however, represents the spirit.
A pentacle is also a tool used in magickal workings. It is usually placed at the center of the altar and magick is worked atop it. A pentacle that is drawn or written is called a pentagram.
Pentacles are also meditation tools. They can be used to call spirits or invite entities. You make the sign of the pentacle by tracing the star in the air, or on someone or something. A silver pentacle offers the most protection.
Chalice A chalice is the vessel of the Goddess, the Holy Grail. Made of glass, metal, or wood.
The chalice is used for mixing salt and water, mixing potions, the power to be human, to be real, to be whole, emotions, nurturing.
Cauldron This is the womb of the Goddess, the cauldron of inspiration, a place of resurrection. It is traditionally made of cast iron, and often has three legs.
The cauldron is used for brewing herbs and potions, renewal, rebirth, regeneration and transformation, reflecting the moon, for lunar magick, jumping over, for fertility, and used as a safe place to burn things.
Censer A censer is a vessel, usually brass, in which incense can be burned. Put some sand or salt in the bottom of the censer, heat charcoals until they are red hot, then use tongs to drop a few of them into the censer. You then sprinkle solid incense, like gum resins or seeds, on them. Seeds tend to pop, so covered censers are safest. You can also use them for burning incense cones.
Incense is used for fumigations, purification, raising power, achieving trance states, banishing evil spirits, and encouraging and welcoming good spirits.
Broom/Besom The witch's besom is a decorative broom that is used for symbolic cleansing, sweeping away evil, negative influences, or bad vibes, expelling evil spirits, with water for aspurging and purification. A broom symbolizes the union of male and female, the joining of the phallic stick to the feminine brush. Because of this, brooms have long been used in fertility rites, such as jumping over at handfastings, and 'riding' through crops for the fertility of the land.
Bell A bell or gong can be kept on the altar and rung to banish spirits, entities, negativity, or anything else.
Bowls Since the water and salt are almost always used in casting spells you may want to have two special bowls for this purpose.
Mortar and Pestle These are used for crushing herbs and anything else you may need crushed.
Book of Shadows/Grimoire A witch's Book of Shadows is something very personal and something you have to make yourself. It's a book that you write all your spells, rituals, magickal information, and anything else you feel comfortable putting in it. Your Book of Shadows is yours alone and you can do what you want with it.
All tools should be consecrated before use. Your spell or ritual will not be very affective if your tools are not consecrated correctly.
7. SpellCrafting
The best type of spell is the one you have created yourself with your own words and rhymes. Remember, as much energy as you put in your magick is as much energy as you will get out from it. And believe. The key is to believe. This is more Wiccan based however you can adjust it, and make it work for you. In truth for much spells you do not need all the hoopla of circle etc.
In making your spells, it helps to write things out first and then work your ritual out from there. Here is an outline you can use as a guideline and even print out and fill in as you go along. Print as many copies as you need. You will probably need to go through the entire outline for the first few spells. (The extra space is where you can write if you print this).
1. Define the goal of the ritual. Understand your magickal need. Know what it is you are casting this spell for.
2. Find or create the words of power you will need (a chant or prayer). A simple rhyme will do. Memorize these, it helps to not have to look into your book or piece of paper constantly.
2. If you are invoking a deity and/or anything else, decide on who and/or what and memorize an invocation or simply create one of your own. (For an example, if you were calling Hecate, you could simply say, "Hecate, Dark Goddess, I call thee!"). You can also find some invocationsHERE.
3. Decide when and where you will work your magick, keeping in mind the lunar phases and days of the week.
4. Plan how you will visualize your goal in your mind. Describe it:
5. Decide on any correspondences, such as herbs, colors, elements, and tools, that you want in your ritual. Write these down and decied on how to include them in the ritual. (Example: "Water would be appropriate for this
ritual, so I will have a bowl of water on my altar"). You can find the appropriate correspondences HERE.
With all this written out, you are ready to decide how you will perform the ritual using the information you have gathered. Now, let's start the magick! - At the appropriate time, gather the items and go to the place you are going to cast your spell.
- Cast your circle.
- Invite or invoke whoever and/or whatever you want present for this spell. Say any prayers you want.
- Clear your mind and begin visualizing your goal as you planned. You can state your goal out loud if you want to.
- Raise energy within yourself. Say your words of power or do whatever you like to raise energy. Light your candles, charge your stones, dance, sing, etc. to focus your attention and raise energy. Here is where you should involve your correspondences in the spell.
- When you feel you have raised all the energy possible, release it to do your will. Throw your arms up, cry out, whatever makes you feel like you're releasing the energy.
- Finish the spell with a "So mote it be" or "This is my will, so it shall be." It is a sign of closure and a declaration that you know your magick will be successful.
- Ground your energy. This is also very important. Any extra energy could possibly result in unwanted results or even harm.
- Thank whoever and/or whatever was there to help you and close the circle. Closing the circle is very important. If you don't close it properly, you may let loose some remaining energy in the circle, and that is never good.
- Have your cakes and ale, or cookies and juice if you prefer.
- Record the spell in your Book of Shadows and save any remaining items that you wish in your personal witch's box, if you have one. ***************************** 8. Moon Magick
When the moon is in...
Aries: The best time to work magick involving authority, leadership, willpower, and rebirth.
Taurus: The best time to work magick involving real estate, money, and love.
Gemini: The best time to work magick involving change of residence, travel, good communications, and writing.
Cancer: The best time to work magick for home and domestic life.
Leo: The best time to work magick involving power over others, fertility, authority, childbirth, and courage.
Virgo: The best time to work magick involving intellectual matters, diets, health, and employment.
Libra: The best time to work magick involving justice, artistic work, partnerships, unions, and karmic, emotional, or spiritual balance.
Scorpio: The best time to work magick involving power, sex, psychic growth, secrets, and fundamental transformations.
Sagittarius: The best time to work magick involving business, truth, publications, and travel.
Capricorn: The best time to work magick involving ambition, careers, recognition, and organization.
Aquarius: The best time to work magick involving freedom, creative expression, extrasensory abilities, friendship, science, and the breaking of bad habits.
Pisces: The best time to work magick involving clairvoyance, music, telepathy, creative arts, and dreams.
Moon Phases, January 2012 First Quarter – January 1, 06:15 Full Moon – January 9, 07:30 Last Quarter – January 16, 09:08 New Moon – January 23, 07:39 First Quarter – January 31, 04:10
Moon Phases, February 2012 Full Moon – February 7, 21:54 Last Quarter – February 14, 17:04 New Moon – February 21, 22:35
Moon Phases, March 2012 First Quarter – March 1, 01:21 Full Moon – March 8, 09:39 Last Quarter – March 15, 01:25 New Moon – March 22, 14:37 First Quarter – March 30, 19:41
Moon Phases, April 2012 Full Moon – April 6, 19:19 Last Quarter – April 13, 10:50
New Moon – April 21, 07:18 First Quarter – April 29, 09:57
Moon Phases, May 2012 Full Moon – May 6, 03:35 Last Quarter – May 12, 21:47 New Moon – May 20, 23:47 First Quarter – May 28, 20:16
Moon Phases, June 2012 Full Moon – June 4, 11:12 Last Quarter – June 11, 10:41 New Moon – June 19, 15:02 First Quarter – June 27, 03:30
Moon Phases, July 2012 Full Moon – July 3, 18:52 Last Quarter – July 11, 01:48 New Moon – July 19, 04:24 First Quarter – July 26, 08:56
Moon Phases, August 2012
Full Moon – August 2, 03:27 Last Quarter – August 9, 18:55 New Moon – August 17, 15:54 First Quarter – August 24, 13:54 Full Moon – August 31, 13:58 (bluemoon)
Moon Phases, September 2012 Last Quarter – September 8, 13:15 New Moon – September 16, 02:11 First Quarter – September 22, 19:41 Full Moon – September 30, 03:19
Moon Phases, October 2012 Last Quarter – October 8, 07:33 New Moon – October 15, 12:02 First Quarter – October 22, 03:32 Full Moon – October 29, 19:49
Moon Phases, November 2012 Last Quarter – November 7, 00:36 New Moon – November 13, 22:08 First Quarter – November 20, 14:31
Full Moon – November 28, 14:46
Moon Phases, December 2012 Last Quarter – December 6, 15:31 New Moon – December 13, 08:42 First Quarter – December 20, 05:19 Full Moon – December 28, 10:21
January: Wolf Moon
The Wolf Moon, also known as the Cold, Snow, or Winter Moon, is a time of protection and strength. While it is the first full Moon of the calendar year, in terms of nature it occurs in the middle of the cold winter season, a season of death and desolation. In these respects, the Wolf Moon can be seen as a time of both beginnings and endings. This is the time to start to consider what you want to plant and plan for the spring. You can do magick so that as the spring approaches your magickal goal will grow close and closer to fruition.
February: Storm Moon
The Storm Moon, also known as the Death or Quickening Moon, is a time to do magick for fertility and strength. For most people in the Northern Hemisphere, February is a time of storms and bleak, short days. In the olden days, it was a time of true hardship.
This is a good time to do magick to help you face life's challenges. You could do a spell to help you with a particularly challenging project at work. Your spell could focus on helping you to accept the challenge, perservere, and make it through. You could concentrate on the idea of weathering the storm and giving yourself the extra stamina to succeed. This is also a time of cleansing both internally and externally. As such, it's a great time to get rid of physical things you don't need and any mental or emotional baggage you might be hauling around with you, too.
March: Chaste Moon
Also known as the Seed or Worm Moon, the Chaste Moon is a time to plant mental seeds - thoughts of success and hope. This is also a time of purity and newness. It's the time to bless the magickal herbs and plants in your garden and to start preparing the soil for the seeds that you will plant. It's also the time to mentally prepare yourself for new experieces, a new job, pregnancy, taking a trip, or bringing a new animal into your home.
April: Seed Moon
The Seed Moon signals a time of fertility, growth, and wisdom. This Moon is also known as the Egg, Grass, or Wind Moon. This is the time to sow the seeds of Magick. If you are planting a magickal garden, you want to get out there now and put things into the Earth. This is the time to move from the planning phase into action. If you want to get pregnant, this is a great time to go for it. Fertility is in the air. This is also the time to bring that new puppy home, it that is what you have been planning. It's also a great time to empower some seeds to both help them grow and to do Earth magick.
May: Hare Moon
The Hare Moon, also known as the Flower or Planting Moon, is a time of health, love, romance, and wisdom. This is a great time to plant the seeds that you have empowered. As the seeds begin to grow, the energy you have filled them with will start to manifest in your life. It's also a great time to rekindle the romantic spark and passion in a relationship. If you've been working magick to help your career, now will probably be the time to decide which of your job offers to accept. And you might want to do some divination magick to help you make that decision.
June: Lover's Moon
Also known as the Strawberry or Rose Moon, the Lover's Moon brings with it energy for love, marriage, and success. Is it any wonder that in some traditions this Moon is called the Honey Moon? This is a time to nurture your garden and marvel at its beauty and abundance. If you have taken that new job, now is the time to make sure you have everything running smoothly. And you might want to keep your eyes open to see how you can move into a more desirable position.
July: Mead Moon
The Mead Moon, also known as the Blessings, Lightning, or Thunder Moon, is a time of enchantment, health, rebirth, success, and strength. This is the time of the first harvests, when you begin to enjoy the fruits of your labors. This is also a time of celebration and magick. Remember that mead is the nectar of the Gods. Now is the time to gather your magickal herbs and do some prosperity magick so you get that raise you've worked so hard for.
August: Wyrt Moon
The Wyrt Moon, also known as the Wort, Barley, Corn, or Red Moon, is a time of abundance, agriculture, and marriage. This is the time to collect your magickal herbs and store them for the winter or share them with others. Remember to give an offering back to the Goddess for her generosity. At this time of the year, you might want to do magick to help someone else reap the benefits of the Earth's abundance. (With that person's permission, of course!) This is also a good time to make a move at work for that higher level position. If you have become pregnant, this is the time to concentrate your energies on having a healthy pregnancy.
September: Harvest Moon
Also known as the Barley or Hunter's Moon, the Harvest Moon is a time of protection, prosperity, and abundance. This is the time of year when the grains are being harvested, and it is a good time for magick involving your prosperity, abundance, and the nurturing of others. If you have had a long illness, this is the time to finally come back to full health again. This is also the time to obtain that higher paying position at work. The energy of the Harvest Moon will help along any magick that is geared to bring you or someone else abundance.
October: Blood Moon
The Blood Moon is sometimes called the Falling Leaf or Hunter's Moon. It is a Moon of new goals, potection, resolution, and spirituality. The night of the Blood Moon is a great time for divination of any kind. At this time of the year, all of nature is making ready for the winter. Animals that hibernate are gathering the last scraps of food. Birds are heading south. In human societies, this used to be the time when we turned from agriculture to the hunt as our means of sustenance. This is the time to refect on what you did during the year and to evaluate your accomplishments.
You also want to check to see how you will survive the coming months. Make sure that you have enough money in the bank. If your work is seasonal, you might want to do some magick to find other ways to support yourself. If you work outdoors, do magick to help you survive the cold months ahead. You also want to check on things that are important to your safety and survival. How are the tires on your car? And what about that smoke alarm in the kitchen? Because the holidays are fast approaching, you also might want to do some work to remove stress and negative energy from your surroundings.
Novemeber: Snow Moon
The Snow Moon is also known as the Beaver, Mourning, or Tree Moon. This is a good time to work with abundance, properity, and the bonds of family and friendship. This is also an excellent time to use divination to get an idea of what is up ahead. Remind yourself that although winter is coming, it will not last forever. Do what you can to reduce your stress and to strengthen your bonds with family and friends. Back before the advent of grocery stores and central heating, people really counted on those bonds, which could be the difference between making it through the winter or perishing. So, know who is really there for you, and count your blessings.
December: Oak Moon
Also known as the Cold or Long Night Moon, the Oak Moon is a time for hope and healing. This time of year the Moon has reign over the Earth, because there are more hours of night than day. Our thoughts turn to the rebirth of the light and the longer days that are promised after the winter solstice. Women who have become pregnant in the spring are about to give birth and will probably want to focus their energies on delivering a healthy baby. This is the time of year to complete something you have worked hard on and to make sure that the task is truly completed, all the details dealt with. It's also a great time to let go of old patterns or problems and start
anew. If something has been eating at you for a long time, work to give it up at this time. Let go of the negative and let the light of longer days shine inside you. Working with children in a nurturing way can be very rewarding and healing.
The Waxing Moon
Magick for increases that mirror the increasing size of the moon including: healings, prosperity, attraction, success, gains, love, increases, friendship, protection and any other positive magicks. The horns on the crescent you see in the sky during the waxing phase of the moon are facing to your left.
The Full Moon For the rituals that require the most potent and powerful magick, the fullest phase of the moon is most appropriate. Though there is some controversy over what kind of magick is most appropriate during the full moon (see below for details), protection and any other dire situation in which a great deal of energy is needed in order to attain ritual success are universally accepted as appropriate at this time. The full moon is the point when the moon reflects all light from the sun back to the earth. It is the most potent time of the lunar cycle.
The Waning Moon Magick for decreases that mirror the decreasing size of the moon including: banishings, exorcisms, cleansings, magick to rid yourself of a bad habit, any type of ritual to rid yourself of negativity whether it is from human or spirit sources. The horns on the crescent you see in the sky during the waning phase of the moon are facing to your right.
The Black Moon/Dark Moon
This particular phase of the moon carries some controversy. Some practitioners insist that no magick be performed on this night, however, next to the full moon, the black moon is the second most potent time of the lunar cycle. Either highly difficult banishings that have been resistant to rituals performed on other nights of the waning moon can be abolished during this night when the moon is at it's blackest in the sky. However, take care to perform these banishing before the moon is at it's darkest point otherwise the moon will no longer be the Black Moon, but the New Moon which is associated with beginnings rather than endings. The new phase of the moon begins when the moon is hidden from sight due to the earth's position between the sun and the moon. No sunlight is reflected back down to us from the moon's surface. This phase is sometimes mistaken for the Black Moon, which directly precedes it. The New Moon and all it's accompanying characteristics can be relevant from three days after the darkest point of the moon. Experiment to determine how best this system works for you. During this time, the following types of ritual/spell work are most appropriate:
As the newest and earliest point in a new moon cycle, the new moon is seen by most practitioners as the most appropriate time to begin new projects, new spells and any rituals that require many days to complete.
The Waxing Crescent Moon
Magick performed on the waxing crescent moon is very similar to the waxing gibbous moon (they are both in the waxing or increase phase) and indeed you don't have to pay attention to the distinction between them if you choose not to, but you should be aware that the closer the moon comes to being full, the more powerful it's increasing potency becomes. This can be useful to know because sometimes we all have the luxury to wait a few days until after the half gibbous moon has passed into the more powerful phase, the waxing gibbous phase. With rituals that require less lunar potency or are the first in a line of several consecutive rituals that lead up to the full moon, you can confidently use this phase of the moon. For example,
a healing performed to ease a cold or mild chronic illness can easily be started during the waxing crescent phase of the moon. However, a more serious illness would be better served during the waxing gibbous phase.
Ideally, with some minor examples, nearly all magick would be best divided out between the full or new moon, but this is such a short period of time each month, that we delegate certain phases to certain less important tasks. However, remember two things. For very serious illnesses the full (for healing the illness) or black (for banishing the illness) moons are the best choices, but they are not always necessary for more minor problems. Also the time does come sometimes when we have no choice but to do ritual work during incompatible times. In emergency cases, don't let bad timing stop you. Use other Nature Correspondences or the other types of magick (Mental or Spiritual Magick) to offset your lack of timing.
The Waxing Half Moon This unique time of the month allows for all forms of positive magick that can otherwise be performed on the waxing phase of the moon, however, the waxing half moon is special in that you can perform magick during this time if you are engaged in a situation that is teetering on the edge of two resolutions and you want the result to turn out in your favor or in some positive fashion. For example if you wanted to do a spell for the success of a surgery in which the doctor predicts the patient has a 50-50 chance of survival, you could do the spell on the half waxing moon to ensure that the situation will have a favorable outcome.
The Waxing Gibbous Moon Similar to the waxing crescent phase, you can perform all actions compatible with increase during this time period. However, magick that requires more lunar energy than the waxing crescent can provide should if possible be delayed until this time period because of it's closer proximity to the full moon. Of course minor magickal workings can also be performed
during this time as well, but the added energy here may not be absolutely necessary.
The Full Moon The moon in it's fullest phase reflects all the light sent to it by the sun. The earth is completely out of the path between these two bodies and the energy of the moon is at it's most potent. The full moon is the most potent time of the entire month and the time when many traditions of witchcraft hold their esbats, or ritual gatherings or celebrations.
Since there is so much controversy over what actually begins and ends the cycle of the moon, there is some discrepancy over what kind of magick is best performed during this time. Technically, the full moon is the middle of the moon's cycle when the positive aspects of the moon's influence are at their peak, however many practitioners view the full moon as an downslope rather than a peak and thus either of the two types of magick below may be performed a full three days before the full moon depending on your personal preference. Many people prefer to only perform full moon rituals on the day of the full moon, but as with all other things in magick, feel free to experiment. What works for one person may not work for you and vice versa.
Positive magick of any kind including completions of spells begun during the new moon or any other positive spell that requires massive lunar energy to propel a ritual intention into being. Fortunately not all spells require this much energy and some magicians consider performing trivial workings during this time as "overkill". However, you will have to decide for yourself how serious a working is to you to decide whether it warrants waiting until the full moon. Experience is the best teacher here.
Negative magick as in banishings, exorcisms, cleansings or bindings. Protective magick while not necessarily negative is extremely effective when performed on the full moon.
The Waning Gibbous Moon The relationship between the waning gibbous and waning crescent phases of the moon are opposite to those of the waxing phase because as the moon approaches the darkest point, it's decreasing potency grows. Thus as it moves from waning gibbous to half waning to waning crescent, it becomes more powerful in decreasing energies. So for minor decreasing and banishing rituals, the waning gibbous moon is more appropriate because not as much lunar decreasing energy is required to be successful. However for more serious decreases and banishings, the waning crescent moon is most appropriate because of it's closer proximity to the black moon (the greatest point of decrease).
The Waning Half Moon This is another unique time of the month which allows for all forms of banishing or decreasing magick that can otherwise be performed on the waning phase of the moon. However, the waning half moon is special in that you can perform magick during this time if you are engaged in a situation that is teetering on the edge of two resolutions and you want the result to turn out in your favor or in some decreasing fashion. For example if you wanted to do a spell to keep yourself from being audited (in essence decreasing the problem) and you thought that you have about a 50-50 chance of this happening, then you could do the spell on the half waning moon to ensure that the threat of an audit will diminish and eventually disappear.
The Waning Crescent Moon Rituals that require more energy for banishment though not necessarily the raw power of the black moon are best performed during this time as the
waning crescent phase of the moon is close enough to the black moon that it carries a good portion of its lunar decreasing energy with it.
The Black Moon The Black moon, also called the Dark Moon and the Lost Moon, is the point when the moon is at it's darkest in the sky. It is the end of the moon cycle when the absence of light in the sky reflects a void. Therefore by this theory, the black moon is the most appropriate time to perform banishings, cleansings, exorcisms and other rejectionary forms of magick. Do your own experimentation to determine which system (or both) is right for you.
9. Tarot
Tarot
A pack of Tarot contains the fifty-two ordinary playing cards with the addition of one "picture card" to every suit, namely, the Knight, placed between the Queen and the Knave. These fifty-six cards are divided into four suits, two black and two red and have the following designation: sceptres (clubs), cups (hearts), swords (spades), and pentacles or disks (diamonds). In addition to the fiftysix cards the pack of Tarot has twenty-two numbered cards with special names:-1 The Magician. 12 The Hanged Man.
2 The High Priestess. 13 Death. 3 The Empress. 14 Temperance. 4 The Emperor. 15 The Devil. 5 The Chariot. (7).
16 The Tower. 6 The Lovers. 17 The Star. 7 The Hierophant. (5). 18 The Moon. 8 Strength. 19 The Sun.
9 The Hermit. 20 judgment. 10 The Wheel of Fortune. 21 The World. 11 Justice. 0 The Fool.
This pack of cards, in the opinion of many investigators, represents the Egyptian hieroglyphic book of seventy-eight tablets, which came to us almost miraculously. The history of the Tarot is a great puzzle. During the Middle Ages, when it first appeared historically, there existed a tendency to build up synthetic p. 5 symbolical or logical systems of the same sort as Ars Magna by Raymond Lully. But productions similar to the Tarot exist in India and China, so that we cannot possibly think it
one of those systems created during the Middle Ages in Europe; it is also evidently connected with the Ancient Mysteries and the Egyptian Initiations. Although its origin is in oblivion and the aim of its author or authors quite unknown, there is no doubt whatever that it is the most complete code of Hermetic symbolism we possess. Although represented as a pack of cards, the Tarot really is something quite different. It can be "read" in a variety of ways. As one instance, I shall give a metaphysical interpretation of the general meaning or of the general content of the book of Tarot, that is to say, its metaphysical title, which will plainly show that this work could not have been invented by illiterate gypsies of the fourteenth century.
The Tarot falls into three divisions: The first part has twenty-one numbered cards; the second part has one card 0; the third part has fifty-six cards, i. e., the four suits of fourteen cards. Moreover, the second part appears to be a link between the first and third parts, since all the fifty-six cards of the third part together are equal to the card 0. The Major Arcana are the Tarot cards with the most symbolic and divinatory importance. There are 22 Major Arcana, numbered from 0 to 21, each of which is individually named and illustrated. The major Arcana are also known as the "trumps" (from "triumphs") of the Tarot deck. Some call them Atu - hence "Atu XVIII" refers to The Moon.
Meanings People often ask what the cards "mean". That's an impossible question. Each individual Tarot deck has its own imagery and symbolism which must then be filtered through the psyche of the reader and the context of the question. Understanding the meaning of Tarot cards is ultimately a very personal thing. That's why it's important to try
several different decks before settling on one - even then you'll probably find that different decks are best suited to different questions or just different moods. .0 The Fool
Key Words for the Fool Tarot Card Meaning Innocence Beginning Simplicity Fresh Start Blind Faith
Introduction: The Fool Tarot card meaning deals with that youthful exhuberance we feel when starting out on a new adventure or taking a journey of faith. We feel anticipation, butterflies flutter in our stomach, and our skin prickles with excitement...our journey is underway - we're unstoppable! However, along with this passion comes impetuousness. The Fool makes no plans, or gives no thought to possible complications along the way. Happy to be doing something different, the Fool blindly sets out where all else may fear to tread. When contemplating the Fool Tarot card meaning, I think of Joseph Campbell's landslide statement: "Follow your bliss." We can see this attitude in this card, which is wonderful. But, we must also note the lack of care about consequences - blind faith is the Fool's only guide. Key Symbols: This section focuses in on a few select symbols that can help us further define the Fool Tarot card meaning. Now the rest is up to you to find. Take a card a day and mediate on it, focus on it through the day, later write what you see, feel and impressions that come to you. Keep in mind Books are others interpretation.
The 56 minor cards that follow the first 22 Major Arcana cards. These 56 minor Arcana cards are also called pips, suit cards, minors, and other terms. Arcanum is singular, Arcana is plural and the term means "secret." Where the Major Arcana cards are thought of as the "power" cards or big players in a reading, the Minor Arcana serve in supportive roles and augment the reading with further insight and detail of circumstances.
Viewed more eclectically, if the Major Arcana could be described as the primary colors brightly painted on the canvas of our lives, then the Minor Arcana are the various hues and shades that offer enhancement and diversity of our life?s design.
The Minor Arcana brings us clarity and definition. These cards are the supportive role-players to the prime archetypes of the Major Arcana. The stage, setting, and supportive actors in our readings; these cards flesh out the big story of what?s going on in our interpretive experiences.
Each suit tells a story within the elemental/psychological realm of that suit. For instance, the Minor Arcana suit of cups tell the story of its element, water which deals with the realm of emotions. Succinctly, the worlds of emphasis are played out thusly in each suit:
Wands
Pentacles Fire Earth
Spirit
Swords
Cups
Air Water
Physical Thought Emotion
Divination Divination is the art or practice of foretelling the future using different methods that the diviner may decide. The art of Divination has been practiced by all countries, cultures and religions around the world for thousands of years.
It was studies over two thousand years ago in China by the study of cracked eggs for Divination. Some of the most popular forms of divination include tarot cards, runes, astrology and dowsing. But in the past there were times in history when divination was considered a crime and in fact still is in many countries today.
How accurate the divination will depend upon the reader.
Augur During the time of ancient Rome there were priests that were called, Augur. The Augur was tasked with the divination of the
flight of birds. It was believed at the time that the flight of birds gave an indication on the will of the Gods. The divination was undertaken by studying the breed of birds, direction of flight, noises they made and other signals.
Chronomancy This type of divination involves the determination of what will be a lucky day or an unlucky day. It also involves the determination of lucky times. For example what will be the luckiest time on a certain day to do something or what might be the bad luck times on certain days.
Pyromancy One of the very earliest forms of divination that involves the divination of fire. There are several types of Pyromancy including Alomancy : This involves throwing salt into a fire for divination. Botanomancy : A form of divination that involves the burning of plants. Daphnomancy : Divination from burning laurel leaves. Osteomancy : Divination by heating bones over a fire to produce cracks. Sideromancy : A form of divination by burning straw with an iron.
Abacomancy is an early form of divination by scrying the patterns of dust. If the symbols appear more then once in the sand it may give an indication of the time and date of the happening.
Aeromancy is the divination of atmospheric conditions. The first recorded use of the word Aeromancy dates back to 1753. Aeromancy includes the divination of clouds, wind currents, comets, thunder, lightning and shooting stars.
Agalmatomancy is the divination of ancient statues and was popular during the time of ancient Greece.
Alomancy is the divination from the patterns formed by salt thrown into the air. The diviner must observe the patterns as they fall to the ground.
Alphitomancy is a type of divination to establish a persons innocence or guilt. The suspected people are given barley cake or bread and those that get sick are the guilty.
Apantomancy is a form of divination based on certain objects or animals that cross your path by chance. The superstition regarding black cats comes from Apantomancy.
Molybdomancy is a system of divination that uses melted metal. Melted lead or tin is dropped into a container of water. The divinator interprets the shapes to make his predictions. Molybdomancy is similar to Ceroscopy which uses wax.
Lampadomancy is a form of divination involving divinating the flame of a lamp. It was good fortune if the flame had a single point. However two points is a sign of bad luck. A flame that bent may indicate illness and sparks indicated news. Sudden extinction of a flame was considered a very bad omen.
Shell Scrying is a modern method of scrying and is becoming more popular. Most people are familiar with the sound of when a shell is placed over the ear. It sort of sounds like the ocean. But in fact it is the sounds of blood flowing through the vessels in your ear. If however you listen to this sound you will eventually by able to pick up fragments of conversation. At first you may be able to only make out a few words, but in time you will come to understand whole segments of conversations. The subject of this talk will be usually meaningless, but if you can mentally break into this communication you may find the voices may choose to respond. Just exactly what is happening here I'm not sure, but for those of you who have seen the movie "The Phantom Menace" it may give you a clue.
Smoke scrying is best done while relaxing in front of a campfire. You should be in comfortable visual range of
watching the smoke rise. Do not follow the smoke up but rather allow the smoke to forms patterns within your spiritual gaze. In time you will see visions of many far off events. I have generally found people who have natural artistic skill good at this form of scrying. The American Indians practice a special type of smoke scrying. It's called a sweat lodge. Water is poured over hot rocks in a tent to create steam. The steam is inhaled by those who sit naked around the rocks. The combination of temperature, humidity and elevated levels of carbon dioxide produce a state in which visions can arise. This form of scrying may be dangerous and should only be undertaken by experienced people.
Mirror scrying is an evolved form of water scrying. When it became possible to build mirrors they were regarded as being like water that was fixed into one place. The early mirrors were made of polished copper, brass, marcasite, tin foil or mercury behind glass, polished silver and obsidian. All types of mirrors may be used for scrying and the size is not important. Because mirrors are linked to the moon mirrors should be backed with silver. Try and use a round or oval mirror instead of a square mirror. For the frame try and use a mirror that has a silver frame. Old mirrors also seem to work better than new mirrors. Most seers prefer to use a black mirror. Because this is difficult to buy you may have to make one. Just simply take out the glass and paint it black. You may have to give it a few coats of paint though. When you put it back in the frame make sure the glass part is to the front. The use of black mirrors may be traced back over the centuries. John Dee used a black mirror of obsidian. When using the black mirror for scrying you do not want to see your reflection. The best is to leave the mirror on a table and look at it from an angle. Look into the depths of the mirror as
though you were looking into a bowl of water. At first it may appear grey than colors will come and go. With time and practice you will be able to see scried images like still photographs or moving film images. Spirits may sometimes look at the scryer, talk to the scryer or even touch the scryer. The visions may even exist outside the mirror and surround the scryer on all sides.
Ornithomancy is a method of divination that interprets the flight patterns of birds. It also refers to the divination of the songs of birds. It was a very popular form of divination during ancient Rome where in fact it was part of its religion.
An Oracle is a person who acts as a go between for those who seek council from the Gods. Some people use an Oracle to seek a prophecy. Sometimes the Oracle will take on the role of being a medium whose soul is temporarily taken over so as to pass on the information.
Monitions of Approach are ideas of an impending meeting with someone. Basically its when you see someone you know only to realize its not them, then just soon after the real person appears. Some Monitions appear in a much more complicated way. For example it may come in the voice of announcing someone, then the real person appears. It may be that the astral body of the person is somehow projected in advance.
Lecanomancy is a form of divination where a stone is thrown into a basin of water. The scryer will divinate by the sound
the stone makes in the water and the images of the rippling water. Sometimes oil is used instead of a rock. In this case the scryer interprets the shapes of the oil floating on the water.
Hakata are pieces of bone, ivory or wood that were used by African witch doctors for divination. These different objects are inscribed with symbols that represent the signs of the zodiac. They are cast upon the ground by the witch doctor who then interprets their meaning.
The Delphi Oracle was a very influential oracle who made predictions and announcements at the Temple of Apollo at Delphi. The Priestess of Apollo was named Pythia. A goat would be sacrificed and then Pythia would mount a tripod and sit. She would breath in intoxicating smoke while awaiting divine inspiation. When she entered a trance the priests would interpret the oracles from Pythia and then relay the answers to the seeker.
Coscinomancy is a form of divination that is practiced with a sieve and a pair of shears. This form of divination is used to find a thief. A thread was tied to a sieve by which it was upheld. Or a pair of shears which was held up by two fingers. The divinator prayed to the Gods for guidance. They repeated the names of those people under suspicion. The sieve or
sheares would then swirl around a person or persons name. This person was then thought to be the guilty one. In the Athenian Oracle it is referred to as "the trick of the sieve and scissors". This method of divination was also used to find missing persons and discover love secrets.
Critomancy is an ancient form of divination of cakes. Omens were drawn from the flour spread upon them after being strewn upon sacrifices.
In ancient times cursed bread was used in divination to find a guilty person. A piece of bread that would be about an once in weight would be given to the suspected person. The piece of bread would have a spell caste over it. If the person became sick he was regarded as guilty. If he remained fine then he was innocent. Often barley bread was used for this as it often caused choking or the person may be allergic to it.
Dactylomancy is a form of divination practiced with rings in ancient times. There are various methods used. One method involved placing gold or silver rings on the fingernails in certain conjunctions of the planets. In another way a round table is inscribed with the letters of the alphabet and a ring suspended above. The ring will then spell out the message. Another method involves suspending a ring within a glass. If the glass is struck once it will indicate yes, and twice will be no.
Daphnomancy is an ancient method of divination using a branch from a Laurel tree. A Laurel branch is thrown into a fire and a question is asked. If the branch crackles in burning it is a positive sign. If the branch burns without doing so it is a negative sign.
The Djemscheed was a divination cup that had been the subject of poems and myths in ancient Persia. It was thought to have been found while digging the foundations of Persepolis. It was filled with the elixir of immortality. It was said that within the cup it mirrored the whole world. All good and evil was revealed within the cup. The entire prosperity of the Persian empire was in fact attributed to this cup.
Eromancy is one of six different divination practices by the Persians using air and water. The divinator covered his head in a napkin and exposed to the air a vase filled with water. Over the vase they then whispered their desires. If the surface of the water showed bubbles it was regarded as a good sign.
Ceroscopy is a system of divination using wax that was very popular in Russia. Wax was melted into a brass vessel till it became a liquid of uniform consistence. The liquid wax was then poured very slowly into another vessel filled with cold water. The pouring was done in a way that the wax congealed in tiny discs upon the surface of the water. The divinator then interpreted the figures of wax.
The Celontes was a mystical stone that was said to be found in a tortoise. It was believed to have healing abilities and gave it`s owner the ability to resist fire. If the stone was carried under the tongue on the day of the new moon and for 15 days thereafter, during the lunar ascension, it gave it`s owner the power to tell the future between the hours of sunrise to sunset.
Cartopedy comes from the ancient Persions and it was the term used for the divination of feet. It many ways it is similar to palmistry. These days Cartopedy is widely practiced in India. A Cartopedy was employed by the ancient Persians and Indians on important matters, such as choosing a bride. Measurements and footprints would be studied intensively. Sometimes the study would take weeks or months. The size, shape, heels, toes, arches, lines and markings were all studied. Cartopedy is also used in crime detection.
Known as the Ashkir-Jobson Communigraph it consists of a small table with a free moving pendulum underneath. The pendulum may then make contact with some small metal plates that represent the alphabet. No medium is necessary for this instrument to work. A circle is formed around the table. The pendulum starts swinging on it`s own accord.
Cledonism is a system of divination that is based on the good or evil passage of words. These words must be uttered without premeditation when persons come together in any way. The system also regulated the words to be used on certain
occasions. Cledonism was a favorite method of divination at Smyrna where the Oracle of Apollo were thus interpreted.
Cleidomancy is a system of divination using a suspended key. It can only be used when the Sun or Moon is in Virgo. The name of the person who is being divinated must be written on the a key tied to a Book of Shadows. Both should be hung upon the ring finger of only a virgin girl, who must repeat certain mystical words.
Xylomancy is a form of divination that is practiced by the Slavs. The divination is done by interpreting the shape and position of dry pieces of wood found in one`s path. These are considered Omens.
The Sibyl were women in ancient Greece and Rome who lived in caves and were renowned for their gift of prophecy. There were ten Sibyl`s in all. The most respected of these lived at Cumae near Naples and guarded the temple of Apollo. The other`s lived at Persia, Libya, Delphi, Samos, Cimmeria, Erythrae, Tibur, Marpessa and Phrygia.
Phrenology is the art of reading bumps on a persons head. It is believed that confirmations of the skull correspond with characteristics of the mind and body. Phrenologists believe
that external areas above the skull grow above specific regions of the brain in that a person chooses to develop. Phrenologists believe that balanced development of the mind is essential.
Arithmancy is a Chaldean and Greek method of divination by numbers. The Chaldeans divided their alphabet into three sections of seven letters and linked these to the seven planets. The Greeks would analyze the names of opponents and predict the outcome of a contest. Arithmancy is a precursor to numerology.
Anthropomancy was a barbaric form of divination that involved using human entrails. These were usually those of a young virgin child. The magician Julian the Apostate sacrificed young children during his rituals in order to evaluate their entrails. Anthropomancy was also practiced in ancient Egypt.
An omen is a sign that relates to a future event. It may or may not give a time frame as to when this event will occur. Some omens are signs of good fortune while others are a sign of impending misfortune.
Alectryomancy is a form of divination using birds. Often a black hen or a gamecock. The diviner will sprinkle grain and the ground and allow the birds to peck. When the birds have finished, the diviner will then interpret the patterns left by the birds on the ground.
Aleuromancy was a divination method that was popular with the ancient Greeks. Sentences were composed that were written on very small pieces of paper and rolled up into balls of flour. The balls were then mixed up nine times and given to those seeking information on their future. This form of divination was presided over by Apollo.
Alphitomancy is a form of divination using a barley leaf. It is used to identify a thief or criminal. Pieces of the leaf were given to a group of suspects. If you were innocent you would feel no effects, but if you were guilty you would become sick.
Myomancy was a form of divination involving rats during ancient Egypt, Rome and Assyria. There cries were believed to indicate the presence of evil. When King Sennacherib of Assyria invaded Egypt, his soldiers discovered their quivers and bows had been gnawed by rats. His soldiers fled unarmed and were slain.
There are a number of different systems available for egg divination. Oomancy is one system of egg divination by the outer and inner forms of the egg. One method was to break the egg into a glass of water and interpret the shapes assumed by the white. Another method was Oomantia. It involved divinating the signs or characters appearing in eggs.
Onychomancy is a form of divination by the fingernails. It was practiced by watching the reflection of the Sun in the nails of a young boy. The future was divinated by judging the shape of the figures which appeared on the surface.
Omphalomancy is a form of divination by the navel of a new born first child. It is used to ascertain future conceptions by the mother. These indications were obtained from the number of markings on the navel of the child.
Onimancy is a form of divination based on the observation of the angel Uriel. Some oil of olives is placed on the palm or nails of a young virgin child. If money is sought the face of the child must be turned to the east. If divinating about romance, the child must face south. For robbery, west, and for murder, south. The child must repeat the 72 verses of the Psalms which the Hebrew Kabalists collected for the Urim and Thummim.
The Psychic Telephone was an instrument consisting of a box inside which was a rubber bag connected with a pair of earphones from a radio set. If a Medium inflated the bag with their breath and then sealed it, the bag would then take the place of the medium. Direct voices would be heard through the earphones.
In ancient Rome Belly Talkers were sort by many seeking answers to the future. Belly Talking is a type of ancient divination. These Belly talkers spoke automatically while in a trance. The Mediums were believed to have a Daemon in their
belly. The Daemon used the Mediums vocal organs to predict the future. Belly Talkers were held in the highest regard in the community and were sort out by almost everyone.
Book Test Divination is supposedly initiated by a deceased to supply evidence of their survival after death. The sitter is instructed to open the book on a certain page, on a certain place on that page, where a certain passage is considered a message from the deceased. The problem is that, the test does not exclude the possibility that on any page of the book some passage may be interpreted as a message.
During a Billet test a question is written on a piece of paper and placed in a sealed envelope. The psychic then tells the writer what is written on the paper and answers the question. The Billet reading is often used by stage performers. Using slight of hand they switched Billets and read the questions in advance. Sometimes the people in the audience are part of the scam. No psychic has ever been able to pass the billet test under controlled conditions. Hand Trembling is a technique used on the Indian reservations in Arizona and New Mexico. As their hands trembled and shacked they entered into an altered state of consciousness. These very gifted Navajos usually sprinkle corn pollen on their hands. In this paranormal state they are able to locate lost objects and diagnose illness. In Navojos culture the Hand Trembler held a highly respected place. The above is from: http://www.paralumun.com/divination.htm
Prenestine Lots was a form of divination by lots. This form of divination was popular in ancient Italy. The letters of the alphabet were placed in an urn which was shaken. The letters were then turned out on the floor. The words that were formed were regarded as omens.
Divination by smoke was very common in many ancient cultures. For this purpose Poppy seeds were often used on the fire. If the smoke rose lightly and straight towards the heavens it was considered a good sign. If however, the smoke hung around it was considered a bad omen. In ancient Europe a pregnant woman would place Poppy seeds on a window ledge if she wanted a Boy, and sugar if she wanted a Girl.
The Planchette was an instrument designed for the purpose of communicating with spirits. It was made of a thin heart shaped piece of wood, that was mounted on two small wheel castors and carrying a pencil pointing downwards. The hand is placed on the wood and the spirit uses the pencil to write, operating through the psychic force of the medium.
Phyllorhodomancy is a form of divination by Rose leaves. During ancient Greece, they would clap a Rose leaf on the hand. The omen was in the sound it made. A good clear sound was positive, but a muffled sound was a bad omen.
Pessomancy is a form of divination that uses beans or pebbles. The beans are marked with symbols relating to health, success, travel, love, etc. The stones were usually thrown out
after shuffling in a bag. The divinator would then interpret from this.
Muscle reading is similar to telepathy or mind reading. Muscle readers generally work with an audience. It is the unconscious movement of a member of the audience whose hands they hold that guide the performer in giving dates of coins, combinations of safes, location of hidden objects.
Hippomancy was a form of divination that was practiced by the Celts. The Celts kept certain white horses in a grove. These horses were made to walk straight after the sacred car and auguries were drawn from their movements.
Hepatoscopy is a form of divination using the entrails of animals. In ancient times the liver was regarded as the focal point of life and of special occult importance. The liver was divided into sections with each section representing a particular deity. The markings in these zones were of great importance.
Gyromancy is a form of divination performed by going round in circles. The circumference of the circle is marked by letters. The message was gained from the words formed by the inquirer when they stumbled on the letters when going round the circle.
Lychnomancy is a form of divination by candle flame. It is a branch of Pyromancy. The divinater is concerned with the flames of three candles arranged in a triangle. A wavering flame would indicate a journey. A spiral flame indicated plots by enemies. An uneven flame danger. Sparks would indicate you should be cautious and a sudden extinction indicated bad luck.
Amniomancy is a form of divination that uses the membrane which sometimes covers the head of a new born child. Divination of this sort is only done by a woman. The woman will inspect the membrane and predict the future of the baby. If the color is red it indicates a fortunate life. However, if the color is lead, it indicates a difficult life.
Ariolists were ancient diviners who divined by means of the alter. The Ariolists consulted demons on their alters. They divined by the the movement of the alter, which may tremble or do something else.
Aximoncy is a form of divination using an axe. It was this form of divination that was used to predict the ruin of Jerusalem. There are two methods of Axinomancy. One method involves use of an Agate. A round Agate must be produced. The head of the axe is heated red hot and placed so its edge is standing perpendicularly in the air. The Agate is placed on the edge. If
it remains it there, it is a negative sign. If it rolls way and does this three times it is a positive sign.
Belomancy is a form of divination using arrows. Belomancy was anciently practised at least by Babylonians, Greeks, Arabs and Scythians. One method involved throwing the arrows in the air, the point in which the arrows inclined pointed out the direction to be taken. The arrows were typically marked with occult symbols and had to have feathers for every method. In one method, different possible answers to a given question were written and tied to each arrow. For example, three arrows would be marked with the phrases, God orders it me, God forbids it me, and the third would be blank. The arrow that flew the furthest indicated the answer. Another method involves the same thing, but without shooting the arrows. They would simply be shuffled in the quiver, worn preferably on the back, and the first arrow to be drawn indicated the answer. If a blank arrow was drawn, they would redraw. The above is from: http://www.paralumun.com/divination.htm
10.Traditions Other paths The List
1734 / Clan of Tubal Cain The Clan of Tubal Cain was started by Robert Cochrane and was said to have been based on the witch lore that
he learnt in his youth, while living along the canals of Britain. This Tradition does not claim to be lineaged to Gardnerian Wicca in any way and though similar to Wicca in some ways, it has its own Gods and theological system of witchcraft. 1734 is a Tradition indirectly connected to the Clan of Tubal Cain. Specifically, the primary source of this tradition comes from a series of letters between Joe Wilson and Robert Cochrane. However, it also blends in some elements of Welsh witchcraft.
American Celtic Founded by Lady Sheba, this Tradition bases itself upon Outer Court Gardnerian teachings. However, this Tradition focuses upon ritual as a psycho-therapeutic device, rather than worship of the divine. Also draws influence from Ceremonial Magic. Arcadian Similar to Dianic witchcraft, accept that they place greater focus on the divine masculine than the divine feminine. Unlike some Dianic groups, this Tradition allows both male and female members. BlueStar This Tradition is based mostly upon Outer Court Alexandrian teachings. It is an initiatory tradition and derives further influences from Greco-Roman and Celtic mythology. Blue Star is one of the largest and most well known Witchcraft Traditions in the United States. Caledonii / Hecatine A Tradition of Scottish Witchcraft that seeks to stay true to the festivals and lore of Scotland.
Circle Sanctuary The Circle Sanctuary is a non-profit organisation with spiritual interests. It has a large Witchcraft following that commonly blends eclectic elements from multiple Traditions. Correllian The Correllian Tradition of Witchcraft is primarily an eclectic blend of British Traditional Wicca and various Native American theologies. Though this group often refers to itself as Wicca, it is not a lineaged Wiccan Tradition. Cymry / Kymmry Welsh Traditional witchcraft. Eclectic Witchcraft Often referred to as a Tradition, this is more precisely a common style of witchcraft for those who have chosen not to align to any specific Tradition and instead create their own path of Witchcraft from whatever sources and Traditions they find appropriate. Faery Commonly an eclectic path of Witchcraft that seeks to commune with faery folk in its magic workings. There is no organisation to this Tradition and it has developed of its own accord through common practice. Feri This Tradition has its own theology with its own Gods, known as the Star Goddess, the Divine Twins and the Blue God. It utilizes ecstatic practices which seek to raise and use “Feri energy” which is seen as a speciFic power
that is passed between members of the Tradition. This Tradition is initiatory and is often confused as being Wiccan, though its members make no claims to a Wiccan lineage. Frostian / Church of Wicca The “church oF wicca” was Founded by gavin and yvonne Frost. This group has long claimed the name of Wicca, but possesses no lineage to the Wiccan priesthood. “FrosTian” Witchcraft has been widely denounced by many Wiccans and witches alike due to certain details of its practice. Georgian Founded by George Patterson, the Georgian Tradition is influenced by both Alexandrian and Gardnerian Wicca. It is also an initiatory tradition. The format of this Tradition reflects the Outer Court information of Wicca. This Tradition is also well known in the United States. Green Witchcraft Though not a Tradition in itself, this form of witchcraft is centered around magics that involve the use of natural items and places. The focus in Green Witchcraft is upon achieving magic through connecting with the natural world and using its energies.
Hedge Witchcraft Not possessing any specific theology, this form of witchcraft is inspired by country practices referred to in Anglo-Saxon texts and places a focus upon a shamanistic type of craft, working between the physical world and the spirit world.
Horsa The Horsa line began with Sybil Leak, who claimed to have been taught the Craft from the same set of New Forest Covens as Gerald Gardner. However, her Witchcraft Tradition is apparently a variant on Outer Court Gardnerian Wicca. Irish Witta / Temple of Danaan A Tradition of Witchcraft and Paganism that focuses on old Irish religion. Though not specifically Reconstructionist, it does attempt to include as much authentic Irish elements as possible. Kitchen Witchery Not specifically a Tradition of Witchcraft, but instead a style of witchcraft. Kitchen Witches perform their magic based around common household items, jobs and activities. Cooking, growing herbs and cleaning can all be magical rituals & spells to a kitchen witch. There is no specific theology involved in Kitchen Witchcraft. Ladywood This Tradition expanded out of the Pagan Way Tradition and adopts an eclectic form of witchcraft. This group is known to hold public rituals and to promote environmental activism. New Albion This Tradition focuses upon Celtic mythology and bases its structure around a combination of Gardnerian, Alexandrian and Mohsian Witchcraft. Northwind Northwind is an initiatory tradition that is most notable for its melding of Outer Court Wicca and aspects of the
Cherokee Medicine Path. Northwind employs a three-deity panTheon, oF goddess, god and “sTone people” (or Community). Another defining feature of the Northwind Tradition is that it places an importance on ancestor veneration, which is an aspect of its Cherokee influence. Odyssean This Tradition expanded out of the Wiccan Church of Canada and was founded by Richard and Tamara James. It is derived from eclectic combinations of Outer Court Alexandrian, Gardnerian and Blue Star teachings. The Tradition was named after the mythical Odysseus in honour of his spiritual journey and thusly the spiritual journeys that are undertaken by its members. Although the Wiccan Church of Canada may have some lineaged Wiccan members, Odyssean Witchcraft is not specifically a lineaged Tradition of Wicca. Pagan Way / Ardantane A mix of Outer Court Gardnerian teachings and eclectic hedge witchery. Protean Tradition This Tradition has a very close descent from Gardnerian Wicca, but it should be noted that the Protean Tradition identify themselves as an "Independent Witchcraft Tradition". The Protean Tradition emerged out of the Gardnerian Tradition and indeed a great majority of its members still would identify as Gardnerians. However, this group also has member of other Traditions, as well as those who hold no initiatory lineage to other groups. This Tradition is build around a concept of freedom of exploration within the structure of Wicca, testing the form of traditional Wiccan ritual in order to experience
The MysTeries in new ways, keeping To gardner’s old MaxiM of retaining what works and throwing out the things ThaT don’T. Radical Fairy A Witchcraft Tradition centered on homosexual experience. Reclaiming / Feminist Dianic Effectively founded by Z. Budapest and Starhawk, this is a Tradition of feminist witchcraft. It is one of the most well known varieties of modern witchcraft and is often confused with Wicca, though it makes no claims to be Wicca. This Tradition is chiefly eclectic. Seax-Wica The Seax Tradition was created by Dr. Raymond Buckland. This Tradition is a path of Witchcraft that is entirely independent of Dr. Buckland's history with Gardnerian Wicca and as such is not intended to be a continuation of Wicca, containing none of the Mysteries of Wicca, nor any of its rituals or oral lore, though it does follow a similar pattern of holidays. This is a Tradition of Saxon Witchcraft, predominantly worshiping the deities Woden and Freya, draws from Saxon mythology. Like many other Witchcraft Traditions, Seax is intended to be practiced in a coven environment, however this Tradition also allows would-be practitioners to perform a "Self-Dedication" into the Tradition. There are no oath-bound materials in Seax and all of its rituals and lore can be found publically available in Raymond Buckland's book "The Tree - The Complete Book of Saxon Witchcraft".
Stregheria The term "Stregheria" is generally used as a collective term for the varied witchcraft practices that are deemed to be native to Italy and Sicily, or that otherwise survived in descent from those regions, usually through the migration of native Italian or Sicilian families. The most well known practitioner of this tradition of witchcraft is Leo Martello. Stregheria is not strictly a single tradition, but instead a large collection of practices and beliefs descending from various regions and families, however as a general mix of magic and folk religion, Stregheria can be said to predate Wicca as a form of religious witchcraft. Raven Grimassi founded two modern Traditions of Stregheria: Aradian Strega and Arician Strega, taking parTicular inFluence FroM g.e. leland’s "aradia or The Gospel of the Witches". His traditions are based around traditional Italian Strega but are blended with Outer Court elements of Wicca. Tameran Tradition A Tradition that is grounded in the magical and ritual practices of ancient Egypt. Despite the blending of traditional Egyptian elements, this Tradition of Witchcraft is not a Reconstructionist Tradition and has no connection to Kemetic Reconstruction. Though this TradiTion is soMeTiMes Mislabeled as “keMeTic wicca”, iT is not a lineaged Tradition of Wicca. Trinitarian Tradition This Tradition of Witchcraft was created by Nancy Chandler Pittman and is a blending of religious Pagan Witchcraft and Christianity. There are many who practice a similar set of beliefs, often mislabeling them as "Christian Wicca", but the Trinitarian Tradition is a
particular co-definition of this path. Despite the common use of the word "Wicca" in association with this Tradition, the Trinitarian Tradition is not a lineaged Tradition of the Wicca. Triskellion The founders of this tradition were both initiated as Alexandrians, but formed this Tradition independently in 1977, departing from their Wiccan backgrounds. This Tradition focuses heavily on ritual and the Greek Gods. This is one of the few Traditions that maintains a permanent temple building and has a principle of offering healing magics to any who ask, without charge. White Witches Not a specific Tradition, but a style of witchcraft that seeks to only perform beneficial magic.
11.The Dark Goddess
The Dark Goddess is known by many names and even those we consider more light Goddesses have their darker aspects As we know Darkness does not mean evil So we do not have to fear the Dark Mother We need to know Her and revere Her
By the Earth that is Her Body Earth holds and supports us like the arms of the great Goddess. It's the ground we stand on. Trees take root in it. Meadows rise from it. Crystals grow within it. It grows our grain and gives us our green herbs. No other element captures the Mystery of the Mother as well as the element that composes Her body. All the elements, earth, air, fire and water, have correspondences: magickal tools and qualities that are associated with them, which can vary from tradition to tradition. (Women's traditions tend to be pretty flexible, so don't think of these as graven in stone.) The correspondences are part of the symbolic richness of women's rituals. What we know about Goddess can't be expressed in words, and rituals rife with symbolism lead us to that inexpressible knowledge better than any speech could ever do. When we invoke the qualities of the elements, we surround ourselves with the images of Mystery. The element of Earth corresponds to the direction North. Its season is winter, and with winter comes quiet, thoughtfulness, and awareness without distraction. Moving waters freeze. The riot of summer growth is dormant. With quiet comes the ability to keep silent, to hold secrets, to listen, and to speak mindfully and purposefully.
Its magickal tool is the pentacle, the five-pointed star inscribed in the circle, an ancient symbol of magick. Earth corresponds to midnight, the witching hour, a time when truth is laid bare. Earth's corresponding colors are black, like night, and the colors of what it supports, green and brown. It is also the element of metals, ores, crystals and minerals. For this reason, the element of Earth corresponds to wealth and material comfort, from gold and jewels to career and home. Earth and its correspondences are heavily used in spellwork because material lack is a problem for many women, maybe most of us. And, Earth is the final return of energy when we ground. Earth is something we can readily touch and feel and smell. It's so prevalent that it only takes a little opening up to become aware of the Mystery that continually surrounds us. Earth is both a comfort and a source of disquiet, even fear. You can break open a newly baked loaf and smell the Earth in its intoxicating scent. You can also seek the unseen and find yourself in the dark. The Dark Goddess is symbolized by Earth. The Old One knows and loves the Light. She has been a Maiden and a Mother, and She knows what passion is. But She is also the Destroyer, not just cleaning up after the party's over, but a necessary part of the Wheel of Life. In the end, the Dark Goddess will cradle us when the Crone beckons us from across the Veil, kind and loving, but also inexorable. Dark and Light are parts of the same weave. The element of Earth can teach us to embrace them both. - Silverskye
When things that we took for granted end in our lives – a relationship, perhaps, or a job – we may feel trepidation because what was familiar and predictable is gone, like a well-trodden path that has suddenly, unaccountably, petered out – or worse still led us to a precipice. Endings bring up our worse fears and imaginings about the uncertainty of the future. They remind us that things do not go on for ever, that we must also embrace change. This is one gift of the Dark Goddess: She shatters old, outworn structures in our lives and forces us to die to old ways of being that do not support our growth. The Gift of Changes tempers our strength and courage, the qualities associated with the North on the Wheel of Life, and, above all, makes us grow
and evolve. Through her, we eventually emerge reborn into a new state of consciousness, one that can perceive and partake of deeper mysteries that lie hidden in the invisible realms. At such times, she teaches us the wisdom of letting go of attachments, dying to old, outworn patterns so that the new may come forth. For the truth is that we cannot progress spiritually unless we are willing to sacrifice something – and that something is our ‘smaller’ selves – the everyday self that feels most secure living on the surface of life, immersed in all its little comforts and pleasures, involved in the family drama, or the gains and losses of the marketplace, the joys and pains of body and mind. This is the ‘little story’ of our individual human lives, that, sooner or later, we must put aside for the ‘big story’ of spiritual development, if we wish to wake up from our sleep to the higher realities of existence. Before you decide that all this sounds rather alarming, let me assure you that it is not so much a matter of giving up all that you and know and love in your life and world – it’s more a question of where you place your emphasis. You can certainly enjoy all the pleasures of earthly existence, but know that beyond the little You – the ego self – there is a Higher Self, and beyond your everyday experience of life, there is a reality that is greater and more beautiful by far. Your willingness to let go of your attachments to the world of appearances to embrace the reality that shines behind and through all things, is the sacrifice required of you, and it may be helpful to remember that the word ‘sacrifice’ means literally ‘to make holy.’ You do not have to ‘give everything up’ and become a hermit in order to see the world transfigured in shining glory, but you do have to learn that you are connected with all living things in a great shining web of Light, which is hard to do when you are identified solely with your ego self. As the 17th century poet and mystic Thomas Traherne wrote, You’ll never enjoy the world aright till the sea itself floweth in your veins And you are clothed with the heavens and crowned with the stars. Knowing this, and knowing also that it is the deepest desire of our Higher Self to have us wake up to Reality can often make it more
bearable when we experience losses and grief in our lives. Although I am certainly no advocate of deliberately choosing suffering as a path towards higher consciousness, it is certainly the case for many, myself included, that difficult times can help us penetrate to spiritual understandings we might not otherwise have reached, cocooned as we often are by the comforts of a routinely-lived life. Such times might be said to be periods of initiation by the Dark Goddess, who ‘breaks in order to make.’ An article I found very interested and needed to be added. Embracing the Dark Goddess by Dominae During a dark time of my life, when I was trying to deal with the pain of past experiences, I had a vision of the dark goddess Lilith. Lilith was the wild haired and independent first wife of Adam who refused to be dominated by him. Because of this, she was cast out of the Garden of Eden and replaced by the more complacent Eve. In my vision, Lilith appeared frightening at first sight; claw-footed and winged with blazing red eyes. But I did not turn away from her. I knew that no vision comes without reason, so I drew closer to her. When she felt my fear fading she spoke to me. She told me that her beating wings were her freedom, her claws held her power and her red eyes blazed with the anger she felt towards those who had tried to suppress her. Behind the anger was pain. Behind the pain flowed the strength, understanding and the wisdom of our full feminine nature. When I stepped back from her and looked again she was beautiful. All of the fear I had placed on her had disappeared and I knew that she had much to teach me and the I had much to learn. It is no wonder that the Crone aspect of the Triple Goddess is the most feared and misunderstood. She represents the most frightening aspects of our humanity; destruction and death, fears we have yet to face and mysteries that we have yet to know. While most of us would love to dwell in the youth and light of the Maiden and Mother Goddesses, we cannot deny the Crone's presence. Though we may try to push her to the backs of our minds, the Crone makes herself known by emerging in the horrifying forms of our nightmares and deepest fears. But it is only because most of us dread to look her in the eyes
that she emerges in such terrifying forms. If we could learn to truly face her and therefore our own dark natures, we would see that she holds within her the wisdom and strength which we need to heal ourselves emotionally and to become more spiritually complete. While the pagan God is represented in two aspects (the young, wild and passionate God of the Hunt and the older, more reserved and self-sacrificing God) the Goddess is represented in three aspects. These aspects are the Maiden, Mother and Crone. The Maiden is the young Goddess, represented by the moon which is waxing towards fullness and the season of Spring. She is the carefree Goddess who is full of wonder and budding sexuality and who rules among the blossoming of life towards Summer. As Summer and Fall approach, the Mother Goddess takes rule as the Goddess of the full moon and Summer season which moves towards Fall. The Mother Goddess is the life-giver and nurturer of the Earth and her people. The waning and new moon are the symbols of the Crone or Dark Goddess. She is the older Goddess who is full of the wisdom and experience of life and death. The Fall and Winter are the seasons of her reign where the circle of life moves towards and through the stage of death. She rules the Underworld, which was a place for all spirits no matter what their earthly behavior had been. Monotheistic theology transformed what the concept of the Underworld was into the more commonly known Hell full of everlasting torments. Pagan belief still holds true to the initial concept of the Underworld as a place for all to rest and prepare for physical rebirth. The cauldron is a symbol of the Crone Goddess and is representative of the womb from which all life springs and must return. The Crone takes in energy and matter so that it may be broken down and recreated in other forms. She holds within her the greatest mystery of all which is the mystery of death and of the afterlife. Visual representations of the Crone Goddesses are usually frightening in appearance. She is the Wicked Witch who is seen in abundance during Halloween, in fairy tales and in the movies. Because of her frightening appearance, she is often feared and ignored by pagans who see her as being evil and destructive.
When someone says the word "Witch," the Crone in her modern depiction is the image which will most likely appear in one's mind. But it must be understood how patriarchal society and monotheism has portrayed the general idea of the Witch in such a negative manner because in a society where the patriarchy rules, the Powerful Woman is seen as a threat. The Witch is strong, wise and self-sufficient if she so chooses to be. The Crone possesses all of these wonderful qualities, along with a lifetime of experiences and encounters to draw from. She is not someone to fear, but a helpful and insightful guide who should be called upon to aid us in confronting our fears and feelings of being powerless. For pagan men, study and encounters with the Crone can help in understanding the strength and emotion of women as well as getting in touch with men's own feminine natures. The Crone has many names and is included in the pantheons of many cultures. She is Kali in India, Hekate in ancient Greece, Eresh-Kigal in Sumeria, Morgana in Britian and Lilith in the Near East. In this article, I will be discussing three of the Crone Goddesses; Kali, Hekate and Lilith, along with ways in which the Crone Goddess may be helpful for emotional healing and the gaining of wisdom. Of all of the Crone Goddesses, the Hindu goddess Kali is the most hideous and fear-evoking. Kali is a black-skinned goddess who appears to be fierce and unapproachable. She wears a necklace of skulls around her neck and has four arms which she uses to flail her victims to death before devouring them. She is often sen with protruding fangs or tusks and a long tongue which she uses to lap up the blood of her victims. The skulls around her neck were used by her to form the letters of the Sanskrit alphabet. Each skull was inscribed with one of the fifty letters of the alphabet which collectively were called the matrika (mothers) and words were formed with these symbols. When myths speak of words being formed, it is usually a metaphor for the act of creation. Although Kali is frightening in appearance, she is a fierce warrior goddess who is a fighter of demons and yet is still able to dispense grace to her followers. She was first manifested from the brow of the mother goddess Parvati in order to slay the demon Daruka. The demon had gained divine power and was threatening the safety of the
gods. It was told that a drop of blood which fell from the demon would produce millions more like him, so Kali could not slay him in a usual manner. Instead she held him up and drank every drop of blood from the demon, therefore saving the gods from destruction. But the taste of blood and the thrill of destruction made Kali insatiable. She was unable to be controlled by anyone, including the gods. The thrill and ecstacy of killing made Kali dance an uncontrollable dance of death on top of her victims. Kali was so uncontrollable that. The god Shiva was almost trampled under her dancing feet. One of the most frightening depictions of the goddess Kali is a statue of her squatting over her consort Shiva and engaging in sex while eating his intestines. Kali is the goddess of destruction and regeneration, and it is therefore appropriate that she be depicted in this manner. While she is taking in Shiva's seed, she is destroying him simultaneously. Shiva is a god of life and Kali is a goddess of death. These two forces meet and join in this statue of Kali and Shiva, where Kali kills and prepares to create new life from Shiva's seed. Because Kali is a manifested aspect of the Mother Goddess, she is representative of the Cosmic Power and of the totality of the universe. She is the destroyer who makes way for creation and is therefore seen as harmonizing all pairs of opposites. The four arms of Kali are often viewed as being symbolic of this harmony. Her upper left hand grips a bloody saber, her lower left hand holds a severed head by the hair. Her upper right hand is often seen making a "fear not" gesture while her lower right hand bestows boons to her devotees. Those of the Hindu religion realize that in order to fully understand the Goddess, we must understand all aspects of her. They do not see Kali as being evil, but s being one of the manifestations of the Divine Mother, or Shatki. In fact, there is hardly a village in India which does not have a temple devoted to her. She is one of the most recognized and respected deities of the Hindu pantheon. The horrific looking Kali represents an important contribution to Vedic Hinduism by showing both the negative and positive aspects of the Mother Goddess. She symbolizes a meaningful abstract view of Hinduism, that creation and destruction arise from the same source.
As a Goddess who rules over both life and death, the Dark Goddess or Crone holds within her all aspects of the Triple Goddess. She is the mature and aged Maiden and Mother, who possesses the wisdom and experiences of youth, adulthood and old age and who stands as a bridge between death and rebirth. As a goddess who retains attributes of the three aspects of the Triple Goddess, Hekate is often seen in triple form. She rules not only over death and the underworld, but over birth and regeneration as well. Hekate is one of the most ancient and primordial representations of the Goddess in Greek mythology. She was originally said to be the daughter of Nyx (Night) and therefore a Titan who predated the more commonly known Olympian gods. While most of the Titans were overthrown by the more civilized gods of the Olympian pantheon, Hekate was given a place in the Olympian realm and was very honored and respected by Zeus, the most powerful god in Greek mythology. She was so respected by him that he gave her dominion over the Heavens, Earth and the Underworld. He also allowed her the one power that only she retained; the ability to grant or withhold anything that humans asked of her. Mythology later changed Hekate's origin to that of the daughter of Zeus and Hera so that she could more easily fit into the structure of the Olympian myths. In Hesiod's Theogony, sh is said to be the daughter of Perseus and Asteria. Because Hekate was given rule over all of the three realms; the heavens, Earth and the Underworld, she was originally a goddess who encapsulated all three aspects of the Goddess. However, as Olympian mythology evolved, her dominion was minimized to primarily that of the Underworld. She is said to have helped Demeter in her search for you daughter Persephone in the myth of Persephone's descent to the Underworld. In the myth, the young Persephone, who represents the Maiden aspect of the Triple Goddess in Greek mythology, is spotted by the Lord of the Underworld, Hades, while she is picking flowers in a field. He captures her and takes her to the Underworld to be his mate. While Persephone is in the Underworld, all of the plant life on Earth dies and cannot come back to life until she is returned to Earth. Her mother Demeter goes searching for her daughter with the help of Hekate, and a deal is made with Hades that he allow Persephone to return to Earth for half of the year (Spring) and spend the other half (Winter) as his mate in the Underworld. This myth was told to
explain the changing of the seasons and the path of the circle of life. It is repeated in various forms in the mythologies of many cultures. Because of the importance of the myth of Persephone, Hekate is most commonly recognized as the Goddess of the Underworld and of death and its mysteries. But as it is with all Crone goddesses, Hekate still possesses the attributes of all three aspects of the Goddess. She is the Queen of Night, who rules over magick, ritual and prophecy, but also over childbirth and regeneration. Many statues of Hekate depict her with three heads and six arms. The three heads are the three faces of the Goddess; Persephone (Maiden). Demeter (Mother), and Hekate (Crone). In the Triple Goddess form, she is known as Hekate Triformis, the Goddess who rules over the three phases of the moon. All animals are sacred to Hekate, but the dog is her primary animal. Hekate is said to be followed by packs of howling dogs who can see the spirits of the dead who follow her. Although she is the goddess of the vast Underworld, she is seen primarily as the goddess who rules over those who have died unnatural deaths. Those who have died unnaturally, such as from suicides, executions and death at birth were often buried at crossroads, where three roads meet. This is one of the reasons that Hekate is said to be able to be summoned at the cross roads by those who would ask for her help with magick, childbirth or false claims against them. Many statues and masks of Hekate have been found at crossroads, where her presence is believed to be most powerful. Offerings of dog meat, blood and small cakes topped with candles have been found at the crossroads as gifts to Hekate. But the crossroads also have another significance. As a symbol of the place there paths of fate may be taken and where the paths of life and death meet, it is appropriate that Hekate could be summoned as asked for guidance at the crossroads. Hekate is one of the deities known as The Goddess of the Witches. Her precedence over death and mysteries as well as her told as protectress and revenger of those wrongly accused and oppressed makes her a powerful goddess who can aid us in many different areas of need. Hekate is worshipped and respected because she has the power to destroy and create through rebirth as well as disclose the wisdom and mysteries that come with the knowledge of the afterlife.
As an initially primordial goddess who was the daughter of Titans, Hekate evolved to become the more "civilized" goddess of the Greek Olympian pantheon. As with many gods and goddesses, she changed in lineage and function in order to meet with the needs of changing cultures. However, the dark goddess Lilith is one who retained her primordial feminine self throughout the evolution of many cultures. Various manifestations of Lilith can be seen in Sumerian, Babylonian, Canaanite, Persian, Hebrew and Teutonic mythology. Persistent throughout these mythologies, Lilith is the primal seductress and shedemon of the night, a killer of mortal children and Mother of child demons. There are several myths which account the origin of Lilith. The Hebrew Zohar states that God created the masculine sun and feminine moon initially equal in power and reign. However, because of their equality, the moon and sun were constantly arguing. Because the moon more frequently questioned the authority of the sun, god in judgement told the moon that she must diminish herself. This means that her radiance would be less than that of the sun and that she would take rule over the night. Her diminishment is seen in the waxing and waning of the moon's phases. Lilith is created in this myth by the diminished moon, who is angry and resentful at having to distance herself from the sun because of God's judgement. The anger and rage which the mon feels from the judgment of God creates a powerful light from which Lilith is born. Therefore Lilith, in essence, is the power that is gained by the feminine when she is misunderstood, alienated and "diminished" by the masculine. Another myth claims that Lilith was present at the time of God's first presence. It states that God and his feminine representation, the Shekina ruled above (in the Heavens) and that Sameal (the Devil) and his feminine representation, Lilith ruled below (on Earth.) These four manifestations of the one source of Power were like four shoots coming forth from the same seed. While Hebrew myths are full of the tales of Lilith, she is very rarely seen in the Old Testament of the modern Bible, where the story of her origin comes before that of the creation of Eve as a mate for Adam. It
is told in this myth that God created man from the dust of the earth and that woman was created in the same manner. Man, or Adam's wife was named Lilith, but the soil from which God created her was impure and of a lesser quality than the dust from which Adam was created. Again, Lilith argues with Adam as to why he should be the dominant of the pair. She refuses to lie under him during intercourse because she feels that this is an act of domination of her by Adam. Lilith wished to be an equal with Adam, having the same freedoms and ability to choose as he. Fearing that Adam would be able to overpower her, she flees from the Garden of Eden and utters the ineffable name of God. Lilith flies through the air and dwells in a cave by the shores of the Red Sea. There she mates with demons and brings forth millions of demon children, called Lilim. The name Lilith is derived from the Semetic word for night. As an intense and fiery emanation of lunar and feminine energy, Lilith is a goddess of the night who rules over spirits of the dead. Her symbol is the owl, and she is depicted with wings and the owl's taloned claws. She is also often depicted as the serpent with a woman's head. She is said to have given Eve the forbidden fruit of knowledge in the Garden of Eden. When Adam and Eve fell from the grace of God, Adam vowed in penance to avoid the sexual pleasures of marriage for a hundred years. It is said that Lilith then sought her revenge. Each night she would come to Adam while he slept, mount him and have sexual intercourse with him. She would capture his sexual emissions and use them to produce more of her demon babies. Lilith was a succubus; a she-demon who would visit men while they slept and have intercourse with them without their knowledge. A man who was visited by a succubus would feel pressure on his chest while he slept and have a feeling of "being drained" when he awoke from sleep. A succubus would not only have sex with the sleeping victim but would also drain them of their vital energy. Therefore, a succubus is a demon seductress and psychic vampire who is feared by men. The connection with Lilith and mortal children is a strong one. She is said to visit infants while they slept and tickle them, causing them to giggle in their sleep. Lilith is also known to have murdered many
infants or to cause the children's deaths during childbirth. Numerous amulets worn to repel Lilith form pregnant mothers have been discovered. The myths of Lilith and her vengeful actions against men show her to be full of anger, rage and resentment at the idea that she could not be wild and free and still remain in the favor of God. She represents the darkest facets of femininity; the opposite os the maternal and nurturing instinct which seeks to be sexually indiscriminate, wild and self-sufficient. While the maternal instinct causes one to desire to bear and protect infants, the qualities which Lilith represents are evident when one wishes to abandon her children, motherly and wifely duties. Women possess both maternal and dark feminine qualities and it is natural that they have both, because they are in persistent struggle to be both independent and nurturing at once. Feelings associated with Lilith may come before and during menstruation when a woman may feel compelled to speak her mind, be isolated and ride the waves of her emotions. Masculine and Feminine energies are both extremely powerful, but significantly different in their qualities. When viewed through the myths of masculine heroes, masculine energy is a force with strategy and purpose. It is represented by the hero who plans his actions and takes a logical and rational progression towards his goal. Feminine energy differs in that as seen through the myths of the Crone Goddesses, it is often intensely emotional and chaotic. Kali dances the wild Dance of Death without logical reason and Lilith mates and murders often indiscriminately. The Crone is instinctual in her actions, but this does not mean that they have a lesser purpose than those of the male gods. It is because she is instinctual and emotional that she is able to guide us through the mysteries which may not be fully understood and yet can still be known. The realm of dead, magic and the unknown can best be known by one who does not rationally think of them but instead allows them to be revealed without conscious thought with the aid of the Goddess. When one is overwhelmed by emotions, fears and the desire to take actions which may not seem logical, the Crone Goddess can be called upon to guide and aid in understanding the darker desires one may have. A woman cannot fully understand herself and a man cannot
fully understand Woman or his own feminine nature without understanding the Crone. As a holder of the deepest mysteries, the Crone is an obvious choice for those wishing to understanding magick and ritual as well as the art of divination. The Crone knows all phases of the circle of life, death and rebirth and is therefore able to disclose that which we as mortals may not foresee and also aid in molding energy so that it may manifest into our desired goals. It would be appropriate to call the Crone the Goddess of the Witches for these reasons. But the Crone is also helpful in understanding the death processes and in dealing with the grief over the loss of a loved one. Since she rules the Underworld, she has knowledge of these areas which we least understand. When we approach old-age, the Crone is there to comfort and guide us to a better acceptance of this stage of life. It is for all of these reasons that the Crone should not be feared or denied. She should be faced and recognized as one of the balancing forces of nature and as a means to balance the spiritual natures within ourselves.
Charge of the Dark Goddess Author unknown
Listen to the words of the Dark Mother, who of old was called Hecate, Nuit, Morrigan, Banba, Erda, Macha, MotherNight, Sekhmet, and many other names:
Whenever you seek wisdom, at the time of the Darkening Moon, come together in love and trust and learn of Me, who am the Wisest of Crones...Ye who search the mysteries of the Earth, the secrets of Air and Darkness, of Blood and Fire, the silence of the uttermost stars, come unto me, and I shall whisper to you in the depths of midnight. Ye shall approach Me in silence, and as a sign that ye are free from fear, your breast you shall bare to My blade...for fear has no place in My mysteries, and that which you seek of me will destroy you if you fear it. For I am the dolmen arch beyond which stretch the mysteries of infinity. I am the silence before birth and after death. I am the clouded mirror in which you scry your own soul. I am mist in the twilight, the vast and starry sky of midnight, shadows on the Moon. All things come to Me in the end, and yet I am the beginning of all. I meet you at the crossroads, I lead you through the darkness, My hand you grasp in the passage between the worlds. To those that toy with Me am I an instrument of self-destruction. yet to the true seeker do I bring knowledge beyond mortal comprehension. Of you shall I demand the utter truth of all that you are, and in return shall I give you all that you may be, all that I am. For My wisdom is beyond the Ages, and knowledge of My Secrets is power over self, over fear, over death. Nor do I demand aught of you which you cannot give. For I am the Mother of Mysteries, and as you know Me, so shall you learn to know yourself.
A Few Dark Goddesses Persephone, a Greek goddess known in her childhood by the name Kore (or Cora, meaning young maiden), was the only child of the union of Demeter (goddess of the bountiful harvest) and Zeus, the mighty king of the Olympians. The Greek goddess Persephone was
born when Demeter was Zeus' consort, long before his marriage to the goddess Hera. By all accounts Persephone had an idyllic childhood, raised by her nurturing mother and played with her father's other daughters, the Greek goddesses Athena and Aphrodite. Always a cheerful and compliant child, the little goddess Persephone was a parent's dream.
According to Greek mythology Persephone's life was soon to change. As signs of womanly beauty began to shine along side her childlike innocence, the adolescent goddess Persephone unwittingly attracted the attention of the Greek god Hades, brother of Zeus and ruler of the underworld. One can hardly blame Hades because the underworld, in Greek mythology, was the realm of the sleeping and the dead. It probably needed some "brightening up", and the young goddess Persephone's radiance would assuredly liven up the place. The god Hades, however, did not bother to woo the young Persephone, traditional goddess protocol notwithstanding. After asking for (and receiving) her father's approval for Persephone's hand in marriage, Hades simply abducted her one bright sunny day when she stooped to pluck a narcissus from a field of wildflowers near her home. The meadow was suddenly rent open, and Hades simply reached out and snatched Persephone away, taking her to his underworld kingdom and making her his queen. Although the young goddess Persephone grew to love Hades, she remained lonely for her mother and the life she'd known on earth.
Her mother, the goddess Demeter, had heard Persephone's screams when Hades grabbed her. She began an intensive search for Persephone. After learning how Zeus had betrayed their daughter, and consumed by grief and sorrow, Demeter demonstrated her outrage by withholding her blessing from the earth until Persephone
was returned to her. Droughts ensued, and the earth lay barren. Mankind was facing a major famine. Zeus finally relented and sent the god Hermes to bring the young goddess Persephone back to her mother. Part of Persephone missed her mother horribly, but another part had grown rather fond of the god Hades. And Persephone was rather enjoying her role as Queen, even if it was in the underworld. While preparing to return to the earth with Hermes, Persephone accepted a pomegranate offered to her by Hades. She knew full well that anyone who had eaten while in the underworld would not be allowed to return, even a goddess -- Persephone went ahead and ate seven of the seeds. Her choice prevented her from ever being fully restored to Demeter, but did open up the possibility of a compromise. Hermes was able to negotiate an agreement on her behalf between Hades, a god who was usually rather cold-natured and self-centered, and Demeter. Persephone would be allowed to stay with Hades in the underworld for four months each year (winter) and would return to the earth and her mother the remaining months. The goddess Persephone was soon reunited joyfully with her mother. Each year as Persephone left to join her husband in the underworld, Greek mythology tells us that the goddess Demeter would begin to grieve, bringing on the cold, barren winters. But a few months later Persephone, the goddess associated with awakening, would return to bring spring and its verdant growth in her wake . . . thus were the seasons established.
Not that the goddess Persephone sloughed off any of her responsibilities as the Queen of the Underworld . Apparently Persephone didn't spend all her time "going home to momma". Having made the decision to consume the seeds of the pomegranate while in the underworld, Persephone managed to somehow always be there when others came visiting, ready to receive them into the underworld and to serve as their hostess and guide.
The goddess Persephone, Queen of the Underworld, was willing to help Psyche pass Aphrodite's tests so that Psyche could be reunited with her beloved husband. Psyche had been assigned to go to the underworld and return with some of Persephone's famous youth serum/beauty ointment (actually it was a sleeping potion, but hey, we all know what a bad night's sleep can do to our appearance!) While Psyche was in the underworld, she found Persephone to be both a gracious and generous hostess. The Greek goddess Persephone also helped Heracles (Hercules), loaning him Cerberus, the ferocious three-headed dog that guarded the entrance of the underworld, so that he could complete the Twelve Labors he'd been assigned to make retribution for the death of his wife. The goddess Persephone was also at home in the underworld when Odysseus (Ulysses) arrived. She rewarded him with a legendary tour of the souls of women of great renown.
In another intriguing story, the Greek goddess Persephone agreed to hide Adonis, a mortal youth who was Aphrodite's lover, from Aphrodite's suspicious husband. But upon seeing the beautiful Adonis, Persephone, receptive goddess that she was, also fell for his charms and refused to give him back to Aphrodite. (Remember, these Greek goddesses were the original "wild women", refusing to yield to convention!) Eventually, Zeus had to step in to settle the argument. He ruled that Adonis should spend a third of the year with each of the goddesses, Persephone and Aphrodite, and be left to his own pursuits the remainder of the year. Unfortunately, Adonis chose to spend his free time hunting and was killed in a hunting accident a few years later.
The Greek goddess Persephone represents both the youthful, innocent, and joyous maiden aspect of a woman as well as the more
womanly self who, innocence lost and family attachments loosened, can begin to consciously decide for herself. In Greek mythology Persephone, goddess of the soul, is the possessor of its dark and frightening wisdom. But the goddess Persephone is also the harbinger of spring . . . and a reminder of all the growth and hope that it brings.
The Cailleach by a sister * Opal Thank you . The Cailleach is pronounced “Kal ee ak , She is the Dark Goddess of the British Isles. The Cailleach, is older than time itself, and figures in British folklore as a Giantess who shaped our Land itself, she controls the forces of nature, weather. Her origins are believed to be from the classics of Rome and Greece, and She came over to Britain with the early Celts from Spain to Scotland and Ireland and later was known in England( one of Her aspects is featured as Black Annis ) . She is the Goddess of the Winter, being dual manifestation with Bride, who takes over from Her in the Spring. She has strong associations with water, and rocks and wells.
The Morrighan ("Great Queen", "Specter Queen", "Supreme War Goddess" or "Queen of Phantoms or Demons") Irish/Celtic. The Dark aspect of the Celtic Triple Goddess. Crone aspect of the Goddess. Great Mother. Moon Goddess. Great White Goddess. Queen of the Fairies. Matroness of priestesses and Witches. Queen of the Witches and Goddess of Magick. Associated with revenge, night, magick, prophecy, wisdom, war and peace. Possibly a pre-Celtic Moon goddess.In her Dark Aspect, she is the Goddess of War, Fate and Death. As a War Goddess, she reigned over the battlefield, helping with her magick, but did not join in battles. The "Washer at the Ford" (seem washing bloody laundry prior to battle by those destined to die). With her, others like Fea (Hateful), Nemon (Venomous), Badb (Fury) and Macha (Battle) encouraged fighters to battle-madness. Marries the Dagdha at Samhain. Daughter of Ernmas, and sometimes a collective name for all three of her daughters; see Badhbh. Her symbol was the raven or crow. Like many Goddesses, She was a shapechanger. She often turned into a raven or hooded crow. The carrion crow is her favorite disguise. Could also appear as a beautiful Maiden or an ugly Hag. Myths/Tradition says she has nine loosed tresses on her head, a sign of her connection with the Ninefold Goddess of the Cauldron. Goddess of rivers, lakes, and fresh water. Once she confronted the Celtic hero Cu Chulainn, attacking him in the forms of a crow, a gray wolf and a hornless red heifer. He was able to fight all of them off, but she had the last laugh, when he was dying in battle years later, she turned into a hooded crow and perched on his dying body as his enemies approached to finish him off. she did not actually fight, but urged on her chosen armies and intimidated the ones She wanted to lose with Her fearsome war cries. she survived into medieval times as Morgan Le Fay, the witch who haunted King Arthur and his knights. "Like Macha, the Crone aspect of the Morrigan, Morgan as Mother Death cast the destroying curse on every man.
12.Hekate
Hekate Hekate
Εγώ είμαι η σκοτεινή θεά, είμαι Εκάτη Είμαι το σκοτάδι πίσω και κάτω από τις σκιές Εγώ είμαι η απουσία αέρα που περιμένει στο κάτω μέρος της κάθε αναπνοή Εγώ είμαι ο τερματισμός πριν Η ζωή αρχίζει και πάλι. Maiden, Μητέρα, Crone. . . είμαι όλα αυτά και πολλά άλλα. Κάθε φορά που έχετε ανάγκη από κλήση τίποτα επάνω μου. Είμαι εδώ . . . γιατί να τηρούν σε όλους σας Ακόμη και σε πιο σκοτεινές ώρες Όταν δεν φαίνεται να υπάρχει μόνο σπίθα για να σας ζεστό Και η νύχτα φαίνεται πιο σκοτεινό απ ' όλα, είμαι εδώ . . . Παρακολουθώντας και περιμένουν να αναπτυχθούν μέσα σου στη δύναμη και στην αγάπη.
Ελάτε σε μένα και να δούμε αυτό που δεν μπορεί να δει, Πρόσωπο του τρόμου που είναι δική σας και μόνο. Κολυμπήστε για μένα μέσα από τις μελανότερες ωκεανούς Για το κέντρο της μεγαλύτερους φόβους σας - The Dark Θεός και εγώ θα σας κρατήσει ασφαλή. Scream για μένα στον τρόμο και η δική σας θα είναι η δύναμη να το αντέξετε. Ζητήστε μου μέσα και χωρίς και θα είναι ισχυρή. Γνωρίστε meVenture στα σκοτεινά, έτσι ώστε να μπορεί να ξυπνήσει Balance, φωτισμό και Ολότητα Πάρτε την αγάπη μου μαζί σας παντού και να βρούμε την δύναμη μέσα Να που επιθυμείτε
There are those who theorize that Hecate is as old as the early Egyptians. She possibly evolved from the Egyptian midwife goddess know as Hequit, Heket or Hekat, a goddess with Nubian roots. It is said that this goddess took her attributes from the "heq" ("heka") or tribal matriarch of pre-dynastic Egypt. This wise woman was believed to command the "hekau" or "(M)other's Words of Power", giving power to the sacred word.
".... - for the emanations of Hek Ka, the mighty energies of a million hearts, are contained within her...."
The goddess Hekat birthed the sun each morning and was called the "most lovely one" - a title of the moon. Her totems was the frog, a symbol of the fetus
".... Oldest of the Old, amphibian being that swims in the water, yet walks upon the dry land...."
This goddess, in turn, was connected to the goddess Nut. She was the sky and the heaven and was invoked with many names. The Great Deep, The Starry One, Cow Goddess, Mother of the Gods, Mother of the Sun, Protector of the Dead, Guardian of the Celestial Vault. These titles all relate to Hecate in her association with the moon, the night sky and the underworld. The worship of Hecate may also have passed through the fertile crescent of the Israelites and Sumerians. Hecate may have been related to the Sumerian Goddess of Death and Magic. She may have influenced or been influenced by the legends of Lilith, the first wife of Adam who was demonized as "the accursed huntress" and the dark phase of the moon - also attributes of Hecate. Hecate had elements in common with other female manifestatitions/elements of this region. The feminine spirit of knowledge, Sophia, has been depicted with three heads as was Hecate who as the Crone is considered the Wise Woman. Hecate has even been linked to the Virgin Mary through Mary's indirect link to Lilith (as the second Eve) and through the association of both with the holy day of August 15. This is the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin when Mary is petitioned to avert storms so that the fields can ripen. A festival for Hecate was held on August 13. She too was invoked for help in
preventing storms so that the harvest could be gathered. As I have been on the web I see Hekate spelled and used both ways. I have read articles; it is with the K that is proper. The truth is both are right For Hecate is the Latin form of Hekate Hekate or Ekati- Ecatay is Greek. In the Greek there are several dialects depending on where you live in Greece A sister in a coven where I live and where we both were part of shared with me some of this information as she is Greek and does know how to speak and read Greek. My sister explained both may be used to honor Her as She does respond. Hekate’s Wheel
Hekate's wheel is a symbol of great antiquity with serpentine windings that spiral about a stylized hexagon. The Chaldaean Oracle refers to the Void center point of this design as " the Life-producing bosom of Hecate", that
Fountain of Living Fire which clothes itself in Matter to manifest Existence.
The Wheel is symbolic of three aspects of the Goddess -Maiden, Mother and Crone. As well as the labyrinth. This labyrinth- symbol is rooted in Greek legend, where Hekate was known as a guardian of the crossroads before she evolved into a goddess of magick and sorcery.Some have said the Chaldean Oracles, shows Hekate is connected to a maze which was serpent like in appearance. This maze was known as the Stropholos of Hekate, or Hekate's Wheel, and refers to the power of knowledge and life. Traditionally, a Hekate-style labyrinth has a Y in the middle, rather than the typical X shape found at the center of most labyrinths. Images of Hekate and her wheel have been found on first-century c.e. Curse tablets, although there seems to be some question about whether the wheel shape itself is actually Hekate's domain or that of Aphrodite
Hekate the Gate Keeper Hekate is the powerful and wise gate keeper between the worlds. . 'Hekate' means 'one with a hundred powers.' The term 'hundred' was used by the early Greeks to mean an extremely large number, in the same way the Chinese used 'ten thousand' to mean an uncountable number. Although some call Hekate a Titan, her worship preceeded the earliest known stories of the Titans. Little is known of Hekate's early worship other than altar inscriptions indicating her power over sky, earth and sea. Nevertheles, her powers were mostly operative in the Underworld, and few termples were dedicated solely to her; it was more common for Hekate to have a place at the doorway to the temples of other deities, especially Demeter, Artemis, Persephone, Kybele and Hermes. Each temple was a place to contact the Underworld, and Hekate was the Guardian of that Gate. Since Tartarus, the Underworld, was said to have emerged from Chaos before the creation of the Titans, and Hekate was foremost a goddess of the transformation that occurred in the Underworld, placing her among the Titans was an indication that she was one of the ancient primal gods closely related to Chaos and Old Night. Hekate was early represented as an eternally young goddess of beauty and power, and her most common epithet of 'Phosphoros,' the light bringer, was symbolized by Hekate carrying a pair of torches to illumine the hidden Mysteries. She was crowned with a headdress of stars, symbolizing her stellar origins. Her epithet 'Propylaia' means 'she who stands before the Gate' (of the Temple or the entrance to the Underworld). She was said to guard the mountain (Mt. Helicon) where the Muses
lived. Hekate's early attributions made her a guide of souls to the Underworld, either the souls of the dead or the living who sought initiation into the Mysteries. She guided the initiates in the Mysteries of Eleusis as Hekate Propolos (Hekate 'who leads the way'). Hekate's power of spiritual transformation was illustrated in the story of her turning herself into a boar (pig), killing her son and then restoring him to life. Since Hekate held the key to the entrance to the Underworld, a key was one of her symbols often worn by her priestesses. The nature of the key was one of her Mysteries, and it was closely connected to the Wheel of Hekate, a symbol which when rotated and concentrated upon could alter one's consciousness.
Hekate was called Trioditis (Trivia in Latin) because she guarded the three-fold Gate of the Underworld, and her power was invoked by the Hekataea, the pillars of Hekate, raised at crossroads and in doorways. She ruled over Witchcraft, divination, dreams and visions. Aconite (wolfsbane) and the willow and yew trees were connected to her, she presided over birth and death, and she could see all that occurred everywhere. She gave the Sybil knowledge of the Underworld and the power to control the entrance of the living to that realm. Owls were sacred to Hekate as representing night spirits who could guide one to the Underworld, and she was attended by three Strigae who performed this task. Serpents were sacred to Hekate as symbols of hidden knowledge of the dead, who were thought to appear to the living in the form of serpents. The priestesses of Hekate sometimes wore the Mask of Hekate, a mask with serpents sprouting from it, in their ceremonies.
Priestess of Hekate
According to Euripides in “Iphigeneia in Tauris” “Iphigeneia was a priestess of the goddess, worshipped in Tauri.
Circe (Kirke), the mighty hag in the Odyssee (Homer) was believed to have been a priestess of Hecate too.
Medea was also a priestess of Hecate and a mighty witch which is told in the Argonautica-Book. She called upon Hecates name in Colchis and Corinth to guide her:
Medea then going from chamber to chamber in search of her sister, for Hera detained her within that day; but beforetime she was not wont to haunt the palace, but all day long was busied in Hecate’s temple, since she herself was the priestess of the goddess.
Medea as a mighty witch:
“Son of Aeson, thou wilt despise the counsel which I will tell thee, but, though in evil plight, it is not fitting to forbear from the trial. Ere now thou hast heard me tell of a maiden that uses sorcery under the guidance of Hecate, Perses’ daughter. If we could win her aid there will be no dread, methinks, of thy defeat in the contest; but terribly do I fear that my mother will not take this task upon her. Nevertheless I will go back again to entreat her, for a common destruction overhangs us all.” (ll. 475-483)
And again: “My friends, this indeed is left us at the last. But I deem that there will come to you some timely aid from my mother. Wherefore, eager though ye be, refrain and abide in your ship a little longer as before, for it is better to forbear than recklessly to choose an evil fate. There is a maiden, nurtured in the halls of Aeetes, whom the goddess Hecate taught to handle magic herbs with exceeding
skill all that the land and flowing waters produce. (THE ARGONAUTICA BOOK III , here: ll. 523-539) Medea as priestess of Hecate, worshipping her with sacrifice:
For Medea bade them land and propitiate Hecate with sacrifice. Now all that the maiden prepared for offering the sacrifice may no man know, and may my soul not urge me to sing thereof. Awe restrains my lips, yet from that time the altar which the heroes raised on the beach to the goddess remains till now, a sight to men of a later day (THE ARGONAUTICA BOOK IV(ll. 241-252).
Circe sometimes pronounced Kirkê — properly prounced in traditional ancient Greek as Sur’-see Her origins and myths are plenty in Greek mythology. In one She is said to be the daughter of the Sea Nymph Perseis and the Sun God Helios, in another she is said to be the daughter of Goddess Hecate and Hermes. Her associations with Goddess Hecate are plentiful, from maiden servant, to student, to selling Her soul to Hecate in return for Hecate’s magick.
In all myths of Goddess Circe, She is known as powerful Sorceress and Enchantress of magick. With flaming red hair She is portrayed brewing and offering potions with wand in hand, flying on a magick staff or holding a crystal ball. She lived on the enchanted island of Aeaea off the coast of Italy, where she lured sailors with Her song. It was said by many the island itself was magickal as it’s name was the same backwards as it was forward and once upon Her shores the sailors would be lost forever. Goddess Ceres took many lovers and many a tale warned of their fate as swine after She had her fill of the In translation Circe means falcon and in many myths She is associated with the bird of prey. It is said She would circle her victims as She enchanted them and offered Her potions of hallucinations. Tales of trees dancing and the ground shaking to confuse and distort the path kept many a sailor from grounding on Her Island. How Goddess Circe must have laugh as she toyed with any who dare challenge the sanctuary of the Goddess. Other stories told about Goddess Circe marrying a Prince to gain ruler-ship over a kingdom near the Black Sea then poisoning him to rule alone. Once Her subjects discovered
Her crime Goddess Circe fled in exile to an enchanted island where she lured and was scorned by many lovers. One lover who scorned Her for another woman resulted in Her wrath turning him into a woodpecker and yet another tale resulted in the other woman being turned into a serpent. The most famous tale of all is of Odysseus, hero of Homer’s epic poem, who with his crew was sent into uncharted waters by the wrath of Poseidon while returning home from the Trojan War. Of course the tale is spun not in favor of the Goddess Ceres but Odysseus. It is said his men were turned into swine and only by winning the heart of the Goddess was he able to convince Her to undo Her evil magick and free his men. Of course the story goes on to tell of the many children Goddess Circe bore with Odysseus and the journey he was allowed into Hades under Her guide. Great wisdom was Odysseus granted on a journey that would have been impossible without Her magick. A little controversy there in opposition of the evil or good of Goddess Ceres. In other myths not only did She turn men into beast but women who
foolishly crossed her into serpents as well. We can only believe this must be the words of those who feared Her powers opposed to other myths where immorality came with the transformation and it was shape shifting and magick that was witnessed. The women not serpents at all but Priestesses under Her training. Other tales of Goddess Circe tell of a compassionate Goddess whose beauty was intoxicating as She sat upon a throne in a purple robe and golden veil singing and weaving. Many describe Her Island as paradise and Her attendants as nymphs or priestesses who tended the plants and flowers of Her herbarium. That it was as Avalon, a sanctuary to all that sought the Mysteries. As Witches tonight let us embrace the powerful Goddess and Sorceress that is Goddess Circe. She who could darken the heavens by hiding the moon or the sun behind summoned clouds, She who could give illusion to Her enemies and have men lust after Her as pigs and She who tended the Maidens in the mysteries of witchcraft. Goddess Circe has withstood the twisted tales of time as Goddess has in
Her many aspects, let us embrace Her power to choose and protect her fate. Let us mirror her choice to live in magick and enchantment for the mysteries are ours as daughters of Goddess Circe. As Goddess Circe spins Her magick let us be reminded of the magick of potions and incantations we possess. As She would ride upon Her magick staff let us take to the astral planes on our broom and tend our own enchanted island. Hail to Goddess Circe and hail to Her power that lives within our breath and heart beat.
Days of Hecate But a few of Hecate's day's of Honor. There are many day’s and moon phases associated with Hecate. Below are just a few. August 13th Hecate is honored in Greece, for her storm aspect. Offerings would be left at the Crossroads ( honey cakes, mushrooms, black dogs) hoping to appease her so she wouldn’t bring crop destroying storms. September
The Elusinian Mysteries, Around the 7th beginning with a procession, the festival would start in Eleusis and end in Athens. Hecate would lead the procession of initiates into the underworld. September 21 Feast of Divine Life; Maiden , mother and Crone.(Greece) October 31 Halloween / Samhain This is the night when the . November 16th This is called Hecate’s Night. This is the night that she roams the earth with her hounds. This is also the night that new initiations are made for Witches who follow her. Hecate’s Supper is left out on the steps of her followers dwellings, usually consisting of honey and mushrooms. Hecate then blesses those inside. November 30th Day of Hecate at the crossroads. January 8 Midwife’s day (Greece) Hecate is the Divine Midwife. January 31 Feast day of Hecate (Greece) Hecate was honored monthly in Rome on the 29th The moon on this day was referred to as Hacate’s Moon. Also Hecate is often honored during the new moon as well as the full and dark with rituals and offerings.
Building a Shrine to Hecate An Image of Hecate This can be a statue, painting or a drawing. But can be anything that you view as a representation of that Deity. Symbols Associated with Hecate For Hecate one can choose many different things such as; Keys, statues of dogs, frogs, snakes, black lambs, daggers, cords, etc. Candles If you choose to use candles the color should be reflective of your needs and your personal correspondences. Hecates Supper For those of us who Honor Hecate, this is something one may want to provide regularly. This may be kept on your shrine/altar, or you can place it out side your home or at a place where three paths meet. Mushrooms, roots (such as yams and potatos), pomegranates, honey, are good choices. You may give her a portion of what ever you are having for your dinner. How often you give Hecate her supper is a personal choice, but it is recommend at least monthly. May 8th
Hekate’s Sacred Fires
Hekate is a Goddess of great antiquity. She is primordial, powerful and sometimes animalistic – and yet, she is also sophisticated, modern and capable of adapting to different cultures. She is the Torchbearer, the Cosmic World Soul, the Guide and Companion. She is Mistress of the Restless Dead, who rules over the Heavens Earth and Sea. She is the Keybearer and so much more The Rite of Her Sacred Fires are done by Her Priestesses all over On May's Full Moon.. his rite was written as an act of gratitude and thanks to the Goddess Hekate for her inspiration, help and guidance through the compilation of this project.
This rite was originally intended for use on the Full Moon, Thursday 27th of May 2010 by all those who wish to honour the Goddess Hekate and dedicate themselves towards a greater understanding of Her Mysteries, this date coincides with the release of this book. In 2010 around 2500-3000 people all around the world joined to perform this ritual, and in 2011 that number has grown to around 4000 people. The ritual now also forms part of the Rite of the Devotee of the Covenant of Hekate. The ceremony can be performed by itself, or as part of a longer ceremony, with or without a “formal” ritual space – that is up to individual choice. It is preferable (though not obligatory) that the wording and actions of the ceremony as presented below should be kept the same and remain unaltered, though if for spiritual, magical or personal reasons you need or wish to change some of it, you are hereby given permission to do so with the proviso that you do not alter in any way the purpose of the ceremony. The Rite THE RITE OF HER SACRED FIRES – Original English Text Preparation: Find a quiet place where you will be able to perform the rite undisturbed. You will need a candle (or another form of devotional fire, such as a lamp or hearth fire) and something with which to light it. You may wish to consecrate the candle, or other materials you will be using in keeping with your usual tradition of working, otherwise please simply ensure that it is clean.
Prelude: Make yourself comfortable, breathe deeply and find your point of balance, a balance of mind and soul and body, which will present you proud and beautiful to the world. Breathe deeply and find your voice, the voice with which you will speak words of true and pure intent. Breathe deeply and call upon the freedom within your heart so that you will be able to express yourself with purity of intent and with strength of desire. Place both your hands on your heart (three heartbeats), your forefinger and middle finger of your dominant hand to your lips (three heartbeats), and then to your brow (three heartbeats). Now enclose your thumbs within both your hands (in fists) and raise both your arms to the heavens. Open your hands and with palm upwards in your left hand, bring your right arm to your side palm facing downwards and invoke the Goddess.
Invocation: I invoke thee, Great Mistress of the Heaven, Earth and Sea, By your mysteries of Night and Day, By the Light of the Moon and the Shadow of the Sun I invoke thee, Mistress of life, death and rebirth Emerge now from the shadow realm to feed my soul and enlighten my mind,
Triple-formed Mistress of the three ways I entreat thee, Key-bearing Mistress of the Nightwandering Souls To bring forth your wisdom from amongst the stars To bring down your starfire from the darkness between, Creatrix of Light! Goddess of the Shadow Realms! Light-bearing queen! Whisper now your secrets! Fire-bringer! Earthly-one! Queen of Heaven!
[Raise both hands with palms facing upwards to the heavens (three heartbeats) and then touch the ground palms downwards] [Sit before the candle and prepare to light it] [Take three deep breaths and allow your senses to awaken]
Say: Hekate, companion and guide to the mysteries I light this sacred fire in your honour, [light fire] Its light uniting the stars and stones, the heavens and the earth,
With this fire I express my desire for a greater understanding of your mysteries Askei Kataskei Erōn Oreōn Iōr Mega Samnyēr Baui (3 times) Phobantia Semnē, Great Hekate, who spins the web of the stars and governs the spiral of life Guide me through towards pathways of understanding, From Crossroad to Crossroad, The Torchbearers and the Keybearers of your mysteries, will always find one another,
Now sit and watch the flame flicker and dance, allow yourself to focus on the different colours in the flame, the yellows and reds, the blues and whites, and the black. If you wish you may decide to spend some time meditating on the flame, skrying for visions or omens. Likewise, you may wish to extinguish it and keep the candle – let your true self radiate brightly its beautiful mysteries from this day on forth, the flame of the fires of Hekate burns on in your heart!
I banish now the shadows of doubt from my mind, Infused by the silence and warmth of our union
I feel your golden radiance within my heart And the glory of knowledge on my brow, I am a student of your mysteries.
Extinguish the flame, then place both your hands on your heart (three heartbeats), your forefinger and middle finger of your dominant hand to your lips (three heartbeats), and then to your brow (three heartbeats). Open your palms reaching towards the heaven, then reach down and touch the Earth. [Copyright Notice] This ritual was written in celebration of the completion of the book Hekate Her Sacred Fires and as an act of Devotion to the Goddess Hekate. Permission is given for the adaptation of this ritual for personal and group use. The ritual is designed to be performed as is, but can also be incorporated into longer rituals, and is compatible with most magical traditions. Whoever performs this rite takes personal responsibility for the results (or lack of results!) thereof, the author cannot be held responsible for any undesired effects. This ritual may be reproduced freely for non-commercial purposes in any format electronic or printed, providing that this original notice remain intact. For any changes, updates and further resources see www.sacredfires.co.uk (c)Sorita d’Este, 2010 http://sacredfires.co.uk/the-rite-of-her-sacred-fires/rite-of-her-sacred-fires-ritual-text/rite-of-her-sacredfires-english
13. Rituals
Rituals
Whether you are a beginner or a well seasoned practitioner, you'll find some useful articles in this chapter. Ritual Magick or Ceremonial Magick, dates back thousands of years. Getting its roots from the practice of Christian Kabbalah, a philosophical system adopted from Jewish mysticism, Medieval Alchemy, and Gnostic/Hermetic philosophy.
There are several large organized groups in the country but the majority of practitioners are members of small groups or practice alone. Magicians do not openly talk about their spiritual work. They practice the principal of silence. The social pressures are still outrageous. We have come a little way in the past several hundred years. At least we are not burning people on a stake or piling rocks until the life is crushed out of them. My word, how savage was that in this civilized world? It seems that even in this day and time, when you tell someone that you practice ritual magick, an eye braw is raised. Many still look down on us and think its all for evil work or just plain a bunch of hog wash. Non believers need to be educated and those closed minds opened. The basic idea behind Ceremonial magick lies in the Hermetic philosophy of vibration: all things on earth emanate from the divine and carry properties of these emanations; that man is a microcosm of the divine; things that affect the microcosm also affect the macrocosm (the universe/divine), and by influencing the microcosm, one also affects the macrocosm
In the discussion of Thelema Principles of ritual Magick THE PRINCIPLES OF RITUAL. There is a single main definition of the object of all magical Ritual. It is the uniting of the Microcosm with
the Macrocosm. The Supreme and Complete Ritual is therefore the Invocation of the Holy Guardian Angel; See the "Book of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage"; and Liber 418, 8th Aethyr, Liber Samekh; see Appendix 3. or, in the language of Mysticism, Union with God. The difference between these operations is more of theoretical than of practical importance. All other magical Rituals are particular cases of this general principle, and the only excuse for doing them is that it sometimes occurs that one particular portion of the microcosm is so weak that its imperfection of impurity would vitiate the Macrocosm of which it is the image, Eidolon, or Reflexion. For example, God is above sex; and therefore neither man nor woman as such can be said fully to understand, much less to represent, God. It is therefore incumbent on the male magician to cultivate those female virtues in which he is deficient, and this task he must of course accomplish without in any way impairing his virility. It will then be lawful for a magician to invoke Isis, and identify himself with her; if he fail to do this, his apprehension of the Universe when he attains Samadhi will lack the conception of maternity. The result will be a metaphysical and --- by corollary --ethical limitation in the Religion which he founds. Judaism and Islam are striking example of this failure. To take another example, the ascetic life which devotion to magick so often involves argues a poverty of nature, a narrowness, a lack of generosity. Nature is infinitely prodigal --- not one in a million seeds ever comes to fruition. Whoso fails to recognise this, let him invoke Jupiter.
There are much deeper considerations in which it appears that "Everything that is, is right". They are set forth elsewhere; we can only summarise them here by saying that the survival of the fittest is their upshot. The danger of ceremonial magick --- the sublest and deepest danger --- is this: that the magician will naturally tend to invoke that partial being which most strongly appeals to him, so that his natural excess in that direction will be still further exaggerated. Let him, before beginning his Work, endeavour to map out his own being, and arrange his invocations in such a way as to redress the balance. The ideal method of doing this is given in Liber 913 (Equinox VII). See also Liber CXI Aleph. This, of course, should have been done in a preliminary fashion during the preparation of the weapons and furniture of the Temple. To consider in a more particular manner this question of the Nature of Ritual, we may suppose that he finds himself lacking in that perception of the value of Life and Death, alike of individuals and of races, which is characteristic of Nature. He has perhaps a tendency to perceive the "first noble truth" uttered by Buddha, that Everything is sorrow. Nature, it seems, is a tragedy. He has perhaps even experienced the great trance called Sorrow. He should then consider whether there is not some Deity who expresses this Cycle, and yet whose nature is joy. He will find what he requires in Dionysus. There are three main methods of invoking any Deity. The "First Method" consists of devotion to that Deity, and, being mainly mystical in character, need not be
dealt with in this place, especially as a perfect instruction exists in Liber 175 ("See" Appendix). The "Second method"is the straight forward ceremonial invocation. It is the method which was usually employed in the Middle Ages. Its advantage is its directness, its disadvantage its crudity. The "Goetia" gives clear instruction in this method, and so do many other rituals, white and black. We shall presently devote some space to a clear exposition of this Art. In the case of Bacchus, however, we may roughly outline the procedure. We find that the symbolism of Tiphareth expresses the nature of Bacchus. It is then necessary to construct a Ritual of Tiphareth. Let us open the Book 777; we shall find in line 6 of each column the various parts of our required apparatus. Having ordered everything duly, we shall exalt the mind by repeated prayers or conjurations to the highest conception of the God, until, in one sense or another of the word, He appears to us and floods our consciousness with the light of His divinity. The "Third Method is the Dramatic," perhaps the most attractive of all; certainly it is so to the artist's temperament, for it appeals to his imagination through his aesthetic sense. Its disadvantage lies principally in the difficulty of its performance by a single person. But it has the sanction of the highest antiquity, and is probably the most useful for the foundation of a religion. It is the method of Catholic Christianity, and consists in the dramatization of the legend of the God. The Bacchae of Euripides is a magnificent example of such a Ritual; so also, through in
a less degree, is the Mass. We may also mention many of the degrees in Freemasonry, particularly the third. The 5'=6' Ritual published in No. III of the Equinox is another example. In the case of Bacchus, one commemorates firstly his birth of a mortal mother who has yielded her treasurehouse to the Father of All, of the jealousy and rage excited by this incarnation, and of the heavenly protection afforded to the infant. Next should be commemorated the journeying westward upon an ass. Now comes the great scene of the drama: the gentle, exquisite youth with his following (chiefly composed of women) seems to threaten the established order of things, and that Established Order takes steps to put an end to the upstart. We find Dionysus confronting the angry King, not with defiance, but with meekness; yet with a subtle confidence, an underlying laughter. His forehead is wreathed with vine tendrils. He is an effeminate figure with those broad leaves clustered upon his brow? But those leaves hide horns. King Pentheus, representative of respectability, There is a much deeper interpretation in which Pentheus is himself "The Dying God". See my "Good Hunting!" and Dr. J.G.Frazer's "Golden Bough". is destroyed by his pride. He goes out into the mountains to attack the women who have followed Bacchus, the youth whom he has mocked, scourged, and put in chains, yet who has only smiled; and by those women, in their divine madness, he is torn to pieces. It has already seemed impertinent to say so much when Walter Pater has told the story with such sympathy and
insight. We will not further transgress by dwelling upon the identity of this legend with the course of Nature, its madness, its prodigality, its intoxication, its joy, and above all its sublime persistence through the cycles of Life and Death. The pagan reader must labour to understand this in Pater's "Greek Studies", and the Christian reader will recognise it, incident for incident, in the story of Christ. This legend is but the dramatization of Spring. The magician who wishes to invoke Bacchus by this method must therefore arrange a ceremony in which he takes the part of Bacchus, undergoes all His trials, and emerges triumphant from beyond death. He must, however, be warned against mistaking the symbolism. In this case, for example, the doctrine of individual immortality has been dragged in, to the destruction of truth. It is not that utterly worthless part of man, his individual consciousness as John Smith, which defies death --- that consciousness which dies and is reborn in every thought. That which persists (if anything persist) is his real John Smithiness, a quality of which he was probably never conscious in his life. See "The Book of Lies", Liber 333, for several sermons to this effect. Caps. Alpha, Delta, Eta, Iota-Epsilon, IotaSigma, Iota-Eta, Kappa-Alpha, Kappa-Eta, in particular. The reincarnation of the Khu or magical Self is another matter entirely, too abstruse to discuss in this elementary manual. {WEH NOTE: I have made a correction in the above list of chapters from Liber 333. The published text cites Iota-Digamma, which does not exist. The correct chapter is Iota-Sigma, which does exist and discusses the subject}.
Even that does not persist unchanged. It is always growing. The Cross is a barren stick, and the petals of the Rose fall and decay; but in the union of the Cross and the Rose is a constant succession of new lives. See "The Book of Lies", Liber 333, for several sermons to this effect. The whole theory of Death must be sought in Liber CXI Aleph. Without this union, and without this death of the individual, the cycle would be broken. A chapter will be consecrated to removing the practical difficulties of this method of Invocation. It will doubtless have been noted by the acumen of the reader that in the great essentials these three methods are one. In each case the magician identifies himself with the Deity invoked. To "invoke" is to "call in", just as to "evoke" is to "call forth". This is the essential difference between the two branches of Magick. In invocation, the macrocosm floods the consciousness. In evocation, the magician, having become the macrocosm, creates a microcosm. You "in"voke a God into the Circle. You "e"voke a Spirit into the Triangle. In the first method identity with the God is attained by love and by surrender, by giving up or suppressing all irrelevant (and illusionary) parts of yourself. It is the weeding of a garden. In the second method identity is attained by paying special attention to the desired part of yourself: positive, as the first method is negative. It is the potting-out and watering of a particular flower in the garden, and the exposure of it to the sun. In the third, identity is attained by sympathy. It is very difficult for the ordinary man to lose himself completely
in the subject of a play or of a novel; but for those who can do so, this method is unquestionably the best. Observe: each element in this cycle is of equal value. It is wrong to say triumphantly "Mors janua vitae", unless you add, with equal triumph, "Vita janua mortis". To one who understands this chain of the Aeons from the point of view alike of the sorrowing Isis and of the triumphant Osiris, not forgetting their link in the destroyer Apophis, there remains no secret veiled in Nature. He cries that name of God which throughout History has been echoed by one religion to another, the infinite swelling paean I.A.O.! This name, I.A.O. is qabalistically identical with that of THE BEAST and with His number 666, so that he who invokes the former invokes also the latter. Also with AIWAZ and the Number 93. See Chapter V.
Grounding and Centering Grounding and centering is a very personal practice and no two people will do it exactly the same. Some people meditate, others focus on the Chakras, and some use breathing techniques. Despite the method, grounding and centering is used to rid the body, mind, and spirit of negative energies accumulated throughout the day. I encourage you to play the field and try several techniques until you find the one that works best for you. Once I have grounded myself, I like to recite "The Witches Chant" by Doreen Valiente. It helps my mind
change gears and focus on the ritual at hand. This is a personal practice and you are welcome to try it during your next ritual. Stand in front of the altar with both hands resting at your sides and reciTe “The wiTches chanT” by doreen Valiente: Darksome night and shining Moon, hell’s dark MisTress heaven’s Queen harken To The wiTches’ rune, Hekate! Queen of witchdom and of night, Work my will by magic rite. Earth and water, air and fire, conjured by The wiTch’s blade, Move you unto my desire, Aid ye as the charm is made! Queen of witchdom and of night, Work my will by magic rite. In the earth and air and sea, By the light of moon or sun, As I pray, so mote it be. Chant the spell, and be it done! Queen of witchdom and of night, Work my will by magic rite.
Take up the bell, ring it once and say: “This riTual has begun.”
Consecrating Your Tools Purpose: This needs to be done before any rituals have begun with your tools. It's purpose is to rid your tools of any bad energy and saturate it with your own, so that your spellwork is made much more powerful and with no outside interference. Wiccans believe that anger, fear, hatred etc can be directed as energy towards a person or an item, causing a negative electrical charge. This erases all negativity from your magickal arena and sets you on the right path to creative magick.
Tools needed: Item to be consecrated, table as altar, pentacle for center if possible, salt, water, incense, candles for 4 corners.
This ritual may also be done by the solitary practitioner. Just adjust it to your liking. After all, you will eventually be writing your own rituals and spells and you might as well get in some practice. If you have any problem with this, just email me and I will help you. Lay athame, boline, sword, etc on the altar atop the central pentacle. The man asperges them with consecrated salt and water. Then the woman picks up the weapon to be consecrated and passes it through the incense smoke and then replaces it on the pentacle. Both lay their right hands upon the weapon, saying these
words: (Example for the solitary would be to do both yourself.) I conjure thee, O Athame (or name of tool), by Abrahach, Abrach, Abracadabra, that thou serve me in strength and defence in all magical endeavors against all enemies, visible and invisible. I conjure thee anew by the Holy Name Aradia and by the Holy Name Cernunnos; I conjure thee, O Athame, that thou serve me in protection through all adversities; so I ask thee, aid me now! Once more, the man asperges the weapon and the woman passes it through the incense smoke. The weapon is returned to the pentacle, saying: "I conjure thee, O Athame of Steel, by the Great Gods and Gentle Goddesses, by the virtue of the heavens, the stars and the spirit who preside over them, that thou may receive such virtue that I may obtain the end that I desire in all things wherein I shall use thee, by the power of Aradia and Cernunnos. The Partner now presents the Fivefold kiss to the Owner of the weapon. If the owner is not present, or if the weapon is jointly owned by them both, the man will give the Fivefold kiss to the woman. (Or if the ritual is solitary, some would simply draw the pentacle in the air or over their bodies.) For the final kiss upon the lips, the weapon is suspended between their breasts, held there by the pressure of their embrace. As they seperate, the owner of the weapon immediately uses it to recast the Circle, but she/he does so in silence. For a time after consecration, the newly consecrated item should be kept close to the body to get the aura. It
should be in as close contact as possible to the ownwer's body for at least a month, i.e. kept where you sleep, etc. Do not allow anyone to touch your tools until they are thoroughly saturated by your aura, say six months or seven months. However a pair working together may own the same tools, which will be penetrated by the aura of both.
----------------------------------------------------------------Consecrating Other Working Tools Place tool on pentacle, and lay right hand(s) on it, saying: Aradia and Cernunnos, I ask thee to deign to bless and consecrate this wand (or whatever) that it may obtain the necessary virtue through you for all acts of love and beauty. Man sprinkles with water, Female censes. Then say: Aradia and Cernunnos, bless this instrument prepared in your honor. (if Scourge or Cords, add ... that it may serve for a good cause and end and for your glory.) Again the Man sprinkles water on the tool and the Woman censes. (Hand tool to new owner with a Fivefold Salute.) All these weapons should be presented to the new owner with this Salute. End ceremony with Fivefold Salute. The new owner should immediately use the newly consecrated instruments to form the Circle with Sword, then Athame, incise something with the knife, exhibit Pentacle to Four Quarters, cense to Four Quarters, use Cords and Scourge; and should continue to use all of them in a Circle as often as possible, for some time to come. All tools should be put
in a secret place and if possible near your sleeping space, and that you may hold them each night before sleeping to imbue them with your aura. Blessing of the Elements and Sacred Space
Until the Elements are blessed, they are still objects of the mundane world rather than representations of the Elemental energies. *Note that Air, Fire, and Water are blessed and consecrated, whereas Earth is simply blessed. This is because salt is deemed pure in itself. Once again, this is just a sample of a blessing.
Light the altar candles and the incense. Take a pinch of salt and place it on the altar pentacle. Inscribe an invoking pentagram over it with your athame and say: “i do bless Thee, o creaTure oF earTh To Make thee fit for These My riTes.” Raise your arms and say: “blessed be.”
With your athame draw an invoking pentagram in the smoke of the incense and say: “i do bless and consecraTe Thee, o creaTure oF air To Make Thee FiT For These My riTes.”
Raise your arms and say: “blessed be.”
With your athame, draw and invoking pentagram in the flame of the candle and say: “i do bless and consecraTe Thee, o creaTure oF Fire To Make Thee FiT For These My riTes.” Raise your arms and say: "Blessed Be."
With your athame, draw an invoking pentagram in the water and say: “i do bless and consecraTe Thee, o creaTure oF air To Make Thee FiT For These My riTes.” Raise your arms and say: "blessed be.”
Raise your arms toward the sky and say: “i call on earTh To bind My spell, Air to speed its passage well. Bright as fire shall it glow,
and deep as ocean’s Tides shall Flow. Count the elements fourfold, For in the Fifth the Spell shall hold. Blessed Be."
Calling the Quarters
Pick up your athame or wand in your power hand and the small white taper candle in the other and proceed to the northern quarter of Earth. Light the candle, draw an invoking pentagram with your athame, and say: “I do summon, stir, and call ye O element of Earth. Guardians of the gateway of the North, attend me, guard me, guide me, and protect me in these my Rites. Hail and Welcome.”
Proceed in a deosil direction to the eastern quarter, light the candle, draw an invoking pentagram, and say: “I do summon, stir, and call ye O element of Air. Guardians of the gateway of the East, attend me, guard me, guide me, and protect me in these my Rites. Hail and Welcome.”
Move deosil to the southern quarter, light the candle, draw an invoking pentagram, and say: “I do summon, stir, and call ye O element of Fire. Guardians of the gateway of the South, attend me, guard me, guide me, and protect me in these my Rites. Hail and Welcome.”
Lastly, proceed to the western quarter, light the candle, draw an invoking pentagram, and say: “I do summon, stir, and call ye O element of Water. Guardians of the gateway of the West, attend me, guard me, guide me, and protect me in these my Rites. Hail and Welcome.”
Return to your altar and place the candle and athame or wand upon it.
This is the heart of the ritual. The Working can be a celebration of a Sabbat or Esbat, an initiation, or a cleansing, consecration, banishing, healing, or divination, it can be a spell designed to change you or the world around you. It can also be a combination of several of these elements or none of them at all. Your Working can also just be used as time to commune with the Goddess and or God. Keep in mind that the Gods have a sense of humor and like to have fun as much as you or me, so not all your workings have to be rigid and serious!!! Think of some ritual ideas, write them down.
