The Witches Pyramid Body: The Witches pyramid, also called "The Four laws of the Magus," is very ancient. They work great value to Witches and I suggest making special note of them. The Four Laws are matched to the Elements and give good advice for any Witch.
To Know (Air) To know means to study and learn everything you can about magick and the way it can be used. As a Witch, you must know what you are doing when it comes to magick. I know it sounds logical, but you will be amazed at the number of beginners who take their studies in this area for granted. Practicing magick is not something to be taken lightly. It is a big responsibility for all Witches. Many times spells backfire because the Witch did not do his or her homework. These lessons will guide you in the right direction of a beginner/First Degree-Priest/Priestess, but you still must also read as many books as you can get your hands on, do research at a library or internet, ask other Witches opinions and continue to do this for the rest of your life!
To Dare (Water) As a Witch you must dare to practice what you have learned. You must be willing to stand up and use all that knowledge you have gained to perform rites and spells. If you are waiting to gain all the knowledge to practice magick, then you will die old without having practiced magick. By the time you have finished these lessons, you know all you need to know to start magick.
To Will (Fire) Once you have decided to practice magick, you must be strong enough to will the manifestation (to make the spell come true). The fear of failure or of a spell backfiring is always there, creeping into the apprentice's mind, not being strong enough to carry on a spell. "What if nothing happens?" If you have read Wicca 101 books, they allow readers to practice simple magick. Build your confidence by doing simple magickal works first. Try candle magick and gem magick. These are the easiest to perform and excellent for beginners. Start performing magick for yourself. As you gain more confidence in your own magickal abilities, you can move on to perform more complex spells adding your own flair to them, as well as performing magickal works for others.
However, remember, Witches are humans too. Therefore, we are bound to commit mistakes sometimes, even though we do our best to avoid them. This is normal; so do not torture yourself if one of your spells goes wary. A wise Witch will record it all in his/her Book Of Shadows. Then he/she will sit down to read it carefully looking for any flaws in it. The same thing applies for rites. Who says rites have to be big and flamboyant? Do you really think the Goddess will look down upon you if your rite is small and simple? Not the Goddess I know! I do not always have the time or find myself in the right place to perform a full ritual, so I keep them simple.
To Keep Silent (Earth) Witches must keep quiet about the work they are doing or what they are doing it for. Every time Witches talk about their magickal work, part of the energy is given away. Also, the Witch may be telling someone who, for whatever reason, does not want the Witch to succeed. That person, knowing what is being done, can counteract the results. This is not a usual occurrence, but it can and does happen. In silence there is knowledge. You're the master of your thoughts, but a slave of what you say.
The altar can be made of any material, but wood and metal are best. The altar must be large enough to hold all of the tools required for a working (about 2X3 feet is best). It represents earth and is a means of connecting your power and magic to it. It serves as a link between you and the earth as sort of an extension of the earth itself. The altar sits exactly in the center of the circle facing east, the direction of beginnings and of the rising sun. The altar should be covered with an altar cloth. The color depends on the type of spellwork you are performing. White and black are best and can be used for most any type of spellwork. A soilable altar cloth is best as you will likely be accidentally spilling things onto it such as oils, herbs, ashes, wine and candle wax. The altar can be set up indoors or outdoors. A working altar for a circle is carefully put away when your working is done, unless it is out of doors. A decorative shrine type altar dedicated to one or more Gods or Goddesses can be set up anywhere and left up at all times
Altar Clothes Athame Beads Baskets Bell (And Dorje) Boline Book of Shadows Books for Info Bowls Brooms Candles Candle holders Candle Snuffer Capes and Costumes Cauldron Chalices Chants Crystals and Gems Crystal Balls Deacnter Divination Tools Earth Feathers God and Goddess Symbols Glass Jar with Cork Glue Herbs, Dried Plants, Spices Holy Water Holy Oil Incense, Bricks, Burners, and Fire Resistant Plates India Ink Fabric for Crafts Felt Lighters Magic Mirror Magical Jewellery Matches Mortar and Pestle Oil Musical tapes Paint Parchment Paper Pendulum Pentagrams Pentacle Pitchers Potpourri Potpourri Pot Pouches Quill pens Rawhide, Jewellery Clasps, Etc. Rice Runes Rope Salt Scales Scissors Sea Salts Seeds Statues String Stencil and Brushes Talisman Tarot Cards Tobacco Wands Wooden Boxes Wooden Spoons (And anything else you feel you need)
CLEANSING AND CONSECRATING There are three basic reasons for cleansing and consecrating: It removes any negative residue that has attached itself to the item or place. It melds your positive energy with that of the Universe to bring divinity. It instills this energy into the object or place for positive purposes. Cleansing and Consecrating your Sacred Space and Tools For this ritual you will need: 2 illuminator candles Pre-blessed water (holy water) 4 element candles (red, blue, brown, yellow) Incense (sage) and burner Large pentacle (approx 14") Lighter At sometime during the day you plan to perform the ritual, you should thoroughly clean the sacred space that you intend to dedicate; dusting, vacuming, mopping, whatever. Once you have finished and have double-checked that you have everything, go and take a shower or a bath with scented oil. Choose clothing that is not restrictive, or you may even wish to work skyclad. When you are nearly ready to begin, place each of the element candles at the appropriate compass points. East, yellow or gold candle; South, red or orange candle; West, blue or purple candle; North, green or brown candle. Place the silver candle on the altar. Light the illuminator candles with the lighter. Going desoil, light each element candle. Light the incense. Pick up the incense burner and as you walk inside in a desoil manner. Repeat: With the elements fire and air I cleanse this space. Shut your eyes and feel the air and fire energy move within the circle. Return to the altar and pick up the chalice of holy water. Sprinkle the holy water as you walk desoil within the circle and repeat: With the elements water and earth I cleanse this space Feel the elements flow desoil around the circle. Stand in the center of the circle in the Goddess position and say:With the element of spirit and by the powers of the Divine I consecrate this space! Feel the power of the Goddess and God enter your being and your sacred space, feel the energy build within you and around you then let it go and meld with the Universe. If you are not cleansing and consecrating any tools or jewellery, you will want to end the ritual here by thanking the God, Godess and any elements for their participation. When you are finished you must ground and close the circle. If you are going to cleanse and consecrate any items then continue with the following steps. Stand (or kneel) before your altar and pick up the first item to be consecrated. Pass it over the incense and say: By the powers of air and fire I cleanse and consecrate this___________of all it's negativity so that it may be used for positive means within my magickal workings. Next, sprinkle the item with holy water and say: By the powers of water and earth I cleanse and consecrate this___________of all it's negativity so that it may be used for positive means within my magickal workings. Now lay the item down on top of your pentacle. Cup your hands together and imagine a growing ball of bright white light within them. When the ball is big enough push it into the heart of the item. Say: By the power of spirit I have empowered this item, may the Lord and Lady's blessing shine upon and through it always. Follow the closing procedure, that is, thank the God and Goddess, then the Elements and then banish the circle.
These are just a few. On the main page used to be a picture of my personal altar.
THE WITCH: You are the most magickal tool of all. It is your intentions and energies that determine the results of any magickal work. Many Witches never use any other tool but their own personal energies! And some of the most powerful workings can be done without ever leaving your armchair. It is the focus, concentration, intentions and desires that reside within YOU that are the real 'tools" of the Witch!
ATHAME: (pronounced "a-thAM-ay" or "ATH-a-may") Many Witches own one or more ritual knives. These are commonly known as "athames" in Wiccan circles. In the Scottish traditions, the knife is called a "yag-dirk" and in Sax Wicca it is known as a "seax" (see-ax). As with all ritual tools, the athame is a very personal magickal item-one which you will want to take some care in obtaining. It should fit well and comfortably in your hand, for one thing. You certainly wouldn't want it to go flying across the room while you are casting a circle. This type of occurrence could cause a drastic drop in the attendance level at your next circle! Many Witches make their own blades or "personalize" purchased ones with runes, carvings and other symbols; all of which serve to blend the energy of the tool with their own magickal intentions. Modern Witchcraft books almost always state that the athame is a "black handled double edged iron blade." You may call this model, "the classic', if you like! But many other practitioners now use athames made from stainless steel, copper, silver and various other metals, or even carved stone. Some have family heirlooms, such as letter openers which serve the purpose. Some Witches never use a blade at all! So you can see, it is more important that the tool you choose suits you personally rather than reflect the latest fashion craze. The athame can be used to cast the magic circle, call the "quarters" or elements, and is part of many an opening ritual, handfasting (wedding) or initiation rite. It is associated with the element of Fire and the South. It is customary in some traditions to have your blade given to you as a gift. Some Witches or ceremonial workers give their tools a magickal "name". (This practice has become a common reference in many role playing games and fantasy novels.) Almost all materials written state-and most Witches/Wiccans, with the possible exception of the Sax Wiccans, agree- that magickal tools should not be used for any other purpose than ritual work. Often the blade is left "dull" or unsharpened because of this. (Another blade, the "boleen", with a white handle is sometimes used to harvest herbs or carve symbols, but not used for ritual work.) Some Witches will not let their tools be touched by anyone other than themselves. Some covens or working groups share common tools. It is, other than for those who are dedicated into a specific Tradition, what you are comfortable with.
THE BROOM: The broom or "besom" is used for cleansing ritual areas, hence the term "making a clean sweep". In handfasting rituals, couples often jump over the broom if they want children. (If you don't want children, DON'T JUMP! The combination of the "brush" and the handle are a very powerful fertility symbol.) Many Witches have a broom-brushy side up-by their door to protect the home from unwanted outside energies.
THE BELL: Bells have been around for many years, they come in different shapes and sizes, as well as different tones and sounds. The most popular bell in the US is the liberty bell. Another popular bell is the Noter Dame bell found France. It is a wonder why we like these bell. It might just be the rhythmic sound and vibrations. People have been singing Songs and carols about this beautiful instruments for years, that might just be why there are associated with winter holidays. The bell also has magical associations. It has been believed for centuries to possess a magical and/or spiritual power. They are associated with the divine: their sound is symbolic of creative power, their shape a symbol of the female force and celestial vault. The bell is an uncommon tool. Yet, once you use it in a ritual, you might just feel the need to keep using it. There is no one way to use the bell, use your imagination! Here are a few ideas; you can use it to open and close the sacred circle, Invoke the Goddess, ring to ward off negative energies (as well as invite positive energies ), or use it to signal different sections of a ritual and/or sabbath. But most of all have fun, create your own rituals using the bell! (bell thoughts submitted by Rain')
THE CAULDRON: One of the most common symbols of Witchcraft, the cauldron was once found sitting by the fireplace in almost all homes. The cauldron-traditionally with three legs- represents bounty and blessings. In some Celtic Traditions, it is associated with otherworldly figures such as Bran the Blessed and the Goddess Cerridwen. Based on these myths, the cauldron has also come to represent the concept of reincarnation and the cycles of birth, death and rebirth. Many Witches believe in some form of reincarnation or the transmigration of souls. Cauldrons can be used to represent water and used for scrying. It is sometimes used in association with elemental fire as well and small "bonfires" can be lit in them to burn spells or incense. Jumping over the cauldron has replaced the "bonfire" leap in modern times and urban spaces. It can, depending on intent and use, be placed in the Female West or Male South. Cauldrons range in size from the small altar models to the antique "floor" type. Many Witches have cauldrons in various sizes for different workings and purposes. Cats like to store their toys in them, too!
THE CHALICE: The chalice or cup is used on the altar to represent the Female principle of Water. Another chalice or cauldron is sometimes placed in the West as well. The chalice along with the athame, sword or wand are the modern tools which are used in the enactment of the "Great Rite"-the union of the male and female principle from which Life will spring. Chalices may be of any material. Many use silver or pewter (be careful with untreated metals when serving wine), but ceramic ones are now quite popular and readily obtainable. Some Witches have many different kinds for different types of rituals. Many a practitioner will avoid real "lead" crystal because of the Saturn energy influence. The chalice is sometimes passed around the circle so each participant may take a sip from the cup. This is a bonding experience and often the words "May you never thirst!" are passed throughout the circle with the chalice. Libations of wine or water are often then poured outside to honor the Old Ones and "sabbath" cakes are also offered back to the Source in a similar manner.
THE CLOTHING MAGICKAL: Clothing is "optional" for many Witches. If you are dedicated into a Tradition, you may practice "skyclad". The clothing-robes, capes, jewelry and other items-used in ritual work is usually dedicated to only these uses. Having "special" garments lends an "otherworldly" feel and sets ritual work apart from mundane life. Many traditions or paths have a "standard" wardrobe which reflects the ethnic background of that path. Scots may wear kilts and Druids may wear hooded robes. Many embroider magickal symbols on their ritual clothing or "hide" small magickal items in the seams and hems to act as talismans for protection. For more information on robes, see below.
The PATON OR ALTAR PENTACLE: The Altar pentacle is usually a disk or plate of metal or wood inscribed with the five pointed star in a circle. (See our pentacle section for more details on the pentagram and its meanings.) This is set upon the altar and used to consecrate various other tools and as a focal point of concentration for magickal workings. It is associated with the Female North and the element of Earth. Some Witches use a paton when calling in the elements as well. Patons (sometimes "peytons" or "patens") can now be found made of ceramic and glass. You can even make your own from clay or simply draw and color one on stiff paper. In some references, it is stated that patons in the 'old days" were only made from disposable materials so that evidence of your beliefs could be quickly burned should the authorities come knocking at your door!
THE STAFF: The staff is a very important tool in some traditions. It is used to mark quarter points or as a "stang" to hold banners representing elements or other unique symbolic flags. The staff may be used in much the same manner as the wand. It is usually matched "to your measure"- which means it reaches to your shoulder- making it easy and comfortable for you to handle without either knocking yourself upside the head or having it trip you up from behind. Any such incident will amuse your friends, but do little to enhance your image in the magickal community!
THE SWORD: With the coming of the modern "Celtic Revival", the sword has become a very popular-and quite showy- magickal tool. It can used in place of, or in addition to, the athame. Most groups who hold rituals indoors usually limit the use of the sword to just one for the Priest/Priestess. Ten five- foot swords in a small room could get a bit messy, I would think! However at festivals and outdoor rituals, Witches often bring their own swords to mark the boundaries or quarter points of the circle. There is now a growing interest in actual "sword play" and entire festivals have sprung up which feature events based on swordsman- or woman!-ship.
THE THURIBLE OR INCENSE BURNER: A container used to contain a hot coal for burning incense. This is best made from a fire resistant or fire proof material. The most common are the "mini-cauldrons' of iron and the various brass types which come in wonderful shapes and sizes. Some even hang on a chain. The incense itself represents the element of Air while the fire (charcoal) represents Fire. The combination of these two elements are used to purify ritual areas, other tools or the circle itself.
THE WAND: The wand represents the element of Air and the Male East. You can purchase a ready made one or collect one from your friendly neighborhood tree. (Ask first, if you want to harvest one from a living tree- and leave a small token of thanks.) Even dowels, such as those sold in hardware stores, can be painted and decorated quite beautifully. The wand can be used to cast the circle or direct energy in other magickal ways, such as in spells and incantations. There are wands of glass, copper, silver and other metals, but the "classic" material is still wood. Various woods have different magickal associations and uses. It is very common for a "Wand Witch" to have many wands of various types in his/her magickal closet. Witches who do not use athames often use a wand instead.
THE ROBE Many covens - and certainly the vast majority of Solitary Witches - work naked... referred to, in the Craft, as skyclad - "clad only by the sky". This certainly seems a preferred and recommended practice. But there are times when, perhaps due to temperature, you may wish to be robed. It may even be that you just prefer to be robed most of the time anyway...that's all right. Robes can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. Here are instructions for making a simple one. Any type of material will do, the choice is up to you - polyester (if you must!), silk, cotton, wool. Consider, though, its weight: will it he too heavy and hot, or too light and cool? Also consider how easily it creases and wrinkles. Will it stretch too much? Is it washable? Will it itch? Since Witches wear nothing under their robes, this last is a serious consideration! Measure yourself from wrist to wrist, with arms outstretched, then from the nape of the neck to the ground. You will need to buy material of A width by twice B length. Take the material and fold it in half. If th material has an "outside" and an "inside", fold it inside out. Now cut out a piece from each side. You will be left with a more-or-less T shape. The exact dimensions of the cuts will depend on you. Leave enough for a full sleeve at "X" but don't take it up to make it too tight under the arm at "Y". At "Z" cut an opening for your head. Sew where indicated : along the bottom of the sleeves and down the sides. All that remains is to turn it right side out again, try it on and hem it at a convenient length (e.g. an inch or so above the ground). It you wish to add a cowl -hood there will he plenty of material available from that initially cut off. Either a pointed or a rounded hood is appropriate. Think carefully about the color of your robe. It used to be that most Witches wore white robes, but more colors are appearing at festivals. In Saxon Witchcraft, the priestess wears either white, purple or deep green and the others wear greens, browns, yellows and blues. Though this is not a hard and fast rule. Combination s of colors can be attractive, of course, as can a basic trimmed with silver or gold, or with a second color. Some few Witches do wear black but, while acknowledging it to be a very "powerful" color (in fact noncolor). Buckland personally thinks that it plays up to the misconception of equating Witchcraft with Satanisn and, if only for that reason, should be avoided. We are a reliqion of Nature, so let's use the colors of Nature.. the bright and the somber earth colors (there is actually very little black to be found in nature). But again, in the last instance it is your choice.
ROBE COLORS
YELLOW is an excellent color for those involved with divination.
PURPLE is favored for those who work with pure divine power (magician's) or who wish to deepen their spiritual awareness of the Goddess & God.
BLUE suited for healers & those who work with their psychic awareness or for attuning with the Goddess in Her Oceanic aspect.
GREEN empowers herbalists & maqickal ecologists.
BROWN worn by those who attune with animals or who casts spells for them.
WHITE symbolizes purification & pure spirituality, & also is perfect for meditation and cleansing rituals. It is warn for Full Moon celebrations or to attune with the Goddess
ORANGE or RED robes can be worn to Sabbats, for protective rites or when attuning with the God in his fiery solar aspect.
BLACK robes are quiet popular. Contrary to popular misconceptions, black doesn't symbolize evil. It is the absence of color. It is a protective hue & symbolizes the night - the universe & a lack of falsehood. When a Wiccan wears a black robe, she or he is donning the blackness of outer space - symbolically, the ultimate source of divine energy.
ALTARS It is important to understand that these are just some ideas for you to use. You can and are expected to adjust them and add your own creativity to personalize your altar to fit you and your needs. Remember, there is no set way of doing things. If it feels right to you, then it is right. The idea is to have fun and to remember and honor the God and Goddess on the Sabbats.
CREATING THE IMBOLG ALTAR With the promise of spring and rebirth in the air, you may want to include a statue of the Goddess on your altar. Red, pink and brown, or yellow and gold candles are appropriate. Use a small set of lights to brighten your altar and acknowledge the fire festival. You can include a small bowl of seeds and sprouts as a symbol of fertility and rebirth.
CREATING THE OSTARA ALTAR You can decorate your altar in fresh spring flowers, adding a heavenly fragrance. Also a nest which you might have found, or any hand made nest would be nice to put your dyed eggs into. Pastel colors are nice, also green, yellow and gold, to honor the Goddess of fertility.
CREATING THE BELTANE ALTAR This is a time for flowers, lots of them, picked by you or bought, any flowers will do. Beltane is a great fire festival, so a group of candles on your altar bunched together in warm colors such as red, green or pink would be nice to substitute for a small fire. You might also want to include images of the sex organs, this doesn't have to be graphic, it can be a phallic rock and a creviced stone, or flowers, or a yin-yang symbol.
CREATING THE LITHA ALTAR Sun images made by your children or by yourself. Some sort of fire on your altar is important, use candles or votives. Use fresh fruits as a reminder of the earth's bounty. Use flowers of gold, orange and yellow, roses are traditional also. A symbol or picture of Earth on your altar is a gentle reminder to honor Her.
CREATING THE LUGHNASSADH ALTAR To celebrate the harvest, a loaf of bread hand made by the entire family is a nice centerpiece on the altar, surrounded by harvest figures. Add a wooden bowl filled with fruits and vegetables to show a bountiful harvest.
CREATING THE SAMHAIN ALTAR The Samhain altar becomes a shrine to our beloved who have passed on. You may want to drape your altar in black cloth. To honor those who've passed on, you may want to place their pictures or mementos on your altar. You also may want to place candy on your altar as offering to all of the children who have passed on. Symbols of the season such as pumpkins and autumn leaves, apples and nuts. You might also want to put a bowl of water on your altar for scrying.
CREATING THE MABON ALTAR Most of us enjoy this time of year for the beauty of the fall colors and the energy felt in the cool air, which seems to put an added perk in our steps. It can be great fun hunting for just the right harvest symbols. Your altar is a great place for fruits such as squash and apples set in an old wooden bowl, you will also want to add pomegranate, in association with Persephone. Decorate your altar with orange, brown and yellow, using candles, fruits, corns, etc. Also you might want to add a bowl of water, since Autumn is associated with water, emotion and relationship. Keep in mind that this same bowl of water can be used for scrying on Samhain.
CREATING THE YULE ALTAR Candles are crucial to this festival, since it is a celebration of light. Use red, green and white candles. Draping evergreens of all kinds can be used and you'll love the fragrances. Holly with its beautiful red berries is also a wonderful addition to your decoration. Use a Sun symbol as a reminder of the Sun's return. The Druids revered the white berries of the Mistletoe as the semen of the God, and this can also be placed on your altar, or hung in doorways for the traditional kissing beneath it. (chances are our ancestors did a bit more than kiss under this symbol of fertility) **remember that the berries of the mistletoe are highly poisonous, so be sure to keep them away from children and animals** Acorns, nuts, apples, cinnamon sticks and pomegranates are also appropriate for decorating your Yule altar.
Pagan Summerland Body: The pagan transition of the soul is not instantaneous, but rather occurs after a brief rest in the spiritual realm of Summerland. Within this concept of belief, Summerland is the first of three realms on the spiritual or ethereal plane. Here the soul embarks on a restful plane of self-created reality, where the soul can review it's accomplishments, and failures, without the emotional or physical pains that went along with the events of the physical life.
Eventually, the soul moves to the next level of the ethereal plane where it prepares for the next steps of spiritual evolution. Upon this plane, a soul can decide if it wants to return now to a new incarnation, or if it would rather perform spiritual service on this plane of existence for a brief time. You can think of this plane as the Land of Spiritual Guardians. Those spiritual beings who work with those in physical incarnations as personal spiritual guides, or teachers. The last realm of the pagan ethereal world is the plane of divine energies. When a soul has reached it's pinnacle of spiritual evolution where it no longer needs to return to the physical world, it has the option of moving to the divine plane of existence.
NEW BEGINNING SPELL Just before sunrise, go outside with some heather and a feather. Face East, light incense, and hold feather in hand while concentrating on the new day ahead as a new beginning. Say: Flight of feather, Scent of Heather Give me Cleansing With this beginning! Blow feather from hand and let the wind carry it away. Watch the sunrise and feel its rays cleansing you for the new day ahead. It is done.
BATH SPELL FOR NEGATIVITY Place 1/2 cup vinegar, a bunch of fresh rue and 1 tablespoon of salt in your bath. Light a white and a blue candle. Imagine yourself surrounded by blue light, giving you positive energy. Visualize all of the negative energy leaving your body through every pore. SELF PURIFICATION RITUAL Useful for alleviating sorrow. --Salt A bowl of bottled spring water or New Moon Water Cast a circle, then invoke the elements and the Lord and Lady. Sit quietly and think about what you want to clear out of your aura. When you are ready, add three good-sized pinches of salt to the water and stir widdershins (counter clockwise). Breathe deep into the bowl and as you do, let your fears and doubts pour into the water. Breathe them into the salt water where they will dissolve away. Do this until you feel that the negative energy has passed out of your body. Next, hold the bowl into the air and visualize a gold or white light flowing into the water, transforming the negative vibrations and cleansing them. Carry the bowl to the sink and flush the water down the sink with cold, running water. Smudge yourself with either jasmine or lavender incense (or another scent that promotes peace) and open the circle. WINTER DAWNS CLEANSING RITUAL (Anoint head with salt water) "I cleanse my thoughts that they might be pure and honest." (Anoint throat) "I cleanse my voice, that all I say might be good." (Anoint heart) "I cleanse my heart, that it might be open, giving and full of light. Grant that I may give freely of my love to others." (Anoint hands) "I cleanse my hands, that I may use them only for good." (Anoint feet) "I cleanse my feet, that they may take me far in life. That my journeys may be filled with love light and peace."
HOME CLEANSING This is a great spell used to clean your home of negative energy. Spell performed preferably during a waning moon but can be cast at any needed time for a cleansing during any moon phase. Any evening after sunset, Light the end of a sagebrush stick. Have a glass of water and a bowl Containing a shallow pool of water nearby. Blow out the flame and blow on the embers Of the stick to increase the smoke. In each room of your house, Blow smoke in each of the four directions. Blow gently upon the burning stick As you face each wall of the room. Say aloud: I clear this space of all negativity And of the energy of people or things That have no purpose in this household. I ask that this clearing be gentle And that all of this energy be returned to its source. When you are done with your whole house, Return to the room you started in. Take the stick and dip it into the shallow Bowl of water to douse the embers. Take a sip of water from your glass. Say aloud: This home is a gentle and supportive environment. I offer gratitude to the universe that this is done. So it be And so it is.
BATH FOR PROTECTION AND PURIFICATION Steep one teaspoon of dried basil in a cup of boiling water. Leave for five minutes, and then strain. Add the liquid to your bath water to bring a protective and cleansing influence. This herbal bath is particularly useful to rid oneself of the negative feelings left by contact with those who are controlling.
SACRED SPACE PURIFICATION SPELL To purify a sacred space, during the sixth hour after sunrise or the first or eighth hour after sunset consecrate an aromatherapy bowl or small cooking pot by passing it through the smoke of frankincense and sprinkling it with blessed water, saying: " I consecrate this container to aid in my Craft, that the spell I now weave will take hold and last." Heat spring water in the bowl over a tea light or in the pot on a burner. When the water is hot, add the following herbs, speaking after each-star anise: " Let all negativity be deflected from this place"; one bay leaf: "as the sent of this leaf moves through this place may purification enter into space"; One teaspoon sage: "Though sage I now make this spell manifest, that with peace and protection this space will be blessed. For as I will, so mote it be!"
BANISHING AND CLEANSING RITUAL Point your Athame at the sky, and then at the earth. Then pointing Athame horizontally either spin 360 or walk around the perimeter with the Athame held out in a threatening manner. Spirits of evil, Unfriendly beings Unwanted guests, Be gone! Leave us leave this place, leave this Circle, that the Goddess and the God may enter. Go, or be cast into the outer darkness! Go, or be drowned in the watery abyss! Go, or be burned in the flames! Go, of be torn by the whirlwind! By the power of the Mother and the Horned One We banish you! We banish you! We banish you! Sprinkle the perimeter with salt and water.
ROOM CANDLE CLEANSE You need: White candle and holder Salt Place the candle in the middle of the room. Sprinkle the salt in a circle deosil around the candle. Light and say: Creature of wax Creature of fire Listen to me Hear my desire Cleanse this room By the power of three And blast away all negativity With harm to none So shall it be Leave to burn for at least 1 hour. FULL MOON / CLEANSING RITE Special tools: Cauldron filled with salt water Altar Devotion Cast the circle Invocation of the Goddess I greet the Lady and call upon thee Mighty Mother of us all, bringer of all fruitfulness. I ask you, Mother, to descend upon my circle and reside within me, thy priest/ess. Invocation of the God I call upon thee O Great Father, Sun and Consort of the Mother ,who brings her light and warmth. come forth Mighty Horned One. Live now within the body of this thy priest/ess. Cleansing Anoint forehead with salt water "I cleanse my thoughts that they might be pure and honest - grant that they always be pleasing to the God and Goddess." Anoint throat "I cleanse my voice that all that I say might be for good and naught for ill or harm." Anoint heart "I cleanse my heart that it might be open, giving and full of light. Grant that I might give freely of my love and care to others." Anoint hands "I cleanse my hands that I might use them for workings of good, to help and never to harm." Anoint feet "I cleanse my feet that they might take me far in life, that my journeys may be filled with love, light, peace and the joy of the Goddess and God." Meditation for a time. Cakes and Wine (eating bread and drinking wine or juice to restore energies spent during ritual) Release the circle, thank the God and Goddess.
ROOM BLESSING/CLEANSING/PROTECTION SPELL This is a bare-bones, generic spell. Use when the energies in your home or in a particular room start feeling "off" or negative. This spell can be tweaked to suit your particular method of working or use as is. You will need: Small cauldron or other fire-proof bowl for burning herbs - one that you are able to carry. Your favorite protection oil Clearing herbs such as sage, cedar, rosemary, etc. Charcoal tablet (a half tablet would suffice) Matches Trace the pentagram starting from the top point - in this spell you are invoking Spirit. Meditate before you begin - make sure you're in the right state of mind to proceed. An Alpha state is the best. The Spell: Light charcoal in bowl/cauldron and when burning, drop a pinch or two of your clearing herbs into the cauldron. Take a minute to take in the energy of the herbs. Carry the vessel around the room - paying special attention to corners, closets, and places negative energy seems to linger. Project a clear, clean, white light with your mind and say: "By my will I banish all darkness and let in the light." (repeat around the room) When you've thoroughly cleansed the room, return to the center and put down your cauldron. Take up the oil and go to the North. Trace a pentagram on the wall (window sill, door frame, etc.) Say: From the North I call to Thee. Blessings of the Spirit Be upon this place. Go to the East and say: From the East I call to Thee. Blessings of the Spirit Be upon this place. Continue to the South and West, changing the blessing accordingly. When complete, return to the center of the room and place more herbs on the charcoal. Stand still a bit and feel the energy of the room/space. Again, project white light outward, mentally filling all the nooks and crannies. When the energy feels right to you say: This room is sealed Protected from harm. Light replaces darkness As I will, so mote it be. Note: This spell can obviously be expanded for an entire house. Just begin in the center of the house instead of the center of the room. If you are uncomfortable calling on "Spirit" for protection, you can substitute the name of your Deity.
WHITE CANDLE SPELL FOR BLESSING Get a white candle -- either a plain one (offertory, pillar, or taper) or a figural one in the gender of the person you want to bless. Carve the person's full name on the candle, then dress it with Blessing Oil or Holy Oil. For more power, you may place a name-paper of the person, or a photo, or some personal item of theirs (such as a bit of hair or a snippet of clothing) either under the candle or next to it. One easy way to do this is to place the paper or personal concerns under an overturned saucer and put the candle on top of the saucer. Burn a portion of the candle every day for seven days, pinching it out between burnings. As you light it each day, say this [Name], may you be blessed May all good things come to you May nothing whatsoever harm you May your heart be light May your travels be safe May your health be good May your mind be sound May your friendships sustain you May you be blessed in every way * If you have a special request for this person (such as that they find a lover, get a good job, come home safely from a war, or whatever), just add it to the list. Some people use a large pillar-type candle and keep it going for longer than seven days. They may make a habit of burning such a candle every day -- or once a week, on Sundays -- for as long as their friend or relative needs help, even doing so for months at a time. If the candle is large and it is to be burned in this way, it should be re-dressed with Blessing Oil or Holy Oil once a week: after the initial dressing, you can drop a tiny bit of oil into the "well" or hole in such a large candle just before lighting it each time.
cLEANSING RITUAL This ritual is a self cleansing ritual. It was designed to cleans the body, mind & spirit of residual negativity after being involved in magical battles (specifically, exorcism). components & Tools: A tub to draw a bath A white candle Essential Oil of Myrrh Essential Oil of Frankincense Sea Salt (fine, bath salts) Preparations: Place the white candle so that it's light can shine upon you when you are in the tub. Mix 9 drops Myrrh and 3 drops Frankincense into 1/8 cup sea salt. Be certain that you will not be disturbed for at least 20 minutes, preferably an hour. Shut off the phone ringers, etc. Ritual: Invoke your sacred space. (using what means is appropriate for your practice) Light the candle. Recite the following: Spirits of Fire do I call upon thee. Send thy divine fire and burn through the darkness. Shed thy light upon me and clear the shadows of my soul. Draw a bath of hot water. (the warmest you can comfortably get into) Recite the following: Oh spirits of water do I call upon thee. Enter this sacred space and lend me thy cleansing powers. From the waters welcome and to water we return. As the tub fills (about half way), sprinkle the salt into the waters. Recite the following: Oh spirits of earth do I call upon thee. Ground and disperse all that is not of light. Mix with me and cleans me of the weight of darkness. Once fill, settle into the tub. Relax and feel the light and warmth. Breath in the vapors of the oils and recite the following: Oh spirits of ear do I call upon thee. Thou art my breath and my life. Let me breath in thy light and release the smoke of darkness. Breath and feel the energy about and within you. Feel the light of fire burning away that which clings to you. Let the water's warmth wash through you, and lift away the darkness. Feel the salt cling to the darkness and ground it for you. Feel your lungs fill with light and carry out the fog of darkness as you exhale. Remain in the bath till you feel that all the darkness that will release has left you. Stand, or kneel, and pull the plug from the tub. As the water drains, recite the following: As welcome from the waters so shall we return. Oh earth and water, take from here the darkness. Disperse it and ground it. Let it weigh upon me no more. Dry off. Put out the candle. Thank the divine and the spirits & open your sacred space. RITUAL OF SELF-BLESSING You will need a small votive candle and holder (white is always good, but use color if you feel called to do that) an incense stick, cone, or herbs (such as sage or thyme) to burn a small container of water a small container of salt I find that a sugar and creamer set works very well for this. These can be purchased quite reasonably and set aside just for this use. This is a ritual which connects you to the deepest levels of healing. It also connects you to the four elements and their energies. In this way it is most helpful for dealing with the shamanic elemental energies of Nature. The candle represents the element of Fire The incense or herbs represent Air The container of water is Water The container of salt is Earth. Beyond that, these elements reflect your own needs. The element of Fire reflects your relationships, protection, ideas and achievements. The element of Air reflects your creativity, spirituality, inspiration and philosophies. The element of Water reflects your emotions, intuition, dream states, psychic gifts, and healing balance. The element of Earth reflects your practicality, knowledge, sacred wisdom, and growth. Find a quiet time and place where you will not be disturbed. You may make this as ceremonial or as informal as you choose. Light the incense and take a few moments to consider the element of Air. Consider the gifts that Air reflects in you. Light the candle and take a few moments to consider the element of Fire. Consider the gifts that Fire reflects in you. Take a few moments to consider the element of water and how it reflects in you. Take a few moments to consider the element of Earth and how it reflects in you. Very gently, pour the water into the container of salt. If you are using herbs as an incense, you may sprinkle a few in the water and salt mixture. Stir the salt and water with your fingers. Consider the blending of elements that creates life itself. Consider the balance of elements and their attributes in your life. Take a few moments to do this. Facing the candle, dip your fingers in the water mixture and touch your forehead (3rd eye area). Say: "Bless me Mother, for I am your child." (The original was written for the Goddess as Mother. Another deity name can be substituted here, or simply say "Spirit.") Now dip your fingers in the water mixture and touch the area around your eyes carefully. Say: "Bless my eyes that I may see you." Dip again and touch your nose. Say: "Bless my nose that I may breathe your essence." Dip again and touch your ears. Say: "Bless my ears that I may hear your wisdom." Dip again and touch your mouth. Say: "Bless my mouth that I may speak your name." Dip again and touch your heart. Say: "Bless my heart that I may feel your love." Dip again and touch your lower abdomen. Say: "Bless my cauldron center that I may create harmony." Dip again and touch your feet. Say: "Bless my feet that I may walk in balance." Dip again and rub your hands together. Say: "Bless my hands that I may share your healing in my work." Take all the time you need to concentrate on the elements before you. Focus your attention on the candle and visualize healing light flowing into you. Feel strength emerging from deep inside yourself. Breathe deeply and capture that moment. Connect with the source of strength and healing. When you feel you are finished, blow out the candle. It is good to leave the incense burning if you can. Air is accommunicating element, and smoke is transformation. The incense carries the messages of healing and strength to Spirit. If you have used herbs, it is good to return the ashes to Nature. In this way, you are grounding the energy, bringing the message and the transformation to earth. Make sure the ashes are cold; then place them at the roots of a tree or bush if possible. If not, place them in soil or sand. The salt and water mixture can be used very effectively in several ways. You may wash your gemstones or other stones in this. Crystals love this, since their energy is so personally connected to yours. You may save the mixture and dab a little on your third-eye area every day for a few days, as a reminder. You may pour the mixture into your bath for a gentle energizer. When the bathwater drains, visualize a connection between yourself and the energies of Mother Ocean. You may return the mixture to earth by pouring it on soil or sand. Remember, plants don't thrive in salt; so keep the mixture clear of plants. You may sprinkle the mixture throughout your house to seal in positive energies and protection.
Issues of what to desire or aspire to are addressed more than once by the dying man, Morrie, in Tuesdays With Morrie. He says: "People haven't found meaning in their lives, so they're running all the time looking for it. They think the next car, the next house, the next job (will be the answer). Then they find those things are empty, too, and they keep running."
In another passage he suggests, rightly, what can give people meaning and purpose: "So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half asleep, even when they're busy doing things they think are important. This is because they're chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning."
It has often been said in spiritual circles that material possessions hinder us on the spiritual path. But, desires and material possessions do not hinder the spiritual life as long as one is not attached to them or controlled by them. In other words, as long as you are free to be yourself and are free to choose your responses to ever-changing situations, then desires and material possessions are not hindrances at all. Then they, too, can be enjoyed and appreciated.
Desire has two sides:
a.) craving (wanting to possess) b.) aversion (wanting to dispossess or avoid)
These two sides of desire exemplify the working of a universal law, the Law of Attraction, along with its implication - repulsion. This law is reflected in physics in the saying, 'for every action there is an opposite and equal reaction.'
Buddhists consider these two aspects of desire "poisons", and they add a third one, "delusion". Delusion is the perception that something is what it is not. It is a bias of perception and cognition caused by an "afflicted" mind and emotion.
Both of these two aspects of desire are movements - toward something or away from something. Both cause pain because we give these drives or desires some of our power - the power to control us. Only through detachment are we free to move as we, in our essence, choose.
John Nash, in the movie, The Beautiful Mind, says something true of our personality life: "Our dreams and our nightmares - we have to keep feeding them for them to stay alive." It is usually our desires that feed the dream and our aversions that feed the nightmares.
It is interesting to note that craving - and by implication also aversion - has a brain based association. One area of the brain, called the nucleus accumbens, is activated by craving. This centre is an area very rich in dopamine and appears to be involved in all forms of craving and addictions. Dopamine is associated with heightened feels of pleasure or well-being. The curious thing is that the brain circuitry associated with liking is different, and it has an inverse relationship to that associated with craving. The more we crave something, the less we like it. This is what makes us crave something even more so we can satisfy what we like. But it doesn't work, and eventually we can end up in addiction.
Everyone has both negative and positive within, as does all manifest reality. Perceived negativity within ourselves is only ever a problem when it is an object of aversion - for then it controls. Virtually all conditions that are judged to be negative become objects of aversion. But so, too, the positive eventually becomes a problem when it remains the object of craving, for this type of attachment negates wholeness. When we crave the positive it is not because we have due recognition or appreciation of its presence within us, but that we feel we lack it, and therefore must get it or become it.
When we crave something it is always something outside of ourselves. It is curious how craving for something positive, such as acceptance, for example, always brings us an experience of the negative, such as rejection. We usually don't see this, and say that it is because we experience rejection that we crave acceptance. We don't see that the craving for something external does not bring us what we crave, because there is an inner reality that must be first embraced. In this example, we must accept ourselves before others will accept us. And in order to accept ourselves we have to embrace both the positive and negative within ourselves. And when we don't accept the negative within us, others will bring it to our attention or possibly reject us because of its presence. Once we see it and accept it, it is no longer an issue in relationships.
According to spiritual principles and laws of life, satisfaction and fulfillment come from giving ourselves in response to the needs we recognize in the world where we live daily. Fulfillment is derived from experiencing meaning in whatever we do, not in accumulating or demanding anything. What we have or want in terms of possessions, or even in the responses we get from others, must in some way be related to what it is we attempt to give and express that makes life more beautiful or more authentic in some way.
When we do not express what we need to express, which is some aspect of our essence or soul, we feel a lack. This lack is felt as a dissatisfaction which then results in craving of some kind.
When we are afraid or insecure about who we are and what our value is we tend to become defensive, which often results in aversion - trying to push away and reject what threatens us. When we are soul-centered we do not experience aversion because we value who and what we are.
Your ultimate value is who you are. Your fulfilment comes through sharing yourself with others. It is through this expression that causes craving and aversion to diminish and unity to be experienced.
..> Exercises:
1. What do you crave and when do you crave it - i.e., what are you feeling about yourself when you experience craving?
2. Toward what do you experience aversion - i.e., what are you feeling about yourself when you experience aversion?
3. Reflect deeply on what it is within you at a soul level that is seeking to be expressed. Then make a decision to start expressing it more.
