February 1, 2017 | Author: tracy1765 | Category: N/A
Wicca Book Of Shadows Made By: Jim HD
Index What is Wicca.................................................6 What Witchcraft is......................................................8 What Witchcraft is not................................................9 Movement of origin..................................................11 Two kinds Wiccan....................................................11 Both a god and a goddess.......................................12 Morality in wicca......................................................13 Fatal ideas about reincarnation...............................13
What Wicca is not.........................................14 Questions about Witchcraft...........................15 Are Wicca and Witchcraft the same thing?..............15 Who do Witches Worship?......................................15 How do Witches view Christianity. Are Witches AntiChristian?.................................................................16 Can I follow the path of Wicca or Witchcraft and be a Christian too?...........................................................16 The Wiccan Rede says "An it harm none, do as ye will." Does that mean a Witch can do anything they want and its OK if they justify the action to themselves? ............................................................17 If Wicca and Witchcraft are not evil, why do you wear black robes?............................................................18 OK, so if Wicca and Witchcraft are not evil, why do you hold rituals and ceremonies at night hidden in the woods?..............................................................18 What form does the practice of Witchcraft take?.....18 How do you see the Goddess and God?.................18 Do all Witches practice their religion the same way? .................................................................................19 Is Witchcraft a cult?.................................................19 Do Witches have a bible?........................................19 If Witches don't have a bible, what do you use?......19 The word Tradition is used quite often. What is the exact meaning of this?.............................................20 Do Witches cast spells?...........................................20 Do Witches worship the devil?.................................20 Are Witches only women?.......................................20 How do Witches view Sex?.....................................21 What is the purpose of performing ceremonies Skyclad?..................................................................21 Is Witchcraft a religion?...........................................21 How do Witches view death?...................................21 How can someone find out more about Witchcraft? 22
Definitions of Wicca, Pagan & Witchcraft......23 What Is Magick.............................................24 How to Become a Wiccan or Witch...............25 Warnings & Cautions For The New Wiccan. .28 The Shadows are out there.....................................28 You - yes, you can be a Vampire.............................29 Oops! Did I just do that?.........................................29 Power corrupts.........................................................30
Magickal Protection & Psychic Self-Defense 31 Divination & Scrying.....................................33 Elements & Magick.......................................34 ELEMENTALS.........................................................35 YIN YANG................................................................35 SIMPLE MAGICK....................................................36
The Concept Of Deity...................................36 The Supreme Creative Force..................................36 Polarities of The One...............................................36
Witches Reed of Chivalry.............................37 Before Time Was..........................................39 Goddess.......................................................40 The Charge Of The Goddess..................................42 Song of the Goddess...............................................44
The Legend of the descent of the Goddess.............45 The Charge of the Dark Goddess............................46 Charge of the Crone................................................47
God..............................................................48 The Charge Of The God..........................................50 The Charge of the Sun God.....................................52 The Charge of the Dark God...................................53 Charge of the Horned God......................................54
Witch Living Rules and laws.........................55 13 Goals of the Witch..............................................55 The Law of Return...................................................57 The Law Of Power...................................................58 The Law ..................................................................58 The Sacred Wood....................................................59 Give Thanks.............................................................59 Show Respect..........................................................59 Find balance............................................................60 The 161 Laws..........................................................61 The Proposed Laws.................................................70
Time of Magic...............................................72 Weekdays................................................................72 Sabbaths..................................................................74 Moon........................................................................74 Time of day .............................................................74
Signs & Symbols..........................................75 Tools from Wicca..........................................78 Athamen..................................................................78 Bollinen....................................................................78 Bells.........................................................................78 Incense....................................................................78 The cup....................................................................78 The diet....................................................................79 The pentagram........................................................79 Statues.....................................................................79 The stick..................................................................79 The sword................................................................79
The Elements...............................................80 Earth........................................................................80 Air............................................................................80 Fire...........................................................................81 Water.......................................................................81 Spirit.........................................................................82
The Altar.......................................................83 Important Wiccans and witches texts............84 The Witches' Creed.................................................84 The Wiccan Rede....................................................85 The Wiccan Credo...................................................86 Drawing Down the Moon.........................................88 The Great Rite Invocation........................................90
Stories..........................................................92 Air Meditation...........................................................92 The place where you relax.......................................93
The Magic Circle...........................................95 The Purposes of a Circle.........................................95 Questions about Opening the circle.........................95 What is a Circle?...................................................95 Why do you need a Circle?...................................95 What do I need to know to cast a circle?..............95 What is the purpose of your circle?.......................96 How big will your circle be?...................................96 How will you visualize your circle?........................96 Can you keep your focus for as long as it takes to set up the circle?...................................................96 When do I cast the circle?.....................................96 Casting A Circle - How do I know if I did it?..........97 Casting A Circle - What's this about cutting a door? ...............................................................................97
I live in an apartment; will the people downstairs walk into my circle and mess it up?......................97 When and how do I take the circle down?............97 What's the best way to practice casting a circle?. 98
Jim Hds way of making the circle............................99 Opening the circle.................................................99 Closing the circle.................................................100
How To Cast a Circle 1..........................................101 How to Cast a Circle 2...........................................105 How to Cast a Circle 3...........................................108 Opening the circle..................................................109 Calling the Quarters/Casting Your Circle ..............112 Casting The Circle 1..............................................115 Casting and Closing a Circle..................................116 How to Cast a Circle............................................116 How to Close a Circle..........................................117
Casting the circle 2................................................118 Taken from Scott Cunningham's Wicca:.............119
Spells & Witchcraft.....................................121 Book of Shadows Blessings..................................121 Self-Forgiveness Pray...........................................122 Bless you...............................................................123 A Person Blessing.................................................124 Blessing for the Body.............................................125 Refresh your Self...................................................126 A Blessing for Self Image......................................127 Elemental Blessing................................................127 Nine Elements Blessing........................................127 Luck.......................................................................127 House Blessing......................................................128 A Parting Blessing.................................................128
Songs.........................................................129 I am........................................................................129
Chants........................................................130 Daily sun................................................................130 Sorrow...................................................................130 Dream charm ........................................................130 Spirit Protection Wreath ........................................131 Beauty ...................................................................131 Meditation .............................................................131 Prayer of holding ...................................................132 Undo curse ...........................................................132 Evocation of the Witch...........................................133 Elements Poem.....................................................134 Born of Elements...................................................135 Witches' Chant.......................................................136 The Witches Rune.................................................137
Glossary.....................................................138 Akasha...................................................................138 Amulet....................................................................138 Ankh.......................................................................138 Asperger................................................................138 Astral projection.....................................................138 Astrology................................................................138 Athame..................................................................138 Balefire...................................................................138 Bane......................................................................139 Beltane...................................................................139 Besom....................................................................139 Bolline....................................................................139 Banish....................................................................139 Bells.......................................................................139 Bind........................................................................139 Blood of the Moon..................................................139 Book of Shadows...................................................140 The Burning Times................................................140 Cauldron................................................................140 Censer...................................................................140 Call.........................................................................140 Chalice...................................................................140
Charging................................................................140 Circle......................................................................141 Conscious Mind.....................................................141 Coven....................................................................141 Covenstead............................................................141 Deosil.....................................................................141 Divination...............................................................141 Divine Power..........................................................141 Drawing Down The Moon......................................141 Duality....................................................................142 Earth Power...........................................................142 Elements................................................................142 Elemental...............................................................142 Esbat......................................................................142 Evocation...............................................................142 God........................................................................142 Goddess................................................................142 Grimoire.................................................................142 Handfasting............................................................143 Herbalism...............................................................143 Imbolc....................................................................143 Incense..................................................................143 Initiation.................................................................143 Invocation..............................................................143 Karma....................................................................143 Labrys....................................................................143 Lughnasadh...........................................................144 Mabon....................................................................144 Magick...................................................................144 Magick Circle.........................................................144 Meditation..............................................................144 Megalith.................................................................144 Menhir....................................................................144 Midsummer............................................................145 Mighty Ones...........................................................145 Neo-Pagan.............................................................145 Ogham Alphabet....................................................145 Old Ones................................................................145 Ostara....................................................................145 Pagan....................................................................145 Pantheism..............................................................146 Passing Over.........................................................146 Pendulum...............................................................146 Pentacle.................................................................146 Pentagram.............................................................146 Personal Power.....................................................146 Polarity...................................................................147 Polytheism.............................................................147 Projective Hand.....................................................147 Psychic Mind..........................................................147 Psychism...............................................................147 Receptive Hand.....................................................147 Reincarnation.........................................................147 Ritual......................................................................148 Ritual Consciousness............................................148 Runes....................................................................148 Sabbat...................................................................148 Samhain.................................................................148 Scrying...................................................................148 Shaman.................................................................149 Shamanism............................................................149 Simple Feast..........................................................149 Skyclad..................................................................149 Solitary...................................................................149 Spell.......................................................................149 Spirits of the Stones...............................................149 Staff.......................................................................149 The Summerland...................................................149 Talisman................................................................150 Threefold Law........................................................150
Tradition.................................................................150 Trilithon..................................................................150 Triple Goddess.......................................................150 Visualization...........................................................150 Wand.....................................................................150 White-Handled Knife..............................................150 Wicca.....................................................................151 Wiccan Rede.........................................................151 Widdershins...........................................................151 Witch......................................................................151 Witchcraft...............................................................151 Yule........................................................................152
Finding a Teacher, Mentor or Guide............153 How others look at Wicca and Wiccans......155 Military Views on Wicca - US Army........................155
OTHER NAMES BY WHICH KNOWN................155 LEADERSHIP......................................................155 MEMBERSHIP....................................................155 HISTORICAL ORIGIN.........................................156 BASIC BELIEFS..................................................156 PRACTICES AND BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS 157 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE.....................158 ROLE OF MINISTERS........................................159 WORSHIP...........................................................159 FUNERAL AND BURIAL REQUIREMENTS.......160 MEDICAL TREATMENT......................................160 OTHER................................................................160
A Christian Speaks of Wicca and Witchcraft..........161 A Situation of Strife and Shame..........................161
The Bible's view of pagans and witches................164
Translated By.............................................165
What is Wicca Contrary to what those who choose to persecute or lie about us wish to believe, Wicca is a very peaceful, harmonious and balanced way of life which promotes oneness with the divine and all which exists. Source: http://wicca.com/celtic/wicca/wicca.htm
Wicca (Old English word for "witch") is a pagan nature-based religion characterized by the pre-Christian beliefs and practices in Europe. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wicca
Wicca is a deep appreciation and awe in watching the sunrise or sunset, the forest in the light of a glowing moon, a meadow enchanted by the first light of day. It is the morning dew on the petals of a beautiful flower, the gentle caress of a warm summer breeze upon your skin, or the warmth of the summer sun on your face. Wicca is the fall of colorful autumn leaves, and the softness of winter snow. It is light, and shadow and all that lies in between. It is the song of the birds and other creatures of the wild. It is being in the presence of Mother Earths nature and being humbled in reverence. When we are in the temple of the Lord and Lady, we are not prone to the arrogance of human technology as they touch our souls. To be a Witch is to be a healer, a teacher, a seeker, a giver, and a protector of all things. If this path is yours, may you walk it with honor, light and integrity. Wicca is a belief system and way of life based upon the reconstruction of preChristian traditions originating in Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. While much of the information of how our ancestors lived, worshiped and believed has been lost due to the efforts of the medieval church to wipe our existence from history, we try to reconstruct those beliefs to the best of our ability with the information that is available. Thanks to archaeological discoveries, we now have basis to believe that the origins of our belief system can be traced even further back to the Paleolithic peoples who worshipped a Hunter God and a Fertility Goddess. With the discovery of these cave paintings, estimated to be around 30,000 years old, depicting a man with the head of a stag, and a pregnant woman standing in a circle with eleven other people, it can reasonably be assumed that Witchcraft is one of the oldest belief systems known in the world toady. These archetypes are clearly recognized by Wiccan as our view of the Goddess and God aspect of the supreme creative force and predate Christianity by roughly 28,000 years making it a mere toddler in the spectrum of time as we know it.
What is Wicca
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Witchcraft in ancient history was known as "The Craft of the Wise" because most who followed the path were in tune with the forces of nature, had a knowledge of Herbs and medicines, gave council and were valuable parts of the village and community as Shamanic healers and leaders. They understood that mankind is not superior to nature, the earth and its creatures but instead we are simply one of the many parts, both seen and unseen that combine to make the whole. As Chief Seattle said; "We do not own the earth, we are part of it." These wise people understood that what we take or use, we must return in kind to maintain balance and equilibrium. Clearly, modern man with all his applied learning and technology has forgotten this. Subsequently, we currently face ecological disaster and eventual extinction because of our hunger for power and a few pieces of gold. For the past several hundred years, the image of the Witch has been mistakenly associated with evil, heathenism, and unrighteousness. In my humble opinion, these misconceptions have their origin in a couple of different places. To begin, the medieval church of the 15th through 18th centuries created these myths to convert the followers of the old nature based religions to the churches way of thinking. By making the Witch into a diabolical character and turning the old religious deities into devils and demons, the missionaries were able to attach fear to these beliefs which aided in the conversion process. Secondly, as medical science began to surface, the men who were engaged in these initial studies had a very poor understanding of female physiology, especially in the area of a women's monthly cycles. The unknowns in this area played very well with the early churches agenda lending credence to the Witch Hunters claims and authority. The fledgling medical professions also stood to benefit greatly from this because it took the power of the women healers away giving it to the male physicians transferring the respect and power to them. Unfortunately these misinformed fears and superstitions have carried forward through the centuries and remain to this day. This is why many who follow these nature oriented beliefs have adopted the name of Wicca over its true name of Witchcraft to escape the persecution, harassment and misinformation associated with the name of Witchcraft and Witch not to mention the bad publicity the press and Hollywood has given us simply to generate a profit. Source: http://wicca.com/celtic/wicca/wicca.htm
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What Witchcraft is Witchcraft is a spiritual system that fosters the free thought and will of the individual, encourages learning and an understanding of the earth and nature thereby affirming the divinity in all living things. Most importantly however, it teaches responsibility. We accept responsibility for our actions and deeds as clearly a result of the choices we make. We do not blame an exterior entity or being for our shortcomings, weaknesses or mistakes. If we mess up or do something that brings harm to another, we have no one but ourselves to blame and we must face the consequences resulting from those actions. No ifs, ands or buts and no whining... We acknowledge the cycles of nature, the lunar phases and the seasons to celebrate our spirituality and to worship the divine. It is a belief system that allows the Witch to work with, not in supplication to deities with the intent of living in harmony and achieving balance with all things. The spells that we do involve healing, love, harmony, wisdom and creativity. The potions that we stir might be a headache remedy, a cold tonic, or an herbal flea bath for our pets. We strive to gain knowledge of and use the natural remedies placed on this earth by the divine for our benefit instead of using synthetic drugs unless absolutely necessary. Wiccan believe that the spirit of the One, Goddess and God exist in all things. In the trees, rain, flowers, the sea, in each other and all of natures creatures. This means that we must treat "all things" of the Earth as aspects of the divine. We attempt to honor and respect life in all its many manifestations both seen and unseen. Wiccan learn from and revere the gift of nature from divine creation by celebrating the cycles of the sun, moon and seasons. We search within ourselves for the cycles that correspond to those of the natural world and try to live in harmony with the movement of this universal energy. Our teachers are the trees, rivers, lakes, meadows, mountains and animals as well as others who have walked this path before us. This belief creates a reverence and respect for the environment, and all life upon the Earth. We also revere the spirits of the elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water which combine to manifest all creation. From these four elements we obtain insight to the rhythms of nature and understand they are also the rhythms of our own lives.
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Because Witches have been persecuted for so many centuries, we believe in religious freedom first! We do not look at our path as the only way to achieve spirituality, but as one path among many to the same end. We are not a missionary religion out to convert new members to think the same as we do. We are willing to share our experience and knowledge with those who seek our wisdom and perspective however. We believe that anyone who is meant for this path will find it through their own search as the Goddess speaks to each of us in her time and way. Wiccan practice tolerance and acceptance toward all other religions as long as those faiths do not persecute others or violate the tenant of "Harm None." Source: http://wicca.com/celtic/wicca/wicca.htm
What Witchcraft is not • Witchcraft or Wicca is not a cult. We do not proclaim ourselves to be spokespersons for the divine or try to get others to follow us as their leaders. • We do not worship Satan or consort with Demons. Satan is a Christian creation and they can keep him. We do not need a paranoid creation of supreme evil and eternal damnation to scare us into doing the right thing and helping others. We choose to do the right thing and love our brothers and sisters because it IS the right thing and it feels good to do it. I suppose it is a maturity thing. • We do not sacrifice animals or humans because that would violate our basic tenant of "Harm None." Anyone who does and claims to be a Wiccan or a Witch is lying. • We have no need to steal or control the life force of another to achieve mystical or supernatural powers. We draw our energy from within, our personal relationship with the divine and nature. • We do not use the forces of nature or the universe to hex or cast spells on others. Again, "Harm None" is the whole of the law. Witches have a very strict belief in the Law of Three which states that whatever we send out into our world shall return to us three fold either good or bane. With this in mind, a "True Witch" would hesitate in doing magick to harm or manipulate another because that boomerang we throw will eventually come back to us much larger and harder then when we threw it.
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This is not to say that Witches are perfect, we are human too just like everyone else and make mistakes and errors in judgment. Just as there are parents who love and nurture their children, there are parents who abuse their children. As there are many who devote their lives to giving and helping mankind, likewise there are those who devote their lives to taking advantage of and using people for their own gain. Unfortunately the same flaws in human nature applies to witches too. Most of us continually strive to consider all potential outcomes of our thoughts and actions pausing to seriously consider the consequences before undertaking a ritual, spell or rite that could go astray. It is when we follow the path with the love of the Goddess in our hearts and adhere to the basic tenant of the Reed that our works are beneficial and we achieve harmony and balance with all things. The heart of Wicca is not something summed up into a few short words and can often take on different meaning to each since the Lord and Lady touch us in different ways. To gain a fuller understanding of the Craft, I urge you visit the other pages on this site as well as following the links to a select group of exceptional Wiccan and Witchcraft sites. Through the wisdom and words set down through the ages, you will find that you are able to understand the basis of our beliefs and how they may apply to you. Your inner voice will also quickly let you know if the intent of what you are reading is for superficial purposes to benefit self instead of working to benefit the whole. Remember to read with your heart, for it is when you see life and the world with your heart and spirit that you truly gain an understanding of what Wicca is. Source: http://wicca.com/celtic/wicca/wicca.htm
What is Wicca
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Movement of origin Wicca began in earnest in 1954 when Gerald Brosseau Gardner (1884-1964) published his first book on witchcraft, Witchcraft Today (witchcraft today). Gardner claimed that he had been initiated into a Coven (a collection of witches) in 1939 by Dorothy Clutterbuck, a wealthy English woman who is said to have been a leading figure in the "New Forest Coven." The Coven was a collection of pagan witches, who is said to have met in the English region of New Forest in the early twentieth century. About this Coven actually existed, is still an issue today. Source: http://www.religion.dk/artikel/335730:Andre-religioner--Hvad-er-Wicca
Two kinds Wiccan There are essentially two main groups of practitioners within Wicca: eclectics and those engaged in Covens. Eclectic Wiccan is a collective name for the Wiccan who is not dedicated or belonging to a particular tradition of Wicca, but practicing on their own. Eclectics are primarily their knowledge from books, websites and through personal experience, since they are subsumed into one group. Many are forced to practice Wicca alone, because there exists a Coven nearby. A Coven, or a mess as it is called in Danish, is a witch groups of maximum 13 persons. Traditionally, a Coven is led by a high priestess and high priest. A Coven is formed when some Wiccan decides to regularly practice their faith together. Source: http://www.religion.dk/artikel/335730:Andre-religioner--Hvad-er-Wicca
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Both a god and a goddess In Wicca worship a God and a Goddess as opposites, a religious idea which is akin to the Taoist concept of yin and yang. Traditionally called God "The Horned God" and is associated with nature, wilderness, sexuality, and hunting. Goddess - "The Great Mother Goddess" is often seen as a triple goddess with aspects of 'Virgo', 'mother' and 'Old Woman' and portrayed often as a lunar goddess. Most Wiccans see the Goddess as the leader because she has everything. God is just the spark of life and inspiration within the Goddess, at the same time her lover and child simultaneously. Personalities from other religions, as the Virgin Mary and the Hindu goddess Kali, often seen as manifestations of the Great Mother Goddess. Goddess and God can make themselves known through the body of the priestesses and priests through the full moon ritual, "Drawing Down the Moon" (To Draw Down the Moon). Wiccan sees the spiritual and material world as overlapping. The gods are not distant existences, but close to, and in total. Emphasis is much emphasis on the personal experience of the divine, and that there is harmony with nature. Source: http://www.religion.dk/artikel/335730:Andre-religioner--Hvad-er-Wicca
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Morality in wicca The moral of Wicca is largely based on "The Wiccan Nest", which states that one must do as you like, as long as you take responsibility for his actions, and do their utmost to avoid harming themselves or others. It reads "An Ye Harm None, Do As Ye Will" (If it does no harm, Do What You Want). Additionally weighted "The Rule of Three" (Act 3 time of return), which prescribes that good or bad deeds will come back to a 3-fold. Source: http://www.religion.dk/artikel/335730:Andre-religioner--Hvad-er-Wicca
Fatal ideas about reincarnation Many Wiccans believe in reincarnation. The perception is that before this life rests the soul of a moment in the "Other World" and "Summerland." Therefore, many believe Wiccan that it is possible to contact the dead man's soul through the media or Ouija-board, while others do not believe in this practice. Though Wiccans have several ideas about the afterlife, it is the present life, they focus on. Source: http://www.religion.dk/artikel/335730:Andre-religioner--Hvad-er-Wicca
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What Wicca is not Wicca is not satanist or devil worship in any form. gods are double-sided they have both dark and bright sides of it. This creates balance just as the Goddess and God creates a balance between them. The worship of only the feminine or masculine will create imbalance. But back to what wicca is NOT. It is not no sect, who want to exploit innocent or brainwash others. In that time I have studied wicca, nature and the gods, I have had very little contact with others, since I've known so many. And now we're at it, then I want in on the topic called nudity during rituals. This is up to the individual! It's about to follow him comfortable. Regarding sex, it's not something wicca mixed in. It's not a sin, as we see it in Christianity, but it's not something that occurs when you practice wicca in this country. I have not seen anyone who uses it, or heard or read about someone who uses it in Denmark. Personally I do not think it belongs in such places. Wicca is not an association or organization that you join in. There are a number of venues on the web where you can chat with like-minded, and more places are organized tours, where you can meet with others. Finally, I would like to make the same challenge that I met when I first began my own quest: Read and learn, but be skeptical! Find your own truth, for what is true for me is not necessarily true for you. Do not compromise your positions and follow your heart and your intuition - it can not go wrong. Source: http://www.enchantedforest.dk/wicca/
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Questions about Witchcraft Are Wicca and Witchcraft the same thing? Some say yes, and some say no. I suppose the only way to navigate this question safely is to point out what some may consider the main differences. In general, Wiccans feel free to review different belief systems, such as Celtic, Norse, Essene, Gnosis, or Shamanism, and then blend together any points that "feel" right into their own personal path. Pure Witchcraft on the other hand, may focus a little more tightly on using Magick and ritual to work with the elemental and spiritual forces in nature. Regardless, I feel the differences are slight in that Wicca and Witchcraft both work to achieve balance and harmony within nature and self. Personally, I follow a predominately Celtic Witch/Tantric path. As time passes, I find myself increasingly drawing upon the wisdom and beliefs of other spiritual paths as my knowledge and understanding of them increases. So, when asked I'll tell you I'm a Witch, I also consider myself a Wiccan and perhaps part Shaman because I utilize and blend aspects of them all. Who do Witches Worship? There is a single power defined as the One or All, which is composed of everything it has ever created. This supreme energy force does not rule over the Universe, it IS the Universe. Since most find it difficult to talk to or call upon a faceless mass of Divine energy, this supreme power is personified into male and female aspects as the Goddess and God. This simply makes the concept easier for the human mind to comprehend and relate to. Some take this concept a step further and use actual names, like Astarte, Isis, Odin, Pan, Dianna, Cernunnos, etc., when invoking the Goddess and God. In the end, it is a personal preference and what a Witch uses depends on what "feels" right for them individually.
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How do Witches view Christianity. Are Witches Anti-Christian? Not necessarily. Witchcraft, overall, is very tolerant of other religious views, and does not engage itself in criticizing the beliefs of other people, providing that their beliefs do not violate the basic tenant of "Harm None." Witches do object to religions that attempt to suppress the religious beliefs of others, or every human's right to seek spirituality in their own way. This is why there is a slight rub between Wiccans, Pagans, Witches, and some Christians. Many of them feel they have exclusive rights to the divine. We also have a strong disdain for those who use religion as an excuse to commit mass genocide. The "Burning Times" are a clear historical example of one religious group attempting to exert its philosophies and beliefs upon others using extreme measures. Perhaps an over simplified way of describing our view is this: Imagine a beautiful meadow in the forest, and their are many paths leading to this meadow. It really does not matter which path you take to get there, the important thing is that you get there without harming anyone or anything along the way. Can I follow the path of Wicca or Witchcraft and be a Christian too? Again, some say yes and others maintain that they are completely separate religions. I believe that if one looks closely at the true teachings of Jesus with an open heart, you will find some stark commonalities. It is only when one takes literally the sometimes frail misinterpretations of those who misunderstood the intent or used the teachings to suit their own political agendas that one see's wide differences. As a solitary you are free to choose any path you desire, or any blend that "feels" right to you. The important thing is to not allow a name or word to become a stumbling block. It is the intent of your actions and spirituality that matters in the end. I realize it is a poor comparison; Peanut Butter and Chocolate are two completely separate things. The fact remains, however, that they work pretty well when mixed together. Ultimately you must do what "feels" right to you...
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The Wiccan Rede says "An it harm none, do as ye will." Does that mean a Witch can do anything they want and its OK if they justify the action to themselves? An excellent question indeed! and the answer is no... The whole premise of our belief system is based on living in harmony with all things that exist. This includes, but is not limited to the earth, trees, rivers, lakes, oceans, air, and all of earth's creatures, as well as other people without regard to race, color, religion, or sexual orientation. My interpretation of the Rede tells me that the creative force of the universe has given me an inner voice, or "conscience," which tells me what is right or wrong. It is also this consciousness that connects me to the creator. By listening to this inner voice, (Perhaps I should clarify here. No I do not hear voices, *smile* it is more like something I feel) I try to analyze my impulses and feelings to ensure they are not driven by greed, lust, envy, prejudice or anger. If they are, I try to put them in perspective or discard them all together. I then use common sense and judgment in my actions and accept full responsibility for them. This is not always easy to do, but I try. By keeping these ideals of right and wrong foremost in my mind, as well as seeking to obtain harmony and balance with nature and all living things, I am able to do my best at following the Rede as I go through my day. This is not to say that Witches are perfect, never do anything wrong, or make mistakes. We are still human. We are aware of, or try to be aware of the karmic return of our actions, and are very careful not to send out negative energy in thought or deed. Yes, sometimes a Witch will focus an energy form toward someone who needs a psychic zap. This is only done however when a person is consistently doing something very wrong within society and causing a lot of harm to others. If and when a Witch does zap someone, they do so with the full knowledge that it will eventually return to them and there will be a price to pay according to the Law of Three. There are times when we simply must make a personal sacrifice for the good of the whole and shoulder this weight. When confronted with this type of situation, I prefer to bring this person to the attention of the Goddess, asking her that justice be done according to her will. In this way I am not focusing negative energy towards the individual and therefore am less likely to suffer karmic repercussions.
Questions about Witchcraft
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If Wicca and Witchcraft are not evil, why do you wear black robes? This is another baseless superstition and Witches wear clothing and robes of every color. Black is the combination of all colors and all vibrational rates of light on the material plane. It is known that black is a very good conductor of energy, therefore wearing black simply helps Witches absorb natural energy to increase the power of their thought forms. Personally, I do my Magickal work naked. Gawd, there's an ugly visualization for ya! LOL... OK, so if Wicca and Witchcraft are not evil, why do you hold rituals and ceremonies at night hidden in the woods? This practice has its history in a couple of different things, none of which have anything to do with evil... In the old world, especially within the Celtic tribes, the day followed an entirely different schedule than it does in modern times. The new day for them actually began at sunset. This is also why most observances of holidays were celebrated on the evening before the actual calendar day. The second reason is that survival had an entirely different meaning during those times. Almost without exception, everyone spent their daylight hours tending the crops, their herds, or engaged in their trade. All daylight hours were vitally important simply for survival reasons. OK, so that takes care of why we observed our rites at night during ancient times, and many of the reasons are the same in today's times. For one, most of us are busy working all day earning a living, so the evening is the only time we have to seek spiritual communion. Secondly, Wicca and Witchcraft are still largely misunderstood religions and we are still persecuted for our beliefs. Another reason which is important for me, and possibly for others as well is that I feel a special closeness to the Goddess and God at night. Yes I can, and do, enjoy the mountains and meadows during the daylight, or a sunrise and sunset, but I am truly more aware of the heavens and the great expanse of the Universe at night, so it just makes sense for me. What form does the practice of Witchcraft take? The form and context vary from group to group, and between each ritual, and may run the gamut from elaborate ceremony to spontaneous ritual to simple meditation. How do you see the Goddess and God? Wiccans believe that there are female/male aspects to the One or All and without the union and balance of these two aspects, nothing can exist. See Before Time Was or read the answer to question number two above again for more insight.
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Do all Witches practice their religion the same way? Yes and no. Wicca is a highly individualistic religion. Moreover, the number of different sects within the Craft may give the impression that no two groups practice the same way. Though practices may vary, most traditions have many similarities, such as the working of magick and a respect for nature. Most Witches find enough common ground for mutual support and productive networking throughout the Craft community. Is Witchcraft a cult? No. Cults are groups that trade a sense of salvation and belonging for the ability to think for oneself. They indulge in extravagant homage or adoration (Webster's Dictionary), usually of an earthly leader of some sort. If you know a real Witch, you'll quickly come to find the term "Cult" could not apply to us. Most Wiccans, Witches and pagans come to the Craft individually through reading and communing with nature. They often will remain solitary in their beliefs but other will also find like-minded people to celebrate seasonal cycles or monthly moons with. Witches are extremely individualistic, self sufficient and defend the right of free will without hesitation. Do Witches have a bible? No. A bible is supposedly the word of a deity revealed through a prophet. Witchcraft is a Pagan folk-religion of personal experience. Witchcraft in the old times was much the same as the beliefs of the Essenes, Gnostics, Druids, and many other religions. The teachings were passed along by spoken word through long periods of one-on-one instruction with an Elder of the Craft. This approach was taken because the power and knowledge could be misused in the wrong hands. Therefore, by using only the spoken word, the old masters could ensure those who wished to follow the path had a true understanding and their hearts were in the right place as their knowledge of the mysteries grew. Unfortunately, when the medieval church began its attempts to convert and eliminate rival belief systems, the teachers were either killed outright or went underground resulting in much of the ancient knowledge being lost. If Witches don't have a bible, what do you use? Most modern Witches keep a Book of Shadows, (BOS) or Grimoire, which is more like an individuals workbook, journal, or diary, meaningful to the person who keeps it. This book contains rituals, discoveries, spells, poetry, herb lore, etc. Covens almost always keep a similar group book. I am not exactly sure how the name "Book of Shadows" came to be, but I would assume that this also ties into the Burning Times when the church set out to eliminate all texts along with the followers of the old ways. The writings that existed were more than likely were taken into the shadows and hidden with the survivors. Questions about Witchcraft
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The word Tradition is used quite often. What is the exact meaning of this? Here the word Tradition relates to the beliefs of a specific geographical region such as Celtic, Germanic, Norse, etc., and is sometimes broken down into further subsets. Essentially it is much the same as the variety of denominations seen within Christianity, such as Methodist, Mormon or Catholic. Do Witches cast spells? Some do and some don't. Spellwork should never be the focus of following this path and those who seek our ways only for this purpose are very misguided. A spell is a ritual formula, or series of steps, to direct psychic energy to accomplish a desired end. This energy is drawn from the Earth with the aid of elementals, concentrated and sent out into the world to achieve a positive goal. Since Witchcraft teaches that whatever one sends out is returned threefold, Witches are very careful to never send out harmful energy carelessly. The Christian word for this is "Prayer". The only real difference is that Witches also invoke the aid of spirit guides, familiars or other elemental energies to add strength to the process as well as using ritual tools. Do Witches worship the devil? No. Satan, or the Devil, has absolutely no place in Wicca or Witchcraft. The worship of Satan is the practice of profaning Christian symbolism and is thus a Christian heresy, rather than a Pagan religion. The Goddess and God of the Witches are in no way connected to Satanic practices. Satan, or the Devil, is a Christian creation and they are more than welcome to keep him. Are Witches only women? No, although women do seem to predominate in the Craft overall. In fact, some traditions have only women practitioners, just as others have only men. A male Witch is simply called a Witch, never a warlock and it is considered an insult to call a male Witch "Warlock". The word "Warlock" actually means "oath breaker". Some traditions of Wicca separate between female/male. The word "Wicce" pronounced (Wik-kay) designates a female Witch and "Wicca" pronounced (Wik-kah) designates a male Witch.
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How do Witches view Sex? Sex is part of nature and sacred to the Deities and Witches. Just like everyone else, we think it's wonderful. The Great Rite at Beltane is a symbolic representation of the union between the Goddess and God resulting in the creation of all that exists. Very few, if any, traditions engage in sex as a part of group rites and there are no orgies during ritual. Many couples who have chosen each other, and jointly follow the path, do use sex magick in their private rites and rituals, however. It is a deeply intimate sharing of body, spirit and soul which bonds them together closer than anything else can. What is the purpose of performing ceremonies Skyclad? The term skyclad means "Clad only by the sky". Not all Witches perform rituals skyclad, but there are those who believe that the absence of clothing allows energy to transfer to and from them more freely. Many simply feel closer to the Goddess and God while in their natural form without the bindings of human technology, insecurities or socially retarded inhibitions regarding the human form. Many wear a robe or some other clothing made of natural materials while participating in group activities and go skyclad only when observing rites alone or with their mate. Regardless, going skyclad during ritual is in no way a sexual act, it is a deeply spiritual one for those who "choose" to do so. Is Witchcraft a religion? Yes, Witchcraft is a nature based religion and it has been recognized as such in the United States and Canada. In the U.S., Wicca has full recognition as a religion and is granted all rights as such under the Constitution. The American Heritage Dictionary defines religion as "a belief in and reverence for a supernatural power recognized as the creator and governor of the universe". So yes, it does qualify as such. Our definition differs slightly in that to us, the creator of the universe IS the universe. Witchcraft, or Wicca, is not something that can be followed once in a while or when it is convenient or we need or want something. It is a dedication made to nature, the deities and yourself. It is a way of life, and as such we are mindful of the balance between ourselves and all things within the universe at all times. How do Witches view death? Many Witches believe in reincarnation and the Summerland. After passing over, Summerland is where the spirit awaits to be returned into a new physical form. We do not believe in an absolute Heaven or Hell where the spirit spends eternity as reward or punishment for ones earthly actions.
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How can someone find out more about Witchcraft? Ours is not a missionary religion, and we never try to make converts. We feel that if this path is right for you, you will find your way to it. We are, however, becoming more visual and vocal in an attempt to educate and dispel myths and superstitions about the Craft. You need not worry about a Witch knocking on your door and wanting to come in and share passages from their BOS. For those who are interested there are many excellent books in our suggested reading list. Some Witches also teach classes or facilitate discussion groups. In this way, people may make contact with a like minded Coven, form their own groups or share thoughts and beliefs with others. There is also a growing number of superb craft sites on the internet, periodicals, and national and regional festivals through which a seeker can make contact with the larger Craft community. Source: http://wicca.com/celtic/wicca/wicca.htm
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Definitions of Wicca, Pagan & Witchcraft Wicca: A modern Pagan religion with spiritual roots in the earliest expressions of reverence for nature. Some major identifying motifs are: reverence for both the Goddess and God; acceptance of reincarnation and magick; ritual observance of astronomical and agricultural phenomena; and the use of magickal circles for ritual purposes. Wicce: Synonymous with Wicca. In some circles, Wicce is used for women and Wicca is used for men. Witch: A practitioner of folk magick, particularly that kind relating to herbs, stones, colors, wells, rivers, etc. It is used by some Wiccans to describe themselves. This term has nothing to do with Satanism. Witchcraft: The craft of the witch - magick, especially magick utilizing personal power in conjunction with the energies within stones, herbs, colors, and other natural objects. This belief system also has nothing to do with Satanism. Pagan/Neo-Pagan/Paganism: General term for followers of Wicca and other magickal, shamanistic, and polytheistic Earth-based religions. Also used to refer to pre-Christian religious and Spiritual belief systems. Source: http://wicca.com/celtic/wicca/definitions.htm
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What Is Magick I suppose I could ramble on for quite some time about what Magick of Wicca, Witches and Witchcraft is or is not. Instead, I will offer this brief writing I found somewhere. Unfortunately I cannot remember where I came across it or who the author was, but I thought it was clear, concise and to the point. It very simply dispels everything that some religions, old superstitions and of course Hollywood have tried to make people believe magick is. Magick is finding your connection to the Earth and all that is natural, alive and moving in the universe! It binds all that exists together. Magick is living in balance with the flow of life, and knowing that you are a vital force within that flow. Magick is everywhere! In the trees, rain, stars, and in the sea. It is the spark that quickens a seed to rise up from the soil. Magick is laughter, joy, wonder and truth the of the world around us! It is the subtle enchantment that reminds us not to waste a single moment of this gift that we call life! Magick is not greed, or power, or pretense...It is real. It exists. And it works. Magick is the mystery that lies in the secret soul of the world. It is the essence of creation. What we imagine, we have the power to create! MAGICK IS WITHIN YOU... With it you can create your dreams, heal your world, love your life and find the peace that lives in every human heart. Source: http://wicca.com/celtic/wicca/magick.htm
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How to Become a Wiccan or Witch Being a Wiccan or Witch is generally not something you are born as or just wake up one morning and decide to become. More often than not, you come across it by accident unless you were raised that way. Many find the philosophies of how Wicca and Witchcraft view nature are the same as the one's they currently hold. They just didn't know there was a specific belief system that shared the same views. As Silver RavenWolf accurately stated in her book To Ride A Silver Broomstick. "The Charge comes to each of us in a different manner. It is that moment in our lives when we feel the Magick of the Universe for the very first time coursing through us... and we know beyond all real and imagined shadows that this calling to the mysteries is indeed there. That it is truly there, and not a whimsical flight from reality." If you are one who has seen striking similarities between what you believe and have found here, there are generally accepted ways to increase your awareness and find communion with others who feel the same. The following are the steps I would recommend to any one who wishes to learn more. Read everything you can get your hands on that will tell you more about the beliefs of Wicca and Witchcraft. Only by learning as much as you can about the basic beliefs and tenets of this path can you decide if the old way's are right for you. While doing this, you will begin to form associations and hopefully find correspondances within yourself. Note these feelings in a journal or diary. Write down the reasons you think Witchcraft is your path. What does being a Witch mean to you? What do you hope to achieve and learn? What do you fear about following this path? How do you see the Goddess and God? What does the Divine mean to you? Be absolutely honest with yourself here, this is a private book and nobody else will ever read it. This notebook will help you design your dedication/self-initiation ritual and eventually evolve into your Book of Shadows. There are no right or wrong answers and it is not a test. It is only a way to help you define your understanding of this path.
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Most importantly, listen to your inner voice. It is usually very good council and will not lead you astray. If something you read, hear or are told does not feel right, then it usually isn't right for you. If everything still feels right and you are sure Witchcraft is the path for you wish to follow after all this studying, now is the time to perform a dedication ritual. This ritual should be yours and yours alone. Design it however you want to and in a way that will be most meaningful to you. A dedication ritual means exactly what it sounds like. You are dedicating yourself to the Craft and making the decision to live life in closer harmony and balance with the earth and nature. You are making a commitment to yourself and the Divine. Mine was on the shore of a remote high cascade mountain lake here in Oregon. The dancing light of the campfire on the trees, a full moon reflecting off the snow pack fed waters of the lake all combined with the energy of surrounding nature. This setting was ideal for me but something completely different might be right for you. I haven't mentioned anything about spells because you need to complete the first two steps before you even think about working with spells. Before you begin working with magick, you need to understand what it is, where it comes from and the ethics involved. You will also need to learn and understand the basic structure of rituals, Casting circles, calling quarters, invoking the Goddess and God, raising and directing energy, grounding, centering and closing the circle. Magick is raising and channeling the energy found in yourself, nature and in the Divine. A Witch combines this energy with their focused efforts. It takes dedication, effort, energy and hard work to achieve a desired result. The main ethical tenet to always remember is the point of the Witches Rede: "An It Harm None." Magick is not Hollywood hocus-pocus. It is not bending the natural order of things to fit your needs or desires. If that is what you are looking for, you are in the wrong place. Witches have had enough bad press over the past few centuries and are working hard to turn those misconceptions around. We do not need people running around claiming to put spells and hexes on people because they cannot face reality, are not willing to work for what they want or are looking for an easy solution to their problems. Magick doesn't work that way... How to Become a Wiccan or Witch
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All your reading and study will help you prepare for this. The Suggested Reading Section of our on-line catalog offer some excellent resources to help you understand these basic concepts. You will also find that meditation and visualization exercises will increase your concentration. The ability to focus and visualize will greatly increase the power of your magick. Breathing exercises will help you focus as well so spend time on them. If you are interested in joining a Coven, most will require the traditional year and a day of study before initiating new members. This gives you time to explore the religion and decide if it is the right path for you as well as giving you and the Coven members time to get to know one another. Covens are generally very selective and rightfully so. There are many out there who seek this path for all the wrong reasons. Written by: Herne Source: http://wicca.com/celtic/wicca/howto.htm
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Warnings & Cautions For The New Wiccan If you've looked at this site at all, you've seen the wonderful things that happen when you begin following a Wiccan path. I've been asked to discuss the not-so-nice things that can happen. I'm not trying to scare anyone off, just give you enough information so you can make an informed decision. The Shadows are out there They exist, in the invisible world that parallels our own, living creatures. Unlike creatures from our world, they lack physical form, and feed on energy instead of matter. They are as varied as the animal life on our world. They range in size (power) from the equivalent of insects and rodents to the equivalent of magically trained humans, and beyond to the Great Old Ones. (My land is inhabited by one of these-it gives the psychic impression of a mountain with legs. It is not unfriendly, but an elephant is not unfriendly toward ants either. I stay out of our woods when it is about.) I mentioned that these creatures feed on energy. Most are content to graze on the random energy fields that leak from humans and other creatures in our world. Others, however, are a little more sinister. These, the ones you have to worry about, I call the Shadows. Shadows come in three basic varieties. First are the little ones that feed off the energy in negative emotions. If you are emitting strong negativity, they will be drawn to you like flies to rotten meat. If you aren't magically protected, they will happily latch onto your energy field (aura) and snack on it. They are usually not much more troublesome than leeches or mosquitoes; however, a thousand leeches could weaken a person severely. Next come the more dangerous variety, more like rats or vultures than mosquitoes. These are attracted both by negative emotions and the energy of magical workings. They are stronger, and can push past weak or flawed defenses to get to you. And they are much harder to peel loose once they have their teeth into you. Last are the intelligent variety. Their favorite meal is human life energy, the 'heart-fire' that burns in each of us. They are relatively rare even in their own realm, but they exist. The terms 'Imp' , 'Evil Spirit' and 'Demon' are fairly accurate. They are very strong. The more intelligent ones are capable of working their own Magic to breach your defenses. The most intelligent variety , being as lazy as humans, prefer to talk you into dropping your defenses and linking your energy field to theirs. ("Open yourself to me, and I will grant you power beyond your wildest dreams." Yeah, right.) They also are capable (if someone is helpful enough to open a doorway for them) of Warnings & Cautions For The New Wiccan
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entering our world. Once here, if they can get past all your defenses unless you are very strong at warding. They can enter your body and feast at will, even asserting a degree of control over you. Yes, this is exactly like the old stories of Demon possession. You - yes, you can be a Vampire There exist in this world evil creatures. They are highly intelligent, capable of working magic, and extremely devious. They are capable of not only psychic magical attacks, but physical ones as well. As a species, they tend to be amoral, murderous animals. I call them 'humans'. Humans are also capable of 'feeding' off the energies of other humans- Herne (owner of this website) calls them "Psychic Vampires". They do this to gain more magical power, to control others, or to replace the energies they are losing by dealing with the Shadows. Some humans can even do this while traveling astrally. So that Evil Spirit that tried to get into your last circle may not have been from the other side; it could have been your next-door neighbor. Oops! Did I just do that? Magic is an art form. Despite the best efforts of Ritual Magicians and Technopagans, it remains as unpredictable and powerful as the weather unless you are highly skilled and focused. Scientists studying weather prediction in the 1970's discovered something amazing. Weather, they found, is so unstable as to be impossible to predict more than a day or two in advance. In fact, computer models suggested something they called the Butterfly Theory. It seems that the air disturbed by a butterfly taking off from a cactus in Mexico, if it happened at the right time and place, could in theory cause devastating storms and tornadoes in the U.S. Midwest. Magic is very similar. Each action we take, magical or mundane, has consequences that spread out from it like the ripples in a pond. They spread out, touching everything- and reflect back to converge on the source. Be very sure, then, before you work magic, exactly what the consequences may be. Ask yourself, "If this spell backfires on me, and affects me instead of the intended target, can I live with the result?" Thus, I tend to use magic "only in direst need, and then must the cause be just" (author unknown). Some Wiccans counsel about how rain on your fields could cause drought elsewhere. This might be true, if you are trying with your own personal power to 'squeeze' the rain clouds as they pass over. But asking the Lady and Lord for the blessing of rain for everybody's crops is a different thing entirely. Selfish magic has negative consequences: Loving, giving magic only positive ones. For Selfishness is the true root of all evil. "I want it! Destroy the world, Warnings & Cautions For The New Wiccan
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let Chaos take the universe, as long as I get what I want!" Be careful of what you ask, you just may get it... Power corrupts So, you've studied hard, learned all about Wiccan magic, and now you find you can really do things. All the power of the Elements is yours to command. Love, money, power, respect- all these are yours. You are special. You are powerful. You are a God! Now, you must convince others to worship you, to lend you their energy so that your power can grow. But that's OK, because you are a loving God, and you want only what's best for your worshipers. And you know what's best for them, for you know all, and see all. For you alone are God of this world you have created. Can't happen? Do the names Jim Jones, Sun Myung Moon or David Koresh ring a bell? It is important to remember that the gift of magical power is just that- a gift from the Lady and Lord. It must never be abused. And glorifying yourself because of something lent to you is like showing up at your class reunion in a borrowed suit and a rented Jaguar. This reason and this reason alone is why you will not find the Council of this site posting or trading spells and rituals. We don't hand out loaded guns here. In my next article, I will try to teach the basics of magical defense- how to keep the Shadows at bay, how to shield yourself from negative energy, and what to do if you suspect you are being attacked psychically. Until then, Merry Part. And don't link your life force to anything with glowing red eyes and a black aura. Written by: Erik & Herne Source: http://wicca.com/celtic/wicca/cautions.htm
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Magickal Protection & Psychic Self-Defense Magic works. This is the first thing you have to learn. If you don't believe that magic gives you the power to reshape the universe, you're wasting your time. Because if you believe a spell or ritual won't work, it won't. Period. And if you do believe in the power of magic, then you need to realize that when you use it you are putting your hands on the same forces that move the tides and spawn tornadoes. And that by doing so, you have the potential to harm yourself or others. I have often compared working magic to rock climbing. It takes years of study and practice before you're ready to try it. It is fairly safe, if you know what you're doing and take appropriate safety precautions. At the same time, a mistake can ruin your whole day or worse. In this article, I will outline a few basic techniques for protecting yourself and your home. While these are essential while working magic, they are also useful anytime. For example, there's no better night's sleep than in a room that's been magically shielded to keep out psychic noise. Let's start with Shielding. This is a technique for creating a magical 'force field' around your person or a place, to keep out unwanted energy. This could be psychic 'background noise', nasty astral critters, or magical energy directed at you. Many people do this unconsciously all their lives. Others of us have to learn how. The method I use is to visualize a 'net' of energy around the area to be shielded. Remember to 'see' it in 3D, a sphere rather than a circle. (This is where those visualization exercises come into practical use.) I generally use my personal energy to power it. I visualize negative energy being absorbed by my shields and flowing into the earth. ("Ground and Center" here.) I visualize it as porous, though, so that energy I send can pass through. With practice, you will be able to shield yourself instantly, without thinking. I have found that exhaustion or alcohol quickly erode my ability to shield, so keep this in mind. Once you have shields, there is lots of nifty magic you can do with them. I'll describe some of these in an article for an advanced class. Warding is a similar technique. I define a Ward as a Shield anchored to a physical place. Instead of using your energy, though, you let Earth energy flow upward to power it. With practice, you can create a stable, Earthpowered shield. This leaves more energy for spell work, or allows you to drop your own shields and recharge. Reinforce the visualization regularly, and it can be permanent, to protect your Circle or home. I tend to anchor wards with physical objects-a stone, carved runes, etc. But it is the visualization that really matters. If the mental image fails, the shield will fail, Magickal Protection & Psychic Self-Defense
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no matter how many runes you carve. Occasionally, when going about my daily life, I will feel a 'tickle' at my aura as some kind of psychic energy contacts it. Other times, the hair stands up on the back of my neck, and I quickly raise my shields. And on rarer occasions, I feel a sudden energy drain as my shields (thank the Lady and Lord) go from standby to maximum power before I know what's happened. In these situations there are a few shielding tricks I use. First is the mirror. I visualize the outside of my shields as a perfect mirror, reflecting any energy back to it's source. Next is making the inside of my shields a mirror. I use this to contain any psychic energy I might be emitting, hopefully making myself psychically 'stealthy'. Last is the 'iron wall' or 'stone tower' visualization, changing the thin energy shield into a massive fortress. This requires a lot of power, but when huge waves of negativity are breaking over you, it really helps. Now on to a few active techniques. If negative energy keeps coming at me, I don't sit back and continue to shield until exhausted. The ancient warriors knew that any purely defensive battle is doomed, if it goes on long enough. Invoking the Lady and Lord is probably the surest and simplest defense. Malevolent entities (wether astral or earthly) tend to avoid the presence of the Deity. In fact, the nastier they are, the faster they run. But like most kids, I don't like bothering Mom and Dad all the time with small problems I've been taught to handle myself. The most basic technique is calling White Fire. This is the Light energy of the universe, the silver-white of the Moon and the firewhite of the Sun, the sum total of the magical Elements. Let it flow in from all around you until you feel like a ball of lightning, then send a directed bolt of it back in the direction the negative energy came from. While the mind alone is all you need to do this, I find my sword/athame is a perfect tool for this. (I feel the Rede does not prohibit self-defense, but that's another article, too.) If this doesn't work, you can still call on the Lady and Lord in their warrior/protector aspects to help you. Written by: Erik Source: http://wicca.com/celtic/wicca/defense.htm
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Divination & Scrying As this section grows, we will discuss the many different forms Witches use for Divination. If you are unfamiliar with the term, Divination is simply the use of an object or objects to ascertain answers to questions or to see an event or events which are not perceptible to the average person. Divination takes many forms and while some of the Craft will use several different techniques, everyone will end up with one favorite or more successful way of obtaining answers to their questions. Just about anything can be used as a divination tool and over the centuries just about everything has. Some of the more popular and well known methods are: Crystal and or Crystal Ball Gazing, Reading Tea Leaves, Gazing into a pool or bowl of water, Tarot Cards, Feng Shui, Palmistry, Candle Gazing and the list goes on and on. Witches and Pagans have always been credited with having special powers, with being able to see the unseen. This is merely a result of our ability to work with our "Spirit Guides or "Spirit Twins" to obtain answers to the questions we seek. In the following sections, we will cover these methods and the various tools employed to achieve these goals. As time permits, either myself or one of the Councilors discuss these areas. For now, one of our guests has provided the technique that she has achieved good success with and would like to share it with you. Source: http://wicca.com/celtic/divination/intro.htm
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Elements & Magick The Ancients divided the world into four basic principles or *elements* earth, water, fire, and air. That viewpoint has mostly changed with advances of science, but the four elements are still accepted in magick, for they are more closely linked with emotions, the human psyche, and with nature than are modern explanations of the world. These *magical elements* are also of some importance in astrology. Many occultists think of the magical elements as forces, or as *qualities* of energy; especially within the astral world. Each element has a symbol and color. (Common symbols are -- fire: a triangle pointing up; air: a triangle pointing up and with a horizontal line through the middle of it; water: a triangle pointing down; earth: a triangle pointing down and with a horizontal line through the middle of it.) Colors of the elements are -- earth: brown and green; water: blue; fire: red; air: yellow... The Eastern tattvic system uses different symbols and colors. (The tattvic symbols are briefly described later on in this course.) The elements are often used in magick ritual. Magick sees relationships between things. These relationships are called 'correspondences'. Although magical correspondences are not literally equal to one another, you can think of them that way (such as gold equals sun). Tables of these relationships, called 'Correspondence Tables', are available (an important one is Crowley's '777'). Thus one thing or symbol can be used to suggest another. This is important in magick, for the magician may surround himself with as many appropriate correspondences as he can to vividly affect the senses; thus making his magical contact with the inner planes more lucid. The magical elements have correspondences with the tarot cards as the four suits. The four quarters (directions of the universe as used in magick ritual) and the Archangels also correspond with these same elements. Element Earth Water Fire Air
Suit Pentacles Cups Swords Wands
Quarter North West South East
Archangel Uriel Gabriel Michael Raphael
Astrological signs also correspond with the elements. Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn are earth signs. Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are water signs. Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are fire signs. Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius are air signs.
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ELEMENTALS The magical elements are said to be peopled by spirits and mythological entities called elementals or nature spirits. These are grouped into four main categories: Earth Gnome Dwarfs Elves Brownies Hobgoblins Leprechauns
Water Undine Nymphs Tritons Mermaids Mermen Sirens Harpies Salamander
Fire Jin Genies
Air Sylph Faries Angles
Elementals are usually only visible to those with clairvoyant sight and are more likely to be seen at night in the mountains or country away from cities -especially if you are tired or sleepy. Although elementals exist naturally, it is also possible to create one which will exist for a limited time -- no elemental has immortality. A created elemental is called an 'artificial elemental'. To the Ancients, elementals were the physical explanation of the universe. However, some contemporary occultists see them only as symbols for forces and otherwise not 'real' at all. Another word sometimes used for elemental is 'familiar' (usually in medieval witchcraft); the term is ambiguous, as it might merely be an ordinary household pet such as a dog or cat. YIN YANG Chinese philosophy and acupuncture talk of yin yang. This is the idea of polarity, or opposite pairs, as shown: Yin Water Contraction Cold Feminine Moon Negative Passive Ebb Wane Elements & Magick
Yang Fire Expansion Hot Masculine Sun Positive Active Flow Wax Page | 34
The list could go on. In Chinese literature it is quite long. Some occultists suggest everything can be similarly arranged into related opposite pairs. SIMPLE MAGICK Here is a simple magical technique you may wish to try. It is a variation of affirmation, which was discussed in an earlier lesson...To help you to achieve your goal (magical or otherwise), find a word or short phase which sums up what it is that you want to accomplish. Write the word (or phrase) down 10 times each day until you achieve success. Source: http://wicca.com/celtic/elements/elements.htm
The Concept Of Deity As mentioned in earlier documents, Wiccans, Pagans and Witches see the divine as being manifest at all levels of humanities limited ability to comprehend the universe world around us. The fact that some may call upon or associate with the divine by different names does not necessarily mean that we see a complete seperation of deities. We accept that different aspects of the divine combine to make the whole. In this view, we recognize and attune ourselves with nature and the creative force in a way the individual or group is most comfortable with. The following is an explanation of this concept which most agree upon. The Supreme Creative Force The One is the all encompassing unity of all things which exist. This includes that which is manifest to our limited awareness and understanding as well as that which is not. The One is infinite to a point that the human mind simply cannot comprehend its vastness. Polarities of The One The Goddess and God are seen as a manifestation of the feminine and masculine forces of nature. Each having unique characteristics that when combined result in the harmonious creation of life. We see examples of this in everything around us as nothing can exist without the interaction of feminine and masculine energy. This creative energy is omnipresent. They are concepts that allow the human mind to comprehed the creative force of the world around us.
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Giving name to the divine or feminine and masculine energies is in many ways irrevalent and certainly cannot justify the wars and bloodshed history has seen because of it. They are simply names humanity, a culture or specific belief system has created over time for association purposes. It really matters little whether we associate with the divine as the "Father, Son and Holy Ghost" or "The One, Goddess and God." Ultimately, the concept is the same. Written by: Herne Source: http://wicca.com/celtic/wicca/concepts.htm
Witches Reed of Chivalry Insofar as the Craft of the Wise is the most ancient and most honorable creed of humankind, it behooves all who are Witches to act in ways that give respect to the Old Gods, to their sisters and brothers of the Craft, and to themselves. Therefore, be it noted that: 1. Chivalry is a high code of honour which is of most ancient Celtic Pagan origin, and must be lived by all who follow the Old ways. 2. It must be kenned that thoughts and intent put forth on this Middle-Earth will wax strong in other worlds beyond, and return... bringing into creation, on this world, that which had been sent forth. Thus one should exercise discipline, for "as ye sow, so shall ye reap." 3. It is only by preparing our minds to be as Gods that we can ultimately attain godhead. 4. "This above all...to thine own self be true...." 5. A Witch's word must have the validity of a signed and witnessed oath. Thus, give thy word sparingly, but adhere to it like iron. 6. Refrain from speaking ill of others, for not all truths of the matter may be known. 7. Pass not unverified words about another, for hearsay is, in large part, a thing of falsehoods. 8. Be thou honest with others, and have them known that honesty is likewise expected of them.
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9. The fury of the moment plays folly with the truth; to keep one's head is a virtue. 10. Contemplate always the consequences of thine acts upon others. Strive not to harm another. 11. Though there may be differences between those of the Old Ways, diverse covens and circles may well have diverse views. These views, even if they are different than yours, should always be given respect. When a coven, circle, clan, or grove is visited or joined, one should discern quietly their practices, and abide thereby. 12. Dignity, a gracious manner, and a good humour are much to be admired. 13. As a Witch, thou hast power, and thy powers wax strongly as wisdom increases. Therefore exercise discretion in the use thereof. 14. Courage and honour endure forever. Their echoes remain when the mountains have crumbled to dust. 15. Pledge friendship and fealty to those who so warrant. Strengthen others of the Brethren and they shall strengthen thee. 16. Thou shalt not reveal the secrets of another Witch or another Coven. Others have laboured long and hard for them, and cherish them as treasures. 17. Those who follow the mysteries should be above reproach in the eyes of the world, and should always seek to make this so. 18. The laws of the land should be obeyed whenever possible and within reason, for in the main they have been chosen with wisdom for the well-being of all. 19. Have pride in thyself, and seek perfection in body and in mind. For the Lady hath said, "How canst thou honour another unless thou give honour to thyself firstly?" 20. Those who seek the Mysteries should consider themselves as select of the Gods, for it is they who lead the race of humankind to the highest of thrones and beyond to the very stars. Source: http://wicca.com/celtic/wicca/chivalry.htm
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Before Time Was Before time was, there was The One; The One was all, and all was The One. And the vast expanse known as the universe was The One, all wise, all pervading, all powerful, eternally changing. And space moved. The One molded energy into twin forms, equal but opposite, fashioning the Goddess and God from The One and of The One. The Goddess and God stretched and gave thanks to The One, but darkness surrounded them. They were alone, solitary save for The One. So they formed energy into gases and gases into suns and planets and moons; They sprinkled the universe with whirling globes and so all was given shape by the hands of the Goddess and God. Light arose and the sky was illuminated by a billion suns. The Goddess and God, satisfied by their works, rejoiced and loved, and were one. From their union sprang the seeds of all life, and the human race so that we might achieve incarnation upon the Earth. The Goddess chose the Moon as her symbol, and the God the Sun as his to remind the inhabitants of Earth of their creators. All are born, live, die and are reborn beneath the Moon and Sun; All things come to pass thereunder, and all occurs with the blessings of The One, the Goddess and God, as has been the way of existence since before time was. Written by: Scott Cunningham Source: http://www.wicca.com/celtic/wicca/before.htm
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Goddess Goddess in Wicca is the Great Mother. She is the foundation of everything existence: she is Mother of all things. She is the Creator, but also the destroyer, she is double sided, which creates balance. She also represents the balance - the balance of nature and the balance between life and death. She is Earth Mother, Moon Goddess and Star Goddess at the same time, just like she is queen of the Earth, Queen of Heaven and Queen of the Underworld. Her many faces we see in the many goddesses. She is the virgin Artemis and Aphrodite seductress, she is Isis, the woman over the power of words; She is Cerridwen, Fortryllersken by its boiler; She is Hecate, Mistress of Magic and the Dark Moon. She has all the goddesses, and all goddesses are part of her. She is also the triple goddess, maiden, mother and the Old Wife (Maiden, Mother, Crone). These concepts are derived from human experience, which is subject to time and death; Goddess is eternal: always changing and always self-renewing. She is so young and so old as she wants. As a Virgo, she is the Creator, Star Goddess, Queen of Heaven, gives the inspiration and the one who inaugurates. She is Artemis, the moon shape and the Wild Thing. She is always virgin, and therefore no wife. Sunrise, spring, new moon, Venus as Morning Star and Evening Star and the start of a new growing season is her. She is enchanting, seductive, gentle, and thriving as she reigns over growth times. Her sacred colors, white and blue and the title "Queen of Heaven" was borrowed by the Catholic church to the Virgin Mary and the Catholic Church had thus Statue live on through the Virgin Mary. In the year cycle and the goddess, she follows the Old Woman, after the winter, death and darkness. She represents hope, light, life and rebirth of spring, life back to nature, animal babies are born and growths appear. She is forever young part of us that takes delight in life's wonders and possibilities lengths. She is raw and untamed material that we can shape, and the young potential. In her aspect as mother protector of life, the woman of growth and fertility, the bride and the Goddess of Sovereignty. She rules over the flocks and herds, the country's fertility across the field and love, and full moon, summer, dinner is her. She is the queen of the earth, and through the sacred marriage with her that God has allowed to ascend the throne. Her sacred color is red or silver.
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In the year and goddess circuit, she follows the Virgin, after spring. She is the lush nature through the summer and harvest. She brings food and shelter for her children. As a wife she also protects married women, just as she watches over mothers and children. The Old Woman is the last aspect of the Goddess. She destroyer, Woman of Lower, weakness and death, goddess of the night and the underworld goddess. She tells us that everything that is born must also grow old, decay and die, so it can nurture new life. For life always gives birth to new life. She watches over caves and tombs, and she is born again Goddess. Wisdom is hers, and she knows that patience brings all the answers. She knows the mysteries, and waning moon, the dark night, shadows silence, midnight's crossroads, winter and widow's wail her. She is the wise woman, who touched in his big black kettle, and she is the old woman who lives in the woods and can learn many secrets from him. The power of solitude and silence her, and she knows how to use it. In the year and goddess circuit follows her mother, as winter follows fall. She is growing dark, but she also represents peace in the darkness of night and death. It is time for learning, and one must also accept his dark part. She also reigns over our subconscious and dreams of empire, and she can help us to complete a cycle. Her sacred color is black. This is the description of the Goddess in outline. But to understand who she is and what she stands for, come all by itself, as one reads more and more and even looking for her. There are some texts that I feel gives a glimpse of her, too, and although I did not know where they originally come from, I would still share them here. Source: http://www.enchantedforest.dk/wicca/
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The Charge Of The Goddess 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 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 all things that are as yet unknown. And ye shall be free from slavery; and as a sign that ye be truly free, you 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 ideals; strive ever towards them, let nothing 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 wine of life, and the Cauldron of Cerridwen, which is the Holy Vessel 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 sacrifice; for behold, I am the Mother of all living, and my love is poured out upon the Earth.
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I 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 my 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 rejoicest, for behold, all acts of love and pleasure are my rituals. Therefore, let there be beauty and strength, power and compassion, honor and humility, mirth and reverence within you. And thou who thinketh to seek for me, know thy seeking and yearning shall avail thee not, unless thou knoweth the mystery; that if that which thou seekest thou findest not within thee, thou 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. Source: http://www.controverscial.com/The%20Charge%20of%20the%20Goddess.htm
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Song of the Goddess I am the Great Mother, worshipped by all creation and existent prior to their consciousness. I am the primal female force, boundless and eternal. I am the chaste Goddess of the Moon, the Lady of all magic. The winds and moving leaves sing my name. I wear the crescent Moon upon my brow and my feet rest among the starry heavens. I am mysteries yet unsolved, a path newly set upon. I am a field untouched by the plow. Rejoice in me and know the fullness of youth. I am the blessed Mother, the gracious Lady of the harvest. I am clothed in the deep, cool wonder of the Earth and the gold of the fields heavy with grain. By me the tides of the Earth are ruled; all things come to fruition according to my season. I am refuge and healing. I am the life giving Mother, wondrously fertile. I am the Crone, tender of the unbroken cycle of death and rebirth. I am the wheel, the shadow of the Moon. I rule the tides of the oceans and of women and men. I give release and renewal to weary souls. I am the Goddess of the Moon, the Earth, the Seas. My names are many, yet know that by all names I am the same. I pour forth insight, peace, wisdom and understanding. I am the eternal Maiden, Mother of all, and Crone of reckoning, and I send you blessings of limitless love. Source: http://www.wicca.com/celtic/wicca/song.htm
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The Legend of the descent of the Goddess Now our Lady the Goddess had never loved, but She would solve all the Mysteries, even the Mystery of Death; and so She journeyed to the Underworld. The Guardians of the Portals challenged her: "Strip off thy garments, lay aside thy jewels; for naught mayest thou bring with the into this our land." So She laid down her garments and her jewels, and was bound, as are all who enter the Realms of Death, the Mighty One. Such was her beauty, that Death himself knelt and kissed her feet, saying: "Blessed be thy feet, that have brought thee in these ways. Abide with me; but let me place my cold hand on thy heart." She replied: "I love thee not. Why dost thou cause all things that I love and take delight in to fade and die?" "Lady," replied Death, "tis age and fate, against which I am helpless. Age causes all things to wither; but when men die at the end of time, I give them rest and peace, and strength so that they may return. But thou! Thou art lovely. Return not; abide with me!" But She answered: "I love thee not." Then said Death: "An thou receivest not my hand on thy heart, thou must receive Death's scourge." "It is fate - better so," She said. And She knelt, and Death scourged her tenderly. And She cried, "I feel the pangs of love." And Death said, "Blessed Be!" and gave her the Fivefold Kiss, saying: "Thus only mayest thou attain to joy and knowledge." And he taught her all the Magicks. For there are three great events in the life of man: Love, Death, and Resurrection in the new body; and Magick controls them all. For to fulfill love you must return again at the same time and place as the loved one, and you must remember and love them again. But to be reborn you must die and be ready for a new body; and to die you must be born; and without love you may not be born; and this is all the Magicks. Source: http://www.paganlibrary.com/stories/legend_of_descent_of_goddess.php
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The Charge of the Dark Goddess I have chosen to include this "dark" version because I want's to show her duality, which I consider very important. 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 crossroads, 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. Goddess
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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. Source: http://www.enchantedforest.dk/wicca/
Charge of the Crone Hear the words of the Dark Goddess who stands within the crossroads, whose torch illuminates the Underworld: I am the Queen of Magic and the dark of the Moon, hidden in the deepest night. I am the mystery of the Otherworld and the fear that coils about your heart in the time of your trials. I am the soul of nature that gives form to the universe; it is I who await you at the end of the spiral dance. Most ancient among gods and mortals, let my worship be within the heart that has truly tasted life, for behold all acts of magic and art are my pleasure and my greatest ritual is love itself. Therefore let there be beauty in your strength, compassion in your wrath, power in your humility, and discipline balanced through mirth and reverence. You who seek to remove my veil and behold my true face, know that all your questioning and efforts are for nothing, and all your lust and desires shall avail you not at all. For unless you know my mystery, look wherever you will, it will elude you, for it is within you and nowhere else. For behold, I have ever been with you, from the very beginning, the comforting hand that nurtured you in the dawn of life, and the loving embrace that awaits you at the end of each life, for I am that which is attained at the end of the dance, and I am the womb of new beginnings, as yet unimagined and unknown. Source: http://web.akasha.no/bos/chcrone.html
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God Witches god is the ancient hunting and fertility, the Horned God. He is the lord of the forest, flocks, meadows and woods, of course. This way through, he is also the lord of life and the giver of life. But just as the Goddess, he is doublefolded. For he is also the one who takes life, and thus master over death and resurrection. He is not only the hunter but the hunted. He is the hunted animal soul, which filled the shaman. He is the sacrifice that must die, so the tribe can survive. But his sacrifice will not be poisoned, it is a gift from nature. But it's not just animals that must die for others to survive - including grain is being sacrificed at harvest. Thus, he also harvest god, the spirit of vegetation in the countryside and everything that grows in the wild. But death is not final. Just as the seed goes into the earth and reborn the following spring, he finds also the peace of the Great Mother, to be reborn to her. This is also seen in the god's function as a sun god. At Yule fed him by the goddess, and through the winter and spring growing his strength. At Litha is his power at its peak, and he has brought much to the fertility goddess and nature, but as autumn begins to approach, he loses his power. By Lugnasadh takes god's dark side over and the sun loses its strength. At Samhain draws the god of the underworld, where he waits to be reborn of the Goddess at the next Yule. Thus, he is also master of light and darkness, the darkness of night, darkness and dark shadows in the deep woods and in the underworld. The Horned God as the god of fertility is found in many other mythologies. Osiris is one example, and just as the Horned God described here, he was both god of fertility and the underworld god. The god Pan, with its goat hooves and human torso was also a horned god of the forest. And the Celtic "Cernunnos" simply means "the Horned". The Horned God is not "devil" from Christianity, even though the Christians made him this. His wild and free aspect, which is found in life-forces, human sexuality and ecstasy were the Christians regarded as a sin, and he was therefore made to their symbol of evil. But I would strongly emphasize that God is NOT this evil figure. He's like the Statue double-sided, and he has both bright and dark sides.
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Like the goddess, god has many faces and names. He is the wise Odin, lord of the underworld Hades - he is all gods, all gods are a part of him. They are his many faces and many aspects. But first and foremost, he is the hunter and the hunted; Forest Lord and God of the underworld. This is the description of God in outline. But to understand who he is and what he stands for, come all by itself, as one reads more and more and even looking for him. There are some texts that I feel gives a glimpse of him too, and although I am not aware of where they originally come from, I would still share them here. Source: http://www.enchantedforest.dk/wicca/
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The Charge Of The God Listen to the Words of the Horned God, Who was of old called among men: Adonis, Tammuz, Dianus, Herne, Bran, Beli, Lugh, Gwyn, Dionysus, Osiris, Cernunnos, Pan, And by many other Names. O Secret of Secrets, That art hidden in the being of all that lives, Not Thee do we adore, For That which adoreth is also Thou. Thou art That, and That am I. I am the Flame that burns in the heart of every being, And in the core of every Star. I am Life, and the Giver of Life, Yet therefore is the Knowledge of Me The Knowledge of Death and Resurrection. I am alone, the Lord within ourselves, Whose Name is Mystery of Mysteries. I am the Horned God. I am the Lord of the Universe, The Father of all living, The All-Devourer and the All-Begetter. I am He Whose Seed lies strewn As glittering Gems across velvet darkness Within the Womb of the Mother. I am the Lord of the Shadows In the darkness of the Underworld, For I am the Midnight Sun. I am the Light of the Stars, And the Spark of the Spirit Eternal, For I am the God Within.
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I am the Horned Leader of the Hosts of Air, The Leader of the Wild Hunt, The Judge of Gods and of Men. I am the Hidden God, Who ever yet remains, For I dwell within the secret seed. I am the seed of grain, I am the seed of flesh, I am the Seed of the Stars. I am the Lord of the Heights, I am the Lord of the Depths, God of forest, of flock, and of field. I am the Hunter and Hunted, I am the wolf and the Shepherd, I am the vine and the grain. I am a Guiding Star above you, I am a bright Flame before you, I am a smooth Path beneath you. I am the Light of Life. I am the Flame of Love. I am the Horned God! Source: http://www.controverscial.com/The%20Charge%20of%20the%20God.htm
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The Charge of the Sun God I am the Sun God At the height of my power The noon of my majesty No shadow I cast My light at full zenith Darkness is overcome Rejoice in the light Born of the dark was I In the cold midnight Sun of that hunting God Deep in the greenwood I come forth and put to flight the darkness Lord of Life, Lord of Light Golden One and King of Glory Rejoice in my orb Now in its splendour My warmth has restored the earth to its life About me the planets revolve. Source: http://www.enchantedforest.dk/wicca/
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The Charge of the Dark God I have chosen to include this "dark" version because I want's to show his duality, which I consider very important. Listen to the words of the Dark God, who was of old called Lakchos, Donn, Anubis, Hades, Setesh, Hoder, and by many other names: I am the shadow in the bright day, I am the reminder of mortality at the height of living. I am the never ending veil of Night where the Star Goddess dances. I am the Death that must be so that Life may continue, for behold, Life is immortal because the living must die. I am the strength that protects, that limits; I am the power that says No, and NO further, and That Is Enough. I am the things that cannot be spoken of, and I am the laughter at the edge of Death. Come with me into the warm enfolding dark; feel my caresses in the hands, in the mouth, in the body of one you love, and be transformed. Gather in the moonless night and speak in unknown tongues; the Dark Mother and I will listen. Sing to us and cry out, and the Power will be yours to wield. Blow me a kiss when the sky is dark, and I will smile, but no kiss return, for my kiss is the final one for all mortal flesh. Source: http://www.enchantedforest.dk/wicca/
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Charge of the Horned God By the flame that burneth bright, O'Horned One! We call thy name into the night, O'Horned One! Thee we invoke, by the moon-led sea, By the standing stone and the twisted tree. Thee we invoke where gather thine own, By the nameless shrine forgotten and lone. Come where the round of the dance is trod, Horn and hoof of the goatfoot God! By moonlit meadow, on dusky hill, When the haunted wood is hushed and still. Come to the charm of the chanted prayer, As the moon bewitches the midnight air. Evoke thy powers, that potent bide In shining stream and the secret tide. In fiery flame by starlight pale, In shadowy host that rides the gale, And by the fern-brakes fairy-haunted Of forests wild and woods enchanted. Come! Come! To the heart-beats drum! Come to us who gather below When the broad white moon is climbing slow Through the stars to the heaven's height We hear thy hoofs on the wind of night! As black tree-branches shake and sigh, By joy and terror we know thee nigh. We speak the spell thy power unlocks At Solstice, Sabbat and equinox Source: http://web.akasha.no/bos/chhorned.html
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Witch Living Rules and laws "And harm it none, do as you will" - as simple as that. This is The Wiccan Rede the eight words, which constitutes the main guideline in wicca. There is not some "10 Commandments" or other definite rules of wicca. If you follow the principles of Wiccans that the Divine exists in nature and its creatures, this falls quite naturally. Source: http://www.enchantedforest.dk/wicca/
13 Goals of the Witch 1. Know Yourself: Take time to learn about yourself. Keep daily journals as well as sleep journals. Record your thoughts, experiences during meditation, your goals and anything else you think that is important. Use your dream journal to build a base line so that you can interpret your dreams because dreams are the way our shadow self talks to us. Endeavor to heal your shadow self. Use your daily journals to understand your thoughts and motivations. In other words, step back and examine yourself, your life, your goals and what you want and who you really are. 2. Know Your Craft: Study and practice the Craft. Through exploring the different aspects and theories of the Craft you will become more adept and begin to form your own theories and practices that work best for you. Take classes offered in your area such as tarot, meditation among other things that interest you. Attend public rituals to gain insight into how others practice. Talk to other Wiccans and exchange ideas and experiences. 3. Learn: The learning never ends when you are a witch. Read and study everything that you can and never dismiss any knowledge out of hand. You never know where a revelation may be hiding. 4. Apply Knowledge With Wisdom: Use the wisdom you have gained to temper your actions. Wisdom is a gift given to the wise and the wise use their wisdom to make the best decisions available. To apply knowledge without wisdom is reckless and can be dangerous in certain situations. The truly wise never claim to know everything or claim the status as an authority or guru, because no one knows everything. Do not abuse the knowledge you have acquired.
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5. Achieve Balance: Wicca is a religion of balance. We embrace the light and dark, the God and Goddess; neither is more important than the other. Both have a purpose. We are to achieve balance in our lives. Such as balance in the self, home, personal relationships, what we take from the earth and what we give back and so on. A balanced life is a good life. 6. Keep Your Thoughts in Good Order: This goal goes hand and hand with goal 7. As a witch your thoughts manifest reality in accordance with your will. Once you have reached a level of magical development you can set events in motion without even realizing it. A disciplined mine reduces that occurrences and aids in magical works. Your thoughts manifest before words are even formed. 7. Keep Your Words in Good Order: As thoughts manifest reality in conformity to your will, so do words. Words are the verbalization of your thoughts and therefore carry power. To not mind your words is the same as spreading chaos magically. Discipline in minding your words adds meaning to what you speak and enhances their effectiveness in magical workings as well as the mundane world. 8. Celebrate Life: This one is somewhat self explanatory. Life your life to the fullest and make every day a celebration of life. Life is a gift from the God and Goddess and they wish us to have a good time while here. Essentially, don’t be afraid to enjoy your life. 9. Attune With the Cycles of the Earth: This is one of the basic concepts of Wicca. Our holidays, Sabbats, are based upon the Wheel of the Year, with the Wheel of the Year being based on the cycles of the Earth. We are to experience nature and understand that we are part of it and it is part of us and how it affects us. It is another mystery of Wicca that one has to experience to truly understand. 10. Breathe and Eat Correctly: This one is self explanatory as well. We are to eat the proper foods and practice our breathing. It doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the food we eat or occasionally indulge. What it means is that we should eat a proper diet because it will help to make our bodies healthy. A healthy body not only makes us feel better and live longer, it aids us in our magical works and makes the mundane tasks easier.Learning to breath correctly aids in the raising of energy, focus, stress relief and meditation.
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11. Exercise the Body: This is a difficult goal for many people but it is an important one. Our bodies are wondrous things that the God and Goddess have blessed us with. We should respect the bodies we have been given and keep them in shape. A healthy body feels better both physically and emotionally. We also live longer and are less encumbered during mundane activities and magical ones as well. To exercise the body is to honor the God and Goddess. 12. Meditate: Meditation is a key skill in the working of magic. It allows us to focus our thoughts thereby focusing our will. It also helps us in our mundane life as well. It reduces stress and helps us get through our mundane tasks by being able to focus and think clearly. 13. Honor the Goddess and the God: We should honor the God and Goddess in everything we do. They are a part of us as we are a part of them. We are all connected. By honoring them we honor ourselves and our fellow humans. We also honor our gods through rituals and celebrations. We do this because we love them and we desire to not because we fear them. Source: http://www.thewiccanway.org/13goals.html
The Law of Return The Law of Return, The Rule of Three or The Threefold Law. Is a Rule that say what you send out good or bad will get back to you three times. That means if you send evil away then it comes three times as hard back. And if you send good out then good will come back three times. Written by: Jim HD – 17/07/2011
1. Everything is connected to everything else 2. Everything must go somewhere 3. Nature knows best 4. There is no such thing as a free lunch Source: http://wicca.cnbeyer.com/three.shtml
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The Law Of Power The Power shall not be used to bring harm, to injure or control others. But if the need rises, the Power shall be used to protect your life or the lives of others. The Power is used only as need dictates. The Power can be used for your own gain, as long as by doing so you harm none. It is unwise to accept money for use of the Power, for it quickly controls its taker. Be not as those of other religions. Use not the Power for prideful gain, for such cheapens the mysteries of Wicca and magick. Ever remember that the Power is the sacred gift of the Goddess and God, and should never be misused or abused. And this is the law of the Power. Written by: Scott Cunningham Source: http://www.silverhoofs.com/laws.htm
The Law We are of the Old Ways, among those who walk with the Goddess and God and receive Their love. Keep the Sabbats and Esbats to the best of your abilities, for to do otherwise is to lessen your connection with the Goddess and God. Harm none. This, the oldest law, is not open to interpretation or change. Shed not blood in ritual; the Goddess and God need not blood to be duly worshipped. Those of our ways are kind to all creatures, for hurtful thoughts are quite draining and aren't worth the loss of energy. Misery is selfcreated; so, too, is joy, so create joy and disdain misery and unhappiness. And this is within your power. So harm not. Teach only what you know, to the best of your ability, to those students who you choose, but teach not to those who would use your instructions for destruction or control. Also, teach not to boost pride, forever remember: She who teaches out of love shall be enfolded in the arms of the Goddess and God. Ever remember that if you would be of our way, keep the law close to your heart, for it is the nature of the Wicca to keep the Law. If ever the need arises, any law may be changed or discarded, and new laws written to replace them, so long as the new laws don't break the oldest law of all: Harm None. Blessings of the Goddess and God on us all. Written by: Scott Cunningham Source: http://www.silverhoofs.com/laws.htm
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The Sacred Wood The Sacred Wood found in all types of natural religions. Doctrine, which comes from the Holy Wood, contain certain basic ethical principles that all people can live with in their everyday lives, if they want to find happiness and wisdom. These principles are the guiding stars twinkling of experience, all of nature people have and still practice everywhere. Source: http://www.enchantedforest.dk/wicca/
Give Thanks Every morning when you wake up and every night before falling asleep, you have to give thanks to Creator/Goddess, also in the day giving you the opportunity to develop yourself. Think about the things you did and the thoughts you had today and pray that you may be able to make them better, it benefits everyone and not just you. Give thanks for life in you and the opportunities available in the light in front of you. Source: http://www.enchantedforest.dk/wicca/
Show Respect • To show respect is a basic law in life, always treat others with respect. • Live by the laws which are valid for the country you live in. • No man is under you, and you should not humiliate others. No man is above you, and you must therefore do not accept to be humiliated. • Never talk about others in a negative way, whether they are there or not. • Show deep respect for others' beliefs and religion. • Do not touch anything belonging to others (especially sacred objects) without permission. • Respect others' privacy and does not break into other people's quiet moments or personal circle. • Never interrupt others' conversation. • Treat the Earth and everything that belongs to her with the same respect that you give yourself and protect her, if others want to destroy her. • Listen politely to others speak, even if you feel that what they say is worthless. • Always listen to your heart. Source: http://www.enchantedforest.dk/wicca/
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Find balance The balance between what is good and evil is and has always been a very difficult thing, but if you listen to mother nature and see the balance that exists between all leving thinks, what place it has gotten in life, then it's easier to keep your balance. Once you have learned to look carefully, is the side where you are in the light and it makes it alot easier way to go. • Listen to the advice you get from your heart and feel its way. • Find the balance between good and evil, and go toward the light. • Expect to find guidance in many ways, in dreams, in quiet moments of meditation and through the wise older people and true friends' words and deeds. • Shop evil against another person acting hurts from all people, including yourself, and do something good about someone do something good for everyone, including yourself. • All nations and tribes in the universe is as different colored flowers on a meadow, all are beautiful and as children of the Creator they must all be respected, you, you have found the right path to light. Source: http://www.enchantedforest.dk/wicca/
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The 161 Laws 1. The Law was made and ordained of old. 2. The Law was made for the Wicca, to advise and help in their troubles. 3. The Wicca should give due worship to the gods and obey their will, which they ordain, for it was made for the good of Wicca as the worship of the Wicca is good for the gods. For the gods love the brethren of Wicca. 4. As a man loveth a woman by mastering her, 5. So should the Wicca love the gods by being mastered by them. 6. And it is necessary that the Circle which is the temple of the gods, should be truly cast and purified. And that it may be a fit place for the gods to enter. 7. And the Wicca shall be properly prepared and purified to enter into the presence of the gods. 8. With love and worship in their hearts, they shall raise power from their bodies to give power to the gods. 9. As has been taught of old. 10.For in this way only may men have communion with the gods, for the gods cannot help man without the help of man. HPS & HP 11.And the High Priestess shall rule her coven as the representative of the Goddess. 12.And the High Priest shall support her as the representative of the God. 13.And the High Priestess shall choose whom she will, be he of sufficient rank, to be her High Priest. 14.For, as the God Himself kissed Her feet in the five-fold salute, laying His power at the feet of the Goddess because of Her youth and beauty, Her sweetness and kindness, Her wisdom and justice, Her humility and generosity, 15.So He resigned all His power to Her. 16.But the High Priestess should ever mind that the power comes from Him. 17.It is only lent, to be used wisely and justly. 18.And the greatest virtue of a High Priestess be that she recognize that youth is necessary to the representative of the Goddess. 19.So she will gracefully retire in favour of a younger woman should the Coven so decide in council. 20.For a true High Priestess realizes that gracefully surrendering pride of place is one of the greatest virtues. 21.And that thereby she will return to that pride of place in another life, with greater power and beauty.
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SECURITY 22.In the old days, when witchdom extended far, we were free and worshipped in all the greater temples. 23.But in these unhappy times we must celebrate our sacred mysteries in secret. 24.So be it ordained that none but the Wicca may see our mysteries, for our enemies are many and torture loosens the tongue of man. 25.So be it ordained that no Coven shall know where the next Coven bide. 26.Or who its members be, save only the Priest and Priestess and messenger. 27.And there shall be no communication between them, save by the messenger of the gods, or the summoner. 28.And only if it be safe may the Covens meet in some safe place for the great festivals. 29.And while there, none shall say whence they came nor give their true names. 30.To this end, that if any be tortured, in their agony, they may not tell if they do not know. 31.So be it ordained that no one shall tell anyone not of the craft who be of the Wicca, nor give any names or where they bide, or in any way tell anything which can betray any of us to our foes. 32.Nor may he tell where the Covendom be. 33.Or the Covenstead. 34.Or where the meetings be. 35.And if any break these Laws, even under torture, THE CURSE OF THE GODDESS SHALL BE UPON THEM, so they may never be reborn on earth and may remain where they belong, in the hell of the Christians. DISPUTES 36.Let each High Priestess govern her Coven with justice and love, with the help and advice of the High Priest and the Elders, always heeding the advice of the Messenger of the Gods if he cometh. 37.She will heed all complaints of all Brothers and strive to settle all differences among them. 38.But it must be recognized that there will always be people who will ever strive to force others to do as they will. 39.These are not necessarily evil. 40.And they oft have good ideas and such ideas should be talked over in council. 41.But if they will not agree with their Brothers, or if they say, 42."I will not work under this High Priestess," Witch Living Rules and laws
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43.It hath ever been the Old Law to be convenient to the Brethren and to avoid disputes. NEW COVENS 44.Any of the third may claim to found a new Coven because they live over a league away from the Covenstead or are about to do so. 45.Anyone living within the Covendom and wishing to form a new Coven, shall tell the Elders of their intention, and on the instant avoid their dwelling and remove to the new Covendom. 46.Members of the old Coven may join the new one when it is formed. But if they do, they must utterly avoid the old Coven. 47.The Elders of the new and old Covens should meet in peace and brotherly love to decide the new boundaries. 48.Those of the craft who dwell outside both Covendoms may join either but not both. 49.Though all may, if the Elders agree, meet for the great festivals if it be truly in peace and brotherly love, 50.But splitting the Coven often means strife, so for this reason these Laws were made of old and may the CURSE OF THE GODDESS BE ON ANY WHO DISREGARD THEM. So be it ordained. GRIMOIRE 51.If you would keep a book, let it be in your own hand of write. Let brothers and sisters copy what they will, but never let the book out of your hands, and never keep the writings of another. 52.For if it be found in their hand of write, they may be taken and arraigned. 53.Let each guard his own writings and destroy them whenever danger threatens. 54.Learn as much as you may by heart and, when danger is past, rewrite your book, an it be safe. 55.For this reason, if any die, destroy their book an they have not been able to. 56.For, an it be found, 'tis clear proof against them. 57.And our oppressors know well "Ye may not be a witch alone". 58.So all their kin and friends be in danger of torture, 59.So destroy everything not necessary. 60.If your book be found on you, 'tis clear proof against you alone, you may be arraigned.
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PERSECUTION 61.Keep all thoughts of the craft from your mind. 62.If the torture be too great to bear, say "I will confess. I cannot bear this torture. What do you want me to say?" 63.If they try to make you speak of the Brotherhood, do not. 64.But if they try to make you speak of impossibilities such as flying through the air, consorting with a Christian devil or sacrificing children, or eating men's flesh, 65.To obtain relief from torture say "I had an evil dream, I was beside myself, I was crazed." 66.Not all magistrates are bad, if there be an excuse, they may show mercy. 67.If you have confessed aught, deny it afterwards, say you babbled under torture, say you knew not what you said. 68.If you are condemned, fear not. 69.The Brotherhood is powerful and will help you to escape if you stand steadfast, but if you betray aught there is no hope for you in this life or in that to come. 70.Be sure, if steadfast you go to the pyre, drugs will reach you, you will feel naught. You go to death and what lies beyond, the ecstasy of the goddess. TOOLS 71.To avoid discovery, let the working tools be as ordinary things that any may have in their houses. 72.Let the pentacles be of wax so that they may be broken at once or melted. 73.Have no sword unless your rank allows it. 74.Have no names or signs on anything. 75.Write the names and signs on them in ink before consecrating them and wash it off immediately afterwards. 76.Let the colours of the hilts tell which is which. 77.Do not engrave them lest they cause discovery. CONDUCT 78.Ever remember ye are the hidden children of the Goddess so never do anything to disgrace them or Her. 79.Never boast, never threaten, never say you would wish ill of anyone. 80.If any person not in the Circle, speak of the craft, say, "Speak not to me of such, it frightens me, 'tis evil luck to speak of it." 81.For this reason, the Christians have their spies everywhere. These speak as if they were well affected to us, as if they would come to our meetings, saying, "My mother used to worship the Old Ones. I would I could go myself." Witch Living Rules and laws
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82.To such as these, ever deny all knowledge. 83.But to others, ever say, "'Tis foolish men talk of witches flying through the air. To do so they must be as light as thistledown. And men say that witches all be blear-eyed old crones, so what pleasure can there be at a witch meeting such as folks talk on ?" 84.And say, "Many wise men now say there be no such creatures." 85.Ever make it jest) and in some future time perhaps, the persecution may die and we may worship our gods in safety again. 86.Let us all pray for that happy day. 87.May the blessings of the Goddess and God be on all who keep these Laws which are ordained. VALUABLES 88.If the craft hath any appanage, let all guard it and help to keep it clear and good for the craft. 89.And let all justly guard all monies of the craft. 90.And if any Brother truly wrought it, 'tis right they have their pay, an it be just. An this be not taking money for the art, but for good and honest work. 91.And even the Christians say, "The labourer is worthy of his hire," but if any Brother work willingly for the good of the craft without pay, 'tis but to their greater honour. So be it ordained. QUARRELS 92. If there be any dispute or quarrel among the Brethren, the High Priestess shall straightly convene the Elders and inquire into the matter, and they shall hear both sides, first alone and then together. 93. And they shall decide justly, not favouring one side or the other. 94. Ever recognising there be people who can never agree to work under others. 95. But at the same time, there be some people who cannot rule justly. 96. To those who must ever be chief, there is one answer. 97. "'Void the Coven or seek another one, or make a Coven of your own, taking with you those who will go." 98. To those who cannot rule justly, the answer be, "Those who cannot bear your rule will leave you." 99. For none may come to meetings with those with whom they are at variance. 100. So, an either cannot agree, get hence, for the craft must ever survive. So be it ordained.
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CURSES 101.In the olden days when we had power, we could use the art against any who ill-treated the Brotherhood. But in these evil days we must not do so. For our enemies have devised a burning pit of everlasting fire into which they say their god casteth all the people who worship him, except it be the very few who are released by their priest's spells and masses. And this be chiefly by giving monies and rich gifts to receive his favour for their great god is ever in need of money. 102.But as our gods need our aid to make fertility for man and crops, so is the god of the Christians ever in need of man's help to search out and destroy us. Their priests ever tell them that any who get our help are damned to this hell forever, so men be mad with the terror of it. 103.But they make men believe that they may escape this hell if they give victims to the tormentors. So for this reason all be forever spying, thinking, "An I can catch but one of these Wicca, I will escape from this fiery pit." 104.So for this reason we have our hidels, and men searching long and not finding, say, "There be none, or if there be, they be in a far country." 105.But when one of our oppressors die, or even be sick, ever is the cry, "This be witches' malice", and the hunt is up again. And though they slay ten of their own to one of ours, still they care not. They have countless thousands. 106.While we are few indeed. So be it ordained. 107.That none shall use the art in any way to do ill to any. 108.However much they may injure us, harm none. And nowtimes many believe we exist not. 109.That this Law shall ever continue to help us in our plight, no one, however great an injury or injustice they receive, may use the art in any way to do ill, or harm any. But they may, after great consultations with all, use the art to restrain Christians from harming us Brothers, but only to constrain them and never to punish. 110.To this end men will say, "Such a one is a mighty searcher out, and a persecutor of old women whom they deemeth to be witches, and none hath done him harm, so it be proof that they cannot or more truly there be none." 111.For all know full well that so many folk have died because someone had a grudge against them, or were persecuted because they had money or goods to sieze, or because they had none to bribe the searchers. And many have died because they were scolding old women. So much that men now say that only old women are witches. 112.And this be to our advantage and turns suspicion away from us. 113.In England and Scotland 'tis now many a year since a witch hath died the death. But any misuse of the power might raise the persecution again. Witch Living Rules and laws
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114.So never break this Law, however much you are tempted, and never consent to its being broken in the least. 115.If you know it is being broken, you must work strongly against it. 116.And any High Priestess or High Priest who consents to its breach must immediately be deposed for 'tis the blood of the Brethren they endanger. 117.Do good, an it be safe, and only if it be safe. 118.And keep strictly to the Old Law. PAYMENT 119.Never accept money for the use of the art, for money ever smeareth the taker. 'Tis sorcerors and conjurers and the priests of the Christians who ever accept money for the use of their arts. And they sell pardons to let men escape from their sins. 120.Be not as these. If you accept no money, you will be free from temptation to use the art for evil causes. 121.All may use the art for their own advantage or for the advantage of the craft only if you are sure you harm none. 122. But ever let the Coven debate this at length. Only if all are satisfied that none may be harmed, may the art be used. 123. If it is not possible to achieve your ends one way, perchance the aim may be achieved by acting in a different way so as to harm none. MAY THE CURSE OF THE GODDESS BE ON ANY WHO BREAKETH THIS LAW. So be it ordained. 124.'Tis judged lawful if ever any of the craft need a house or land and none will sell, to incline the owner's mind so as to be willing to sell, provided it harmeth him not in any way and the full price is paid without haggling. 125.Never bargain or cheapen anything whilst you buy by the art. So be it ordained. LAW OF THE LAND 126. "Tis the Old Law and the most important of all laws, that no one may do anything which will endanger any of the craft, or bring them into contact with the law of the land or any persecutors. 127. In any dispute between Brethren, no one may invoke any laws but those of the craft. 128. Or any tribunal but that of the Priestess, Priest and Elders.
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DISCUSSION OF WITCHCRAFT 129.It is not forbidden to say as Christians do, "There be witchcraft in the land," because our oppressors of old make it a heresy not to believe in witchcraft and so a crime to deny it which thereby puts you under suspicion. 130.But ever say, "I know not of it here, perchance there may be but afar off, I know not where." 131.But ever speak of them as old crones, consorting with the devil and riding through the air. 132.And ever say, "But how may many ride the air if they be not as light as thistledown." 133.But the curse of the Goddess be on any who cast suspicion on any of the Brotherhood. 134.Or who speak of any real meeting-place or where they bide. WORTCUNNING 135.Let the craft keep books with the names of all herbs which are good, and all cures so all may learn. 136.But keep another book with all the Bales and Apies and let only the Elders and other trustworthy people have this knowledge. So be it ordained. 137.And may the blessings of the gods be on all who keep these Laws, and the curses of both the God and the Goddess be on all who break them. USE OF THE ART 138.Remember the art is the secret of the gods and may only be used in earnest and never for show or vainglory. 139.Magicians and Christians may taunt us saying, "You have no power, show us your power. Do magic before our eyes, then only will we believe," seeking to cause us to betray the art before them. 140.Heed them not, for the art is holy and may only be used in need, and the curse of the gods be on any who break this Law. RESIGNATIONS 141.It ever be the way with women and with men also, that they ever seek new love. 142.Nor should we reprove them for this. 143.But it may be found a disadvantage to the craft. 144.And so many a time it has happened that a High Priest or a High Priestess, impelled by love, hath departed with their love. That is, they left the Coven. Witch Living Rules and laws
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145.Now if the High Priestess wishes to resign, she may do so in full Coven. 146.And this resignation is valid. 147.But if they should run off without resigning, who may know if they may not return in a few months? 148.So the Law is, if a High Priestess leaves her Coven, she be taken back and all be as before. 149.Meanwhile, if she has a deputy, that deputy shall act as High Priestess for as long as the High Priestess is away. 50.If she returns not at the end of a year and a day, then shall the Coven elect a new High Priestess, 151.Unless there is a good reason to the contrary. 152.The person who has done the work should reap the benefit of the reward. If somebody else is elected, the deputy is made maiden and deputy of the High Priestess. TRAINING 153.It has been found that practicing the art doth cause a fondness between aspirant and tutor, and it is the cause of better results if this be so. 154.And if for any reason this be undesireable, it can easily be avoided by both persons from the outset firmly resolving in their minds to be as brother and sister or parent and child. 155.And it is for this reason that a man may be taught only by a woman and a woman by a man, and women and women should not attempt these practices together. So be it ordained. PUNISHMENT 156.Order and discipline must be kept. 157.A High Priestess or a High Priest may, and should, punish all faults. 158.To this end all the craft must receive correction willingly. 159.All properly prepared, the culprit kneeling should be told his fault and his sentence pronounced. 160.Punishment should be followed by something amusing. 161.The culprit must acknowledge the justice of the punishment by kissing the hand on receiving sentence and again thanking for punishment received. So be it ordained. Source: http://web.akasha.no/bos/161.html
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The Proposed Laws 1. No member of the Craft will initiate any person unless that person has been interviewed by at least two Elders and accepted as suitable. 2. No affairs of the Craft will be discussed by members in the presence of uninitiated persons, or in places where conversation is likely to be overheard. 3. No copies of any papers relating to the Craft will be made or retained without the Elders' permission. Such papers as are permissible will be kept in a secure place. 4. As it is essential for the successful working of ritual by a group that there should be unity of purpose and an harmonious psychic atmosphere, members who create dissension and discord within the Craft will be asked to resign. Should they fail or refuse to do so they will be informed in writing by the Elders that they have been expelled. 5. No member of the Craft will give any information or interview about the Craft to any journalist or writer, or cause any such information to be published in any way, without the approval of the Elders, nor will any of the Elders do so without the approval of the rest of the Elders. 6. If any member of the Craft feels that he or she has reason to complain of the conduct of any other member in matters affecting the Craft, or of any misdemeanour towards any member whilst on Craft premises, he or she will bring the said complaint to the notice of the Elders as soon as possible. The Elders, after considering all available evidence, will, if they find the complaint justified, take appropriate action. 7. No member will be present at any meeting where the working is that of a higher Grade than he or she has attained, except by invitation of the Elders. These invitations will only be extended on very rare occasions where special circumstances exist. 8. No member will disclose the name and address or telephone number of any other member to any person whatsoever without the said other member's previous permission.
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9. Members will meet upon the traditional occasions, or as near to them as possible, and such meetings will be arranged by the Elders, or such officers as the Elders authorise to do so. If the Elders be not present at such meetings, they will receive a report of them. Members may arrange other meetings for their private working if they so desire, but if more than two members be present at such a meeting, the Elders will receive a report of it. This report will take the form of a short letter to the Elders giving place and date of the meeting, names of members attending, and details of ceremonies carried out. Where convenient, verbal reports will be accepted. 10. Members will endeavour to acquaint themselves with the traditions of the Craft, and will not introduce innovations into the working without the Elders' approval. Nor will the Elders give approval to any important innovation without first asking the approval of the rest of the Craft. 11. In the event of any member resigning from the Craft, he or she will honourably observe the Oath of Secrecy taken at initiation, and will also return to the Elders any written matter relating to the Craft which may be in his or her possession. 12. All members will receive a copy of these rules, and all new members will be given a copy of these rules upon initiation. New members, prior to initiation, will read these rules and declare upon their honour that they will abide by them in letter and in spirit. This declaration will be made to the Elders in writing, and signed. 13. It will be understood by all members that these rules are equally binding upon all Grades of the Craft, including the Elders, and that serious and/or persistent breach of these rules will be grounds for expulsion. Source: http://web.akasha.no/bos/proposed.html
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Time of Magic When you perform magic, consideration is much why and how, but it is not often that time is involved. But time also come into play. Some days just better suited to a type of magic, though of course you need not consider the month, day, date, moon phase, etc. every time you perform magic. But if one wants to give his magic a little extra strength, it might be a good idea to consider when. Weekdays The seven days of the week, each associated with a planet in our solar system, and each day has its strength lying at specific energies. Sunday: The name comes from the Nordic sunnudagr or "sunny days" and Sunday is therefore associated with the sun, the sun gods and the sun and golden yellows. Solar energy brings life, which also affects the Sunday, just as it is good time to promote health and prosperity. Monday: This is the lunar day. The day is associated with body and health and our psychological properties. More traditional goddess images associated with the moon (Selene, Diana, Aradia, Hecate, etc.). Monday is a day of healing and psychic development. Appropriate colors for the moon is white and pearl-like purple (which shone in beads or a few white moonstone). Tuesday: This day is associated with our Nordic god of war Tyr - Tyr's day it is. In Roman mythology, this corresponds to the war god Mars. Often referred to Mars as the red planet, making it also suitable colors in the magical effect. Red is a color associated with the mind, fire, energy and physical strength. Working with Mars can be excellent if you need to enhance their lives or themselves, but it is important to be careful and remember that this energy also has an ever-aspect in itself. Wednesday: This is Odin's day. Odin ruled over mind (wisdom), communication (with its animals, which flew out into the world) and knowledge. It is especially good for Wednesday include divination and magic that has communication and knowledge to do. His Roman counterpart is Mercury, the messenger with the magic sandals and helmet as he let fly through the air in an enormous speed - only mind can. The colors associated with Mercury are strong and clear, energizing and used to stimulate the mind rather than emotions. Examples are yellow or orange.
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Thursday: The Norse god Thor day. It is also associated with the Roman god Jupiter. His color is blue, since this reflects the sky, who would like considered to be blue. Jupiter was king of the gods and represents the royal authority as well as love of country and people. Another word for Jupiter is "Jove". The word "Jovial" (meaning: "As belongs to the plant Jupiter "," lively "," cheerful ") comes from this and the meaning of this word can give a good picture of what kind of thoughts that are associated with Jupiter. Friday: The day incorporates the name of the goddesses Frigg and Freya, after the Latin dies Veneris "Venus's day '. The planet Venus is easy to see the sky when it is full of stars, and are often (despite the fact that it is a planet) called both "evening star" and "morning star" because the light from the usually stronger and clearer than from some of the other stars in the sky. Venus was the Roman goddess of beauty and love, and her color was green and symbolized fertility and growth. Saturday: From Nordic day are known as laugardagr or 'laundry', since this was a normal day to swim at. In Danish, refers the name "Saturday" not for some planets, but if you go into English with "Saturday" this refers directly to the planet Saturn - Saturn's Day. Saturn is described as an old man who is responsible for keeping track of time in the universe, and some of his properties are precautionary, conservation and care. He is the opposite of generosity. His colors are dark and earthly; brown and black. In traditional astrology Saturn has a bad reputation because it is associated with melancholy, but all the planets reflect both positive and negative things. Weekday
Plants
Rulers
Oil Colors
Magic intent
Monday
Sun
Frankincense
yellow, Gold
Prosperity, Health
Tuesday
Moon
camphor
White, Violet
Psychological aspects, healing
Wednesday Mars
ginger
Red
strength
Thursday
Mercury
lavender
Yellow, orange Wisdom, learning, mind
Friday
Jupiter
Ceder
Blue
Held, abundance, humor
Saturday
Venus
Mandel
Green
Love, fertility
Sunday
Saturn
Earth smells
brown
Stability, Grounding, Sparring
Source: http://www.enchantedforest.dk/wicca/
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Sabbaths Sabbaths also play their role in relation to magic. They mark the time of year when specific energy reigns. Therefore, some type of magic more suited to some of those days than others. (See below sabbaths for more) Imbolg: cleansing, healing, purity, lysmagi. Spring Equinox / Ostara: Frøplanting, fertility magic, boot magic for new projects and the mundane activities. Beltane: Sex magic, fertility magic. Mid Summer / Litha: Magic for men and earthy matters. Lammas / Lughnasadh: Letting go, spiritual marriage, priesthood, divorce. Autumn Equinox / Mabon: Magic to increase the intellectual, mental and spiritual abilities, weaving magic. Samhain: Divination. Winter Solstice / Yule: Celebrating, magic for children's health, conception.
Moon Moon's influence, both us and the magic that we send out. Some times are better suited than others. Moon is also widely used in wicca, and its light is handy in the evening or night if you do outdoor rituals. New moon: new projects, beginnings, initiations, growth potential. Full moon: psychic abilities, self-insight, all kinds of magical work. Waning moon: being free from something such as bad habits and the like, exorcism, etc. Dark Moon: deep reflection, silence, wisdom. There should be no or very little magic thrown.
Time of day The time of day has no great significance yet. Often it is something more personal, where you have an easier time getting in the right mood at a particular time of day. But there is still a little bit about what aspects associated with the different parts of the day. Morning and Afternoon: New beginnings, inspiration and imagination. Dinner and afternoon: strength, passion, courage, health and sexuality. Evening: Love, intuition and emotional balance. Night: Expulsion, luck and wishes. Source: http://www.enchantedforest.dk/wicca/
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Signs & Symbols Pentagram
Signs & Symbols
this is the sign for Wicca
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Signs & Symbols
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Tools from Wicca Athamen is a knife with a two-sided sheet. After which it is used to cut with, it is often lethargic. It is used as a pointing device to direct magical energy so as to draw the circle edge. It is a masculine symbol that symbolizes the element fire. Unfortunately, a knife with a two-sided sheet is not always the easiest to get, although there are melee weapons that would be great. These require that familiar blank gun license and often costs a lot. You can use any knife as long as it is treated as a magic tool. If you have no knife, the index and middle finger are used, so you point to them. This kind of Athame is legal everywhere, and though it may take a little training, it works fine. Bollinen is the white-handled knife, as opposed to Athamen used more practically. It is with this knife you cut herbs and branches for use in rituals or magic, just as it is also used. Bells are used to mark the beginning and end of a ritual, and chase away evil. They symbolize the consecration of the elements of movement. Bell swings represent the extremes of good and evil, death and immortality. The use of bells varies widely. Personally I connect the sound of bells with the element air and breathe. Incense is a symbol of the element air, but can also be used to represent fire. Incense also sharpens the senses and helps to achieve peace. The cup is used practically to have wine or other drink, which is used during rituals. Interest symbolically represents the woman, the feminine element of water. It is open, receptive and passive. Cup shape can vary greatly - depending on what seems true for the individual, and what can be obtained.
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The diet is probably the tool that you associate most with witches. And witches use brooms indeed, but not to fly the children fairy tales. The diet used for cleaning - both physically from the place you want to perform magic, but also at a cathartic way. So while one sweeps away dirt, removes also negative energy. The pentagram is however probably the most used symbols in wicca. It is an Earth symbol, which symbolizes the human body with outstretched arms, the complete person. The five peaks representing spirit, water, fire, earth and air (starting with the top and clockwise) and the Spirit of mastery over the elements. Pentagram circle symbolizes eternity and perfection. It is used for cleansing and "grounding". You can buy many beautiful pentagrams - glass plates, pigeon, etc. But it is one of the things that can be easily done yourself, and therefore it can be very personal. Statues or other symbols used on the altar like. It can be anything from various statues to small symbols that have meaning for it. Statues function is to create a personal relationship with God. The stick is similar in many ways Athamen. It is also used to direct energy and is also masculine. It represents the element air, and the important thing to remember is that the stick works by invitation - not command. It is used to summon and channel. The stick is simply a stick, which of course can be decorated with symbols, crystals, colored ribbons - whatever that just seems to make it just right. The sword is actually a larger version of Athamen. It has the same properties and the same ritual use. Often it will be impractical large and more expensive and harder to obtain. Source: http://www.enchantedforest.dk/wicca/
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The Elements Earth Earth is the element of form, binding, and manifestation. From an occult perspective the element of Earth is the lowest in vibratory rate of the four elements. Most modern Witchcraft/Wiccan Traditions consider Earth to be a feminine² element.Creatures known as Gnomes, a dwarf-like race, symbolize the active magickal principle of the elemental Earth. In a metaphysical sense, the color of Earth is yellow, symbolizing its vitality, activated by the sun, and it is associated with the Northern quarter. Some Wiccan Traditions associate Earth with other directional quarters and other colors. As a magickal agent the element of Earth is symbolized by the ritual tool known as a pentacle. In astrology the zodiac signs Capricorn, Virgo, and Taurus are associated with the element of Earth. Air Air is commonly associated with mental activity and is considered masculine¹ in nature. In modern Wicca/Witchcraft the magickal agent of the element of Air is symbolized by a ritual tool. Some traditions assign the wand to Air because it was once a branch moving in the wind. Other traditions assign the element of Air to the ritual blade because of the sound a blade can make when slicing the air. Creatures known as Sylphs, a fairy-like race, symbolize the active magickal principle of elemental air. In a metaphysical sense, the color of Air is blue and it is associated with the Eastern quarter. Some Wiccan Traditions associate Air with other directional quarters and other colors. In astrology, the zodiac signs Aquarius, Libra, and Gemini are associated with the element of Air. In old occult lore it was believed that spirits and ghosts had the power to wrap themselves inside the wind, giving them the ability to become invisible. From this lore, we find other associations such as the presence of a ghost indicated by areas of cold air. Howling winds were believed to carry spirits of the night. Because of the association of air, sudden gusts of wind were attributed to spirits and poltergeists.
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Fire Fire is sometimes known as the living element. It is perhaps the most ancient symbol of divinity. Fire is a living principle of duality, providing light and heat to aid humankind, while at the same time being a force of death and destruction. The eternal flame is a common theme in ancient Mystery Cults and typically represents the eternal presence of Divinity. Among the ancient Greeks, Hestia symbolized the divine living flame, as did Vesta among the Romans. The ancients believed that fire could lie hidden in a piece of wood. By rubbing two pieces together the fire could often be coaxed from the wood. Once fire was produced the ancients often transported the flame on the end of a giant fennel stick, a custom that later associated fennel with the forces of light. The connection of fire as the living spirit latent in wood drew worshippers to establish and maintain sanctuaries for their deities within the forests, long after the creation of towns and cities. According to ancient legend, statues of deities were encased in a bundle of branches and transported to a new location when another sacred grove was to be established. In this manner the "fire" of the deities' spirit was conveyed from grove to grove. In modern Wicca, Fire is one of the four creative elements. It is traditionally linked to the color red, although this does differ among the various traditions. As a magickal agent the element of fire is symbolized by a ritual tool. Some traditions assign elemental Fire to the ritual blade because the blade was forged in Fire. Other traditions assign it to the wand because of the use of wood as a torch. In astrology the zodiac sign Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are associated with Fire. Water Water is an element associated with the west quarter. It is a symbol of regeneration, renovation, and dissolution. In occultism beings known as Undines are creatures of this element. Traditionally, the element of Water is associated with the color green - in many modern Wiccan/Witchcraft Traditions the color is blue. In modern Wicca, Water is symbolized by the ritual tool known as the chalice. The chalice contains either water or wine that is used for ritual or magickal purposes. In astrology the zodiac signs Pisces, Cancer, and Scorpio are associated with the element of Water.
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Spirit Many traditions are working with a fifth element that is perceived as either "clean" energy, which is not bound by elementenergiens different shapes and / or as a synthesis of element energy, that is the kind of energy that occurs when you mix equal parts of they types element energy. It is also what is often called "chi energy" Spirit of the direction of the center, it is however in all directions. Spirit represents transcendence and transformation. It is associated with ecstasy, enlightenment and balance. It has no negative qualities in themselves, but can not deal with the item, you risk getting a violent backlash or losing control over yourself and what you do when this type of energy is stronger and more violent to work with than the other four . The colors are white, gray, black and silver - but the Spirit can in principle be any color. In the magical tradition is the spirit that binds everything together it gives the possibility that the motion makes the magic is created. Magical Spirit used to achieve transcendence, find your way in life, understand things context and deeper meaning, to gain spiritual knowledge and insight. Source: http://www.enchantedforest.dk/wicca/
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The Altar The altar is basically another form of tool which can be used in connection with magic, celebration of a sabbatical or just for meditation. Depending on what the purpose is, but the altar look very different. During a sabbatical, it would be natural to decorate it with objects and colors that fit this Sabbath. In magic, you will define the thing is that you must use for this purpose. This can be tools. The altar can be indoors or outdoors, and it can consist of anything from a fairly flat rock to a beautifully decorated table. It is basically up to the self and what is just at hand. When the altar is used in connection with a circle, it will be placed with the "back" to the north, often slightly north of center, where you are located. At the altar, you would typically place objects representing the Goddess and the God, and preferably also the elements. These can be some of the following examples. Goddess (her stuff belongs on the left side of the altar): Light dedicated to the goddess, goddess statue, bell, broom, cup, pot. God (his stuff belongs on the right side of the altar): Light dedicated to the god, statue of the god, athame, white handle knife. Soil: Soil, salt, plants, rocks. Air: feathers, incense, anxiety. Water: Water, shells, seaweed. Fire: Light, a dragon figure, matches. Things like cakes, wine, Book of Shadows (or other notes), herbs, oils and candles can be placed anywhere on the altar where there is equal space and they seem to fit. Some choose to have a pentagram in the middle of the altar. Source: http://www.enchantedforest.dk/wicca/
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Important Wiccans and witches texts The Witches' Creed Hear now the words of the witches, The secrets we hid in the night, When dark was our destiny's pathway, That now we bring forth into light, Mysterious water and fire, The earth and the wide-ranging air; By hidden quintessence we know them, And will and keep silent and dare. The birth and rebirth of all nature, The passing of winter and spring, We share with the life universal, Rejoice in magical ring. Four times in the year the Great Sabbat Returns, and the witches are seen at Lammas and Candlemas dancing, In may Eve and old Hallowe'en. When day-time and night-time are equal, When sun is greatest and least, The four lesser Sabbats are summoned, And Withes gather in feast. Thirteen silver moons in a year are, Thirteen is a coven's array. Thirteen times make a Esbat make merry, For each golden year and a day. The power that was passed down the age, Each time between a woman and man, Each century unto the other, Ere time and the age began. When drawn is the magical circle, By sword or athame of power, Its compass between two world lies, In kand of the shades for that hour. This world has no right the to know it, And the world of beyond will tell naught. The oldest of Gods are invoked there, The Grat Work of magic is wrought. For the two are mystical pillars, That stand at the gate of the shrine, And two ate the powers of nature, The forms and the forces devine. The dark and the light in siccession, The opposites each onto each, Shown forth as a God and a Godess: Of this our ancestors teach. By night he's wild wind's rider, The Horn'd One, the Lord of the Shades. By day he's the King of the Woodland, The dweller in green forest glades. She is youthful or oldas she pleases, She sails the torn clouds in her barque, The bright silver lady of midnight, The crone who weaves spells in the dark. The master and mistress of magic, That dwell in the deeps of the mind, Immortal and ever-renewing, With power to free or to bind. So drink the good wine to the Old Gods, And Dance and make love in their praise, Till Elphame's fair land shall recieve us In peace at the end of our days. And Do What You Will be the challenge, So be it Love that harms none, For this is the only commandment. By Magic of old, be it done! Source: http://www.controverscial.com
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The Wiccan Rede bide within the Law you must, in perfect Love and perfect Trust. Live you must and let to live, fairly take and fairly give. For tread the Circle thrice about to keep unwelcome spirits out. To bind the spell well every time, let the spell be said in rhyme. Light of eye and soft of touch, speak you little, listen much. Honor the Old Ones in deed and name, let love and light be our guides again. Deosil go by the waxing moon, chanting out the joyful tune. Widdershins go when the moon doth wane, and the werewolf howls by the dread wolfsbane. When the Lady's moon is new, kiss the hand to Her times two. When the moon rides at Her peak then your heart's desire seek. Heed the North winds mighty gale, lock the door and trim the sail. When the Wind blows from the East, expect the new and set the feast. When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss you on the mouth. When the wind whispers from the West, all hearts will find peace and rest. Nine woods in the Cauldron go, burn them fast and burn them slow. Birch in the fire goes to represent what the Lady knows. Oak in the forest towers with might, in the fire it brings the God's insight. Rowan is a tree of power causing life and magick to flower. Willows at the waterside stand ready to help us to the Summerland. Hawthorn is burned to purify and to draw faerie to your eye. Hazel-the tree of wisdom and learning adds its strength to the bright fire burning. White are the flowers of Apple tree that brings us fruits of fertility. Grapes grow upon the vine giving us both joy and wine. Fir does mark the evergreen to represent immortality seen. Elder is the Lady's tree burn it not or cursed you'll be. Four times the Major Sabbats mark in the light and in the dark. As the old year starts to wane the new begins, it's now Samhain. When the time for Imbolc shows watch for flowers through the snows. When the wheel begins to turn soon the Beltane fires will burn. As the wheel turns to Lamas night power is brought to magick rite. Four times the Minor Sabbats fall use the Sun to mark them all. When the wheel has turned to Yule light the log the Horned One rules. In the spring, when night equals day time for Ostara to come our way. When the Sun has reached it's height time for Oak and Holly to fight. Harvesting comes to one and all when the Autumn Equinox does fall. Heed the flower, bush, and tree by the Lady blessed you'll be. Where the rippling waters go cast a stone, the truth you'll know. When you have and hold a need, harken not to others greed. With a fool no season spend or be counted as his friend. Merry Meet and Merry Part bright the cheeks and warm the heart. Mind the Three-fold Laws you should three times bad and three times good. When misfortune is enow wear the star upon your brow. Be true in love this you must do unless your love is false to you. "An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will" Source: http://www.wicca.com/celtic/wicca/rede.htm
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The Wiccan Credo The Wiccan Credo was released in the 70s, of Lady Gwen Thompson, who is said to have learned it from his grandmother. It is also called "The Rede of Wiccae," which has let it be confused with The Wiccan Rede. Bide the Wiccan Laws we must. In Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. Live and let live, Fairly take and fairly give. Cast the Circle thrice about To keep the evil spirits out. To bind the spell every time Let the spell be spake in rhyme. Soft of eye and light of touch, Speak but little, listen much. Deosil go by waxing moon, Chanting out the Witches' Rune. Widdershins go by waning moon, Chanting out the baneful rune. When the Lady's moon is new, Kiss thy hand to Her, times two. When the moon rides at her peak, Then your heart's desire seek. Heed the North wind's mighty gale, Lock the door and drop the sail. When the wind comes from the South, Love will kiss thee on the mouth. When the wind blows from the West, Departed souls will have no rest. When the wind blows from the East, Expect the new and set the feast. Nine woods in the cauldron go, Burn them fast and burn them slow. Elder be the Lady's tree, Burn it not or cursed you'll be. Important Wiccans and witches texts
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When the Wheel begins to turn, Let the Beltane fires burn. When the Wheel has turned to Yule, Light the log, the Horned One rules. Heed ye Flower, Bush and Tree, By the Lady, Blessed Be. Where the rippling waters go, Cast a stone and truth you'll know. When ye have a true need, Hearken not to others' greed. With a fool no season spend, Lest ye be counted as his friend. Merry Meet and Merry Part, Bright the cheeks and warm the heart. Mind the Threefold Law you should, Three times bad and three times good. When misfortune is enow, Wear the blue star on thy brow. True in Love ever be, Lest thy lover's false to thee. Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill: As Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will. Source: http://www.enchantedforest.dk/wicca/credo.html
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Drawing Down the Moon All ye assembled at mine shrine, Mother Darksome and Divine. Mine the Scourge and mine the Kiss, Here I charge you in this sign All ye assembled in my sight, Bow before my spirit bright, Aphrodite, Arianrod, Lover of the Horned God, Mighty Queen of Witchery and night, Morgan, Etione, Nisene, Diana, Bridgid, Melusine, Am I named of old by men, Artemis and Cerridwen, Hell's dark mistress, Heaven's Queen. Ye who ask of me a rune, Or would ask of me a boon, Meet me in some secret glade, Dance my round in greenwood shade, By the light of the Full Moon. In a place, wild and lone, Dance about mine altar stone; work my holy mystery. Ye who are feign to sorcery, I bring ye secrets yet unknown. No more shall ye know slavery, who give true worship unto me.
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Ye who tread my round on Sabbat night, come ye naked to the rite, in token that ye be really free. I teach ye the mystery of rebirth, work ye my mysteries in mirth. Heart joined to heart and lip to lip, five are the points of fellowship, that bring ye ecstacy on earth, for I am the cicle of rebirth. I ask no sacrifice, but do bow, no other Law but love I know, by naught but love may I be known. All things living are mine own, from me they come, to me they go. I invoke Thee and call upon Thee Mighty Mother of us all. Bringer of Fruitfulness by seed and by root. I invoke Thee by stem and bud. I invoke Thee by life and love and call upon Thee to descend into the body Of this Thy Priestess and Servant. Hear with her ears, speak with her tongue, touch with her hands, kiss with her lips, that thy servants may be fulfilled. Source: http://web.akasha.no/bos/drmoon.html
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The Great Rite Invocation Assist me to erect the ancient altar, At which in days past all worshipped; The great altar of all things. For in times of old, woman was the altar. Thus was the altar made and placed, and the sacred place was the point within the center of the circle. As we have of old been taught that the point within the center is the origin of all things. Therefore should we adore it; Therefore whom we adore we also invoke. O Circle of Stars, Whereof our Father is but the younger brother, Marvel beyond imagination, soul of infinite space, Before whom time is ashamed, The mind bewildered, and the understanding dark, Not unto thee may we attain unless thine image be love. Therefore, by seed and root, and stem and bud, And leaf and flower and fruit do we invoke thee. O Queen of Space, O Jewel of Light, Continuous One of the heavens; Let it be ever thus That men speak not of thee as One, but as None; And let them not speak of thee at all, Since thou art continuous. For thou art the point within the Circle, which we adore; The point of life, without which we would not be. And in this way truly are erected the holy twin pillars, In beauty and in strength were they erected To the wonder and glory of all men.
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Altar of mysteries manifold, the sacred circle's secret point thus do I sign thee as of old with kisses of my lips anoint. Open for me the secret way, the pathway of intelligence, beyond the gates of night and day, beyond the bounds of time and sense. behold the mystery aright, the five true points of fellowship, here where the Lance and Grail unite and feet, and knees, and breast, and lip. Source: http://web.akasha.no/bos/greatrite.html
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Stories Air Meditation It is dawn. I find myself in a forest filled with Aspen trees. I raise my eyes and look for the sky, but the boughs looming overhead hide it from my view. As I look up, feel the cool breeze of spring brush my face, and hear the sound of the rustling leaves. Blowing, laughing from the east, Eurus brings thoughts of renewal and life. I follow the wind further into the soft shadows of the forest, inhaling deeply the strong scent of the trees. I smell, too, the wafting hints of fragrant incense. I follow where my senses lead me and come to a small clearing circled by burning censers filled with sweet-smelling oils. Toward the east end of the circle is a staff. I walk over to the place and sit on the ground before it. I take the staff into my hands and close my eyes. First come swirling colors of white then yellow then fading darker into lavender. Then, out of the swirling fog of colors come dozens of small, lithe figures who swirl around as if carried on the wind itself. They dance around my head and body, swirling around as if caught in a dance to unheard music. Then, taking my attention from the spirits of the air, I look up to find further figures emerging from the mist. First comes a woman with the beauty of the dawn. As she steps forward, each of the four winds, in turn, hasten from around here and fly, one to each of the four corners of the earth. As she fades, there comes another whose form seems insubstantial, and seems to constitute both the image of a woman and a cow at the same time. I look closely the attempt to solidify one form, but I cannot. As this image fades, I am presented with the forms of two women who immediately remind me of the nighttime sky. One glows with the pale light of the full moon, and her eyes hold the fullness of hidden knowledge. The other, whom also seems to radiate cool starlight, seems to embody the possibilities of many lifetimes. In due course, these figures too fade and I am left with only the mist of the elemental world of air. Suddenly, three male figures issue from the mist. They seem to be three aspects of one man, but each's attributes differ. The first glows with the light of the moon, seeming to be its protector. The second and third appear almost identical, except that one has a winged helmet and shoes. As I sit and study the sameness and difference of the three, they begin to fade, as does the fog. When the mist clears, I find myself sitting within the circle still clutching the staff in my hands. I place the staff once again on the ground and rise. I thank the element of air, and all it is associated with for sharing with me its wisdom, and leave the circle. Source: The Internet Book Of Shadows
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The place where you relax I find myself on a beach. I begin to walk down the beach. I feel the rush of the ocean I hear the ocean roar. When I suddenly encounters a beautiful stone which I picked up. When I look at it, I can see a pattern, but it is very interpret. I put the stone in my pocket and go on. When I reach the end of the beach there is a forest I walk into the woods. When I find myself in the middle of a lot of trees I see a body condition in a tree. With a reverse pattern. I'm taking my rock and looks fit in the hole. When I final take me along to put the stone in the hole, I see a litte pice of wood that fits in between my stone and wood which I put between. Whereupon there arises the nicest light with all the beautiful colors. Whereupon I feel engulfed by the light when I can again see a different light, I see that I am in a room in a house. Before me is a post with the same sign that was in the tree. But now I no longer my stone or piece of wood which should be in between. But suddenly I can hear someone walking. And so opened the door and in came a young girl. By asking me what I was doing here in Hindes bedroom. And then I say "I know magic I know many things spirituale. But this portal does not make sense for where the stones and the small piece of wood. " Whereupon the young girl says. It is my portal I created it to have a free place in nature and it took me. Therefore I created this portal. But the problem is that it works only once with a stone and a piece of wood. So when you've used it once and you are forced to make a new stick. And find a new stone. Whereupon she said "Here is a stone here is a stick. Now you need to carve the pattern of the stick. " I begin to slit, finally I finished. Now when I'm done saying the young girl that I should write a Spell to get home. when I finish my spell. She says that I'm aware that I have found myself to Ratte with my Indian spirituality. Then she gives me a hug and says I am always welcome. I ask if I have to go home right away which she says no you can just stay here. Whereupon I put myself on the edge of beds Hindes bed and we begin to sing. We sing and sing about all the good things of life. And about all the difficult situations you may be exposed to and whether you should live his life as best you can although it is sometimes very hard. Since we can not find more to sing about. If it was night outside so we go out and lie us, under the stars and talk about everything from good to evil. We go up again and into Hindes bedroom. I take the magic stone and the piece of wood I have sliced and ahead of me and make a circle of candles and sit in the middle of the circle in which I say "Tree of wood and stone of stone help me comeback again let me see my light again and easily denne være permanent stone and a permanent picas of wood easy this portal be permanent, and be blessed spirit "I turn bright which I give the girl a huge hug and say, Blessed Be which she also says Blessed Be. I take the stone and wood and putter in the hole which in turn is the most beautiful light. And then I'm back in the woods where there again is getting bright. I can hear the animals walking around. And now I take back home. Home where there is Stories
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only me and all those I love. Written by: Jim HD - 2011
Stories
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The Magic Circle Circle casting is an important, and at times, difficult activity. It involves the use of many skills, and for the beginner it can seem like a pointless, if not impossible, routine. How do you do it properly? When should it be done? And perhaps most importantly: how do you know if you've done it? (Keitha mentally rolls up her sleeves and grins). Written by: Keitha (FireWind) Source: http://www.spiritual.com.au/articles/witchcraft/casting-a-circle.htm
The Purposes of a Circle A sacred circle has several purposes, the most significant of which is to define an area where formal ritual work can be performed. A circle is a place in which the rules and conditions are different to that of the everyday world. A circle is not a barrier, but a doorway to another world. To contain any magickal energy raised and to prevent its dissipation until it has been used up is another purpose of the circle. The sacred circle does not need to be physically represented (drawn or marked on the ground), it just needs to be visualised. The circle is a spiritual entity. Source http://www.spellsandmagic.com/Casting_a_Circle.html
Questions about Opening the circle What is a Circle? A circle is a boundary of energy extending halfway above the ground and halfway below. It marks the boundary between the worlds: inside the circle is a cleansed space where the two worlds can interact. Outside is the mundane, 'regular' world. That's the basics; more on this later. Why do you need a Circle? A circle is cast to create a clean space in which to do ritual and magickal workings. It creates an area in which both worlds are present; in a very real sense, it is between the worlds. To invite a Deity, or an Elemental, etc. without a circle (into the mundane world) isn't always such a great idea. It's easier to interact inside a circle. It also acts to keep magickal energy inside until it is ready to be released, or to keep negative energy outside. What do I need to know to cast a circle? Well, you must have a lot of focus. You must be able to clearly visualize what you are doing, and how you are doing it. You should be able to feel the energy you are attempting to move, and have a clear idea of where you want to put it. Here are a few things to keep in mind: The Magic Circle
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What is the purpose of your circle? To protect from outside negativity; to contain magickal energy; to create a space between the worlds; another purpose; a mixture? The nature of your circle will depend on the ritual you are planning on doing. How big will your circle be? If you are casting the circle for practise, then all you need is a circle the size of your own body. For a larger group, no big surprise, a larger circle. In my personal opinion, it should be large enough that you don't keep wandering to the edges and sticking your head through it. How will you visualize your circle? If you are just learning, it might be best to stick with simple colours. Later on, you can learn funky patterns and effects. Practice casting a circle in your mind during meditation. You must learn how to visualize things clearly, hold them in your mind, and focus while you rotate and move them. At the beginning, stick to the basics: there's no substitute for them. Can you keep your focus for as long as it takes to set up the circle? If you are constantly second-guessing yourself, you can't maintain your concentration. Trust yourself. Treat it with respect. Constantly walking in, through, and out of the circle without cutting a door, or otherwise ignoring its boundaries doesn't really help you much. You can't really expect to cast strong circles if you can't create and keep it in your mind first. The circle is real because you make it real. You make it real by believing in it and acting on it. When do I cast the circle? I've found that the best time is right after you have cleansed the space (by blessing, sweeping, or making lots of noise), and before you invoke any elements or Deities. If you have others with you for the ritual, save up jokes, and try to make each other laugh really hard just before you create the circle. This further gets rid of any negativity that might be present, and provides enough positive energy to cast a good circle. My friend and I have had some fascinating rituals this way.
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Casting A Circle - How do I know if I did it? This is the fun part. Everybody has their own unique way of sensing circles. Some people can see the circle; as a band of colour, or a thickening of the air. Some people can feel it as a spark of electricity, or again as a thickening of air. Some people can hear it as a low hum. Everybody is different. One thing is certain, however: circles get really hot. In a strong circle you can feel the cold air rushing in when you cut a door. When you take it down, you can practically feel a breeze. In the beginning, you may not be sure whether or not you've succeeded; don't let that bother you. When you really get the hang of it, you'll know for sure. Casting A Circle - What's this about cutting a door? Cutting a door basically means opening a hole in the circle so you can leave it. It's best to stay in the circle the whole time it's up, but there are times when you've forgotten something important in another room (like a lighter), or there's something you have to deal with. My personal favourite way of cutting a door is to hold your fingers and hand in a straight line, and move your hand around a rectangular outline large enough for you to walk through. Visualize the energy of the circle inside that rectangle being sucked into your forearm where you can store it until you get back. When closing the door, do this in reverse, and then smooth out the edges of where the door was. Visualize the energy of the circle swirling around until the location of the door is lost. Still, cutting too many doors in a circle can also weaken it eventually. I live in an apartment; will the people downstairs walk into my circle and mess it up? I just added this question because I've wondered about it myself. Yes, the circle does extend halfway below the floor, and yes, someone downstairs could walk right through the bottom part of it. All I can suggest is that you either do your rituals after you're sure they're out or asleep, or just try not to think about it. :) When and how do I take the circle down? At the very end of ritual. After the Deities are gone, the Element/als have returned to their respective realms, etc. etc. etc. The only thing that generally follows taking down the circle is eating, drinking, and chatting. Take the circle down exactly the same way that you set it up, in reverse. Take as much time to take it down as you took to set it up. Send the energy back into the Earth, the Sky, or wherever you chose to get it from. If you used the energy from the Earth and Sky, then it's a good idea to change it into healing energy for our planet and our skies before you channel it back.
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What's the best way to practice casting a circle? Actually: alone. If you can do it alone, then you can do it in a group; it doesn't always work in reverse. Working alone also lets you develop your own style, and you don't need to worry about people staring at you. You can work on your concentration more easily by yourself, and you don't feel like you're boring people if you take a while. Write your own visualizations and keep track of your results in a journal. But above all, learn to trust yourself and your instincts; it's one of the most valuable gifts you can give yourself. Written by: Keitha (FireWind) Source: http://www.spiritual.com.au/articles/witchcraft/casting-a-circle.htm
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Jim Hds way of making the circle Opening the circle Take your atheme or your stick or your finger and go round in the circle and run atheme off the ground while saying these words. Danish Lad denne cirkel Blive åbnet, Lad dens Magi flyve, Luk alle de onde Ånder ude, Nu hvor jeg åbnere denne magiske cirkel, Og åbner op for Gud og Gudinden. English Let this circle be opened, Let the magic fly, Close all the demons out, Now when I open this magic circle, And open up to God and Goddess.
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Closing the circle Do the same as above bullet just doing it from the top down and say that marketing words instead (important to remember is that you must not leave the circle until you have closed it). Danish Lade denne cirkel lukke, lad denne skjulte cirkel gå, Til jeg eller en anden skal bruge den igen, og jeg takker jer Gud og Gudinden, for jeres hjælp, Blessed Be. English Let this circle close, let this hidden circle go, Until I or another will use it again, and I thanks God and Goddess, for your help, Blessed Be. Written by: Jim HD - 2011
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How To Cast a Circle 1 In Wicca and Paganism, one of the facets common to nearly all traditions is the use of a circle as a sacred space. While other religions rely on the use of a building such as a church or temple to hold worship, Wiccans and Pagans can cast a circle pretty much any place they choose. This is particularly handy on those pleasant summer evenings when you decide to hold ritual out in the back yard under a tree instead of in your living room! Difficulty: Easy Time Required: Varied Start by determining how big your space needs to be. A ceremonial circle is a place in which positive energy and power are kept in, and negative energy kept out. The size of your circle will depend on how many people need to be inside it, and what the circle’s purpose is. If you’re hosting a small coven meeting for a few people, a nine-foot-diameter circle is sufficient. On the other hand, if it’s Beltane and you’ve got four dozen Pagans preparing to do a Spiral Dance, you’ll need a space significantly larger. A solitary practitioner can work easily in a three- to five-foot circle. Figure out where your Circle should be cast. In some traditions, a Circle is physically marked on the ground, while in others it is merely visualized by each member of the group. If you have an indoor ritual space, you can mark the Circle on the carpet. Do whichever your tradition calls for. Once the Circle is designated, it is usually navigated by the High Priest or High Priestess, holding an athame, a candle, or a censer. Which direction will your circle face? The circle is almost always oriented to the four cardinal points, with a candle or other marker placed at the north, east, south and west and the altar in the center with all the necessary tools for the ritual. Before entering the circle, participants are purified as well. How do you actually cast the circle? Methods of casting the circle vary from one tradition to another. In some forms of Wicca, the God and Goddess are called upon to share the ritual. In others, the Hight Priest (HP) or High Priestess (HPs) will begin at the north and call upon the deities of the tradition from each direction. Usually this invocation includes a mention of the aspects associated with that direction – emotion, intellect, strength, etc. A sample ritual for casting a circle might take place like this:
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Mark the circle upon the floor or the ground. Place a candle in each of the four quarters – green to the North to represent Earth, yellow in the East to represent Air, red or orange symbolizing Fire in the South, and blue to the West in association with Water. All necessary magical tools should already be in place upon the altar in the center. Let’s assume that the group, called Three Circles Coven, is led by a High Priestess. The HPs enters the circle from the east and announces, “Let it be known that the circle is about to be cast. All who enter the Circle may do so in perfect love and perfect trust.” Other members of the group may wait outside the circle until the casting is complete. The HPs moves clockwise around the circle, carrying a lit candle (if it’s more practical, use a lighter instead). At each of the four cardinal points, she calls upon the Deities of her tradition (some may refer to these as Watchtowers, or Guardians). As she lights the candle in the East from the one she carries, the HPs says: Guardians of the East, I call upon you to watch over the rites of Three Circles Coven. Powers of knowledge and wisdom, guided by Air, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in perfect love and perfect trust. The HPs moves to the South, and lights the red or orange candle, saying: Guardians of the South, I call upon you to watch over the rites of Three Circles Coven. Powers of energy and will, guided by Fire, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in perfect love and perfect trust. Next, she circles around to the West, where she lights the blue candle and says:
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Guardians of the West, I call upon you to watch over the rites of Three Circles Coven. Powers of passion and emotion, guided by Water, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in perfect love and perfect trust. Finally, the HPs goes to the last candle in the North. When lighting it, she says: Guardians of the North, I call upon you to watch over the rites of Three Circles Coven. Powers of endurance and strength, guided by Earth, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in perfect love and perfect trust. At this point, the HPs will announce that the circle is cast, and other members of the group can ritually enter the circle. Each person approaches the HPs, who will ask: How do you enter the circle? Each individual will respond: In perfect love and perfect trust or In the light and love of the Goddess or whatever response is appropriate to your tradition. Once all members are present within the circle, the circle is closed. At no time during ritual should anyone exit the circle without performing a ceremonial “cutting.” To do this, hold your athame in your hand and make a cutting motion across the line of the circle, first to your right and then to your left. You are essentially creating a “door” in the circle, which you may now walk through. When you return to the circle, enter it in the same place you exited, and “close” the doorway by reconnecting the line of the circle with the athame.
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When the ceremony or rite has ended, the circle is usually cleared in the same manner in which it was cast, only in this case the HPs will dismiss the deities or Guardians and thank them for watching over the coven. In some traditions, the temple is cleared simply by having all members raise their athames in salute, thanking the God or Goddess, and kissing the blades of the athame. If the above method of casting a circle seems boring or dull to you, that’s okay. It’s a basic framework for ritual, and you can make yours as elaborate as you like. If you’re a very poetic person who likes lots of ceremony, feel free to use creative license – call upon “the weavers of the wind, the breezes that blow from the East, blessing us with wisdom and knowledge, so mote it be,” etc, etc. If your tradition associates various deities with the directions, call upon those Gods or Goddesses in the ways that they expect you to do so. Just make sure that you don’t spend so much time casting the Circle that you don’t have any time left for the rest of your ceremony! Tips: Have all your tools ready ahead of time -- this will save you from scrambling around during the middle of the ritual looking for things! If you forget what you mean to say when casting the circle, improvise. Talking to your deities should come from the heart. If you make a mistake, don't sweat it. The universe has a pretty good sense of humor, and we mortals are fallible. What You Need Athame Candles Censer Other tools of your tradition Written by: Patti Wigington Source: http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccanandpaganrituals/ht/Cast_Circle.htm
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How to Cast a Circle 2 Why bother, and how to do it? These questions probably cross your mind from time to time. The "why" has a few answers: Some cast a circle for protection, some to shift between the physical and etheric planes, some see the circle as a container used to store energy until the right moment to release that energy towards a certain goal. Now, everyone casts a circle in his/her own manner. A circle casting can be very very elaborate, or very simple. We'll start simply: The idea behind every basic circle is like a child setting up a tea party. Cleansing equals the set-up, calling in the deities/elementals/beings you wish to have present is like inviting the other children (or stuffed animals!) over, and the ritual is the actual party. The act of "casting the circle" part of casting the circle (if that makes any sense) is like setting a boundary between the attendees and the uninvited. Setting up involves cleaning the area, physically, psychically, and energetically. Clean your practice area so you can move as you see fit. Cleansing with elements can be done by smudging with incense, carrying a candle around, asperging with blessed water, setting out stones around the boundary of where you plan to work...or a combination of any of the above. My method? I start in the northeast with my besom (broom) and walk counterclockwise (widdershins) to "sweep out" negative energy first. Then I go back to the altar, take my incense (fire and air combined), bless it, then walk with it clockwise (deosil) to replenish the freshly-blessed air and fire energy. Back to the altar, consecrate and bless water (and add in 3 pinches of salt to make earth and water combined) so sprinkle that around clockwise to replenish the freshly-blessed water and earth energy. I personally call in the elements before casting the circle, then cast, then invite the deities. Calling the elements (watchtowers, elementals, etc) can be really simple: "I welcome the Air to my circle"...you can say this in your head while visualizing a breeze blowing or whatever makes you feel like "Air" is specifically present. Traditionally, people go to the East side of the circle to call the Air first, then South and Fire, then West and Water, then North and Earth. Some people do it differently...that's where reading and research is necessary to find out different methods and decide what works best for YOU. However, there's nothing wrong with trying it different a few times until it feels right...something might sound perfect when you read it, but how you feel when you actually do it is the key. The Magic Circle
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Casting the circle...you can use a tool (wand, athame, sword, staff, etc.) or just your finger. I begin in the northeast again, point to the ground with a tool or my finger, and visualize a beam of light flowing from the tip to the ground. I walk clockwise around the circle, say something simple like, "I cast this circle to create a boundary between the world of man and the realm of the divine" while visualizing that beam of light trailing behind, forming a wall or shell that the divine and energies I allow can get through, but nothing that I want to block out can cross. When I get to the starting point, I sometimes will bend down and tap the starting point like I'm connecting the two ends, and say something to the effect of, "My circle is now cast and whole!" Now that everything's all set up, I invite my guests of honor: The God and Goddess. Sometimes I choose particular deities, but usually I just work with them as "God and Goddess." I light a candle and welcome them in. Don't demand that they join you ("I SUMMON you to join me!")...and don't be meek "Hi, um...if you can, can you please join me?'). Know they will come and greet them like you're greeting an expected guest at the door. "I welcome you to my circle and thank you for providing your energies to my work/ritual/celebration." Give them a vessel in which they can stay...a candle, a statue, a picture of each one, a stone representing them, etc. I usually welcome the Goddess first. Now's time for your purpose of casting a circle...be it for meditation, a sabbat or esbat ritual, a spell... After the main working, I hold a simple feast...some food and drink to replenish myself. A slice of bread and a glass of juice works, and it's suggested that you leave a small libation for the energies you were working with. Bless your juice, pour some into a bowl, and then drink. Bless your bread, break off a piece and put it into the bowl, and then eat. You can leave it somewhere or bury it when you're cleaning up afterwards...the idea is to visualize that those energies who are your guests are partaking of the food's energy (though maybe not the physical matter) before you just toss it in the garbage. When I'm done, I thank the deities in the opposite order in which I welcomed them. Again, it's thanking them for coming...not saying "The party's over, so GET OUT." When you feel they have left (though they are always present) snuff the candles. So for example: "Thank you, Lord, for joining me in this ritual. Merry Meet, merry part, and merry meet again. (Wait a moment, then snuff God candle...then move on to Goddess candle.)
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Then I cut the circle and either "absorb" the light back into my tool or finger (while walking counter-clockwise) or I "erase" it. Again, when done, I say something that completes the action, "By my hand, this circle is now erased and this area is returned to the realm of man." Then, I wave goodbye to the elements...go to the North and thank Earth for coming, then West and Water, then South and Fire, then East and Air. Finally, I return to my altar and make some sort of statement that the ritual is now complete. I usually do some kind of action like ring a bell or snuff out the last candle that marks the final moment...like a judge using his gavel and saying "Case closed." Oh...and don't forget to clean up your area when you're done. You can make this even more simple by sitting in one spot, visualizing a shell of energy growing up around you, and welcoming the elements and deities in your mind. Or you can be more elaborate with dancing, a script of flowery language and all statements in rhyme...whatever works for you. Written by: Rhaevyn Sunrise Source: http://www.collegewicca.com/BOSfiles/circle.html
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How to Cast a Circle 3 Wiccans and other pagans and neo-pagans who practise Ritual Magick cast magick circles, also called sacred circle, ritual circle or just circle. Whatever the name, it is a circle inside which pagan rituals are performed. The circle acts as a portal to the realm of the deities, as a protection from evil forces and simply a psychological tool to put you in the right state of mind (or even trance), that signifies that what you are doing is special. 1. Purify the place where you will cast your circle. Purify physically (clean up) as well as spiritually (take your hands, or broom, athame or wand and direct positive energy into the area, to push away negative energy). You could try using witch hazel to cleanse the area - a couple of drops in each corner of the room and round the perimeter of the circle should be sufficient. 2. Physically determine the bounds of your circle, if you want. Do this by drawing a circle on the floor, sprinkling salt water in a circle, or by laying a cord in a circle (make sure you tie it). Anyhow, the circle is usually as wide as you are tall. 3. Place all the objects you will be using in your ritual inside the circle. 4. Represent the elements in the four quarters of your circle (called corners by some, but a circle doesn't have any corners!). Place something that represent Earth in the north, Air in the east, Fire south and Water west. Bless (or ask for consecration of) these things. (See tips for things that represent the elements.) Be sure to have some food and drink to share with the spirits, to thank them and to replenish your energy. 5. Take your magick weapon, whether it be hands, a broom, athame or wand, and walk round the spot where your circle will be thrice, clockwise: "Cast the circle thrice about, to keep the evil spirits out." State the purpose of the circle. 6. Invoke the elements and spirits and deities you wish to work with. Call them to the objects that represent them. Take each of the objects that represent the elements around your circle, filling it with the power of each of them. 7. Meditate for a while now. Meditation or astral projection might be the main act, or it serves just to shift your consciousness.
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8. Do whatever it is you want to do in your circle. Remember: "An it harm none, do what ye will." If you must leave the circle before you are done, cut a doorway (quite literally, envision a doorway being cut from the edge of the circle, up, to the side, then down again. Reclose the circle once you're back in. 9. Close the circle when you're done: pay respect to whatever deities you invited, thank the elements before you remove their representative objects, and finally undo the casting by casting in reverse. Soruce: http://www.wikihow.com/Cast-a-Circle
Opening the circle Circle is the magically prepared area where many Wiccans celebrate the turning of the Wheel. What I will discuss here is how I see Circle ... simply my viewpoint and in no way the final word. Remember that your own heart and spirit will guide you in things. If something sounds uncomfortable to you, then don't do it. Please! Don't let someone's supposed expertise/knowledge lead you into doing something that you are not sure about. No one can tell you how to worship or who to worship. Ok...the Circle is the area where I hold my rituals, where I worship my Gods, where I cast my spells. The first thing I do before Circle is to prepare myself through a salt-bathing ritual. This involves cleaning myself with soap and water...leaving the daily worries behind with my clothing worn that day. Then I join salt and water to charge myself, to cleanse myself. When I am ready to begin my Circle, I either robe or not, that is a matter of personal choice to me. Then I move to where I am doing my Circle...assuming that I am not doing it in my bathroom. I light the candles on my altar which I always place in the East. Put your altar wherever it feels the most right to you. These represent the Lady and her Lord. I set fire to my incense. I center and ground myself. If I am circling with another, we hold hands and do three Oms to bring our energies into balance. At this point I am going to walk you through casting a Circle. This is NOT the way I do a Circle privately, but it is the way I do it publicly. My way of doing it is oathbound and I may only reveal that to those who are properly prepared and known to me.
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First, call the Lady and the Lord to join you in your circle. Do this with reverence and respect. They are your Deities and should be invited never commanded! A simple Invocation to each follows: Lady of the Night, Mistress of the Day Please hear the call of your daughter/son (or simply your magical name) Silvery Moon Woman watch as I lay This Circle of Power . Great Hunter, Father, Son and Lover Hear my call if you will Laughing Man, Eternal Man watch over This Circle of Power. So, you have invited your Deities in. Take a moment to feel Their presence. Smile at the Lady's warmth...the Lord's being. These are your Deities and are indeed there for you. Once you know that They are attending your rite, you begin to cast the Circle. You first will cast the Circle with fire and air, elements of East and South. Incense is fire and air. Present the burning incense at the altar and then walk your Circle deosil. Deosil is the direction of the sun as it travels the Earth. When you return to the altar, replace the incense. NOTE: Use a hotpad if you are in danger of burning yourself! I have a small ceramic cauldron made by a Pagan potter, but I also use a large shell on occasion. Once the air and fire have cast the Circle, then join salt and water together. Again, with reverence! This is a religious ceremony you are doing so try to be respectful. The Goddess says in Her charge "all things in reverence and mirth" so if you giggle so be it....but do try to start with respect. Take the earth and water (salt and water) and present it over the altar. Now, traveling deosil, asperge your Circle with water and earth. Asperge is to lightly flick water from the bowl with your fingers and cast to the edges of your Circle. Return to the altar and replace the water bowl.
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Now, with your finger, your athame, your wand....cast your Circle with Spirit. That is you, your energy, your heart and spirit at work. You may say words as you go if you wish. A simple Circle invocation could go something like this: Be thou cast, Circle. As I walk thy boundaries So do you hold my power. Set me apart from the world of man Make me apart form the realm of spirit. Hold me between the worlds as I work my magic. You may see or feel energy coming from you as you walk the edge of your Circle. Or you may not! Don't worry about it. When you return to the altar, salute the East. Now, at this point you may call the Quarters if you wish. A simple Quarter call could be: Spirit and guardian of the (direction) I do call you to my Circle. Do thou watch from the (direction) and keep me safe. Witness my workings and lend me thy aid Thou guardian of the (direction) Do embellish on any of this as you see fit. This is just meant to help those of you who have never done a Circle and are unsure as to the actual mechanics of casting. Remember that you must follow your own path! Read! Ask questions! Learn and grow! Now then, I have tried to show you throughout this writing what Circle is to me. Hopefully you will be able to cast a Circle for yourself. What you do within the boundaries of your Sacred Space is up to you. I would hope that you would be ever mindful of the Wiccan Rede and do things for good and not for harm. Opening the Circle is another matter and I will address that on another page. Just remember that what you put up you must take down. Written by: Arwen Nightstar Source: http://www.anisoptera.com/grimoire/circle.htm
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Calling the Quarters/Casting Your Circle The quarters reside in the cardinal points, East, South, West, and North. When you call the Quarters, you are doing more than simply circling the compass, however; you are inviting the symbolic energies for each of them to attend and guard over your working and to become part of your magick. The act of calling the Quarters is an integral part of casting a circle. The circle being the sacred space in which ritual and magick are performed. It is a safe space in which to work and worship, a portable temple if you like. When calling a Quarter, whether verbally, or in the case of those limited to silent casting, through visualization, you will want to use as many senses as possible to describe, qualify and thus call the essence of the Quarter to your working. To call the Quarter, first face in the direction of the Quarter, holding your athame as an extension of your arm. Visualize what the Quarter means and draw that image to you. Draw an invoking pentagram. Recite (either aloud or clearly in your mind) words that address and invite the Quarter. Breathe in and feel yourself infused with the essence of the Quarter. Let’s look at each part of the above paragraph in a little more detail. Facing the direction of the Quarter is easy, but what does the Quarter mean to you? For East, the domain of the element Air, this could be a fresh breeze upon your face, or it could be memory of a hurricane force wind. For Fire, a crackling fireplace, or a blazing forest wildfire? There are varying degrees of intensity, and none of them are more wrong or right to use than another. Use what stirs your visualization and fills you with the sense of the Quarter being called. I personally use a mix of gentle and forceful, but not destructive images as they strike a balance for me. Draw your invoking pentagram with your athame in the air in the direction of the Quarter. There is a specific invoking and banishing pentagram for each quarter. If you wish to use them, please do so. In order to keep this from sounding like a “you must do this or your circle won’t work” article, we are not going to include them here. Rituals should first and foremost work for you, and what works for someone else, may not be right for you. A basic invoking pentagram starts at the bottom left hand point, moves to the top point, down to the bottom right hand point, to the left-hand point, to the right-hand point, and back to the bottom left hand point. A basic banishing pentagram begins at the top point and moves down to the bottom left point to the right point, to the left point, to the bottom right point, and back to the top. The Magic Circle
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What words should you use? There are many books on this topic. Your call can be formal and start with “All Hail the Guardians of the Watchtowers of the (direction), we seek your presence here tonight. Or, your call can be friendly and something like, “Powers of (element), we invite you to be with us this eve.” A complete call denotes the element, animal and quality of each individual Quarter. For example: Guardians of the East, Powers of Air; you who are thought and the wind upon my face. Winged eagle of the skies who is the morning breeze and the wrath of storms, I call upon and invite your presence to witness this rite. Guardians of the South, Powers of Fire, you who are passion and the hearth. Great Snake who lives within the coals of the home fires as well as wild fires, I call upon and invite your presence to witness this rite. Guardians of the West, Powers of Water, you who are emotions and pure love. Gentle Dolphin of the waves who is the morning dew, and the torrential rains, I call upon and invite your presence to witness this rite. Guardians of the North, Powers of Earth, you who are the stabilizer and nurturer. Powerful Buffalo who paws the ground and stands solid as the mountains, I call upon and invite your presence to witness this rite. After you have called the North, turn again to the East, and your circle has been cast. You may now proceed with your ritual, or spell. When you are ready to Dismiss the Quarters and Open the Circle, work backwards while facing each Quarter. Begin with North, then West, South, and East. Thank the Quarter and bid it farewell.
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For Example: Guardians of the North, of Earth, I thank you for your solid presence here tonight. Stay if you will, go if you must. Farewell and Blessed Be. Guardians of the West, of Water, I thank you for your soothing presence here tonight. Stay if you will, go if you must. Farewell and Blessed Be. Guardians of the South, of Fire, I thank you for your energetic presence here tonight. Stay if you will, go if you must. Farewell and Blessed Be. Guardians of the East, of Air, I thank you for your whispered presence here tonight. Stay if you will, go if you must. Farewell and Blessed Be. Your circle has been opened, your Quarters dismissed. J Please have fun and get creative with your Quarter calls. Perhaps even spend some time meditating on the different Quarters to really get in touch with what they bring to your life and ritual. The above Quarter calls/dismissals are my personal ones; please feel free to use them as written or change them to suit you. Written by: Rain Stormsong Soruce: http://herbalmusings.com/how-to-cast-a-circle.htm
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Casting The Circle 1 First, ground and center yourself. Stand with both feet firmly on the ground, and relax your arms at the sides of your body. Simply feel and visualize the energy of the Earth below you, and the Sky above you. Face one of the directions, and physically reach down with your arm and gather the energy of the Earth into your hand. Reach up to the Sky and gather the energy of the Sky into your other hand. Now scoot down near the ground and face your palms outward, sending that energy into a smooth wall of colour that will spread itself into the shape of a circle. Rise up as you do this, shaping and smoothing the wall at this corner. Repeat this at the other three directions, constantly smoothing and shaping it with your hands. At each direction, the circle gets stronger and thicker; there are no gaps because the energy of the circle constantly swirls around evenly. See the energy as a thick, fluid stream of colour. It also flows under the ground, to even itself out as a complete sphere. You can shape it underground by visualizing it through the floor. Solidify it by visualizing the energy of the circle as sticking together, like hot glue or warm honey. When you feel the circle is 'set', all you have to do now is keep it in mind, and perhaps make minor re-adjustments if you feel it is necessary. Take as much time as you need, and don't rush. No-one's holding a stopwatch. Don't be afraid to move around spontaneously; no-one's marking you on grace or coolness. And most importantly, don't be afraid to screw up; that's an important way to learn. Written by: Keitha (FireWind) Source: http://www.spiritual.com.au/articles/witchcraft/casting-a-circle.htm
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Casting and Closing a Circle How to Cast a Circle A circle can be cast for all magickal acts. The size of a circle varies vastly – it should be able to comfortably fit those using it. Certain actions must be performed and certain words said in a loud, clear voice. An altar should be placed in the circle – in a north, centre or east position. 1. Cleanse yourself and you chosen area. You should have a bath and clear the area completely. Set up an altar with the following items: a flat pentagram symbol, two black candles, an athame or sword, a small bell, a bowl of salt, a bowl of water, a chalice and a saucer. 2. Light your altar candles. Holding blade, walk around your circle, and say: “With this sacred blade I cast the circle of my craft. May it be a doorway to a sacred circle beyond time and space. Let it be a meeting place for all good, and may it deter all wickedness.” 3. Stand in front of your altar, pick up your bell, and say: “In the names of the Goddess and the Horned God, I cast this my working circle.” Afterwards, ring your bell. 4. Return to the North and raise your blade high before you. Call out: “Bear witness, Spirits of the North, guardians of Wicca.” Go to the East, South and West and repeat at each. 5. At the altar, put your bowl of salt on the pentagram and lower your blade into the bowl of salt, saying: “I exorcise thee, so that it may be purified and may aid me well.” 6. Put your bowl of water on the pentagram and take a pinch of salt and sprinkle it into the water. Lower the blade of your athame into the water, saying: “I cleanse and consecrate thee, Water of Life, and ask you to bless this circle. In the names of the Goddess and the Horned God, so mote it be!” 7. Pick up and hold the consecrated water and walk slowly around the circle again (still clockwise), and sprinkle a few drops along the line of the Circle, saying: “I consecrate this sacred circle by the powers of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. May the Goddess bestow her love herein, and the Horned God his honour.” Pick up your chalice, pour a small amount in the saucer for the Goddess and the Horned God, then take a sip yourself. After, place the chalice back on your pentagram. The Magic Circle
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This completes the casting of your circle. Specific activity can now be performed here, such as a Sabbat ritual, making a charm, or healing. It is absolutely crucial you do not leave the circle until your activity is complete, and without properly closing it. When your chosen focus is complete, move on to closing the circle. How to Close a Circle Go to the North, hold up your blade, and say, “Guardians and spirits of the North wind, my ritual is now complete. I bid you hail and farewell. Hail and farewell.” Repeat counterclockwise from North to West, to South, to East, and back to the North again. Extinguish your altar candles and bow your head at the altar, saying, “I declare this scared circle closed. So mote it be.” Ring a bell to complete the closing and step out. Source: http://www.spellsandmagic.com/Casting_a_Circle.html
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Casting the circle 2 The purpose of casting a circle is to create a sacred place in which to perform spells and rituals.There are a variety of different ways to cast a circle. Different Wiccans/Pagans use many tools while others use very few, or none at at. In traditional Wicca, one calls upon the watchtowers while others call to angels, dragons etc. Though there are some standard traditional rules, whom you call upon, and how many tools you wish to use in your magickal workings should be done according to what feels comfortable to YOU. Some prefer to perform rituals skyclad (nude), some wear robes, and others just wear regular, clean comfortable clothing. Below is a point form guide line of the structure used by many Witches to cast a circle and perform a ritual. Clean the area you will be working in Some form of personal cleansing prior to ritual such as bathing. However a shower or even washing your hands & face will do in a pinch. Gathering and arranging items needed for your ritual Meditation Calling the 4 elements or quarters : East, South, West & North Invoking the diety/deities of your choice State purpose of ritual Building personal energy and visualizing the intent of the spell or ritual. This can be done in many ways: By starting to slowly dance and gradually picking up the pace Drumming, chanting, or singinging the goal or intent (and as with dancing, starting softly or slowly, and gradually picking up the pace). When energy has come to a peak it is released, sending its power to the ethers Offering and ingesting a small portion of wine, juice etc., and cake, cookie or other baked good. Thanking the diety/deities for their presence and releasing them. Thanking the Spirits of the elements for their presence and releasing them : North, West, South & East Grounding the energy Opening the circle Burying left over items (incense ash, charcoal block, water, wine, salt etc. in the earth. (If you can not go out side for any reason, have a pot of earth at hand that is used for this purpose and return it to the earth when possible).
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The corresponding candle colours for the elements are : East - yellow South - red West - blue North - green Casting a Circle Taken from Scott Cunningham's Wicca: Things you'll need are: 4 stones (or candles) - brown - N, blue - E, red - S, green - W and whatever altar/craft tools you use. Set up alter facing east. Set down stones starting with North and moving deosil. Light the candles. Set incense to smoking. Touch athamé to water. Visualize the banishment of negativity and say: I consecrate and cleanse this water That it may be purified and fit to Dwell within this sacred circle of stones In the name of the mother goddess and father god I consecrate this water. Touch athamé to salt and say: I consecrate and cleanse this salt That it may be purified and fit to Dwell within this sacred circle of stones In the name of the mother goddess and father god I consecrate this salt Face north. Hold athamé out at waist level. Walk deosil around the circle perimiter charging it with your energy and words: Here is the boundry of the circle of stones Naught but love shall enter in and Naught but love shall emerge from within Charge this by your powers, old ones. As you walk, stretch the energy into a sphere around area above and below ground. When you are once again north, place athamé on alter and take up salt and sprinkle it around circle. Next censer, the southern red candle, and finally water. The circle is now sealed. Call and visualize the brown North, blue East, crimson South, and green West. O, Spirit of the [direction] Stone, The Magic Circle
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Ancient one of the [element] I call upon you to attend this circle Charge this by your powers, old ones. The circle is complete. To release the quarters, walk widdershins around the circle, starting North Farewell, Spirit of the [direction] Stone I give thee my thanks for your attendance here Go in power. The Circle is open, but unbroken. Source: http://www.angelfire.com/games3/ladyashmon/circle.html
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Spells & Witchcraft Spells must be used wisely and do not harm anyone. Book of Shadows Blessings Hearken as the witches' word calls to All, a gulf to ford. Bridge the vast realities, An it harm none, do as ye please. Elements protect and guard this book, From wandering eyes and prying looks. Fill it with thine ancient power, In this right and ready hour. Powers of North, the East below, Help me to live, to learn, to grow. Lend your strength and stability, To practice the Craft and with love be free. Powers of East, the Wind, the Sky, Watch over these pages with thine eye. Your wisdom and knowledge, for these I do ask, That this book be worthy of the Craft and its task. Powers of South, Fire, and the Hearth, Help these Shadows to prove their worth. Infuse them with all your Healing and Passion, So only good comes from the Work that is fashioned. Powers of West, the Water and Sea, Change and growth are granted by thee. Bless these pages with all that you know, That righteous readers may learn and grow. And to the unschooled eye that see Confusing words and sophistry, Lead them from these sacred pages, And bless their passage through the ages. For free will of all, And harm of none, As I have willed it, It is now done. So mote it be! Written by: Silver Ravenwolf Source: http://www.everythingunderthemoon.net/spells/blessing-of-the-book-of-shadows.htm
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Self-Forgiveness Pray This spell I to help you forgive and accept yourself, when you know you've done something wrong, and can't stop worrying about it. Chant 3 times. Conscious is this memory of mine, always at the back of my mind. Invoking guilt, invoking shame, causing me such emotional pain. Too long these thoughts have filled my head, whilst acting as a spiritual debt. What's in the past has come and gone, now I have learnt where I went wrong. Through forgiveness of the act. Through acceptance of what's now known. From the memories which haunt me, I can finally be left alone. Always in my conscience, the moral shall reside, but from the act that taught it, the moral shall divide. And as my mind begins to clear, this memory shall disappear. Let this spell not be reversed, or placed upon me as any curse. As is my will, this shall be done. So mote it be! The spell is done! Written by: Kitty Source: http://www.everythingunderthemoon.net/spells/self-forgiveness-spell.htm
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Bless you Bless you for your Anger, for it is a sign of Rising Energy. Direct it not at your family, waste not on your enemy. Transform the energy into Versatility and it will bring you prosperity. Bless you for the times you see evil. Evil is energy mishandled and it feeds on your support. Feed it not and it will self destruct. Shed light and it will cease to be. Bless you for your jealousy for it is a sign of empathy. Direct it not at your family. Direct it not at your friends. Transform the energy to Admiration, and what you admire will become a part of your life. Count your blessings everyday for they are your protection which stands between you and what you wish not. Count your curses and they will be a wall which stands between you and what you wish Source: http://www.everythingunderthemoon.net/spells/blessing-spell.htm
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A Person 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. Source: http://www.everythingunderthemoon.net/spells/white-candle-spell-for-blessing.htm
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Blessing for the Body To convert the senses. This blessing gives the body more connection with the spirit. It may also help with your readiness to channel. To be done at night in the moon's view. Extravagance is not appreciated. The Spell: Light a large white candle. Burn sandalwood and basalm and pine. Prepare a bowl of water sprinkled with salt. Put the bowl before you. Dip your finger in the water and touch it to each part of your body. Touch between your eyes and say: Bless my eyes that I might have clarity of vision. Touch your mouth and say: Bless my mouth that I may speak the truth. Touch your ears and say: Bless my ears that I may hear all that is spoken and all that is not. Touch your heart and say: Bless my heart that I may be filled with love. Touch your uterus and say: Bless my womb that I may be in touch with my creative energy that stems from the universe. To your feet, say: Bless my feet that I may find and walk my own true path Visualize filling yourself with understanding and love. Extinguish the candle when done (can be used for other purposes). Source: http://www.everythingunderthemoon.net/spells/blessing-for-the-body.htm
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Refresh your Self Denne spell handler om at brande noget: I hver af vores liv kan der være tider, hvor tingene går på ting vi har gjort til andre, eller måske noget, som nogen har gjort mod dig, at er i dit sind og hjerte, at dybt problemer dig. Her er en lille øvelse hvis du vil at slippe af med alle disse ting, uanset hvor længe siden de skete. Når du har gjort dette vil du føle ny og frisk. Tag et stykke pergament og tegne en cirkel i midten. Nu uden for kredsen, skriver i et mønster ned alle de negative ting, der vejer tungt på dig. Tag din tid, som du gør dette, og gør det i et roligt sted, hvor du ikke bliver forstyrret. Når du er færdig, så skriver du ned alle de positive ting ned inden i cirklen som du vil have i dit liv. Det kan være fra lykke til tilgivelse eller ønsker nogen et godt helbred. Du kan skrive ned så mange af disse ting som du ønsker. Når du er færdig med at tage din tid og reflektere over alle disse ting godt og dårlige. Fold pergament seks gange og forsegle det lukket med stearin. Hold nu det foldet papir til dit hjerte og recitere. What has happened is now undone give me peace let me live in serenity all that was is no more let me begin again to refresh my life with this new score make my birds go away when this paper will burn Når du er færdig brænde du pergament, imens det brænder vil røgen stige og bære dine byrder og drømme på en måde. Written by: Jim HD - 2011
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A Blessing for Self Image May you be grateful to your body For the offense it forgives you. May your body please you May your mind accept its forms And guide you among dangers and pleasures May you love yourself as you are loved. Elemental Blessing May the East fling open your windows, and fill your rooms with air; May the South send you strong sunshine, and give you the strength to dare; May the West wash rivers into your heart, and oceans into your soul; May the North share the secrets and gifts of the earth, to heal and make you whole. Nine Elements Blessing May you go forth under the strength of heaven, under the light of sun, under the radiance of moon. May you go forth with the splendor of fire, with the speed of lightning, with the swiftness of wind. May you go forth supported by the depth of sea, by the stability of earth, by the firmness of rock. May you be surrounded and encircled, with the protection of the nine elements. Luck Try to make this spell during a full moon: I take a stone of pure moon light, and wrap it up in blues and whites. Feathers make my prayers loose and light. Placed inside a small white box, In you a place,under a willows grace, and hope till then my luck, my fate.
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House Blessing Bless this house And all who live within her walls, May you grow and prosper here, Wise in the old ways. May your spirits soar And your bounty increase May the larks of the sky And the spirits of the deep Enclose and protect you From all evil Bless this house. A Parting Blessing May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your fields. Until we meet again, May the Goddess hold you in the hollow of her hands.
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Songs I am I am the sun, I am the moon, I am the flowers on the grass, I am the water. If I wonts to be loved, I will be the sun, If I wonts to be see in the night, I will be the moon, If I wonts to be beauty, I will be the flowers, If I wonts to be fielded, I will be the water. I am the sun ... And so will it be. Written by: Jim HD - 2011
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Chants Daily sun Said daily at sunrise: Here comes the sun, Rise now with me, Burn into my heart, All energy. Brighten what I am, Soak this into me. Delight into my life, All I'm meant to be. Sorrow Blue is my color tonight, In two rows of four. With two gold ribbons, Hung high and low, upon their ends, there hangs a rose. One red, one white. In slow mournful bites, I drink their life, to give me now, their peaceful sight. With each sorrowful bite, it draws me near, the blue has left me, true and clear. Dream charm Take a stone clear as ice, wrap me up, not once, but twice, In a scrap of soft blue fabric, let me lay underneath thy blanket. Hold me close, and hold me dear, Forever tranquil, in your dreams I appear.
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Spirit Protection Wreath In a pot boil yellow flowers, Rosemary, lavender, Poppy, Weave a wreath from willow branches, let boil until thick. Remove wreath, tie a strip of leather to hang. Hang anywhere in your house. With the remaining liquid, boil until thick, add wax. Pour ingredients into a candle glass, add a wick. Burn the candle to complete the protection spell. Beauty Early in the morning, I gather flowers still fresh with morning due. I seek them out in red ́s and white ́s, a basketful for my delight. Gently placed into the water, there they float with the calm. With my hand ́s, I twist a wreath, of fresh morning cherry blossoms, Upon my head I wear the wreath, to bring out the beauty within me, and after this I gently slip, Into the fresh flowered water.
Meditation Six white candles set in a circle, Whilst keeping me in the center. All set upon a midnight taper, For adjoining the forces of nature, I take with me my favorite smell, and travel to, my peaceful cell. My patience and time, will fly away, and take me to a brand new day.
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Prayer of holding Let the moon reflected in a mirror or a puddle when you say the chant: Fly like the wind into my sight, hold thy clasp, and clasp my hand, hold to your ́s unto this land. Watch from afar to see me near, always in your heart you hold me dear. With this last mist of life I fade, forever bound to you I ́m made. Undo curse Those who wish, no evil harm on me, let them live, let them be, All of those who hold me wrong, let me break there evil song. For I am spring, and I am rain, let the light wash me pure, let the dark not find It's place. Those who do me wrong, let them hear this song, and wash them far, far away from me.
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Evocation of the Witch I am one with the universe. I am no-thing and I am everything. I am the stars and the moon the seas and the storms, the breath of life, the alchemical change, the living and the dead. I am! I am the power and the joy. I am the spirit that dances. I am the magick and the priest, the witch and the sorceress the angels and the elements omnipotent omnipresent I am! I am the past, the present, and the future. I am the void And I am the manifestation of my desire. I am! Source: http://www.freewebs.com/thespleen/
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Elements Poem Fire on Fire Light and Power, Warmth and Energy They did generate. Earth joined them then To Life She gave Birth And solid Foundations built. Along came Water Some Channels to carve Through which all Energies flow. Around them All The Air did blow Winds of Thought and Deed intertwined. Power raised, Power spread Thus It Was So Mote It Be. Written by: Alernon Source: http://wiccancommunity.blogspot.com/2010_07_01_archive.html
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Born of Elements Born of Air Learning, Wisdom Blowing, Drifting We are. Born of Fire Warming, Devouring Sizzling, Crackling We are. Born of Water Healing, Cleansing Gushing, Flowing We are. Born of Earth Grounded Strongly of the Mother We are. Written Of: Alernon Source: http://wiccancommunity.blogspot.com/2010_07_01_archive.html
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Witches' Chant Darksome night and shining Moon, Hearken to the witches' rune. East then south, west then north, Hear! Come! I call Thee forth! By all the powers of land and sea, Be obedient unto me. Wand and Pentacle and Swaord, Hearken ye unto my word. Cords and Censer, Scourge and Knife, Waken all ye into life. Powers of the witch's Blade, Come ye as the charge is made. Queen of Heaven, Queen of Hell, Send your aid unto the spell. Horned Hunter of the night, Work my will by magic rite. By all the powers of land and sea, As I do say, "so mote it be." By all the might of moon and sun, As I do will, it shall be done. Source: http://web.akasha.no/bos/chant.html
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The Witches Rune Darksome night and shining moon, Hearken to the witches' rune. East, then south, west then north, Here come I to call thee forth. Earth and water, air and fire, Work ye unto my desire. Wand and Pentacle and Sword Hearken ye unto my word. Cords and Censer, Scourge and Knife, Waken all ye into life. Power of the Witches Blade, Come ye as the charm is made. Queen of Heaven, Queen of Hell, Lend your aid unto the spell. Horned Hunter of the Night, Work my will by magic rite. By all the power of land and sea, As I do will, so mote it be. By all the might of moon and sun, Chant the spell and be it done. Source: http://web.akasha.no/bos/wrune.html
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Glossary Akasha The fifth element, the omnipresent spiritual power that permeates the universe. It is the energy out of which the Elements formed. Amulet A magickally charged object which deflects specific, usually negative energies. Generally, a protective object. Ankh An Egyptian hieroglyphic that is widely used as a symbol for life, love, and reincarnation. It is depicted as a cross with a looped top. When worn or carried, the ankh brings good health, promotes fertility, and strengthens the psychic powers. ( Ankh if you love Isis! :) Asperger A bundle of fresh herbs or a perforated object used to sprinkle water during or preceding ritual, for purificatory purposes. Astral projection The art of "leaving one's body" or "lucid dreaming" whereby someone in a trance state visits other locations and realms. This is thought of as traveling into the astral plane which is generally conceived as a parallel world unseen in our own world of form. Astrology The belief and study of the effects which the movements and placements of planets and other heavenly bodies have on the lives and behavior of human beings. Athame "ah-THAW-may". A Wiccan ritual knife. It usually has a double-edged blade and a dark handle. The athame is used to direct personal power during ritual workings. Balefire A fire lit for magickal purposes, usually outdoors. Balefires are traditional on Yule, Beltane and Midsummer. (Also great at Samhain!) Glossary
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Bane That which destroys life, which is poisonous, destructive, evil, dangerous. Beltane A Wiccan festival celebrated on April 30th or May 1st. Beltane is also known as May Eve, Roodmas. Beltane celebrates the symbolic union, mating or marriage of the Goddess and God, and links in with the approaching summer months. Besom "bay-shum" The witches' broomstick. European folklore tells of witches riding their brooms through the sky which may be an uninformed explanation of astral projection. As a tool the broom is used to sweep a sacred area, ground a circle, or to brush away negative influences. Bolline The white-handled knife, used in magick and Wiccan ritual for practical purposes such as cutting herbs. Banish To magickally end something or exorcise unwanted entities. To rid the presence of. B.C.E. Before Common Era. Synonymous with B.C. without religious bias. Bells Often used as ritual tools. They can be used to invoke directional energies, to ring in the sunrise on a Sabbat, or to frighten away faeries and baneful spirits. Besom: A witch's broom. Bi-Location: A type of astral projection during which you maintain awareness of your present surroundings. Bind To magickally restrain something or someone. Blood of the Moon A woman's menstrual cycle. Should this cycle occur over a Full Moon or New Moon, she is far more powerful than during any other time of the month, as long as she acknowledges this strength within herself.
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Book of Shadows A Wiccan book of rituals, spells and magickal lore. Once hand copied upon initiation, the BOS is now photocopied or typed in some covens. No one "true" BOS exists; all are relevant to their respective users. The Burning Times Reference to a historical time from around 1000 C.E. through the 17th century when it is said that up to nine million people were tortured and burned by church and public officials on the assumption that they were the Christian version of Witches. This turned into an extremely profitable venture, as all land and property was seized from the accused individual and portions given to the accuser (in reward fashion) and the remainder seized by the church officials. Historians indicate that the majority of people tortured and murdered were woman and children. Cauldron Linked to witchcraft in the popular mind, this is a primal Goddess image used like a chalice or cup. Censer A heat-proof container in which incense is smouldered. An incense burner. It symbolized the Element of Air. Call Invoking Divine forces. Chalice The chalice or cup as a ritual took represents water and the west, and it is also representative of the feminine principle. Chalices are used, but a cauldron is preferable. Charging The act of empowering herbs, stones, or other magickal objects with one's own energies directed towards a magickal goal. Charging is synonymous with enchanting.
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Circle The sacred space wherein all magick is to be worked. The circle contains raised energy and provides protection for the witch. It is created and banished with his or her own energy. Many books on magick include in-depth discussions on circle lore and practice, and it is recommended that students of the craft study these carefully. Conscious Mind The analytical, materially-based, rational half or our consciousness. The mind at work when we compute our taxes, theorize or struggle with ideas. Coven A group of witches who worship and work together, usually initiatory and led by one or two leaders. Covenstead An obsolete name for the area encompassed by an individual coven.. Deosil "jes-l" Clockwise, the direction of the Sun's apparent motion in the sky. Divination The magickal art of discovering the unknown by interpreting random patterns or symbols through the use of tools such as clouds, tarot cards, flames, smoke. Divination contacts the psychic mind by tricking or drowsing the conscious mind through ritual and observation or of manipulation of tools. Divination isn't necessary for those who can easily attain communication with the psychic mind, though they may practice it. Divine Power The unmanifested, pure energy that exists within the Goddess and God. The life force, the ultimate source of all things. Drawing Down The Moon Ancient Pagan ritual enacted at the esbats to draw the powers of the full moon, in her aspect of Great Mother Goddess, into the body of a female witch.
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Duality The opposite of polarity. Duality separates two opposites such as good and evil and places those characteristics into two separate god-forms. Earth Power That energy which exists within stones, herbs, flames, wind and other natural objects. It is manifested divine power and can be utilized during magick to create needed change. Elements The: Earth, Air, Fire, Water. These four essences are the building blocks of the universe. Everything that exists (or that has potential to exist) contains one or more of these energies. The elements hum within ourselves and are also "at large" in the world. They can be utilized to cause change through magick. The four elements formed from the primal essence of power- Akasha. Elemental Archetypal spirit being associated with one of the four elements. Esbat The time of the full moon which is celebrated monthly. The word is from the French esbattre meaning to gambol or frolic. Evocation Calling up spirits or other non-physical entities, either to visible appearence or invisible attendance. God The masculine aspect of deity. Goddess The feminine aspect of deity. Grimoire A magickal workbook containing ritual information, formulae, magickal properties of natural objects and preparation of ritual equipment.
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Handfasting Pagan marriage, traditionally contracted for a nine-year period, then renewed if agreed upon by both parties. Herbalism The art of using herbs to facilitate human needs both magickally and medically. Imbolc A Wiccan festival celebrated on February 2nd, also known as Candlemas, Feast of Pan and many other names. Imbolc celebrates the first stirrings of spring and recovery of the Goddess from giving birth to the Sun (the God) at Yule. Incense Herbs, oils, or other aromatic item which are burned to scent the air during acts of magick and ritual. Incense is associated with the element air. Initiation A process whereby an individual is introduced or admitted into a group, interest, skill or religion. Initiations may be ritual occasions but can also occur spontaneously. Invocation An appeal or petition to a higher power (or powers), such as the Goddess and God. A prayer. Invocation is actually a method of establishing conscious ties with those aspects of the Goddess and God that dwell within us. In essence, then, we seemingly cause them to appear or make themselves known by becoming aware of them. Karma A Hindustani word which reflects the ancient belief that good and evil done will return to be visited on a person either in this life or in a succeeding one. Labrys A double-headed axe which symbolized the Goddess in ancient Crete, still used by some Wiccans for this same purpose. The labrys may be placed on or leaned against the left side of the altar.
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Lughnasadh "Loo-nas-sah" A Wiccan festival celebrated on August 1st, also known as August Eve, Lammas. Lughnasadh marks the first harvest, when the fruits of the Earth are cut and stored for the dark winter months, when the God also mysteriously weakens as the days grow shorter. Mabon On or around September 21st, the autumn equinox, Wiccans celebrate the second harvest. Nature is preparing for winter. Mabon is a vestige of ancient harvest festivals which, in some form or another, were once nearly universal among peoples of the Earth. Magick The movement of natural energies to create needed change. Energy exists within all things- ourselves, plants, stones, colors, sounds, movements. Magick is the process of rousing or building up this energy, giving it purpose, and releasing it. Magick is a natural, not supernatural, practice, though it is little understood. Magick Circle A sphere constructed of personal power in which Wiccan rituals are usually enacted. The term refers ti the circle that marks the sphere's penetration of the ground, for it extends both above and below it. It is created through visualization and magick. Meditation Reflection, contemplation, turning inward toward the self or outward toward Deity or nature. A quiet time in which the practitioner may dwell upon particular thoughts or symbols, or allow them to come unbidden.
Megalith A huge stone monument or structure. Stonehenge is perhaps the best-known example of megalithic construction. Menhir A standing stone probably lifted by early peoples for religious, spiritual or magickal reasons.
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Midsummer The summer solstice, usually on or near June 21st, one of the Wiccan festivals and an excellent night for magick. Midsummer marks the point of the year when the Sun is symbolically at the height of its powers, and so too the God. The longest day of the year. Mighty Ones Being, deities or presences often invoked during Wiccan ceremony to witness or guard the rituals. The Mighty Ones are thought to be either spiritually evolved beings, once human, or spiritual entities created by or charged by the Goddess and God to protect the Earth and to watch over the four directions. They are sometimes linked with the Elements. Neo-Pagan Literally, new-Pagan. A member, follower or sympathizer of one of the newly formed Pagan religions now spreading throughout the world. All Wiccans are Pagan, but not all Pagans are Wiccan. Ogham Alphabet "oh-gom" Runic writing of the ancient Celts. Credit for the inception of this phonetic writing system is given to the Druids. Old Ones A Wiccan term often used to encompass all aspects of the Goddess and God. Some Wiccans view it as an alternative of The Mighty Ones. Ostara "O-star-ah" Occurring at the spring equinox, around March 21st, Ostara marks the beginning of true, astronomical spring, when snow and ice make way for green. As such, it is a fire and fertility festival, celebrating the return of the Sun, and God and the fertility of the Earth (the Goddess). Pagan From the Latin paganus, country-dweller. Today used as a general term for followers of Wicca and other magickal, shamanistic and polytheistic religions. Naturally, Christians have their own peculiar definition of this word. It can be interchanged with Neo-Pagan.
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Pantheism The belief in many deities who are really one because they are all merely aspects of the single creative life source. Witchcraft is a pantheistic religion. Passing Over A ritual observed when a loved one has died. This ceremony included keening and candle lighting, then feasting and revelry. Pendulum A divinatory device consisting of a string attached to a heavy object, such as a quartz crystal, root or ring. The free end of the string is held in the hand, and the elbow steadied against a flat surface, and a question is asked. The movement of the heavy object's swing determines the answer. A rotation indicates yes or positive energy. A back and forth swing signals the opposite. (There are many methods of deciphering the pendulum's movement; use those that work best for you.) It is a tool which contacts the psychic mind. Pentacle A ritual object (usually a circular piece of wood, metal, clay, etc.) upon which a five-pointed star (Pentagram) is inscribed, painted or engraved. It represents the Element of Earth. The words "pentagram" and "pentacle" are not interchangeable, though they understandable cause some confusion. Pentagram The five-pointed star which has come to symbolize The Craft. It is an ancient symbol with multiple meanings. It is always used with an upward apex. Not a "Devil symbol" as modern Christianity teaches, it represents the four elements plus spirit, it represents a human being with arms and legs spread, and it stands for spirit over matter. Satanist cults often take the pentagram and invert it to signify matter over spirit. Personal Power That energy which sustains our bodies. It ultimately originates from the Goddess and God (or, rather, the power behind Them). We first absorb it from our biological mothers within the womb and, later, from food, water, the Moon and Sun and other natural objects. We release personal power during stress, exercise, sex, conception and childbirth. Magick is often a movement of personal power for a specific goal.
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Polarity The concept of equal, opposite energies. The Eastern yin/yang is a perfect example. Yin is cold; yang is hot. Other examples of polarity: Goddess/God, night/day, Moon/Sun, birth/death, dark/light, psychic mind/conscious mind. Universal balance. Polytheism The belief in the existence of many unrelated deities with their won dominion and interests that have no spiritual relationship to one another. Projective Hand The hand that is normally used for manual activities such as writing, peeling apples and dialing telephones is symbolically thought to be the point at which personal power is sent from the body. In ritual, personal power is visualized as streaming out form the palm or fingers of the hand for various magickal goals. This is also the hand in which tool such as the athame and wand are held. Ambidextrous persons simply choose which hand to utilize for this purpose. Psychic Mind The subconscious or unconscious mind, in which we receive psychic impulses. The psychic mind is at work when we sleep, dream and meditate. It is our direct link with the Goddess and God and with the larger, non-physical world around up. Other related terms: Divination is a ritual process which utilizes the Conscious Mind to contact the psychic mind. Intuition is a term used to describe psychic information which unexpectedly reaches the conscious mind. Psychism The act of being consciously psychic, in which the psychic mind and conscious mind are linked and working in harmony. Ritual consciousness is a form of psychism. Receptive Hand The left hand in right-handed persons, the reverse for left-handed persons. This is the hand through which energy is received into the body. Reincarnation The belief that the souls of living things return to the earth plane in another body after death. A basic tenet of Paganism. Glossary
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Ritual Ceremony. A specific form of movement, manipulation of objects or inner processes designed to produce desired effects. In religion, ritual is geared toward union with the divine. In magick it produces a specific state of consciousness which allows the magician to move energy toward needed goals. A spell is a magickal ritual. Ritual Consciousness A specific, alternate state of awareness necessary to the successful practice of magick. The magician achieves this through the use of visualization and ritual. It denotes a state in which the conscious mind and psychic mind are attuned, in which the magician sense energies, gives them purpose and released them toward the magickal goal. It is a heightening of the senses, an awareness-expansion of the seemingly non-physical world, a linking with nature and with for forces behind all conceptions of Deity. Runes Stick-like figures, some of which are remnants of the old Teutonic alphabets. Others are pictographs. These symbols are once again widely being used in magick and divination. Sabbat A great festival of observance of the Pagan year (there are eight sabbats per year). The word is from the Greek sabatu meaning "to rest." Samhain "Sow-wen" A Wiccan festival celebrated on October 31st, also known as November Eve, Hallowmas, Halloween, Feast of Souls. Samhain marks the symbolic death of the Sun God and His passing into the "land of the young," where He awaits rebirth of the Mother Goddess at Yule. This Celtic word is pronounced by Wiccan as: SOW-wen; SEW-wen; SAHM-hain; SAHM-ain; SAV-een and other ways. The first seems to be the one preferred among most Wiccans. Scrying To gaze at or into an object (a quartz crystal sphere, pool of water, reflection, a candle flame) to still the conscious mind and to contact the psychic mind. This allows the scryer to become aware of possible events prior to their actual occurrence, as well as of previous or distant, simultaneous events through other than the normally accepted senses. A form of divination. Glossary
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Shaman A man or woman who has obtained knowledge of the subtler dimensions of the Earth, usually through periods of alternate states of consciousness. Various types of ritual allow the shaman to pierce the veil of the physical world and to experience the realm of energies. This knowledge lends the shaman the power to change her or his world through magick. Shamanism The practice of shamans, usually ritualistic or magickal in nature, sometimes religous. Simple Feast A ritual meal shared with the Goddess and God. Skyclad Ritual nudity, a common pratice within the Gardnerian tradition of Wicca. In the Old Religion of Ireland, going skyclad is ALWAYS a personal choice. Solitary A Witch or other Pagan who works and worships alone without the aid of a coven. Spell A magickal ritual, usually non-religious in nature and often accompanied by spoken words. Spirits of the Stones The elemental emergies naturally inherent at the four directions of the magick circle, personified within the standing stones tradition as the "Spirits of the Stones." They are linked with the Elements Staff Ritual tool which corresponds to the wand in Wicca. (a cane.) The Summerland The Wiccan land of the dead, where you go when you die to wait to be reincarnated.
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Talisman An object, such as an amethyst crystal, ritually charged with power to attract a specific force or energy to its bearer. Threefold Law The karmic principle of The Craft. It states that any energy sent will return to the sender three times over. Tradition The branch of Paganism followed by any individual Witch or coven. The word is synonymous with "path." Witta is one tradition of Paganism. Trilithon A stone arch made from two upright slabs with one lying atop these. Trilithons are featured in Stonehenge as well as the circle visualization in The Standing Stones Book of Shadows. Triple Goddess The one Goddess in all of her three aspects: maiden, mother, and crone. This theme of triple feminine deity has been found in nearly every known culture. Visualization The process of forming mental images. Magical visualization consists of forming images of needed goals during ritual. Visualization is also used to direct personal power and natural energies during magick for various purposes, including charging and forming the magick circle. It is a function of the conscious mind. Wand A ritual tool brought to The Craft through ceremonial magick. Made of usualy of wood, the wand symbolizes the element of air and the direction or east. White-Handled Knife A normal cutting knife, with a sharp blade and white handle. It is used within Wicca to cut herbs and fruits, to slice bread during the simple feast and for other functions. Sometimes called the bolline.
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Wicca A tradition of Witchcraft. A contemporary Pagan religion with spiritual roots in Shamanism and the earliest expressions of reverence of nature. Among its major motifs are: reverence for the Goddess and God; reincarnation; magick; ritual observances of the Full Moon, astronomical and agricultural phenomena; spheroid temples, created with personal power, in which rituals occur. Wiccan Rede This is the basic tenet of Witchcraft. "As ye harm none, do what thou will." The rede prohibits Witches from harming any other living thing, or from violating the free will of any living thing. Widdershins Anti-clockwise motion, usually used in the Northen Hemisphere for negative magickal purposes or for dispersing negative energies or conditions such as disease. Witch Anciently, a European practitioner of the remnants of pre-Christian folk magick, particularly that relating to herbs, healing, wells, rivers and stones. One who practiced Witchcraft. Later, this term's meaning was deliberately altered to denote demented, dangerous, supernatural beings who practiced destructive magick and who threatened Christianity. This change was a political, monetary and sexist move on the part of organized religion, not a change in the practices of Witches. This later, erroneous meaning is still accepted by many non-Witches. It is also, somewhat surprisingly, used by some members of Wicca to describe themselves. Witchcraft The craft of the Witch-magick, especially magick utilizing personal power in conjunction with the energies within stones, herbs, colors and other natural objects. While this may have spiritual overtones, Witchcraft, using this definition, isn't a religion. However, some followers of Wicca use this word to denote their religion.
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Yule A Wiccan festival celebrate on or about December 21st, marking the rebirth of the Sun God from the Earth Goddess. A time of joy and celebration during the miseries of winter. Yule occurs on the winter solstice. Source: http://magickgarden.freehostia.com/Dictionary.html
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Finding a Teacher, Mentor or Guide As I have mentioned in a couple of other places on this site, there is and always has been a great deal of concern regarding Cults throughout the world. While Wicca, Paganism and Witchcraft are clearly Spiritual Belief systems and a way of life instead of "Cults," there are some out there who do seek power and desire to manipulate or control others for their own gain. As is the case in all walks of life, there really isn't a way to block or keep these types from infiltrating the Pagan, Wicca and Witchcraft community. I suppose that in some way's we are even more prone to it than other groups because that type of person generally has a limited grasp on reality and probably believes that following the Old Way's will offer them the ability to master the outlandish and ridiculous skills and powers that Hollywood has led some to believe Witches posess. When your comfort level with the concepts of the Pagan path have grown to the point where you are certain that this is the lifestyle you wish to follow, you will undoubtedly wish to share that fellowship and comradery with others of like mind and spirit. To avoid being drawn into a group where the intent is less than honorable, there are a couple of things that may assist you in avoiding contact with the nuts out there. The first and most important thing is to listen to your Spirit Twin, Guide, Little Voice, Gut Feeling or whatever you choose to call it. Most of us have found that this inner voice is rarely wrong and you "WILL" know when something simply does not feel right. If you get that uneasy feeling about someone or a group, back or run away as quickly as possible. When you initially make contact with someone, especially here on the internet, you have a great advantage in that you can limit your contact to relatively anonymous contact through e-mail. While this is not always fool proof, and there are some great deceivers out there. This does offer you some protection. Exchange mail withholding all personal information until you are absolutely certain there are no safety risks. If someone keeps pressuring you for personal information, break off all contact with them immediately. If they persist in bothering you after you politely tell them you no longer wish contact with them, contact your ISP and lodge a formal complaint giving this persons e-mail address and their host name. There are federal laws regarding electronic stalking and harassment, something of this nature would qualify for assistance from various federal agencies in getting that person to leave you alone.
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Finally, Issac Bonewits developed a small questionnaire in 1979 (Advanced Bonewits Cult Danger Evaluation Frame) that you can use which will help your inner voice when determining if an individual or group poses above average risk. That questionnaire is provided here with his permission as well as a link to his web site for your further information and studies. Written by: Herne Source: http://wicca.com/celtic/wicca/teacher.htm
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How others look at Wicca and Wiccans Military Views on Wicca - US Army Excerpt from the U.S. Army's Religious Requirements and Practices of Certain Selected Groups: A Handbook for Chaplains (pgs 231-236). Available from: USAF Chaplain's Service Institute Resource Division 525 Chenault Circle Maxwell AFB Montgomery, AL 36112-6429 WICCA ADDRESS: No central address. Wiccan worship groups, called covens, are essentially autonomous. Many, but far from all, have affiliated with: Covenant of the Goddess P.O. Box 1226 Berkeley, CA 94704 OTHER NAMES BY WHICH KNOWN Witchcraft; Goddess worshippers; Neo-Paganism, Paganism, Norse (or any other ethnic designation) Earth Religion, Old Religion, Druidism, Shamanism. Note: All of these groups have some basic similarities and many surface differences of expression with Wicca. LEADERSHIP No central leadership. The Covenant of the Goddess annually elects a First Officer and there is a constitutional limit of two consecutive terms, but in practice officers have almost always served for one year only. In 1991, there are two Co-First Officers, Phoenix Whitebirch and Brandy Williams. MEMBERSHIP Because of the complete autonomy of covens, this cannot be determined. There are an estimated of 50,000 Wiccans in the United States. (Hernes note: This number is now substantially higher and estimated at over 200,000. Wicca is currently the fastest growing spiritual path in the U.S.) How others look at Wicca and Wiccans
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HISTORICAL ORIGIN Wicca is a reconstruction of the Nature worship of tribal Europe, strongly influenced by the Living Nature worship traditions of tribal peoples in other parts of the world. The works of such early twentieth century writers as Margaret Murray, Robert Graves and Gerald B. Gardner began the renewal of interest in the Old Religion. After the repeal of the anti-Witchcraft laws in Britain in 1951, Gardner publicly declared himself a Witch and began to gather a group of students and worshipers. In 1962, two of his students, Raymond and Rosemary Buckland (religious names: Lady Rowen and Robat), emigrated to the United States and began teaching Gardnerian Witchcraft here. At the same time, other groups of people became interested through reading books by Gardner and others. Many covens were spontaneously formed, using rituals created from a combination of research and individual inspiration. These self-created covens are today regarded as just as valid as those who can trace a "lineage" of teaching back to England. In 1975, a very diverse group of covens who wanted to secure the legal protections and benefits of church status formed Covenant of the Goddess (CoG), which is incorporated in the State of California and recognized by the Internal Revenue Service. CoG does not represent all, or even a majority of Wiccans. A coven or an individual need not be affiliated with CoG in order to validly practice the religion. But CoG is the largest single public Wiccan organization, and it is cross-Traditional (i.e. non-denominational). BASIC BELIEFS Wiccans worship the sacred as immanent in Nature, often personified as Mother Earth and Father Sky. As polytheists, they may use many other names for Deity. Individuals will often choose Goddesses or Gods from any of the world's pantheons whose stories are particularly inspiring and use those Deities as a focus for personal devotions. Similarly, covens will use particular Deity names as a group focus, and these are often held secret by the groups. It is very important to be aware that Wiccans do not in any way worship or believe in "Satan," "the Devil," or any similar entities. They point out that "Satan" is a symbol of rebellion against and inversion of the Christian and Jewish traditions. Wiccans do not revile the Bible. They simply regard it as one among many of the world's mythic systems, less applicable than some to their core values, How others look at Wicca and Wiccans
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but still deserving just as much respect as any of the others. Most Wiccan groups also practice magic, by which they mean the direction and use of "psychic energy," those natural but invisible forces which surround all living things. Some members spell the word "magick," to distinguish it from sleight of hand entertainments. Wiccans employ such means as dance, chant, creative visualization and hypnosis to focus and direct psychic energy for the purpose of healing, protecting and aiding members in various endeavors. Such assistance is also extended to non-members upon request. Many, but not all, Wiccans believe in reincarnation. Some take this as a literal description of what happens to people when they die. For others, it is a symbolic model that helps them deal with the cycles and changes within this life. Neither Reincarnation nor any other literal belief can be used as a test of an individual's validity as a member of the Old Religion. Most groups have a handwritten collection of rituals and lore, known as a Book of Shadows. Part of the religious education of a new member will be to hand copy this book for him or herself. Over they years, as inspiration provides, new material will be added. Normally, access to these books is limited to initiated members of the religion. PRACTICES AND BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS The core ethical statement of Wicca, called the "Wiccan Rede" states "an it harm none, do what you will." The rede fulfills the same function as does the "Golden Rule" for Jews and Christians; all other ethical teachings are considered to be elaborations and applications of the Rede. It is a statement of situational ethics, emphasizing at once the individual's responsibility to avoid harm to others and the widest range of personal autonomy in "victimless" activities. Wicca has been described as having a "high-choice" ethic. Because of the basic Nature orientation of the religion, many Wiccans will regard all living things as Sacred, and show a special concern for ecological issues. For this reason, individual conscience will lead some to take a pacifist position. Some are vegetarians. Others will feel that, as Nature's Way includes self-defense, they should participate in wars that they conscientiously consider to be just. The religion does not dictate either position, but requires each member to thoughtfully and meditatively examine her or his own conscience and to live by it. Social forces generally do not yet allow Witches to publicly declare their religious faith without fear of reprisals such as loss of job, child custody challenges, ridicule, etc. Prejudice against How others look at Wicca and Wiccans
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Wiccans is the result of public confusion between Witchcraft and Satanism. Wiccans in the military, especially those who may be posted in countries perceived to be particularly intolerant, will often have their dog tags read "No Religious Preference." Concealment is a traditional Wiccan defense against persecution, so non-denominational dog tags should not contravene a member's request for religious services. Wiccans celebrate eight festivals, called "Sabbats," as a means of attunement to the seasonal rhythms of Nature. These are January 31 (Called Oimelc, Brigit, or February Eve), March 21 (Ostara or Spring Equinox), April 30 (Beltane or May Eve), June 22 (Midsummer, Litha or Summer Solstice), July 31 (Lunasa or Lammas), September 21 (Harvest, Mabon or Autumn Equinox), October 31 (Samhain, Sowyn or Hallows), and December 21 (Yule or Winter Solstice.) Some groups find meetings within a few days of those dates to be acceptable, others require the precise date. In addition, most groups will meet for worship at each Full Moon, and many will also meet on the New Moon. Meetings for religious study will often be scheduled at any time convenient to the members, and rituals can be scheduled whenever there is a need (i.e. for a healing). Ritual jewelry is particularly important to many Wiccans. In addition to being a symbol of religious dedication, these talismans are often blessed by the coven back home and felt to carry the coven's protective and healing energy. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE Most Wiccans meet with a coven, a small group of people. Each coven is autonomous. Most are headed by a High Priestess, often with the assistance of a High Priest. Some are headed by a High Priestess or High Priest without a partner, and some regard themselves as a gathering of equals. Covens can be of mixed gender, or all female or male, depending on the preferences of the members. Every initiate is considered to be a priestess or priest. Most covens are small. Thirteen is the traditional maximum number of members, although not an absolute limit. At that size covens form a close bond, so Wiccans in the military are likely to maintain a strong affiliation with their covens back home. There are many distinct "Traditions" of Wicca, just as there are many denominations within Christianity. The spectrum of Wiccan practice can be described as ranging from "traditional" to "eclectic," with Traditions, covens and individuals fitting anywhere within that range. A typical difference would be that more traditional How others look at Wicca and Wiccans
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groups would tend to follow a set liturgy, whereas eclectic groups would emphasize immediate inspiration in worship. These distinctions are not particularly important to the military chaplain, since it is unlikely that enough members of any one Tradition would be at the same base. Worship circles at military facilities are likely to be ad-hoc crossTraditional groups, working out compromise styles of worship for themselves and constantly adapting them to a changing membership. Therefore, the lack of strict adherence to the patterns of any one Tradition is not an indicator of invalidity. While many Wiccans meet in a coven, there are also a number of solitairies. These are individuals who choose to practice their faith alone. The may have been initiated in a coven or self initiated. They will join with other Wiccans to celebrate the festivals or to attend the various regional events organized by the larger community. ROLE OF MINISTERS Within a traditional coven, the High Priestess, usually assisted by her High Priest, serves both as leader in the rituals and as teacher and counselor for coven members and unaffiliated Pagans. Eclectic covens tend to share leadership more equally. WORSHIP Wiccans usually worship in groups. Individuals who are currently not affiliated with a coven, or are away from their home coven, may choose to worship privately or may form ad-hoc groups to mark religious occasions. Nonparticipating observers are not generally welcome at Wiccan rituals. Some, but not all, Wiccan covens worship in the nude (skyclad) as a sign of attunement with Nature. Most, but not all, Wiccan covens bless and share a cup of wine as part of the ritual. Almost all Wiccans use an individual ritual knife (an "athame") to focus and direct personal energy. Covens often also have ritual swords to direct the energy of the group. These tools, like all other ritual tools, are highly personal and should never leave the possession of the owner. Other commonly used ritual tools include a bowl of water, a bowl of salt, a censer with incense, a disk with symbols engraved on it (a "pentacle"), statues or artwork representing the Goddess and God, and candles. Most groups will bless and share bread or cookies along with the wine. All of these items are used in individual, private worship as well as in congregate rituals.
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FUNERAL AND BURIAL REQUIREMENTS None. Recognition of the death of a member takes place within the coven, apart from the body of the deceased. Ritual tools, materials, or writings found among the effects of the deceased should be returned to their home coven (typically a member will designate a person to whom ritual materials should be sent). It is desirable for a Wiccan priest or priestess to be present at the time of death, but not strictly necessary. If not possible, the best assistance would be to make the member as comfortable as possible, listen to whatever they have to say, honor any possible requests, and otherwise leave them as quiet and private as possible. MEDICAL TREATMENT No medical restrictions. Wiccans generally believe in the efficacy of spiritual or psychic healing when done in tandem with standard medical treatment. Therefore, at the request of the patient, other Wiccan personnel should be allowed visiting privileges as though they were immediate family, including access to Intensive Care Units. Most Wiccans believe that healing energy can be sent from great distances, so, if possible, in the case of any serious medical condition, the member's home coven should be notified. OTHER With respect to attitude toward military service, Wiccans range from career military personnel to conscientious objectors. Wiccans do not proselytize and generally resent those who do. They believe that no one Path to the Sacred is right for all people, and see their own religious pattern as only one among many that are equally worthy. Wiccans respect all religions that foster honor and compassion in their adherents, and expect the same respect. Members are encouraged to learn about all faiths, and are permitted to attend the services of other religions, should they desire to do so. Source: http://wicca.com/celtic/wicca/military.htm
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A Christian Speaks of Wicca and Witchcraft I am a Christian and not a Wiccan. A Christian is one who has been baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and who has made a personal, free-will decision to commit himself and all his or her life to our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Both of these things are true of me. I am a member of St. Mary's Eastern Orthodox Church, Calhan, Colorado. In this paper, I am not speaking as agent for any church, but I am, entirely on my own responsibility, speaking the truth in love, as we Christians are supposed to do. A Situation of Strife and Shame There are many Christians today who believe that anyone who is not a Christian is doomed to an eternity of suffering in hell. Any decent person, believing this, would be compelled to try to save as many people from this fate as possible. But is this belief correct? Jesus Christ, having noted the faith and righteousness of a Roman centurion, a Pagan, proclaimed: "Assuredly I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 8:10-12) If we accept these words as true, and surely we should, then it is clear that heaven will contain many who are not Christians, and hell will contain many who are! Clearly, throughout the Gospels, Jesus Christ sets forth the criteria for entrance into the kingdom of heaven, and those criteria include love, kindness, forgiveness, and a refusal to judge others: "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (Matthew 6:14-15) "For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the same measure you use, it will be measured back to you." (Matthew 7:2) "But go and learn what this means: `I desire mercy and not sacrifice.'" (Matthew 9:13) "Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." (Luke 6:36-38) Is it not clear? Anyone who fails in these things, will calling himself a Christian How others look at Wicca and Wiccans
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save him? Anyone who obeys God in these things, will being unbaptized condemn him? Jesus said, "Not everyone who says to Me, `Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven." (Matthew 7:21) Yet it is not by good works that we earn our way into heaven, because there is no way we can earn the free gift of God's mercy and grace, which alone can save us. But it is clear that it is not by faith, in the sense of sharing the Christian faith, that we are saved, either. The faith which saves us is not faith in the goodness of our works, nor faith that we have the right theology and/or belong to the right church. Rather, it is faith in God, and in His mercy: "So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who has mercy." (Romans 9:16) But the Wiccans, you will say, do not have faith in God. Yet by their own theology, they certainly do. Those who call them Satan-worshippers are entirely wrong. They do not worship Satan, or even believe that Satan exists. Instead, they worship a Goddess and a God whom they understand as manifestations of a higher and unknown Deity. Now if you are a Christian, this will sound familiar to you, and it should. In the Bible we find the following: "Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, `Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, The One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you" (Acts 17:22-23) The Wiccans worship the Unknown God, as manifested to them in the form of a Goddess and a God. Therefore, our Bible tells us they worship the same God we do; and if they do not know this, we should know it! For those of us who are unable to simply stand on God's Word, and must prove to themselves the truth of what it proclaims the holy Apostle John has given us the method for doing this. You have only to attend any public Wiccan ceremony, and test the spirits which are there, to see "whether they are of God" (1 John 4:1). You will find that, while the power manifested there may be less than what you have experienced as a Christian, that power is clearly the power of God. Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, these people of Wicca have been terribly How others look at Wicca and Wiccans
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slandered by us. They have lost jobs, and homes, and places of business because we have assured others that they worship Satan, which they do not. We have persecuted them, and God will hold us accountable for this, you may be sure, for He has said, "Assuredly I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me." (Matthew 25:40) Let us, from this point onward, repent of our misdeeds and declare that henceforth we shall obey Christ our God, and not judge others or condemn them, so that He will not have to judge and condemn us for our sins. Written by: James Clement Taylor Source: http://wicca.com/celtic/wicca/christian.htm
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The Bible's view of pagans and witches The Bible's view of pagans and witches are very bad Deuteronomy 12:1-7 These are the decrees and laws you must be careful to follow in the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has given you to possess—as long as you live in the land. 2 Destroy completely all the places on the high mountains, on the hills and under every spreading tree, where the nations you are dispossessing worship their gods. 3 Break down their altars, smash their sacred stones and burn their Asherah poles in the fire; cut down the idols of their gods and wipe out their names from those places. 4 You must not worship the Lord your God in their way. 5 But you are to seek the place the Lord your God will choose from among all your tribes to put his Name there for his dwelling. To that place you must go; 6 there bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, what you have vowed to give and your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks. 7 There, in the presence of the Lord your God, you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the Lord your God has blessed you. 1 Corinthians 10:20 No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons. 22 Are we trying to arouse the Lord’s jealousy? Are we stronger than he? 1 Thessalonians 4:3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body[a] in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister.[b] The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit. But what should they do to get us believe in Christianity. On that time they could only scare people for the reason of them to convert. Written by: Jim HD – 2011/2012 Source: http://www.biblegateway.com (New International Version)
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Translated By This document are translated from Danish to English by “Google translated” and the author Jim HD. If some of the translating are wrong then you can help by Email the correct translating to “
[email protected]” and it could be nice if you remember to call it “some thing – Wicca”.
Translated By
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